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December 25, 1897.
THE
GARDENERS' CHRONICLE
1
*\
a W-ttklt) Illustrate Journal
OF
HORTICULTUKE AND ALLIED SUBJECTS.
(ESTABLISHED IN 1841.)
VOL. XXII.-THIRD SERIES.
JULY TO DECEMBER, 1897.
LONDON :
41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C.
1897.
c
?e*
Q\yo
1817
[TRY, AGNEW, AND
CO.
LIMD., PRINTERS,
LONDON AND
TON BRIDGE.
The Gardeners' Chronicle,}
December 86, 1897.
INDEX OF CONTENTS.
JULY TO DECEMBER, 1897.
Abbria caffra, 294 ; ripens fruit in
California, 266
Abies balsanlea with globular excres-
cence below the soil, 298 ; A. brac-
teata, cones of, 298 ; A. pectinata
pendula, 324
Acanthopanax sessiliflorum, 337
Acreage of Hops, the, 164
Africa, botauising in South-west, 338
Agaricus procerus, 385
Agave aniericana flowering at Englo-
fleld Groen, 236
Agricultural Returns of Great Britain,
164
Airthrey Castle, Vines at, 360
Alberta magna, 416
Aldabra Island, 321
Aldenham House, Elstree, 266
Algeria, the condition of, 385
AUamandas, the culture of, 287
Almouds, the constituent* of, 26 J
Almond*, Walnuts, and Chestnuts, the
constil Lieut* of, 194
Amaryllis Belladonna, the Kew varitty
of, 212
Amateur horticulturist, the, 434
America, English Tomatos in, 284: forest
reservation in, 290 ; tho Apple crop
in, 398
American Institute Show, 284
American notoB, 47, 142, 178, 284,
266, 342, 420
Amsterdam Chrysanthemum club, 435
Ananas nervosa maxima, 413
Andre" Lenotre, 45
Angelonia grandiflora alba, 307
Anthracite coal, 293
Anthuriums, a group of, at Shipley
Hall, 118 ; monstrous, 298
Antigua, the botanical station at, 379
Antwerp Zoological Society, new
winter-garden at the, 109
Apera arundinacea, 282, 314
Apiary, the, 5, 19, 51, 105, 161, 181,
251, 289, 327, 365, 415, 431
Apple, Cox's Orange Pippin, a striped
370 ; crop in America, the, 178
in the United States, 236, 398
Dumellcr's Seedling, 426; leaf, twin,
112; Peasgood's Nonsuch, 202
Apple-trees, pruning, 448
Apples, diseased, 112 ; some fine, from
Yorkshire, 331 ; Yorkshire, 349,
404
Apricot, the wild, and the graft, 139
Apricots, Damsons, and Cherries a
failure, 39
Aquatic-pond, a hardy, 36
Aralias, acari on, 259
Araucaria imbricata associated with
Golden-leaved Hollies, 256
Araucarias in Norway, 256
Arboricultural Society, the English,
165
Aristolochia, a hybrid, 112, 126
Artichoke, the Jerusalem, history of,
117
Asclepias curassavica, 414
Asparagus - beds, digging alleys in,
437
Asparagua-rust, 203
Asphodeline imperialis, 397
Aspidium Purdiaei, 282
Aster Amellus, 214
Aster, English and German, seed, 220 ;
sickness, and its cause, 97 ; perennial
•' Ella," 2S6 ; worm, the, 97
Asters, a garden of, 220 ; injured by
wornfs, 129
Auricula, the, 214 ; in autumn, 306
Auriculae, the growth of the stem of,
404, 422
Australia, western, from a horticul-
tural point of view, 137
Autumn, the fine, 331, 386 ; tints, 312
Autumn v. spring digging, 349
Awards, the, of the Fruit Committee
of the R. H. S., 402, 404
Azolla filiculoides, 56
B
Bacterial diseases, the treatment of,
156
Bahamas, the, 205
Baillie, proposed memorial to the late
Mr., 366
Bamboos, Japanese, 128
Banonas, a fine bunch of, 166
Bardfield Oxlip, the true, 355
Basset Down House, 302
Bateman, the late Jas,, 410, 436, 146
Bats fertilising (lowers, 22
Birds useful to gardeners, 229
Bean, Bunyard's Exhibition, 111
Bedding in Battersea Park, 123 ;
in Hyde Park, 101
Beet-sugar industry, the, 417
Begonia, a crested, 203, 220 ; fuchsio-
ides, 437 ; Mrs. W. B. Hartland, 366 ;
Gloire de Lorraine, 384 ; President
Carnot, 212
Begonias, 212
Belgium, notes from, 254 ; special ex-
hibition of Cattleya labiata in, 350
Belladonna Lily, the Kew variety of , 2 1 2
Belvoir, autumn flowers at, 305
Benefit and Provident Society, United
Horticultural (Annual Dinner), 278
Benevolent Institution, Gardenero'
Royal, 54
Berberis, propagating by cuttiuss, 226
Berberis vulgaris and mildew, 184
Berlin, Chrysanthemums in, 413
Berlin, Primula sinensis fimbriata at,
413
Bermuda Lily disease, 368
Betteshanger, 286
Billington, Horace, the late, 421
Blackberry, the Kittatiny, 129
Blackberries, 147, 186, 219
Black Currants, 330
Boilers, experiences with horticultural,
238
Books, Notices of : A Companion
for the Queensland student of Plant
Life (F. M. Baile;/), 157 ; Botanical
Magazine, 37, 89, 1S4, 271, 348. 416 ;
Bulletin of the Essex Technical
Laboratories, 182 ; Catalogue of
plants at La Mortola, 272 ; Culture
des Fleurs par les Enfants et par les
Ouvriers (C. dc Bosschcre), 38 ; De
Re Hortensi Libellus (1545) (Carclus
Stcphanus), 425 ; Des Jacintes,
de leur Auatomie, Reproduction
et Culture (Marquis M. H. de
Saint Simon), 377 ; Dictiounaire
Iconographique des Orchidees, 322 ;
Die botamsche Institute der freien
und Hansestadt Hamburgh's {Dr. A.
Voigt), 194; "Die Muskatnuss"
The Nutmeg, &c. (Dr. O. Warburg),
1 ; First Report of the Woburn
Experimental Fruit Farm (Duke of
Bedford and S. N. Pickering), 33 ;
Flora Glimpses into Plant Life (Mrs.
Bright-men), 368 ; Hand-list of Mo-
nocotyledons grown under Glass at
Kew, exclusive of Orchids, 72 ;
Hardy Perennials and Old-fashioned
Garden Flowers (Jno. Wood), 382 ;
Hooker's Icones Plantarum, 8 ; How
to Grow Begonia* (67. A. Farini), 17 ;
Illustrated Flora of the Northern
United States, Canada, &c., 2nd od.,
72 ; Journal of the Royal Horticul-
tural Socioty,162,182 ; Kew Bulletin,
164, 402; Laboratory practice for
Beginners in Botany (W. H. Setchell),
402 ; Lawns and Gardens (N. Jans-
son-Rose), 120 ; Liudenia, the English
edition of, to be discontinued, 322 ;
Maladies des Plantes Agricoles, [Ed.
Prtilicux), 164 ; Manuel dea Cultures
Speciales) Dr. Paul de Vuijst), 358 ;
Manuscripts of Gilbert White, 366 ;
Memorials, Journal, and Botanical
Correspondence of ("has. Cardale
Babington, 329, 393 ; Modern Chrys-
anthemum Culture for the Million,
417 ; Open-air Studies in Botany
(ft. Lloyd Praeger), 319 ; Orchidace-
arum Genera et Species ( F. Kranzlin),
1 26, 322 ; Pasture and Pasture Plants
( W . Toogood), 403 ; Paying Pleasures
of Couutry Life, 90 ; Principles of
Fruit - culture (E. S. Goff), 432;
Pot-Pourri from a Surrey Garden
(Mrs. C. W. Earle), 111 ; Publi-
cations Received, 39, 72, 165, 184,
203, 219, 236, 274, 293, 368, 418, 436,
447 ; Report of the Horticultural
Section of the Technical Education
Committee of the Surrey County
Council, 402 ; Synoptical Flora of
North America, 38 ; The A B C of
Rose Culture (Ed. Mawleu), 72 ; The
Amateur's Flower Garden (Shirley
Hibberd), new ed., 368 ; The Average
Contribution of each of Several An-
cestors to the Total Heritage of the
Offspring (Francis Galton), 216;
The Commercial uses of Coal-gas,
417 ; The Fern Bulletin, 329 ; The
Flora of British India, 416 ; The
New Flora Britanuica (in the Lindley
Library), 366, 405. 417; The Potamo-
getons of the British Isles (Alf.
Fryer), 292 ; The Principles of Fruit
Growing (L. H. Bailey), 268 ; Tho
Record of the Royal Society, 164 ;
The Scots Gard'ner, 301 ; The Useful
Fibre Plants of (he World. 314 ; The
Water Garden (W. Tricker), 366;
The Yew Tree3 of Great Britain and
Ireland (Jno. Lowe, M.D.), 252 ;
Year Book of the United States
Department of Agriculture, 254
Bordeaux Mixture and the Potato
disease, 294, 313
Border, a Vine tester, 31 3
Borders, to test Vine-, 349
Botanical exploration in Yunnan, 231
Botanical garden, Old Calabar, 243
Botany of South-west Africa, 338
Bougainvillea glabra, 274
Bougainvilleas, bright-coloured, in cool
temperature, 238
Bramble, the Parsley -leaved, 166
Brassicas, notes on the cultivated, 195
British Association, 148, 166
British Guiaoa, the botanical stations
in, 304
British woodland, types of, 85, 267,
428
Browniog, the, of plants (disease), 219
Brown-roc in Turnips and Cabbages,
437
Brussels Exhibition, the, 238
Buckingham Palace, decorations at, 6
Buckwheat, analysis of, 402
Bulb and Potato box, the Jersey, 422 ,
448
Burdock as a vegetable, 101
Burford, Dorking, notes from, 75
Buxus, the propagation of, 286
Cabbages, brown-rot in, 437 ; weights
of large red, 436
Cactus, a large-fruited, 185
Caen, 193
Calathea species, 293
Calceolaria alba, 140; C. pelorian, 112;
C. , the herbaceous, 340
Calceolarias, 182
Calcutta Botanic Garden, 124
Californian Oranges, 236
Calochortuses, 22
Camellias, the culture of, 74
Camoensia maxima, 22, 274
Campanula Balchiniana x , 17; C.
mirabilis, 307
Camptosema pinnatum, 32
Canada in Covent Garden, 339
Cape fruit cultivators, 184
Cape, importation of plants to the, 21
Carditf public gardens, 282
Carnation, a new, 129
Carnation clip, a, 77
Carnation leaves, malformed, 334
Carnation Society, the Southern Coun-
ties, 202, 220
Carnation, Souvenir de la Malmaison,
the cultivation of, 394 ; the large
blush-flowered, 3
Carnations at Hamburgh, 109
Carnations, new varieties of, 174
Carnivorous slugs, 314, 34S, 386, 437
Carpet bedding, Jubilee, 274
Carriers of commerce, 87
Carrot in India, the, 205
Carrot- pudding, a sweet-savoured, 18
Castanopi-is chrysophylla, 411
Catalogues, Continental and British, 385
Cattle show, side exhibits at Islington,
418
Cattleya, chemical composition of a,
57 ; C. Dowiana aurea, 312 ; C.
Empress Frederick var. Leouata, 428 ;
C. labiata special exhibition of, in
Brussels, 350 ; C. 1., sport of, 370 ;
C. Mendeli, an irregular, 45 ; C.
Mossiie, var. Rappaitiana, 17 ; C.
SchilleriaDa, 31 ; C. Scbofieldiana
gigantea, 246, 274 ; C. Warscewiczii,
162 ; C. W. gigantea, 81
Cittleyas, sub-pelorian, 334 ; two fine,
282
Cauliflower, early, 23 ; Veitch's Extra
Early forcing, 219, 287
Cauliflowers and Broccoli, 378
Cauliflowers forming heads a second
time, 237
Cedrela toona, fasciated, 298
Celeriac, when first used, 23
Celosias as bedding-out plants, 148
Cencbrus tribuloides and C. echica'us,
86
Cereals, cross-breeding in, 446
Ceropegia Woodi, 357
Ceylon Botanic Gardens, 32. 380
Chanousia Alpine Garden, the, 54
Cherries, articles of food, 263 ; French,
48 ; the chemical composition of,
174
Cherry-crop, the, 89
J.V The Gardeneri,' Chronicle,]
INDEX.
[December 25, 1897.
Cherry-Plum, the, 12S
Chertsey Look, girth of a Willow at,
289
Chestnuts, the constituents of, 263
Chestnuts, Walnuts, and Almonds, the
constituents of, 194
Children's Gardening, 70
Chiswick, early autumn Chrysanthe-
mums at, 247
Chiswick, luncheon and meeting at,
38 ; meeting and lecture at, 52
Chrysanthemum, Afsne", 417 ; a Bel-
gian competition, 435 ; club, Am-
sterdam, 435 ; culture, 446 ; evolution
of the big, 436 ; fungus, 294 ; gossip,
302, 331, 340, 357 ; herbaceous, var.
Ray Lankester, 72 ; leaves diseased,
220 ; Mrs. Chas. Birch, 406 ; Mrs.R.
Jones, 382 ; Pennsylvania, 384 ;
plants, specimen, 104 ; proliferous,
406 ; show, the, 346 ; shows, private,
369 ; sport?, 432 ; W. H. Lincoln,
428
Chrysanthemums, 207 ; at Berlin, 413 ;
attacked by fungi, 256 ; by grubs,
132 ; at Stuttgart, 429 ; disqualified,
202 ; early-tlowering, at Chi6wick,
247; early- flowering, 272; in Novem-
ber, out-of-doors, 394 ; in the Vic-
torian Era, 14 ; leading exhibition
varieties of the year, 428 ; notes on
new, 419 ; seasonable notes on, 443
Cirrhopetalum Colleti, 46
Cistus, species and hybrids of, at Edge
Hall, 32
Clerodendron fallax, 325
Clifton Zoological Gardens, Bristol, the,
255
Clip for fruit trees, a leaden, 77
Clouds, the height of, 203
Coal, anthracite, 293
Coal, the first discovery of, 445
Cochlioda stricta, 410
Cocker, the late Mr. J., 221
Codijeums, the propagation of, 47
Codlinmoth, the, 203
Codonopsis ovata, 195
Ccelogyne Micholitzii, 18
Colonial notes, 22, 32, 73, 124, 205,
303, 342, 363, 379
Comparettia macroplectron, 425
Coniferse of the Santa Lucia Mountains,
the, 230
Conifers, rare, 165
Conifer seeds, the germination of, 434
Constantia vineyards, 32
Continental novelties, 307, 333, 363,
426
Co-operative Festival, the, 146
Copper plant, the, 406, 117
Copper pre] iaration for Bpraj ing, 117
Coryanthes leucocorys, 31
Coryanthes, the, 30
Cost of ground-work, 370
Cotoneaster pannosa, J 1 2
Cotoneasters, propagating, by cuttings,
227
Covent Garden, Canada in, 339
Cranberry picking in Wisconsin, 180
Crataegus, propagating, by cuttings,
226
Crinum Balfouri, 212 ; C. Powelli x ,
306
Crops, acreage of, in the United King-
dom, 3%
Cross-bills, 111
Cross-fertdisation of plan ts, 113, 168
Cucumber, Frogmore All -the- Year
Round, 369
Cucumber with adherent leaf, 57
Cultivation, the requirements of plants
under, 292
Cuphea miniata compacta, 333
Cupressus macrocarpa, 52 ; C. m. lutea,
128
Cycas revoluta, 411
Cyclamens, lecture on, 222
Cynoches chlorochilon, a rnonceeious,
121
Cj rubidium. Lowianum viride, 46 ; C.
Traceyanum. 312
Cyprtss, the Monterey, 52
Cypripedium x , 81 ; C. Beekmanni,
the sale of, 434 ; see also correction
at p. 446 ; C. Curtisii, 46 ; C. Dau-
thieri, 441 ; C. Godefroyx, 112
Cypripedium, monBtrous, 406 ; two-
lipped, 112
Cypripediums in cool houses, 433
Cyrtanthus spiralis, 303
Cytisus, the propagation of, 286
Dacrvodes bexandra, 86
Dahlia, a two-faced. 255 ; early-flower-
ing Cactus, 91 ; D. Flambeau as a
bedder, 220 ; alleged hybrid, 406 ; D.
Keynes' White iu Germany, 312 ;
roots, preserving, in winter, 275 ; the
lost, 441 ; the Pompon, origin of, 55
Dahlias at Slough, 232 ; at the National
Dahlia Society's show, 44S
Darwin statue at Shrewsbury, the, 106,
122
Date Plum of Japan, the, 441
Delany's, Mrs., paper mosaics, 36
Dell, The, Egham, Orchids at, 361
Dendrobes, spots in, 74
Delphinium speciosum var. glabratum,
307
Dendrobium barbatum, 394 ; D.
cceleste, 1 ; D. ccelogyne, 386
Dendrobium flowers, malformed, 18 ;
McCarthise, 46 ; Orchid-beetle, the,
48 ; Victoria Regina, 121
Deutzia corymbillora, 363 ; D. Le-
moinei compacta, 363
Diaxenes Dendrobii, 48
Diervilla Middendorfiana, 363 ; D.
sessilifblia, 17
Digging, autumn v. winter, 328, 349,
421
Dipteracanthus subringens, 86
Disanthus ce rcidif olia, 426
Diseased Melons, 298
Diseases, fungoid, the prevention of, 81
Diseases of plants, the, 61, 81, 91, 97,
117, 140,156
Dombeya, a hybrid, 417
Dominica, the botanic station at,- 363
Dover House Gardens, Roehampton,
notes from, 72
Dracaena Warreni, 272
Dundee jam trade, the,'236
Earthquakes, the effects of, on trees,
385
Earwigs. 220, 238
Earwigs and Peaches, 256
Kchinocystia lobata, 270
Echinops albidus, 154
Eden Hall and Gardens, 380
Edinburgh School of Rural Economy,
90
Ekcagnus macrophylla, 426
Empirical knowledge, the value of, in
the culture of plants, 270
Enchytncis parvulus (Aster-worm),
97
Engineers and surveyors as gardeners,
165
Epidendrum x radico-vitellinum, 16 ;
E. Stauhopeanum, 29
Epilaelia x radico-purpurata, 61
Eriopsis Helena;, 98
Erythea edulis at Santa Barbara, 157
Escallonia Langleyensis x, 17
Escallonias, the propagation of, 286
Eucomis punctata, 214
Eucryphia cordifolia, 246
Eulophia Wendlandiana, 262
Examination in horticulture, results of
the R. H. S., 38
Examinations in horticulture, 88
Eyes, propagation from, 138
Faloo tinnunculus (the Kestrel), 207
Fasciated Cedrela, 298
Feeding of plants, the, 284
Ferments in germination, the rdle of
the soluble, 420
Fern, an extraordinary hybrid (.'), 179 ;
peculiarities of a hybrid, 447
Ferns of the Victorian Era, 13
Ferns, rock and sun-loving, 272
Fertilisation of Zamia and Ginkgo, 402
Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act,
1893, 90
Fertilising flowers, bats, 22
Fibre, the Ramie, 333
Ficus, the creeping species of, 205 ;
radicans variegata, 185
Fig culture, Parisian, 153
Fiu8, Brown Turkey and others, 238
Fmlay, J., the late, 56
Fir, a noble Scots, 55 ; the weeping
Silver, 324 ; woods, planting and
thinning Spruce, 360
Firing Strawberry-plants, 40
Flagstaff, the, at Kew, 21
Floral leaves, the use of, 330
Florist, the special meaning of the
word, 434
Florists flowers, 3, 207, 214, 306, 340,
394, 428, 443 ; the cross-fertilisation
of, 113
Flower-beds in Riviera gardens, 32
Flower-garden, the, 5, 18, 35, 50, 79,
86, 105, 125, 142, 161, 180, 199,
214, 233, 251, 268, 289, 308, 327,
344, 365, 382, 399, 414, 431, 445
Flower-tube for the preservation of
flowers in the button-hole, a, 151
Flowers, representations of, in coloured
paper, 36
Flowers, unseasonable, 345, 434
Fliickiger Medal, the, awarded to Mr.
E. M. Holmes, 272
Fog, the exclusion of, from hothouses,
47, 75
Forcing, hardy plants for, 428
Forde Abbey, Chard, 322
Forest reservation in America, 290
Forestry, 85, 179, 267, 287, 322, 360,
398, 42S
Forestry School at Nancy, the, 287
Forsythias, the propagation of, 285
French Cherries, 48
Frinch garden, a, in 1545, 425
Frost, early, 186
Frost in July, 40, 56, 74, 90
Fruit, at the Hamburgh Exhibition,
254 ; conservation in America, 179 ;
crops in Essex, 1S6 ; crops of Greece,
the, 250 ; crop, the faulty, 148 ; crops,
report on the condition of the, 63,
70 ; crops, remarks upon the, 82,
100, 121, 141, 158, 176
Fruit culture, 111 ; iu Her Majesty's
reign, 258
Fruit failure, the, 1 28
Fiuit, foreign importations of, 71 ; front
the Cape, 202 ; judging, 404 ; show at
the Crystal Palace, the, 231, 241 ; the
storing and preserving of, 10
Fruits and vegetables, the consumption
of, in Manchester, 54
Fruits, bush, the propagation of, 177 ;
of the last sixty years, likely to
prove permanent additions, list of,
258 ; in the United States, 227; of
the Victorian Era, 40 ; the preserva-
tion of, by alcoholic vapour, 444 ;
tropical, 204 ; growth of, in Madeira,
123
Fruits under glass, 4, 18, 35, 50, 62,
87, 104, 125, 142, 161, 180, 199,
215, 233, 251, 268, 288, 309, 326,
345, 364, 383, 399, 415, 431, 445
Fruit trees, on outside walls, 256 ; a
lead clip for, 77; feeding mulches
for, 102 ; planting, 261
Fuchsias, some new, 295
Fuel supply of the earth, the, 149
Fungus on Chrysanthemums, 256
Gall on Jessamine, 370, 406
Galls on Oak roots, 298, 334
Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen),
324
Gardeners' Company, the, 21
Gardeners' supplanters, 330, 349
Gateside, Drymen, 427
Gatton Park, Surrey, 342
Gerbera Jamesoni, 128
Germination, the, of Couifer seeds, 434
GerminatioD, the rdlo of the soluble
ferments in, 420
Ghent, notes from, 312 ; the coming,
show, 347
Gladiolus primulinus, 212
Glasgow, a new public park for, 21
Oleic henias, 252
Glnxinia bloom, a striped, 218
Gloxinias, bicolor, 128
Gorteia Butterfly, 314
Gooseberry, the spineless, 184, 202
Gooseberries, heavy, 147
Grammatophyllum speciosum, 146
Grape, the outdoor crop, in Wales,
274 ; Gros Guillaume, heavy bunches
of, 384 ; judging, 314 ; juice as ink,
253 ; Muscat of Alexandria sporting,
437 ; the Chiswick Muscat, 348 ;
Lady Hutt, 202; Venn's Black
Muscat, 274 ; shrivelling of, 313 ;
Vines at Norwood, Alloa, 306
Grapes attacked by Gtaosporium, 24 ;
at the Royal Aquarium, 437 ; Muscat
of Alexandria at Shrewsbury, 165,
313, 330, 349, 403 ; wanted for
typhoid convalescents at Maidstone,
368
Greece, fruit crops of, 250
Greenhouse, heating, 385 ; in winter,
the, 409
Grenada, notes from, 73
Gymnospermous Juniper berries, 298
H
Hailstorm at Acton, Gunnersbury,
and locality, 147
Hailstorms in the Home counties, 8, 9
Hall for horticulture, 436, 448
Hamburgh, Carnations at, 109
Hamburgh Exhibition, 254 ; British
exhibits at the, 202
Hampton Court Gardens, 238
Hardy fruit garden, 4, 19, 34, 51, 62,
87, 104, 125, 143, 160, 181, 198,
215, 232, 250, 269, 288, 309, 325,
345, 364, 383, 398, 415, 430, 445
Harpalus ruficornis attacking Straw-
berries, 21
Harris, Mr. P., presentation to, 293
Harrison Weir's garden, Mr., 1 38, 220
Hatfield, notes on, 98
Heath, greeu-flowored, cross-leaved,132
the Irish, 386
Heliauthus annuus, 333
Herbaceous border, tho, 21 4
Heredity, a law of, 216
Hibbertia volubilis, 22
Hibiscus Manihot, 249 ; H. spleudens
212
Highbury, Orchids at, 2
Hippeastrum equestre, 73 ; in Holland ,
46
Hippocastanum species, the, 130, 155
Hogg, Dr., the late, S ; library, 321,
347
Holland, Hippeastrums, &c, in, 45;
notes from, 111
Hollyhock, the renaissance of the, 24
Holmewood, Cheshunt, 338
Honeysuckles, the propaga'ion of, 285
Hops, the manuring of vegetables and,
245
Horse-Chestnut and its allies, the, 130,
155
Horticultural education in America,
308 ; exhibitions and their schedules,
381 ; trade, the, during the past
sixty years, 225, 281, 291
Horticulture, examinations in, 88 ; in
the Victorian Era, 9
Houlletia Brocklehurstiana, 214
Hyacinth, the, in 176S, 377
Hybrids, 417
Hyde Park, the bedding in, 101
Hygrosoope, the, 168
Hymenooallis, two hybrid, $■; Moritz-
iana var. major, 333
Hypericum gafioides, 363
The Gardeners' Chronicle,]
INDEX.
[December 35, 1807.
I
" Ideal " label and holder, 257
Incarvillea Delavayi, flowering at
Munches, 21
India, useful plants imported into, 35 ;
the Carrot in, 205
Ipomcea Perringiana, 410
Ireland, Potato disease in, 218
Isle of Wight, notes from, 218
Itea virginica, 131
Ivies, the propagation of, 285
Ivy attacked by Dodder, 370
Ixias, 243
Ixora eoceinea, yellow variety \2\'l
JaDuu Limited, the second ordinary
general meeting of, 311
Jamaica, the botanical department of,
303
Japan, the Date-Plums, or Kaki fruits
of, 441
Japanese Bamboos, 128 : Lily disease,
412 ; Mushrooms, 345 ; Tussilago,
311
Jasmines, the propagation of, 285
Jersey Bulb and Potato Box, 422
Jerusalem Artichoke, the history of
the, 117
Judging at Horticultural Exhibitions,
1S6
Judging Grapes, 314
Juniper Berries, Qymuospermous, 298
K
Kaki fruits, the, of Japan, 441
Kalanchoe llammea, 22
Kashmir, Saffron cultivation in, 211
Kei- Apple, the, as a hedge-plant, 198
Kent Manure Trials, the, 294
Kestrel, the, 207
Kew, a ni'W Nepenthes-house at, 291
Kew Notes, 22, 32, 82, 154, 1S5, 212,
255, 394
Kew, the additions to the temperate-
house at, 234
Kirke's soil-tester, 349
Kitchen garden, the, 4, 19, 34, 50, 62,
87, 104, 125, 143, 160, 181, 199,
215, 233, 251, 268, 288, 309, 326,
345, 364, 383,399, 414, 431, 444
Label and holder, the Ideal, 257
Lielia autumnalis delicata, 425 ; L.
x juvenilis, 412 ; L. puuiila,
" Gatton Park" var., 262 ; L. pumila
praestans, 412 ; L. rubescens, 412 ;
L. Lindleyana, 31
Lielio-Cattleya x Broomeana, 174 ;
L.-C. x Clive, 214, 426
Lamport, the gardens and rockery at,
209, 395
Lantana attacked by insects, 112
Lapagerias alba and rosea, fine speci-
mens of, 313
Lathyrus spleudcns, 40
LAW NOTES : — Abraham v. H. R.
Smith (Gardeners' rights), 95 ; Ash-
worth v. Wells (Orchid dispute), 77,
276 ; Ayres v. the Dartford Uniou
Assessment Committee (Rating of
horticultural properties), 386 ; Chil-
vers a. Henry Pitchers (Stealing cul-
tivated Mushrooms), 239 ; Cox v.
Firmin (Disputed seed bill), 57 ;
Dezilippi v. the London, Chatham &
Dover Railway Co. (Liability of
carriers), 56 ; Ginster », Neville
(Inferior manure), 239 ; Smith v.
Richmond & Piper (Agricultural
Rating Act), 95 ; The Grand Junc-
tion Waterworks Co. v. Davis (Water
for garden purposes), 54
Lawn-sweeping machine, a, 330
Leaves, floral, the use of, 331
Leguminous crops, soil inoculation for,
343
Leighton House, Chrysanthemums at,
357
Len6tre, Andre", 45
Leptosyne Stillmani, 333
Lettuces, Bunyard's Perfection White
Cos, and Centenary Cabbage, 111
Library of the late Dr. Hogg, the, 321
1, ilium Bakeri, 421 ; L. occidentale,
421 ; L. parvum var. luteum, 421 ;
L. longiflorum Harrisii, 90, 110
Lily bulbs as Chinese food, 213
Lily disease, the Bermuda, 368 ; in
America, 343 ; diseases in Japan, 412
Lilies, Eastern and Western, 196 ;
new, West American, 421 ; white
and others, 56
Lincolnshire, market gardening in, 338
Lindley library, books most used in
the, 329
Lindley medal, the, 329, 349, 368
Lisiauthus Russellianus, 40, 74
Loasa hispida, 291
Lobelia cardinalis var. Queen Victoria,
314
Logan-berry, the, 47
Longevity of seeds, 109 ; of spores,
129,
Lo.juat, the, 205, 274
Luddemannia Lehmauni, 3 ; L. Sau-
deriana, 138
Lycasle Denningiana, 231
Lycoris aurea, 329
M
M.uieira, the growth of tropical fruits
in, 123
Malformed acorn-cups, 298
Malformed Cauliflower, 334
Malformed Dendrobium flowers, 18
Malva alcea, 148
Mangosteon, the, 62 1
Manure, application of, 92
Manures, experiments with artificial,
284
Mauuring of Orchids, the, 6
Maranta picta, 293
Marattia Burkei, 1 25
Market-gardening cultivatiou during
Queen Victoria's reign, 297
Market-gardens, areas of, in 1896, 417
Masdevallia corniculata, 214
Massachusetts Horticultural Society,
164
Maxillaria elegantula, 420
Medal, the Victoria, of honour, 20,
310, 447
Medals of honour, awarding, 316
Medals of the Royal Horticultural
Society, the, 404, 421
Medlar, the Japanese, 274
Megacaryon orientale, 226
Melocactus humilis, cultivation of, 434
Melon fruit, seeds germinating within
a, 112
Mentmore, notes from, 30
Metropolitan parks and open spaces,
165
Mexico, species of plants collected
during a botanical expedition in,
434
Michaelmas Daisy Ella, 286
Michelia champaca, 86
Mildews, remedial treatment for, 97
Miltonia Binoti, 393
Miltonia, a singular, with three pairs of
pollinia, 226
Mina lobata = Ipomoea versicolor, 154
Monoecious Cycnoches chlorochilou. a.
121
Monstrous Anthurium spathe, 298
Montserrat. the Botanic Station at,
363
Moraea Robinsonia.ua in California.
239
Mosaics, paper, 36
Mueller, Baron Sir F. von, proposed
monument to the late, 403
Mulches, feeding, for fruit-trees, 102
Musa Fehi. 255
Museum, British, presentation of Mrs.
Delany's paper mosaic* to the, 36
Mushroom-bed, malformed fungi in,
57 ; culture in Paris, 416
Mushroom3, Japanese, 345
Myosotis alpestris, Triumph, 333 ; M.
palustris Tom Thumb. 307
Mysore, horticulture in, 303
N
N.eueua amabilis, 413
Nancy, the forestry school at, 287
Narcissus Bernardi, 56 ; in Scilly, 447;
the seodiog of, 110
National Chrysanthemum Society, 223
Nepenthes Jardinei, 337 ; N. Rowamc,
338 ; N. x Tiveyi, 201
Nerine crispi, 404
Nervous systems, the, 148
New South Wales, the Agricultural
Gazette of, 32
Nitragin, 265
Nitrate of soda as a manure for vege-
tables, 215 ; the experiments with,
294 ; c. sulphate of ammonia, 46
Nomenclature, the new, of plants, 103
Norwood, Alloa, Grape Vines at, 306
Nursery Notes: Canuell, H. &
Sons, 76, 95, 197 ; Charlesworth k
Co., J., Bradford, 198; Cowan, J no.
& ,Co., Ltd., Liverpool, 103 ; Cuun-
ingham & Trayer, Edinburgh, 40 ;
Dicksons k Co., Edinburgh, 56 ;
Dobbie k .Sons, Orpington, 257 ;
Frobels, M., at Zurich, 22S ; Laing,
Jno., k Sons, 239 ; Lemoine, M.,
Nancy, 248, 262; Methven, Thos. &
Son, Edinburgh, 102 ; Mount, G.,
Canterbury, 197 ; Paul & Son, W.,
Waltham Cross, 76 ; Rochford, S.,
Turnford, 362 ; Summerlin & Co.,
Brisbane, 38 ; Turner, C , Slough,
232, 362; Veitch &Sons, J., Chelsea,
41
Nursories, the rating of glasshouses in,
89
Nutmeg, the history, botany, cultiva-
tion, &c., of, 1
Nymph;eas, 256 : hardy, 32 ; trophical,
in the open air, 220
Oak, a second crop of, 287, 322; a
stooled, -yi2 ; galls on roots of, 298
OBITUARY :— Alcock, Dr. Rutherford,
329 ; Baillie, E. J., 314 ; Bateman,
Jas„ 400, 410, 436, 446 ; Billington,
Horace, 406 ; Bland, W. H., 171 ;
Boxmann, I). E. H. , 437 ; Clements,
J. H., 243 ; Dana, Chas. Anderson,
356 ; Fowler, William, 136 ; Hauser,
Johann N., 4:17 ; McAllister, F. E.,
243 ; McEwen, David, 437 ; Rand,
315 ; Scott, W., 279 ; Sharpless,
J. K., 279 ; Stiles, W. A., 284 ;
Sutton, Alfred, 110 ; Woodcock,
W. 1C, 27
Odonloglossum crispum Surprise, 441 ;
O. Duvivierianum x, 412; O. Uro-
Skinneri, 46
Olearia Forsteri, 380
Oleasters, the propagation of, 285
Oncidium phymatochilum, 46
Onion crop of 1897, the, 308 ; show at
Banbury, 223
Onions, large, 202
Open spaces in London, 403
Orchard in the West, an elevated, 421
Orchid-beetle, the Dendrobium, 48
Orchid breediug, some curiosities iu,
278
Orchid-houses, the, 5, 18, 35, 50, 62,
86, 105, 124, 143, 161, ISO, 199,214,
233, 250, 269, 289, 308, 326, 344,
365, 3S2, 399, 414, 430, 414
Orchid Notes and Gleanings, 2, 17, 31,
45, 81, 121, 153, 214, 226, 246, 264,
282, 312, 322. 412, 425
Orchid Portraits, 154, 441
Orchid-pots, a contrivance for elevating,
295
Orchids, a list of , that do not degenerate
under cultivation at Burford, 230 ;
at L ' Horticulture Internationale,
Brussels, 246 ; at The Dell, Egham,
361 ; at Wilderspool, 153 ; degene-
ration of, 200, 256, 274, 313;
seedling, 313 ; the composition of,
270 ; the manuring of, 6 ; the pro-
pagation of, 397 ; their collecting
and culture, 450
Orobanche speciosa, 186
Orphan Fund, Royal Gardoners', 90,
329
Osier, the Golden, 394
Ote Hall, a group of Streptocarpus at,
85
Owl, the short-eared, 285
Oxalis variabilis rubra and albiflora, 23
Oxlip, the true, 355
Pampas-grass, botany of, 358, 378,
396
Panax sessiliflorum, 298
Paper mosaics, 36
Paraffin naphthalene emulsion, 8
Paris Exhibition of 1900, the, 329
Parisian Fig culture, 153
Park, a new, for Glasgow, 21
Parks, public, of New York, 385
Parks, the Chrysanthemums in the,
332
Parrot Tulips, seedling, 298
Parsley, on growing, for winter use,
168
Passiflora alata 449 ; P, pruinoaa,
393
Patents, the law of, 329
Paulownia, an evergreen species, inS.W.
China, 433
Peas, boiling, 294
Peas for 1897, new, 111
Peach-stone splitting, 90
Peach trees, protecting, iu America,
420
Peaches, largo, 201, 256
Peaches and Nectarines iu the open
air, 39
Pear Duchesse d'Angoulnne, 419, 448;
heavy fruits of. IIS
Pears, 23; of the Victorian Era, 9 ;
pruning, 73
Pelargoniums, decayed, 132
Peristeria aspersa, 46
PhaheQopsis violacaa alba, 264
Pheasant and black grouse, hybrid
between, 417
Philadelphus Falconeri, 363
Phipp's conservatory, the, Pittsburg,
72
Phlox amcena, 394
Phyllotreta on Crueiferae, 406
Physalis Fraucheti, 202, 330 ; P. peru-
viana and P. pubescens, 202
Physiology, the progress of, 1 48
Physostegia virginiana speciosa, 306
Phy8ostelma campanulata, 212
Picea excelsa, a specimen of a weeping
variety of, 368
Pigeons eat slugs, do ? 257, 314
Pimeleas, 47
Pine-apple, the, in Queensland, 337
Pinguicula caudata, 410
Pinus flexilis, 426 ; P. parviflora, 160
Piora, 173
Pitcairnia ferruginea, 255
Plantations, mixed, 85
Planting fruit-trees, 261
Plant-organs, mutual accommodation
between, 42
Plant Portraits :-Abelia flori-
bunda, 110,219 ; Acacia celastrifolia,
447 ; Adonis amurensis, 110 ; Agave
Bouchei, 271 ; A. Schotti, 416 ;
Anthurium x Czar Nicholas II.,
219 ; Apple Director Rodigas, 219 ;
Arethusantha Bletioides, 219 ; Aecle-
piasCornuti, 447 ; Brassavola grandi-
flora, 227; Bulbophyllum barbi-
gerum, 219 ; Calathga rufibarba,
VI
The Gardeners' Chronicle,]
INDEX.
December 25, 1897.
271 ; Carnations, Geo. Maquay,
Ariel, and Rosniaron, 447 ; Oata-
setum Bungerothi, 412 ; Cattleya
bicolor, 322 ; C. citrina, 121 ; C.
elongata, 37 ; C. Forbesi, 322 ; C.
intermedia, 121 ; C. intermedia var.
Partbenia, 121 ; C. intermedia var.
punctata, 226 ; C. Mendeli var. Kc-
geljani, 412 ; C. Mossia;, 154 ; C.
do M. de Langhe, 154 ; C. M. var.
Reineckiana, 226 ; C. Percivalliaua,
121 ; C. Triansei var. deliciosa, 121 ;
C. T. var. eminens, 154 ; C. T. var.
Maria;, 121 ; C. T. vars. Yvonne,
Reta and princepa, 380 ; C. War-
neri, 322 ; Chrysanthemum Afsne,
447 ; Cirrhopetalum Curtisii, 184 ;
C. robustum, 271 ; Cochlioda
miniata, 121 ; Ccclogyne asperata,
380 ; C. fuliginosa, 412 ; C. sparsa,
219 ; Crinum Sanderianum, 219 ;
Cunila mariana, 385 ; Cym-
bidium eburneum, 121 ; C.
eburneo - Lowianurn, 121, 380 ;
C. giganteum, 412 ; C. Lowianum,
154 ; C. L. var. flaveolum, 154 ;
Cynorchis grandiflora, 348, 380 ;
Cypripedium Argus, 121 ; C. Charles
Canham, 121 ; C. Elliotianum, 322 ;
C. insigne var. citrinum, 380 ; C. i.
vars. (1) fuscum, ('J) picturatum,
(3) immaculatum, 121 ; C. Law-
renceanum var. Trieuanum, 226
264 ; C. Mine. Jules Hye, 121 ; C. x
Pauli, 154 ; C. tonsum, 121 ; Da-
beocia polifolia, 436 ; Dendrobium
Dalhousieanum, 412 ; I), infundibu-
lum, 121 ; D. nobile var. nobilius,
121 ; D. suavissimum, 226, 264 ;
D. Venus, 154 ; Diervilla prtecox,
219 ; Drimia Colese, 348 ; Epiden-
drum elegantum x , 154; E. costari-
cense, 226 ; E. leucochilum, 154 ;
E. pseud - Epidendrum, 412 ; E.
virens var. grandiflorum, 154 ; Epi-
lielia x Hardyana, 121 ; Epiphro-
nitis Veitchi x, 412; Eremurm
Elwesii, 110 ; Eugenia guariji, 110 ;
Fritillaria Walujewii, 237 ; Gardenia
Fortune!, 436 ; Gladiolus Comte
de Kerchove, 269 ; G. Tall Blue.
110; Gloriosa superba, 110; Gre-
villea alpestris, 110, 219 ; Habe-
naria rhodocheila, 416; Helian-
thus tuberosus, 37 ; Iris Leichtlini,
237 ; Kniphofia breviflora, 416 ;
Lselia -anceps var. Stella, 12 1; L.
cinnabarina, 121 ; L. crispa, 412 ;
L. Digbyana, 226 ; L. latona, 226 ;
L. Lindleyana, 322 ; L. prrcstans, 121 ;
L. tenebrosa, 154 ; Lailio-Cattleya
callistoglosea, 322 ; L.-C. elegans,
226; L.-C. Hippolyta, 412; L.-C.
Pallas, 322 ; Leptospermum sco-
parium var., 110 ; Lissochilus
milangianus, 37 ; Lycaste Kossiana,
121 ; Lathyrus splendens, 219 ;
Lycaste macrophylla var. Desboisiana,
121 ; L. tricolor, 412 ; Mammea
americana, 348 ; Masdevallia ra-
cemosa, 226 ; M. Veitchiana and
var. grandiflora, 412 ; Melocactus
humilis, 110 ; Miltonia Blunti, 412 ;
M. Clowesii, 121 ; M. vexillaria var.
Kirstenia:, 412 ; M. v. var. vittata,
226, 264 ; M. v. varieties, 380 ; Nar-
ciesus Ellen Willmott, 219; Nepen-
thes Jardinei, 436 ; N. Rowanoe, 436 ;
Nymphsa Marliacea albida and
N. Robinsoni, 447 ; N. Btellata
var. zanzibarensis, 219 ; Odon-
toglossum Adrianse, 412 ; O. x
cirrho-Halli, 154 ; O. cirrosum, 226 ;
O. crispum var. Ami Charles, 121 ;
O. c. var. Kegeljani, 121 ; O. c var.
Lindeni, 121 ; 0. c. var. Lucian1,
121 ; O. c. var. mortebeekensis,
380 ; O. Queen Victoria, 154 ; O.
delTectox,412; O. excellensx , 121;
O. Humeanum, 121 ; 0. Harryanum,
412; O. luteo - purpureum var. cor-
nata, 380 ; O. maxillare, 322 ; O.
Pescatorei var. imperialis, 154 ; O.
retusum, 412; O. triumphans, 121 ;
O. Willckeanum, 154 ; Oncidium cris-
pum, 226 ; Marshallianum, 322 ; 0.
sarcodes, 151 ; 0. s. var. puuctatum,
380 ; 0. splendidum, 322 ; 0. tigri-
Hiini, 226 ; 0. zebrinum. 412 ; Oxalis
enneaphylla, 237 ; Pieonia albiflora
major, 100 ; P. lutea, 237 ; Passi-
flora princeps, 269 ; Pear, Late
Ninove, 237 ; Pentstemon barbatus,
237; Phaius X Marthfc, 121 ; Phy-
salis Francheti, 237 ; Plum Keine
Claude Violette, 447 ; Polygonum
baldshuanicum, 37 ; P. viiginianum,
436 ; Pothos aurea, 237 ; Primula
sinensis, 271 ; Prune Hative de Buhl,
237 ; Pterisanthes polita, 272 ; Quil-
laja saponaria, 416 ; Ranunculus
carpaticus, 269 ; Rhododendron Kew-
ense x , 436 ; R. Mrs. Thiselton-
Dyer, 237 ; Rhus ti ichocarpa, 269 ;
Rosa calocarpa, 385 ; R. Fia-
metta Nabonnand, 110 ; R. humilis,
385 ; Rosa macrantha, 447 ; R.
Madame Abel Chatenay, 110, 447 ;
R. Madame Pernet Ducher, 110 ;
R. Mrs. Sharman - Crawford, 385;
R. Pauls' Single Scarlet, 447 ;
R. Susanne-Marie Rodocanachi, 237 ;
R. Victoria Melita, 3S5 ; Schom-
burgkia tibiciuis, 226, 264 ; Scolio-
pus Bigelovii, 348 ; Selenipedium
cleola, 226 ; Smilax aspera, 269 ;
Sobralia Lindeni, 412; S. leuco-
xantha, 226 ; Solatium Seaforthia-
num, 237 ; Stenogastra concinna,
110 ; StrawbeiTy, Perpetual St.
Joseph, 447 ; S., Veitch's Perfec-
tion, 237 ; Tainia penangiana, 348,
380; Tetratheca verticillata, 110;
Trichopilia brevis, 121 ; T. suavis,
154, 380 ; Tropieolum x Leichtlini,
237 ; Utricularia latifolia, 237 ;
Vanda Amesiana, 322 ; V. atuceua x ,
412 ; V. Bensoni, 322 ; V. insignis,
322 ; V. Kimballiana, 154 ; V. suavis,
322; V. s. magnificens, 112 ; Vero-
nica elliptica, 237 : Zamia obliqua,
37 ; Zygopetalum intermedium,
121 ; Z. Perrennondi, 121
Plants, New or Noteworthy :—
Acanthopanax sessiliflorum, 337 ;
Apera arundinacea, 282 ; Aspidium
Purdu-ei, 282 ; Cattleya Schofield-
iaua giganteax, 246; C. Warsce-
wiczii gigautea, 81 ; Ceropegia
Woodi, 357 ; Cochlioda stricta, 410 ;
Dendrobium barbatum, 394 ; D.
cmleste, 1 ; Epidendrum x radico-
vitellinum, 16 ; E Stanhopoanum,
29 ; Epilaelia x radico-purpurata,
61 ; Eriopsis Helenae, 98 ; Euchry-
phia cordifolia, 246; Eulophia
Wendlandiana, 262; Iporucei Per-
ringiana, 410 : Lselia pumila, " Gat-
ton Park var.," 262 ; Lielio-Cattleya
x Broomeana, 174; Luddemannia
Sanderiana, 138 ; Marattia Burkei,
425 ; Megacaryon orientale, 226 ;
Miltonia Binoti, 393 ; Nepenthes
Jardinei, 337 ; N. Rowanse, 338 ;
Passiflora pruinoaa, 393 ; Sela-
ginella Crugeri, 378 ; S. humilis,
210 ; S. mazaruniensis, 210 ; Sola-
num lasiophyllum, 153 ; Stapelia
cupularis, 45 ; Tamarix hispida var.
kashgarica, 337 ; Vanda amcena x ,
226 ; V. ccerulea var. Peetersiana,
394
Plants on walls, 397 ; the diseases of,
156 ; feeding, 284 ; uuder cultiva-
tion, the requirements of, 270, 292
Plants of the Victorian Era, 1, 13;
in bloom out-of doors, November 22,
386
Plants under glass, 5, 19, 34, 51, 62,
87, 104, 125, 143, 160, 181, 19S,
215, 232, 250, 269, 288, 309, 327,
344, 365, 383, 398, 415, 430, 445
Plum, Coe's Golden Drop, 330 ; the
Mirabelle, 166
Plum«, American, 142; Japanese, in
America, 266 ; lecture on, 144
Plumbago Larpentae, 394
Polygonum baldschuanicum, 154; P.
lanigerum, 154 ; P. vaccinifolium,305
Poud, a hardy aquatic, 36
Poppy with pistilloid stamens, 57
Portuguese flora, the, 417
Potato the Jersey box, 422, 448; crop
in Jersey, statistics of the, 171 ; crop,
the, of 1897, 342 ; disease in Ireland,
218 ; disease, the Bordeaux Mix-
ture and the, 267, 294, 313 ; scab,
cure for, 129 ; in America, the, 284 ;
spirit, 421
Potatos for exhibition, 90 ; composition
of, 370 ; in America, 434 ; new, in
winter, 437
Presentation to Mr. D. Brough, 330
Preservation of fruits by alcoholic
vapour, 444
Primrose, the Giant, 89
Primula capitata alba, 307 ; P. flori-
bunda grandiflora Isabellina, 307 ;
P. Trailli, 263
Prizes by points, 90
Proliferous Chrysanthemums, 406
Propagation, methods of, 84, 138, 177,
226, 285, 360, 427 ; by cuttings, 226 ;
of Oichids, 398
Protoplasm, continuity of, 329
Pruning Apple and Pear trees, 448
Pruning Tears, 73
Pruuus Jacquemonti, 22 ; P. myrobal-
aua, 166
Q
Qoebei' pomology, 178
Queensland botany. 157; Coffee and
Tea growiug in, 380 ; the Pineapple
in, 337
Queen's Reign, Chrysanthemums in,
1 4 ; Ferns in, 13 ; horticulture in,
9 ; market gardening cultivation
during the, 297 ; Pears in, 9 ; plants
in, 1, 13 ; progress in fruit-culture
during the, 25S, 297
Raffia, anew use for, 312
Ramie fibre, 333, 384
Randia Mussandie, 86
Raspberry-Blackberry, a, 236
Raspberry Guinea, 75
Rating case, 368
Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, 89
Rayleigh Vicarage, 359
Reforestation in America, 178
Regent's Park Zoological Gardens, 186
Rhododendron, Duchess of Portland,
109 ; R. Harrisii, 418
Rhododendrons, greenhouse, 109
Ribes aureum in fruit, 132
Riviera Gardens, flower-beds in the, 32
Robin, early nesting of a, 385
Romueya Coulteri, 128 ; diseased, 24
Rookery, The, Streatham, 357
Roots, 346
Rosa berberidifolia, 417 ; R. rubrifolia,
112; R. Wichuriana, 99, 130
Rosary, the, 47, 84, 120, 157, 212, 238,
248, 264, 304, 324, 361, 382, 420
Rose, Cloth of Gold, 361 420, 437,448 ;
Crimson Rambler, a sport upon, 21
Rose-garden in September, 212 ; in
July, 47
Rose pest, a (Actinonema Rosa;), 84
Rose-season of 1897, the, 248
Rose stocks, 177
Rose, Yellow Baoksian, 421
Roses, 385
Roses and Violas at Chiswick, 24
Roses and wasps, 55
Roses at the Crystal Palace, 20, 23 ;
at the Norwich Show, 54
Roses from cuttings, 404
Roses in the Principality, 128
Roses lacking fragrance, 8
Hoses of British origin, 304
Roses, potted, for forcing, 261 ; some
new continental, 238 ; standard, 421 ;
the wars of the, 120, 157 ; what to
plant, 382 ; what to plant, "and
how to do it, 324, 361
Royal Botaoic Society, the, 106; and
alleged non-payment of prize-money,
436
Royal Horticultural Society's Medals
and Awards, 421
Rubus biflorus, 394 ; R. laciniatus,
166 ; R. phfenicolasius, 130
Rudbeckia bicolor superba, 307 ,
Ruxley Lodge, notes from, 185
Saffron cultivation in Kashmir, 211
Salix gracilistylis, 292 ; S. vitellina, 394
St. Kitts, the botanic station at, 380
St. Vincent, 363 ; the sugar industry
in, 444
Salpichroa rhomboideum, 385
Salpiglossis, Heinemanu's New Em-
peror, 308 ; S. variabilis superbissima
" Emperor," 363
Salvia splendens var. grandiflora, 218
Santa Lucia, botanic station at, 342
Saxifraga lingulata, 22
Scab Potato, cure for, 1 29
Scale, how to destroy, 207
Scheelea kewensis, 184
Schizanthus retusus and S. pinuatus,
81
Scholarships, the, of the Royal Botanic
Society, 433
Schools, flower culture in, 128
Scientific Committee : — Abies
balsamea, with globular excrescence
below the soil, 298 ; A. bracteata
cones, 298 ; Acorn-cups malformed,
298; Authurium spathe, monstrous,
298 ; Apple, Cox's Orange Pippin, a
striped, 370; A., diseased, 112; Apple-
leaf, twin, 112 ; Aristolochia, hybrid,
112; Carnation leaves, malformed,
334 ; Carnation leaves with horn-like
marginal outgrowths, 370 ; Carna-
tions, Wheat - ear, 112; Cattleya
labiata sport, 370 ; chemical compo-
sition of a, 57 ; Cattleyas, synanthic,
57 ; Cedrela toona, fasciated, 298 ;
Chrysanthemums attacked by grubs,
132 ; Copper - plant, the, 40S ;
Cucumbers witli adherent leaf, 57 ;
Cypripedium, monstrous, 112, 406 ;
Dihlia, hybrid, 406 ; Gall on Jas-
mine, 370, 406 ; Galls on Oak roots,
334 ; Grapes attacked by Glaeos-
porium, 24 ; Heath, green-flowered,
cross-leaved, 132 ; Hybrid Orchid,
112 ; Ivy attacked by Dodder, 370 ;
Juniper berries, gymnospermous,
298 ; Lam ana attacked by insects,
112; Malformed Cauliflower, 334;
Melons diseased, 29S ; Malformed
fungi in Mushroom-bed, 57 ; Oak,
galls on roots of, 298 ; Panax sessi-
liflorum, 298 ; Parrot Tulips, seed-
Hug, 298 ; Pelargoniums decaying,
132 ; Pelorian Calceolaria, 112 ;
Phyllotreta on Cruciferje, 406 ;
Poppy with pistilloid stamens, 57 ;
Potatos, composition of, 370 ; Pro-
liferous Chrysanthemums, 406 ;
Ribes aureum in fruit, 132 ; Rom-
neya, diseased, 24 ; Rosa rubrifolia,
112 ; Seeds germinating within a
Melon fruit, 112; Spruce Fir-cone,
var., 298 ; Stocks, &c, attacked by
beetles, 370 ; Strawberries attacked
by Harpalus ruficornis, 24 ; Sub-pelo-
rian Cattleyas, 334 ; Tamarix kash-
garica, 298 ; Trapa natans, fruit of,
298; Vallotta, cream-coloured, 112 ;
Vine leaves injured by high cultiva-
tion, 132
Scilly Islands, the flower crops in the,
434 ; the Narcissus industry in, 447
Scion, influence of stock on, 182
Scots Fir, a noble, 55
Scott, the late Mr. William, 292
" Scots Gard'ner," the, 301
Scutellaria Mociniann, 239
Season, the mild character of the, 329,
434
Sedum cceruleum, 212
Seed farm, a Kentish. 257 ; trade, the
236 ; treatment of, against fungi
140
SeedB, the longevity of, 109, 164
Selaginella Crugeri, 378
The Gardeners' Chronicle,]
INDEX.
[December 25, 189T VU
Sequoia gigantea, the, 403 ; at Wrest
Park, 379 ; in co. Wicklow, 385
Sheffield Botanic Gardens, the fate of
the, 144
Sheffield Town Hall, a decorated stair-
case at the, 109
Sherfield Manor, Calanthes, &c, at, 425
Shipley Hall, Anthuriums at, 118
Shrewsbury show injured by gale of
wind, 128
Shrubs, &c, the propagation of, by
cuttings, 285, 360 ; by seed, 427
Siehe, Mr. Walter, and plants he has
introduced, 366
Slime- fungi, 162
Slugs, carnivorous, 254, 314, 348, 386,
404, 421, 437
SOCIETIES. — Aberdten Chrysanthe-
mum, 407 ; Accrington and Dis-
trict Horticultural, 170 ; Acton Hor-
ticultural, 92 ; Ancient Society of
York Florists, 390 ; Antwerp Royal
Horticultural, 176; Ascot and Dis-
trict Chrysanthemum, 335 ; Battle,
169 ; Beckenbam Horticultural, 92 ;
Beddington and Carshalton Horti-
cultural, 278 ; Birmingham Chrysan-
themum, 371 ; Brighton and Sussex
Chrysanthemum, 335 ; British Asso-
ciation, the, 148, 166 ; Brighton and
Sussex Horticultural, 168 ; British
Chrysanthemum, 390 ; British My-
cologieal, 223 ; British Pteridolngical,
114 ; Brixton and Streatham Chrys-
anthemum, 335 ; Broughty Ferry
Horticultural, 114 ; Cardiff Chrys-
anthemum, 370 ; Cardiff Horticul-
tural, 132 ; Chambre Syndicale des
Horticulteurs Beiges, 435 ; Cheater
Horticultural, 92 ; Chester Pax-
ton, 388 ; Coventry Chrysanthe-
mum, 335 ; Croydon Horticultural,
27 ; Derby Horticultural, 206 ;
Devizes Chrysanthemum Show, 334 ;
Devon and Exeter Gardeners', 58,
252, 334, 355, 372, 439 ; Devon and
Exeter Horticultural, 151 ; Doncas-
ter Chrysanthemum, 373 ; Dundee
Chrysanthemum, 407 ; Durham,
Northumberland, &c, Horticultural
and Botanical, 43 ; Dutch Horticul-
tural and Botanical, 182, 446 ; Ealing
Horticultural, 26, 353 ; Eastbourne
Horticultural, 150 ; Edinburgh
Field-naturalists and microscopical,
299 ; Elgin Chrysanthemum, 406 ;
Exmouth Mutual Improvement, 334 ;
Folkestone Chrysanthemum, 389 ;
Fungus Forays, 299 ; Ghent Cham-
bre Syndicale des Horticulteurs
Beiges, 272, 435 ; Glasgow and West
of Scotland Horticultural, 189 ; Ham-
burgh General Hortcultural Exhi-
bition, 109, 170, 202, 254 ; Hanley
Horticultural, 43 ; Hastings and St.
Leonards Horticultural, 132 ; Here-
fordshire Fruit and Chrysanthemum,
353; Hertfordshire Natural History,
334 ; Horticultural Club, 292, 388,
447 ; Hull Chrysanthemum, 389 ;
Ipswich Horticultural, 42, 374 ; Isle
of Wight Chrysanthemum Shows,
353 ; Kent County Chrysanthe-
mum, 354 ; Kingston - on - Thames
Chrysanthemum, 371 ; Leaming-
ton Chrysanthemum, 407 ; Leeds
Paxton, 371 ; Leicester Horticul-
tural, 94 ; Lewes Chrysanthemum,
354 ; Leyton and District Chrys-
anthemum, 355; Linnean, 11,
34 7 ; Loughborough and District
Gardeners', 272 ; Maidenhead
Horticultural, 115 ; Manchester
and North of England Orchid, 27,
58, 93, 133, 169, 206, 243, 278,
317, 354, 407, 345 ; Manchester
Royal Botanic, 43, 390 ; Marlow
Horticultural, 132 ; Midland Car-
nation and Picotee, 115 ; Mon-
mouth Chrysanthemum, 372; Myco-
logique de France, 317 ; National
Amateur Gardeners', 451 ; National
Carnation and Picotee, 59; (North-
ern), 133 ; National Chrysanthemum,
190, 279, 318, 334, 350, 374, 408, 422,
439 ; N.C.S. annual dinuer, 390 ;
National Dahlia, 189, 439 ; National
Rose, 24, 58, 202, 403, 433, 438 ;
National Viola, 59 ; Newport
Horticultural, 92 ; Northampton
Chrysanthemum, 372 ; Northampton
Horticultural, 114 ; North of Scot-
land Autumn Root-show, 37C ;
Norwich Horticultural, 390; People's
Palace Horticultural, 59 ; Ports-
mouth Chrysanthemum, 354 ; Put-
ney, Wandsworth and District
Chrysanthemum, 373 ; Reading Hor-
ticultural, 188 ; Richmond Horti-
cultural, 11 ; Royal Botanic, 407 ;
Royal Caledonian Horticultural, 206 ;
Royal Horticultural, 9,24, 41, 57, 77,
112, 132, 149, 187, 190, 221, 240, 257,
276, 298, 315, 352, 386, 438; Koyal
Horticultural of Aberdeen, 151, 334 ;
Royal Horticultural of Ireland, 354 ;
Royal Scottish Arboricultural, 133,
318; Rugby Chrysanthemum, 389;
St. Neot's Horticultural, 94 ; Sandy
and District Horticultural, 169 ;
Scottish Horticultural Association,92,
114, 334, 375, 439; Sevenoaks Chrys-
anthemum, 354 ; Shropshire Horti-
cultural, 134 ; Southampton Chrys-
anthemum, 353 ; Southampton Hor-
ticultural, 94 ; Sutton Horticultural,
11; Swansea Horticultural, 169;
Swansea Chrysanthemum, 370 ;
Taunton Dene Horticultural, 132 ;
Tibshelf Floral, Horticultural, and
Rose, 79 ; Torquay 1 listrict Gar-
deners, 334 ; Trentham and Han-
ford Horticultural, 78 ; Trowbridge
Horticultural, 150 ; Tunbridge Wells
Horticultural, 42 ; United Horticul-
tural Benefit and Provident, 278 ;
Watford Chrysanthemum, 354 ;
Wollingborough Dahlia, 206 ; Wim-
bledon Horticultural, 3S9 ; Win-
cheater Chrysanthemum, 373 ;
Windsor Chrysanthemum, 374 ;
Wisbech Horticultural, 58 ; Wolver-
hampton Chrysanthemum, 353 ;
Wolverhampton Horticultural, 57 ;
Woolhope Club Forays, 299 ; Wool-
ton Gardeners, 206 ; York Natu-
ralists, 202
Soil and the diseases of pot-plants, 110
Soil inoculation for leguminous crops,
343
Solandra grandiflora, 255
Solatium cornutum, 311 ; S. lasio-
phyllum, 153 ; species of, 358
Southern Counties Carnation Society,
a, 148, 166, 202, 220
Sparrow-hawk, the, 229
Species of Solanum, 358
Spiraea arguta x , 3 ; S. Zabel, 40 ; S.
millefolium, 237
Spores, the longevity of, 129
Sports in Chrysanthemums, 432
Spot in Dendrobes, 74
Spraying, copper preparations for, 117
Spruce, the weeping, specimen of, 368
Stand, a, for raising Orchid-pots, 295
Stapelia cupularis, 45 ; S. gigantea in
flower at Kew, 292
Statices, 186
Stereum hirsutum, a wood destroying
' fungus, 168
Sternbergia lutea, 394
Stiles, the late W. A , 284
Stipa tenacissima, 375
Stockholm, notes from, 322 ; the
autumnal fruit show at, 267
Stock on scion, influence of, 182
Stocktaking, 38, 110, 184, 273, 348,
418
Stocks, &c. , attacked by beetles, 370
Strawberry-bearing trains to Edin-
burgh, 8 ; crop, an enormous, 21 ;
Monarch, 8 ; Early Giant, 90
Strawberry-plants, clearing of fungus
affecting the leaves and fruit, 36 ;
firing, 40; forced, 312
Strawberries, 24 ; a batch of new, 130 ;
annual, 24 ; choice of varieties of,
148; early fruiting, 8 ; attacked by
the beetle Harpalus ruficornis, 24 ;
large fruited perpetual, 446 ; market
and other, 34 ; the profitable cultiva-
tion of, 118
Streatham garden, a, 357
Streptocarpus Wendlandi, 274 ; at Ote
Hall, a group of, 86
Stuttgart, Chrysanthemums at, 429
Sugar industry, the Royal Commission
on the West Indian, 290
Sugar, the Beet industry, 417
Sunflower-pith, the specific gravity of,
187
Sunshine during the summer of 1897,
449
Superintendent of a cemetery, the
duties of a, 369
Swainsonia alba as a bedder, 335
Swazi Survey, new plants from the,
273, 331
Sweden, notes from, 131
Sweet Pea, a dwarf, 256; "Cupid,"
39 ; the history of the, 89
Synanthic Cattleya, 57
Tamahix hispida var. kashgarica, 337 ;
T. kashgarica, 298
Temperate-house, Kew, commencement
of the remaining wing of, 329
Testacella haliotidea, 404, 421, 437.
(See also Slugs, Carnivorous, &c. )
Thinning plantations, degrees of, 398
Thomas, Mr. O., presentation to, 128
Tomato-disease, caused by bacteria, 8
Tomatos, a disease of, 312 ; winter, 92
Trade, the horticultural, during the
past sixty years, 225, 281, 294 ;
novelties, 426
Trafalgar Day decorations,' 299
Trapa nutans, fruits of, varieties of, 298
Tree FernB, how to reduce the height
of, 8
Tree plantations, mixed, 179
Tree planting in Rhodesia, 54
Trees and shrubs, 131, 160, 324, 411,
425
Trillium graudiflorum, 76
Trinidad, the Botanic Gardens at, 342
Trinity Grove, Edinburgh, 154
Tritoma sulphurata, 266
Tropical fruits, 165, 186, 202
Turnford Hall nurseries, opening of a
workman's institute at, 391
Turnips, brown rot in, 437
U
Urginea scilla, 212
Utilitarian botany, 167
Uva, Pampas grass, and their allies,
botanical history of the, 358, 378,
396
Vallota, cream-coloured, 112
Vanda amcena x , 226 ; V. ccerulea,
var. Pee torsi ana, 394 ; V. teres at
Grenada, 73
Vanilla planifolia, the fruiting of, 307,
331,442
Variegated leaves, the artificial pro-
duction of, 434
Vegetable cultivation during Queen
Victoria's reign, 276, 295
Vegetables, 378, 437 ; and Hops, the
manuring of, 245 ; of the Victorian
Era, .
Veiteh medallists of 1897, 29
Venns' Black Muscat Grapes, shrivelling
of, 294
Viburnums, the propagation of, 286
Victoria regii at Kew, 32 ; a new
variety of, at Kew, 264
Victoria Medal of Honour, the, 310,
447
Victoria, Royal Horticultural Society
of, 86
Victorian Era, Ferns of the, 1 3 ; fruits
of the, 40 ■ vegetables of the, 1, 276,
295. (See also Queen's Reign, Trade,
Plants.)
Victorian Medallists of honour, the,
20 ; distribution of medals, 316
Vine borders, brick covered, 111, 129,
148
Vine-border tester, a, 313, 349
Vine, Lady Hutt, 23" ; leaves injured
by high cultivation, 132 ; Muscat of
Alexandria, 219
Vines at Airthrey Castle, 360 ; hybrid,
from China, 202 ; the propagation
of, from eyes, 84 ; the treatment of
Muscat, 294
Vineyards, French, produce of, 203 ;
the Welsh, 273
Viola, the, 422
Violas, new varieties of bedding, 89
Violets, new, 421
Vitis Coignetine [?], 305 ; V. Voinieri-
ana, 147
W
Walls, plants on, 397
Walnuts, Chesnuts, and Almonds, the
constituents of, 194, 263
Wasps and Koses, 40, 55 ; plague of,
202
Water-weeds, how to eradicate, 166
Watsonia rosea, 243
Weather-plant, the, 446
Weather in London, 21 ; at Frogmo
in October, 348
Weir, Mr. Harrison, and his garden,
166
Wellingtonia, the, 379, 403; in co.
Wicklow, 385
Western Australia, interior of, from a
horticultural point of view, 136
West India Koyal Commission, the,
290
West Indian produce, 444
Wheat, Barley, and Oat*, produoe of,
for 1897, 417
Wheat crop of 1897, the, 227 ; of the
United States, 164
Wheat-eared Carnations, 112
Whortleberries, 333
Wilderspool, Orchids at, 153
Willow, girth of, at Chertsey Lock,
289
Wine-berry, the, 130
Witloof, tbe importation of Belgian
into France, 203
Woburn experimental fruit-farm, the,
33
Wolmer Forest as a sanctuary, 385
Woodland, British types of, 85, 267,
428
Woodruff, to flavour cider, 55
Work, cost of ground-, 370
Worm-eating slugs, 254
" Worn Out," a photographic picture
by Mr. H. Stevens, 72
Wrest Park, Sequoia gigantea at, 379
Xanthokrhcea quadrangulata, 255
Yew-trees of Great Britain, 262
Yokohama, Orchids in, 246
Yorkshire, some fine Apples from, 331 ;
Apples, 349, 404 ; College, Leeds,
the, 89
Yunnan, botanical exploration in, 231
Zamia and Ginkgo, fertilisation of, 402
Zoological Gardens, the, Regent's Park
186
Zurich, the Botanic Garden at, 272
Vlll The Gsrdenere' Chronic]*,]
INDEX.
[December J5, 1MT.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Acanthopanax sessilifloruui, 339
Andre Len6tre, portrait of, 55
Angelonia grandiflora alba, 307
Anthuriums, a group of, at Shipley
Hall, 119
Apera arundinacea, 283
Apple-tree, an, at The Rookery, Streat-
ham Common, 361
Aquatics, pond of hardy, at North
Easton, Mass., U.S.A., 37
Aristolochia elegans, 123
Aristolochia, the first hybrid, 127
Asphodeline imperialis, 397
Aster-worm, the, 98
B
Bananas, a bunch of, grown at Sher-
wood Park, 167
Bateman, F.R.S., Jas., portrait of, 403
Begonia flower, a crested, 203 ; B., Mrs.
W. B. Hartland, 367
Bouquet, the Royal Orchid, presented
to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, 7
Button-holes, elastic tube for preserv-
ing flowers in, 151
Calathea species, 239
Calceolaria alba, 141 ; C. arachuoidea
and the Calceolaria of sixty years
ago, 182 ; C. herbaeea blooms,
modern types of, 183
Campanula Balchiniana x , 17
Carnation aureola, 177 ; C. cinnamon,
175 ; C. Czarina, 175; C.Gilda,177;
C. Hidalgo, 175 ; C. Regent, 175
Carnations, group of, at Dover House
Gardens, Roehampton, 71
Castanopsis chrysophylla, 411
Cattleya Empress Frederick var. Leo-
nata, 429 ; C. Warscewiczii Mrs. E.
Ash worth, 163
Ceropegia Woodi, 358
Chrysanthemum Mrs. Charles Birch,
405
Cliveden, Lilium longiflorum Harrisii
at, 91
Codonopsis ovata, 195
Ccelogyne cristata injured by the Den-
drobium Orchid-beetle, 49
Coryanthes Fieldingi, flower of, 31, 33 ;
dissected flower of, 39
Cupressus macrocarpa in the wild
state, 53
Cypress Drive, Monterey Peninsula
53
Cyrtanthus spiralis, 308
Darwin's birthplace, photograph of,
109 ; statue, photograph of, at
Shrewsbury, 106
Deudrobium Ccelogyne, 387 ; injured
by the beetle Diaxenes Dendrobii,
48 ; D. Victoria Regina, 121
Diaxenes Dendrobii, 48, 49
Diervilla sessilif olia, 1 4
Dractena rubra Bruanti, unmauured
and manured, 285
EchinoctsTIS lobata, 271
Enchytr.eis parvulus (Aster- worm), 98
Epilrelia x radico-purpurata, 83
Erythea edulis at Santa Barbara, 157
Escallonia langleyensis, 15
Eucryphia cordifolia, 247
Ficus radicans variegata, 185
Forde Abbev, Chard, The Cloisters at,
323
Fruit, Mr. Mclndoe's prize exhibit of,
at Shrewsbury Show, 149
Gatton Park, Reigatu, views in the
grounds at, 341, 343, 347
Gooseberry bushes trained, showu by
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, 73
Grainmatophyllum speciosum, 115 ;
basal flower (male), of, 147
H
Harrison Weir's garden at Sevenuaks,
view in Mr., 139
Hibiscus Manihot, 249
Ideal Label and Holder, 257
Jackman's nursery, a bed of Yucca fila-
mentosa in, 433
Ljjlia pumila, " Gattuii Park variety,"
262
Lselio-Cattleya Clive x , 427
Lamport Hall, view of Ivy Arch, aud
curiously pruned Irish Yews in tho
gardens at, 395 ; views in the
gardens at, 211, 213, 217, 219
Leptosyne Stillmanni, 333
Lilium longiflorum Harrisii at Clive-
den, 91
Loasa biBpida, 291
Lycaste Denningiana, 231
M
McIndoe, Jas., portrait of, 129
Mangosteen, fruits and section of fruits
of, 325, 327
Maranta picta, 293
Marattia Burkei, 435
Masdevallia pachyura, 255
Maxillaria elegautula, flower of, 420
Megacaryon orieutale, plant and
flower of, 226, 227
Miller, W., portrait of, 131
Monterey Peninsula, view in the Cy-
press Drive, 53
Myosotis palustris Tom Thumb, 307
N
N.EGELIA amabilis, plant aud flower
of, 413
Narcissus, a break of, in bloom in Scilly,
443 ; blooms, sorting and bunching,
in Scilly, 442
Nepenthes X Tiveyi, plant and pitcher
of, 200, 201
O
Oak, a second crop of, 287
Olearia Forsteri, 381
Ote Hall, Sussex, group of Strepto-
carpus varieties at, 85
Passiflora alata, leaf of, 449 ; flower
of, 450 ; fruit of, 451 ; P. pruiuosa,
401
Pear, Duchesse d'Angoulome, fruiting
on a wall, 419
Portrait of the late Jas. Cocker, 221
Primula Trailli, 263
Prunus Jacquemonti, 23
Public Garden, Worthing, view in, 155
RASPBERRY-Blackberry hybrid, a, 235
Rockery at Lamport Hall, views of,
211, 213, 217
Rookery, Streatham, an aged Apple-
tree at, 361 ; the terrace, 359
Rosa Wichuraiana, 99
S
Salpiglossis variabilis superbissima,
Emperor, 363
Scilly, the Narcissus industry in, 442
Sequoia gigantea at Wrest Park, 379
Sheffield, a decorated staircase at the
Town Hall, 107
Sherwood Park, a bunch of Bananas
grown at, 167
Shipley Hall, a group of Anthuriums
at, 119
Solanum cornutum, 311
Spiral argutax, 3; S. millefolium,
237
Spruce, a weeping, at Ide Hill, Seven-
oaks, 368
Staircase, Town Hall, Sheffield, 107
Strawberry Veitch's Perfection, 61
Streptocarpus varieties, group of, Ota
Hall, Burgess HilL 85
Streptocarpus Wendlandi in the gar-
dens at Parke, Reigate, 275
Turner, H., portrait of, 103
Vanda amcena, 229
Vanilla planifolia, fertilisation of, 307
Victoria Regia, new variety of, at Kew,
265
Vitis Coignetias, 305
W
Worthing public park, view in the,
155
Wrest Park, Sequoia gigantea at, 379
Yew, the Cauliflower-headed, at Cherk-
ley Court, 253
Yucca filamentosa, a bed of, in Messrs.
Jackman's nursery, 433
SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS.
Alberta magna, 1 )ecember 1 1 .
Cattleya MossIjE, variety RArrARTiANA, July 10; C. Schofieldiana vau.
gigantea x , October 9.
Eden Hall, Cdmberland, Views of the Flowee Garden and Cedars at,
November 27.
Forde Abbey, Chard, View of, November 6.
Orchid Collecting in Sum, December 25.
Windsor, Group of Plants Arranged in the Queen's Tbht on the
Occasion of the Visit of Members of the House of Commons,
August 7.
Jult 3, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
THE
SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1897.
NUTMEGS.*
f|MIE author of this book begins by saying
-*- how interesting ho found tho study of the
Nutmeg-tree, both truo and false, during a
period of eight years spent in the Eastern parts
of fho Malay Archipelago and in New Guinea.
There these trees enjoy a climate exactly suited
to them, and there, in consequence, is situated
the centre of their distribution. There also
they take the same relation to botany that
J iirds of Paradise do to zoology.
Tho claim of the Nutmeg for consideration
as an article of commerce is connected with a
series of romantic stories of its discovery in
times long past, of tho fierce war that raged
among European countries for their commer-
cial rights, of the combat for monopoly that
ended in the extermination of the natives, and
the break-up of the greatest merchant-company
that has ever existed. All this eventful history
is interwoven with tho stillness of every grove
of Nutmeg-trees, and with the grand scenery
of every inland lake.
With such words as these, tho author com-
mences a work which is, in its way, unique,
lie proceeds to treat of the history of tho Nut-
meg previous to the discovory of the Banda
Isles, of the use that has been made of it in
pootry, and of the philological history of the
various names for Nutmeg and Mace.
The second part of the book is devoted to the
cultivation of these spices, and includes a large
amount of cultural detail and history. We are
told of the strenuous ondeavonrs made by the
Dutch East India Company to preserve the
monopoly, and how finally they were forced to
relinquish it ; and tho author further reminds us
of the exertions that were made with more or
less success to induce the Nutmeg-tree to flou-
rish and becomo naturalised in other localities.
Dr. Warburg notes that at Syon House, Mid-
dlesex, very large fruits have been brought to
perfection. It would bo interesting to learn
whether this tree is still flourishing. [No, it
was removed Borne yours since. El>.] In an
appendix to this section of tho book is a tabular
epitome of tho cultivation of Nutmegs and Mace
from tho years 1634 to 1894 — that is, during a
period of 260 years.
The third and botanical division of the book
deals with the Nutmeg-tree itself, and numerous
other species that merit attention from a
commercial point of view.
The fourth division is concerned with the cul-
tivation, the fifth with the trade details. Not
only the species recognised in commerce, but
* "Die Musiatnuss :" the Nutmeg, its history, botany,
cultivation, trade and value, also its imitations and surro-
gate. With a treatise on the cultural history of the tfanda
Isles. By Dr. 0, Warburg. With three heliogravures, four
lithogriphie plates one map, and twelve illustrations in the
text. (Leipzig, Engeluiaun, 1897, 8vo, xii., and 62S pages.
Price 20 marks.)
the false Nutmegs, and the substitutes for the
genuine spice are fully considered. In an
appendix to this section of the book are given
detailed price-lists of Nutmegs and Mace.
Tho sixth section deals with the collateral
products of the Nutmeg-tree, their commerce,
and history. Among them are oil of Nutmeg,
oil of Mace, candied Nutmeg fruits, candied
Mace, and Nutmeg fruits in vinegar or salt.
In the seventh division the modicinal and
aromatic products of the Nutmeg-tree are con-
sidered, and the poisonous qualities of the
Nutmeg receive due notice.
In the eighth section tho author considers the
future prospects of Nutmeg cultivation.
Finally, there is a complete literary catalogue
of some eighteen pages, which spoaks well for
the thorough acquaintance of the author with
his subject. A very complete index greatly
adds to the value of the book.
We congratulate Dr. Warburg on the com-
pletion of this work, which will serve as a
model for all future books of the kind, no such
complete monograph having before appeared.
Everybody, be he botanist or gardener, chemist
or philologist, historian, political economist, or
merchant, will here find a wealth of informa-
tion, whilst the general reader will find it a
most interesting and instructive work to add to
his library shelves.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
DENDROBIUM CCELE3TE, n. sp., Loher."
The habit much resembles that of Dondrobiuin Vic-
t"ri,-o Roginse (ante, p. 399, vol. xxi.), although from
quite another locality, many hundred miles distant.
The two species are never found growing together.
Its habitat is about 2500 m. elevation (SI 25 feet),
amongst quite European vegetation. Oaks, llhodo-
dendrons, Azaleas, and Myrtloa, are its only enm-
pinions. No typical plants remind the wanderer
that lie is iu a tropical country. This Dendrobium
seems to be extremely rare.
Tho fleshy flowers are entirely dark blue, with the
exception of the ovary and spur, which are purple. The
sepals and petals are ovate, aud almost equal in size,
the lip obovate aud blunt, the column blue. A, Loher,
Manila.
PLANTS OF THE VICTORIAN ERA.
VEGETABLES, 1837—1897.
{Conducted from p. 416, VOL , i ,.)
CARROTS. — During the sixty years' reign we
hay.e seon sonio admirable additions made to
our ( Jarrot stocks. The little and early French
Horn, Long Orange, Long Surrey, and Altrin-
cham, are Very old varieties. But we prow now
not only a better stock of the French Horn, but
in the Early Nantes and Early Carontan, both of
the blunt-rooted type, we ha\ e valuablo. summer
Carrots, that aye universally grown; and the
intermediate section, of which the finest now is
St. Valery and its English selections, have be-
como by far the most popular for main crop or
general use. These stouter, tapering, handsome
Carrots have largely elbowed out tho long ones
of earlier years. As to culture, that remains
vory much the same.
Celery.
Generally, tho culture of Celery remains
where it was, for we grow it in trenches,
- Dendrobium calente, n. sp., Loher.— Precedent! hahitu
simile, sed Poribus fere, 2— 3-plo minoribus, omnino pulchre
violaoeis genuine calcareque purnureo. Sepala et petala
sul>a''|iialia, orata, labellum e basi august ita obovatum,
obtusum, basi margins inflexum ; columna brevis violaca,
anthera apiee rotundata. Ins. Philip.
as of old, and even the practice of blanching
with paper bands, to secure extra fino stems for
exhibition, is by no means new. In the early
years the Violet, new Flat-stemmed White, Man-
chester Bed, White, and a few others, woro the
best known. The Manchester Bed is still
favoured in Lancashire, but the others have
been displaced. Beyond adding the Turnip-
rooted Celeriacs— a valuable product — we havo
in the Incomparable Dwarf White forms, the
dwarf reds, such as Standard Bearer and Colonel
Clarke's rod, as well as the solid whites of
various appellations, Celeries so good that they
Beem as if improvement on them was impossible.
Cucumbers.
In 1837 it was common practice to grow
Bidge Cucumbers in gardens and fields,
whilst of the few good house varieties that
existed, Cuthill's Black Spine being one of tho
best rememberod, all culture was in frames or
pits, and poor indeed compared with what is
to-day seen in houses expressly built for
Cucumber growing. This has become a very
important industry, as the supply of home-
raised fruits under glass put into the market,
and exceptionally good fruits, too, is enormous.
One market establishment alone has over 100
houses each 150 feet long devoted entirely to
Cucumber production. This is to us to-day a
common-place fact. It was undreamt of by
our fathers sixty years ago. Our Tele-
graphs, Perfections, Progress, Bochford's, and
many other Cucumbers, testify excellence in
length, quality, and productiveness, aud long
will it be ere they are excelled. Before, wo
grew tho plants on big heaps of soil. Now, in
houses, wo grow them really in as littlo root-
space as possible, and in return they are all the
more productive.
Lettuces.
Boyond materially increasing our varieties,
wo havo littlo that is new to say about
tho others. In the thirties there woro the
Paris Whito and Green, and also tho Bath
brown Cos forms. They aro of our best still,
and these were of Cabbage form ; the Malta,
Neapolitan, &c, and both aie good varieties to-
day. There havo been numerous additions to
the Cabbage type, of which All tho Year Round,
Leyden's White Dutch, Model, and some others
aro good ; but all tho same, varieties havo not
been quite so plentiful as names.
Onions.
Very considerable is the advance made in
Onions. Tho varieties Silver-skin, Deptford,
James' Keeping, and the underground or
Potato variety, are very old. Now we have
a score of the Spanish type, flat, round,
and oval, the finest of which, Ail.-a Craig,
Lord Keeper, Sutton's A 1, Cranston's Excel-
sior, and many others, have, on the exhi-
bition table, obtained high honours; whilst
there are in Main Crop, Sonthport Bed, Bead-
ing, &c, some capital main-crop varieties; and
of softer Onions, Italian and Tripoli, there are
many very fine forms. The very precocious
"Queen" has proved to be a useful addition
to our stocks. Whilst we grow Onions from
autumn and spring sowings pretty much as our
fathers did, the newer method of raising the
plants under glass in mid-winter, and planting
out thinly on to rich soil to secure specially
fine bulbs, is largely adopted, with remarkable
results.
Shallots.— The small, true Shallot is still
better than the coarse Large Bed or Jersey .
TEE GAEB ENEAS' CHRONICLE.
[Ji'LY 3, 1897.
Teas.
As to Peas, which form our chief summer
vegetable, we had in 1837 numerous varieties
rather hardy and precocious, with but two or
three real marrows, yet were these two or three
of singular value, as from Knight's Dwarf and
Tall Marrows doubtless have come the myriads
of marrow or wrinkled Peas, of which we now
have apparently hundreds, The most noted of
the hard rounds were Early Charlton, Double
Blossom Prame, Blue Prussian, Auvergne,
Groom's Blue, Woodford Green, Cimeter or
Scimetar, and several others. How have these
disappeared from commerce, and no wonder,
considering how many other varieties have been
raised since 1837 ! Even the once-popular
Sangster's No. 1 and its allies, so early and so
hardy, are disappearing even from market
culture. Then we had British Queen, Cham-
pion of England, Paradise Marrow, Hair's
Mammoth, but these are giving place to Eclipse,
Telegraph, Duke of Albany, &c, or of dwarfer
forms, William Hurst, Daisy, and many
others. Gradually the old hard round Pea is
being eliminated from culture, and in gardens,
especially wrinkled marrows of groat precocity
and excellence, as well as dwarfer, are taking
their places. So far as flavour generally is con-
cerned, we have gained little, as the old Ne Plus
Ultra and Champion of England, so long iu
cultivation, still remain the best for quality,
but in size of pod and in productiveness the
progress has been remarkable. Our best Peas
to-day — and they are legion — seem to be
unsurpassable, but still raisers keep on striving
to excel what seems to be so perfect.
Potatos.
Finally, the Potato comes under notice,
and it alone might command columns of matter
to render it full justico. Our fathers in
1837 had relatively few varieties to grow, tho
best known being Early Manly, Early Shaw,
Ticotee-eyed Scotch or Regent, the true Ash-
leaf Kidney (still with us), Red-nosed or
Lancashire Kidney, and the Walnut-leaf Cham-
pion (not the later-known Scotch Champion),
Bread-fruit, Jersey Rebel, Lapstone, and Forty
Fold. How few of these remain now ! But
for the incursion of the terrible Phytophthora
infestaus in 181.3 —memorable year of disaster
to the Potato — most of them might have been
in commerce to-day. But that disease, suc-
ceeded as it was for many years onward,
though not always, with such doadly results,
almost decimated Potatos, but aroused growers
to the need for other, stronger, and bettor
resisting varieties. Those in time came, and
for them we have to thank the American raisers
very much, as the intercrossing of these varie-
ties with our own best, led to the production
ultimately of such strains, that even whon tho
disease does considerable harm to the Potato-
plant, yet the production of tubers is, on tho
whole, enormous. To obtain these comparative
disease-resisters, we have had to sacrifice some-
thing of the delicious flavour and quality which
marked the Kegent, Victoria, and others ; but
higher quality is now returning, and indeed it
seems to be the chief requirement in Potatos
to-day. Now, not a year passes without hun-
dreds of varieties of Potatos are at our disposal.
With regard to precocity, we perhaps have
gained little, for the old Ashleaf is still one of
the earliest; but we have gained immensely in
productiveness and in resistance to disease. It is
because of tho latter fact, no doubt, that growers
have to a general extent refrained from utilising
the now famous Bordeaux or anti-disease mix-
ture ; but it i* satisfactory to know that it is a
cheap and potent force for good, if we will but
utilise it. The Potato is now probably, noxt to
Wheat, our most important food product, and
there is no evidence of decadence. It is far more
probable that as the years roll on this admir-
able esoulent will be even more widely grown
ana more largely consumed.
Sea kale.
With respect to this useful winter vege-
table, wo have added in Lily White one
variety to the old purple-stemmed form, and
yet the latter is still the one generally culti-
vated ; but there has been great advance made
in culture, as the old plan of treating the plant
as an ordinary perennial is fast dying out, and
the better practice of increasing roots every
year by means of root-cuttings mostly prevails.
By those means a plentiful stock of good, even-
sized crowns for forcing or blanching may be
had all through the winter.
Paesnips
were in '37 represented by the good Hollow
Crown ; that is still tho best variety, although
it has undergone since then some careful
selection, and a few others have been added
to our lists, of which the Student is, perhaps,
the best liked.
Radishes,
too, have greatly advaucod, and tho very
early olivo-shapod forms, and especially those
pretty ones known as Breakfast Badishes, have
very greatly displaced the old, long - rooted
ones; whilst we can have nice roots from the
earliest varieties fully two weeks sooner than
the older varieties furnished. With these,
however, nothing new in general culture is
found.
Spinach.
We have in the French varieties of Viro-
flay, and in Carter's Longstander, far finer
Spinachcs, and more prolific of leaves, than
the old Flanders, long as those latter have been
in cultivation.
To.matos.
When the Queen came to the throne, this
vegetable - fruit, if such it may be termed,
was known almost exclusively as the " Love
Apple,'' and, but one variety, the old Cor-
rugated Bed, was grown. Tho culture was
usually against warm walls, and somewhat
rough, the side shoots being nailed in and
not pinched out as now. For many years
Tomato culture was stagnant, the great
merits of the fruit product not being recog-
nised. Now all is changed, but glasshouses
have done most to bring about this change,
Varieties have increased by scores, and literally
towns of glass-houses are devoted to their
culture. In no direction, probably, has there
been seen such marvellous development in any
one product as the Tomato presents. It is a
vegetable that will in gardening or in markot
industry be more signally identified with the
Queen's long reign than any other. Varieties
now seem to be in every respect perfect. So,
too, is culture, but as to extent, that cannot
have been reached. Really, culture and con-
sumption may be regarded as illimitable.
TuENirs
were in the thirties represented by somewhat
coarser stocks of White Dutch and the yellow
variety. Now, what with the very early
Milan (which will supply nice bulbs from
frequent sowings all the summer), the pretty
white Snowball, Golden Ball, with its soft
yellow flesh, and the Red-top Globe, our stocks
are far superior. Still, we can grow them only
as Turnips were grown sixty years since.
HARDY TREES AND SHRUBS.
(Concluded from p. 418, vol. xrt.)
Oleaeia Haasti. — A singular member of
tho extensive Composito family has been added
to dwarf-growing evergreen shrubs within the
last ten years, and flowering as it does in early
summer, with masses of white, strongly-scented
flowers, it is a great gain.
A still newer evergreen plant, blooming in
June, and having green, persistent leaves, like
a small Holly, is the Osmanthus, from Japan,
which has many variogated and other forms.
And that reminds me I omitted to men-
tion Paulownia imperialis, that noble-leaved
tree, producing in sheltered spots large lilac,
Gloxinia-shaped, sweet-scented flowers. It was
introduced to our gardens in 1840.
Rhus glaber laciniata, an elegant Fern-
leaved Sumach, is also an acquisition of late
years ; while the Robinia, eo esteemed on the
Continent, has been there greatly improved,
and we have now a great many distinct and
fine sorts, as R. Bessoniana, Decaisneana, sem-
perftorens, &c, all of which may be claimed as
gains to horticulture during our Queen's long
reign.
The Japanese Rosa rugosa, when planted upon
a bank or tho front of a shrubbery, what can sur-
pass these iu boauty of foliage, in tho gracoful
elegance of their large single flowers, and lastly
their handsome hips, which in Japan, and here
also, are made into a much-esteemed conserve.
Nor must we forget the Japan Skimmia, with
its fragrant foliage and flowers, followed in a
few favoured localities with its bright red berries,
introduced by Thunberg from Japan in 18-10,
and since improved by Standish and others.
(See article on Skimmias, in tbe Gardeners'
Chronicle, vol. xxv., 1880, p. 245.)
Noarly, if not all, the shrubby Spirroas have
boon acquired in the Victorian reign, including
Exocorda grandifiora, Nobleana, Douglasii, and
lately Bumalda ruberrima ; while from Japan
we have the elegant Spiroea palmata, and tho
useful Astilbes as herbaceous perennials.
Among hardy shrubs, the Lilac is an acknow-
ledged favourite, and by the introduction of
Syringa Emodi from the Himalayas in 1845 we
now have upwards of a hundred garden
varieties, great improvements in size and
colour of flower ; whilo that industrious and
very successful hybridist, M. Victor Lemoine,
has lately introduced some fine double-flowering
kinds. Lastly, we have in Veronicas, Travorsi,
Hulkoana, and Andersoni, and in Viburnum
plicatum, three very distinct and useful sub-
shrubs; which must end this long catalogue of
useful and ornamental acquisitions during
Queen Victoria's reign. Experience.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
ORCHIDS AT HIQH11URY,
SHEFFIELD.
Highbury, the residence of Mr. Duncan Gilmour,
is situated to the north-east of the city of Sheffield ;
it is high up in the hills — 1100 feet above sea-
level — near to some extensive moorlands. The
Orchids are in first-class condition, quite a pleasure
to inspect. The houses, which extend for more
than a quarter of a mile, and face due south, are
mostly span-roof structures, with a pathway down
the centre.
Odontuglos6uui ci'ispuni is represented by mine
12,000 plants, in a very unpretentious-looking struc-
ture. Included in this number are 6,000 imported
plants, commencing to grow vigorously. Some
Jult 3, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
experts prefer heart-shaped bulbs, as being likely to
produce the best varieties, and elongated ones are
rejected, but Mr. Gilmour's experience is, that a good
variety is as likely to be produced from one shape as
another. There was a quantity of plants of Odonto-
gloasum citrosmum ; amongst them I noticed the
pale variety 0. c. roseum, and another with large
deepest crimson, with lips from pale lemon to the
richest orange, and beautifully fringed ; there are no
fewer than 2000 of these iu the place. Amongst the
best of them were C. M. Reineckiana ; its flowers are
perfect in shape, with broad petals, and a broad
spreading lip, beautifully fringed ; the throat golden,
streaked with a shade of purple, the colour of
Fig. 1.— spiraea aroutax : flowers pure white.
flowers with very marked spotting on the petals.
In the same house were a handsome form of Odonto-
glossum luteo-purpureum, and a white form of
Cattleya Mcndeli. with a slightly tinged lip.
At the commencement of June, the plants of
Cattleya Mossia; filled a house 120 feet in length,
all the plants being then in flower, the majority
of them for the first time, and it would be diffi-
cult to pick out a really poor variety from the
lot. There were flowers ranging from white to the
the sepals and petals being very clear. Another
beautiful form was C. M. Wagneri, a snow-white
form, the plant in the best of health, and having
five leads. Cattleya citrina succeeds here, and Mr.
Gilmour remarked that it is liable to be injured by
excessive watering.
Of La;lia grandis tenebrosa there is a very promis-
ing lot, some of the specimens filling 18-inch pans.
L. tenebrosa magnifica was carrying six sheaths. In
passing I noticed numbers of plants of Cattleya
aurea hanging from the roof, and I was told that
there were 300 on the place. Of Miltouia Koozli
there was a very fine batch in flower, theu slightly
on the wane, the plants having been in flower
for nearly a month past. Cattleya Triansei is a
species that IB largely grown, and Mr. Gilmour
pointed out a fine plant of C. T. Schroderee alba,
which he believes to be the finest form of it in culti-
vation. There are Dendrobiums Wardianum by the
hundreds, which grow larger year by year. I
passed a vigorous lot of Odontoglossum grande, as
well as Oncidium varicosum Rogersii, and a good
collection of varieties of Dendrobium nobile, ic.
W. Harrow.
Ldddemannia Lehmanni.
A stout pendulous, dense raceme of this pretty
and rare species is sent bv Joseph Broome, Esq ,
Sunny Hill, Llandudno. The inflorescence bears
over fifty flowers, each 2 inches across, and of fle-hy
texture. The sepals are yellow, tinged with purplish-
red ; the narrower petals light orange, with a few
reddish spots on the basal halves, and the lip orange,
with a dark purple base. The flowers are strongly
aromatic, and the plant, with its heavy raceme pro-
ceeding from the bottom of the basket, must have
been a striking object. A fine variety of Cypripedium
caudatum Wallisii, a very distinct Cattleya MosBire,
with an almost wholly orange-coloured lip ; and
flowers of Loelia purpurata Brysiaua, L. p. alba, and
L. p. Russelliana, all excollent examples, are also
included. J. A.
SPHLEA ARGUTAx , Zabel.
The earliest of the flowering trees and shrubs were
this year fortunate in having warm and moist weather,
but no spring in recent years was more unfavourable
to the flowering of those that followed them. Among
other plants, the Spira'as suffered badly. Frosts by
night, and dry cold winds by day, prevented several
of the most beautiful varieties, such sb S. Van Houttei
and S. media, from opening their flowers. It says
much, therefore, for the hardiness of S. arguta that it
has nover been better than durirjg its last flowering
season. And when to that great merit is added its
undoubted superiority to all other early Spirccas in
beauty, it is clearly one that deserves to be brought
into general notice. It is as yet rare and but
little known, being of hybrid and comparatively
recent origin. The first mention of it occurs, I
believe, in the Berlin Garten Ztitung for 1884, p. 4'J4.
Its parentage is there given by Zabel as S. media x
S. multifiora '/, multiflora itself being a cross between
S. crenata and S. hypericifolia. There is, however, an
impression that S. Thunbergi shares in its origin.
It is of very graceful habit, its shoots being thin, wiry,
and arching. During April they are completely
covered on the upper side with compact clusters of
Mowers that are of the purest white. The leaves
appear after the flowers, and are 1 to 1 J inch long,
obovate, usually sparsely toothed, quite smooth, and
of a light but vivid green. There are now several
dozens of plants at Kew that have been raised by
means of layers from a single plant. This plant was
one of the first introduced to this country, and it
was from it that the branch here illustrated (fig. 1)
was cut. W. J. B.
Florists' Flowers.
LARGE BLUSH SOUVENIR DE LA MAL-
MAISON CARNATION.
This variety of Carnation, when grown in a pot,
does not afford a good idea of what can be attained
by liberal cultivation in a greenhouse border. Mrs.
Jeffreys has so cultivated a plant at Burkham House,
Alton. The plant has been in the border for four years,
and it is now i feet high and 3 feet wide, the foliage
of the glaucous colour one likes to see in a Carnation.
The gardener has cut from this plant fifty large
flowers, and there are dozens more still opening upon
it. Many persons write me to say that they cannot
THE GA RDE NEE S' CHE ONI CL E.
[July 3, 1897.
grow Malmaison Carnations, and wish to know the
reason. I have in my mind's eye one particular case,
bvit as I was sure it was owing to lack of care or
knowledge on the part of the cultivator, it will bo
enough for me to state how I found the plants on
inspection. They were staudiug out-of-doors at mid-
summer, on a gravel path in front of a vioery, in the
full sun, and to all appearance the soil was dry as
dust ; moreover, the flower-pots were Dot nearly
large enough. I presume this exposure was in-
tended to " harden off " the plants, and such
kind of treatment would do that with a vengeance.
Another gardener could not suqoeed, and his treatment
was the very opposite to that of the other ; he had
planted them out in a shady part of the garden in rich,
deep soil, with the result that ' ' spot " had set in viru-
lently. As a fact, no one can succeed in growing
Malmaison Carnations who does not attend to their
needs at the right time, and treat themthroughoutthe
year as greenhouse-plants. They may be placed out-of-
doors for part of the time in some districts, but not
in those that are cold and wet. I have placed them
out-of-doors when the flowering-period is over, i.e ,
about the end of June, until the middle or end of
September, but not in a very exposed position. I
have thought the plants benefited by this treatment
— but, upon the whole, I think, it is safer to have them
iu a light, airy greenhouse all the year round ; and eve n
when they are not in flower, a light shade is beneficial
in the hottest part of the day if bright— but full
ventilation is necessary.
I have houses of two sizes for my Carnations, but
both are span-roofed. The better house is that which
is 18 feet wide, and has a stage in the middle and
one at tho sides ; but I must say the plants do equally
well in the low house, which has a path running down
the middle, and only side stages — the plants are thin
brought near to the roof, the flowers almost touching
it. I have not as yet tried planting out, but Mrs.
Jeffreys' success at Alton almost tempts me to do
this. The cultivation of the plant in a pot has the
advantage of convenience. In hot summer, red-
spider causes much injury to the leaves, and aphis
only a little less. All the varieties require plenty
of rooting-space, a good, strong, one year old plant
needing an 8 inch pot ; and it is necessary to pot
firmly, and have well-drained pots, and to use a
compost consistiDgof good fibrous loam three quarters,
peat one-quarter, and one-quarter decayed manure.
An 8-inch pot is, in garden parlance, a 24 ; but they
are usually only 7£ inches in diameter at about
1 inch below the rim, and amateurs often make
mistakes in the sizes of pots. A well-known amateur
was instructed through his gardening paper to use so
much artificial manure to surface-dress a plant in a
12-inch pot. He measured round the outside
of the rim, and used it on a 48-size, and so
killed his plants. Another detail of culture is,
that the plants do not like an arid atmosphere,
therefore it should be avoided by sprinkling the paths
and the stages about mid-day in hot weather. Propa-
gation is effected either by cuttings or layering. The
cuttings or slips may be put on a frame with a alight
bottom-heat at any season of the year, and kept close
till roots form. Layering is done in July, and the
layers are taken off and potted up early in the
month of September. Besides the usual blush and
pink varieties of Souvenir de la Malmaison, those
raised by Mr. Martin R. Smith, of Hayes from
seed, aro quite a revelation in regard to colour
and form. There are amongst them the pure
white Nell Gwynne ; Lady Grimston, pinkish white,
marked with bright rose ; Prime Minister, scarlet ;
Tumpeter, bright crimson; Sir Evelyn Wood,
salmon-pink, striped bright red; Mrs. Everard
Hambro, oirmine-rose ; Sir Charles Freemautle, deep
rosy-pink ; Princess May, rich deep rose ; The
Churchwarden, bright crimson scarlet. J. V.
as the former appear, with the object of throwing all
the strength of the parent plants into the development
of the canes selected last March , and trained about
6 inches apart to strings twisted once round a series
of sticks stuck into the rows at short intervals. These
canes will produce fruit duringthe months of August,
September, and October — in fact, until cut down by
frost. A surface-dressing of short manure laid on
between the rows is beneficial, tending, as it does, to
increase the weight of the crop.
Management of SummerOrowths. — All kinds of fruit-
trees call for extra attention during this month and the
next in the matter of pinching and training the young
growths. Trees of the Peach, Nectarine, Fig, and
Morello Cherry require extra attention in this
respect, as the young shoots have to be kept thinned-
out, the points pinched out of those retained after
they have attained to a length of 18 inches or so,
these being laid in between the shoots of last year's
growth. Pears, Plums, and Sweet Cherries (on
walls) require similar treatment, as do also espalier
Pear3 and Apples. Standard and bush-formed trees
should have the points of the shoots pinched if un-
usually strong. Superfluous lateral growths should be
pinched hard back to one joint from the point of
issue. This will promote a balance of growth. Red
and white Currants, which are trained on walls
having a north aspect, should have the fore-right
shoots shortened, and the upright ones traiued over
the available space in the ordinary manner ; topping
shoots which are likely to draw the sap away from
the weaker ones, for the reason mentioned above.
Syringing Wall-trees. — Much good is dono by
syringing stone fruit-trees on walls about 6 r. M. on
sunny days, by freeing them from aphides and red-
spider. If these pests be abundant, tobacco-water at
the rate of one quart to four gallons of water, or the
XL All Insecticide at the rate of one to thirty parts
of water may be used, washing the trees with dear
water the next morning. All trees of Plums, Cherries,
and bushes of Currants, should bo kept free from
blight by the use of insecticides ; clear water or
liquid-manure (diluted) being afforded at the roots
with the intent to increase of vigour.
The Week's Work.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Autumn-bearing Raspberries. — Pull up, or cut down
with a Dutch-hoe all suckers which spring up from
the old etools of autumn-bearing Raspberries as soon
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
French Beans. — Seeds of French (Dwarf) and
Runner Beans may be sown, to succeed the earlier
Fowiugs when these become exhausted, or it is
desired to leave seedsof them for maturing. Without
selection, .'rigidly and constantly carried on amongst
vegetibles, high quality cannot be maintained, and
this is, as we well know, carefully carried out by our
leading nurserymen and seed-growers, although not to
the extent that it might be ; the result being, that some
of our once-famous stocks of diflerentkindsof vegetables
have dwindled out of cultivation to make place for
others not one whit better, these beiDg simply re-
selections. In the case of French and Runner Beans,
selection should be practised year by year, the
etraightest and longest pods being reserved from the
early sowings, allowed to ripen, and carefully dried
before storing them away. Beans sown at this date
should be given a warm, yet open and sunny position,
and a rich, well-tilled piece of land. Should the soil
be dry at the time of sowing, afford the drills a heavy
dose of water an hour or two previously. Those
Beans that are in bearing should be liberally sup-
plied with manure-water in dry weather, or the land
top-dressed and afforded water.
Beetroot. — If the Beetroot crops have failed, wholly
or partially and the seed laid long in the ground this
year before starting, a sowing should at once be made
of Pragnell's Exhibition, a quick-gro sing variety, pro-
ducing roots of a useful size even when the seed is sown
so late as July. Although a Beetroot plant may be
readily transplanted, the practice cannot be recom-
mended except filling up gaps in the rows ; the roots
rarely attaining to a useful sree, or having a good shape.
Turnip-rooted or Egyptian Beet comes in very quickly,
and where early sown it is fit now for salads. It is"
the best variety for sowing on shallow soils.
Planting Green Vegetables. — Push on with the
plmting of the Brassicas ; especially Brussels Sprouts
which should be got out in good time. A good breadth
of spring sown Cabbage, if planted at this season,
comes into use before the early Savoys are fit for table.
Continue to plant late-sown Cauliflowers, the Savoys,
Broccolis, Kales, &c. , as space can be found for them,
taking care when planting them on recently-dug
ground to trample or otherwise make it firm. Thn
applies especially to Broocoli, for which the land
cannot well be made too firm and hard. Afford
water to all green crops till well established, then
ply the boo frequently between the plants. If seeds
of Coleworts have not yet been sown, sow them
forthwith on an open piece of ground, which, if
poor, should be first well soaked with liquid-manure.
As soon as the plants are large enough, transplant
them on to well-prepared land at 1 foot apart.
These are most useful greens, that should be exten-
sively planted, coming in as they do at a time when
green vegetables are sometimes scaroe. Small sow-
ings of Lettuce, Endive, &c, should be made at
frequent intervals, but they will bo best if sown
thinly where they can remain, as unless the weather
is very favourable, transplantation in hot weather is
not very successful. Sow Radish seeds' every week
on a cool border, and water the beds well in dry
weather, doing this while the sun is shining on the
plants.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By P. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Fiijs. — In the early house the treeB carrying their
second crop of fruit, now swelling fast, will require
plenty of syringing with clear water, and an abundant
supply of water at the roots. Any neglect of these
points of culture will make the spread of red-spider
almost a certainty, and then, if these foes get a foot-
ing, they will soon begin to attack the fruits, causing
the so-called " rust." By using the syringe twice :i
day, and affording plenty of moisture at the root, red-
spider will be rendered innocuous. Weak growths
should be rubbed off, and those that remain tied-in
a? they grow, just keeping the points of the shoots
from touching the glass.
SucMision Fig-houses. — The fruits on the trees are
ripening, and the plants should be kept dryer at the
root, till all of the fruits are gathered, not, however,
letting the soil get very dry, or the fruit will be
small and not finish as it should do. Afford air freely
whenever the weather is favourable, a little even at
night being left on if the fruits exude juice. The
second crop of fruits on these trees should be thinned
to two on a shoot. Later trees will require attention
in the matter of tying, taking care that the shoots do
not become so crowded as to exclude the sunlight.
All second-crop fruits showing on these trees should
be rubbed off, it being now too late for these to come
to perfection.
Cherries and Plums. — Most of the fruits of the
former under glass will have been gathered ero this,
and all trees that are grown in pots should be placed
outside, and planted-out trees kept very cool. Remove
surplus shoots, loosely tie the remaining ones to the
trellis, and afford the trees a heavy syringing twice a •
week and plenty of moisture at the root, so as to keep
■tho leaves fresh for as long a time as possible. Plums
require a longer season to mature iheiv fruits, and a
good deal of care should be taken of them, especially
not to let them lack water at the roots, but examining
them twice a day as to the state of the soil. The
growths that are likely to run away must be checked
by pinching out the points, and the terminal shoots
of trees on trellises should be tied In ; and when the
allotted space is filled, the points of these may also
be pinched out. If slugs give trouble, tio a bunch of
cotton-wool round the stems and uprights, and put a
few Cabbage leaves about; they do not like crossing
the wool, and may be caught at night on the leaves.
The Strawberry, — Preparation for layering should
now be made, especially of the early varieties. I like
to layer them straight into the fruiting-pots ; as
although this entails a little more trouble at first, it
is well repaid, as once the roots get hold of the
soil tho plants go away; without check, while
another advantage of this method is that they do not
require nearly bo much attention in the matter of
affording water — a point of consideration in the busy
season. The only drawback is, that in a wet season
the soil is likely to become soured before the roots
get properly into it, but this does not often happen.
See that the pots and crocks are clean, and that the
potting compost is got iu readiness and placed under
cover. Choose for this purpose three-quarters friable
loam, roughly broken, one-quarter lime-rubble, and
about a 4 .V inch potful of soot to every barrow-load, a
little freBh finely broken-up Mushroom-dung being an
assistance if the loam be not rich. I like to do with-
out this last, if possible, as it is apt to decay, and get
washed out of the soil by the water and rain, leaving
the soil too porous. Fasten the runners on with pe"s
of Birch or bracken, in preference to stones, &c.
July 3, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By Q. H. Maycoctc, Gardener, Luton BToo Park, Luton.
Carnation Souvenir de la Malmaison. — Layering
rrjay now commence, bringing the operation to a close
'•quickly in order that the layers, when -rooted, may
have time to become well established in pots befoYe
winter. I prefer to do the layering in frames which
have been in use for forcing Potito3, Carrot?, &c. ,
these containing a good body of; soil into which the
plants can be turned out of the pots, the layering
being carried on as the work proceeds. In layering
this variety, the upward cut should, not be "made long,
say aboiit 1 inch,' and' the incision- should be kept
open when pegging the layer down in the soil. An
inch deep of ' the latter above the layered joint is
enough,, the mould to be use! in covering it being
passed through a sieve with an ijr-inch mesh. At
the end of the job, afford the plants , layers, and. all a
good watering , and close the lights. The layered
plants are the better for a slight amount of shading
for a week or two, but on no account should the
frame be kept close or stuffy, and only healthy
shoots should be" layered.
Work in General. — The various plants which are in-
tended to flowerduring the winter should receivo close
attention, hot being allowed to suffer lack of water at
the roots ; those which have hired the soil with mots
being plunged in coal-ashes. Let staking and- tyiug be
done betimes, or shoots may be broken oil' and liiany
a nice plant disfigured : and carry on a constant war
with the insects which infest the plants, making an
effort to clear them of the pests before they have
increased in numbers greatly. Those Bouvardias
which were treated as previously advised, and are
now growing strongly, may be stopped in so far as
regards the stronger shoots, and some thinning-out
may be called for, as well as additional space afforded
the plants. Primulas will require their final potting,
afterwards to be plunged up to the rims of the
pots in cocoa-nut-fibre refuse in a cold frame,
with their leaves near the glass, and shaded
from strong sunshine. The plants of Eucharis of
various species should be cleaned with an insecticide
and water, in case mealy-bug should be present, and
the pots containing them, it sometimes happening
that mealy-bugs are found under the rims of the
pots. Let the plants of Eucharis be placed in such
a position that each is easily reached with a syringe
which should bo now used twice a day. Sow in boxes
feeds of Campanula pjramidalis, C. p. alba, and C.
Medium (Canterbury Balls) ; the seedlings will flower
next year. Cockscombs and Celosias are liable to be
infested with red-spider, and if syringing them with
rain-water does not clear the plants of these pests,
lay the pots on their sides, and employ a mixture
of " Fir-tree oil " in water. Let these plants be
repotted before the roots get pot-bound. Young
plants of Euphorbia cocciuea and E. pulcherrima
should now be in active growth, and checks of
all kinds should be avoided, such as that brought
about by abrupt changes in the temperature which
causes the plants to lose their lower leaves ; and do
not crowd them together. Zonal Pelargoniums stand-
ing in pans, and intended for winter blooming, should
be stoo 1 at a sufficiently wide distance apart that the
air can circulate freely amongst theto. Cut off the
blossoms early, and afford the plants clear soot-watejr
once a week.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. Whiir, Oi-chid Grower, B irford, Dorking.
Oypripciliums. Besides those plants mentioned in
my Calendar of last week, there are some'others which
have finished floweriug for the season, viz., Cypri-
pedium Stonei, C. Lawrenceanum, C. barbatum, C.
Swanianum x , C. Rothschildianum, C. Curtisii, C.
Eorayle x , C. Lcbaudyanum x , C. Hookerre, C. cilio-
lare, C. selligerom majusx,C. Eleanor x , C. super-
ciliare x , C. grande x , C. Sedeci, C. leucorhodum x ,
C. macrochilurn x , C. Druryi, C. Dayanum, C.
Schroderaa, ccc, which, beginning to grow soon after
flowering, it is prudent to examine in order to
ascertain if additional rooting space be needed. If
vigorous specimens are desired, the plants should not
remain in a pot-bound condition. When re-potting,
care must be taken not to injure the points of the
young roots, as many of these are in active growth.
The plants should be afforded just as much space as
will allow for them to make two seasons' growth. The
pots should contain clean crocks for one third of their
depth, and as a compost some fibry peat, sphagnuni-
moss, and crocks, mixed well together. Th's should
be put firmly about the roots, but not so that water
cannot rapidly pa*s away. Place the re-potted plants
On the shady-side of the East India-house, and for a
few weeks afterwards let the compost be kept merely
moist, although re-established plants will require
abundance of water. Cypripediums of all kinds
should be examined occasionally for the mischievous
yellow thrips which secrete themselves in the axils of
the leaves. It helps to keep these insects in check, and
is beneficial to the plants if a slight dewing overhead
with a fine syringe be afforded at closing-time on
warm days. It is not good practice to syringe such
'plants as C. Stonei, C. Rothschildianum, C. Jacvi-
'gitum, C. pbilippinense, C. Parishi, C. Sander-
lanum, C. exul, C. pnustans, C: Lowi( C. Haynald-
iauum, C. Lebau'dyanum x j aud C, Sandero-selli-
gerum x , the water remaining low down in the centre
of the growths, and in the axils of the leaves, and
causing decay.
Dcndrochilnm. — By this time Dendrochilum (Platy-
clinia) glumaceum will have made up its growth, and
should be removed from the warm-house, and placed
whore the temperature is intermediate, affording the
plants but little water at the root till growth has
begun. The thin leaves of this plant should be
frequently' cleaned with a sponge and soapy water,
in order to rid them of red-spider.
Tem.pefatuA'ei. — With such warm weather as has
prevailed during the past week, scarcely any tire-heat
will be needed. In the East Indian-house tin- hot
water-pipes should by night be made only just luke-
warm ; and artificial heat in the Cattleya-house will
not be needed at night if the inside temperature
keeps at (S0°. Should, however, the external air be
damp and chilly, it will be advisable to make the
water pipes luke-warm. otherwise the young growths
of some species of Cattleya or Lrelia may decay. A
chiuk of air should be left on the top and bottom
ventilators on warm nights. The Odontoglossum-
house must be freely ventilated at all times, and the
atmosphere kept well charged with moisture, except
for a few hours during the middle of the day.
Keep the plants well shaded so long as the sun
shines up an the roof, an I afford water only to
those that are dry. On span-roofed houses, fully
exposed to the suu all day, we find it beneficial to
supplement the lattice-wood blinds with ordinary
garden mats, placiug these upon the glass so that a
current of air passes between them and the blinds ;
by this means the inside temperature is kept G° or 7°
lower than that outside. When the sun is powerful,
it is an advantage to syringe the mats several times
during the day. In my experience, the Odoutoglos-
sums when exposed to the sunlight admitted through
the lattice-wood blinds become red in the leaf, and the
foliage does not last nearly so long as if it maintained
a fresh green appearance. If these red-tinted leaves
do not always fall off during the summer months,
they do so as soon as fire-heat becomes a necessity.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Herriv. Gardener, Drupmore, Maidenhead.
Spring Bedding-plants. — The preparation of spiiug
bedding plants for next season should be carried mi
from the present time as opp irtunity offers. Cut-
tings of the under-mentioned plants will stiike
readily, if inserted in moderately light soil, surfaced
with a little sand, and covered with a frame or hand-
light. If these can be placed on the north side of a
wall or high fence, less shading will be required, and
in the cooler position roots will form very readily
in tho event of the weather being hot and dry.
Pausies and Violas of all kinds may lie struck now
for replanting the beds in the autumn. Cerastiums,
Alyssum saxatile, Arabis in varietv, Aubrietias, and
varieties of the double-flowered Wallflower may be
struck where propagation by cuttings is carried out.
Double Daisies and Myosotis, that were laid in tem-
porarily previousiy to bedding out, should now be
lifted aud pulled into small pieces, each with its bit
of root, which, if planted firmly in rather light soil, in
a shaded or partially shaded position, such as a west
or north border affords, they will make good plants by
autumn, without the aid of frames or transplanting.
During dry weather they will require to be frequently
watered, until partially established. Several useful
spirng bedding plants may also be easily raised
from seeds to be sos-n forthwith, namely, Afyosotis
dissitiflora, M. d. alba, M. alpestris, and M. alpes-
tris Victorhe, Silene pendula, and S. p. alba.
Candytufts, and Saponaria calabrica, pink and
white, should be sown a little later. Nemophila
insignia is a useful spring- flowering plant, and if seed
be sown towards the end of August, either broadcist,
or thinly in drills, strong plants' for putting into the
beds in October are obtained.
Bulbs. — Tulip aad other bulbs removed from the
flower-beds and laid in temporarily to ripen off should
be lifted and placed on shelves in some open shed
until dry, to be cleaned and stored as soon as an
opportunity occurs. Where borders are devoted to
Daffodils', and the bulbs require lifting and re-planting,
this should be done as soon as the tops have quite died
down, which is the case already with some varieties.
For general garden culture it is not necessary to lift these
bulbs aunually, about every three or four years being
sufficiently oft^n, unless it is desire 1 to increase the
stock. The bulbs after lifting should be laid out thinly
in a cool store to dry, and be afterwards looked over,
and the largest and best selected for replanting, which
should be done during this month. The smaller
bulbs should be planted together in another part of
tho garden, or put out thinly on the margins of the
shrubberies, and in semi-wild positions.
Hamcn eltgans is frequently used in flower-garden
arrangements, where as a central plant to a small
bed, or placed at intervals over a larger one, in con-
junction with a carpeting of other bedders, it is very
effective, and continues to be so for most of the season.
To raise plants for using in the beds next l ear, seeds
should now be sown. Some care is required in sow-
ing the seeds, and they should be very lightly covered
with fine soil. Sow in a pan of light soil, and place
in a cold frame, and keep shaded uutil the seedlings
appear.
Roses. — We are now in the middle of the Rose
seas m, and notwithstanding much green-fly, and tho
ravages of the maggot, the Bupply of good flowers
promises to be quite equal, if not better than in
the last two years. Standard Briars for buddiug
should be looked over occasionally, and any surplus
shoots removed, leaving two of the strongest and
best placed for budding.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
" Artificial '■' Increase, or Dividing Colonies. — A
mania seems to have seized many of thosa keeping
bees for increase of colonies otherwise than by natural
swarming, if my correspondeno is any criterion to
go by, for at no time in my bee-keeping-life have I had
so many inquiries in regard to this matter as during the
pist three months ; therefore, to save so much private
correspondence, I will give some of the plans which
I use successfully, even though it is to quite a
large extent matter whic'i 1 have given before.
But before doing so, I wish to say that for thii
locality (Berks) I prefer natural swarming to
any plan of artificial iuerease when only one
swarm is allowed from each old colony, and where
the said swarm will issue in time to prepare both
old and new colonies in good condition for the honey
harvest. The first plan I will give for artificial
increase is what is termed by Borne as the '' nucleus
plan.'' To be of the most value the nucleus should
be ■• forced " eighteen or twenty days before the honey-
harvest by having enough bees in it to protect a
frame tiro-thirds full of brood, the larger part of
which should hitch during the first four or five days,
while the said comb should if possible contain some
eggs, just laid,. Besides this frame of brood and bees,
the nucleus should contain a frame having a pound or
two of honey in it, the whole being set in a hive
and confined to one s:de of the same by means of
a division board. The next day after making, a
nearly- mature queen cell should be given, or a
newly-hatehed queen introduced. In about ten days,
if all proves favourable, the young queen will he
laying, when I go to the hive from which I formed the
nucleus, and select a frame of brood, nearly all of
which are gnawing out of the cells, and add this to
the uuc'ons, always putting a frame of comb or comb-
foundation into the old colony, to take the place of
the one taken out, otherwise too much drone comb will
be built, for colonies that are allowed to build comb
under these conditions nearly always build drone
comb. I now wait four or five days, when I go to
the old colony and take out four frames of brood, from
which all the bees were shaken as they were from the
last-named frame, and carry them to the nucleus.
I now fill each hive with empty comb or comb-
foundation, and put on the surplus arrangement. By
the above method, eich colony is made of about
equal strength, and the brood is so taken out of the
hive, that the coloay has no desire to swarm.
The old colony will hive the m ist field bees for the
first week or so, but the other will soon mike t1 e
stronger colony of the two.
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jolt 3, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLI8HER.
Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
Lvtters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
iflOUld be WRITTEN ON ONE 61DB ONLY OF THE PAPER,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee oj good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay Jot any contributions, or to return unused com-
mvnications or illustrations, unless by s%<ecial arrangement.
APPOINTMENTS FOR JULY,
fSoctete Franviise d' Horticulture,
London.
Isle of Wight Horticultural Asso-
ciation.
National Amateur Gardeners' \sso-
ciaticn ; Exhibition in the Royal
Botanic Gardens.
Horticultural and Rose Show* at
| Glasgow, Leeds, Hitch in, Tuu-
WEDNE3DAY, July 7 bridge Wells, and Reigate.
I County Borough of Hanley Horti-
\ cultural Ftte (2 days).
, Durham, Northumberland, and
Newcastle Botanical and Horti-
cultural Society's Exhibition
THURSDAY, July 3\ (3 days).
| Rose and Horticultural Shows at
Bath, Harrow, Woodbridge, Glou-
cester, and Farningham.
( Rose Show In the Botanic Gardens,
SATURDAY, July 10 < Manchester.
y Royal Butauic Society, Meeting.
I Wolverhampton Horticultural
Show and FSte (:■< days)
Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
mittees.
SATURDAY, Ji-ly Jt-
JCLY 13-
TIIURSDAY, July
SATURDAY,
WEDNESDAY,
July
/""National Rose Society's Show at
. .1 Norwich.
J | Helensburgh Horticultural and
I Rose Show.
,,yNew Brighton Horticultural and
1(\ Rose Show.
July 21 — Beckenham Horticultural Show.
THURSDAY, July 22
rTrentham and Hanford Hurticul-
, J tural Society's Show.
TUESDAY, July 2'
| Palterhcbble and District (Halifax)
I, Rose Show.
/Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
mittees.
j Tibi-helf Horticultural and Rose
t Show.
(Chester Horticultural Fete f? days).
td I? ivKTiPQ-n i v t t ,- -- c I Cams ti( m and Picotee Society's
WLDJNliSDAX, jLLY-b 8hQw at Edgba3tOD Gardens,
^ Birmingham.
(Liverpool Horticultural Associa-
SATURDAT, July 31-
tion's Show (2 days).
1 Royal Horticultural Society of
\ Southampton Show.
SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY,
TRl'AY,
) Imported and Established Or-
chi 1b at Protheroe & Morns'
Rooms.
{Impmted and Established Or-
chids, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Average Temper-.tur c for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations ot Forty-three years, at ChiBwick. — 63 2°.
Actual Temperatures : —
London.— June 30 : Max., 7(5" ; MIn., 60°.
Provinces.- June 3' (6 p.m.): Max., 76°, at York;
Mio., &lw, Aberdeen.
Two subjects frequently trouble
,he0rchldtS°f the mind of the Orchid cultiva-
tor. One, the fact that certain
Orchids, after a deceitful period of apparent
vigour, gradually die off, and the other is the
enquiry whether or not manure is requisite in
Orchid culture. The two subjects are evidently
co-related. Orchids may be " air-plants,"
requiring such food as may be derived from
water and air in combination with light, but
they would be quite unlike all other green-
leaved plants if they did not requiro something
more than this in tho shape of nutritive matter
derived from the soil. What part bacteria or
similar organisms play in Orchid life has not,
so far as we know, been determined, but in all
probability some of these have, as in other
plants, the power of rendering the nitrogenous
compounds in the soil available for nutritive
purposes, lie this as it may, there is a distinct
need for further information on the mode ot
existence and the life requirements of Orchids.
This has led to somo experiments on Cattleyas,
the results of which are given in the Compies
Eendus for June 8. With a view to determine
the cause of the gradual degeneration that
takes place in some Cattleyas, MM. Alex.
Hebert and G. Truffaut hit upon the ex-
pedient of analysing Cattleyas at the time of
importation, and after some years when de-
generation had set in. They took note also of
the fact that the production of flowers is an
exhaustive process, and that little is done to
compensate for the loss.
The result of these experiments shows that
Cattleyas when degenerate contain less dry
matter, organic substances, nitrates, and ash.
Amongst these elements, diminution isevidentin
the amount of potash, lime, magnesia, and
phosphoric acid — that is to say, in the principal
fertilising elements. The Cattleyas were grown
in a soil almost destitute of fertilising matter,
and their weakness is attributable to the produc-
tion of the flowers for which they were cultivated.
To verify this the experimenters proceeded
to analyse the flowers, and discovered what
amount of loss of fertilising elements these
plants sustair.od as a consequence of flowering.
It may be said that the organic matter of tho
flowers contains a considerable quantity of
nitrogen, and that tho ashes are particularly
lich in potash, lime, magnesia, and phosphoric
acid ; the dwindling of Cattleyas in respect of
these elements is therefore explained very
clearly in this way, the results plainly showing
that degeneration of these plants is attributable
to the exhaustion ciused by the production of
flowers.
From the standpoint of practical horticulture
we may conclude from this investigation that
Cattleyas should receive, to counteract this
degeneration, a mixture of suitable manures,
containing nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash,
lime, and magnesia.
Mr. Smee has also treated the same subject
in a letter addressed to the Chairman of tho
Orchid Committee, which will appear in our
next issue.
The Decorations at Buckingham Palace.
— Favoured with an invitation to witness the various
decorations in the gardens at Buckingham Palace on
the occasion of the garden party given by the Qoeen
on Monday, June 28, we were enabled to view the
various methods employed by Mr. Owen Thomas,
the Head Gardener at Windsor Castle, in deco-
rating the Queen's reception tent, the Princess
of Wales' tent, and the several buffets ercctod under
canvaB whence refreshments were dispensed to the
guests, numbering, we were informed, about 5,000.
On the terrace was a long apartment, constructed of
canvas, of Appropriate colour, white and red, in
stripes, and this on the sido facing the buffet was
decorated with a grand plant of Areca Bausei, 12 feet
iu height, surrounded at the foot with Hydrangeas,
Caladiums, and other plants. Standing against the
wall of tho Palace were ten plants of Cocos
in paira, each about 15 feet high, surrounded
with smaller marking groups of Caladiums,
&c. This apartment, with its decoration lit up
by electricity would have a good effect. An ante-
room, also improvised for the occasion, was close by,
and had an ottoman, the middle portion of which
htl 1 a big bed of an Ivy-leaved Pelargonium-
Souvenir de Harry Turner — that afforded a nice
effect, with its bright roBy-red flowers, and a fine
plant of Dracaena Lindcni in the middle of the
arrangement. The corners and the doorways in this
apaitment were flanked and fille.l, as the ca-e called
for, with tall Palms aud flowering plants. Tho
Queen's permanent te:jt, which is placed on the
green sward on the west side of the Talace,
wai enlivened by outside groups standiug
to the right and left of the entrance. We noticed
in these groups Rhodanthe Manglesii, and yellow Mar-
guerites in broad bands, then there came Hydrangeas
white and pink ; Lilies, and some Palms towards the
back part. The Maple planted by the Qulen on that
day stands at about 50 yards from this tent. The
Princess of Wales' tent was a circular one, orna-
mented with a round group in the middle, in which
Pelargoniums, Hydrangeas paniculata and others,
Crotons, Kalosanthes coccinea, and Ferns playod tho
chief rdle. Plants of Clerodendron Balfouriana in
flower, trained fanwise, were placed at the sides, with
choice flowering subjects arranged in front of them.
The Queen's marquee was of great size, aud erected
with closed ends and side, one side being left open.
It was approached by a Btep or two stretching ,'don^
the entire length of the open side, and contained
groups of plants in the corners, each being backed
by plants of Clerodendron Balfouriana in flower. The
groups consisted of Dracaenas with beautiful coloured
leaves, Crotons, Kalosauthes, Hydrangeas, Cannas,
Liliumspecio3um,Pc-largouiurns,andHoteia,whichgave
very rich colour effects. From the roof hung pendent*
of Ro?es arranged as globes, supported by festoons of
Rosea. The central group stood against the side of the
marquee, and was, if anything, richer than the other
in colour of flower and leaf, and iu variety of the
fine plants employed. We remarked Hicbardia Pent-
landi, its rich yellow spa'.he contrasting with reds and
scarlets of Pelargoniums, Cannas, Rhodanthe, the
white Antirrhinum, The Bride Gladiolus, and
Hydrangea paniculata. Coleus and Roses were used
with good effect, the latter very profusely as pot plants,
to form the encircling border. A bouquet of choicest
Orchid blooms stood on each of the four tables. The
entrance to this splendid marquee was suitably flankc d
with large groups of plants, including, among numerous
species and varieties of foliage plants, some grand
examples of Cycads and Palms. Four rows of Roses
in beautiful flower eucircled each of these groups.
LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— The next session of the
society will commence on Thursday, November J, at
8 p.m. A report of the meeting held on Thursday,
June 17, will be found on p. 11.
The Post of Head Gardener at Wel-
BECK ABBEY. — The Duke of Pokti. and has appointed
Mr. J. Roberts, formerly gardener to the late Baron
Lionel De Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park, as head
gardener at Welbeck Abbey in place of Mr. Horton,
who is retiring. Mr. Roberts kept tho fruit and
other departments at Gunnersbury in such condition
that it is doubtful if the charge of Welbeck could
havo been confided to a more able man.
The Newcastle Summer Flower Show,
which will take place on the 8th, 9th, and 10th ioBt. ,
is to be held in the Recreation Ground. Valuable
prizes are offered for Roses (including a special
Victorian prize), and for table decorations, &c.
ISLE OF Wight. — .V number of the members of
the East Cowes Horticultural Society visited by
invitation, on June 23, the rosary belonging to Mr.
Lee- White, president of ihe society. Mr. White
grows upwards of 000 plants, and this year, for the
second time in succession, he has won the challenge cup
offered by the Island Rose Society. Mr. S. Heaton,
horticultural instructor, afterwards £ave a lecture on
the cultivation of the Tomato.
List of Seeds for Exchange.— From the
Botanic Gardens, Sydney, Mr. J. II. Maiden, tho
Director, issues a list of seeds available for exchange.
It is the first catalogue of the sort sent out from these
gardens, and includes, not only seeds therein ripened,
but those of indigenous species collected from uncul-
tivated plants. The Director hopes that a larger list
will be forthcoming in future seasons.
H: Jolt 3, 1897.]
THE GAR DE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
FlO. 2. — THE ROYAL ORCHID BOUQUET, DELIVERED TO THE QUEEN AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE, OX JUBILEE DAY.
(The Bowers were supplied ljy Messrs. Sander & Co., and the bouquet was arranged by Messrs. Wills & Segar. See p. 420, in our last issue.)
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 3, 1897.
" HOOKER'S ICONES PLANTARUM."— The second
part of the 6th vol. (May, 1897), has lately been
issued. It is devoted mainly to plants of botanical
interest selected from the Kew herbarium. Of
Bulb;ne mesembryanthemoides (tab. 2528), a Lilia-
ceous plant from South Africi. It is stated that the
" two swollen leaves lie almost underground, and at
the flowering stage have almost always lost by
desiccation such pait as protrudes into the hot
pulsating karoo atmosphere. The underground part
is alive and green, the ragged brown projecting tips
are quite dead." Pentzia virgata, a South African
Composite, is a valuable fodder plant in dry hot
countries Euphorbia grandicornis is a tall growing
shrub, with thickened vertically ribbed and trans-
versely constricted branches beset with long stout
spines. Kew.
Royal Purveyors of Seeds.— We are in-
formed that Messrs. Dickson & Robinson of
Manchester, seed merchants to H.M. The Queen,
have just had the additional honour conferred
upon them of being appointed seed merchants to
H.R.H. The Phince of Wales.
National Chrysanthemum Society.— The
annual outing of this society will take place on
Monday, July 19, 1897. The programme includes
a railway journey to Henley, which is reached at
10.55, then embarkation on lauuches at the Royal
Hotel Landing Stage, and a journey made on the
river to Greenlands ; then dinner, followed by a trip
down the river ; tea, and return from Henley to
London at 9.40. The train leaves Paddington at
9.32. Further particulars can be obtained from Mr.
R. Dean, Kanelagh Road, Ealing.
Hailstorms in the Home Counties.— We
hear of considerable injury being caused by hail in
Essex, Herts, and Bedfordshire, to farm and garden
crops. Some of the extensive market growers in
those counties have suffered severely, roofs of glass-
houses and dwelling-houses haviug been penetrated by
the hailstones, which were of considerable size. Our
correspondent, Mr. Maycock, of Luton Hoo Gardens,
one of the places visited by the storm, and whose
glasshouse resisted the hail, brought specimens of
plants and young wall-fruits. Pears, &c., ruined [by
hailstone. His Chrysanthemums, which had made
their first " break," have every point broken off, and
nearly every leaf stripped from the stems. He
possessed 1200 fine plants, not one of which is likely
to be of any service as a decorative or show plant this
year. Pea and Potato haulm, Lettuce, Strawberry
foliage, young Broccoli, &c, have all been so de-
foliated and bruised as to be quite spoiled. Although
these storms do not usually extend over very large
areas, we fear that the loss in gardens in the districts
visited will be very great. (See also p. 9 in the
present issue.)
Messrs. John Sharpe & Son's Employes
Outing.— The cmployh of Messrs. Sharpe & Son,
of Bardney, were, at the invitation of Mr. W. H.
Sharpe, invited to spend Monday, June 28,atSutton-
on-Sea, and a very pleasant day was spent by the
party.
Another Tomato Disease.— Some of our cor-
respondents in Scotland, whose iuitials only we give,
write : — " We have taken the liberty of sending you
by post today a box containing four and a half
Tomatos which were pulled on the evening of Friday,
the ISth ult, from a lot which seemed to be all
going in the same way. The plants are fully 6 feet
high, and are showing plenty of fruit ripe and unripe.
So far as we can see, there is no appearance of disease
or decry in the Btems or on the leaves, and they are
grown in wooden boxes with the best of soil. The
two large fruits, when pulled last night, were showing
a slight discoloration ; this morning the discoloured
parts havo given way, as you will see. The half fruit,
when pulled, was, to all appearance, perfectly sound,
but in the centre you wi'l observe a sort of core, with
a growth. The two small fruits were pulled at the
same time from other plants. The plants have been
grown in a very high temperature, but with ho side
ventilation, and Tomato-plants have been grown for
years in tho same house and under the same con-
ditions without any sort of disease having shown
itself, and we shall feel greatly obliged if you can
give us any idea of the cause of this, and the cure.
The fact that the plants are in perfect health to all
appearance, has puzzled us, and we hope that you,
from your great experience, will be able to solve the
mystery. They were grown at a high elevation,
and in Scotland we have had a cold and sunless
spring. A. O." Our authority on fungus diseases of
plants writes as follows, after an examination of the
fruits, &c. : — " The disease is caused by Bacteria, and
is very contagious, consequently fruits showing the
least sign of disease should be gathered and burned.
The disease is more general on the Continent than in
this country. No cure is possible when the fruit is
once attacked."
THE LATE Dr. R. HOGG.— At a representative
meeting of horticulturists held at the Horticultural
Club on the 15th ult., it was resolved that a subscrip-
tion should be entered into for the purpose of
defraying the cost of a die for a medal to be
presented to the lioyal Horticultural Society, and
from which medals could be struck and given for fruit
under certain conditions, somewhat in the same
way as the Banksian Medal. Mr. Harrison Weir
kindly undertook to make a design for the obverse
of the medal, the other side being a portrait of Dr.
Hood. A circular will be issued shortly for the pur-
pose of obtaining the necessary funds ; subscriptions
not to exceed one guinea, and smaller sums will be
thankfully accepted. These may in the meantime be
sent if desired to Mr. Harry J. Veitch, who has
kindly consented to be chairman of the committee,
or to the Rev. H. Honywood D'0-mbrain, who will
act as secretary.
Paraffin - Naphthalene Emulsion. — The
paragraph on this dressing for Hops and fruit trees,
published in our last issue, is, as the patentee states in
a letter received by us, a specification of his German
Patent 88,566, IS96, a replica of his English patent,
13,201, 1895. This being the case, readers of the
Gardeners' Chronicle should be warned not to infringe
the patent rights, which are vested in an English
firm. An arrangement ha3 been made by which all
residents in the administrative counties of Kent and
Surrey cau make any of the washes covered by the
(latent for their own use, and any such persons who
apply to tho South-Eastern Agricultural College, Wye,
near Ashfoi'd, will receive full particulars for pre-
paring the washes successfully. It has only been
introduced to Hop-growers so far, and its superiority
as a general wash for garden and greenhouse plants
will shortly be brought before the gardening world.
Home Correspondence.
reducing the height of tree-ferns.— Mr.
Baxter has overlooked the principal point in my letter.
I said that in their native countries they could be
cut off at any height, and the top, if planted, would
grow at once. I should not hesitate to treat any
Tree-fern in this way, and should have no fear of the
result. We cut 12 inches Off ours, not because we
dare not cut more, but because by so doing we keep
the plant at the exact height we want. If there was
any doubt as to the result, we should bind the stem
round with moss, and keep this damp, until the roots
had grown enough to make it safe to amputate.
2Vios. Fletcher, GrappenhM, Cheshire.
STRAWBERRY BEARING TRAINS TO EDINBURGH.
—I happened to be at the Waverley Station last
Saturday morning about 8 a.m., aud saw the second
special Strawberry-train run in from Kent. It con-
sisted of twenty carriages, almost wholly freighted
with Strawberies in small baskets with cross-handles,
containing nearly two quarts each. The entire plat-
form near the special was crowded with these and
other fruit-baskets aud punnets, consigned mostly to
a few of the wholesale fruit-dealers of Edinburgh,
being the second special on one morning. I took
the trouble to look round again later, aud
found that the whole of the Strawberries had dis-
appeared before mid-day. One or more Straw-
berry specials come in every morning ; the fruit
arriving in superb condition. Glasgow, Aberdeen,
Dundee, and other towns have also their Strawberry
specials ; and later on the current of commerce will
be reversed, and the granite city and district will
send Strawberries in special trains to London,
Manchester, &c. Those of us who have been
advocating for years the marketing of fruits
in small quantities, thus linking producers and con-
sumers as closely and promptly together as possible —
are abundantly satisfied with these special Strawberry-
trains filled with small lots. The baskets, made of
peeled Willows, are strong and clean, and greatly
strengthened by their handles of peeled Willows
going across and under them. They are filled with
fruit, without a leaf under, at the sides, or over
them, and oovered with sheets of water-proof paper,
on which is boldly printed the names of the
consignees. I have just purchased, unpacke I,
and helped to consume one of these baskets
of Sir J. Paxton Strawberries that arrived by the
fruit special this morning. There was hardly
a stain on the basket, aud the quality excellent
throughout. Purchasers are charged sixpence on
these baskets, to be repaid in full if returned to
the wholesale or ether dealers. Thousands of baskets
are returned every night whence they came, and in such
cleanly condition as to be ready for immediate use
This express collection and cheap carriage of empties,
and the cheap returnable boxes, initiated and so sue ,
cessfully carried through by tho Great Eastern Rail-
way in the south, are satisfactory circumstances.
Hitherto, and in almost all directions, returned
empties have proved a dead weight on trade and
commerce. But if baskets and boxes are cheapened
to the lowest possible limit consistent with strength,
security, and cleanliness, returned empties will
become a trouble of the past. D. T. F. , Jun e 29.
MONARCH STRAWBERRY. — I planted a few
runners of this variety last October, and they have
exceeded my expectations. The plants are robust in
growth, and they have produced an enormous crop for
the first year, some of the fruits scaling 2 oz. I planted
them by the side of Royal Sovereign aud Noble, aud
gathered fruits from all three varieties upon the same
day. This Strawberry is likely to be very popular
in the South of England, as it will travel to Glasgow
as well as Royal Sovereign will travel to London.
In fact, there is very little difference in the fruit when
it is two days old, which isan invaluable desideratum.
Kent.
EARLY-FRUITING STRAWBERRIES— In directing
attention to some of the varieties of the Strawberry
which possess leaves with short petioles, few of your
readers resident in England would assume that 1 was
not well aware that open-air plants south of the
Tweed bloomed earlier than iu the North, or that I
had any intention of depreciating such a splendid
Strawberry as Royal Sovereign, or other of Laxton's
Seedlings, Veiteh's Perfection, &c. But examining a
group of Strawberries in the same garden, on the
same day, I simply noted the fact that the Princess
of Wales and Queen of Denmark were abreast of
Garibaldi, the Prince of Wales forming a good third
to the other two seedlings, and that all three varieties
had smallish leaves, and short and slender leaf-stalks,
which are valuable characteristics for early forcing.
Of course, where space under glass is virtually un-
limited (a rather rare occurrence even now, and
wholly unknown in my early career), the size of the
leaves and length of the leaf-stalks would be of less
moment ; but in niOBt Strawberry-pits and houses,
the shorter, more compact, and horizontal the foliage,
the more, the finer, richer coloured, and higher-
flavoured the fruit. And hence. experienced growers
in search of improved varieties, having satisfied them-
selves as to quality, are next careful to learn the
hab'.t and height of the vaiietles, that they may
gather most fruit of the highest quality in the least
time from the smallest area. I>. T. F.
ROSES. — Why should the claims of fragrance in
Roses be considered such a minor point of import-
ance, and be lefc without any systematic referenco in
most catalogues and by most writers .' Whereas
thore may be one lover among a hundred of this
popular flower who exhibits, and therefore ignores
fragrance, there are ninety-nine, or say 999 among
11100, who admire varieties on account of their rela-
tive fragrance. I raise my voice for the hundreds
and thousands unrepresented in horticulture, to say
July 3, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
that Roses not fragrant be classed separately from
those that are, as a feature more distinct thau any
other of real value. I refer to the pronounced
fragrance of attar of Roses for my favourites, not the
thinly sweet ones, and include La France, Senateur
Vaisse, and Prince Camille de Rohan, on the one
band, with such as Mare"chal Niel, Belle Lyonnaise,
&c, on the other, as the true types of fragrance, and
hope this distinction may be carried into practice.
//. 17. R., Forest HM.
PEARS. — Tour article in the first special com-
memoration number, referring to ' ' Fruits of the
Victorian Era," surely errs in its reference to Pears,
and in depreciating the character of old varieties, and
naming the following as occupying no high rank to-
day. I emphatically protest, for Marie Louise is
barely superseded even by Doyenne du Cornice, the
only acknowledged peeress among Pears. Further,
Citron des Cannes iB the best of its season ; and
hardly less can be said about Williams' Bon Chre'tien
and even Jargonelle, provided the latter is grown on
a bush, and picked just when coming off the stnlk.
Glou Morceau and Duchesso d'Angouleme (the latter
if French grown, tons of which our neighbours across
the channel send us annually) are equally meritorious,
and, indeed, it strikes me that hardly any omission
from your list could bo made without excluding one
of the very best and representative of the choicest
eating Tears of the day, nor the two varieties of
cooking Pears named from the class of the latter.
II. II. R. , Forest Hill.
THE RECENT HAIL - STORM. — On Thursday.
.Tune 2-1, a stormof great severity passed over parts of
Middlesex, Herts, and Essex, accompanied by terrific
thunder and lightning, doing an enormous amount of
damage to property aud crops. Crops of Wheat and
Barley have suffered greatly, as in the track of the
storm field after field can be seen where the hail
cleared off all the ears. Trees are uprooted, and
branches strewn in all directions, houses unroofed,
chimneys blown down, wiudows have every pane of
glass broken out. The storm came from the west-
ward, and in my own house, three windows facing in
that direction have lost every pane. Here, at Hylands,
we are great sufferers, all the glass in most of the
glasshouses in the kitchen and flower gardens is
smashed to atoms. The crops of Cucumbers,
Melons, Grapes, Peaches, plants, &o., are com-
pletely wrecked, and the crops entirely ruined.
The bedding plants are broken down and battered
into the ground. Market gardeners in the neighbour-
hood of Chelmsford have greatly suffered, among the
principal sufferers are Messrs. Saltmarsh k Sons,
F. Harris, Baddow Road ; Edwards, St. John's Road ;
T. .Simpson, Mildmay Road : and Messrs. Millers.
Coval Lane ; besides several other smaller market
gardeners aud private places. I saw plenty pieces of
ioe as big as thumb-pots, some weighing as much as
8 , ' ■■ . William J. Piper,
At Chelmsford and district, Ponder's End,
Enfield, Enfield Highway. Walttmm Cross, Hellesdou,
(unl 1 [arrow, more than six'y nurseries suffered severe
damage. PaneB of 21 -oz. glass of all sizes were com-
pletely riddled in some places, and considerable
damage was done to the Grapes, Cucumbers, Tomatos,
and all kinds of plants in pots. Thirty of the sufferers
were insured with the Nurserymen, Market Gar-
deners' and General Hailstorm Insurance Corporation,
of 2, King Street, Covent Garden, who immediately
assessed the damage done and paid the claims six
days after. One nurseryman lost 70, S81 square feet
of 21-oz. glass, and his claim at 3<l. per square foot
amounted to ,£SS6 Is. G. .1/.
TWO HYBRID HEMEROCALLIS.— Having been
disappointed in seeing the flowers at the York Show
on Wednesday, the 16th inst, owing to the tents
being all blown over, and made a complete wreck by
a storm of wind, I wandered a little way further, and
visited Mr. Yeld's garden at Clifton, which is pre-
eminently one of Lilies, Iris, and Hemerocallis. The
latter are found all over the place in every available
nook and corner, producing hundreds of flowers
of various shapes, sizes, and shades of colour.
Mr. Yeld has taken much pains in crossing the various
species of Hemerocallis, most of which are natives of
China and Japan. Of the numerous crosses which
have been raised by him, none attracted my attention
so much as those named Frances and Flame ; tho
former a very dwarf plant, with numerous large,
bright yellow, trumpet-shaped, erect blossoms. Un-
fortunately, however, the raiser does not speak of it as
beingarobust grower, otherwiseitwould bean excellent
subject for massing on rockeries and in other suitable
positions. The latter variety, which was obtained
from Flava x Sieboldi, is, I consider, decidedly the
better of the two, being showy and distinct. It makes
vigorous growth, possesses ample foliage, and sturdy
flower-stalks from 10 to 20 inches in height, forked at
the top, and bearing eight to ten clear orange-coloured
blossoms of about 4 inches in diameter and 3 inches
long. The buds are purple or brownish-purple,
highly polished, which colour is retained on the outer
segments, even after the flower is fully expanded.
Its freedom to flower may be imagined when I state
that in a space of about 2 feet square there were forty
flower stems with more than 360 blossoms. R. Poller.
THE PROGRESS OF HORTICULTURE IN THE
VICTORIAN ERA.— Will you permit me to make a
suggestion whioh I feel sure would prove as pleasant
as profitable to m)st of your readers. It is briefly to
the effect that as your souvenir of the long reign of
the Queen known to this or any age, you might re
publish, in pamphlet form and popular price, your
record-articles on the progress of horticulture. Most
appropriately associated with these should be
your summary of progress chroniclod Juno 18,
18S7, in connection with the fiftieth anniversary of
Her Majesty's accession. The summary of progress
chronicled on January 3, 1891, in connection with
the Jubilee of the Gardeners' Chronicle, would add
greatly to the horticultural value and literary interest
of such a memorial brochure. If without greatly
adding to the cost, such a handy object-lesson
between tho then and now, the past of sixty years
ago and the present of horticulture to-day, in say
such genera as the Streptocarpus, Gloxinias, Begonias
Cannas, and Tomatos of 1837 and 1897. Probably the
most violent contrast would occur in the old rough
red Tomato, which hardly anybody knew and fewer
still cared for, and the crowded ranks of Tomatos of
all forms, sizes, oolours, and flavours whioh struggle
iu vain to keep pace with the insatiable demand. And
yet in these other classes some of us can remember
when there were but one Streptocarpus Rexi, one
Gloxinia (the blue insignis), not one of the prosent
race of tuberous Begonias, and one Canna, or Indian
Shot plant which was grown for its curious seeds
as much or more than for its fine foliage or
brilliant flowers, which had hardly begun to develop
grandeur or beauty sixty years ago, 1>. T. Pish,
Edinburgh.
SOCIETI ES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Che meeting on Tuesday Last in tho I>rill 11.11,
1 Street, Westminster, was remarkable for .m unusual
number of exhibits, The Hall was full to overflowing, and
the great bulk of tli 3 exhibits was composed of flowers <>r of
1 il: plants. There was rather more fruit th m Ls a >me
times seen in early summer, but it did not ofloupya great
amount ol space Orchids wei e decidedly fewer than usual.
One of tho large Qohir&l tables was filled with [loses,
entered in competitive classes. The quality of the Roses,
though not extra, was fairly satisfactory^ and In each class
there was considerable competition.
Floral Committee.
Pni ni W. Marshall, Esq., chairman ; and Messrs. Jno.
Fraser, II. B May, B. Dean, Geo. Stevens, James Hudson,
J. F. McLcod, C. J. Salter, R. M. Hogg, J. Fraser, W. Bain,
J. W. Barr. Chas. E. Pearson, Cha?. E. Shea, H. J. Jones,
H. J. Cutbush, Ed. Beckett, C. BUck, and Harry Turner.
Messrs. Cutbcsh's Carnations were arranged in a large
group immediately facing the entrance, and it was composed
of plants of the Souvenir de 1ft Malmiison type. The variety
Princes* of Wiles was represented most largely, but there
were also plants of the crimson-flowered Primo Minister,
tho striped Lady Grimston, the pale -flowered Blush, and a
variety named Rose. The group was arranged effectively
(Silver Flora Medal).
A magnificent group of Carnations staged by Mr. J. F.
McLood, gr. 'to J. P. Morgan^ Esq., Dovtr House, Roe-
hampton, . comsisted of lar*e specimens, abundant in un-
commonly clean and healthy foliage down to the base, and
well llowered ; the plants demonstrated in a remarkable
manner the immense value of the Souvenir de la Malmaison
type as decorative plants. There were upwards of thirty
blooms on each of nine of these plants, aud tho blooms wero
large in size, and deep in colour. Faoed and interspersed
with Adiantum Fern, the group was a fine instance of
successful culture applied to this type of Carnation, which
have seldom, if evtr, been exhibited iusuch condition (Silver-
gilt Flora Medal).
An Award of Merit was recommended to Carnation
Hempden, flowers of which were shown by M. R. Smith,
Esq., The Warren, Hayes, Kent (gr., Mr. Blick). It is a
salmou-rose coloured flower of fine form.
Tuberous-rooted Begonias wero shown by Messrs. H
Cannbll &. Sons, Swanley, Kent, in a very bright group
indeed. Double and single-flowered varieties were displayed.
Hon. Wilfrid Laurier, rosy-pink, with fringed margins ;
Rev. E. G. Little, bright crimson ; Lady Lindsay, large soft
yellow; Dr. Nansen, very dark crimson, were some of the
best doubles ; and of singles there were Golden Hind, Mr.
Pack, W. Marshall, and others of capital quality (Silver
Bauksian Medal).
Messrs. Jno. Laing & SONS, Forest Hill Nurseries, obtained
an Award of Merit for double-flowered Begonia Lady
Pearson, very fine salmon-scarlet flower, unusually deep;
and they also showed three choice varieties of Cala-liums.
Messrs. Jas. V bitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea, were awarded a Gold Medal for an exhibit on either
side of the door consisting of a group of excellent Conifers,
similar to those we noticed at the Crystal Palace last week,
all of them capital specimens from the open ground, and
representative of the most ornamental and dis fnct species
and varieties. Many variegated forms were remarked ; aud
a golden form of Libocedrus decurrens (Thuja gigantoa) was
awarded a First-class Certificate.
From Messrs. VxiTCH wore also shown flowering sprays of
Indigofera decora alba, of the white-flowered Esoallonia
Phillipiana, Robinia his pi da, Calycanthus Jrevigatue, with
dull purple flowers ; and Diervilla sessifolia, a yellow-flowered
species ; Hedysarum raultijugum, Jtfelioema myriantha,
and a pretty variegated Phlox named Comtesse de Jarnac.
Messrs. Veitch also had a collection of lowers of Sweet Peas
neatly disphyed in glasses upon white paper, relieved with
Asparagus foliage. Both English and American novelties in
these popular plants were well represented.
Ferns were shown by Mr. II. B. M w, Dyson's Lane Nur-
series, Upper Edmonton, in a group of plants which con-
tained a choice selection of varieties and species of Adiantum
of ornamental character. The collection of varieties was
most exhaustive. An Award of Merit was gained by
Vdiantum fasciculatum, an erect-growing cuneatum-like
Fern, with fasciculated pimife— a very ornamental and
desirable Fein. The group was awarded a Silver-gilt Bauk-
sian Medal.
Mr W. Wells, of Earlswoud, exhibited a group of Chrys-
anthemums in bloom, most of them novelties, but hot suffi-
ciently in character, probably, to be reliable.
A grand display of hardy herbaceous plants in flower was
made by Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden.
PotentiUaa, Shirley and Iceland Poppies, boautiful varieties
of Iris Ksempferi, Coreopsis, Hemerocallis Thunbergt, and
the much showier H. aurantiaca major, figured in Qui
Chronicle, July 20, 1SP5 (Silver Bankaian Medal).
Mr. Thos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, had
a group of perennial aud other hardy flowers, including a
few plants of the smaller-growing speciis. Several of the
rarer species of Liiium wore noticeable in this representative
group (Silver Flora Modal).
Messrs. Kelway & Sons, Langport Nurseries, Somerset,
covered a considerable table space with an exhibit of Del-
phinium spikes, Cannas, flowers of Gaillardias Irises, and a
few perennial herbaceous specios. The varieties of Gail-
lardia wore capital, large woll-formed flowers of distinct or
brilliant colouring. The varieties of Iris Kurnpferi were
beautiful in every case, Boauty, Ma tehbox, Raphael, Ama-
ryllis-, Bride Elect, fjangport Flood, Aphrodite, Mikado,
Harry, Hercules, and Via Lactea, all distinct in marking*.
Messrs. Kelwav'b Delphiniums are well known, and in this
Instance some of the varieties were well shown (Silver
B tnksian Medal),
Messrs. J. Chew A; Sons1 exhibit in eluded a miscellaneous
1 irtment of hardy herbaceous flowers, and a few sprays of
on amental-leaved shrubs, also Violas in sprays (Silver
Banksian Medal .
Messrs. K. Wallace & Co. 's exhibit from Colchester con-
tained about a dozen spikes of the exceedingly showy
Hemerocallis aurantiaca major, a feature in itself. Iris
Xiphioides in variety- I. ilium umbellatum, L. Thunberg-
ianum, L. pardalinutn, L. Parryi, yellow; L. Grayi, L.
pardalinum californicum, a very pretty distinct spotted Lily
with scarlet tips; the darkest coloured L. Thunbergianum,
viz., Horsmani, and many other choice Lilies. Calochortus
Eldorado and C. venusttis were shown in considerable variety,
including a rare lot of C. venustus var. Cloth of Gold, a
pretty yellow- flowered variety with very conspicuous
blotches (Silver Flora Medal). Calochortus clavatus, shown
by Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., andC. G. Van Tuberoen, Jun.,
Haarlem, was recommended an Award of Merit. It is a
strong-growing species, producing large golden - yellow
coloured flowers, with purple anthers, and deep brown
markings at the base of the flower. A very handsome aud
apparently free growing species.
Another excellent collection of hardy herbaceous flowers
was staged by Mr. M. Pritchard, nurseryman, Christchurch,
which included a very com prehensive list of choice species
(Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, N.B., and Orpington,
Kent, made a gay display with a large variety of Sweet Peas ;
also Violas in sprays, in great variety ; and a good collection
of Fancy Pansy blossoms (Silver Flora Medal).
Sweet Pea Cupid, with pink-coloured flowers, was ex-
hibited by Messrs. W. Burpee & Co., Philadelphia. Tt was
well flowered, and very pretty as grown in pots, but
specimens in the open ground appsar to fail hi the same
respect as does the white form. Several other Sweet Peas
from the same firm are of much excellence, especially
Aurora, a rose and white-coloured variety.
Mr. J. G. Foster, Broekhampton Nurseries, Havant, had
a collection of Sweet Teas in numerous varieties (Silver
Banks an Medal).
10
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 3, 1897.
Mr. J. Lamb, Burton Joyce, Notts, exhibited flowers of a
White rink, named Albino, Which received an Award of
Merit at the last meeting.
Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr.
Bain), exhibited specimens of a robust Forget-mc-Not,
named Myosotis palustris grandiflora.
Me-srs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, in conjunction with
a few Orchids, stiged a group cont.ining some excellent
"picture" plants and others. The new double Petunia,
named Mrs. Fred S indcr, and figured in these columns last
week, was shown in much beauty, and a few very strong
plants of 'the pure white-llowering Watsonia Ardernci,
which had spikes upwards of 4 feet high, each of which
produce five or six-score of blooms. Then there were Begonias
with veiy prettily-marked foliage, Anthuriums, and other
plants. A Botanical Certificate was awarded to a pretty,
.sleuder-lookingEneephdartos, named gracilis, having narrow
leaves, and being much lighter in appearance than most of
the Encephalartos. The group was awarded a Silver-gilt
Banksian MedaL
RorES.
Mixed C ass s.— The clats fur twenty -four single trusses
was won by T B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch Lodge,
Reigate (gr., Mr. C. J. Salter); S. -Marie Rodocanachi, Cap-
tain Haywavd, Gustavo Piganneau, Marchioness of London-
derry, Francois Michelon, Caroline Testout, Lonis Van
Houtte, La France, Horace Vernet, L'Havre, and Beauty
of Waltham, were the best flowers in a satisfactory stand.
C. J. Graham, Esq.. Wrydelands, Leatherhead, wa3 2nd,
whose collection was composed of an even lot of flowers,
most ol them of good colour, but lacking in size and sub-
stance ; 3rd, the Rev. J. H. Pemberton, H.vering, Essex.
Several other stan Is were in competition.
O. G. Orpen, Esq., Hillside, West Borgholt, Colehosler,
won the class for twelve single trusses, distinct, by far the
best bloom b ing Kaiserin A. Victoria. Mrs. W. J. Grant,
also very tine, was rich in its distinctive colour. Very
little behind was the Rev. A. Fuster-Melliar, Sproughton
Rectory, Ipswich. The blooms from this well-known
amatc-ur were larger but less perfect in form, Mareehal Niel
and Gcrmaine Caillot were the best.
The best six blooms distinct came from G. W. Cook, Esq.,
The Briars, Torringtou Park, North Finchley. The varieties,
Captain Hayward, Caroline Testout, Ulrich Brunncr, Mrs.
Jno. Lung, La France, and Medea, were very commendable.
The Rev. F. Page Roberts, Scole, Norfolk, was 2nd.
TllsbeBt stand of nine single trusses of one variety was
from C. .1. Grahame, Esq., and the variety was Kaiserin
Augusta Victoria, the blooms were of moderate size and
good form T. B. Haywood, Esq., was 2nd, with Mrs. Jno.
Laing
Tne best six blooms of one variety were from O. G. Orpen,
Esq., Hillside, West Bcrgholt, w. o showed the same variety
as the winner of the class fo- nine blooms. La France,
shown by R. H. Langton, Esq., was 2nd.
Teai and Noisettes.— The 1st prize in the class for twenty-
ftiur single trusses, Tea or Noisette, was won by O. G. Orpen,
Esq., with a stand of blooms exhibiting moderate quality,
except in a few instances, such as Bridesmaid, Ernest Metz,
The B ide, Sylph, Souvenir d'Elise Vardon, Madame Cusin,
&c , which were very good. C. J. Grahame, Esq., was
2nd, wlose stand contained a good bloom of Cleopatra.
The Rev. Hooh A. Berners, Harkstead Rectory, Ipswich,
was 1st for twelve single trusses, including good blooms of
Catherine Mermet, Ernest Metz, &c. 2nd, the Rev. A.
Foster-Melliar.
The winner of the class for six single blooms was Rev. V.
Pace Roberts; and It. II Lanotox, Esq., was 2nd.
C. J. Grahame, Esq., was 1st for nine single trusses of one
vaiicty, showing Iunocente Pirola ; and O. G. Orpen, Esq.,
2nd, with Anna Olivier.
The 1st prize in the cl iss for six trusses fell to R. H. Lano-
TOS, Esq.who had Hon. Edith Gifford ; followed by Rev. A.
Foster Melliar, who showed Souvenir de Eliae.
Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Ci-obs, Herts, exhibited
a number of capital examples of cut blooms of RoBes of their
own introduction. The best of these were Spenser, Mar-
chioness of Lome, Enchantress, Star of Waltham, Pride of
Waltham, Sylph, Clio, Duchess of Bedford, Waltham
Standard, a fine Rose of a deep pnrplish-crimson colour ;
Aurora, deep pink in the centre, and pale pink outer petals,
the latter refiexiog— a charming flower. Marquise Litta, a
French H.T., is what may be called a very deep rose-
coloured Niphetos, the unexpanded flower-buds being
remarkably nice-looking (an Award of Merit was obtained
for this variety). Many more varieties were exhibited than
those named above, and the exhibit was a beautiful aud
interesting one (Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were fortunate in obtain-
ing three Awards of Merit for U. T. Roses. One of these
was Souvenir de President Carnot, which in bloom and
foliage is suggestive of Souvenir de la Malmaison, but the
former has a curious drooping character, aud the blooms are
probably more Tea-shaped. They are white to faintest blush
in the contre, and of excellent form. Madame A. Cbatenay, also
a hybrid Tea variety, is almost a new shade of colour in
Roses, and may ba described as warm reddish rose, fading to
pale pink in the outer petals. The 3rd award was to Kaiserin
Augusta Victoria, an excellent white or pale lemon-coloured
rose, now fairly well known.
Lord Penzance, Bashing Park, Godalming (gr.. Mr. Bis-
kott', who showed blooms of a number of hybrid Roses and
Sweetbriars, demonstrated what splendid results have fol-
lowed the work that has been done at Bashing Park.
Roses were also sho^n by Mr. William Rumsey, Joyning's
Nurseries, Waltham Cross, and a tine lot of blooms the stand
contained, including some of the comparatively new and
vigorous-growing variety, Mrs. Rumsoy (Silver Bauksian
Medal).
Orchid Committee.
Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair ; and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), de B. Crawshay, E. Hill, J. Douglas,
W. H. Young, T. W. Bond, J. Jaques, W. Cobb, A. H. Since,
S. Courtauld, R. Broomau- White, H. J. Chapman, C. Winn,
F. Mason, and H. M. Pollett.
The feature of the show, bo far as the Orchids were con-
cerned, was the remarkably fine group of rare plants staged
by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea,
and for which they received a Silver Flora Medal. Among
the many fine hybrids shown, the most remarkable was the
new Ltelio-Cattleya X Eudora superba (C. Mendeli $ , L
purpurata 9 ), which comes nearest to a fine form of
L.-C. X oximia, but with colours lighter and brighter.
The Bepils and petals of the large perfectly-formed
flowers were white, prettily tinged and veined with
lilac-rose ; the front of the lip rich glowing purple
(FirBt-class Certificate). Other remarkable hybrids in the
group were th-> new Spathoglottis X aureo - Veillardi,
greatly improved since first shown at the Temple; the
flowers open light chrome-yellow, with purple spots, and the
Iabollum has a purple apex, which on maturing changes to
cream colour with tlio same purple markings; Phahenopsis
X Ludde-violacea, with bright rose flowers ; P. X Vesta
(rosea leucaspis X Aphrodite) ; the fine large rose-purple
Disa X Veitchi, which bids fair to depose D. grandiflora as
first favourite ; Deudrobium X illustre (chrysotoxum X
Dalhousieanum). and D. X porphyrogastrum (Huttoni 9,
Dalhousioanum <J ), two very fine hybrids ; Ltelio-Cattleya X
Canhamiana, L.-C. X exirnia ; and the delicately-tinted So-
bralia X Veitchi. Of the species there were fine pans of
Dendrobium Phaloeuopsis Schroderianum, the handsome
D. glomeratum, D. Bensonue, strong, well - flowered
specimens of Phaius Humbloti, Epidendrum nemorale,
Sobralia macrantha, Aerides multiflorum Lobbi, Anguloa
Ruckeri, A. uniflora Turneri, fine varieties of Cattleya
Mossia:, C. Mendeli, and Lajlia tenebrosa; Cypripedium
superbi'ens, with twenty-four flowers; a fine pan of
Stenoglottis longifolia, Aeranthus granditlorus, &c.
Messrs. Hooh Low & Co., Clapton, s'aged a good group
composed principally of remarkably fine varieties of Cattleya
Mossia;, including the white C. M. Wagneri, and C. M.
Reineckiana. Among the coloured forms, CM. maxima was
a noble flower; and C. M. Bronze Queen had a richly-
coloured lip, in which bronzy-orange predominated. Messrs.
Low also showed Cypripedium X Mrs. E. V. Low (niveum x ?),
of unrecorded parentage. It is of middle size, a very distinct
flower, white, the petals and upper Bepals lightly marked
with purplish spots. The lip is laterally compressed, and
shows a ridge in front, the whole flower being peculiar and
attractive (Award of Merit)
In the group of miscellaneous plants staged by Messis.
F. Sander k Co. , were Lycaste leucantha, L Mooreaua (pro-
visionally named), with green flowers of the L. gigantea
class ; Cypripedium X E. Holt (Curtisii x prjestans), Den-
drobium infundibulum, D. speciosissimum, Sobralia Veitchi,
S. Amcsia: ; varieties of Odontoglossum Harryanum, one of
which had very light-tinted flowers ; Cattleya Schilleriana,
Aerides expansnm, Stenoglottis longifolia, Miltonia vcxil-
laria, and Calanthe S inderiana.
Fred Hardy Esq., Tyntesfield, Ashton-on-Mersey (gr.,
Mr. T. Stafford), staged a small group, in which were thrco
plants of Miltonia vexillaria superba; Lslio-Cattleya X
Hippolyta, the very richly-coloured L.-C. X Arnoldiana
magnifica; I.a-lia tenebrosa Charlesworthi, one of the
darkest and richest in colour of the species; Cattleya
Mossiai Wagneri and C. M. Harlyif, tho last-named a tine,
large, pure white form with a slight tinge of lilac colour on
the lip.
R. I Measures, Esq , Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell (gr.,
Mr. H. J. Chapman), Bhowed Cypripedium leucochilum gran-
diflorum, resembling C bellatulum, but with a wholly white
lip. Tne plant was first known in gardens as C. leucochilum,
afterwards as C. Godefroytc leucochilum, but this specimem
more nearly resembled C. bellatulum. As it differs from
both in the wholly white lip, the name leucochilum is
appropriate. Mr. Measures also showed the singular-looking
hybrid Cypripedium X Salus, with greenish-yellow flowers
tinged with purple— probably a C. concolor crcSs.
T. B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch, Reigate (gr., Mr. Salter),
sent two grand spikes, taken from his white Miltonia vexil-
laria " Daisy Haywood," which had previously been pro-
nounced the best white variety, and awarded a First-class
Certificate. The pure white flowers on this occasion mea-
sured 3 inches across the labellum, and exhibited no colour
except a clear yellow mark at the base of the lip (Cultural
Commendation).
Mr. N. Blandkord, Bitterne, Southampton, showed
Cattleya Warscewiczii without the usual yellow spots on
the lip.
Mr. H. A. Tr*cy, Twickenham, showed flowers ot five
good varieties of Cattleya Mendeli; and the Rev. F.
Paynter, Stoke Hill, Guildford, sent Phaius X (Humbloti
X bicolor), with sepals and petals yoUow, tinged with red,
and lip coloured dull rose, with orange lines at the base.
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
Promt : Messrs. Jos. Cheal, A. F. Barron, Jas. H Veitch,
Alex. Dean, Jno. A. Laing, G. H. Sage, Geo. Wythes, H. Bal-
derson, J. Smith, W. H. Divers, G. Norman, and Robt. Fife
The exhibits which came before the commit'.ee W.'re few
in number ; still, several very creditable productions wo e
noted. It is notorious that Melons are lacking in flavour so
far ; and none of those brought before tho committee on this
occasion met with recognition, although the fruits left
nothing to be desired on the score of size or appearance.
Melons were shown by Messrs. W. Davies, A. Bishop, and
C. Martin. Mr. G. Wythes, gr. to Earl Percy, Syon House,
Brentford, showed a few shoots of the Loquat with ripe
fruits (Vote of Thanks), and a yellow-fleshed Melon of good
flavour named Thames Bank.
An exhibit of Peaches, similar to the one present last year
from the same London district, came from Mr. G. Keif, gr
to Mrs. Abbot, South Villa, Regent's Park. It consisted of
twenty-five fruits of Dymond as tine as it is possible to
grow this variety ; eighteen of Royal George of large size
and grand colour ; and Dr. Hogg, rather smaller than Royal
George, but wonderfully bright in colour. A Cultural Com-
mendation was awarded.
Mr. J. Hudson, gr. to Messrs. de Rothschild, Gunnersbury
House, received a Cultural Commendation for an excellent
exhibit of four dishes of as many varieties of Plums, the pro-
duce of potted trees. These were Kirko's, Early Transparent,
Reine Claude de Comte Atthems, and Jefferson. Ho showed
also dishes of Cherries Black Circassian, and Bigarreau
Napoleon. Some fine, well-filled pods of Carter's Early
Morn Pea came from Mr. E. Beckett, gr. to H. H. Gibbs,
Esq., Aldcuham Houso, Elstree.
Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, showed a new Strawberry
named Mcntmore out of Noble and British Queen, having
much of the colour of the former, and the shape of the latter.
It is, we should say, an improved Noble, and it is a heavy
cropper (Award of Merit). This firm showed big fruits of
Monarch, Commodore, Alma, and Leader, fine in point of size,
and good bearers all, it is said ; but we must know more about
them. Thomas Laxton Pea is said to excel in earliness tho
Earliest-of-All, sown alongside of iton the same day. It has a
large pod, with dark green marrowfat-shaped seeds. The
height is 3| feet. Fine long-pod Beans Bunyard's Exhibi-
tion, and Gradus Peas were shown by Messrs. Kelway <fc
Son, Langport, Somerset.
The Lecture.
This was by Mr. J. Cheal, and dealt with the " Storing and
Preserving of Fruit." Commencing with small fruits, such
as Currants, Gooseberries, Cherries, Strawberries, and Rasp-
berries, a few hints were given upon tho preservation of
these by converting them into jam, and the process by which
the fruits are preserved whole was explained. But to have
fruits suitable for making puddings and tarts, it is necessary
to " bottle " them, and this process was therefore described,
and by means of several kinds of bottles, Mr. Cbeal demon-
strated how the old syst m of stopping by means of corks or
skin miy be superseded by various modem devices, which
reduce the necessary labour to a minimum, and at the
same time are decidedly more efficacious. Some of
them are fitted with an india-rubber ring over which
the stopper is screwed; and there are several patents, tb>
principle of which consist in placing the stoppers over tho
bottle when at boiling-point, by which means air is excluded,
and as tho contents become cold, so arc the stoppers her-
metically sealed, with the pressure of the atmosphere above
them. In order to unstop the bottles, the stopper has 1 1 bo
pricked, when it will immediately f Jl off. They may be
soldered, and used again and again. ( -'eo Gardeners?
Chronicle, May ?, 1S96.) ritims could be maintained in natural
freshness for some weeks by moans of cold storage ; but, as
some experiments conducted by the Royal Horticultural
Society a few years since proved, tho temperature si, mild
be kept a little above the freezing-point ; never below it,
or deterioration ensues. Whether they are intended
to bo preserved thus, or by being made into jam or
by bottling, Plums should be gathered brf'.re they
are fully ripe. Mr. Cheal then went on to describe tho
method of preserving Plums by means of evaporatiou or
drying, and exhibited a small paraffin stove suitable for the
purpose. Thick-skinned varieties were needed for this, and
they should be submitted to an even temperature, tho
drying to be done at three times, between each of which the
fruit should be allowed to become cold. To preserve Apples
in tho natural state, they should be kept cool, but not
subjected to frost, unless very slight. The temperature
should be as even as practicable, and the atmosphere not
excessively dry. Directions for constructing a fruit-room likely
to afford these conditions were then given, as has been
frequenly done in these columns. Mr. Cheal reminded his
hearers not to shut up the fruit-room too closely before the
Apples have been gathered long enough to become moderately
dry. The preservation of Apples by evaporation was next
alluded to, and an American machine displayed that peeled,
cored, and cut up each Apple by a very efficient and quick
method. The drying of Apples is dono at one operation.
Pears require a hotter temperature during storage than
Apples, or the flavour is depreciated ; and most of us know
they are capable of being preserved in a very agreeable and
satisfactory condition by means of bottling them in syrup.
The Rev. W. Wilks gave some interesting experience he
had had in bottling fruits, and differed consio'erably from
some of the details in the methods of Mr. Cheal, notably in
adding cold water to the fruit before tho bottles are boated,
instead of applying boiling water afterwards. Mr. Wilks,
however, was able to declare that all fruits ware capable of
being preserved in splendid condition in bottles, fur ten nr
probably a hundred years, and ho wisely recommend d
all amateur fruit-growers to give the process a trial, and
thus economise their supply uf fruit.
July 3, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
11
LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON.
June 17. -Dr. D. H. Scott, F.R.S.. exhibited original
preparations by Prof. Ikcno and Dr. Hirase, of Tokio, Japan,
Illustrating tboir discovery of spermatozoids in two Gymno-
sperm-ms Phanerogams, namely, Ginkgo biloba and Cycas
rovoluta {cf Bot. Cenlralblati Bd., Ixix., Nos. 1-2, 1897, and
Annals of Botany, June, 1897). The slides showed the sper-
matozoids while still in the pollon-tubo before the
commencement of active movement. In the case of
Glngko one section showed the two male generative cells,
closely contiguous, and enclosed in the pollen-tube. The
general structure resembles that In many other Conifers at
the same stage, e.g., Juniperus virginiana and Pinussilvestris
(Strasburger, Hist. Beitrage, iv., pi. 2). In Ginkgo, however,
each generative cell showed a distinct spiral coil, situated
Jn each cell, on the side remote from its neighbour.
Another preparation of Ginkgo showed a series of sections
ncroes the micropyle, passing through a pollen-tube and its
generative cells, the plane of section being in this case
approximately parallel to the surface of contact of these
two cells, through which four of the sections passed. In
the two terminal sections cf this serios the spiral coil was
clearly shown, consisting of about three wiodings. The
spiral is connected with the nucleus of the cell, but whether
it is itself of nuclear or cytoplasmic origin is not certain.
In the preparation from Cycas revoluta, several pairs of
generative-cells were shown ; in some cases the pollen-tube
enclosing them was intact. The spiral coils in some of the
generative -eel Is were surprisingly clear, consisting of about
four windings. A distinct striatiou was visible in connec-
tion with the coil, probably indicating the presence of the
numerous cilia described by the Japanese discoverers.
The facts admit of no other interpretation than that given
by these authors, namely, that in both Ginkgo and Cycas
each generative cell gives rise to a spiral spcrmatozoid ;
the latter, by its own movements (actually observed by
Dr. Hiiaee in the case of Ginkgo) no doubt travels from
the end of the pollen-tube to tho female coll.
Mr. MlLLER Chris ry, K.L.S., read a paper on "Primula
eldtior, Jacq , in Britain." lie remarked that this widely-
distributed continental plant, though figured accidentally in
English Botany in 1799, w;ts nut really detected in Britain
till 1842, to which time the totally distinct hybrid
Oxlip (P. acaulis x veris), was, by British botanists,
confused with, and mistaken for it, as is still frequently the
case In Britain, P. elatior occupies a sharply-de6ned area,
divided by the valley of the Cam, with only two outlying
loc ilitios, eo far as Mr. Christy could ascertain. This area
oovere the two most elevated and unbroken portions of tho
Boulder Cliy district, the loams and gravels of the river-
vdlcys and the chalk being ontirely avoided. Tho boun-
dary.lines fpome 175 miles in length) which had bean traced
by Mr. Christy with precision were, in consequence, very
sinuous. They enclosed together about 470 square miles,
over which area the Oxlip flourishes in immense abundance
in all old woods and some meadows ; while the Primrose
(which grows all around) is entirely absent. Along the
dividing line between the two, which is very sharply de-
fined, hybrids are produced in great abundance. On the
other hand, the Cowslip (which grows both around and
throughout the Oxlip-area) very rarely hybridises with it.
Mr. Christy believed that the Primrose was, in this country,
gradually hybridising the Oxlip out of existence. He then
noticed a rare single-flowered variety of P. elatior, wh'ch he
proposed to call var. acaulis, and several aberrations, showing
upon the screen photographic views of these and of the
hybrids, ns well as a map of the distribution of the Oxlip in
Britain.
Sir John Lubbock, Bart.. Ml\. F.R.S., communicated tho
eubalance of a paper entitled "Further observations ou
Stipules," in continuation of a former paper communicated
by him to the society on March IS last. The present, paper,
wlrch was illustrated by diagrams, has reference, into' aliat
to the Ash, Hop, and two species of Pea (Lathyrus grandi-
tlorus and L. pratensis).
RICHMOND HORTICULTURAL.
JUNE 23.— This annual early summer exhibition was, as
usual, held in the Old Deer Park, and in magnificent weather.
The show was, both in extent and quality, materially below
its earlier character, due largely to the fixing it upon the
day immediately succeeding the Jubileo holiday.
Honorary Groups. — These usually constitute at Richmond
tho most prominent features, and it was so again this year,
in spite of some notable absentees. Foremost comes a
splendid group of Malmaison Carnations, sent by Mr.
McLeod, gr. to J. P. Morgan, Esq., Dover House, Boe-
hampton. Most of these plants were but twenty - two
months old, but woro literally bushes, and each one will
next year bo permitted to c«rry fifty blooms. So fine in
form and culture were these, that the Special Silver • gilt
Jubilee Medal provided was awarded to the group.
Mr. Henry Little, of Twickenham, through his grower,
Mr. Howard, put up a fine collection of Orchids, including
Cattleyas, Ladias, Cypripediutns Miltouias, Odontoglossums,
&c, in great variety, and showing high culture. This group
was awarded the Special Jubilee Silver Medal.
Mr. G. Wythes, gr. to Earl Percy, Syon House, had a fine
miscellaneous group of plants ; this included Orchids in
variety, Carnations, Lilies, Ixoras, &c, and made a very
attractive feature. Mr. A. Pentrey, gr. to A. J. Howakd,
Esq , Norton Hall, Isloworth, had a nice group of Car-
nations chiefly. Messrs. J. Carter & Co. had a very
striking central feature in the large tent— a big group of
Petunias, Gloxinias, Tropaaolums, &c, arranged effectively
on a low table, and over which were the long arms dressed
with moss and Asparagus, as seen at the Temple Show.
Decorative Groups. — Those of the larger area included a
very beautiful one from Mr. H. E. Fordham, of Twickenham,
who took the 1st prize, quite in this exhibitor's best form,
and had a base of Gloxinias, very brilliant in colour, and
above them sm^ll Gypsophila paniculata, set into Maiden-
hair Fern, with Lilies, Palms, &c, above. To this group was
awarded the special Jubilee Bronze Medal. Mr. J. Gibson,
gr. to E. W. Watts, Esq., Chiswiek, was 2nd ; and Mr. W.
Vause, Leamington, 3rd.
Specimen Plants.—ThesQ made a poor show, the only fine
flower coming from Mr. Vause. He had Pimelia Diosmy-
folia, Bougainvilleas Sanderiana and glabra, Erica ventricosa,
grandiflora, &c.
Pelargoniums.— Mr. C. Turner, at the hands of that
veteran grower, Frost, put up a large group of largo
flowered a d six fne plants. Just then, in superb bloom,
Gold Mine, Marguerite, Duchess of Norfolk, Spotted Beauty,
Magpie, and Magnate taking the 1st prize, and was similarly
honoured with six beautiful fancies, including Tho Shah,
Delicatum, Mrs. Hart, East Lynno, Ambassadress, and
Princess Teck.
The only and very fine semi-pyramid Ivy -leaf Pelargoniums
canie from Mr. Watts, gr, to Mr. Henry Little, the best
being Massinettee, Jubilee, and Gallilee. This exhibit also
had six very suporbly-flowered zonals in Kentish Fire, Alfred
Ware, Constance, S. Birkin. J. Miller, and Mores. Mr. J.
Smith gr. to W. H. Odlam, Esq., 2nd.
Orchids, d:c. — Mr. H. Little had the best six in a fine Vanda
teres with twenty spikes of bloom, a grand Cattleya War-
neri of the most beautiful colour, also Cattleyas Mossiie,
gigas, imperialis, and Mendeli magnifica and Ladia tenebrosa
gigantea ; Mr. W. H. Young, Orchid Grower to Sir F.
Wiuan, Clare Lawn, Shoen, was 2nd, with a fine Cymbidium
Lowianum, Miltonia vexil'aria, Phabrouopsis Sanderiana,
Lffllia tenobrosa and Ladio- Cattleya Arnoldiana. Gloxinias
were fair, Begonias rather poor plants, and Colous, &c,
iuditTurcnt.
Roses were put up in fair abundance, but tho blooms soon
sutfered from the great heat Mr. B. R. Cant. Colchester,
was an easy 1st in the class for forty-eight trebles, and also
for twenty- four trebles.
Mr. G. Prince, of Oxford, was 1st with twelve trebles,
having all Teas. These included Comtesse do NadaUlao,
Alpha rosea, Golden Gate, The Bride, Princess of Wales,
Souvenir d'uu Ami, Marie van Houtte, die. Mr. Cant
was 2nd.
Mr. Cant had the best twelve Hoses, one variety, H. P. 's,
in Mrs. J. Laing ; and Messrs. Prior were 1st with twelve
Teas.
No hardy flowers were visiblo from anyone
Bouquets, Table- stan ds, dec, woro largely shown, but even
these things were much below average. In most olassee foi
table-stands some professionals of one family seemed to
sweep the board.
Fruit -The best six dishes in a collection came from Mr,
Ford, gr. to W. H. Ellis, Esq., Clovelly, Hounslow, who had
good Black Hamburgh and Foster's Seedling Grapes, Brown
Turkey Figs, Peaches, Nectarines, Strawberries, and a Melon
Mr. W. Tidy, gr. to W. H. D'Arcy, Esq., Stamoro Hill, was
2nd, with small, neat bunches of Grapes, good Early Alfred
Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines, Ac. Mr. Osman, Chcrtsey,
was :Jrd. Tho beat three bunches of Black Grapes, capitally
finished Madrcsfield Court were put up by Mr. Bloke, gr. to
the Eirl of Onslow, Clandon Park, Guildford; Mr. Ford
coming 2nd, with fine though hardly finished Black Ham-
burghs.
Mr. Tidy was 1st with three bunches of White Grapes, in
hardly ripe Foster's Seedling; Mr. Osman being 2nd with
medium Muscat of Alexandria.
Mr. J. Gkav, Ilodorgan, South Wales, had the host dish
of Peaches, in Crimson Galaude ; aud Mr. Tidy the beat
Nectarines, in good Lord Napier.
Mr. G. Parker, Isleworth, came 1st with two dishes of
Strawberries, in big James Veitch and rather rough Presi-
dent ; Mr. J. Goody, of Twickenham, who came 2nd, had
also tine Jas. Veitch and dist.nctly handsome Sir J. Paxton.
Mr. Ford was the only exhibitor of Figs, and also was 1st
with handsome Perfection Tomatos.
Col'ections of Vegetables. — These were generally excellent.
In the Society's chiss for twelve kinds, Mr. C. J. Waite. gr.
to tho Hon. Col. Talbot, Esher, was 1st, having a splendid
bundle of Asparagus, Cabbage, Telegraph Poas, Magnum
Bonum Cauliflowers, Potatos, Arc.
In Messrs. Sutton k Son's class for six kinds, Mr. Waite
was 1st with fine Cauliflowers, Duke of Edinburgh Peas,
Early Gem Carrots, Supreme Potatos, Perfection Tomatos,
and Canadian Wonder Beans.
In Messrs. Cahter & Co.'s class for nine kinds, again Mr.
Waite was 1st, including here Leviathan Broai Beans,
Model Cucumbers, Summer Favourite Carrots, Long White
Ma* rows. Telegraph Peas, &c.
SUTTON HORTICULTURAL.
June 29.— The sixteenth exhibition ofithis Society was held
in the Town Hall, and was in every way a great success.
The Roses were all clean, bright, and well formed ; while
tin competition was well up go the averago.
In the amateurs' division, R. E. Wkst, Esq , Reigate, won
for both twenty four singles and eij^ht trebles, beating Mr.
A. Slaughter, Bteyning, in each class. Victor Hugo,
F. Michelon, General Jacqueminot, Horace Vernet, and
Etienne Levot, were particularly good ; but Mr. Slaughter
was well ahead of Mr. West for twelve Teas or Noisettes.
In a division for growers of fewer than 2000 plants, Mr.
Harris, gr. to E. M. Bethune, Esq., Donne Tark, Horsham,
was most successful, winning for twelve singles, six trebles,
and for nine Teas or Noisettes. In each class he was closely
followed by P. G. C. Burnard, Esq.
Mr. M. Hodoson was equally successful in a division for
growers of fewer than 1000 plants, beating Mr. H. P. Lanbon
for nine and six singles, also for four trebles. P. G. C. Bur-
nard, Esq., was a good 1st for twelve blooms of any Rose,
with some very high coloured La France.
Mr. R. W. Miller was well in front for twelve singles, and
for nine ditto in the local classes.
Eight competed for the Ladies' Challenge Cup and National
Roso Society's Silver Medal for six distinct Roses, Mr. W.
Hooper winning with excellent blooms, closely followod by
G. A. V. Schofield, Esq., and Mr. R. W. Miller.
In the nurserymen's class for thirty -six singles seven com-
peted, and the first four were remarkably close. Messrs.
IIarkne^s & Sons, Iledalo and Hitchin, were 1st, Mr. B. R.
Cant, Colchester, 2nd, and Messrs. Prior & Sons, Colchostcr,
3rd. There was not a bad flower in theBe three stands, a-d
all were very bright and clean.
Mr. G. Prince, Oxford, won for twelve Teas and Noisettes ;
Messrs. Prior & Son, and Mr. B. B. Cant following.
Table decorations, bouquets, baskets, sprays, and other
designs, were very tastoful, and clearly proved what can bo
done in this direction with Roses only.
The Weather.
— ♦ —
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for tho period
named : and this combinod result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a " Day-degree " signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional numbor of hours.]
TEMPERATURE.
U
I a
*■%
3 8-
:r>-'"5
Accumulated.
3
fa
>
2
1 -
0 aver
2i 1 +
sl 3 +
V 3 +
5 3 +
6 0 aver
2 +
3 +
9 1 -
10 1 +
3 +
Day.
deg.
76
95
109
132
131
140
101
120
13-1
96
12)
137
3
U
.9 •
o
"3
«
£a3
o a g
> o rt
I*"
ts§3
Raintall.
t °
±3
o
6
5
Day.
deg.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Day-
deg.
+
6
-
33
+
54
+
107
+
68
+
126
-
9
+
55
+
12S
-
::r.
+
63
+
214
Day. lOths
deg. Inch.
- 7 1-
+ 12 1 +
- 78 0 aver
- 124 3
- 115 4
- ISO 1
- 21 0 aver
- 02 3 -
- 138: 3 -
+ S 0 +
- 57, *..+
Ill
101
95
94
91
87
107
105
107
118
110
verllS
Briobt
Sun.
•■a
s -
d'£
O <D
H
a a
© o
£3
Ins.
18-5
14 3
11 n
11-9
13-3
144
20-3
154
Jl) ".1
19 S
211
17'8
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland N. Principal Wneat-produtinff Districts —
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3 England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Frincipal Grazing, dec, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. J 9, Ireland, N.
10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands.
Markets.
CO VENT GARDEN, JULY 1.
Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices.
t. d. s. d,
Adiantum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0
— specimen, each 5 0-15 0
Calceolarias, dozen 4 0-60
Coleus, perdoz ... 3 0-60
Crassula, per plant 2 6-30
Dracaenas, each ... 10-76
— various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0
Evergreen 8hruba,
in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0
Ferns, small, doz.... 10-20
— various, doz. 5 0-12 0
Ficus elastica, each 10-76
Foliage plants, doz. 12 0-36 0
Fuchsia, per doz.... 4 0-60
Heliotropes, dozen
Hydrangeas, per
dozen
Lobelias, per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Musk, per doz. ...
Palms, various, ea.
f. d. $. d
4 0-60
9 0-12 0
3 0-40
6 0- >j 0
4 0-60
3 0-60
2 0-10 0
— specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0
Pelargoniums, per
dozen
Rliodanthes, doze
Spinua palmata, per
do
Spirals, per doz....
9 0-12 0
4 C- 6 0
9 C-19 0
6 0-90
Bedding- Plants and Roois for the Garden in variety
coming very good.
12
TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 3, 1897.
Our Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, p. 12 blooms
Bouvardlaa, per bn.
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Corn Daisy, per
doz. bunches ...
Cornflowers, per
doz. bunches .*
Bucharis, per dozen
tinrdonias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
por doz. bunches
Iris, p. doz. bun. ...
Lilium candidum,
per dozen
Lilium Harris!, per
doa. biooms
Lily of the Valloy,
douen sprays ...
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
«. d, s. d.
2 0-40
0 4-06
0 9-20
4 0-6-0
16-30
3 0-40
2 0-40
3 0-00
4 0-12 0
16-20
2 0-40
10-20
4 0-80
2-40
t, d. $. d.
0-4 0
6-3 0
i 0-12 0
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, orForget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids :—
Cattleya, 12blms.
O dontoglossum
crispum, 12bm. 2 0-40
Pansies, doz. bun. 1 6- 8 •
Pelargoniums, scar*
let, per 12 bun. 4 0-60
— per 12 sprays... 0 4-06
Pyrethrums, 12 bn. 1 6- 2 «
Ranunculus, 12 bn. 2 0-30
Roses, Tea, per doz, 0 6-10
— yellow (Mare-
chal), per doz. 16-40
— red, per dozen 0 9-20
— pink, per doz. 2 0-40
— Safrano, p. doz. 10-20
Roses, 12 bunches 2 0-40
Stophanotis, dozen
sprays 2 0-
Swcet Sultan, per
dozen bunches ... 3 0-
Tuberoses, 12 blms. 0 9-
Orchid-bloom in varitty.
Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices.
. d. s. d.
6
4 0
1 0
Cherries, Dukes,
per £ bush. . ... 10 0-12 0
— White, p. * bsh. 6 0-12 0
— Black, p, $bsb. 7 0-12 0
Currants, Black,
par half-bushel...
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— AHcantes, p. lb.
— Hamburghs,
selected, per lb.
2nd quality,
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb.
2nd quality;
per lb
7 0-90
2 0-40
2 0-26
1 0
10-30
1 6
Melons, each ... 1 0
Nectarines, selcd ,
fruit, per doz. 12 0
— Medium, per
doz
— Seconds, per
doz.
Peaches, selected
fruits, per doz.
— Medium, per
doz
— Seconds, p. doz.
Pine-apples, bt. Mi-
chael, each
Strawberries, per
peck
— per dozen 1 lb.
punnets ... 4 0-60
$. d.
- 2 0
15 0
■ 8 0
■ 4 0
15 0
4 0-80
2 6-30
5 0-80
2 0-26
6 0
9 0
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Artichokes, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, French, per
lb ...
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
*. d. s. d.
1 0
2 0-
1 C-
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets...
! Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
— Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
s. d. s. d.
0 8-0 10
1 6 —
4 0-
3 0-
2 0-
f> 0
4 0
Po tatos.
With a lower Tendency, present quotations arc as follow •
-Jersey Flukes and Kidneys, ?9 to £11 ; St. Malo and
Cherbourg, £S to £9; Home-grown, varibus, £7 to £12
Old: Dunbars, POs.; others, 20s to 40:>. John Bath
Street, Covent Qaraen.
(Markets carried over to p. is.)
Wellington
Notices to _Correspondents.
***. '**. publication of a large number of communica-
tions is unavoidably postponed.
Affected Strawberries : C. T., Slough The
plants are overrun with the fungus-pest, Botrytis
vulgaris. Spraying cannot be resorted to at this
season with success. Sprinkle straw over the bed
and set it on 6rc. A month or six weeks after
this is done, a crop of new leav< s will appear and
then spray with a dilute solution of Boideanx
Mixture, or with a solution of potassium sulphide
—1 oz to 3 gallons of water. Repeat graying in
the spring as a preventive until the bloom appears
G. M. " '
An Old-fashioned Flat-hoofed P^e-stove is
Catti-eva-hocse : r. J. L. The house. judging
by the effects produced on the plants, dofs not suit
Cattlejas, although Vaudas, Dendrobes, Angras-
eums, Lissochilus, some tropical species of CvDri-
pediums, &c, would succeed therein It is
doubtless too hot, even in the summer when no
artificial heat is used, requires shade for so many
hours during the day when the weather is bright
and is not ventilated in accordance with the
requirements of species coming from mountainous
regions in the tropics or subtropical coun-
tries. Could you net raise the roof at the
back giving it a sharper slope, and adding
at the same time to the cubical contents of the
house, and provide ventilators near the ground-
evel, and so placed that the cool air impinged on
the hot water pipes-a very necessarv arrangement
in the cooler months >.
Books ://<,,/«,. 'ScUich's Man, ml ,f Fores/,;,,
published in fivevol,. by Messrs. Bradbury, A, new
& Co., 8, 9, 10, Bouverie Street, London, EC No
periodical appearing weekly or monthly exists
wliieh deals with practical forestry. There is
however a journal called Timber, and another
The Timber Trades Journal. The Scottish Arbori-
cultural Association pnblishes its proceedings.
Fruits of Strawberry Royal Sovereign: A.
Bateman. These enormous, wedge shaped fruits,
which had a weight of 1 lb. 10 oz, were as mag-
nificent examples of this excellent early variety »»
we have ever seen. For ordinary moitals we, how-
ever, like the smaller fruits, which are conical in
shape, like one of its parents, viz., Sir Joseph
Paxton.
Gloxinias : R. B. J., Ireland. The disease is caused
by using " hard water." This causes the formation
of an excess of oxalic acid, which injures the
tissues ; also combines with the lime present in the
hard water to form crystals of oxalate of lime,
which destroys the protoplasm of the cells. Riin
water, or "soft water" should alorje be used for
watering. 67. M.
Hartley's Rough Plate-glass for Vinery Roof :
Reader. The Vine in this country requires all the
direct sunlight possible to mature its wood ; and
fruit should not be put under " rough plate," but
under perfectly colourless large panes of strong
glass, say 21 oz. to the foot square, without flaws
or air bubbles. The Peach or Tomatos might
succeed under rough plate.
Larch : J. <fc Co. The insect destroying the Larch
is the too-common Pine-weevil (Hylobius abieti").
Hand-picking is probably the best remedy if the
plantations are not too extensive. The surface of
the ground below the young troes should be kept
perfectly clear of anything that cau afford shelter
to the beetles. On the other hand, artificial
shelter in the way of strips of bark, &c, may be
placed beneath the trees, and the beetles that
collect under these shelters should be destroyed
daily. The application of quicklime, diluted
paraffin, &c, on the ground beneath the trees, or
as a wash to the trunks, has been recommended.
The larva: live beneath the bark, and prefer
recently dead wood, so that chips, stumps, dead
branches, &c, should be carefully destroyed. The
insect occasions great damage in this country, but
still slight as compared with the destruction caused
by it iu continental forests. /,'. MrL.
Lilium Bulb: (J. I)., Aberystwyth* The bulbs are
swarming with the Eucharis bulb-mite, figured and
described in the Gardener*' Chronicle, March 22
1890.
Melons: F J. C. I. Your Melon is affected by a
disease known as anthracuose, which is caused by
a fungus called Ckeosporium. In the caBeof the
fruit sent, there is a large discoloured and
softened spot, which is surrounded by a darker
ring. At present the fungus is not fully deve-
loped in tho centre of this spot, and the spores are
not formed. When once the fruit becomes attacked,
it is hopeless to attempt to save it, for if the fuDgus
is destroyed by applying a solution, the spot will
remain. It is better to remove a diseased fruit as
soon as the spot appears, imd thus do all that is
possible to prevent its spreading. M. C. G.
Mushroosi-beps Out-of-Doors : R.J. S. April was
too lato to make beds in the open ; and, unless
you have some underground cellar, with a tem-
perature of not more than 60°, you will not
succeed. V\\, -blown Mushrooms are only found iu
wiirm weather outside, or in over warm Mnshroom-
houst s.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
this issue arc requested to be so good as to consult the
following number. — Kent. Euphorbia mamillaris. —
D. W., Glasgow. The two Rubus are either R.
nutkanus (white flowers), or R. odoratus (purple
flowers), or there may be specimens of both. Tho
other plant is Leptospermum flavescens. — G. J. R.
Thuia orientalis var. filifera.-— A\ T. W. A re-
markably fine form of Cattleja Mendeli, the white
tube to the lip aud fringed front rendering it very
conspicuous.— Constant Reader. The petals had
mostly fallen, but in any case wo cannot undertake
to name varieties of Roses. Send them to some
large grower. — R. W. P. 1, Cnicus pratensis
(Meadow plumo Thistle) ; 2, Galeopsis Tetrahit ; 3,
send when in flower ; 4, Monarda didyma ; 5, Erige-
r«n so. ; 6, Onosma tanrica ; 7, Polystichum angulare
— E,M. 1. AlmtilonCouronued'Or; 2, A. Golden
firm ; the Orchid is Gongora galeata. — //. O. The
yellow flower is Asphodelus luteus. The garden
Carnation we are unable to name. — II. P. 1,
Hieracium aurantiacum ; 2, Helianthemum (Rock
Rose) ; 3, Buddleia globosa. — 67. D. 1, Veronica,
probably a garden hybrid ; 2, Polypodium glau-
cum ; 3, Galega officinalis ; 4, Jasuiinum revo-
lutum ; 5, Pyrethrum ; 6, Ornithogalum lacteum ;
7, Astrantia major ; 8, Campanula ranunculoides.
Orchid-blooms : H. R. In the case of the Odonto-
gloeauuiB crispum and Pescatorei, the blossoms
ar» less broad in the sepals and petals than
Orchidiophiles now prefer. The spray of O. crispum
is of goed length, and indicates a vigorous plant so
far ; but being newly imported, its vigour may
lessen under cultivation. You must wait. The
0. Pescatorei spray is rather weak, but the mark-
ings are normal, and this plant may improve. The
bloom of Cypripedium hirsutissimum is a good
one.
Orchids Failing : L. P. The cause of the failure of
Orchids in the manner Bhown by the specimen
sent has never been definitely settled. Something
wrong in the cultivation may probably be the
cause.
Strawberries : A. It. H. The fruits arrived in poor
condition, and have the appearance of having been
attacked by insects or vermin. Possibly by tho
beetles mentioned iu reply to A. G.
Strawberries Destroyed by Beetles : A. G. The
beetles are Harpalus ruficornis (a flat black insect,
nearly half an inch long, with red legs and antennre),
belonging to the group of ' ' ground beetles " (Geode-
phaga), the members of which are notoriously car-
nivorous, but this paiticular species has of late
years developed an undoubted taste for ripe Straw-
berries. It is universally common, and it is highly
probable that its presence in destructive numbers
in Strawberry grounds is connected with the litter
placed round the plants to prevent the fruit from
touching the earth. This litter harbours the
beetles ; they lie concealed under it during the day,
and sally forth at night to attack the fruit. If,
therefore, the litter were turned over and examined
in the daytime, it is probable that thousands of the
beetles might be dtstroyed. As a preventive, it
might he possible to saturate the litter with some
substance noxious to the insects, but not liable to
impart flavour to the fruit It is a subject for
suggestion or experiment by those interested. The
beetle larvae live in the ground, aud as Strawberries
are a standing crop, it is obvious that the number
of beetles in a given field is liable to vastly increase
year by year, uulesa they can in some way bo
checked. R. McL.
Tomato : F. F. P. The injury to the fruitB is not a
mechanical one, but due to a fungus known as
Cladosporium, many times figured in these pages.
Remove and burn every fruit that is attacked r.s
soon as observed.
Tomato Foliage attacked by Fungus : J. E. Tho
fungus is similar to the Peronospora inftstans of
the Potato. The mycelium lives inside the ho.-t-
plant, especially on its leaves, therefore sulphur or
the Bordeaux Mixture are of little use again- 1 the
mycelium, but will kill the conidiospores, whilst
preventing the germination of conidia or ocspon s
that may alight on the leaves. In so far 3 on may
use either with success. The following is a good
formula for making the latter : — G lb. copper sul-
phate iu warm water, placing this iu a bairel
capable of holding about 4 4 gallons ; in another
vessel slake 4 lb. fresh-burned lime, making it up
to a creamy white-wash with water ; strain the lime-
water through con rsecanvas into the barrel of sulphate
solution ; fill up with water, stir will, and the mix lure
is ready for u-e. For Tomatos growing under glass
it may be somewhat diluted. Diseased portions of
the plants should be cut off aud burnt before using
the mixture. As a precautionaiy measure, it may
be used on quite healthy plants.
Vines attacked by Fungus : X. The disease is
caused by a well-known fungus — Penicillium can-
didum. Spray at intervals with dilute Condy's
Fluid or pota=Bium sulphide, 1 oz. to 3 gallons of
water. This will check its 6proad. G. M.
Communications Received.— It. Anderson.— E. Webb <te
Sons.-H. K.-G. H.-J. L.— S. A.-J. Weathers— P.
Sander & Co.— G. W. S.— H. L.— M. O. C.-E. C. Tlios.
Smith.— F. W.— F. K.-C. H. P.— P. HenscheL— T. S.—
E. Webb— H. A. C— F. C. J— J. E.— D. M.— Hurst Ji Bon.
— E. It. ASons, Ltd.-W. Elphinstone.— D. T. F.— C. 1. 11.
R. Do in.— G. G.— J. C— J. II. G.—U. T.— H. C— W R II.
—J. W. B — P. T.— K. ML— J. Veitch ,fc Sons.— A. P.- .1 W.
E M.— East Norfolk —A. II. -S. W.
Phoioghaph Received with Thanks from E. II. Krolage &
Son, Ilaiileoi.
July 10, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
13
THE
SATURDAY, JULY 10, 1897.
PLANTS OF THE VICTORIAN ERA.
BRITISH FERNS.
A LTUOUGII, unfortunately, our British
-^*- Eerns, in their developed varieties, do
not for the moment find due appreciation at the
hands of the general public, I trust I may be
pei mitted, with an eye to the future, to includo
them in the list of plants which are now en-
gaging attention in your columns under the
above heading. If there be any range of deco-
rative foliage plants which the patriotic Briton
should be especially proud of, it is certainly
this one, for no other, to my knowledge, is so
peculiarly a native product, nor so particularly
int( resting in the fact that many of the most
beautiful and charming forms have originated
spontaneously in all their perfection in our
native lanes, woods, glens, and similar spots
in which our littlo islands are so rich.
M'lure is there another tribe of plants of which
hundreds of distinct and beautiful varieties
(1 say nothing of the merely curious ones) can
be brought together, and the honour and glory
of their prcduction be imputed in their entirety
either to British environment or British selec-
tion j Take the pedigree of any other, and even
if we owe the marvellous developments we
now delight in to British care and culture, the
starting plant (or plants, where hybridisation plays
its important part), is or are usually exotic ;
while, in the majority of cases, there has been keon
compttition with the foreigner, fresh developments
have been raised abroad and imported, and hence the
meiit -is more or less cosmopolitan in every
instance, and none of them can be claimed as purely
and exclusively native. With our British Ferns,
however, this is absolutely the case, for it is a
cur:ous and remarkable fact that although between
thirty and forty years ago, these varieties were
fashionable in England, and the number of native
Fern-hunters largely increased as their capacity for
spontaneous variation under natural conditions became
more widely known, the fancy seems to have been
almost exclusively confined to Great Britain, and
although the species indigenous here havo all a much
wider range, being found in profusion in many other
countrie', the varietits which have been found abroad
anil imported can he counted on the h'ugers of one
hand ; and, in fact, the writer only knows of four.
In this particular connection, indeed, the Queen's
reign has practically witnessed the birth as well as
the development of any true appreciation or know-
ledge of the varietal forms ; and, in point of fact,
of the normal as well, since at the time of her
ace. ssion the whole process of reproduction of Ferns
was a daik mystery, destined, however, to be cleared
up se\en years later, when Naegeli and Suminski
announced their discoveries to the world.
Very early in the reign however, British Feres
began to be popular, and we find in 1844, Mr. New
man bringing out his capitally-executed work, A
HUtury of British Ferns, in which the various species
are well depicted and described, though the nomen-
clature varies considerably from that adopted to-diy.
But here, as in all the earlier books, the capacity for
variation is practically ignored, and Mr. Newman only
figures four abnormal forms, viz., Polypodium vul.
cambricum and bifidum, the incised form of Asple-
niuni trichomanes, and a multifid variety (a very fine
one, by the way) of Athyriuui filix-fcomina, a coun-
terpait of which he actually found himself in Co.
Wicklow, and yet labels his picture " a monstrosity."
Mr. Newman devotes considerable space to de-
tailing some minor differences in form of Athyrium
and other species, which were then discussed as
specific ones, botanists being at variance thereanent ;
but there is not a word of allusion to the now well-
known plumose and other crested varieties, of which
we must assume his entire ignorance. Even the
Hart's-tongue, though one of the figures has a
multifid frond, is apparently unknown to him in any
of its crisped or thoroughly tasselled shapes, and
Polystichum angulare is only stated to have occasionally
decomposite pinnules. It is fairly evident, therefore,
that at this period there existed no collections of
varieties, and that the wealth of forms scattered about
the country was not in the least suspected. In 1S63
the case was obviously" different, since under that
date a catalogue lies before me, iesued by Mr. R.
Sim, of Foots Cray, and in this we find a list of
320 British Ferns and varieties representing (deducting
about forty specific normal forms) some 280 abnormal
ones. As these are very fully described, an oppor-
tunity is thereby afforded of judging their merits ;
though, truth to tell, many of them are recommended
because they are curious rather than beau'iful, and a
very large percentage would now be found with diffi-
culty in up-to-date collections, as, owing to their
defective or merely sub-varietal character, they have
been ousted by better ones. Mooie's Nature Printed
British Ferns, published previously in 1859, names,
figures, and describes presumably the best extant
and among those splendidly figured therein are some
very fine things indeed, demon-t rating that the cult
was fairly launched and appreciated. Up to this
time, however, the number of really good finds
was comparatively small, and aa the public
taste seemed equally satisfied with eccentricities as
with symmetrically beautiful varieties, selective
culture on stringent lines of improvement was little
attended to, and, as a result, a plethora of imperfect
forms was thrown upon the market, which doubtless
contributed ere long to surfeit and eventual neglect.
A number of enthusiastic cultivators, however, not
only formed very fine collections at this time, but
continued to extend them, and began to turn their
attention to systematic raising by spores from the
best, with definite views as to improvements of type ;
and later on, when the reproductive process was
thoroughly grasped, so too was the possibility of
crossing and hybridising, whereby a large number of
very interesting new forms were eventually raised.
The pioneers in this direction were Col. A. M. Jones,
Dr. E. F. Fox, Mr. E. J. Lowe, whose splendidly
illustrated volumes, published in the seventies, /•' rns,
British and Exotic, Out Ifativt Ferns, and New and
Hare Ferns, must not be ignored in this connection ;
Mr. Clapham, Mr. Padley, and Mr. Carbonell ; while
ruauy new finds were added by the careful hunting of
Messrs. G. B. Wollaston, J. M. Barnes, Br. Wills,
J. Moly, the Stansfields, W. H. Phillips, and many
others. By the joiut efforts of finder and raiser (often
combined in one and the .same person), the number of
known varieties became so great, that strict selection
began to be felt as a necessity ; the result being an im-
mense improvement in type, fully as great in its scope,
and exemplifying fully as much development when
compared with the normal, as any other branch of horti-
culture can show during the Victorian Eia. Twenty
years ago only, the Kew collection of British Ferns
was very small, and varieties were scientifically
ignored. Thanks, however, to the persistent efforts
of some of the pioneers above named, a fair collection
was presented and suitably accommodated in the
national gardens at Kew ; and Mr. Carbonell dying
shortly after, the garden was suddenly enriched by the
bequest of his splendid collection to the nation, so
that now some thousands of plants, representing
hundreds of the best forms, fittingly attest the
capacity of our home Ferns to decorate our parks and
gardens, slow though the lesson may be in the
learning.
So far as regards numerical increase, some idea of
this may be formed from Mr. E. J. Lowe's list, dated
1891, in which the forms actually described number
1,859, thus:—
Pteris aquilina 17 Polystichum angulare ... 904
Adianturn cap. veneris ... 34 Polystichum aculeatum... 84
Aspleuium ad. nigrum and Lastrea filix - m;is and
other Asplenia 125 other Lastreas 143
Athyrium filix-fuiri.ina ... 313 Polypodium vidg^ro ... 75
Scolopendrium vulgare... 4.j0 Other species ! 274
of which no fewer than 1,119 are wild finds, without
taking into consideration numerous forms repeatedly
found.
The main thing, however, from the horticultural
point of view, is not mere number but quality, and
the advance in this direction of late years has been
immense, as was evidenced, indeed, at the Royal
Horticultural Society's Fern conferences and exhibi-
tions of 1890 and 1892, since when some very fine
additions have been made. The most marked ad-
vances have been achieved in the plumose sections
of Athyrium f.-fcemina and Polystichum angulare,
some specimens of which have been developed into
quinquepinnate forms of extreme beauty. The
crispum Hart's-tongues have gone a step farther than
frilling, and developed finely-cut fringes as well ;
while the crested Male Fern has yielded some unex-
pectedly beautiful varieties, Cropper's fimbriate forms,
to wit, being marvels of delicate cutting. The cris-
tate varieties have also progressed, and the union of
this form of variation with that of the plumose has
yielded some splendid 'combinations, A. f.-f. superbum
percristatum being actually tasselled to the fourth
degree. Mr. E. J. Lowe has raised some very re-
markable Hart's-tongues, wherein the effects of
crossing are multiform in the extreme; and finally,
in this special connection of crossing, Mr. Schneider
has demonstrated the practicability of imparting the
varietal characters of our British species to allied
foreign ones, his Polypodium Schneideri, already
described in these columns, forming a triumphant
demonstration, to say nothing of other successes on
like lines. This, a comparatively recent feat, opens
up wide possibilities for the future, since indubitably
many exotics would not only be rendered more orna-
mental by the infusion of varietal character, but
would naturally benefit constitutionally in addition.
We have therefore seen that the past six decades
embrace to all intents and purposes the entire dis-
covery of the normal life history of Ferns in general,
and also the discovery and development of all our
existiog varietal forms, save some half-a-dozen or so.
If we compare this advance with that of exotics we
shall find, so far as actually discovered varieties are
concerned, that any one of our prolific species has
sported more than all the foreigners put together,
the exotic Fern additions being mainly freshly intro-
duced specific forms.
Of recent years, our British varieties have acquired
greater interest than of old in the eyes of the scientific
botanist, owing to the fact that the reproductive
functions have also been found subject to variation
and modification in very unexpected ways. A new
varietal section has thus been found to exist io
which the fronds bear prothalli, and for the sake of
future comparison this now embraces A. f.-f. Cla'is-
sima, Jones ; A. f.-f. Clarissima, Bolton ; ScoJ. v.
DrunimondiaJ, Scol. v. (aposporum) Lowe ; Polysti-
chum angulare var. pulcherrimum (Padley, Wills.
Moly), Lastrea pseudo-mas cristata (seedling), and
L. p.-m. Cropperi (D.), in all of which the life cycle
is shortened by the elision of the spore, and in some
cases, especially the last-named, by the elimination
of sexual action altogether, the prothallus budding out
from the frond, and the frond again budding out from
the prothallus. Chas. T. Drwrij, F.L.S., F.S ff.S.
FLOWERS.
(Continued from p. 424, vol. *..:<.)
Caxxa. — The C'anna has made a surprising
advance in late years. Sixty years ago three
species were in cultivation — aurantiaca, indica,
and iridifolia. Its popularity dates almost
from the time when John Gibson used it
14
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 10, 1897.
with such excellent effect in his sub-tropical
garden in Battorsea Park. There were but few
dwarf-growing varieties thon, but continental
raisers were not slow to see the possibili-
ties of the Canna, and the improvements
made during the last twenty years, and still
in oourse of being made, are simply mar-
vellous. M. Crozy has done wonders, and
others, such as Messrs. Cannell and George Paul,
are following the lead so given. The leading
varieties of the present day are dwarf and
strong in growth, the individual ilowers large
in size, and whother self-coloured, two or three-
coloured, bordered or spotted, are superb.
Carnations, Picotees, and Pinics.
When the Queen came to the Throne thero
was an abundance of the bizarred and flaked
Carnations, but not nearly so many Picotees — a
fact leading to the supposition that the Picotee
was a later development in time. From that
time onward, the production of new varieties
has gone on unceasingly ; but the great
impulse was given to its cultivation and improve-
ment when, in 1851, the National Carnation
and Picotee Society was formed at an exhibi-
tion held at Slough. Raisers innumerable
added each their quota ; the late Mr. E. S.
Dodwell began to cultivate and raise seedlings at
a time almost coeval with the accession of Her
Majesty. Two varieties in particular — C. B.
Admiral Curzon and P.P.B. Sarah Payne — have
been grown almost the whole time the Queen
has occupied the throne. The labours of Mr.
Gyles, Mr. Douglas, and others, gave a new
lease of life to the yellow- ground varieties;
while the selfs and fancies have become
a formidable section in point of numbers.
Mr. Martin P. Smith has done very much
during the last ten years to popularise the
Carnation ; he is the most prolific producer
of now varieties at the present day.
The winter - flowering varieties have been
improved quite as much as those of the
summer-flowering types ; and there is scarcely
a period of the year when the Carnation is
not in bloom. The Malmaison type has been
considerably increased ; many of the later-
produced summer-flowering varieties rival the
Malmaison in point of size. The new annual
Margaret Carnations have not made the head-
way expected — the older typos dominate. A
garden without Carnations is unusual. As a
cut flower it is almost unrivalled in our markets.
Its relative, the Pink, has declined as a
florist's or exhibition flower. A goodly number
of varieties were cultivated in 1837 ; the petals
were fimbriated, wanting in substance, and the
lacing defective. In 1848, Morris was a suc-
cessful raiser, so was Young of Twyford, Dr.
Maclean, Looker, and others ; later in time, the
Rev. C. Fellowes and James Thurstan carried
on the work. As border flowers, the Pinks are
held in high esteem, and the varieties increaso
rapidly. (See Report of the Carnation Con-
ference, July 22, 1890, Journal of the Royal
Horticultural Society.)
Chrysanthemum.
No flower has of late years made such re-
markable strides in popular estimation as the
( hrysanthemum. When the Queen came to
the throne probably nearly one hundred varieties
were in cultivation, but no classification existorl,
though the flowers were beginning to be publicly
exhibited. Little was done in the direction of
raising seedlings until 1836 ; but when Mr.
John Salter went to Versailles late in the
thirties [see note by B. Fortune in Mr. W. B.
Hemsley's paper, published in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, vol. vi., 1889, pp. 521, 555, and 585.
Ed.], he obtained all the best seedlings — those
raised by Chevalier, Bernet of Toulouse,
the first raiser of seeding* — and set to work
producing new varieties, with what result is
well known. The first genuine English seed-
lings were raised in Norfolk about 1835 by
Short and Mr. Freestone. The first public
show of cut-blooms was held at Stoke Newington
in 1846. In this year Robert Fortune brought
what he called the Chusan Daisy from China,
which was tho progenitor of the race of Pompon
Chrysanthemums. In 1862 came tho Japanese
CYCLAMEN.
Very remarkable also has been tho progress
made with the Cyclamen during the past
sixty years. It was not until the forties
that any serious attempts were made to improve
the well-known 0. latifolium (commonly but
erroneously called persicum), by means of seeds.
The type itself and the varieties obtained from
it were regarded as early spring - flowering
plants, and shy seeders. Fragrant types wero
announced in 1844. Messrs. E. G. Henderson
& Son, of the St. John's Wood Nurseries, were
among the first to add to tho varieties, and the
Fig. 3. — diervilla sessilifolia : flowers yellow, (see p. 17.)
varieties, introduced by Fortune, and since, Red
Dragon, Leopard, Jas. Salter, Hero of Magdala,
and Garnet, all English varieties, were raised,
wonders have been wrought in relation to its
development ; and had it not been for the intro-
duction of this race, the Chrysanthemum
would probably never have become so popular
as is the case to-day. In plant-houses, in
our markets, and at exhibitions of the flower, the
Japanese type dominates, and no othor flower
has such a wide circle of admirers. Chrysan-
themum societies are numerous, and exhibitions
take place in all parts of the world where the
English-speaking races abound.
possibilities of improvement once rocognised,
many undertook its culture. It is, however,
only within the last twenty-five years that much
marked improvement has taken place ; the
colours have been extended and deepened
beyond all expectation, and tho giant type of
flower has been evolved. [See fig. 65, in vol.
xxi., March 27, 1S97.] The Cyclamen is now
recognised as a late autumn and winter, as well
as a spring-flowering plant. It seeds readily ;
it has become much more iloriferous than for-
merly, and improved methods of culture have
been made known. It can now be had in bloom
from October until April and May.
Jclv 10, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
15
Dahlias.
In 1837 many varieties of Dahlias were in
cultivation. The Dahlia Register, published in
1836, gives a number of coloured illustrations
of leading varieties. The fancy type was also
existing, though apparently not then formed
into a distinct section. The Pompon, or as it
was originally designated, the Liliputian Dahlia,
though having originated in Germany at the
beginning of the present century, was not
much cultivated in this country until the early
part of the Queen's Reign ; the single form was
re-introduced in 1880, and with it the Mexican
Delphinium.
Sixty years ago the Delphinium was repre-
sented in gardens by elatum, grandifloruin, and
tricorne, and some seedling varieties of each.
We probably owe to the two first the early
improvements seen in this popular perennial ;
and when, in 1840, the variety Barlowi ap-
peared, and the rich blue formosum came from
the East later, both were utilised for cross
fertilisation, and their parentage is seen in the
magnificent varieties of a very varied character
produced in the present day. Nudicaule, with
its pale red flowers, came from California in
' :;; ^m:W^
^
FlC. 4.— ESCALI.ONIA LANGLEYENSIS. (SEE P. 17.)
species, Juarezi or Cactus. The last-named,
somowhat frowned upon at first, worked a
revolution in the estimate in which the Dahlia
is held, and having since its introduction
become considerably extended in its varieties
and improved, it is now more widely cultivated
perhaps than any other section. The single
type became very popular for a time, but has
now sensibly declined in public estimation.
The Pompon type has undergone extensive
improvement, and bids fair to become the most
useful race for garden decoration. A single
form of the Cactus type is not yet so popular as
it may in course of time become. [See articles
upon the history of the Dahlia, in Gard. Citron.,
1889, vol. xii., pp. 437, 524, and 5.37 ; also
report of Dahlia Conference, in the Journal of
■the Royal Horticultural Socidt/, vol. xiii., 1891.]
1869 ; and later, from the same country, D.
cardinale. Tbe Delphiniums are magnificent
border plants, and deservedly popular.
Fuchsia.
This genus in 1837 was represented by a few
species, such as serratifolia, macrostemma and
varieties of it, coccinea, microphylla, fulgens,
and one or, two others ; but the value of raising
seedlings had begun to be recognised. Messrs.
Lane & Son of ' Berkbamsted, and Saltmarsh
of Chelmsford, were seedling raisers among
others at the time of the < iueen's accession. In
the early forties the pollen of fulgens was much
used to secure hybrids. In 1839 corymbiflora
was introduced from Peru, and in 1842 Mr. T.
Cripps, of Tunbridge Wells, distributed, at a
guinea a plant, the once poplar Yenus Victrix.
Raisers were early at work ; Mr. W. H. Storey
of Newton Abbot was a pioneer in the work, also
Mr. E. Banks of Deal. The first white-corollaed
variety came from France about the middle of
the fifties, and a double form appeared soon
after. New varieties are still raised, especially
by Mr. J. Lye ; but the Fuchsia, though yet
extensively grown, does not command the atten-
tion it once did. Very fine exhibition specimens
are still grown in the North and West of
England.
Gloxinia.
The Gloxinia during the latter half of the
Queen's reign has shown a remarkable develop-
ment. Maculata and speciosa were grown at
the Queen's accession, one or two other species
were imported in the forties, and seedlings soon
began to show considerable variation. The
earlier varieties bore irregular pendent corollas,
and somewhat flattened ; by-and-by, circular,
erect, regular forms were originated, and now
scarcely a pendent- flowered form is to be found
in collections. It has also become quite a
greenhouse annual, and seeds sown in January
and up to March produce plants which, under
proper management, bloom in four and five
months. The collections now seen at the
Temple and other large flower shows are
superb, and appear almost incapable of further
improvement.
Hollyhock,
The Hollyhock was undergoing improvement
at the time of the accession of the Queen, and
Charles Baroni, of Saffron Walden, with others,
was engaged in transforming it from a single to
a double form. It was still more improved by
Clarke, Paul, Chater, Roake, Parsons, and
others, and it became a favourite exhibition
flower with the florist. Some few years ago
it was affected by a fungus, which, settling upon
the leaves, destroyed the plants, and its
successful culture was rendered difficult in
consequence, many fine varieties becoming
utterly lost. This disease still affects collec-
tions, but efforts are being put forth towards
cultivating this plant more largely than within
the past ten years, and raisers are at work
obtaining new varieties.
Lobelia cardinalis.
The American Lobelia cardinalis, and the
Cape of Good Hope L. erinus, have both been
turned to good account during the reign of the
Queen, and the improvements made with both
enrich our flower gardens during the summer
months.
Lilies.
The genus Lilium has had important addi-
tions made to it. Sixty years ago some most
useful species, such as candidum, Martagon,
tigrinum, croceum, &c, embellished our
gardens. L. speciosum, which has proved one of
the most useful, had only recently come to our
shores. The stately giganteum was imported
in 1852. Auratum and longiflorum came in
1862— a fine form of the latter, known as
Harrisii, is cultivated in very large quantities,
as it forces well — and pardalinum in 1875.
Auratum has produced many varieties, and it
is a very handsome species, whether grown
under glass or iu the open border. '
Sweet Peas,
Since, in 1877, Mr. Henry Eckford took in
hand the Sweet Pea and cross-fertilised it with
a view of extending and improving the few
varieties then in cultivation, there has been a
most remarkable advance. It is a singular fact
that the old types of Sweet Peas, the white
16
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jcly 10, 189".
scarlet, purple, Painted Lady, and one or two
striped varieties were in cultivation in this
country for nearly two centuries before any
systematic attempt was made to cross them.
Even up to the time when Mr. Eckford com-
menced his great work, the few varieties which
had been added to the old ones, viz., Butterfly,
Crown Princess of Prussia, Violet Queen, and
one or two others, had mainly originated
as seedling variations. But once new varieties
were obtained, the work ot development has
gone forward, and up to this time nearly
one hundred varieties have been added, some
of the American, as well as home production,
are characterised by charming tints, which
at one time were thought almost impossible in
the Sweet Pea, especially tints of yellow, apri-
cot, blue, mauve, salmon, &c. In the white and
pink Cupids, we get diminutive types that aredis-
tinctly novel and useful. There may be a good
deal of sameness of character about some of the
newer sorts, bnt they are all very attractive,
and they are in great request for cutting and all
decorative purposes. The time has, however,
come when only new varieties, characterised by
undoubted distinctness of character, should be
distributed.
Pelargonium.
The Pelargonium will always be grown, but
for varying purposes, according to the tastes
of the time. In 1837 Mr. Whomes, at that time
gardener to E. Foster, Esq., Clewer, near
Windsor, with Messrs. Gaines, Beck, Cook, and
others, were the leading raisers of seedlings ;
and a little later, Mr. G. W. Hoyle, of
Beading, followed on the same lines ; while
Ambrose, Gaines, and others were improving
the fancy type. Both sections were popular
exhibition plants for many years. The spotted
section appeared about forty years ago ; a
number of very fine varieties were raised on the
Continent, and gradually the florist's type gave
way before the spotted or decorative class, and
the varieties are now extensively grown for
market and general decorative purposes, as also
for exhibition. The charming fancy varieties,
so free of bloom, and generally delicate in tint,
require special culture, and this operated to
restrict their cultivation. The appearance of a
variegated-leaved variety in 1848, under the
name of Flower of the Day, called attention to
this section ; Golden Chain, a golden-edged
variety, came a little later. About 1857, Mrs.
Pollock appeared, followed by many varieties
of tricolors, both silver and golden. Meanwhile,
the zonal section was also being greatly im-
proved, and the names of Pearson and Cannell
will always be associated with some of the best
work of this character. During the last thirty
years, the Ivy-leaved section has been consider-
ably developed, fine double and single varieties
having been obtained, more largel}' abroad than
at home, and they prove of great value for house
decoration, bedding and basket purposes.
Petunias.
Except for bedding purposes, the Petunia has
ceased to be greatly grown. It is cultivated
for market purposes, but the giving of names
to varieties has ceased, except in the case of
something of special character. Flowers of
large size now rule in the place of the smaller
and more symmetrical blossoms of a quarter of
a century ago. Those who remember Shrubland
Pet, and the Countess of Ellesmere, and Annie
Salter, of forty years since, can realise how
much the flowers have grown in size ; but
large flowers are generally associated with a
coarse habit of growth. [See figs. 159, 160,
and 161, in the
June 29, 1897.]
Gardeners' Chronicle for
Pansies.
The show or English Pansy, which Thompson,
Hale, and others were improving at the time of
the accession of the Queen, is still much grown
in Scotland and the North of England, and
new varieties are being raised annually ; but
it has practically stood still during the past
twenty years. The introduction of the Belgian
or fancy varieties by Mr. W. Dean in 1859-60,
with their larger and finely-marked flowers and
more vigorous growth, was gladly welcomed,
and this section is now largely cultivated,
almost to the exclusion of the English varie-
ties, and they appear in most gardens. The
northern florists have now taken the lead in
their cultivation, and raise a considerable
number of new varieties annually.
"Viola."
The "Viola" has come to the fore of late
years, and is now extensively used for bedding
purposes. The improvement commenced some
forty years ago, V, lutea and other species being
employed to produce seedlings ; then V. cor-
nuta and its white variety came prominently
into notice as bedding-plants, when the ribbon-
borders prevailed in" most gardens. A number
of raisers took the flower in hand, and there is
now an enormous number of varieties which
are very valuable in the flower garden ; colours,
and combinations of colours, unimagined in
1860, have been obtained. The Viola is also
employed as an exhibition-subject, being shown
in sprays.
Chinese Primrose.
Those who remember the Chinese Primrose of
1850, and can mentally compare it with the
highest productions of the present day, will
realise that its improvement has been astonish-
ing. The two sole colours of the former period
— the purple and the white — are multiplied
tenfold on corollas of large size, substance,
and handsomely fringed margins. Even a
shade of blue has been developed, and semi-
double and double flowers in abundance. It
is a most popular subject, largely cultivated
for market, and grown for blooming from
October until May. But no double variety yet
raised has equalled the old double white ; and
for cutting purposes, this is still an invaluable
variety. The hardy and half-hardy species
have been reinforced during the pastj^sixty
years by the introduction of several, the most
notable being P. denticulata, P. Sieboldi (of
which there are now many beautiful varieties),
P. verticiliata, P. japonica, P. obconica and
P. floribunda, the three last-named requiring
greenhouse culture. [See report of Primula
Conference in the Journal of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, vol. vii., No. 2, published
June 30, 1886. Also Gardeners' Chronicle,
January 26, 1889, p. 115; November 15, 1890,
p. 564; and January 2, 1892, pp. 12 and 13.
Also Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society,
March, 1891, vol. xiii., p. 99.]
Polyanthus.
The old Gold-laced Polyanthus has lost much
of its former notoriety, but P. elatior is now
represented by fancy or giant Polyanthuses of
great beauty and variety, and they are much
employed for spring gardening. The common
Primrose has been improved by the raising of
varieties of many shades of colour, from white
to maroon ; and Mr. G. F. Wilson has been
instrumental in developing distinct shades of
blue. The double Primroses have been added
to, but in nothing that surpasses some of the
old .types grown for many years, particularly
the crimson, yellow, white and lilac.
Khododendron.
The hardy Rhododendron is still a universal
favourite ; with its improvement may be asso-
ciated the names of Waterer, Standish, and
Noble. Since the Queen ascended the throne
marvellous developments have occurred, and
the rich spottings found on the upper portions
of .the corollas of some of the varieties make
them doubly attractive.
Streptocarpus.
Wonders have been accomplished with the
Streptocarpus. It is remarkable that S. Rexii
should have been in cultivation so long before
the possibilities of improvement in the flower
suggested themselves. Once commenced, its
improvement went forward by leaps and bounds,
and beautiful hybrids were obtained by Mr.
Watson and others. Then by crossing these
with some of the newly-introduced South
African species, further new and distinct forms
have resulted, and the range of colour has been
greatly extended. The possibilities of further
developments appear to be almost unlimited.
Trop.eolum, Verbena, etc.
The Tropreolum and the Verbena no longer
occupy the position of florists' flowers. The
dwarf annual types of the former have had
several additions made to them, and they are
useful summer bedding plants. Those who
have known the Verbena since Robinson's-
Scarlet Defiance made such a stir in 1848, and
saw the improvements made by Barker, Smith,
Edmonds, Perry, Eckford, and others, may
regret that only common forms find a place in
our gardens now, but it is no longer regarded for
other than bedding purposes. Phlox Drum-
mondi has taken its place, and is now largely
employed for bedding purposes.
The Antirrhinum, Pentstemon, Pyrethrumi
roseum, Preony, Sweet Pea, summer and winter
Stocks, with the Aster, are all popular, greatly
improved, and widely grown.
The horticulturist can look back over the-
sixty years of the Queen's reign and take pride
in the survey; and he can look forward with
hope, and confidence to the future, feeling sure
that there is no limit to developments in the
vegetable kingdom.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
EPIDENDRUM x RADICO-VITELLINUM (badi-
cans <? , vitellinum majus ? ), new yard. hyli.
In this remarkable hybrid, raised by Messrs.
James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., we have another remark-
able evidence of the strong individuality of the male-
parent, as shown iu the illustration of their Epi-
Cattlc-ya ■: matutina in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
April 10, 1897, p. 233, and which, in a general way,,
will give a good idea both of the plant under notice
and its flowers, apart from the peculiarities here-
noted.
In Epidendrnm ■: radico-vitellinum, as in Epi-
Cattleya x matutina, the Epidendrum radicans
imparted its slender growth, root-beaiing stems,
and narrow alternate leaves on the offspring, the-
evidence of the mother-plant being confined
to imparting a softer tint of green, and a-
slightly glaucous hue to the leaves and stems,,
the latter showing tendency to be slightly enlarged
at the nodes. The flowers, which are borne-
on a perfectly erect stem Borne 6 inches in length, have
slender, ribbed pedicelB 1£ inch in length, yellow,
tinged with green. The perianth, which is l.J inch
Jul* 10, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
at its greatest width, is bright orange, tinged with
scarlet. In the flowers themselves the struggle for
the supremacy between the Euepidendrum radieans
and the Encjclium is strangely evident, and all the
more remarkable if the total suppression of the petals,
as seen in every flower of the specimen under
examination, prove a constant feature. Each flower
consists of three lanceolate orange-coloured outer seg-
ments more or less keeled at the back, a labeilum varying
in form from irregularly ovate to unequally and
obscurely trilobed, and varying also in the degree of
its adhesion to the column. The blade of the lip is
orange-scarlet, and it bears in the centre two short
and one long-raised plates or keels of yellow colour.
Though not at present of great floral beauty, it is
liighly interesting, and the sequel to its peculiarities
may be given by some of the other strange crosses
which Messrs. Veitch have approaching maturity.
The seeds of this were sown September 18, 1894,
plants flowered June 26, 1897, according to Mr.
Seden's record. James O'Brien.
more robust in growth, there was no appearance
that C. rsophylla had any influence on the pro-
geny ; there was much variation in the pilosity of
the seedlings, but all were blue-flowered, and none
different from the ordinary state of C. fragilis. I
might have applied pollen of C. turbinata as well, but
there was no trace of that species in the seedling*.
No self-sown seedliogs have ever occurred to me of
C. isophylla, which I have only in the white-flowered
form ; but young plants of 0. fragilis come up every-
where. I left Messrs. Balchin to put any name to the
plant they chose. Not much was anticipated from
this random intercrossing, but I may just mention
that in taking up the pollen from a matured anther
I have found that when a bit ot black sealing-wax is
drawn out to a blunt point and (when required to
pick up pollen) just rubbed over the sleeve, the
wax becomes sufficiently electrified that loose pollen
is caught up, can be seen, and applied where desired,
almost without touchiDg a flower. William Mitten,
Ifurstpierpoint, June 4."
DIERVILLA SESSILIFOLIA.
The Diervillas, or Bush Honeysuckles, are hand-
some hardy shrubs, with white, purple, pink, or yellow
flowers in axillary or terminal clusters (fig. 3, p. 14).
The leaves are opposite, sessile, or petiolate and
serrated. The different species are found in Japan,
Siberia, Canada, and the United States. The species
under notice occurs in the mountains of North Carolina,
The flowers are yellow, and numerously produced on
short cymes. A number of flowering shoots were
exhibited by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, at
the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society
at the Drill Hall.
ESCALLONIA LANGLEYEXSIS x .
This pretty variety, a cross between E. macrantha
and E. Phillipiana, with small pale rose-coloured
flowers (6g. 4), was shown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons,
Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, at the meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society, on June 15 last. In the
colour of the flower, and size of the leaves, it i»
intermediate between the parents ; and in the wanner
parts of the country, where it would be safe to risk it
out of doors, it would afford desirable variety as a
flowering shrub for the lawn or shrubbery border.
In less warm districts the Escallonias should always
be afforded the protection of a south or east wall. By
the seaside it, like its congeners, would probably do
well (see tig. 4, p. 15).
CAMPANULA B ALCHINIANA x .
One of the curiosities of the Temple Show was
this pretty creeping-plant (fig. 5), which we could
scarcely credit was a true Campanula. Such it proves
to be, nevertheless, as shown by flowers obligingly
forwarded to us by Mr. R. Dean. The stems are
elender, prostrate, and like the leaves, densely hirsute,
with longish, straight white hairs. The leaf-stalks
are about 4 cent, (say li inch) loug, 6ulcate, expand-
ing into a roundish, coarsely -toothed limb, the disc of
which is green, the edges creamy-white. When
quite young, the leaves are of pale violet colour.
The flowers are solitary, on long, slender stalks. The
ovary, which in Campanulas is inferior, outside the
flower, and very conspicuous, with the sepals and
petals spreading from its upper edge, is in these
flowers wholly superior and enclosed within the
flower. The sepals are represented by five shortly-
stalked green leaves ; the corolla is regular, like that
of C. isophy 11a, with a short, open tube, expanding into
five flat petals. There are five stamens, with imperfect
anthers and a style. [In Vegetable Teratology, p. 80,
this change is recorded as occurring occasionally. Ed.]
Learning that this plaut had been raised by an
eminent botanist, Mr. William Mitten, we appealed
to him for further information, which he has been
kind enough to give us, as follows : —
"The variegated Campanula grown by Messrs.
Balchin & Son was raised by me from seed taken
from C. fragilis and C. isophylla alba ; these stand-
ing in pot3 I had endeavoured to intercross, and
capsules taken from both supplied the seeds
which were sown together. Excepting the two
plants with variegated foliage, which are a little
Fl'.. 5.— CAMPANULA BALCHINIANAX (Hort.).
Natural Blze, showing free, leafy, si liked sepals and superior
corolla and ovary. In the diagrammatic section, S sepal,
P = petal; two hypogynous stai iera and a superior ovary
in section ar.
Book Notice.
and published in the Journal of the Royal Horticu'-
tural Society, vol. xv., 1393. Had he taken this
trouble he would have avoided mauy errors. The
history, the botanical details, and the orthography cer-
tainly need very extensive revision. One illustration
taken from the chapter on hybridisation will suffice.
The reader is there told that the "pollen .... passes
through small ducts to the ova or embryo-seeds in
the wing-shaped, fruit-bearing receptacle." A few
Hues further we are informed that " the pollen throws
out spores or rootlets," p. 35. The worst disease is
the " fungus cladespora, the same that causes the
Potato rot." These astounding statements are unfor-
tunate, for it leads the reader to doubt the correct-
ness of the author's experiment on p. 35, an expe-
riment which, if we understand it aright, was a veiy
interesting one, though the way in which it is
described might well induce mistrust.
Some of these things are not strictly included in
the rubric "How to grow Begonias," and were it not
for the fact that several pa»es are devoted to them,
we might have passed them with the briefest
reference.
It is to be hoped that the churlish refusal on the part
of a brother grower to afford information as men-
tioned on p. 13, is not a common experience. Still
more is it to be hoped that the allegation of direct
falsehood, such as that made on the same page, may
not often be justified.
The author is rather discursive, for after giving use-
ful hints on certain poiuts of culture and on diseases,
he passes to the subject of a Begonia society.
As to the need for a Begonia society, opinions will
naturally differ. For our own parts, considering the
extraordinary results that have been obtained by Mr.
Laing and other raisers without the assistance of any
society, and the great degree of perfection from a
florist's point of view, that has been obtained by
private enterprise and skill, we fail to see the slightest
necessity— so far as the improvement of the plant is
concerned— for any society beyond those we already
possess.
The subjects we have named take up about eighty
pages, the remaining fifty- five are devoted to a
descriptive list of named sorts which will be useful
for reference.
The cultural details are of the briefest kind, and
they are such as no gardener knowing little of the
subject would consider sufficiently instructive, or the
amateur, knowing probably still less of this part of
the subject, find a trustworthy guide. As a matter of
fact, treble the space occupied by an account of the
methods of culture is taken up by an account
of the effects of London fog on the Begonia
The advice given on pp. 19 and 20 is to the purpose
as far as it goes, which is not nearly far enough, and
the author gives no hint of the usefulness of the
common garden frame supplied with mild bottom-
heat from fermenting tree-leaves and stable manure,
separately or mixed, in starting old tubers, and
growing them on for a month or two afterwards.
How to Grow Begonias. By G. A. Faiini.
(Sampson Low, Marston & Co.)
" There are no named varieties of any merit
catalogued by any grower which I do not possess arid
have grown. I also have many novelties which I have
produced by carefully hybridising. Therefore, my
information is of the latest, and I hope this book will
be the most complete in every detail of anything yet
published."
After this introduction it would "seem as if there
was nothing for the critic to do but announce the
publication of the book. Reference to the pages of
the work is, however, sufficient to induce one to
think that the author is too fond of his produc-
tion to be a trustworthy judge of its merits. The
history of what we know as the tuberous Begonia is
so very interesting, that we naturally turned to the
author's chapter on the subject, but only to find it by
no means " complete in every detail,"' and the
information that is given far from trustworthy. It
is indeed to be regretted that the author did not con-
sult the literature of the subject to greater purpose,
and, at least, that he did not avail himself of the
papers read before the Begonia Conference at Chiswick
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
CATTLEYA MOSSI.E, var. RAPPARTIANA.
(See Supplementary Illustration.)
This is quite unique. At first sight it might be taken
to be a form of C. Reineckiana, but on inspection,
the atmospheric blue that pervades the lip— faint
certainly, very faint — commands attention, and lifts
up the form to a front rank position. The fact that
the plaut. with its three flowers on it, obtained a
double first— at the Manchester and North of Eng-
land's meeting on the 3rd, and at the Royal Botanic,
Manchester, on the 4th— under different judges,
establishes its reputation. It comes nearest to I '. M.
E. Ashworth, but eclipses that variety completely.
It deserves more than mere temporary recognition,
aud we append the following detailed description :
Flower S inches across ; sepals oblong, bluntly
acuminate ; petals 4 inches long, 2J inches wide.
The segments are of wonderful substance, and
white. With the shade of slate-colour in the lip, one
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[Jolt 10, ISO"
almost doubts their whiteness ; but if white paper
be placed at their back, and the lip concealed, the
albino character becomes evident. Length of lip 3 %
inches ; width at base of orifice, 2 inches ; interior of
the tube flushed, and marked with 6ve orange lines.
The blade of the lip has the faint ground of slate-
colour, or pale atmospheric blue ; and the margin,
which is prominently gauffered, is clear and distinct
shite. On the epichilium are radiating flushed lines
of pink. The whole limb is full of detail, and is one
of the most remarkable Mossifes that has ever been
introduced. It is dedicated to the fortunate possessor,
D. B. Rappart, Esq., Promenade, Liscard, Cheshire
(Mr. Nicholson, gr.), who obtained it from one of
Hugh Low & Co.'s importations, at the price of five
shillings ! and it was on view during the whole time
of the Whitsuntide exhibition. J. Anderson.
Malformed Dendrobicm flowers.
A remarkable aberration occurs in one of our
Dendrobium chrysotoxum. It has five sepals, three
petals, and two lips, and the formation of the flowers
differs generally from the type. A petal is substi-
tuted in place of the dorsal sepal ; the other two
petals are placed at a near approach to right angles.
Four of the sepals are placed— two on each side —
one above and ODe below the lateral lobes, and the
fifth sepal is placed on the under side, overlapping
the keel and the inner edges of the claws of the two
lips. The lips are quite distinct, and proportionately
formed. There are likewise two anthers and two
stigmas. There is also a difference in the raceme, as
it terminates abruptly in a three-flowered umbel. I
may add, that the plant is in a basket, and has borne
two racemes to each leading pseudo-bulb six years in
succession. This year it has produced twenty-one
blooms on each raceme. T. Appleby, Mentmore.
[Malformations of the kind noticed by our correspon-
dent, arising from the union of two flowers, are not
uncommon, and they may mostly be traced to exces-
sive vigour. Ed.]
CoELOGYNE MlCHOLITZI.
This species is one of robust habit with light green
pseudo-bulbs bearing two leaves also of a lightish
colour. The inflorescence springs from the apex of
the pseudo-bulbs, and is erect with pure white
flowers with the exception of a raised dark chocolate-
coloured portion of the lip, which has the effect of
making the flower look whiter. The plant in the
Edinburgh Botanic Garden has been grown in a
warm-house, and afforded a good amount of water at
all times. R. L. H.
The Week's Work.
THE FLO"WER GARDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
The Rosary. — My Briar stocks for budding purposes
have made a much more satisfactory growth this
season than has been the case for several years ; and
since the recent rains growth has been rapid, rendering
the lifting of the -rind an easy job. Rose-budding is
so simple an operation, and has been described so
often, that it is needless to do so here. It may, how-
ever, be stated that the buds should be inserted as
aear as possible to the base of the shoot selected to
carry the bud, and not tied in very tightly. Soft
cotton forms the best kind of binding material.
Beds and borders of Roses should be looked over
occasionally, and decaying flowers, and thin or
flowerless shoots removed from the plants.
Own Root Roses. — Usually it is advisable to shorten
the growths of standard and dwarf Roses after the first
flowering, thereby inducing the lower buds to break
for the second or autumn blooming ; and the opera-
tion helps to keep a symmetrically formed head in
the case of standard Roses. And of importance is the
removal of all weak, blind, flowerless shoots from the
interior of the heads of standards, and the main shoots
of dwarf. The propagation of Roses from cuttings
may now be done with success, and the best of
the shoots that have been cut away may be
utilised for this purpose. The readiest means
of obtaining a good strike is by means of a
partially-spent hot-bed on which a frame may be
placed, and if an aspect on the north side of a wall or
hedge can be secured, less shading will be required,
and the strike will be quicker. Small 60-sized pots,
with a bit of rough leaf - mould at the bottom,
and filled with sandy loam pressed down firmly, suit
admirably for striking Rose cuttings in. The cuttings
should be made from shoots having two or three
buds, the lower leaf being removed entirely, and the
tips only of the remaining leaves, the wood being
cut clean through just below a node. Insert one
cutting in the middle of each pot — three or four
if they are China or monthly Roses, and some silver-
sand should be allowed to run in round each cutting.
Only a mild warmth is required, and after inserting
the cuttings, afford one good application of water, and
plunge the pots to the rim in the hot-bed, and
keep them close and shaded from bright sunshine.
Roots form in about fourteen days, when a little air
may be admitted, and in another fortnight the pots
will be filled with roots. They should then be
repotted into 5 inch pots, and placed in a cold
frame, where they may remain till early spring.
Roses struck at this season become furnished with
several shoots, and the plants produce a fair quantity
of blooms the following year.
Pinks. — The flowering season of these plants being
almost past, pipings may be struck if an increase of
the stock of plants is desirable. Although Pinks
strike pretty successfully in a hand-light or cold
frame if it is kept1 close, roots are made quicker if a
mild hot-bed be used ; on this bed place a layer of
sandy soil 3 inches thick, making it smooth, firm, and
level, over all putting a thin covering of sharp sand, and
cover with frame, elochcs, or hanrtlights. Take shoots
of 3 inches in length, cut through under a joint, strip
off the lower leaves for a space of an inch, cut off the
points of the leaves, and the cuttings are ready for
insertion. Make holes H to 2 inches apart with a
little dibber, and make sure that the bottom of the
cuttings touches the bottom of the holes ; press the
soil firmly around each with the thumb and finger,
and give a thorough watering, putting on the cover
an hour later. Two of the nicest Pinks are Mrs.
Sinkins and Ernest Ladhams, the latter flowering
rather late, and both varieties furnish a few useful
blooms throughout the autumn ; but those who like
Pinks wi'l not confine their attention to these two
varieties, but will grow the laced, the mule, and other
forms, which are all of easy culture.
General Mints on Work. — Evergreens are making
unusually strong growth after the rains, and pruning,
&c, where branches are encroaching on each other
or on the walks and drives, will have to be attended
to. For this sort of pruning the parrot-bill shears
or the secateur are serviceable for removing large
shoots, and the knife for small ones. The seed-pods
should be removed from hybrid Rhododendrons, and
more especially from small plants recently planted.
Tender bedding-plants, and especially those used in
carpet-beds, should be sprinkled overhead after hot
days ; and Liliums in borders freely afforded water,
especially those growing in shrubbery -borders, where
but little rain as a rule reaches them.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
The Odontoglossum-house . — Such plants as Odonto-
glossum Rossii, 0. aspersum, 0. Humeanum, 0. Cer-
vantesii, 0. madrense, and 0. Galeottianum, are
commencing growth, but it is not advisable to repot
them now, though new compost may be afforded
immediately they commence to root afresh. Mesos-
pinidium vulcanicum, M. sanguineum.and the closely-
allied species, Cochlioda Noetzliana, thrive best when
suspended close up to the roof-glass in the cool house,
but carefully avoid placing them in a line of draught
from the top ventilators. Their flowering season is
now past, and if necessary they may be repotted,
being careful to give good drainage. Peat and sphag-
num-moss in equal parts is the best compost, but
requires to be pressed moderately firm around the
plants. Anguloa Clowesii, A. Ruckeri, A. eburneum,
and A. uniflora are now sending up strong growths,
which will soon commence to emit roots from their
base. If repotting be necessary, it should be done
at once, using pots of moderate size, which must be
well drained to about one half of their depth. The
compost should consist of equal parts peat, loam, and
sphagnum-moss. Until the plants become re-estab-
lished they require careful watering, and it is neces-
sary to guard against drip from the roof lodging iu the
centre of the growth. Anguloas grow well in the
Odontoglossum-liouse when it is possible to afford
them sufficient light; if this be impracticable, put
them in the coolest end of the intermediate-house.
During the growing season the leaves are frequently
attacked by scale and red-spider, and it is well to
sponge them occasionally. Dendrobium infun-
dibulum and its variety are two lovely Orchids, but
unfortunately they are difficult of culture. One of
the greatest mistakes is to grow them in too much
heat. The Odontoglossum or cool greenhouse is the
proper place Tfor them during hot summer weather.
At all times both species should be kept moist at the
roots.
Deciduous Calanthen of the vestita section, now
growing vigorously, should be afforded abundance of
water at the root, and as young roots will push up
all over the surface of the soil, it is good practice to
top-dress with rough yellow loam. After the roots
have seized upon the top-dressing, alternate applica-
tions of liquid manure made from cow-dung should
alternate with clean water. Do not use the manure-
water unless quite clear, or the compost will become
sealed to the air ; and at the commencement it should
be largely diluted. To grow Calanthes well, a com-
paratively high temperature is necessary ; but if they
are grown amongst stove plants, they should be placed
near the roof, and where no drip or water from the
syringe will touch them. The Regnieri section of
Calanthes flower in the spring, and the plants are also
making their growth, requiring similar treatment to
the vestita varieties.
Phaius. — The different varieties of Phaius, as P.
amabilis, P. Blumei, P.' assamicus, P. Wallichi, P.
Sanderianus, P. grandifolius, and the hybrids, P.
Cooksoni, P. Owenianus, P. Owenae, P. Martha?, and
Phaio-Calaothe Arnoldiana, having begun to grow,
may be repotted forthwith, if any of them seem to be
in need of fresh compost or larger pots. The plants
succeed in a mixture of yellow turfy loam, peat, and
chopped sphagnum-moss, a small quantity of coarse
silver or river sand, and a handful of finely-broken
crocks per plant. Place crocks at the bottom of the
pottoadepthof 2 to 3 inches, over these lay sphagnum -
moss ; place the plant thereon, and fill to a point just
below the rim, making all moderately firm. Afford
water in small quantities at first — that is, till the roots
are fully active, but afterwards they must receive a
liberal quantity. The Phaius above named require
the same kind of treatment as the deciduous Calanthes
during their season of growth.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By P. Harris, Gardener, Eaetnor Castle, Ledbury.
The Pine-stove. — Early Queen Pines, now ripening
fast, will require to be kept rather drier at the root,
and the house more abundantly ventilated ; and
should any fruits show signs of ripening in quantity
greater than the requirements of the place, some of
them should be removed to a cool vinery, as recom-
mended in an earlier calendar. When fruit is ripen-
ing, no more manure-water should be afforded the
plants.
Succession Fruiters should be afforded a steady
bottom-heat of S5° to 90°, and when any plant requires
water at the root, it Bhould be copiously afforded ;
and moderately strong manure-water, at a tempera-
ture of 95", may occasionally take the place of clear
water. All suckers, excepting one on each plant,
should be twisted off, and all the small ones that
form round the fruit must be removed as soon as
they can be got hold of. Ventilate freely on bright,
warm dpys ; close the house or pit early in the after-
noon, say 2.30 to 3 o'clock, and maintain aerial
moisture by wetting the walls and paths and the
surface of the hot-bed between the plants, using for
the latter warm water. The plants may be dewed
overhead in very hot weather once a day. If the
crowns grow freely, and they are likely to be unduly
large, the house must be kept less moist, and the use
of fire-heat at night scmewhat reduced.
Successions. — Plants which early in the season were
placed in the fruiting-pots will be, if they were strong
plants at the time, about to finish their growth, and.
if wanted for early forcing next year, they may soon
be brought to a partial rest by being kept a little
dryer at the root, but not too much so or fruits will be
prematurely thrown up. In houses and pits that
have had to be shaded during the growth of the plants,
shading may now be discontinued in most parts of the
country, the foliage being harder and better enabled
to bear the sun's rays without burning. Plants
which are still in growth should be afforded water at
this season twice a week in some cases, and the state
of the soil ascertained twice or thrice a week.
Suckers should not be kept crowded together, or
^
N.
■;
July 10, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
19
drawing of the leaves will occur ; nor should they
be allowed to get pot-bound, but re-arrange and re-
pot whenever theae operations become necessary.
Tomatos. — Any plants in full bearing, if showing
signs of exhaustion in a stocking of the growth, &c,
should be top-dressed with loam and dung, and afforded
liquid-manure at alternate waterings. The top-
dressings should be small in quantity, and frequent —
i.e., as soon as the roots show on the surface. Rub
out side-shoots, unless any are required to cover
bare places. Where plants are allowed to grow and
epread on trellises, the growth should be kept thin,
and the points of the shoots stopped at the first leaf
beyond the truss of flowers. Tomato plants grown on
this modified extension method afford heavy crops of
medium-sized fruit. Plants for winter fruiting should
now be placed in their fruitin^-pots, and securely
staked, plunging the pots out-of-doors in the sun-
shine. Under this sort of treatment a quantity of
fruit will set late in the season that will ripen during
the late autumn and winter months.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Late Peas — The latest sowings must now be made
of Ne Plus Ultra, or if dwarf -growing varieties are
desirable, Sutton's Latest-of-All and Omega. At
Highclere these dwarf Peas do not fill their pods well
when sown late, although when sown on warmer and
lighter soils they may be quite satisfactory. The
ground for this, sowing should be made firm before
sowing. Some seed of au early wrinkled variety, as
Early Giant, may likewise be sown at this date,' to
come into use in advance of the later Marrowfats.
Vegetable-marrows. — These plants, now growing
apace, should have the weaker bine thinned-out, and
the stronger pegged down to the soil, to prevent a
confused growth, and the better to set the blossoms.
Those plants in bearing may be copiously afforded liquid-
manure. As soon as the Marrows are large enough
for table use, remove them from the plant, otherwise
a lengthy succession of fruits cannot be expected.
The month of September will be eafly enough to
select fruit for ripening.
Mushrooms. — Outdoor Mushroom-beds will gene-
rally be more satisfactory at this season than those in
an ordinary Mushroom-house, the maggots being an
unavoidable pest in these during the summer. A
suitable place for an outdoor-bed is one under the
shade of trees, or on the north side of a wall. Beds
that are becoming exhausted may be improved in
bearing by being afforded a liberal supply of weak
liquid-manure from the cow-sheds, at a temperature
of 75° to 80° ; or the bed may be sprinkled with salt,
which should be washed into the soil with tepid
water.
Leeks.— If the late or main crop of Leeks is not yet
planted, no further time should be lost. The soil
must be well manured, and the plants set out in
deep drills drawn 15 to IS inches apart, 6 to 9 inches
being the distance from plant to plant. As time goes
on, the drills may be tilled in, which will ensure
8 inches of blanched stem, a length sufficient for
ordinary use. Early Leeks in trenches should be
liberally supplied with liquid-manure, and eartlied-up
in good time.
Shallots and Garlic. — Pull up Shallots and Garlic
when the tops begin to die off, and lay them out
thinly to dry on the ground where they grew, turn-
ing them over a few times till dry. If the weather
be wet, dry the bulbs in a cool airy shed.
Uerls. — Flavouring herbs being now about to
show flower, may be cut in quantity sufficient for
requirements, and spread out thinly in an airy shed
to dry. Herbs dried in the sun become brittle, aud
the leaves fall off. All pot-herbs of perennial growth
are the better for being cut over at this season, even
when not required for drying, the fresh growth that
will result being more compact and more useful if
required in the green state in the winter months.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. WiBD, Rayleigh, Essex.
Pot Strawberrict. — Runners which have been layered
into the fruitingpots in the manner recommended at
p. 400, vol. xxi., having established themselves by
this time, may be given alternate waterings of weak
liquid- manure and clear water. Pinch out all runners
that push from the layered ones as soon as they
appear. The plants may be sprinkled overhead on
the afternoons of bright days when applying water at
the roots. In the course of a few days the pot-plants
should be detached from the parent plants, and be
transferred to a position where they will be fully
exposed to the sun, affording space enough between
the pots to prevent the plants becoming " drawn."
Some boards placed on the side of gravel walks in the
kitchen-garden will serve very well for the plants to
stand upon. Thus plactd a free passage from the
pots is secured for the water, and the ingress of worms
is prevented. The retaining walls of outside Vine-
borders are also suitable, or any other having a south or
south-west aspect which can be spared for the purpose.
Rough rake the surface of the soil over, and then add
betweeen 1 and 2 inches thick of sifted coal-ashes.
Stand the pots on this in breaths of about nine rows,
the plants in each succeeding row standing anglewise
to those in the preceding one, leaving a space of from
18 to 24 inches wide between each bed of plants that
the whole may be within. easy reach. Plants so
placed will not require watering at the roots quite so
often as plants stood on boards and retaining walls.
When the pots are moderately well filled with roots,
alternate waterings of diluted liquid-manure may be
given, with top-dressings of some good artificial manure,
bearing in mind that plants, like animals, enjoy a
change of diet. The success expected next spring, in
a measure, depends upon the care and treatment
which the plants receive during the present and two
following months.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Hot-house Plants. — Those p'auts of Stephanotis
floribunda which have flowered, should have their
growths regulated, and not be permitted to get into a
tangle, and be kept as clean as possible. The shoots,
if there are many, should be relieved of the weaker
ones, which may be spurred back, the longer ones
being laid in thinly, doing this at short intervals of
time. Mealy-bug is a troublesome pest, which, if it
once infest this plant, is seldom got rid of, but it may
be checked by a pretty constant use of clean rain-
water, and applied with the syringe twice daily.
At the present time apply liquid manure liberally,
anil afford as a top-dre6sing sheep droppings or
decayed cow-dung to the border or tub in which the
plants are growing.
Ixoras. — These plants should be afforded plenty of
warmth, frequent syringing, and abundance of water
at the root, shutting up the pit in which they are
growing soon after midday. Any plant showing
bloom may be removed to another house, where
slightly more air may be given it on warm days,
and somewhat less water afforded at the root.
Allamandas and Bougainv illwas may be similarly
dealt with, except that the latter should be placed in
a rather lower temperature when the flowers open.
Gardenias. — The young stock of plants may now be
placed in the pots in which they are to blossom, viz ,
S-inch ones. When, on turning a newly-potted plant
out of its pot, fresh roots are seen to have run through
the fresh soil, the quantity of water at the root in.iy
be increased, and the plant be well syriuged daily.
If the pots can be plunged to the rims in some tree
leaves, tan, or cocoa-nut fibre, the plants will be
much benefited during the hot weather, aud the
dropping of the flower-buds prevented.
Frccsias. — The earliest-ripened bulbs may be shaken
out, and the largest of them repotted, to the number of
ten in a 5 inch pot. It is advisable to add a f.-w fresh
imported bulbs to the stock yearly, and for that pur-
pose orders should be placed with the nurserymen as
soon as possible, in order to ensure getting good bulbs.
Genera! Hints. — Sow seed of Mignonette in 5-inch
pots for winter use, thinning the seedlings when large
enough to six in a pot, and cultivating them as
advised in earlier Calendars. The best soil for Mig-
nonette is a turfy loam of good quality which has been
in stack for one year, mixed with one-quarter of its
bulk of half- decayed cow-manure and leaf-soil, with
some coarse sand, if the loam be stiff. Specimen
plants trained as umbrellas afford plenty of bloom in
the spring, and the best varieties are those that
grow strongly, as Machet, Miles's Spiral, or Parson's
tree. For raising this sort of specimen, sow a few
seeds in the middle of au 8-inch pot, taking away all
of the seedlings excepting the strongest, which, when
large enough, secure to a stake of the desired height. ;
rub off every lateral shoot till that height is reached,
theu pinch out the point and place on the stake a
framework of neat stakes and wire, and on this train
the shoots till the whole is covered, when the plant
nny be allowed to bloom, not earlier.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
" Artificial " Increase, or Dividing Colonics {eon'
tinned from p. 5. — My second plan is to make one
colony from each old one, on the principle of
division of bees instead of division of brood, as in
the above case. In using this plan, we must have
queen calls nearly mature by the time our first
colonies are preparing to swarm. Having such cells
on hand, I go to a colony preparing to swarm,
or one that has its hive full of bees and brood,
and move it to one side of the old location,
bo a3 to put a new hive in its place. If a
hive is not full of brood, and bees do not touch it,
it is useless to try to increase the bees till such is
the case. I now look over the combs till I find the
one having the queen on it, when I place that comb
in the new hive. I next give them a frame having
some honey in it, and then fill out the hive with
empty comb or foundation, when about two-thirds
of the bees in the old hive are shaken in front of the
new hive, and allowed to run in. After this I arrange
the frames in the old hive, putting a division-
board in place of the frames taken out, when the old
hive is carried to a new location where I wish it to
remain. After the bees thus removed have become
reconciled to their queenless condition, I give
them one of their nearly-matured cells, or a virgin
queen, which will soon be laying. In this way
1 have secured my new swarm, controlled all after
swarming, and introduced my young queen, all to
my liking, and with but little trouble.
My third plan is one which I use on the weaker
colonies, or those which do not get ready to swarm up
to ten days or so before the honey-harvest arrives, when
I proceed to make colonies from them, as follows :
A hive is filled with frames of empty comb, and
placed upon the stand of one of these colonies which
have not swarmed, and all the sections are taken off
and placed thereon ; then all the bees are shaken
and brushed off their combs of brood aud honey in
front of the hive, into which they will run as
fast as shaken off. Thus I have a colony that
is ready for the honey-harvest, as they have
the queen-bees and partlj"-filled sections all in
readiness to work. Previous to this, nuclei have
been started, so I have plenty of laying-queens
to use as I need them. I next take all the combs of
brood from which the bees were brushed, except
one, arranging them in the hive the bees were
shaken out of, and carry them to the stand of another
colony which has swarmed. I next take the comb of
bro id which was left out, go to one of the nuclei,
take out the frame having the laying-queen on it,
and put the frame of brood in its place. I take the
f rame— bees, queen and all — and set it in the place left
vacant for it when arranging the combs of brood. I
now put on the sections, and having all complete, I
move the colony to a new stand, and Bet the prepared
hive in its place. Thus I have a laying-queen, and
enough of her own bees to protect her, together with
a hive filled with combs of brood, and all the. field-
bees from the removed colony. The loss of bees to
the removed colony stops the swarming impulse, and
in about a week they have so regained their loss that
they are ready for the sections again. In this way 1
make one colony from two old ones, but have all in
the best possible condition to take advantage of the
honey-harvest, which is soon upon us. These plans
look toward a host of bees in time for the harvest,
with no desire to swarm ; and thus, having them
gives an assurance of a large crop of honey.
Variorum.
CARROTS. — " The root (Carrot) was formerly,
cooked in this country in a greater variety of ways
than at present, and the leaves of the plant also
were used as ' greens.' Between forty and fifty years
ago, when the Royal Western Yacht Club at Plymouth
had their club-house iu Milbay, it was famous for a
sweet-savoured carrot-pudding made by their cook.
. . . She boiled the roots with the tops, then pressed
them through a sieve, and, adding a little syrup of
angelica, togethor with some stiffening, such as
isinglass, set the dainty dish to bake. The almost
metaphysical subtleties of its simple quality were
the very ecstasy of taste. She also confected of less
transcendental dulcitude a soft (glace) candy of the
chopped root, most toothsome morsel*." Sir George
Birdicood in Mem. on the Purchase in Europe of
Carrot Scei, ,v ■., 1
20
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jci.y 10, 1897
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
SATURDAY,
TUESDAY,
THURSDAY,
I Rose Show in the Botanic Gardens,
July 10-1 Manchester.
^ Royal Botanic Society, Meeting.
j Wolverhampton Horticultural
T v -10 I Show and Fete (3 davs).
jll\ ict- R0yai Horticultural Society's Com-
y mittees.
/"National Rose Society's Show at
Ji-ly 15-' Norwioh-
JU" Ia | Helensburgh Horticultural and
^ Rose Show.
SALES.
t it v ifi f Imported and Established Orchids,
jily 10 1 at protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three yeara, at Chiawick. — 63 4°.
Actual Temperatures :—
London.— July 7: Max., 6S° ; Min., 54°.
Provinces. — Jul;/ 7 (6 p.m.): Max., 60°, at York;
Min., 45°, at Sumburgh Head.
VICTORIA MEDAL OF HONOE.
WE are requested by the Council of the
Royal Horticultural Society to give pub-
lication to the following list of the sixty gen-
tlemen selected to receive this distinction. The
honour thus conferred on eminent horticulturists
of various classes in connection 'with the sixtieth
anniversary of the Queen's reign has the dis-
tinct sanction and approval of Her Majesty : —
Baker, J. G. Maries, C.
Balfour, Professor. Mclndoe, James.
Birr, P. Milner, H. E.
Barron, A. F. Molyneux, Edwin.
Beale, E. J. Monro, G.
Boxall, Win. 'Moore, F. AY.
Bull, W. Morris, Dr.
Bun yard, G. Nicholson, ft.
Burbidge, E. W. O'Brien, J.
Crump, W. Paul, G.
Dean of Rochester, Paul, W.
The Very Rev. the Rivers, T. F.
Dean, B. Rothschild, The Hon.
Dickson, G., Chester. Walter.
D'Ombrain, Rev. H. H. Sander, F.
Druery, C. T. Schroder, Baron.
Dunn, Malcolm. Seden, J.
Ellacombe,Bev. Canon. Sherwood, N.
Elwes, H. J. Smith, J.(ofMentmore).
Foster, Professor M. Smith, Martin R.
Fraser, J. (Woodford). Speed, H.
Gordon, G. Sutton, Arthur.
Heal, J. Thomas, Owen.
Henslow, Rev. Tro- Thompson, W., Ipswich
feasor. Thomson, D., Drum-
Herbst, H. lanrig.
Hooker, Sir J. D. Turner, H.
Horner, Rev. F. Willmott, Miss.
Hudson, J. Wilson, G. F.
Jekyll, Miss. Wolley-Dod, Rev. C.
Kay, Peter. Wright, J.
Laing, John. Wythes, G.
The prevailing feeling, wo imagine, on
scanning the above list will be, that the
omissions are more remarkable than the entries.
It would be invidious now to allude to par-
ticular individuals whose services to horticul-
ture are at least as great as those of many
who are honoured as bearers of the " V. M. H."
We may be allowed to point out that there are
good reasons for these omissions. The Council,
as wo have reason to know, took counsel with a
large number of horticulturists in all parts of
the kingdom, with a view to secure perfect
representation and absolute impartiality, and
their task must have been one of the utmost
difficulty and delicacy. The members of the
Council, very properly, as we think, decided
that no member of their own body should be
selected, and many others not officially con-
nected with the Society, have, for various
reasons, been unwilling to accept the proffered
honour.
Some of the members of the Council may, on
retirement, and on the occurrence of a vacancy
in the list of sixty, be elected, and thus the
apparent defects may in time be removed. In
any case, we think the President should have
headed the list as "Grand Master'' of the
Order ; and we venture to suggest that for
public, as well as pergonal reasons, Sir Trevor
Lawrence be a medallist dejure.
It is to be hoped that those gentlemen con-
nected with the horticultural trade who have
been selected to bear the honour will not besmirch
it by using it for advertising purposes.
We think the Society deserves the gratitude
of the horticultural community for this effort to
confer honour on its eminent representatives.
Once again has been held the
Crystal Palace annual metropolitan exhibition
of the National Rose Society at
the Crystal Palace, and a most satisfactory one
it has been. The disappointment rosarians
experienced recently at Portsmouth has quickly
been superseded by natural jubilation in the
presence of one of the best displays of Roses
that has been seen at the Palace, at any rate
during recent years. It is satisfactory to know
that in 1897, when anything that can be
construed into " national " is unusually
popular, and the means of exciting much
enthusiasm, the most important display of the
national flower has been one equal to the
occasion. In all its sections, so different from
each other, in charming variety of form, and
colour, and habit, the Rose was seen on
the 12nd instant as near to perfection as is
possible at any one time or place.
It is quite evident that in the riper years of the
Victorian Era the Rose is increasingly popular,
and a commoner garden plant than it has
ever been, and this in spite of the fact that
there is no institution known as Rose-day, or
other fanciful means of glorifying the flower.
The Rose is popular because of its exquisite
form, its beautiful colours, and delicious
fragrance. It is admired, not because it is
known as the national flower; on the contrary,
it has attained this distinction owing to the
universal admiration it commands, and will
retain, whether or not special efforts are made
to surround the flower with the species of senti-
ment that exists in Leland in relation to the
Shamrock ; or even in the improbable event of
its ceasing to be the idol of a special society,
much as this society has done to develop certain
characteristics in the flower. It will be seen
from a letter in our present issue, for which we
are obliged to our courteous correspondent, Mr.
Ed. Mawley, that the number of exhibition
blooms staged at the Palace was 7200, being HoO
more than the average for the past five year?, and
100 more than at the large exhibition in 1892.
We were not surprised to find that there were
no Scotch Roses shown on this occasion, as they
could hardly be expected to be in condition at
this date in the present season, which is natu-
rally rather late, and which a few weeks ago
promised to be much later than it really is.
As it happened, the date fixed for the metro-
politan show proved to be the most fortunate that
could have been arranged, just as the show
at Portsmouth was an unfortunate one, be-
cause it was too early for obtaining a good
exhibition. At the Palace there were Roses
from Ireland, England, and Wales, and Mr.
Mawley has further divided the exhibits into
the various counties. Messrs. Harkness &
Sons, of Bedale, Yorkshire, had the best
exhibit of seventy-two blooms in the mixed
class, and thus beat the Colchester, Cheshunt,
and Irish growers ; but Messrs. Harkness have
now land at Hitchin, and it may be that this
fact explains the circumstance that this northern
firm was successful over southern exhibitors in
a moderately late season. The severe hail-
storm that devastated a large part of Essex
should also be borne in mind. In any case the
Roses staged by Messrs. Harkness were Roses
to be proud of, many of the blooms in the stand
being faultless. In the Tea and Noisette division ,
Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. of Colchester took
the leading prize with a better collection of
blooms than has been seen at the Palace for
some years. They were remarkably free from
damaged petals ; the size and form of the
flowers were better, and they had more sub-
stance. These satisfactory qualities were just
as observable in the amateurs' classes — indeed,
it was remarked many times, that the high class
character of these exhibits was a feature of the
show. The Trophy and Replica for the principal
mixed class was won by that excellent Rose-
grower, E. B. Linpsell, Esq., and the equally
important class for Teas and Noisettes by O. G.
Orpen, Esq. In each of these cases, Mr. C. J.
Graitame was a near competitor.
The garden varieties made a brave display,
but the competition was not so extensive as in
some other classes. In Messrs. Patjl & Son's
exhibit, wo noticed a bunch of a new, large,
semi - double variety, named Dawn, that
appeared to be more than equal to any other in
the collection in point of showiness and beauty.
The Medal Roses in every instance were
worthy of the distinguished award. Last year
it was indeed difficult for the judges to find
blooms that they could conscientiously award
them to, but the very reverse was the case
on this occasion. The names of them will
be found in our report, and we will but
mention here the grand bloom of the new Rose,
Muriel Grahame, awarded the Medal among
amateurs as being the best bloom of a Tea or
Noisette, and exhibited by Mr. Lindsell.
New Roses were very conspicuous throughout
the exhibition. Two of the four medals were
awarded to new varieties ; and in the special
classes for novelties the number of exhibits was
unusual, and the Society's Gold Medal was
awarded in one instance. Some of the newer
Hybrid Teas wore especially remarkable in many
of the first-prize collections, notably Marquise
de Litta, a French Rose of peculiarly rich
colouring, and Kaiserin Augusta Victoria.
Altogether, the exhibition was a magnificent
one, and the weather, though fair, being dull,
the blooms remained fresh throughout the day,
and visitors were able at any hour to carefully
inspect and admire the exhibits.
Royal Horticultural Society.— The next
Fruit and Floral Meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society will be held on Tuesday, July 13. in the Drill
Hall, James Street, Victoria Street, Westminster,
1 to 5 P.M. A lecture on "Mutual Accommodation
between Plant Organs," will be given by tbe Rev.
Professor Geo. Henslow, M.A., F.L.S., at 3 o'clock.
University College Conversazione.— The
grounds and buildings of the college in Gower Street
Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," July 10, 1897.
Cattleya Mossue, variety Rappartiana.
July 10, 1S97.]
THE GA 12 D ENE E S ' CHE 0 XI CL E.
21
presented a very gay appeirauce on the occasion of
the annual conversazione held on the eveuiog of the
30th ult. The whole of the scientific and other
departments were thrown open, and numerous ex-
hibits and experiments were on show for the enter-
tainment of the guests. In connection with the
botanical department numerous exhibits of plants
had been arranged. Messrs. VVh. Paul & Son, of
Walthatn Cross, hadasplendid colleetionof pot and cut
Roses in the south cloister ; whilst Messrs. VEircn of
Chelsea, and Messrs. H. Cannei.l & Sons, of Swanley.
were well represented in the spacious anatomical
museum — the former by Nepenthes and other car-
nivorous plants, Orchids, &e. , the latter by Begonias
and C'annas. Here also was a representative collec-
tion— kindly lent by Claude Beddington, Esq., of
dwarf Japanese trees, including Conifers, Acers,
Primus, &c. This attracted much attention, many
of the little plants, not over 1 foot high, being quite
a hundred years old. Sea-weeds and fresh-water
plants were shown as transparencies by the electric
light, aud were very effective. In the botanical
laboratory, besides other objects of interest,
there was an admirable exhibit of herbaceous
plants by Mr. Thomas Ware, of Tottenham,
while banks of flowers in the window - bays
testified to the artistic capacity of the lady
students Oi the department. We cannot close
this notice without allusion to the decorations in the
Slade School. Here the staircases and corridors wero
a scene of splendour. Ropes of Roses festooned the
bauisters and balconies, and twined around tho
columns. On slabs and tables lay, in appropriate
colours, quaint conventional patterns in cut flowers
— altogether a very notable artistic success in floral
decoration.
National Carnation and Picotee Society
(Southern Section). — The annual show of the above
will be held at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Regent's
Park, on Wednesday, July 21. On this occasion,
the Royal Botanic Society offer two Silver instead of
two Bronze Medals as previously announced ; and in
addition to the money prizes offered, a Silver Medil
will be awarded to the best exhibit in class 1, twenty-
four Carnation blooms, Bizarres and Flakes only,
not fewer than twelve dissimilar varieties. And a
Silver Medal for the best exhibit in class 5, twelve
Carnation blooms, selfs only, dissimilar varieties.
Martin R. Smith, Esq., president of the society, will
preside at the luncheon provided in the gardens.
Enormous Strawberry Crop. — In some
parts of Kent this year the crop of Strawberries is
quite phenomenal. From Sandwich a'one during the
last seven days over 100 tons of this luscious Iruit
have been despatched. In one day the consignments
exceeded 3'.l tons, requiring special goods trains to
convey them to London. Large quantities, how-
ever, go beyond London to the great centres in tho
Midlands and North, the average price being Is. per
gallon. There is now a very considerable acreage
under Strawberry cultivation in Kent. Westminster
Gazette.
London Weather.— At the meeting of the
Royal Meteorological Society, ou June 16, a paper,
by Mr. R. C. Mobsman, on the non-instrumental
meteorology of London. 1713 — 1896, was read by the
Secretary. The author his gone through the prin-
cipal meteorological registers and wtather records
kept in the metropolis, and in this paper discusses
for aperiod of 167 years the notices of thunderstorms,
lightning without thunder, fog. snow, hail, and gales.
The average number of thunder-storms is 9 7 per
annum, the maximum occurring in July, and tho
minimum in February. The average number of
fogs is 24'4, and of "dense" fogs 5"8 per annum.
The decadal means show that there has been a steady
and uninterrupted increase of fog since 1S41. The
average number of days with snow is 136 per annum.
The snowiest winter was that of 1SS7-8, with forty-
three days, while in the winter of 1862-3 there was not
a single instance of a snowfall. The mean date of
first snowfall is November 9, and of the last snowfall
March 30. Hail is essentitl'y a sprng phenomenon,
reaching a maximum in March and April ; the niiui-
mum is in July and August. The average number of
days with hail is 5'9 per annum. Nature, July 1.
Crimson Rambler Rose.— Mr. Fraser of
Lea Bridge obligingly sends us a sporting branch of
Crimson Rambler. The shoot bears two trusses of
bloom. The flower-stalks in the one are relatively
short, and the flowers of the usual crimson colour ;
whilst, in the other truss, the peduncles are twice
the length of those on the normal branch, and the
flowers are smaller and white as in Rosa polyantha.
The stalked glands are alike on both branches. This
may throw some light on the origin of this popular
Rose.
Kew Gardens Flagstaff. — For the first
time in tho history of the fine flagstaff at Kew
Gardens a flag was hoisted during the Jubilee week.
The Government, it is said, gave a magnificent
Royal Standard, valued at £70, for the purpose.
Ancient Society of York Florists.— The
third of the series of minor shows held under the
auspices of this society during the summer months
took place on Wednesday, June 30, in the Guildhall,
when there was a, meritorious collection of flowers
and a few plants. Cut-flowers firmed the principal
attraction, and included a very excellent show of
Roses. Mr. J. W. Hutchinson, Kirbymoorside, was
a prominent exhibitor in all the classes, and practi-
cally carried all before him. Pinks, the finer varieties
of which appear to be going somewhat out of cultiva-
tion, were a moderate collection, but the hardy
herbaceous porenuial flowers made a brave show.
Some very fine Pansies were staged, and there was
the usual display of button holes, bouquets, ka. In
the plant section there was a very pleasing exhibit of
exotic and British Ferns.
Jubilee Outings.— Messrs. Charles Sharee &
Co., Limited, seed merchants, Sleaford, treated their
workpeople to a most eujoyable day's outing on
Saturday, July 3. About 2u0 of the women employed
at the Sleaford, Ruskingfon, and Heckingtou ware-
houses were taken by special train to Skegness. A
substantial dinner and tea were provided, and the
weather being beautifully fine, nothing was wanting
to make the trip a great success. On the same day
forty of the clerks and male employes were treated to
the Royal Agricultural Show, at Manchester, and
thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
A New Public Park for Glasgow.— Many
and varied as have been the municipal enterprises of
Glasgow in recent years, none ha* been more remark-
able than the movement for extending the public
parks and open spaces of the city. Until a few years
ago it was deficient in that respect, but under Sir
James Bell's reylme an immense development took
place, and during the last six years the number of
the public parks of Glasgow has been more than
doubled. Hitherto it has been a common complaint
that the Corporation has favoured the well-to-do
West End and other suburbs, and neglected the toil-
ing thousands of the industrial East End in regard
to open spaces. An important step in removing any
ground for that reproach was taken ou Saturday, 19th
ult., when Lord Provost Richmond threw Tollcross
Park open to the public. This consists of the grounds,
extending to about 84 acres, surrounding the man-
sion of Tollcross, long occupied by the Dunlop
family, which for two centuries has been bo
closely associated with the commercial development
of Glasgow. When Mr. James Dunlop died two
y>ars ago, a feuing plan was suggested to meet the
ever-growing demand for houses in the district ; but
the Corporation stepped in, and for £30,000 pur-
chased one of the most picturesque spots in the
neighbourhood of Glasgow for the use of the public.
Situated three miles from the Cross, the park is just
beyond the eastern boundary of the city, within a
short distance of the villages of Tollcross and Shet-
tleston, and is bounded on one side by the high road
to Edinburgh. Lord Provost Richmond performed
the opening ceremony in the course of his tour round
the public parks, where the children's fetes were in
progress. From ll Edinburgh Evening Dispatch."
INCARVILLEA Delavayi.— The flowering of this
loautiful hardy Bignoniad is mentioned in a note on
Prof. Foster's garden at p. 427 of the last volume.
It may be interesting to record that a Scottish corre-
spondent has obligingly sent us flowers from Munches
in Perthshire, N.B.
The Gardeners Company.— At a meeting
of the Court of the Gardeners' Company, held at
Vintners' Hall, VJpper Thames Street, on Tuesday,
Mr. N. Sherwood was installed as Master, and Sir
William Farmer and Mr. Philip Crowley as
Wardens, of the guild for the second year in suc-
cession. The ceremony was followed by the
"Master's installation banquet," at which the
Master, who presided, was supported by, amongst
others, Mr. I!. J. Sf.ddon, Premier of New Zealand.
Lord Amherst proposed the toast of " The Colonies."
Mr. R. J. Seddon responded. He represented, he
said, "the Garden of England," and he felt that an
injustice had been done to New Zealand and the other
colonies by their Prime Ministers having been invited
within the last forty-eight hours to visit Ireland " in
native costume." Colonists, he proceeded, were
proud of their connection with the mother country,
and throughout all tlr ir many privations they had
never had the slightest desire to sever that connection.
But he was in the habit of speaking plainly, and he
desired to say that the Prime Ministers of the
colonies had found, during their present visit to
the mother country, that they were more in touch
with the people of the mother country thau they had
been with its rulers. They warmly appreciated the
reception they had had from the people, and the earnest
desire which had been manifested to welcome them
and to promote their welfare and happiness.
Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
SOCIETY. — On tlie occasion of the meeting of this
Society on Juue 12 Ia<t, the Floral Committee
awarded First-class Certificates to Anemone coro-
naria fl.-pl. The Bride, shown by Messrs. E. H.
Krelage & Son, Haarlem; to Pteris Wimsetti,Bh^wn
by Mr. H. J. Lemkes, Jr., Alfen a/R ; to Rosa hybr.
Thea Souvenir du President Carnot, R. h. T. Souvenir
de Madame Eugene Verdier, and R. h. T. Fiamette
Nabonnand, shown by Mr. Jac. Smits, Naarden.
Certificates of Merit were awarded to Messrs. J.
Stravers & Son of Willige, Langerak, for Pelar-
gonium zonale Hortulanus Budde ; and Messrs. E. H.
Kkelaue ct Son, lor Tropseolum Leichtlini.
The National Amateur Gardeners'
ASSOCIATION held an exhibition and garden party
in the grounds of the Royal Botanic Society in
Regent's Park on Saturday, the 3rd inst. Mr. R. G.
Doucall, of Walthamstow, secured the prize for the
'• Pye " championship for Violas ; Messrs. Jno. Laing
& Sons, Forest Hill, made a display with Begonias ;
Messrs. Cannell k Sons, Swanley, and Mr. H. J.
Jones, of Lewisham, had also meritorious exhibits.
Isle of Wight Horticultural Improve-
ment ASSOCIATION.— The monthly meeting of the
above association was held at Shanklin, on Saturday,
July 3. Dr. J. Grovks, B.A., presiding ; aud a paper
was read on the " Cultivation of Gloxinias" by Mr.
N. Jolliffe of Woodside Gardens, Wootton. The
exhibits, which were many and meritorious, included
Streptocarpus, Roses, Shirley Poppies, Cannas, and
Violas. Arrangements were made for an excursion to
Brooke House, the residence of Sir Charles Seely,
president of the association, on July 14. The next
meeting will beheld atVentnor, when Mr.C. Orchard
will read a paper on the " Progress of Horticulture in
England in the last sixty years.
IMPORTATION OF TLANTS TO
THE CAPE.
In reply to a correspondent, we publish, through the
courtesy of the Cape Government Agency the follow-
ing regulations at peseut in force at the Cape of Good
1 lope in virtue of a Proclamation by Sir Hercules Robin-
son, Bart., Governor of the Colony, dated March 25,
1890, as follows. It will be seen that considerable
relaxation has taken place in the regulations affecting
the introduction of plants o:her than Vines.
22
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[Jcly 10, 1897.
Import Regulations.
'• I. The importation into this Colony from places
beyond the boundaries thereof, of all Grape Vines or
cuttings or portions of Grape Vine3, is absolutely
prohibited, with the exception of Vines or portions
thereof, imported by the Government of this Colony
under such precautionary measures as it may decide
to be necessary.
II. All trees and plants other than Vines, and all
parts thereof, and all fruits of any description, and
all tubers, roots, bulbs, or poitions thereof, and all
packages, cases, pots, or coverings whatsoever con-
taining such, shall, before being introduced into this
colony from places beyond the boundaries thereof,
undergo a strict examination by a competent officer
appointed for that purpose, to determine as far as
possible the absence of noxious insects and plant
diseases which it would be prejudicial to this colony
to allow to be introduced ; and it shall be the duty
of the consignee to open all such packages, cases, or
coverings, for the purpose of the examination afore-
said, and to afford every facility to the said examining
officer during his examination.
III. On the aforesaid officer being satisfied as to
the absence of noxious insects and plant diseases in
such trees, plants, fruits, tubers, roots, bulbs, or
portions thereof, and their packages, cases, pots, or
coverings, he shall give a certificate to that effect to
the consignee ; and without such certificate no such
articles shall be landed.
IV. All trees, plants, fruits, tubers, roots, bulbs,
or portion thereof, or the packages, cases, pots, or
coverings in which they may be packed, which shall
be found to be infected with any noxious insect or
plant disease, shall be cleansed or disinfected by the
consignee in the manner prescribed by and to the
satisfaction of the examining officer ; and if not so
cleansed or disinfected, or if such disinfection shall
be deemed or found to be ineffectual, shall be
immediately destroyed.
V. The importation or introduction of any stone-
fruit tree, or any fruit, scion, cutting, graft, root or
seed, the growth or produce thereof, from the United
States of America or the Dominion of Canada, is
hereby absolutely prohibited, and anyone importing
or introducing such fruit tree, or ether article the
growth or produce thereof, as aforesaid, shall, upon
conviction, be subject to the penalty provided in the
body of this Proclamation ; and in addition thereto,
the fruit tree or other article imported shall forthwith
be destroyed.
VI. Save as in the preceding clause mentioned,
all stone-fruit trees, or other articles, the growth
or produce thereof, may be imported and introduced
into this Colony, subject to the provisions laid down
in Clauses 2, 3. and 4, preceding, provided that such
consignment of trees or other article be accompanied
by a sworn declaration from the consignor that the
articles proposed to be imported were not grown in
the United States of America or in the Dominion of
Canada, and without such declaration no such articles
shall be imported.
VII. On the examining officer being satisfied as
to the sufficiency of the declaration in section VI.
above mentioned, he shall give a certifieite to that
effect to the con ignee : and without such certificate
no such articles shall be imported.
VIII. The Government does not hold itself respon-
sible for any loss or damage that may result from the
destruction of the articles under the provisions of
these regulations, or from any process that may be
considered necessary to cleanse or disinfect the
articles or to discover the existence or otherwise of
any noxious insect or plant disease.
IX. These regulations shall not apply to canned or
preserved fruits.''
Hibiscus Abcherix.
Tins is a hybrid between H. rosa-s-inensis and H.
schizopetalus, which originated in the West Indies,
from whence it was sent to Kew, where it flowers all
through the summer in the porch of the "Water Lily-
house, along with a selection of lorms of Hibiscus.
It has the habit of H. rosa-sinensis, and the form of
Bower of H. schizopetalus ; but in size, the flowers
are about three times as large, and they are coloured
bright crimson. I am informed by Mr. Hart, of
Trinidad, that this hybrid is a well-known garden
plant iu the We6t Indies, but I never saw it in
England Ibefore last year, when it flowered at Kew
for the first time. It is named in compliment to
Mr. A. S. Archer, of Antigua, who sent it to Kew.
Kalanchoe flamea (Stapf).
This is a new species, of which a description will
shortly be published in the Kew Bullt/in. It is
a beautiful greenhouse plant, quite distinct from
all other Kalanchoes in the size and colour of
its flowers, whilst in habit it is all that the market
grower could desire. The ttems are erect, a foot
high, each bearing about ten pairs of fleshy-green
spatulate leaves, 2 to 3 inches long, and a terminal
erect flower-stalk 6 to 9 inches long, bearing a com-
pound umbel 5 inches across, composed of crowded
four-petalled spreading flowers J-ineh wide, and of
the richest orange-scarlet colour. In effect the
flower-heads are intermediate between Crassula coc-
cinea and Bouvardia President Cleveland. It has
been in flower in the Cape-house at Kew for over
four weeks, and it will last several weeks longer.
For its introduction we are indebted to Miss Edith
Cole, who collected seeds of it in Somaliland, and sent
them to Kew in 1895.
Calochortusf.s.
A collection of these has been and still is an attrac-
tion in a narrow, sheltered border on the south side
of the T Range at Kew. They were planted in
November, and until April the rain was kept off
them by means of lights. They commenced to flower
about the middle of May, and they are likely to go
on flowering for some weeks yet. Some of them are
small in flower, and would be considered weedy by
many cultivators, but the following are large and
handsome, and quite as worthy of cultivation as the
best of Tulips : C. clavatus, flowers nearly 3 inches
across, the segments forming an elegant cup coloured
rich citron-yellow, with a faint zone of brown at the
base and a lining of yellow hairs ; C. Vesta has flowers
as large as those of C. clavatus, white, with feather-
like markings of maroon inside ; C. macrocarpus is
the giant of the genus, the stems being nearly 2 feet
long, the flowers 4 inches across, the three outer seg-
ments long and narrow, the three inner very broad ;
the colour is a rich mauve, paler in the throat, where
there are numerous yellow hairs ; C, venustus has
elegant cup-shaped flowers, 2 inches across, white,
tinted with mauve and blotched inside with purple-
brown ; the variety oculatus is white with yellow
throat, mottled and blotched with dark brown ; and
the variety venustus is citron-yellow, with three eye-
like blotches of maroon. W. W.
Scotland.
HlBEERTIA V0I.UBILI3.
This is undoubtedly the finest of these free-growing
plants, and bears the largest flowers of the genus.
If planted out in a fairly rich, sandy soil against a
wall in a greenhouse, it quickly throws up its long
twining branches, from which short secondary
branches are given off, bearing at their apex the large
bright yellow blooms, 2 inches iu diameter. This
method of growth shows off to better advantage the
flowers than that of growing upon the roof, as the
foliage in this position forms a better background.
H. dentata is also a good climber, but far less showy.
They are both now in flower here, and will continue
in bloom for some time longer.
OXALIS VARIABILIS RUBRA AND ALBIFLORA.
For greenhouse decoration these plants are among
the best of this large genus, aud as an edging to a
stage or bed are extremely showy and attractive.
They are of low growth, the green foliage of three
leaflets being borne upon short petioles about 2 inches
long. Above this bed of green the single flowers are
raised. The flowers are about an inch in diameter,
of a rosy colour, with a yellow throat. Grown
together, they form a pretty patch of colour during
their flowering, and in this respect they are most
profuse, some sixteen to twenty flowers being counted
on 4-inch pots, it, L. H.
KEW NOTES.
Camoe.nsia maxima. — The Kew plant of this fine
African Leguminous plant is again flowering. I
suggested last year that probably age was the principal
factor in the flowering of this plant, and that it would
most likely flower annually now that it had reached
what we may call maturity.
Colonial Notes.
BATS FERTILISING FLOWER3.
A RECENT Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information,
from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Trinidad, con-
tains the following note about bats fertilising
the flowers of Bauhiuia megalandra, a species
indigenous to Trinidad. This plant grows to as
much as 30 or 40 feet in height, and forms a
stem of large size. Its flowers are large, white,
and their anthesis takes place iu the evening hours
only, from about 4 to 6 o'clock, darkness setting
in with us at the latter hour at this season of
the year (January). For about half-an-hour before
darkness sets in, various species of bats (Cheiroptera)
can be seen rapidly visiting flower after flower, aud
as they leave, portions of the white petals can be
seen to fall to the ground. An examination of the
tree on the following morning will show that not a
single perfect flower remains, all being more or less
ragged, torn, and deprived of their large white
stamens and petals. The bats on visiting a flower
alight upon and hold fast to the protruded stamens,
and appear to attack the erect and recurved petals,
as these are completely scratched or broken to pieces,
and sometimes torn quite away from the flower.
Sometimes the stamens also are broken short off at
their base, but the stigma seldom appears to be
injured. There does not appear to be any nectar
secreted by the flower which it is possible for the
animals to obtain, and it is therefore probable that
they visit the flower for the purpose of securing the
insects that are attracted thereto by the odour it
exhales, and to effect this purpose, place themselves
in such a position as to bring the stamens of the
flower into contact with the stigma, aud secure the
fertilisation of the flower.
NOTES FROM ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN,
EDINBURGH.
Saxipraoa lingulita. — Plants of this showy
species are grown here in pots for the purpose of
greenhouse decoration, and when in flower form quite
a pretty group, the lightuess of their inflorescences
lending themselves well for use in this way. The
stems rise about a foot above the glaucous, ser-
rated rosette of leaves, and bear many flowers with
white petals bearing numerous dots of red at their base.
Another plant resembling the previous one is
S. Macnabiana, raised iu these gardens from seeds
of S. pyramidalis, supposed to be crossed with
S. lingulata or S. Hostii. In habit and colour it is
like the first-named, and is a desirable greenhouse
or frame plant.
PEUNUS JACQUEMONTI.
The much more extended limits given to the
genus Primus in the later and now generally accepted
classifications make it a very large one, and of its
various groups none is more charming than that
which includes the dwarf Cherries. To this section
belongs the species now shown ( fig. 6). It is one of the
latest to be introduced, seeds of it having been sent
to Kew by Dr. Aitchisou less than twenty years ago.
They were collected in the Kurrum Valley, aud from
them the first cultivated plants were raised. The
largest, and the one from which the flowering branch
now figured was obtained, is now about 7 feet high, and
nearly as much through — a rounded bush, sweeping
July 10, 1897.]
THE GA BEE XE J? 8 ' CUE 0 XI CL E.
23
the ground with its lower branches. It is a native of
Thibet, Afghanistan, and the northwest Himalaya,
at elevations of 6000 to 12 000 feet; it is perfectly
hardy iu most parts of this country.
The leaves are ovate, toothed, 1J to 2 inches long,
and covered with short hairs when young. The
flowers are very like those of the dwarf Almond
(Prunus — or Amygdalus— nana\ being half an inch
in diameter, and of a bright rosy-piok. It is at its
Jacqueuiouti. The chief botanical distinctions be-
tween the two are to be found in the stipules and in
the lobes of the calyx. In P. Jacquemonti the
stipules are laciniate, in P. humilis they are ciliate
and glandular ; in P. Jacquemonti the calyx lobes
are pointed and reflexed, in P. humilis they are
blunt, erect, and twice the proportionate length.
Both may be planted singly or in groups, towards
the front of the shrubbery. W. J. B.
^zyx&^p*
FlG. 6. — PRUXUS JACQUEMONTI. (SEE P. 22.)
best about the middle of April, and its beauty and
the great profusion of its blossoms at that time will
recommend it to all lovers of hardy trees and shrubs.
A species closely allied to this is P. hurnilb, so
closely, indeed, that the two may easily be confused.
P. humilis, however, is Chinese, and in my experience
not so free-growing and beautiful a shrub as P.
Home Correspondence.
EARLY CAULIFLOWER. — When visiting Mr. J. C.
Dun Water's gardens at Craigton, Stirlingshire, on
June 5, I was surprised to observe a large number of
Cauliflowers ready for consumption. This was the more
striking from the fact of the valley of the Endriek, on
tl e i.orth side of the Campsie range of hills, and at an
altitude of over ■". < 0 feet above sea-level, beiu;.' a cold
one ; and I asked Mr. Taylor, the gardener, what
were his methods of growing Cauliflowers to obtain
them so early ' The variety he said that I saw was
Early Snowball, and the seed was sown in the open
air last August, and after the plants we're large
enough for handling, they were pricked into a cold
frame, where they were protected from frost during
the winter. About the first or second week in
January they were put into pots, and taken into
a vinery jvrst about to be started, where they were
kept as near the light as possible. After the roof
became covered with the foliage of the Vines, tbey
■were shifted into cooler quarters, and gradually
hardened-off. As the plants were then of large size,
they had to be carefully handled when planting them
out in the first week in April on a border in front of
a range of glasshouses, in a sort of double line, quite
close to the glasshouse. At night they were covered
with light material, conveniently arranged, to ward
off frost. By the end of the month of May the first
of them were ready for cutting, and the crop off the
ground before the end of last month. This method
has something in it to commend itself to gardeners
in general, because most of them have the accommo-
dation above mentioned, and by using Methven's-
June Broccoli, they would have a continuous supply
without the necessity of growing their first crop
under glass. I>. L. M.
PEARS. — Surely " H. H. R." is somewhat captious
in his reference to my remarks on Pears in 1837
and now. I have said nothing whatever to dis-
count the high merits of Marie Louise, or of
Citron des Cannes, or of Williams' Bon Chretien,
all first-rate varieties of their season. I praised or
blamed none individually, but in mentioning a dozen
of the best of 1837, said that a select list now would
show very superior excellence. Of the eating varieties
mentioned the very few ranking high to-day are
the three mentioned, and Passe Colmar, Glou
Morceaux, and Duchesse d'Angouleme when
well grown. But several others would not
come in at all. Besides Doyenne du Cornice,
a variety that is amongst Pears what Cox's Orange
Tippin is amongst Apples ; both fruits havingraised our
estimate of true flavour and equality materially in each
case. There are Winter Nelis, Louise Bonne, Beurre
Ranee, Marie Benoist, Thompson's, Seckle, Easter
Beurre, Brown Beurre1, Josephine de Malines, Beurre
Superfin, and indeed many others that could be
named, in which average excellence is much higher
than it was in Pears sixty years since. As to baking
Pears, I specially exempted these from the qualifica-
tion. It was eating Pears only that were compared.
Th. Writer.
THE CRYSTAL PALACE ROSE SHOW.— If the
exhibition of the National Kose Society at Ports-
mouth was the smallest the society has yet held,
that which took place at the Crystal Palace on the
'2nd inst. proved on the other hand the most
extensive on record. The number of exhibition
Roses staged in competition on that occasion
amounted in all to 7,200, or 1,350 more than the
average for the five previous metropolitan shows of
the society, and 100 blooms more than at the largest
of those exhibitions, that of 1892. There were over
100 exhibitors, whose exhibits arranged according to
the number contributed by each county were as
follows :— Essex heads the lists with 71 exhibits,
Surrey comes next with 51, then Middlesex with 35,
Herts 31, Kent 32, Oxford 29, Notts 26, Somerset
20, Sussex 20, Worcester 19, Gloucester 15, Suffolk
15, Berks 12, Leicester 10, Wilts 8, Bucks 7, Devon
6, Hants (including Isle of Wight) 6, Derby 5,
Northampton 5, Vorks 3, Bedford 2. Cambridge 2,
Shropshire 2, Dorset 1, Stafford 1, and Warwick 1.
In addition to the English contributions, seven
exhibits came from Wales, and eleven from Ireland ;
but, unlike i;ist year, there were no Scotch-grown
Roses. Seldom, if ever, has the society held a more
enjoyable exhibition. The elay. although dull,
proved fine and cool, thus allowing the blooms to
continue fresh and bright during the whole day.
The general quality of the flowers was remarkably
good, and particularly was this the case in the
exhibits from uiaiy of the smaller growers. More-
over, there was at no time any overcrowding, so that
the blooms could be inspected in comfort by both
members and visitots. E. if., Berkhamtted.
CELERIAC— In the article of July 3 on " Plants
of the Victorian Era," you state that Celeriae was
added to our varieties of Celery during the Queen's
reign, but it was grown in 1791, as proved by the
24
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 10, 1897.
following quotation taken from an old Gardeners'
Kahnder I posses?, by Thomas Mawe, gardener to
the Duke of Leeds ; John Abercrombie, gardener,
Newington, Surrey, formerly of Tottenham Court,
Middlesex, and other gardeners. " Let it be observed
there are two sorts of Celery; one known by the
name of Italian, or upright Celery ; the other called
Celeriac, or Turnip-rooted Celery." A. Goldring. [It
was known long before, but not in general use here
till the time mentioned. Ed ]
ANNUAL STRAWBERRIES.— Strawberries grown
as annuals have many advantages over those grown
as perennials. In the first place, you save a year by
very little extra labour ; layering them into small
pots does not take so much more time than laying
them into nursery lines till the spring, as is generally
done. Then, what fine fruit you get off the annuals !
and so far as I have practised the annual system,
nearly all sorts do well treated so, especially Noble,
Royal Sovereign, Keen's Seedling, and British Queen.
Here let me say Noble ripens quite a week earlier
than Royal Sovereign or the Vicomtesse. Perhaps it
will be of interest to those of your readers who have
not tried this plan if I give a short account of how I
proceed. I plant a few lines of runners in the spring
of the varieties I wish to treat as annuals, keep all
flowers picked off, so as to throw all the strength of
the plant into the runners ; layer them into 3-inch
pots as soon as I can get them, sink the pots
level with the soil, which keeps them moister,
and there is less danger of the miniature plant
being displaced. I usually place a small stone on
the pots to keep the ruuueis in place till rooted,
though pegs do equally well. As soon as nicely
rooted in the pots, severing them from the
parent plant, placing them behind a north wall for a
week or ten days, till fully established, then planting
them out from 1 to 1.} foot apart in well pre-
pared ground, deeply worked with plenty of rotten
manure incorporated with the soil. When planting,
they want to be made quite firm, which conduces to
sturdy growth, well matured in dry weather, and
frequently stirred with a hoe. It is the practice of
some good cultivators to mulch them in the autumn,
but I do not think it at all necjssary to do so ; in
fact, I think leaving them fully exposed to the frost
is an advantage, especially on heavy land such as I
have here. And by leaving them uumulched till the
end of April, you can conveniently keep them well
stirred with the hoe. A light sprinkling of some
good artificial manure dusted over them in showery
weather will help them greatly when showing their
flowers, and the cultivator will be rewarded with
fruit of large size and first quality. The sorts I find
to do well thus treated are Noble, Royal Sovereign,
Sensation, Keen's Seedling, and British Queen.
James Dnjdcn, Grove Park Gardens, Kingsbury,
Middlesex.
STRAWBERRIES.— Royal Sovereign, for size, form,
flesh, brightness of colour, and nice flavour, is an
early variety unsurpassed. Here, with us, growing
alongside of Laxton's Noble, it ripened at the same
time, but the fruits were better in every respect ; if
the variety behaves as well generally, it is likely to
become very popular. As a forcer I have seen it
very fine. Mr. Hall, at Roydon Hall, Tonbridge, who
forced some of the plants, speaks in the highest terms
of it. In the north of England, too, I had the
opportunity of seeing very fine plants heavily cropped.
As regards some of the newer Strawberries, I found
but little, if anything, to recommend them in prefer-
ence to old varieties. There 'is no utility in culti-
vating a great number of varieties, and six to eight
are, in my opinion, ample in most gardens. Where
a great number are grown, there is much care
required to keep the stocks true. I always found
Noble, when grown on the single-crown system,
useful fruit for affording early dishes, but the flavour
is poor, and the pulp soft— still, it is of use as form-
ing a succession to the forced plants. Royal Sover-
eign will probably take its place in course of time.
Vicomtesse Hericart du Thury, Sir C. Napier, La
Grosse Sucri'-e, President, Sir Joseph Paxton,
Oxonian, and British Queen, are amongst the
best Strawberries that 1 ever grew, and I can
speak of all of these doing well in pots, too,
with the exception of the last-named, which I
never grew as a pot-plant. Auguste Nicaise grows
to a great size, but I do not think much of it, the
fruit being coarse - still, it may be excellent in some
places. Fruits of the better class which turn the
scale at, say, 1 oz., are, in my opinion, large enough
for dessert purposes. Those who like deep-coloured
fruits will find in Waterloo one to suit them. Some
twenty years ago I was living in North Lincolnshire,
and in that part Dr. Hogg and Admiral Dundas were
largely grown. The fruits of the latter grow to a
good tize, and are of very good flavour. E. Markham,
Margate, June 28.
THE RENAISSANCE OF THE HOLLYHOCK.— In a
measure I wish to corroborate one of the statements
of your correspondent " D. T. F.," p. 407, on the
above subject. About two years since I was looking
round Messrs. Sutton's nursery and trial-ground in
the London Road, Reading, in company with Mr.
Martin, the well-known foreman, and in that well
sheltered and favourably situated piece of ground, I
saw the healthiest piece of Hollyhocks I had seen for
many years. I asked Mr. Martin if the disease still
gave trouble, he said, "Well, those do not show much
sign of it, do they ? " and I thought so too, but he
said, •' We do them well, and as soon as a diseased
leaf shows itself we burn it." 1 have tried many
remedies for the Hollyhock fungus, but without suc-
cess. Twenty years ago a gentleman connected with
the horticultural press asked me to try some remedies
and report thereon, but they did no good, and I let
the matter drop. This year I have tried the mixture
I use for the Apple and Pear trees, viz., a weak solu-
tion of the Bordeaux Mixture and Paris Green — and
with no effect. I had them dressed with bone super-
phosphate, and dusted with sulphur, but with no
beneficial result ; it is still a case" of an affection for
which a remedy is still wanted, R. M., Newbury.
Societies.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.
June 2l\— Prest nt .- Mr. MeLachlan (in the chair); Rev.
W. Wilks, Prof. Church, Dr. Bonavia, and Rev. O. Beuslow,
Hon. Sec.
Romnet/a, diseased. — The following report was received
from Kew upon the speeimena sent to the last meeting: -
" The disease is caused by an obscure organism, considered
by Prunet as a species of Cladochytrium. A preliminary
notice is given in Cy»ipt?,% Readus, October 1, 1894. The
detailed account there promised i not yet to hand."
Grapes attacked by 67<"^)oWh»i.— With reference to the
examples sent to the last meeting, Mr. Malcolm Dunn writes,
after inspecting the Vine-houses at Auchterarder House,
that " the vinery is of the usual ' lean-to ' form, well heated
and ventilated, with everything in good order for growing
healthy Vines and first-rate Grapes. The Vines comprise
some six or seven varieties, but only Black Hamburgh
suffers to a serious extent from the disease ; although
it could be detected on a few berries of Foster's
White Seedling, and still fewer of Alicante. As far as
I can remember, Muscat of Alexandria, Lady Downes,
MadrcsBeld Court, Gros Colman, and one or two others were
not affected, although intermixed with the Vines attacked.
The Vines are all in vigorous health, and bearing a line crop
<>! splendid bunches of Grapes. With regard to the
treatment they were receiving, I saw nothing to which I
could object."
KavpaivA rvjleorms attacking Strairberrics.—'Mr. MeLachlan
showed specimens of this beetle, which belongs to a carnivo-
rous family. Us prevalence in Strawberry-beds is probably
caused by the presence of the litter. That it will attack
Strawberries has been known for the last ten years, and that
it has destroyed entire crops. As it is nocturnal in its habits,
it must be looked for at night, for it lives in the soil.
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
July 1.— A meetingof the Fruit and Vegetable Committee
was hold at Chiswick on the above date, and there were pre-
sent Messrs. Bunyarp, Chairman; and Messrs. W. Wilks,
J. Smith, G. Sage, W. Pope, J. H. Voitch, R. Fyfe, A. Dean, A.
F. Barron, A. H. Pearson, and J. Hudson.
Fifty-four varieties of Peas, including several of standard
varieties for comparison, were examined, but only three
awards of the lowest class were made— that is, '2 mark?. It
is well to make clear that, in Chiswick parlance, 2 marks
represent a commendation, 3 marks high commendation,
Award of Merit very high commendation, and First-class
Certificates only very superior excellence and distinctness.
The Awards of 2 marks were made to Saccharine (Sim),
having haulm 4 feet in height, and long green, somewhat
sugary pods; to Dickson's Harbinger, with haulm 4 feet
high, very productive, medium-sized pods, but early : and
to Parchment Pea(ViLMORiN), an odd appellative for one of
the flat-podded forms that are esteemed by some when
cooked whole. Generally the Peas grown showed no advance
or variation on older varieties, and indeed there was none so
good as tho best of last year's trials.
Some Broad Beans were next examined, and an Award of
Merit was given to Dobbie's Champion, a good cropper, the
pods long, clean, and handsome. Three marks were given
to Harrison's Robin Huud, a Green Long-pod, and a capital
stock : and also to Exhibition Long-pod, from Messrs. R. Veitch
& Sons, practically confirming a previous awa d. This is a
capital stock of the Seville type of Bean.
A large collection of Strawberries was then examined, the
bulk of the plants being in fine condition, and cropping well,
some having remarkable produce. Of these, Newton Seed-
ling, Wonderful, Acquisition, and others were strikingly pro-
ductive. The only award made was to Wonderful, a variety
having long scarlet fruits, not large, but produced in great
abundance ; to this an Award of Merit was given. Edward
Lefort, Countess, Auguste Boisselot, Royal Sovereign, Presi-
dent, all so good last year, were again of the best for
flavour — a feature so markedly absent in the bulk of the
varieties. Two new ones of yearling plants only, Admiral
and G. Wythes, showed considerable promise, but they will
have to be examined another year. No doubt, ab a huge
cropper, where quality and solidity of tbsh is of little
importance. Acquisition is the variety to grow ; and for pre-
serving, Newton Seedling is, without doubt, a marvellous
cropper.
Mr. IIawes, of Slough, sent a Melon, Golden Jubilee, which
was thought to be a reproduction of Hero of Lockinge ; and
a second fruit ame from elsewhere that was imperfectly
ripened, though showing fair flavour. Mr. A. J. Ward, of
Richmond, showed from his allotment on the corporation
group, splendid examples of Daniel's Alderman Pea fa superb
variety), Maincrop, Eureka, Gradus, stratagem, and The
Daniels, a good Telephone, and was unanimously awarded a
Cultural Commendation. He also showed a good sample of
exhibition long-pod Beans.
Floral Committee.
Roses and Violas at CI, isirick.— The Floral Committee met
at the Chiswick Gardens to inspect the trials of Tea Roses
and Violas, the former as to their adaptability for bedding
Or planting-out for garden decoration. Some had not done
well, and others were not jet fully in bloom; hut the fol-
lowing were selected for Awards of Merit : — Innocents
Pirola, Souvenir de Paul Neyron. Marie Van Houtte, Grand
Due de Luxembourg, Etoile de Lyon. Francois Kruger,
Hon. Edith Gifford, White Lady, William Allen Richardson,
Madame Pernet Ducher, Augustine Hatern, and Edouard
Sallyrolle. Of Violas the following were selected for Awards
of Merit :— lona, Pencaitlaud, Blue Gown, Mrs. Bellamy, and
William Niel. The Floral Committee made a recommenda-
tion to the effect that a comprehensive trial of Violas should
be arranged for at Chiswick in 1S9S, aud the varieties of one
colour, such as yellow, blue, white, &c, be planted side by
side so as to admit of close comparison.
NATIONAL ROSE.
Jcly 2.— The Metropolitan Show of this Society was hel
at the Crystal Talace on the above date, and was very
successful. The exhibits were staged in the space opposite
the great organ. (See also pp. 20 and 23).
Sevtntif-ti'-o distinct single trusses. — The unusual quality of
the blooms throughout the show was well illustrated in
the first and mo.vt important class, by which the Trophy
and Replica were won. There was plenty of competicion,
and an abundince of good flowers. However, Messrs.
Harkniiss & Sons, Bedale, Yorks, and Hitchin, the winners
of the same class last year, were well 1st. The blooms
staged were— Back row : Ulrich Brunner, Mrs. Paul, Etieune
Levet, Mrs. S. Crawford, Horace Vernet (a very pretty bloom,
and awarded a Medal), Mrs. Jno. Laing, Gustave Piganeau,
Marquise de Litta, Dupuy Jamain, Francois Miehelon, A. K.
Williams, Helen Keller, Marquise de Castellane, Her Majesty,
S. -M. Rodocanachi, Marchioness of Londonderry, Marie
Verdicr, Exposition de Brie, Caroline Testout, Earl of Duf-
ferin, Madame E. Verdier, Marie Baumann, Comte de Raim-
baud, and Madame Jos. Bonnavier. Centre row : Madame
Gabrielle Luizet, Prince Arthur, K. A. Victoria. Comte de
Ludre, Mrs W. J. Grant, Marie Rady, Star of Waltham, Mar-
chioness of Duflerin, Camille Bernardin (good), Catherine
Mermet (tine). General Jacqueminot, Thomas Mills, Lady
Mary Fitzwilliam, Captain Christy, Chas. Lefebvre, Mar-
chioness of Downshire, Due d'Orleans, Madame Montet, Ed.
Andry, Souvenir d'Elise, Captain Hayw-ard, Marechal Niel,
Mis. Jowett, and La France. Front row: Dr. Andry,
Duchess de Moray, Madame Hausmann, Baroness Roths-
child, Fisher Holmes, Silver Queen, Duke of Connaught,
Madame Cusin, Duke of Wellington, Beauty of Waltham,
Abel Carriere, White Lady. Xavier Olibo, Margaret Dickeou,
Jean Liabaud, Madame de Watteville, Duke of Edinburgh,
Duke of Kent, Madame Delvile, Victor Hugo, Viscountess
Folkestone (,?), Crown Prince, The Bride, and Sir Rowland
Hill.
The veteran exhibitor, Mr. B. R. Cant, of Colchester, was
not many points behind Messrs. Harknlss, and his collection
of blooms made a capital exhibit for 2nd place. Marie Bau-
mann, Caroline Testout, A. K. Williams, Gustave Piganeau,
Madame Eugenie Verdier, Madame de Watteville, Countess
of Roscbcry, Madame Cusin, Lady Helen Stewart Maman
Cochet, The Bride, Souvenir d'un Ami, Duchess de Moray,
Alfro 1 Colomb, Madame Hoste, Souvenir de S. A. Prince, <fcc,
were all good and exemplary. The 3rd position was taken
by Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Braiswick Nursery, Col-
Chester. The following were instances of capital blooms in
this stand, Bridesmaid, Madame Cusin, General Jacque-
minot, Jeannie Dickson, Souvenir de President Carnot, Pride
of Rcigatc (the striped Rose), Star of Waltham, Marie Rady,
and Souvenir de Elise. Messrs. Paul <b Sont;=, Cheshunt. and
Aii x. Dickson & Sons Newtownards, Ireland, also competed
with credit.
July 10, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.
zo
Forty distinct Roses (trebles).— Mr. B. R. Cant was the
winner of the let prize in this class, and it was won with an.
exhibit of much merit. The trebles most effective were
those of Etienne Levet, L'Havre, Earl of Duflerin, La France,
Madarue Eugenie Verdier, Camille Bernardin, Marquise de
Litta(this new Rose in excellent form), A. K. Williams, Mis.
Jno. Laing, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Gustave Piganeau,
A. Colomb, Victor Hugo, Helen Keller, Madame Cuain,
Duchesse de Morny, and Beauty of Waltham. Messrs.
Harkness & Sons were little behind the winners of the
premier honours, for their stand was beautifully bright, and
some of the trebles of fir^t- class quality. Such were Gustave
Piganeau, Marquise de Litta (a really good Rose), Marie
Banmann, Camille Bernardin, Helen Keller, Comte de
Raimbaud, Horace Vernet, &c. The 3rd prize was taken by
Messrs. F. Cant & Co., of the Braiswick Nursery, Colchester.
Forty-eight distinct trusses. — The quality of the blooms in
this class was below that in the competition for the best
seventy-two blooms. Messrs. Townsend & Sons, Lower
Broadmeath, Worcester, were 1st, and the varieties they ex-
hibited we append. Back row : Gustave Piganeau, Lady
Mary Fitzwilliam, Heinrich Schultheiss, Pride of Waltham,
Chas. Lefebvre, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, White Lady (good),
Alfred Colomb, Marquise de Litta (very fine), Caroline Testout,
Camille Bernardin, Mdlle Eugenie Verdier, Victor Verdier,
La France (goodi, Dupuy Jamain, and Mrs. Jno. Laing.
Centre row : Victor Hugo, Kaiserin A. Victoria,
Marie Verdier, Innocente Pirola (very pretty bloom),
Comte de Raimbaud, Marchioness of Londonderry (bloom
much damaged), Fisher Holmes, Madame G. Lnizet,
La Duchess de Morny, Her Majesty, A. K. Williams, Francois
Michelon, Xavier Olibo, Marie Van Houtte, S..M.Rodocanachi,
and Catherine Mermet. Front row : Prince Arthur, The
Bride, Horace Vernet, Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Duke of
Wellington, Margaret Dickson, Lord Bacon, Caroline Kuster,
Marie Baumann, Jean Ducher, Madame Cusin, Comtesse
de Panisse, Duke of Edinburgh, Anna Olivier, Beauty of
Waltham, and Medea. There being at least nine competitors
in this class, the 2nd position, which was secured
by Messrs. J. Bi>rrell & Co., Howe House Nurseries,
Cambridge, was also a very coveted one. Indeed, the collec-
tion of blooms in this sttmd was a very fine one. The follow-
ing varieties were displayed best : Horace Vernet, Duke of
Wellington, Ethel Brownlow, Princess of Wales, Mrs. John
Laing, Bridesmaid, Ellen Drew, and Comte de Raimbaud
were good. Messrs. G. & W. H. Burch, Peterborough, were
3rd, and it was an easy matter to point to a number of Roses
of much excellence in this stand.
T wenty-four elistinct single trusses. — Mr. Chas. Turner, Royal
Nurseries, Slough, beat all competitors in this class, and
staged the following varieties. Back row : Victor Hugo
(weak), Marchioness of Londonderry, Xavier Olibo. Mrs. J.
Laing, Reynolds Hole, Duchesse de Morny, Prince Arthur,
and Her Majesty. Centre row : Marie Baumann, Francois
Michelon, Penelope Mayo, Louis Van Houtte, Ulrich Brunner,
Mons. E. Y. Teas, Caroline Testout. Front row : Madame
Victor Verdier, Lady Sheffield, Fisher Holmes, Ernest Mttz
(good), Dr. Andry, Madame Gabrielle Luizet, A. K. Williams,
and Gustave Piganeau. Of the nine other exhibitors, Mr.
Jno. Mattock, New Headington Nursery, Oxford, succeeded
in obtaining 2nd prize, but was closely followed by Mr.
Ralph Crosslink, Penarth Nurseries, South Wales.
Tir, tit ■■/■four distinct Trebles. — A very commendable collec-
tion of "blooms from Messrs. D. Prior <fc Sons, Colchester,
secured for the firm premier position, amid very extensive
competition. The following trebles wire the best: Mrs.
Sharman Crawford, La Roan-re, Gustave Piganeau, Kaiserin
Augusta Victoria, Ulrich Brunner, and Marquise de Litta.
Mr. Gno. Mount, Canterbury, who was 2nd, exhibited a fine
lot of Roses ; and Messrs. Townsend & Pons, who were 3rd,
had likewise many very meritorious trebles. There were
about a dozen competitors in this class.
h'.itra Clans. — This was for twelve distinct single trusses of
varieties sent out by Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons. The 1st
prize was taken by Messrs. Harkness & Sons, staging the
following fine varieties that have been placed into commerce
by the above firm: Helen Keller, Earl of Dufferin, Mrs. W.
J. Grant, Marchioness of Londonderry, Marquis of Down-
shire, Muriel Grahame, Mrs. U. G. Sharman Crawford, Mar-
chioness of Dufferin, Marjorie, Ethel Brownlow, Jeannie
Dickson and Margaret Dickson. Mr. B. R. Cant, who was
2nd, included Lady Helen Stewart, and in this stand, and
that from Messrs. F. Cant <fc Co., the variety Tom Wood was
stpge-l.
TEA AND NOISETTE SECTION.
Twenty-four distinct, single trusses . — Messrs. Frank Cant
<k Co., gdined the 1st prize in this class, and staged a very
fine even lot of blooms of very superior quality. The varieties
were:— Back row: Maman Cochet, Madame de Watteville,
Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Madame Cusin, Hon. Edith Giffbrd,
Souvenir d'un Ami, The Bride (goodl. Centre row: Sou-
venir de Elise, Comtesse de Nadaillac, May Rivers, Catherine
Mermet (very good), Amazone, Jean Ducher (very pretty
specimen), Madame Bravy, Madame A. Etienne. Front
row : Comtesse de Panisse, Anna Olivier, Medea, Ethel
Brownlow, Francisca Kruger, Ernest Metz, Etoile de Lyon,
and Marie Van Houtte. Messrs. D. Prior & Son were 2nd,
and included excellent specimens of Madame A. Watteville,
Madame Cusin, Ethel Brownlow, The Bride, and others.
The collection from Mr. Geo. Prince, Oxford, would have
taken 1st honours at last year's exhibition, but in the present
case it gained 3rd prize only.
Eighteen distinct single trusses. — Messrs. J. Burrell & Co.
were 1st in this case, and ajjain the blooms were aKove the
average. Ernest Metz, Catherine Mermet, Princess of Wales,
Golden Gate, Madame Cusin, Muriel Grahame, Bridesmaid,
and M;*lame de Watteville were all capital. The 2nd prize
was taken by Mr. Jas. Mattock, New Headington, Oxford,
and the 3rd by Messrs. J. Townsend & Sons, Worcester,
there being several other competitors.
Eighteen distinct, three trusses of each.— Mr. G. Prince had
thi best trebles in this class, and the exhibits throughout
were very satisfactory. Mr. Prince's best were Maman
Cochet, Madame -Cusin, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Anna Oli-
vier, Innocente Pirola, Ethel Brownlow, and Princes3 of
Wales. A very even lot indeed obtained 2nd prize for Mr.
B. R, Cant. His collection included superb trebles of
Madame Cusin, Luciole, and Madame do Watteville. 3rd,
Messrs. D. Prior & Sons.
GARDEN ROSES.
Warty-six lunch. -.*, distinct, not fewer than three trusses to a
bunch, — Always an interesting section of the show, and
frequently the brightest also, are the classes devoted to the
display of "garden" Roses, a term used to describe varieties
that may not be suitable for exhibition, but which in the
majority of instances are the very best wherewith to adorn a
garden, furnish a vase, or decorate a room. On this occasion
they were exquisite, and it was a splendid collection that
won 1st prize in this class for Messrs. Paul& Son, Cheshunt,
the trusses good, and representative of some of the most
showy of the class. Conspicuous was a new variety named
Dawn, with uneutnmonly large semi-double flowers of a soft
and beautiful tint of rose colour, the foliage being also broad
and vigorous-looking. Messrs. Cooling & Sons, Bath, though
2nd, had a moat attractive exhibit in this class.
Eighteen bunches, distinct varieties, not fttcer than three trusses
to a bunch. — This class was won by Mr. Chas. Turner,
Royal Nurseries. Slough. Amongst the varieties we noticed
several of the Polyantha section, also the showy Bardon
Job, Perle d'Or, Turner's Crimson Rambler, and others
equally well known. Mr. Jno. Mattock, who was 2nd,
included a larger number of the Noisette Roses ; 3rd, Messrs.
Townsend k Sons.
OPEN CLASSES.
Bunch's of Roses. — This class is for bunches of Roses as one
would cut them for furnishing a vase. There are twelve
bunches, distinct, not more than seven trusses to a bin eh.
Mr. Jno. Mattock was 1st, and showed Margaret Dickson,
Ulrich Brunner, Violet Bouyer, Louis Van Houtte, Mdlle.
de Watteville, Comtesse de NadaUlac, Duchess of Bedford,
Madame Hoste, Horace Vernet, Innocente Pirola, Anna
Olivier, and Marie Van Houtte. These bunches were
arranged - faced slightly— so as to display the flowers fully.
Messrs. Paul A Son, Cheshunt, were 2nd; and Mr. R,
Crosslino, Penarth Nurseries, 3rd, there being two other
collections staged.
Twelve trusses of Hybrid Tea, not fewer than nine vari'tt. 9. —
A stand containing some excellent blooms from Messrs. D.
Prior & Son obtained 1st prize ; Marquise de Litta, i Proline
Testout, Kaiserin A. Victoria, La France, Captain Chrtfitj ,
Mrs. W. J. Grant, White Lady, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, La
Fraicheur, and Auguste Gutnoisseau were the varieties
shown. The 2nd prize was awarded to a collection of small- r,
well-formed blooms, from Messrs, A. Dickson <fc Sons; and
Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. were 3rd. If the term hybrid
"Teas" is not a very happy one, it is the name given to a
class which undoubtedly includes somo of the prettiest
Roses.
Best Stand of Yellow Ro'ts,— The best twelve blooms of any
yellow Rose were from Mr. Geo. Prince, who had very good
specimens of the peculiarly distinct and beautiful variety,
Comtesse de Nadaillac; Messrs. J. Townsend <fe Sons, who
were 2nd, were followed by Mr. B. R. Cant, with good
specimens of Madame Hoste.
Best Stand of White Roses.— Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons
were 1st with beautiful examples, of fine form, of the
variety Kaiserin Augusta Victoria ; Mr. B. R, Cant following
with Marchioness of Londonderry.
Best Stand of any Tea or Noisette Rose.— The unique Madame
Cusin gained the 1st prize for Mr. B. R. Cant, who had a
dozen magnificent specimens ; Mr. Geo. Prince was 2nd ;
and with Madame de Watteville, Mr. Frank Cant was 3rd.
Best Stand of Crimson Roses.— The 1st prize was won by the
variety A. K. Williams, from the nurseries of Messrs. Alex.
Dickson's & Sons. Ulrich Brunner, from Messrs. D. Prior,
<k Sons, was 2nd ; and Messrs. Townsend & Sons, who were
3rd, showed the same variety as the winners.
The best specimen or' a Bark Rose.— This was seen in a stand
from Messrs. Harkness <fc Sons, who had the velvety criiE8<'n
variety Horace Vernet. The same variety won 2nd place for
Mr. B. R. Cant ; and Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons were 3rd.
Twelve single trusses of an </ light- coloured (other then white)
Rose. — The excellent variety Mrs. Jno. Laing was again much
the best in this class. It was shown by Messrs. Townsend 6c
Sons ; Mr. B. R. Cant and Messrs. D. Prior & Sons, who
were 2nd and 3rd respectively in each case, staged Her
Majesty.
T>.'-dce single trusses of any 7iew Rose. — The new Roses were
of more than usual interest, some being exceptionally good
and promising, while there were no fewer than eleven new
varieties staged for the Gold Med*l, and cards of commenda-
tion. Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards, Ireland,
were well in front with their grand Hybrid Tea, Mrs. W. J.
Grant; Messrs. Harkness &l Sons following with Helen
Keller (also an introduction from Newtownards- J, and Messrs.
F. Cant & Co. with their new II. P. Mrs. Frauk Cant. There
wa3 a good box of Maman Cochet from Messrs. Prior & Sun
Colchester. Nine lots were staged.
Twelve neio Roses distinct.— 'Messrs. A. Dickkmn &. Sons,
Newtownatds, were a long way ahead, and staged, we
believe, varieties only of their own raising. Countess of
Caledon, Tom Wood, Lady Clanmorris, Ulster, Killarney,
Eileeu, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mrs. Mawley, Bessie Brown, First
Cross, Mrs, Grahame, and Daisy : one of the best boxes of
new Roses we have seen. Messrs. F. Cant & Co. were 2nd,
having Tom Wood, Helen Keller, and Sylph in good form;
and Mr. B. R. Cant, Colchester, 3rd.
Three single trusses of any new 9tedling-Rost or distind \ ort.
—The following were staged for the Gold Medal. F. W.
Sanford, a pale blush II.P. from Messrs. Curtis, Sanford &
Co., Torquay. Ulster, anew H. P. from Messrs. A. Dickson
& Sons, Newtownards, secured the Gold Medal. This
is a Rose of immense substance, vigorous in growth, and
with smooth wood. Its main colour is the deep shade found
in Caroline Testout, but the whole flower iB quite distinct
A card of Commendation was awarded to a deep scarlet
single, named Royal Scarlet. Messrs. Dickson <fc Sons also
staged Countess of Caledon and Mrs. Mawley (a little too
much like a pale or badly-coloured Mamau Cochet). Messrs.
G. Paul St Sons, Cheshunt, put up their II. P. Rev. Allen
Cheales, in fair foim, but not so good as we saw it at Poits-
raouth ; evidently a free grower and bloomer, with a combi-
nation of the colours found in Marquise de Litta and
Madame Cusin. Mr. Uumsey, Waltham Cross, showed H.P-
Mrs. Rumsey, a pretty clear pink that is destined to become
ono of our most popular decorative Roses, especially f for
autumnal cutting. Plants of Madame Benrd, with varie-
gated foliage came from Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maid-
stone, but were at once passed over, as no flowers were-,
shown. A. Hill Gray, from Messrs. Prince, Oxford, although
of not quite the same growth, reminds one too strongly of
an indifferent Comtesse de Nadaillac. The same may be
said of Mrs. Jefferies, from Me3srs. Jefferies & Sons,
Cirencester, the growth and blooms far too much resembling
Marechal Niel in some of its stages. H.P., R. B. Cater, from
Messrs. Cooling &. Sons, Bath, is promising ; somewhat after
the colour of II. Keller, but more cup,ed, ani distinct in
growth. Mrs. F. Cant reminds one of a very pale Madame
Gabrielle Luizet, but was exceptionally well shown in the
class for twelve new Roses, and again in twelve of any new
variety.
A particularly promising new Rose named Killarney, came
from Newtownards ; it appears to be a hybrid Tea, of grand,
size, substance, and form ; a clear, soft, sulmony-peaeh, with-
silvery edges, and most distinct.
Si gls-flouered Roses, nine bunches, distinct. — M esars, Coolikg-'
&So>s, Bath, were 1st, and iutluded the following varie-
ties : — Rugosa. macrantha, Green Mantle, Paul's Single
White. Cooling's Single Crimson, Himalaica, Lucy Ashton,.
Pissanli, and Lucida ; Messrs. Paul Ai Sons, Cheshunt, who
were 2nd, included a bunch of R. rubnfolia; and Miss
Mellimi 1(f HodBOck Priory, Worksop, 3rd.
AV*.* <<'<">„€ for Buttonholes.— These exquisite Roses were-
well shown by Mr. Jno. Mattoi k, in a class for not fewer
than six varieties in twelve bunches. Those shown were
the following, and, without exception, all of them are
splendid for the purpose as the bud commences to open: —
Comtesse de Nadaillac, M. Pirola, Ma Carjucine, Niphetos,
Amazon, Anna Olivier, Madams Falcat, Hon. E. Gilford,
Madame Hoste, Madame de Watteville, Rubens (beautiful),
and Guetave Piganeau; 2nd. Mr. Geo. Prince; and^rd, A.
G. Green, Esq , Colchester.
AMATEURS.
All through the amateurs' classes the competition was
buth numerous and keen, scarcely a bad flower was to be
found ; while in the main classes, the average standard was
even ahead of that found among the largest trade growers.
The Champion Trophy and Replica for thirty*si ing't
(russcs distinct, was open to all amateurs, and brought out
five grand stands ; E. B. Lindsell, Esq., Bearton, Hitcbin, '
winning with Ulrich Brunner, Charles Lefebvre, Marchioness
of Londonderry, Marchioness of Dufferin, Gustave Piganeau,
Her Majesty, Alfred Colomb, S.-Marie Rodocanachi, Comte
de Raimbaud, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Due d'Orleans, Mis. John
Laing, Duchessof Bedford, Innocente Pirola, Hoiace Vernet,
Muriel Grahame (Silver Medal), Prince Arthur, Madame de
Watteville, Fisher Holmes, Catherine Mermet, Earl of
Dufferin, Madame Cusin, Sir RoUnd Hill, Merveille de
1 yon, Louis Van Houtte, K. A. Victoria, Alfred K. Williams,;
Gabrielle Luizet, Madume HausmanD, La France, Dr. St well,
Madame Hoste, Madame Victor Verdier, Comtesse de
Nadaillac, Dr. Andry, and Francois Michelon. C. J.
Grahame, Esq., Wyrelands, Leatherhead, was 2nd, and tad
supeib blooms of White Lady. Charles Lefebvre, xavier Olibo,
K. A. Victoria, Horace Vernet, and Fisher Holmes ; H. V.
Machin, Esq., Gateford Hill, Worksop, being 3rd.
In this class the Rev. J. H. I'emberton staged a grand
lot, but was disqualified for duplicating Eail of Dufferin ; an
unfortunate oversight.
For thirty-six singles, open to all amateurs,— Mr. E. B. Lind-
sell ,was again in front, his twelve beat flowers being
I bich Brunner. A. K. Williams, Gustave Piganeau, Marie
Baumann, Captain Hayward, Catherine Mermet, E, Y. Teas,
Inuocente Pirola, Alfred Colomb, Horace Vernet. and K. A.
Victoria. T. Hobbs, Esq., Eaton, Bristol, was 2nd, with a.
very neat and clean stand, but flowers much smaller than
Mr. Lindsfll's; A. Tate, Esq., Downside, Leatherhead, 3rd.
No fewer than nine competed in this cla-s.
26
THE GA R D E XER S' C HE OXI CL E.
fjLLY 10, 1S97.
For eight trehl 8, distinct— Eleven Iuts were staged, Mr. E.
B. LlKDoELL again proving victorious; the varieties were
Earl of Duffer hi, Marchioness of Londonderry, Horace Vernet,
Her Majesty, A. K. Williams, Mrs. John Laing, Ulrieh
Brunner, and Mrs. W. J. Grant ; the Rev. J. H. Pkmberton,
Havering - atte - Bower, and A. Tate, Esq., Leatherhcad,
followed.
For twelve nf any Rose except a Tta or Noisette (seven com-
peted).— H. V. M.'.chi.v, Esq , Worksop, winning with i^ood
examples of Gustavo Piganeau ; S. Gurney Fowler, Esq.,
Glebe! mds, South wood ford, 2nd, with Her Majesty; and
Rev. J. H. Pemberton 3rd, with Mrs. John Laing.
Open only to growers of fewer than 20C0 plants of exhibition
varieties — Twelve competed in the class for twenty - four
distinct varieties, S. S. Berber, Esq , Br.iybury, Stevenage,
Great Wozden, winning. His best flowers were Maurice
Bernardin, Se*nateur Vaisse, Her Majesty, Alfred Colomb,
Catherine Mermet, and A. K. Williams. Mr. E. Mawley,
Berkhamsted, was a remarkably close 2nd, showing
Senateur Vaisse, DupjyJamain, S.-M. Rodocauachi, Duke
of Fife, Charles Lefebvre, Innocente Pirola, and others in
grand foim. R. E. West, Esq., Reigate, being 3rd.
Sir distinct trebles. — Mr. E. Mawley won with some good
blooms of Gabrielle Luizet, Ulrieh Brunner, Marie Finger,
Mrs. John LaiDg, Horace Vernet, and Dopny Jam in. G. P.
Bi'rnand, Esq., Hill Grange, Reigate, being 2nd; and Con-
way Jones, Esq , Hucclecote, Gloucester, 3rd.
Nine blooms of any rarity except Tea or Noisette. — Nine com-
peted in this class. O. G. Orpen, Esq., Colchester, was a
good 1st, with the finest box of K. A. Victoria we have seen,
among which was the Silver Medal flower fur a H.P. or H.T.
bloom. E. M. Bethune, Esq., Horshnm, 2nd, with Marie
Biumrtnu ; and Mr. A. Slaughter, Steyning, 3rd, with
Charles Lefebvre.
For growers of J\w r than 1000 plants or' exhibition varieties.
—For nine varieties, distinct, Mr. G Moolep, Hitchin, won
from eleven competitors, his blooms being Ulrieh Brunner,
Souvenir d'Elise Vardon, C. Mermet, C Testout, Earl of
Dufferin, Francois Michelon, Her Majesty, Beauty of
Waltham, and Comte Raimbaud. M. Whittle, Esq., 56,
Belgrave Avenue, Leicester, was a good 2nd; and A. F.
Pefkins, Esq., Holmwood, Surrey, 3rd.
Six distinct trebles.- G. W. Cook, Esq. The Briars, North
Finchley, won with good blooms of Mrs. J Laing, Captain
Hayward, La France, Ulrieh Brunner, General Jac jueminot,
and K. A. Victoria, in a strong class. R. H. Lanodon,
Esq., Raymead, Heudon, 2nd ; and M. Whittle, Esq.,
Leicester, 3rd.
For growers of fewer than 500 plants.— Here also there were
eleven competitors in the class for nine blooms, distinct,
R. F. Hobbs, Esq., Broomyard Road, Worcester, winning
with Catherine Mermet, Heinrich Schultheiss, Ulrieh Brun-
ner, Marechal Niel, A. K. Williams, Victor Verdier, Lady
Mary Fitzwilliam, S.-M. Rodocanachi. and Comtesse de
Nadaillac. R. W. Bowver, Esq., Haileybury Cottage,
Hertford, was 2nd; W. Kingston, Esq., 52, Gray Street,
Bedford, 3rd.
Six single trusses, distinct. — No fewer than fourteen com-
peted. A. Mt'NT, Esq., Templewood, Slough, winning with
good flowers of Ernest Metz, The Bride, K. A. Victoria, A. K.
Williams, Her Majesty, and Innocente Pirula. E. R. Smith,
Esq , Melford Lodge, Muswell Hill, was 2nd, and G. A.
Hammond, Esq., Cambrian House, Burgess Hill, 3rd.
For four trusses, three of each, there were nine lots. H. P.
Landon, Esq.. Shenfield, near Bruntwood, winning with
Victor Hugo, C Testout, La France, and Mrs. John Laing.
J. Parker, Esq., The Croft, Old Headington, was 2nd, an 1
R. F. Hobbs, Esq , Worcester, 3rd.
A Sdrer Challenge Cap was presented by C. J. Grahame,
Esq., in the above divisions, for an extra class of twelve dis-
tinct varieties. W. Kingston, Esq., 52, Gray Street, Bed-
ford, won from thirteen competitors, his varieties being
Xavier Olibo, A. Colomb, .Souvenir d'Elise Vardon, Catherine
Mermet, Ulrieh Brunner, Louis Van Houtte, Mrs. John
Laing, Catnille Bernardin, Etienne Levet, General Jacque-
minot, La France, and A. K. Williams. Rev. C. Johnson,
Capel St. Mary, Ipswich, was a very close 2nd, and M.
Whittle, Esq., Leicester. 3rd.
Six blooms of any Rose except Tea 'or Noisette. — Seventeen
•boxes were staged in this class. G. W. Cook, Esq., The
Briars, North Finchley, winning with Mrs. John Laing; J.
<3, Tbueman, Esq., Oaklands, Swanley, 2nd with Her
Majesty; and R. W. Bowver, Esq., Haileybury Cottage,
Hertford, vutu Caroline Testout.
The Silver Cv.p offered by Mr. C. J. Gkah.vme for six single
trusses of Ruses sent out by Messrs. Dickson & Sons, New-
townards, was easily won by E. B. Lindsell, Esq., with
Muriel Grabame, Helen Keller, Marchioness of Londonderry,
Marchioness of Dufferin, Earl of Dufferin, and Mrs. R. G.
Snarman Crawford. Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering, was
2nd ; and A. Slaughter, Esq., Steyning, 3rd.
A Pkce of Plate offered for six Rose* dtitim t, grown by mem-
bers who have never before won a prize at a National Rose
Society's exhibition, was secured by the Rev. C. Johnson,
Capel St. M;*ry, Ipswich; J. C. TRUEMAN, Esq., Oaklands,
.Swanley, 2nd ; and F. Bkf.wkr, Esq., Wood Green, N., 3rd.
For a similar number, open only to amateurs joining the
National Rose Society since the last Crystal Palace show,
there were s ven lots, the 1st going to S. K. Beruer, Esq ,
Braybury, Steven tre. fur Mrs. J. Laing, Prince Arthur,
Madame Victor Verdier, Charles Lefebvre, General Jacque-
in'not, and Pauls Esrly Blush. Miss Jequ, Firbeck Hall,
Rotherham, and Rev. R. Powley, Warminster, were 2nd and
3rd respectively.
The Piece of Plate, presented by E.Mawley, Esq., for six
distinct Roses, grown within eight miles ot Charing Cross,
brought out eight competitors. G. W. Cook, Esq., The
Biiars, North Finchley, winniug with Captain Hayward,
Mrs. John Laing, Caroline Testout, Comtesse d'Oxford, Duke
of Wellington, and La France. Mr. J. Batem an, Hose Vale,
Archway Road, N\, was a good 2nd ; and E. R. Smith, Fsq.,
MelfordLodge. Muswell Hill, 3rd.
Six N> >'■ Roses— The Rev. J. H. Pemberton won 1st, show-
ing good blooms of Charlotte Guillemot, Mrs. Crawford,
Helen Keller, Captain Hayward, Marquise de Litta, and
Marchioness of Downshire. O. G. Orpen, Esq., West Berg-
holt, Colchester, 2nd; and Mr. J. Baieman, 3rd.
TEA AND NOISETTE SECTION.
These were very numerous, and in most cases the blooms
were more free from bruised and discoloured outside petals
than we have seen them for several seasons.
Nine competed for the Challenge Trophy and Replica offered for
eighteen distinct single*, O. G. Orpen, Esq., West Bergholt,
Colchester, winning with a grand stand, consisting of Maman
Cochet, Madame Hoste, Souvenir d'Elise Vardon, Souvenir
d'un Ami, The Bride, Ernest Metz, Souvenir de S. A. Prince,
Innocente Pirola, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Madame Cu'in,
Cleopatra, Marie Van Houtte, Catherine Mermet, Medea,
Marechal Niel, Sylph, Caroline Kuster, and Madame de
Watteville. C. J. Grahame, Esq., Wyrelands, Leatherhead,
had grand flowers nf Etoile de Lyon, Catherine Mermet, The
Bride, Mad me de Watteville, Niphetos, and Caroline Kuster,
in his 2nd prize stand. Dr. L. P. Budd, Bath, was 3rd.
For twelve d>sti net singles, ten competed, Mr. Harris, gi*. to
E. M. Bethune, Esq., Denne Park, Horsham, winning with
Madame Cochet, F. Kruger, Madame Cusin, Medea, Caroliue
Mermet, The Bride. Marie Van Houtte, Etoile de Lyon, Ethtl
Brownlow, Madame Margottin, Bridesmaid, and Caroline
Kuster, in good form. The Rev. II. Beknkrs, Harkstead
R ctory. Ipswich, was 2nd; and Dr. L. P. Budd, S, Gay
Street, Bath, 3r.i.
The Townshend-Boscawen Memorial Fta'e was secured by
C. J. Grahame, Esq., against eight competitors. There was
not a faulty flower among his trebles of Madame de
Watteville, Caroline Kuster, Maman Cochet, Innocente
Pirola, F Kruger, Catherine Mermet, Madame Cusin, and
The Bride. Dr. L. P. Budd, Bath, 2nd ; and O. G. Orpen,
Esq., Colchester, 3rd.
Fir nine blooms of any Tea or Noisette. — Em. Bethune
Esq. , Ho ■ sham, won with Catherine Mermet ; C. J.
Grahame, Esq., was 2nd, with Madame Cusin ; and O. G.
Orpen, Esq., was 3rd, with the same variety.
For growers of fewer thin 500 plants of exhibition Teas and
Noisettes. — There were eight competitors for twelve distinct
singles, Mr. J. Parker, The Croft, Old Headington, winning ;
the Rev. J. H. Pemberton, 2nd; and Conway Jones, Esq.
Hucclecote, Gloucester, 3rd.
For nine singles.— Miss Baker, Holmfels, Reigate, was
ahead; P. G. Burnand, Esq., Reigate; and E. Mawley,
Esq., Berkhamsted following.
For growers of ftwer than 200 plants. — The class nine single
trusses, distinct, found Rev. A. Cecil Johnson, C -pel St.
Mary, Ipswich, well ahead; Mr. G. Moules, Hitchin, 2nd;
and Mr. J. Parker, The Croft, Old Headington, 3rd.
In the class for six singles, distinct, nine competed, Rev. F. R,
Burnside, Berrington Rectory, Shrewsbury, winning from
M. Whittle, Esq., Leicester, and R. W. Bowver, Esq,
Haileybury, Hertford.
For the Piece of Plate offered for four trebles, distinct, twelve
competed, Mr. J. Parker winning with The Bride, Madame
Cusin, Marie Van'Houtte, and Catherine Mermet, in good
form ; A. Slaughter, Esq., Steyning, was 2nd ; and C.
Jones, Esq., Hucclecote, Gloucester, 3rd.
Six single trusses of any one variety. — F. Hobbs, Esq., Brom-
yard Road, Worcester, won with Catherine Mermet ; Mr. J.
Parker, Old Headington, 2nd, with the same variety; and
Mrs. E. Croft Murray, Ryde, 3rd, with Edith Gifford.
Messrs. Paul tC Son'* Piece of Plate for sic bunxhes of distinct
varieties was won by O. G Orpen, Esq., Colchester, for F.
Kruger, Madame Iloste, Medea, Madame Ciuin, A. Olivier,
and Marie V. Houtte in good stylo. S. Gurney-Fowlkji,
Esq., South Woodford, was 2nd; and Mr. J. Parker, Old
Headington, 3rd.
GARDEN ROSES.
The Silver Cup, presented by the Right Hon. Lord
Penzance, for eighteen bunches of distinct varieties was won
by H. V. Machin, Esq, Gatefoid Hill, Worksop, with Ma
Paquerette, Madame Pernet Ducher, Red Damask, Rosa
Mundi, Perle d'Or, and Laurette Messing, the best half-
dozen bunches. A. Tate, Esq., Leatherhea'i, was 2nd, and
had Moschata nivea, Moss cristata, and Gustave Regis in
capital form.
The piece of plate for six bunches was secured by Mis.
A. F. Perkins, Oak Dene, Holmwood, Surrey, Madame
Plantier, Canuens, Marquise of Salisbury, Madame C.
Guinoisseau, Madame Pernet D'icher, and Triomphe de
Pernet Pere being the varieties. F. W. Campion, Esq., Colley
Manor, Reigate, was 2nd; and Rev. J. H. Pemberton, 3rd.
DECORATIVE SECTION.
Table decoration of Cut Roses and suitable greenery. — This
was oren only to lady members of a family of a subscriber to
the Society, and was described as the Victorian Reign Com-
memoration Class. The 1st prize was wod by Mrs. O. G.
OfiP^i*", whose • xhibit was f.n objectdesson in how not to
spoil such efforts by introducing too much variety, or by too
profusely furnishing the table. The arrangement of
Noisette Roses, licre and there a bloom of a Polyantha
variety, and a little Maidenhah Fern, was as simple as
phasing.
VaseofCat Roses, with et'.i filing- ttc.—O. G. Orpan, Esq.,
was 1st, with a vase lightly furnished with pink and white
Rjses, aud a little Adiantum euneatum Fein, &c.
MEDAL ROSES
In the amateurs' divisions, the Silver Medals were awarded
as follows: The best IIP. or H.T. was Kaisenn Augusta
Victoria, shown by 0. G. Orpen, E-q. ; aud the new Rose
Muriel Grahame (grand), shown by E. B. Lindsell, Esq.,
was the best Tea or Noisette.
Among nurserymen, the best H.P. was a perfect but not
extra large bloom of the well known Horace Vernet, in
Messrs. Habkness & Son's stand of sew ty -two blooms
distinct ; and Madame Cusin, from Mr. B. R. Cant, was the
best Tea or Noisette. This was a fine bloom, but not so
highly coloured as the variety sometimes is
MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS.
Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts, made a
display with Roses in pots, and a fine lot of cut blooms.
Many of the varieties represented have be?n raised by this
firm duting the present reign, aud are well known, and some
extremely popular. Spenser H.P., Emperor Alexander of
Russia, S ar of Waltham H.P, bright purple - crimson,
and the new Waltham Standard and Aurora, in com-
pany with many others, were shown as eood general
blooms. The plants in pots were young and dwarf, usually
carrying about half-a-dozen blooms. An interesting
exhibit.
Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, Somerset, showed Roses;
and Messrs. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Violas and Pansies,
together with blooms of other hardy plants. Mr. Foster, of
the Brockhampton Nurseries, made a display with Sweet
Peas ; and Messrs. Wallace & Co. of Colchester, exhibited
flowers of varieties of Lilies and Calochorti.
Messrs. Jno. Laing & Sons, Forest Hid, London, S.E , had
a gigantic exhibit of plants, including, of course, a capital
display of their tuberous-rooted Begonias, double and
single. In addition to these, however, there were many
Palms, S feet to 10 feet high, arranged upon the seats
behind the dwarfer plants, also many good Caladiums,
Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations, Liliums, and pretty
foliage plants. Upon one side of these plants the same firm
had an excellent lot of hardy herbaceous flowers in bunches,
which made a giy picture.
Mr. M. Pbitchard, Christchurch, had a few bunches of
hardy herbaceous flowers also, the whole of them bearing
evident indications of first class culture.
Messrs. A. W. Young & Co., Stevenage Nurseries, Herts,
were the contributors of yet another collection of similar
hardy flowers bo much in season at the present time.
Most of these exhibits were arranged upon the temporary
seats erected under the Royal Box, and immediately opposite
to the great organ.
EALTNG HORTICULTURAL.
June 30. — No more delightful place can be selected in
which to hold a flower show than Gunnersbury Park, and
this was the thirty-third exhibition of the society. Ealing,
in respect of high-class exhibits, is suffering from the break -
ing-up of small estates, and the setting of them out for
building operations, so there is a falling off both in the quan-
tity and quality of the exhibits at the annual exhibition,
more especially as the large specimens disappear, and are not
replaced. As it was, five tents were required to tike the
exhibits which were forthcoming.
Roses are a leading feature, and the Jubilee Silver Cup
offered for twenty-four blooms was won by Mr. C. Turner
they were a fine fresh full lot of blooms, brilliant ret H. P.'s
predominating. There was a fair display of locally grown
Roses, but the great heat in the tents soon told upon them.
Messrs. Charles Lee & Son, Messrs. James Veitch A Sons,
and Messrs. E. Spooner <fc Sons all contributed collections
of Rosea not for competition.
As far as plants are concerned, groups for effects take a
leading place, the bent of the large ones came from Mr. W.
Roberts, gr. to J. Harris, Esq., Ealing; Mr. C Edwards,
gr. to C. Tautz, Esq., Ealiner, was 1st with the smaller one.
Specimen plants were of fair size, and shown in several
classes ; but with the exception of a good flowering piece of
Lagers troeuiia indica and Datura si'aveolens from Mr. C.
Long, gr. to E. P. OiKsnoTT, Esq., Eiling, they called for no
special remark. There were some very good specimen
Gloxinias, good tuberous-rooted Begonias and Fuchsias, all
well grown and bloomed. In the way of folaged plants there
were well-grown Adiantums from two or three exhibitors.
Of miscellaneous productions there were fine snd striking
groups of plants from Mr. G. Reynolds, Gunnersbury Park
Gardens ; and Mr. Hudson, of Gunnersbury House ; also one
of the same character from Messrs. Fromow it Sons, Turn-
ham Green ; and, in addition, a good one of Japanese Maples.
Messrs. C. Lee & Son had a largo group of pictorial trees
and shrubs, and Mr. C. Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough,
several very good specimen Pelargoniums, show and fancy
which were greatly admired.
July 10, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
27
Fruit was fairly good, but by no means largely repre-
sented.
Vegetables were not up to tho usual mark, owing, no
doubt, to the earlier period on which the show was held ;
still, good samples were staged.
As is usual, a tent was set apart for table-decorations,
Bhown in several classes. Chief anions* them were some
exquisite bouquets and baskets by Mrs. H. B. Smith, a well-
known local florist.
The cottagers' productions from allotment-gardens were
very good for the early period at which the show was held.
CROYDON HORTICULTURAL.
June 30. — This was, as usual, an excellent Bhow, the cut
Roses being of especially good quality, and also plentifully
shown.
NUKSKRYMEN.
There wore five competitors in the forty-eight varieties
class. Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedalc and Hit chin,
leading Mr. B. R. Cant and Messrs. Prior & Sons, both of
Colchester. The blooms here were particularly bright and
clean. The winners for twenty-four varieties, shown in
triplets, were 1st, Mr. B. R. Cant; Messrs. Prior & Sons,
and Messrs. Harkness & Sons.
Messrs. G. & W. H. Bhrch, Peterborough, were in front of
Mr. G. W. Piper, Uckfield, for a class of twenty-four varieties.
In the class for eighteen Teas or Noisettes, all the winning
stands came from Colchester, Messrs. Prior & Son, F. Cavt
& Co., and B. R. Cant winning in the order named. Messrs.
F. Cant A Co. were 1st with Kaiserin Augusta Victoria in
twelve of any H. P. or H. T. class ; and Mr. B. R. Cant for
twelve Teas or Noisettes, with Madamo Cusin.
Amateurs.
The competition for the new challenge cup, offered for
thirty-six distinct varieties, was keen, but Mr. E. B. Lind-
sell, Hitchin, was an easy winner, with superb flowers,
including on hia stand the two silver medal blooms, viz..
Her Majesty, the best H. P., and Mrs. J Laing. the best
flower of that variety. T. B. Hay wood, Esq., Woodhatch
Lodge, Reigate. was 2nd in the cup class. Mr. Mease, gr. to
A. Tate, Esq., Leatherhead, was 1st for a good lot of twenty-
four flowers of distinct varieties ; and Mr. Harris, gr. to
E. M. Bethune, Esq , Denne Park, Horshim, was 1st for
eighteen Teas or Noisettes.
For growers of less than 2000 plants, Mr. E. Mawley
secured 1st for twelve distinct, and also for twelve Teas and
Noisettes, Mr. Harris being 2nd in each class. Mr. J. \V.
Cook, The Briers, North Finchley, Mr. W. D. Freshfieu>,
Tho Wilderness, Reigate, and Mr. M. Hodgson, Shirley, were
very successful among amateurs. The Challenge Cup and
tho National Rose Society's Silver Medal for local growers,
were secured by Mr. A. C. Giffoud, South Norwo d.
Plants and Groups.~M.r. Mills, gr. to F. G. Lloyd, Esq.,
Combe House, Croydon, won for twelve table-plants, six
Dracaenas, and six Caladiums, for some grand Selaginellas.
and for twenty-four varieties of hardy cut-flowers ; Mr. C. J.
Salter, gr. to T. B. Haywood, Esq , Reigate, winning for
twenty-four stove and greenhouse varieties.
One of the most successful exhibitors in this division was
Mr. Harris, er. to Philip Crowley, Esq., Waddon House,
Croydon, who was well ahead for groups, for nine orna-
mental foliage plants, for six stove and greenhouse plants in
bloom, for six exotic Ferns, and for specimen foliage ani
flowering plants.
Vegetables were particularly good throughout.
Non-competitivs exhibits were very numerous, and of
high quality, the best being Begonias, Caladiums, and her-
baceous flowers, from Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill ;
herbaceous flowers from Mr. Box, Messrs. Cheal & Sons,
and Mr. Charlton; while Messrs. Wallace & Co. staged a
grand lot of Calochortus and Lilies.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
July 1. — The exhibits tabled on the Coal Exchange on the
above date were choice and interesting throughout, and all
bore marks of good cultivation. The committee consisted of
W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange (Chairman), and Messrs.
W. A. Gent (Hon. Sec.), G. 8. Ball, J. Anderson, S. Gratrix,
H. Greenwood, G. Law-Schofield, A. Warburton, Wm.
Stevens, P. Weathers, E. J. Sidebotham, Robert Johnson,
and J. Charlcsworth.
The Chairman (Mr. Wm. Stevens, gr.) put up the following
plants : Odontoglossum crispum giganteum (Award of Merit).
This was a very large flower, with chestnut blotches on a
clear white gruund, the sagittate lip being similarly adorned ;
the spike carried about a dozen flowers, rather open in the
segments, and thus depriving it of the premier award.
Cattleya tenebrosa Charlesworthi (Award of Merit) is a strik-
ing-coloured flower, the rich cinnamon-coloured segments a
little elongated, contrasting well with a deep maroon-shaded
Up, very prominent indeed from its obloDg blade. The same
exhibitor had L;uha purpurata Stevensii with a good doztn
flowers on it, rather intra coloured lip, but depreciated in tho
strap-form of its segments. In addition was a fine grown
and flowered piece of Odontoglossum Coradinei Waltonensu
(Award of Merit). This is a much broader-limbed flower
than the normal form, suggesting natural hybridisation ; the
lip is panduriform ; the spike had fifteen superb flowers on
It. Mr. Steyfns also put forward a Cattleya Rex of striking
colour, greenish-white, with the convolute division of lip of
saffron colour, quite a departure from the normal typo ; as it
was only shown as a cut flower, it received no award.
Mr. W. A. Gent, Brooklands, put up a small healthy piece
of Brassavola Digbyana, with a single flower, which the com-
mittee requested to bo brought up ;igaln. Tho lip had an
unusually deep fringe Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, had
Cypripedium x Mrs. E. V. Low (Award of Merit). The
parentage was C. niveum, with another unknown. Judged
by the white ground standard, with the ruby spotting and
the form of the segments, it partook of the same character
as C. insigne,and the lip resembles that of C. niveum. and tho
leaves indicate the insigne type. The two committees (London
and Manchester) took the same view as to its intrinsic
merits (see Gardeners? Chronicle, p. 10, col. c).
A. Warburton, Esq.. Vine Lodge, Haslingdeu (Mr. Tom
Lofthouso, gr.), exhibited the choicest lot of the day, viz.,
Cattleya tenebrosa Victor Warburton (First-class Certificate).
The well-formed segments are self-coloured, of a captivating
pale shade of saffron, with a roundly ovate eotire lip, rich
purple towards the orifice of the tube, with the lines shading
out to the base of the column, and running from the solid
blotch towards the extremity of tho blade, stopping short at
the margin, which is white — altogether a pretty combination.
The next most important plant was Cattleya Mossise bcl-
lisima (First-class Certificate), an albino of fine form and
good substance, the limbs pure white, the lip with a fine
dash of yellow distributed up to the column base, and that
rests on a white ground colour, the only drawback to the
flower being a slight semblance of flushing at the front of
the lip. The same exhibitor had Cattleya Mossin; Reinccki-
ana (Award of Merit), with six fine flowers in true character.
The lip has fine stencillings of rosy-purple, and tho yellow
stained orifioo adds to its merits. Another albino of the
Mossia) type, named Warburtoni, received an Award of
Merit.
Walter C. Clarke, Esq., Sefton Park, Liverpool, exhi-
bited Cypripedium x Lawrobel (Award of Merit). This is
one of the best cf the bellatulum section, with its peduncle
elongated, and showing the brilliant admixture of colour of
the flamed Lawrcnceanum much more pronounced, in having
black orbicular spots, It was a little past its boat, or it
might have fared better, as being shown hero for the first
time. Tho same grower had also Cattleya gigas Banderiana,
with ji crowd of brilliant flowers on it.
Thomas Btattsb, Esq., Stand Hall (Mr. EL Johnson, gr.).
had a finely-grown piece of Cattleva gigas, with very la ge
flowers (Award Of Merit). The white eyes at tho oriti.
tho fino crimson-purple on the lip, solid from base to ex-
tremity, makes this one of the champion Cattleyaa in our
whole list. The same exhibitor had Lrclio- Cattleya HIppolytc
(Award of Merit). Tho colour of this hybrid (Nankin-yellow)
makes it a pleasing addition to our list of real hybrids,
possessing both desirable colour and form.
G. Shorlanu Ball, Esq. 'gr., Mr. A. Hay), had several
good things, the best being Cypripedium Harrisonisupcrbiuu
(Awaid of Merit). This is an improvement in form and
colour, and is one of the best of the novelties. Another
pretty aud distinct flower was Cypripedium Curtisii viride.
Samuel Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Grange (gr., Mr. It.
McLeod), showed a well-cultivated plant, bearing four extra
fine flowers, of Cypripedium grande stratum (Award of Merit),
lu size, substance, and beauty of colour of thefloweis, it excels
the normal form ; the dorsal and inferior sepals are of shaded
bronzy -green, with bold roseate lines, while the linear petals,
much elongated, are of greenish caste, distinctly edged with
claret, and adorned with glandular hairs ; the pouch is ruby,
with a highly ornamental interior of white spots and blotches,
interspersed with carmine ; and the long pedicels springing
from the peduncle make this a most effective and distinct
Lady's- slipper.
Harry Greenwood, Esq. , Highfield(gr., Mr. SpurrJ, showed
a finely cultivated plant of Cypripedium EUiotianum, os-
6essing two spikes, each three flowered, resembling C. Roths-
childianum— indeed, there is no difference between them-
As the committee has had Rothschildianum before them it was
decided to give a Cultural Commendation to this plant. A
form of Dendrobium from New Guinea was shown from this
exhibitor, it was dwarfer in habit than D. superbiens, and
relegated as Gouldianum. It is mora interesting than
beautiful.
Messrs. Cuarlesworth & Co., Htaton, put up a new hybrid
Cattleya under the name of velutioa-elegans. It is a good
gain, as showing the intermixture of granulosa and Lsalia
elegans. The segments are purely those of C. granulosa, but
the blade of the lip is coloured like that of elegans, and shows
the broken outline of that choice species ; it has four good
flowers on it. It was voted an Award of Merit. It ought to
be christened Ladio -Cattleya velutina elegans.
Messrs. Cowan Si Co., Garston, had several plants ; the
best flowers (not on the plant, however) were a Cattleya
Mossiie, called Wagneri, but the slight pink flushing on the
lip barred that name ; the yellow was grandly in evidence.
The plant of Cattleya Wanieri was very brilliant, but it was
past its best.
Archdeacon Rawstone sent a good Cattleya Mossiaa ;
D. Gu moke, Esq., sent C. Mossise chrysotoxa, and Captain
ScaoFUELD an extra bloom of the beautiful Ltelio-Cattleya
uxinU.i.
TORQUAY ROSE DAY.
July I. —The tenth annual Rose show, in aid of the Tor-
quay and District Gardeners' clief Fund, was held on the
above date in Messrs. Curti Sanford & Co 'a nursery,
Torquay. Considering the excellence of the -. i-.n t'»
display of Roses for competition was hardly so good as might
have been anticipated, but in the generality of cases tho
show was a week or ten days too late for amatours.
The competition in the classes for groups of plants was
poor. The miscellaneous cut flowers, particularly Carna-
tions, were decidedly good. Table deoorations were pretty,
and light, and the competition showed a welcome increaso
on previous years. A feature of the show was, however, the
large exhibition of cut Roses by Messrs. Curtis, Sanford <te
Co., They also made a display of various fruits from their
fruit farm, and threw open their grounds, &c., to the public.
Messrs. Vejtch & Son, of Exeter, showed a new red-
floweringJhardy Cactus from Colorado, the first introduced
into Great Britain ; hardy Water Lilies, a new yellow hardy
Honeysuckle, Bamboos, &q.
LEEDS FLOWER SHOW AND GALA.
July 7, 8, 9. — An attraotivc horticultural Bhow was held
in the Hcadingley Athletic Grounds, Leeds, on the above
dates. The show has lapsed for several years, but was
revived with considerable success on this occasion. Tho
groups arranged for effect were excellent from every point
of view, Mr. J. S. Shaep, gr., Almondbury, being 1st, and
Messrs. R. Simpson & Son, 2nd. Collections of fruit were well
shown by Mr. Edmonds, gr. to the Duke of St. Albans, Best-
wood Park, Nottingham, 1st, and Mr. Mclndoe, gr. to Sir J. W.
Pease, Bart., Ilutton Hall. Guisborough, 2nd. Tho fruits
of James Veitch Strawberry shown by Mr. Edmonds were
especially fine examples.
©bftuard>
Mr. W. K. WOODCOCK, of Victoria Nurseries,
Leicester, and for several years horticultural instructor
for the Norfolk County Council, died at his residence
on Friday, the 2nd inst., and was interred in Leicester
Cemetery on Tuesday last. The deceased was much
esteemed by all who knew him for his courteous
demeanour, and uprightness of character. All the
principal nurserymen and florists of Leicester, aud
other friends, followed his remains to their last
re6ting-place.
^ we'atv^
.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Tl
Accumulated.
>
•4
■2
+
1
+
1
+
3 +
4
+
1
+
3
+
2
+
3
+
1
+
3
+
o
+
Day.
deg.
101
100
116
143
144
148
121
128
139
107
133
136
9
a ®t>:
a
£ aS
f.
3 c«~
-8 >»
%
o a a
Z
ja"
■<
»
Rainfall.
.2:3
+ 9
o
s
Brioht
Sun.
- !j
° 5s ° 9
«<2 ® 2
!§'!*
as! - &
" \n
3 & \&
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
0
+ 34
0
- 7
0
+ 74
0
+ 142
0
+ 99
0
+ 159
0
+ 18
0
+ 81
0
+ 159
0
- 25
0
+ 91
0
+ 235
Day-
deg.
lOths
Inch.
S 1
12 4
7S J
124 4
US 1 +
ISO 1
21 2
92 0 aver 1
13S 3
5 + 8 2
57 0 aver
80 1
Ins.
114
19-2
25
104
14'5
30
98
11-3
27
96
12 0
32
94
14-0
30
89
147
36
112
20-S
25
10S
15-9
31
109
21-2
4S
121
2J1
10
114
217
28
,U9
IS -3
42
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-prodtccing Districts —
1, Scotland, B. ; 2, England, N.B. ; 3, England, F. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
PrincivoX Grazing \ dtc, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. J
10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands.
28
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 10, 1897.
FLOWERS IN SEASON.— We have recently re-
ceived from Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea,
two shoots and flowers of Magnolia macrophylla,
taken from a plant growing in their Coombe Wood
Nursery. Although introduced iu the early part of
the century, and flowered by Mr. James Vere in 1821,
from whose plant a figure was prepared for the Bota-
nical Magazine (see fig. 21S9), the plant is not common
in gardens. The leaves measure from 1 to 2 feet
in length ; and the flowers, which are white, are
correspondingly large.
Trade Notice.
We are informed that the business carried on for
the past fifteen years, and known as " Elsdon & Co.,"
the Vineiie;, Milton, under the management of Mr.
Thomas Elsdon, will henceforth be known as ''The
Milton Nurseries," and will be under the sole man-
agement of Mr. William Willson.
Qmfm
JXT
rnjpondienU
Asparagus plumosl's : G. P. We have grown this
plant in a vinery-border with success, but the best
growers employ peat of good quality mixed with
sand, in the proportion of one-sixteenth. This, we
would remind you, is very different to sandy-peat,
which is mostly a hungry kind of soil. In summer,
the plant should be afforded cool stove treatment,
and be shaded for a time after re-potting.
Begonia Blossoms : /. T. An exceedingly fine
variety of pleasing colour — worth preserving.
Books : J. K. You will find all that you require in
Greenhouse and Store Plants, by T. Baines (London :
John Murray). — Fruit Farminy : J. S. Manuals
dealing with the subject have been written in
recent years by the following nurserymen, Mr. G.
Bunyard, Maidstone ; Mr. J. Cheal, Lowfield,
Crawlev ; and Mr. Cranston, Hereford.
Freesia Bulbs : H. F. Any of the larger nursery-
men, seedsmen, or florists, will supply them.
Galanthus (latjfolius) : J. P. It is a variety of
Galanthus nivalis, the common Snowdrop.
Green Peas to Bottlb : A. H. Shell the Peas,
put them into dry, wide-mouthed bottles, and
shake them together, so that they may lie in as
little space as possible. Cork the bottles closely,
and seal the corks. Bury the bottles in the driest
patt of the garden, and take them up as they are
vanted. They will keep good five or six months.
Another way : Choose Peas which are large and
f ally grown, though not old. Put them into
bottles, cork securely, and cover with bladder.
Tie a wisp of hay round the lower part of the
battles, to prevent their knocking against each
other in the pan. Put them side by side in a
Urge saucepan, and pour into it as much cold
water as will reach to their necks. Put the sauco-
pan on the fire, and let it remain for two hours
after the water has reached the boiling-point, then
take it off, but do not remove the bottles until the
water is cold. Seal the corks, and store iu a dry
place.
Herbaceous Border: S. W. Better is it than a
mere list, which to those unacquainted with plants
consists of names and nothing else, to visit a
nursery where such plants are grown, and make a
st- lection of those which please you at this season
and during August, September, and October.
Earlier than the present there bloom Lilium
dauricum, great number of Irises of different
sections of this lovely genus, Narcissus in great
variety, P;eonies, Iberis, dwarf Phloxes, Primulas,
Violas, numerous alpine plants, &c. Many species
of herbaceous perennials increase fast in good well-
trenched soil, and should not be planted at a less
distance than 4 feet from their neighbours. The
nurseryman would supply height, and probably
Mze of the masses when at two to four years old.
The spaces between plants of Bmall annual growth
may be 2 to 3 feet, and the smallest species may
be planted at 1 to 1 J foot apart. Bulbs of Nar-
cissus, Lilies, Tulips, Hyacinths, Squills (ScUla) of
all kinds, Crocus, Chionodoxa, Omithogalum, Wat-
sonias, Colchicums, &c, should be grouped among
the other plants distant from the front of the
border according to the height to which they grow.
Land Tax Exemptions : F. C. J. You should
obtain a copy of the Finance Act of 1896 from
Messrs. Eyre & Spottiswoode, East Harding Street,
E.C. (it costs but a few pence), and of the Memo-
randum prepared under the authority of the Board
of Trade, 4, Whitehall Place, S.W. (which may be
had gratis). You will then be in a better position
for ascertaining the point you wish to clear up.
Liliuh Bulbs Decayed, &o. : S., The Oaks. Matters
have now become so complicated, that it is impos-
sible to say what was the first cause of the
deterioration of the bulbs. There are fungus and
many species of worms, and also the bulb-mite.
We should throw all similar bulbs away, and
plant afresh in well-drained, porous soil, free from
fresh manure of any kind. The tuberose produces
side-shoots in this case, because it has lost the
centre one.
Melon Foliage Spotted : J. L. The spotting of
the leaves of Melon does not arise from any organic
disease, but has been caused by some external
circumstance. It is not likely to aff-ct the fruit,
or the general health of the plant. The soil would
not appear to have had anything to do with it.
Names or Plants : Correspondents not answered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — B. K. Dendrobium
macrostachyum, and Oncidium pumilum. H. K.
Stanhopea inodora. — Fureman. 1 and 3, varieties
of Cattleya Mendeli, the former a very pretty
white-petalled form ; 2, Cattleya Mossije, of the
class commonly called '' poor varieties." — E. M.
Linaria repens (striata). — East Norfolk: Pink-
flowered, Spiraa Douglasii ; white, S. ariajfolia. —
J. W. 1, Cassinia fulvida ; 2, Indigofera decora ;
3, Abies Pindrow. — Asplenium. Collomia linearis,
an annual ; the Fern is Lastrea serra. — G. 8. t'ur-
duuseriophorus( Woolly Thistle). — Constant Header.
1, Forsythia suspensa ; 2, Choisya ternata ; 3, Com-
bretum purpureum ; 4, Phyllanthus nivosus ; 5,
Selaginella Martensii ; 6,Corydalis lutea. — R. S. J.
1, Rbamnus alaternus ; 2, Spirasa callosa ; 3,
Zenobia speciosa ; 4, Veronica spicata.
Naphthalene Emulsion : F. J. T. For the methods
of making and using this new sort of plant-
dressing, you would do well to enquire of the
principal of the South Eastern Agricultural Col-
lege, Wye, near Ashford, Kent. See also paragraph
on p. 8 of the last week's issue of the Gardeners'
Chronicle.
Orchid Leaves turning Black: J. II. The leaves
of Brazilian Cattleyas and Lfelias are often affected
in the manner shown in the specimens sent by you,
in consequence of being kept too close, and in a too
moist atmosphere after growth is completed. Or
sometimes they may be caused to turn black by
being caught by the rays of the sun.
Peach Casting its Fruit : W. C. G. Probably a
case of over- cropping, or at the least leaving more
fruits than the tree can mature — hence it casts
f'em off. One fruit to a square of 9 inches is
close enough for a vigorous tree, and one per
square foot for weakly trees, or when very large
fruits are desired.
Peaches, the Decay of the Fruits each Year :
./. T. W. The disease is caused by Mouilia fructi-
geua, a fungus whose presence shows itself in
circular whitish or yellowish cushions on the
surface of the fruit, which rapidly enlarge, and
set up decay iu the pulp. Auother year you
should remove the whole of the surface-soil
to a depth of 3 inches, and whitewash the walls of
the house, taking care to put a handful of flowers-
of-sulphur into the wash. Use the Bordeaux Mix-
ture on the trees when the fruits are stoned, and
twice afterwards, also after the fruit is gathered.
Physalis peruviana: J. E. This plant hasno other
name excepting Cape Gooseberry, which it derived
from the fact that it is cultivated at the Cape, as in
many other warm countries. There is a yellow
edible-fruited variety, P. p. edulis, syn. Physalis
edulis.
Soots Fir Dying : II. G. There is nothing apparent
to account for the death of the plauts, but the
position being an exposed one, they may have suc-
cumbed owing to their being too large when planted,
and from being raised in a warm sheltered nursery.
The plant sent was ill-found in roots, and if all of
the plauts were like it, their chances of living were
poor.
Strawberries : G. P. H. The Strawberries reached
us in a deplorable condition, covered with a super-
ficial mould, which was an after-product ; other-
wise we discover no actual infection of the fruit,
and no fungus disease. We are inclined to the
belief that the cause is a purely local one, and is
due to external circumstauces, which we cannot
infer from the fruits themselves. There is some-
thing wrong in the surroundings, and not in the
plants themselves, as is evident from the luxuriant
foliage. M. C. C.—Dr. K., and P. S. C, Wimbledon.
The plants are attacked by a fungus, Botrytis
vulgaris. See reply to " C T. Slough," in our last
issue, p. 12, col. 1.
Strawberry Fruits Diseased: L. C. Affected by
Botrytis vulgaris ; see Gardeners' Chronicle, last
week's issue, p. 12, under initials " C. T."
Strawberries Spoiled : X The beetle sent is
Harpalus ruficornis. See answer to 'A. G,"
p. 1 2 in our last issue.
Thuia gigantea : W. T. The plant was shown under
the name of T. gigantea, a name common in garden -.
T. Lobbi is another name for it, but the true name
is T. plicata (not of gardens) ; and Libocedrus
decurrens was also once erroneously call, d T.
gigantea. The former is from British Colombia,
the latter from California. There are variegated
garden forms of each. Whether the synonym was
attached to the plant shown, our recollection does
not serve us.
Tomatos : S. A. There are no signs of the ordinary
Tomato-mould on your plants. Th-y appear to be
suffering from something wrong in the treatment,
and not from any organic disease. If the Sc'.ero-
tium (referred to in a previous number) has any-
thing to do with it, which is probable, it is not far
enough advanced to be determined. The marks
on the stems, and the discoloured tissue are suspi-
cious of this disease in an early stage. M. U. C.
Tomatos Diseased : H. P., Fri/stone. Cladosporium
lycopersici, see Gardeners' Chronicle, last week's
issue, p. 12; and figured at p. 533, vol. ii. for 1887.
Vines Exuding Sap on Hot Days : E. A. C. We sup-
pose the very powerful upward flow of the sap owing
to rapid evaporation from the leaves, is the cause, the
pressure forcing some of it through the bark. If
you could reduce the warmth of the house by
ventilation, or the use of a thin shade over the
Vines during the hottest hours, the flow of sap
would be lessened, and no exudation occur.
It is not likely to be followed by bad onsequenei s
to the Vines.
Vines with Warty Foliage : G. G. The warts are
due to too great humidity in the air of the vinery ;
or, putting it in another way, to deficient ventila-
tion. The warts do no harm, and the leaves are
otherwise healthy.
Communications Receiy* d.— J. J. W.—C W. D.— J. C. &
Sons. -E. B.— Saw & Sons.— K.— Dr. ill. ( '. C - E. C-O.
Grigg. — W. "W. — n. Lambert.— Ayrshire Lad— A. <».—
D. T. F.— R. D— J. A.— S. Castle. — I. R.— A. II. K. .1. II.
— J. W.-J. B.-G. D. (no charge).— II. II. D'O. I; D. S
Co -A. G. II. -Mrs. B.-W. M.-W. Bailey Wrtttds (paper,
with many thanks).— Iy. Cummiugs (next week).
Photograph Received with Thanks from Dr. Kiimzlin -
Messrs. Krelage.
(Market Report, see p. ix.)
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
OF TUR "GARDENERS CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the satis.
faction cj announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners
Chronu'e " has, since the reduction in the price oj the paper.
Increased to the extent of more than 90 per cent.,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among
COUNTRY OENTLEMEN, AND ALL CLASSES OF OARDENER8
and garden-lovers at home, that it has a specially lai ge
FOREION AND COLONIAL circuiation, and that it is
preserved tor reference in all the principal Libraries.
July 17, 1897.]
TEE GARDENERS' CERONIGLE.
29
TIIE
(Sartors' dfftnmkk
SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1897.
VEITCH MEDALLISTS OF 1897.
'T'HE following awards of Medals of Honour
-*- have been made by the Veitch Trustees.
Circumstances have this year prevented the
attondance of the recipients in person, and the
Medals have accordingly been sent to them.
Norman C. Cookson in recognition of his
great success in the hybridisation of Orchids.
Among the earlier acquisitions, mention may
bo made of Cypripedium Io, C. Godseffianum,
C. nitidissimum, and 0. Sandeno superbiens,
still highly appreciated. Bosides these, some
of the finest hybrid Cypripediums obtained by
other operators as C. Calypso, 0. Morgania>, C.
cardinale, C. Niobe, have been raised by him
from the same pairs of species, and have very
properly received the same names. In other
genera he has obtained Calanthe Cooksoni,
Cattleya William Murray, Lselio - Cattleya
Phoebe, Dendrobium Venus, D. Osvenia-
num, Masdevallia Courtauldiana, all hybrids
of great merit. With theso may be
grouped Phaius Cooksoni, a plant of excep-
tional interest, on account of its being the
first hybrid Phaius in which the remarkable
Madagascar species P. tubercnlatus has partici-
pated in the parentage. Among later acquisi-
tions Cypripedium Bryani, Lrolio-Cattleya Doris,
Dendrobium Sybil, and Phaius Cooksonire, are
beautiful hybrids, but especial prominence
must be given to Odontoglossum crispo-IIalli,
one of the most remarkable of artificially-raised
Odontoglots ," and scarcely less interesting is the
confirmation of the supposed parentage of Cat-
tleya Hardyana. The hybrids raised by Mr.
Cookson include a large range of subjects, and
will bear enduring testimony of his horticultural
skill.
Mautix P. Smith, in recognition of his groat
success in improving the garden Carnation.
This success is the more remarkable from the
fact that when Mr. Smith took up the subject
he began to work in a field in which great
results had been already obtained, especially by
the late Charles Turner and Ephraim Dodweli,
besides other cultivators of this popular flower,
when further improvement seemed well nigh
unattainable. It is well known among ama-
teurs of the Carnation, that of tho numerous
seedlings raised annually, very few retain a
permanont place in collections. A glance
through the groups into which florists have
distributed the different forms and colours,
shows that some of Mr. Smith's seedlings
possess qualities that will make them excep-
tions to the general rule, especially in the
group known as Malmaison Carnations. In
this group Mr. Smith's acquisitions are par-
ticularly valuable, not only to amateurs, but
to horticulturists generally.
Charles Naudin, for distinguished services
to botany and horticulture. He is one of the
most eminent French botanists of the present
timo, and has been for upwards of thirty years
a member of the Academie des Sciences, the
most important scientific body in France. He
began his scientific career in the Jardin des
Plantos, where he soon gained distinction by
his accurate investigation of the subjects sub-
mitted to him. Among these were numerous
experiments to determine the nature and
validity of species, including the determi-
nation of tho many cultivated varieties of the
Gourd and Pumpkin. By carefully growing
the numerous kinds side by side, by comparing
one with tho other, and by crossing or attempt-
ing to cross one with tho other, he eventually
succeeded in tracing all the edible and most of
the ornamental forms to Cucurbita Pepo, G
maxima, and C. moschata. While connected
with the Jardin des Plantes, he collaborated
with Professor Decaisne a general treatise on
horticulture, entitled Manuel de V Amateur des
Jardins, still the most scientific and best illus-
trated work on gardening in the French lan-
guage. Failing health obliging him to leave
the Jardin des Plantes about the year L870,
after passing some years in experimental hor-
ticulture at Collioures, he accepted the director-
ship of the Villa Thuret garden, established by
M. Gustav Thuret and Dr. Bornet at Antibes,
as a botanic garden for experiments in the
acclimatisation of subtropical plants. Tho villa
and garden are now the property of tho French
Government, and form a sort of southern branch
of the Jardin des Plantes, under tho direction of
M. Naudin, in which are cultivated Australian,
S>uth African, and many other subtropical
plants, for distribution among the French colo-
nies, and for the use of the Universities of
France. Since his instalment at the Villa
Thuret, M. Naudin has published a valuable
Manuel de I'Acclimateur, in which the author's
extonsivo knowledge of tho large and difficult
genera Acacia and Eucalyptus is conspicuously
shown.
Max. LeiCHTLIN, in recognition of eminent
services to horticulture, especially the in-
troduction of many new and beautiful
plauts. Herr. Max. Leichtlin occupies a unique
place among tho horticulturists of the present
day. Apprenticed to a gardener in bis
youth, ho subsequently held situations in
several places, but finally settled down at
Baden-Baden, where he founded a private
Bjtanic Garden, which has since become a
household word wherever rare and beautiful
species of bulbous and perennial herbaceous
plants are prized. In this remarkable garden,
scarcely half an acre in extent, Max. Leichtlin
has workod for upwards of forty years, with
the assistance of only one or two skilled
labourers. During this period, remote corners
of the earth have been searched for plant
rarities ; and when once these treasures have
found a home in the little garden at Baden-
Baden, the skill of the owner has ran ly failed to
make them available for the gardens of Europe.
To enumerate the Tiiany plants introduced bj-
Max. Leichtlin would require a very large page
of letter-press ; but to show how cosmopolitan
his operations have been, a few representative
instances should be noted. Thus, among his
introductions we have Anemone blanda from
Armenia, Colchicum Szwowitzii from Persia,
Bomaria oligautha from Colombia (S. America),
Calochortus Leichtlini from California, Ere-
murus robustus and Ostrowskya magnifica
from Central Asia, this last the grandest of
all Bell-flowers; Galauthus Kegime Olgaa
from Greece, Gladiolus platyphyllus and
other species of Gladiolus from South Africa,
Kniphofia comosa from Abyssinia, Leuco-
coryne purpurea from Chili, Meconopsis
racemosa from China, Olearia insignis from
New Zealand, Tigridia Van Houttei from
Mexico, and many more, forming a surprising
record for one man. Besides all these, many
beautiful forms have been raised in the
Baden-Baden garden by hybridisation and
f election, as tho Kniphofia hybrids, Pteonia
Moutan varieties, Clematis coccinea major,
Crocosmia aurei imperialis, Aubrietia deltoidea
Leichtlini, and many more.
The plan adopted for the cultivation of so
large a number of spocies within so small a space
is a very simplo one. As soon as new plants and
bulbs have been proved and multiplied, they are
distributed among tho gardens of the world,
and room is made for new introductions.
Novelty and change are the predominant
features of the Baden-Baden garden ; tho occu-
pants of it atone epoch disappear within a short
period afterwards.
Professor L. H. Bailey, for eminent ser-
vices to horticulture. As Professor of Horti-
culture in the Cornell University in the Stato
of New York, Mr. Bailey has laboured earnestly
to promote the science and practice of horticul-
ture in the United States in various direc-
tions. This he has done primarily by lectures
in which he has brought before his audiences,
usually consisting of farmers and others
engaged in tho manual work of cultivation,
the more important facts in plant physi-
ology, which are apt to be over - looked by
ordinary workers, besides other illustrations
of plant-life, some knowledge of which is in-
dispensable to those engaged in gardening and
agriculture. He has done essentially good
work in teaching and illustrating the use of
insecticides, in investigating the origin of
plant-diseases, and experimenting on the
means of ai resting them, especially in fruit-
trees, in which he has rendered valuablo
service to the fruit-growers of America. He is
one of the most prolific writers on appliod
botany in the United States ; the numerous
year-books on horticulture, and the useful
bulletins issued by the Agricultural Station
connected with the Cornell University, bear
ample testimony to his great activity in dis-
seminating useful knowledge, whether derived
immediately from his own observations and
experiments, or from the publications of others.
He has published several important scientific
works, among tho latest of which is one
entitled The Survival of the Unlike, a collection
of evolution essays, suggested by the study of
domesticated plants.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
EPIDENDRUM STANHOPEANUM, Krzl. (Amphi-
glottiutn Holochilah*
0<iL".\iBiAN Andes, Ocaha, leg. Oscar Stanhope,
Stems short, S to 10 cm. high, leaves distichous,
ovate, green, with large transverse stripes or blotches
* Epid Iruw Stan?, -an, Krzl., n. sp. {Amphiglottiurn
Holocbila). — Caulibus subancipitibus ad 10 cm. altis ; foliis
8—10, distichia ovatia (innmis late-ovatis) obtusis antice
minute papilloso-scrrulatis, cartilagineis, ad 2*5 cm. longis,
vix 1 cm. latis, vittis tranversisputpureis oriiatza ( ! t, vagina
ampla ochreata tencra petaloidea pallide viridi-roaea ' j in
ipsa basi racemi ; raeemo brevi paucifloro (—■!*, brad iis
ovatis acutia quani ovaria mnltotics brevioiibus ; sepalo dor-
sali Lineari - ligulato acuto, acuminata, lateralibua, lanceo-
latis subonliquia ; petalis lineari - oblongis apice paxululum
latioribus, labello integro profunde cordato renifin'mi antice
rotundato margins minutissime (sub lent e) denticulate-, disco
omnino glabro, basi ipsa label li sub fovea stigmatica in-
crassata; gynustemio paUidius marginato, ceterum generis.
Sepala petalaque 1*3 cm. longa, sepala later. 5 mm. lata,
labellum 1 cm. longum, 1*5 cm latum. Omnes Boris partes
necnon spatha ' irides roseo suffus*e, labsllum inteosiua
roseo -puncvatum. F. Kranzin,
30
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 17, 1897.
of (as far as we cau j udge from Mr. Stanhope's drawing),
a somewhat dirty purple. At the base of the short
few-flowered raceme is a very peculiar sheath of weaker
and evidently rather tender consistence. The three
or four flowers are about 2o cm. across, the lip is
d. eply c >rdate, reoifoirn or nearly half-circular in its
circuit, with viry minute toothlets around its border ;
the petals are linear, the lateral sepals narrow, obloug,
or nearly lauceolato and oblique. The colour of the
flower is light green, with a rosy-purplieh hue, and
some deeper spots on the lip ; the sheath of the
raceme has the same colouis, but the green prevails
If I add that the apex of the leaves is minutely but
sharply toothed, all characters of some value are
enumerated. It is extremely difficult to day to deter-
mine Kpidendra, the literature being disper.-ed to
the utmost degree, and with great hesitation I add
this species to the crowd of more or less known
and partly phantom like species. I hope, too, that
in a short time we may have the plant living in Europe.
Mr Stanhope gathered the plan \ in the remote sur-
roundings of Ooafia, and sent ine a good sketch in
wattr colours, and two ebied specimens.
The plaut is far from being what we may call a
beauty, but a dense cluster of the little stems with the
marbled leaves will certainly make a good effect. The
short racemes are clothed at the base by a large scale
or sheath of about the same colour as the flowers, a
character not very frequent in Epidendrum, the
leaves, too, are toothed at their apex, also a good not
very frequent character. The plant belongs un-
doubtedly to the affinity of Epidendrum carinatum,
L'n 1 , tuiserrimum, Lindl , a group of little and mostly
inconspicuous plants of merely botanic d interest, and
a'nong thosa it may be considered as the best of
them all. P. hrduzlin.
NOTES FJROM MENTMORE.
Tuts, the Buckinghamshire residence of the Karl o
Rosebery, b.u always had an interest for gardeiurs
an 1 thise interested in horticulture, and especially
in that which affec's the fruit-growing industry, viz,
the eultivat o i of the Apple, Plum, and Strawberry,
but more especially the second named, so ne experi-
mental planting on an extensive scale having been
instituted at Meutmare about twenty years ago.
Thefe orchards were, we believe, laid down by Mr.
J. Smith, who was Lis gardener then as also at the
present time. These plantations of Plums cover an
area of about U00 acres. The produce from the
orcl-an's is in some years very heavy, auel being
glided to suit the reepriremonts of the markets, it
finds a ready tale at very remunerative prices. The
soil is by no i ne m- every where of good quality, it being
in pa:ts a thin and infertile clay that cannot support a
fruit in i- for any 1 114th of time without considerable
alli'ii'i-; in the form of compost*, dung, or other
plaut-'o'ds. At the best, a Plum is not a profitable
tree after twenty years' cropping, more especially if
planted in grassed orchards as here ; and we noted
new plantations of this kiud of fruit, intended,
apparently, to take the place of the earlier ones, as
these in the course of a few more years cease to be
profitable.
A visit to the kitchen garden showed us that Mr.
Smith fat 11 holds to his fancy for growing numbers of
t e finest varieties of Strawberries, which are kept
till such time as he has thoroughly tested them in
regard to their cropping capabilities, flavour, fitness
for picking and travelling, forcing, and general
ippearauce. The first variety shown us was, as
befitted the time — Jubilee week — that showy fruit,
Koyal Sovereign, and an extraordinary crop it was,
too. Alongside of it grew Noble (Laxton's). the fruit
of which was fit for the table simultaneously with
the first-named. Its crop was enormou', but as
regards the flavour of the fruit, it must be said
that it was flat anel insipid as compaieel with
Koyal Sovereign, itself a fruit nut particu-
larly rib in flavour. A great number of the
fruits of this last-named variety were of a wedge
shape, but generally they resomble those of Sir
Joseph Paxton, of which it i3 either a seedling or a
selection. Monarch is another large-fruited Straw-
berry, with a glazed surface, and prominent seeds,
a form of fruit usually betokening firmness and
suitability for market purposes. The fruits are
often wedge shaded, and the plant crops heavily, but
less than Royal Sovereign. It is a variety that is
likely to find favour with gardeners and market-
growers, as it has with Mr. Smith — that is, till, in its
turn, it is superceded by something better.
A variety which crops heavily, but has soft pulp,
sunken S' eels, and a pale red colour, is Leader. The
fruits are large, but the flavour has, however,
nothing to recommend it as a variety for general
cultivation. The old favourite variety, Keen's Seed-
ling, although well grown, was a pymy among these
giants, but in flavour it was surpassed by none. Of
late varieties, we were pleased to find the following
still grown : Elton Pine, Alice Maud, Waterloo, and
Late-t-of-AU, all looking much alike at that date.
If a Strawberry is considered to be worth cultivating
it is not destroyed till the third year, that is, three
crops of fruit are taken. The runners, taken early,
are i-imply layered in lestricted numbers per plant on
the soil, no regard being taken whether a runner is
the first or the second reckoned from the mother-
plant. This method entails little or no labour spent
in wa'eiing ; the roots do not get coiled up in a small
space, as will happen when the layering is done in
60's, but their roots radiate all round the ball,
ready to seize upon the soil as sot n as planted. The
planting is done in July or the first week in August,
a small crop is taken the first season, and usually
heavy crops the two following seasons. There is
thus a good breadth of Strawberry-land set free each
year which cames in excellently well for Broccoli
planted a la Hiehard Gilbert.
The expleiration of the garden iu search of Straw-
berries brought the principal crops of vegetables
within ken. Of Peas mention may be made of
CI el.-ea Gem, which was cropping very heavily.
William 1 , which some gardeners i.o longer glow, is
much liked, it being very prolific, and turning-iu iu
about ten weeks from time of sowing, than which
there is no earlie r Pea. Mr. Smith does not altogether
favour those varie ies of Peas that possess large
haulm, and believes that, speaking generally, they are
excelled in flavour by some of the older aud smaller-
growing varieties.
The variety of Cauliflower, Early London, is much
liked here, thau which there is none better when
it can be obtained true, the curel being snow-white,
well protected by the in-growing leaves, and mild
flavoured.
The true anel even-looking haulm of the various
Po'ato patches would have charmed even an Irish-
man. Snowdrop (Perkins) claims to be the best-
llavoured Potato grown, as it certainly is a good
cropper. The stock of it seemed absolutely true — no
email achievement where so mauy varieties are grown
as here. Sutton's Supreme, a variety raised by the
late Mr. Clarke, and introduced in 1893 ; Har-
binger (Sutton), Up-to-Date, and Sharpe's Victor,
received a word of commendation from the gardener.
He showed us a fine strain of that excellent main-
crop variety, Sutton's Triumph, first sent out in
1892 ; in form, the tuber resembles the Fluke.
Among the earlies were noted Early Puritan, of
American origin, a flattish round tuber, cropping
heavily and ripening early : Veiteh's, Rivers', Royal,
and Myatt's Ashleaf, the last-named being rather the
later of them all, so that it forms a succession to
them. One which is said to almost equal Snowdrop
is Epicure's Delight, a piece of which was pointed
out to us. Windsor Castle (Sutton's) was said to bo
the finest round Potato in cultivation. It is a heavy
cropper, a goo 1 disease resister, of a handsr me pebble
shape, and when boiled the flesh is white and floury ;
it is what is known as a second early variety.
In the Apple quarters, the trees are in bush form ;
and tho*e varieties which withstood the frosty easterly
winds of the past spring on a fully-exposed site are
Eckliuville, Lane's Prince Albert, and Stirling Castle,
all of which are beariDg abundantly. Keswick
Codliu has a heavy crop. This old sure-cropping variety,
coming into use for cooking purposes before any other,
is too often discaided now-adays for much poorer
cropping new ones. Newton Woneler is a new Apple
that is cropping well this season. Two long lines of
Cox's Orauge Pippin backed by a line of King
of the Pippins, looked well. Calville Boisbunel
was a good crop — young bushes on dvarfing stock,
likewise Gascoign's Scarlet. An Apple well spo'ien
of by Mr. Smith is White Transparent ; and of
Duchess' Favourite, a large lot of dwarf bushes were
remarked. Seaton House is another sort of Apple
that always bears heavily, making it jus', the one for
the allottee or cottager ; this and Worcester Pearmaiu
and Keswick Codliu have good crops in most} ears.
That fine late plum, Coe's Golden Drop, is exten-ively
planted; for does it not fetch rare prices in the
market— in fact, no other sells so well. Maiket
growers in prospective should note this. A break of
Pears was observed, which consists of trees of the
following varieties, Marie Louise, Monarch, Easter
Buerr^, aud some few others of our finest Pears,
besides rows of the Catillac.
A march through the vineries and other fruit-
houses revealed some fine crops of Dr. Hogg Grape in
the latest house ; in another, excellent crops of
Lady Downes, Lady Hutt, Appley Towers, Gros
Maroc, and Mrs. Pince. Iu one vinery, the varieties
Foster's Seedling, Madresfield Court were approach-
ing ripeness. The earlier houses had either been
cleared of their crops wholly or in part.
There are several Peach-houses, and we wero in-
formed that extensive additions were to be made
shortly to the fruit-houses, including houses for Figs,
Plums, Cherries, Vines, &e., so that the glass appur-
tenances of Mentmore will in the course of a year or
two be very complete ; and as regards the fruit-
houses, they will be brought together as they shoulel
be — in the fruit-garden.
The plant-houses wero in excellent trim, but time
being short, only a cursory glauce could be afforded
them.
THE CORYANTHES.
The members of this extraordinary section of the
Stanhopea tribe, which are found rather widely dis-
tributed in tropical America, have beeu known to
science for upwards of three-quarters of a century.
Although the plants have remained uncommon, the
limited number of them which have flowered iu gardens
h eve caused more wonder and admiration by reason of
the extraordinary structure audgeneral dissimilarity to
other [lowers than have any of the showier and more
popular species and genera. Every portion of the
floral structure in Coryauthes afforJs proof of the
correctness of the theory thai Orchiel fertilisation is
brought about by insect agency, and what was con-
jectured from a study of the plants under cultivation
lias been fully substantiated by such careful observers
as lir. Cruger, formerly Director of the Botanic
Gardens, Trini lad ; Mr. J. Rod way, F.LS, and
others, whoIe investigations were published in former
issues of this journal.
The Coryanthes are strictly epiphytal, and it was
noted by importers that the specimens obtained by
collectors were n.ere tufts of pseudo-bulbs proceeding
from long oval masses of roots, anel with scarcely a
particlo of moss or other substance or growth about
them. These suspeuded masses were, accoreling to
the collectors, the homes of innumerable ants, anel
it was even asserted that the presence of the ants was
osssutial to the well-being of the Coryanthes. This,
however, as Mr. Uodway explained, is only another
of Nature's wise provisions — the massed root-growth
of the plant supplies a congmial home for the ants,
who in return attack the numerous other iuseets
which would injure the plants, and thus in exchange
for lodgings give protection.
Our illustrations of Coryanthes Feildiugi (figs. 7, 8),
one of the oldest but still one of the most rare
species, will indicate the size that the flowers of most
of the Coryanthes attain ; while the analytical figure
(p. 39) illustrates the- method of fertilisation. The
structure of the flower is exceedingly strange, mid not
the least remarkable feature about it is the oontrast
July 17, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
31
between the membranous sepals and petals, and the
thick fleshy labellum, the former soon curling back into
comparative insignificance, leaving the large and com-
plicated lip as the chief attraction. As soon as the
flower expands, a strong and penetrating odour is
emitted, and, to quote Dr. Cruger's words, " large
humble-bees, noisy and quarrelsome, are attracted at
first by the odour ; but this probably only gives
notice to the insects. The substance they really
come for is the interior lining of the labellum, which
they gnaw off with great industry. They may be
seen in large numbers fighting with each other for a
place on the hypochile. Partly by these contests,
with this peculiar appendage, to return nearly imme-
diately to its feast, when it is generally precipitated a
second time into the bucket, passing out through the
aperture, and so inserting the pollen into the stigma
while it forces its way out, and thereby impregnating
either the same or another flower. I have often
seen this, and sometimes there are so many of these
humble-bees assembled that there is a continual pro-
cession of them through the passage specified."
The above remarks related to Coryanthes ma-
crantha, but they apply equally to other species, and
reference to the explanation of the analytical drawing
will assist the reader to understand it perfectly. The
Fig. 7.— coryanthes fieldixgi : front view of flower.
(see p. 30.)
partly perhaps intoxicated by the substance they are
consuming, they tumble down into the bucket (epi-
chile), which is half filled with the fluid secreted by
the horn-like organs at the bise of the column. They
then crawl along the anterior inner side of the
bucket, where there is a passage for them. If one is
•early on the look-out — for these Hymenoptera are
early risers — one can see on every flower how
fecundation is performed. The humble-bee, in
forcing its way out of its involuntary bath, has to
■exert itself considerably, as the mouth of the epichile
and the face of the column fit together exactly, and
are very stiff and elastic. The first bee that is
immersed will have the gland of the pollen-
inasses glued to its back. The insect then
generally gets through the passage, and comes out
congregating of the insects takes place on the cap
above the ribbed mesochile, and the fall of the
insect into the bucket, and its passage out, during
which the act of fertilisation takes place, is shown by
the position of arrows.
The genus was founded by Sir W. J. Hooker in
1831 on C. maculata, joining with it C. speciosa and
G. macrantha, which had previously been known as
Gongora, and at diflerent periods some ten or a dozen
other species have been added. The prevailing colours
of most of them is yellowish, with crimson and purple
markings ; though, as in the case of the C. maculata
vitrina, imported by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., which
is wholly greenish-yellow, varieties have appeared in
which the coloured marking is suppressed.
A phnt of C. macrantha flowered recently with
J. H. Kitson, Esq., Elmet Hall, Leeds (gr., Mr. T.
Bonsall). A flowering plant of C. elegantium was
figured under the name of C. macrantha in Gardeners'
Chronicle, May 6, 1882, pp. 593 and 597.
Of comparatively recent introductions, five remark-
ably beautiful species may be specified, viz., C.
macrocorys, distinguished by its slender, ungrooved
mesochile, and narrow and long hood ; C. leucocorys,
with rich purplish-crimson bucket, and pure white
hood ; C. Bungerothii, a rich yellow-lipped species,
spotted inside the lip with bright crimson, and in
which the hood is prolonged over the neck-like meso-
chile, like a cape ; C. Wolni and C. Mastersiana, both
of which are described by Consul F. C. Lehmann as
of a new section of Coryanthes, with stout, ascending
inflorescence, in the Gardeners' Chronicle, October 24,
1891, p. 483. The former has flowered in the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, and proved a
very fine species.
Coryanthes, being epiphytal plants, require to be
grown under cultivation in baskets, and with no great
bulk of material, such as peat or sphagnum-moss around
them. During growth an unlimited supply of rain-
water should be afforded, and the plants should be
placed in a warm , moist, but airy nouse. After flowering
is past, the condition of the Mexican-house is best
suited to their needs, but at no period should they be
exposed to cool treatment. At the same time then)
is every reason to believe that the scarcity of the
plants iu gardens is mainly due to their being kept
continually in the same excessively warm, and too
often ill-ventilated house. It should be borne in
mind that whether growing in hot or cool houses, all
Orchids require ventilation. /. O'Brien,
Coryanthes leccocorys.
This species well shows the peculiar structure of
the genus. A plant is now in flower in the Botanic
Garden, Edinburgh, carrying one flower upon the
pendulous scape, which springs from the ba?e of the
furrowed pseudo-bulbs. They are short-lived ; the
sepals soon collapse, and, indeed, the whole flower
lasts but three or four days. The principal attrac-
tion in the flower is, perhaps, the immense helmet-
like structure into which the secretion drops — this
being of a pale coral-pink, and the ivory hood white.
The plant has been grown in an unshaded part of a
pit devoted to Nepenthes, and iu this position it is
well suited. A figure of this species is to be seen in
Lindenia, t. 293 ; its habitat is Peru. It. L. H.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
CATTLEYA SCHILLERIANA.
To succeed well with this plant it should be placed
in a basket with good fibrous peat and living sphag-
num, to which a few lumps of charcoal should be
added, or, if preferred, it may be placed upon a
block with a little Bphagnum. It should be sus-
pended near the glass, at the warmest end of the
Cattleya-house, but it will require to be shaded froai
the direct rays of the sun. During the growing
season it should, of course, have a copious supply
of water at the roots ; in winter, however, it will do
with much less, although care must be taken not to
let the plants shrivel, as this would cause irreparable
injury. Orchid Album, vol. xi., part 132.
Ljelia Lindleyana,
To thrive well, this plant should be placed iu the
cool part of the Cattleya-house. It should be potted in
a compost of good fibrous peat (from which all the
earthy particles have been shaken out) and chooped-
up live sphagnum. A few lumps of charcoal added
will be beneficial in preventing the compost becoming
sour. Care must be taken, above all things, to place
an ample supply of draining material at tbe bottom
of the pot, for if this be neglected the plants would
stand but a poor chance of obtaining a hold. A
liberal supply of water at the roots, as well as
occasional syringing overhead, during the growing
season, are essential to their well-being. During
the resting period the supply of water should be
32
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
TJcly 17, 1897.
gradually diminished ; at the same time, how-
ever, it must be borne in mind that the plant
should never be allowed to become absolutely
dry, as in that ca<e the pseudo-bulbs would
shrivel, and thi3 would cause serious injury to the
plant, which it would take years to undo, and in
some cases it would even prove fatal. Thrip and
scale should also be carefully guarded against, for if
these pests once get the upper hand, they cause
irreparable injury to the leaves. Steaming with
Tobacco-j uice, and the use of other fumigating appa-
ratus will effectually keep these insects in check.
Orchid Alhum, vol. xi., part 13?.
FLOWER BEDS IN RIVIERA
GARDENS.
A prominent feature of the Riviera garden* lies in
the wonderful variety of form and colour found in the
flower-beds. Such gorgeous display in the open air,
as one sees there, are much appreciated by visitors
from our foggy island upon their arrival on the
shores of the Mediterranean. In those establish-
ments where the flower gardens must be kept bright
during the whole season, that is from November
to the end of April., it is necessary to make two
almost distinct plantings. Those plants which
bedded-out in November, furnish the first di-play,
are supplanted about February by their floral suc-
cessors. As the season is so short, the majority of
the plants are necessarily near the flowering-stage
when transferred to the beds.
The primary occupants of the bedsare usually Salvias,
Daisies, Primulas, Pansies, Solanums, and Carnations.
Of Salvias, S. patens is, I think, the most largely
used, and it has a distinct and showy appearance.
The Daisies are remarkable for their size and
colour ; and in these respectB they surpass Eng-
lish ones. Of Primulas, although the white and
various shades of red are pleasing, by far the most
effective are the deep blue ones [?]. These are gene-
rally placed in well shaded positions, where their
colour is shown off to perfection. The Pansies retain
their positions to the end of the season, and by that
time they have developed into splendid clumps,
covered with numerous fine, large blooms. Here all
Pansies are raised from seed sown in pans in the month
of June, and placed in some shady spot outside, and
when large enough to handle, they are pricked off into
carres, i.e. , beds prepared 6omewhat below the level
of the ground, so as to retain water. They re-
main in the Carre's throughout the summer, and in
the autumn are taken up for planting as required.
Carnations are generally grown from cuttings,
taken off early in January, and put into
prepared carris for the summer months ; and
any flower-buds which may appear during
this time are pinched off, with the result that
the plants develop a bushy habit of growth
Under this method of culture they bloom profusely
the following winter. One very ornamental little
plant often seen in beds is Solanum ciliatum var.
macrocarpum. It is raised from seed sown in July
or August, and cultivated in pots. As many as twelve
or fourteen bright orange-red coloured fruits are pro-
duced by each plant. Solanum capsicastrum is also
bedded-out, and when well berried it is a very attrac-
tive plant. The above-mentioned plants are followed
by Cinerarias, Freesias, Ranunculus, Anemones,
Hyacinths, Tulips, &c.
The Cinerarias form the most gorgeous beds of all.
It is rather difficult to grow them successfully in
this district, owing to the great heat of the summer ;
and they have to be grown in pots in the shadiest
place that can be found for them until the approach
of inclement weather, when they are removed to cold-
frames. As signs of flowering become apparent, they
are gradually inured to the rays of the sun, so that when
the time arrives for planting, they are quite hardened
off. Sometimes as many as COO plants, comprising
an endless variety of colours, are put into one bed,
the effect of which may be better imagined than
described. As an experiment, several small beds at
the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, were filled with Cine.
rarias last spring, which were quite a Buccess. With
a little protection given at night, they were almost
as fresh at the end of a fortnight as when put out.
Anemones do wonderfully well on the Riviera, and
mixed beds of them are very fine. Anemone fulgens
is usually planted iu beds by itself, and the multitude
of bright, red, star like flowers it produces, fully
justifies this little indulgence.
Freesias and Ranunculus blend together admirably,
and seem to thrive best in a moist situation, often
being seen in beds by a lake or riverside. Hyacinths
and Tulips are made use of in large quantities for
bedding. Their beauty is intensified, and their rich
colours are relieved by white moss placed over the
surface of the beds after planting the bulbs. Cliveias,
Spineas, Azaleas, Genistas, and Lilac, are also, in
lesser quantities, made use of in this branch of
gardening.
Occasionally one meets with beds filled with forced
Roses. The varieties usually cultivated for this pur-
pose are Paul Neyron, Mme. Gabrielle Luizet, Ulricb.
Brunner, Baroness Rothschild, La France, and Jules
Margottin. I think the choicest little bed I ever
lemember seeing, was one composed of Amaryllis in
flower with a groundwork of Adiantum capillus-
veneris. H. T.
flowers in the raceme, each 2 inches long, and of a
beautiful rose colour, that becomes tinged with mauve
with age. It is likely to become a popular plant for
tropical gardening. W. W.
KEW NOTES.
Victoria kegia. — A new variety of Victoria regia
is now flowering at Kew. It differs from all the
forms hitherto known in the pale green colour of its
leaves, in the depth of the turned-up rim, which is
from 6 to 8 inches ; and in the sepals being glabrous
on the outside, instead of being covered with spines,
as in the others. It also differs in its time of flowering,
the flowers opening early in the afternoon instead of
about 6 o'clock, as do the other forms. They are,
moreover, not so large as the flowers of the normal
form. Kew is indebted for this plant to Mr. Tricker,
of H. A. Drier's nursery, Philadelphia, who says it
flowers with him when grown in a 12-inch pot, and
that it grows quicker and in a lower temperature
than the other forms. With him a single plant
has had from fifteen to twenty good healthy leaves
on it at one time, and frequently two flowers open
simultaneously. It is by far the most striking Victoria
grown at Kew within the last twenty years. In the
same tank, and growing side by side with this new
variety is a plant of Dixon's variety, in which the rim
is comparatively low. There are no signs of flowers
upon this one as yet. There is an appropriateness in
the appearance of a new Victoria at Royal Kew in this
Jubilee year, and unless Mr. Tricker objects, we might
distinguish this from all other cultivated forms of
Victoria regia by calling it the Jubilee variety.
Hardy Nymphjeas.
The hardy aquarium at Kew is now gay with
flowers of most of the best of the hardy Nympbfcas,
including N. Marliacea ignea, carnea, Robinsoni, fulva,
lucida, flammea, albida, Laydekeri lilacea, alba rosea,
odorata rubra, tuberosa fiavescens, and tetragona
helvola. The last-named is a yellow-flowered variety
of what is known to botanists as N. pygmiea. It is
impossible to Bpeak too highly of some of these
Nymphseas, and anyone within reach of Kew who
wishes to make the acquaintance of beautiful aquatic
plants cannot do better than pay the aquarium at
Kew a visit.
Camptosema pinnatum.
A plant of this is now flowering in the Palm-house
at Kew, where it has been grown since 188S when
M. Glaziou of Rio sent seeds of it — and a second
species, C. grandiflorum — to the gardens. The genus
consists often species of shrubs or climbers, but only
one, namely, C. rubicundum, has hitherto been
introduced as a garden-plant, and that was sixty
years ago, when it was figured in Paxton's Magazine
as a Kennedya. C. pinnatum is a woody shrub, or
small tree, with erect stem and branches, large pin-
nate leaves, with three pairs and a terminal piume,
each 6 to 10 inches long, and about 4 inches wide.
The flowers are in erect, crowded racemes, as in
Erythrina caffra, the Kew plant having twelve
Colonial Notes.
CEYLON BOTANIC GARDENS.
Mr. J. C. Willis, v:ho has recently succeeded the
late Dr. Trimsn, as Director of the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Ceylon, has published his Administration
Reports for 1896. These are on the whole quite
satisfactory. The Tea-crop was very successful, the
export being the largest on record. Fruit-trees did
noc do very well. As in previous years they grew
rapidly at first, but were damaged by excessive sun-
shine and a south-west monsoon before the fruit was-
perfected. A plantation of Crescent Seedling Straw-
berries from runners taken from plants raised from
6eed sent in 1S92 from the Royal Horticultural
Gardens, Chiswick, did marvellously well. The
herbarium and library at Ceylon now need enlarging ;
the latter in great measure owing to the number of
books received from the collection of the late
Dr. Trimen. Application has been made at Kew for
assistance in completing the fourth and last volume
of his Flora of Ceylon.
New South Walks.
We have received from the Government printer a,
copy of the Agricultural Gazette for April. The
chemist, Mr. F. B. Guthrie, has a valuable article ou
the fertilising value of bone-dust, and the informa-
tion given should be of interest to those who make
use of that manure. Dr. Cobb's contribution is a long
series of letters on subjects embracing Wheat —
varieties and nomenclature — Diseases (smuts and
bunt, whiteheads) ; Maize rust ; Diseases of the Plum ;
Apple (bitter pit, canker) : Potato (wet rot, scab) ;
Orange (Melanose [?], mal digoma, verrucosis, die-back,
blackspot) ; Peach and Nectarine (Peach freckle, curl,
the crease in Peaches) ; The Gall-worm ; Diseases of
the Grape : Onion ; Timber Diseases ; Preparation
and Use of Bordeaux Mixture ; Compound Mixtures ;
Drying Fruit for Home Consumption.
All the diseases, &c, are illustrated by means of
excellent figures : and as the Doctor has been careful
to express his ideas in the plainest possible language,
the contribution is of extreme interest, and should
be carefully read by all engaged in Wheat-culture,
and the treatment of diseases of orchard and farm
crops. A chapter on the diseases of timber is instruc-
tive, while for the information of those who desire to-
try the various sprays recommended, the Doctor's
suggestions concerning the preparation of the
mixtures should prove useful. Those engaged in
fruit-drying should note the remarks concerning the
use of sulphur fumes.
Comstantia Vineyards.
According to a report on the government wine-
farm presented to the Cape of Good Hope parliament,
these famous vineyards are free from phylloxera.
In other districts it is spreading rapidly.
CISTTS.
In these notes, which notice briefly a few kinds of
Cistus, species and hybrids, now flowering in Edge
Hall Garden, the nomenclature is that of Willkomm
in his Monograph of the Cistinete ; the illustrations in
Sweet's Cislincce (London, 1S25) are also referred to,
as well as the excellent descriptions in Clusius
(Historia Plantarux), made from personal observa-
tion more than three centuries ago, and nearly all of
them of easy recognition.
Perhaps the commonest and best white-flowered
Cistus of gardens is one generally miscalled C. floren-
tinus. Concerning C. florentinus (true). Willkomm
(p. 31) says that he has never seen wild specimens ; that
those he has seen resemble closely C. montpeliensis,
and have flowers not nearly so large as those figured
in Sweet's Cistinece, tab. 59. In fact, Willkomm Eeems
to doubt the existence of the species. The shrub
Jolt 17, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
33
which in gardens generally usurps the name is C.
hirsutus var. platysepalus, Willkomm, p. 36, figured
by Sweet, tab. 47, as C. platysepalus. Willkomm,
who is not lavish in his praise of Sweet's figures, calls
this " icon bona," and those who will take the trouble
to compare their specimens of so called C. florentinus
with it, will find in most cases that they exactly
agree. The pink-tipped buds and the nearly stalkless
leaves, tapering to each end, distinguish it at once
from C. florentinus. It is one of the hardiest of the
genus, and inhabits Spain and Portugal, being wrongly
referred by Sweet to Crete. Clusius figures it as
Ledon, No. 4, and found it abundant in Old Castile,
where it was well known by the name of Ardivieja.
of the name to the plant which now bears it
dates from Lamarck's iJirtionan/. It is figured in
Sweet, t. 39. It is very hardy, but is not known as
a wild plant in Cyprus or anywhere else. It never
bears seed in cultivation, and I believe it to be a
hybrid C. laurifolius x C. ladaniferus. The name
C. cyprius is taken from Clusius, p. 78, Ledon No. 3,
Cyprium x , who describes it as having pure white
flowers, and having been introduced to Belgian
gardens from Italy. It is evident that his description
refers to some other species, and that it was trans-
ferred in error by Lamarck to the hybrid which still
bears the name. The true C. ladaniferus from South
Western Europe is far more tender, and has larger
Fig. 8.— coryanthes fieldisgi : back view of flower,
(see p. 30.)
Similar in flower, though more cupped, but distinct in
leaf from the last, the leaves being stalked and acute-
cordate, is one figured by Sweet as C. Cupanianus,
t. 70 ; it is hardy and common in gardens, and is
referred by Willkomm, p. 50, to C. Corbariensis. He
calls Sweet's figure " pretty good ; " it is a native of
southern France. Clusius, who figures it (p. 7S) as
Ledon No. 2, says that he observed it on the Sierra
Morena, where it has not been found recently. The
hardiest and tallest of the white-flowered Cistuses is
C. laurifolius. Another, a most abundant species in
south-west France, flowering in every roadside corner
near Biarritz, is C. salviajfolius ; this is not common in
English gardens, proving less hardy than those men-
tioned above. A common and tall-growing kind,
with large white flowers, having a purple spot at
the base, is called C. cyprius. The application
flo vers and narrower leaves, and is easily raised (I
have raised it here in dozens) from seed.
The hardiest of the pink-flowered kinds is C.
crispus ; colour deep rich pink, leaves glaucous, and
crimped ; well-known in gardens (Sweet, t. 22), a
native of Southern France and Spain!; a plant easily ob-
tained, and easily kept. The commonest pink-flowered
Cistus of Northern Italy is C. albidus ; flowers of a
paler pink, and larger than those of C. crispus. It is
very impatient of damp, and is easily lost.
The Gum Cistus of the East, extending into Pales-
tine and Syria, and producing the precious ladanum
of ancient and modern commerce, is C. villosus of
Linnoous, figured in Sweet, t. 35, and again,
t. 44, by the name of C. incanue. It is cdled
by Willkomm C. polyniorphus, who describes
(p. 19), several varieties of it. Some of these
are tolerably hardy, and are ornamental in gar-
dens. C. creticus is very nearly allied to the last
species, and produces seed freely, which may be
easily raised. Two very good hybrids should be
added to these — C. purpureus, not known as a wild
plant, but is probably a hybrid ; C. villosus x C. lada-
niferus— it has large purple flowers, with a spot at the
base, and is very ornamental, though it must rank
amongst the le6s hardy kinds (Sweet, 1. 17). The last
to be mentioned is called in nurseries C. lusitanicus.
I can refer to no portrait of it. It has become
common in gardens during the last twenty years.
It may be C. ladaniferus x C. hirsutus ; the flowers
are intermediate in size between the two parents
suggested, and in colour they resemble those of C.
ladaniferus. The habit is dwarf and compact, and it
is one of the best cultivated varieties flowering at the
beginning of July. There are many very ornamental
species with yellow flowers, formerly called Cistus, but
now classed as Helianthemum. C. Wollnj Dud, Ed'je
Hall, Mabjaa.
Book Notice.
■» —
First Report oftheWoburn Experimental
FRUIT Farm. By the Duke of Bedford, and
Spencer N. Pickering, F.R.S.
This is a work of an extremely interesting character
to the fruit grower, and a worthy addition to horti-
cultural literature, containing, as it does, a fuud of
elaborate tabulated statistics, evidently compiled at
great trouble, bearing upon the important subject
with which it deals so comprehensively. We rather
fear the average reader will perhaps feel somewhat
confused iu his efforts to master or grasp the advanced
metric system of weights and measures adopted, but
which is explained in the preface, and which will
eventually become as common hero as it is on the
continent.
Every horticulturist will readily acknowledge the
need of an experimental station, where experiments
can be carried out on intelligent lines and on an
extensive scale. It therefore follows that by under-
taking and carrying out such a series of expensive
experiments and their publieition, the noble philan-
thropist - author and his aBsistaut have the entire
accord both of the fruit-growing and of the fruit-
consuming community.
Throughout the entire work there appears a honest
and hearty attempt to find out the '' reason why,'
and when we g-t to know that, directly or indirectly,
improvement is sure to follow. One sees the effect
of scientific knowledge and practical experience,
working, as they always should do, hand in hand.
Even those who take a severely practical view of
experiments and statistics, will find much to interest
them. In the case of young bush Apple trees, we
fail to see the utility of the elaborate statistics of leaf
and shoot measurements, seeing the different— widely
different— characteristics of the several varieties, also
the influence of the foster stocks used, so variable
upon individual trees. Firmness in plautiug. and
conservation of root moisture, are important factors
in the production of fruitful growth and wood growth
in proper proportions, facts apparently overlooked.
We should have liked to have seen more attention
given to experiments bearing upon the reciprocal
action of root growth and of wood growth, the latter
bristling with fruiting spurs, brought about by the
encouragement of an abundance of fibrous roots
situated near to the surface, especially as regards the
Crab stock.
We regard it as of little practical value to give us
leaf - measurements, unless the character of the
growth is accurately described also. Of course, we
may take for granted that the Paradise stock, which
seems the most favoured, will, as a rule, supply fruit -
ing-wood amply, but what of its lasting properties '.
Our own experience is greatly in favour of the seed-
ling Crab, brought under a system of root-lifting (not
root-pruning), the trees being superior in longevity,
in vigour and in the quality of the fruit. We also
consider it waste of power to submit such kinds as
Stirling Castle to annual root-pruning, as this is a
kind which, in our experience, always over-bears
34
THE GA RDENE I? S' CUB OKI CL E.
[Jul* 17, 1897
itself— on the let-alone principle even. The applica-
tion of heavy dressings of London stable manure for
voting fruit trees, except as surface-dressings, is very
questionable, as being calculated to make flabby
wood, difficult to ripen, and prone to be affected
with canker sooner or later.
The question of pruning or non-pruning at planting
time seems undecided, although results are given
when the pruning took place at the time of planting,
*nd when the trees were pruned hard at the end of
the first year. 'Our own practice appears not to have
beeu tested. It is this — the trees are planted in
November, left intact until the March following, then
the shoots are thinned out to four or five, and those
left are shortened to one-third or one-half the
previous season's growth. This lays the foundation
fur a healthy, well-shaped tree. Moreover, pruning
at this period removes the bulk of the eggs and larvae
• t the winter-moth and other insects, which generally
deposit their eggs on the extremities of the shoots —
no mean advantage to young, struggling trees.
We are surprised at the results of autumn, winter,
:ird spring planting, which are altogether at variance
with the bulk of fruit-growers' experience. We trust
these experiments will be repeated, and tested care-
fully. We have seen, again and again, trees taken
up in October and November, laid in temporarily
for a week, that have, when again removed, shown
numerous freshly-formed white rootlets." Now, the
inference is, that these active root', if properly cared
tor by a generous mulching in time of severe frost,
must give a tree advantages over one that has had its
roots freshly mutilated to a greater or lesser degree
in the spring. Planting when the soil is too dry or
too wet should be condemned, as in the case of the
former it cinuot be properly made firm, and in the
latter the soil would be consolidated and rendered im-
pervious to solar warmth or aeratior, which may
account for the stated results of autumn planting.
With the experiment of allowing turf or weeds to
have possession of the surface of newly-planted trees,
we are in complete accord, as nothing have we found
in our experience so detrimental to the well-being of
the tree, weeds and turf being robbers, draining
the soil of its surface-moisture and nutriment.
Experiments have also been made with too many
varieties. We should have preferred statistics pre-
pared from the same total of plantB, but in a dozen
varieties only. The same may be said of the other
fruits.
In offering these criticisms, we do not forget that
the whole thing is in the embryo state. At the same
time, we are inclined to consider many of the experi-
ments somewhat complex, and of little practical
value ; for after all we must look for definite results
in the form of fruit crops more than in any other
direction, and we shall certainly watch with increased
interest future reports bearing upon this subject, and
such as relate to the crops realised. The vigour of a
tree is no criterion as to its fruit-bearing capabilities,
and this is the point where trouble begins with so
many. We should like to see experiments extended
in the direction of converting vigorous trees into
fruitful ones.
There is also the matter of insect pests, such as
Apple-blossom weevil, winter-moth, Pear-midge, Plum-
aphis, red-spider, mildew, and red-rust, all of the
greatest importance to fruit-growers, and the methods
of combating them. Information is badly wanted,
because any one of the above is sufficient to cause an
entire loss of crop.
The subject of mulching the roots to conserve
moisture, and to encourage surface fruit-giving roots,
receives but scant notice ; yet we hold it to
hi one of the greatest importance, especially as to
when and how done, all of which will receive in future
editions the necessary attention and information.
limited experience commencing growing Strawberries
for market, err in planting unsuitable varieties. I
was speaking to a market-grower a few days ago
(writes J. Crawford in the Field) about the relative
merits of Strawberries for pot culture for market,
when he expressed his dissatisfaction with the justly
popular Royal Sovereign, owing to the soft texture
of the fruit, and the fact that it showed almost the
slightest pressure from the hand, and became
much bruised from the ordinary shaking of the
railway and carriers' vans. In this respect he
compared it to La Grosse Sucree, and placed A'icbm-
tesse before it as a packer and traveller. It is, how-
ever, difficult to see how Royal Sovereign can be dis-
pensed with for first early market supplies, as, all
points considered, it is far superior to Noble : and
size, coupled with good appearance and flavour is in-
dispensable nowadays, even in the earliest market
consignment. To meet the difficulty, extra care must
be bestowed in packing, which Royal Sovereign will
well repay. President still holds its own, and may
well be recommended to those about to plant, as taking
its hardy constitution, freedom in cropping, flavour,
and firmness for packing, it is hard to beat for
market. It is one of those varieties that seems at
home in almost any soil that is fairly sustaining.
Gunton Park is destined to take a leading position as
a market Strawberry, as, besides being a free and con-
tinuous cropper, it is one of the firmest, arriving at
the end of long journeys, if fairly well packed, in
splendid condition. No one having any knowledge of
Gunton Park will for a moment dispute its fine ap-
pearance and flavour. Sir Joseph Paxton must still
be included amongst the best Strawberries for sending
to a distance, but it is rather particular as to soil,
failing altogether in light shallow soil. The Premier,
a Herefordshire variety, is very firm, and travels well.
In habit of cropping it much resembles Gunton Park,
the fruit being borne on stout upright stems, out of
the reach of slugs and dirt. Sir Charles Napier is
still grown by many market gardeners, and a wonder-
fully firm fruit it is, cropping heavily when doing
well, but it should be planted sparingly at first by
beginners, till once it is seen if the soil is suitable. It
is useful for following the above-named sorts. As
regards late varieties, the new Latest-of-All bids fair
to be very profitable so far as cropping size and
quality are concerned, but I am not yet able to speak
of its texture. My opinion is that Elton Pine will
still pay for late market worK, as under good culture
it crops enormously, the fruit is brilliant and pleasing
in colour, though slightly acid, and it is a good
traveller."
Those of our readers who do not send to market,
but consume the fruit of their Strawberries at home,
will duly note the above, but will continue to grow
the deliciously flavoured varieties which mostly do
not " travel well." although some do. The beBt of
these old varieties are Black Prince, very early ;
Bicton Pine (white) ; British Queen, the best of all
Strawberries, but particular as to soil ; Carolina
superba, Deptford Pine, resembling British Queen in
flavour ; Doctor Hogg, Duke of Malakoff, flesh-red
throughout, and richly flavoured, and a good bearer ;
Dr. Roden's Early Crimson Pine, Filbert Pine, which
the late Dr. Hogg, in his Fruit Manual, states, is a
rich-flavoured fruit, the plant succeeding in light
soils — where British Queen is a failure ; James
Veitch, Keen's Seedling, preferred by some to any
other ; President, Royal Hautbois, always making
sure of having both sexes ; Trollope's Victoria, Dr.
Roden's The Countess, and Vicomtesse Heiicart du
Thury, one of the best of the earlies and forcers.
The Week's Work.
hand-fork to see that the soil is moist at the roots.
Remove all suckers as they appear, and mulch the
borders with a few inches of fresh decayed farmyard
manure.
Cyclamen. — A sowing should now be made in
shallow, well-drained pans, using a light sandy com-
post. Sow thinly and separately over the surface,
and add just sufficient soil to cover the seeds. Place
the pans in a temperature of about 65° by night, and
from 70° to 75° by day. Plants in cold frames
intended for this season's blooms should now be
afforded more space. Spray them over lightly with
the syringe each morning and afternoon. Attend
carefully to watering, and frequently examine the
foliage for thrips. In any case, the use of XL All
Vaporiser occasionally will be safe practice.
Clerodendron Balfouriana — Remove the flowers
from these as they become discoloured, and encourage
free growth by occasional waterings with liquid-
manure. When growth has ceased, the plants will
require a slightly lower temperature, and more air.
Tree Carnations may now be removed to a border
out of doors, and the pots plunged to the rims in
coal-ashes. Do not sift these before use, unless they
are very rough, in which case pass them through a
three-quarter inch sieve. This will ensure a free
drainage among the^plants. It will be found conve-
nient to arrange the plantsjin beds about 6 feet wide,
with a path between each.
MARKET AND OTHER STRAW-
BERRIES.
A gardener, evidently of some experience, writes
as follows on this subject in a recent number of
the Westmoreland Gazette : "Many amateurs with but
PLANTS TINDER GLASS.
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Roses. — Remove all decayed blooms, and syringe the
plants once a week as previously advised, affording
copious supplies of water to the roots. Plants in
borders in the Rose-house should be treated similarly,
and if the borders are raised above the ground
surface, an examination should be made with a small
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, RayleiRh, Essex.
The American Cranberry (Oxycoccua macrocarpus).
■ — This plant grows freely in boggy ground, inclined
to be swampy, and on the borders of lakes, where
the natural soil is of a peaty nature. It is a hardy,
trailing North American shrub, and the fruit is appre-
ciated by some owners of gardens for tarts, pre-
serves, &c. and is fit for gathering in October. The
Cranberry should therefore be given a moist situa-
tion, excavating about IS inches of the ordinary
garden soil, and replacing it with peat to within
4 or 5 inches of the surface, so as to form a sort
of receptacle for water. The soil about the
roots should never be allowed to get dry,
and especially during summer and early autumn.
Pull up weeds as soon as they appear, but on no account
use a hoe among the plants, even even where space
admits of this being done. The object should be to
get newly-made beds covered with plauts as quickly
as possible, and the firmer the soil about the roots
and intervening spaces, the sooner will the plants
establish themselves over the bed, and yield satis-
factory results in the way of heavy crops of fruit.
Peaches and Kcctarincs. — Trees of the varieties of
Alexander, Waterloo, and Amsden Peaches growing
against south walls, also Early Rivers Nectarine, will
require to have lengths of garden-netting placed over
them, and looped up in the bottom, and at intervals
between there and the top of the individual trees, so as
to prevent any of the fruit that may happen to drop
beinginjured by comingin contact with thenet, as would
occur were the netting not looped up in the manner
indicated. A soft kind of netting is preferable to the
hard material of which the ordinary fish-nets are
made. Keep the trees well supplied with water at
the roots, and wash them overhead every afternoon
with clean water applied from the hand garden-engine,
where the water is not laid on. as ought to be done, in
all gardens of any pretentions to completeness. If
the trees are not kept washed as described during the
hot dry weather which we have been having for some
time past, they will soon become infested with red-
spider.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Ehubarh. — The beds and lines of Rhubarb which
will be forced early next year should have the crowns
exposed to the sun as much as possible, by removing
decaying leaves, weeds, and rubbish, but retaining all
healthy leaves and stalks, not pulling any for use, and
keeping the plants in growth as long as possible. If
outdoor produce is required in early spring, pulling
should now be discontinued generally — reserving,
however, a few roots for gathering from. If the land
be not very rich, which may readily occur if it have
been occupied by the crop for some years, afford the
later Rhubarb liquid-manure, and thus tender stalks
may be gathered till quite late iu the autumn.
Dwarf French Beans. — Seed sown at about this
date on a sheltered border, and protected from cold,
July 17, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
35
cotne in very useful in the late autumn. Some
early variety should be chosen for this sowing, such
as Sutton's or Osborn's Forcing, Ne Plus Ultra, &c,
and the seedlings thinned out to a distance of 6 to
S inches apart, 3 feet being the space from row
to row.
Saving Early Potato sets. — When storing tubers
for planting, do not select the small ones from
the daily diggings, these being as yet imperfectly
ripened, and not likely to give good results ; but
reserve a sufficient number of rows or roots, and
let these get ripe before lifting them, that is, the
skin should adhere to the tubers so that it caunot be
easily removed by rubbing. Do not let the sets re-
main en the ground for days to become green, but
store them thinly on shelves in a cool, airy shed for a
week or two after lifting them, and also do not put
them into large heaps when lifted.
Capsicums and Egg-plants. — These plants succeed
in warm districts if good strong plants are planted at
the foot of south or west walls ; but in other parts it
is best to grow them in a cold frame or early vinery
beneath the Vines, if the shade be not too dense, and
syringe the plants frequently, to keepfthem free from
insects. If grown in frames, let these be closed early
in the afternoon. Liquid-manure may be afforded the
plants twice or thrice a week when growing in pots,
but less often when planted out.
Grubs in Root-crops. — Where root-crops suffer from
wire-worm, maggot, &c, it is a good preventive of
attack to use petroleum, in the proportion of a wine-
glassful to 3 gallons of water, keeping the mixture
intimately mixed by stirring whilst applying it with
a rose-can, enough being given to saturate the soil as
deep as the roots go. If very badly affected, tbe crop
should be destroyed, and the land utilised for late
Celery, or some kind of green crop, seed being sown
on a different quarter, there being yet time for
Carrots to form serviceable roots by the end of Octo-
ber, if Early Horn or Sutton's Early Gem be chosen.
The Queen Onion, if sown at this date, will form
nice bulbs late in the autumn. If the laud be dry at
time of sowing, let the drills be thoroughly moistened
with water or liquid-manure an hour or two previously,
and a small quantity of salt and soot applied to the
land before the drills are drawn.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eaatnor Castle, Ledbury.
Melons. — Plants for fruiting late should soon be
planted after this date, as, unless this be done,
the fruits are not likely to be good -flavoured.
Before planting, thoroughly cleanse and white-
wash the Melon-house, making sure that, as far
as practicable, red-spider is destroyed. Afl'ord the
hills a good soaking of water when the planting
is finished, which will settle the soil about the roots,
but do not wet the soil round the collar afterwards,
these late Melon plants being more than usually liable
to get cankered at the ground-level. Melon plants which
are setting their blossoms should be kept rather dry
at the root, but not so much so as to cause suffering ;
and when the setting of the blossom is effected, pu3h
them on rapidly by closing early after well moistening
every surface, the bed, and the foliage of the plants,
and allow the heat to reach 95° to 100°. Plants
carrying unripe fruits should be liberally watered and
top-dressed ; but those plants whose fruits show signs
of approaching ripeness must be kept rather drier at
the root, and the air of the house should also be less
moist.
Peaches and Nectarines. — The trees in the early
houses from which the crops of fruit have been
gathered must be maintained in a clean and healthy
condition by the occasional use of the syringe, and by
affording sufficient water to the border as will keep
up root-action. The necessary pruning, that is, the
removal of the current year's fruiting shoots and fore-
right and useless wood, and cutting back gross shoots
to a lateral, near their base, and laying - in the
reserved young shoots, should receive attention.
See that all fruits now ripening are exposed to the
light, by putting on one side the overhanging leaves,
and be sure that the border does not lack moisture,
and that the house is sufficiently ventilated. The
trees in the later Peach-houses will stand in need
of much attention in the matter of keeping the
shoots tied in, and superfluous laterals cut off. Xow
that the sun shines powerfully upon the Peach-houses
at a very early hour, no syringing of the trees should
be done in the morning, but at closing time only, and
if plenty of water be then used, red-spider will be kept
under till the crop of fruit is taken. I go over our
Peach-trees every day when the fruit is ripening, and
take every one that is fit, nipping it off' with a pair of
blunt-pointed Grape-scissors, which is better than
pulling or lifting them, for however careful one is in
removing them by hand, bruising is sure to be caused
thereby.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Orammatophyllums. — Newly -imported plants of
Grammatophyllum Ellisii that have gained sufficient
strength will be pushing their flower-spikes from
the base of the young growth, and should be placed
well up to the roof-glass in the hottest division,
where they will require liberal waterings at the root.
G. multiflorum, G. Fenzlianum, and its variety
Measuresiauum, are already showing new breaks, and'if
fresh rooting material be required, it should now be
afforded them ; or if the plants require more space
wherein to root, they may be re-basketed before new
roots are made. Shallow teak-wood baskets are pre-
ferable to pots, and they should be as small as it
is possible to get the plant into. Shake the plant
out of the old compost, cut away all dead roots and
useless back bulbs, then place it in the basket,
using three parts of fibrous-peat to one of sphagnum-
moss. Only just sufficient material to hold each plant
in its proper place is necessary. After the operation
suspend the plants from the roof of the Cattleya-house,
and until the root-growth becomes active do not
afford much water, the young growths being ex-
tremely liable to damp off. As the plants become
re-established, remove them to the highest position
in the East Indian-house, where the foliage can be
placed only a few feet away from the roof-glass.
Catasctums and Qycnoches. — Where suspended from
the roof in the hottest division, the Cataaetums and
Cycnoches appear to enj oy great warmth and a clear
light there afforded. As these species are now root-
ing freely, and their new growths making considerable
progress, they will, owing to their being exposed to
plenty of sunshine, require to be examined almost
every day, and abundantly supplied with water until
after the flowers fade, and the new pseudo-bulbs are
matured and the leaves fallen.
Such Cypripcdiums as C. niveum, C. bellatulum,
C. concolor, C. Godefroyje, and C. G. leucochilum
having now passed out of flower, the present is a
good time to repot them. Plants that are healthy,
and have room for further development, should not
be disturbed ; merely allow them to become rather
dry, and they carefully pick out as much of the fine
soil as possible, replacing it with fresh compost. The
roots of these C'ypripediums are very brittle, and
easily injured ; therefore, when re-potting a plant,
instead of turning it out of the pot, as is generally
done, it is better to break the pot all around, taking
away piece by piece, and if the plant is well rooted,
this can be done without disturbing the roots or
drainage materials. Then place the whole mass in
a clean pot of sufficient size to allow space for
several seasons' growth, keeping the base of the
plant on a level with the rim of the pot. Fill
around the roots to about half the depth of the
pot with drainage, surfacing it with good fibrous
loam, working in amongst it pieces of limestone or
tufa rock. It is important that the compost be
made very hard and firm around these plants. Before
water is afforded, the plants should be allowed to
become thoroughly dry at the root, and to remain so
for several days. Then dip the plants in a pailful
of water, lowering them so as to just cover the
surface of the compost, and allowing them to remain
there sufficiently long to ensure saturation. During
their growing season the immediate surroundings of
the plants should be kept moist by damping well
between the pots several times each day, but great
care should be takeu to avoid water gettiDg into the
growths. The species named luxuriate in the moist
stove or East Indian-house in a position where fresh
air can circulate freely around them ; and they must
be sbaJed at all times when the sun is bright.
Sponge the foliage occasionally, but in so doing great
care must be taken not to rai;e the leaves higher than
is really necessary, as they are easily cracked.
Habenarias, <fce. — For the purpose of giving con-
tract in colour, both as regards flower and foliage,
Habenaria militaris is well worthy of extended culti-
vation. Other species, equally beautiful and attrac-
tive, are H. carnea, its [aire white variety nivosa,
and H. Susantjce. All of these plants are growing
freely, and should be placed well up to the roof-
class in the East Indian-house, in subdued light.
Preserve a moist atmosphere around them, and
keep them quite free from insect-pests, which, if
not detected in their early stages, quickly disfigure
the soft, tender leaves. The plants will now require
plenty of water at the root until growth is finished,
and the flower-buds commence to open ; when the
quantity should be gradually reduced.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
The Borders of Herbaceous Perennials. — The plants
should now be at their best, and will, in order to
preserve tidiness and cleanliness, require frequent
attention. After the late rains, weeds grew rapidly,
and now that a season of heat and dryness has set in,
the beds and borders should be carefully hoed over,
first hand-weeding the ground if that be necessary.
The best kind of implement to use is a Dutch hoe of
moderate width. The hoeing, whilst killing the weeds,
will render the surface crumbly, and thus prevent
loss of moisture by evaporation, and admit air to the
roots. It will be found that Achilleas, Galegas,
Alstrcemerias, and a variety of other subjects, must be
afforded slight support to maintain the flower-stems
erect, and for this purpose short neat stakes of Ash
or Hazel should be used, 'and the stems merely
looped up to them with raffia or soft, thin string.
With a view to prolonging the flowering period of
Delphiniums, Galegas, Liliums, Coreopsis grandiflora,
and others which soon feel the effects of drought,
unless heavily mulched on light soils, water should be
freely applied 1 1 them once a week in dry weather.
Besides these, tbe following herbaceous plants are
also now in flower : Anchusa italica, Rudbeckia cali-
fornica, Campanulas in variety, Hclenium pumilum
and grandiflorum, Centaureas macrocephala and C.
ruthenica, Lysimachia thyrsiflora, Ranunculus aconi-
tifolius (Fair Maid of France), Monarda didyma,
Bocconia cordata, some of the Phloxes, the showy
and floriferous Helianthus multiflorus, Aconitum
bicolor, Oenothera Youngi, Erigeron speciosum
superbum, Iceland Poppies, Bupthalmum cordifolium,
Linaria dalmatica, the handsome Pentstemons, Cobaea
barbatus and Richardsoni, Aquilegias, Cephalaria
tartarica, Iris K;euipferi in variety, Spircea venusta
and S. palmata, the soft yellow-flowered Lupinus
arboreus ; Lathyrus grandiflorus, L. latifolius, Ver-
bascum Chaixi, Funkia Sieboldi, Lychnis chalce-
donica, and Chrysanthemum maximum.
Heuchera sanguiuea. — This extremely useful and
elegant dwarf herbaceous plant should be lifted after
flowering, pulled into small pieces, and be replanted
if a larger stock of the plant is desired. If clumps of
it are allowed to stand, the flowers become fewer,
and the plant altogether unsatisfactory. It is a
subject that is not fastidious as to soil, although it
flowers with the greatest profusion in one that is
moderately heavy and moist. The pi >nt having now
passed out of flower may be divided during the first
spell of showery weather. In dividing the plant,
reject pieces with woody stems such as those found
iu the middle of old clumps. The divisions should
be planted not less than 1 foot apart each way if
bedded, or they may be dotted about in the front
line of the herbaceous border.
Iris germanica. — At the present season the clump?
of these plants may be lifted and divided, or the
clumps reduced iu tize. Plants which are taken up
and divided become well established before the
winter, aud the flowering next year is not impaired
in the least degree. A slightly shaded border is
well adapted for the growth of German Iris, which,
while they are in flower, are very handsome and,
effective, and at other seasons the foliage is not un-
pleasiug. Surplus plants may be set out on the
margins of lakes and streams, or on bold rockwork.
Variorum.
Useful Plants of India.— " But while the
English have probably introduceda far larger number
of flowering garden plants into India than the
Buddhists, Arabs, and Portuguese, all put together,
and the transcendent glory of the introduction of the
febrifuge Cinchona trees will for ever be theirs (i.e..
Sir Clement Markham's), the Potito and the Apple
would seem to be their only contribution to the
naturalised food-staples of the country." Sir George
Birdwood.
36
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 17, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to brinq under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should bt
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR. 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
Should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused ccm-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
Illustrations.— The Editor wiU thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees,
dc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
SATURDAY, JclyI:
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
National Viola Society's Show, at
the Botanic Gardens, Regent's
Park.
New Brighton Horticultural and
Rose Show.
'rentham and Hanford Horticul-
i tural Society's Show.
**] falterhehble and District (Halifax)
Rose Show.
I Ti e
22 \ e •
SALE.
/ Imported and Established Or-
Julv23-^ chids, at Protheroe & Morris'
^ Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 63 '4°.
Actual Temperatures :—
London. — July 14 : Max., 77° ; Min,, 56".
Provinces. — Ju.Ii/ 14 (6 p.m.): Max., 74°, at Hurst
Castle ; Min., 55", at Shields.
Some time since we had occasion
Paper Mosaics, to record the hequest hy the late
Lady Llanover, to the British
Museum, of a series of representations of flowers,
executed in 1774 and subsequent years by Mrs.
Delany. We are now indebted to Mr. Gumble-
ton for a few notes on this unique collection.
It consists of no fewer than ten portfolios of
illustrations, executed in coloured paper. The
parts of the flower are represented by small
coloured fragments, so pieced together as to
represent with great fidelity the entire flower.
The plants selected comprise many hardy
plants, as well as others cultivated under glass.
Among them are the Lizard Orchis, the Grana-
dilla, Buddleia globosa, under the name of B.
capitata ; Campanula Rapunculus, Chlora per-
foliata, Hieracium aurantiacum, Eucomis punc-
tata, under the name of Fritillaria imperialis ;
and very many more.
Queen Charlotte accepted six of these " paper
mosaics," and at the present moment a Japanese
gentleman is executing, on behalf of Her
Majesty Queen Victoria, a series of copies of
these remarkable illustrations.
Mr. Gijmbleton speaks of the collection as a
most valuable and unique series of ton large
quarto portfolios of portraits of flowers, by
Mrs. Delany, now on view in the Print Room
of the British Museum, and has transcribed the
following introductory verses from the pen of
the aitist : —
" Hail to the happy hour when fancy led
My pensive mind this flowery path to tread ;
And gave me emulation to presume,
With tiujid art to trace fair Nature's bloom.
To view with awe the great Creator's power
That sbinea coDt'ess'd iu the minutest flower,
With wonder to pursue the glorious line,
And gratefully adore the hand Divine."
Explanatory Remarks by thk Artist.
This paper mosaic work begun in the seventy fourth
year of my age (which I at first only meant as an
imitation of an Hortus siccus) as an employment and
amusement, I was induced to continue and complete
by the kind approval of the Dowager-Duchess of
Portland, who looked upon my work with favourable
eyes.
" The same desires, the same ingenious arts,
Delighted both — we owned and blessed that power,
That joined at once our studies and our hearts."
Mason, Srd Elegy.
Lines Written at Conclusion op Work.
"The time is come I can no more
The vegetable world explore,
No more with rapture cull each flower,
That paints the mead or twines the bower.
No more with admiration see
Its beauteous form and symmetry ;
No more attempt with hope elate,
Its lovely hues to imitate.
Farewell to all those friendly powers,
That blest my solitary hours ;
Alas, farewell, but shall I mourn,
As one who is of hope forlorne '
Ah, no, my mind with rapture feels,
The promise which Thy word reveals ;
Come Holy Spirit on thy wing,
Thy sacred consolation bring.
Teach me to contemplate that grace,
Which hath so long sustained my race ;
Which various blessings still bestows,
And pours in balm to all our woes.
Oh sanctify thy pointed dart,
That at this moment rends my heart ;
Teach me submissive to resign,
When summoned by the Will Divine."
Mary Delany.
St. James' Place, 1782.
Mrs. Delany was also famous as a clever
embroidress of more skill and patience than
taste. She mixed in the literary society of the
day, being in her early days associated with
Swift, and afterwards with Miss Bcrxey and
Johnson. She published her autobiography,
interesting from its gossip of the Court and
literary society of the time.
_ „ Some correspondence having
Clearing Straw- . r . „ °
berry-plants of reached us complaining of our
Fungus affect- having advocated practices that
ta« "r8 IfaT.!s are fraught with danger to the
and the Fnut. _ , ° ,,..•■,
Strawberry-plant, it is due to our
readers that an explanation should be offered
as soon as possible. Some of our correspondents
dread the scythe equally with fire, but we can
scarcely see what choice exists iu bad cases,
the gardener must either see the results of his
labours for a year or longer destroyed before
his eyes, or he must do something that will
destroy the enemy utterly, be that the fungus
Sphierella Fragarise, spoken of as "rust,"
"blight,'' "spot-disease," "leaf-blight," "sun-
scald." This blight appears on the leaves
about the setting of the fruit. A description of
it appeared in these pages on June 28, 1890,
and a figure on July 11, 1891, together with
means for destroying it, which, however, could
not be appliod without spoiling the crop of
fruiting-plants.
Other fungi affecting the leaves and destroy-
ing their usefulness, are Glieosporium Fragariai,
which shows itself as a blackish spot, dark red
in the middle ; and Phragmidium rubi, an
orange-red rust, whose round or oval pustules
follow the lines of the nerves of the leaf on the
under side. The pustules of this species often
run togethor, and they become black with age.
Besides these more common fungi, there are
various mildews affecting the leaves, and in
some cases the fruit and fruit-stalks. Then we
have the fungus Botrytis vulgaris, which
renders the fruits unfit for consumption.
Cutting off the whole of the leaves with the
scythe or sickle — not, however, cutting so low
as to injure the crowns, does not spoil the
plants, and if the cuttings, together with the
straw that was placed between the rows to pro-
tect the fruit, be turned over once or twice, so
as to dry it somewhat, the whole may be easily
burned where it lies, thus getting rid of all the
fungus and many insect foes.
Even without mowing the leaves, the straw,
if shaken up with a hay-fork on a dry day, and
dried in situ, would create sufficient heat as
would consume them. The leaves by the end of
July have for the most part performed their ser-
vice for the year ; moreover, new foliage soon
forms, and the heat is not great enough to
reach the roots. The ashes of the straw and
the leaves left evenly distributed on the ground,
afford a little stimulus to growth which other-
wise would not be afforded. If firing the
refuse on the bed be objected to, then, with a
wooden-rake, collect the straw, leaves, runners,
&c, remove the lot to a vacant piece of ground
and burn, returning the remaining ashes to the
beds. It is not to be supposed that the gardeners
of, say, forty years ago, would have fired or
mown their Strawberry-beds if by so doing
they would have injured the plants in any way.
We have in the Bordeaux Mixture a means
of destroying fungus, but it cannot be used on
the plant when it is in fruit or blossom ; and if
it be used before flowering takes place, it can
be only partially successful as it kills, or
renders fungus proof, only what it touches. By
using fire on the bed we destroy the fungus and
its spores there existing, preventing, probably,
an attack the next year.
A Hardy Aquatic Pond.— Our illustration
gives a view of a pond of hardy aquatics, which is an
attractive feature of the beautiful grounds about the
home of Mr. Oakes Ames at North Easton, Mass.
The pond is about 1 acre in extent, and in it are
growing thirty-five species and varieties of perfectly
hardy Nymphaias, under the charge of that enthu-
siastic horticulturist and botaDist, Mr. Carl Blo.u-
berg. In the picture, to the left, may be seen Mr.
Blomberq, with sleeves rolled up, at his favourite
occupation of caring for his aquatic pets. Mr. A.
Dimmick, traveller to the firm of Messrs. F. Sanoek
& Co. of St. Albans, who sends the above cutting
from the American Florist of April 10, 1897, together
with two views of the lake, writes a3 follows : — " The
varieties noticed are only a few of the many plants
cultivated ; the effect produced by such a charming
combination of colouring at various seasons is most
striking and beautiful. The border [of the lake] is a
mass of foliage and flowers, which appear early in
summer, and continue until late in the autumn.
Several un-named seedliDgs have been raised, among
the finest of them being Nymphaja stellata var.
Eastoniensis. with blossoms of a steely-blue shade,
the petals being much broader and blunter than the
type. The species and varieties that Mr. Ames grows
are Nymphica zanzibarensis, N. z. rosea, N. devo-
niensis, N. rubra, N. gracilis, N. scutifolia, N.
ccerulea (stellata), N. marliacea fulva, N. m. lucida,
N. m. Robinsoni, N. m. purpurata, N. m. fulgens, Lim-
nanthemum Humboldtianum, and L. nympba;oides.
And besides the Nymph seas, plauts were remarked
of Pontederia crassipes major, P. cordata, Sagittaria
japonica, S. vatiabilis, Scirpus japonicus zebrinus,
Calla asthiopica, Papyrus antiquorum, Canna Warsce-
wiczii, Acorus japonicus, and Typha latifolia." Our
illustration shows an early summer view.
GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU-
TION.— We are pleased to hear from our correspon-
July 17, 1897.]
THE GARDENER S' CHRONICLE.
37
dent, Mr. J. Milburn, hon. sec. of the Bath auxiliary
of this institution, that at the recent horticultural
Bhow at Bath the sum of £15 was realised by the sale
of Roses and other flowers. The auxiliary was founded
in 1893, sines which date the sum of £384 6s. ha*
been transmitted to the central fund from Bath and
Bristol. Thanks are tendered to exhibitors and
others who have kindly given flowers, &c, for this
purpose.
Botanical Magazine.— The following plants
are figured in the last issue of the Botanical Maga-
zine : —
Zamia oblir/ua. — A fruiting specimen of this New
Hdianthui luberosus, Linn., sp. — Under this head-
ing the editor sums up the history of the " Jerusalem
Artichoke," which he refers definitely to the above-
named species, and thus settles an old controversy ;
t. 7545.
Jjissochilus milangiani/s, Rendle. — This is the
Eulophia bella de-cribed in our columns in 1889 by
Mr. N. E. Brown ; t. 7546.
Horticultural Exhibition at Hamburg.—
The uninterrupted series of horticultural congresses
at Hamburg has been very successful. So far, the
spring and two summer flower shows have been held ;
a third exhibition will open on July 28 ; another
considerable number of exhibitors, and the congress
was participated in by some of the principal
botanical institutions and societies of Hamburg,
Frankfort, Innspruck, Berlin, Washington, &c.
It thus became representative of the interest so
widely felt for the undertaking. Another new idea
is the historical section, including representations of
parks and gardens Irom the beginning of the sixteenth
century, and enabling visitors to study the charac-
teristics during that period of landscape gardening in
France, England, Sweden, and other countries, in-
cluding, of course, Hamburg. All the pictures came
from the Museum fur Kunst und Gewerbe. On
August 27, the autumn exhibition will open. The
Fig. 9. — pond of hardy aquatic plants in mr. oakes ames' garden, north easton, mass., u.s.a. (see p. 36.)
Granadan species, drawn in the Royal Gardens, Kew
(see Tbiselton-Dyer, in Gardeners Chronicle, 1882,
i , p. 461, fig. 72) ; t. 7542.
Catlltya clongata, Rodrigues. — A Brasilian species,
distributed as C. Alexandra (see Gardenei's Chronicle,
1892, i., p. 522); segments narrow, orange, lip
violetcoloured, anterior lobe dividing into two
rounded lobes ; t. 7543.
Polygonum baldshuanicum, Regel. — A native of
Bokhara. It is a hardy climber, with stalked cordate
oblong-acute leaves, and loose panicles of small
pinkish flowers, like those of P. convolvulus ; t.
7544.
small show has been arranged, and almost daily
the journals speak of new fixtures. Already fix
minor exhibitions have been held of parlour plants
grown by residents of Hamburg. Congresses fol-
lowed them and were quite successful. I lately
visited the scientific exhibits, which were well
and attractively arranged. This section includes
twenty-two classes devoted to creatures beneficial
and injurious to crops, plant diseases, the biology and
morphology of plants, the Sugar - cane, artificial
manures, economic exotic plants, methods of instruc-
tion, especially that of gardening pupils, aud ways of
combatting the enemies of plants. There were a
programme mentions 439 classes, and, judging from
the spring shows, will be well carried out, the com-
mittee having even to consider the necessity for
erecting some new buildings, the present ones being
insufficient. Ch. de Bosschire.
An exhibition in connection with the General
Horticultural Exhibition now running at Ham-
burgh is to take place from July 30 to August 3.
We note in the programme among objects for
which prizes will be awarded, tuberous Begonias,
and other species of Begonias in flower. Borders
or margins, and edgings of these phnts will be
permitted when these consist of one species or
38
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July IT, 1S97.
variety. Carnations ia pots with reference to beauty
and successful cultivation. There ia a section for Pelar-
gonium zonale, and with variegated leaves ; andanother
for cut blooms of Gladiolus, florists' Carnations,
herbaceous perennials ; a section for pot fruit-trees
with fruit on tbern. These include Peaches,
Apricots, Apples, Pears, Vines grown without
artificial heat, also for the best assortment of Vines in
which there is no restriction imposed as to heat.
There is a number of classes for collections of hardy
fruits in season, and for Peaches, Nectarines, and
Apricots. We note about a score of special prizes of
honour, ranging from 20 marks to 500 marks, which
are offered for a variety of objects shown on this
occasion.
An Australian Nursery.— We have received
from Messrs. L. Summeelin & Co. a series of photo-
graphs representing plant-growing and other depart-
ments in their nurseries near Brisbane, Queensland.
One of these illustrates a Rose nursery of seventeen
acres at Mount Gravatt, in which a fine bed of
Tuberoses is seen, which commenced to flower in
the open air in November last ; (2) a large bed of
Eucharis plants, in a house in the nursery at
Woolloongabba ; (3) a general view of the same
nursery ; (4) a house, about 66 feet long and 18 feet
wide, containing miscellaneous plants ; (5) two beds
of Roses in the nursery at Mount Gravatt, said to
have been budded in November last ; (6) masses of
Violets, Ericas, and Camellias, in the same nursery ;
(7) a house, containing hard-wooded plants, at Wool-
loongabba ; (8) bed ot Tuberoses, intended for winter
flowering, planted in March last, in a situation where
shelter can be afforded when this becomes necessary ;
(9) a view of the business premises in Queen Street,
Brisbane. The photographs were taken in April, and
we are informed that Mr. L. Summerlin, who is
desirous of retiring from business, is about to dispose
of the establishments.
Mr. Thomas Christy informs us that he has
removed his collection of plants from Sydenham to
Wallington, Surrey, to which place he is desirous that
his correspondents should address post-packages of
plants and books, and thus avoid the expense and
delay of re-addressing them.
Horticulture for Children and Arti-
ZANS.— Our correspondent, M. C. De Bosschere,
has published a brochure, entitled " Culture des
Firms par les En/ants et par les Ouwieri." In this
he comments on the attention paid in England to
allotments and other small spaces cultivated by
working-men, and to the eucouragement given to
children's gardening. M. De Bosschere suggests that,
as profit and moral and physical benefit are the
rewards of this rural occupation, horticulture on a
small scale should receive that attention universally
which is now only given to it in a few scattered
localities on the Continent.
" Our Star-lit Era."— Mr. W. B. Hartland
pf Cork has issued, under this title, a nicely got-up
handbook devoted to " Conference Daffodils," and in-
cluding verse and prose lines appropriate to thi3 — a
special Jubilee issue. We wish more particularly to
call attention to the drawings of Daffodils, which
form the most attra:tive feature of this Album. They
are not merely pleasing as pictures, but accurate, and
their number— about sixty — is representative of the
many varieties of Narcissus now under cultivation.
Stock-taking : June.— It will not be out of
place here to biie9y record the fact that the revenue
returns for the past three months (the first quarter
in the financial year) show an increase over the same
quarter in last year of nearly a million sterling.
Good news this for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The increase is spread over every item excepting that
headed "miscellaneous." As for the trade returns
for June, there have been two hindrances to a
"record " result— the occurrence of the Whitsuntide
holidays, and the maguificent and universal Jubilee
celebration. Still, with all these — in some sense —
drawbacks, the imports for the past month amount
to 636,321,809, against £35,229,255 in June, 1896 ;
showing a gain of £1,092,554— a very fair show
indeed. In the section "animals'' there is a very
large increase ; so also is there in the matter of food
generally, Canada sending an enormous supply of
cheese, and America great store of hams. There was
also a fine show of butter ; wine also looked up. We
caunot expect much of a show from Coffee in the face
of the various popular competitors for a place on the
breakfast-table ; and though tea does not foot up so
largely in the past month, still it continues first
favourite. There was an up and a down movement in
the various materials for textiles, but none of start-
ling importance. One noticeable increase is that of
sawn timber : the streets in all our principal cities
having afforded evidence of this. The followiug are the
are giving usual extracts from the "summary"
table : —
Imports.
1896.
1S97.
Difference.
Total value
£
S5,22»,255
£
36.321.S09
£
+ 1,092,554
(A.) Articles of food
and drink — duty
free ...
12,504,956
12,879,533
+374,627
(B.J Articles of food
and drink — dutiable
1,606,009
1,754,745
+ 14S.736
Raw materials for
textile manufac-
tures
4,646,04S
4.498,012
—148,036
Raw materials for
sundry industries
and manufactures
4,499,017
5,025,197
+526.1S0
(A.) Miscellaneous
articles
1,246,702
1,044,379
-202,323
(13.) Parcel Post ..
92,424
49.99S
—42,420
It is not unworthy of record here that whilst the
demand for Japanese teas is steadily on the decline,
that for Ceylon and Indian is rapidly increasing in
other countries — notably, we are told, in the United
States. Nor should we omit to note the falling off
in the importation of cereals during the past month ;
this, however, will probably be corrected ere the
present month closes. A most welcome addition to
the fruit supply in June was an additional £150,000
worth of Oranges ; and this brings us to the imports
of fruits, roots, and vegetables for June as follows : — ■
Imports.
1896.
1S97.
Difference.
Fruits, raw : —
Apples
...bush.
37,917
66,669
+28,752
Cherries ...
>>
116,356
158,056
+41,700
Plums
7,466
14,773
+7,307
Pears
8
52
+44
Grapes
i»
3.9S7
4,409
+4S2
Unenumerated
... „
159,512
1S9.8S6
+ 30.374
OuioDS
... „
366,339
221.824
—144,515
Potatos
... cwt.
1,151,731
1,138,938
—12,793
Vegetables, raw,
merated ...
unenu-
... value
£192,259
£208,171
+£15,912
It seems a pity that we can procure only so unsatis-
factory a record of imported fruit as that under the
heading "unenumerated," knowing the efforts put
forth by our Continental friends to get early on the
London market. All in good time, possibly. The
record of imports for the past six months shows a
total of £225,435,246, against £216,503,033— a gain
of £8,932,211. Coming now to the
Exports,
we find that the various jubilations have been
operating here to some extent ; thus we find a fall,
ing off amounting to CI, 470, 061, the figures for the
past mouth beiog £19,089,997, as against £20,560,061.
The greatest falling off is in textiles (£942,000). Affairs
in the East, from Calcutta to Constantinople, have
surely told on all the markets, and the tinkering
with the United States tariff has not given encourage-
ment to speculation on either side of the Atlantic.
With but three exceptions, depreciations have to be
recorded in the various sections into which the
exports are divided. The six months show a total
export of £117,410,452, against £119,145,740 — a
falling off, as compared with June in last year,
amounting to £1,735,288. As a matter of course,
this state of things will soon be altered, if we can
steer clear of lock-out and sti ike !
"Synoptical Flora of North America."
— A further instalment of this great work, com-
menced by the late Asa Gray, has ju>t been issued
(London: Wesley & Sox, 2S, Essex Street). It is a
large octavo of about 300 pages, and completes the
first part of the first volume. It comprises the Orders
from Caryophyllacese to Polygalacese. The Gamo-
petalous Orders were published by Dr. Gray himself
in 1878 and 1884 respectively. The Thalamiflora;
are now complete, Dr. Gray's work having been
continued by the late Dr. Sereno Watson, Dr. B. L.
Robinson, and others. The typography and arrange,
ment are very convenient, and the index full. When
it is remembered that the area dealt with includes the
whole of North America outside Mexico, the delay in
publication is fuDy accounted for.
Insects of a London Back-garden.— Papers
upon this subject, written by Mr. F. Enock, have
lately appeared in our contemporary, Knowledge. It
may well astonish those whose eyes have not been
already opened to the stores of scientific treasures
often concealed in unlikely places, to hear how many
interesting and unexpected marvels Mr. Enock has
brought to light. It is a bad workman who quarrels
with his tools, and the [too -zealous entomologist,
longing for a country life, would do well to search
his own city garden. By night and by day he will
find insect treasures "under any old musty board,
an odd brick-end, or a heap of leaves." The articles
here referred to are pleasantly written and illustrated,
and their study should lead the really earnest
beginner on to the consideration of larger works on
the subject, and, above all, should tempt him to seek
and find for himself.
CHISWICK. — A large gathering of members of the
various committees visited the garden on Wednesday,
on the invitation of the council. Considering the
heat, drought, and wind, the garden was found to be
in excellent order, and reflecting great credit on Mr.
Wright and his staff. The luncheon, presided over
by Sir Trevor Lawrence, was a most successful
"function." In the afternoon an address was
delivered by Dr. Maxwell Masters, with a view
of eliciting a discussion on the methods to be
adopted for the future development of the garden
A discussion followed, in which Sir Joseph Hooker,
Dr. Russell, Dr. Plowright, and the President.
took part, but unfortunately no speaker treated the
matter from the standpoint of the practical gardener.
We may allude more fully to the subject in a subse-
quent issue. Letters were read from M. de Vil-
morin and Mr. Malcolm Donn, speaking in high
terms of the value and impartiality of the trials con-
ducted in the garden.
Victoria Medals.— A number of letters have
reached us on this subject, a few written in a strain of
indignation, but mostly treating the humorous side
of the question. Considering the delicate nature of
the circumstances, and the excellence of the inten-
tion, it seems to us that a discreet silence will be
most acceptable to all parties concerned.
Examination in Horticulture.— The follow-
ing is the Report presented to the Council of the
Royal Horticultural Society by the examiners : —
We beg leave to report that we have examined
the papers submitted to us — in all 1S4. Of
these we selected eighty-nine as worthy to be
placed in the 1st class, fifty -five in the 2nd,
and twenty - eight in the 3rd. The remainder,
twelve, are not placed ; the number of marks attained
being below a hundred. The distribution of the
examinees were 169 in England, six in Scotlaud, one
in Ireland, one in Wales, and seven gave no address.
The present examiuation shows a very considerable
improvement upon the results of that held in 1896.
This will be apparent from the following comparison
of percentages : — Those not classed are only twelve in
number, or nearly one-third of that last year (thirty-
four). The percentage of the third class (100 to 149
marks) has fallen from 32'2 (1896) to 15'2 (1897).
The percentage of the second class (150 to 199 marks)
is nearly stationary, viz., 34-8 (1896) ; 29'8 (1897).
The percentage of the first-class (200 to 300 marks)
July 17, 1S97.]
THE GA FDEXE R S ' GHRONI CL E.
39
has made the astonishing inerease^froni 10-5 (1896) to
4S'3 (1897). These results are most encouraging.
Speaking generally, the answers are extremely well
doDe. The information is accurate upon the whole,
and the subject-matter well expressed. Perhaps the
"Practical Horticulture'' showed, as might be antici-
pated, a slight superiority over the " Elementary
Principles." George Henslow, Jas. Douglas.
Publications Received.— TheForeater(Prittee-
town, New Jersey), June 1. — Agricultural Bulletin • f
tasilygrown nut been everywhere available?" The
cultivation of it is to be widely encouraged. Reports
of a successful flower-show and other notes are
included in the issue. — Bulletins 142—4 from Miche-
gan State Agricultural College, include a report of
Small Fruit Trials at the college, Fruit Tests at South
Haven, and Vegetables old and new. — Agricultural
Gazette of New South Wales, April. — Bulletin 114,
New York Agricultural Experiment Station. This is
an issue devoted to the cultivation of Gooseberries,
and the remarks of the writer (Mr. S. A. Beach)
FlG. 10. — DISSECTED FLOWER OF CORYANTHES FIELDIKGI. (SEE P. 30.)
Explanation of figure : s, 1, •!, 3, sepals ; p, 1, 2, petals ; col, column ; cl, glands; a, anthers ; l, lip.
the Malay Peninsula, for April. This is devoted to
reports and notes upon Spices : Nutmegs, Cloves,
Cinnamon, Cassia, Sirih, Cucebs, Pepper, Kadok, and
others. — Agricultural Journal, Cape of Good Hope,
includes reports of agricultural experiments and ex-
periences both with crops and stock. — Proceedings
and Journal of the Agricultural and Horticultural
Society of India, January to March. Contains an
account of Cyperus bulbosus and of the preparation
of "coffee " and " chocolate" from the nuts of this
plant. It is queried " would millions have died in
India during the la6t famine had this prolific and
should prove valuable to all growers. The care-
fully-prepared plates show the peculiarities in the
shape and size of the berries of the different
varieties treated of. the effects of pruning, &c—
Erythea. This West American and general journal of
Botany, edited by W. L. Jepson, publishes, in the May
issue, an illustrated article on Boschniakia strobilacea.
— Wiener Illustrirte Garten-Zeitung, June. — The Tro-
pical Agriculturist (Colombo), June, contains, as usual,
much appropriate matter. — Favourite Floicersof Garden
and Greenhouse. The forty-fifth part of the fourth
volume of this publication is cow ready. — Diction-
ttaire d' Horticulture et dc Jardinage. This work has
now progressed as far as the publication of the article
on Sarnydacees.— Reports of the Agricultural Assistants
at Cape Town, Grahams Town, and, Stellenbotch ;
also, Report of the Government Wine-farm, Groot
Constantia (Cape of Hope, Department of Agricul-
ture). Both these publications refer to the unfor-
tunate appearance and increase of PhylloKera in the
Stellenbosch division, and to the great fears entertained
of the rapid spreading of the pe»t, which has already
positively destroyed whole vineyards, and " threatens
more and more the existence of an agricultural
industry which cannot be. well substituted by any
other." American Vines are being largely introduced,
but the demand is likely to be far greater than the
supply.
Home Correspondence.
PEACHES AND NECTARINES IN THE OPEN AIR.—
There appears to be a very good crop of PeacheB and
Nectarines in the south, but in several gardens I have
noticed the foliage terribly affected with blister
(Exoascus deformans), so much so that when the
affected leaves and shoots ha%-e been removed the
trees have been almost nude of foliage. I once
thought that ill-ripened wood was most liable to this-
disease, but this season ripe and unripe shoots are
equally bad. Is there anything which might be
applied early to the leaves that would prevent the
malady spreading ! [Try weak Bordeaux Mixture in
spray as a preventative.] The only remedy I have ever
practised was to remove the affected parts and burn
them as soon as possible, after which I have syringed
the trees with water containing eof t-Boap and sulphur.
Cold nights are undoubtedly favourable to the
disease. In the case of trained trees, select some
young shoots to take the place of those to be cut
away after fruiting, and when the selected ones are
about 4 inches long, tie them about 2 inches above
the base to the shoots they spring from, so that they
may be afterwards laid in straight and without
breaking. Trees require to be attended t> in this
particular several times during the season. At the
same time, a certain amount of pruning should be
done, so that at the end of the season
only sufficient shoots to retain then remain.
If the crop requires to be thinned, it should be com-
menced early, by removing only those that are ill-
placed ; or where they are uncommonly abundant, the
final thinning should just precede the stone process.
Some gardeners boast of the remarkable number of
Peaches their trees bear, but a fairly good crop of
fine, large, highly-flavoured fruits, is the most satis-
factory in the end. Black and green-fly and red-
spider are the most troublesome pests ; but with a
few good syringingsof quassia-water, very little after-
trouble will be experienced. H. Markham.
SWEET PEA -'CUPID."— A few days ago, when
visitiug Mrs. Price's garden at Pen-Moel, near Chep-
stow, I was surprised to have some excellent clumps
of this variety pointed out to me by Mr. Simpson,
tne gardener. He had planted the clumps in various
positions, and each of them was a mass of blossom.
Some of the clumps were also podding freely. Four
seeds were sown in a 5-inch pot in early spring and
placed in a frame, and after being thoroughly har-
dened-off were planted-out, but great care was neces-
sary to prevent slugs from devouring the dwarf neat
clumps. The garden at Pen-Moel is practically a
limestone quarry, and before trees and shrubs could
be planted, the rock had to be blasted, and fresh
soil carted in. The soil is highly impregnated with
lime, and to that fact I have no doubt Mr. Simpson
may attribute his success with this beautiful novelty.
R. Turnbull, Beachley, Chepstow.
APRICOTS, DAMSONS, AND CHERRIES A
FAILURE.— The branches of Apricot-trees here die
off annually to a great extent, and although they
usually give a fair amount of blossom, and are pro-
tected with fishing-nets, &c, in the usual way, the
trees only set a few fruits, and the greater part of
them generally rot as soon as they commence the
second swelling. The variety throughout is Moor
Park. They are trained on a good south wall, and
the roots are in a limestone soil. The trees have
been planted about sixteen years. Some have died,
and have been replaced with young trees in the best
loam at command, with tbe addition of brick-rubbish ;
but notwithstanding attention to mulchings, have
goue off in a similar manner. I have had experi-
ence in growing Apricots in various parts of the
40
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jolt 17, 1897.
country, and in many kinds of soil, and have seen
gumming and dying-off of branches, but never to
audi an extent as here. Again, there are three large
Dams™ trees (I am unable to give the variety), in
bush form, that are equally disappointing. They
were planted, I believe, at about the same time as
the above trees, and have never given satisfaction.
Tuey flower fairly well each year, but these fail to
set, and many of the voung shoots made this year
are dying off now. Young trees of the Farleigh
variety, when not hindered by frost, produce
good crops in the same kind of soil.
Morello and sweet Cherries growing on a
north wall give a grand display of flower,
but each year only a poor crop of fruit is the result.
Tne shoots on these die in a similar manner. The
Cherries are trained on a galvanised wire trellis, but
the Apricots with nails and shreds. On first noticing
this, some four years ago, I was of opinion that the
wire was responsible for the mischief in the case of
the Cherries, bat found it was not so, as the greater
part of the dying shoots did not touch the wire.
Apples and Pears, taken as a whole, do very
well indeed in this soil, and heavy crops of
Plums have been obtained from trees trained on
walls. As it is desired to improve matters respecting
the three first-named fruits, if some of the numerous
correspondents to the Gardeners' Chronicle having
had experience in limestone soil, will kindly give a
hint or two as to what additions can be made to the
soil, or if other varieties of Apricots would be more
likely to succeed, it would hasten matters to better
results, as much time is often lost in trying experi-
ments. R. D. Long, Lincoln, July 13.
BUD OR SEED VARIATION IN PYRUS JAPONICA.
— I was interested in Mr. Parkin's note on this
subject on p. 348. last vol. of the Gard. Chron. Though
I grew the plant for many years, I noticed no
transition of scirlet to pink, nor any other change of
colour or of type such as he describes. But as this
sport bas developed and repea*ed itself, it is probably
sufficiently fixed for propagation purposes. I have
found Pyrus japonica very variable from seeds.
Sow any colour, white, scarlet, pink, you will pro-
bably have plants of all colours from each, with not a
few, more or less, novel, intermediate hues. Seed-
lings also vary widely in vigour, and habit as well as
colour. The white fringe to the pink flowers should
prove a welcome addition. D. T. F.
SPIR/EA AR3UTA ZABEL (S. MULTIFLORA X
THUNBERGI).— I fully agree with Mr. W. J. Bean,
that Spiraa arguta is the most beautiful of all early-
flowering Spirals. I have also recommended this
Spinea at various times as one of our best and most
useful early-flowering shrubs both for forcing and for
garden decoration. 1 wish, however, to correct a
mistake made by Mr. W. J. Bean in saying that Spinet
arguta is a cross between S. multiflora and S. media.
S. arguta is a cross between S. Thunbergi, Sieb.,
and S. muitifl ,ra. Zabel (being itself a cross between
S. crenata and hypericifolia), aud Mr. W. J. Bean was
right in paying that S. Thunbergi seems to share in
its origin. Spiraa arguta was raised by Mr. H. Zabel
from seed of S. multiflora. perhaps occasionally fer-
tilised with pollen of S. Thunbergi, and fully described
by him as a hybrid between S. multiflora and S.
Thunbergi in his book, Die strauchirjen Spirccen der
Dcutschen Gaerten, p. 44. This book dealing with all
the cultivated species, crosses, and varieties of Spiraeas,
is a very useful and indispensable one for all who
wish to study this difficult genus, so much enlarged
with numerous varieties and hybrids of garden origin.
Mr. Zabel has carefully studied this genus during
twenty years, and cultivated all the species, crosses,
and varieties he could get from everywhere in the
botanical garden of the Academy of Forestry at
Muenden (Hanover) ; he bas also raised a large number
of crosses and varieties. The garden of Muenden
contained, at the time when Mr. Zabel had charge of
it, one of the best and largest collections of trees and
shrubs existing in Germany, and I often paid a visit
at that time to Mr. Zabel and his garden, where I
always found a wealth of interesting things for a
lover and student of trees and shrubs. A. Rehder,
Erfurt.
WASPS AND ROSES.— The cause of the condition
of the enclosed Rose leaves has puzzled me for some
days. I thought that the oval and disc shaped pieces
taken out of the leaves had been consumed by some
of the looper caterpillars ; but I had the pleasant
and interesting experience of sitting on the lawn this
afternoon and witnessing the exact modus operandi of
the marauders, who are wasps. I watched the per-
formance by seven different individuals, and this is
how they uniformly went about it : the operator
lights on the edge of the leaflet he selects for the
purpose, with his head pointing to the base of the
petiole, he then commences cutting with his man-
dibles with a scissor-like action, in a circular direc-
tion, first towards and then away from the mid-rib of
the leaflet, remaining on the piece he is cutting out.
This piece he deftly tucks under itself, doubling it as
he proceeds, and holds it in this form to the end of
the operation, and in this form he ultimately flies
away with it. Of course, in making the sweeping cut
he ends with his tail pointing to the attachment of
the petiole to the stem of the plant. What do the
wasps use this material for ? A singular feature of
the matter is that they confine their attention to one
particular kind of Rose (the old Baronne Prevost, I
believe it to be) ; Gloire de Dijon and others they will
not look at. G. Paul, St. Mary's Avenue, Harrogate.
A JULY FROST.— A frost in July in the Mid-
lands is as rare as snow in harvest ; but such was
the case at Beckford, Gloucestershire, on the 8th inst.
The terrestrial radiation thermometer belonging to
Mr. Slade, F.R.Met.Soc, fell to 31°, the thermo-
meter in the screen falling to 36°. Mr. Slade Bays
there has not been such a low reading in July at
Beckford in thf fourteen years over which his
observations extend. The altitude of the station
is 120 feet. At Bredons Norton, three miles distant
from Beckford (altitude 200 feet), our Kew-tested
thermometer in the screen, 4 feet from the ground,
fell to 42°, or 6° higher than the screen-
temperature at Beckford. We have no exposed ther-
mometer on the grass. There are generally more
and severer frosts at Beckford than at Bredon's
Norton, although when there is no frost the minimum
and the mean of both places are nearly alike. Both
these stations are at the base of the Bredon Hill,
which has an altitude of 979 feet. W. Burgess.
LISIANTHUS RUSSELLIANUS.— This very hand-
some species, which is now known according to
Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening as Eustoma
Russellianus, is a Victorian Era plant, as it bloomed
for the first time at Bothwell Castle in the summer of
1837, and seed was first offered for sale by Mr. James
Cuthill in 1841 — 42. It appears to be in danger of
being lo3t to cultivation, for it is now rarely met
with. But then it is one of the plants difficult to
cultivate successfully ; and in these days, when there
are many fine subjects which can be grown with
comparative ease, plants requiring special manage-
ment do not appear to find favour except with
enthusiasts. Happily, it is one of the subjects which
crops up occasionally, and is presented to view
well grown, and by this means is preserved from
being quite lost. Happily, also, there are botanical
gardens in which such plants find refuge, and in this
way they get handed down to succeeding generations.
R. D.
LATHYRUS SPLENDENS.— I was much pleased
to read that the blooming of Lathyrus splendens
at Kew had attracted considerable attention ; aud
your ongraving is perfect (fig. 106, p. 315 of our
last volume), only, allow me to take exception to
your stitement as to the colour being scarlet. It
is a very peculiar colour, hard to define, I believe,
but certainly to be classified rather as a shade of
crimson than of scarlet. Uiider cultivation here, the
bunches have at times up to twelve flowers. Foliage
is very variable, in many cases reduced to a true
filiform appearance. This plant is not common at all
in California, growing only in San Diego Co. at the
extreme south of our State, and is found also in
lower California. Although a native of the desert
high region of the interior, it adapts itself freely to
liberal watering, provided it has sufficient drainage,
and in this case it will keep growing and blooming all
summer, and not die down as it does in its native
habitat, where it is essentially a winter bloomer.
Frost is not unfrequent there, and I believe the plant
will prove hardy in many parts of England, at least,
where they have made a success with Fremontia and
Romneya. Under cultivation, at least, seed is very
sparingly produced, and nobody in this country has
ever succeeded in propagating it from cuttings. Dr.
F. Franccschi.
FRUITS OF THE VICTORIAN ERA. —There is
much force and truth in what your correspondent
" H. H. R." says on Pears. But then the difficulty
often lies between making a catalogue or doing seem-
ing injustice to old favourites through what may
appear disparaging omissions. The case is worse,
however, when such fine varieties as Marie Louise,
Jargonelle, Williams' Bon Chretien, Glout Morcean,
Duchesse d Angouleme, are underrated. As a suc-
cessful caterer for large families, I shoul 1 have been
nowhere without these Pears. But Figs fare worse
than Pears, if a summary of sorts grown, and which
had not only maintained but added to their popu-
larity, were inteudei. But if Figs introduced during
the Victorian Era were meant, then it might be quite
right to exclude the Brown Turkey, that is, Lee's
Perpetual, and Dr. Hogg adds fifteen other aliases.
This is probably the oldest, as it is by far the best
Fig we have in cultivation, either for out of doors or
under glass. There are other good Figs, but they
are, as it were, the fringing of the dessert. Fur good
measure, pressed down, running over, bursting wide
open with luscious pulp, and never failing of supplies
in possession and prospect, give me the Brown Turkey
first, last, and all through the season. D. T. F.
FIRING STRAWBERRY PLANTS.— The answers to
correspondents in the Gardeners' Chronicle are mostly
so sound and practical, that the following instructions
on p. 12 will probably startle not a few growers.
For plants overrun with the fungus pest. Botrytis
vulgaris, sprinkle straw over the bed and set it on
fire. At a month or six weeks after this is done, a
crop of new leaves will appear, and then spray with a
dilute solution of Bordeaux Mixture, or with a solu-
tion of potassium sulphide, 1 oz. to 3 gallons of water.
Most of us might be prepared to try the spraying,
but the firing of Strawberries is quite a different
matter. How the great Doctor (Lindley), lashed the
practicals ot his day for mowing or slashing off' the
leaves, runners, fungoid, or other pests of Straw-
berries, condemning all such short cuts to cleanliness
and renewed health as ianoraot barbarity. One c in
readily imagine with what gusto, force, and irony the
old Doctor would have exhausted his unique collec-
tion of strong adjectives against firing. But,
perhaps, after all it is of more practical importance
to hear and see Strawberry plants under fire. The
idea is so novel, the practice on the face of it so
dangerous, that to all disposed to adopt "G. 31. 'a"
advice, I should say do not until furnished with
further particulars, stronger evidence. It would take
a thickish layer of straw to burn off the leaves and
leaf stalks of Strawberry plants with sufficient energy
and fierceness to destroy the vitality of this fungus
pest. And unless the latter is done, where is the
benefit of firing over mowing the tops to the ground,
raking or forking them off and making a bonfire
of them, heavily liden with vital spore, of such heat
aud intensity as must make an end of the growing-
power of the latter? It will probably be a startling
revelation to all growers that Strawberry crowns will
pass through surface fires sufficient to consume their
leaves and leafstalks, and live Of course, much may
depend on the degree of heat to which they are ex-
posed, aud the duration of it. But even Strawberry-
leaves overrun to the uttermost with the Botrytis
vulgaris are by no means inflammable material, and
present a very striking contrast to comuon bracken
or mature stems or leaves of Pampas-grass. These
burn with tremendous fierceness, and though the
heat is intense, especially of the latter, the plants
pass through the fiery ordeal safely, because it is so
short ; it is a mere flash in the root, and root-stocks
uninjured. But perhaps " G. M." merely means to
pass a mere flash of dry straw over the Strawberry
beds to frighten the fungus pest. It is certain from
his receipts for repeated sprayings of the new growths
afterwards that he hardly expects to roast the fungoid
spores to death through his surface tiring of his
Strawberry beds. Iu that case, the firing does not
seem worth the very serious risk of roasted crowns
and runner', nor the candle, that is, the straw.
D. T. F. (See article on p. 36.)
Nursery Notes.
MESSRS. CUNNINGHAM and TRAYER,
EDINBURGH.
On the occasion of a visit paid to this nursery on
May 29 last, the following species and varieties of
plants were remarked by the writer in bloom :—
Anemone palmata alba, Genista hispanica, Primula
rosea, Sedum acre aureum, Hutchinsia petraa, like a
tiny Iberis ; Euphorbia epithymoides, a compact,
dense shrub, very strong, with a profuse display of
golden bracts ; Thalictrum aquilegifolium rubrum,
Corydalis nobilis, Scilla esculenta, S. e. minor,
Ranunculus speciosus flore-pleno ; R. aconitifolius
flore-pleno. A fine lot of both, popularly known
in many rural districts as the white and yellow
Jclt 17, 1897.]
THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
41
Bachelor's Buttons, Anemone sylvestris, pure white ;
Cytieus Ardoini, an extremely pretty dwarf species,
much resembling a Genista ; C. pracox, a very
graceful light lemon-colour flower, well adapted for
the open, and much grown in pots, window-boxes,
and in conservatories ; Golden-leaved Marjoram, the
most thoroughly golden of all herbs in the spring,
but, like Mint and Thyme, losing something of its
brightness as the season advances ; capital stock of
Trollius europseus, flore-pleno; Doronicum planta-
gineum var. Harpur Crewe, D. p. var. Clusii, and
D. p. var. excelsuin.
Among the fire collection of Iberis noted here, the
best were I. coriifolia, I. sempervirens, I. superbum,
I. capitata, and the improved variety of I. semper-
virens Garrexiana, a variety with smaller flowers,
the racemes being much lengthened in the process
of blooming, and the flower season greatly prolonged.
A good collection of Funkias is also grown here, the
foliage adding much to the interest and richness of
the grounds in May : Funkia ovata, F. undulata
variegata, F. alba marginata, and F. Sieboldiana,
were conspicuous.
Here, too, a strikingly distinct and handsome fine-
foliage, bronze-leaved plant was noted, Rodgereia
podophylla. The plant was not yet in bloom ; but
its long-stemmed curious-shaped leaves, reminding
of a bronze-coloured Rhubarb, forming into a sort of
crown of four leaflets on the surface, is a new feature
in form and colour among herbaceous plants at this
season of the year. It is a native of Japan, and was
introduced in 1800, though it is seldom met with in
gardens or landscapes. Among the fine collection
of Saxifrages in bloom, among the most distinct and
showy were S. purpurascens, S. pectinati, S. aizoon,
and S. sarmentosa. D. T. F.
Carnations and Picotees at Messrs. J. Veitch &
Sons, Chelsea.
The usual display of these favourite flowers is
now at its best at the Royal Exotic Nursery, and
numerous novelties were noted in the collection.
All of what are best among older varieties are to found,
and for these we must certainly claim a preference ;
the plants in most instances being of short growth
with robust habit, plenty of shoots, great floriferous-
ness, and flowers that endure bright sunshine with-
out injury for a long period of time.
Of novelties, good flowers were remarked of the
selfs Garville Gem, a heliotrope coloured flower,
and the plant of better constitution than Theodore,
besides being free of growth ; Her Grace, a delicate
flesh colour changing to white, large and full, and
capital, as seen under gla=s ; Sea Gull, also flesh-
tinted, of fine form, and robust ; and Sweet Briar,
pale red with finely formed petals and flowers, which
are of great size. New yellow ground Picotees were
noted in Eldorado, a large, perfect flower, edged with
rosy-red ; Golden Eagle, a richly tinted flower edged
with red, and of great size ; Voltaire, a large full
flower, distinctly edged with rose-pink.
Carnations of recent introduction, and mostly of
Mr. Martin Smith's raising, were Cardinal Wolsey, a
yellow-ground flower of the Victory type, but much
superior in form and colour ; Duke of Orleans, a large
yellow flower of excellent form ; King Arthur,a very
distinct crimson-scarlet bloom, the perfection of
form ; Princess May, of the Souvenir de la Malmai-
son type, deep rose-coloured, and of which type The
Churchwarden is another. A very beautiful variety
was likewise remarked in Waterwitch, a delicate
flesh-coloured flower.
The collection affords a capital example of what
may be done in a London garden with Carnations
and Picotees, by intelligent cultivation.
JOHN FlNLAY.— We regret to record the death,
at the age of sixty-one years, of Mr. John Finlay, on
Saturday, the 3rd inst. , at Meldon Park Gardens,
Morpeth. The deceased was a well - known gar-
dener, whose days were chiefly spent in his native
county, Northumberland, first at Netherwitton, with
his father as a drainer, afterwards as a garden-
apprentice at Mitford Hall. After leaving Mitford,
he came south to gain experience, and returned to
the North about thirty years ago, to take
charge of the gardens at Meldon Park, serving the
late Mr. J. Cookson, Mr. J. Blencowe Cookson, and
latterly, Mr. R. Clayton-Swan. The Newcastle
Journal says, in its issue of the 6th inst., "As
an authority on natural history, he was known
throughout the country. When little more than a
boy he made a well-nigh complete collection of all
the flowers and plants to be found in the county.
These were a 1 beautifully mounted, named, and
anything special about them carefully written down.
Botany he relinquished, however, for entomology,
which he pursued with enthusiasm till compelled this
spring, through failing health, to cease collecting.
For many years the half of his nights might
be said to be spent outside in pursuit of his hobby.
His cabinets contain over 1500 distinct species of
British moths and butterflies, with many duplicates
of all the leading varieties. As far as the North of
England varieties are concerned, they are complete.
The collection is justly considered one of the finest
in the country in private hands. He leaves a widow,
four daughters, and an adopted daughter."
SOCMEJIES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Jl-LY 13.— An ordinary meeting of the committees was
held on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, Westminster, when
the exhibits were considerably less numerous than for some
time past. Collections of bardy flowers were again staged
by many firms, indeed, on this occasion, they formed the
major part of the show, and the same species of plant was
seen in most of them. These bunches of cut-flowers shown
again and again are hardly so interesting as exhibits at these
meetings of the Koyal Horticultural Society ought to be.
Very few novelties in plants were staged, but in a few-
instances awards were made as will be seen below. Orchids
were few. Before the Fruit and Vegetable Committee there
were shown a number of seedling varieties of Poas, a few
new Melons, and a collection of vegetables, which doserves to
be described in most appreciative terms, as it exhibited the
result of very exceptional culture.
Floral Committee.
Promt: W. Marshal], Esq., in the chair; and Messrs. Jno.
Fraser, Chas. T. Druery, H. B. May. Chas. E. Shea, W. Bain,
H. J. Jones, D. B. Crane, E. Beckett, Geo. Gordon, J. Fraser,
K. M. Hogg, and Jas. Walker.
Mr. B. R. Davis, Yeovil, staged single blooms of double-
flowered tuberous Begonias. Though the method of exhibit-
ing them upon brown-coloured boards is not particularly
tasteful, the blooms sufficiently indicated that many of the
varieties in crimson, rose, pink, yellow, and white, were
meritorious ones. An Award of Merit was recommended to
the variety Miss Griffith, a large double, tinted white flower
with a delicate obscure yellow centre, the margins of petals
prettily crimped. Roland Yorke, a rather loose-flowered
salmon-rose variety, and J.[Davis, fine scarlet-crimson flower,
deserve mention also. Of each of the three varieties last-
named, a plant was shown (Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. H. Cannei.l & Sons, Swanley, Kent, showed a
group of double-flowered Begonias, consisting of plants five
months old. These were in 5-inch pots, and carried a few
pood flowers upon each. From seed sown in February it is
evidently possible to obtain medium-sized, well-flowered,
decorative plants by July (Bronze Banksian Medal).
Ferns were again shown by Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane
Nurseries, -Edmonton, in a group consisting of admirable
but small s ecimens of a number of choice varieties. Nephro-
lepis exaltata, and the varieties multiceps, furcans, pluma,
also N. cordifolia, and several varieties, N. Dufhi, a dwarf-
growing pretty species ; N. Philipinense, N. recurvata, N.
Barteri, N. rufescens tripinnatifida, and others, illustrate
the number of specie s shown. Aspleniums in endless variety
were included, and a selection of species and varieties of the
effective Gymnogramnjas (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).
A group of plants of the magnificent white flowering
Watsonia Ardernei was shown by Messrs. F. Sander & Co.,
St. Albans. This beautiful Cape bulbous plant was noticed
a*, the last meeting in the Drill Hall, when fewer plants were
shown.
A beautiful collection of bunches of Sweet Peas was exhi-
bited by Mr. H. Eckford, of the celebrated Wem Nurseries
in Salop. Besides each bunch being representative of a
choice and new variety, they were staged in the most tasteful
manner. Mr. Eckford knows how to raise and cultivate
Sweet Teas, and more than that, he knows how to display
them to the best possible advantage.
Messrs. Wm. Pattl & Sons, Waltham Cross. Herts, exhibited
a nice collection of Rose blooms, some of them in bunches,
and all representative of sorts sent out during the last few
years. Sylph (W. Paul A- Son), apink Tea, of pretty form, and
moderate in size, was recommended an Award of Merit. A
curiously-tinted Rose, named M. Ada Carmody, was pink,
with a shade of straw clour ou the inner side .if the petals.
Waltham Standard was shown, aud the lovely new lti.se,
Marquise de Litta, Enchantress (Tea), Empress AlexaAd?« ..i
Russia, Milton (a erimsun II. P.). Whit.- Lady, and Zephyr
(Tea), were some others.
Messrs. F. Cant A- Co., Braiswick Nursery, Colchester,
made a display with Rose blooms, some of the varieties being
shown in admirable specimens. Such were The Bride,
Madame de WatteviUe, Madame Rady, .Madame Lambardj
Ethel Brownlow, Mrs. Frank Cant, A. K Williams, and
others. Bunches of garden Hoses were very showy (Silver
Flora Medal).
Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Colchester,
had a pretty display of varieties of Lilies, and of Calo'chor-
tuses. A beautiful yellow variety named aurea. of the species
C. plumene, was recommended an Award of Merit. It has a
dull brown jagged ring across the centre petals (Silver Flora
Medal).
Flowers of several varieties of hardy Nymphieas were shown
by Mr. J. Hudsou.gr. to Leopold de Rothschild, Esq.;Gun-
nersbury House, Acton. To one of these, named N. fiar-
liacea albida, a First-class Certificate was awarded ; and an
Award of Merit to N. Ellisiana (new), a crimson ti'oweicd
variety.
Lobelia tenuiorgiandiflora, shown by Mr. B. Ladbams, was
recommended an Award of Merit It is a pretty, very free-
flowering plant, slender in growth, with larger blue flowers
than the type, and about 1} foot high.
Sir T. Lawren. e Bart., Buiford, Dorking (gr., Mr. W.
Bain), exhibited flowering racemes of Salvia bicolor. This
hard; biennial species grows about 4 feet high, and produce
many flowers upon each plant. The upper lip may be
described as heliotrope-purple, the lower one neatly white.
Mr. Bain informe i us that the bees are very fond uf it, and
are apt to disfigure the blooms (Award of Merit).
Aristolochia brasiliensis, a flower of which was shown by
A. Kin. .smith, Esq., Harrow Weald, was awarded a
Botinical Certificate. The perianth in this species is much
curved, and the lobe rather spreading, but the flower is not
so pretty or even remarkable as others of the genus.
Carnation flowers in elegaut bunches were shown by Mr.
J. Doiglas, Edenside Nurseries, Bookharn, Surrey. Many
of the best and newer varieties raised by Mr. Martin R.
Smith, and Mr. Douglas were shown. Awards of Merit
were recommended to Pelegia (Douglas), a most bizarre-
looking flower of silvery-slate colour marked with very
bright rose, Badmington yellu* ground edged rose;of fine
form; Sir H. Irving, a very dark crimson self; and Miss
Violet Douglas, yellow ground, deeply and distinctly edged
rose.
Mr. Thos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, near Tottenham,
exhibited a large collection of hardy flowers in small
bunches of a great variety of species (Silver Banksian
Medal). Another excellent collection was from Mr. Jno.
Charlton, Tunbridge Wells (Silver Banksian Medal).
A third from Messrs. Jas. Veit. h A- Sons, Royal Exotic
Nursery, Chelsea. And another from Mr. B. Ladha'ms of
the Shirley Nurseries, Southampton (Silver Flora Medal).
The collection from Messrs. Veitch & Sons was a very
Urge one, and the species shown were represented by capital
8pecimeos. They had also a very pretty lot of Carnation
blooms, and some magnificent flowers of varieties of Ills
Kwmpferi (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal;.
Messrs. Barb A- Sons, King Street, Covent Gardenj London,
exhibited, as usual, flowers of a great number of bulbous
and hardy plants now in season (Silver Banksian Medal).
A First-class Certificate was awarded to a most ornamental
Plane, shown by Mr. Jno. Russell, nurseryman, Richmond,
Surrey. It bears the much lengthened name of Platanus
oeciflentalis argentea variegata, and many of the leaves are
pure white, the young stems being nearly so. A freely-
variegated and desirable variety.
HARDY FLOWERS IN COMPETITION.
Mr. C. Herrin, ^r. at Dropmore. Maidenhead, was 1st. for
twelve bunches of hardy flowers, and showed Helianthns
multiflorus (double), an inflorescence of Yucca gloriosa,
Aconitum bicolor, Spinea ariaifolia (magnificent sprays),
Galega officinalis, Lilium candidum, Latbyrus grandiflorus.
Lysimichia thyrsiflora, Rose Crimson Rambler, Alstru^iner'a
aurea, Achillea Ptarmica fl. pi., The Pearl, and a seedling
variety of Delphinium.
The 1st prize collection of eight bunches of bardy flowers
was hardly so bold and good. It was shown by Miss
Deeenham, S-. Peters, St. Albans.
Orchid Committee.
Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq , in the chair ; and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), S. Courtauld, De B. Crawshay,
H. M. Pollett, E. Hill, W. H. Young, H. J. Chapman,
J. Douglas, A. H. Smee, F. Mason, E. Ashworth, and
W. Cobb.
Compared with the fine displays made by the Orchids at
previous meetings, there was a very small number of
exhibits on the present occasion. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons,
Ltd , Royal Exotic Nurseries, King's Road, Chelsea, staged
a small group, in which wero three plants of the new Lselio-
Cattleya X Canhaniiana albida (L. purpurata X C. Mossire).
The large flowers had white sepals and petals, suffused with
a very slight pearly-pink tint, the delicate hue of which
contrasted most effectively with the dark crimson-purple of
the ample labellum (Award of Merit). Messis. Veitch also
42
THE GA RDE NEBS' CHR ONI CL E.
[Jcly 17, 1397
showed La-lio-Cattleya x Eunornia (L. pumila x C. Gaskel-
liana\ with flowers resembling thi>se of La-lia piwstans, but
larger; L.-C. x zepliyra (L. xanthinao" , C. Mcndeli? ), with
pretty yollow-tinted flowers ; and two plants of the handsome
Disa x Veitchi.
Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, showed Phaius X
Ashworthianus (Manni X maculatus), with sepals and petals
yellow, slightly tinged with green ; Up yellow, with distinct
brown markings on the anterior portion (Award of Merit) ;
Cypripedium x Svend Bruun (Lqwi x Curtisii), C. X mulus
(hirsutissinium x Lawienceanum), C. X orphanum, and
C X Enryale.
Fran Ida Brandt, Bruunenhof, Kiesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr-
Schlecht>, sent a cut spike of the fine old Epidendrum
nemorale major, with showy, rose-coloured flowers borne on
stiff, warted peduncles. Although first imported from
Mexico over half a century ago, it is by no means a common
plant, and the inflorescence represented a fine form of it
(Award of Merit). Mrs. Brandt also sent spikes of a fine
form of 0 tontog ossuin Wilckeanum, O. nebulosum pardi-
num, Epidendrum Brassavohe, E radiatum, Phaius Hum-
bloti, Cattleya Waiscewiczii, Pbalamopsis violaeea, and the
blue UtricuUria Eudresii, which, although not an Orchid,
like many of ito congeners, is usually associated with them
in gardens.
Elijah Ash worth, Esq., Harefield Hall, Wilmslow,
Cheshire (gr., Mr. Holbrook), ohowed his beautiful white
Cattleya superba alba, the white C. Eldorado Walliaii, several
fine forms of C. Warscewiczii, one of them resembling C.
Dowiuna anrea much in form, odour and general appearance,
although in colour it was a light form of C. Warscewiczii.
Mr. A<-h»orth also showed cut examples of Lu-lio-Cattleyax
Mardelli (C. Luddenianniaua?, L.-C. X eleganso"). raised by
Messrs. Veitch &: Son, first flowered by them in lS7f, and
at 11 a very rare and pretty hybrid, with light rose-coloured
flowers, having a broadly-expanded dark rose front lobe to
the lip ; and a flower of the new Dendrobium Victoria
Regina, which, if only a botanical plant, is decidedly of the
blue tint represented by the collector, and, when established,
will be pretty enough.
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
Present: T. Francis Rivers in the chair ; and Messrs. Geo.
Bunyard, P. C. M. Veitch, Jos. Cheal, A. H. Pearson, Alex,
liean, G. H. Sage, Geo. Wythes, C. Herrin, and H. Ealderson.
A first class collection of vegetables, shown by Mr. E.
Becket, gr. to Lord Aldenham, Aldenham House, Etstree, was
awarded a Gold Medal. The heaps of vegetables (for they
were not dishes) were really capital — clean, even, of the very
**est quality ; and, excepting a few Mushrooms, we may say
that not one of the vegetables was weak. There were
upwards of thirty of these heaps, and of course most of them
were of distinct varieties. It is hardly necessary to repeat
them here, for the interest in the exhibit was due to the
successful cultivation they had received rather than to the
varieties themselves.
Several seedling Melons were shown, and one of these,
■named Syon Perfection, shown by Mr. Geo. Wythes, Syon
House Gardens, was recommended an Award of Merit. It is
-of medium size, much-netted gieenieh-yellow exterior. Flesh
scarlet ; flavour full, and very juicy. The twards to new
Melons have so far been lew this season.
An Award of Merit wa3 also recommended to the " Logan
Berry," or Strawberry-Haspberry, sprays of which were
shown by Messrs. Geo. Bunyaru A: Co., Maidstone. It is
from America, grows about 2 feet high, and the fruits are
long, rather thin, and acid. Seedling Peas were shown by
Mtssrs. U. Veitch &, Son, Exeter, and Mr. Eckjord, but no
awards were made.
Messrs. W. W. Johnson & Sons were awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal for a collection of Peas embracing about
lifty varieties ; and Messrs. Carter & Co., High Holborn,
obtained a similar Medal for a collection of Lettuces tnd
Turnips.
Mr. W. Allan, gr. to Lord Scffield, Gunton Park,
Norwich, sent some excellent fiuits of a dark coloured
■ Strawberry, Lady Suffield.
Cherries were exhibited in most tempting appearance by
Messrs. T. F. Rivers & Son, Saw bridge worth. These were
presumably the result of orchard-house culture, and all of
the score or so of varieties were very fine. We may instance
Early Rivers and Monstreuse de Mersel (Silver-gilt Knightian
Melal). The flavour, however, was defective.
Gooseberries in p its were shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch
& Sons, Chelsea, who had about forty plants, which had
been potted up List autumn. These plants illustrated the
methods of training Gooseberry bushes, viz., the horizontal,
cup shaped, pyramidal, and standard. The standa ds were
about 4 feet high, and are grafted on Ribes aurea. Fruits of
the new and highly-flavoured Strawberry Veitch's Perfection,
•were also sho.vu (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal).
different organs than regular ones, according to require-
ment. Next it waa explained how the organs of a
plant are for convenience sake classed into groups,
viz., the axile organs, and the appendages. Any part
of the stem or root belonged to the first-named
class, but the leaves, flowers, Ac, to the appendages.
The terms "analogous" and "homologous," as applied
to plant organs, were then described, the former term
expressing a case of superficial resemblance where two
organs of different nature are used for a similar purpose,
and the second where the two organs are alike in character
and origin. Turning to speak of the organs individually,
the Professor pointed out that roots were fundamentally the
same as stems, but altered to suit the plant's requirements.
Several illustrations were next given of instances where
the living protoplasm had enabled the root to change in
character according to chaDged conditions. The Carrot had
become a large-rooted bienuial from a slender-rooted annual.
The ease in which roots under certain conditions will produce
stems, and rice wrsd, are matters well known to our readers,
and they were illustrated by examples submitted by Professor
Henslow.
In speaking of stems, the lecturer showed how capable
they were of doing the same work that roots do, and of
making roots. Every gardener who has rooted a cutting
has observed an instance of the protoplasm in a stem making
a root. Though the tubers of a Potato under natural con-
ditions are produced under ground, if these are continually
removed as they are formed, the plants will make a number
of tubers in the axils of the stem above the ground. The
methods by which plants are enabled to climb was next
alluded to, and the well-known circumstance that most of
the organs are utilised in one case or another for the purpose
fully illustrated. In cases like the Hop or Convolvulus, the
stem itself is sensitive, and winds round and round an object
of resistance, but in other instances it may be the petiole of
the leaf, or part of the inflorescence or tendril that is dele-
gated by Nature to assist the plant to climb.
Many illustrations from specimens were given, including
one in which a root had climbed several times around an
object. In speaking of leaves subsequently, Mr. Henslow
showed how occasionally stems discharged all the functions
of leaves, such as transpiration, &c, and instanced the
Stapelias The stipules served all manner of purposes in
different species, according to the requirements of the plant.
Foliaceous in the Pea, they form formidable horns in some of
the Acacias.
Bud scales were remarked upon, and their different
origin in diverse species pointed out. The inflorescence and
reproductive organs showed the same principles of adapta-
tion to necessary conditions. Bracts were generally arrested
leaf-stalks, but not always. Colour was usually centred in
the corolla, but numerous instances were illustrated where
this is not so, when indeed the colour is independent of the
flower, typical specimens being the Poinsettia and Cornus.
The latter also mimicked a flower, and were often mistaken
for white petals. All these bracts are homologous with
leaves. The change of stamens into petals, and the pro-
duction of petals i i the place of ovules, was illustrated.
The numerous illustrations and dried specimens submitted
by the lecturer added much to the interest of the subject.
The facts were these, that though many plants climb, they
do eo by very different means. Most plan's have colour
wherewith to attract insect agents of fertilisation ; but for
this and most other purposes one organ is used by one plant,
and a different one by an opposite species. Thus throughout
p'ant-o gans is seen this "mutual accommodation."
other black Grape being Gros Maroc from Mr. Laker, who also
won for three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria.
Mr. C. Earl was a long way ahead for a collection of nine
varieties, and staged a really good lot.
There were some excellent non-competitive exhibits ;
especially so being a grand lot of herbaceous cut flowers from
Mr. Charlton, Tunbridge Wells.
The Lecture.
In the afternoon the Rev. Geo. Henslow delivered a
lecture on the " Mutual Accommodation between Plant*
organs."
After a few remarks upon the accepted theory of
evolution, bcug equally true in regard to the race as it is in
the case of the individual, reference was made to pro:uplasm,
and its capabilities and character were briefly stated. Pro-
toplasm can make all kinds of organs in plants, and although
commonly it does so regularly, and according to certain
rules, it neveitheless possesses the power to respond to
changes in the plant's envjro ment, and to make quite
TUNBRIDGE WELLS.
July 7.— Tho thirty-ninth meeting of the above Horticul-
tural Society was a tuccess, as usual, but we noted a great
falling off in fruit.
For four stove and greenhouse plants, Mr. N. Turner, gr.
to J. A. Le Lacheur, Esq., The Wilderness, Tunbridge Wells,
was well in front of Mr. J. Mason, gr. to H. J. Wood, Esq.,
Tunhri'ge Wells. Mr. L. Pope, gr. to J. J. Barrow, Esq.,
Holmwood, won for ornamental foliage- plants, and also for
six stove and greenhouse plants in bloom, and for four ditto,
but was beaten by Mr. J. Mason for six ornamental foliage-
plants in the local classes. Mr. L. Dupond was 1st for six
single, and Mr. C. Dunk for six double-flowered Begonias.
Some really grand Caladiums came from Mr. N. Turner, gr.
to J. A. Le Lacheur, Esq.
Groups were g<md, the 1st and 2nd going to Mr. J. Howes,
gr. to W. Cobb, Esq., Dulcote, and Mr. J. Mason.
Orchids were excellent, especially the well flowered pieces
of Epidendrum vitellinum major, LffiUa tene rosa, Cattleya
Me deli, Miltonia vexillaria leucoglossa, and Cypripedium
bellatulum, from Mr. J. Howes.
Roses were fairly good, and numerous. Messrs. F. Cant &
Co.. Colchester, and Mr. G. Mount, Canterbury, were 1st
and 2nd in the classes for forty-eight varieties, and for twelve
Teas or Noisettes.
Mr. Salter, gr. to T. B. Haywood, Esq., Reigate, and Mr.
Harris, gr. to E. M. Bethune, Esq., Horsham, were the mo>«t
successful among amateurs. Mr. G Elwes, gr. to Major F.
Lutwidoe, was the chief winner in the local classes.
Mr. G. Elwes secured the National Rose Society's Bronze
Melal for Alfred Colomb ; and Mr. G. Mount a similar award
for Duchesse de Morny.
FraiK — The best throe buuchc* of Black Hamburgh
Grapes came from Mr. C. E rl, gr. to 0. E. d'AvioDOR
Goldsmid, Esq , Ti nbridge ; the best three bunches of any
IPSWICH AND EAST OF ENGLAND
HORTICULTURAL.
July 7. — A timely change in the direction of this Society
has given a new lease of life to one of the oldest and besl-
known horticultural institutions in the eastern counties. A
Society that existed so >n after the Queen ascended the
throne should claim support by its long record of operations ;
and the infusion of new blood to the committee is working in
a highly satisfactory manner. The exhibition, held on this
occasion in the delightful grounds of the Upper Arboretum,
was undoubtedly the best ever held by the Society. Three
large marquees were required ; some of the exhibits,
especially among the cut flowers, were of a high order of
merit.
In a part of the country where the Rose is so largely culti-
vate!, it was only natural it should be a prominent feature
at Ipswich. The best collection of thirty-six varieties came
from Mr. B. R. Cant, Colchester, who staged some high-
class flowers, the most prominent being Duchesse de Morny,
Marchioness of Londonderry, Star of Waltham, Susanne-
Marie Rodocanachi, and Mrs John Laing. Mr. B. R. Cant was
also 1st for twelve varieties, three of each, having Baroness
Rothschild, Mrs. John Laing, Her Majesty. &c., in fine
character; Messrs. D. Prior di Son were 2nd in each case.
Messrs. Prior & Son were 1st with twelve Teas and
Noisettes, Mr. B. R. Cant being a very close 2nd.
The best six H.P. Roses of any one variety were Mrs. John
Laing, from Messrs. D. Phior &, Son. Messrs. Prior &, Son
also had the best six Teas, staging Maman Cocet in fine
character.
Garden Roses, shown in bunches of six varieties, were a
charming feature. Mr. A. C. Gkeen was 1st with delightful
bunches; Mr. A. Andrews, gr. to the Hon. W. Lowther,
was a good 2nd : a fine bunch of Crimson Rambler was in
this stand.
In the amateurs division, the Fev. A. Foster-Melliar
was 1st with twenty-four varieties, a .d the Rev. H. A.
Berners, 2nd ; and with twelve varieties, the Rev. A. C.
Johnson, Capel St. Mary, was 1st, and D. C. Warner, Esq.,
Eye, 2nd; with twelve Teas, the Rev. A. Foster-Melliar
was 1st, and the Rev. H. A . Berners, 2nd. The best six Roses
of any H.P., were La France, from the Rev. A. Foster-
Melliar; with twelve Teas, the Rev. H. A. Berners was
1st with Maman Cochet.
A very fine display of hardy herbacaous flowers were made.
One leading class was for a collection most tastefully
arranged on a table 8 feet by 3 feet, and here Messrs.
Wallace & Co , Colchester, were placed 1st with a unique
display, having various interesting species of Lilies at the
back, against Palms, and in the foreground Calochorti in
variety; between these were such things as Alstroemeria,
Hemerocallis aurea major, very fine, and other novelties ;
Mr. C. Jacob, Ipswich, w^s 2nd, also with a remarkably
good collection.
With twenty-four bunches, Mr. Geo. Gilbert, nursery-
man, Ipswich, was 1st, having very fiae and imposing
bunches.
Sweet Peas in bunches were an excellent feature ; Mr. J.
Gilbert was 1st with a charming assortment, well set up.
Mr. G. Gilbert was the only exhibitor of four foliaged
plants, and was 1st for a group of plants arranged for
effect. The best group of Begonias arranged with foliaged
plants ctme from Mr. S. W. Sweet, a working man of
Ipswich, beating the local nurserymen. There was also a
class for groups of Gloxinias similarly arranged. Mr. Sweet
also had a 1st prize for twelve tuberous-rooted Begonias,
admirably grown and bloomed. The best four Exotic Ferns
came from Mr. Gilbert ; and Mr. Messenger, The Gardens,
Woolverstone Park, had the best six table-plants.
FRUITS.
Mr. Messenger won 1st prize for six dishes of fruits ; he
had good Black Hamburgh and Buckland Sweetwater
Grapes, Pineapple Nectarine, Bellegarde Peach, Brown
Turkey Figs, and Freston Tower Melon.
Mr. W. Howbett, gr. to Dr. Casley, had the best three
bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes, well-coloured ; Mr.
Andrews was 1st with two bunches of white Grapes, having
well-coloured Buckland Sweetwater.
The best dish of Peaches was Bellegarde, from Mr.
Messenger; and his was also the best dish of Nectarines,
having good Pine-apple. Black Cherries were represented
by Tartarica; white, by Bigarreau Napoleon. The best
dibh of Strawberries for weight was Latest-of-All, from Mr.
Messenger ; the best for flavour, British Queen. Mr. H.
Rose had the best collection of six dishes, staging Royal
Sovereign, Latest-of-All, Loxford Hall Seedling, Caiolina
Superba, Sir J. Paxton, and A. F. Barron. Raspberries, red,
white, and black Currants, Gooseberries, 4c., were plenti
fully shown.
Special prizes for vegetables offered by Messrs. Sutton &
Sons, Webb & Sons, Daniels Bnos., F. Smith & Co., and W.
Addison brought a very good display indeed ; in other
classes they were seen to good advantage.
Joly 17, 1897.]
THE GA RDENE1! >S" 01IB ONI CLE.
43
WIMBLEDON HORTICULTURAL.
July 7. — The twenty-fifth annual exhibition of thU
Society, held in the grounds of Draxmont House (T. E.
Crocker, Esq.), on tho ahovo date, was a success financially
and horticulturally.
To refer briefly to two of the leading classes : — Group of
miscellaneous foliage and flowering plants, quality and effect
combined (open class). Here 1st honours were gained for a
pleating group set up by Mr. W. Thornton, gr. to T. E.
Crock br, Esq., Draxmont; a good 2nd bein» Mr. J. Low,
gr. to Rosser Dean, Esq., The Priory.
Interest attached to the class in which prizes were offered
for a miscellaneous group, confined to single-handed gar-
deners residing in tho district, tho awards going for meri-
torious contributions to Messrs. T. Chaisdler and F.
Klieoh.
HANLEY HORTICULTURAL FETE.
July 7, S.— The first horticultural show held in the New
Park, Hanley, took place on the above dates. The P.rk
itself is well adapted for a large show, and under the able
secretaryship of Mr. J. Kent, the Park Superintendent, and
Mr. J. B. Barrow, assistant town clerk, a very satisfactory
exhibition was brought together. The attempt to establish
a largo annual horticultural exhibition in the Staffordshire
Potteries deserves success. The prizes were sufliciently
encouraging to bring exhibitors from widely different parts
of the country. The gioups wtro five in number, and were
arranged in lirst-class st3'le. The fruit, too, was an excellent
feature, and attracted a great deal of attention. Unfurtu.
natcly some of the dishes of fruit were removed immediately
after the judging, and other dishes substituted ; thus the
judges' awards were severely criticised by the public. The
committee should preveut a repetition of this practice, and
whatever the interest at stake may be, all exhibits for com-
petition should remain, as staged, until the close of the show.
The following are some of the principal awards : —
Group of Plants arranged for Efttct.— 1st, Messrs. Jknkin-
80N &. Son, Newcastle, Staffordshire, whose group was taste-
fully arranged, and contained a number of well-flo*ered
Orchids, and such plants as Bamboos, Caladruros, Crotons,
and Ferns. The excellence of this group was such that it
wun from Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, who was 2nd.
The best group of Orchids arranged for effect was from
W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (gr., Mr. W.
Stevens). This was a superb collection, and contained some
very fine specimens. Mr. J. Cypher was again 2nd.
Specimen Plants. — C H. Wrkjht, Esq., Hnlston Hall,
Oswestry, was 1st for six Exotic Ferns, showing tino
specimens of Adiantum Williamsii, A. concinnum, and
Davalia rijiensis.
For six plants in flower and six fine-foliage plants, Mr. J.
Cypher was 1st, with excellent specimens. Mr. Cl i in r
was likewise 1st for oight Exotic Orchids, and six Palms,
distinct
The best twelve Caladiums were from J. P. Madduck,
Esq., Alsager (gr., Mr. Smith).
Rose.*.— The best collection of forty eight distinct varieties
was from Messrs. Ai.ix. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards,
Ireland, whose stand contained several now varieties of their
own raising. Amongst the best were Souvenir d'EIise,
Alice Giabanic, Ennocente Pirola, Souvenir do S. A. Prince,
Mario Van Houtte, new Seedling (Lady), W. Bessie Brown,
Helen KeUor, and new Seedling (Daison Marson). 2nd,
Messrs. Bareness & Son, Bedalo, Yorks, whoso stand had
fine blooms of Princo Arthur, Fisher Holmes, and Horace
Vemet. Thirty-six distinct varieties, throe blooms of each,
were best from Messrs. H&BKNESS A Sons, whose stands had
fine trtbles uf well-known varieties,
Messrs. Townsend & S<>n were 1st for twenty-four distinct
varieties, and Me&srs. Dickson & Son. Ireland, for twelve
blooms, distinct varieties. For twtlve distinct Te.it- in
trebles, Messrs. Townsf.nd & Son competed with most
success.
The most decorative arrange i ent of Roses was made by
Messrs. Jenkinson & Son, Newcastle ; and the same firm had
the best display of floral arrangements.
Fruit. —For a collection of nine dishes of fruit, the Earl of
Harrington (gr., Mr. Goodacre), and Lord Bagot (gr , Mr.
Bannerr^au,, were equal lsts. Mr. Goodackes colleciion
contained a Pine, Foster's Seedling, and Black Hamburgh
Grapes, Royal George Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarine,
Reine Hortense Cherries, Brown Turkey Figs, Royal
Sovereign Strawberries, and Hero of Lojkinge Melon.
Mr. Banner. man staged Black Hamburgh and Foster's
Seedling Grapes, President. Strawberries, Brown Turkey
Figs, two Melons, Downton and Lord Napier Nectarines,
and Royal George Peaches. The Grape classes were fairly
well contested.
Six Peaches were best from G. Meakin, Esq., Cresswell Hall,
Stafford (gr. , Mr. Wilks) ; and the Duke of Sutherland,
Trentham (gr., Mr. P. Blair), was 2nd.
For am qual number of Xectarinos, the Earl of Carn.viu on,
Bretby Piirk (gr., Mr. J. 11. ad), was 1st; and the Duke of
Sutherland '2nd.
Olber classes were for Melons, Cherries, Strawberries,
Gooseberries, andToirntop
Vegetables.— A. collection of nine di&tinct kinds of vegc-
tables was best from Lady ' iieodora Giest, hi" ojd House,
Blandford (gr., Mr. WilkiusJ, who staged fine sampl.b of
Onion Record, French Bean Canadian Wonder, Cauliflower
Magnum Bonum, Cucumber Prolific, Potato Ringleader, Pea
Duke of Albany, Carrot Model, Tomato Perfection, and
Green Globe Artichoke. The Earl of Carnarvon was a
good 2nd.
There were numerous classes for residents in the pottery
towns, and for gardeners and amateurs resident within 25
miles of Hanley Town Hall.
Non-competitive Exhibits. — These contributed largely to the
display of cut flowers and small decorative plants. Mr. H.
Eckford, Wem, staged fifty varieties of Sweet Peas.
Messrs. Dicksons, Chester, showed a fine collection of 150
bunches of herbaceous cut flowers, for which a Gold Medal
was awarded.
Messrs. Cowan & Son, The Vineyard, Garston, Liverpool,
staged a fine collection of Tea Roses in pots, numbering sixty
varieties, also a fine arrangement of tuberous Begonias,
Orchids, Ferns, and Caladiums, the grouping of which was
most effective.
Messrs. Clibran & Son, Altrincham, sent a collection of
herbaceous plants, also a collection of stove and greenhouse
plants for table decoration.
Messrs. Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, sent a collection of cut
flowers.
Messrs. W. <fc J. Birkenhead, Sale, Manchester, exhibited
a stand of Ferns, containing a gieat number of varieties, the
whole occupying tho entire end of one tent, and proving a
source of considerable interest. A Gold Medal was awarded
for this exhibit.
DURHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND, AND
NEWCASTLE BOTANICAL AND
HORTICULTURAL.
July S, 0, 10.— This old-established and well-managed
northern Society held its annual exhibition on the above
dates at Newcastle. Fine woathcr only was needed to make
it a success. Scarcely so extensive as on some previous
occasions, perhaps, the show was one of exceptional excel-
lence. Notably was this the case in regard to fruits, Roses,
hardy herbaceous flowers, floral decorations, Pausies and
Violas. There were several good exhibits of plants, but
there were fewer go d flowering plants than usual.
Plan i v.
The only exhibits of stove and greenhouse flowering
plants were from Mr. Nicholas, gr. to the Marquis of
Zetland, Upleatham, Marshe-by-the-Sea ; these were, how-
ov.r, excellent examples of i peeimen plant culture, and well
deserved the two 1st prizes awarded for six and for four
varieties in two respective classes. These consisted of two
big specimens of Anthurium Scherzerianum, one a specially
fine form with grand spathes ; two DipladeDias in good con-
dition, well flowered, and with healthy foliage ; two Ixoras,
viz., I. Moorei, and I. Williamsii, were both alike capital
plants. Other good plants were Aphclexis macrantha rosea
(now rarely seen), very fresh and bright ; Erica ventricosa
Bothwelliana, a fine late paie coloured form of this section,
and Statice profusa, \ery well coloured.
The foliage plauts consisted chiefly of Palms, prominent
amongst which were the Kentias, Oycrds, and Crotons. For
six varieties Mr. Mclutyre, gr. to Mrs. Pease, Darlington,
beat Mr. Nicholas, having larger plants, the best in the win-
ning six were Croton angustifolius, a fine plant, and 0.
Baronne Jas. de Rothschild, a splendidly-coloured example,
with fine Kcntia Belnioroana and < yeas circinalis.
In the class for four plants Mr. Nicholas had a splendidly-
coloured Croton Warreni, with other good examples.
Mr. McIntvre had the three best Crotons, medium-sized
plants, and the bost trio of Drac'iias, well coloured useful
examples. For table plants Mr. McIndoK was easily 1st,
showing a well furnished, clean, and bright half dozen.
Groups, itc. — In these there is room for improvement, the
exhibitors not appearing to have well consiJered what they
were going to accomplish beforehand. Mr. McIntvre had the
best group, informal in design, well broken up, with rather
too many foliage plants in proportion to tho flowering ones ;
and too much virgin cork was also apparent. M r. F.
Edmondson, Green Market, Newcastle, was 2nd, but the
beautiful effect which he had produced in the foreground
was entirely marred by the staging at the back. For
arrangement of plants for fireplace decoration, Mr. J.
Lawless, gr. to J. Liddell, Esq., Prudhoe-ou-Tyue, was
placed 1st, a close competition, the base and the mantel-
piece being alike good.
Cut Flowers.
Rows.— Outside the National Rose Society's Exhibiti n at
the Crystal Palace, it is not often that finer displays are
made than at Newcastle. The northern Roses are charac-
terised by freshness and brightness. On this occasion a
special class for a " colleetion of Roses, arranged for effect in
a space 10 feet by 4 feet, with Palms anl other foliage
plants," brought out three good exhibits. When we state
that Messrs. Perkins & Sons, of Leamington, were placed
1st, a sufficient guarantee is given that the display was a good
one. This exhibit exemplified what can be done with the
Rose in bouquets (of which there were several, quite distinct),
in baskets (tastefully arranged), and in boxes of specimen
blooms, &c , all being well displayed. Messrs. Harness &
Sons, Bedale, were 2nd.
Iu the usual Rose classes, Messrs. IIarknks^; & Sons were
to the front with grand blooms, bright, clean, fresh, and of
full size ; and, above all, well set up. This firm was first for
sevtnty-two singles, in thirty-six varieties ; for forty-eight
dissimilar, for thirty-six ditto, and for twenty-four ditto in
triplets, thus carrying off all the chief prizes. The finest
blooms in these exhibits were Her Majesty, Dupuy Jamain,
Marchioness of Londonderry, Horace Vemet, La France,
Fisher Holmes, Reynolds Hole, Mrs. J. Laing, Grand Mogul
(extra fine), Jem Liabaud. Star of Waltham, Captain Hay.
ward, Victor Hugo, Marie Van Houtte, John Stuart
Mill, Gustave Piganeau, Rowland Hill, Mdlle. Mario
Rady, Countess of Oxford, Marie Verdier, Marie
Baumann, Marquise de Litta, Ernest Metz, Mary Dickson,
a d Prince Arthur v northern Rose growers will do well to
note these kinds).
Messrs. Mack & Son, Catterick, showed in one or more of
these classes, staging smaller, but bright and fresh, blooms.
In the class for twelve blooms of one variety, Messrs. R.
Mack & Son were 1st with splendid blooms of Madame
Caroline Testout; and Messrs. Harkness & Son followed
with the same variety.
The amateur rosarians of the north showed well, as at
previous exhibitions ; Mr. R. Park was 1 st for twelve triplets,
fine well-developed flowers; and Mr. Finlav, East Layton
Hall, 2nd ; Mr. Park winning again with twelve singles.
Hardy Htrbaceous Flowers. — Of these there was a grand
display, the bunches in most instances being of unusual size,
and in very fresh condition. Messrs. J. Cocker & Son,
Aberdeen, were 1st for eighteen varieties showing typical
border flowers ; the finest bunches were those of Inula
glandulosa (extra fine), Campanula glomerata, Scabiosa
caucasica, Dictamnus Fraxinella var. alba, Heuchera san-
guinea, Iris (Spanish) Belle Chinoise, and i-pirceamacropbylla.
For twelve varieties, Mr. Campbell of High Blantyre was
1st. Lilium Harrisii was very good, and Inula grandulosa
fine.
PaTisiet and Violas. — Not only was the competition keen,
but the several stands were of the highest order of merit.
Mr. Cami-uell had the best forty-eight fancy Pansics,
the blooms quite fresh, and of extra size ; Mr. Alfx. Lister,
Rothesay, being 2nd. Mr. Lister was 1st, however, for
twenty-four show Pansies, the colours bei ng bright, and the
selection good.
Mr. Campbell had the best of the competition in the class
for Violas in not fewer than fifteen varieties. In Mr. Camp-
bell's stand the best were Duchess of York, Iona, Lizzie
Paul, Lord Salisbury, and Dorothy.
In the Second Division, Mr. Davison, Dalton, was 1st for
twenty-four fancy varieties ; and Mr. Proudlock for twelve,
both staging well.
Carnations. — These cons'stcd chiefly of flowers from under
glass or from plants in pots. Messrs. Laing & Mather, of
Kelso, were 1st for twelve bunches of not fewer than six
blooms in each bunch, to be set up in specimen glasses, thus
arranged making a good display ; the best were of the Mal-
maison section (pink and blush), with other standard kinds,
as Uriah Pike, Germania, &c.
Decorative arrangcmoits of Flowers. — As usual, this depart-
ment was well sustained, the taste displayed being good, and
the method of arrangement by the Committee all that one
could desire in order for the exhibits to be seen to advantage.
Messrs. Perkins & Son were 1st tor Bouquets, in all the
four classes, showing in their usual good style.
Mr. T. Battensby beat Messrs. Perkins & Son for a
lady's spray, with a charming combination of miniature
Rosebuds and light foliage, without any Orchids, upon which
Messrs Perkins & Son relied, but with less success.
Messrs. Perkins & Son were again to the front with
baskets of flower«, in two classes.
Frlit.
In the larger class, for eight dishes, Mr. Mclndoe, gr. to
Sir Joseph Pease, Button Hall, was a good 1st, showing what
is most essential, well-ripened fruit. His best dishes were
those of Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes, Darwin Nec-
tarines, Negro Largo Figs, Beacon Pears, and Bellegarde
Peaches. Mr. Tullett, gr. to Lord Barnard, Raby Castle,
was a good 2nd, his best dishes being very fine Bl ck
Hamburgh Grapes, Dr. Hogg Peaches, and Lord Napier
Nectarines.
For four dishes, Mr. McIndoe was also 1st, with similarly
good dishes, Stanwick Elruge Nectarines being notable.
Mr. Tullett had the best exhibit in the class for four
bunches Grapes in not fewer than two varieties, showiog very
fine Black Hamburghs and good Madresfield Court.
Mr. McIndoe had the best Muscats in the class for that
Grape, aud also for any other white with Duke of Buecleuch.
Mr. Luke Thompson, gr. to A. Guthrie, Esq., Low Fell,
had a fine exhibit in the class for Black Hamburgh Grapes,
Mr. McIndoe being 2nd; both exhibits, however, were a
little deficient in colour.
For Peaches, Mr. Lonsdale, gr. to R. H. Appleton, Esq.,
Woodsido Hall, was 1st, with well-colourtd and ripened
Royal George, Mr. Nicholas being 2nd with the same kind.
For Nectarines, Mr. Tullett was 1st with Lord Napier
and Mr. McIndoe 2nd with Darwin. H.
MANCHESTER ROYAL BOTANIC.
July 10,— This was the best exhibition of Roses that has
been held for years under the auspices of the Royal Botanic
Society. Not only were the premier classes of both nursery-
men and amateurs more numerously filled, but the blooms
were of superior quality. The North uf Scotland aud Ireland
were not represented so well as usually, but the Midlands
and the south came out stroDg both in numbers and quality.
44
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 17, 1897.
In regard to effective exhibition, Messrs. Paul & Son, with
a wealth of bloom not staged for competition, caught all eyes.
The groups placed together in hampers were splendid, but
a little marred by the rough outline of the wicker-work, too
much like the rough-and-ready business of Covtnt Garden.
These, together with the exhibits of Wm. Paul &. Son,
made grand centre pieces in the annexe, breaking up the
extreme formality of the straight lines of the competition
square cases. Then, again, the great variety brought in to
make up the class under the heading of " Display of Roses "
told well, and kept the visitor chained to the area of the
exhibit.
Nurs:rymen. -Sixty distinct single trusses. — Mr. B. R.
Cant, Colchester, 1st, with blooms of extra quality ; Messrs.
Hakkness & Son, Hitchia, had 2nd prize. The best blooms
in this lot were A. K. Williams, Thomas Mills, Comte Raim-
baud, Pride of Waltham, Duchess of Bedford, Mervcillc do
Lyon, Victor Verdier, Mammon, and Lady Fitzwilliam.
For thirty-six distinct single trusses, Mr. B. R. Cant was
again 1st. The following were the best blooms : Ulrich
Bruuner, Marcbioness of Londonderry, Victor Verdier, A. K.
Williams, Helen Keller, Her Majesty, Dupuy Jamaiu,
Madame Cusin.
For twenty-four Teas or Noisettes, single trusses, Mr. B.
R. Cant was 1st, and included capital blooms of Madame de
Watteville, and Bridesmaid. Mr. George Pbince, Oxford, was
2nd. Maroan Cochet is a splendid flower with good formed
screw petals, Innocente Pirola, and Ethel Brownlow.
For twelve Teas or Noisettes, Mr. F. Cant was 1st, the best
blooms being The Bride, Madame de Watteville, and Etlicl
Brownlow ; Mr. John Mattock, Oxford, 2nd.
For twelve blooms of a Yellow Rose, Mr. Piunce was 1st;
and for twelve light-coloured Roses, Mr. B. R. Cant was 1st
with Her Majesty.
For twelve Crimson Roses, Mr. Prince was 1st with Rey-
nolds Hole.
Mr. George Prince obtained the Silver Medal for the best
' Tea or Noisette Rose in the show (open) with Maman
Cocbet.
Mr Lindsf.li., Hitchin, obtained the principal Medal forthe
best Rose in the show with a magnificent bloom of Horace
Verne t.
Amateurs.— For the best twenty-four single trusses, Mr. E.
B. Lindrell. Hitchin, was 1st, and had flowers fully as fine
as in any of the nurserymen stands, winning 1st here easily.
His premier bloom, above noticed, of Horace Vernet, being
of wondrous size and symmetry. In addition to that he
hid Duke of Edinburgh, H. Schultheis, Rodocauac'.ii, Mar-
chioness of Londonderry, Merveille de Lyon, Chas. Lefebvr -,
Madame de Watteville, and others— a grand, clean, well-
developed group, without a bad bloom. Rev. J. H. Pember-
ton, Essex, took 2nd place, having the following blooms
good :— Chas. Lefebvre, Her Majesty, Mr. John Laing, Ulrich
Brunner, Marchioness of Londonderry, Horace Vtniet, and
E. Y. Teas.
For twelve distinct trusses,
easy 1st.
For eighteen Tea or Noisette Roses, Rev. W. B. Jackson,
Bedford, took 1st position; Messrs. Pemdertov and H. V.
Macuin following in order. The best blooms throughout
were Madame Hoste, Marie Van Hontte, Catherine M.^rmet,
Ethel Brownlow, The Bride, and Comtessc de Naiaillac, one
of the loveliest of the section, and invaluable is a show-
Rose.
For twelve Teas or Noisettes, Mr. Lindskll again
triumphed; Messrs. Pemberton and Machin following,
Caroline Kuster and Comtessc de Nadaillac distancing fellow-
blooms Mr. Lindsell took 1st position with Alfred
Colomb, for a dozen crimson Rises, and also for light-
coloured Roses; while the Rev. W. B. Jackson had °the
premier award for a dozen yellows.
Messrs. Wm, Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, had a First class
Certificite for a new coloured Tea Rose called " Sylph." It
is ,l mixture of bronze and salmon— good button-hole flower.
This firm also obtained a similar award for " Queen Mab," a
flower of a rather pleasing apricot colour.
Messrs. Paul & Sons' non-competitive group was a large
and varied one, put up on an octagonal platform. The group
contained the following, not named in our report: Mire
Biumann, Marchioness of Downshire, Lawrauce Allan, Duke
of York, and Grandeur of Cheshunt (fine rosy -crimson).
OTHER EXHIBIT!
Messrs. Perkins, Coventry, h;id the best assorted lot of
bouquets, the small Tea and Noisette Roses telling best
among the Asparagus and other greenery.
Misses Hopkins, Mere Cottage, Kuutsford, put up a
creditable lot of interesting and varied border flowers, for
which they received an Award of Commendation. They a'so
exhibited a seedling Pansy of sturdy habit in a pot, quite
double— like a Ranunculus in form, only of Royal Blue
colour, witli the stamens turned into lcallets dashed with
white colour.
Mr. Heiiiy Eckford, Wem, Shropshire, had, in addition to
cut R"ses, a nice and varied display of Sweet Peas.
It remains for us to say that Mr. P. Weathers, with his
lieutenant, Mr. Chas. Paul, was indefatigable in getting
things lighted for the popular gaze, and were rewarded with
a far more numerous attendance than we have seen unless on
our nreat gala days, the receipts sufficing to pay the prize-
money and other expenses.
Mr. Linpsell was again an
MALDON (ESSEX) HORTICULTURAL.
Julv 7.— The annual exhibition of plants, cut flowers,
fruits, and vegetables, was held on the above date in the
grounds of till House, the residence of D. C Bin.nie, Esq.
The show was a must successful one. Fortunately the
tornado which destroyed so much glass, and damaged gaiden
and field crops in the neighbourhood of Chelmsford and
other portions of Essex, did not affect the Maldon district.
Mr. H. Saltmarsh. gr. to Miss Hart, Maiden, was 1st
for a group of miscellaneous plants arranged for effect.
Double and single-tlowered zonal Pelargoniums were shown
in good condition by Messrs. Saltmarsh. Tuorocood,
and, Puiford. Mr. E. Smee, gr. to Miss Oxley Parker,
Woodham, Mortimer, had the best half-dozen Ferns out
of three lots sho«n, staging fresh even-sized plants. Foliage
plants, Begonias, cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables were of
satisfactory quality in the various classes.
[The term "accumulated temperature " indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
I a
-J- u
7V9
ACCCMULATKD.
>
0 ave
3 -
3 -
1 -
3 -
Day-
deg.
67
SI
!0
no
107
126
83
99
110
88
102
123
o
A
a f.t~:
a
.9 •
3S™
%
c* %
7f*
£jS 7l
fc
> O =«
T
o
<o
n
<
W
Rainfall.
±9
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
0
+ 23
0
- 22
0
+ 71
0
+ 143
0
+ 93
0
+ 104
0
+ 4
0
+ 73
0
4- 164
0
- 34
0
+ S4
0
+ 237
Day-
deg.
I
+ 12
- 7S
- 1241
- 115
- iso
- 2l'
- 02
- 138
+ 8
- 57
- 80
lOths
Inch.
7 +
4 -
5 -
5 -
4 -
'• +
0 aver 112
4 - |m
2 + 126
3 - ,117
3 - 122
a s
5s
Oi-a
6
Bright
Sun.
3 S
l&.g
a a
<0 ©
Ins.
20-6
18
148
38
11-5
36
12 0
42
14-1
42
14-8
51
22-6
29
16-5
37
21-4
43
21 1
29
221
32
16-4
49
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the foUowing : —
0, Scotland N. Principal Wheat-producina District* —
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, F. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazino, dec, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; "Channel Islands.
LormpondenU
%* We are compelled to hold one a report of tlte
Wolverhampton Horticultural Slum- until, our
next issue.
Beds of Rhododendrons, Roses, &o. : L. S. We
fear that haviDg no agreement with the landlord in
regard to the removal of the shrubs yon have
planted during your tenancy, you are required by
law to leave them in the beds, if the landlord
insists on his rights. If you deal in shrubs, that
would alter the matter, all way-going stuff being
then removable.
Books : R. E. B. The Scientific and Profitable Culture
of Fruit Trees, from the French of M. du Breuil
(Loekwood & Co., 7, Stationers' Hall Court,
London). Fruit Culture for Amateurs, by S. T.
Wright, published by Upcott Gill, 170,Strand, W.C.
Cucumbers Curling Up, &c. : Cucumber, Kinqstoum.
The symptoms are those of eel-worms at the root,
but you should send specimens of fruit, roots, and
shoots for examination.
Eel-worms: V. D. Before deciding, you should
stnd roots of plants growing in the soil that you
suspect contains eel-worms. A soil from which
every kind of food necessary to sustain eel-worms
is absent is not likely to be the home of the worm.
Loss of Fruit from Peach Trees : C. W. If.
The result, probably, of dryness at the root.
Examine the soil of the border, and if it be found
in a dry state as far as the roots extend, you may
be sure that dryness is the true cavise. Dryness of
the soil is the cause of much ill-success with wall-
trees. To it may be laid loss of wood aud flower-
buds, meagre growth of shoots and fruit, lack of
flavour aud of juiciness in the fruit, and premature
ripening.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — /. W. Lilium Martagon.
— //. A'., L. Cummint/s. Lathyrus sativns, Chickling
Vetch. — J. B. 1, Stanhopea insignis ; 2, Stanhopea
oculata; 3, Phaius grandifolius. — H. IV. Erbium
vulgare. — 67. H. Send your Roses to some nur-
seryman who grows them largely. — S, Klinkhardt.
Stapelia capularis. A description of this plant will
appear in our next issue. — W. J. C. Jasmiuum
gracillinum and Cypripedium Stonei. — C. B. W.
Cereus graniiflorus, an old species, and of no great
value commercially. — H. A. Pteris adiantoides. — -
0. C. 1, Gnaphaliummargaritaceum ; 2, Veronica
spicata alba ; 3, Pentstemon barbatus ; 4, Phalaris
arundinacea variegata ; 5, Campanula Trachelium
album plenum ; 6, Aruudinaria Simoni aurea. — -
J. R. The flower was much withered, but it
appears to be Gongora scaphephorus. Many
thanks for your interesting remarks about it. Con-
stant Reader. Pi rus tormiLalis.
Peaches tbat always have Split Stones :
Shanklin. The cause of this is not known with
certainty, but it is usually attributed to some fort
of check to growth, such as would be caused by
great dryness of the soil, or excessive disbudding,
or much loss of foliage from the " curl ; " in fact,
the splitting of the stone in Peaches and Plums is
just one of the matters of importance to gardeners
which should form a subject for investigation in a
research-garden, such as Chiswick might aud ought
to be.
Rental of Flomst's Shop : Florist. Why not consult
a horticultural valuer, say Mr. 1. Fraser, South
Woodford, Essex ; or Messrs. Protheroe & Morris,
of Leytonstone, Essex, who would tell you within
a trifle what such premises as those you contemplate
taking may be worth to rent.
Situation in the London Public Parks : Purls.
We should suppose that application made at the
proper setison (early spring) to the superintendent
of any of these parks would suffice, provided it was
backed by good testimonials, &c.
Startino in Business as a Grower of Mushrooms :
Mushroom, We are unable to advise. A capital
of £100 is not much wherewith to start such a
business, when you consider that you must meet a
lot of expenf cs before getting any returns. There
aie rent of land and dwelling, cost of living, horse
aud waggon, stabling, some small amount of labour,
baskets for sending Mushrooms to market, cost of
ttable-dung, spawn, &c.
Strawbkbrt and 'Copy'' Trains : The number
of special trains required just now for the convey-
ance of Strawberries is noted in the daily papeis.
We fancy from our own experience, that the
gardeniug papers will soon have to charter a
similar train to convey to their writers manuscript,
the utilisation of which is necessarily limited by
considerations of space.
Sweet Peas : T. P. What you sen 1 are Tares. It
is not a case of reversion, but of mixed seeds.
Comm!'m< atiour Recpived. — Wm R. — W. P. & Sons. —
G. M. — W. K— D. T. P.— M. D.— J. W. (with many
thinks).— J. A.— Dr. B. Sarnen.— M. En-era.— Pi of. Bailey.
— A. ».— C. B— J. D.~ J.C. -W. A. U. Jersey.— .1. IS.—
\V. K.—.]. w.-J. C. & Co.— J. Carvil.— A. S.-E. C—
W. B.— J. Veitch & Sons.— W. O. Mountford.— T. .1. I..—
E. B. -N. E. B.— Riming News Reporting Corp. -H. M.—
W. W.— D. W.— F. Morley.— J. J. W. A. P. -\V. E.—
Expert.— E. C.
Photographs Received with Thanks.— J. F. MeL.
(Market Report, see p. viii.)
July 24, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
45
THE
(Iartom'(|ftrimkk
SATURDAY, JULY 24, 1897.
ANDRE LENOTRE.
THE name of Lenotre is familiar in tho
mouth as a household word, but very
little is known about the man himself, although
he had, in addition to the gift of genius for
landscapo gardening, general talents of no
common order. lie was bom in Paris in 1613,
and died there in September, 1700, aged 87.
Up to tho age of 40, he remained " a youth to
fortune and to fame unknown." Iiis father
was tho chief royal gardener, and co-inspector
of tho palaces with Mansard, the famous archi-
tect, who constructed the dome of tho Invalidos
and the Palace of Versailles. The father of
Lenotre rose to his distinguished position from
being an humble gardener, and on his death ho
was succeeded by his son. Tho latter had
soiiously studied tho fine arts in his youth,
and ho was a fiiend of Le Brun, tho painter.
Lenotre was thus a landscape-painter us well
as a landscape-gardener. It was Fouquot, ono
of tho farmers of finance, who supplied Lenotre
with tho opportunity for exhibiting his talents.
Eouquet had just constructed his palaco of
Vaux-le-Vicomte, which outrivalled every royal
residonco in Prance, and that La Pontaino has
celebratod in his fables. Pie commissioned
Lenotre to lay out the grounds and parks in
keeping with the castle. He was limited to no
sum.
On Louis XIV. visiting the mansion and its
splondid surroundings, where gardening was
raised to a fine art, His Majesty at once engaged
Lenotro to embellish Versailles. The latter
had been a kind of shooting-lodge for Louis
XIII. and his courtiers; his son, Louis XIV.,
retained part of the building, but the fa jade
that has no ec[Uitl in the world, and (he chapel,
wero tho chief new additions. The site was
something between a marsh and a swamp. The
palaco cost, as is now known, 88 millions of
francs, and the laying out of the grounds
34 millions of francs. Quite an army of
Labourers and soldiers was employed to level
the ground, transport earth for tho terraces,
and convert tho shaky land into firm soil. The
most diiiieult part of the labour was the recla-
mation of a swamp that existed at the bottom
of tho terraces. By a. stroke of gonius Lenotre
convoited it into a canal-lake, or piice of orna-
mental water, extending into the distance,
Tiianonwards. Then sprang up fountains,
porticos, ireiltayes, arbours, summer - houses,
temple-, mazes, &e. Tho Trianons or lesser
palaces followed, for it was the time when
Louis loved flowers and Orange-tret s.
Orders quickly arrived for tho services of
Lenotre. Tho Due d'Orleans, the king's
brother, and husband of Princess Henrietta of
England, entrusted him with tho laying
1 out of tho palace-gardens and park of St.
Cloud ; the Prince de Condu secured his
talents for Chantilly ; Louis XIV. directed
him to further embellish St. Germain, and
the famous terrace thero was the result.
Many would give the palm to the terrace at
Richmond and the sweep of the Thames, with
the rich woodland scenery of Buckinghamshire
in tho distance. Lenotre created tho delightful
gardens fronting the lake at Clagny ; ho laid
out Pontainebleau with its partorre and Tiber
canals. He also planned the palaco gardens at
Meudon. Sceaux, &c, Greenwich and St.
James' parks, and the Imperial gardens at
Schoenbrun, were also designed by the famous
Pronch gardener Lenotre.
When Lenotre submittod his plans for the
gardens, grounds, and parks of Versailles,
Louis XIV was wonder-stricken. After ex-
amining the first of tho collection, he said :
" Lenotre, I present you with 20,000 francs; "
he made the same reply after admiring tho
second and the third drawings. Then Lenotre
closed his portfolio, observing : — "Sire, I can
show you no more, as I fear I would ruin you."
A short time ago, I passed a delightful half-
day in the Mueee de Carnavalot oxamining
these same beautiful drawings — real gems of art,
as well as many other of Lenotre's landscapo
skotches. They are as carefully executed and
finished as pictures. But then Lenotre was a
talented painter, since some of his productions
adorned the private apartments of Louis XIV.
Of all his creations, the Tuiloties Gardens
will remain the chef-d'oeuvre of Lenotre. Apart
from being the place where his father was
originally employed, and where ho himself first
learned tho use of the spado, ho had the most
difficulties to surmount in dealing with tho
river front, and in the levelling up of the
terraces aud grounds. Upwards of 200,000 cubic
feet of soil had to be employed for those ends.
His original plan of the Tuileries Gardens has
been much changed : thus, the central alloy has
been enlarged ; more statues placed in the
grounds, though not always in harmony with
tho groups of shrubs ; buildings have been
erected on the terraces; but tho two great
groups of Chestnuts that traverse the garden
remain as they were planted by Lenotre.
In 1078 Lenotre accompanied the Due
d't Means and the Duehesse de Nevers to Italy.
Louis XIV. des-iied to alVord him opportunities
for the widening of his ideas. He admits that
he saw plenty of picture galleries and statues,
but of landscape gardening nothing, and the
1 es( was inferior to what ho himself had
executed in France. Pope Innocent XL took
a great fancy to Lenotre, for the latter was
witty. He said to His Holiness that ho
had seen the two greatest personages in
tho world — "the king my master, and tho
Pope." "I am but a poor humble mortal
beside your king," eaid Innocent, laughingly.
"Not at all, Holy Father," replied Lenotre,
slapping him on the shouleler, and kissing him,
" you will bury the whole college of cardinals."
When the Due de Crequi told Louis about
lenotre embracing His Holiness, and his dis-
belief of tho circumstance, His Majesty said—
"Nothing more likely; ho always embraces
myself." Having become aged— eighty years —
and feeble, Lenolre implored the king to relieve
him of his functions. After sorno hesitation
Louis XIV. acceded, but on condition that ho
would visit bim from time to time. About three
years afterwards, Lenoire was hobbling in the
grounds of Maily; the king in his sedan-
chair approached, welcomed his old servant, and
ordered the carriers to biiog also a chair for
Lenotre, so that they could be side by side and
talk. " Why are you so silent aud weeping,
Lonotre ? " "Sire, I'm thinking what would
be my poor father's feelings were he to soo me,
side by sitlo with the greatest king upon earth."
In 1675, Louis accorded Lenotre letters patent
of nobility, and wished to select for him a coat-
of-arms, " I have selected it, Sire, a long time
ago : three snails, surmounted with the heart
of a Cabbage ; how could I ever forget my
spade, to which I owe all my fortune P " He
was buried in the church of St. Eoch, that is
close to the Tuileries Gardens, in a side chapel
that he had himself endowed.
Lenotre was well read in the sciences ; nearly
the last act of his life was a report — and which
is in existence, and very curious indeed to
examine — addressed to tho great Minister
Colbert, recommending the adoption of Pascal's
discovery, the wheelbarrow. C.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
STAPELIA CUPULARIS, N. B. Brown, n. s/>.
Althodoh, so far as I am aware, this plant has not
been previously tlescribed, it is not a new introduc-
tion, as I first had it in cultivation in 1877, when the
following description was made but never published,
an>l since that time flowers of it from various sources
have on several occasions passed through my hands.
In a general way it much reeembles S. vaiiegata, but
the erect, acute margin of the annulus at once dis-
tinguishes it from that and every other allied species.
Plant quite glabrous, except the margins of the
corolla. Stems 2 to 3 inches long, 1 to 5 lines thick,
obtusely 4-angled, angles with acute s| reading tcetb.
Cymes sessile, progressively 1 to 3 flowered. Pedicels
.'. to 1 ', inch long, about 1 lino thick. Sepals 2jj to
3 lines long, ovate- lanceolate acuminate. Bud penta-
gonal, flattened, with a short, blunt point, the
sinal angles projecting and slightly recurved.
Corolla about 2 inches in diameter, with a saucer-
shaped disc, ovate, acute, recurving lobes, eiliolate,
with very short clavate hairs, and a nearly circular,
cup-shapeel annulus about 8 lines in diameter aud S
lines deep, with the margin erect and acute ; the
back of the flower is pale green tinged with purple,
especially on the nerves, the face is slightly rugose,
pale lemon-yellow ihickly covered with dark purple-
brownspots, which areoften more or lessconfluent into
irregular lines ; the ground colour of the annulus is
rather lighter than the rest. Outer coronal lobes
2Jt lines long, obloDg. deeply bifid at the apex,
with slightly diverging teeth, and a minute tooth at
the base of the notch, pale-grecni-h yellow, do! ted on
both sides iu the apical part with dark purple-brown,
and on the upper tide with a e- ntinnation of tl e dots
elown the centre, and a spot at the ba-e ; sometimes
tho margins only on the under surface are dotted.
Inner coronal lobes two honied, the horns equal, the
the inner erect, outer slightly spreading, both clavate,
pale yellow dotted with purple-brown. The statninal
under the corona markeel with two distini or
more or less confluent, bands of dark purple-brown.
.Y. E. Broiml.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
From Mr. Joseph DrooiFe, of Llandudno, wo have
received a bloom of Cattleya Mendeli, in which
there were two sepals placed fore and aft, two petals
placed right and le't, and a straight erect column
flattened from side to side, with two anthers
in the fame position as the sepals. The stigma
and the ovary were ent'r< ly wanting. The ac-
companying diagram shows the position of the ['arts :
S
p st p
1 st
S
It must be classed as a case of regular peloria, at-
tended with reduction both in the numbers of tho
parts in a whorl, and in a whorl itself. The pollinia
46
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 24, 1897.
were well formed, so that a perfect male flower was
the result. The pollen could be easily removed by
an insect without the necessity for any special modifi-
cation of the lip. If we accept the simplification of
parts as an indication of " reversion," then, this
flower represents an ancestral condition of greater
simplicity. The opposite view, that it may be in
some sense an advance, as implying a division of
labour, may be held. The absence of the lip will put
it out of court with the orchidist. M. T. M.
Odontoolossdm Uro-Skinneri.
In the choice collection of Orchids brought
together within the last five years by D. B. Rappart,
E>q., there exists one of the best coloured forms of
Odontoglossum Uro-Skinneri. It is a plant which
grows freely as a rule in skilful hands. The raceme
of flowers is often 3 feet long. The sepals of this
variety aro ovate, and the petals roundly ovate, bo
that there is scarcely any intervening spaces between
them; the groundcolour is the greenish-yellow as
seen in O. cxcelleus, and the blotches are of a senna
colour, irregular in size and position ; the petals are
heavily keeled at the back ; the lip may be called
brilliant for this species, the violet predominating,
and the white standing out in relief over the whole
of the oblate lip, which, together with the segments,
form a circle. There were from twenty to forty
eight flowers on each raceme. Why do not our
Victorian medallists aspire to get this blood trans-
fused ? J. A ndcrson.
Ctmbidium Lowianum vikide.
As this plant is of strong growth, producing roots
freely, it should be given ample accommodation ; the
pots should hare a liberal quantity of draining
material, next to which should be placed a layer of
ephaguum— this will prevent the soil blocking up the
drainage ; some good brown fibrous-peat, and double
the quantity of light turfy -loam with some sharp
silver-sand, will make a suitable compost. It is
advisable to place the plant sufficiently below the
rim of the pot so that it may receive a thorough
soaking at the roots, as it requires much moisture
during the growing season at the roots as well as
overhead.
During the resting period, although the quantity
of water given should be less, the plant should on no
account be allowed to become dry, as this would
materially injure it. An occasional sprinkling with
the syringe when the weather is blight and warm
will be advantageous, Lut during the dull months of
winter it will be belter t'> avoid tl.is, and allow the
plants to depeud for moisture upon the water
supplied to the rooti occasionally ; (his will enable
the spikes, which frequently begin to show as early
as December, to rome to full maturity. Tie tem-
perature of the Cattle; a house, and the atmosphere
charged with moisture, will suit our plants admir-
ably ; when at rest, however, a temperature of 50°
and loss moisture will suffice. Orchid Album, vol. x>'.,
vart 132.
ONCIPIUM PJYMATOCHILUM.
Sir Archibald Buchan Hamilton, of Smeaton-
Hepburn, East Lothian, kindly sends us particulars
of a raceme of Oncidium phymatochilum, recently
flowered by him Tho entire length of the inflo-
rescence was 9 feet 7 inches, the longest side-branch
was 2 feet 8 inches In length, the breadth between
the extremities of two basal side-branches 5 feet
There were thiitj -eight side - branches to the
inflorescence.
CTPRirEDlUM CUKTISir.
One of the largest and most striking of its clas=,
ard occasionally a fine variety is flowered of which
the fortunate possessor thinks very highly. A
handsome ai d massive-looking variety is sent by W.
11. Lumsdeu. Ksq , Balmedie, Aberdeenshire (gr.,
Mr. (ieo. Roberts), the chief peculiarity of which
lies iu the s'ze of the labellum, which measures nearly
live inches iu circumference, and in the clear white
of the ground colour of the petals, which are three
quarters of an inch in width, and very regularly dotted
wjth purple. J. OR.
ClRRHOPETALUM COLLETTI.
A fine inflorescence is sent by D. B. Rappart, Esq.,
Promenade, Liecard, Cheshire, of this handsome
Cirrhopetalum, bearing four flowers of a yellowish
ground colour marked conspicuously with purplish-
criinson. The boat-shaped upper sepal haa the apex
prolonged and decorated with a purple plume. The
smaller petals are also fringed at the tips, and the
lower sepals lengthened out so as to form slender
tails of about 4 inches in length ; the lower part and
the labellum are of a purplish-crimson colour. The
species was introduced to this country from the Shan
Mountains, where it grows at an altitude of 6,000
feet, and is therefore a species which requires but
little artificial heat, unless it be in the growing season.
J. O'B.
PERISTERIA ASPER9A.
A plant of this comparatively recent introduction
from Venezuela is flowering iu the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Edinburgh. The raceme carries flowers
of a yellowish-brown, covered with brownish-red
dots, and the lip is dark crimson upon the inner
Burface, but when lifted it presents a white blotch to
view. Whilst growing the plant was afforded stove
treatment, the compost about the roots being kept
rather dry until the pots fill with roots. The plant
is figured in Lindenia, t. 267.
Dendrobium MacCarthi^.
Although this plant is rather difficult to grow, yet
it is worth the trouble. The species is a native ot
Ceylon, requires a high temperature and moist sur-
roundings, and even when growth is finished it
should not be kept much cooler than when growing
actively. The slender pseudo-bulbs are furnished
with leaves mostly at the apex, whence also springs
the short floral racemes of three or more blooms.
These are about 3 inches in length, of a bluish-pink
colour ; the lip has a large dark blotch. A plant in
the Edinburgh Botanic Garden has been in flower for
several weeks past. R. L. B.
Holland.
Among the best Ranunculacese I noted Thalictrum
aquilegifolium, flexuosum, japonicum, lucidum, and
rubellum.
The following flowers were charming : Triteleia,
with sweet soented blossoms ; Uvularia and Zopbyr-
anthes atamasco, from North America, bearing white
flowers flushed with rose.
At Haarlem, among fields of Hyacinths and Tulips,
is the establishment of Messrs. E. H. Krelage & Son .
Here (at the end of April) Hyacinths were still in
flower. I saw the following excellent and little-
known varieties of Hyacinths cut, and destined for
the Berlin Exhibition : — Grandiose, double white
double Tolstoi, delicate rose ; Kestanjebloem, also
noticeable. There were still fine spikes left of the
dark Jacques and porcelain-blue Holbein and Johan,
good varieties for forcing. Trilby bears an orange
flower, Gounod is blue ; Lemon-tree, a compact and
yollow raceme ; Hofdyk is also yollow, as are New
Cauary-bird and Gold-light.
Narcissus of all species were blooming abundantly
Among the newest and best, I admired a new double
form, N. incomparabilissemipartibus pleuus, raised by
MM. Krelage, like a double Poet's Narcissus, but
pale yellow.
There were some varieties of Anemone fu'gens
with large flowers, such as Aldboroensis, Glory of the
South, and Annulata. The variety Multipetala is a
decided advance upon the ordinary double flowers.
The firm is very successful in hybrid Fritillarias.
Chinese Pjeonies are very fine here ; there are
about 500 varieties in wide borders which promise to
be very gay.
In the houses aro many fine Amaryllids, 6ome now
out out of bloom. There is a good collection of
dark-flowered seedliugs bearing five or six blooms on
each raceme. Cliveias were handsome but nearly
over.
Asparagus Sprengeri and comoriensis are largely
grown at the Bloemhof Nurseries, aB well as a climbing
Fern, Lygodium japonicum. Ch. D. B.
I saw. in the spring some fine Amaryllis at the estab-
lishment of MesBrs. De Graaff Bros., among them A.
Dr. Hogg, deep red and pure white; and A. Incom-
parable, orange-scarlet and white. Among the prettiest
Anemones were apponina, blanda, fulgens, multipetala
Hepatica angulosa, nemorosa, alba plenv brac-
teata plena, coorulea, rosea and rosea plena, palmata,
alba, and ranuncnloidis. There is here also a fino
collection of Fritillarias. Among Hellebores aro tho
new varieties Corncte, Diadem, Dr. Moore, Duchess of
Cleveland, Juhn Bright, and Labyrinth. I noted
particularly interesting collections of Lachenalia,
terrestrial Orchids, Primula cortusoides, and Ranuncu-
lus alpestris, amplexicaulis, and millefoliatus. There
are numerous varieties of Scilla, Sparaxis, Trillium,
Adonis, and some remarkable Anigosanthus brevi-
florus ; Anthericum aloides, graminifolium, Hookeri,
Liliago, liliastrum and ramosum ; Brodiajas capitata,
congesta, and coccinea. I would also mention Bulbo-
codium vernuui, Camassias Cusicki, esculenta, and
Fraseri ; Caulophyllum thalictroides, C'helidonium
aponicum and C. ma jus fl. pi. ; Chionodoxa, Claytonias
caroliuiana and virginica, Cuoperias Drummondi and
pedunculata, Dielytra canadensis, Cucullarias eximia
and spectabilis ; Dodecatheous integrifolia, Jeffreyi,
Meadia vars. alba and elegans.
Epimedium, Erythronium, Freesia, Galanthus
Elwesii, nivalis, Imperati, and plieatus ; Heuchera
sauguinca, wi'h its varieties robusta and splendens,
de=erve mention, as do also Incarvillea, Ixiriolirion,
Jeffersonia, Levicocrinum, Leucojum, Mucrotouia,
Marica, aud Massonia. Among many species of
Ornithogalum, the best were pyramidale, pyrenaicum,
mubellakim, arabicum, Bergi, and lactcum.
TbeOxalia areallpretty ; Puschkinialitanolica and
scilloides are really gems. Sanguinaria canaden.-.is
makes an excellent rock-plant ; Saxifraga granulata
and peltata are kuown favourites ; and Soldanella
alpina and the white variety do well in shady parts.
NITRATE OF SODA v. SULPHATE
OP AMMONIA.
' The importance of some nitrogenous artificial
manure is now fully recognised among farmers, gar-
deners, and fruit growers — the main question to be
considered is, what shall it be ? This, to a very large
extent, must be decided by the current price of the
different materials in the market, and also upon the
character of the soil to which the manure is to be
applied. The subject has recently been dealt with
and discussed by Mr. F. J. R. Carulla, F.C.S., in a
short pamphlet, in which he advocates the uso of
sulphate of ammonia as equal in value to, if not
superior to, nitrate of soda. It is now found fiat
sulphate of ammonia can be obtaiued as a by-product
from blast furnaces, which will probably cause this
manure to become cheaper than formerly, and tho
manufacturers are naturally anxious to find a ready
market for their commodity.
The commercial value of nitrate soda and of sul-
phate ammonia is based entirely upon the amount of
nitrogen they contain, notwithstanding the fact that
the action of the two ingredients when added to the
soil are entirely different.
Both substances supply the growing ciop nith
nitric acid, but while the ammonia of sulphate
ammonia has to be converted into nitric nitrogen
before the plants can use it, the nitrogen of the
nitrate soda is available to plants at once. This may
or may not be an advantage, and will depend largely
upon tho class of soil to which the different manures
may be applied.
Weight for weight, sulphate of ammonia is cheaper
than nitrate of soda ; in fact, about 4 cwt. of the
former are equal to 5 c*t. of the latter; the
ammonia containing about 20 ] er cent, of nitrogen,
while the nitrate contains but 15 per cent.
We have already mentioned that the benefit derived
from the two manures will depend upon the character
of the soil, and upon tho description of crop to which
they may be applied. Iu the agricultural experi-
ments at Rothamstel, where the soil is of a somewhat
Jul? 24, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
47
heavy loam, nitrate of Boda generally gives the beat
results, although, owing to the liability to excessive
drainage in the winter, this manure has always to be
applied in the spriDg ; while in the agricultural
experiments at Woburn, where the soil is of a light
sandy character, Bulphate of ammonia usually gives
the largest returns. J. J. Willis, Harpendcn.
American Notes.
THE LOGAN-BERRY.
One of the most interesting of recent contributions
from American experiment-stations is Professor L. F.
Kinney's bulletin on the Logan-berry. This fruit
has been widely advertised, and much talked of in
recent years ; but most of the experience reported by
growers has been rather negative than positive. In
California, whence the fruit came, it seemed to have
achieved some success. Mr. E. J. Wickson reported
from the Californian experiment-station in 1894, that
it had " proved to be a robust grower, with large,
handsome fruit, possessing a striking flavour, sugges-
tive of a combination of that of Raspberries and
Blackberries." In 1895, Meehans' Month/;/ noted the
ripening of a few berrries at Philadelphia, and re-
marked that the canes would require wiuter protec-
tion. Professor Kinney concludes that the Logan-
berry is the most promising new type of small fruit
that has been grown at his station, but thinks also
that it will require winter protection. The plants
are propagated by stolons or cuttings. Seedlings can
be grown, but are comparatively worthless. The
Longau-berry is supposed to be a Raspberry -Black-
berry hybrid.
PIMELEAS.
Pimeleas are natives of New Holland, and tho
species commonly cultivated in our greenhouses are
P. ferruginea, better known in gardens under the
name decussata ; P. rosea syn. Hendersoni, P. spec-
tabilis, P. Prcissii syn. Neypergiana, and P. ligustrina
hypericina syn. elegaus. The most suitable kind of
soil for Pimeleas consists of two parts good fibry peat
and one part turfy loam, and coarse silver sand in
quantity sufficient to keep the whole porous and
sweet ; small broken charcoal is also a useful ingre-
dient. The peat and the loam should be pulled to
pieces, but need not be sifted, except for very young
plants, and the whole should be well mixed together
before use.
Drainage is au important point, and needs to be
efficiently done by using three sizes of clean crocks,
the largest to cover the bottom of the pots, which
should be quite clean ; the next size to be placed
very carefully on this one, the smallest of all on
the top of these : put some of the rougher bits of
soil over these, the pots are then ready for the
plants. The present is a good time to procure plants
from the nursery, and as soon as received they
should be shifted, so as to get them established
before winter. Large specimen plants had better
be repotted at the beginning of the month of
March, as late summer potting, unless the plants
are very carefully afforded water, is likely to
induce growth that cannot be ripened that year.
These large plants should have the soil loosened at
the sides, and the roots set free ; or the outside of
the ball, if much pot-bound or matted, may be
shaved off with a knife with advantage to the plants,
and in that case there need be no increase in the
size of the pots. Whichever method be followed,
the surface of the ball should not be more than
half an inch lower than before, ample space being
left — say, 2 inches - for holding water. The soil
should be put in round the old ball in small quantities
at a time, making it firm with the fingers, and
ramming it with a potting-stick before putting in
more of it. A shift for a large plant should be not
less than 3 iuches larger in inner diameter than
before. Young and vigorous Pimeleas may have a
2-inch shift, which usually will suffice for twelve
months. Afford the repotted plauts a copious appli-
cation of water, place them near the roof of the
greenhouse, affording after a week abundance of air
at all times ; and when the new roots begin to
permeate the soil, place them in a cold frame, afford-
ing full exposure in fine weather, but not allowing
heavy rains to reach them ; but put the lights over
them, admitting, however, as much air as possible to
the frame. Rain-water is best for these plants, and if
manure be used in the season of growth, it should be
of a very mild description, water just stained with
guano and soot being good for them from May to
August. In hot weather, afford the plants a syringing
in the evening, and damp the ash-bed on which the
plants stand in the frame, and the ground beneath
the greenhouse stage. In the winter, just as much
water is needed at the root as will prevent flagging.
The temperature of an ordinary greenhouse suffices.
The shoots made in spring and early summer
may be pinched once before the end of June
if the plants have reached their full size,
and twice or thrice if they are young. Young
plants may have the flowers removed with a small
piece of the shoot in April, and be started into growth
sooner than is possible with flowering plants of half-
specimen or specimen sizes. With a few neat sticks,
it is possible to regulate the head, and give symmetry,
the first three species named being of naturally com-
pact habit. Pimeleas ligustrina hypericina and
P. Preissii make more sleuder and less compact
growth than these, and which more than one stop-
ping in the season in the case of old plants would
tend to spoil, although several stoppings of the leading
shoots would be permissible in the case of young
plants. It is very necessary to keep the soil free
from moss, to stir the surface frequently, and to top-
dress the old ball in the autumn, and also in the
spring in the cases of plants that are not going to hi-
re-potted at that time. II. T. M., Siondciyh.
The Rosary.
JULY IN THE ROSE GARDEN.
Notwithstanding the backward condition of our
Roses about the middle of June, the grand weather
at the end of that month brought them on very
rapidly. We know what a vast difference a few days
of real summer weather has upon all flowers, but I
have seldom noticed the Rose come along so rapidly
as during the prosont season.
Mulchings will have a great effect upon late-
summer and autumnal bloom if applied at once,
taking care to hoe the soil deeply before applying it,
for unless one can maintain the land in a moist con-
dition by mulching, artificial waterings do but little
good. To afford light applications of water is almost
useless ; indeed, I believe they do more harm than
good, as they serve only to excite the roots near the
surface, and then leave them to be parched after the
moisture has evaporated. Not only does a mulch
prevent this, but it supplies plant-food as well at the
time when it is of most benefit to the plant.
Early- Howerinij Climbers upon walls, the main crop
of blossoms on these will soon be over, and it will be
well to use the knife freely and cut away the bulk of
tho wood that has flowered, thus allowing space for new
shoots to be laid in, and preventing much of the fresh
growth from forming upon shoots that would be cut
away next season when pruning. At the same time,
a few thorough applications of liquid-manure will
be a great help to all wall Roses. We do not
sufficiently bear in mind the fact that the soil of a
border near the wall is liable to become very dry, and
as we cannot have good Roses next y«ar without a
supply of flowering- wood made this year, it is well to
afford encouragement to the plants at the right time.
A free use of the garden-eDgine or powerful syriuge,
with water only, has a good effect in clearing the
plants of insects, and is of help to the former in hot
weather.
Budding. — One of the most important items in Rose-
culture during July is budding, and unless the
Briars intended for standards are budded early the
bark seldom lifts well. Nor is it possible to bud all
suitable shoots at any one date, Bome few of them
being far more advanced than others. It is not a
good plan to cut away any of the Briar growth just
previous to inserting a bud, as the bleeding, which
ensues from a wound, sometimes causes] the bark
to cling, and even when this is not so, before the bud
can be inserted, the partial check to the flow of sap
cannot be beneficial to the inserted buds. The
operation itself has been so often described that I
will only warn my readers against too tight a tie
when securing the bud ; still, a bud must be tied in
with sufficient firmness if a proper union is to take
place. A. P.
THE EXCLUSION OF FOG FROM
HOTHOUSES.
Dr. Schdnxk, President of the Society of Chemical
Industry, addressing the annual meeting of the society
at Owens College, Manchester, on Wednesday last,
referred to the manner in which the atmosphere of
large towns was poisoned by smoke, and to its ill
effect upon the population. The great distress caused
to those suffering from pulmonary complaints by the
fogs so often prevailing in theBe towns had, he said,
no doubt more than once suggested the possibility of
filtering the air before allowing it to enter into our
dwellings. The difficulties of Buch a device did not
seem great in themselves, the real difficulty arising
from the habits and prejudices of the people, who could
not understand the possibility of ventilation, except
it be through windows and doors. In his paper on
"The Effects of Urban Fog upon Cultivated Plants,"
Prof. T. Oliver mentioned with favour a plan devised
by Mr. Toope, an engineer of Stepney, who caused
the air entering his hothouses to pass through boxes
containing trays with sticks of charcoal, before im-
pinging on the hot-water pipes, an out-draught being
secured by means of " exhaust caps " placed on or
near the ridge of the hou3e. The plan, in Professor
Oliver's opinion, was an efficient one. That any such
plau would Bucceed in private houses, as at present
constructed, was very doubtful.
Dr. Schunck ventured to suggest, though he did it
under fear of censure, that a moderate amount of
smoke might actually be beneficial to vegetation by
covering the leaves and other parts of plants with a
thin coating of carbonaceous or tarry matter, and thus
rendering them unpalatable to insects. Of course,
the amount would have to be exceedingly small, for
if excessive they would soon experience deleterious
effects, such as were seen in the Bcanty and blighted
vegetation in the immediate neighbourhood of smoky
towns.
Cultural Memoranda.
CODLEUMS stn. CROTONS.
Where these ornamental stove shrubs are required
in large numbers, the following method of culture,
which is largely practised on the Continent, is well
worthy of a trial : — In March the tops are mossed
round, and roots thus induced to form, then these are
removed, and potted in soil, and early in May, when
well rooted, they are planted out at about 15 inches
apart in beds made up in low span-roofed houses.
Thesebeds, about 12 in. in depth, consist of loam, sand,
and a small quantity of peat. The house is shaded
for a few weeks, that is, till the plants have become
established, and from that time onwards they are
fully exposed to the sun, and a close, moist atmo-
sphere is maintained throughout the summer months.
By the end of the month of August the plants have
grown into straight-stemmed, well-e»loured speci-
mens, from 2 to 4 feet high, and they are then dug
up and potted, mostly in 32-sized pots, though
the size of the plant determines that of the
pot most suitable for it. A little extra
attention paid to shading, syringing, and afford-
ing water at this period is well repaid by the
plants retaining their leaves right down to the pot.
After a time, a cooler temperature is an advantage, as
it enables the plantB to harden before they are
required for decorative parposes. This method of
eulture saves a good deal of labour in watering,
potting, &c, and fine, healthy plants are obtained.
U. T.
48
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jolt 24, 1897
THE DENDROBIUM OECHID-
BEETLE.
Diaxenes Dendrobii (Chilian).
In December of 1896, I waa asked to visit the
Orchid-house of a larger grower in Midlothian, where
the Orchids were being ruined by some agency or
other. On examination of the unhealthy plants, I
found many of the pseudobulbs tunnelled by larvtc
of a longicorn beetle. Later on, at the Royal Botanic
Garden I bred out the beetles from these larva;, and
the pest proved to be as suspected, Diaxenes
dendrobii, G.
FlG. 11.— ADCLT BEETLE ON DENDROBIUM CAR1NIFERU
(Enlarged.)
With the beetles thus won, I proceeded to work
out the life-history of the pest in one of the glass-
houses at the Botanic garden with Orchids provided
for the purpose.
When my experiments and observations
are completed, which will not be for some
months yet. I will publish a full account "f
the Diaxenes and its work, but mean-
while, I think it may be helpful if I is.-ue
this preliminary note, warning those in-
terested in Orchid cultivation to be on
their guard. I am induced to do this at
the present time, as I have, in the course
of my experiments, just proved that the
beetles will and do breed in our Orchid-
houses, a fact which up till now, has been
doubted, and indeed, declared improbable.
Diaxenes dendrobii is a pretty brownish-
grey beetle, from one half to five - eights
of an inch long, with long antenme, and
with whitish or yellowish lines along its
upper surface (fig. 11). The grub (fig. 12),
which lies inside the pseudo - bulb, is
whitish and legless (but still very active),
with scaly brown head and biting jaws.
When full fed it makes a cocoon out of the
fibres of the hollowed-out pseudo-bulb
(fig. 13), from which cocoon, after pupation,
the beetle emerges.
Diaxenes is injurious, both as imago
and as larva. The grubs mine into and
tunnel out the pseudo-bulbs till, it may be, merely
the outer skin is left, while the beetles feed on
pseudo-bulb and leaf and root (fig. 14).
.Undoubtedly the pest has been introduced in
Orchids imported from Burmah. In March of this
year I examined in the Botanic Garden some Den-
drobium nobile Orchids freshly imported from
Burmah, bought at a sale in London ; and in some of
these plants I found larvae which now, as I write,
have reached the beetle stage. Doubtless a number
of similar plants will have been distributed over the
country, and with them the pests, for which a careful
outlook should be kept. The beetles should be
killed whenever found, but very careful looking is
required to find them. Feeding chiefiy by night and
resting by day (often at the base of the plant), they
escape notice ; and as, in addition, they are pro-
tectively coloured, until the eye gets accustomed to
them great difficulty is experienced in picking them
out. That the beetle is present, however, may be
known by its work, for which see the figures.
The pseudo-bulbs which harbour the larva; can be
detected by the withered appearance, and to begin
with, by the blackish or brownish discoloration of ono
side, this discoloration marking the progress of the
2, Full-grown larva, somewhat enlarged.
,3, Pupa removed from cocoon, dorsal surface ; twice nat. size.
4, Pupa, ventral surface ; twice nat. size.
enclosed grub. By squeezing the pseudo-bulbs too
betweeif the fingers the attacked ones give a little,
lacking the firmness of those of healthy plants. The
enclosed grub should be cut out and destroyed. From
what I have seen, I have no hesitation in describing
Diaxenes dendrobii as the very worst of Orchid pests,
and should it once get a footing in an Orchid-house,
there is much discouragement and disappointment in
store for the owner or cultivator.
Diaxenes dendrobii takes its name from its infest-
ing the genus Dendrobium, but I am sorry I have to
add, that the beetle seems willingly to feed upon
almost auy Orchid with marked pseudo-bulbs. In
my experiments, Dendrobium, Ccelogyne (fig. 15\
Cattleya, and La;lia (fig. 14), have all been attacked,
and at present I have a brood of my own rearing in
Lselia anceps. As I am desirous not only to get *
complete knowledge of the spread of Diaxenes in
Britain, but also to make my report when issued as
helpful as possible, I will be much obliged if anybody
who has had experience of the beetle or its work will
communicate with me heie. I need hardly add,
that any information thus received which might
Fig. 13. — cocoon in situ, showing exit-hole of beetle
in pseudo-bulb of dendrobium.
(Rather less than nat. size.)
prove helpful, will be fully acknowledged. It. Stewart
MacDowjall, M.A., li.Sc, Rnyal Botanic Garden,
Edinburgh. [We add an illustration of a similar beetle.
Diaxenes Taylori (fig. 16), found on Sacco-
labium. Gard. Ohron., June 11, 1887. Ed.1
FlG. 14. — PSEUDO-BULB OK L.€LIA ANCEPS GNAWED BY ADULT BEETLE.
(Natural size.
FEENCH CHEEEIES.
Cherry-trees are grown everywhere in
France, although in the south their culti-
vation is limited by the intense warmth.
The fruit does not require a particular
kind of soil, though one that is deep, dry.
calcareous, and silicious. is preferable to an
argilaceous, compact, and humid soil. In
the opinion of French growers, the best
site for a Cherry -orchard is a hill or open
field, where air and light are readily acces-
sible. If grown near to a wood or forest.
the fruit is likely to ripen too quickly, and
be devoured and injured by birds. A coll
soil and foggy atmosphere greatly imped f
the development of the plant, and thei-
will be little blossom ; too much heat i-
also detrimental. When the trees ate
grown as espaliers, the tops should b«
allowed to incline towards the north, and
in this way the maturing of the fruit wi 1
be retarded. Sometimes trees are grow n
by the seaside, but it is not desirabV
The mode of increase is by seed, and
July 24, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
49
tbe French grower chooses for seed those fruits
which grow on the most flourishing trees. He
waits till the fruit is entirely ripe, and then
takes a few Cherries at hazard, cracks the kernel
to ascertain if tho seed be in a healthy condition,
and that it is sufficiently matured to germinate. The
seed is sown as soon as possible after being gathered,
otherwise the kernel is apt to become rancid or
musty, when no germination is possible. If, how-
Cherries are large'y consume 1 in France. The
Biyarreaux are not so digestible as some others, and
they should therefore be eaten in moderation. The
Guignes, or white heart Cherry, and the Griottes are
dried for consumption during the winter, and are
stored like Apples on shelves. The last two species
are those in demand for making jam, and for pre-
serving iu brandy. The French have many ways of
cooking Cherries ; ani a very good kind of oil
Fig. 15. — ccelogyse ceistata showing leaves characteristically injured by
mature beetle.
(Natural size.) From a drawing by Mr. A. Hogg. (See p. 48.)
ever, through some unavoidable cause or other, the
seed cannot be sown at once, the kernels should be
carefully stratified — that is, covered in alternate
layers of kernels and sand. The ground to be
sown Bhould have been carefully prepared, and the
kernels should be sown either broadcast by hand, or
in furrows. The seeds germinate by the end of the
spring, and the shoot is let alone for one, two, or
three years, according to the purpose for which the
trees are intended.
is extracted from the kernels, which is largely
employed by pastrycooks in flavouring cakes and
sweets. The gum or resin exuded by a Cherry-tree
is much in favour in the medical world [?]. When this
resin is mixed with water, it spreads, but does not
dissolve, and it is sometimes employed as a substi-
tute for paste. The wood itself, which is tenacious,
is much in request for cabinet work and for the
manufacture of tobacco-pipes, these being the only two
industries which employ the wood of the Cherry.
Among seme of the cl.o'ie vaiie^es of Cherri' s
growu in the suburbs of Palis are l'Auglai-e and La
Koyale d'Angleterre [Anglaise Tardive is late Duke ;
and Anglaiae Hative, Mav Dake. Ed. | ; both kii d->
are early and of the finaet quality. By the end of
May both varieties aro ripe for gathering : in colour,
they are of a deep red. and though acid, are very
I>alatable in flavour. The Anglaise variety is that
most in demand for exportation, and enj 'Vs great
popularity as an eating or preserving fruit. The
.Montmorency [Yellow Ramonde. Ed ] is another fine
variety, and it is so much thought of that th-5 French
call it " la reine des cerises" (the queen of Cherrie.-
[although Hogg in his Manual says that it is fit only
tor preserving. Ed.]. The fruit is of a medium
size, bright red in colour at first, and beoming
darker as it becomes quite ripe, briskly acid, and flesh
tender. July is the month par excellence when Mont-
morency Cherries are ripe. There are two varieties
of Montmorenoy, one long and the other ehort stalked :
both are hardy, and the blossoms able to withstand
sharp frosts, which may serve to explain their extensive
cultivation. There kre no fewer than twenty different
varieties of Cherries in France ; the latter number
are again sub-divided into others, of which nine are
suitable for orchards, and nine others for garden*.
The Bigarreau is largely grown in France also ; of
this kind there are two varieties, and both are good ;
the first is half-red and half-yellow in colour ; the
FlO. 16.— DIAXENES TAVLORI
(See p. 48.)
second category is black and red, the latter is very
productive, and chiefly raised upon a light dry soil ;
the red and black Bigarreaux are subject to attacks
from a worm known as l'Ortalide.
Lower Burgundy devotes considerable attention to
Cherry culture, the Cherry orchards being mostly
situated on hills. The fruit is usually sold on the
spot, at so much per 100 kilos., the buyers being
brokers who establish themselves temporarily in the
villages in the districts in which the Cherry orchards
abound, buying up the Cherries wholesale, and having
the advantage of being on the spot to superintend
the packing of the fruit. The fruit is packed in
baskets of rectangular shape, 60 centimetres long.
The brokers accompany each cargo to the nearest
railway station, from whence the fruit is sent off by
special fast train direct to Paris, and thence ti
L'mdon, Berlin, St. Petersburg, and other important
capitals. The department of the Yonne is the true
cradle of the French Cherry-growing industry. Long
before railways were constructed in that part of
France the trade was flourishing, especially that of
the Anglaise variety, which was then, as now, in
much repute. The Cherry baskets at that day were
carried on the backs of donkeys, the animals bringing
the fruit to the nearest village, where it was ex-
changed for poultry, milk, and other commodities.
50
THE GABDENEBS' CHBOXICLE.
[J.LY 21, 1391
Forty-five years aqp it was not unusual in France to
exchmge on° pom 1 -of Cherriea for one dozen of
eggs or half a pound of butter ; four pounds of the
fruit w mid purc'a ise a fowl ; any grower that brought
101 lb. of Cherries to the market received in exchang*
20 lb. of butter, 101 eg»s. and half a dozen of fowls !
Of 0 uirse, when railways were made, quits a different
order of thing? took place, which resulted in an
increase of the Cherry trade. At St. Bris, it it
a pleasing sig'it to witness in the month of June as
early as 3 o'clock in the morning, all the inhabitants
of the surrounding villages starting in a body ei routi
for the fruit plantations. At each corner of the
streets stand merchants, whose sole business consists
in weighing the fruit and purchasing it. No credit is
ever given. " Cash with order" is always the rule.
St. Bris, which is a very large and important Cherry-
growing village, has a special exchange or hall, where
buyers repair each day, and ascertain the latest
market quotations, after which they transact busi-
ness accordingly. At 12 o'clock noon the pick-
ing of the fruit ceases ; the afternoon is devoted
to conveying the baskets full of Cherries to the
nearest railway station. When the harvest has been
a good one, sixteen railway trucks represent one
single morning's picking. Duriug one year the rail-
way stations of St. Bris and Auxerre transported over
1,000.000 lb. of Cherries between them. For miles
and miles only Cherry trees are to be seen ; they are
planted between Vines, and prosper exceedingly.
The picking of the fruit, as a rule, is generally the
work of women an! children ; no outlay is required,
save cost of culture, hence the proprietors reap a
good profit. In good years St. Bris and district
sell as many as 100,000 francs-worth of Cherries.
The most important Paris suburb where Cherries are
grown is Villiers Saint-Frederick, in the department
of Seine-et-Oise ; it is but a small village, having
but 300 people, and is built upon a dry sandy Boil.
The inhabitants give themselves up wholly to culti-
vating the Cherry, and boast of being able to send
several thousands of francs worth of Cherries to Paris
-every year. Edward Conner.
'^Cattle y i-kouie. — 0. Rex, C. D nviana an! its variety
aurea, will be showing their 3 >wer-sheiths, and if
moisture be allowed to get into the growths the
flower-buls may decay. Closely examine the plants
every day, and there may bt seen a dark brown
sheath encircling the base of the current season's
growth. If this sheath be found the least damp,
it should be split opsn to allow the moisture to
evaporate. Failing this the new bulb will turn black,
and must b? cut off immediately, or the remaining
part of the plant may become similarly affected.
After the sheith has been opened, keep the plant
rather dry at the root for a few days ; this will assist
the moisture to evaporate, and tend to save the life
of the plant. Plants of C. gigas now in bloom, or
that have just passed that stage, should be kept
rather dry for a week or two, which will be conducive
to the formation of numerous roots. Repot plants
of C. gigas immediately they commence to make new
roots from the base of the newly-made growths.
When potting, afford ample drainage, and use
the best fibrous peat and sphagnum-moss in equal
parts, with a few pieces of crocks intermixed.
Elevate the plants a trifle above the rim of
the pot, and use a few sticks to hold them
firmly in position. Place the plants on the side-stage
of the house, with the leaves close to the glass.
Water the plants with care after repotting, sufficient
to encourage the new roots to enter and establish
themselves in the new compost is alone necessary.
The plants when well rooted require a cool or inter-
mediate temperature, and plenty of light and fresh
air while at rest.
Cool-house. — Epidendrum vitellinum is commencing
growth, and should be afforded fresh compost without
delay. This useful species may be grown in an
ordinary flower-pot, or in shallow suspending pans,
using a mixture of peat and sphagnum-moss for them
to root into. Keep the bases of the young growths
well above the compost, and they will be less liable to
turn black. The thin-bulbed Laalia harpophylla
should be repotted, and placed in the cool-house
until growth recommences.
The Week's Work.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Barford, Dorking.
Vanda teres. — Very soon after this species has
'flowered, it commences to make fresh roots. If the
plants are taller than is desirable, cut the stems off
at about 2 or 3 feet from the top. then fasten the
severed pieces to long, upright teak rafts, containing
three or four rods, each rod about 1 inch apart, to
allow air to pass freely between the roots. Half-a-
dozen or more stems may be fixed to each raft, and
the lower part should then be inserted in a pot, and
made secure with crocks, which may fill the pots to
within an inch of the rim. The base of the stems
should rest upon the drainage, over which place a
thick layer of living sphagnum-moss. If large quan-
tities of this Vanda is desired for cutting from, and
house space is limited, a bed of sphagnum-moss
should be made upon the stage, and the tops or
cuttings thickly inserted into the moss, and sup-
ported in an upright position with stout sticks.
Rough, unplaned teak rods, about half an inch in
diameter, are preferable to the ordinary stakes. The
old portion of the stems if allowed to remain upon
the rafts will make fresh shoots, and by next season
may make nice flowering plants. During the growing
season the species should receive plenty of direct
sunshine and copious overhead syringings several
times each day. The sunny side of the Mexican
house is the best place for it, but a similar position
in a plant stove will do. Until the young roots have
taken a firm hold of the new wood the plants should
be kept rather close, and thinly shaded from hot sun.
Close the house early in the afternoon when the sun is
shining full upon the plants, at the same time give the
stems a good syringing with water. The new hybrid
Vanda, Miss Joaquim, figured in Gardeners' Chronicle a
few weeks ago, requires similar treatment. Plants of
V. Hookerianaare now showing their flower-spikes, and
require ixmch sunlight arid copious overhead syring-
ing daily until thi flowers expand. This species
requires the hottest temperature available through-
out the year.
THE FLOWER. GARDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Pyrethrum rosetcm. — The double and single-flowered
varieties of this plant are much valued for garden
and house decoration in the early summer, and any
increase of the stock of plants, or division of those
which have become too large, or which do not now throw
fine flowers, may be undertaken. On taking up a
clump, throw aside the weak shoots from the centre,
unless the variety be scarce, or the stock in general
not plentiful. The other pieces may have the points
of the lougest leaves removed, but much of the
roots should be reserved, and potted into 4S's,
using a sandy sort of loam. Stand these in a
frame, and keep rather close and shaded till growth
recommences, when shading should be gradually
discontinued, and full exposure afforded. If a
frame be not available, stand the pots on the
north side of a wall, and damp the plants over occa-
sionally. When potted in this manner the plants
soon gain streueth, and they are ready for putting
out early in September. Half-a-dozen of good
double-flowered vatieties are Mont Blanc, white ;
Hermann Stenger, crimson ; Lady Blanche, flesh
colour ; Nemesis, orange-red ; La Vestale, pink ; and
King Oscar, crimson-scarlet. There are numerous
named single-flowered varieties ; but as a good variety
of colours may be raised from a packet of 8eed of
some good strain, only enthusiasts buy those. Seeds
may be sown at this date, the young plants being
wintered in frames, and planted out in the spring.
Narcissus poelicus, and other varieties, should be
lifted where required, if not already done, the bulbs
assorted and re-planted early. Where home-grown
bulbs of N. ornatus are used for forcing, they should
be lifted and potted this month, as the bulbs form
new roots early if left in the grouud, especially after
heavy rains following a period of dry weather, which
is the case with various Daffodils. The double-white
Gardenia-flowered Narcissus produced more perfect
flowers this season than I have known them for some
years past, which I attribute to the moist winter and
spring experienced this year, and the Narcissus bulbs
being in good condition generally.
General Work. — The great heat and drying winds
have proved trying for many of the occupants of the
flower-beds aud borders, and herbaceous pereunial
subjects are being forced into bloom prematurely.
. The shrubby Phloxes soon betray the effects of heat
and drought if not well mulched and afforded water,
losing their j lowjr leaves, waic'i m\k*s them
appear unsightly. It Dahlia blooms are require 1
for exhibition, three stakes should be placed
in a triangle around each plant, inserting them
about 15 inches apart at the base, but spreading
outwards towards the top, and three main shoots
should be tied to them, the others being rs-
moved, and laterals from these kept pinched out.
For ordinary garden decoration where flowers iu
quantity are required, much disbudding is not
necessary, especially if the plants have been
grown on from spring-3truck cuttings. Where
old roots are planted, a little early thinning
of shoots is advisable, afterwards allowing the laterals
to extend, aud thus ensure a good head of bloom for
effect. If the ground beneath the Dahlia is not
already mulched, this should forthwith be done.
Pansy and Viola seeds may be sown in shallow drills
drawn on a somewhat shaded border, the soil beiup
broken down finely, and the drills watered with a
fine rose-can a short time before sowing the seeds.
If sown now, plants will be ready for planting
in the beds in late autumn. The Bhoots of
Verbenas, Ivy-leaf Pelargoniums, and such-like
trailing plants, should be kept pegged-down
until the ground is covered, removing all dead leaves
and flowers, especially those of the summer-flowerim:
Violas, on which plants form freely, quickly exhausting
the plants if left.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle. Ledbury.
Grape Vines. — The Vines from which the fruit is
removed should be afforded occasional syringings, and
copious applications of water to the borders. The
lateral shoots should be removed, so that the future
fruit-buds may obtain all the light and air possible.
Vines with ripe Grapes should have a genial, buoyant
atmosphere, but one that is not very dry, or shrivel-
ling of the Grapes will occur. Damping down should
take place early in the afternoon, so that the moisture
may in great part evaporate before nightfall. If
black Grapes have to be kept in good condition for a
long time, the Vines should be shaded in bright,
weather. Later Grapes will require a good deal of
attention at this date, carefully examining them at
short intervals to ascertain where the bunches need a
little thinning, but taking care not to destroy the com-
pactness of the bunches. Afford tepid liquid-manure to
the borders before these become dry, thereby keeping
the berries increasing in size as long as possible.
Remove all but the largest and strongest shoots,
taking a few at a time, so as to avoid checking
growth. Any variety that is liable to split,
namely Madresfield Court and Black Morocco,
should have a little less humidity in the vinery —
not easy of accomplishment when these Vines are
mixed with others. In that case the best method fed
follow is to let the laterals run a bit wild just as the
fruit commences to colour, and not to damp the
grouud underneath the Vines in the afternoon, and
not at all if the day be dull and sunless ; and if these
measures have no effect, bore a small hole or cut a
notch in the shoot just behind every bunch. I think
one of the chief causes of splitting is that the borders
are kept too dry in the earlier stages of growth, thus
causing a check to growth ; then affording water
freely, causes a sudden accession of sap, which the
skin of the berry is unable to accommodate. Afford
free ventilation on hot days by opening the back and
front light*, especially in old-fashioned houses,
where, probably, the foliage is close up to the
glass, as it is in such houses that the foliage is apt to
get scalded. Follow up the syringing between the
bunches with clean, soft water, whenever practicable,
this being of great assistance to Vines iu hot weather ;
and leave a trifling amount of ventilation by the
upper lights after the Grapes begin to colour.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Cauliflowers. — If there is a likelihood of a break in
the supply by reason of the bulk of the crop turning
in altogether, some of these least forward may be
pul ed up and stored in a cool shed in moist soil,
where the head will remain fit for use for a week or
ten days afterwards. Keep a sharp out-look for
caterpillars ; and to prevent the heads from turning
greenish, break a leaf or two over them as soon as
they begiu to form, or tie up the leaves with matting,
which may take longer in doing, but it is the most
effective method of excluding sunshine.
Cabbages for Early Spring Use. — A sowing may
now be made of Ellam's Early, Sutton's Flower of
Jilt 24, ISO".]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
51
Spaing, or the true Wheeler's Imperial, another
giving being made in about ten days later. It
depends on the nature of the season which sowing
will be of most use. In southern counties the Cabbage
n nil the earlier sowing are often " proud," that is, they
grow too large, and turn in during lute autumn and
early winter; whilst, if September and October should
be wet and sunless, the early-sown plants produce the
best Cabbages in the spring. Choose an open situa-
tion for the seed-bed, and a moderately rich soil,
sowing the seeds thinly in drills drawn S or 9 inches
apart. Protect the seeds from the depredations of
tiie birds by using fish-nets, or by rolling the seed
in pondered red lead. Plant a good breadth of
Colewort as soon as the plants are ready, these being
i he most useful of vegetables. They do not wautmuch
space in which to grow, 1 foot each way being
ample. If the weather and the soil are dry at
planting time, the plants should be put out in drills
tnat have beeu well moistened a couple of hours
before, and be again afforded water after the planting
is done. When the grouud is hoed, the drills will be
nlled up.
Parsley. — A good sowing of Parsley may now be
made, and the thinnings when large enough to handle
may be pricked out into beds. If the rows are so
placed that frames can be placed over them, Parsley
leaves may be gathered in good condition in aDy
weather in the winter and early spring.
Endive, Lettuce, dec. — A good breadth of Endive
miy now be sown, the round or broad-leaved
Litaviau being a useful variety for sowing at this
season. The seeds may be sown in rows 15 to 18
inches apart, and thiuued when large enough to 10
inches in the rows ; and the thinnings if planted on a
sheltered border will form a good succession, or seed
may be sown broadcast in a bed and the seedlings
transplanted. A small sowing of summer Lettuce
should be made at this date for coming in late in
the autumn, Hicks Hardy White being a good
variety furrowing at this date.
Watering, Mulching, <fce. — Celery, French and
Runner Beans, and Pea?, will all require abundance of
water at the roots; but if only driblets can be
supplied the work is better let alone. If water
is scarce, it is better to afford it thoroughly to one or
two rows of any given crop than to waste it by
dribbling over a lot of land. Mulchings of rotten
manure, or short litter, should follow the application
of water.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By Q. H. Haycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo P.irk, Luton.
Schizantkus returns andpinnatus. — Asowing of seeds
of these plants may now be made, for spring and
summer flowering. These varieties of Schizanthus
do very well in ordinary soil out-of-doors if sown
during the months of March and April ; but for
growing in pots, the soil should be made Boruewlnit
rich. The better method, and one that avoids
pricking-out, is to sow a few seeds in a number of
f>-inch pots, thinning the seedlings to one in a pot,
and shifting them into S-inch pots when getting well
rooted. A few of the plants should be retained in
the smaller pots, for employment in rooms, in
jardinieres, &c. The plants raised now should be kept
in cold frames and near the glass, which is easily done
with movable staging, or boards supported on some-
thing ; and at the approach of winter remove them to
a greenhouse shelf, where they can get plenty of
light.
Humea elegans. — Serviceable plants of Humea may
be obtained next year by sowing seeds at the present
date. These graceful plants are well worth all the
care that can be bestowed upon them, being equally
pleasing objects in the conservatory or the dwelling
as in the flower-garden. The soil used in the seed-
pans should consist of leaf-mould and a small
quantity of loam, with sharp sand added. First
afford the seed-pans water, then when the surface is
firm sow the seeds and cover slightly, and lightly
sprinkle the surface with water. Hunieas dislike
heavy watering, and water must therefore be sparingly
applied. When the seedlings are large enough to be
handled, at once prick them off singly into 3-inch
pots, retaining every root possible, and keep the
plants in a cold frame till October, then remove
them to a greenhouse, avoiding drip, and a close
air, and not wetting them overhead.
Laculia yratissima. — At thi3 season abundance of
water must be afforded these plants, and, providing
the drainage be good, one can scarcely overdo root-
w-itering from the present time till well into the month
of September, when the quantity should be reduced.
Winter-flowering Plants in Cold Frames. — During
warm weather, it is difficult to keep red-spider and
thrips in check ; much, however, may be done by a
free use of the syringe, and by dipping those plants
that are in pots in a tub containing a safe kind of
insecticide. Let all stopping and tying-out receive
attention betimes, not allowing the plants first to get
into bad order.
Pentas cornea is a plant that requires frequent
stopping at this season, or great lankiness of growth
ensues, and the foliage should be well syringed with
rain-water. Well-rooted plants should be afforded
liquid-manure occasionally, and be plunged iu a bed
of tree-leaves in a cold pit, giving air carefully, so as
to avoid draughts of cold, until the plants have got
accustomed to their quarters.
Libonia Horibunda and Reinwartia tigrina
should be dipped occasionally in an insecticide to
free them from red-spider, syringing alone being not
entirely sufficient to do this. Any neglect of this
remedy will render the plants useless for decorative
purposes.
Abut Hone growing in puts, if robust, should have
the points of the main shoots nipped out, and plenty
of water afforded them, fumigation being done if
aphis has settled on them. Afford air by tilting the
lights.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Fruit Tree Budding. — The time is at hand when
the budding of fruit-stocks is performed, the bark
running freely if copious rainB occur to stimulate
growth. The first kinds of fruits to be budded are
Cherries and Apricots, Plums, Peaches, and Nectarines
following in the order named. The buds should be
plump and dormant, and taken from outside shoots
of the trees, and having cut off the leaves and half
the length of the petioles, drop the shoots into a deep
water can having 1 or 2 inches of water at the bottom.
Make sure that each variety is correctly labelled,
and that the label belonging to it is securely fastened
to the first stock in the row operated upon. The
budding is exactly similar to that pursued with the
Rose, excepting that in the case of dwarf stocks, the
bud should be inserted in the rind about 9 inches
from the ground-level in the case of Plums, Peaches,
Cherries for training on walls, Apples on the Crab,
and Pears on the Pear-stocks. In the case of
standards of the Cherry, the bud may be put in at
6* to S feet from the ground un stocks that have beeu
two to three years planted, and once cut back in that
time. The same practice is pursued with cider
Apple-trees by some cultivators, in the belief that
the wilding Crab makes a stronger stem to stand
against animals than the ennobled Apple. The few
varieties of Pear that do well on the Quince should be
worked low down, so that the point of union may
be covered with the soil at the first transplanting.
Iu the course of a few weeks, if the leaf-stalk that
was left on the bud drops off, it is a sign that the
bud has taken ; if, on the contrary, it withers, the
bud is dead, and another may be inserted on the
chance of its growing ; and. in any case, the stock
will serve for grafting in the spring, in the case of
Pears, Apples, Plums, and Cherries.
Grape-vines growing against south and west walls
should be kept well supplied with moisture at the
roots, liquid-manure and clear water beiog afforded
alternately. The berries should be properly thinned,
more or less, according to variety. Keep the bearing-
shoots pinched back to within one or two joints of
the bunches, letting one shoot carry one bunch, and
laying in a shoot at the base of each, to serve as the
bearing-shoot another year. Be careful not to crowd
the Vines with shoots, but keep them thinly distri-
buted, so that the principal crop of leaves may attain
full development ; and remove entirely all the weak
and superfluous shoots. Some cultivators lay in long
shoots, and take two or three bunches from each ;
others adopt the short-spur method, retaining always
a ground-work of old stems — and each has its
advocates.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
Adapters. — Bell-glasses worked on straw-skeps
(especially dome-topped ones) should always be set
on a platform of thin board cut to the size of the glass.
These adaptors, as they are called, enable the bee-
keeper to remove the glass when full without break-
ing the combs, and unless used in this kind of bee-
work, all kinds of mischief follows at times. It is
not uncommon for the bees to carry the combs
upward as described above, but if the bell-glass is
covered by a warm " cosy,'' such as is used to keep
the teapot warm, the bees will take possession of the
glass, and soon find the guide-comb fixed above for
them to build from. It is, however, too late to
place bell-glasses on skeps in Kent. Tney should
have been put on at least a month earlier. We have
known a 101b. bell-glass to be filled in four or five
days or less in a good season.
Finishing off Sections, itc: Stocks that hare Swarmed.
— Hives which have sent off two or more swarms
generally fail to complete any unfinished sections
or supers which may then happen to be on them,
therefore remove all surplus boxes, sections, &c,
immediately on the issue of the second swarm, and
give them to other stocks to finish. After the middle
of July it becomes more and more difficult to get
supers of all comb-honey finished off and sealed over.
To give empty sections or supers very late in the
season ia useless; with care, however, and a little
judicious handling, unfinished ones may be changed
about from hive to hive till all are completed. When it
comes near the end of the month, any unfinished
sections left should be removed unless they can have
a chance of being completed at the heather.
Extracting. — As the honey season draws to a close,
bees usually begin to develop thieving propensities,
and unless the mischief is guarded against, and
promptly checked wherever possible, serious trouble
may follow. The first symptoms may be detected
by observing bees flying about the entrances of
other hives than their own. When this is seen,
great caution is repaired, and it will be found neces-
sary to do all extracting indoors, and to keep the
windows and doors of the apartment closed while the
work is going on. to avoid attracting bees to the
house. Be careful also not to get frames " mixed up "
when a number are being operated on. Mark or
number them so that they may be returned to the same
hives, and occupy exactly the same positions as before.
A very perceptible difference will iu some years be
found in the quality of honey in various hives, and
when this is so, each kind should be graded and kept
apart if the produce is intended for sale. We once
more urge inexperienced bee-keepers never to extract
from frames containing brood, all sorts of mischief
are likely to result unless this precaution be taken.
Return frames (after extracting) in the evening, and
close up the hives quickly if any signs of prowlers are
seen about. If the bees hang about sluggishly at the
entrances of hives in hot weather, it is a sign the
combs are full of honey, and no time should be lost
in extracting from the outer combs, when the bees
will soon start work again.
Feeding Swarms. — Strong first swarms require
feeding on cold wet days. Second swarms should,
in all cases, have a few pounds of sjrup given them,
no matter how fine the weather, and full sheets of
comb foundation whenever possible. Examine all
second swarms, and swarmed stocks, to make sure
that young queens are fertilised and laying. Second
swarms must not be allowed to occupy more than
four frames, to be increased to six or seven before the
end of August, and when this number of combs are
fully worked out, the bees will winter on them nicely.
Hives raised up from their floor boards for ventila-
tion while the weather was hot, should have wedges
removed as it becomes cooler. The same may be
said of supers and sec.ions as the season draws to a
close ; all surplus honey in whatever form it is being
stored must be kept warm, or the bees will remove
it down into the body of the hive. Second swarms
require particular attention in the way of keeping
them warm and cosy. It greatly facilitates comb-
building when the bees are not very numerous, if the
entrance is reduced to about 1 inch, and a board is
kept firmly pressed down by weights over the quilts,
provision being made for feeding regularly. Contrast
the amount of work done in eight or ten days by a
small lot of bees well treated and cared for, with the
result given by the same number of bees put into a
great cold hive with a couple of thicknesses of carpet
thrown loosely on the entrance, left open full width,
and the poor unfed bees left to take their chance.
Attractive Guide-books. — Two handbooks,
well written and attractively illustrated, have been
issued by Messrs. Behchinus, Strand. One of these
is the Daily Mail Guide to London, and likely to
prove useful to country cousins ; the other is one of
a series of illustrated homeland handbooks, and tells
us of the beauties of Tunbridge Wells of to day. It
can be procured at tbe offices in the last-named town,
as well as from the London publishers.
52
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 21, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
Fruit Crop3 Of the Tear.- -The Report of the Fruit Crops
will appear, in our issue for July 31, and trill be followed
hij remarks upon the same, running through several issues.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
should be written on one bide only of the paper,
sent as earVy in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
SATURDAY,
Julv 24— Royal Botanic Society, Meeting.
/"Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
TUESDAY, July 27
Show.
|" Chester Horticultural Show (2 dys).
WEDNESDAY, Joxy 2s\ Carnation and Pieotee Show at
ham (2 days).
j Tibshelf Horticultural and Rose
Edgba9ton Gardens, Birming-
FRIDAY,
SALF.
I Imported and Established Orchids
July 30< at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms 67
( & 6S, Cheapside, E.C.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 63 3°.
Actual Temperatures : —
London.— July 21 : Max., 73° ; Min., 59".
Provinces. - July 21 (6 p.m.): Max., 67°, at Tor
Min., 56°, at Shields.
The meeting at Chiswick on the
chiswick. 14th inst., briefly alluded to in
our last number, was a memorable
one. It was a happy idea, and graciously
carried out. The objects were to get the
several committees together to inspect the
gardens, and to give the council an opportunity
of publicly thanking those fellows who do so
much work for the Society without fee or
reward, and with the sole object of supporting
and aiding the Society in its duty of promoting
the interests of horticulture. This object was
felicitously alluded to at the luncheon by the
President, who was warm in his appreciation
of the labours of the committees. Barely, if
ever, have we seen " horticulture " better repre-
sented in its diverse aspects than at this meeting.
Indeed, it very rarely happens that an oppor-
tunity is offered for a joint meeting of all the
committees, but it was effected very satisfac-
torily on this occasion. The weather has not
been propitious to out-door gardening at
Chiswick this summer, but there was ample
reason to congratulate Mr. Wright and his
staff on the generally excellent condition of the
garden .
After the luncheon, the united committees
met again under the presidency of Sir Trevor
Lawrence to discuss the question of tho
" better utilisation of the Society's gardens at
Chiswick." The discussion was opened by Dr.
Masters, who, in the first place, expressed the
thanks of the committees to the Council for this
valued opportunity of meeting in these time-
honoured gardens. The past history, so glorious
in the annals of horticulture, and illumin-
ated by the work of Sabine, of Lindley, of
Douglas, of Hartweg, of Egbert Thomp-
son, of Gordon, and latterly in particular,
of Barron, and others, was only lightly
touched on, as the present conditions are so
different, that but little practical advantage
could now be attained by attempting to imitate
them. As for the present state of affairs, the
Fel'ows had now an opportunity of judging for
themselves ; but it is questionable whether hor-
ticulture derives all the advantages from a
garden directed by a Society, which has a
scientific as well as a practical aspect, that it
ought to do. This led the speaker to allude to
( 'hiswickin itseducational and inits instructional
aspects, leaving the more strictly practical
details to the care of those more competent than
himself. It was urged that the Chiswick
garden should afford, so far as circumstances
would allow, a complete object-lesson in which
the visitors should be able to see gathered
together in appropriate order, types of the best
and most suitable varieties of fruits and vege-
tables, cultivated in the best possible manner.
Chiswick would thus fill the place of a book of
reference available to all classes of horticul-
turists. Comparative trials should be continued
as now, and experiments made to test the value
of manures, and various cultural methods,
especially spraying.
Alluding to the instructional aspect of Chis-
wick, the speaker mentioned the horticultural
schools of the continent, and especially the
fifty experimental stations scattered through
the United States. Concerning these, letters
were read from Professor Bailey' and Professor
Waugh, showing the nature of the work done
at these stations, and the great benefit they
conferred on the horticulturist, and especially
on the pomologist. The writers advocated the
expediency of sending a competent pomologist
to tho States to observe and take note of the
immense strides that branch of horticulture is
making, owing to the association of scientific
training with practical work.
" If," continued the speaker, " we cannot at
present have a completely equipped school of
horticulture, could not some arrangement be
made whereby the Chiswick students might
have the opportunity of attending the lectures
given with so much advantage at Kew, whilst
the Kew students in return might be allowed
to avail themselves of the resources of Chiswick
in obtaining a knowledge of practical fruit and
vegetable culture ? If Government aid could
not be expected for theso purposes, surely the
resources of the county councils might be relied
on to carry out educational and instructional
work at Chiswick."
Sir Joseph Hooker, the former Director of
Kew, whoso presence was hailed with the
liveliest gratification, alluded to the great dif-
ference between the United States, where hor-
ticulture and horticultural education were
"creations," and Great Britain, where they
were the results of gradual evolution and
growth. Sir Joseph alluded to tho value of
scientific training in horticulture, and to the
success attending tho Kew lectures. These, it
appears, wore not at first to the taste of the
students themselves, who petitioned tho Director
that they might receive instruction in the
formation of ribbon-borders ! Alluding to
Douglas, and the magnificent services he ren-
dered to the garden and to horticulture gene-
rally, Sir Joseph narrated how he was not only
indebted to Douglas for botanical teaching,
but for instruction in fishing, and once, when
so engaged, a slip into the water occurred, and
had it not been for the ready aid of Douglas,
he (Sir Joseph) might not have been addressing
the meeting at the present time.
The discussion was continued by Sir Trevor
Lawrence, Dr. Plowright, Dr. Russell, and
Mr. Harry' Veitch, the last-named gentleman
pointing out that in his opinion the Chiswick
garden was too small, and its atmosphere too
vitiated, to be utilised as an experiment station.
Dr. Plowright concurred with Dr. Masters,
that experiments on spraying should be con-
ducted at Chiswick, so as to ascertain when and
how it might be judiciously applied. He ob-
served that in a vitiated atmosphere, where
sulphur was largely present, fungoid attacks
were almost absent, and so Chiswick was, in
one respect, in a good position. Dusting with
sulphur, burning affected plants, Bordeaux
Mixture, and sulphide of potassium, had in
turn been asserted as cures for fungus attacks,
but it was only by practical experience that the
value of either could be obtained, and Chiswick
was the place where experiments for such dis-
covery could well be conducted.
The Bev. W. Wilks read letters from M. H.
de Vilmorin and Mr. Malcolm Dunn, botli
gentlemen expressing the hope that, whatever
was done at Chiswick, its value as a trial-
ground for varieties of vegetables, fruits, and
flowers should in no way be impaired ; for they
considered no such independent trials as here
conducted were possible elsewhere, and the
decisions of the various committees were looked
up to by the majority of horticulturists.
Sir Trevor Lawrence proposed a vote of
thanks to Dr. Masters, and said in effect that
the whole question resolved itself into a mone-
tary one. He had not much hope that the
county councils would help them ; and as for the
Government, it would willingly give a million
pounds for an ironclad, but would laugh at an
application for £1000 to advance scientific and
practical horticulture. Dr. Russell seconded
the motion, and it was unanimously carried.
CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA (THE MONTEREY
CYPRESS).— The photographs (figs. 17, 18) give a
very good idea of the habit and picturesque aspect of
Cupressus macrocarpa growing in its natural habitat
on the Monterey peninsula, on the Pacific coast of
California. They have been forwarded to us by Mr.
Thomas Lee, Superintendent of Gardens and Grounds,
Hotel del Monte, Monterey, who, in referring to them,
says :— "The photographs illustrate the great variety
of habit and the picturesque appearance of the
Cypress (C. macrocarpa) growing in its native wilds,
and show some of the more attractive 'bits' of the
famed Cypress Grove, through which runs the
favourite ' Eighteen-mile Drive ' round the peninsula.
The Grove lies along the south coast of the peninsula,
from Pebble Beach to Point Cypress, a distance of
about 3 miles, and extends to a considerable distance
inland. The coast rises into high bluffs at the
Point, but even there the Cypress grows, and holds
its own with its roots olinging firmly to the rocks, in
the teeth of the full sweep of the salt-laden blast
from the Pacific Ocean ; theirstemsgnarledand twisted,
and tops much bent and flattened, no doubt, but still
maintaining their health and vigour to a good old age.
In the shelter further inland, the Cypress assumes
the stature of a small tree, with a straight stem of
considerable height and thickness — a girth of 12 feet,
at 5 feet up, being not uncommon. The Cypress
Grove is almost pure Cupressus macrocarpa, but
beyond its limits the Cypress is generally fouud
mixed with Pines — of which Pinus insignis i3 the
chief species — Oaks, Buckeyes (Pavias), Maples, and
other deciduous trees.
National Chrysanthemum Society.— Tho
annual outing of the members of this Society took
place on the 19th inst., a large party of the members
proceeding to Henley by rail, ' and then going by
water to Greenland?, Henley-on-Thames, the rei-
dence of the Hon. W. F. D. Smith, M.P. After
visiting the gardens and pleasure-grounds, the com-
pany dined in a spacious tent, under the presidency
Mr. T. W. Sanders, the chairman of the committee.
July 24, 1897.]
THE GA RDENER 8' GHR ONIQL
Fig. 17.— cufressus macrocarpa in the wi&d state, (see p. 52
^■>>i:
m i .
•y^/K
-k^/**C*-
Fl3. 18. — VIEW IN THE CYPRESS DRIVE, MONTEREY PENINSULA. (SEE P. 52.)
54
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jclt 21, 1S97.
The Gardeners' Rdyal Benevolent Insti-
tution.— The Skinners' Company and the Merchant
Taylnrt/ Company have each contributed the sum
of £10 10s. to the funds of the Gardeners' Royal
Benevolent Institution.
Royal Horticultural Society. -The next
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society Commit-
tees takes place on Tuesday, July 27, in the Drill
Hall, Jame^' Street, Victoria Street, at 12 o'clock.
At this meeting a Silver Flora Medal is offered for
competition (amateurs) for the best collection of Cacta-
ceous plauts. At 3 p.m., Mr. W. D. Dp.ury will give
a paper on "Familiar Garden Insects, Friends and
Foes."
Chester Horticultural Show and Fete.
— The programme of the second annual Chester Hor-
ticultural Show and Fete, so successfu ly inaugurated
on the Roodee last summer, is now complete, and
details will be found in our advertising columns.
The exhibition is fixed for Wednesday and Thursday,
the 28th and 29th inst, and everything points to
success. Some idea of the comprehensive nature of
the prize list may be formed from the fact that the
substantial sum of over £500 is devote.d to the
awards, and keen competition is anticipated from
noted exhibitors all over the country in flowers,
plants, fruits, honey, &c. Mr. F. A. Walker-Jones,
Giosvenor Chambers, Newgate Street, Chester, is
the secretary.
Horticultural Club.— An excursion of the
club will take place on Wednesday, 28th inst., the
following are the arrangements : — The members of
the party will leave Moorgate Street 10.24 a.m.,
St. Pancras 10.45, both joining at Kentish Town at
10.19, where there will be two saloon carriages.
Arriving at St. Albans 11.35, brakes will be in
readiness there, and after visiting the abbey the
party will drive to Child wickbury, the seat of Sir
Blundell Mai-le, Bart., M.P.. who has invited
them to luncheon. They will afterwards drive to
Aldenham, the seat of Lord Aldenham. Tea will be
provided, and the party will return from Elstree
Station to London.
Veitch Memorial Trustees.— Mr. Johm
Bennett-Foe, of 29, Ashley Place, S.W., and Mr.
Owen Thomas, of the Royal Gardens, Frogmore,
have accepted the vacant places in the Trust caused
by the deaths of Mr. William Thomson and Dr.
Robert Hogs.
The Norwich Rose Show. — Mr. Ed.
Mawley obliges us with the following particulars: —
'• The northern exhibition of the National Rose
Society, which was held on the 15th inst. in conjunc-
tion with the Norlola and Noraich Horticultural
Society, was a most successful one. The total
number of exhibition-Roses staged in the joint show,
amounted to 3590, which is 500 more than the
average for the previous five northern shows, and
greater than at any similar exhibition of the Society,
with the exception of those held at Birmiugham in
1890, at Chester in 1892, and at Derby in 1895.
Tuere were in all fifty exhibitors and 220 exhibits.
Arranging the latter according to the number contri-
buted by each county, they are as follows : — Norfolk
55 exhibits, Essex 46, Herts 32, Suffolk 23, Notts 15,
Oxford 9, Surrey S, D:rby 7, Worcester 7, Cam-
bridge 4, Yorkshire 4, Leicester 3, and Middlesex 3.
Nearly 7000 persons visited the show, which is a
reord attendance for a rammer exhibition of the
local Society." (See also p 58.)
Sudbury, Wembley, and Alperton Hor-
ticultural SOCIETY : July 17.— The annual
i-xhibition was held on the above date in the grounds
of Fair View, the residence of F. Leete, Esq. The
show wa3 most successful, with the exception that it
was rather early for some of the vegetables.
Shirley and District Gardeners' and
Amateurs' Mutual Improvement Associa-
tion.— The monthly meeting of this Association was
held on Monday, the 1'Jth inst , in the Pariah-Room,
Shirley, Southampton, Mr. B. Ladhams iu the chair.
Roses were showD in some quantity, but owing to
the heat of the past week or two the blooms were not
of much merit. The best twelve blooms and the
best Rose in the show were staged by Mr. J. Hallett,
gardent r to the Rev. W. G. Ruijce. Mr. Rogers, Red
Lodge Nursery, and Mr. B. Ladhams, Shirley Nursery,
sent collections of Roses ; the latter showing likewise
herbaceous perennials as cut flowers. A discussion
on the exhibits took place towards the end of the day.
Tree-planting in Rhodesia.— Jubilee Day
was observed as a great tree-planting day in honour
of the Queen. But the distinctive feature of the
celebration was that each white man who planted a
tree had himself to dig the hole for it, 3 feet in
diameter aud 3 feet deep. The planter was allowed
to obtain the help of a friend in this task, but the
essence of the celebration was that the hole should
be made by the white planter himself. He was not
allowed to hire a native to do the work for him.
This labour was regarded as ''a voluutary act of
individual homage to the Queen." The Adminis-
trator, Lord Grey, himself set the example, and the
natives on Jubilee Day saw a strange sight — white
men voluntarily doing what they contemptuously
call " Karri r work" iu honour of the Great White
Queen over the water. Da'ibj News.
Hammersmith Horticultural Society. —
The 1 3th annual exhibition of this Society, held on
the 15th inst. , was made the occasion for a little much-
needed enterprise on removing the locale of the show
from St. Peter's schools to the Grove, Hammersmith.
In the amateurs' division for a group of plants
arranged for effect, the leading prizes were taken
with meritorious displays by Mes-rs. Woodhouse and
Bromley, and from the gardens of Merton Lodge,
Chiewick (Mrs. Lloyd), were several noteworthy prize
contributions. One of the features of the show was the
non-competitive element — good groups of foliage aud
flowering plants being sent by Mr. J. Gibson, gr. to
E. H. Watts, Esq., Chiswiek, Mr. West, gr. to Mrs.
Brandon, Oakbrook.and Mr. J. J. Hillier.
The Chanousia Alpine Garden. —The
Alpine Botanic Garden of the Chanousia, mentioned
in our issue for June 26, is at an elevation of nearly
7,000 feet ; is a quarter of a mile from the French
frontier, on Italian territory, and close to the
Hospice of the Little St. Btrnard. It is proposed t>
include in it all plants from the Piedmont and
Cenisiau Alps. The Jardin Alpin d'Acclimatation of
Geneva has contributsd 600 species of plants to the
garden, where it is hoped that they will do well
under the sunshine of the Italian Alps. The inaugura-
tion of the gardeu will take place on the 2nd (not 1st
as previously stated in error) of August next.
Botanic Garden of Rio de Janeiro.—
From the Botanic Garden of Rio de Janeiro comes a
Report, by Senor J. BaRBosa Rodiuques, of new
plants under cultivation at this institution. These
include Passiflora parahybensis, Posoquena calantha,
Aristolochiaechmata, AcrocomiaMokayayba, Scheelea
osmantha, Orbignya speciosa, Pindarea and concinna-
and fastuosa. All taese plants are described and
classified carefully, and illustrated by clear and useful
plates. In acknowledging his indebtedness to the
monographs of Passifloraeete (and Aristolocbiacete)
the author has omitted the final a from the name of
his authority.
Isle of Wight.— On Wednesday, July 14, over
fifty members of the Isle of Wight Horticultural
Improvement Association visited Brooke House and
Gardens, the residence of Sir C'llas. Seely, Bart.,
President of the Society. Led by the President, the
party inspected the park, the miniature lakes, cascades,
rosaries, terraces, aud a large Oak, which was planted
by Garibaldi in 1864. Then a tour of the extensive
hot-houses was made. The Peach-houses contain
3000 square feet of glass. Stove--, Orchid and green-
houses, and vineries were all in good condition. The
crops of hardy fruits at Br joke are below the average ;
but the kitchen gardgi) crops, with the exception of a
few rows of Potatos which were aff.cted by disease,
were very promising.
The Garden Guinea— The Grand Junction
Waterworks Co. has gained its cause in the appea
case on the test action recently brought to discover
if that body had authority to charge on the entire
assessment of houses and grounds, aud to impose an
extra guinea on the garden for watering purposes.
Mr. Da vies, the respondent in the above case, was
the owner and occupier of premises in Grange Road,
Ealing, consisting of a dwelling-house and of a
garden, greenhouse, and tool-shed, forming part of
the curtilage of the house. The water company's
charges were regulated upon an assessment of the
entire property, whereas the respondent suggested
that the garden formed no part of "the tenement
supplied with water," aud that the assessment of it
as of premises which might be entirely separated
from the dwelling-house, should be excluded. Mr
Justice Hawkins found that the whole of the curti-
lage of ihe house forrmd the residential tenement
supplied with water, an I gave judgment accordingly,
have to appeal being refused.
"Our Lady of the Snows." — Our Canadian
brethren seem rather unnecessarily to resent the
epithet applied to their northern land by RuDYARD
Kipling. We have had too many evidences of the
superb quality of her products not to know that
Canada is not always wrapped in snow. In the
current number of the Canadian Horticulturist, Mr.
Kipling is invited "to bring his summer clothes and
see our splendid weather." A great many of our
scientists and doctors are going this autumn, whea
no doubt they will see something of the fruits thus
di scribed : —
" Apples. Peaches. Plump, and Cherries,
With five hundred kinds of berries ;
Pears, Apricots, Grapes, iu this country grow.
Swaying in the balmy breeze,
Quinces, Figs, nut-bearing trees,
All are products of the Lady of the Snows."
The Victoria Regia in the Royal Botanic
Society's Gardens at Regent's Park is now worthy of
a visit by those who happen to be in the neighbour-
hood, and have not previously seen this fine Lily. A
few days since the plaut had ten fairly large leaves
and several flowers opening.
The Consumption of Fruits and Vege-
tables in Manchester.— How a great city is fed
forms the subject of the opening paper of the Journal
of the Royal Agricultural Society, in which Mr. Bear
deals with " Tne Food Supply of Manchester," where
the Royal Agricultural Society held its annual
meeting last month. Vegetable produce alone is
dealt with on this occasion. New Potatos appear to
be in supply practically all the year round, the first
arrivals being from the Canary Isles and France at
Chiistmas time. The counties of Chester, Cambridge,
and Bedford are among the chief sources of home
supply. In the first three months of the year large
quantities of Broccoli are received from Cornwall,
often as much as 200 tons a day. Supplies from the
Midlands follow, and Holland likewise sends large
quantities. Cabbages arrive first from Evesham,
then from around London, and later from Lincolnshire
aud Cheshire. Several Manchester salesmen who have
entered into market-garden operations at Evesham,
at Torriogton (Norfolk), and at Swioeshead (Lincoln-
shire) are said to have realized as much as £10f>
per acre for their Cabbrges. Early Green Peas
come from Algeria, Spain, and France, followed
by supplies from Evesham, Nottinghamshire, and
Yorkshire. The Channel Islands send the earliest
French BeaDS. Celery is largely grown locally, and
is in the market from July to Apiil. France, Spain,
and Italy send early Asparagus, whilst the greatest
source of the home supply is the Evesham district.
Mushrooms are in great demand, and come mainly
from Kent, the districts around London, and other
parts of the South of England. The home supplies
of Onions — chiefly from Bedfordshire — are being
forced out by foreign importations; last year 91,000'
cases of Valenc;a Onions, aud 25,000 ba?s from
Egypt, were conveyed into Mauche-ter by the Ship
Canal alone. Cucumbers, Lettuces, Radishes, and
other kinds of salil are exensively grown in the
July 24, 189".]
THE GA EDEXEES' CITE OXICL E.
55
neighbourhood ; whilst Watercrdss is sent mainly from
the counties of Oxford aud B icks. Much forced
Rhubirb is sent from the Leads district, tb.3 unforced
supplies being grown mostly ,vithin carting distance
of Manchester. There is no better market in Eag-
land for Damsons, the su iplies being obtained chiefly
from Worcestershire, S iropshire, Cheshire, Lan-
cashire, Derbyshire, and Wales. Of Strawberries,
the Brest district of France is the main source of the
early supply, from S000 to 10,000 boxes per day being
sometimes received. Cornwall, Southampton, and
Swanley, follow in succes-iou, as many as 300 tons a
■day having been known to arrive from the last-
named district. Kentish fruit, picked early in the
morning, arrives in Manchester in the afternoon of
the same day. There is a great trade in Bilberries,
10,000 baskets of 8 lb. each having arrived in the
market in one day last year ; they mostly come
from Germany, whilst Worcestershire. Wales,
and Ireland, send the bulk of the home supply.
is conc?raed, the first Pompon was Little Wonder,
raised at Handsworth, near Birmingham ; and that
this type is of home rather than German origin, as
stated in our article. Messrs. Pope & Sons fail to
supply any date when the variety, Little Wonder,
was raised. We have it on the authority of the late
Mr. Shirley Hibbf.rd. who devoted a great deal of
attention to the history and development of the Dahlia,
that the origin of the Pompon type date3 from about
1808, when Habtwbg of Karlsruhe obtained a double
variety from the single Dahlia coccinea (orange-red).
"The Dahlia was received in 1789 by Cavanilles of
Madrid, from Mexico, and in sevtral forms, to
three of which he gave specific names. Then, in
1803, A. von Humboldt sent freeh seeds of these
forms from Mexico to France, and from Paris the
Dahlia got generally distributed. D. coccinea, with
two others, viz , D. pinnata and D. sphondyliifolia,
were the three original types, the first-named being
the shortest in statute, and the most tender. For a
the end of the fiftie=. all of very tall growth. Since
1SS0 quite dwarf growing varieties have been origi-
nated, and thanks to the efforts of Messrs. Tcrnkr
Keynes & Co., J. T. West, Cheal & Sons.
and others, the Pompon Dahlias have been
greatly improved and extended, and are now most
valuable for exhibition, border, and cutting purposes
As further showing that the recognition of the
Pompon Dahlia a< a distinct, useful type, is a matter
of c >mparatively recent occurrence, it may be men-
tioned that during the time the National Floricultural
Society was in existence — from April, 1851, to thf
end of lf5S — there is no record of Pompon Dahlia"
having been exhibited at any one of the meetings ;
and so far as the published awards of the Floral
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society show,
no certificate was given to a Pompon Dahlia until
1875.
Home Correspondence.
Portrait Of ANDRE I.EXOTRE. (Ske p. 45.)
The trade in Tomatos, although of quite recent origin.
is already immense, and there are firms which dis-
pose of 600 to 1200 packages of 12 lb. to 15 lb. in a
■day when business is in full activity. The home
supply is [gaining ground upon that from Jersey and
Guernsey ; and yet from the beginniog of May until
■late in the autumn the supply from the Channel
Islands is so large that two or three railway com-
panies give a special daily service to Manchester.
Much useful information is given on freight charges,
■and on the expenses of large and small producers
respectively. The general conclusion arrived at is,
■that market-gardening aud fruit-growing appear to he
still fairly remunerative industries when even mode-
rately well managed, and highly profitable when
•conducted by men of special energy and keen business
capacity. Manchester, moreover, is one of the best
markets in the world for the distribution of vegetables
and fruit. Times, July 20.
The Origin of the Pompon Dahlia.—
Messrs. Pope & Sons, nurserymen of Birmingham,
write in reference to our article upon plants of the
Victorian Era. that a belief exists in their neighbour-
hood that, so far as the origin of the Pompon Dahlia
long time the plant remained sterile. From the
crossing of these three types have originated the
Dahlia variabilis of the present day in its unending
varieties." [Pfianzen-HfUchlinge, by Wilhklm Olber
Focke, p. 197.) This new type appears to have
" caught on " in Germany, as the fanciers of the
Dahlia there favoured tne small fl owere, which ob-
tained the name of Liliputians, on account of the
small size of their blossoms. It also appears to be
quite certain they were originally known in this
country as German D ihlias, thus proclaiming the
country in which the type origin itel. As an
illustration of the fact tha". the popularity of the
Pompon Dahlia dates from a comparatively recent
period, it may be stated that at the first National
Dahlia Show, held in St. James' Hall, London, in
1858, Pompon Dahlias were not invited, though the
dwarf bedding varieties of that date were. Up to
1S53. the term Pompon appears not to have been
recognised, as when mentioned by writers in the
floricultural publications they were known as L'tli-
putian or Bouquet D ihlias. and they were only just
beginning to attract attention ; but it was not until
the seventies that the type was more la-gely recog-
nised. We remember the varieties in cultivation at
AN ARTISTIC BLEND CONVERTED INTO PRAC-
TICE.— Referring to this subject in a recent issue, the
combinat'on of Lily of the Valley and Woodruff i-
very familiar to me from my own practice of it a gene-
ration since, and it is a very lasting ornament when
grown unexposed to sun after 11 or 12 o'clock. The
scent of the Woodruff is manifest in its surroundings
as in so many other plants in flo ver, principaHy near
sunset. The high aroma of the herbage is con-
spicuous at all times on rubbing a few leaves between
the palms of the hand, which retain the aroma for
hours. It is this herb which is popularly used in
Germany for ■' maitrank." As hock, which is re-
quired for this tasty and refreshing beverage (with a
moderate amount of sugar added, and a small handful
of the herb per quart or according to taste, and left
in the wine for nearly an hour before drinking the
beverage), may teem costly in this country. I strongly
recommend as a substitute a quart bottle of good
sparkling cider, which will assume all the properties
for which maitrank is esteemed if similarly treated.
with the omi-sion of sugar, as cider has not the acidity
of hock, and it will be found a delightful beverage in
spring and early summer, or as long as the herb
retains the aroma in the milder form, viz., in its
young state. The combination might perchance
contribute to render cider the popular drink toward"
which achievement so many efforts are being made.
//. H. llaschere. Forest Hill.
A NOBLE SCOTCH FIR — I have a vivid recol-
lection of a visit paid in company with several fellow
gardeners, some twenty-seven years ago, to a very
nne Scotch Fir, which then and still stands in a small
wood close to the road leading from Romsey to
.Southampton, and in a corner of the Broadlands
e-tat». Being recently in that locality, I went a little
out of my way to see this fine tree once nvre. Since
previously seen, it seemed to have altered nothing,
not a branch having been lost, although in all direc-
tions about the distiict trees had been thrown by a
previous hurricane in considerable numners. Having
a tape with me, I was enabled to measure the stem
4 feet from the ground, and found it to be exactly
] 3 feet, thus giving a diameter of 4 feet 4 inches.
When measured twenty-seven years previously at the
same height, the circumference was just over 12i feet,
M) that apparently not much expansion had taken
place during that long period. Judged by that ratio
of growth, the tree might be several hundreds of
years old. The stem is singularly clean and hand-
some ; it is as round and bright as a ship's mast, and
runs 30 to 40 feet in height ere it divides, then goes
to a considerable height, beiug capped bv a tiue round
head. For a Scotch Fir, 1 regard this ns a wonderful
as well as a very noole tree, and well merits notice
and preservation. The Selborne Society might well
devote some of its energies to the cattloguing, pre-
serving, aud describing the grand old trees of the
kingdom. Would that every one of these vegetable
monarchs could have a plate affixed, giving name,
probable age, dimensions, &c. I have no doubt there
are finer Scotch Kra in tlieir native habit it, but this
one is, I thinlr, a record example for the South of
England. A. IK
WASPS AND ROSES. — I am interested in Mr. G.
Paul's note upon the above in your issue for July 17.
In 1893 we had a perfect plague of wa^p-, and it was
during th*t summer tint I tir*t noticed them eating
Roses : not merely the Rose leaves, but Mos-oms and
hard buds as well. At first I imagined they were in
56
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jult 24, IS97.
search of insect?, or at least the sweet juicy exudations
from an injured bloom or leaf. Ilut it was not so,
for in several instances plants that were perfectly
free from Buch were seriously attacked. I may give
one instance in particular. At the end of a long
Rose-house were two plants of Marie Van Houtte on
the outside wall, and well in bud and blossom.
Suddenly the wasps took to eating these, and in the
course of a few hours had quite ruined the trees for
that season. They were most persistent in the attack,
aud syringing only irritated, without completely
stopping them. Whether in the bud or full blown,
every flower-bad was soon demolished. Nor did they
seize a portion and fly off with it, as we frequently
notice when they are collecting food for their larvje :
in this case they positively fought for possession, and
stayed eating until driven away by a stronger or more
eager wasp. LeBs than half-a-dozen yards off there
were heaps of fruit, and for a time this was com-
paratively neglected, a change to Rose diet being
evidently the inducement. Since then I have more
than once seen wasps feeding, and also nipping off
portions of Rose bloom and leaf, as described by your
correspondent. In the latter case I have little doubt
the chief object is the manufacture of paperlike
substance for building the nests, having traced them
direct to their nesting-place when near. I have also
seen them particularly busy in the same way with other
foliage, but never more so than upon the Alder by
river sides. In each case I have failed to find any
insect or other food ; and as soon as a piece was
properly severed and packed, as it were, the wasp
made straight for some given point. A. Piper.
WHITE LILIES AND OTHERS. — We have
Lilium candidum (type) and L. candidum var.
Sultan Zimbach in flower together now. L. can-
didum varies a good deal more than is generally
supposed, hence possibly its erratic growth at
Straffan. L. candidum type has branching spikes,
strong and vigorous ; while Sultan Zambach
is nearly killed off by the L'ly fungus. At Newry,
L. candidum var. speciosum, with chocolate-purple
coloured stems, 7 feet high, is very distinct, and
makes luxuriant growth. We have here also L. can-
didum fl-pl., so called (all bracts), and L. candidum
Btriatum, with purplish streaks on the perianth- lobes.
We have also now in bloom one, if not two, varieties
of L. Martagon fl.-pl., an old doub'e Lily not now
often met with. Marliac's Water Lilies are rampant
and flowery here now ; our pond is so full of
them that we cannot get our little punt through the
masses of leaves and flowers. What a glorious gain
these Nymphasas are ! F. W. Burbidge.
FROST IN JULY. — I have noticed the remarks in
the Gardeners' Chronicle of last week on a frost in
July, and as I happen to have a grass thermometer,
and keep a record of the temperature, it may be
interesting to your readers if I give the readings for
the last ten days. I have kept a register for more
than fifteen years, and most of that time in the high-
lands of Scotland, and have never registered so low a
ground temperature before. I will take the ten days
dating from July 7, and give the minimum in a
Stevenson's box, and on the grass, viz. : —
1897.
Min.
On grass.
18i»7.
Min.
On grass
July 7 .
. 48°
.. 31°
July 12 .
. 41°
... 30°
„ 8 .
. 41°
... 23=
■i 1» •
. 48"
... 34°
„ 9 .
. 54°
... 37°
„ 14 .
. 51°
... 32°
„ 10 .
. 55°
S5°
„ 15 .
. 493
... 28°
,, U .
. 41°
... 28°
„ 16 .
. 52°
... 32"
The sky on these nights was very clear, and the wind
came mostly from the north-east. John Kitlcy,
Warwick.
NARCI8SUS BERNARDI.— The question is often
asked — Does it do any harm to Daffodils to keep
them out of the ground for a few weeks ? My reply
is, it depends on the kind. Those which have bulbs
of a loose texture — which may be tested by pressing
the bulb between the finger and thumb— Bhould be
replanted soon after being dug up. Narcii-BiiB Ber-
nardi — a name given to the wild hybrids of
N. posticus and N. Pseudo-Narcissus— generally has
bulbs of a very loose texture. If these are kept too
dry when out of the ground, they are liable to dry up
till they are all husk ; if too damp, they often rot.
I have in former years lost many trom one or other
of these causes ; so, Dever keep them long out of the
ground when dug up for division. C. W. Dud, Edge
Hall, Malpas.
THE LATE JOHN FINLAY.— I notice with regret
the death of this excellent gardener and naturalist in
your issue of the 17th inst., and should be pleased if
you will allow me to correct a slight mistake that
appears in the Obituary notice. John Finlay began his
gardening caretr in the garden of Netherwitton Hall
in 1858. he being then about 22 years of age. I w«b
collecting native plants at that time, aud he joined
me in the hobby. We collected all round Nether-
witton, and as far as Sunday rambling would permit.
The specimens were dried, I remember, on the top of
the old boiler-furnace, a rough -and-ro»dy method,
but the drying was very successful ; they were then,
in the winter evenings, mounted, named, aud classi-
fied on paper procured from Edinburgh forthe purpose.
It was I who gave him instructions in naming and
classifying from Hooker and Arnott's British Flora —
a book that I have still. I left Netherwitton in the
autumn of 1S59, and he shortly afterwards, to go to
Mitford Hall, and since that time I only saw him
once, in 1S60. I am astonished at the extent of his
collections. R. Gray, Convent Cottage, Carisbroohe,
Isle of Wight.
AZOLLA FILICULOIDES. — This exquisite little
aquatic cryptogam is again most luxuriant, and is
fruiting very freely in an open-air tank in the
Botanical Gardens of Trinity College, Dublin. It is
very beautiful in the early morning, when its flat
fronds are thick set with drops of water or dewdrops,
that glisten aud sparkle like so many diamonds in
the sunshine. Apart from its botanical interest, the
plant is very pretty as seen floiting in tanks, or
shallow rock-pools of water in the Alpine gardens ; or
it may reidily be grown in a pan or tub of muddy
water anywhere. A supply is available, and will be
sent to any botanist or botanical garden from whom
or which a stamped and addressed address-label is
received. F. W. Burbidge.
Nursery Notes.
REDBRAE3 NURSERIES, EDINBURGH.
Here, on part of the old site of Messrs. Dicksons&
Co.'s nursery, where for many years Mr. James
Grieve was so well known and universally respected
as manager, I found this veteran horticulturist and
his two sons establishing his new business. The old
firm, while retaining its seed Bhop at Waterloo Place,
has met the fate of so many London and other great
city nurserymen, that of being forced further out of
town in search of more room, the builder treading
closely on the heels of the cultivators. A consider-
able area is, however, still under cultivation, every
inch of which out-of-doors and under glass, being
packed full of nursery stock of all sorts in the
most robust health and cleanly condition.
Of the twelve or more large glasshouses, six of the
prominent are devoted to Tomatos, cultivated on the
latest and most approved principles, and hastening
into fruit in succession throughout the summer.
Like other successful growers of fine fruit, Mr. Grieve
assured us that he has never any difficulty in disposing
of his produce. Should he grow 50 tons, the demand
would rise to 100 ; 100 tons, he should probably be
asked for 200. The demand seems insatiable, and
the prices for the best produce are well maintained.
Mr. Grieves favourite varieties are Conference,
Sutton's Al, Comet, Stirling Castle, Austin's Eclipse,
and two new American varieties of great promise,
Honor Bright and Dominion Day. As the Tomatos
are cleared out of these roomy houses the Chrysan-
themums aud bedding-plants are taken in, until every
inch of space is once more filled with profitable
autumn and winter crops. Three or more houses are
devoted to Ferus, in which the more useful Pteris,
Asplenium, Adiantum, of all the most popular and
useful varieties and sizes for decorative and cultural
purposes. Pteris cristata, P. cretica, P. Wimsetti,
f. tremula, P. serrulate, P. nobilis, Aspleniums
nobile, bulbiferum, biforme, pumilum, laxum, Adian-
tumB or Maidenhair Ferns, such as A. cuneatum,
Williamsii, gracillimum, Capillus veneris, Farleyense,
&c, abounded in all directions. A fine stock of Cyr-
lomium fnlcatum and the equally useful Nephrolepis
Phillipinensis, and agood collection of Selaginellas were
in these three well- stored Fern-houses. Table-plants
in the form of the most chaste and suitable Palms,
Dracfeua?, Ficus elastica, Araucaria excelsa, Aralia
Sieboldi, Aspidistra, &c. Almost an entire house
is devoted to the now indispensable Smilax, now as
essential for the light and graceful finish of floral
decorat ons as the Tomato is for food. Large quan-
tities ef A«r«"a?us"pliimosus arafalao? grown. Other
houses are filled with tricolor, silver, bronze, and
other bedding and greenhouse Pelargoniums,
Fuchsias, Begonias, Lilies, and Spirtea astilboides.
Quantities of flowers are also grown for bouquet- work
and house and table decorations. Several pitsjare
devoted to the propagation of Conifers, Ampelopsis,
and other trees and shrubs, which seem to root like
weeds under the skilful manipulation and management
of the head of the firm. A frame is also well packed
with a choice collection of hardy herbaceous plants id
pots. Wealsonoticed agoodcollection,includingalmost
all the old favourites, in herbaceous beds, and long
borders in the open. Also large beds of seedling and
named Carnations, Pinks, Pentstemona, choice Antir-
rhinums, Delphiniums, Lupinus, Phloxes, &c. A large
space is devoted to the growth of Dahlias, Asters,
Stocks, and show aud other varieties of Pinks,
and Carnations, throughout the summer and'autumn.
Special attention is given to the raising of jspring
flowers, such as Wallflowers, Aubrietias, Alyssum,
Arabis, Myosotis, Polyanthus, Auriculas, Sweet Peas,
in choice collection for cutting; Mignonette, Pyre-
thrums, aud the new and beautiful Marguerite
Princess May, which is grown in quantity. Hardy trees
and shrubs receive special attention , such as Conifers,
Hollies, Laurels, Skimmias, hybrid Rhododendrons,
Olearia Haasti, &c. We also noticed a very complete
collection of the New Zealand hardy Veronicas, num-
bering some thirty speciea or varieties. We noted
among them Veronica glauca, V. ccorulea, V. Andersoni
var., V. salicornioides, &c.
A good collection of hardy climbers, such as green
aud golden Ivies, Virginian Creepers, Hops, Honey-
suckles, and Clematis are kept in pots.
From Mr. Grieve's antecedents, and as the raiser
of James Grieve Apple, it need hardly be said that
Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Gooseberries,
Currants, Raspberries are duly cared for ; and the
leadiug sorts of Strawberries, the true Garibaldi,
Royal Sovereign, and Mr. Carmichael's new seedling*
the Prince and Princess of Wales, carefully grown
for trade purposes. But though Mr. James Grieve
ha3 done good work amoug fruits, trees, shrubs, hardy
herbaceous flowers and plants through his long and
busy life, it is as a florist aud as the father of the
modern Violas, that he is best known and most highly
honoured. I must therefore take leave of him and
his promising business for the present amid his
favourite flowers, Pinks, Carnation", Violas. He
grows large collections of the former, as well as a
big bed of seedling Carnations for cutting ; also every
garden Viola worth growing, and a large collection of
exhibition Violas and P.vnsies in an extensive range of
cold frames, and also planted out.
Mr. Grieve speaks highly, as well he may, of his
new bronze-bedding Viola Joseph, with its richly
suffused yellow and golden petals and deep bronze
eye. Mr. Grieve kindly named the following as the
best bedding sorts : — V. Bullion, Archie Grant, The
Mearns, Countess of Kintore, Countess of Hope-
toun, True Blue, Wm. Niel, Duchess of Fife, White
Duchess, and Marchioness. D. T. F.
Law Notes.
IMPORTING FLOWTERS FROM FRANCE.
The Liability of Carriers.— In the Westminster
County Court, recently, his Honour Judge Lumley
Smith, Q.C., had before him the case of Dezilippi v.
the London, Chatham & Dover Railway, in which
tne plaintiff, a dealer in flowers, carrying on business
in Drury Lane, sued the defendant company to re-
cover the sum of £19 4s., being the value of ninety-
six baskets of flowers consigned to him from Nice,
and which were rendered useless in consequence of
delays in delivery. The plaintiff's case was that the
goods were consigned to him by mail route in order
to facilitate rapid delivery, but owing to the defendant
having sent them by cargo-boat, they were delayed
some twelve hours in delivery, and when they did
arrive they were absolutely rotten, and useless for
market.
July 24, 1897.
THE GARDENERS' GHRGNIGLE.
57
The plaintiff was called, and said that the full con-
signment was 103 baskets, and out ni that number only
seven baskets were delivered in time for th"> market.
Mr. Groves, solicitor, appeared on behalf of the
Company, and paid the defence was that the goods
were delayed owing to the French train arriving late
at Calais, A number of witnesses were called to give
evidence in support of this contention ; but it
transpired that the flowers were packed in the hold
of the ship instead of being placed upon the deck,
where they could have been easily got at upon their
arrival at Dover, and the consequence was the things
were not Fent on to London by the 10 o'clock train,
as they might otherwise have been.
His Honour said he i bought the defendant, in
packing the flowers in the hold of the ship, had
placed them in a position of safety ; but at tbe same
time, tbey had so placed them that they could not be
got at until they were useless. Judgment therefore
would be for tbe plaintiff for the full amount c'aimed,
with costs.
A Disputed Seed Bill.
In the Westminster County Court recently the
case of Cox v. Firmin was before his Honour Judve
Lumley Smith, Q C and was an actiou by tbe plain-
tiff, a seed merchant, carrying on business at Covent
Garden, to recover the sum of £1, for various seeds
supplied to the defendant, a gardener, carrying on
business at Streatham. The defendant, admitted the
order and delivery of the goods, but sa:d they wt-re
not what he ordered, and that was the rrasou why he
objected to paying for them.
Plaintiff's representative said the goods were sup-
plied over a year ago, and this was the first time that
any suggestion had been put forward to the effect
that tbe goods were not according to order.
His Honour said the defence was a ridiculous one,
and gave judgment for the plaintiff for the full
amount claimed, with costs.
SOCI ETI ES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.
July 13.— Present ; Dr. M. T. Masters, in tbe chair; Mr.
Veitcb, Dr. Bonavia, Rev. W. Wilks, Prof. A. II. Church, and
Rev. G. Hemdow, Hon. Sec.
Malformed Funr/i in Muxhronm Be>l.—\ letter was received
from Mr. Taylor, Penbridu, Mold, criticising the reports sent
to the last meeting with reference to the loam, as he had
splendid results last year with the same loam cut from the
open pasture. As the specimens have been lost in the transit
to Kew, the committee has been unable to receive the report
of an expert upon the fungi themselves.
Cucumber W'ft Adherent Leaf. - A specimen was received
from Mr. E. Horsley, gr. to Rev. W. Wilks. The petiole of
the leaf had become fused with the bise Of the fruit, the
result bring a distortion in the latter— a not uncommon
phenomenon.
Cattleyas, St/nanthic. — This was a fusion between two
flower.*, the effect being to arrest some parts of the whorls,
so that each flower became dimerous. There were two lips.
Poppy with Pistilloid Stamens.— A flower of Papaver Rbseas
was exhibited with this peculiarity. It is rare in this species,
but not infrequently in some others, as the Icelandic.
Chemical Composition of Cattleya — Two papers prepared by
Mr. Since were laid before the committee by Mr. Veitcb., to
whom they had been addressed, as Chairman of the Orchid
Committee. The first contained some figures connected
with the composition of the atmosphere ; analyses of old
and young pseudo-bulbs were also given, and of the flower,
including observations upon the colouring matters of plants.
Professor A. Church, having given careful cousideration to
the first of the two pipers, reserving the second for a future
meeting, remarked that Mr. Smee had scarcely paid sufficient
attention to the more recent analyses of the atmosphere and
of rain ; the amount of CO, ia the free air over land and sea
being now found to be almost absolutely uniform every-
where (except where locally contaminated), and less in
quantity than 3 parts in 10,000, so that no conclusions could
be drawn from the data furnished in the paper on this point.
With regard to the amount of ammonia in the air, it is so in-
finites! nially small in quantity, that it can only be estimated
by the most modern and refined chemical operations, so
that he was obliged to express some hesitation in accepting
Mr. Smee's statements on this point. With regard to Mr.
Sniee's analysis of pseudo-bulbs and of flowers. Prof. Church
observed that they agreed fairly well with average results
hitherto obtained from terrestrial and epiphytic plants, but
he thought that the percentage of undetermined ash con-
stituents— viz., about one-half, was far too great, and he
questioned the presence of aluminium, observing that though
terrestrial species of Lycopodtum contain much of this metal,
epiphytal species of the same genu* contain none. He felt
sure that some ingredient was wanting which had not been
determined. With regard to floral colouring matter-, Mr.
Smee did m t appear to have consulted recent researches.
Professor Church ha i prove 1 that a number of reda, Hues,
and purples, though called by difierent names— e.g., colein
in the Coleus, erythrqphyll in Cupper Beech, fruits, iic,
cenolin in black Grapes and anthocyan-n were absolutely the
same thing, being represented by the formula Cir,H.,lhO,„.
These became purplish in neutral cells, blue in alkaline, and
red in acid c^lls. Even the blue-green of a certain Ixia was
due to an alkaline solution of the same substance. With
regard to the Beetroot, however, and plants allied to it, as
the Araarauthus and Buckwheat, he found that the red-
purple was of a differeut nature, and he had called it
" amaranthin." It gave neither a scarlet nor blue reaction,
neither green nor yellow with acids, but Prof. Church had as yet
not determined its actual chemical composition, although he
had found it to differ from anthocyanin by its insulubility in
absolute alcohol, and by the absence from its spectrum of
definite absorption bands. With regard to nutritive solu-
tions, Professor Church thought that the ordinary solutions
for plant-culture contain! ug phosphates and salts of lime
should be used for Orchids, not the solution surcharged with
nitrogen compounds recommended by Mr. Smee. He would
suggest sptaying with '* pulverised " solutions the epiphytal
Orchid*, for he had proved with E -heverias- as Bouss ngault
had also long ago with other plants— that salts if moist could
be absorbed by the surface of the leaf, so that when a lithium
salt was placed upon a lower leaf it was detected in others
above. Dr. McNab had previously proved the transmission
of lithium salts imbibed by the roots throughout tbe plane,
following the suggestion of Prof. Church to use this salt.
Mr. Veitch and Dr. Masters called attention to the practice
carried out by amateur Orchid growers of ►cattering frag-
ments of carbonate of ammonia {-melting salts), so that tbe
vapour might be absorbed. Mr. Henslow suggested that it
might be absorbed with tbe aid of vapour of water, as he had
found by experiments that this can be absorbed by leaves.—
{Transpiration in << Saturated M ospkfre, Journ, Lin. Soc,
Bot, xxiii., p. 303).
WOLVERHAMPTON FLORAL FETE.
July 13, 14, 15. — This fine exhibition loses none of its
interest as the years roll on. It was held, a* usual, in tbe
spacious West Park, and, as is customary, several large tents
were required to accommodate the exhibits. On this occa-
sion, probably with a view to the convenience of the visitors
in the event of rain, a covered way connected the whole of
the tents, and so access could be had to all without any
necessity for going out in the open air. The day was
gloriously fine, and the company large. Unfortunately, Mr.
W. A. Green, the acting Secretary from the first, was unable
to bo present through illness ; but his duties were very ably
undertaken by Mr. Alfred Outraic, who chanced to be
present in the town on the opening day.
The schedule of prizes is a vety lengthy one. and some of
the leading features only in the exhibition cin be touched
upon.
Ruies> — Wolverhampton always has a good show of Roses,
as good prizes are offered in several classes. The flowers
were probably as good as those shown at the Crystal Palace ;
and, despite the hot weather, the colour of mniiy of the
crimson varieties was brilliant. There were four collections
of seventy-two varieties, the handsome 1st prize going to
Messrs. Harkness i Sons, nurserymen, Bedalc. their leading
flowers being Madame Cusin, Due d'Orleaus, Mrs. J. Laiug,
Puke of Wellington, Muriel Grahame, Mrs. W. J. Grant,
Queen of Queens, Marie Baumann, Marchioness of London-
derry, Cleopatra, Maman Cocbet, Fisher Holme3, Madame
Delville, and Her Majesty; Mr. R. B. Cant, nurseryman,
Colchester, was 2nd, his leading blooms being Ernest Metz,
Comte Raimbaud, Jean Soupert, Madame de Watteville,
Alfred Colomb, The Bride, Horace Vernet, and J. B. Mill.
These may be taken as representing the best varieties shown
in the various classes.
With forty-eight varieties, Mr. B. R. Cant was 1st, and
Messrs. Harkness & Sons 2nd ; and these two occupied the
same positions with trebles of twenty-four varieties.
There was a class for twenty-four varieties by exhibitors
not showing in the preceding classes, and here Messrs. Tom n-
SEKD & Son, Colchester, were 1st; and Mr. J. Mattock,
Oxford, '2nd. The best twelve new varieties of 1891-95-00
came from Mr. B. R. Cant
The best twelve blooms of any dark-coloured Rose were
of Horace Vernet from Mr. B. R. CaWt; Messrs. Towssend
& Son coming 2nd with A. K. Williams.
The best twelve blooms of a light Rose were those of Her
Majesty, from Mr. B. R. Cant ; Messrs. Harkness & Son
were 2nd, with Mrs. J. Laing.
Mr. B. R. Cant was 1st with twelve very fine blooms of Tea
Roses, and Mr. J, Mattock 2nd.
The most decorative arrangement of Roses was furnished
by Messrs. Perkins A; Sons. It consisted of bouquets,
wreaths, sprays, &c , with vases of cut blooms, and boards of
the same— a charming feature, as it occupied a large space of
tabling; and Mr. J. Mattock was '2nd. In the amateurs'
classes, the leading prizes were taken by the Rev. J. H.
Pemberton, Havering-atte-Bower.
Plants.— Very fine banks of stove and greenhouse plants
fiUed a spacious tent, and the high culture and large s ze of
many of them attracted considerable attention. Mr. Jam
Cypher, Cheltenham, had the best sixteen, including, <■*
flowering subjects, Statice profuaa, Pheenocoma proliferv
Barnesii, Ericas Par uenteriana, ventricosa.and BothnelliniiH,
Bougainvilka Cypheri, with large rich mauve-coloured
bracts, and almost yellow foliage, and B. Sanderiana; Stephi
notis floribunda. Ixora Willimisii, and gigantic examples of
Kenti is Forsteriana, Betmoreaua, and australts ; Latani i
borbonica, two fine Crotons, &c. 2nd, Mr. W. Vau.se,
Leandngton.
Groups of plants covering a space of 450 square feet were
very fine, and so elaborate as to defy description Mr.
Cypher was 1st, witli probably one of the best arrangements
he has yet set up. Mr. W. Finch was 2nd, and Mr. W. Vat. ae
3rd. The 2nd prize group was also very fine. The best group
of 400 square feet came from Mr. A. Cryer, gr. to J. A. Kf.n-
drick. Esq , Birmingham, who followed upon much tbe
same lines as Mr. Cvfher ; Mr. R. Sharpe, gr. to H. Lovatt,
Esq., Busubury. was 2nd.
Mr Cypher was the only exhibitor of eignt Orchids, which
were below the usual quality. Collections of six P.dms were
a fine feature.
Collections of six fdiaged-plants were very fine, Mr.
Cypher taking the 1st prize with capital Kenti. i australis,
Latania borbonica, three Crotons, and a Dasyliriou. Mr.
Vakse was 2nd.
Mr. SHARPE had the best six ex tic Fern'', which included
a tine Gleichenia Mendeli, Todca superba Trichomanes radi-
cans, and three others. Mr. J. P. Micdonald, gr. to G. H
Kf.nd'uok. E'<\.. Birmingham, was 2nd.
There were seve-al c!*s>es for specimen plants in the divi
si. iii for gentlemen's gardeners, who made, as usual, a good
display ; but tuberous-roote 1 Begoniasf-omewhat disappointed
expectation. A number of classes were also set apirt lot-
amateurs and cottagers, and in these the exhibits were
generally of go jd quality.
Cut Flowers. — The general classes for the*e included stove
and greenhouse cut flowers, Pansies, laced Pinks. Carnation^
<fcc, in all of which there were good exhibits. The be^t
twenty-four fancy Pansies came from Mr. M. Campijel'.
Blantyre. Messrs. Campbell, J. Naden, Derby, and W
Pfmherton, Walsall, were the principal priz.-takers fo;
I' indies, i Li nations, and Pinks.
Floral decorations including bouquets, &c. in 1 he exhih -
lion, at which Messrs. Perkins & Son. Coventry, greatly
distinguished themselves, taking most of the first prizes
Mr. M. .Tenkinson, Newcastle, Staffordshire, was also <
successful exhibitor. Mr. Henry Eckford's special prizes
for Sweet Peas brought many very pretty displays.
Fru-t. — With the exception of the collections of nine dishc*.
fruit also fell below the usual average. Mr. J. H. Gcodacrh,
Elvaston Cattle Gardens, [>erby, had the best nine dish*-,
staging Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grape- ;
Barnnyton and Violette Hative Peache9 ; Lord Napier an I
VioUtte Hative Nectarines; Queen Pino. Ac. 2nd, Mr 'I
Harris, gr to Lady H. Somerset, Eastnor, Ledbury; and
3rd, the veteran, Mr. T. Bannkrman, Bugeley. Grapes
scarcely cill-d for special mention Peacbes and Nectarinei
were few. Strawberries were fairiy plentiful, and in other
classes the more hardy fruits were staged.
Vege'ahfts, — The valuable special prizes offered by Mes^> -
Sutton & Sons, Jamfs Carter & Co., Webb <fc Sons, W. I'
Bason, T. B. Dobb-» & Co., and others brought some v rv
good collections, the chief honours falling to the lot of
Mr C. J. Waite, gr. to Col. Taleot, Esher, who was in ve-y
fine lorm throuebout. There were many classes for vege-
tables, but probably the date of the show was a little t ••>
early to have midland grown specimens in their besc
character.
Honorary Exhibits.
Of these there were a large number. Mes'-rs. J.vmi-
Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, had a group of plants of gr. Mt
interest and beauty; Mr. J. H. White, nurseryman, "Wor-
cester, a large and varied collection of cut flowers ; the same
from Messrs. Jones &. Co., Shrewsbury, who added a numb*r
of charming effect* in floral decoratim* ; Messrs. Thom-
son & Sons, nurserymen, Birmingham, had cut floweis,
also in great variety, with foliaged plants; Mess-s.
J ARM AS & Co., Chard, cut flowers, including Roses,
vegetables, &c. ; Mr. Hknrv Eckford, Wem, Salop, h»d
fifiy bunches of Sweet Peas ; Messrs. Barber, rlori-r-.
Tettenhall, Ferns, &c. ; Messrs. Weed & Sons, Wordsl.y,
Stourbiidtre, specialties in vegetables, cut flowers, &c.
Messrs. W. fc J. Birkenhead, Sale, had an extensive and
varied collection of hardy Ferns. Messrs. Dicksons (Limited .
Chester, a very fine bank of imposing bunches of cut flower*,
including Roses. Mr. E. Murrell, Shrewsbury, mad* a
bright display with Roses, &c. ; Mr. H. M. Stevens, Bit
mingham, staged floral decorations; Mr. R. Sydenham.
Birmingham, had pretty arrangements in metal for holding
flowers ; Messrs. W. Clibran & Son. AltriDcham, foli-pe
plants, cut flowers and sprays of Violas; Messrs. Barm
ffl Son, Cove, t Garden, a huge bank of cut flowers .
Mr- W. H. Jones, honey; Messrs. W. F. GtJKN <fcCo., Bir
mingham, a collection of cut flowers ; the same from Messr-
Harkness & Son, Bedale, who, as usual, staged very fine
bunches; Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay and Orpington,
haialarge variety of Sweet Peas, Violas, Dahlias, Pelargo-
niums; Mr. M. Campbell, Blantyre, Violas and Pansies;
Mr. H. DEYERtLL, Banbury, a tne col'ection of bis special-
ties in vegetables ; Messrs. W. B. Rowe A: Son, Worcester, cut
Roses, &c. ; and Mr. R. Lowe, nurseryman, Wolveihampton,
an extensive assortment of plants, cut flowers, &c. Tht
quality and variety of these honorary exhibits added very
much to the interest of the show.
58
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 24, 1897.
WISBECH AND DISTRICT
HORTICULTURAL.
Jlly 14. -*- This society, which i» largely managed by
working men, held their summer show in a commodious
tent erected in the grounds of Selwyn Hall, the weather
being fine. Certain plant and cut bloom classes are open,
and although these did not attract many plant growers, they
brought excellent cut Roses from Peterborough and other
places, so that these flowers formed one of the leading
features of the show.
A very fine stand of thirty-six varieties gained for Messrs.
G. & W. Burgh, Peterborough, the 1st prize ; Mr. R. H.
Bath, Nurseryman, Wisbech, being 2nd. Messrs. G. & W.
Burch were also 1st with twenty-four, twelve, and six
varieties, staging admirable blooms in each class, and distinct
from the foregoing ; Mr. R. H. Bath was in each case i'nd.
Bunches of Sweet Peas were a pretty feature, the beet
twelve, from Mr. F. W. Hill, represented some of Eckford s
best new varieties. It is necessary in a class of this kind
not only that the bunch should be confined to a certain
number of Bprays, but also that a bunch be confined to one
variety only. Quite a small bunch might, and often does,
contain blooms of the finest quality. The sprays of blossom
are nearly always shown in a too crowded state ; still, Sweet
Peas are seen at their best when exhibited in the manner
adopted by Mr. Eckford. Another good feature was the
collections of hardy bulbous and herbaceous perennials,
which appear to be well grown in the locality ; and there
were some pretty floral decorations. Messrs. W. & J. Brown,
nurserymen, Stamford, taking the 1st prize, with an arrange-
ment showing the various uses to which flo *ers could be put.
DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'
ASSOCIATION.
July 14. — The summer outing of this Association was held
on the above date, eighty persons participating, the destina-
tion being Mount Edgcumbe. Mr. Richaids, gr. to the Earl
of Mount Edgcumbe, conducted the visitors through the
main avenue to the Orangery. The Orange-trees, sixty in
number, stand in square tubs, and date from the time of
Queen Elizibeth. There are many varieties, and the collec-
tion is in fine condition.
In the Italian garden were some fine half-hardy plants
doing well. Araucaria cxcelsa (in tubs) ab.iut 20 feet in
height; Alsopbilla australis 7 to S feet ; Abutilons IS to -0
feet. Leading to the French garden was an Ilex hedge of
about 20 'eethigh, and a tine Cedrus Deodara, which were
blown down by the blizzard of 1891. Both the hedge and the
Cedar had been succssfully set up agiin, and seemed little
the worse for the ordeal. In this garden are some grand
clumps of B imboos, one of Arimdinaria nobilis being 2u leet
high. Here was a Holly, with a hole of 25 feet high up to
th3 first branches, and having a girth of 6£ feet. An Ilex of
about 90 ftec high had a spread at top quite equal to its
height ; and a Cork Oak hard by measured 8 feet 4 inches
round the trunk. There were a pair of Chama?rops excelsa
of lO to 25 feet, and a fine specimen of Juuiperus berniudiana
and Cupressus torulosa.
The next move was to the Picklecombe Fort, whence a
fine view of Plymouth, Stonehouse, and Devonport, Drake's
Island, the Breakwater, the estuary of the Tamar, and Dart-
moor Is obtained. Still ascending the slope, the Countess
Caroline garden was reached, in which the Metrosideros,
Uhynchospermum, Eucalyptus, and similar plants were
flowering profusely. Amongst ihem was a Benthamia
fragifera, about 30 feet, just going out of flower.
An inspection of the flower-beds surrounding the mansion,
and a saunter down the drive, brought the visitors to Cremyl
F- rry, where a special steamer took the party across to the
Devonshire side of the Tamar, Mount Edgcumbe being in
Cornwall. The party then proceeded to Devonpoit Dock-
yard, and after inspecting certain parts of the Dockyard, and
t be ships now building, adjournment was made to S \
George's Hall, wheie luncheon was serced, Mr. Andrew Hope
occupying the chair.
NATIONAL ROSE.
July 15. — The Northern Show was held in conjunction
with the Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society, in the
grounds of Carrow Priory, Norwich, one of the Beats of
J. J. Colman, Esq. Some of the most notable exhibits were
as follows : —
Nurserymen.
Uses. —Best thirty-six single tiusse* : 1st. Mr. B. R. Cant,
Colchester, with grand specimens, of which the following
varieties were particularly praiseworthy : — Duchesse de
Morny, Suzanne Marie Rodocauachi, Mw. John Laing, Her
Majesty, Muriel Grahamc, the beautiful sport from Catherine
Mermet, Ernest Metz, Helen Keller, and Madame Delville.
This pri?e carried with it the Jubilee Challenge Trophy and
Gold Medtl. Messrs. Harkness & Son, of Bedale, were 2nd,
and secured the Silver Medal for the best H.P. in the show,
* ir.h a glorious bloom of Earl of Dafferin.
Mr. B. R. Cant again took premier honours for seventy-
two distinct single trusses, amongst which Dr. Andry,
Beauty of Waltham, and J. S. Mill, were very fine. In the
same class, tbe 2nd Award of Merit to Messrs. Harkness &,
St in, who included beautiful specimens of Madame Ho^te,
Star of Waltham, Due d'Orleans, and J. S. Mill.
For thirty six distinct trebles, Mr. B. R. Cant adde- to his
former victories by again winning 1st prize with a beautiful
collection of blooms. Gustave Piganeau was an ideal flower,
and the following were remarkably fini: — Marchioness of
Downshire, Horace Vernet, Duchesse de Morny, Messrs. J,
Laing, A. K. Williams, Charles Lefebvre, Comte de Raimbaud.
Countess of Oxford, Marchioness of Londonderry, Marguerite
de St. Amand, and Duke of Teck.
The Yorkshire firm, Messrs. Habkness & Son, were again
little behind Mr. Cant. They had fine flowers of Duke of
Fife, Duchesse de Morny, and Countess of Oxford.
In the class for thirty-six distinct single trusses, there
w-re seven entries Messrs. Prior &, Son, Colchester,
carried off 1st honours with a good collection, amongst which
the following were specially worthy of notice : Maman
Cochet, Madame de Watteville, Mrs. J. Laing, and Ernest
Metz.
Messrs. Townsend & Sons. Worcester, were 2nd, having
lovely blooms of Suzanne-Marie Rodocanachi, ani Gustave
Piganeau.
The best eighteen distinct trebles were from Messrs.
Prior &, Son, Colchester, who had well-finished flowers of
Mrs. Jobn Laing, Marchioness of Londonderry, andauzanue-
Marie Rodocanachi.
Amateurs.
In the class for twenty-four distinct varieties, single
trusses, the 1st prize, with Jubilee Trophy and Gold Medal,
were won by Mr. E. B. Lindsell, Bearton, Hitchin, Herts,
who stage! fine blooms of A. K. Williams, Earl Dufferin,
Merveille de Lyon, The Bride, and Marie Biumann. The
^nd honours were awarded to the R.v. J. H. Pemberton,
Havering-atte- Bower, for a very meritorious exhibit.
Mr. E. B. Lindsell and the Rev. J. H. Pemberton were
again 1st and 2nd respectively in a class for thirty-six distinct
single trusses.
Eight distinct trebles made a very nice show, Mr. E. B.
LiMJiELL once more taking the lead, thus securing 1st prize
in the three most important amateur classes.
A piece of plate presented by the Mayor of Norwich accom-
panied the 1st prize for eighteen distinct siogle trusses,
which was won by Mr. O. G. Orpen, Colchester, who showed
a grand flower of Muriel Grahame, which was awarded the
Silver Medal, as being the best Tea or Noisette shown by
amateurs.
Tea and Noisette Section.
N<n-m-ytnen.— Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. took 1st prize for
eighteen distinct single trusses, with superb blooms of grand
substance and colour, conspicuous amongst which were
Ernest Metz, Caroline Kuster, and Maman Cochet. The 2nd
prize was awarded to Mr. B. R. Cant, who had beautiful
blooms of The Brid9, Muriel Grahame, and Maman Cochet.
For twelve distinct single trusses, Mr. H. Merryweather,
Sou'hwell, Notts, was 1st, showing nice specimens of Inno-
cente Pirola. Maman Cochet, The Bride, and especially a
magnificent flower of Niphetos, which secured a Silver
Medal as the best Tea or Noisette iu the nurserymen's
classes ; Mr. George Prince, Oxford, was 2nd, and had good
blooms of Madame Margottin and Catherine Mermet.
For twelve single trusses of Her Majesty (open), Messrs.
Paul at Sun, Cheshunt, Mr. H. V. Machiic, and Messrs.
Harkness & Son, took honours in the abovo order.
Garden R ses. — These were the objects of much admiration.
For twelve bunches, distinct, arranged in a space not to
exceed 4 feet by 3 feet (amateurs), Mr. Machis was 1st, and
Mr. Okpen 2nd.
In the open class for eighteen bunches, Messrs. Paul &
Bon, Cheshunt, were 1st; followed by Mr. Turner, Slough.
The class for a display of Roses brought one of the most
beautiful exhibits in the show, being the 1st prize display by
Mr. Princh', the tasteful arrangement of which produced a
charming effect.
New Roses.
Amateurs, — The Rev. J. H. PEMBEhTON was 1st for six new
Roses, single trusses, showing Ellen Drew, Clio, JVIadame
Joseph Combert, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, and Helen Keller.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
July 15.— Orchid flowers of fine quality are not plentiful
at this season, and the exhibits on this occasion were Limited
in number. The following members of the committee were
present :— Samuel Gratrix, West Point, Whalley Range,
Chairman ; and Messrs. W. A. Gent (Hon. Sec), R, Johnson,
D. B. Rappart, E. J. Sidebotham, Jas. Anderson, John
Cowan, G. Law-Schofield, H. Greenwood, J. Backhouse,
W. Bolton, and P. Weathers.
The following plants were inspected by the committee in
the order in which we place them, namely, from Captain
Scholekield (gr., Mr. Schill), Cypripodium Godefroya;
leucochilum aureum (Award of Merit), which has the ground-
colour ot C. concolor with the spotting of C. Godefroyae— an
acquisition to its class ; Cypripedium called Godefroyse
leucochilum, which appears to have some bellatulum blood
in it, as is evident in the self-coloured Up, and the chestnut-
coloured blotches on the white ground. A First-class Certifi
cate was awarded the variety. Captain Scholetield showed
also Cypripedium X Measuresiaj-beltatulum x Veitchi, very
distinct, showing traces of both parents, especially of C.
Veitchi, a nice pleasing variety (Award of Merit).
W. A. Gent, Esq., Brooklands, showed a good Cattleya
W.ir^ccwiczii, and an indifferent form of C. Eldorado Wallisii
(not white in the segments).
Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford, showed
a well grown Cattleya granulosa auiei with four flowers-
(Award of Merit), the greenish tint pervading the yellow is
no drawback to the flower, which U attractive when viewed
at a distance. They also showed a form of Brassavola
Lawrenceana var. longissima, to which a Botanical Certi-
ficate was awarded, which was right enough, but the variety
is a very ornamental plant, which only needs good culture
to make it attractive. This firm showed other plants, the
more prominent of these being a crossbred between C.
Boxalli and C. oananthum superbum called Ranjitsinhji
(this is a little too much, Mr. Charlesworth — keep to-
Christian names). It is a finely coloured flower, not large,
but pleasing in form and colouring (Award of Merit).
Thos. Statter, Esq , Stand Hall (gr., Mr. R. Johnson),
showed a plant of Cypripedium callosum Sander* with a*
magnificent flower thereon, which was undoubtedly the
finest thing at the meeting, but the variety having beeo
certificated before it could not be dealt with. Mr. Ball's
flower, certifi".ated at an earlier meeting, although
not half the siza of Mr. Statter's, was identical ; and the
one I described in these pages last year of Mr. GratrixP
was so near Its fellows in question, that they all appear to-
ll ive come from one and the same plant. Mr. Statter also
showed the new Dendrobium. Victoria Reginra with a few-
flowers upon it, receiving an Award of Merit, which is quite
as much as it is worth, fo- when the novelty wears off, a
batch of the common nobile will be as ruuca or more prized.
The colour of the limbs and the lip is half white and half
ccerulean blue, smallish in size, and not remarkable in sub-
stance. It lacks the influence of some of the choicor East
Indian Dendrobes to place it in the front rank. Like all)
these other side of the world species, with its nodes and wiry-
like stems, the plant may possess longevity. This exhibitor
had also a good Cattleya eximia.
D. B. Rappart, Esq., The Promenade, Liscard (gr., Mr_
Nieholson), exhibited an interesting Rolbophyllum Colletti,
which received a Botanical Certificate. It forms a sort of
circle, with its shaking filaments, and the colour will please
those who favour curiosities in Orchids.
E. J. Sidebotham, Esq., Erlsdene(gr., Mr. G. Shiner), showed
Cypripedium Cleola-one of the lightest forms of the Seleniv
pedium section, which the committee requested inspection
again when stronger ; also a flower of a good form of Cat-
tleya Gaskelliana, which possesses a pleasant fragrance.
Mr. Allen, Sale, sent a Cattleya superba, which received. a»
Cultural Commendation.
Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. exhibited a showy collec-
tion, consisting of some choice Masdevallias and seedling;
Lajlio-Cattleyas.
THE PEOPLE'S PALACE HORTICUL-
TURAL SUMMER SHOW.
July 15, 16, 17. — This was the second of four exhibitions of
this society during the present year, and as compared witb
that held at the corresponding period in 1S9G, was decidedly in-
advance of it, thus showing there is a manifest improvement
in the culture of plants in the East Eud of London. The
exhibitors are grouped in two main divisions, viz., those:
living in the more crowded parts, such as Mile Eud, Stepney,
Limebouse, Plaistow, Wapping, &c., which are known as-
congested districts, and those lying beyond these, which ar&
more favourable to plant-culture ; a group of classes being;
allotted to each.
The best ground group of plants in the open division came-
from Mr. E. J. Pether, 99, Grove Road, Walthamstow, who-
Las a small greenhouse in the back-garden ; and that in the
congested division from Mr. W. F. Kearns, 1u5, Old Church.
Road, Stepney.
In the open division there was a class for a smaller group,
the 1st prize going to Mr. A. J. Foster, 57, St. Donatt's Road,
New Cross. Among flowering plants there were fine speci-
mens of Fuchsias, Plumbago capensis, Nerium Oleander,
Pelargoniums, <fcc, and of foliage plants Aspidistra, Ficus,.
Draeama, Coleus, <fec , some excellent Ferns being also staged,,
end capital Fern cases. The most conspicuous examples < f
plant culture were two huge fan-shaped Fuchsias, 5 feet by
4 feet, grown by a dock labourer, who with his wife occupy
a small room at 9, Coutt's Road, Burdett It jad, E. One was
very finely bloomed, the other comuag into flower; foliage
and flowers alike were admirable. Tbese two plants greatly
interested H.R.U. the Duchess of Albanv, who opened the
exhibition, and in each case they were awarded special extra
prizes ; one plant occupies each of the two small windows,
and they have the greatest attention. The favourite hanging
window plants are the blue and white Campanula isophylla ;
there were pretty baskets of mixed plants also. There were
thirty-six classes in all, and only two or three failed to bring;
competitors.
Very fine non-competitive groups of plants were sent by
His Grace the Duk -a of Fife, President of the Society ; His
Grace the Duke of Norfolk, Lord Rothschild, A. F. Hills,
Esq., Messrs. Holmes, Frampton Park Nurseries, ifcc. Splendid
Roses from Messrs. C. E. Shea and T. B. Haywood, those
from the former particular^' fine ; the Hon. T. A. Bhassey,
&u. A very fine collection of Malmaison Carnations from His
Grace the Duke of Westminster ; a series of very handsome
floral arches, from Mr. J. R. Chard, court florist, of Stoke
Newington ; sprays of Violas iu great variety from Mr. W.
Baxter, florist, Woking, and others. Early in September
there will he an exhibition of Dahlias, this flower being-
largely grown in the East End.
July 24, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
59
NATIONAL VIOLA.
July 17.— The exhibition of Viola flower* during such
weather as occurred in the South of England last week is apt
to bo attended with unsatisfactoiy results. The Viola Is one
of the least adapted of flowers to withstand continued hofc
sunshine In July ; and even In shady borders, the plants
become exhausted, and the leaves thin and small, and
the flowors of diminished size and ephemeral existence.
But wlion they have been cut and taken to an exhi-
bition 400 miles distant, the effort to display themselves
is fooblo in the extreme. Then there are comparatively
few persons 'at any rate south of the Tweed) who tako
an interest in Violas for exhibition purposes ; they
share, in this respect, much tho same fate as do Tulips.
Those circumstances aro more than sufficient to explain tho
character uf the secor-d exhibition of tho National Viola
Sooiety, held on Saturday last in tho gardens of the Royal
Botanic Society, Regent's Park. It would have been very
insignificant in continental eyes as tho product of a
" National " Society, no doubt, but under the circumstances^
nothing bettor could have been expected. Neverthe-
less, tho Viola is a beautiful ani very useful garden
plant, especially in certain districts, and under favourable
circumstances. It is in a dry season that the Viola
is disappointing, and to provide against this the necessary
measures aro not within the possibilities of every gardener.
Wo have seen the circumstances overcome, however, and in
a garden withio S miles of Whitehall. Tho principal moans
have been tho removal of the naturally light soil, which has
been replaced by good loam, and made rich enough to suit
the Viola, and then, aftor planting, thera has been unromit-
tent care in watering and pegging, and, moreover, tho
plants ba*o been sprayed each morning and evening. Given
such treatment, Violas are capable of providing uncommon
and very beautiful garden effects unassociatcd with any
olhor plants. There was a trial of Violas last season under
tho auspices of this Society, and tho varieties afterwards
recommended for planting were given in tho Gar<irn<v,'
Chronicle for August 15, 1^90. The value of a variety uf Viola
cannot be adjudged correctly unless its habit of growth be
known.
OPEN CLASSES.
The best collection of forty-eight sprays of Violas, distinct,
nine b'ooms in each spray, was shown by Mr. W. Baxter,
Woking, who won a Gold Medal. A collection from Scotland,
shown by Messrs. Jno. Forbes, Hawick, being 2nd. It
was a Scotch grower, however, who won the Gold Medal for
a similar collection of Pansios, the 2nd prize going to Messrs.
I. House & Son, Coombe Nursery, Bristol.
Tho 1st and 2nd prizes for twenty-four Fancy Pansics, dis-
tinct, went to Mr. M. Campbell, Blantyro, N.B., and Mr.
Jno. Smei.uk, llnshby Nurseries, N.B. ; but in the class for
twelve blooms, these two competitors occupied reverse
positions.
Twelve blooms of tho florists' Show Pansies wore best
f.on Mr. Jno. Shellie, and tho samo exhibitor won for
twenty-four sprays of Violas, six blooms in each spray.
There were classes also for ray loss vaiietiea, and for
miniature r.iylcss flowers, als> for yellow self and white
self Viola«. Messrs. I. House h Son won in the chiss last
name!, showing Ctiristiani, White Empress, and Countess of
Hopetoun.
A dinner-table decorated with Violas and their own foliage
was shown in competition, but it was hardly noteworthy.
In a class for six Violas (tufted Pansies) in pots, of varieties
to be selected from a given list, the 1st prize was won by Mr.
D. B. Crane, Hi^hgate, N. ; and having more control,
porhap;, over such plants thin those in a border, the quality
of these was satisfactory, the growths being quite strong.
Messrs. I. House & Son were 2od.
Mr. L. Buows won 1st prize in a class for three sprays of
miniature r.iyless Violas, not to exceed 1£ inch ; the varieties
were Blue Bell, Vio'etta, and Bea'ie.
Amateur*.— The number of competitors in these, as in
the open classes, was small. Mr. Jas. Maxwell, Dalton
Newton, was 1st for twelve fancy Pansies and for six show
Pansies ; the beBt collection of twelve sprays of Violas being
shown by Mr. R. T. Douuall, whoso flowers deserve com-
mendation, being bright and fresh-looking. Mr. Jas. Max-
well was again 1st in the smaller class for six sprays.
Mr. D. B Crane had the best six sprays of rayless Violas,
showing Florizel, A. J. Rowberry, Tordcr Witch, Nellie, &c.
Mr. Crane was also 1st for three sprays of white self Violas,
showing Ethel Hancock, Nellie, and Christiana. A spray
each of tde varieties Duchess of Fife, White Duchess, and
Goldsmith, were from Mr. J. J Siiei.ford, South Woodford,
Essex.
The Hon. Secretary to the Society (Mr. A. J. Rowbkrkv)
won ls>t prize for a collection of eighteen varieties of Violas,
six blooms of each, arranged in specimen-glasses, with t! air
own foliagj. He was followed in this class by Dr.
Sbackleton.
Messrs. Dobbie & Co , Rothesay, and Messrs I House &
So.v, made honorary exhibits of VioU and Pansy bloonn.
NATIONAL CARNATION AND
PICOTEE.
July 21.— From a spectacular point of view, the change or
the site of this exhibition from the Crystal Palace to the
Royal Botanic Society's Gardens, in the Regent's Park,
scarcely proved satisfactory. Tho excessive heat of Saturday
last led to the abandonment of tho intention to hold the
exhibition in tho glass-covered annexe, and the exhibits
were placed on tho turf banks under the large exhibition
tent. Parched grass was scarcely an appropriate background
to the flowers, and then they were below the eye, rendering
an examination of tho blooms, and the deciphering of the
names, difficult. But, as Mr. Martin R. Smith remarked at the
luncheon, the attendance of the public was a matter of small
importance, the main thing being that the Carnation growers
should have a chanco of seeing what each grew, as if the
takings at the gato aro a matter of no consequence That
tho Crystal Palace is the best place in which to hold such an
exhibition, there can bo no doubt ; but if it is again held in
the Regent's Park, it woidd bo much better to exhibit tho
flowors in a tent ereeted on the lawn. The blooms of Carna-
tions always look best when staged on tables covered with
groen baize or calico. While the exhibition, being so varied
in character, was full of interest, yet in point of contrast with
some which have preceded it, it was lacking in fine quality.
Mr. Smith said truly that it is difficult to have the earlier-
blooming bizarres and flakes in flower at the same time
as the selfs and fancies, which are later in opening.
There were some remarkably good blooms of bizarres and
flakes in some of tho stands, but many were small and rough.
Southern flowers were past their best in not a few instances ;
but then, nobody can control the incidence of the soason,
and a date being fixed, tho growers must do the best they
can, and this they heartily attompted to do on this occasion.
The light improved in the afternoon, and there was a good
company.
Bizo.rres and flaked Carnations — The fact that there were
eight collections of twenty-four blooms in not fewer than
twelve varieties, speaks volumes for the popularity of this
class, and it was gratifying to witness the Royal Nursery,
Slough, showiog something of its old prowess. Mr. Tiuner's
lending flowers were S.B. Robert Houlgrave, P.P.B. Arlino,
S. P. Guardsman, P.F. Prince George of Wales, P.F. Charles
Honwood, C.B. Thaddous, S.B. C. H. Herbert, P.F. Billy
Henderson, S.F. Tom Pinley, S.B. Duke of York, and P.P.B.
John Ball, several of these beiug in duplicate. 2nd, Mr.
Martin Rowan, Manor R)ad, Clapham, his lcadiug blooms
being S.B. Robert Houlgrave, R.F. Mrs. Rowan, C.B, J. S.
IIed< orly, P.F. .George Melville, P.F. Gordon Lewis, S.B.
Robert Lord, P.F. Jas. Douglas, S.B. Admiral Curzon, and
S V. Sportsman. Mr. J. Douglas, GrcatGearies, Ilford, wa
With twelve blooms, there were four competitors, Mr. C.
Phillips, Bracknell, Berks, taking tho 1st prize, with S F.
Guardsman, C.B. Master Fred, R.F. Lady Mary Curric, C.B.
Frod Thillips, S.B. George, P.F. Geo. Melville, S.F. J. P.
Sharp, C.B. Geo. Rudd, C.B. J. S. Hcdderly, S.B. C. H.
Herbert, P.P.B. Sarah Payne, aud S.B. Robert Lord.
2nd. Messrs. Thomson &Co., nurserymen, Birmingham.
There were five collections of six blooms, Mr. A. R.
Brown, Handsworth, Birmingham, being 1st with R.F.
Thdia, P.F. Geo. Melville, C. Li. .) s. Ileddcrly, S.B.Alfred
Hudson, S F. Guardsman, and C I! James Merry weather ;
2nd, Mr. W. Garton, Jun., Wools on.
Self*. — Tho best twenty-four blooms came from Mr. M. R.
Smith, Hayes, Kent and represented his newest seedlings,
such as The Naiad, Mrs. Prinsep, Maron, President and Boreas,
Solon and The Cadi,yellow; Mrs. McRaeand Boniface, scarlet;
Eodymion, very fine, andTredegondo, rose ; Elise, pink ; Her
Grace and Purity, blush ; Ptarmigan, Helmsman, and Mrs. E.
Hambro, white. Mr. C. Turner was 2nd, having Loveliness,
pink ; Iona, white ; and King of Scarlets, scarlet, as his best.
With twelve selfs, Mr. E. C. Shakpin was 1st, chief among
them Nabob, Apricot, Ruby, ruby-purple ; Sea Gull, and
Mrs. Colby Sharpin, 2nd, Mr. C. Phillips, Bracknell, who
had Lord Wantage, a fine yellow self ; Ladas, Felicity, Ac.
For Six Self*.— yir. S. A. Mount, Thames Ditton, 1st ; Mr
A. R. Brown, Birmingham, 2nd, with much more refined
bloom.
Fancies — These consisted largely of yellow-ground flowers
and they were very good. Mr. C. Turner was 1st with such
fine varieties as Tho Gift, May Queen, Virgo, George Cruick-
shank, Primrose League, also Duchess of Portland, white
with slight stripes of rosy red, and very pretty; and some
seedlings. Mr. J. Douglas was 2nd with Czarina and Haytie,
two very fine yellow grounds ; and Pelegia, heliotrope flaked
with scarlet. In the 12 varieties Mr. C. Phllips was Ut
aud Mr. Geo. Chaunliy, 2nd. There were several stands o
six Fancies each, the best coming from Mr. W. Garton,
Woolston, 1st, and Mr. A. Greenfield of Patton, 2nd.
Single blooms —It willsuffice if the names of the twolcading
varieties of each type of Carnations be given— S.B. Robert
Houlgrave and Admiral Curzon ; C.B. Master Fred and
Pho-be, P.P.B. William Skirving and Ellis Cros^ley, P.F.
Gordon Lewis and Mrs. Douglas, S.F. John Wonnald and
Guardsman, R.F. William of Wykeham and Thalia. Selfs,
white : — Mrs. Eric Hambro and Sir Guy ; rose. Loveliness ;
scarlet, Verena and Little John, Mancunian and Uncle Tom
ellow, Lord Wantage, and Germania ; buff, Mrs. Colby-
Sharpin and The Beau. Fancies, Broderick and Cecil
Rhodes.
Picotees, white grounds.— There were six collections of
twenty-four blooms, Mr. C. Turner being 1st with Red
edges, Brunette and Mre. Gordon ; purple edges, Mary, Clara
Penson, and Muriel ; rose edges, Favourite, Lady Emily,
Van de Weyer, Little Phil, and Mrs. Payne, these were the
leading varieties, and duplicates were permitted to bo shown.
Mr. J. Douglas 2nd with, among others, beautiful light rose-
edged flowers named Fortrose and Athene.
Messrs. Thomson & Co., Birmingham, had the best twelve
varieties, which included the red-edged Isabel Lakin and
John Smith ; purple-edged Mrs, Anderson ; rose-edged Little
Fhil and Mrs. Sharp ; 2nd, Mr. Geo. Chaundy, Oxford.
Mr. A. R. Brown, Birmingham, had the best six varieties
Mr. T. ANsiis-t, Brill, being 2nd in this class.
Y-llo.r ground Picotees.— Mr. M. R. Smith took the lstprizo
for twelve blooms, his leading varieties being Badminton.
Doris, Voltaire, Mohicau, Golden Eagle, His Excellency,
Borderer, and Mrs. Tremiyno ; Mr. J. Douglas 2nd, with
blooms distinct from the foregoing, viz., Empress Eugenie.
Xerxes, Ilygeii, and Miss Violet Douglas.
With six varieties, Mr. F. Hooper, of Bith, was 1st, with
May Queen, Ids. Gooden, Florrie Henwood, Ladas, Mrs. R.
Sydenham, and a seedling ; Mr. C. Harden was 2nd.
Picotees, Single Blooms. — Tbe best U. Red E. were Gany-
mede and Brunette; L. Rod E., Mrs. Gorton and Acorn ;
H.P.E., Polly Brazil and Muriel; L.P.E , Summortide and
Esther ; H. Ro. E., Lady Laura and little Phil ; L. Ro. E.,
Mrs. Payne ; H. Scarlet E. , Duchess of York and Mrs. Sharpe ;
L. S. E. , Fortrose and Favourite. Yellow Grounds, Mrs
Douglas and LadaB.
Preniur Carnations and Picotees. - Bizarre Robert Houl
grave (M. Rowan); flaked Matador (J. Douglas). Self: Mrs-
Prinsep, yellow (M. R. Smith); Fancy, Bidmhiton (M. R.
Smith). Picotees, heavy edge, Duchess of York, rose (C.
Turnor) ; light edge : Fortrose (J. Douglas).
V i ■/' - *sed flowers, and no cards — The classes for these ex-
hibits numbered seven, and they may be passed over ; each
bloom was arranged with a single spray of Carnation foliage,
If these classes could be made to suggest something better
than an ordinary button-hole, they might possess some
e'ducational value, but they do i ot. The class for six blooms
for those who had never wou a prize brought a large compe-
tition.
Prizes were offered for seedlings, but owing to the lato
hour at which judging commenced, it was difficult to gather
up particulars of the awards. It was understood that a Cer-
tificate of Merit was awarded to Mr. J. Douglas' fine light-
rose-edge Picotee Fortrose. A number of seedlings were
staged; and that one Certificate only was awarded shows
they were, with tliis one exception, improvements upon
existing varieties.
P:ants in Pots.— The best collection of specimens in pots
filling a space of 5) feet, came from Mr. Martin R. Smith.
It included a very fine lot of superbly grown new varieties,
having among them several very fine now yellow Sells. Mr.
Charles Turner was 2nd. The only group filling a space of
30 feet was staged by Mr. J. Douglas, who was awarded tho
1st prize.
Mr. M. R. Smith had the best twelve specimens in pots,
soveral of them new varieties, chief among them being Lady
Jano Grey of a very pleasing tint of rosy-heliotrope. Other fine
new varieties were also staged. There was a class for a
single specimen also, the best appeared to be a bright red
seedling from Mr. M. R. Smith, havingtwenty fivecxpanded
blossoms ; Mr. C. Turner coming next with The Gift, one of
tho best of the yellow grounds.
Table decorations. —These included a dinner-table arranged
for twelve persons, the floral decorations to consist entirely
of Carnations and Picotees. Three were arranged, Mr. C
Blick taking the 1st prize, with most elaborate arrange-
ments, consisting of a large centre and two end stands, with
numerous small vases, &c, filled with blooms, appropriate
foliage being omployed. Mr. Blick confined himself to aoft
tints in his flowers. Mr. W. Green, Jun., Harold Wood, was
2nd, the design and execution being similar, but not so lofty
or so well finished. Mr. J. Douglas had the best vase, very
light and elegant ; Mr. V. Charrington was 2nd. Spray
and button holes were also shown, in most cases stiff and
formal ; at any rate, nothing fresh or novel was gleaned from
these two classes.
The Martin Smith Prizes for flowers from the open borders
were again offered. One was for the best bunch of a self-
coloured variety, another was for six varieties of selfs, and
another for nine bunches of flake, bizarre, or fancy Carna-
tions. In looking carefuUy through the flowers sent in com-
petition, they appeared to be somewhat ordinary varieties,
and it would seem that anything does to put intoabuncb,
quality being a secondary consideration. TLe varieties
shown on the first two occasions of the institution of these
prizes were decidedly better thaa they have been of late, and
deterioration rather than progress was the rule. The
bunches were all staged low down, and in an indifferent
light, and perhaps they were not seen to the best advantage.
Miscellaneous Exhi.1 its included a table of handsome leaved
Caladiums and foliaged plants from Messrs. B. Peed &, Sons,
Lower Norwood, a table of very pretty Arcadian, Victorian
and Jubilee designs in flowers ; a very pleasing addition to
the show from Mr. J. R. Chabd, Stoke Newington ; collec-
^
60
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 24, 1897.
ttons of cut Carnations from Messrs. Jas. Veitvfi & Sons,
Gbbhea ; W. Cutbush & Sons, Ilighgate, N. ; M. B. P.
Hopper, nurseryman, Hoddesden : and Mr. James Douglas,
Bookhara; with, bunches of Sweet Peas from Messrs. Barr
&, Sows.
[The term " accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42a Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1" continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
a
> 3
AOOOMTJLATID.
3
5*3 3
E* O d
1.9S
►If
o
pq
Rainfall.
53
±9
O
|
Bright
Stjn.
-J e»
O <D
•u ' 49 S
*-: ^9
p o H2
©*^ ho o
C9 U f*
3 +
1 0 aver
2 2-
1 -
1 4
5 3 +
6 2 +
7 2 +
6 4 +
9 4 +
10 4 +
* 4 +
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Ill
0
+ 53
106
0
- 14
100
0
+ 63
123
0
+ 146
131
0
+ HI
162
0
+ 100
123
0
+ = <
187
0
+ 100
153
0
+ 202
134
0
- 2
141
0
+ 114
16S
0
+ 270
Day-
lOths
Inch.
12 7 -
78 6 -
124 6 -
- 115 0 -
180 6 -
21 8 -
92 7 -
13s' 7 -
8 7-
57 5 -
81 6 -
Lua.
119
20-6
70
108
14 8
69
100
11-5
70
98
12 0
68
97
14-1
70
90
148
73
117
226
70
112
165
75
111
21-4
74
127
21 1
66
119
22 3
64
.21
184
65
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland N. Principal Wktat-prothicina Districts —
1, Scotland, B. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, F. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, Including London, S.
Principal Grazing, Jrc.t Districts— 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, I? '. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; 'Channel I stand*.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following Bummary record of the weather through-
out ihe British Islands for the week ending July 17, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
"The weather was, upon the whole, exceedingly fine and
dry, the rainfall being confined almost exclusively to the
extreme western and south-western parts of the kingdom,
where showers fell during the latter half of the week. Fog
and mist were, however, somewhat frequent on our west
and south-west coasts.
" The temperature was slightly below the mean in ' Eng-
land, N E. and E ,' and only just equal to it in ' Scotland, B.
In all other districts it was above the normal, the excess
'varying from 1° in the' Midland Counties,' to i9 in Ireland,
'England, S.W.,' and the 'Channel Islands." The highest
readings occurred at various times in the different districts,
but mostly dining the latter half of the week, when the
thermometer rose to 80° or more in all districts excepting
'England, N.E. and N'.W.' and 'Ireland, S.,' and to SS3 in
1 England, S. and S.W.' At Shields and Spurn Head it did
not get above 65°. The lowest readings were observed, as a
rule, on the 11th or 12th, and wore somewhat low for tin
time of year, the thermometer falling to 353 in ' Scotland, E.
and W. ,' and to 46° or less in all other districcs excepting
'England, S.' and the 'Channel Islands.' The daily range
was very large, especially at some of the inland stations in
Scotland ; at Braemar the mean daily range for the whole
week amounted to over 82°, and at Lairg to very nearly 35^.
"The ram/alt. — With the exception of some very local
showers in tlte ' Midland Counties,' no rain was experienced
in any of the Wheat-producing districts, or in ' Scotland, W '
and ' England, N.W.' In Ireland, however, as well as in
' England, S.W.' and the ' Channel Islands,' Boma showers
were experienced towards the close of the week ; but even
in these districts the aggregate fall was very much less than
the mean.
"The brlgfil xanthine was considerably in excess of the
mean, the percentage of the possible duration amounting to
65 or more in all districts excepting ' Ireland, S.' Over the
west and south of England it ranged between 73 and 76."
Notices to Correspondents.
— •
*#* Fruit Crops of the. Year. — The Report of the
comli'ion of the Fruit Crops will appear in our
issue for July 31, and will be followed by remark
upon the subject in the followinq issues.
Blhedinq of Vines in Hot-weather : J. Clayton.
We shall bo pleased to publish any notes on this
subject with which you may favour us, whicli will
doubtless catch ' H. A. C.'s " eye.
Carnations " running " : Carnation. Too much
manure in the soil, or excessive surface feeding (the
plant not being a gross feeder) will cause tho colours
to become clouded or indistinct ; moreover, the
Carnation is very liable to "sport." Where run
flowers abound it is certain that the soil is too
good for them ; but in a large collection even
when grown m a suitable kind of soil, some
varieties are sure to sport more or less, sporting
being inherent in the florist's highly-bred strains.
Cattleya labiata Gaskelliana : B. A. The purple
markings on the petals of the plant may not appear
when it flowers again. Such markings, however,
are frequently more or less constant, and the most
marked cases are usually associated with or caused
by a disease of the plant.
Chrysanthemum Diseased : Grower. The leaves are
attacked by a fungus, Cylindrosporium Chrys-
anthemi. Spray with a solution of potassium
sulphide, ^ oz. to 2 gallons of water will hd strong
enough for this fungus. G. M.
Funous : A. D. W. Daedalea quercina, generally
affecting old Oak stumps pa'ings. but also supposed
to be parasitic on wouuds on living trees of the
Oak. Remove everything in the plantations which
would serve as hosts, and destroy by burning all
specimens of tho fungus.
Garden Peas : John Shaw. They are dead, but what
Inn killed them is not evident. Search the soil for
tho larva? of tho cockchafer, wireworm, daddylong-
legs, and various wetviU Tho mole cricket does
mischief in this way at times.
Gloxinia Fi.owe>s doing off: J. W. Apparently
entirely due to scalding. There is no trace of
fungous disease. O. M.
Ivy-leaved Pelargonium : L. L. Directly the in-
florescence was lifted from box the petals fell away
c jmpletely. They are very bright in colour.
Japanese Plums : An Exhibitor. We are unable to
tell you more about these Plums than appears on
p. 190 in our issue for August 15 last. It is roally
a Plum, and must be shown as such.
Mushroom Cultivator : Mushroom. Will our cor-
respondent who wrote to us for information con-
cerning tho business of a Mushroom-grower, kindly
send his full address? we hiving a communication
from another person to send him.
Mushrooms : A. S., Norwich. This disease is not
uncommon on Mushrooms, generally affecting an
entire bed. The cap is puckered and distorted, as
are also the gills. It is generally considered to be
caused by a parasitic mould, but of this only the
mycelium has been seen. Others of tho same tribe,
in an uncultivated state, are also attacked, and
ultimately produce what is termed Hypomyces,
which pervades the whole fungus, and develops
fruit of both kinds — conidia and dECdspores.
M. C. C.
Names of Plants: Correspondents nut answered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — IV. Early. Heuchtra
sanguinea. — F. F. A form of Diauthus Seguieri. —
Mr. A", Shortlancts. Stapelia cupularis, see also
p. 45.—/?. P. IV. 1. The male flowers of the
common Hoi (Humulus Lupulus). — 2. Colut' a
arborescens (Ilia Ider Senna). 3. Spiraea Liorlleyana.
i — J. M. C. Wretched scraps, completely shrivelled
when received. 1, Teucrium scorodouia ; 3, Lotus
corniculatus ; 6, Agriuionia eupatorium ; 7, Stel-
' laria Holostea ; 2, 4, and 5, not recognisable. Send
better specimens. — iV. Devon. Philadelphia, per-
haps P. coronarfuB. — Armitage Bros. Hiyngium
Oliverianum. — W. F. Ounn. I, Koehleria cri-tata ;
2, Phalaris arundinacea ; 3, Agropyrum junceum;
1, Elymus arenarius.
New York on Philadelphia: ,/. />. We cannot
tike the responsibility of advising you. You >;iy
you are sailing shortly. On arrival you will uatu-
i rally make enquiries for yourself at the nurseries
and newspaper offices.
Red Sfider and Thrips on Fruitinc; Vines :
Constant Reader. Cut the ripe Grapes and store
the bunches, each removed with 6 inches of the
shoot on which it grew, in wine Jottl's filled with
clean water, into wnica a oiu u." cnarcoal is dropped ;
then proceed to clear the foliage of the pests. As a
beginning, vaporise the vinery with XL All,
following this up by syringing for a week or longer,
keeping the vinery cool and well aired by day and
night. In the vinery where unripe fruit is hanging,
you must do what is possible by syringiug the
foliage with rain-water without wetting the bunches.
It will not be prudent to fumigate or make use of
an insecticide in this house. We have no experi-
ence of the effects of XL All on the fruit ; but
perhaps some of our correspondents who may
notice this paragraph will kindly give you theirs
in a future issue.
Rose : 11'. W. The white form of Rosa rugosa. The
red-fiowered Rose in your garden is doubtless R.
rugosa also. The hips of this species, which are
usually numerously produced, have a vety gay
appearance, and they make a delicious preserve.
Tomatos Diseased : J. D. Affected with common
"spot," caused by the fungus Cladosporium.
Remove and burn every fruit showing symptons
of attack.
Tomato Diseases : A Puzzled One. The Tomato is
liable to attack from many species of fundus, and
they vary according to the c mditious under which
the plants are grown, whether in houses, or out-of-
doors. The injury to fruits is moet often caused
by Cladosporium lycopersici. The symptoms are
black decayed spots upon the fruit, one of which
will generally be found at the apex. The species
of fungus connectod with "black-spot" were illus-
trated and dt scribed in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
November 12, 1881. Cladosporium fulvum attacks
botn leaveB and fruits, but more frequently the
leaves. It occurs in the form of brown, dusty
patches on the lower surface of the leaf. Iu
some bad caeoj, the plant when shaken will
throw otf a cloud of spores. See Gardeners
Chronicle, October 29, 1S87. The Potato disease
— Perouospora iufestans — attacks Tomato-p'ants
occasionally, but so far as our experience goes,
iu the open air only. Then there is the '• sleepy
disease," or Fusarium Lycopersici, one of the
most deadly of all ; aud, until latterly, very
infrequent iu these islands, but which we
fear is now spreading. The Diplocadiutn and
Fusarium stages, as well as the resting-spores,
wero figured and described by Mr. Geo. Massee
in the Gardeners' Chronicle for June 8, 1895. The
above fungus diseases are the most common and
disastrous, but there aro many other fungi which
occur with those mentioned, or separately. Careful
spraying with weak Bordeaux Mixture or sulphide
of potassium is a good means of prevention. Of
course, it should not bo done when the fruit is
ripening. Re uove all affected plants, anel burn
them if possible.
Tomato Leaves Diseased : Vortex. A disease of the
leaves, Cladosporium fulvum, described and figured
in the Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. ii., 1887, p. 5S3.
It may bo kept iu check aud perhaps prevented by
fungicides, such as Bordeaux Mixture aud sulphide
of potassium.
White Clover: A. II. OK. If you can bear with
the unsightliness for a season or two, and you
take means to encourage the grasses by applying
liquid-manure and top dressings of loam and wood-
ashes iu tho spring, sowing some fine grass seeds
on the spots most covered with the Clover, the
latter will gradually disappear, the grasses having
smothered it out of existence. The Clover is
usu.illy sown with the grasses to maintain a green
cover for tho laud, and as a protection to the roots
of the grasses whilst those are joung and have not
spread. The variety to use in lawn mixtures is
Trifolium repens, which is of dwarf growth. Of
course, yon could dig up the lawn in September
and resow.
Communications lt« •■nun.-W. J[ Q. Fulfonl.— D. T. F.
J. [.— B i. L..-1'. K B. C— E. 11. -J. IS.— J. J. W.—
A. P. — J. H.— Hamburg u-.irteubau Ajigtelltng, Program of
1'Yuit show from September -'A and onwards. K. 11.—
W. R.— Cluster Courunt. -II. M. — .11. D.-K. ii.— J. M.
Photographs Specimens, &c , Rucbivkd with Thanks.—
C. .1. — \V. Ii. >\: Son*.— B J. I. B. & V 1! C. W. «., C. P.,
— C. I!., II. h., V.G L , and J. G., all next wi ek.
(Market Report, sec p. ix.)
July 31, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
61
THE
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 1897.
THE DISEASES OF PLANTS.
rnilROUGHOUT a long series of years the
-^- pages of tho Gardeners' Chronicle have
from time to time conveyed much information
rogarding the diseases and ills connected with
plant life — and its work continues, for the foes
still advance. Now-a-days, however, the pre-
vention and remedy of disease come more to
the front, and naturally this aspect appeals to
the cultivator of plants. There has never been
any lack of suggestions for the cure of disease
in our gardens and plant-houses, yet within the
last ten years or thereabouts, remedies may be
said to have showered on us at all times and in
all kinds of gardening periodicals, till one feels
lost in the numbers, and when a pest appears
amongst our plants it is difficult to know what
to do.
The subject of diseases of plants is a wide
one, too large to be successfully grasped, even
after long experience, while in many points
there is too much obscurity as to the cause of
disease to allow of successful treatment or cure.
From the multitude of diseases liable to appear
amongst plants, two classes stand prominently
forward : (1) those due to the action of parasitic
plants, particularly Fungi ; (2) those due to
injurious animals, particularly Insocts. Tho
remainiug diseases have their cause in adverse
soil conditions, in mistakes of cultivation, in
defects in the plants themselves, or in other
causes at present difficult or impossible to make
out. Iu the present series of papers it is pro-
posed to deal with the first class of diseases only
— with those caused by the action of injurious
plant-organisms on such plants as are useful to
the out-door or in-door gardener. Diseases of
this class are sufficiently common and disastrous
enough in their results to be only too familiar,
and their importance needs no further empha-
sising than to recall the ravages of Potato
Disease, Vine Mildew, Damping-off Fungus,
aud the Hollyhock Rust of former days, not to
mention the thousand-and-ono mildews, rusts,
and blights of less consequence. Tho subject
of fungi is, to the ordinary gardener or culti-
vator of plants, one fraught with many diffi-
culties arising from tho minute structure and
complex life-history of these tiny organisms,
and any text-books available tend to bring
these very difficulties into prominence. This
is no doubt necessary and valuable in its way,
yot we believe that, as in a " first aid " ambu-
lance training, it is possible by a few exact
observations to know enough about a fungus-
pest to understand how to proceed against it.
We do not then propose to deal with the fungi
themselves any more than is necessary to
understand them, but refer the seeker after
detail in this direction to the books, some of
these are— Diseases of Field and Garden Crops,
(lS84)Worthington G. Smith; Diseases of Plants,
Professor Marshall Ward ; Diseases of Trees,
Translated from the German by Professor W.
Somerville (Macmillan, 1895); Diseases of Plants
due to Cri/ptot/amir, Parasites, Translated from
the German by William G. Smith (Longmans,
1897).
For all kinds of plant-diseases the treatment
is one of two kinds : (1) preventive, aimed at
keeping the disease away altogether ; (2) reme-
dial, which aims at destroying the offence. To
prevent disease is more truly the work of a
gardener than to cure it, for, after all, his
efforts towards remedy cannot go much beyond
the stage of " first aid ; " if more be needed, the
specialist should be applied to. To keep one's
plants free from disease requires more skill,
foresight, and experience than to try remedies ;
it also demands great patience, for, as it were,
drum x radico-vitellinuni described in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, July 10, 1897.
Although the seeds were produced by Laelia
purpurata, the plant has the slender, reed like, leafy,
root-beariug stems of Epidendrum radicans, and the
Sowars are borne on a slender peduncle, the whole
in the present instance being 14 inches iu height
The plant has one perfect flower, and two abnormal
ones, and therefore they do not all appear to possess
but four segments as mentioned in the description
of E. x radico-vitellinuni ; there is therefore every
reason to believe that when strong grown tho
flowers will be normal. The abnormal flower
examined is very singular. The only organ which
preserves its identity is the lip, which is attached to
the column in the basal third of its length, and is
free in the remaining portion. The other segments
are an outer one, consisting of two sepals ; another
Fig. 20.— veitch's perfection strawberry = Waterloo British "i m .
(Shown by Messi - J. Vi itch a- Son - Royal Bxotic Nursery, Chelsea, at the Royal Horticultura Societ Meeting,
July 13, ivr.l
the results are negative, no disease appears ;
but, on the other hand, tho value of the crop
repays all tho extra care in raising. William G.
Smith, Edinburgh.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
EP1L.EL1A x RADICO-PUrvPlTRATA(/.>;-'f,M/,«„,
radicans 3 > Lcelia purpurata f\ new gard.hyb.
This is another remarkable cross raised by Messrs.
Jas. Witch >V Sons, Ltd., again indicating the strong
individuality of Epidendrum radicans as shown in the
illustration of Kpicattleya x niatutiua, in Gardeners'
Chronicle, April 10, 1897 (to which it bears a resem-
blance in form, size and colour), aud in Epiden-
formed of a sepal in the same plane as the two which
are joined, and a petal twisted into the inner plane,
the other imperfect petal being attached to one side
of the column. The mingling of the segments seems
to arise mainly from the conflict between the attached
column of E. radicans and the free one of L. pur-
purata. The colour of the flower is rich orange-
scarlet ; the base and centre of the lip bright lemon-
jellow, broadly marginal with light reddish-purple.
The flower is 2 inches across, sepals lanceolate, petals
ovate and pointed, lip broadly ovate, the front lobe
merely divided from the side lobes by an incision on
either side, which scarcely discloses the separation ;
crest three raised yellow keels, the middle one the
longest. Mr. Seden's record is : " Sown September,
1892; flowered July, 1897." James O'Brien. [A
figure of this plant will shortly appear in tbeBe
pages. Ed. J
62
THE GAB BE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
[July 31, 1897.
The Week's Work.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Wun, Rayloigh, Jtasai.
Puf-Sttxnebaiiet.— Let all the imijners tha* proceed
from the young plants be pinched off a9 Boon as
observed, and afford liquid-manure liberally at the
roots almost daily. If a plant make more than one
crowu, rub off the weaker ones forthwith — one good,
well-ripeued crown being better than two or three
small ones. In the absence of rain, the plants will
be benefited by being syringed overhead with clean
water every afternoon.
Watering Wall Trees at the Roots.— This ia an im-
portant matter on all sunny aspects, otherwise
vigorous growth and good crops of fruit cannot be
looked for, and if occasionally liquid manure can be
afforded, the result will be very satisfactory.
Training Young Shoots of Wall-trees. —The laying-
in of young growths of Peach and Nectarine-trees
with short pieces of twigs should be carried out at
short intervals of time. All young shoots proceeding
from the Bhoots of the current year should be cut-
back to the point of origiu ; the points of strong
leading shoots should be pinched or cut-back to a
well-placed lateral, and thus give the weaker shoots
A chance of gaining strength. Fig-trees require
almost, identical treatment to the Peach and Nectarine
in thiB respect ; and they require, if anything,
rather more attention. The samo may be said
of the Morello Cherry, as regards the laying-
in and tying-dowu of young shoots over bare
ones of last year's growth, and the stubbing
baok of fore-right shoots. A watchful eye should be
kept on treos of the Peach, Plum, and Morello and
Sweet Cherry for aphis, and should a w-U-directed
spray of clean water delivered from iho garden
engine not succeed in dislodging the pests, the usual
remedy should be applied, namely, some good insec-
ticide used in the proper proportions, applying the
mixture after the sun has gone off the trees, and
syringing the latter early the following morning with
clean water.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
Bv W. Pops, Gardener, Highclere Castlo, Newbury.
Onions. — Onions sown last autumn will now have
attained their full size, and should be pulled up and
laid in the sun to dry thoroughly before taking them
under cover. When sufficiently harvested, the best
and soundest bulbs maybe tied in buuchos,and hung
to the walls or rafters iu a cool, airy shed, for use as
required through the autumn, and the badly ripened
or split specimens used up at once. Give attention
to tho spring-sown crops, keeping the ground free
from weeds. Should mildew appear on these, dust
the plauts with quicklime two or three times in the
early morning, at intervals of a week. If growth be
prematurely stopped by this pest, the bulbs will not
keep through the winter. As soon as tho crop of
pickliug Onions has done growing, pull theiu up, and
let them lie for a few days in the sun, turning them
over daily ; then remove to a dry, airy shed or room
till wanted for use. The Silvei'-skiu type, which is
the best for this purpose, should be utilised as soon as
possible alter maturation, as they quickly dete-
riorate iu appearance and quality.
Winter Turnips. — A large sowing should now be
made of these on ground from which the early
Potatos have been lifted, merely levelling it without
further digging. A good hardy winter variety is
Chirk Castle blaekstone, but it being one that
requires a long season of growth, the 6eed should be
got into the ground as soon as possible after this
date. Although this has a black and rather unin-
viting exterior, the flesh is pure white and tho
quality is excellent. The Hed Globe is also
an excellent variety, hardy, and of good sine ; whilst
if yellow Turnips are liked, Orange-jelly should lie
choseD. Turnip-seed should be sown thinly in drills
16 to 18 inches asunder, and the plants thinned
freely as soon as large enough to handle, 9 to 12 in.
being allowed from plant to plant. If those from
earlier sowings are coming too quickly into use, a
quantity of the bulbs may be pulled when large
enough, and stored in a cool dark shed, when- they
will probably keep in good condition for some weeks.
Globe Artichokes.— Vfhen the best heads have been
cui from those, the flower-stems and dead or decaying
leave ahould be removed, and a mulching of rich
manure applied, followed bya heavy wateriug. These
proceedings will result iu the production of another
crop of young heads. Where, however, a new planta-
tion is made every year in the spring, which is an
advisable practice, these young plants form a succes-
sion to the older plauts, good heads in quantity
being generally produoed by them till the plants are
cut off by frost.
Carrot*. — If seed of the Early Horn Carrot be sown
at about this date on a warm border, a supply of
tender roots will be afforded till the middle of the
winter, If sorno slight protection against severe frost
be afforded the tops.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Haycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Chrysanthemums. — These plants, if in pots plunged
in coal-ashes, should be examined as to the state of
the soil in regard to moisture twice or thrice
daily, and liquid-manure afforded twice a week,
which may consist 'of weak farmyard manure-
water and clear soot- water, given alternately. Secure
the points of the shoots to the stakes, and remove
laterals with the thumb and finger before they
get long, not allowing these to get strong before
nipping them off. If any roots are exposed, afford a
light top dressing, pressiug it down firmly with a blunt
rammer ; carefully remove suckers with as little
interference with the roots as possible, not using a
knife for this purpose. Earwigs must be sought for
nightjand morning, as these insects do much harm by
eating off the tips of the young growths and the buds.
They may be trapped iu small inverted pots half
filled with hay, paper, or moss, placed at in-
tervals along the rows of plants ; or 9 inch
lengths of Broad Bean-stems pushed in between the
plant and the stake in a slanting direction. Green and
black Aphides are troublesome at this season, and
should be killed with tobacco-powder, or a solution
of quassia chips as previously advised.
Violets. — Those intended to flower in frames during
the winter are apt to become a prey to red-spider,
which, however, may be kept in check by frequently
Byringing the foliage with the garden-engine, aud if
this be not sufficient, an insecticide must be used in
the water. Keep the ground stirred and free from
weeds, remove all runners from the plants, and keep
tho bed moist, affording the soil a good mulch of
spent Mushroom-bed dung.
Plumbago rosea, if thoroughly established in tho
flowering-pots, will require to bo removed to a cold-
frame in a sunny spot, but on no account ruuBt the
plauts be allowed to become dry at the roots, or the
bottom foliago will turn of a yellow colour.
Thyriacanthus rulilans. — This is a plant not so often
seen now as formerly ; it should be treated like the
above, only that this plaut prefers a moist, cool
bottom in summer, and should, therefore, be plunged
in a cool moisture-holding material if the bottom
drainage will allow the water to pass away froely.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. 11. White, Orchid Grower, I; irford, Dorking.
Dendrobiums. — The species, D. Phalamopsis, D.
lineale, D. bigibbum, D. stratiotes, D. superbiens, D.
Goldieanum, D. I lensonise, 1 >. secundum, and D. Btreblo-
ceras should at this season be growing freoly at the
top aud at the root, and therefore require the
greatest amount of light, heat, ventilation, and
moisture. In affording water at the root, which
should not be done till the compost has become dry,
it should be made moist throughout, established
plants being afforded water several times to ensure
perfect saturation of the material. The best time to
afford water is previous to closing the house in the
after noon ; and when the ventilators have been closed,
let the plants have a good overhead syringing, and at
the same time damp the pots, stages, floors, &c.
Having done this, pull up tho blinds and allow the
warmth from sunlioattorun up to 100° — even 110° will
do no harm. Tho hot water pipes may be uted to
preserve a warmth of about 70" at night ; and early in
the morning a small opening for the admission of fresh
air should bs made at the top of the house, the amount
of air admitted being increased as the day advances.
The species named delight iu sunshine, aud eveniu
houses having a southern aspect it will not be
necessary to afford shade before J ().;!() a.m. As a
general rule to be observed while the blinds are
drawn down, the ventilation should be slightly
reduced in amount. At about 2.30 P.M. the shading
may be removed, aud for half-auhour after the blinds
are pulled up, air should be admitted freely till
closing time. For the destruction of the black thrips
that infest Dendrobes in sunny houses, examine the
plants every day, killing the insects and sponging off
their eggs with tepid rain-water. This work of
course takes time, but it is better than to have the
leaves of the young growths disfigured. For killing
the yellow thrips, the XL All vapouir la Btdtable.
Schomburglcias require similar cultural treatment to
the Dendrobes above-mentioned, especially in the matter
of sunshine. Schomburgkia tibicinis, S. Kimballiana,
S. Humboldti, and S. Sanderiana now commencing to
grow, should be afforded freBh material at the root
if the old is getting much decayed or sour. They
are plauts which do not require much compost, and
it should be made of peat and sphagnuni-moss resting
on a large quantity of clean crocks. The phnts
thrive either in pots or baskets, if these are brought
up close to the roof glass iu tho lightest position.
Schomburgkia crispa, S. Lyonsii, S. undulata, and
S. glorioBa are of taller growth, and quite distinct
in habit from the foregoing; but they require,
nevertheless, the same kind of treatment. At this
date their growths will be advanced, and no disturb-
ance of the plants should take place.
Catlleya Eldorado and its varieties, splendens,
crocata, and Wallisii, are now in bloom, requiring much
care to be observed in affording water, as too much
in the air or at the root at this period would cause
tho succulent growths to turn black, and might involve
the loss of the plant. Still, the plants must not be
kept dry at the root, or the pseudo-bulbs would shrivel,
but they should be afforded enough water to keep the
compost in a slightly moist state, and much less moist
when the blooms havo been removed. When growth
is finished stand the plants in the coolest part of the
Cattloya - house, where, if afforded full light and
sufficient ventilation, they soon mature. In a few
weeks time, roots will push in quantity from the base
of the flowering pseudo-bulb, and from the old roots ;
making this a suitable time to repot any of the
plants that may require this sort of attention.
La:lia puaiila and its varieties prsestans and
Dayana, also Cattleya marginata, possess beautiful
flowers, and some of these plants begiuuing to grow
anew, it is advisable to place them in a house with
an intermediate temperature, and to afford them
abundance of water at the root till the flowers open.
Hang them from the roof in a rather shady position ;
and examine them frequently for a species of white
scale, which infests them, doing much harm.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardenor, Eastnor Caatle, Ledbury.
Strawberries. — Plants that were layered early will
now bo ready to remove from the beds. If they
were layered in small pots the repotting should pro-
coed without dolay, well soaking the small balls if at
all dry, for if potted with the soil iu a dry state, they
will nover go away properly. Keep the crowns
rather high when potting, aud ram the soil firmly,
leaving sufficient space for water. Stand the plants in
a shady place for a day or two, then remove them to a
piece of ground in full sunlight, or to the sides of the
kitchen-garden walks, or wherever convenient. If
placed on the soil, put an inch or two of coal-ashes
beneath tho pots so that worms may be kept out of
them. Syringe the foliage twico daily ; keep tho
side crowns rubbed out, as one good stroug spike of
flower is worth three weak ones. Where plauts were
layered into the fruiting- pots, they should be removed
to their summer quarters at once.
Orchard-house. — The fruits in this house will now be
ripening, and the syringiug of the trees should con-
sequently cease, and ventilation be freely afforded,
keeping the atmosphere rather drier than heretofore.
As soon as the fruits are cleared from a potted tree,
remove it to the open air. Keep strong or lateral
growth in bounds by pinching the points, and syringe
the trees in the eveniug in order to keep the foliage
clean.
Figs, — The trees in the early-house will now be
affording a second crop of fruit, and when this crop
is gathered, the house should be thrown wide open,
as a means of ensuring sturdy, well-ripened shoots.
Trees iu later houses from which the first crop is
gathered and the young fruits thiuued a little, may be
kept closer and warmer to enable the second crop to
develop, affording the trees liberal applications of
warm liquid-manure. The fruits iu late houses now
commencing to ripen, will require that the air be
kept drier, aud more air afforded. When gathering
Figs, always use a sharp knife to sever the root-stalk,
otherwise this is liable to be left on the tree.
July 31, IS! 7.]
77/ E Gi 1 li D E N E R S ' 0 U R 0 N 1 0 L E,
63
REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS.
[FKOM OUR OWN 0ORBE8PONDENTS, JULY, 1897.]
Ttu words " av( rag\
over," or " under," as the case may be, indicate //«? amount of thr- crop; and "good," " very good," or " bad," indimU th quality,
oountioa are arranged in numbered groups, to correspond wiili those adopted In the Weather Itoporti of the Meteorological Depart ment*
and followivt in our weekly Weather Tables.
*,* Fuller comments will be given in the following numbers. See also Leading Article on page 70.
COUNTT.
APPLES.
PEARS.
PLUMS.
1
i FEACHKn
CHERRIES, anp HfTiC.
( TARlWr-X.
APRICOTS.
SMALL STRAW-
PRUPTO. RHRRIBS.
N i TO
NAME
AND
ADDRESS.
SCOTLAND-
i
0, Scotland, N.
CAITHNESS
Vvorage . voryi
Under
Bad . under
Average A\ erage ; good
W. McKonzio, Thurso Castle
g 1
■
Gardens, '1 hurao
i >ver ; i ery Average ; bad
i tver ; good
Average , g 1
Under ; good i Undei ; good Undei . bad
Win. Mackie, Dunheath Castle
good j
Gardens
ELGINSHIRE ...
\\ i i.i ■:■■ ; g 1 Average ; g 1
Under ; good
1 )\tt ; very
i *n'i> i ; bad
Under; bad
Average ; veryi ' >ver ; very
Win. Ogg, The Gardens, Dufl'us
good
g 1 g 1
Bouse, Elgin
MORAYSHIRE
Average
Under
Undei
Under
i ndi >
Failure
0. Webster, Gordon 1 ,i »1 lei,
Pochabers
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
I rnder
Under
Scarcely nny
Average ; good Average
D, Cunningham, Dirua way
Castle Gardens, Forre i
NAIRN...
Cinder ; bud
m standards ;
Average ; very
1 1
Under; bad
Undei . bad
Under ; bad
I rnder . bad
\ \ . ! i e; good
a v erage ; good
Under
i iastle Gardens, Fort < ieorge
average ami
Station
good on walls
ORKNEY
Under ; good
Undei ; g 1
Avorage ; good
i rver . - i
Under; bad
Averai e; 1
Oastle Gardens, Kirkwall
ROSS-SHIRE !
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Average
Robert Massiei Tbe Gardens,
ArdrriHs i iastle
SU9HBRLANDSHIRE
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
D Melville, Dnnrobin Castle
Gardens, Sutherland
1, Scotland, E.
ABERDEENSHIRE
Avei i
Under
Average
Undei
!
John Forrest, The Gardens,
Mm. Mm House, Aberdeen
Average
( iood
Very ^ '
G l
Bad
Average
Very good
Simon Campbell, The ' aniens,
Pyvle * lastlo, Aberdeen
Under; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; g l
\ erage; good
i ndi r ; bad
\ . . , i . ; gcotl
W.'ii. .-.■
James Grant, Rothie Norman
Gardens, Rothie
Under ; bad
Undei ; bad
Average ; good
i ndei , good
1 Kit , gOOd
John H. Tronp, rhe Gardens,
Balmoral Oaatle, Crathie
BASFFSHIRE ........
Average ;
under
Average
Average ;
under
Under aver*
age ; good
Average , good
i >\ er average ;
gOOd
W. Jainieson, The Oastle Gar-
dona, Ballindalloch
Undei ; go 1 1
Under ; .'•""J
Under wall*
good stjmrtnrd
Under; Ho
rolloe very
Average
Averagi
J. Praaer Hinith, Cnllcn Gar-
dens, Cullen
BERWICKSHIRE
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
A viu-ngs ; good
Under
Jamoa Gemmell, Tlie Gardens,
Ladyklrk, Berwlck-on-Twaeri
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Under ; bail
Average ; mo I
Average ; good
Under i good
Win. Cairns, The Hiim-I Gar-
dens, Ooldstraara
Undei ; [ood
Average
Average ;
very good
Avera ■ «
very good
Undei .
Under i good
Average ; good
Under ; ind
James ironside, l lackaddar
Gardens, Edrom
CLACKMANNAN-
SHIRE
Under ; g 1
Under ; pood
Under ; good
Failure
None grown
Norte
Average ; good
Avorage ; good
None
William Nicholson, Cowdon
Castle Gardens, Dollar
EAST LOTHIAN
Avorage
Over
Avi-rngo
Under
Under
Average ; good
a verage ; good
R.P, Brotherston.Tynlughame,
Prestonkirk
Under
Under
Under
Undi i
Undw
Under
Average ;
iseberries
■ m ] icarce
Over ; »ood
\\ erage
L. 1 tow, Newbyth Gardens
Prestonkirk
FIFESHIRE
Ui r
Under
i ndi -
Under
Undei
\ erage
Average
\\ . Henderson, Balbirnie Gar-
dens, Markinch
I ' udei ; good
Average ; g 1
Undei ; good
Average ; bad
i adei ; bad
Under ; bad
\ . ■ tsge ; good
\ \ era( ■
William Williamson. 1'urvit.
Gardens, ' lopar, Fife
FORFARSHIRE
A vi i ■ i , e
Under
Undei
\ ■
i. VI ! ■
A\ ei age
w. McDowall^ Breohin Castle
Gardens, Brechin
Under ; good
\\ erage ; good
Under ; y,<»>\\
\lM- ■■■ ] : I
Ovei ; verj
good
Under ; bad
< >\ fi ;
Average ; g l
Thomas Wilson, Th" Gardens,
Glamis Castle
A t erage
< -ver ; very
Under
Under
Very fi ■
Average
( >ver
Average ; very
William Alison, Seaview Gar-
good
grown out -of-
d ■
■■■ I
dene, Mouifietli
KINCARDINESHIRE
A v -rage
Under
Average
Avi I. i
J, M. Galrns, Arbuthnot,
Pordoun
William Knight, The Fasqil •
Under
Average
Under
\\ erage ; verj
Average
Over
i (ver ; very
good
good
Gardens, Lawreneekirk
KINROSS
Under
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under
I nder ; bad
?.... John Fortune, Gardener, Blair-
adam Gardens
MIDLOTHIAN
Average ; vorj
I rver ; very
Average ; very
Under ; good
< rver ; verj
Under : very
Ai erage ; very < tvei ; very
Average; good Malenlin Dunn, Tin- Gardens,
good
"oO-l
good
good
good
gOOd gOOd
Dolknith
Average ; good
Under ; ba I
Under ; t>a*l
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Under ; und
Under; good Average; good
Average ; good
D. T. Fish, 12, Pet*™ Row,
Edinburgh
PEEBLESSHIRE
Under
Average
Undei
Under
None outside
Under
Raspberries < >ver ; g i
over; Currants
Win, McDonald, The Gardens,
Cardrona, Peebles
and Goose-
berries under
PERTHSHIRE
Average : verj
Average ; good
Under
A \ ei age ; very
Under
Under
Ai erage ; \ ery ,\\ ei age ; ven
J. Farquharson, Km fauns
good
g( M H l
good
good
Castle Gardens, Perth
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Average
John Robb, Druiumond ' lasl le
i iardens, Crieff
Under
Average
Under
Under
Over
Under
i Ieorge Croucher, < lehtei 1 yre
Gardens, * Iriefl
Under
A verage
Average ; good
Under; bad
None outside
UndLT ; bad Average ; good iveragi
James Swing, The Gardens,
i astle Menzics, Abei feldj
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
\ \ erage ; g 1 Under ; bad
Thos. Lunt, Keir Gardens,
Dunblane
Under ; g 1 Average ; gooc
Ovei
Over ; good
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Average ; good Average ; good Under; good
A. McKinnon, Scone Palace
Gardens, Pei th
SELKIRKSHIRE .
Under Under
I nder
Under
Undi i
Under
A ■ I
.lame-. Hunter, Kin ; Kuowi s,
ihiels
Colin Turner, Sunderland
I ariei i 1 1 ■ i ■ t
Under
Under
\ ■ i ■ i . i g . ■
Average ;
Under
Ovei
undei
under
II;, 11 Gardens, Selkirk
« EST LOTHIAN
a \ i rage ; good v \ erage ; ■■
Under ; gi id
1 1 1
Undei .
Good Ven I
Bad
■James Smith, Hopetoun House
i
!-, South Queensferrj
6, Scotland, W.
ARGYLLSHIRE .
Under
Under
Under
Avei i i Average
G. Taylor, Castle Gardens,
In\ erary
Under : g 1 Under ; bad
Average ; very
Under : go "I
i
Average; very Undei ; bad l:- S. Melville, Poltallocli Gar-
g 1
■
g i di us, Lochgilphead
G4
THE GARDENERS' GHR0N1 CLE.
[Jolt 31, 1897.
CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS— (Continued).
COUNT V.
APPLES.
PEARS.
PLUMS. CHERRIES.
TEACHES
and NEC-
TARINES.
APRICOTS.
SMALL
FRUITS.
STRAW.
BERRIES.
NUTS.
NAME
AND
ADDRESS.
6, Scotland, W.
ARGYLLSHIRE ...
Under
Under Average ; good
AYRSHIRE Average; very Average ; bad Under; bad
BUTESHIRE
DUMBARTONSHIRE..
DUMFRIES, N.B.
LANARKSHIRE . .
RENFREWSHIRE ..
STIRLINGSHIRE .,
WIGTONSHIRE
ENGLAND-
2, England, N.E
DURHAM
NORTHUMBERLAND
YORKSHIRE..
3, England, E.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
ESSEX
LINCOLNSHIRE.
NORFOLK .
Average ; good Under ; good Average ; good
Average ; good | Under; bad Average ; very
good
Under ; good Under ; good
good
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under ; bad Under ; bad
Under ; fcad Under
Under ; bad : Under ; good
Under Average
Under Average
Average ; good [ Under
Bad Under
Average ; good
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Under
Average
Average ; good Average ; good Average ; good
Over
Under
Average ; very
ROOd
Under
Under
Under
Over ; very
good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under ; good
Under
Moderate
Over ; good
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Und ei-
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under
Under; had
Under ; fair
Under
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
Over ; good
Under
Under ; good .
Average
Good
Under ; good
Under
Under ; good
Under; bad
Under
Under
Under ; good
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under
Under ; fair
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Bad
Under
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under; good
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under
Under ; fair
Under ; good I Under; good
Average ; good
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Under
Under ; good
Over
Under
Average
Bad
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; bad
Average
Average
Under
Average
Average ; good
Average
Under
Average; good
Under ; bad '
Under
Average
Under
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under
Average ; good
Under
Below average
Under
Under
Average
Under ; bad
Under
Average
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under Average ; good
Plenty bios- Average; very Average ; very
som ; no fruit good good.
I Under ; good I Under; good
Average
Under ; bad
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Not grown
outdoors
Average Under
Over ; good Average ; good Under ; bad
i I
Average Over
Good
Average
Average
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; bad
None outside
Under
Under ; good
Average uudei ,
glass
None outside ;
inside ones
under
Average ; only'
under glass '
Under
Average Average ; good
Very good ! Average
Average ; good Over ; good
Average ; good] Over; very
good
Average ; good Average ; good
Average ; overi Average
Under Under
Average ; good Over ; good
Average Average ; good
Average ; good Over; good
Average ; good
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Average Under; bad
Under ; good Under
Under; bad Under ; good
Under; bad Under; bad
Under Under
Average ; good Average ; good
Had
Average
Bad
Bad
None outside Under ; good
None grown Under
outside
Average
Under
Under; good
Average
Under
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average
Average
Average ; good
Under Average ; good
Under; bad
Under
Under
Under ; very
bad
Average
Under; bad
Under
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; very
goo. I
Under
Under
Under ; g I
Under ; bad
Outside under;
under glass
over; good
Under
Under; bad
Under
Under ; good
Under ; very
good
Over
Average : good
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
Under
Average
Under ; good
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
Under
Under; good
Average
Very good
Under
Average
Average
Under ; bad
Under, except
Raspberries,
which are an
average crop
Average
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; good
Average ; very
good
Average ; gone]
Under
Under ; good
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Average
Average
Over ; good
Average
Over
Average
Average
Average ; good
Under ; bad
Under
Over ; very
good
Average
Good
Average ; good
Good
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Avorage
Over
Average ; good
Over ; good
Under; good
Average
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average
Under ; very
good
Average ; good
Over
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Over ; very
B Ij
except Rasp-
berries
Under ; bad
Average; good.
Raspberries
over ; good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Good
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Good
Over
Under
Over ; good
Average
Average; good Over
Over ; very [Average ; goon*
good
Over ; good , Over ; good
Over ; very Average ; good
good
Over; very Average
good
Over
Average; good
Over ; very
good
< »ver ; very
good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Avorage
Average ; good
Over
Average
Few grown
Under
Over
Henry Scott, Torloisk Gardens,
Tobermory
D. Buchanan, Bargany Gar-
dens, Girvan
Thomas Simpson, Hunterston,
West Kilbride
Michael Heron, Mt. Stewart
Gardens, Rothesay
George McKeay, Balloelr Castle
Gardens, Balloch
D. Stewart, Knockderry Castle,
Cove
David Inglis, Drumlanrig Gar-
dens, Thornhill, N.lt. '
John Urquhart, Hoddom Castle
Gardens, Eeclefechan
R. Wishart, Burnfoot Gardens,
Langholm
J. Mackinnon, Terregles Gdns.
Robert Grieve, Carsian s i i.tr
dens, Carstairs J unci ion
James MHIer, Castlemilk Gar-
dens] Ruthergleii
John Methven, Blythswood
Gardens, Renfrew
Thomas Lunt, Ardgowan Gar-
dens, Greenock
Wrn. Hutchinson, Eastwood
Park Gardens, Giffnock
Alex. Crosbre, Buchanan Castle
Gardens, Drynien
James Masterton, Craigend
Castle, Milngavie
M. Temple, Carron House,
Falkirk, N.B.
John Bryden, Dunragit Gar-
dens, Dunragit
F. Tilbury, Fenninghame Gar.
dens, Newton Stewart
James Day, Galloway House,
Garliestown
R. Draper, Sealmm Hall, Sea-
ham Harbour-
James Noble, Woodbum Gar-
dens, Darlington
George Harris, The Castle Gar-
lens, Alnwick
George H. Ackroyd, Howick
Gardens, Lesbury
Gardener, Eslinglon Park,
Whittingham
J. Riddel], The Gardens, Castle
Howard, Yorks.
John McClelland, Bibston Hall
Gardens, Witherby
Bailey Wadds, Birdsall, York
Win. Culverwell, Thorpe Per-
row, Bedale, Yorks
Geo. Batley, The Gardens,
Went worth Castle, Barnsley
J. Simpson, The Gardens,
Wortley Hall
John Easter, Nostell Priory
Gardens, Waketiehl
Thos. Bonsall, Elmet Hall
Gardens, Leeds
J. Hughes, Wentworth Wood-
house Gardens, Rut herb am
John Allsop, The Gardens.
Dalton Hall, Hull
William Chuck, Brods worth
Hall Gardens, Doncaster
Samuel Keeponce, Tl i i rk 1 el >y
Park Gardens, Thirsk
R. H. B., Wisbech
Wilson C. Smyth.-, Upwelt
House Gardens, Wisbech
J. Hill, Babraham Gardens
Henry Lister, Easton Lodge,
Dunmow
William Plester, Elserdiam
Hall Gardens, Btanatead
Jas. Douglas, Great Gcaries,
II ford
Ernest Hill, The Gardens,
Belmont Castle, Grays
William J. Piper, Tlylands
Park, Chelmsford
F. King, Havering Pk.. Romford
Win. Lumsden, Bloxholm Hall
Gardens, Lincoln
H. Vfnden, Harlaxton Manor,
Grantham
■I. Rowlands, Manor Gardens,
I Bardney
Geo. Kent, Brocklesby Park
Gardens
Small Nuts H. Batehelor. Catton Park,
average ; Wal-| Norwich
nuts none
Under; small F. Lee, Lynford Hall, Mini.!-
nuts ; average ford
Jcly 31, 1897.]
THE GA E D ENE E S' CHE 0 NI CL E.
65
CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CBOPS— {Continued).
COUNTY.
ArPLES.
PEARS.
PLUMS.
CHERRIES.
PEACHES
and NEC-
TARINES.
APRICOTS.
SMALL
FRUITS.
STRAW-
BERRIES.
NUTS.
NAME
AN1>
ADDRESS.
3, England, E.
NORFOLK
Average ; good
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Average
Under
Average ; good
Under ; bad
Over ; good
Under ; good
II. Tedder, Murhain Gardens,
Downhom
Win. Allan, Gunton Park Car-
Average
Much under
Thin
Faii-
Much under
Currants
Over ; good
Over
better than
dens, Norwich
Gooseberries j
Raspberries
good
Over; good
SUFFOLK
Under ; had
Average ; good
Average
Average
Avcrage
Over ; good
Under
H. Fisher, The Gardens, Fli\-
ton Hall, Bungay
W. Messenger. Wool verstoiie
Under
Iverage ; good
Under
Over; good
Average
Under
< her ; very
Over ; good
Over
good
Park Gardens, [pswich
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Under
Averago
Over
Average
G. W. Eden, Henham Gardens,
Wangford
H. Rogers, Rendlesnam Gar-
Under; good
Under
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Good
Under; bad
Under ; good
Over ; very
Over ; very
good
good
dens, Woodbridge
Under
Under
Under
Under
• Average
Under
Under
Average
Under
John Wallis, Orwell Park, near
Ipswieh
T. Williams, The Gardens, Pal-
Under; good
Over ; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; very
Over; very
Average
good
good
mouth House, Newmarket
Under; bad
Under
Average
Average
Average
Average ; good
Average ; good
Over ; good
B. Marks, Hardwleke Garden*,
4, Midland Counties.
Bury St. Edmunds
BEDFORDSHIRE
Under; bad
Under; good
Under ; g Kid
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under
Over ; good
Over; Wal-
nuts searce
G. Ford, Wrest Park Gardens,
Am pt hi 11
Under
Average
Average
Under
Average ; good
Over ; good
Over
Tims. Hedley, The Gardens,
Putteridgebury, Luton
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; bud
Under; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
H. W. Nutt, Flitwick
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under
Good
Average ; good
G. R. Allis, Old Warden Park,
Biggleswade
C. Turner, Cranfleld Court,
Under
Under
Under; bad
Under ; bad
Under
Under ; good
Over ; good
Over ; good
Over ; good
Newport Pagnell
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Very bad
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Black Cur-
rants under ;
Red average
Good
Under
w. Waters, Bulstrode Gardens,
Gerrard's Cross, Slough
Uneven ;
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average ; g 1
Average ; good
John Jaques, Waddesdon,
under
Aylesbury
Under
Average
Under
Over
Over
Over
Average
W. Ibdley Warren, Aston
t llinton Gardens, Tring
Under
Over
Under
Under
Avei b [i
Average
Average
Over
Over
George Thus. Miles, High
Wycombe
Under ; bid
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Over ; good
Over ; good
Over ; good
.1. Smith, Menl re, Leighton
Buzzard
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Over ; good
Under
Averago
Average ; good
Over
Ohas. Herrin, Uropinore,
Maidenhead
Under
Under
Under
Under ; M<>-
rellos good
Good under
glass
Averago
Average
Over
Average
Henry Perkins, Green la u< is,
Henley nii-Tha tre^
Under
Average
Failure
Under
Under
Average ;
wanting in
flavour
Over ; good
G. Bloxham, Brickhill Manor,
Bletehley
CHESHIRE
Under
Failure
Failure
Under
Under
Average ; good
Robt. Maekellar, Almey Hall,
Cheadle
Under
Average
Average ;
Damsons
under
Average
Under
Average
Under, excepl
red Currants
Under, and
generally
small
Average
Win. Whitakar, Crewe Mall,
Crewe
Average
Average ; good
Under
Under
Avers ■.>■ ; g ».<i
Under
1 n et ; good
< Iver ; good
Average
i 'liarles Plack, Cholniondelej
Castle Gardens, Malpas
Average
Under
Under
Morellos i n ei
Under
Average
A failure
C. Wolley Dod, Edge Hall,
Malpas
Average
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Average
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
W. C. Breese. Moreton Hall
Gardens, Congleton
Average ; good
Average
Under
Under
Und t
Average, ex-
cepting Goose-
berries, much
under
Average; good
Under
T. K-v'tiey, The « Isrdens,
Darley Abbey, Derby
Under
Under
Under
Average
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Under
Wm. Elphinstone, Shipley
Hall, Derby
Under ; bad
Under; bad
Under; bad
Under ; good
Under ; g 1
Under ; good
Over ; good
WTm. Chester, The Gardens,
Chatsworth
Average ; good
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under
E. Wilson, Hardwiek ILjlI,
Chesterliehl
HERTFORDSHIRE
Under
Average
Under
Average
Over ; good
Under
Over ; good
Over ; good
Over
C. E. Martin, The Hoo Gar-
dens, Welwvn
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
Over
E. Hill, Tring Park Gardens,
Tring
J. Turk, The Gardens, PonfleJd,
Average ; very
Over ; good
Under ; good
Under ; ba 1
Average ; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Over ; very
Over ; very
good
good
good, excepl
Walnuts
Little Berkliamsted
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under
Average
Under
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Average
Thomas Nutting, The Gardens,
Childwiekbury, St. Albans
Under
Averago
Under, excepl
ou walls
Dessert kinds
bad ; Morellos
average
Bad
Average
Over
Over ; good
Over; good
Edwin Beckett, Aldenluiiu
House Gardens, Elstree
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Over
Win. Garman, Frythesden
Gardens, Gt. Berkliamsted
Under ; bad
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Over ; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Under
< 'lias. Dearie, ( lassiobury Park,
Watford
Average ; very
Average ; very
Under ; good
Sweet, under ;
Under ; good
Under
Itk. Currants,
Over ; very
Filberts over,
Geo. Ringham, Wrothara Park
good
good
Morello aver-
age ; very good
under and
poor ; Ktfd and
White, over
and v-'t y g 1 ;
Gooseberries
under
good
Walnuts none
Gardens, Bai nel
LEICESTERSHIRE
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under
i i\ el ; good
Over ; good
Alfred Hamshere, Beau Manor
Gardens, Loughborough
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Average ; good
Average
< tver ; very
good
Over ; good
W. H. Divere, The Gardens,
Belvoir Castle, Grantham
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under; bad
Average ; very
good
Average ; good
Under; good
Over ; good
Walnuts under
Daniel Roberts, Prestwold Gar-
dens, Loughborough
Under; bad
Under; good
Under; good
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Under ; good
Average ; very
good
Under
Average
W. Silk, Rolleston Hall,
Leicester
NORTHANTS
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
W. S. Miller, Whittlebury
House Gardens, Towcestei
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
Under
P. McGreadie, Wakefi< id
Lodge, Stoney Stratford
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Under; bad
Under ; bad
Under; good
Under ; good
Average ;good
Over ; good
H. Turner, Fineshade Abbey
Gardens, Stamford
Under ; bail
Average : good
Over ; very
good
Under ; very
bad
Under; bad
( tver ; very
good
( >ver ; very
good
Average ; good
H. Ken,,, shall, Tin? Gardens,
Lamport Hall
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Under
Under
Under
Under
Over indoors
Under
Over
Over; very
good
A. Henderson, Thoresby,
Newark
CG
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[JrLY 31, 1897.
CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CKOPS— (Continued).
COUNTY.
APPLES.
PEARS.
PLUMS.
CHERRIES.
PEACHES
and NEC-
TARINES.
APRICOTS.
1
SMALL
FRUITS.
1
STRAW-
BERRIES.
I
NUTS
NAME
AND
ADDRESS.
4, Midland Counties.
i
1
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE..
Under ; good
Under; good
Under; good
Under; good
1
Average; good
Average. ; very Average ; good
good
Under; good Under; good
1
Ainos Parr, Holme Pierrepont
Hall, Nottingham
Under ; good
Under
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Under ; bad
Over ; good
Average ; good Under
John Lyon, Home Farm,
Ossington, Newark
Under
Over
Under
Average ; good
Average
Under
Average ; good Average ; very Average Rei;l>en Scott, The Gardens,
good i Osberton Hall, Worksop
OXFORDSHIRE
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; l>ad
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Average ; go<>d Average ; good Averse George Stanton. Park Plaee
1
Gardens, Henley-on-Thames
Under
Under
Average ; good
Average ;
Kood ; Morellosi
under
Under
Over ; very
good
Average ; good Over ; Walnuts
; average
l
A. G. Nichols, Nmieham Park
Gardens, Abingdon
RUTLANDSHIRE , ,.
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Average ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Geo. Drabble, Ketton Hall Gar-
dens, Rutland
Had
Under
Bad
Under
Very good
Good
Bad
W. T. Kaines, The Gardens,
Cold Overton Hall, Oakham
SHROPSHIRE
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; very
good
Walnuts
under; others
average
James Louden, The Quint i
Gardens, Chirk, Rnabun
Under ; falling
Average ; good
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Over ; good
Over
A. S. Kemp, Broadway, Shifnal
badly
Average
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under
Under
Over ; very
Average
Over ; good
Win. Weeks, The Gardens,
good
Cheswardine House, Market
Drayton
Average
Average
Under
Average
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Average
Average ; good
Over
W. Sutton, Hawkstone, Shrews-
bury
Geo. Pearson, Attingham Gar-
Average
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Average
Under
Average; black
Average ;
Filberts aver-
Currants
small
age ; Walnuts
dens, Shrewsbury
under
under
Average
Average
Under
Mnrello
average
Under; bail
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
D. Owles, The Gardens, Apley
Castle, Wellington
STAFFORDSHIRE
Average
Under
Under
Under
Bad
Average
Good
Good
Under
Edward Gilnian, Alton Towers
Gardens, Stoke-on-Trcut
Under ; bad
Under
Un'ler ; bad
Bad
Good
Under ; bad
Gooseberries
good ; Cur-
rants average ;
Raspberries
average
Average
Good ; over
W. Halliday, The Gardens,
Patshull Hall, Wolverhamp.
ton
Vverage ; good
Average ; good
Under; bad
Average ; good
Under
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
T. Bannernian, Blithlield Gar-
dens, Rugeley
Average ; good
Average , ■■ I
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Under
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average; good
Average
Geo. Woodgate'. Bolleston Hall
Gardens, Burton-on Trent
Un ler
Under
Under
Average
Under
Average
Under ; Rasp-
In 1 1 ies much
under
Average ; good
Over ; good
II. Wilks, Bandon Hall Gar-
dens, Stone
\J\i ler ; bad
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under ; bad
Average
Average
Over ; very
good
Geo. H.Green, EnvilJoGardens,
near Stourbridge
WARWICKSIIU E
Average ; good
Under; good
Under; good
Average ; very
good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Over ; very
g 1
Under ; bad
( fver ; good
John William Brown, Middle-
ton Hall Gardens, Tan worth
Vverage ; good
Under
Much under
average
Averago
,\\ rr.'ige ; gii'id
Average ; good
Much under
averago
Over
Filberts over
James Rodger, The Gardens,
Charleeote House, Warwick
Under
Under
Over
Under
Over
Over
W. Miller, Combe Abbey,
( 'oventry
Over ; good
Average
Under
Under
Under
Over; good
Average ; good
Over
William Ward, Aston Hall Gar-
dens, Sutton Coldlield
Under
Average ; good
Under
Average ; good
Average
Under ; good
Over ; very
Average ; good
Over; good
Henry Thos. Martin, Stoneleigh
-*>
good
Abbey Gardens, Kenilworth
V
Under ; good
Average; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Averago ; good
Under ; bad
Over ; very
good
Average ; very
good
Over ; very
good
A. D.Christie, RagUy Gardens,
Alcester
5, Southern Counties
BERKSHIRE
Under
Under
None
Average ; very
Average ; very
Average ; good
Under
Average ; very
Average
0. Thomas, Royal Gardens,
good
good
good
Windsor
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under
Over
Over
Over ;
Robt. Fenn, Solhamstead, near
Walnuts under
Reading
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Over ; very
g< iod
Average
Jas. Straehan, Rosehill House
Gardens, Henley-on-Thames
Under; bad
1 ndei
Under
Under
Average
Under
Average
Average
Average
J. Howard, Benham Park Gar-
dens, Newbury
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under ; bail
Average ; good
Over ; very
g< md
Under
T. Tnrton, Maiden Erlegh Gar-
dens, Reading
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under
Good
Good
Good ;
Walnuts under
A. J. Long, Wyfold Court
Gardens, Reading
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Good
Good
Average
W. Fyfe, Lockinge Gardens,
Wantage
Under
Average
Under
Average
Over
Average
Over
Over
Under
Fred. J. Tborue, Sunningdalfl
Park, Ascot
D3RSET ...
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under
Under; good
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Thos. Denny, Down House
Gardens, Blandford
HAMPSHIRE
Over ; good
Average
Under ; bad
Under
Average ; good
Average
Average; verj
good
Average ; good
Over
G. W. Goblin, Bitterne Park,
Southampton
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Good
Average
Over ; good
Average ; good
Over ; very
good
E. Molyneux, Swaomore Park
Gardens, Bishop's Waltham
Average ; good
Under ; very
g< h .d
Under; good
Average ; good
Under
Average; good
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
Under
S. Heaton, Horticultural In-
structor, Newport, I.O.W.
Under
Average
Under; bad
Average
Average
Under
Bad
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
James Wasley, Sherfteld Manor,
Basingstoke
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Under; good
Average ; good
Over
W. Pope, The Gardens, High-
clere Castle, Newbury
Under
Over
Under
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average
Average ; good
William Smythe, The Gardens,
Basing Park, Alton
Under
Under ; good
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
J. W. McHattie, Strathtield-
saye, Mortimer, R.S.O.
Under ; bad
Under ; good
on walls
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
Under
Arthur Lee, Palace House Gar-
dens, Beaulieu, Southampton
Under ; very
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under ; bad
(Her ; good
Over ; very
Over
J. Bowerman, Hackwood Park,
.small
good
Basingstoke
KENT
Under
Under
Under
Under; good
Average ; good
Under; bad
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
II. Wilson, Mereworth Castle
Gardens, Maidstone
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Average
Over
Geo. Woodward, The Gardens,
Barham Court, Maidstone
Under
Average; good
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good, Over ; good
H. Elliott, Wilderness Gardens,
Seven oaks
Under ; very
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Under ; bail
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Over; bad
Over ; very
Fred. Smith, Loddington,
good
good
Maidstone
Under; bid
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Under ; good
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Filberts aver
age; Walnuts
total failure
Geo. Abbey, Junior, Avery
Hill Gardens, Eltham
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Over
George Bunyard, Royal Nur-
series, Maidstone
Under
Under
Under
Average ; very
gnu. 1
Under owing
to blister
Under
Over ; good
Over ; very
good
Average
J. Stubbs, Knole, Sevenoaks
July 31, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
67
CONDITION OP THE FRUIT CROPS— {Continued).
COUNTY.
APPLES.
PEARS.
PLUMS.
CHERRIES.
PEACHES
and NEC-
TARINES.
APRICOTS.
SMALL
FRUITS.
STRAW-
BERRIES.
NUTS.
NAME
ADDRESS.
5, Southern Counties.
KENT
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Average on
walls ; good
Average
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average
H. Mark ham. Norfchdown,
Margate
Under ; bad
Over ; good
Under
Average
Under
Under
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Geo.Hutt, Lulllngstone Castle,
Hartford
Under
Average
Under
Under
Average
Average
Under
Under
l\ .Moore, The Gardens, Blen-
don, Bexlev
Under
Under
Under
Under ; good
Average
Over; very
guod
Over ; very-
good
Average
Win. Lewis, East Sutton Pari;,
Maidstone
Under
Under
A verage
Under
Average
Average
1 »ver ; good
i tver ; good
Geo. Fennel!, The Gardens,
Fairlawn, Tollbridge
Under ; very
Under
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Under; good
Over
I >ver ; very
('liainpii.il Bins., Borough and
good
good
Covent Garden Markets, and
Merewnrl Ii, Maidstone
Under ; good
Under; good
Under
Over ; good
Over ; good
Under ; good
Average ; g 1
Over ; very
good
l nder
Seo. Wythes, Syon Garden?,
Brentford, W.
Over ; good
Average ; good
Under
Average
Average ; good
Average ; good
Under
John Turner, The Gardens.
Fulhani Palace, S.W.
Average
Under
Under
Under
Average; good
Aver.ge
Under
Ovci ; good
William Bates, Cross Deep
G minis, Tu nk nliani
Under
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Average
Average ; very
good
Under
Under
Average
Over ; good
J. T. Wright, It. H. S. Gardens,
Chiswick, W.
i fader ; good
Next to n ■
Under
Pair
Pair
Under
Average
< lood Crops
Ave i-age
W. Watson, Harefield Place,
Under ; good
Under ; good
Total failure
Average ; very
good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Over ; very
g. H »i 1
lames HudsO i Cniiiieisliiii v
House Gaidcns, Acton. W.
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Over
Over
Under
Robert Cronk, Cranlord House,
CraiiToid, Houuslow
Under
Average
Average
Hoiello i
Average
Under
Over ; very
g...). 1
over; very
good
Average
.V. Ktiph-y, The Cardens,
Harrow Weald Hon si*. Har-
row Weald
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; ginwl
< tver ; very
good
Average
fohn w. < dell, The 1 rove,
Slanninre
SOR.TEY
Under ; good
Under ; good
Scarcely any
I nder
Average ; good
Under
Average ; goud
Average ; g I
Under
V. Uean, KillgSlon-Oll '1 hones
Undei
Under
Under
Avei.i e
Over
Average
Average
Avel \&
Ovor
.d. Bui tell, ' larem mi , ic her
l Inder ; good
Under ; guod
Under ; good
a \ erage ; good
fniue.H \\ ulkei , Ham. Burn \
Under
Under
Under
Gooseberries
over ;
Raspberries
over, very
R i:
Currants
under
A \ erage
Average
\. Evans, Ljtl.e Hi 1, Uasle-
mcie
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Ul.de ; g |
Under ; gooc
Under ; good
Over ; good
* ivo ; gi i i"l
t )ver guod
G. W, Cniniuins, Ti.e Grange
Garde s, Wiillingtoii
Over ; very
Average; good
Under ; bad
i uder ; good
Average . ; 1
Over ; very
1 F. Me! cud, 1 KiVCl 1 0 ISJ
g 1
good
Gaidl'IH, l;oe|iaiil|.t.oii
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Average; good
Average ; very
gl M H 1
I nd r, but
good
Avera e
1 hoe. < Ismail. < ittershau Park
Gardens, Chertsey
Under , good
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Uuder ; good
Average ; |
Average ; good
Average ; verj
good
A\ erage ; 1
1 »ver; very
good
.1 Halsey, Riddmgs Court,
Cate ham
Under ; good
Under
Morellos
under
Baspbei i ie i
average, good ;
< looseberries
under ; Black
i ni rants
under ; Red
ditto under
Average ; good
Uuder
i'. J. Sailer. Woodhatch Lodge
Oardcns, Hcigate
Under
Under
Had
Average
< tvar; very-
good
< >ver
Average
W. Bain, Burfonl, Dorking
Under
Under
Dad
Very good
Very good
Bad
Over
Over
I. Miller, Ruxley Lodge, Edier
SUSSEX
Under
Under
Under
Average on
walla
Avei.i e
Under
Average
Under
Average
l'. < ieeson, < lowdray Park Gar-
dens, Midlnirsl.
Average ; good
Over
Average ; vi \
good
Under ; Wtd
Under
Average
Over ; very
good
Average ; | 1
Over ; gi ta 1
Arthur Wilson, Bridge Castle
Card. -us, Tun bridge Wells
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Average
Alex. Reid.Jnn., Possingwortb
Gardens, Cross in-Hand
Under ; goud
Under ; fair
Under ; tail
A \ erage ; good
Under ; bad
Over ; good
Bed Currants
Under; fair
Cobs and Fil-
H. C. Prinsep, The Gardei.s,
overage, Black
berts good ;
Euxted Park, *Uekli. Id
over, Hasp-
Walnuts bad
bei i iea over,
Gooseberries
tinder
Under
Under
Failure
Under ; goud
Average
Average
Average ; good
Over; good
Over
E. Burbury, Castle Gardens,
Under
Under
Under
Over ; good
Average
Over ; good
Average; good
Average
W. H. Smith. West Dean Park
Gardens, Chichester
Under
Average
Under
Average
Over
Average
Over
Over
Thomas Glen, Worth Park Gar-
dens, ( Irawley
Under ; very
good
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Over ; good
Over ; good
Average
Average ; good
W. Brunsden, Brambletye Gai
dens, East Grinstead
Average ; ^ I
Average ; good
Over ; very
Under; good
Average ; good
Average ;
Average ; good
Richard Parker, Goodwood
small
Gardens
Under
Uuder
Under
Average
Average
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
gi ii id
Over
Ocorge Duncan, \\ axnham
Court, Horsham
Average
Under
Under
Average
Average
Average
Over
';., Uckficld
Average
Average
Under
Under
Over
Average
Over
Robert Aitken, East Lodge,
Beaulieu, St. Loonards-on-Sea
WILTSHIRE
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; bnd
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under
Average
Average
Thomas King, Castle Gardens,
Under; bad
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Average ;
small
Average ; good
Average; very
good
Average
losiah Trollope, Longleat Gar-
dens, Warminster
Under ; bad
Under; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Over ; very
good
Average
Average ; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Over ; good
r. Challis, The Gardens,
Wilton llniis.', near Salisbury
Average
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Over; good
A. Rushant, Savernalce Gar-
denSj near Marlborough •
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
Average
Average
Average
Average
ieorge Brown, Bowood Pai k
Gardens, Calne
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Over ; good
Over ; very
good
Average
William Nash, Badminton Gar-
d ns, Chippenham
7, EnpUnd, N.W.
CUMBERLAND
Under
Under
Under
Under
None grown
outdoors
Under
Average; good
Over ; very-
good
Little & Ballantyiie, Carlisle
Bad
Bad
Bad
Average
lad
Good
Under
William Castle, Low House,
Armathwaite
LANCASHIRE
Average ; good
Under ; goud
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
W. P. Roberts, The Gardens,
( uei don Hall, Preston
Averag ■ ; very
good
Under; bad
Under; good
Under; bad
Under
Under; bad
Average ; good
Under
Over ; very
good
Average ; very
good
Under ; good
Average ; very
good
Under; good
Average ; go )d
Ben. Ashton, l.atlioin Park
Gardens, Oniiskirk
A. E. Peach, Trafford Park Gar-
dens, Patrierofl , M inch 'st< i
68
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
[Jolt 31, 1897.
CONDITION OF THE FRUIT OBOFS— (Continued).
COUNTY
APPLES.
PEARS.
7, England, N.W.
LANCASHIRE
Average
Over ; very
good
Average
Average ; good
WESTMORELAND
Average
Under
Under ; good
PLUMS.
Under
Under
CHERRIES.
Under
Under
Under
PEACHES
and NEC-
TARINE*.
8, England, S.W.
CORNWALL
DEVONSHIRE .
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
HEREFORDSHIRE
MONMOUTHSHIRE
SOMERSETSHIRE .
WORCESTERSHIRE .,
WALES-
ANGLESEY
BRECONSHIRE
Under Under
Under Average Under Under
Average; good Under; good Under; good Under; bad Under; good
CARMARTHENSHIRE
CARNARVONSHIRE.
DENBIGHSHIRE..
Average
Under
Average ; good
Under; good |
Under
Average ; good .
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average
Average ; very
good
Average
Average
Under
Average ; good
Under; bad
Under; very
good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under; good
Over ; very
good
Under; good
Under; good
Under ; good
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under; good
Average
Under; good
Average; very
good
Under
Under ; good
Under ; very
good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Average ; bad
Average
Under
Under
Over ; very
good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Average
Average
Under
Bad
Average ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average
Average ; good
Under ; good
Average ; very
pood
Under
Under
Under; good
Under ; good
Under; good
Under
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average
Under
Under; good
Under
Under
Under
Under
Over ; very
good
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under
Bad
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under
Under
Morellos
under
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Under; good
Under ; good
Under
Under; good
Under ; good
Under ; bad
Fa i hire
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under
Average
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under ; good
Under
Under ; bad
Under ; good
Under
Under
Morell cs
average
Morellos aver-
age ; good
Under
Under; good
Failure
Under ; good
Average; good
Under
Average ; very
good
Under; good
Under ; good
Under
Average
Under; bad
Average ; good
Average ; good
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under
Morellos aver-
age ; good
Under; bad
Under ; good
Under ; very
good
Under
Under
Over ; very
good
Under; bad
Under
Under
Average ; good
Under
Undei
SMALL
FRUITS.
STRAW-
BERRIES.
Under Average
Under ; bad Under ; bad
Under Average
Average ; good Average ; good
NUTS.
NAME
AND
ADDRESS.
Under
Average ; good
Over ; very-
good
Over; good
Over ; very-
good
Under
None grown
Under
Under ; good
Average
Average
Under
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Average ; good
Under
Under; bad
Under
Over ; very
good
Average
Under
Average
Average; good
Under
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under; good
Under
Average; good
Over ; good
Average
Average
Over ; very
good
Average ; bad
Average
Average; good
Average
Average
Under
Average
Over ; very
good
Average ; very
good
Average
Under
Average ; very
good
Under
Under; bad
Under
Average ; good
Under
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average
Under
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Average
Over ; very
good
Under; good
Under
Under ; very
good
Under
Under
Average ; good
Currants over,
good ; Goose-
berries under
Under
Under ; good
Over; good
Under
Over, good,
especially
Raspberries
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average
Over ; very-
good
Average
Average
Average ; good
Over ; good
Over ; very
good
Over ; good
Over ; veiy
good
Average ; good
Over ; good
Average ; good
Over ; very
good
Average ; very
good
Over ; very
gootl
Average ; good
Average
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Over ; very
good
Over ; good
Over ; very
good
Over
Over; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Over
Over ; very
good
Over ; good
Under
Over
Under; bad
Average ; very
good
Good
Over ; very
good
Over
Under
Average
Over ; good
Over ; very
good
Over ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; very
good
Average ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Average
Average
Average ; good
Average ;
smaller than
usual
Under ; bad
Over; very
good
Over ; good
Over; very
good
Average
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Average ; good
Under
Average; very Average ; very
goo'I good
Average ; good Average ; very
good
Over ; very Average ; good
good
Average ; good Average ; good
■
Average ; good
Average
Average
Average
Under
Gooseberries
under ;
Currants over,
good
Average ; very
good
Average
Average ; very
good
Average
Average
Over ; very
good
Good
Over; very
good
Average
Over
Over
Walnuts
under ; Fil-
berts over
Over ; very
good
Over ; very
good
Over ; good
Over ; good
Over ; good
Over ; good
Over ; good
Over
Over
Average
Under
Over ; very
good
Over ; good
Bad
Over
Over ; good
Average; good
Over
James Shaw, The Gardens,
Ashton Hall, Lancaster
Robert Doe, Knowsley Hall
Gardens, Preseot
W. B. Upjohn, Worsley Hall
Gardens, Worsley, Man-
chester
W. A. Miller, Underley Gar-
dens, Kirkby Lonsdale
Frederick Clarke, Lowtlier
Castle Gardens, Penrith
William Gibson, The Gardens,
Leven's Hall, Milnthorpe
W. H.
Par
Bennett, Menabilly,
Over ; very
good
Average; very
good
Average
Filberts over,
good; Walnuts
bad
A. Mitehell, Tehidy Park, Cam-
borne
Alfred Read, Port Eliot Gdns.,
St. Germans, R.S.O.
Chas. Page, Boconnoc Gardens,
Lostwithiel
William Sang win. Trelissick,
Truro
James Enstone, 38, Temple
Road, Exeter
Alfred Eames, Henton Satch-
ville Gdns., Doltou
W. Swan, Bystock, Exmouth
Geo. Baker, Membland, near
Plymouth
James Mayne, Bieton Gardens,
Budleigh Salterton
John Sowray, The Gardens,
Highnam Court, Gloucester
Wm. Keen, The Gardens, Bow-
ie n Hall, near Gloucester
Richard Shore, Berkeley Castle
Gardens
George P. Bound, King's
Weston Gardens, Bristol
Thomas Shingle, The Gardens,
Tortworth, Falfield
G. W. Marsh, The Gardens,
Arle Court, Cheltenham
John Watkins, Pomona Farm,
Wellington, Hereford
Tims. Spencer, Goodrich Court
Gardens, Ross
Gen. Milne, Titley Court Gar-
dens, Titley
C. A. Bay ford, Glewstone Gar-
dens, Ross
Joseph Russell , Berrington
Hall Gardens, Leominster
Thos. Coomber, The Hendre
Gardens
W. F. Woods, Llanfrecbfa
Grange Gardens, Caerleon
John Lockyer, Pont y pool Park,
Pontvpool, Mon.
W. Hal'lett, Cossington House
Farm, Bridgwater
Thos. Wilkins, The Gardens,
Inwood House, Henstridge
A. Young, Marston House
Gardens, Fronie
John Crook, Forde Abbey Gar-
dens, Chard
H. Noble, The Gardens, Ashton
Court, Clifton
A. Young, Witley Court Gar-
dens, Stourport
Frank Hughes, Overbury
Court Gardens, Tewkesbury
John Justice, The Nash Gar-
dens, Kempsey
Jno. Masterson, Weston House
Hardens, Ships ton- on-Stour
William Crump, Madreslield
Court Gardens, Malvern
K. Wright, Garden*, Pins
Newydd, Llanfair, P.G.
F. W. Everett, Penrhos Gar-
dens, Holyhead
D. Clark, Clyso Court Gar-
dens, Clyso
Albert Ballard, Glanusk Park
Gardens, Criekbowell
Constantino Hibbert, Craig-y-
nos Castle Gardens
Lewis Bowen, Bdwinsford
Gardens, Llandilo
A. Richardson, Dynevor I lar-
dens, Llandilo
Allan Calder, Vaynol Park Gar-
dens, Bangor, N. Wales
Thos. Evans, Gwydyr Gardens,
Llaurwst
Eredk. Fairbairn, Wynnstay
Gardens, Rnabou
Jul? 31, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
69
CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS— {Continued).
COUNTY.
PLUMS.
CHERRIES.
PEACHES
AND NEi
TARINES.
APRICOTS.
SMALL
FRUITS.
WALES-
DENBIGHSHIRE
Under Under ' Under; bad Average Over; good
Average Very good Fair Average
Under
Under
STRAW-
BERRIES.
Very good
NUTS.
NAME
AND
ADDRESS.
GLAMORGANSHIRE,
Under Under
Under Average
Avi rage ; good Under ; good
Under Under
Average Under
Average Under
MERIONETHSHIRE ... Avurage ; good
MONTGOMERYSHIRE Under; good
PEMBROKESHIRE .
RADNORSHIRE .
IRELAND-
9, Ireland, N.
ANTRIM
CAVAN
DOWN ..
DUBLIN .
OALWAY....
LIMERICK
KERRY
LONGFORD ..
MAYO
HEATH
SL1GO
WESTMEVl'll
WICKLOW
10, Ireland. S.
CLARE
CORK
KILDARE
KILKENNV ...
RING'S CO
LIMERICK .
ROSCOMMON
T1PPERARY
WATERFORI)
CHANNEL
ISLANDS.
GUERNSEY
JERSEY
Average
Under
Bad
Under
Under
Under
Failure
Average
Under
Under ; good
Average : good Undei ; bad
Under; bad ' Bad
Under Under
Bad
Average
Under
Average
Failure
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under; bad
Over
Average
Under
Under
Late frosts ( Under average Very good
damaged crops owing to late
frosts
Under
Average
Under
Under
Under
next to none Under; bad Under; bail
Average
Under ; bail
Over ; good
Average
Average ; g I
Under
Very good
Average
Over ; good
A\ erage
Average
Average
Under ' Qror; good
Average ; good-Aveiage; good
Good
Good
Under; bad Under; Kid Under; bad ' Under; Lad
Under Under Under
Under Average ; good Under
Under Not grown
out-of-doors
Under
Not grown
out-of doors
Average ; Average ; good
Gooseberries
under
very good Average ; very
good
Average
Good
G [
Average
Average
Over
Average
Average
Ovei
Average
Average
Average
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under
Under
Under
Un '.er
Under
Under ; good
Average ; good
Average ; vers
good
Under
Under
Average
Under
Under ; good
Und< r . good
Under; good
Under
Average ; good
Under; bad
Good
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under
I ii. In
Under
Under; bad I
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Good
Under; bad
Under; bad
Over; very
good
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under
Under ; good
Under
Under" ; bud
Bad
Average
Tinier
Under ; good
Under ; good
Under ; g 1
Under
Under
Very fern
Under
1 n.ler
Under
Under
Under
Undor ; iwd
May Duke
over ; others
under
Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under
Average
Un.br
Had
Pad
Under ; bad
Bad Under
Under ; good ' Under : bad
Average ; good; Over; very
good
Under; good Average ; goo«l
Average; very Average; very
good got 1. 1
Average Under
Gooseberries ' Average
under ; Red
and Black Cm
rants over ;
Raspberries
average ; goodl
Average Average
Average ; good Over ; good
Average Over
kvers I Average ; verj
g 1
Over ; good ; Over ; good
Under ; very
bad
Under; poor > Under; good
Under
Under; bad
Average
Average
Under
Under ; bail
I >ver ; good
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under; good
Coder ; bad
Under ; bad Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under
I
Under
Under
Under
Average ; bad
Average
Average
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Over ; very
good
Under
Average ; g I
Under ; good
Quite a failure
Under
Average
Average
Average ; good.
Under
Under
Undei
Undei
Aw rage
Under
Over ; very
good
Pad
Average
Very good
Under Average
Very good Very good
Average; bad Under ; bad
Over ; very
good
Under ; good
Average ; good
Under
Over ; very
good
I n/er ; good
Average ; good
I'm rantfl aver-
age ; g, od
Under
Average ; good
Over
i in rants and
Raspberries
over ; good.
Gooseberries
under; bad j
Average i Very g)od
' i y
Over; v
good
Over ; very
good
Good
Over ; good
Over ; very
good
Over; good
Average ; good
Over; very
g.ll-.l
' >\ ei ; very
good
Average ; good
Over ; very
good
Very good
Walter Weir, Acton Park Gar-
dens, Wrexham
Henry Forder. Ruthin Castle
Gardens, Ruthin
John Forsyth, Hawarden
Castle, Flintshire
J. Baiward, Mostyn Hall Oar-
duns, Mostyn
R. Milner, Penrice Castle Gar-
dens, Swansea
J. Muii', Maigsni Park Gar-
dens, Port Talbot
W Bennett, Talygarn Gardens,
Llantrlssant
A. Rlanehett, Dunraven Castle
Gardens, Bridgend
'J. Bennett, Rhug, Corwen
John Lambert, Powis Castle,
Welsh[ 1
Geo. Griffin, Slebeck Park Gar-
dens, Haverfordwest
W, P. Fisher, Stackpole Court,
Pembroke
s Dickson, Bullibrook Gar-
dens, Presteign
Geo. Porteous, Garron Tower,
Larue
Edward Redly, The Gardens,
Castle Saunderson, Beltufbet
Thos. Ryan, Castlewellan
Ias; Taylor, Mountstewart,
I Newtownanls
James Patterson, Malatlfde
Castle Gardens, Halahide
I, Smith, Vice-Regal Lodge
Gardens
loliu Cobban, Garbally Gar-
dens, Ballinasloe
R. E (worthy, Croin Castle
Gardens, Newtown Butler
John H. Kemp, Dromore,
Keinuorc
Geo. M. Breese, BUllarney
House Gardens, Killai ne\
Average [J. Raffertv, Castleforbes, New-
ton Forbes
Patrick Connolly, Cranmore
House Gardens, Bailimobe
James Hounslow, Headfort
House Gardens, KeIN
Average; goodj lames E. Dawson, Lissadell
Gardens
Under
o I
Good
Bad
Average ; very
'4 1
Average
Under
Filberts over ;
good
Under ; bad
Average ; good
Over ; very
good
ISLE OF MAN Under; good
Average
[■Average; good* Under; very Under; good Under; good [Under; good
good
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Average
Under
Under Under Under
Average
Under Average ; good Over ; good
Under; bad Average ; very Average '• verj
good good
I Average ; good Over; very
good
Average- ; good1 Over ; good
Robert Anderson, Waters town
Gardens, Athlone
D. Croinbie, Powerscourt Gar-
dens, Bray
r. H. Carter, Droinoland Castle
Gardens, Newmarket - on -
Fergus
El. .1. Wilson, Mitelielstown
Castle Gardens, Mitelielstown
L Wyke, Bishop's Court Oar
dens, st rattan
Frederick Bedford, St rattan
House, Straffan station
H. Carlton, Kilkenny Castle
Gardens, Kilkenny
T J. Hart, Birr Cast!* Gar-
dens, Parsonstown
L Ellicott, Sumiuerville Gar-
dens, Limerick
l'i reiic-e Kogers, PrenoJipark
House Gardens, Frenchjwk
Michael Dixon, Grove Gardens,
Kethaid
r Dunn, Stranoally Castle
Gardens, VUlierstown
Thos. Singlet m. Curragumore
Gardens, Portluw
il Smi;h A* Son. Cn'e Ionia
Nursery, Guernsey
Mr J. Niehol, Lh Oarriere Gar-
dens, St. Martin
L Pecker, Cesarean Nurseries,
St. S iviours
;■". Asheltoid & Son, The Nil -
series, st. Heliers
Tames Murphy, Cronkbourne
Gardens, Douglas
James Inglis, The Nairn ry
House, Douglas
70
THE GAUD E NE R S' GHR ONI CLE.
[Jolt 31, 1897
APPOINTMENTS FOR AUGUST.
MONDAY,
Au 1
T 1ESHAV,
A i i
THURSDAY",
A I 1 1
IRIDAT.
A 10.
SATURI AY,
Al'n.
TUESDAY,
Aug
WEDNESDAY,
Al:o.
TIlUmSDAY,
Ai<;.
M IX DAY,
Are
WEDNESDAY
Arc.
Till JWDAY,
Aug.
Fill DAY,
A to.
TUESDAY,
Ai 0.
WEDNESDAY,
Auo.
THURSDAY,
Auo.
FRIDAY,
Al'o.
/Northampton Horticultural [two
days).
2 { BeddingtOD, Carshalton and Wal-
| Iington Horticultural, at Tire
\ Grange, Wallington.
3- Leicester,
f Ayrshire Gardeners'.
, ) Birmingham Carnation,
"' i Leamington and St. Mary's Cot-
V tagerw' Qorticultural.
G i Al'k-i Icy Edge and Wilmslow Ilor-
( tlcu turrtl (two days).
/ SoclCTe* Pranc.'.-vls d'Hoiticutturo
W of London.
\ Isle of Wight Horticultural
Royal Horticultural Society's Cox -
mittees: Lecture on "Croefl'
( fertilisation ol Florists' Flowers."
Royal Botanic Society's Anniver-
sary,
,, / Cardiff Horticultural (two days).
( Bishop's Stortford Horticultural.
12 — Taunton Ilort cu'.tur.d.
le-FclUii^ton Tyno Horticultural.
I Shropshire Horticultural, at
18 < Shrewsbury (two days).
( Trowbridge.
10 — Horsham Horticultural.
t Co-operative Horticultural at the
90 : Crystal P;dace ( wo day)
' Devon and Exeter Hoi-tk'uitural.
/ Royal Horticultural Society's 0 m-
I nrittoo : Lecture on " Plums."
„, I Royal Oxfordshire Horticultural
" \ at Oxford.
/Brighton and Sussex Hortlcul
^ tural (two days).
"26 - Kingswood Horticultural
26 — Swansea Horticultural.
»- J Royal Horticultural Si.olety of
z'\ Irelind.
SALE FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
FRIDAY,
/ Immense consignment of Ijiium
. I Harris!, Roman Hyacinths, lid
i fodils, Ac; also Orcbids, at
f rrotheroe & Morris' Roouss
Averaoe Tdmperatore for the ensuing' week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-tbree years, at Obiawrck.— 63 2 \
Actual Tewperatc/res i —
Loudon.— July SS : Max., 71° ; Mm., 60°.
Provinces. — July 28(6 p.m.)i Max., 67°, at York:
Mio., 54°, ut atomoway.
TnE report which -wo publish in
The Fmit Crop, tabular form ill another column
has boon kindly furnished us, as
in formor years, by correspondents in all parts
of tho British Isles. Oonstvaeted on tho same
Method and mostly by the same observers, it
may surely bo taken as giving a closely approxi-
mate estimate of the yield and of the quality of
the various fruit crops throughout tho country.
It will be seen that the report is extraordinary,
and tbftt it is disappointing. The main features
may b» gleaned from the accompanying summary.
Taking Apples as the principal crop, out of some
314 reports, only 10 are marked as over average,
■whilst no fower than 'I'M are recorded as under.
On examination it will be seen that the defici-
ency occurs all over tho kingdom, not only in
Northern Scotland, but also in Kent, and, to a
lesser extent, in Herefordshire, Devonshire, Wor-
cestershire, and the Ohannol Islands. Through-
out Ireland the same tale is told.
Plums, tho next most important crop com-
mercially, show an even greater deficiency.
Out of ul6 entries, only five show an excoss
above tho average, whilst no fewer than 2N0 aro
indicated as bolow tho mean. It is clear that
b rth for Applos and Plums we must very largely
d pend on supplies from non-British sources.
Cherries are little better, Apricots worse still.
When we come to small fruits, including Cur-
rants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, the report is
1 cttcr. Of 328 reports, SI show an excoss, and
72 a deficiency, the average 175 being u high one.
Of 'i'2.1 reports relating to Strawberries, no fewor
th m 130 are over average, only 39 under, leaving
an average of 158, showing that Strawberries
have boen the best crop of the year.
Details relating to tho other crops aro given
in tho lablo. Wo would only remark that the
lender Walnuts aro ranked with the hardier
Filberts.
Other reports have reached us too late Re-
publication, but as they are of the same general
character, fhey do not affect the total results.
It is very difficult to assign a cause for the
deficiency of the crops genorally, or for tho
excess in a few instances, because the figures
apply not to one group of counties, but to the
whole country, and although spring frost and
drying winds may account for much, they can
hardly have been answerable for all. Many of
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our correspondents haye favoured us with their
views on the subjeot, and wo shall during tho
next few weeks print a selection from their
letters, whiot may perhaps serve to clear up
much of what seems mysterious.
Children's
Gardening,
Sevebax years sinoe some occa-
sional references were made in
tho Gardeners' Chronicle to tho
operations of tho Egham Horticultural Society,
which has now for a considerable timo devoted
its energies to tho development, not only of
plant-lovo, but of plant cultivation, amongst
children. In this respect tho operations of tho
Society differ materially from those of similar
societies. Tho present year's exhibition was
held last week in tho grounds of the Ilolloway
College, and was favourod with the prosenco of,
and an address from, the eminent novelist, Sir
Walter Bebant. Tho committee issue to all
the school children of the district willing to
grow them six rooted plants for pot culturo,
and six packets of annuals to bo grown and
flowered in pots. Then in tho summer the
annual exhibition is held, and numerous clashes
are arranged to suit all tho little competitors,
and a truly wonderful display results. This is
an cxamplo that other socioties mi,rht largely
follow. The plants aro distributed through tho
agency of a local florist, and tho committee
satisfy themselves that they are suitable. There
is no condition as to tho size of pots, but that
seems to be a desirable amendment to the regu-
lations. Seeing what is now being done iu
many directions to encourage lads to acquire a
knowledge of garden - culture through tho
agency of school or continuation gardens, it is
very obvious that both the agencies referred to
are so much more useful and practical than are
those commonly found at rural flower-shows,
where tho utmost done to interest children is in
asking them to scour tho locality and to gather
groat, useless, and too often ungainly bunches
of wild flowers, which teach them in this way
nothing. Perhaps some committees may find
in this paragraph useful hints for better things.
Royal Gardens, Kew.— We welcome tbe
publication of another of the series of hand-lists
issued from this establishment. The present liat
eompiises all the Monocotyledons grown under gla^s,
except the Oichidacetc, which form the subject of a
separate list. It thus comprises, amongst others, tho
Hcitaniinea;, the Bromeliads, the Cape bulbs, tho
Aloes, Agaves, Palms (of which no fewer than
407 species are catalogued), raudunads, Aroidi, Ac.
It will be seen from this enumeration what an im-
portant addition to our garden catalogues the present
instalment makes. A preface gives some interesting
particulars of the history of the more important groups
cultivated at Kew. This handlist, like its prede-
cessors, has blank pages whereon notes or additions
can be made, aud an alphabetical index of the genera,
with their synonyms, adds greatly to the convenience
of tho reader. As theee lists will fall iuto tho hands
of many unacq uaintod with the meaning of the abbre-
viations used by botanists, it is to be hoped that
eventually it may be found possiblo to give some
explanation of them, or better still, to give tho
author's uamoi in full. Fow gardeners, for instance,
would know that Herb, denoted Herbert, or Mlrb.
Mirbel, and go on.
Yorkshire Naturalists' Union. — Tins
body of nakaraMsts, whtoli has for its President Prof.
W. &m> Dawkj.-»s, M A., S\R.S., F.O.8. ; Hon. fieu,
W. Dwiwoh Rujhjuok, F.L.8., 209, Hyde Park Road.
Leeda ; and Hon. Sec. for this meeting, J. J. Mar
shall, Market Weightou, R.S.O., York, will hold its
133rd meeting at Market Weightou, for the investi-
gation of Kveringham Park, Woods, and Carrs, on
Bank Holiday, Monday, Aug. 4. Permission to visit
their properties lias been kindly granted by the
Right Hon. Lord Herriks, and by Captain SLlNuaBv.
Tho district for investigation includes EverlDgham
Park, and surrounding woods, and also the low-lying
Carr-land lying north of the railway at Holme-on-
Spalding Moor. The botanical section will be officially
represented by its secretaries, Mr. John Farrau,
F.L.S., Mr. J. J. Marshall, and Mr. Charles
Crossland.
The Ghent Quinquennial.— In addition to
the prizes mentioned iu the programme recently dis-
tributed, it is now announced that the Count De
Oerminv has offered a prize of 500 francs for a col-
lodion of 100 exotic Orchids, comprising the species
and varieties of the greatost importauce from a horti-
cultural point of view. In memory of the late Count
Charles de Kerchove de Dentekohkm, formerly
Presidont of the Society, a prize is offered for the
most remarkable collection of 100 animal or biennial
hardy or greenhouse plants in flower. M. It
Fikrens, 135, Coupare, Ghent, is the Secretary, to
whom letters of enquiry should be addressed.
July 31, 1897.]
TBE GAUDENEfiV CffltONlCLE.
71
Newcastle and District Horticultural
Mutual Improvement Society.— Tho monthly
meeting of this Society was held at 25, Westgate
Road, on Tuesday last. Mr. John Bullock occu-
pied the chair. Mr. James Jeffrey, of Oakwood,
read a very instructi\e paper on the "Cultivation of
the Carnation." Confining his remarks entirely to
outdoor culture, Mr. Jeffrey dealt with this most
popular subject in a very practical manner. An
excellent discussion followed, in which most of the
members took part.
1 3LE OF WIGHT.— The Horticultural Exhibition,
held in connection with the Isle of Wight Agricultural
Society, was held at Ryde on Wednesday and Thurs
day, July '21 and 22. Both days were showery,
Tottenham and Edmonton Chrysan-
themum Society. — The annual outing of
tho members of the Tottenham and Kdmouton
Chrysanthemum Society and their friends took
place on Tuesday last week, when, by the kind per-
musion of the Marquis of Salisbury, upwards
of sixty journeyed by brake or train to the
grounds of Hatfield Park, which, together with the
house, was thrown open for the inspection of the
visitors.
Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
Society Floral Committee.— At tho meeting on
July 10, 1897, the Committee awarded First class
Certificates to Mr. C. G. Tubergen, jun., of Haarlem,
for Calochortus clavatus ; to the Gardening School of
Job. van don Berg & Son, of Amsterdam, for Russelia
juncea. Botanical Certificates to Messrs. de Graaff
Bros., of Leiden, for Conanthera bifolia and Gladiolus
quadraugularis. Votes of Thanks to the Gardening
School of Frederiksoord, for Antirrhinum majus
eearlate vif ; to Mrs. J. H. Schobtr, of Putten, for
Bifrenaria aurantiacr; to Mr. C. W. 11. Scholten, jun ,
of Amsterdam, for Cattleya Kldorado alba; to Mr.
J. G. Ballego. of Leiden, for Vanda Deuisoniana;
to Messrs. Joh. van den Berg & Son, of Amsterdam,
for Vinci rosea. //. C. Zwart, the General Secretary,
Amsterdam, July, 189".
Importations of Foreign Fruit.— At the
" Lord Mayor's Feast" last November, certain high-
claw and scarce fruits graced the principal table. So
Fig. 21.— souvknik de la malmaison carnations at dover house, roehampton. (see p. 72.)
which materially affected the attendance ttmt the
pleasure of the visitors. The exhibits were nbt so
many as last year, but they were of average quality.
One of the chief features of the show was the tablo
decorations, which were very good, and had many
admirers. Mr. J. 0. Br.ooK staged excellent Pompon
Dahlias. The other principal exhibitors were Messrs.
Grist, Kent, Pinoe, Leak, and Goblk ; the latter
received the Isle of Wight Horticultural Improvement
Association Certificate for Cultural Merit, for blooms
of Carnations.
The Midland Carnation and Picotee Show
"will be held at Edgbaston Botanical Gardens on
August 5 and C, as originally fixed, and not as stated
in your last issue. Your prompt correction will
much oblige. Sobt. Sydenham."
Frederiksoord , for Chrysanthemum maximum Per-
fection, and Centaurea maeroeephala j to Messrs.
Gratama Eros., of Hoogeveen, for Rosaxbifcra Capt.
Hayward ; to Mr, G. A. van Rossem, of Naarden, for
Rosa indlca nois. Madatoe Pierre Cochet ) to Mr.
Jac. Smits, of Naarden, for Rosa indica nois. Madame
Pierre Cochet, Rosa Francois Dubreull, Roea Mrs. It.
G. S'lartuan Crawford, and Rosa Souvenir do Catherine
Quillot. Certificates of Merit to Messrs. de Graaff
Bros., of Leiden, and to Messrs. E. H. Krelago & Son,
of Haarlem, for Astilbe Lemoinei Gerbo d'Argont,
A. L. Panache, and A. L. Plumet neigeux ; to the
Gardening School of Frederiksoord, for Begonia
versaillensis and Myosolis palustris Nixen Auge ;
to Mr. II. D. Willink van Collen, of Breukelen, for
Centaurea babylonica ; to the Botanical Garden of
Groningen, for Cirsium Velenowskyi ; to Messrs.
highly spoken o{ were those fa-etstern products, that
it wa3 proposed to extend their importation into this
country ; but as time went on the project died out,
and though probably isolatod specimens of these
fruits will doubtless again be seen at City and other
feasts, they will continue to bo " fruits to bo desired."
But now the Board of Trade has established a com-
mittee to inquire into the "what" and "how"
relating to foreign imports and exports coming under
the notice of our Consular agents abroad and Cham-
bers of Commerce, we venture to suggest that for
tho wealthy at home there are many fruits abroad
inviting the kindly offices of the importer and sales-
man, to which the attention of the Fiuit Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society might profitably
be directed. It would be an ersy matter to get into
touch with the officials of the Bjaid, aid it mig'rt be
72
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Jolt 31, 1807.
found profitable for that committee to iuvite the
attention of the fruit trade, here and elsewhere, to
the desirability of, at any rate, ventilating the subject
of encouraging the importation of foreign fruits now
notable by their absence from the British table. It
may be suggested that such an enquiry will cost
but little, and that results might be profitable all
round. However, we have thought it our duty to
give the subject prominence in our columns, and will
bo glad to report such results as may be achieved.
"The A. B. C. of Rose Culture."— This
little brochure is by Mr. EdwaED Mawley, the
well known secretary of the National Rose Society
(S. T. C. K., Northumberland Avenue, W.C.), and is
one of a series of "Helpful Hints for Hard Times,"
each published at the same low price, and devoted to
the practice of horticulture. It is not only from a
pecuniary point of view that the Rose-grower need be
interested in these hints, which are quite as applicable
to amateurs, whose reward is in the health and
beauty of their plants. The instructions are clearly
and plainly given, serving either as an introduction
to the novice, or a handy epitome for the more expe-
rienced grower. The author begins with the work of
the first year, iu preparing and planting ; proceeds to
make mention of the best varieties, and gives instruc-
tions how to protect, prune, and otherwise manage
them, both when newly set, and in subsequent seasons.
All this information is classified well, and is reliable,
and the little book should have many admirers.
"Worn Out." — Mr. Henry Stevens, so favourably
known by bis fine photographs of Orchids, has ex-
tended the scope of his photographic labours, and, as
we noted at the time, succeeded in obtaining the first
position, among many thousands, in a competition
initiated by the Graphic. His picture " Worn out "
is almost painfully realistic ; but as a photograph it
surpasses anything we have seen. Copies have been
accepted by the Qdeen and Princess of Wales, and
exquisite photogravure reproductions cm be pur-
chased either on India-paper or as ordinary prints
from Mr. Stevens, King Street, Covent Garden.
" RAY Lankester."— Mr. E. J. Lowe oblig-
ingly sends flowers of a herbaceous Chrysanthemum
thus named, and which was raised between the
common or Eye Daisy, Chrysanthemum Leucanthe-
mum, and C. atratum. The flower-heads are larger
than iu either parent, and there is a double row of
ray-florets, each ray being more or less completely
divided into its component parts ; the ray-florets, in
fact, are more or less laciniated. Judging from the
flower sent us, the hybrid would be a valuable
addition to tho flower-border. Laciniation, or rather
partial separation of the petals, is not of very rare
occurrence iu Chrysanthemums, or, indeed, in Com-
posites generally. It is interesting to see that it is
brought about by hybridisation.
Royal Appointment.— Mr. Henry George
Smyth, of Goldsmith Street, Drury Lane, has been
appointed by royal warrant horticultural sundriesmau
to Her Majesty. This, we believe, is the first appoint-
ment of the kind which has been made.
" Illustrated Flora of the Northern
United States, Canada, etc."— The second
volume of this useful book has lately been issued.
It is published in New York by Charles Scribmer's
Sons, and may be had of any foreign bookseller.
Those concerned with hardy herbaceous plants will
find the book of great use to them, as in addition to
authentic descriptions, there are small woodcut illus-
trations. The arrangement of the orders is unfamiliar
to British botanists, but is one that is gaining ground.
In any case, the carefully -prepared index obviates any
inconvenience from unfamiliar arrangement or even
vagaries of nomenclature.
The Phipps Conservatory, Schenley
Park, Pittsburg. — The Home Messenger, an
American publication, iu i's number for May gives
an account, accompanied by illustrations, of what are
stated to be "The most elegant, spacious and sub-
stantial systems of pleasure greenhouses in the New
World." They have been presented to the City of
Pittsburg by Mr. Henry Phiffs, and constitute
" the most princely donation of the. kind ever made
to any city in any country." The illustrations suffice
to show that the houses are well filled with plants of
many kinds, to all appearance excellently cultivated.
These famous conservatories are open to the public
without cost throughout the year, and are under the
direction of an old acquaintance, Mr. William Fal-
coner, formerly on the staff of tho Garden.
CRICKET AT CHISWICK. — An interesting cricket
match was played on the Front Common, Turnham
Green, ou Wednesday afternoon last, between gar-
deuers (in high hats !) and the Post Office employes
at Chiswick. 1 he gardeners won on the first inning-".
Messrs. Mears and Greknham played well for the
latter, whilst Messrs. E. H. Bai:ry and Ball did
their best for the " men of letters."
PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. — Connecticut Agri-
cultural Experiment Station. A bulky volume,
descriptive of work done and successes achieved
during 1896. — The Agricultural Gazette of New
South Wales, January to November, 1896; con-
tents and index. — Agricultural Journal, Cape of
Good Hope. The issue for June 10 is devoted, as
usual, to appropriate matter concerning cattle and
crops. — Monsonia. A pamphlet reprinted from a
May number of the previously-named journal, and
describing the nature and history of Monsonia ovata
(Geraniaceie), and its uses and value as a remedy
for dysentery. — Proceedings of the American Academy
of Arts and Sciences, June, 1897. This pamphlot,
devoted to contributions from the Gray Herbarium
of Harvard University, deals with— I. Revision of
Mexican and Central American species of Houstonia ;
II. Key to Mexican species of Liatrum ; and
III. Descriptions of new or little-known plants
from Mexico. — Botanical Magazine (Tokyo) for
May 20 includes, Note on the Cocoon Fungus,
List of Japanese Hep.iticio determined by Mr.
F. Stephani, of Leipzig, and various articles in
Japanese. — Annales Agronomiques, June 25. —
Journal of the Hoard of Agriculture (Vol. iv., No. 1),
containing articles on Green Manuring, the Lapwing,
Imports of Dairy Produce, Ensilage of Potatos,
Injurious Insects and Fungi, and various notes and
reports. — Select Catalogue of Horticultural Books
(Delamare Printing and Publishing Co., New York).
A very useful list of books and magazines of general
and special horticultural interest, published in
America or England, and obtainable through the
above-mentioned firm. — New York Experiment
Station. We have received a series of Bulletins
from this Institution, and note that most of them can
be had either in a complete, or in an abridged or
"popular 'f,r<n. The following subjects are treated
of: — No. 119, Downy Mildew of the Cucumber aud
its treatment ; No. 120, Spray-pumps and Spraying ;
No. 122, A Peculiar Insect-enemy of tho Apple ; No.
123, Spraying Potatos in Long Island iu 1S96 ;
No. 124, Anthraenose of the Black • Raspberry. —
Medians' Monthly, July.— Prunes in Oregon, Bulletin
No. 45, for June from the Orogon Agricultural
Experiment Station. — Orckidacearum genera etspecies,
exposuit Fritz Kraenzlin, vol. i., Fasc. i. Berlin. —
The Orchid Hybrids (2nd supplement) Berkeley, Cal.
By Geo. Hansen. — From the Journal of the Royal
Meteorologic.d Society: Shade Temperature and
Report ")i tli'' Pin nulogical Observations for 1S96, both
by Edward Mawley, F.R.H.S. President. — Notes
from the Botanical School of Trinity College, Dublin,
May, 1897. This includes: The Role of Osmosis in
Transpiration, Osmotic Pressure iu the cells of
leaves, Physics of the Transpiration Current, and
Herbarium Notes. — Journal dc la Socle" ti Nationale
d' Horticulture dc France, June, 1897.
NOTES FROM DOVER HOUSE
GARDENS.
The recent exhibits of plants of Maluiaicon Carna-
tions shown at Richmond, and at the Drill Hall, from
these gardens (see fig. 21, p. 71), evidenced that Mr.
McLeod can grow them as well as anyone else, if not
a little better. Seldom before have I seen such fine
plants so rudely robust, aud carrying so many
tine flowers. The plants shown seem to have been
but one-third of the number grown, all of which are
very fine. The best of the group are but twenty-two
months from tho potting of the layers, which took
place in October, 1895. They are now in 9-ioch pots,
and in these will remain to bloom next year, getting
in the meantime a top-dressing, and when tho
flower-buds appear, a little feeding. The nature
of the compost seems to be of primary impor-
tance, for this consists of two parts loam of the
best quality, and one of fibrous peat, very little
manure being used ; but some woodashes and screened
lime rubbish is well mixed iu. A very important
feature consists in the winter treatment, when the
roots and plants are kopt rather dry — indeed, every
effort is made to prevent moisture from coming into
contact with tho foliage. It has been well said that
Malmaison Carnations, owing to the soft sappy
nature of the wood and leafage, need during the resting
period something of Cactus treatment. In any case a
dry cool atmosphere, with plenty of air in fine
weather, has proved to be the best management at
Dover House. Very many of these fine plants having
carried from thirty to forty blooms this season will
produce fifty next year, growths having been thinned
down to that number. Both tho flesh-tinted and the
pink varieties are grown, the latter in much the
greater degree, as it is most in favour.
It was Mr. McLeod's fortune, because of the great
pressure arisiug from the Jubilee celebrations, to bo
compelled to leave behind the usual plants for making
his customary mixed group at Richmond, and iu
place thereof to take about thirty of his Carnations.
Not anticipating so high an honour, he was much
gratified to find that the splendid special Silver-gilt
Jubilee Medal was awarded to his Carnations for
superior excallence and high culture. That medal
came in during my recent visit to the gardens, and I
can but affirm that it is the finest medal I have ever
seen given as a horticultural award.
Border Carnations are grown iu abundance out-
doors, in special beds and in borders generally.
They may bo counted by thousands, aud are first-
rate plants. As especially good I noted Tho Countess,
a very fine pure white, and Pride of the Garden,
light rose ; Duchess of York, soft flesh ; Miss
Audrey Campbell, lemon-jellow ; Brigadier, scarlet ;
William of Wykeham, rich rose ; Walter Ware, fine
purple ; Raby Castle, pink ; and the old true crimson
Clove. These are but a few of many, and all of good
stiff and erect flowering habit. Tho season seems
so far to have suited Carnations, as besides great
bloom-promise, there is ample material for layering
also.
Violas and Pansies. — So far, although Violas are
commonly used for bedding purposes, I have nowhere
else seen them used to form bedding effects alone.
But it is the rule at Dover House to fill a large
area of ground in tho gardens with these pretty
plants, anil many are the varieties planted. This
season a very long border, fronting the (^lass-houses
and abo*t 7 feet wide, is planted with Violas abso-
lutely. At the back is a broad innrgiu of the rich
blue, and probably the most popular of its colour,
Archie Grant, aud a similar margin of the strain
Yellow Greivei runs in front. Then the intervening
space, 5 feet wide, is plauted in triangles, the larger
and alternate ones having their bases to the front, the
reverse ones being smaller. Beginning at one end,
the colours run somewhat thus : — The Mearns, Bul-
lion, yellow ; Max Kolb, blue ; Champion, white ;
Mrs. H. Bellamy, plum, blotched white ; Blue Cloud,
here so far almost pure white ; Mahogany, reddish
striped ; Sissy Mellows, of the Countess of Kin-
tore style, but a far better variety ; Wemyts,
yellow, a capital one, and rich in colour ; True
Blue, Laverock, white ; Acme, plum ; Quaker
Maid, Duchess of Fife, W. Neil, &c. It need haully
bo added, that growth being good, aud bloom
abundant, this constitutes a very charming Viola
border. Fancy Pansies, chiefly named varieties, are
also largely grown, and very fine and beautiful they
Julv 31, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
73
are ; still, they lack that pleasing effect which the
Violas create. One variety — Tamworth, yellow —
having a massive blotch, seems to be an exceptionally
fine bloomer and grower. Just by these latter there
is growing a patch of about a dozen plants of the
email-flowered double scai-let Begonia Count Zeppio.
This is planted thinly, on a carpet of silver variegated
Sedum pegged down, and is but one of a beautiful
bedding class of doubles too seldom seen in gardens,
yet far more pleasing than is the large-flowered sec-
tion. Here this double scarlet is brilliantly effective.
Another interesting section of summer bedding plants
is seen in the Celosias which are growing here. More
beautiful colours and better habits could hardly bo
found anywhere. Amidst large beds of Asters, Stocks,
Verbenas, Snapdragons, &c, are some Pentstemons that
are exceedingly fine in quality. These comprise some
ground, a grand crop ; Peas, in spite of the heat,
luxuriantly healthy, and blooming or podding pro-
fusely. All this is the product of high culture and
constant supervision. A. 1).
Colonial Notes.
GRENADA.
Ilippeastrum {Amaryllis) cqucstrt, Herb. — For
several weeks past (May), this good old garden
favourito has been brightening up spots in the
Botanic Garden, Grenada, and in the grounds of
Government-house, half a mile distant from the
first-named pl^ce. It grows wild in some parts of
Grenada.
themselves beforehand with a pennyworth of Guinea-
pepper, bought at a druggist's, and surreptitiously
sprinkle the floor with it whilst dancing is in progress,
tlio result being rows and fights shortly afterwards.
W. 11. Broadway, Grenada.
rilUNING PEARS.
The objoets of pruning a roar-tree aro to give it
a required form, and to regulate its fructification.
Without pruning, the branches grow irregularly, and
often bear but onco in two years. Our remarks apply
here principally to dwarf Pears, and to those trained
as pyramid!', spindles, palmettes, candelabra, vases, or
coidons, and for these we may lay down certain
general principles.
Winter-pruning is begun as ioou as the leaves fall
J^-B> ■■?■ ■ °l -fl ■ ■ I
^™
FlU. 22. — TRAINED GOOSEBERRY* BUSHES, SHOWN BY MESSRS. JAMES VE1TCH AND SON'S.
(Sea our Report of the Royal Horticultural Society's Meutiiig of July 13, in our Issue for July 17, p. 42.)
of the best northern named varieties, and they show
what remarkable excellence these good bionnials now
display. Grapes are abundant and good, and Peaches
and Nectarines in remarkable profusion. One rauge
gives Dymond, Bellegarde, Condor, Grosse Mignoune,
Karly York, Princess of Wales, Prince of Wales,
Marquis of Downshire, and Buckingham Mignonno
Peaches, all fruiting finely ; and Lord Napier Pine-
applo, aud other Nectarines. The Buckingham
Mignonne Peach, it is said, was put into commerce so
long since as 1817. Outdoors there were big breadths
of Strawberries carrying great crops, aud the plants
in splendid condition. Superlative Raspberry is hero
wonderfully fine and early. Apples aud Tears, on
young and old trees alike, oddly enough carry capital
crops, far better than most gardens show. Vege-
tables aro first rate. Such breadths of spring-sown
Onions cannot be excelled. Beets are already strong ;
Carrots, for the six'h year on the same prepared
Panda teres, Lindl.— Annually at Government-
house, Grenada, Vanda teres may be seen in flower.
During the present month (May) an old dead tree-
stump is there shielded and transformed into a beau-
tiful object through this Orchid flowerin:- upon it.
It is wonderful the way in which, upon living trees
espscially, it throws out its long, winding, aud
branching roots.
Guinea-pepper [Capsicum '.] is put to a curious
use by some of our peasantry here, if the asser-
tion of the fact by several of them is really
correct. The peasantry are fond of dancing, and
around the Botanic Garden dances are frequent,
and carried on with great zest and vigour. It is
a kind of subscription affair, each person paying
so much psr head for the privilege of the evening.
Now, when among the members present there are
those who wi?h to create hostilities, and end the
evening perhaps in a fight, these members provide
in autumn, and ceases when vegetation recommences
in spring. Pruning should be effected during the
dormant period [when the sap is down, as the
gardeners say], but not when there is rime or frost
Prune in spring, when the sap is ascending those
trees aud branches the growth of which it i» desired
to check.
Prune in autumn those trees or branches which it
is desired to develop and strengthen. Pruning can
thus be carried on twice in the same year, by the
removal in autumn of the woody branches ; in spring,
by the pruning of the fruit-bearing branches.
The branch should be cut at a point immediately
opposite the bud which is to form the extension
shoot. This bud is chosen . (1) on the upper side
for a branch which is weak or inclined to grow erect ;
(2) on the lower side for a sloping, or one that is too
vigorous ; and (3) at the side for a branch which is
directed obliquely.
74
THE GAB DENE US' CHRONICLE.
[July 31, 1897.
If the shoot is spurre 1, tho spur is cut away ; an
adventitious bud will replaoo it. For the branches of
espaliers it is best to cut away the fore-right shoots.
The pruning back to an eye should be so done that
when this develops it will remedy the deviation
caused by the pruning of the previous year ; if
necessary a little stick may be tied on with two
bands to support and train the extension shoot.
Long pruning is that which leaves most wood on the
branch, short pruning is that which removes most ;
the two operations may be performed alternately on
the tame tree in successive years. Long pruning
favours fruit-bearing without encouraging the growth
of useless unnecessary shoots ; it is applied to weak
or inclined branches or to those placed at the base of
the stock. Long pruning is practised in the case of
Pears grafted on the Pear stock or for those desired
to form a large tree.
Short pruning is made uso of for plants grafted
on the Quince, or intended to be kept dwarf. Long
pruning is best for trees in a cold situation, short
pruning is more suitable for trees in a warm aspect.
Long pruning is adapted for a sterile branch, short
for one that is too fertile. LoDg pruning is
desirable for plants which branch freely, Bhort
pruning for those which branch less freely. In long
pruning, a branch which has become bare at the base,
it is necessary to suppress the buds near the terminal
bud, and to make a small notch above the eyes at the
base.
A Btunted branch or a tree regularly formed, may
remain unpruned so as to strengthen it and promote
its fructification. It may be pruned biennially so as
to maintain the shape or branching of the tree.
When the eyes seem indisposed to open freely,
they enn be made to do so by making a notch
with the pruning-knife above the eye ; this incibion,
which should not exceed one millimetre in width,
induces the inert eye to sprout. It must bo under-
stood that the little cut only penetrates the
bark, which is raised on each side. This notch,
employed in the ease of robust trees, will not be
without value in the case of Beurre Giflard, Clapp's
Favourite, Fondante des Bois, Louise Bonne
d'Avranches, or Directeur Hardy, trees which grow
freely, and in which the buds at the base remain
undeveloped, the upper buds thus profiting at the
expense of the lower ones, so that it is well to pinch
off the prominent and spurred-buds near the eye
destined to form the growing shoot, to prolong tho
framework of the tree.
Now, if short-pruning be employed in the case of
these varieties, to encourage the development of
latent or inert buds, there is the risk of retarding
fructification, which must be taken into consideration.
It will not be so with varieties more fertile than
vigorous, such as Dr. Jules Gnyot, Madame Treyve,
Colmar d'Arenberg, Marguorite-Marillat, or Beurre
Clairgeau, for which short - pruning is needful,
although a few fine Btrong shoots should be left to
lengthen.
Long-pruning has no drawbacks in the case of
varieties which branch freely, for Comte de Lain-
bertye, Nouveau Poiteau, Alexandrine Douillaid,
President Mas, Eva Baltet, Beurre" Capiaumont,
Beurre Bachelier, Charles Ernest, Le Lectier, Beuire"
d'Hardenpont, Passe Crassane, Olivier de Serres, or
Bergamotte Sannier. Nevertheless, short-pruning will
be resumed when the tree ia weakened by its fruc-
tification. We appreciate the superior flavour of
Beurrd Superfiu and Doyenne" du Comico when grafted
on the Quince and long-pruned. The knifo should be
moderately used in the case of Van Mons, Madame
Lye" Baltet, Royale Vende'e and Doyenne de Mont-
jean, which do not produce wood freely, but are
perfect as to fruit. In the case of those types which
usually branch regularly, and do not, as a rule, fruit
excessively, such as Precoce de Trevoux, Williams',
Triouiphe de Vienne, Beurre Lebrun, Duchesse
d'Angoulemo, Beurrd Hardy, Beurre Dumout, Baltet
pere, Doyenne! d'Alencon, pruning should be adapted
to the strength and fertility of the tree.
In those tiees whore the fruit-buds are placed at
the end of the twigs, such as Doyenne de Juillet, Marie
Louise, Urbaniste, Bergamotte Esperen, PaBBe Colmar,
Josephine de Malines, these little fruitful branches
are of course untouched, but when once the fruit is
over the ordinary course is followed.
For fancy training with branches beut in various
directions, training-sticks are indispensable, as well
as pruning down to a bud which will take the desired
direction. It i3 as well also to leave a short stump
to which the young shoot can be tied. Epargne,
Beuriti d'Amanlis, Beurrd Diel, Triomphe de
Jodoigne, Beurrc de Banco, Figue d'Alene; »u, anel
Chaumontel, may be mentioned as instances. We
must not forget to add that summer pruning is
undertaken every year to complete or rectify the
results of winter, autumn, or Bpring pruning.
It will be seen that each Pear tree has its own
special characteristics. We cannot too strongly
advise fruit-lovers to Btudy their orchards, to read
good books, attend courses of arboricultural lectures,
and especially to take the pruning knife in hand
with caution, but without undue fear of wounding
their own fingers ! Charles Baltet, Troycs.
Cultural Memoranda.
CAMELLIAS.
Those who, owing to excess of work, could not
rep it their plants as soon as the flush of blooming
hael passed, may do so at this date. The bloom buds
are now formed even on the latest plants, anel if the
plants are not afforded more water than will keep the
Boil moderately moist, no new top-growth will be
made, neither will the buds fall e»ff.
The repotted plants, if standing out-of doors in
half-shady spots, may r main there after beiug
repotted, and if very heavy r..ins fall, and the heads
are not de use enough to ward ofTa Lrge propoi lion of
the rainfa'l, two roofing tiles or slatCB may be placed
ov* r each pot. It is soon done, and prevents tho
Boeldening of tho Boil that woulel otherwise occur.
Small plants may be plunged in coal-ash beds, anel
large ones in tubs stood on the tin face on a brick at
each of the four corners, shading the outside row of
above-ground plants with slabs of cork, outside slabs
of trees with the bark left on, or some similar contri-
vance. Do not afford manure water after this date,
nor let moss grow on the outsides of the pots or on
the soil. A syringing once a day in hot weather is
very beneficial to Camellias either indoors or out.
Grafting may be done in close handlights placed
within deep cold pits at this season, employing
any kind of grafting for the purpose ; and covering
the point of union with clay eir grafting-wax. Whip
or side grafting with a leaf or two of the stock re-
tained above tho graft, answers capitally, as does
cleft grafting, with a growing bud left at the top till
the union takes place. Gardeners should not be
running to the nursery for young plants they can
easily raise at home, any more than they should buy
their Cabbage or Celery plants from the same source
which few indeed do.
Home Correspondence.
LISIANTHUS RUSSELLIANUS.— This is a plant
in which I have long had a great interest, and
which I am never without; seeds are nearly always
obtainable, and "R D.," in the issue for July 17,
p. 40, need have no fear of its being lost— for the
pre-eut at any rate. If there were time always
to attend to it at the right moment, its culture
would not be attended with much difficulty. When
sown too early in autumn, the plants attempt, to
flower, and are then absolutely spoilt ; while if sown
too late the plants do not make gooel crowns, and
cannot in conseeiuence send up strong stems the fol-
lowing year. A nice adjustment of the time of sowing,
temperature, and position, is absolutely necessary to
obtain a gooel result. Spring sowing may bo suc-
cessful, but the safest plan, no doubt, would be to
make several sowings. 1 have had very good success
by growing the young plants on for flowering in a hot-
bed in spring, the rosette stage having been reached
the preceding autumn. The plant is properly a
biennial. R. J. Lynch.
SPOT IN DENDROBES.— Thisis an affection which
the most experienced and the most observant persons
among us cannot get to the bottom of. We battled
with it in the Rev. M. J. Berkeley's days', he from his
scientific dealing with it, we as practical men face to
face with it in our Orchid-houses. Young men in the
exuberance of youth and partial success in culti-
vation pooh-poohed it, anel lectured very knowingly
in their own houses how it could be mastered ; but
as age and experience crept on them, their assertions
became less wild, and they had to " eat the Leek.'1
I assert, without fear of contradiction, that there is
no collection of Dendrobes in this or auy other
country completely free from "spot" in the young
growths of Dendrobes. Thero is no dcubt tha*, this
in-and-in breeding aggravates its production. T.iko
one of the earlier of crosses, Dendrobium Ainsworthi
roseum, and you will finel some difficulty in getting a
spotless-leaved plant of it. The fact is, sin :o
Mitchell 6howed the plant of it in Manchester some
twenty- six years ago, there never has been a spotless
plant of it. Moreover, this "spot" in somo things
does not confine its ravages to the leaves ; it gets
over the bulbs in the course of ripening, and all the
various kinds of treatment adopted will not induce
such health as to make the plant marketable. Coming
elown to more recent times, and taking Den-
drobium splondidissimum illustre, a similar d s-
pjsition to the affection or elisrase, or what-
ever you may call it, is found ; anil up to the
present time wo have no specific either cultural or
anything else that will rid I he Dendrobium altogether
e,f the pest. We all know that Dendrobium nubile is
the champion parent of some of our choicest gains,
and that is a species less liable to the iucursi >n of
spot or troubles than any either of the family. And
yet we are not without our troubles here. Take
the white ernes, which are natural hybiids, anel
we fiod that they are disposed to this form
of gangrene, affecting floral reproduction 1).
Amesiie and other albinos bearing different nanus.
but only infinitesimal ly varied, grows into shoots
that bear in time Bpotted leaves, as elo even tho
selected forms which have risen so much in value.
Even the giant and the most valuable of the uobile
family, D. uobile nobilius, is bally spotteel in many
collections, and so arc nubile Sandeiianum, uobile
Statteiianum, and that little perfectly-formed gem,
uobile Hardyanum. So that cross-breeding is not
the sole cause of inherent or predisposeel weak-
ness. The very commonest forms taken from
various localities — high altitudes anel low grounels
■ — fall a prey to the spot trouble. Now what is the
remedy 1 Is there any specific treatment that will
tire out the enemy in the various glasB chambers
distributeel over the country ? I have noticed over
a series of years some collections comparatively free
of this, but none absolutely free, and gardeners arc
at their wits' end in trying to improve upon these
varying conditions. We may be told that the atmo-
sphere is too dry, or too wet, or too confined from a
ventilation point of view, is too draughty — indeed,
we can conjuro up dozens of causes, but true, tho
palpable fact remains that one poriiou of a plant
is without flaw, whilo another portion is more
or Icsb afftced. Some aver that they do not
attach any importance to spotting in a strong plant,
and after a time they cut off the leaves, hoping that
next year's crop will come Bound. But does it > And
then any first-rate cultunst will bar spot as a thing
detested and detestable ; and so do I. But where is
the sovereign remcely ? This is a matter suitable for
threshing out by our numerous practical men. The
fielel is now a wide one, tens of thousands being im-
ported every year. Moreover, the love for Dendrobes
is increasing vastly, and plaBtic as this division of
them is in our hands, we are not a bit advanced,
from a cultural point of view, since -the beginning of
the Victorian Era. A little healthy debate in your
columns would undoubtedly stimulate investigation
and bear fruit. James Anilason, Manchester.
FROST IN JULY. — No wonder Mr. Killey, when
writing from Warwick last week, expressed astonish-
ment at the low readings recently indicated by his
grass minimum thermometer. Judging from the
temperatures he has given (p. 56), I venture to assure
him that it is very unlikely there could have been a
frost on any of those ten nights, although the indica-
tions of that thermometer havo no doubt been
correctly recorded. A few fttotfl will indicate my
reasons for coming to this conclusion. Accoreling to
Mr. Kitley's table, the average difference for the ten
July 31, 1897.]
TIIE GABDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
75
nights betworn the temperatures registered in the
Stevenson screen and those on the grass exceeded 18°,
while the greatest difference on auy one night was
21". Hero, tit Beikbamsted, taking all the nights of
the last twelve Julys, the mean difference between
the indications of the grass thermometer and that in
a Stevenson screen is found to be less than 5°, and
the greatest difference on any night during that
period 9°. Then, again, if we confine the comparisons
between the two places to the coldest night of the
present month, tho lowest reading in the screen was
2° colder at Perkbamsted than at Warwick, and yet
the exposed thermometer never fell lower than
33°, whereas at Warwick on the same night a
similar thermometer showed 9" of froBt. I
should Fay there must be something like 10°
of Fpirit lodged in the upper part of Mr. Kitley's
exposed thermometer, and until this instrument is
set right, its readings must always be to that extent
too low. When will gardeners and others using
minimum thormometers learn that no instruments
moro readily get out of order, particularly if exposed
at any part of tho day to the sun ? In fact, scarcely
a month passes that my own grass minimum ther-
mometer does not require setting right. The tube
abovo tho spirit, especially the upper part of it, should
be frequently examined, and if auyspiiit be found
to have evaporated and become condensed there, it
should bo shaken down by holding that part of the
thermometer furthest from the bulb securely in the
hand, ami swinging it sharply downwardB at arm's
length until tho truant spirit has been made to rejoin
the main thread. Our British climato is already too
cold for the well-being of many of our garden
favourites, without tho repeated attempts of garden
minimum thermometers to make it out even worse
than it really is. E. M., Berkhamtted.
RASPBERRY GUINEA.— The raiser of that splendid
red Raspberry, Superlative, has also obtained as a
seed-spoit from that variety a white one, that seems
to be an exact reproduction in growth, leafage, size,
and quality of fruit of its well kuown parent. The
stock is now in the hands of Messrs. U. Buoyant &
Sons, Maidstone, in whose nursery 1 recently saw it
growing. Practically, it is a white Superlative, and
1 he size of the fruits will make it a valuable addition
to our dessert Raspberries. Messrs. Buuyard have
also a wonderful stock of Superlative growing on
their seed- farm ; the growth is very stout, sturdy,
and from 3 to 4 feet in height. Tho suckers on this
limestono formation produce roots abundantly, and
there must be on the breadth 100,000 at least, so
extensivo is the breadth. The variety has in growth
and leafage very marked character, which tho new
white exactly reproduces. A. D.
VINES AND THE XL ALL VAPOUR. — I have
vaporisrd Vines here when the fruit has been hanging
with XL All, and found no evil effects. It has gene-
rally been done when the Grapes wore starting to
colour. 1 have fouuel it kill some of the spider, appa-
rently the older ones, as what appeared very young
were still very active ; but I have found it necessary
to take out of the houso all Adiautums, especially
Farleyense. I think with a free and judicious use of
XL All, no gardener ueeel be troubled with many
insects — the Tomato-fly docs not appear to like it.
J. Barnard, Mostyn Hall Gardens, Flint shin.
THE EXCLUSION OF FOG FROM PLANT-
HOUSES. — With reference to tho exclusion of fog
from plant-houses (see remarks ia last issue, p. 47),
1 venture to suggest the use of pounded gas-coke as
a probably efficient Altering material. I do so on
account of tho success I have had in cleansing the
exhaust from a gas-engine. The products of com-
bustion from the explos'on chamber were formerly
offensive, and particularly inconvenient, by depositing
oily matter, which was very difficult to remove, on
the roofs of the plant-houses. Now, however, by
leading the exhaust through a brick chamber in
the ground, filled with about a sack and a half
of coke, I find that nothing more than light whiffs
of pale smoke come through, which are quite un-
observable in certain states of the weather, and
sometimes cannot even be detected. The coke
remains efficient for at least an approach to a couple of
years, and for straining out fog would probably last
an almost indefinite time. An enormous quantity of
matter is removed from the exhaust of the gas-
engine, even to the extent of having to pump liquor
out of the chamber onee a month, and it appears to
me only a question of method to secure an equally
good result in the case of fog. Our fogs are fairly
pure and uueontaminated, so that no experiments of
the kind are required here. li. Irwin Lynch, Botanic
Hardens, Cambridge.
Vegetables,
FRENCH BEAN, SUPERB EARLY FORCING.
Tnis variety of Kidney Bean sent out a year or two
ago by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, being an early
cropper out of doors, is a useful acquisition to our
list of Beans. Sown this year at Dropmoro in the
open garden, alongside of and at the same time as
No plus Ultra, it furnished usablo pods about ten
days earlier than the latter. The sowing was made
on April 23, and we gathered pods of Superb Early
on July 7, and more than a week will elapse before
pods of Ne plus Ultra can be gathered. The new
variety is of rather stronger growth than tho latter,
1 as dark green foliage and pods, the latter being pro-
duced in abundance. There may bo others of equal
earliness, but this is the earliest I havo yet grown.
O. II., July 10.
BURFORD, DOUKING.
1hk beautiful gardens of Sir Trevor Lawrence,
Bart., famed above all for its marvellous collection of
Orchids, also afford a home for all the nowest and
beBt plants for flowering in the open garden, and in
which, whatever good qualities they may possess, are
shown at their best. Thus, from early spring to late
in the winter, in the pretty garden nestling at the
loot of Box Hill, the rare, as well as the showy
flowers of each season, are to bo seen in perfection.
At the present time, the showiest and most pro-
fusely flowered are the beds of the newer kinds of
I'entstomons, with tall spikes of richly-tinted flowers ;
a fiuo bed of the graceful carmine-scarlet Pentstemou
bailutus Torreyi ; and a few other species of Pentsto-
niou, of which the blue P. heterophylla is very dis-
tinct and of a charming tint. On one side is a loug
bed of mixed white and pink Malva giaodittora. One
bed is filleel with Platycotlon graudiflorum var.
Mariesii, covered with rich dark blue salver shaped
flowers ; another with Lobelia cardinalis varieties ;
ono of the showiest is made of mixed colours of tho
new varietios of Salpiglossis ; and in several places a
great show is made by Gladiolus Lemoinei and other
hybrids. One bed of Lemoine's new Phloxes con-
tains a large proportion of sterling novelties, both as to
size and colour of the flower, a fine large pure white,
and a very beautiful new carmine-coloureel variety
being specially noteworthy. Iu the portion set apart
for the Roses, tbere is still a good show, tho arches
being covered by Crimson Rambler, which still
retains its profusion of brightly-coloured flowers,
although earlier in the season they were still more
beautiful.
One nook in the garden enclosed by the Orchid-
houses, is specially showy and in. erecting. The
brickwork of the houses is hidden by the rich growth
of rows of Crinum Powelli and C. Mooreanum, which
here stand out all the winter, and are now
plentifully furnished with their stately blush-white
flowers. At one end are a number of the pure white
Crinum Powelli album ; and in the centre are
several pyramidal plants of Streptosolen Jamesoni
covered with its brilliant orange-red flowers. On one
sido the varieties of Nymphfea Laydekeri, N. Robin-
soniana, and others of that class are very successfully
cultivated in tubs of water sunk in the ground, and
are now bearing a good show of flowers varying from
light yellow to pink and crimson, behind them being
tall, trained plants of Mina lobata, M. sanguinea, and
Rhodochiton volubile, the last named a fine old
climber with dark purple flowers, which might be more
commonly grown in gardens with, advantage. The
beds filling the central space of the pretty enclosed
garden have a fine selection of scarlet, crimson,
yellow, and spotted Cannas, which are here grown to
perfection both in the open garden and in the green-
house, where their ornamental foliage and richly-
tinted flowers arrange well with the tuberous
Begonias, which give the greatest show of colour at
this season. At the end of the greenhouses is a fine
batch of hybrid Streptoearpus, and suspended over-
head plants of the graceful Lotus peliorhynchus,
which, as grown at Burford, is one of the most elegant
of hanging plants.
The Orchids at Burford furnish more noveltieB and
more surprises than any other collection has ever
douo. If a plant is long talkeel of as being unmanage-
able or impossible to flower, in time it turns up in
perfection in Sir Trevor Lawrence's collection. The
latost instance of this is tho fino Vanda x Miss
Joaquim, illustrated from the Burford collection in
the Hardeners' Chronicle, June 26, this year, and
which, after being divided into two, seems now about
to flower again. But even a more remarkable
instance is the flowering of the gigautic Grammato-
phyllum speciosum, which has only flowered on three
or four occasions in Euiope. The large specimen at
Burford has a very stout inflorescence, with distant
buds on the basal portion, and a number more closely
arranged on the upper part. Its wonderful and
showy flowers will soon be expanded, and will
possibly bo seen at the next meeting of the Orchid
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. The
grand collection of Orchids still retain their usual
vigour throughout, and tho many rare and singular-
looking botanical species, which always give such
interest to a visit to Burford, furnish a number of
pretty subjects iu bloom, although the showy kinds
such as Cattleyas and Lielias, are now for the present
over. In one house the centre table was occupied
by a very lino collection of large specimonB of all the
species of Sobralias worthy of cultivation, and already
Sobralia macrantha, S. xantholeuco, the pretty lilac-
coloured S. Lucasiana, S. x Veitchi, and others, are
in bloom, and many more in bud. In tho same and
aeljoining house the tall-growing Epidendrums are
very showy, among them being E. radicans, btill the
richest and best in colour ; the hi ight reel and yellow
E. Moeusii, and E. Schomburgki ; the rosecoloured
E. Ellisii, and the dark-red E. O'Brienianum, E.
Wallisii, E. nemoralo ; also a pretty orange-scarlet
coloured hybrid raised at Burford; and of botanical
species, E. amplexicaule, with purplish leaves and
whitish flowers ; E. volutum, and others of that
ch»ss.
In the cool-house, where the fine collection of
Masdevallias always present such a good appearance
either in or out of flower, are a number of interesting
things in bloom, such as Masdevallia tricbrete, M.
tridactylites, M. platyglossa, M. sororula, M. Reichen-
bacbiara, M. Stella, M. iufracta, and others of the
lesser Masdevallias ; also among the Pleurothallis, P.
macroblepbaris, with its gnat-like flowers on almost
imperceptible stalks ; P. rhombipetnlum, &c. Here,
too, are somo pretty plants of Odontoglossum aspi-
dorhinum, Lehmaun, profusely flowered; well-bloomed
Stenoglottis longifolia, some of the Btnaller Zygo-
petalums of the Promemea section ; and the plants of
Colax jugosus, which thrive better in the cool-house
than in the warmer ones where it generally grows.
In one lean-to house of a cool temperature in
flower were Odontoglossum LTro-Skinneri, O. Schlei-
perianum, and a few other OdontoglossumB ; Onci-
dium spilopterum, Maxillaria Hiibschi, M. venusta,
M. fucata, and other Maxillarias ; in a warm house
in flower were a number of Cattleya Eldorado, and
its white variety, all very beautiful, and delightfully
fragrant ; the yellow-spotted Oncidium guttatum,
the scarlet Habenaria rhodocheila, Cypripedium x
Laurebel, the singular Luisia volucris, and L. can-
tharides, both with iDsect-like blooms ; and various
Cypripediums of the Selenipedium section.
Among the more noteworthy of the other plants
in bloom were a fine specimen of the rare Catasetum
Russelianum, C. Oerstedi, with a very strong spike
of unusually showy flowers ; the charming Dendro-
bium x micans, still one of the most beautiful of
hybrid DendrobiumB ; the rich scarlet Epiphronitis
Veitchi, Aganisia ionoptera, the elegant Platyclinb
filifonnis, with nearly one hundred spikes of flowers ;
the rare and beautiful Polycycnis Lehmanni, Cypri-
pedium caudatum Wallisii, Vanda Hookeriana,
Brassia braehiata, Laelia monophylla, Dis-a x Kew-
enais, the handsome Eulophia guineensis, the singular
little Phahenopsis Listeri, Angrascum Scottianum,
Renanthera matutina, Dendrobium Dearei, and a
number of other Dendrobes, some of which, from
New Guinea, supposed to be new, are about to
flower.
76
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Joly 31, 1897.
The Herbaceous Border.
TRILLIUM GRANDIFLORUM.
Many people complain of their want of success
with this pretty North American plant, and it is by
no means one of the easiest of subjects to deal with.
A few days ago I met with the finest plant of it that I
have ever seen, growing in the garden of Ketton
Cottage, where Mr. Burrougb.es possesses a fiue collec-
tion of hardy plants. The plant was shaded from
direct sunshine by the overhanging branches of some
Rhododendron', and I was iuformed that it had been
planted there quite ten years ago, in a mixture of
peat and Nottingham peat-moss manure — the same
soil, in fact, as the Rhododendrons were growing
in. The situation is low, being by the side of a
brook which frequently overflows its banks in the
winter and spring. It was exposed to the north and
east, but the force of cutting winds is broken by
friendly screens of shrubs at no great distance away.
This plant had fourteen flowers, mora or lesB ex-
panded, the largest of which measured over ,ri inches
in its greatest diameter. W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle
Gardens.
Nursery Notes.
• —
WALTHAM CROSS ROSES.
Fob better or worse, according to circumstance,
thunderstorms are frequently of a very local cha-
racter. It was due to an unusually remarkable
example of this phenomenon that we were able to see
the Roses of Messrs. W. Paid & Son, on the 20th inst.,
under favourable conditions. A courteous invita-
tion to pay what proved to be a very interesting
ramble was accompanied by a hint that a storm might
at any time ruin the effect the profusion of blooms
created. The train had hardly left Liverpool Street
Station,',before it appeared that we should be too late,
though not an hour had been allowed to escape before
accepting the invitation. London was dry, and the
grey, dusty streets to the east of the city were just as
suggestive of drought as they had been previously,
but the train had no sooner conveyed us into the
suburbs than it became evident that an extraordinary
storm of rain had fallen over Stratford, Clapton, and
the immediate districts. Some fields along the route
were flooded, and there had been a deluge. What
would the Rose Nursery be like ? We thought of
former visits to similar places, and remembored what
an amount of water each bunch was capable of hoi 1-
ing for a time, and how cheerfully it shed every drop
upon the person unfortunate enough to brush past
and touch it. But there were signs that we were
leaving the fury of the storm, and in a few minutes
we alighted at Waltham Cross to find that not a drop
of wet had fallen there. We must dismiss this cir-
cumstance of our visit, however, though some who
have lived in the district for upwards of sixty years
declare that they have not previously witnessed a
severe storm so localised.
A visitor to these nurseries for the first time would
probably be struck by one or two features of their
situation. On one side the ground is bounded by the
high road from Londou to Cambridge, on the opposite
by the Great Eastern Railway Hue also to Cambridge,
and from Waltham Cross Station the nursery is
entered from a third side. Now the offices are upon
the high road, and from these to the railway lino
there is a broad green walk flanked on either side by
coniferous and other trees of an ornamental character.
This distanco is about GOO yards, and the walk being
moderately high a very good general view of the
nursery, and au idea of the stock it possesses can be
obtained. Moreover, it is a very pleasant vista, a-id
it gives a characteristic to the establishment of a kind
that many such places lack If the visitor happens to
be a Rose loving individual, these general features have
been noted in less time than it takes to describe tliem,
and he has left the pleasant greensward for the
breidths of Roses, here, there, and everywhere. On
the one hand is a breadth or plantation of Teas and
Noisettes, and of hybrid Teas, Maidens upon the Briar
stock. On closer inspection one notices the free-flower-
ing Clara Watson, a salmony-pink flower, and one
raised by Bennett, whose memory English rosarians
have cause to cherish. Then there is Souvenir de
Madame Sableyrolles, a variety with many shades of
colour, and Marie d'Orleans, a good Rose resembling
Madame Lambard, but a few shades deeper in colour.
It is one of a number that Mr. Paul selected from the
Riviera, and might be appreciated by some who at
present do not kuow it. White Lady there was intro-
duced by this firm some half dozen or more years
ago, and was recently honoured by an Award of Merit
of the Royal Horticultural Society. It has creamy-
white flowers, and may be recommended to any
gardener who has not made its acquaintance. Madame
Hoste is very well known, so is Viscountess Folke-
stone, a H. T. of Bennett's. How free it is to be sure !
Its large flesh-tinted flowers are numerous upon every
plant, and its foliage fine and healthy. Grace Dar-
ling, another H. T., and Sunset, a pure Tea, are
noticed. The latter is very pretty as a freshly-opened
bud, but soon loses some of its colour. Lady Mary
Fitzwilliam, a H. T. that every exhibitor ought to
grow, and Camoens, pure Tea, are dissimilar in cha-
racter but equally desirable. Camoens makes a good
bedder, being very free in its production of rose-
coloured flowers, shaded yellow from the centre, and
it is comparatively a constant bloomer. Passiug
Francesca Kruger and the pretty yellow-flowered
Etoile de Lyon, we observe a bed of Noisette varie-
ties where W. A. Richardson and the little gems so
useful for a variety of purposes might be studied did
time permit. Mention must only be made, however,
of a creamy-yellow Noisette, described as Madame
Bernacchi, apparently free in flowering, possessing
good petals aud very promising. Turning from the
picture the delicately-coloured and prettily-formed
Teas create, to the hybrid perpetuals, there is more
rich colour, and they are much more showy. Abel
Carriere, A. K. Williams, Marie Baumann, and Fisher
Holmes are effective anywhere, and being maiden
plants, these rather shy-flowering exhibition varieties,
even A. K. Williams, were seen in satisfactory condi-
tion. But how free is Captain Christy ! The half-
dozen rows of this variety, in which each plant
close habited with a few huge pinky-white blooms
clustered together, are very distinct in this re-
spect. Gloire de Lyonnaise and Horace Vcrnet
are well known, but the latter is worth a word of praise
even in this hurried criticism — its petals are good and
the colour brilliant. Coming again across some hybrid
Teas, one notices the variety known as the White La
France, viz., Augustine Guiuoisseau, which, though
not pure white, may be described as such in com-
parison with the type. It is useful as a bedder
because it has the form of La France, but in another
Bhade. La France is close by, but it suffers through
being in close proximity to Caroline Testout, a much
higher coloured Rose thau La France, but of less
exquisite form. The hybrid perpetual General Baron
Berge, raised by the same French grower as Mer-
veille de Lyon and many others, deserves to be grown
more frequently than it is. It is a scarlet-crimson
flower with a shade of violet, an excellent bloom even
when fully out. Next is Clio (Wm. Paul & Son), a
grand H. P. with flesh-coloured flowers, rosy in centre,
very large, aud produced freely ; it is described by
Mr. Paul as an excellent pot-Rose in May. We now
stay to admire two of Messrs. Dickson's new Roses —
Helen Keller ami Mrs. W. J. Grant (Belle Siebrecht).
They are pretty well known now as being very valu-
able acquisitions, but the extraordinary vigorous
growth and free-flowering habit of Helen Keller was
certainly romarkable ; like some other good varie-
ties, they are susceptible to mildew. We must
hasten to meution a few others of the newer varie-
ties, some of them introductions by the Waltham
Cross firm. The first may be Waltham Standard,
H.P.. likely to make a fir-t class exhibition Rose, of
vigorous habit, flowers much resembling those of
A. K. Williams, but distinct in shade of colour.
Zephyr (Tea-scented ), a capital variety for bedding,
of vigorous and free habit, flowers open, yellow,
fading to tinted-white. Sylph, a Rose of most
pleasing colour, deep salmon flesh in centre,
of good size, aud well built. We were fortu-
nate in seeing blooms of this and a few
other varieties that had been cut in the morning,
and therefore possessed very much more colour
than those upon the plants after midday in hot sun.
Enchantress, figured in Oard. Chron., Dec. 7, 1895,
was well represented ; it is a tea-scented Rose for
any garden, being vigorous and free, and it is well
known to be exceptionally valuable for winter forcing.
Mrs. Ada Carmody is a pretty new Tea of pink
colour, but the petals on the inner side are curiously
tinted with yellow.
One of the very best of the new Teas is Empress
Alexandra of Russia ; its colour is very difficult of
description, but may be said to be deep red, shaded
with orange. The red colour is an unusual tint. It
is certainly a grand Rose from any standpoint, but
more particularly by reason of its pleasing colour.
A new China Rose from the Continent, and named
Madame Eugene Resal, is deserving of praise also by
reason of its bewitchiog colour; it is very variable,
but in certain stages it cannot but please. Like most
of the China Roses, it is very free, and may be used
for massing. Grand Duke A. de Luxembourg, H.T.,
Ella Gordon, H. P., and Duchess of Bedford, H.P., are
Roses worthy of note ; but we must not linger.
Several varieties of Rosa rugosa, and some other
garden Roses were admired also. A large breadth of
climbing varieties had made very good even growth,
but these flower little the first year, though a few
blooms appeared upon Waltham Climbers Nos. 1
and 3. The plants of Marechal Niel were very
praiseworthy.
Has the seison been propitious to the growth of
Roses? At Waltham Cross Yes. Mr. Paul admits he
is well satisfied with the growth they have so far
made, aud they have bloomed well also. The Rose-
bushes here are much the same as one see3 them in
his own garden. There is an absence of the special
high cultivation for exhibition blooms, and possibly
this is the better for the plants. The usual stocks
are used, but the great majority are upon the Briar.
The Mauctti is useful for trees that are to be culti-
vated in pots, and because of its irritability, it is
especially desirable for forcing. The process of
budding for the present season has been commenced.
Stock other than Roses.
Our reference to the general nursery stock must be
brief, but it should not be assumed that Roses
monopolise all of the 40 acres at Waltham Cross,
aud of the three other nurseries possessed by the firm ;
trees and shrubs, fruit trees (trained and untrained),
pot- Vine', and even Dahlias and a very miscel-
laneous collection of plants are grown. Besides
these, most of our readers are aware that Messrs.
Paul keep up a capital collection of Camellias,
and one that is quite unequalled in this
country. But our short afternoon visit was at an
eud, the return train to the city had to be caught,
and so, with thanks to the veteran rosierist, Mr.
Wm. Faul, who, it is pleasing to record, is still in
the enjoymeut of excellent health, and to his eon to
whose courtesy we gladly acknowledge our indebted-
ness, we take our leave.
Mkssrs. H. Cannell & Sons.
At so extensive a nursery as that of Messrs.
Cannell & Sons, it is not a light task to pay a visit
at any time of the jevr and to confine one's remarks
to one or two subjects only. On the occasion of a
recent visit, Carnations formed the object of our
quest, and it was a surprise to find a collection of
these plants grown in S-inch pots under glass. The
method has its advantages, especially when seed-
taving forms one of the objects in view ; moreover,
a house enables the grower to afford shade readily
in hot weather, and to keep the temperature com-
paratively cool by means of ventilation.
The plants are layered in the pots, the operation
being done easily by almost filling up the great
amount of space left at the potting above the ball,
the plants being stood outside fourte a days after
being layered. Nice blooms were remarked of the
following : — Mrs. Gooden, a yellow ground with
crimson edge ; W, Coombe Miller, a seedling raised
Joly 31, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
77
on tbe place, a fancy with crimson markings on salmon-
red. Seedlings, indeed, were rather many , but as namos
were attnched in only a few instances, we can only
allude to them in general terms. Carnation Mtne. Van
llouttc, a flaked variety, purple on ground of yellow ;
Ircno, a crimson bizarre, a good show variety of
vigorous habit ; Monarch, crimson-flakod on yellow
ground ; Miss Andrde Campbell (one of Mr. Mai tin
Smith's raising), a beautiful yellow self — one of the
best ; Bocklin, also yellow, with a rich crimson
margiD, of German origin ; Mrs. Douglas, a yellow-
ground Picotee of great excellence ; Maggie Cocker,
a rose-coloued self; Daphne, Haide'e Falbe, Beaume,
Montague, Lorna Doone, Pride of the Garden, a
rosy-pink self, like the foregoing, but a better
flower ; Figaro, Duchess of Portland (Lambe), Maggie
(Cannell), a deep crimson fancy ; and Mrs. A. Tate.
Owing to growing the plants under glass, they will
keep in good condition for a week or two longer.
An account of what we observed in some of tho
other houses, and in the open ground, will appear in
our next issuo.
New Invention.
A CARNATION CLir, AND A LEAD CLIP
FOR FRUIT TREES.
We should not like to assert that this neat little
contrivance, the invention of Mr. II. A. liavidsou, of
llolkbani, Norfolk, for supporting the flower-stems
of Carnations is absolutely new — indeed, there is little
of this kind of thing uuder tho sun that is new. It
is however eany of application, very durable, almost
invisible, and cheap. It consists of two rings of
tinned steel wire separated from each other bv a
twisted wire strand of about aa inch in length, which
are slipped over tbe woo len stick that is to serve as
the support to tho Carnation-stems, the latter being
embraced by two semi-circular ends of tho lower
ring, which open when slightly squeezed and admit
the stems. If the clip be placed between the stem-
leaves just above a joint it cannot descend, but will
be carried^up by the stems aa these grow in height. Tho
leaden fasteners or clips, also "somethiug absolutely
new," are intended for securing fruit trees, Roses, and
climbing plants of all kinds to walls and trellises ; and
they ai'e made of various sizes and shapes. The form
is that of the hanging nursery-label, that is, an oblong,
who3e length is four to five times its breadth ; and
from the ceutro of which, in the case of tho larger
aises, a strip of the metal is cut so that the clip has
as it were two fingers. At one end the clip has a
hole punched out, through which the nail or tie
passes that fustens it to tho wall or trellis, the fingers
or loose ends clipping the branch. It is an applica-
tion of a flattened form of fastening in load, for the
rounded leaden wire that was much in voguo in
gardens for tho same purposes a generation or more
ago. These fasteners are to be obtained from Dacre
House, Arundel Street, Loudon, W.C.
Law Notes.
LITIGATION BETWEEN ORCHID GROWERS.
JunuE Parry, sitting at the Manchester County
Court July 28, heard the case of Ashworth r. Wells.
It was an action brought by Mr. Elijah Ashworth,
of Harefield Hall, Wilmslow, against Mr. Matthew
Wells, of Sale, to recover £50 damages in respect of
a breach of a warranty as to the nature of an Orchid.
It was purchased by the plaintiff in 1895. Tbe plant
figured in the catalogue as " Cattleya Acklandi;r alba,
the only known plant." On behalf of the plaintiff, a
number of well known cultivators were called.
They included Dr. Hodkinson. and Mr. G. S. Ball,
solicitor. Their evidence was to the eflVct
that if the Orchid had been an alba, perfectly
white and well-shaped, it would have been worth
from 70 to 150 guineas. It turned out, however,
that the plant only produced a coloured flower of no
particular value. It was tho plaintiff's case that he
believed the Orchid to be a genuiue alba, and he
thought he had got a bargain when he got it for
20 guineas. Mr. Tweedale, who appeared for the
plaintiff, informed the court that the action had been
brought as a test case. It was submitted by Mr.
Newman, who appeared for tho defendant, that there
had been no deception. His honour reserved judg-
ment, remarking that as two years had elapsed
between the purchase and the parties coming iuto
court, they probably would not object if ho took time
to consider his decision. Ho added that tho case
would give him somethiug to think over during his
holidays.
SOCIETIES.
•
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
.li iv 27.— The meeting held on tho last occasion in the
Drill Hall was of considerable interest, although, In point of
numbers, the exhibits were fewer than at the previous meet-
ing. Among striking plants was a new hybrid between a Lftlls
purpurata and Bpidendrum radicans, a successful effort of Mr.
Si den to cross two such dissimilar genera ; anew dwarf Sweet
Pea resembling Burpee's Cupid in all save colour ; some beau
tiful Gladiolus which wo never see so well (lowered as at
Langporfc; a beautiful group of Watsonia Ardernci, and the
seldom seen Exacura zeylanieum niacranthum, aptly called
by some the Ceylon Gentian, from its beautifully-coloured
blossoms; a quantity of charming liases from Cbeshunt
including the cream of Kuglish seedlings of garden varieties,
and others. Lovers of fruit could not fail to admire tho
splendid collection of Goosoberries shown by Messrs.
Vbitch &■ Son.
Floral Committee.
Promt: W. Marshal], Esq., in the chair; and Messrs.
W. Burpee, II. B. M y, It. Dean, G. Gordon, G. Stevens,
F. W. Sander, J. Hudson, J. F. MeLeod, W. Bain, J. Praser,
C. E. Shea, J. Walker, C. E. Pearson, H. J. Jones, .1. D.
Pawle, G. Paul, D. B. Crane, E, Mauley, John Fraser, and
11. Selfe Leonard,
A considerable number of subjects came before tin- Floral
Committee on tins occasion, and a fair Dumber of them
Obtained Awards <.f Merit. It is cm i io us to notice, however,
how many things of inferior merit find their way to the Com-
mittee table, leading to the inference that some exhibitors,
at lo tst, entertain low estimates of the improvements which
have been nude in the (lowers they exhibit.
Gladioli formed a leading feature. Messrs. Kr.r.w.w & Son,
Langport Nurseries, sent a stand of twenty-four novel-
ties, most of which wero entered for awards ; promi-
nent wore Carlton, bright pale purple, novel and
distinct in colour (Award of Merit); J. G. Clarke, one
of the new Saundersi hybrids, large, bold, cerise in
colour, the pale throat slightly spotted and Miked with
purple— distinct, and very fiue (Award of Mori t) ; Robert
Kerr, bright reddish-crimson, large in size, and striking
in colour. Serjeant Scott, maroon flushed with crimson
one of tbe darkest. Wearrie Wyehe, blush, flaked and
pencilled with pale omntne, a very pleasing soft variety.
Harold Longstcr, the ground colour rose, flushed and flaked
with bright orange-crimson. W. B. Child, pale ground
flaked with rosy-crimson and purple. Jonathan Langford,
pale ground, heavily flaked with scarlet- crimson. John
Downie, another of the new hybrids, pink, flushed with
delicate cerise, tho pale yellow throat marked with maroon,
fie. In addition the firm had a collection of seventy-two
spikes of standard varieties, chief among them such dark
maroon crimson varieties as the Shahzada, Wellington,
Don Jose, Chalmus and Nada ; and of other varieties, John
llobhouso, Prince Henry, St. G ttien, Basis, Semolln i,
Oalliphon, Utopia, Empress of India, Priestly (one of the
best yellows), Lady Derby, and Lord Swansea (pale yellow),
with others. Messrs. Kelway *t Son also had Asclcpias
tuberosa, a fine bunch of this old favourite being staged ;
A. syriaeea, a ', strong-growing but not very ornamental
species; some Gaillardias, Chrysanthemum maximum fili-
fera, with pure white narrow petals ; boxes of cut Gaillardias,
and boxes of bunches of hardy flowers, including Scabiosa
caucasiea alba. Coreopsis grandiflora, Allium descendens,
deep crimson ; Achillea eupatorium, &c.
From H. S. Bartlett, Esq., Shooter's Hill, came Sweet
Pea Pauline, creamy-white, with buff and pale rose
standards.
Mr. W. Bain. gr. to Sir Trevor Lawrexce, Bart., Burford
Lodge, Dorking, staged a number of new forms of hybrid
Gladioli, among which one stood out from all the rest foi its
great Biza and beauty, viz., General Duchesne, rich rosy-
cerise, flushed with purple on the margins of the petals, and
having a conspicuous buff throat (Award of Merit); also,
Mrs. Beeeher, bright red; Enfant du Lorraine, yellow;
Vesuve, orange- crimson flushed with maroon, dark centre ;
O. F. Quintius, pinkisb-rose, with scarlet , and white mark-
ings; W. Watson, pale pink, with red and yellow centre ;
also, cut blooms of Crinums Powelli and Moorei, with Bpil es
of the fine strain of Feutstemons grown at Bnr/ord.
Carnation Mrs. Moore-Binns, a welt-formed pale yellow
self, with a gwd pod and habit of growth, came [from the
Surrey Seed Co., Redhill ; it appeared to lie a good form of
Pride of Penshurst, but does not split its calyx.
From Mr. J. Bugg, gr. to A. Shuttlewohtu, Esq., Eastgate
House, Lincoln, came an attractive Croton named Shuttle-
worthi, a narrow-leaved variety of drooping growth, tho
ground of the leaves ci'eam, marked with deep olive-green,
and having rosy veins (Award of Merit).
Mr. G. D.yvjdsov, Ammmford, R.S.O., sent half-a-dozen
plants of bedding Pelargonium Anna Bateson, very dwarf and
compact in habit, freely producing stiff, erccl trusses ol
brigb.1 salmon double flowers, flushed with carmine (Award
of Merit).
Some pretty herbaceous Phloxes came from several
Messrs. Paul & Son, The old Nurseries, Cheshunt, had
several of M. Lenioine's new varieties, such as Lord
Rayleigh, purple, flushed with blue (the nearest approach
to a blue Phlox we have yet seen), the pips stout and
of good form (Award of Merit); Evenomeut, bright ro.-y-
salmon, with violet eye, very pleasing in colour, and good
shape (Award of Merit); Fantasia, white, more or less
flushed and striped with bright purple; Iluxloy, white
centre, margined with lilac-pink; Bayade.ro, small white,
good form ; La Nuigo, white, rather purer; La Steele, pale
rose, with a ring of delicate purple round the eye ; and Pan-
theon, salmon. Messrs. Paul it Son also had Cinerari i mari-
time I'iamond, a dwarf, compact, silvery-leaved form, likely
to make a most useful bedding plant; Canna Miss Elsie
P.irkius, pure yellow, but not shown in its best character
( a. war 1 of Merit) ; Cupressus Lawsoniana erectanurea, which
the committee wished to see again in a more developed
form ; the golden leaved variety of Ilex ovata, the small
deep green leaves, edged with gold; Clematis viticclla x
unitlora, with rosy-lilac pendent llowcrs, and an erect habit
■ i rowth, free-blooming; Hcliopsis Pitcheriana, deep gold,
fine in colour, and of a rigid erect growth (Award of Merit);
Rosa rugosa atropurpurea, a deep bright crimson seedling of
strikiog character (Award of Merit) ; some Gaillardias,
buneties and boxes of Roses, such as H.T. Madame A.
Chatenay, QubI tve Itegis, Mrs. W.J.Grant, Antoine Rivoire,
and 11. P. Royal Scarlet, with bunches of hardy flowers, such
as Flatycodon grandifloruni and its white variety, Rudbeckia
purpurea, Acanthus longifolius, pans of Campanula Mariesii,
and Inula ensifolia, Ac.
Messrs Veitcii & Son, Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea, bad
Lobelia Rivoire, a delicate pink or flesh-coloured form of
cardinalis ; a box of cut blooms of greenhouse Rhododen-
drons, and baskets of choico shrubs, viz.. Hibiscus, single,
Painted Lady, white with dark centre ; II. single, Co testis,
pale violet-blue with crimson centre; and II. tutus albus,
pure white, eaeh of which received an Award of Merit. In
addition there were baskets ■•( Eucryphia pinnatifolia with
largo whits blossoms ; Pavia macrostachya, two handsome
variegated foi ms of Acer palmatum, Veronica La Seduisante,
with numerous spikes of magenta-crimson flowers (Award of
Me it); llowering spikes of Spartium juncoum ; Spirca
e illosa atrosanguinca, and Cornus macrophylla.
Messrs F. Bander & Co., St. Albans, had a batch of the
white-flowered Watsonia Ardernci, LUium Henryi, and L.
Phillipincnse, the rich bluc-flowercd Exacum zeylanieum var.
macranthum, and Dipladcuia atropurpurea.
Mr. T. s. Ware had Sedum maximum purpureum, a
strong growing form with deep bronzy- claret, thick leathery
leaves ; and in addition an imposing bank of hardy plants
tnd flowers, comprising Yucca filamentosa, Lilies,
Campanula pyramidalis, Francoa, Aconitum, Carnations,
Scabiosa caucasiea, Chrysanthemum maximum, &c., but
few of which wrere named.
Messrs. Barr & Son, King Street, Covent Garden, staged
two varieties of herbaceous Phloxes, viz., Bouquet de St.
Cyr, white with purple crimson centre ; fine flat stout pips,
(Award of Merit); and Leonardo de Vinci, in much the
same way, but rather paler in the centre ; and in addition a
bank of cut flowers, Delphinium, Campanula pyramidalis
in variety, Pentstemon, Montbretia, Hyaciuthua candicans,
Coreopsis lanecolata and C. grandifiora, Lythrum virgatum,
Gladioli, Phloxes in considerable variety, Sweet Peas, <fcc.
From Messrs. A.TLKR Burpee Ai Co., Pennsylvania, U.S.A.,
came pots of Sweet Pea Pink Cupid in much better form
than when previously produced, and in the character of
dwarf compact plants well furnished with bloom, but it
found no favour with the committee. This variety produces
dark seeds, and is said to be of a stronger constitution than
the White Cupid.
Messrs. Hurst & Son, 152, lloundsditch. E.( '., sent a very
pretty rose tinted form of tbe everlasting Pea named Pink
Beauty, deeper in colour than the pink-striped Delicata,
which the committee certificated some years ago.
From Messrs. \V. J. Stokes & Son, Hilperton, Trowbridge,
came an everlasting Pea named Her Majesty, which the
committee regarded as identical with Delicata.
Messrs. H. Low & Co., Clapton Nursery, had a group of
plants of Lilium nepalense, and L. WalHchiauum.
Messrs. B. Hartland & Son, nurserymen, Cork, sent seven
large boxes of cut blooms of double and single tuberous-
roote.l I'.e^oni.is, many ol them of ver\ fine quality and the
strain to all appearance equal to anything seen in this
country. A very fine double yellow could be Been among
them.
Messrs. Doeeie & Co., seedsmen, Orpington and Rothesay,
tent a dwarf compact and exceedingly free-flowering plant
of the new Godetia Gloriosa, deep blight crimson, i valuable
addition to our summer-flowering hardy annuals (Award of
Merit).
A very charming display of Roses in boxes and bunches
came from Messrs. William Paoi & Bon . nui ery a,
Walt ham Cross. It included boxes of trussi of Tea
78
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[July 31, 1897.
Enchantress, Empress Aloxandor of Russia, Sylph and
Madam o Sablayrolloe ; also fine banchea of Nabonnand, pale
ground flushed with rceo, a very free flowering and most useful
garden Rose (Award or Merit), Madame Chateney, Francois,
DuboulL Souvenir de Madame Lcvet, Souvenir de Dady
Ashburton, Souvenir dc President Carnot, a most interesting
exhibit.
Messrs. Cheat, & Son, Longfield Nursery, Crawl-y, had
bores of cut blooms of Cactus, Pompon and single Dahlias in
lino character, showing that the Dahlia season is near at
hand.
Mr. II. B. May, Dyson's Lane XurEories, Edmonton, staged a
characteristically fine display of Ferns in great variety, and
showing skilful cultivation.
from Messrs. II. Cannell &l Sons, llorac of Flowers,
Swanlcy, came an extensive collection of Cacti, Echino-
cacti, Ac, similar in regard to species and varieties to what
this firm showed hist year about this date.
Mr. Wright, Superintendent of the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardon, made a very obviously-required innovation
in the arrangement of tho exhibits, in placing a quantity of
plants from Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryecroft Nuraoiy, Lowisham, as
a long group of irregular outline on the floor of tho hall,
in place of the usual central table ; and most of the plants of
which it consisted being under 4 feet In height, it allowed
them to he inspected very readily— moreover, the effect was
decidedly pleasing. The group was mainly made up of
tuberous Begonias, Lilies, Perns, small Palms, &c An award
of a Gold Medal was made.
Orchid Committee.
Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the Chair ; and Messrs.
Jaa. O'Brien {Hon. Sec), Do B. Crawshay, H. M. Pollett,
H. Ballantluo, F. W. Moore, F. J. Thorne, W. H. Young,
H. J. Chapman, E. Ashworth, E. Hill, W. Cobb, and
S. Courtauld.
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Cholsea, oxhibited a new and very remarkablo
hybrid raised by them, viz., EpUrelia x radico -purpurata
(Eptdondrum radicans^, Lielia purpurata?), which, like tbo
Epioattleya x matutina, retains tho habit of the male parent.
Tbo Bowers, which in a groat degree resembled those of
Epiphronltia Veltehi, aio about 2 inches at their greatest
width ; the sepals and petals of a pretty light u range -scarlet ;
the broadly-ovato lip clear yellow at tho base, the outer zono
being light purple. The remaikable cross was awarded a
First-class Certificate.
Messrs. Vem-ch also showed Epidendrum vadicans, one of
t'10 parents of the hybrid ; tho pretty light rose rhahi-nopsis
■ Hebe (Sandcriaua X rosea) ; Ljelio- Cattleya X Clonia, of
very fine form and rich colour ; Cattloya X Atalanta (Leo-
poldi ? , Warscewlcztl 6*), a very handsome flower with light
roso-coloured sopals and potals, the former tinged with buff;
and soft purplish rose labollum ; and Sobralia x Veitchi, a
very delicately tintod blush-white flower with clear yellow
centre.
Elm au Ashworth, Esq., narcfield Hall, Wilmslow,
Cheshire (gr., Mr. Holbrook), was awarded a Silver Flo a
Medal for a splondid colloction of cut spikes of Cattloyas,
among which wore sixteen very fine forms of C. Warscc-
wiczii, chiefly of tbo very dark crimson-lipped strain; some
C. Mendeli, of which C. M. delicata was an almost wholly
white form ; C. Rex, and Ladio- Cattleya x Schilleriana.
Mr. Ashworth also showed a plant in flower of Cattleya
Warscewiczii, " Mrs. E. Ashworth," one of the most distinct
and delicate forms yet seen. Its lower is fine in size and
shapo, and, lip included, almost wholly of a delicate blush-
white tint, the only other colour being a yolluw tinge in the
centre, and a vory slight lilac mark in front of the lip
(Award of Merit).
Mossrs. HUGH Low & Co., Clapton, stagod a small group
composed of two fine Cattleya Warsccwiczii, the one with fivo
and the other with six flowers on a spike ; C. Gaskolliana
Sunray, a very pretty variety with purple feather on the
petals and lower sepals ; Odontoglossum crispum rotundi-
florum, a good flowor with a fow cinnamon-brown blotches ;
Cypripcdium x Brilliancy, much rcsombling C. x Alfred
Hollington (ciliolare X philippinouse) ; C. X Chas. Canham,
and C. X fenanthutn superbum ; also, their Bulbophylluui
Claptonense.
Messrs. F. Sander &, Co., St. Albans, showed Angra-cum
Bichlerianum, Vanilla-like in growth, and bearing solitary
flowers of good size, with white labcllum bearing a green
spur ; and pale green sepals and petals. Miltonia voxillaria
rubella molauocentra, having the small flowers of rubella,
but with remarkably rich dark markings on the Up ; Vanda
Hookeriana, Bifrenaria aurantiaca, and the singular Masde-
vallia Gargantua.
Frau Inv Brandt, Riesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. Schlecht),
sent cut examples of Odontoglossum Sehleiporianum citri-
iiiurn, Epidendrum raniferum, E. cochlcatum, Colax jug-'sus,
Cattleya Rex, Trichocentrum porphyreum, &c.
Major Jou-ev, Sunntn^'dale Park, Sunningdale (gr., Mr.
Fred. Thorne), sent O JontoglOBSum Scbleiperianum with
three strong spikes; O. s. citrinum, and the elegant 0.
aspidorhinum, Lehm , with three line spikes.
.1 H Kitson, Elmet II ill, Leeds (gr., Mr. Bonsall), Bhowed
( lypripedium leueocheilum, like a form of C. bellatulum, but
with white lip.
.1. 1'. Ebner, Ksq.T Woodlands, Beckenham (gr., Mr. A.
Waite), showed Cypripedium x Chapmaui (bellatulum x
Curtisii), a very fine hybrid, recently exhibited onsev-ral
occasions by the raiser, Mr. H. J. Chapman, gr. to R. I.
Measures, Esq , who received a First-class Certificate for it.
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
Present: T. Crowley, E*j., Chairman; Rev. W. Wilks,
Secretary; and Messrs. J. Cheal, A. F. Barron, Saltniarsh,
James Veitch, O. W. Oummlns, A. Dean, W. Bates, W. Farr,
G. H. Sage, C*. Wythes, F. Q. Lane, J. Smith, Robert Fife,
J. Willard, and W. J. Branson.
Messrs J. Veitch & Sons scut fruits of Nectarine Precoce
dc Cruncels from j-ot plants grown in a cool-house, not largo,
but well-coloured, and of fair flavour; flesh somewhat clinging
to the stone. It is undoubtedly early, but soems to be best
when assisted by heat. An Award of Merit was granted on
a show of hands by seven votes against five.
Huge samples of Sea Eatjle Poach came from Mr. D.
McAinbh, Leeds Castle Gardens, Maidstone. The variety
favours Noblesse in shape and paleness, but is not a high-
class variety. It seems, so far, not to have received any
award, although a long time in commerce. A Cultural Com-
mendation was given.
Mr. J. Taylor, Hirdwicke Grange, Shrewsbury, sent
seedling Molon Hardwicko Beaut}', handsome and yellow,
with thick soft sc irlot flesh. The fruit seemed to have boen
kept soveral day*, and, though of good flavour, yet was a
littlo flat. It was agreed a fresh cut fruit should be asked
for at a later meeting. The one sent bore great resemblance
to Blenheim Orange.
A Melon was sent by Mr. James Hudson, gr. to the Messrs.
Rothschild, Gunnorsbury House. It was very long, oval in
shape, of fair size, and handsome, also scarlet-fleshed. It was
the product of a cross between Golden Perfection and
Blenheim Orange, Tho fruit proved not to be in good
condition.
Mrs. Cundey, Warren House, Cobbam, sent bunches of the
Japanese Wine-berry.
Messrs. W. J. Stokes & Sons, Trowbridge, sent fine pods
of a Pea named Hero of Trowbrldgo, not unliko Duke if
Albany. It was said to have b:en previously grown at
Chiswick.
Mossrs. Kei way & Sons, Langport, had dishes uf Bunyard's
Exhibition Longpod Bean and Duke of Albany Pea, very
fine samples. A Vote of Thanks was given.
Messrs. Jas. Carter & Co. staged a colloction of eighteen
varieties of garden Turnips; some of the samples wcro
rather old, but so tar these roots have been universally of
indifferent quality. The best were, of whites. Early Model,
Jersey Lily, and Stone ; the Red-top Stone was the best
of It3 flection. Golden Ball of the yellows, and tho red
Radish Turnip, Cardinal, was also represented. Several uf
the varieties were of the Early Dutch or Milan form, aud
too flat to find popular favour.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons sent a splondid and most
instructive collection of J 00 varietios of Gooseberries,
all set up in square shallow boxos lined with leavos.
They presented a capital representation of all the best
varieties in commerce, and included, of reds, largo
Clayton, Hough Red, Iskander Boy, Conquering Hero,
Crown Bob, Industry, Dan's Mistake, Lion's Provider,
Speedwell, and others. Of greens, Telegraph, Surprise,
Peerless, Ransom, Grotna Green, and Tom Joiner. Of
yellows, Coiner, Mount Pleasant, Trumpeter, High Sheriff,
Broom Girl, Pretty Boy, Gipsey Queen, and Railway ; and
uf whites, Progress, Evo, and Whitesmith. Of small, highly-
flavoured varieties the best were, Ironmonger, Champagne,
and Keen's Seedling, red ; Pitmaston Green Gage, Early Greou
Hardy and Green Walnut, and of yollows Golden Drop,
Yellow Smith, a d Yellow Champagne. The firm also showed
fine Negro Largo Figs, Morello Cherries, Transparent White,
White Dutch, and the finer Whito Dutch cut-leaf Currants,
and La Constanto, La Versaillaiso, Warner's Grape, and
othur Red Currants. A Silver-gilt Knightian Medal was
to this collection niidnirnously awarded.
Mr. G. Wxthes sent from Syon Gardens Pear St. Swithun,
like the old Windsor in form, but worthless for table ; and
Apples, Irish Peach and Red Quarrendeu for the flavour
competition, but no award was made.
THE NTH AM AND HANFORD
HORTICULTURAL.
July 22.— The ninth, and hitherto the b st show of tho
above society, was held in Trentham Gardens on tho above
date. Tae Duchess of Sutherland, the Dowager Countess
Ro.slvn, and a numerous house party, graced the proceedings
by their presence, and visitors came in thousands.
The Roses were superb and numbered several thousands.
The Tea Roses were declared by the judges to be the best
they had seen this season. The Very Rev. Dean Hole of
Rochester acted as judge of the Roses, having been specially
invited by the Duchess of Sutherland for tho occision.
The show of fruit was large and good ; and tho dinner-
tables arranged with flowers and fruit liavu seldom been
squalled at any exhibition. Tho competition was so keen
that the Royal Horticultural Society's standard of judging by
points had to be strictly followed out, even with this help
there was very little between ths 1st, 2nd, and :;rd.
Of the groups of plants arranged for effect, six competitors
brought together and arranged very fine group?.
The non competitive exhibits were numerous. Mr. Good-
acre, gr. to the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, Derby,
put up a fino group of magnificent Souvenir de la Mal-
maison Carnations, in light and dark coloured varieties,
consisting of fifty plants, carrying about 5'0 blooms, the
group b.dng backed with Bamboos, and edged with Maiden-
hair Ferns. A Silver Medal was awarded.
Sliver Medals were also awardod to Hbnbv Bckjorp.
Went, Salop, for fifty varieties of Swoefc Peas, including the
new Duchess of Sutherland, Lady Muriel Hamilton, Lady
HkelmorsdalG, and Colonist, all good and distinct To Messrs.
WauLAoa * Ce. , Ooloheeter, for a fine ooUeetlen ©f Lilies ; to
Meesre. Pbitobard «fc Sows, Shrewsbury, for fifty varieties
of Carnations; to Messrs. Dicksons & Sons, Chester, fur
sixty-five bunches of cut flowers, and several boxes of Roses ;
to Mr. J. H. White, Worcostei*, for fifty varieties of herba-
ceous plants, twenty bunches of border Carnations, and
twenty varieties of Sweet Peas ; to Messrs. J. Laiko & Sons,
Forest Hill, London, for a grand colloction of Begonias,
Caladiums, Sweot Peas, and Carnations ; to Messrs. Webb &
Sons, Stourbridgo, for a colloction of vegetables; to Messrs.
Jones & Sons, Shrewsbury, for Sweet Peas, effectively
shown in baskets, and Cactus Dahlias; to Messrs. Edwards
& Son, Shrewsbury, for ornamontal stands and Ferns.
Tho show of cottagers' produce was exceptionally good.
Tho Duchess of Sutherland, in oponing the show, made
special reference to this section.
Group of miscellaneous plants, in or out of bloom, arranged
for offect, occupying 300 square feet, 1st, Mr. C. J. Mbe,
Sherwood, Notts, whoso group containod Kentlas, Sugir-
cauos, fine Crotons, Bamboos, Pitoher-plants In variety,
Aloeaslas, Orchids in variety, somo fine Odontoglossums,
AnthuHums in variety, Begonias, and a good number of the
alpino-bead plant, Ncrtoradepressa, Ferns, &o. ; 2nd, Messrs
J. Jenkins & Sons, Newcastle, Staffordshire, whose group
contained a number of Phahvnopsis and Cattleyas ; 3rd,
Duke of St. Aluans,
Class 2, open to rjersona who do not employ more than ono
gardener: 1st, Mr. F. J. Maddock, Alsayer ; 2nd, Mr. C. S.
Jones, Stoke.
i?«s«, forty-eight d stinct, single blooms, 1st, Mess's.
Hare sess & Sons, Bedale, whoso stand contained excellent
blooms ; 2nd, Messrs. A. Dickson &, Sons, Newtownards.
There, wore numerous other classes for Roses, the enume-
ration of which would bo todious.
Fruit and Vegetables.
Djeorated table, with ripe fruit, not to exceed sixteen
dishes, and not fewer than ten, and not more than two dis-
tinct varieties of a kind, each table to be covered with a
whito cloth ; silver, oleetro-plato wine-glasses and decanters
excluded.— 1st, Sir J. W. Pease, But., Huttou Hall (gr ,
Mr. Mclndoe, whoso arrangement of the exhibit, and the
quality, have seldom boen equalled. Tho flowers con-
sisted of small bright- colon rod Carnations and Picotees,
with Asparagus and Pancratiums. The fruit com-
prised Black Hamburgh Grapes, large both in bunch
and borry, and well coloured ; two well-grown bunche i
of Chasselas Napoloon, highly coloured ; a woll-riptrnu I
truss of Pananas, a good Pineapple, Scarlet Modol
Melon, Alexandor Noblesse and Grosso Mignonno Peaches.
Stanwick Elrugo, and Sponccr Nectarino* ; Souvenir d i
Congri-s Pears, Nogro Lai go and Brown Turkey Figs, Prln e
Englobort Plums, Gunton Park Strawberries, and Duchis*
of Gloucester Apple, fnd. Earl of Harrington (gr., Mr.
Goodacre), whoso collection consisted of Souvenir do la Ma'-
malson Carnations, beautifully arrangod ; good Black Ham-
burgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapos, two Melons, fi io
Noblesse and Bullegardo Poaches, Lord Napier and Pine-
apple Nectarines, Elton Pine and Waterloo Strawberrii- ■.
Brown Turkey Figs, Beauty of Bath and Red Astrachan
Apples, and a good Queen Pine, and McLaughton's G.iga
Plum ; 3rd, Duke of St. Albans, whose exhibit was a vuy
fino one.
Collection of six kinds of fruit'..— 1st, sir J. W. Pease,
Bart., with fino Muscat of Alexandria and Black Hamburgh
Grapos, Nogro Largo Figs, Spencer Nectarines, Eirly Trans-
parent Gage Plums, and Alexandra Noblesse Peaches; I'll I,
Lady Henry Somerset (gr., Mr. F. Harris). No fewer than
soven competitors staged in this class, and all good.
Of Grapes, the exhibits were excellent. For four bunchep,
two distinct varieties, 1st, B.iron Rothschild (gr., Mr.
Reynolds), Gunncrsbury Park, who staged grand Bltck
Hainburghs and Madresfiold Court, finely finished; 2nd,
Lord Baoot (gr., Mr. Banncrman), with Duke of Buccleu-jh
and Black Hamburgh.
Grapes, threo bunches, Black Hamburgh.— 1st, W. D.
Lowe, Esq., Derby ; 2nd, Baron Rothschild.
Grapes, throe bunches, black, any other variety. — l**,
Baron Rothschild, with Madresfield Court ; 2nd, J. C.
Waterhouse, Esq.
Grapes, three bunches, Muscat of Alexandria.— 1st, Baron
Rothschild ; 2nd, Lord Bagot.
Grapes, white, three bunches, any other variety, 1st,
Baron Rothschild; 2nd, Lord Bagot.
Grapes, two bunches, black and white, 1st, Baron Roths
child ; 2nd, Lord Baoot.
Melon, green or white fleshed, 1st, Earl of HARRINGTON,
with Countess.
Melon, scarlet lleshed, 1st, B. T. Fitziierbert, Swyunerton
Park (gr., Mr. Turner), with Royal Ascot.
Peaches, dish of six, 1st, Lady Henry Somerset, with
Bellegarde ; 2nd, Earl of Harrington, with same variety.
Nectarines, dish of six, 1st, Sir J. W. Pease, with Spencer ;
2nd, Baron Rothschild, with Stanwick Elruge.
Strawberries, dish of thirty six, 1st, Lord Barnard, with
James Veitch ; 2nd, Duke of Sutherland, with Waterloo.
Dish, twelve.Tomatos, 1st, J. McPhail, with Comet; 2n I,
Duke of St. Albans.
Cherries, dish of fifty, 1st, Lady II. Somerset ; 2nd, Baron
Rothschild.
Cucumbers, brace, 1st, Lord Baoot; 2nd, J. C. Water-
July 31, 1897.]
THE GA R BE NEBS' CHF ONI CLE.
79
Collection of vegetables, nine distinct kinds, 1st, Lady
Theodora Guest (gr., Mr. Wilkins), who staged fine Potato
Windsor Castle, Duke of Albany Pea, Beet Crimson Bill,
Magnum Bonum Cauliflower, Cucumber Progress, Carrots
Now Red, Tomato Perfection, Oaion Veitoh'a Maincrop.
Collection of vegetables, nine distinct kinds, the produce
seede supplied by Sutton & Sons, 1st prize the Sutton Cup,
Lady Thkoi>ora Guest.
Vegetables, six distinct kinds, prizes offers 1 by James Carter
& Co., 1st, Lady Theodora Guest.
Collection of Vegetables, six distinct kinds, prizes offered
by Messrs. Webb & Sons, 1st, W. Nicholson.
In the section devoted to Amateurs and Cottagers, a fine
collection of flowers, fruits and vegetables were staged,
which roceived full attention from the vast number of
visitors to the show.
TIBSHELF FLORAL, HORTICUL-
TURAL AND ROSE.
July 27. — This Society, which is affiliated with the
National Rose and Royal Horticultural Societies of England
was held on Tuesday on the beautiful Colliery Cricket
ground at Tibshelf, which lies nearly midway between
Chesterfield and Nottingham. Prizes of the value of £360,
and specials, and medals, by the two National Societies, were
offered, and produced a keen competition, and attracted a
tremendous number of growers from all parts of tho country.
It is worth recording that, for the first time for years, this
i xhibitfon, which is the llrst of a long list in the Peak
county, was favoured with beautifully-fine weather, the sun
shiniDg gloriously throughout.
One of the features is always the groups of plants arranged
for effect, to cover 200 ft., the 1st prize for which is £15. Nine
prizes wtre offered, but the competition was not quite as
keen as usual. Mr. Joseph Ward, gr. to Mr. T. Hoakes, J.P. ,
of Itiddings House, Derby ah re, was again 1st, a position he
has occupied almost continuously for many years. It was a
light fantastic collection, the colouring being most delightful,
and the whole very effective. It cont lined chiefly Aloca-
Bias, Crotons, Liliums, Anthuriums, and Cocos. An amateur,
Mr. William Shakespeare, who has gradually risen to an
eminent position in Derbyshire, was very rightly placed 2nd
with a group slightly less m size, but furnished quite as well
as Mr. Ward's. Mr. T. J. Nelson, gr. to Mr. A. Barnes, J.P.,
of Ashgate Lodge, Chesterfield, wis 3rd with a nice collection,
which, however, lacked the colouring of the two preceding
though containing most of the same kind of plants.
Mr. J. Ward easily occupiod the premier position for
Ferns, six plants for dinner-table, vase of Perns, Pines,
ripes (black), Peaches, Ncctirincs, Melons, collection of
r, Tomatos red, ditto yellow, ditto red or yellow. Celery
(red), Vegetable Marrows, and a collection of vegetables.
When there is added to this a few 2n is it will he admitted
that Biddings House Gardens quite maintained their
reputation.
Mr. W. Butler stood by himself with itonal and
variegated Pelargoniums andVorbenas; and oa^o in f <v a
prinkling of 2nds.
Mr. W. Shakespeare got lata fur show Pelargonium
Fuchsias.
Messrs. W. Kemp, .1. Dork, Price, an 1 J. W. Plowman
divided the remaining cauls in the "pen class.
Roses were not quite so numerous as in previous years, and
there wcro no new varieties brought out. The. bit, dry
summer apparently had left its mirk on Eouthern growers
and some often conspicuous here were absent The heavy
thunder- storms during the past week had not improved
matters in the Midlands, and many of them were badly
wcathen d ; still, there was a grand show, and a keen com-
petition, especially between Messrs. Harkness, "f Bedale,
Yorks ; D. Mack & S..n, Cattcrick ; and Mr. H. DlCKSOK,
of Belfast, who was handicapped by the distance his blooms
were brought.
Messrs. IIakkxi: s & Son secured the National Rose
Society's Gold Medal U r the best seventy-two blooms, the
Silver Medal for the best fo.ty-eight blooms, and the Royal
Horticultural Society's Medal for thirty-six blooms. The
other Horticultural Society's Medal went to Mr. W Boyes,
of Loughborough; and Messrs. Msrrywrather, of South-
well Nurseries, Nottingham, was awarded a Bpacial for
twelve blooms. The Ruse awards were : —
Tea and Noisette Roses, eighteen varieties. — 1st, D. & W.
Ckoll, Dundee; 2nd, Mr. W. Boyes; 3rd, IIarkvess <fc Sox.
Seventy-two blooms, 50distioct varieties,— 1st, Harkni:ss&
Son ; 2nd, D. Mack & Son.
Forty-eight blooms, distinct va-icties.— 1st, Harkness &
Son ; 2nd, II. Dickson.
Thirty-six- blooms, distinct, -l.st HXRKSESS A: Son ; 2ud,
11. Mai r A: I on
Twenty-four blooms. — 1st, W. Boyes; 2nd, 11. Pakkes.
Eighteen distinct varieties. -1st, M. Whittle; inl, K. B.
West.
Twelve distinct varieties. — Is*, M. Whittle; 2nd, & Price.
Tnere were sis other classes, and the exlihils tilled throe
large marquees.
The Society, whiso income last yeai was £406 9*. lid .
had £5 2a in hand to carryforward. Considering' that the
day was fine, it is believed tha! this balance will be much
increased.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
ti injierature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees a " Day -degree " signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional nuinbei of hours.]
Temperature.
!*>
Accumulated.
sU
£-*
0)
<o
o
£ Si-*
£
"Z
p S3 a
u
o .
3 gcr
+ ;
z&
;£
sSfc-
%*$
0) c
> g
<
o
%
PQ
0) s S
> o c
Z ~ 7t
~ — —.
<
g o c
T '- -
-
Rainfall.
Bright
I Sun.
u u
is
02 Oi
eS
Vi
" oo
0«
> >.
a -
- efl
>-s
/i =
C
"55
SI
-r
D
Eh
3
o
> --
fc
Pi
Ph
Day-
deg.
Mil
cleg.
Day-
deg.
0
■1 +
IIS
0
+ 88
l
3 +
128
0
+ 8
2
u aver
121
0
+ 74
:i
2 +
143
0
+ 165
t
3 +
US
0
+ 133
6
3 +
155
0
+ 215
6
2 +
123
0
+ 49
1
3 +
139
0
+ 126
S
3 +
14:;
0
+ 227
9
3 +
128
0
+ 22
Ll
3 +
141
0
+ 142
•
+
157
0
+ 299
Day-
ili-..
lOtlis
liii-li.
Ins.
- -
2 -
121
21-2
:f4
4- 12
2 +
112
15 7
- 78
2 -
102
11-3
41
- 124
4 -
101
12-2
53
- 115
1 +
100
14-9
40
- ISO
2 -
92
15-2
40
- 21
4 -
121
22 5
34
- 92
6 -
114
16-7
36
- 13S
3 +
116
■s' '.
oo
+ s
3 +
13)
22 2
17
- 57
3 +
123
23 S
16
- SO
4 -
is-,;
49
31
32
34
37
36
39
33
35
39
30
32
41
The districts indicated by number in the lii-t column are
the following ; —
0, Scotland, 'N. Princi l[ ■ tricls—
1, Scotland, K. ; 2, England, N'.E. ; I n land, E. ;
1. Midland Ci ties ; -, England, including London, S.
PrindiiaX Gr\ - c0c.( Districts 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W , 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, s. ; Chanm I I ilands,
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather through-
out the British Islands for the week ending July 21, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
"The weather during this week has been very changeable,
line and dry conditions having alternated with heavy local
r lins and sharp thunderstorms.
"The exceeded tho mean in all districts ex-
cepting ' England, X. E.,' the excess ranging from :: in most
districts to 4 in l Scotland, N' ' Tho highest of the maxima
i - ither on the l*tli or 24th, and ranged from
86 in 'England, !■'..' si in the * Midland Counties/ ami B3
in 'England, 8.,' to 77 in 'Scotland, VV ,' ami 7'. in
'Ireland, S.' The lowest of the minimi were recorded
during the earlier da- s of the peiiod, and varied from I
1 3i otland, W ,' and 12° in ' England, E.,' to 51° in ' England,
S. an 1 S.W.,' and to 57 in the ' Channel Islands.'
" Tbe rainfall varied greatly in different parts of the
kingdom, and even in different puts of the various districts.
1 In the north side of London there was a particularly heavy
fall of hail and rain on the 21st. The totals were rather
ii. ire Mian the mean over Ireland, 'England, 8. W. ,' the
'Midland Counties,' and 'Scotland, E.,' but less than the
mean elsewhere.
" The bright mnshine exceeded the mean at most of the
northern, eastern, and southern stations, but showed a
deficiency in most of the western districts. The percentage
of the possible duration ranged from 53 in 'England, K.,'
49 in the ' Channel Islands,' and 46 in ' England, S.,' to 22 in
England, S.W.,' 17 in ' Ireland, >>.,' and 16 in ' Ireland, S '"
a quantity of sifted moderately light soil for putting
around the layers, so as to hasten the formation of
roots. For this purpose the refuse of the potting-
bench, mixed with a small quantity of loam a year
or longer in stack, and well-rotted leaf-mould, make a
very suitable mixture. If the shoots on a plant are
many, the upright growths in the centre of the plant
should be left untouched, and about six of the outer
and more-conveniently-placed shoots used as layers.
From these strip off the bottom leaves, so as to leave
a bare space of 2 to 4 inches, and with a sharp knife
cut half-way through the shoot on its lower side,
and just below a joint or node, and passing the
blade upwards through one or two joints, open
the "tongue" thus made, and press the
shoot gently into the soil, so as to keep the parts
separated, and iix the shoot in an erect
position, with a hook pressed home firmly but
gently on to the stem. Place the prepared soil
around each plant, so as to form a saucer-like depres-
sion, and snip off the points of every shoot that has
been layered. Where the old plants are rather
closely planted, the entire surface of the bed may be
covered with soil, and layering and rooting greatly
facilitated. Apply water, and sprinkle the layers if
the day has been bright, and rain is not imminent.
1 he layers should be fit for planting in pots or the
open border in about eight weeks from the time of
layering.
Alstrcemeritu. — Tuberous-rooted perennials which,
if planted deeply in good soil that has been trenched
2 to 3 feet deep, and dressed at several depths with
rotten dung, all'ord large quantities of beautiful flowers
for many years without any further attention than a
yearly top-dressing, or a heavy wat.-ring with mild
liquid-manure whil-t in the height of their growth.
The plant does best in a sandy-loam and a warm
position, and the roots being not less than 1 foot
below the surface are safe from frost. The cut
blooms last long in water, making them invaluable
for room decoration. A variety named Bertha with
flowers of a pinkish tinge has been in flower at
Dropmore for some weeks ; the plant has stems
15 to 18 inches high. A. aurea is a taller grower, a
valuable Chilian species with orange-coloured blooms ;
A. psittacina is a pretty species with scarlet and
green flowers ; A. pelegriua, A. p. albida, A. versi-
color, and A. hsemantha are all very desirable species.
The roots of the Alstrccmeria should bo purchased or
obtained early in the autumn, potted up and stood
in a cold frame through the winter, and planted out
iu good and well-drained ground in the spring
to become established. Small pieces turned out of
ti inch pots three years ago have now made fine
clumps, andbecjme very effective in the borders.
Border Chrysanthemum* will require copious
supplies of water, otherwise the foliage will become
yellow and unsightly and the flowers poor. Some
varieties, especially Flora, are already in flower. If
cut, these plants break readily from below, and will
produce a good supply of blooms later.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles IIerrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
( 'arnation8 and Picotees. — The propagation of these
plants should be taken in hand forthwith ; and
although they may be easily struck from cuttings iu
frames on hotbeds, the simplest method is to layer
them in the open ground. The flowering this year
being generally later than usual, no time should be
lost in getting the layering finished as soon as pos-
sible, so as to obtain strong plants by plautiug-
time. Previous to beginning to layer, slightly loosen
the surface-soil round the plants with a handful k, make
a Bumcient number of hooks from Birch, bracken-
stems, wire, &c, about 5 inches iu length ; and provide
Markets.
COVENT GARDEN, JULY 29.
[ We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. Tboy are furnished to us regnla ly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and tbe
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed.]
Fruit.—
A.TBRAOK Wholesale Pkices.
d. d. a. d
s.d.
8. d.
Apples, ' bushel ..
19-30
Grapes, Muscats,
Cherries, Morellos,
per J-bushel ...
2nd quality,
8 0-12 0
per lb
1 6-
2 0
Currants, Black,
Melons, each
2 0-
3 0
per half-bush ..
7 6- S 0
Nectarines, selctd.
— Red, per I ; bush.
4 0-50
fruit, per doz.
10 0-
12 0
— White, £ bush.
6 0-90
— Medium, per
Figs, per doz.
10-20
doz
3 0-
4 (i
Gooseberries, half-
— Seconds,!-. l^"z-
1 6-
2 0
biuhel ...
,16-4 0
Peaches, selected
Grapes, Gros Col-
fruits, per doz.
0 0-
8 0
mar, per lb. ...
1 I, 2 0
— Medium, per
— Alicantes, p. lb.
1 3- 1 !l
doz
2 6-
3 0
— Hamburghs,
— Seconds, per
selected, per lb.
16-30
dozen
1 6-
2 0
2nd quality,
Pears, A bushel ...
2 0-
2 3
per lb
10 —
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
— Muscats, "Can
chael, each
5 0-
8 0
non Hall. "p. lb.
4 0- 5 0
Raspberries, per
— Muscats, selctd
,
dozen 1 lb. pun-
per lb...
3 0-40
Lets
4 0-
6 0
80
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
[July 31, 18»7.
Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices.
t . d. a. d. I
Adiantum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0 ' Heliotropes, dozen
Aspidistras, perdoa. 12 0-30 0 Hydrangeas, per
— specimen, each 5 0-15 0 dozen
4 0-60 Liliums, various,
3 0- ft 0 per dozen
3 0-40| Lobelias, per dozen
10-70] Marguerites, p. doi.
12 0-24 0 | Mignonette, p. doa.
! Musk, per doe,
6 0-24 0 "
10-20
5 0-12 0
10-7
a. d. f.
4 0-6
S 0-10 0
Calceolarias, dozen
Cockscombs, doeen
Coleus, per doz. ...
Draeeenas, each ...
— various, p. do*,
Evergreen Shrubs,
in variety, doa. ...
Ferns, email, doz. ...
— various, doa.
Picas elastloa, each
Foliage plants, doa. 12 0-36 0
Fuehsla, per doa.... 4 0-60
Bbddino Plants and Roots tor the Garden in variety
coming very good.
Cut Flowers.-Averaoe Wholesale Prices.
Palms, various.
— specimens,
Pelargoniums,
dozen
Rhodanthes, dozen
per
13 0-18
8 0-40
6 0-00
4 0- A 9
2 0-40
2 0-10 0
10 6-84 0
6 0-10 0
4 C- 6 0
Arums, p. 12blooms
Bouvardias, perbn.
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Corn Daisy, per
doz. bunches ...
Cornflowers, per
doz. bunches ..
Bui.'h.iris, por dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
Liliuni candidum,
per dozen
Lilium Harris!, per
doa. biooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
t. d. a. d.
2 0-40
0 4-06
1 6-
1 6-
2 0-
2 0-40
4 0-90
10-16
2 0-80
10-20
4 0-80
t, d. a. d.
2 0-40
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, or Forget-
0 9-20 me-Not, 12 bunch 16-30
4 0-00 Orchids:—
Oattleya, 12blms. 9 0-12 0
O dontoglossum
criBpum, 12bm. 2 0-40
2 0 Pansies, doz. bun. 16-20
4 0 Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun. 4 0-60
— per 12 sprays... 0 4-06
Pyrethrums, 12 bu. 16-26
Roses, Tea, per doz. 0 6-10
— yellow (Mare-
ohal), per doz. 16-40
— red, per dozen 0 9-20
— pink, per doz. 2 0-40
— Safrano, p. doz. 10-20
Roses, 12 bunches 2 0-40
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays 16-20
Sweet Sultan, per
4 0 dozen bunohes ... 2 0-30
Tuberoses, 12 blms. 0 3-04
Orchid- bloom in variety.
VeOETABLBS. — AVERAOB WHOLESALE PRICES.
a. d. a. d. a. d. a. d.
Artiohokes, Globe, Mushrooms (Indoor)
per doz. ... 1 0 — per lb 10-13
Boans, Broad, per Peas, per bush ol ... 2 0-46
bushel 16 — Salad, small, per
— French, per doz. punnets... 16 —
bushel 8 0 — Tomatos, selected,
— Scarlet Runner, per doz. lb. ... 4 6-50
per bushel ... 3 0 8 0 — Medium, do. . 2 «- 3 0
Cucumbers, home- — Seconds, do. .20 —
grown, select., Vegetable Marrows,
per doz. ... 2 6-30 per dozen .. 16-20
— 2nds, per dozen 10-16
POTATOB.
Supplies moderate; demand limited on account of warm
weather. Presont prices 75s. to 100*. John Batli, Wellington
Street, Govrnt Oaraen.
SEEDS.
London : July 28. — Messrs. John Saaw & Sons, Seed
Mot-chants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E ,
wrltu that to-day's seed market was barely attended, but few
transactions passing. Trifolium continues cheap and
abundant. Moderate prices are asked for New Trefoil.
Sowing White Mustard is in somewhat improved request.
New home-grown Rape seed and Rye are now offering.
The trade for bird-seed is dull and unchanged. Haricot
Beans keep steady. As regards Wisconsin green boiling
Teas, cables from America report a substantial advance in
values. Linseed is firm.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.
Gi.asoow : July 2x.— Tho following are the averages of
the prices current here during the past week:— Apples,
('. / pur pound ; Tomatos, Guernsey, Bd. to Sd. do. ; do. Scotch,
Vhl. do. ; Grapes, home, 2s. to 8s. do. Vegetables : Turnips,
French, white, 1*. to Is. 2d. per bunch ; do., white, 4s. to
6s. per dozen bunches; do., French, Od. to 10<2. per
bunch ; Carrots, French, new, 10d. to Is. per bunch ;
do., Dutch, Is. to Is. Bd. per dozen bunches; Cabbages,
Scotch, 9d. to It. per dozen ; do., Dublin, 9d. to Is. Jd per
dozen ; Cauliflowers, Dublin, 3s. to 3s. Bd. do. ; Herbs, assorted,
U< to 2(1. per bunch ; Mint, green, Bd. per bunch ; Onions,
Globe, 7s. per cwt. ; Potatos, best. Bit. per st"iie ; Carrots,
2s. M. to 3s. per stone ; Peas, French, Is. Bd. to 1, 3d.
per basket ; Asparagus, French, Is. Bd. to Is. Dei. per bunch ;
do., English, 2s. to 2s. Bd. do. ; Cucumbers, 4s. to 5s. per
dozen ; Lettuce, round, Bd. do. ; do., Cos, Sd. to Is. do. ;
Radishes, id. to 9ii. per dozen bunches ; Horseradish, 2s. 3d.
to 2s. id, per bunch ; Mushrooms, Is. per lb. ; Beetroot,
Id. to Sd. per dozen ; Spinach, 2s. per stone ; Rhubarb,
Is. Bd to 2s. per cwt.
Liverpool: July 28.— Average of the prices at undernoted
markets :— North H<y : Potatos, Early Regent, 2s. Sd. to 3s. id.
per cwt. ; do. kidneys, 4s. to 5a. Bd. do. ; Turnips, id. to Bd.
per dozen bunches ; Swedes, 2s. to 2s. (id. per c»t ; Carrots,
6d. to Id. per dozen bunches ; Onions, foreign, Bs. Bd to
7s. &d. per cwt. ; Parsley, 4'/.. per dozen bunches ; Lettuces,
W. to 6<2 per dozen; Cucumbers, Is. Bd. to ::s. do.;
Cauliflowers, 8<(. to Is. Bd. per dozen ; Cabbages, Bd. to l Id.
do. ; Peas, Is 9d. to 2s. per bushel ; Beans. Is, to Is. 3<2 do.
St. John's; Potatos, lu</. to Is. per peck; Peas, iod.
to Is. per peck ; Cucumbers, 3d to t>'. each ; Apricots,
Is. per dozen ; Gooseberries, 3d. to id. per lb. ; Currants,
rod, Bd. per lb. ; Currants, black, id, to Sd,. do. ; Grapes.
English, Is. 6d. to 2s. Bd. per lb. ; do., foreign, Bd. to 8d. do. ;
Pines, English, Bs. to 8s. <ach; do., foreign, Is. each;
Cherries, Bd. to Sd. per lb. ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. Bd. do. ;
Birkenhead: Potatos, Is. 4d. to Is. Bd. per pjok ; Peas,
Bd to Is. id. do. ; Cucumbers, Id. to id each ; Goose-
berries, 3tf. to id. lb. ; Currants, r«d, id. to fid., do. ; do.,
block, Xd. do.; Grapes, foreign, id. to 8d. do. ; Cherrlos, 6tL
to Sd. do. ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. 4d. do.
Notices to Correspondents.
*„* Owing to the pressure on our space, several reports
of important sliows, ami other matter, are held over
till next week.
Antirrhinums : J. P., Great Warley. The plants
are attacked by a fungus called Ovularia destruc
tiva. Spray with solution of potassic-sulphide.
1 oz. to 3 gallons of water. G. M.
Aster : R. V. & Son. The soil is teeming with the
mycelium of some fungus, which has attacked and
destroyed the roots of the Asters. The manure
applied has probably favoured the development of
the fungus. Lime would check its progress, if not
detrimental in other respects. G. M.
Back Wall of a Vinery : C. E. S, Early Tea and
other Roses might do if the shade is not too dense
in the spring. Camellias would succeed ; and
these being plants not much affected by insects,
are the best for the purpose. Lygodium scandens
and Selagiuellas are also suitable.
Carnations : J. F. We found various insects,
mites, etc., in the soil, but we caDnot tell definitely
which, if any, are the culprits. The leaves have
the appearance of being attacked by eel- worm,
but it will take some time to examine them. Your
compost has apparently not been carefully prepared.
Celosias, Begonias, Gloxinias: C. B. There is no
cure for the malady when it has developed to the
extent seen on the plant sent. It would be prudent
to take up and burn every affected plant. Another
year try the effect of early dressings with the
Bordeaux Mixture ; not waiting, however, till the
disease has appeared on the plants.
Cucumbers : E. F. B. Apply manure as a top-
dressing, or liquid. Keep bottom-heat up to 80°,
top-heat being allowed to run up to 95° for a few
hours in the afternoon after closing the house ; do
not crop very heavily, or thin bine severely at oue
operation.
Esoallonia macrantha : M. P. The proper time
to cut-iu the hedge is early in August, or as soon
as the p'aut has ceased to blossom. It would then
allow time for the production of jouug shoots that
would mature before the winter in your part of the
country — Devonshire — sufficiently to escape beiug
nipped with frost. We should prefer the secateur
or the knife to the shears, although if the work
be extensive, the latter must needs be employed.
Flos : F. J. ft L. and II. South. The dropping of
the fruit is not caused by fungi or bacteria. See
that the soil is not too hard and compart at the
root. O. M.
Hazel-nut : A. D. Imperfect fertilisation, from
some cause. Another year try the effect of placing
boughs of the common Hazel with pleuty of catkins
on tliem iu the Nut bushes at flowering time.
Mi sii rooms; A. S., Norwich. When Mushrooms are
affected in the manner that yours wore, they are
unpleasant eating, but perhaps not injurious ;
we would not recommend anyone to partake of
tliem — it would be too hazardous.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — ft W. S. Epidendrum
nemorale. — ft P. 1, Cattleya Loddigesii : 2, On-
cidium flexuosum ; 3, Trichopilia fragrans ; 4, not
recognised ; send in flower, or give particulars of
the plant and its flowers if you have seen them.
5, Mesembryanthemum, send flowers ; 6, Steuo-
taphrum glabrum variegatum, more commonly
known as S. americanum. — A. II. Odontoglossum
Lindleyanum. — M. F. K. Stauhopea inodora.
Colour and c dour are of relatively minor im-
portance in estimating botanical differences. —
T. L B. Yours is a very pretty natural hybrid
Odoutoglossmu of the section known as O.
x Coradinei. The varieties of it usually lean more
towards O. Lindleyanum, the least showy agent in
• the cross, yours towards O. crispum — Ireland. 1.
Ly thrum Salicaria ; 2, Lysimachia vulgaris ; 3,
Aster, not recognised ; 4, Epilobium angustifolium
album ; 5, Lysimachia thyrsiflora ; 6, Bocconia
cordata. — P. Castle. Taxodium distichum. — E. 0. J.
Veratrum nigrum A. II. Aerides odoratum and
Oncidium carthaginense. — 3. G. The large leaf
and flower are of Impatiens Uoylei ; the other
wo cannot recognise from the scrap sent. Send a
fair apeeimen, and give particulars about tho plant.
— W. B. 1, Campanula Portenschlagiana ; 2,
C. isophylla. — J. P. Oh, that everyone sent as
good specimens, and so carefully packed, as you
do ! 1 , Mackaya bella ; 2, Leycesteria formosa ;
3, Athrotaxis laxifolia. — Cardboard Box (No Name).
1 , Stachys palustris ; 2, Galium aparine ; 3, Galium
eruciata ; 4, Galium palustre ; 5, Galium uligino-
sum ; 6, Lotus corniculatus. — G. A. A mere fcrap,
apparently Muhlenbeckia complexa. — Lyminr/ton.
Heuchera Richardsoni. — W. T., Leicester. Stachys
palustris ; Senebiera coronopus.
Palms : Amateur. It is not possible to dry home-
grown leaves in the sun in this country so that they
will equal the imported leaves. The leaves should
be cut off before the feathers open entirely, or
whilst they are slightly stuck together, and will
therefore open after drying by giving the leaf a
slight shake. Cycads should be fully expauded
before drying. If the leaves are to be bleached,
they must be exposed to the fumes of sulphur in a
close chest whilst quite fresh and green. The
leaves must be separated by being laid on laths or
string. The other subjects named must first be
dried in the shade, and then bleached iu the
sulphuring-chest, and afterwards dyed of any
desired colour. This is, however, a business that
few gardeners or others in this country understand
perfectly, and we have no confidence in the results
of amateur work in this department.
Pentstemon Seedling: T. T. A very poor straio,
and hardly worth cultivating.
Seedling of Lathyros latifolius : Latlnjrus. As
a variety it is worth preserving.
Stephanotis floribunda Fruiting : C. J. L. Not
unusual.
Table Decorative Plants : Amateur. Next week
we will endeavour to comply with your wish.
Tea Uoses with very Strong Shoots: M. P.
Under ordinary circumstances there strong shoots
should produco blo.-som iu the autumn, September,
and October ; and if they are monopolising mott
of the energies of the plant, do not stop them,
but get them down gradually to a line approaching
the horizontal, and let the other rather weaku'
shoots ascend. Remove entirely all weak and
flowerless shoots, leaving no snags. Afford manure-
water occasionally.
Thistle : A. Y. Thank you. A good specimen of
fasciation very common in quickly growing plants.
Tomato : E. II. B. Feronospora infestans. Why
send such a miserable scrap .'
Tomatos: J. B. Cladosporium lyeopersici (sec Gar-
deners' Chronicle, June 24, 1893). Bum the
affected parts.
Vallota purpurea : II7. and S. Colour variations
are not very uucommou iu this plant. There is a
pure white form.
Vines and Grapes diseased. — J. Shaw. Th«
fungi present on the Vines are uot tho cause of
the disease, at the >aiuo time their picseuce
indicates that something is deranged. Examine
the roots, and if any tubercles or gouty swellings
are present, please send specimens for examina-
tion. G. M.
Was3 fop. Reo Spider, &c, on Vines: II'. .1/.
Such a valuable recipe should be made generally
known.
Woodlice : Subscriber. Catch them in pots half
filled with hay, iu the same manner that earwigs
are trapped, put slates or tiles on the staging and
ground in the houses, elevating these about half an
inch from the ground, &c, and clear out the
iuseets that are sure to be found there every day.
It is a good practice to pour boiling water into
their haunts.
Communications Bkckiveo.— Dr. King, Calcutta. — Dr. Praia,
— G. K. W.— F. F. 1!.— W. M.— U. T. F.— G. A — R;v.
Hilderic Friend.— R. It. P. -It. D.-lt. P. B.— A. P.—
P. II — L. C.— J. 11. C. E. 8.— A. W. -It. P. I!. — It. 1).
Fruit Grower.— It. II. P.— W. G. S., Edinburgh.— E. 1!
J. B.-W. J. B.-H. M.— E. M.— C. E. S A P. -F. K.—
II. & H— J. A. W— H. H. CO.— J. Veitch & Sons. -
B. S. W. A: Son. — F. M.— It. B.— J. II. A.— W. B. Troup.
R. C— J. W.— J. P. L.— J. V.— J.|Moyes.— J. W.-J. Grieve
& Sons.
[".' August 7, 1897.]
THE GAR DENE I?S' CHRONICLE.
81
THE
BATUIiDAT, AUGUST 7, 1897.
THE DISEASES OF PLANTS.
(Conthnmi from p. 61.)
Peevention of Fungous Diseases.
n^HE great aim of all prevention is to culti-
-*- vate so that fungus-parasites are unable to
maintain a foothold. It is achieved either by
avoiding conditions which are favourable to the
growth of thepest, or by preventing the crop from
becoming predisposed to fungus-attack. Thus,
while the practice of growing the same crop
over a large area is economical and convenient,
it can scarcely be considered healthy, because
in the competition amongst the plants for light
and air, the strong rise abovo the weak, which
die out, and in dying fall an easy prev to any
fungi about. Tho conditions amongst growing
crops are also otherwiso favourable for fungus-
growth, for there we have generally tho abun-
dant moisture and tho still air so welcome to all
fungi. Then, if any pest does obtain a foothold
in our large fields, how rapidly it spreads. The
" damping-off" fungus is a familiar pest in
seed- pans or beds of seedlings; it is a dangerous
fungus only so long as the plants are young and
insufficiently protected, and rarely attaoks old
plants whose outer tissueshav© become thickened
and hardened where the stem enters the soil.
If the pans are crowded and growth is forced,
this hardening process is delayed, and the seed-
lings are left longer exposed to damage from the
fungus. The treatment for damping-off is air
for the seed-pans, room for each soedlinf to
grow, and water in moderate quantity ; in
other words, to make conditions which will
enable the seedlings to grow less in size though
more in strength, and which will not encourage
tho growth of fungi. The same argumont ap-
plies to flower cultivation, vegetable raising,
and young forests ; it may be expedient for
economy and other reasons to crowd plants
together, but in so doing greater risk of disease
is incurred.
In many a farm, garden, or wood, there are
places where the cultivator finds that certain
crops will not grow without becoming diseased.
It may be some badly-drained hollow in a field
where Potato disease flourishes, or from which
" finger-and-toe " is never absent ; or it may be
a particular plaoe where mildews prevail on
Roses or vegetables, or it may be some pait of a
wood where Larch canker abounds. In any case,
it is clearly seeking defeat to attempt to grow
in such a place plants likely to go bad there ;
the plants are predisposed to disease by the
conditions of the locality.
Cleanliness in its widest sense is an important
virtue in a cultivator who wishes to keep his
crops healthy. No unhealthy plants or decay-
ing dihris should be left about. How often
does one find, say in a market-garden, a heap
of leaves and roots, removed in dressing plants
for use, swept together with weeds and other
tnfuse to fieciiy end rot. Such i heap is a
splendid nursery for diseases of fungous origin ;
here the fungologist is sure to find a happy
hunting-ground wheie he will be rewarded with
many specimens. Disease nourished in a place
like this soon spreads into growing crops.
Again, under glass, there are many conditions
favourable to the growth of fungi, particularly
if forcing is going on ; under the stages, behind
pipes, on old neglected woodwork, these are the
breeding grounds for multitudes of fungi. For
garden or house the treatment is the same, to
destroy all rubbish by burying deep in the soil,
by making into compost with good strong
quicklime, by burning, and by washing down
all parts of houses or frames with quicklime in
water, with sulphate of copper solutions, with
very weak carbolic acid, or weak Condy's fluid.
What are exactly tho conditions which dis-
pose cultivated plants to disease is not a pro-
blem which can be fully discussed in the present
paper. It may, however, be stated as a good
general rule that few fungi or baoteria are so
virulent and fatal as to take hold of and destroy
really healthy plants. Either the plants must
be weakened, or the fungus strengthened by
some course of treatment. There is no doubt
that many fungi which are at first nearly
harmless, may become deadly enemies of
living plants if grown in suitable condi-
tions. As an example of such a case, we
may cite tho " Botrytis," Lily disease, described
some time ago by Prof. Marshall Ward (see
Diseases of Plants, ohap. viii.), and since referred
to several times in the Gardeners' Chronicle. In
a similar way many fungi may be bred to
beoome parasitos on plants. The nurseries for
fungi of this kind are, no doubt, these very
rubbish-heaps, &c, already referred to ; hence
the urgent necessity for thoir early and thorough
treatment to exterminate all fungous life.
Ou tho other hand, cultivated plants may bo
so treated as to render them more liable to
attack from fungous enemies. Thus, early
forcing, liko the growing of a crop over a largo
area, may be profitable from a market point of
view, but it is extremely risky for the health
of the plants. Forcing in most cases oonsists
in placing the plants under more or less
artificial conditions of soil, atmosphere, and
light, in ordor to make them produce foliage,
flower, or fruit of a finer quality, or at a
different season from tho plants grown more
naturally. A frequent result of this treatment
is to promote tender foliage, succulent growth,
and a condition of the plant generally suited to
predispose it to fungous or other disease.
Tender foliage means, e.g. in Carnations, that
the epidermis of tho leaves is thin and moist,
so that fungus-spores landing there are placed
in circumstances which promote their germina-
tion and easy penetration into the foliage ; add
to this the fact already mentioned, that forcing
conditions are otherwise favourable to fungus-
growth, and we have a general explanation of
how forcing predisposes a plant to disease.
What has been said of forcing applies more or
less to the cultivation of many plants ; the
treatment necessary to bring about a certain
result— frui1", flower, or foliage — renders the
plant more susceptible to attacks by fungi, and
fits them better to furnish a nursery-ground for
disease. We do not, however, condemn or dis-
parage the necessity of forcing, or any par-
ticular mode of cultivation — if it pays otherwise,
well and good ; we only emphasise that there
are certain risks and penalties attached to such
practices.
It will thus be seen that the prevention of
disease lie? well within the Province of a gar-
dener's every-d ay work. By care in this way
many diseases may be avoided, and the grower
may never be called on to aotually face an out-
break. We personally lay great weight on the
value of prevention of disease, but it is impos-
sible here to go into the various precautions in.
any detail ; fortunately, many of them are part
of that general experience gradually acquired
by every grower of plants. William G. Smith,
Edinburgh.
(To be continued.)
New or Noteworthy Plants.
— • . —
CATTLEYA WARSCEWICZII GIGANTEA.
The record of this remarkable variety will be
doubly interesting, as it will, I believe, give measure-
ments of that which I consider to be the largest
flower of any Cattleya that has as yet appeared. But
it does not rely on its size alone for distinction, for
it is remarkable in form and richness of colouring.
The flowers are of fine substance, and flatly dis-
played. The sepals are broad, and nearly as long as
the petals, which are each over 5i inches long, and
3| inches wide. The flower, which supports its
heavy petals horizontally, therefore measures
1 1 inches in width. The sepals and petals are light
purplish-rose ; the very broad labellum crimson-
purple, with the usual yellow blotches, one each side
of the middle portion. It is the largest of a lot
remarkable for their size and beauty in the collection
of Joseph Broome, Esq., Sunny Hill, Llandudno.
James O'Brien.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
CYPRIPEDIUM X.
Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son send us an extra-
ordinary bloom of Cypripedium with two lips ; but
that is not the whole change, though it is tho one that
is most conspicuous. The dorsal sepal or standard is
normal, the two lower ones are smaller, separate, and
spreading. Inside these comes a whorl of two
lateral petals and two perfectly-shaped lips. The
column is somewhat twisted, and has a broad saddle-
Bhaped staminode bearing on each side an anther.
The stigmatic mass is almost completely divided into
three separate lobes, of which one is opposite the
dorsal sepal.
"The Orchid Hybrids."
Mr. George Hansen gives evidence of his en-
thusiasm aud diligence by the preparation and
publication of a second supplement to his list of
Orchid Hybrids. Distance from horticultural centres
especially from the Orchid collections of Europe,
does not deter him, and in spite of some misprints,
he has produced a list which will be so useful as to
counterbalance its defects, and ensure its finding a
place on the shelves of all orchidists desirous of
keeping up to date. It may bo had from Mr. Geo
Hansen, Scenic Tract, Berkeley, California.
SCHIZANTHUS RETUSUS AND
S. PINNATUS.
Thise two species are among the most beautiful
and practically useful of all annuals for indoor
culture. Both have lately been very fine in th
Cambridge Botanic Garden. The first grows to a
height of about 3 feef, and produces large
panicles of elegant flowers an inch and a ha
across, chiefly of a beautiful carmine colour ;
but ornamented on the upper lobe by a great
golden blotch which contrasts very finely with
its companion colour. This species is not so often
grown as S. pinnatus, but it well deserves a note
for sowing at the same time, which may be about
the middle of August for spriDg flowering, and late!-
for early summer. Of S. pinnatus, a great show of the
fortns known as papilionaceus is recently over, but a
pure white still remain*) in floivbt, Ik !a inpoeelbl'"
82
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 7, 1897.
to describe the variations of colour, but they embrace
various shades of lavender and purple, and are
beautifully spotted with darker tints, and sometimes
with blotches of yellow.
Both Bpecies must be adepts in the attraction of
insects for securing the advantages of cross-fertilisa-
tion ; and this one in particular, unlike the other,
possesses an admirable mechanism for dusting its
visitors with pollen ; and early in the day, as a rule,
every flower arrived at maturity has dispersed a
cloud, sprung by the weight of a tiny insect.
It is very simply managed. The lower lobe
forms an alighting platform, and folds on each
side hold down the filaments in a state of tension
until the weight of an insect sets them free. The
anther-cells are already open, and, like little boxes,
contain a quantity of loose pollen, which is spread
in a cloud by the recoil of the filaments. Until this
happens, the stamens lie in a central hollow of the
lobe, which forms the alighting platform. As an
example of a mechanism, interesting to everybody,
nothing could be better than this. Some readers
may remember the magnificent specimens of this
species grown by the late Bruce Findlay, at Man-
chester, and to them it needs no recommendation as
a most ornamental plant for the greenhouse. Culture
is exceedingly easy, and the chief point is to bear in
mind the great principle in growing annuals of
the class— that of having good stocky plants
to keep through the dead of winter, when
growth cannot be satisfactory, and must be dis-
couraged. The seeds may be raised under glass,
but the plants should be grown entirely in the open
for so long as the weather permits. They may be sown
in 32-Bized pots, to be thinned out to five, or seed-
lings may be pricked out from a seed-pan. Early in
October, or before, according to the weather, the
pots may be transferred to a shelf near the glass in
the greenhouse. The lowest greenhouse temperature
is best, in order to keep the plants quiet, and as at
all times they are liable to the attacks of mildew (an
Erisyphe), water must be carefully given. The plants
shift well, and in spring may be transferred to 24-sized
pots, in vshich, for ordinary purposes, they may be
allowed to flower. From the nature of the case, the
Boil used muBt drain readily, but at the same time it
ought to contain a fair proportion of good loam,
which conduces to a sound and solid growth.
R. Irwin Lynch.
and purple, and circular- formed flowers of a
glowing amber shade, is very distinct and dwarf,
and is in a groundwork of the old Fuchsia globosa,
one of the best of the hardy kinds. The old
Verbena venosa and Pelargonium Daybreak, edged
with Viola Archie Grant, make a pretty mixture.
Roses planted out in beds have, of late years,
been well cared for at Kew, and this season is
no exception to the rule, although the'continued hot
weather has militated against their general success ;
still, they have been much admired, compelling the
admiration of the King of Siam and his suite on a
recent visit, for. aB one of their number observed,
they saw nothing like it in Siam, although Roses
grow there. How charming is a bed of the Polyantha
andasinglegroup(Rosapolyanthahybri(Ja). Especially
noteworthy is Little Dot, white, with pale salmon-
pink centre ; George Pernet, pale rose, very dwarf
and compact ; Red Pet, dark crimson ; Perle d'Or,
n»nkeen-yellow, with orange centre, yellow ; George
Pernet, rose, changing to peach, with yellow shading,
most free and continuous bloomer, a charming
flower ; Gloire des Polyantha, an almost perfectly
formed flower is very charming. /. B.
KEW NOTES.
No doubt the flower-beds here on each side of the
principal walk, and in front of the Palm-house,
are most attractive to the general public at this
particular season of the year, and to them the
gardens owe. much of their beauty. It is pleasant to
see that the beds do not entirely depend upon
bedding Pelargoniums for their beauty, effect, and
interest. That beautiful hardy herbaceous perennial
Bocconia cordata is represented by a good bed ; it is
an excellent subject for isolated positions on lawns or
woodlands, its handsome cordate leaves and feathery
spikes of flowers being very effective. A mixture of
the always effective Acer Negundo variegatum, and
Ferdinands eminens, a fine ornamental-foliaged stove
perennial, makes a light and graceful arrangement.
Good use is made of Salvia patens.-the plants pro-
ducing a striking effect as seen in a mass. An
attractive bed is made up of the purple-flowered
Cnieus diaeanthus, Iresine Wallisii, and the bright
Pelargonium Vesuvius, the whole edged with a Viola
aptly named Snowflake. A bed of Verbena Ellen
Wilmott, a light rose-coloured flower, is blooming
very freely, and as seen iu a mass, produces a telling
effect.
Alyssum maritimum variegatum forms a good
edging to Heliotrope Miss Nightingale, light, one of
the best ; and Calceolaria amplexicaulis. Gaura
Lindheimeri, with its free and gracefully arching
spikes' of white and red flowers, make a happy com-
bination, associated with Pelargonium Henri Jacoby,
Lobelia f ulgeus, and Calceolaria amplexicaulis, edged
with Tropsoolum Vesuvius, make a good bed. Canna
Paul Bert, with dark foliage, shaded chocolate
REMARKS ON THE FRUIT CROPS.
(See Tables, ante, pp. 63 to 69.)
0, SCOTLAND, N.
Caithness. — The early-flowering Apples, Cherries,
and Strawberries, suffered very much from the cold
north winds which prevailed in this part when the
trees and plants were in bloom, with the result that
these fruits were almost a complete failure. The later-
flowering kinds and varieties promise good crops.
W. P. McKentie, Thu.no CastU Garden*, Thurso, If.B.
I find that the cold and wet sunless season
we experienced in this part of the country last year
has been against the trees bearing even an average
crop, and small fruits are especially poor. The Apple
crop on trees on south and west walls I have not
soen so good for the last twenty years, but crops of
all kinds are a fortnight later than last year. W.
Mackie, Dunbeittli Castle Gardens.
Morayshire. — With the badly -ripened wood of last
autumn, and an exceptionally cold spring, our fruit-
crop this year is a very thin one. Apples and small
fruits are the only ones which have an average crop,
and of these Lord Suffield, and all the Codlins are
heavily cropped. Pears and Plums, although they
seemed to set and swell their fruit for a time, have
dropped to such a large extent, that scarcely a
fruit is left on someof the trees, Denyer'sVictoriaPlum
being an exception, there being a nice crop on most
of those trees both on walls aud standards. Apricots,
Teaches, and Cherries are the worst crop that I have
seen for years. The week of hard frost in April
seemed to paralyse all growth, and what fruits were
not killed at that time have dropped since. The
Peaches hive also been blistered to such an extent
that some trees are completely spoiled. Chas. Web-
ster, Gordon Castle Gardens, Fochabers.
Nairnshire. — Our fruit crops of all kinds looked
very well iu the beginning of tlie (reason, but they
suffered very much through the severe frost in the
middle of Juue, when on two successive mornings tho
thermometer re^istijred 6 and 7° respectively ; but
Kiliavock suffered x-ather more than neighbouring
gardens — still, on the whole, I think my report is
pretty near the general condition of the district.
Crops of all kiuds are about six weeks later this
season. Alexander Ross, Kilravock Castle Gardens.
Sotherlandsiiire. — The worst crop for many
years. D. Melville, Dunrobin Castle Gardens.
1, SCOTLAND, £
Aberdeensuirk. — The Apple crop is very irregular,
some tree* liaviug a large crop, whilst others have a
few ; blossom was abundant. Pears blossomed
freely, but the blooms set badly, aud the crop is a
thin one. Plums, such free-setting varieties as
Victoria, have good crops, aud other varieties are fair.
Cherries, although bloom was plentiful, are a very
poor crop. Strawberries, Gooseberries, Raspberries,
and black and red Currants are above the average.
Lack of sunshine, and the cold east winds prevailing
when the fruit-treea were in blossom, account for
irregular setting. John Forrest, The Gardens, Haddo
House, Aberdeen.
Banffshi&e. — Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots
aro a total failure, although early appearances were
in favour of a good crop, but our hopes were blighted
by the cold winds. Fig-trees on the open walls are
as usual promising well ; Pears are about half a
crop ; Apples on standard trees and on espaliers are
under the average, although they had a great show
of blossom. Small fruits, aB a rule, are all good,
especially Gooseberries and Strawberries, but three
weeks later than usual. J. Preiser Smith, Cullen
Gardens.
Berwickshire. — The Apple crop, notwithstanding
the abundant bloom, is the poorest that we have had
for several years, the long spell of cold, sunless
weather we had at blooming- time and afterwards
doiDg the mischief. Some varieties, viz., Keswick
Codlin, Lord Grosvenor, Winter Hawthornden, Stir-
ling Castle, have a fair crop. Pears have set well, and
there is promise o." a good crop. Doyenne du
Cornice iB our finest Pear for walls here. Plums,
Denyer's Victoria for example, are a very poor crop.
Small fruits generally are good, but Strawberries aro
not " sweeting " well. It is, on the whole, the weakest
season, so far, that we have had for many years. John
Cairns, The Hirsel Gardens, Coldstream, N.B.
In the month of February, 1897, fruit-trees
and buBheB in this district never gave better promise
of an abundant crop of fruit, but Buch havoc was
wrought by bullfinches from that date onwards to the
respective flowering seasons, that the crop is only an
average one ; and here the Apple crop is almost a
failure — the few buds left by the birds were still
further reduced when in flower by 6° of frost on
June 7 and 9. Strawberries were also completely
ruined by this late frost. Victoria Plums are a
very heavy crop ; all other sorts were so damaged,
that iu general the crop is only an average one.
Gooseberries are in a similar condition. In some
parts of the garden they are very heavy crops, in
other parts nothing. James Ironside, Blachiddcr
Gardens, Edretm,
East Lothian. — What was feared would prove an
exceptionally bad fruit year is turning out, with the
exception of Apricots, and perhaps Peaches, a good
average one ; it is, however, characterised by remark-
able lateness, and therefore it is impossible to indi-
cate with any degree of certainty the general quality
of the various fruit. Growth is remarkably healthy,
and foliage well developed. R. P. Brotherston, Tyning.
hame, PrcsUmkirk.
Fifeshire. — There is no kind of fruit in out- dis-
trict that is over an average crop this year. With
the exception of Codlin varieties of the Apple, the
crop is very light, and some of the finer varieties,
such as Cox's Orange and Blenheim Pippin, are
almost fruitless. Tne trees are healthy, however,
and comparatively free from caterpillar; while the
Plum is bully attacked with green-fly, the result in
same degree being due to the absence of w Bps.
Peaches suffered much from blister and frost, as well
as the Apricot when in flojrer. Early Cherries are
good, while late and Morellos are a poor crop. The
scircity of fruit may bo attributed to the wet,
sunless autumn, combined with the heavy crop of
list year— giving another object-lesson in favour
of thinning to secure a yearly moderate crop of good
fruit. II'. Williamson, Tarcit.
FORFAR — The fruit crops in this qmrter are very
much later thau usual, the first-gathered Strawberries
being three weeks later than last season ; and owing
to the cold and wet weather, mildew on the berries is
prevalent. Pears are a fine crop, but staud very
much iu need of fine warm weather to swell the
fruits to the usual size. The same may be said of the
Apple and Plum crops. W. Alison, Staview, Monijielh,
Atodm 7, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
83
Kincardineshire. — Of Apples, there are none
here, and the crops of this fruit are under in this
neighbourhood. This is a very different state of
things to last year, when in the gardens here the crop
of Apples was enormous. Apples and Pears on walls
have »n average crop. /. if. Gairns, Arbvthnott,
Pordcmn.
Apples and Plums are the worBt crops here-
abouts, as after bearing a big crop last year the trees
bore but few flowers, which seemed to set ; but the
cold nights and east winds cauped many of thoBe to
drop. Apples are the better of the two, but still
being under an average crop. Wm. Knight, The Faique
Gardens.
Midlothian. — The autumn of 1898 being cold,
wet, and raw, fruit trees did not ripen their youDg
wood under favourable conditions ; and although
there was a great aburdance of flower-bud formed
Duchess of Oldenburg, Worcester Pearmain, Tower
of Qlamia, Stirling Castle, Golden Noble, Blenheim,
King of the Pippins, Prince Albert, Frogmore Prolific,
Golden Spire, Grenadier, aud the like free bearers.
Plums and Cherries are also fine, but the crop of the
latter is generally thin. Peaches and Nectarines are
a better crop on the open walls than tbey have been
for years. Apricots were thinned by tevore froit
when in flower ; but there is a light crop of very
fine fruit. Currants and Gooseberries were injured
by frost, but in sheltered places the crop is good.
Strawberries are a great crop but extra late, John
Ruskin being five weeks later than last year, and out
earliest both seasons. Royal Sovereign did not do
well in the cold, damp weather, but is now pulling
itself up with the heat. Superlative still holds the
lead among Raspberries, and looks like maintaining it
for many years to come. Malcolm Dunn, The Gardens,
Dalkeith, Midlothian.
-t>.
1''ig.
28. — EI'U./KLIA X KAMlm-l'l ItlTKATA (BPIDENDBOM KAIiK'AX.s £ , L.EI.IA PUBJT/RATA ' ' ).
'Sepals and petal] ligjM orange-scarlet ; lip yellow In Hie centre, banded witu light purple.
(Raised by j&esjKS. Jas. Vaitch & Hens, of ChWea. Si e Gari July 31, 1897, p. 61.)
on marly all kinds of fruit, they proved to be weakly
in the spring, and after making a great show
when in blossom, the must of them dropped off,
i xcept in the most favoured places. Here, on a free
warm soil aud well sheltered, fruit on the whole has
done well, although the spring was cold ami late, and
up to the first week in July the season was quite
three weeks behind the average. The fine warm
we.ither of the last fortnight has done an immense
e'eal of good to all garden crops, and the fruit is
swilling to a fine size under the genial sunshine.
Trees are very healthy, and the cool season, till
recently,, has kept insect pests in subjection.
l't ars are t' e crop of the season among fruit ;
nearly every popular variety bearing a tine crop of
handsome fruit. Apples are not so heavy a crop as
the Pears, but they are equally large and fine. All
the Codlin tribe are bearing profusely, and so are
such popular Apples as Eeklinville, Warner's King,
Apples bloomed late, and seem mostly
carrying a full crop. Pears, Plums, and Cherries
bloomed freely, but the bulk of the crops
dropped in the setting. Few Gages or other Plums
are grown around Edinburgh ; Peaches and Necta-
rines not largely grown, but in warm, sheltered gardens
fair crops of them are found. Apricots are scarce ;
Gooseberries generally thin ; red and white Currants
and Raspberries a fair crop : Strawberries a month
later than last year, good crops, but small as com-
pared with southern supplies. D. T. Fish. 12, Fettes
Row, Edinburgh.
Perthshire. — With the exception of Peaches and
Apricots, the fruit crops in this district are. on the
whole, good, but everything is about a month later
than usual. A. McKinnon, Scone Palace Garden*.
The fruit prospect this season has never
been very promising, owiog to the ungenial
weather experienced since the trees were in flower ;
some varieties of Apples failed to set, while others
have gooel crops. Cherries dropped wholesale at
the stoning period, and the Gage Plums are not good
crops ; while all the small fruits are plentiful and
good. Wm. Wright, Taymouth Cattle Gardeni.
Selkirkshire. — The crops of Apples and Pears here
are very poor, just a fruit here and there ; Plums are
a failure, excepting Victoria. Cherries, Apricots,
and Peaches are a thin crop ; Strawberries are a
heavy crop, but owing to a oold sunless June the
half of the fruit did not swell ; the same holds good
of Raspberries. C. Turner, Sunderland EM Gardens,
Selkirk.
6. SCOTLAND, W.
Ayrshire. — The promise of the great crop in early
spring was much spoiled by the severe frost that
occurred in the month of April, and fruits of Peaches
and Apricots have almost disappeared. Apples will,
I believe, be a good crop if we get genial weather
in the autumn. The fruit-trees are clean, and grow-
ing finoly, owing to much rain having fallen. Small
fruits got a severe check with frost when in flower,
Black Currants being much smitten. A. Wilson,
Auchmcruive, Ayr.
Dumbartonshire. — I never saw fruit trees with
finer promise of a crop of fruit in the spring, but the
long spell of cold, wet weather, and the abundance of
caterpillars, completely spoiled them ; the only Plum
we have with a fair crop upon it is Denyer's Victoria.
Early Cherries are a vory poor crop, but Morellos set
better. Of small fruit, black Currantt are the only
kind which has a fair crop. George McKay, Balloclt,
Castle Gardeni.
Dumfriesshire. — Neither for quantity nor quality
will the fruit crops in this district break the record of
previous years. With the exception of Strawberries
and Raspberries, the yield is much under the average,
while the quality and finish of the fruits now ripening
is deficient. The fine summer weather will no doubt
improve matters very much ; but still, as a whole,
the fruit crops in this district are disappointing this
year. In nearly all cases there was a splendid show
of blossom, but the extreme fluctuatious of tempera-
ture, excessive amount of rain, an 1 the very late
frosts, with occasional strong gales of wind, caused
great damago when fruit trees were in flower. With
us, Strawberries and Rispberries are the only crops
that are over the average, aud of which the quality is
good. Cherries, Pears, Peaches, and Apricots are a
very thin crop indeed, and it is only on some of the
well-known, free-fruiting varieties of Apples and
Plums that anything liko a remunerative crop can be
looked for. There is, however, a great demand for
home-grown fruit of all kinds in the south-west of
Scotland, and market-growers are getting excellent
prices for fruit of good quality. J. MacHnnon, Tarregles
Gardi m.
Apples, Pears, and Plums, are very much
under the average crop here. The heavy rains in
Jane saved the crop of Strawberries. Late spring
frosts are very prevalent here, which often prove
disastrous to all kinds of outdoor fruits. David
Inqlis, Drumlanrig, N.B.
Stirlingshire. —The weather in the spring months
was unusually cold and wet, with a low night tem-
perature which often went belov the freezing-point.
Fruit-trees of all kiiuls had abundant and strong
blossom, which, for the reason stated, failed to set
well. A. Crosbie, Buchanan Castle Gardens.
The continuous cold rain had a bad effect
upon the bloom of Cherries, Plums, aud Apricots,
and the prevailing temperature very changeable.
The temperature at night has been exceptionally low
alt ihe seasoD, the thermometer often during the
earlier part of July standing at 35 to 4o in the
early morning hours. I cannot overrate the import-
ance of making selections of fruit, when planting is
don>', suitable to soil and I ite. if.
Fa/ 1, irk.
WlGTONSHIRE. — Hard frosts in May, aud heavy
storms in June, have seriously damaged the fruit
84
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[August 7, 1897.
crops in this locality. Jolin Bryden, Zhinragit
Gardens.
The crops in this part, with the exception of
bu*h-fruits, Strawberries, and Figs, are all very much
below the average, Pears and Plums being the worst.
.Apples are fairy good on early varieties, as the
Codlins, Ecklinville Seedling, Warner's King, and
some of the Pippins ; but many trees of later varie-
ties are fruitless. Figs growing against walls are
heavily cropped, and promise to finish up fine fruit.
James Day, Galloway Bouse, Qarliestown.
2. ENGLAND, N.E.
Durham. — The fruit crops here, I regret to say,
are very poor. The enormous crops of fruit of all
kinds that we had last year have had something io
do in lessening the crops this year, and the long-
continued sunless weather and cold frosts in the
early months prevented the blossoms from maturing.
Currants, Gooseberries, and Strawberries are the only
fruit that can be called a fair good aveiage. /. Noble,
Wcodbum Gardens, Darlington,
Small fruits are scarce owing to the cold
weather that prevailed during the time when the
bushes wr re in bloseom, then afterwards we had very
unsettled weather with fogs from the sea, which
ciuped the fruit to fall ; but the fruit trees we do not
prune have a fine crop, the foliage having protected
the fruits against the cold. This is the worst year for
fruit that I have experienced here for forty-two years,
and now we have a spell of dry, hot weather which is
frtsl for ripening the Strawberries and other fruit to
perfection. R. Draper, Sedham Hall.
Northumberland. — Very few Peaches, Necta-
rines, and Apricots are grown out-of-doors in this cold
upland district, and on the few trees met with there
was abundance of bloom, but the long-continued,
cold, ungeninl spring destroyed it. Apples had
nlmndant bloom, but it was weak, hence easily
starved with low temperature. It is almost too soon
to sj.eak of the quality of the out-of-dnors fruit here,
we are so late. Joseph Oliver, Fslington Parle Gardens,
WhUtingham.
From the middle of August last year onward,
we had much rain, and but little sun to ripen the
wood of the fruit trees ; and from March to the end
of June this year we had exceptional high, cold winds.
The blossoms on Peach and Apricot-trees, and on the
Plums growing on North walls, have been very weak ;
still, some of the trees are over-cropped, but the
greater number have but few fruits. Strawberries
were injured by late frosts and cold winds, and the
fruits are not swelling off well. Apple-trees are
splendidly cropped. George Harris, Castle Gardens,
Alnwick.
Yorkshire. — Standards and bushes of Tears have
nn average crop, but the trees on walls a fairly good
crop. Among Apples, Lane's Prince Albert, Domino,
Keswick Codlin, and Lord Suflield, are the only
varieties having an average crop. Plums are a com-
plete failure. Peaches and Nectarines out-of-doors
are carrying very few fruit. Gooseberries and Cur-
rants are thin on the bushes, and the fruit small.
Itaspberries a good crop. Strawberries few aud
small. Nuts are a failure. J. Riddcll, Castle Bernard
Gardens.
The Apple trees had plenty of blossom, but
this did not set well, a great mauy falling off, owing,
I think, to the drought. Pears showed but few
blossoms, and these set badly. The Plums showed
very few blossoms. The fruits of the sweet Cherries
were cracked badly ; and those of the Morellos
mostly turned of a yellow colour and fell off— the
trees themselves are healthy. Peaches and Necta-
rines are good outside, as are Apricots, but are drop-
ping off the trees. The Strawberry crop was a heavy
'■ne, and the fruit large, the finest being President.
The Gooseberry crop suffered from the depredation
nf birds "biking the buds in winter. John McClelland,
Ribston Hall Gardens, iPUherby.
The present season is the worst we have had
for a long time, the result in part of the heavy
■■■.-!■• of l*»t "«n."or, * wet autumn, which pre-
vented the thorough ripening of the wood, and the
cold sunless weather during April last and May.
The fruits on young plantations of Royal Sovereign
Strawberry are excellent as regards size, weight of
crop, and quality ; Black Prince, Noble, and President
also very good. Bailey Wadds, Birdsall, York:
Fruit crops suffered from the sharp frosts in
the spring, especially Currants and Apricots. Th<re
was an abundant show of blossom, but only Apples
and Strawberries hereabouts are an average crop.
Geo. Batlet;, Wentworth Castle Gardens.
All hardy fruits blossomed well, but the con-
tinued cold east winds and keen frosts during May
and June not only killed the blossom, but caused the
majority of the fruits to fall off after being set. It
seemed remarkable, but the early leafage putfoith by
Currants and Gooseberries saved the crop, which in
our ca=e proved to be very good. Strawberries
suffered later from the drought as well as from the
effects'of cold weather. /. P. Leadbctter, Tranby Croft
Gardens.
In this district, in the spring, there was a
great wealth of bloom on all fruit trees, and a rosy
prospect of good crops of fruit ; but the continual
cold from the northeast paralysed the energies of the
trees. The protracted spells of cold, I find, are far
more injurious to a full crop of fruit than those cold
snap we are familiar with during the latter half of
May. Nevcrthe'ess, we have a heavy crop of Codlin
Apples, and some few other varieties, notably that
grand Apple, Lane's Priuce Albeit, Cellini, Ribston,
Cox's Pomona, Cox's Orange, and Warner's King.
Of Pears, the Jargonelle is a good crop generally.
Plums are a total failure. John Easier, Nostell Priory
Gardens.
Apples as a whole avo a moderate crop,
Keswick Codlin, Mere de Manage, Potts' Seedling,
Stirling Castle, Sturmcr Pippin, and Warners King
being the best cropped. Of IVars, Louise P>onne of
Jersey, Marie Lnrse, and Souveivr du Congres are
the best. I havj not seen a Plum trve up m which
there is a good crop in this ne:ghbourhood, and in
this garden we have scarcely any. Of Strawberries
we had a good p' os[ ect in the early Bprirg, but the
sharp frosts and cutting winds in May were most
disastrous ; then the storm of June 16 completed the
wreck. It is, as a whole, the worst season I have
ever experienced. T/ios. B'tllsaU, Elmet Hull Gardens,
Leeds.
■ This is the worst fruit Reason wo have had in
this district for the last six years. Of Apples, Irish
Peach, Lord Suftield, Prince Albeit, and Glamjs
Castle have an average crop ; a few other varieties
have a sprinkliug, while many varieties have not a
fruit upon them. Pears, too, are very thin, a few
trees in the most sheltered places having about half a
crop, and this after one of the most splendid promises
I ever saw ; but the blooms were battered to pieces
by the terrible winds that blew the whole time the
trees were in bloom. In Plums, Victoria is the only
one w th an average crop. Sweet t 'berries aie a
failure, and Morellos half a crop ; Apricots are very
light, Strawberries plentiful, but the fruit is small.
J. Hughes, If'evtworth U'oodhoitM Gardens.
(To he continued.)
The Rosary.
ROSE PEST.
We have lately had brought under our notice, in a
way more striking than agreeable, the ravages of a
mould which Mr. Massee has kindly identified for us
as Actinonema Rosse. It occurs in the form of long,
brown blotches on the upper surface of the leaves,
the blotches being irregularly oblong along the mid-
rib, hut elsewhere nearly circular. Furthermore it
attacks the young shoots, and causes them to blacken
and die back to the old wood. After a few days tile
leaves fall off, and the budi is stripped, leaving only
the skeleton and the blasted twigs, The disease In
rapidly contagious, one bush having boeh flrat affected ,
from wHiob the fungtM hat" spread to oMier brwb and
standard Roses in the same bed. We have followed
Mr. Massee's advice to collect and burn the diseased
leaves, but fear that this will only prove a partial
remedy. In addition in the hope of preventing the
spread of the disease, we have freely applied Barr's
Bordeaux powder to the neighbouring Roses.
Roses, H.P.'s and Teas.
For appearance fake, and for the production of
some late flowers, Rose-bushes, &c. should be ex-
amined, and have all the faded blooms and weak
shoots removed ; and in the case of vigorous plants
some slight amount of pruning should be done. On
hot dry soils, and where the rainfall has been slight,
the bushes, standards, and wall-plants will be greatly
benefited by an occasional soaking of manure-water,
or failing that, of clean water. In most deep loams
Roses will bear a good deal of drought without
injury or check ; but it is quite otherwise on light
shallow soils, and much care is required in order to
keep the plants in vigour. I should like to make
mention of a few good Tea Roses whose buds are
usually plentiful and strong, viz., Perle des Jardins,
Adelina, Viviand Murel, Gustave Regis, Claire
Jacqui-r, TIde'ale, Caroline Testout, W. A.
Richardson, Edith Gifford, and Celine Forestier.
H. Marl-ham, Margate.
METHODS OF PROPAGATION.
(Continued from vol. xri., p. 315.)
Vines from Eyes. — In addition to the classified
methods of raising plants in nurseries, a'ready treated
upon in these articles, there are other processes that
cannot well be scheduled. Single-eye, or bud-propa-
gation, is the recognised method for the Vine and
other kindred subjects, and it is wonderful what
results may be obtained in this way. Not many
years ago, Vines for all pur1 oses were increased by
layering; but now, probably, Vine stools are as few
and far between in nurseries as the Great Auk is
among birds. This being effected in the open air,
the canes when rooted were only partially ripe, 80,
consequently, fit only for " planters," but now few
gardeners will accept such Vines for any purpose,
but prefer those raised from single eyes or buds. I
propose now to give the process as successfully
practised by myself and others.
Those who have vineries under their charge, will
have no difficulty in selecting some well- ripened
wood, carrying good promising buds, when they
prune back their Vines in late autumn or winter.
'I he shoot must have a distinct label put to it, and
bo laid in by the heels in a cold vinery, or other place
free from frost
If there is plenty of heat at command, commence
propagation iu January ; but if not, defer starting
till the end of Frbruary. Prepare some fairly rich
soil, and at many as required of clean 60-size pots.
Put a single crock at the bottom of each, and fill
loosely with the prepared soil. Taking a piece of the
reserved Vine-wood in hand, hold it firmly above
the bud, in the left hand, and then cut diagonally
through the Vine, so as to make a pointed piece of
wood, about 2 inches long, carrying a single bud, and
finish off by cutting straight through the piece, just
above the bud. The large broad buds had better not
be selected, as they often conceal an embryo bunch of
flowers, which, if allowed to develop, will hinder
vigorous growth. Prepare as many eyes as you
require, and taking one of the prepared pots of soil,
dibble a small hole at the side, snd introduce
one of the finished Vino eyes into the hole
in such a position that the birk is next the
inside of the pot, and the cu*. fee of the eye
is pressed against the soil, add a little more foil, and
press all very firmly. Be careful to 1 be] the
varieties, thoroughly soak them with tepid water,
and then plunge into an inside pit in either tan or
cocoa-refuse where there is a regular but gentle
bottom-heat. Keep quite close for a week, and when
giving water or air, just look over the batch and see
that none ia dry or boo developed fungun growth
«f tho cut part, this being easily avoided by covering
»h» eurfnoe of th» toil and ej • with ntwilieetj »ilTor>
r
August 7, 1297.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
i
M..
85
sand. In about three weeks the eyes will be well-
rooted, and may be given their first shift iuto large
48's, but this and all re-potting should be done in
the warm propagating pit, aand the soil used be also
warmed, as at this period of growth the young Vines
are most sensitive to changes of temperature, and a
chill will not only retard progress, but may spoil
them for some time. Upon steady but unchecked
growth depends the ultimate success of this process.
The young Vines will make quick progress, and the
temperature of the Vinery may be allowed to rise to
90° or 100° in the daytime, and should not be less than
75° at night. As soon as tho roots Bhow freely
upon turning the plant out of its pot, the Vines may
be given their final shift, for though others prefer to
shift twice after this, I think it unnecessary. Prepare
some fresh loam and well-decayed manure, and add
to it one-quarter part its bulk of bone-meal, mix well
and then proceed to repot into 10 or 12-inch
pots, leaving the surface of the soil about 3 inches
below the rim of the pot to allow a mulching of cow-
dung to be added on the surface, and when all are
reached, gradually decrease the heat, and give plenty
of air, only syringing at night before closing the
house. Soon this may be dispensed with, the
only water used being applied to the soil. Be
cautious not to break or bruise the terminal growth,
as this is almost certain to induce lateral growth, and
so spoil the rods.
When the wood in the lower joints begins to get
nut-brown and firm, afford air night and day, but
without draught, and as soon as the lower leaves
begin to assume a rich colour, the Vines may be
taken out into the open air, and fastened up against a
south or south-west wall, to finish off, though
some keep them in the house till the foliage begins to
fall ; and I have heard a grower say he did not mind
a little red-spider at this period, forgetting that though
at this Btage it could do little or no harm, yet eggs
will be laid in the minute crevices of the bark, which
remaining dormant during the winter will, in the
following summer hatch and produce myriadB of this
minute pest, and so do much harm. Of course, in
wet sunless seasons Vines will not properly finish
frxecxe^
Fig. 24. — a group of streptocarpus varieties, at ote hall, burgess hill, Sussex.
potted, stake and tie loosely. They may be now
permanently staged in a warm vinery, allowing the
pots to touch each other bo as to make the best use
of the space. The best form of ttage is built of large
slates laid upon brick piers, covered 0' inches or more
deep, with partially fermented horse-manure. This
will exhale ammonia in small quantities when moist
and warm, and on this the growing Vines feed by
means of their leaves. Still continue to water with
tepid water, to which later on may be added
to a three-gallon water-can a handful of Thomson's
or Clay's artificial manure. One may now expect
a strong, healthy, rapid growth. Be very careful
not to allow any of the foliage to 6Corch ; syringe
freely in the morning over the foliage, again at noon
over the pots and stage, and finally, at night, before
closing up, over all. I do not advise any shading, as
this fosters the production of long-jointed shoots not
approved of by Grape growers.
The insect enemies are the usual pests of the stove
and greenhouse, and the worst perhaps is the so-
called ,; red-spider," but there is little danger of an
attack of any kind if healthy growth be maintained.
Very soon the canes will thicken and attain to the
maximum growth of 6 or 8 to 10 feet. When this is
in the open ; but this can safely be left to the intelli-
gence of the grower. It is advisable to put a slate or
tile under the bottom of each pot, to prevent earth-
worms entering the soil from the bottom, and so
souring it. Ton will now possess a batch of pot-
Vines which may be used to fill up vacancies in the
vinery, to force for early fruit, and to inarch on Vines
which you may have already established, but which
are not the sortB you desire. Experience.
(To be continued.)
Forestry.
MIXED, PLANTATIONS.
(Coiitiniuil from vol. zxi.t p. 295.)
The economic results from an ordinary mixed
wood are usually almost as unsatisfactory as its
ornamental aspect. Indiscriminate mixtures in-
variably produce too great a proportion of coarse
timber to prove economical on a large scale, for that
close canopy of foliage so essential to the proper
cleaning of the stems cannot be maintained for any
length of time when trees of different habits and rates
of growth are mixed up together. Another dis-
advantage is that no definite period can be fixed for
the cutting of the crop which will be found suitable
for all species represented, and we must either cut
individual trees as they mature, or strike an average
which can only be'suitable for two or three Bpecies at
the most. By adopting the first method we run the
risk of letting in strong winds which may make gaps
during every winter, while the necessity for waiting
until the longest lived trees are ready for the axe
involves the non-utilization of a great deal of the
ground for many years. By fixing upon a definite
period for clearing the ground, a great many trees
must either be immature or else overripe, conditions
which always reduce the value of the timber. But
however strong a case can be made ovit against mixing
trees together for the sake of giving the plantation so-
called '• variety," nothing can be said against a
mixture made with due regard to the habits and
requirements of the species which compose it. By a
judicious blend of shade bearers and light demanding
species, much heavier crops can usually be obtained
than when the latter are grown alone, for in such a
ease the ground is rarely shaded sufficiently well to
keep weeds and rubbish from springing up beneath,
a condition of things, however, which is not altogether
objected to in game covers. But taking the economic
pros and cons of the case first into consideration, pure
woods are sometimes found to have certain disadvan-
tages which more than counterbalance the simplicity
with which they are managed, and the clean timber
they invariably produce. Defoliating insects, which
increase enormously during certain seasons, find in
woods consisting entirely of their host plant, a
veritable Arcadia until a corresponding increase of
their own parasite, or the breaking out of disease, again
reduces their number to the normal. Parasitic fungi
arc also more troublesome in pure woods as a rule,
owing to the rapidity with which the disease spreads
from tree to tree, and the ground itself may become
so infested with the mycelia of certain forms of fungi
that great difficulty may be found in raising a young
crop of the same or an allied species upon it.
With shade bearing species which are comparatively
safe from the above dangers, there is no necessity for
the admixture of other kinds, and such species as
Beech or Hornbeam always produce heavier and
cleaner crops of timber when grown in pure woods,
It follows, therefore, that the mixed plantation may
or may not be justified from a sylvicultural point of
view, according to the species employed, and their
relative importance in the crop being grown. When
light-demanding trees constitute tho main crop,
an admixture of shade-bearers is desirable for
cultural reasons. When shade-bearers represent the
species employed they are usually better without the
presence; of light crowned trees, which allow light to
penetrate the leaf canopy, and induce the growth of
side-branches which produce rough timber.
Neither from the sesthetic nor from the economic
standpoint, therefore, can any hard-and-fastArule be
laid down for planting woods which are intended t"
combine the ornamental and useful. The method
which probably comes nearest [to accomplishing these
objects, however, is that of grouping the selected
species upon the various soils and situations best
adapted to their growth. There is nothing newjibout-
this method, of course, and it is one very commonly
adopted in the formation of large woods. But the
amount of success attending it depends almost entirely
upon the skilful manner in which this grouping is
carried out. A succession of groups fcan^ become
equally monotonous and tiring as thej uniform
mixing of species by individual trees, and abrupt
changes in the cropping and type of wood without
any apparent reason are as unnatural as the existence
of fifteen or twenty different species upon an acre
ground. A. C. Forbes.
(To be continued.)
STEEPTOCAEPUS AT OTE HALL.
These handsome early summer - flowering plant <
are being improved so much in the colouring and
size of their flowers, that they are, in time, likely to
rival the favorrite Gloxinia ; and in the etimat:ou
86
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 7, 1897.
of some to excel them in beauty, as they now do in
the ease with which they m;iy be raised and grown.
Our illustration (fig. 24, p. 85) bIiows three well-
grown and abundantly flowered examples produced
by Mr. C. Jones, pr. to H. Woods, Esq., Ote Hall,
Burgess Hill, Sussex. These plants were four years
old, and measured 3J feet across. They were in
10-inch pots, and at their best at the end of the
month of June last, and then possessed 150 more
flowers than at the time the photograph was taken.
Colonial Notes.
DIPTERACANTHUS SUBR1NGENS, Nccs.
This 6emi-climbing plant is most conspicuous
when flowering. In the Botanic Garden, Grenada, it
has been producing its large bright red flowers for
many months past. It seems to thrive best under the
shade of trees, and bearing this in mind at the time
of planting it, we gave it a position against the trunk
of a Brownea coccinea tree, planting it at its base.
The shade given by this tree is fairly dense. The
leaves of this semi-climber have prominent mesh-like
vein markings underneath. It is a native of Brazil.
(Kew).
Cenchrus tribuloides, L., and C. echinatcs, L.
The dissemination of seeds and fruit over various
parts of the world is an interesting study : the
influence in this respect the currents of the sea alone
have, not to mention the modes of transference by
animal agency, is truly wonderful. But what I wish
to refer to at the present moment is the exceed-
ingly uncomfortable position one is placed in when
the burrs of these grasses (Cenchrus) get attached to
the bottoms of one's trousers' legs, and then work
upwards, pricking like needles into the soft, fleshy
portion of one's legs.
C. echinatus is especially common in the BotaDic
Garden district, and whilst walking where this plant
is growing, people are more likely than not to get
into contact with its undesirable burrs, much to their
•discomfort and annoyance. I can call to mind no
plant near at hand that is such a nuisance in this
respect.
ARCIIONTOPHCEN'IX ALEXANDRA W. & D. (PTYCHOS-
pekma Alexandra, F. Miicll).
Owing to the effect produced by its flowers and
fruits, this Palm must stand first among those other
Palms growing in the Botanic Garden, Grenada. The
masses of white flowers, shiny-green, and bright red
fruits, are often present on the same trunk at the same
time, and it is at such times as this that its full
beauty is displayed. A native of Queensland.
Dacrtodes hexandra, Griscbach.
In Grenada there are two trees known as Gommier,
the above-named is called Mountain Gommier be-
cause of its mountain habitat ; and the other Bursera
gummifera, a lowland and seaside tree, is distinguished
as the Lowland Gommier. D. hexandra is one of the
largest mountain trees that exist in the colony, and,
as in the woods of the Grand Etang district, they
assume in bulk of trunk gigantic proportions. The
trunk if incised discharges a fragrant and a very
inflammable gum, which is of a sticky and an
adhesive nature. This gum is burnt in Roman
Catholic churches, and is known as incense or
gommier. The timber is cut up, and among other
uses, iB made into Bhingles for roofing bouses,
especially iu the mountiin districts. Its flowers,
like the Nutmeg, are of two sexes, and are borne on
distinct trees.
Michelia Champaca, L.
We have no representative of the genus Magnolia in
the Botanic Garden, Grenada, but we had flowering
au allied plant in the above-named Michelia during
the month of May this year. Its inconspicuous
yellow flowers are pjwerfully fragrant, and pleasantly
so from a short distance, but hardly agreeable when
one is brought i ito close contact with them. Planted
here and there, the air in the vicinity becomes
agreeably pleasant. Our trees now flowering, and also
fruiting, are quite young, and are only from 6 to
10 feet high. " The tree is sacred to Vishnu, and is,
therefore, an object of superstitious regard on the
part of the Hindoos, who adorn their dark hair with
the rich orange-coloured flowers."
Randia MuSSANDjE, D.C.
Two years ago I brought seeds of this plant down
from Belle Vue, a mountainous district in the parish
of St. Andrew's, Grenada, some of which were dis-
tributed to correspondents in England, and elsewhere
subsequently, and some were sown in the Botanic
Garden. One of the plants raised is 4 feet high,
bushy, and is in a vigorous condition. This was
planted in the Botanic Garden, which lies a few feet
only above sea-level, and to-day (June S) opened its
first flowers. At Belle Vue a cool atmosphere is
continually felt, quite different to that of the Botanic
Garden, especially during the dry season, and where
the surroundings both in soil and climate are so
contrary to those where the plant was obtained, and
where it apparently was growing wild. This is another
proof that plants brought down from the mountains
will sometimes grow and thrive in open shore districts,
but it is exceptional. The ground in which our
plant is growing is thoroughly exposed to the mid-
day tropical sun, and consists of a shaly eubstance,
and consequently is in itself of a poor and unpro-
ductive nature. The flowers of R. Mussandse are
fragrant, with a slender tube 3 inches long, and the
pointed petals pure white above ; its leaves are small,
and of a glossy-green, borne upon thickly-setbranehes.
W. E. Broadway, Grenada.
Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria.
It will be satisfactory to many who are interested
in the colony of Victoria to learn that after the great
loss sustained by the death of Baron Von Mueller
the authorities at Melbourne set to work to re-
organise their Royal Horticultural Society. Great
satisfaction is felt at the appointment of the new
Director, Mr. C. Bogue Luffmann, as a result of the
recent competition for the post. The gardens and
experimental grounds, which cover 42 acres, have the
advantage of being watered by the river Yarra. The
duties of the Director include the delivery of public
lectures, and the training a limited number of
students, and ho will be ably assisted by Mr.
McAlpine, Government Pathologist ; Mr. French,
Government Botanist, and other distinguished men.
The extensive gardens will afford Mr. Luffmann scope
for turning to useful account his world-wide know-
ledge of horticulture. W. Roupcll, StreatTtam Hill
S.W.
The Week's Work.
THE FLOWEB GABDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
The Double-flowered White Rocket. — This old-
fashioned border-plant is deserving of general culti-
vation, producing its fine spikes of double, pure
white, and fragrant blossoms in profusion, and
usually towards the end of May, and continuing in
flower more or less for at least two months. When
allowed to stand for several years without removal,
the clumps dwindle, and the flower-spikes become
short, and sparsely set with blossoms ; but when they
are lifted annually, divided carefully, and re-planted,
its vigour is maintained. It is also advisable to grow
some plants of it in the reserve-garden, where pro-
pagation can be carried out without being obliged to
have regard to appearances ; and the change from
the soil of the reserve-garden to that of the flower-
garden borders is always of service in maintaining
the stock of plants in good health. Dry and hoc
summers have sometimes disastrous effects on Sweet
Rockets unless water can be freely afforded them.
The plants are aho subject to a disease, or rust,
similar in appearance to that which has rendered
Hollyhock culture difficult ; and when nothing is
done to check the disease, the plants succumb, and
the older the sooner. The flowering of this plant being
nearly over, it is now the proper season to take up the
plants, and divide and re-plant them. In the present
state of the weather, it would, however, not be advis-
able to do this, but to wait till dull or showery weather
ensue, before undertaking the operations. If the old
flower-spikes have been cut down as they have gone
out of flower, many growths will have come from the
base, which afford a ready means of propagating the
plant. The remaining flower stems may be cut off,
the plants lifted, and the young growths pulled into
pieces, each with some roots attached, and be planted
in a- new position in the borders or in the reserve
garden. If no change of ground can be afforded, a
heavy dressing of rotten manure should be dug in,
with a small quantity of new loam added, which will
enable the plants to get a good start. Afford water
copiously to settle the soil about the roots, and
sprinkle the leaves occasio nally late in the afternoon
till the plants are established.
Hints on a Variety of Operations. — At the time of
writing the great heat and excessive drought are dis-
tressing many kinds of plants in the flower garden
and flower borders, and although Pelargoniums are a
blaze of colour, shrubby Calceolarias although
flowering perfectly are beginning to give out, and
here and there a plant is dead or dying, it will
do something to relieve them if spent flowers
are removed, and water be copiously afforded at
the root, following the first application with a mulch
1 inch thick of half-rotten leaves or cocoa-fibre.
Heliotropes, tuberous Begonias, Fuchsias, Verbenas,
Violas, and subtropical plants generally should also
be well supplied with moisture at the root. The
flowers of the Sweet Pea are very short lived in hot
weather, and in order to keep up a succession of
flowers, the seed-pods should be removed as soon as
the flowers drop. Trees anil shrubs planted last winter
aud spring will be sure to require water at the root,
and an occasional overhead syringing will do them
much good, preventing a check to growth both at
the roots and at the top. If mulching was not applied
after planting, litter or rotten-manure should now be
placed over the roots. Earwigs are sure to infest the
Dahlias, and should be constantly caught in bean-
haulm and pots of hay placed on the top of the Dahlia-
stakes, or fixed on the top of shorter stakes placed
out of sight among the plants. A daily examination
of these traps should be made for captured insects.
Do not let the Dahlia plants become a tangle of shoots,
but thin out the latter ; and to increase the size of
the double flowers a certain amount of disbudding
should be practised. Let each plant have a basin 2
feet wide and 3 inches deep made with the draw-hoe,
that is drawing the soil to a depth of 1 inch outwards
from the plant, and form a wall with this 2 inches
high ; and during the hot weather, once a week, fill
this space with water and occasionally with manure-
water. If the ground be neatly raked, and a crumbly
tilth maintained by using the Dutch-hoe, much of
the moisture in the soil will be preserved, and the
plants grow vigorously accordingly.
THE OBCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Phalcenopsis. — The earlier-flowering species, viz.,
P. amabilis, P. Schilleriana, P. Aphrodite, P. Stuar-
tiana, P. Sanderiana, P. intermedia, and P. leu-
corhoda, the leaves of which will have made much
progress, will need for some time longer to be kept
moist at the root. The chief cause of failure with
Phalamopsis may be traced to their being kept in
saturated materials, and in a very hot house that is
ill ventilated. As a matter of fact, the plants require
fresh air during the present season, in which
growth is chiefly made, when the outside air is
sufficiently warm not to chill the plants. Ventilation
is best effected by opening the lower ventilators a
little early in the morning, and when the inside
warmth increases, gradually admit more fresh air.
If practicable, the upper ventilators should be made
use of during the middle hours of the day, so as to
get rid of superfluous moisture ; and if the warmth
should then decrease, or there is any draught, the
bottom ventilators should be closed wholly or
partially. A high sun-heated temperature is good
for these plants ; but artificial heat, if used to
any great extent, soon weakens them. It is well,
therefore, to close the house early in the afternoon,
well damping the floors, stages, Are. During such
warm weather as that at present prevailing, the
bottom ventilators may be opened a small space the
last thiug at night. All of the species do most satis-
factorily when hung up near the glass on the north
or shady side of a house where there is plenty
of subdued light, but no direct sunshine reaches
them. Supeasion not only favours and induces the
A. gust 7, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHEOXICEE.
87
formation of stout leaves, capable of enduring their
full time, but slugs and cockroaches cannot reach
them. If the Bphagnum-moss about the plants is
decaying, it should be picked out from between the
roots and replaced with fresh. P. Luddemanniana,
P. tetraspis, P. Marke, P. violacea, P. speciosa, P.
surnatrana, and P. cornu-cervi, which have recently
finished flowering, should be placed in new baskets.
The foliage of these green-leaved varieties soon loses
its rich glossy colouring, and gets shrivelled and un-
healthy-looking if exposed to strong light, and from
which, even with the best kind of treatment, it takes
a long time to recover. To obtain the best results, a
position should be selected in the East India-house or
plant-stove, where, in addition to the ordinary shadiDg
in use, the glass immediately above the plants should
be painted with green " Bummer cloud ;" or if prefer-
able, a piece of thin shading material permanently
tacked on to the roof and kept there till the sun has
lost its ardency. Other species of Orchids thriving in
a similar position, are Batemannia Burti, B. Colleyi,
Pescatorea Klabochorum, P. Lehmanni, P. Dayana,
P. cerina, Huntleya Wailesiana, H. melea§rie, Bollea
ccelestis, B. Schroderiana, Warscewiczella Wend-
landi, W. discolor, Stenia (Chondroryncha) fimbriata,
S. Chestertoni, S. pallida, Phaius tuberculosus, Angra>
cum Kotchyi, Thrixpermum Berkeleyi, and Kefer-
steinia grainminea.
In the cool (Masdevallia) house at Harford Lodge,
two pretty Orchids are now flowering, viz., Odouto-
glossum aspidorhinum and Promeneea citrina, either
of which would be a nice addition to any collection of
Orchids. The Odontoglossum requires to be grown
in a pot raised up to the roof. It is a very free
flowering and easily-cultivated plant. The dwarf
Prouieucea succeeds best in shallow pans, in well-
drained peat and sphagnum-moss, and hnng up along-
side of Odontoglossums Rossii or 0. Cervantesii, and
treated exactly like those. The pretty Angrsecum
falcatum and Aerides japonicum should, whilst this
hot weather lasts, be accommodated in the cooleBt
house.
THE KITCHEN' GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Celery. — There should be no delay in proceeding
with the moulding- up of the earliest crops . Blanched
Celery being in much request late in the month and
in September, a month is not sufficient time in
which to blanch the sticks of it for use as a salad.
Those who prefer the method of earthing-up piece-
meal should now afford the final earthing to the
earliest rows ; whilst those who apply the first
instalment of soil should water the trenches copiously
in order that there may not be any check induced
by drynesB at the root whilst blanching is in progress.
Indeed, the great objection to the old-fashioned plan
of gradually earthing-up the plants is the impossibility
of supplying water afterwards, and whilst growth is
still progressing, added to which is the evil of some-
times burying the heart's leaves too deeply, thus
causing early decay. If earthing be delayed till the
plants have reached full size, time and labour are
economised, and the foregoing disadvantages obviated
by affording one earthing-up instead of several ; but
it is very necessary to examine the plants, and secure
the leaves against the wind by loosely binding them
together with broad strips of matting occasionally.
Before beginning to earth-up a row, it is a good prac-
tice to stvew quicklime freely along on both sides of
the row, doing this two or three times whilst the
earthing-up is in progress. By doing this, slugs and
worms are kept away from the plants. For exhibi-
tion purposes, bindings of brown or water-proof paper
are very generally preferred. At this season four to
five weeks should be allowed for perfect blanching,
whilst for late autumn shows six weeks is not too
long a time. Should the Celery-fly be noticed on
the plant, dust the leaves lightly with fresh soot in
the early morning occasionally, but if they have
already been at work, which will be seen by the
brown spots appearing here and there on the foliage
(each containing a maggot) search for the maggot and
pinch it between the finger and thumb, or pick off
the affected part of leaf, aud burn it.
Potatos. — The early varieties are now sufficiently
matured in some parts of the country for digging
and storing, and as wet weather may occur and set up
as it often does, the ordinary disease of the Potato, all
early varieties Bhould be stored whilst the weather
remains dry. Do not Btore the tubers in bulk
immediately after digging them, but spread them
thinly for a time in a cool, dark yet airy place.
Those intended for Bets another year need not be
kept iu the dark, although they should be i
under cover.
Winter Qreens, or Kales. — If the planting out of
these vegetables is not completed, it should be done
forthwith, and the lifting of the early Potato crop will
afford the land for the purpose if it be. levelled and
drillB drawn on which to plant with a long dibber.
Should the plants hare been raised in nurse beds,
lift them carefully with a trowel, and plant with- the
same implement, affording water copiously soon
afterwards. Earlier plantations should be b"ed to
keep a crumbly tilth, than -which nothing conserves
the moisture iu the ground better, and a little later
earthing up may be done. The Asparagus Kale,
otherwise Buda and Jerusalem Kale, is a particularly
hardy, well-flavoured kind that keeps till the spring,
and is one to plant in quantity.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
The Fruit Room. — Whilst there is yet time, and'
early Apples such as Mr. Gladstone, Juueating red .
Beauty of Bath, Irish Peach, Astrachau ired1. aud
Keswick Codlin Apples), and of Pears Early Benoist,
Citron des Carmes, < 'lappa Favourite, Jargonelle aud
River's Beacon, are still on the trees, whitewash
with fresh lime the walls ami ceiling, and scrub the
woodwork with soapsuds, and leave doors and
windows open day aud night till the fruit is placed
in it. A little size should be dissolved in hot water,
and put in the lime-wash before applying it to the
walls, &c, so as to prevent the lime coming off when
touched.
Preserving Fruits.— Apricots and the true Green-
gage Plums should be gathered in due time for pre-
serving and buttling. Pond's Seedling, Monarch,
Kirk's. Belgian Purple, Diamond, aud similar culi-
nary varieties, should be gathered for bottling.
Peaches and Nectarine? are similarly treated, and
where this is done care should be exercised in send-
ing in a due B'jpply of both fruits for jam and
bottling when most plentiful during the present
month.
MoreUo Cherries where preserved in brandy, v. .
should be seen to before they get too ripe, selecting
the finest fruit — which should be firm and well
coloured — for this purpose. Ample supplies of
Gooseberries and red Currants should be sent to the
stillroom, the former for jam, &c, and the latter for
jelly and bottling. A good breadth of red Currants
should be netted over for meeting the daily demand
for red Currant tarts as lone; as the fruit can be had
fresh from the trees, which may with care be ex-
tended into the month of September.
Autumn-hearing Raspberries and Strawberries should
be afforded go-jd supplies of water at the roots as
often as circumstances permit, in order to swell and
perfect the fruit. Where there is a good supply of water
at command, and sufficient labour to apply it to fruit
trees in general and most garden crops during the
hot weather, great benefit will accrue.
or the foliage will get disfigured. The most suitable
varieties for baskets are L. tricolor, L. Nelsoni, L.
pendula, and L. luteola.
Kalosanthes (Crassulp,) coccinca and others. — 11
growth for the season is completed, remove the
plants to a coal-ash bed in a sunny position out oi
doors, the foot of a wall having a glass coping being
a capital place for them; the aim of the cultivator
being to mature the wood perfectly, and with this
intent they should be kept rather dry at the roots,
but not so as to cause flagging. About the end of
September they must bo again placed under glass in
,t dry airy pit, only sufficient fire-heat being afforded
as will exclude frost.
0' neral Work.— Gradually withhold water from
Amaryllis as the leaves begin to turn of a yellow
tinge. Pot up batches of Roman Hyacinths foi aai ly
forcing ; and if large quantities of bloom are required
fur cutting, some part of the Btock of these bulbs
may with economy of space be placed in boxes,
ihuse in pots being used for decorative purposes.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Matcuck. Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Laehenalias. — The tubers may now be potted or
placed in baskets, as after this date the roots become
active, and it is very essential that the operation of
potting, &c, be finished forthwith. The tubers
should be shaken out of the old soil, and placed in a
compost consisting of loam four parts, leaf-mould and
well-decayed manure each one part, and plenty of
sharp sand. If pots of 5 inches in diameter be used,
a dozen tubers can be readily accommodated in each,
these being sized before potting them. Let the pots
be well crocked, and after potting the tubers, stand
the pots on a cool bottom in a greenhouse or cold
frame, affording no water till it is seen that root-
action is advancing. Laehenalias form splendid sub-
jects for planting in baskets for greenhouse decora-
tion, and considering that the plant is easily grown,
it is a matter of surprise amateurs and professionals
do not grow it more commonly. In preparing a
basket, first line the sides all round with living
sphagnum-moss, and then proceed to fill in the soil
by degrees, inserting the tubers at a variety of depths
as the soil rises in the basket, and in such a manrer
that the growths will readily push their way through
the meshes of the wire-work, and finish off the same
as with pots. Baskets when finished may be sus-
pended at the first on the shady side of a cool green-
house or fernery, but when growth has begun, more
light is needed, but cold draughts must be avoided
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Tomatos. — Keep the plants in full bearing and good
health by applications of manure-water and top-
dressing of loam and duDg. Remove all weak
growths, and some of the foliage, so as to expose the
fruits, but tie in sufficient growth to keep the trellis
covered nicely with foliage. Young plants for
autumn and winter fruiting may still be planted if a
constant succession of fruit is required, encouraging
the plants to make sturdy growth, but not affording
manure till a good crop of fruit has set. [Mr. Harris
writes that he has been ill, and unable to supply his
Calendarial article as usual. Ed.]
A Novel Botanical Competition is de-
scribed in the current issue of Science Gossip, and tlie
editor of that paper is of opinion that it will provide
valuable scientific records of the growth and habits
of plants not generally recognised, as well as amuse
ment. Three photographs, not exceeding half-plate
Bize, are to be taken of uncommon, local, or rare
plants '. (a) best showing the habit of growth when
flowering, fruit, or otherwise ; (b) of the growing
plant and its immediate surroundings : c) of the
near landscape to show the character of the plant's
station. Two prizes (books to the value of 50s. and
308. respectively) are offered, and the chief points to
be considered in making the awards will be (n) the
variety of the species photographed ; (6) the grasp of
detail, such as the natural position, the flowering parts
and other surroundings, in case any appear ; (c) the
excellence of the photography. Any kinds of plants
are available for the purpose of the competition,
including Ferns, mosses, fungi, marine AlgaB, &c.
Pharmaceutical Journal. .
Carriers of Commerce.— In our issue for
June 19, under the heading "Then and Now," we
placed in contrast the trade returns of 1837 and 1 897,
clearly showing the enormous increase in both imports
and exports— the growth of a peaceful reign of sixty
years. But no attention was paid to the increase in
the carrying power of our mercantile navy. This
has been simply enormous. Taking up the Naviga-
tion Returns for the past year, we find the tonnage of
the ships entered with cargoes from foreign countries
and British possessions is placed at 33,479592 tons ;
the tonnage cleared being 37,703,217. These figures
may be again divided as follows : — Entered from
foreigu countries, 28,677,465 tons ; from Bri-
tish possessions and colonies, 4,802,127 tons.
The tonnage cleared was, to foreign countries,
32,111,158 ; to Briti-h possessions and colonies.
5,592,059 tons. The details respecting the ton-
nage employed in the first year of the Queen's
reign are meagre, but they are wonderfully sug-
gestive. The entries are 3,215,829 tons : the clear-
ances foot up 2,578,018 tons— these figures repre-
senting both foreign and colonial trade. It should
not be overlooked, that one steamer now-a-days often
does the work of half-a dozen sailing ships— its
tonnage counting at every entry and clearance ; all
the same, the figures are of so stupendous a character
and value as to warrant special attention being drawn
to them in this place.
88
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Auoubt 7. 189?
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
ihould be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees,
dc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
MEETINGS.
/ Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
mittees: Lecture, by Mr. J-
TUESDAY, Aug 10' Douglas, on '• Cross-fertilisation
of Florists Flowers, at 3 p.m.
Anniversary of the Royal Botanic
\ Society, at 1 p.m.
SHOWS.
/Cardiff Horticultural Society (two
WEDNESDAY, Adg. ll{ days).
(_ Bishop's Stcrtford.
THURSDAY, Aug. 12— Taunton Horticultural Society.
SALE.
FRIDAY Aug 13 ( ImPorteci and Established Orchids
I at Protheroe and Morris" Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 628°.
Actual Temperatures : —
London.— August 4 : Max., 8f.° ; Min., 62".
Provinces. -August i (6 p.m.): Max., 79', at York;
Min., 58°, at Suruburgh Head.
As the Royal Horticultural
Examinations in o • * i_ i , ,
Horticulture. Society has now held examina-
tions in horticulture for five
consecutive years, it may not be uninteresting
to compare the results obtained, and see what
progress has been made. As percentages alone
can give strictly accurate comparisons, the
following table will be found, so to say, almost
to speak for itself ; but there are some points to
be especially noted —
1S93 204) 1894(126) 1895(169) 1806(152) 1897(184)
1st Class 5'8 SO 71' 10'5 48-3
2nd Class 17 li 2113 211 34'8 29'8
3rd Class 362 37 3 43 2 32'3 15-2
Not Classed 40-1 26'2 27 7 22"3 (i-5
As might have been expected when it was
first proposed to hold an examination in
the Principles and Practice of Horticulture, the
examinees did not know what would be expected
of them, nor what sort of questions would be set
for them to answer, nor probably the limits
of their own knowledge ; consequently, we are
not very much surprised to find 40 per cent,
were not classed at all, as obtaining less than
one-third of the total number of marks obtain-
able (300). A larger number entered for the
first examination, than in any subsequent
year — probably from the reasons given above.
Another natural result was the very small
percentage of first-class students* (5\S) and the
* In this first examination there were two grades ; for
comparison, the numbers in the first, second, and third
classes are added together, respectively.
high one of the third, viz., 36'2, the pro-
portion therefore between these classes being
as 1 to 6.
It is probable, as before stated, that in the first
year many entered quite unprepared for the ex-
amination. This is seen in the large entry of
204, of which nearly one-quarter were rejected,
and it is illustrated by the following replies
which were recoived on that occasion : —
" Plants take the nourishment from the ground to
keep it alive. Aud it does keep on spreading about
as the plants do grow up and straight out."
" The wireworni is a worm that is about when it
does rain and eat a lot of things and destroy them
like the Blugs do."
t( The wireworms is one of the most dangerous
animals we have to plants ; if it should happen to
discover the plants they will destroy all."
" Plants take from the Eoil lime, magnesia, irOD,
phosphorus, potash, sulphur, which is the white part
of the ashes. It is taken up by the carbon of the air
igniting all these other chemicals together and taken
up as plant food."
In the second year (1894), the public having
had an opportunity of seeing the questions set
in the previous year, and the examinees them-
selves of being tested, a smaller number of
candidates presented themselves (126), and a
much smaller proportion were unclassed (26'2
per cent.). Moreover, the number of the first-
class students rose from 5'8 to 8'0, and that
of the second class from 17-6 to 29'3 ; the
proportion of first to third being now 1 to 5.
In the third year (189.5) a curious lapse took
place. Just as in 1893 there was a large supply
of mediocre talent, the total entry being again
large (169) ; so again, the results were repeated,
though in a less marked degree. Thus we find
a slight decrease in the first class, a still greater
one in the second, while the third class has
increased ; the proportion between the first and
third having returned to that of the first year,
or one to six. The amount unclassed is nearly
the same, however, as in 1894.
In 1896, we seem to start on somewhat fresh
lines. The " boom of mediocracy " of 1893 and
1895 is rapidly disappearing, and we now see a
decided turn of the scale for the better. Com-
paring the results of 1896 with those of 1895,
the first class shows marked increase, while the
third has decidedly diminished, the proportion
of these two classes being now as 1 to 3.
In the present year (1897), though the entry
(excepting that of the first year) is larger than
ever, yet the high standard begun in 1S96 has
not only been well sustained, but greatly
exceeded. The first-class has suddenly risen
from 10'5 to 48-3 per cent., while the third has
fallen from 32'3 to 152 per cent., the proportion
between]these two classes being actually reversed ,
or 3 to 1 ; for last year it was as 1 to 3. The
number of unclassed (6- 5 per cent.) is fast
approaching zero.
It is somewhat difficult to account for the
astonishing improvement in the present year.
Had the paper been particularly easy and
simple, of course, more questions would have
been answered well ; but they do not seem to
be of a different standard from those of previous
years. Hence, we must look to the students
themselves, and this is very encouraging.
Looking at the numbers unclassed (excepting
the year 1895), they have steadily declined from
40 to 65 per cent.
At the same time, it must be remembered that
a large proportion of the candidates had been
trained at Swanley or at Chelmsford, and whilst
the result is highly creditable to the tuition
given at those establishments, it slnws how
unfair is the competition to those who have not
had similar advantages. Making all due allow-
ance for these circumstances, the number of
first-class certificates given this year seems still
wonderfully large, and suggests some lowering
of the standard on the part of the examiners.
This is particularly shown in the fact that one
of the candidates is actually credited with the
full number of marks.
We have, of course, no knowledge of the
paper in question, but long experience in
examining, and a large acquaintance both with
examiners and examinees lead us to the belief
that no examination-paper on such a subject as
horticulture, could be so absolutely perfect as to
merit the full number of marks. Here, perhaps,
the "personal equation" comes in, and tho
standard set up by one examiner differs from
that adopted by another. In any case, a few
marks more or fewer does not affect the general
result, which is highly satisfactory.
The entry dropped to 126 in 1S94 ; but the
increase now appears to be steadily progressing,
accompanied, however, by vastly improved
results. These comparisons give one the im-
pression that the examination is valued, and
that young men and women are determined to
get as well placed as they possibly can.
Perhaps a few more prizes, if any one will
generously offer them — say, for the head student
of each class — might be further encouraging,
and very acceptable.
It is suggested in some quarters that the
examination should be made more practical,
and that the technical details of manipula-
tion should be assessed as well as the
knowledge which can be obtained from books
or lectures. Prom this joint of view the fol-
lowing considerations present themselves : —
First, the examination is intended for students
and beginners, not for experts. Long practice
alone can make an expert. All that an exami-
nation under the present system can do is to test
the intelligence of the candidate, and ascertain
how he has been trained in the acquirement of
that knowledge which will be of service to
him in his future career as a gardener.
And then, again, the training that a young
man gets at a horticultural school is distinctly
practical. If it were not so, Swanley and
Chelmsford students would not take so high a
place in the class-lists as they do. Well
grounded as we must assume these students
to be, and famihaiised with practical detail
as much as possible, it is still clear that ex-
perience alone can make them good gardeners.
Trained as they have been, they should acquire
that experience much more quickly and easily
than if they had not had the advantage of
acquiring useful knowledge. It remains now
for the candidates to apply and make use of the
knowledge they have gained. If they are incap-
able of doing this, their tuition ha9 been vain, and
they will never rise beyond the rank-and-file. But
if to the education they have had, they now add
the lessons of practical gardening in properly-
equipped garden establishments, they should
be capable not only of securing their own
advancement, but of doing their share in the
promotion of horticulture in general. Of
course, very much depends on the character of
the individual, and we do not know of any
mere examination, whether of student or of
expert, that would be of any use as a test of
character. Having given the lad the best and
most complete training that is possible, it must
rest mainly with the individual as to what use
he will make of it.
SuPPLCMENT TO THE "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE." AuGUST 7, 1897.
Fig. 25. — a Guorp of foliage and flowering plants, with pool and water-lilies.
(Arranged in the Queen's Tent on the occasion of a recent visit of Members of the House of Commons to Windsor. See p. 89.)
Augcst 7, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
80
'TGROUP IN THE QUEEN'S TENT, WINDSOR, IN
JULY. — Our supplementary illustration affords an
idea of a Dovel kind of group erected by Mr. Owen
Thomas in the Queen's tent on the occasion of the
visit of the members of the House of Commons to
Windsor in July. The pool and fountain with
Water Lilies in flower, and other aquatics, was a
happy thought of the Royal gardener, suggestive of
coolness, and the predominance of foliige over
flowering plants in the surrounding group gave
additional force to this idea.
Royal Horticultural Society.— The next
meeting of the Fruit and Floral Committees of the
Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday,
August 10, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria
Street, Westminster, from 1 to 5 p.m. A Lecture on
"Cross Fertilisation of Florists' Flowers" will be
given by Mr. James Douglas, at 3 o'clock.
"Botanical Magazine."— In the August num-
ber of this ever-valuable periodical, edited by Sir
Joseph Hooker, the following plants are figured and
described : —
Lycoris squamigera, t. 7547, differs from Amaryllis
in its black seodcoat. It is a bulbous plant, native of
Japan, and much resembles A. Belladonna. It is
grown at Kew in an open border against the south
wall of a Btove. (See Gardeners' Chronicle, 1897, i,
p. 137, fig. 38.)
Gasteria fasco-punctata, t. 7548 (the text accom-
panying this plate is by error marked 7549. — We
follow the numbering of the plate rather than of the
text). Gasteria fusco. punctata is a handsome species
•with broadly lanceolate fleshy leaves, glaucou3-green
spotted with brown, and erect branching panicles of
pink flowers.
Bend rob i am denudans, t. 7549 (by accident the
text is iodicated as 7548). — A native of the temperate
Himalayas. It has small, slender pseudo-bulbs,
deciduous linear oblong leaves, and axillary nodding
racemes of whitish flowers ; the front lobe of the lip
is 3-lobulate, the margins coarsely toothed.
Ficus erecta var. Sieboldi, t. 7550. — Dr. King
describes this species as excessively variable; the form
here figured is of Japanese origin, and has relatively
shortly stalked, linear lanceolate entire leaves, with an
occasional tendency to lobatiou ; fruits club shaped,
orange.
Cynorchis pttrpurascens, Lindley, t. 7551. — A
tuberous Orchid from the Mascareue Islands : the
leaves are solitary lanceolate ; the flowers, one or two
in number, are borne at the end of a long slender
erect stalk. Each flower is about 1J inch in its
longest diameter, sepals and petals small, lip project-
ing, conspicuous, three-lobed, rosy-lilac in colour, and
provided at the base with a long spur. Sir Joseph
Hooker points out its close resemblance to
Habenaria.
Royal Botanic Society.— At the annual
meeting to be held iu the Gardens, Regent's Park,
on Tuesday, August 10, Mr. J. S. Rubinstein will,
pursuant to notice, bring forward motions recom-
mending the Council (</) to establish classes in the
gardens for the study of botany, to be open to all
students ; (b) to invite the Royal Horticultural
Society to confer as to the feasibility of effecting a
union of the two societies ; (c) to increase the facili-
ties for the holding of exhibitions, garden-parties, or
receptions in the Gardens by local authorities and by
leading societies and institutions. The meeting will
be held in the Gardens at 1 p.m.
The Temperate-house at Kew. — The new
wing of this house was opened on Sunday last. It is
114 feet in length and 03 feet wide, according to the
measurements given in the Journal of Horticulture.
We shall take an early opportunity of adverting to
this important but long-delayed addition to the Royal
Gardens.
Rating of Glasshouses in Nurseries.— We
regret to have to call attention to the Rating Ca?e
Teported in our Law Notes. Hitherto gardeners
have relied on the Worthing Case as their charter in
such matters, but we must now await the result of
the Appeal before we can know what the law really
is. The judges seem as much perplexed as other
people for the two learned brothers came to opposite
conclusions in their interpretation of the Act of Par-
liament. These delays, and still more these un-
certainties, inflict cruel injustice on the cultivators.
The Market Gardeners', Nurserymens', and Farmers'
Association has charge of the interests of the market
gardeners in this particular case.
The History of the Sweet Pea.— In the
Florists' Exchange for July 17, Mr. S. B. Dicks con-
tributes an article on this subject, with illustrations
copied from some of the older books. Mr. Dicks
traces the Sweet Pea to John Bauhin's Historia,
1650. The plant itself is a native of Sicily, but one
form of it was considered to have come from Ceylon,
and was accordingly called by Burmann Lathyrus
zeylanicus. The word " nobis," which has misled
Mr. Dicks, of course applies to Burmann himself !
How the mistake arose of considering the Sweet Pea
as a native of Ceylon, we cannot tell. For those
with leisure it would, no doubt, form an interesting
subject of enquiry. It is certain that neither Baker,
in Hooker's Flora of British India, nor Trimen in
Handbook to the Flora of Ceylon, admits the plant as
a native of the island, though it is likely enough to
have been taken there.
The Giant Primrose.— Under the name of
" Evelyn Arkwright," this form of the wild Primrose,
remarkable for the size of its blofsoms, which
measure from 2| to 2} iuches in diameter, is being
distributed. Application should bo made to Mr.
Parr, Estate Office, Hampto n Court, Leominster,
Herefordshire.
The Yorkshire College, Leeds. —Dr.
James Clark, who has been successfully engaged for
the past six years in University extension work in
agriculture and horticulture, was in March last
offered and accepted the Profe ssorship of Agriculture
in the Yorkshire College, and the Directorship of the
Agricultural department. It is the intention of Pro-
fessor Clark to introduce regul ar horticulture into the
college curriculum. Below is a prospectus of a short
preliminary course on fruit culture which has just
been completed : —
Syllabus or Lectures. — The tree and its requirements,
including food, moisture, air, light, and heat. General
effects produced by excess or deficiency of these necessary
conditions of growth. Uses of the different parts of the tree,
with a review of the way in which each part performs its
work in relation to the rest. The relations between roots
and soil
The growth of the tree. Leaf-buds and flower-buds.
Development of the branches. The ripening of the wood.
The flower and its parts. Fertilisation. The growth of
the fruit.
Preparation of different classes of soil for fruit culture.
Precautions against unfavourable conditions. Selection and
planting of fruit-trees. Choice of position. Peculiarities of
the different stocks in common use. General characteristics
and treatment of Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Goose-
berries, Currants, Raspberries, Strawberries, Vines, and
Peaches. Choice of varieties to suit local conditions.
Principles of pruning, branch and root. Training of
fruit-trees. Propagation of fruit-trees.
Principles of manuring. Characteristic, properties, and
uses of farm-yard manure, and of the artificial manures most
serviceable in fruit culture. The mixing of manures.
Diseases and insect-pests ; precautions, modes of preven-
tion, and remed es.
The gathering, storing, grading, and marketing of fruit.
The Cherry CROP.— The Sussex Daily News of
July 31 siys, that Cherry-pickiDg is practically
finished in Kent. The crop has been a great failure,
the yield being so scanty on many trees that the fruit
was not gathered at all, as the labour entailed would
have exceeded the value of the Cherries. The
prospects are fairly good as regards Plums and Apples,
except superior kinds, which will be scarce. Har-
vesting has commenced in the Amberley district. The
crops are heavy, and already a good deal of Wheat
has been cocked.
Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith. — A
new portion of the park faci ng th high-road, and
which three yea^s ago was covered with Nettles,
has been converted by Mr. W. B. Gingell. the
Superintendent, into a delightful garden, containing
several very noticeable happy combinations in the
borders ; as, for instance, Corylus avellana purpurea
(the Purple-nut), and Acer Negundo variegatum ;
Prunus Pissardi, purple-leaved Plum, mingled with
that capital town-plant, the Golden-leaved Privet. A
bed filled with Pentstemons of the new type attract .
much attention from visitors. One of the very best
of the yellow-flowered bedding Violas — Bullion — i<
effectively used as a ground-work- plant beneath
Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria. A scroll,
formerly devoted to carpet-bedding is now planted
with tuberous P>egonias, which are flowering with
remarkable freedom Fuchsias are effectively used
in the various portions of the park set apjrt for
flower-gardening purposes.
Isle of Wight Horticultural Shows.—
During the last week in July there were four cottage
garden shows in the rural parts of the garden Isle : —
Brighstone on July 27, where there was an excellent
show of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and plants. This
pict uresque and fertile district is capable and docs
produce some fine horticultural productions. The
inhabitants are greatly encouraged in this work by
Sir Chas. Seely, Lady Mary Gordon, Rev. G. E.
Jeans, and the Rev. L. B. MorriB, not only by pecu-
niary aid, but by staging exhibits of a high quality
not for competition, but as a standard for the cot-
tagers to aim at. Arreton show was held on July 28,
when the exhibits were not so numerous as in former
years, but a great advancement iu the standard of
excellence was made. Carisbrooke and Northwood
shows were held on July 29. The competition was
keen at both shows. The table decorations at Caris-
brooke were well done, and reflected great credit on
many of the exhibitors for their taste. The Isle
of Wight Horticultural Improvement Assojiatiou
awarded their Certificate for Cultural Merit to Mr.
A. Went of Brighstone, Mr. Geo. Lipscombe of
Arreton, Mr. W. Matthews of Carisbrooke, and to Mr.
A. J. Philpot of Northwood.
New Gooseberries.— Do not think, gentle
reader, that Messrs. Veiich or their expert hybridiser,
Mr. Seden, confine themselves to the raising and
rearing of extraordinary Orchid hybrids. No ; they
are not above improving the humble Gooseberry, and
two specimens before us show that they are quite
equal to the production of extraordinary Gooseberries
— appropriate to the season. " Langley Gage " is one
with fruits rather more than 1 inch in long diameter,
oblong, yellow, slightly hairy, and with a sweet flavour,
agreeably mixed with a suspicion of acid. Langley
Beauty is more fitted for the exhibition-table, having
large oblong or roundish yellow berries, lj inch iu
length, slightly hairy, and with an agreeable flavour.
We cannot say anything as to their habit and pro-
ductiveness, but the fruits are first class.
ROBINSONELLA. — Under this name, Messrs. Rose
and E. G. Baker describe some arborescent mal
vaceous plants, which are representatives of a new
genus. R. cordata, R. divergens, and R. Lindeniana
are natives of Mexico (Oaxaca), Costa Rica, and Vera
Cruz respectively. The plants are figured and
described in the number of the Garden and Forest for
June 23, 1897.
New Varieties of Bedding Violas.— We
have lately received from Mr. J. Grieve, of Iledbraes
Nursery, Broughton Road, Edinburgh, two varieties
of bedding Viola, so good in colour that they are
worthy of special notice. One, named Joseph, is of a
purplish-brown, the sender calls it bronzy-brown, of
a rich shade, admirable as a filling for small beds, or a
band of colour round some yellow coloured flower,
say a Pansy, Gazania uniflora, Haage's dwarf Zinnia,
or a dwarf Calceolaria. The other variety, Lady
McDonald, has yellow blossoms rayed slightly with
purple, but not sufficient to spoil the effect of the
yellow colour when viewed at the distance of four
feet. It is said to possess a good habit, and to be
very free flowering. In all the cooler parts of this
country, and of course almost anywhere in Scotland,
Violas are capital spring and summer flowers. On
the cool, moist, green sand and chalk formations,
where these approach the surface, and on heavy
90
THE GAB BE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
[AuGrsi 7, 1897.
loams and clay soils, Violas grow and flower well
through the summer ; but on dry soils and in dry
districts and situations, unless much heavy loam
and rich manure be incorporated with the staple, the
results are apt to be disappointing after May is out.
Edinburgh School of Rural Economy.—
The Prospectus of the Edinburgh School of Rural
Economy for the Session 1897-98 has now been
issued. The courses of instruction arranged for this
Session are similar to those of last year. Their main
features are : — 1. A Two Years' Curriculum of Day
Classes in Agriculture and allied Sciences ; 2. A
Course of Day Lectures on Forestry in the Uni-
versity ; 3. An extensive series of Evening Classes on
Agriculture and allied sciences, embracing Horticul-
ture and Forestry ; and 4. The usual Summer
Vacation Classes for Schoolmasters, which have been
well attended. The work of the first session, em-
bracing mensuration, mechanics, elementary physics
and chemistry, botany, book-keeping, drawing and
handicraft, practically completes the preliminary
education of the student, and gives him an adequate
knowledge of the elements of the sciences that have
a direct bearing on agriculture. At the same time,
his interest in the practical aspect of his work is
maintained by such class exercises as those in measur-
ing buildings and fields, in making drawings of these
to scale, in woodwork, and in the application of
physics in agriculture. The subjects of study in the
second session are agriculture, agricultural chemistry,
botany, zoology, and entomology ; veterinary science,
and forestry. The complete course thus aims at
fitting a young man to enter with intelligence into his
work as a farmer, a gardener, or a forester. It should
enable him to understand the greater part of the
work that he will see in practice, and to study for
himself any special subject that he may afterwards
find to be of importance to him. A student who has
satisfactorily completed the two years' course of
study, and who has had the required experience of
practical work on the farm or in the forest, should
find himself sufficiently prepared for the examination
for the diploma of the Highland and Agricultural
Society. Numerous and varied evening classes are
provided for those who are otherwise engaged during
the day. A specially moderate scale of fees has been
arranged. This will be indicated by the fact that the
inclusive fee for the first year's entire course in agri-
culture is five guineas. Copies of the Syllabus
are to be had from the Secretary, 3, George IV. Bridge,
Edinburgh.
■Paying Pleasures of Country Life"
(George Routledse, London, Manchester, and New
York), a volume treating of the profitable cultivation
of vegetables, by H. W. Ward ; of fruit growing, by
Harrison Weir ; poultry keeping, by W. E. Teget-
meieu ; poultry rearing and fattening, by R. L.
Everett ; pigs, by Sanders Spencer ; flower culture
and bees, by R. Beale ; and rabbit-warrens for profit,
by Major Morant. This list of the subjects dealt
with, and the names of the authorities, will show our
readers what to expect ; reliable information by
competent writers. Of course, where so many
"pleasures" are under consideration, it has been
found impossible to deal with any at great length, so
that the chief use of the book should be to suggest
profitable employments, giving such hints about them
as will show the reader whether or not they are suit-
able to himself ; what are the principal features cf
them, and so on. All these out-door occupations are,
as the book tells us, more or less dependent upon our
variable climate, upon which, however, too much
stress may be laid, with the result that foreign com-
petition takes from us much of the trade which our
small growers allow to slip from their own hands.
Rabbit-warrens for profit are suggested as an industry
upon poor and barren land. The warren bas to be
surrounded with wire-fencing kept in good repair to
prevent the escape of the immates, and will then, it is
calculated, yield a large and rapid return for the
small amount of attention afterwards required. The
plan is certainly worth trying ; indeed, so are the
other minor farming industries mentioned in this
practical and suggestive little book.
Fertilisers and Feeding-stuffs Act, 1893.
— The Board of Agriculture consider it desirable to
give publicity to the provisions of the Fertilisers and
Feeding-stuffs Act, which came into force on and
after January 1, 1894. The provisions of the Act,
which applies to wholesale as well as retail sales, may
be classified as follows: — (1.) Provisions relating to
the warranty to be implied on the sale of a fertiliser
or feeding-stuff; (2.) Provisions relating to taking
samples and obtaining aualyses ; and (3.) Provisions
relating to offences, penalties, and legal proceedings.
Provisions rclatiii?/ to the Warranty to be implied
on the Sale of a Fertiliser, or Feeding-stuff. — Every
person who sells a fertiliser (i.e., any article sold as a
fertiliser of the soil ) which has been manufactured or
subjected to any artificial process in the United
Kingdom, or imported from abroad, is required to
give to the purchaser an invoice stating the name of
the fertiliser, and whether it is artificially compounded
or not, and what is, at least, the percentage of the nitro-
gen, phosphates soluble and insol nble (i. e. , in water), and
potash, if any, contained in the fertiliser, and this
invoice is to have effect as a warranty by the seller of
the statements contained therein. This provision
does not apply to a sale where the whole amount
sold at the same time weighs less than half a
hundredweight. The fuller details are comprised
in a leaflet, to be had, free of charge, from the
Secretary of the Board of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall
Place, S.W.
LILIUAl LONGIFLOEDI
VAE. HAERISII.
Somehow or other a Japanese variety of Lily found
its way to Bermuda, where it speedily made itself
so much at home that it now constitutes an impor-
tant article of trade with the United States and else-
where. Our illustration (fig. 26, p. 91) shows how
well Mr. Wadds, of Cliveden, manages this supeib
Lily. It is of the greatest value for decorative pur-
poses, or for cutting, and will even bear a slight
amount of forcing. We suspect the Lilies repre-
sented in our illustration were started in some other
house, and transferred later on to the house in
which they are shown.
Home Correspondence.
royal gardeners* orphan fund. — The
interest of gardeners aud all friends of the horticul-
tural fraternity should be stimulated to fresh exertions
on behalf of this most useful and economically-
managei charity, by the good work that is being
done. Orphans who were elected in 1887 and suc-
ceeding years ate now, after having received the
benefits of the Fund until the age of fourteen, being
assisted iu various ways to make a start in life : and
as the number of applications for such help under
Rule 13 is likely to increase, I would urge gardeners
and others to consider how desirable it is that the
Fund should be so strengthened as to allow of every
proper case being dealt with satisfactorily. II7. Roupell,
StreaOiam Bill, S. W.
POTATOS FOR EXHIBITION. — A much-desired
point in Potatns for the exhibition-table is shapeli-
ness and freedom from warts or knobs. This is
attained by growing Potatos for show purposes in
prepared soil. Last week I saw some tubers dug in
Colonel Halford Thompson's garden at Eastchffe,
Teignmouth, which had been grown in Jadoo-fibre.
When the seta were planted, a thin layer of the fibre
was placed in the drill under the set, about 2 or
3 inchea of Jadoo over and around it, and then it was
covered with earth in the usual manner. The varieties
thu8 grown were Boston Q.Q., The Dean, The Gentle-
man. Windsor Castle, London Hero, Veitch's Prize-
taker, and Victorious. The heaviest crop lifted was
Boston Q.Q., which yielded 5 lb. 2 oz. per plant, or
. an average of 25 tons per acre ; The Gentleman,
Prizetaker, and The Dean coming next in point of
yield. There was absolutely no disease, and all
the tubers came out clean and handaome in
thane for their reepective kinds. The ground in
which the Potatos were grown is a continuation of a
railway embankment, the soil inert and poor, and no
manure was used. The net result of the experiment
was to show that, as a medium for growing Potatos
in for the exhibition-table. Jadoo has many advan-
tages over prepare:! soil which is costly and trouble-
some iu the making. The crop in each case was
heavy, being in the proportion of 22 to 25 tons per
acre of marketable tubers. A . H.
THE FROST ON JULY 7 AND 8.— I do not
doubt Mr. Kitley's statements respecting the low
reading of the thermometer on the grass on July 7
and S (see Gardeners Chronicle, p. 74), as in the park
at this place the grass was quite white and crisp this
morning wilh hoar-frost : aud in one of the lodge
gardens only \\ mile distant, the Scarlet Runners,
Vegetable Marrows, and Potatos were cut down to
the ground, and quite blackened by frost, aud
numbers of persons have been to see them. Although
I had nothing killed, the gardens at Basing being on
a hill, it was not difficult to remark the ill-effects of
cold on all kinds of tender plants. William Srnytkc,
Basing Pari; Gardens, Alton, Hants, Auejust 2.
STRAWBERRY EARLY GIANT. — The above ia well-
named, being early, and very large, but it is not of a
Cockscomb shape, but rather like Sir Joseph Paxton,
and it has very solid flesh, and a fine colour. I called
recently on Mr. Russell of Hafield, Mytchett, Farn-
borough, and was much pleased with the appearance
of the habit aud foliage of the plant, which was
remarkably vigorous and healthy ; whilst by its side
a bed of Roytil Sovereign was suffering badly from
mildew. The Giant will doubtless become like the
giants of the story-books — a killer. It was raised
from Sir J. Paxton and La Grosse Sucree. Edw.
Burnett, Farnborough, Hants. [In a circular issued
by Mr. Russell, we read that fruits of this variety-
have been obtained from potted plants weighing
3 oz. each. It is an early variety. Nothing is said
about flavour. Ed.]
PRIZES BY POINTS.— In a recent report of tho
Trentharu Flower Show, it was mentioned that the
competition in the decorated ilinner-table class was
so even, " there waa little difference between the first
three." Probably that distinction was covered by a
few points only, yet it is possible that the prizes
might have been so diverse in value as £20, £15, and
£10. The only place, so far as my knowledge goes,
where any tangible effort has been made to bring
about some equality between the actual merit of the
exhibit and the priz°, ia at Carshalton, where on the
August Bank Holiday, the fine local flower show is
always held ; and where for several years through the
liberality of Mr. A. H. Smee, who gives £5 for the
purpose iu six prizes, a class for nine kinds of vegeta-
bles, has the prizes awarded on the relative value
basis. The whole of the collections staged are
pointed on the same scale as that of the Surrey
County Council. This year there were eight collec-
tions entered. The six awarded the prizes were
pointed thus : 59 marks, cash 19s. 6d. ; 56, ISs. 6d. ;
5U, 17s. 2d. : 48K 16s. 2d. ; 46J, 15s. 5rf, ; and 39,
12s. Mil. This competition is, all the same, one of
the best conte-ted in the show, and the awards always
create great interest. The pointing showed rather
higher excellence than last year, and was a trifle
below the points of two years ago. The first collec-
tion came from Mr. J. H. Stevens, gr. to E. G. Coles,
Esq., of Carshalton, and comprised Cauliflowers,
Cabbages, Snowdrop Potatos, Autocrat Peas, Long
White Marrows, Model Turnips, Early Gem Carrot,
Czar Runner Beans, and Excelsior Onions. A splendid
sample of Carter's Seedling Pea was in one of the
collections. .4. D.
PEACH-STONES SPLITTING.— In the " Answers to
Correspondents," p. 44, July 17, I read that the cause
of the above is not known with certainty, and that it
is one of those matters of importance to gardeners
which should form a subject for investigation in a
research garden. Just so ; and I should like to add
to the Editor's remarks that if the real cause and a
sure preventative could be found apart from grubbing
out the tree altogether, the person who discovers it,
and will enlighten the professional gardener should
be awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour on the first
vacancy occurring. When at Mereworth Castle I had
one tree, a Bellegarde Peach, which every year caused
more or less annoyance in this way, and although every
precaution waa taken, it never improved, but yearly
had about two dozen of the very best fruits with aplife
atones. The tree grew freely, made splendid wood,
flowered and set plenty of fruit, and with regard to-
Bize plenty of them weighed 12 ozs. each, and the
largest 14 ozs., and the colour aud flavour of the fruits
were alike excellent. It was eventually grubbed up
and replaced with a Nectarine. Another tree of the
same variety, and which was treated similarly, never
had any split stones except one or two, and these
August 7, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
91
were usually produced on weak spindly wood, a
somewhat common occurrence with most trees. I
was more than satisfied that it was not from lack of
water, severe disbudding, or over-cropping, neither
was the forcing too hard ; but it seemed to be in
the constitution of the tree, seeing that from the very
first the evil was present and never was absent.
H. Markham, Northdown, Margate.
^8 EARLY-FLOWERING CACTUS-DAHLIA.— For soma
years past it has struck me that a race of Dahlias that
would flower somewhat earlier would be most accept-
ablet and this has been made very evident to me by
true Cactus Dahlias ever seen ; and to enable you
also to judge on this point, I enclose herewith a
bloom of each of the two varieties mentioned above.
John Green, F.R.H.S. [Very nice blooms of the
hybrid Cactus Dahlia. Ed.]
THE DISEASES OF PLANTS.— Would it be pos-
sible to obtain from a wide circle of Gard. Chron.
readers, somewhat on the basis of the Fruit Report,
some exact evidence of the prevalence or otherwise of
plant pests or diseases ? I may be singular in
opinion, but I do think that these troubles are
far fewer relatively than is usually assumed, and
more efficacious than is attempted cure. But it
would all the same be very interesting to learn from
reliable sources what are the chief plant diseases or
pests in each district, not trifling ones that ordinary
culture or treatmtnt can overcome, but enduring
ones, such as are of the epidemic order and not
easily overcome. Of this class I regard the Potato-
fungus ; the Hollyhock - fungus, which still holds
sway over these garden flowers, is another, and
yet we see beautiful double and single Holly-
hocks everywhere. Then there is Brassica club,
much in evidence in places this year, yet gene-
rally regarded as a product of the season more
Fig. '26. — a houseful of lilium longiflorum var. hakrisii, in the gardens of hon.
(SEE P. 90.)
W. ASTOR, CLIVEDEN, LUCKS.
the many letters I annually receive from my cus-
tomers living north, who are constantly asking me to
send such as will flower early, as their season is so
short, the frosts often cutting them off before a bloom
has been cut. In raising new varieties, I have, there-
fore, kept this point in view, and, I am very glad to
say, with great success, as will be proved by the
fact that I was awarded two First-class Certificates
for two of my new varieties— viz., Indian Prince and
Green's Victory — at the National Rose Society, held
at Norwich on July 15. I believe this is a record for
a Certificate to any Dahlia at so early a date. In
getting them to bloom thus early, nothing has been
lost as to quality, for the two above were considered
by all who saw them as the very best examples of the
were real honest estimates furnished I think it would
be found that my opinion is generally borne out.
It is no doubt a good thing to manufacture diseases
out of small manifestations, and to excite alarms
through trifling causes. Just as we live in an age
of medicinal quackery, so do we exist in an age of
vegetable nostrums ; almost everybody having one,
and seeking to find money in it. To elevate these
nostrums in the esteem of horticulturists has no
doubt proved to be a profitable speculation. Yet
every practical gardener knows that plant diseases
and pe=ts arise more from defective culture
and from improper treatment than from other
cause?. The best cultivators are least affected by
th»se troubles, and prevention is far cheaper and
than of some enduring trouble. There is the
Onion-maggot, two years ago working great havoc
amongst Onions as also did the Onion - fungus,
yet this year Onions never were finer, cleaner, or
better everywhere. There is the Parsnip and
Celery-maggot, so far scarcely seen anywhere in all
my travels ; and as for Tomato diseases and pests,
they are extremely local, usually through very bad
culture — and those suffering do not forget to very
loudly complain. Peach-blister is a disease generated
by cold, but no one has for it yet found a cure or
probably ever will, except by enclosing the trees with
glass, and thus excluding the cold air. Phylloxera
and Potato - bug are scarce. Vine - mildew is a
preventable complaint ; so too is shanking. They
92
THE GAR DE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
[August 7, 1897.
never trouble good cultivators ; and as to Thrips and
red-spider, everybody knows how they are generated
and how got rid of. After all. when these thousand-
and-one plant diseases are overhauled do they not
resemble the famous 300 cats in grandmother's garden
that soon were whittled down to three. Have we not
made far too much of the vegetable trouble3 ! we have
really elevated them from molehills into mountains ;
and when they come and are fairly faced, do they not
soon become ephemeral and ghosts ? Of course, some
angible troubles remain. Well, what are they
beyond those mentioned? It is worth finding out.
Do not let us forget, for instance, that caterpillars
and blights come, and they disappear, but fruit
culture goes on for ever. A. D.
APPLICATION OF MANURE.— There is much
injudicious application of manure to plants, especially
the finer kinds of artificial manures, many cultivators
being extremely anxious to obtain the best results.
But by over-dosing their plants, they defeat the object
in view, and often do grievous harm. I have seen
far more of this kind of over-manuring than is
pleasant ; and I met with a case in point lately,
in a gentleman's garden. He is fond of gardening,
and was much disheartened by the ruin of his
Vines. He has had plenty of well-finished Grapes for
many years past ; but, having parted with hiB gar-
dener, and engaged another, he expected great things
from him, and the first exhibition of his talents was
the destruction of the Vines (such was the con-
clusion I came to when I learned that he had afforded
liberal applications of a first-rate, but very potent
manure, to the border). On examining the soil, all the
uppermo8troots were seen tobedead. Anothergardener
was put in charge, but no improvement resulted. The
remedy I advised this season was to remove the
surface-soil down to the living roots, and carefully
pack good turfy loam among them, making sure that
the old soil and decaying roots were cleared out. If
there is no improvement, a new border and Vines will
then be the only satisfactory remedy. Most of the
large manufacturers of manures send with the orders
instructions as to the quantity of the manure which
can be safely used. I could fill columns with cases
of plants destroyed by manures, but with liquid-
manure from the farm-yard, as well as surface-
dressings of animal-manure, there is not this danger.
M. T., Carton, N.B.
WINTER TOMATOS. — In reference to my note on
Tomatos, page 372 of the Hardeners' Chronicle for
June 5, Mes'rs. John Sharpe & Son, Bardney,
Lincoln, write me that the Tomato seed I received
from a neighbour under the name of Sharpe's Plen-
tiful, was correctly named, as the seed in the first
instance was obtained from them direct, and is a cross
between Sutton's Perfection and Glenhurst Favourite.
I can only add, that it is one of the best varieties that
I have grown for setting and bringing to maturity a
good crop of fruit during the winter and spring.
George Woodgate, Rolleslon Hall Gardens, Burtonon-
Trent.
SOCIETIES.
- ■ ■♦
SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL
ASSOCIATION.
July 19.— A meeting was held on the above date at the
Society's Rooms, St. Andrew Square. Mr. Todd, the
originator of this special meeting, presiding. There was a
good attendance of the members, over 00 being present ; and
a capital muster of Strawberries, some 25 varieties shown,
and there would have been a great many more, as the letters
from growers in sympathy with the object of the meeting
testified, but for the fact that in the Bouth the Strawberry
crop was virtually over, and the northern one scarcely
ready.
The chief exhibitors were Mr. Dunn, of Dalkeith ; Mr.
Smith, Oxenford Cistle, Midlothian; Mr. Temple, Carron
House, Stirling ; Mr. Kirk, Norwood, Alloa; Mr. Gorrie,
Mauldstie Castle, Carluke, Lanarkshire ; Mr. McKenzie of
the Grove, Trinity ; Mr. James Grieve of Redbraes Nursery ;
and Mr. Carmichael, of Pitt Street, Edinburgh. Mr. Dunn
and Mr. McKenzie were the largest exhibitors ; the first
showing Alpines, Bothwell B-nk, British Queen, Dr. Morere,
Garibaldi, Helen Gloede, James Veitch, John Ruskin,
President, Scarlet Queen, Ac.
The Grove lot had goad examples of Royal Sovereign,
John Ruskin, Garibaldi, Competitor, Scarlet Queen, Water
loo, British Queen, G inton Park, Lord Sum eld. In the
Oxenford lot were fine examples of Duke of Edinburgh,
Royal Sovereign. Dr. Hogg, Elton Tine, and Garibaldi, the
latter being well done by Mr. Smith, outside and under
glass. Mr. Temple sent perfect examples of President and
Royal Sovereisn. Mr. Kirk sent John Ruskin and Royal
Sovereign. Mr. Gorrie sent President and Sir Joseph
Paxton.
Mr. James Grieve of the Redbraes, Bothwell Park, had a
very promising new Strawberry, of which he h ilds the entire
stock. It is something in the way of President and W. E.
Gladstone. Mr. Carmichael's seedlings being mostly
crosses from Waterloo were not sufficiently ripe to show
excepting Richard Gilbert, a very promising Strawberry of
exc.llent flavour and firm flesh, in the way of Royal
Sovereigu. Thomas Carlyle was again shown in trusses of
exceeding fertility.
The President after congratulating Mr. Dinn in the name
of the Association on his receiving the Jubilee Medal of
Honour of the Royal Horticultural Society, called upon him
to open the discussion on Strawberries. Mr. Dunn did so in
his usual practical manner, and was followed by Mr. James
Grieve, Mr. Temple, Mr. D. T. Fi»h, Mr. Carmichael,
Mr. McKenzie, Methyen <fc Sons, and others. The
tables were bemtifully decorated by the President; the
chief features being a tall, large vase of the old General
Jacqueminot Rose with long stalks and fine foliage, sprayed
with Maidenhair Fern. Several other vases were furnished
with Iceland Poppies, starred with the elegant and graceful
Gypsophila, standing well out beyond the Poppies. Messrs.
Croll of Dundee, Messrs. Dickson of Belfast, Ireland, and
Mr. Comfort, near Edinburgh, staged such exquisite Roses
as to make one regret the more that no Scotch Roses were
sufficiently advanced to compete with southern flowers at
the Palace on July 2nd. Messrs. Cocker of Aberdeen would
also have shown, but it was a general holiday on the Monday.
Mr. Eckford sent some superb stands of select Peas from
Wem, Shropshire; two rosy Pinks were specially beautiful.
Lady May Currie, and Lady Muriel Hamilton, Blanche
Burpee, white, and Queen Victoria, creamy white.
Mr. Scarlet, market gardener, Sevenoaks, had a very
useful exhibit of some six varieties of early Peas, grown
without stakes, and pulled up complete and exhibited on a
wall with leaves, flowers, and crop entire. They were all fit
for use ; Ameer and Duke of York being obviously the best
for quality and produce. Time of sowing :— Feb. 0, Early
Bountiful ; Feb. II, William Hurst and Chelsea Gem ; Feb.
10, Duke of York ; Feb. 25, Ameer. Date of showing, July
IS. A useful exhibit.
ACTON HORTICULTURAL.
July 2S.— The thirtieth annual exhibition of this Society
was held in the Acton Recreation Grounds (a most suitable
spot) on the above date. The show, though a small one,
contained many good exhibits. A lamentable feature was
the paucity of exhibits in the gardeners' classes. True, many
of the places which once had large gardens attached, have
been devoured by the rapacious builder, but we hear that a
good many local residents who have gardens, declined for
some unaccountable reason to allow their gardeners to
exhibit at this show. What is really urgently wanted is the
immediate amalgamation of the Ealiug and Acton Horticul-
tural Societies, a really good annual show might then be
secured. There is not room in such a comparatively small
district for two societies, one subscription should cover both.
As it is, the forces are divided, prejudices and jealousies
creep in ; weakness, as a natural consequence, fo lo srs, and
what is of most importance in these utilitarian days, the
exchequer inevitably sutlers in the matter of the all-impor-
tant annual subscriptions. The non-competitive element
was well represented. Specially worthy of mention
were the following: Mr. G. Reynolds, gr. to the Messrs.
de Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park, sent a prettily- arranged
group of Lilies, Orchids and Ferns : whilst a lx>wl of splendid
Water-Lilies was sent by Mr. J. Hudson, gr. to Leopold de
Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury House; Mr. W. J. Simpson,
gr. to C. T. Sutton, Esq., The Beeches, East Actun, had an
effective group of Dipladenias and foliage plants. Messrs.
Charlfs Lee «fc Son, Hammersmith, sent from their Ealing
Nurseries, magnificent cut Roses in the leading varieties;
and Mr. F. Chandler had foliage and flowering plants. Good
Grapes came from Mr. Simpson; and Tomatos from Frier's
Place Nursery.
BECKENHAM HORTICULTURAL.
July 2S. — A very pretty representative exhibition was
held on the abovedate in the spacious recreation grounds, the
subjects were nicely arranged, and the whole carried out with
great spirit. In the principal tent groups arranged for effect
were a leading feature and Mr. M. Webster, gr. to E. J.
Preston. Esq , Kelsey Hall, is to be congratulated not only
on winning the 1st prize with an arrangement of foliage and
flowering plants, which would do credit to any exhibition,
but also upon being awarded for the same the Silver-gilt
Medal of ihe Royal Horticultural Society for high culture.
All the groups were good, but overcrowding characterised
some of them. Among the specimen flowering plants was
an unusually fine example of Plumbago capensis grandly
bloomed ; and among foliage plants a large specimen of
Anthurium Warocqueanum. Some good examples of Ferns
were staged, and some small but admirably-grown mosses ;
Fuchsias finely grown and bloomed; excellent Aehimenes,
and fairly good Gloxinias for the late period of the year were
the leading flowering subjects. Amateurs and cottagers
staged good plants also.
Of cut flowers there was a limited display. Mr. Win.
Taylor, Hampton, had some good Roses ; Cactus Dahlias were
creditable for the early season ; and sprays of Violas were very
pretty. The amateurs made a brave display with cut
flowers.
Fruit was limited in quantity, hardy sorts were the best,
one or two early Plums and late Cherries were good ; busb
fruits predominated. Vegetables wtre numerous, but it is a
little early to see them at their best, unlesB they are specially
cultivated for the season of the year.
One tent was set apart for table and other decorations-
shown by ladies, and some very pretty designs were staged.
Miscellaneous exhibits were an excellent feature,
especially the fine Begonias shown by Messrs. Laino & Sons
and J. R. Box, the former had Roses, and a great lot of
bunches of hardy flowers. Mr. H. Cannell and Mr. Elt
Reid had brilliant Cannas ; Mr. FosrcRof Havant, Sweet
Peas ; Messrs. R. Peed & Sons, one of their charming groups
of plant? ; and there were pretty floral decorations from
several local floristB. On the whole it w:is one of the most
successful exhibitions that the society has yet held.
CHESTER HORTICULTURAL FETE.
July 28, 20.— The second horticultural fete in this ancient
city was held upon the above dates, on the Roodee or Race-
course. This piece of ground is comparatively level, and
enclosed by high banks on almost all sides, it forms a very-
suitable site for such an exhibition, and in the event of the
management being continued with sufficient enterprise and
discrimination, there would appear to be no reason why the
fixture should not become a very important one indeed.
The show just held may be described, upon the whole, as
satisfactory. Of course the committee, in their first effort of last
year, were fortunate enough to obtain a visit from the Royal
Horticultural Society, and this circumstance was sufficiently-
important to attract more exhibits, more visitors, and
general t'clat to the event than could have been expected in
the case of a new show. It is not surprising, then, that this
reason it has been difficult to show an improvement in regard
t-) the number of exhibits or in the extent of the show — and,
as a matter of fact, there have been fewer entries than last-
year ; but in other respects there was much improvement
noticed. In the place of the very poor tents that were used
on the previous occasion, when the space was far too limited
to accommodate the exhibits, there were six or seven
large and excellent marquees of the best description-
Indeed, the committee appear to have gone to the oppo-
site extreme, and have provided space for an exhibition
Of double the extent. This resulted, as needs it must, in
many unfilled stages, ;ind if every exhibit was given room for
effectual display, at the same time, the amount of vacant
space suggested a meagieness of material. Chester has only
to push away on sound lines, and it will obtain success. We
were pleased to notice that the Horticultural Show occupied
a very much larger proportion to the whole than last year,
and we think some of the more objectionable side shows,
have been curtailed with advantage. There are attractions
that may well be associated ■with a display of flowers, such
as music, choir contests, and similar entertainments, and if
these form the principal features of the temptation offered to*
people who do not love horticulture sufficiently well to
patronise a show wholly consisting of horticultural products,
there will be less cause for complaint. It would be difficult
to point to anything in Wednesday's show as being a very
preponderating feature, for the schedule was decidedly-
general in its character, and the exhibits equally varied. In
the folowing report we speak of the principal sections and
classes, and will enumerite the chief prize-winners. Beyond
this there were many classes for amateurs, and two tents,
devoted to the produce from cottagers, the details of which,
we assume, will be uninteresting to the majority of our
readers.
Plants (open).
Groups— The centre of one of the spacious marquees was
occupied with groups of plants arranged to produce effect.
The principal of these was for a group upon a space of not-
more than 300 square feet, and the prizes in this class
amounted to £55. The 1st prize was awarded to an arrange-
ment from Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, who had one of hia
characteristic exhibits, in which the feature of rustic-looking
arches or bridges covered with cork was Tinusually pro-
minent. About 5 feet from the ground, and almost at the
back, was one of these, which in shape represented half a
diamond, aDd from this to the corners at tne front run two-
others considerably lo »er. By tasteful and skilful disposition of
choice foliage and flowering plants, a very attractive picture
was made. The whole of the plants showed careful selec-
tion, and were suited to the position they adorned, though
few of them were of any great size. The 2nd prize exhibi',.
from Mrs. G. Pease, Woodside, Darlington (gr., Mr.
Mclntyre), was quite as remarkable, being from an amateur.
It would have been better, however, had suine of the plants,
used been less heavy in appearance. The 3rd exhibit showed
lack of experience in arrangement. There were five entries.
The 1st prize in a class for a smaller group of a similar
character was won by Mrs. R. S. Hudson, Bache Hall,
Chester.
Ttcetve itovt and Greenhouse Plants.— The 1st prize w;.s
taken by Mr. J. Cypher, with tine specimen plants of
Livistona cbineneis, Kentia australis, K. Fosteriana, K.
Belmoreana, Ixoia WilliamBii, I. salicifolia, Croton morte-
funtainensis, Statice profusa, Bougainvillea Cypheri {'.'►,
Erica Austiuiara, Pimmocoma prolifera Barneeii, and Croton
August 7, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
93
angustifolius. The plant most deserving of comment in
the collection waa that of Ixora ealicifolia, which was a mag-
nificent specimen of one of the most distinct and pretty
Jxoras. Tho 2nd prize was taken by T. 8. Timmib, Esq.,
Cleveley, Ollerton, Liverpool, which included, a good plant of
Rhododendron Taylori, one of Ixora coccinea superba, and one
of Croton Countess ; the rest of the plants were commendable.
Both of the exhibitors already mentioned were well ahead of
Mr. W. Vause, 4, Somors Place, Leamington.
The Class for Six Stove and Greenhouse Plants brought little
that needs remark. The 1st prize was taken by W. II.
Watts, Esq., Elm Hall, Liverpool. His very largo specimens
of Crotons Queen Victoria and Disraeli might have been
better coloured,
Caladiums were fair, but the 1st prize collection of twelve
plants f i om T. 8. Timmis, Esq., Cleveley, Allerton, is entitled
to praise, as several of the plants were very satisfactorily
coloured.
Canvas found but one exhibitor, which was a groat pity,
as the Midland people have much to learn yot regarding tho
beauty and capabilities of the novelties among these plants,
which are likely to form important features in future shows.
The only collection was one from His Grace the Puke of
Westminister, Eaton Hall (gr., Mr. N. F. Barnes), and the
varieties included Florence Vaughan, Alphonse Bouvier,
Queon Charlotte, Jules Chretien, and Paul Bruant. All of
these are desirable sorts, and it would have been well had
labels been suspended where visitors could have easily notod
them, the small wooden ones in the pots being of little use.
Crotons were not numerous in the class reserved fur them,
but a creditable collection of four plants obtained 1st prize
forT. 8. Timmis, Esq. ; and Mr. Mclntyre.gr. to Mrs. Pease,
Woodside Gardens, Darlington, was so nearly successful that
it was difficult to follow the judges* award.
Ferni were very beautiful, and there were several collec-
tions of admirable plants, hut that from T. 8. Timmis, Esq.,
was decidedly superior, and his plants of Dav-dlia lijiensis,
Nephrolepis davalliuidcs furcans, N. vnfescens tripinnatifida,
Microlepia hirta eristata, and two specimens of Adiautmn
cuneatum left little to be desired. W. H. Watts, Esq , Elm
Hall, Liverpool, is deserving of mention for having staged
a very creditable collection, which took 2nd honours.
The beet specimon Fern was one of Adiantum gracillimum,
from Mrs. Looan, Upton Lawn, Chester.
The best single specimen greenhouse plant was Phu-no-
coma prolifera Barnesii, from Mr. H. Cypher; and the best
specimen ttovc.plant, Ixora Fraseri, from Mr. Wm. Vause,
Leamington.
Dracaenas call for little comment. Tho 1st prize for six
plants was tiken by T. 8. Timmih, Esq., with moderately
good specimens.
Cileus. — Plants were shown in several collections, most of
them having been trainod as pyramids. Noteworhy spe-
cimens about 4 or 5 feet high, excellently trained and of
good colour, uhtained 1st hon-urs for Charles Tijrelfall,
Esq., Tilstone Lodge, Tarporley.
Achimntcs and Gloxinias wcro not so good or numerous as
could have been wished.
Six Crotons, prizes offered by Messrs. R. Ker & Sons,
Liverpool. —This was a well-contested class. Tho 1st prizo
was taken by T. 8. Timmis, Esq., and the 2nd by the Duke of
Westminster.
Table Plants were shown in most praiseworthy manner,
the competition being very keen and numerous. The 1st
prize for twenty-four plants was won by Sir G. A. Meyrick,
Bart, Bodorgan, Anglcsea ; and the 2nd by T. 8. Timmis,
Esq. The best collection of six plants, for which Messrs.
Sankey & Son, Nottingham, offered a prize, was well won by
T. S. Timmis, Esq.
Cot Flowers.
Roses.— The successful exhibitors of a collection of forty-eight
cut blooms, distiDct, were Messrs. HarKNESS tv" Sons, Bcdale,
Vorks; Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards, lie-
land ; and Messrs. D. A W. Croix, Dundee. The blooms
from the 1st prize exhibit of Messrs. Harkness & Sons were:
capital, and equal in i-ome instances to thoso common at
shows in the London districts three weeks ago. In the
varieties shown we noticed none but well-known exhibition
sorts, and it would serve no purpose to enumerate them.
Messrs. Dicksons" Roses were perhaps a trifle better in
colour, but they had not the size and substance notable in the
collection from Bedale. There were four competitors in this
class.
Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry, won the class for
twenty-four blooms, but the competition was weak, and
very poor in this instance.
Excellent quality, however, was present in the class for
twelve blooms, and Mr. Huoh Dickson, Belfast, aiid Messrs.
Harkness & Sons were 2ni and 3rd respectively with very
fine blooms
The Tea Roses were beautiful in some instances, but many
were marked badly by rain or wind. Messrs. A. Dickson
& Sons beat Messrs. D. & W. l'roll of Dundee, in the class
for twenty-four blooms, distinct; and Messrs. Harkness &
Son very easily won for a collection of twelve blooms.
Display of Ci>t Flowers. — This was to be arranged in any
design or combination of designs at the discretion of the
cxhfhitor in a space 12 by 5 feet. The 1st prize was £10, and
£16 besides waa given in three other prizes. There was but
odq exhibit, and this waa of a very unsatisfactory stiff cha*
ractor, quite contrary tn ono might have bscn expected'
A brilliant dtsplay was made by tho class for a botleotlo&
of Carnations and Fioot«M In variety, afr&Bg*4 wttb natural
foliage on a space 10 feet by 4 feet. There being upwards of
half a dozen exhibits, the number of blooms used was con-
siderable. A variety of stands was used by the different
exhibitors, some of them of the advertised ornamental
character.
Tho 1st prize was awarded to Martin K. Smith, Esq.,
Hayes, Kent (gr., Mr. Blick), and his name is sufneiont to
indicate that the variety and quality of the flowers used
could scarcely have been Improved upon. These were shown
in glass bottles upon white tissue. The 2nd prize was taken
by Mr. W. Watson, Clontarf Nurseries, co. Dublin ; and the
3rd by Messrs. Thomson &. Co., Birmingham.
Flowers arranged in vases or stands were a source of much
attraction, considerable taste having been displayed in the
arrangements. Messrs. Jones & Sons, Shrewsbury, pleased the
judges best, by an arrangement in a small basket upon legs
with a high bent handle over-top. Many of tho exhibits, in
addition to the prize-winners, were beautiful, however, In-
eluding one composed entirely of pink-flowered Sweet Peaa
and A&paiagus foliage.
Messrs. Perkins <fc Sons, Coventry, who bad much the best
ball and bridal bouquets, met with less competition than they
frequently encounter.
Carnations were shown as exhibition blooms also, the
best collection of twelve blooms being staged by J. W.
Ffoulkes, Esq., Old Northgate House, Chester; Mr. A. B.
Brown of Birmingham, being 2nd. There was considerable
competition, and the flowers were fairly good.
Messrs. Thomson & Co., of Birmingham, won for twelve
Picotees ; and Martin R. Smith, Esq.. for " twelve Carna-
tions and Picotees, yellow grounds, fancies *or selfs, distinct."
Nurserymen's Classes.
Messrs. Perkins & Boss, Coventry, won a class for cut
Roses, tho 1st prize for which was .£">. There were two other
collections, but much mnro might have been expected from
tho value of the prizes offered.
A collection of hardy flowers in variety, on a spaco 15 feet
by 4 feet, won 1st prize for Mr. W. F. Gunn, Olton, Birming-
ham The variety and quality of the flowers shown, well
merited tho award gained. Messrs. Harkness & Sofa took
2nd prize.
A decorative displ iy of cut Dahlias upon a spaco of 10 feet
by 4 foet was best shown by Messrs. Jones & Sons, Shrews-
bury, whoso ( isplay waa very satisfactory: Mr. M. Camp-
BBLL. Blautyre, was 2nd.
FRUIT.
Upon the whole, t is was satisfactory. There were several
exhibits in tho class for a display oF ripe fruits, and these
wcro arranged upon tables screened off from the public. Tho
1st prize was obtained by'tho Earl of Harrington, Elvaston
Castle, Dorby (trr., Mr. J. II. Goodacre). In tho centro of the
tHble was a mirror, and on this two stinds furnished very
effectively with cut flowers of Masdevallias, and a smaller
ono with Cattleyas. The fruit was of excollont quality, and
was placed around tho central ornament. Of the fruit, we
noticed excellent Beauty of Bath Apple, Elton Pino Straw-
berry, Noblesse Peach, Countess Melon, Pine-apple Nectarine,
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, also Figs, Peaches, Apricots,
and Melons. Out of a possible one hundred points, tho 1st
prize exhibit was awarded seventy, twenty of thesfl being for
effective arrangement The 2nd prize waa awarded to Sir J.
W. Pease, Hutton Hall, Guieborough (gr., Mr. J. Mclndoe),
whose exhibit received sixty-seven points, obtaining six
fewer than the preceding one for effect In arrangement. The
Earl of Carnarvon, Bretby Park, Burton-on-Tront (gr., Mr.
Ready), was 3rd, with fifty-three points.
The best collection of ten dishes of ripe fruit was shown by
Lady H. Somerset, Eastnor Gardens, Ledbury (gr.. Mr.
Harris!. It contained Stanwick and Elruge Nectarines, Bigar-
reau Napoleon Cherries, Stirling Castle and Bellegarde
Peaches, two Melons, Black Hamburgh and Muse it of
Alexandria Grapes, and Brown Turkey Figs. 2nd, Lord
Baoot, Bllthfield Hall, Rugeley (gr., Mr. Bannorman). with
i collection including very fine Peaches, Figs, and Grapes.
Mr. Jno. EoMrNns, Bestwood Gardens, Arnold, was 3rd
The best Pine apple was a good specimen from Lady II
SoMSRSCT. The best collection of eight dishes of hardy fruit
was also shown by Lady H. Somerset, who had Raspberries,
Cherries, Red Currants, Apricots, Strawberries, and Morello
Cherries. 2nd, Viscount Combermere, Combermere Abbey,
Whitchurch.
Grape*. -The best collection of six bunches was from Mr.
W. PRiTcnARP, Dee View, Little Neston. The varieties were
Muscat of Alexandria, Bowood Muscat, and Black Alicante.
Tho Earl of Harrinoton was 2nd, but his Muscats were
unripe.
The best three bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes were
from R. T. Richardson, Esq., and Lady H. Somerset had the
best Madrestield Court Grapes. There were a few other Grape
classes, and Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, Figs, Tomatos,
and Melons were well shown in numerous instances.
Apricots, Apples, and Pears were few.
YnOETARI.ES.
There were about a score of classes devoted to vegetables,
several of these being for collections. Generally, the
exhibits were good, and the collections especially good.
The best collection of twelve kinds was shown by Lady
Ti'i;,.poRA Gikst. Inwood House, Ilenstridge. The Cucum-
bern. Cauliflowers, Leeks, Potatos, Anions, Carrots. Beans,
Beet, and Tomatos, Wrre of splendid quality ; the Sod prize
was taken by M. S. Williams, Esq., Aberpergwn, Glyn,
Neath; 3rd, the Earl of Carna^on, Htghclere Castle (gr,,
Mr. W. Pope).
Tb.« b«8fc eellseMon of «l|ht Vlrds wu shown by th« e«<
Mrs. E. Kewvon, Maesfaen Hall, Whitchurch; and Captain
Fielden, Molllngton Hall, Chestor, was 2nd.
Tho aingle-dish classes were generally well filled.
NON-COMrETITIVE EXHIBITS.
The firm of Messrs. Dicksons, Ltd., Chester, filled a
whole t*nt with a very varied collection of plants. There
were groups of Cannas, Carnations, Hydrangeas, bouquets,
Ferns, Dracienas, Cycads, Tree Ferns, Roses in great variety,
flowers, Begonias, Liliums, cut flowers of Roses, hardy Pot-
Vines, and many other plants. Vegetables were also shown
by the firm, including a collection of 150 distinct varieties of
Potatos. The whole collection was a show in itself, and was
deservedly awarded a Gold Medal.
At the entrance to one of the largest tents was one of the
very best groups of Malmaison Carnations ever seen in the
Midlands. It was from the gardens of his Grace tho Duke
of Webtminstkr, and was deservedly awarded a Gold Modal.
The group was very extensive, and contained a very large
number of rather small plants, which carried from one to
upwards of twenty blooms.
Messrs. Eckfobd'b Sweet Peas were beautiful, and repre-
sented his newer and best varieties. Messrs. W. &, J. Bir-
kenhead contributed a splendid collection of Ferns, for
which they are Justly celebrated.
Messrs. Wallace & Co., Colchester, made an excellent
display of Cut Lilies, Calochortuses, Carnations, Mout-
bretias, &c. Messrs. Caldwell & Sons, Knutsford, Cheshire,
exhibited hardy herbaceous flowers and Rose blooms. Mr.
H. Buownhili, had a display of Dahlia blooms, cut flowers
of Tuberous Begonias, and a number of cut flowors of
summer-flowering Chrysanthemums and other plants, also
pods and haulm of a good cropping Marrowfat Pea named
Rent Payer, haulm about two or two-and-a-half feet high.
A grand display of Roses in considerable variety was made
by Mr. E. Murrell, Portland Nurseries, Shrewsbury.
Messrs. Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, had cut flowers of
hardy herbaceous plants. Messrs. R. Hartland &, Son, The
Lough Nurseries, Cork, exhibited cut blooms of tuberous
Begonias in much variety, large, and commendable. A
collection of Tea and Noisette Roses in pots was shown by
Messrs. J. Cowan & Co., Ltd., Garston, Livorpool. An
exquisite exhibit of flowors of summer-blooming Chrysanthe-
mums, Tarnations, Pansies, Ac, was made by Mr. M.
Cahpbell, nursoryman, High Blantyre. Mes rs, Perkins &
Sons, Coventry, had florists' exhibits. Messrs, McHattie
& Co., Grosvenor Nurseries, Chester, had a few Conifers,
and a group of miscellaneous plants.
NEWPORT HORTICULTURAL.
July 20, — The Second Annual Flower Show of this
improving Monmouthshire Socioty was held on the above
date in the King's Hill Field, tho exhibits, on the whole,
boing a decided improvement on last year's show ; tho
weather was everything that could bo desired, and the
attendance waa good, which was very gratifying to the
energetic Secrotary (Mr. J. G. Ellis) and the Committee.
Mr. J. Lockyer, gr. to J. C. Hanburv, Esq., J. P., Ponty-
pool Park, was 1st for six distinct kinds of Stove and Green-
house plants, his Stephanotis ttoribunda and Ixora Williarmii
being the host For six distinct Ornamental Foliage plants
Mr. J. Maddox, gr. to Col. Williams, J.p.( Brynglas,
Newport, Mon., was 1st. Tho best six Exotic Ferns came
from Mr. J. Lockyer, and Mr. J. Mamdox had the best
group of miscellaneous plants.
Hybrid perpetual Roses, twenty-four distinct varieties,
were best from Mr. Ralph Crossling, Penarth Nurseries ;
and Mr. Sthphen Treseder, Pwll Coch Nurseries, Cardiff,
twelve distinct varieties of_ Teas. Both competitors staged
some excellent blooms, and Mr. Treseder was awarded a
Certificate of Merit for his new Rose, Mrs. Stephen Treseder.
Carnations and Picotees, each twelve blooms, distinct,
were well shown by Mr. William TaRsKhKit, The Nurseries,
Cardiff, who was 1st. These were a clean lot of blooms, and
a seedling, Mrs. W. Treseder (tine dark self), was awarde 1 a
Certificate of Merit,
Mr. J. Lockyer w is 1st for twelve bunches of cut blooms,
distinct, the flowers shown including very fine Anthurium
Seherzerianum, Cattleyas gigas, Gaskelliaua, and Gloriosa
supeiba. The best twenty-four varieties of show and fancy
Dahlias came from Mr. Trbseder, also the best twelve
bunches of Cactus varieties. Mr. John Basham was 1st for
twelve bunches of Pompon varieties.
Mr. John Basham, Fairoak Nurseries, Bassaleg, Mon.,
staged a fine collection of Apple-trees in pots, and miscel-
laneous plants, and was awarded a Certificate of Merit
Mr. Birt. florist, Newport, Mon., made an excellent dis-
play of bee appliances, horticultural sundries, plants, «fec.
In the Amateur Section, Mr. D. Powell, gr. to Colonel
Wallis, J.P., Newport, was 1st for four distinct stove and
greenhouse plants ; and Mr. J. Lockyer was 1st for a speci-
men plant, a well-flowered Clerodendron Balfourianum. Dr.
C. B. Gratte, Newport, had the best group of miscellaneous
plants.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID
JDly 29.- -There was a large number of Orchids oh the
tables of the Coal Exchange on the above date. It is strikibg
to obeervo how the interest in this venture is ihcrea^Ibg,
and now that the Committee has deoided to strife© and
award medals of thr« olami, bronst, ■ilvtr, a&dffold 1
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 7, 1897.
noteworthy groups, thero will be no lack of subjects brought
before it.
Wm. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange (gr., Mr. W. Stevens,),
brought Odontoglossum Schroderianum (Award of Merit),
with a branching raceme of well-coloured flowers; Epiden-
drum vitellinum majus (Award of Merit) ; this was of much
brilliancy, making the ordinary variety throughout the hall
pale In comparison. Dendrobium longicomu majus, a
splendid plant wi'h five score of whitish blooms on it, but
ho much nodding as to suggest a plant suffering from lack of
water, this obtained a Cultural Certificate ; Odontoglossum
Pescatorel, a very large and perfectly-formed concolored
flower, which also obtained a Cultural Certificate.
Wm. Bolton, Esq , Otterspool, submitted a plant of
Oncidlum Lanceanum covered with good flowers (Cul'ural
Certificate), and another one of darker cast of colour (Award
of Merit).
Captain Sciiofield (gr., Mr. Schill), showed an excellent
Cypripedium Mas3aiana (UothEchildianum x superciliolare)
(First Class Certificate). T is is a decided novelty, in which
the two parents mixture is clearly observable ; the segments
are of yellowish-green ground, the spotting decided, and of
a rich chestnut colour, elongated like the seed parent, with
the pouoh of the pollen parent ; one of the prettiest things
ever submitted from a novelty point of view before this
Committee,
A. Warburton, Esq., Vine House, Haslingden, pnt up a
wonderfully fino examplo of Cattleya Hardyana = aurea x
gigas (First-class Certificate), a very fine variety. Phaius
Humboldti shown by this gentleman is likewise an ac-
quisition (Award of Merit), the density of the spikes and the
faintness of the colouring attracting mueh attention.
Thomas Statter, Esq., Stand Hall (Mr. R. Johnson, gr.},
had among other fine plants Cattleya Rex, with four flowers
(Award of Merit). This is a new departure in respect of
being neither blush nor white, but having a lemon shade
over its limbs, with a florid dashed lip ; also Laelio- Cattleya
Amesiae (Award of Merit). This is after the way of Lielio-
Cattleya exoniensis, but with a larger and more ovute lip— an
exquisite hybrid between L. crispasuperba and, we presume,
Lsslia purpurata.
E. J. Sidbbotham, Esq., Erlsdene, Bowdon (Mr. Shiner,
gr.), oarried off the only other First-class Certificate awarded
with Dendrobium speciosisimum. This is a charming novelty
of the nigro-hirsute section that beats not only that section
but all other white Dendrobes that have come under our
notice ; the pearly whiteness of the segments, and even of
the lip, with the exception of a single undefined lemon blotch
on the upper half of this limb, is conspicuous ; and then the
substance is like ivory to the touch. This is an excellent
gain in species, and should be in every collection. He also
exhibited Cattleya speciosisima (First-class Certificate). This
plant was in grand health, but the flowers weie better last
season.
S. Gratrix, Whalley Range (gr., Mr. D. McLeod), put up
one of the prettiest forms of a pale flushed Cattleya Gaskelli-
ana callec1 Fairy Queon (Award of Merit). Tho flowers were
a little tarnished, but thero was no mistaking the variety
with the beautiful cerise spot placed right in the centre of
the lip. lie also exhibited Cypripedium X Monica =
Roebolinix barbaturn Warner! ; the colouring disc and tho
form were notable, the fine arching petals showing the
undulatiDg outline of Warner's barbatum ; an excellent seed
pa rent.
Edward S. Clark, Esq., Wrexham (gr., Mr. J. Edwards),
had a Cultural Certificate for Oncidium Lanceanum ; bo h id
also a fine flowered white with orange blotch on the lip of
Dendrobium Bensonia?, full of flowers, arid also a good firm
of Ltelio- Cattleya Arnoldiana.
W. A. Gent, Esq., Brooklands, had a Cultural Certificate
for a piece of Cypripedium Parisln. II. Greenwood, Esq.,
had a good piece of Cypripedium lenanthum supertum
(Award of Merit) ; and the same award was given to a
splendid large form of Dendrobium Phala'nopsis Schil-
leriana.
Wm. Bolton, Esq., Wilderspool, had Award of Merit fora
pretty variety of Cattleya Schilleriana, also for a fine piece
of the white lipped with straw coloured segments of Sobralfa,
leucoryautha shown by John Lfeman, Esq., Ashton*<m-
Mcrs.y.
V Silver Medal was awarded to E. Shorland Batj,, Esq.
(Mr. A. Hay, gr.), Vice-President, Tor a select and showy lot
in about two dozen plants, comprising Dendrobium
Phalionnpsis Schillerianum (Award of Merit!, a fine Cypri-
pedium Curtisii, a fine stiff crdwned DendroTMum Dearei —
-•p rjmen of the best, a fine Masdc -ulli-i Veitchi. fie.
Wm Cowan, Esq , Otterspool, was also awarded a Silver
Med* I fur a large group. The Cattleya Sehillerian i w re
varied m tints, and all of them were well cultivated.
Cittleya Harrisoni, a nice flower, tho pretty Dendrobium
Johnsoniarium, an albino ; Cattleyas in variety, comprising
Sup rba Aurei and Warscewiczii, and some of the better
class of cut flowers.
SOUTHAMPTON HORTICULTURAL.
July :;i & August 2.— The summer show was held on the
Common, by kind permission of the Town Council.
Plants were the chief feature. For eight stove and
gremhouse Speci mens, hall of which were to be in flower,
there were two competitors — Mr. F Wills, nuiseryman,
Shirley, Bouthampton ; and Mr W Peel, ^r to Mis< Todd,
Sidtborpe Lodge, Shirley. So close were tbe two. collections
in point of merit that they were awarded prizes of equal
value. ' ,*****<« ">' "
Mr. Wills had the bast specimen plants in flower, viz.,
AUamanda grandiflora and Bougainvillea glabra, while he
was beaten by Mr. Perl in foliage plants, his Cycas circina-
lis being a very fine one.
In the class for six specimens there was keen competition,
and Mr. T. Osman, gr. to Mrs. Haslefoot, Bitterne, took the
lstprixe; Mr. Amys, gr.r to the Hon. Mrs. Elliott Yobkb,
Hamble Cliffe, being a good 2nd.
Groups of miscellaneous plants arranged for effeot were
bright and effective, but nothing new in arrangement or the
use of material was observed. Two classes were provided,
one for 150 square feet, and a smaller area.
Prizes were offered for Ferns, Pelagoniums, Fuchsias,
Begonias single specimen foliage, and flowering plants, and
in all these competitions there was spirited rivalry, and the
plants were of a very creditable character.
Fruit was plentiful, and of good quality. Mr. Inglefield,
gr. to Sir J. Kklk, Bart., Tedworth, Marlborough, was 1st
for six kinds; and Mr. Henbest, gr. to A. Kknnard, Esq.,
Crawley, Winchester, was 2nd.
Grapes made a good show, and the best three bunches of
Black Hamburgh were those of Mr. Mitchell, gr. to J. Willis
Fleming, Esq., Chll worth, tho bunches avera^in^ 4 lb. each,
and with such he easily took the 1st prize ; Mr. G. Newman,
gr. to Captain Ganseen, Twyford Lodge, Winchester, being a
very worthy 2nd.
Mr. Mitchill was 1st for three bunches of any variety,
with fine examples of Madrosfield Court ; and Mr. W.
Cheator, gr. to Sir W. Pink, Shrover Hall, Coeham, was 2nd,
with finished bunches of the same variety.
Muscat of Alexandria, for which there was a special class,
was well shown by Mr. iNOLErtELD, and any other white
Grape by Mr. G. Hall, gr. to Lady Ashburton, Melchet
Court, who showed fine Foster's Seedling ; Mr. Cheator,
with Buckland Sweetwater, coming next.
Peaches, Nectarines, Melons, and bush-fruit were of good
size, and oxcellent in quality.
Vegetables were in abundance, Mr. T. Wilkins, gr. to Lady
Theodore Gcest, Inwood House, Blandford, taking the
chief prises.
ST. NEOTS HORTICULTURAL.
August 2.— One of the best exhibitions this Society baa
hold took place on the above date In the grounds of Priory
Park, the residence of E. Fydell Rowley, Esq. The day was
gloriously fine, and tho attendance large.
Specimen plants were much letter than in previous years.
Mr. G. Redman, gr. to Miss Goodoaines, Eyrosford, taking
1st prize with six, the leading ones being Bougainvillea
glabra, Clerodondruni Balfourianum, and AUamanda grandi-
flora. The best specimen flowering plant was a fine
Anthurium Seherzerlanum with about 50 spathes, from
Mr. T. Lockie, gr. to A. J. Thornhill, Esq., Diddington Halt.
Mr. Redman came 2nd with an excellent piece of SUtlce
profusa. The bost specimen foliagod plant was a fine piece
of Dracaena Lindcnl f rom Mr. T. Lockie; Mr. Redman taking
tho 2nd prize with Croton Weismanni.
The bost group arranged for effect was set up by Mr.
Redman ; it was composed of bright foliated plant-* such as
Caladlums, Crotuns, vStc, with a few choice (lowering plan's,
Conspicuous was a good specimen of Stauhopea grandiflora,
freely bloomed; the i!ad prize went to Mr. Pitehley, g£
t<> A. W. Atkinson, E«J. Finely grown and flowered
pyramidal Fuchsias were shown by Messrs. Lo-.kie ami
Redman, the prizes being awarded in the order of their
names; they were a great improvement upon anything we
have seen at St. Neots for some years past. Some excellent
zonal Pelargoniums finely grown and bloomed came from
Mr. T. Lowue. Mr. Redman taking- the 2nd place.
Tuberous -rooted Begonias were also a good feature. The
best four Ferns came from Mr. Hfdman, and included a fine
|. cimen of the Staghorn type; Mr. W. List, gr. to J.
Day, I sq., was a close 2nd. Some very good variegated
1\ largoniums came from two exhibitors.
Fruit was somewhat sparingly roprcsen tod ; the best eight
dishes was set up by Mr. R. Clarko, gr; to Capt. W. II. O.
Buncombe; ho had white Muscat Grapes, Peaches, Necta-
rines, Apricots, Melons, «fcc. Mr. T. Stone, gr. to It. A.
Cochrane, Esq , was 2nd. Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots,
Plums, Apples, Pears^ <fcc.r were also shown as-sugle dishe'.
Vegetable.— Some remarkably good vegetables were staged,
and the prizes offered by Mr. 0. Beeson for nine varieties
brought a very fine collection from Mr. T. Lockie. Mr.
Myers, gr. to the Earl of Sandwich, Ilinchingbrjoke, was a
good 2nd. Mr. LOCKIE took the 1st prize with a perfect
brace of his Royal Windsor Cucumber. Mr. Myers had the
best collection of six dishes of Potatos, and very excellent
samples they were ; Mr. T. Biggs of St. Ives was 2nd. The
many other classes for Vegetables contained very good
exhibits indeed.
Miscellaneous.— A very fine group of Crozy's new dwarf
Cmnas was shown by Messrs. Wood Ai Int.ram, Hunting-
don, which was highly commended; and they also had
bunches of some <jf Mr. Martin R Smiths and other now
Carnat'ons. ,
FLOWER SHOW AT THE ABBEY
PARK, LEICESTER.
AUGUST 3, 4. -This was the Society's Twelfth Annual
Flower Show, and it can be truly said that it grows in
importance 'as* the yoars pass. Several large tents were
required to take the exhibits, and they were generally well
filled, despite tho fact that some intending exhibitors found
that thoy could not exhibit. The Mayor and Mayoress
attended soon after noon and declared the show open,
and during the day there was a great throng of visitors.
Miscellaneous exhibits, as usual, contributed greatly to the
boauty of the show.
PLANTS.
Never a strong point at Leicester, were shown in but two
collections of six specimens each ; and that of Mr. Blakeway,
gr. to P. H. Montz, Esq., was 1st, two well-coloured Crotona,
a Bougainvillea Sanderiana, AUamanda, Williamsii, being his
best ; Mr. C. J. Mee, Floral Depot, Nottingham, was 2nd.
Mr. Mee had also the best 6 specimens of Exotic Ferns, and
he was the enly exhibitor.
Tuberous-rooted Begonias, double and single flowered,
were fairly good. There were some good bushes of Colous,
some Fuchsias of fairsise ; and very good zonal Pelargoniums
from Mr. H. Rogers, Florist, Belgrave, Leicester ; Mr. Geo.
Perkins, of the same address, being 2nd. These wero
finely grown and bloomed.
The groups arranged for effect were superb, covered a
space of 150 superficial feet, and they were arranged down
the centre of a large tent, and could be therefore inspected
from two sides. Mr. C. J. Mee had an elaborate and brilliant
arrangement, the central plant being a fine Keutia Forsteri-
ana, round about which wero showy Crotona and other
foliage plants; tho flowering plants, consisting of, among
othors, Campanula isophylla alba, doing lowly but effective
service. Tho groups were of a character which now find so
much favour in the Midlands- i.e., they were square in shape,
and each plant is so placed that it is seen from all sides. Mr.
H. Rogers, Gipsy Lane, Leicester, was 2nd, also with an
elaborate group similarly arranged to the preceding. The
brilliancy of some of the Crotons he employed was very
striking.
Cot Flowers (Open).
Theso are always a leading feature at Leicester, and In the
Rose olasses the northern growers carried tbe sway. The
best 36 blooms came from Messrs. Harkness <Si Son, Bedale,
bright rod Roses predominating. Messrs. Dickson & Sons,
Newtownards, Belfast, was 2nd, and Messrs. D. «fe W. Croll,
Dundee, 3rd.
Messrs. Cocker had the best 12 Teas aud Noisettos ; tho
stand containing some beautiful blooms ; and tho New-
tonards firm waB 2nd. Tho best 12 of any one variety were
A. K. Williams, from Messrs. D. «b W. Croll, closely run by
HerMsjesty, from Messrs. Cocker.
The bost 12 Teas of any one variety wero Maman Coehet,
from Messrs. Harkness* ; Messrs. D. <fc W. Croll were 2nd
with Madame Cusin.
Tho bost Rose in the show was a superb bloom of Her
Majesty, shown by Messrs. Dickson & Son, in their 30 vnrs.
Amiteurt Division. — Here the loading prise-winner was the
Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering-atte-Bowe, who had somo
very good blooms for a grower so far South. Teas were
better shown by amateurs and gardeners than the II. P.
varieties.
Carnations are always a good feature at Leicester, tho best
12 blooms bizarres and Makes came from Messrs. THOMSON A:
Co., of Birmingham; Mr. R. Makepeace, of Leicester, a
s,' 1 local -rower, being -lid.
Messrs. Thomson & Co., had the best 1l> Picotecs ; Mr. H.
G. Owen, Kings Heath, w. is 2nd: Messrs. Thomson &Co,
also hud tbe best 12 fancies or yellows; Mr. Makepeace
again Jnd.
Hardy Ptfenniais.* -Another fine feature in the cut flower
classes was that for twelve bunches of hardy perennials.
Messrs. Cocker .t Sons were placed 1st, having bold and
striking examples ; chief among them were e irly flowering
Gladioli, Alatromcarias, Scabiosa caucasica, Llium Harrisi,
Chrysanthemum maximum Mr. Head (a very fine form), &c.;
2nd, Messrs. Harkness &t Son, who bad Tigrida pavonia (a
very striking feature), the Bcarlet Chelono barbata, some fine
hybrid Gladioli llclianthus, Phloxes, &c. ; ;;rd, Mr. W. F.
Gunn, Nottinghim.
Tho hardy annuals, show.i in bunches of twelve, were very
attractive also. The best came from Mr. Uu.nn ; chief among
them were such fine aunu il Lupines as Hartwcgi and Cruik-
shanksi, Eachscholzias, Rose; Cardinal and Mandarin (both
very fine). Larkspur, Sweetpens, Yellow Sweet Sultan, &c,
Mr. G. Garbaway, of Bath, waa 2nd with smaller b.meljes,
but representative of very useful varieties.
Bunches of Stove and Greenhouse Cut Fhn>crs were ve-y
attractive also. Mr. W. J. Empson, gr. to Mrs. WlNQPIL'l d,
Ampthill House, Beds, was 1st, having bold bunches includ-
ing a brilliant Nerine, Eucharis, Ainazoniea, All.nnand i,
Bougainvillea, some choice Orchids. Mr. C. J. Mei-: was 2nd.
Fancy Pan&ies wero shown in two classes, th« best twelve;
which were very good for the season, came from J. L, Fairs;
Esq., Humberstone, and he was also 1st with twelve bunches
of Violas arranged in sprays.
Fruit and Veoetaeles.
These exhibits were extensively and finely shown. Tho
leading class was fur 8 dishes, the 1st prizq going t-> Mr.
Edmonds, gr. to the Duke of Si'. Albans, Besffwood, Arnold,
Notts, who had a very fine ijueen Pine, which, with Madree-
field Court and Muscat of Alexandria <.ii i\<c\ Boyal 'ieor^e
Peaches, and Lord Napier Nectarines, formed his
leading dishes; Mr. J. H. Goodaciv, ^i to the Karl of
Harrington, Elvaston, Derby, was ihid, with tinely-coloured
Muscat Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria (iiapes, Belle-
iacdJB Peaches, PineApplo Nectarines ti
August 7, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
95
Thero were several collections of four dishoi, Mr. A.
Chandler, gr. to Mr. James, Acton House, Rugby, took the
1st prize with excellent Muscat of Alexandria Grapes,
Harrington Peaches, Pine Apple Nectarines, and others.
Mr. Goodacre came in a close 2nd.
There was a class for four bunches of Grapes, Mr. McCul.
1 >ch, gr. ta W. T. Webb, Esq.., Newstead Abbey, was placed
Iflt, with very good examples of Madresfield Court, Gro*
Maroo, and Muscat Hamburgh, and Muscat of Alexandria ;
Mr. GooDAOttE was 2nd, having Fostera' Seedling, Muscat of
Alexandria, Gros Maroc, and Blaok Hamburgh.
Mr. A. Hampshire, gr. to Mrs. W. P. Herricks, Baan Manor,
Loughborough, staged a very good Charlotto Rothschild Pine
which gained the 1st prize ; Mr. Read, The Gardens, Bretby
Park, coming 2nd with a Small Queon.
The best two bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes oame
from Mr. McVinish, Tho Gardens, Lockington Hall; Mr.
Goodacre was placed 2nd.
With two bunches of White Muscat of Alexandria, Mr.
McVinish was also 1st; and Mr. R. 6 haw. The Gardens,
Garrendon Park, was 2nd.
Any other Black was represented by two fine bunches of
Madresfield Court from Mr. P. H. Braine.gr. to R. Daqleish,
Esq., Molton Mowbray ; and Mr. Read was 2nd with the
The best two bunches of any other white Muscat but that
oi Alexandria, was Cannon Hall from Mr. A. J. Elphinatono,
gr. to E. Parris, Esq., Sherwood; 2nd, Mr. Read with
Foster's Seedling.
Other fruits consisted of Poaches and Noctarinee, both
woll shown, Melons, Chorries, Figs, Gooaeborriea, <bc, and
in tho class for Tomatoa, some very fine fruit were staged.
The special prizes for Vegetables offered by Messrs.
Sutton & Sons, Reading; Harrison & Sons, Leicester ; C.
Warner, of Leicester, and others, brought a very fine
display, as did also the liberal prizes for twelve distinct
varieties offered by the Society. But the tent filled so
quickly, and seemed to be such a prominent object of
interest, that any attempt to get near tho leading collections
was practically impossible, so that no details can be set down.
Miitellantou* Exhibits greatly addei to the variety of the
Exhibition. Messrs. Johm Lai no & Sons, Forest Hill, sent
from the Stanstead Nurseries a magnificent group of Cala-
dlums arranged with foliaged plants which Included such
fine varieties as Alexander III., Gartnor-dirocteur Geraud
Roi de Janeiro, Excellent, La Duchesse, Mrs Harry Veitch,
Caoapava, La nain rouge, Rose Laing, Golden Queen, Ac.
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay and Orpington, had a very
large and varied collectiou of cut flowers : Violas, Dahlias,
Pelargoniums, Pansies, Sweet Peas, Ac. which was an object
of interest to the visitors; Mr. John Forbes, Florist,
Hawick, had hardy flowers, and a largB number of blooms
representing all the types of tho Carnation. Mr. B. R.
Davis, Nurserymau, Yeovil, hid a superb collection of
Begonias, plan ta, and cut flowers; Mopsrs. W. Cmbran &
Sons, Oldfield Nurseries, Altrincham, had bunches of
hardy fiowors: Carnatio s, Picotoes, Sweet Peas, Violas,
Begonias, &c. Mr. H. Kckfokh, seed growor, Wem, had a
collection of fifty bunches of Sweet Peas, including tho fine
new varieties Sadie Burpee (a fine pure white), Lady Grisel
Hamilton, Colonist, Lady Mary Currie, and Prince of Wales,
all set up in his usual excellent stylo. Messrs. W. ct J.
Buown, nurserymen, Stamford, had a largo and variod col-
lection of small coniferous plants in pots, quite a unique
exhibit. Mr. Goodacre brought from Elvaston Castle
Gardens a large group of MilmiUni r.inuitions, finely
bloomed. Messrs. R. EnwARDS .V Son. Sherwood, had a
table of small Ferns in great variety ; and there wore also
some tables of floral decorations of varied characters.
Nursery Notes.
ZONALS, ETC., AT THE HOME OF FLOWERS
SWANLEY.
A beautiful show of these plants in almost every
known variety is to be found at the present time at
this nursery. The plants wero struck in the autumn
(f 1. st year, and possessed from four to tix main
shouts ; and as tho old wood increases in amount they
will continue to Bower, after being top-dressed in
some cases, and repotted in others. The phmts eirry
large heads of closely-set flowers of generally good
substance and regular outline. An orange-scarlet
coloured variety of superlative merit is Eleanor, a
fine truss and flower ; A. F. Wotten is salmony-red,
and Ctassiope is another of this shade of colour ;
tPhillis is a rosy-scarlet, with very large pip and truss ;
Lord Aberdeen is a beautiful scarlet coloured variety
of great beauty ; Madame Bruaut has rosy-red
suffusion on a white ground, deeper at the edges — a
closely-set truss ; Valkyrie has a light-red centre,
running off to a P.esh-tiut at the margin — a very
pretty flower ; Snowdrop is"a fine white flower, of
good substance and truss ; I >elicata is a rosy-lilac, a
pretty tint, the truss of moderate dimensions,
desirable for its colour ; Blue Beard h purplish-'
crimson, of a rich shade, and the truss is a good one ;
Pink Domino has blooms of a rich pink colour, and a
very fine truss ; Golden Horn is an orange-scarlet,
and is the nearest approach to a yellow colour
that the cross-breeders have as yet obtained ;
Belle Alliance is a white flower with minute rosy-
crimson spotting round about the central portion of
the bloom ; Iris is an immense truss of & rosy-crimson
colour, a striking flower ; Duchess of Marlborough is a
flesh-colonred bloom, deeper in tint towards the centre;
M. Calvat is of a deep scarlet colour, a very fine truss
and bloom, which latter has a white eye ; Dr. Mac-
Donald is a bloom of deep scarlet tint, without any
eye, a very fine thing ; Gloire Lyonnaise is one of the
largest trussed zonals, a brilliant scarlet ; Kitty ia
similar to the last, but possesses an eye ; the truss
is very large, as are also the individual pips.
A span-roofed house was filled with double-
flowered Zonals, which we made notes of : Madame
Charlotte, a rosy-pink, one of the best of this tint ;
double H. Jacoby, identical in colour with the single-
flowered old favourite ; Jeanne d'Arc, like Belle
Alliance, but spotted, a neat closo truss ; Rosa Bon-
heur, a rosy-pink truss of largo size ; Lady Candahar
is the best of those of an orange-scarlet hue, noat in
truss, and the pips of fair size ; Le Donon is white with
a violet tinge, a very double flower, and the truss is
of good size ; Due do Mortimart has purplish-crimson
flowers and a fine large truss ; M. Alphonse Ricard is
an orange-scarlet, fine and good, but what would be
called semi double ; Joyful is pink, with flesh-
coloured margin, a close and good truss ; BeautiS
PoitJvin, with semi-double flowers of a salmony-red —
very nice ; Le Connotable is of a peep pink colour, a
neat flower, and very closely-set truss ; Baspail Im-
proved is one of the best of the scarlet varieties.
We remarked many of the foregoing doing well in
the open ground, in apite of lack of water and the
great heat. Ivy-laaved Pelargoniums were making a
fine display alongside of these, especially noticeable
being the variety Cuvier, a flower of a rich purple
colour, and as seen, very dwarf. Streptocarptis and
Bsgonias were very fine, and iu enormous numbers,
and a new variety of Cockscomb, with margins of
w! i'e and geld.
Law Notes.
THE AGRICULTURAL RATING ACT AND
MABKKT GARDENERS.
Smith v. Richmond & Pirnn. — This was an
appeal by way of special can- from the decision of
certain justices of Worthing, and raised an important
point under the Agricultural Rating Act of last year.
Tho Attorney-General, in support of the appeal,
said the case raised the important point whether
greenhouses or hothouses were buildings within the
meaning of the Agricultural Rating Act, 189t>, which
provided that the occupiers of agricultural land
should be relieved of half the rates payable in respect
of such land.
The respondent Piper was a market-gardener and
nurseryman, and elainifd that his ground, being a
" market-garden," was entitled to the jrelief granted
by the Act, notwithstanding the fact that certain
greenhouses and hot-houses had been erected on the
land for the purpose of growing Grapes. Cucumbers,
Ti imatos, &e.
The Assessment Committee held that the glass-
houses were " buildings " within the meaning of the
Act, ami therefore not entitled to relief. The justices,
however, held that the land in question was a market-
girden, and entitled to relief. The Attorney-General
submitted that tho Act granted relief to agricultural
land only, and not to buildings, even though they
were used for agricultural purposes, and that there-
fore the decision of the justices was wrong.
Mr. Justice Collins, in giving judgment, regretted
to say that he ditl'ered from the views of his learned
brother (Mr. Justice Ridley). J'he question was
whether the hereditament, which was the subject-
matter of this discussion, was or was not a market-
garden. In his opinion, the glass-houses on the
property were necessarily part of the market-
garden, and the land was not the less used as
a market-garden because the glass-houses were
erected upon it. When the section of the Act
dealt with buildings, in his opinion it dealt with some-
thing distinct from agricultural laud, and therefore,
if he once came to the conclusion that tho
hereditament was agricultural land, he was not in
the least pressed by the provision as to buildings.
It seemed to him that any other view would really
defeat the purposes of the Act. When the Legis-
lature thought fit to include market-gardens in the
exemption made in favour of agricultural land, they
must have known that market - gardens under
ordinary conditions were largely covered with glass,
and they could not have intended to give these gar-
dens a boon with ono hand and take it away where the
gardens were so covered with glass. To hold that
they had done so would in his view defeat the main
purpose of the legislation. He was of opinion that
the buildings in question were part of the market-
garden, and as such the hereditament was entitled to
the exemption given by tho Act to market-gardens.
Mr. Justice Ridlet said it was with great hesi-
tation that he differed from his learned brother, but
he had not been able to construe the Act in the fame
way. It appeared to him that the whole scope of tho
Act was to relieve what was called and defined as
agricultural land. The intention of the Legislature
was that arable, meaflow, or pasture-ground, cottage-
gardens of certain dimensions, marketgardons, nur-
series, grounds, and so forth, were to be included as
agricultural land, and that the occupierB should pay
half the rates. The object was to contrast land
entitled to relief with the buildings which were not
so entitled, and there was no suggestion in the Act
that buildings wero ontitled to relief. The dividing
line seemed to him to bo between land and the build-
ings, and if they once found a building in exist-
ence on the land it must be treated as such. He
withdrew his judgment, and the Bppeal would be
dismissed. — Leave to appeal was granted. Daily Xews,
Gardeners' "Rights." — Judicial Critioism.
In the City of London Court, on Wednesday, Mr.
Commissioner Kerr made some observations of im-
portance to gardeners in their relations with their
employers. The plaintiff, Abraham, a gardener
sought to recover from the defendant, Mr. Henry R
Smith, the sum of £7 9«. 2</. for a month's wages iu
lieu of notice, and for travelling expenses.
Mr. Leonard Wells, who appeared for the plain-
tiff, said that the case was a little out of the common.
The plaintiff was a gardener, and on May 15 he was
managing a florist's business at New Barnet, when he
saw an advertisement in one of the gardening papers
in which the defendant advertised for a gardener. The
plaintiffapplied for thepost, and, in reply to aletter from
the defendant, he called. The defendant was satisfied
with the plaintiff's references, and said he would suit
him very well. Before being engaged, the plaintiff
said he thought he would like to see the defendant's
place at Horley. It was arranged that he should g,>
down there, which he did. The plaintiff then be'ug
satisfied he was engaged as the defendant's gardener
at wages of 30s. per week, that including an appren-
tice whom the plaintiff had. It was also agreed that
the plaintiff should have a cottage to live in, and milk
and vegetables were to be supplied to him. The
defendant promised to pay the plaintiff's expenses of
removing from Barnet to Horley, which the plaintiff
told the defendant would come to about £7. The
man who was iu the defendant's servic was d s-
missed so that he should leave oa June 26, and the
plaintiff was to have gone in on the 28th. Every-
thing was settled, but the defendant change 1 his
mind, and declined to take the plaintiff, eeuding
bim "s. 6d. for his expenses in going to Horley and to
the City. The plaintiff's rights were not to be treated
in that manner, and he had brought his action.
The plaintiff was called, and he bore out the
statement of his advocate.
Mr. Commissioner Kerr said that assuming
there was an engagement he could not see what
damage the plaintiff had sustained. The plaintiff
said he had been out of work since June. Mr.
96
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 7, 1897.
Commissioner Kkhk pointed out that that was
not necessarily in consequence of defendant's
breach of contract. The plaintiff said it was agreed
between them that he was to have a month's notice
when leaving the service, and as lie was engaged ho
a-ked now that that at any rate should be paid him.
JIo also claimed that he was entitled to be paid a
day's pay and railway fare when he went to see the
di fendant before there was anything like an engage-
ment. That was, lie contended, the custom which
prevailed amonget gardeners. He had a right to it,
and he thought the Court should awaid it him. He
denied that he agreed to take the situation as a
weekly servant.
Mr. Commissioner Kerr said that gardeners could
not charge their time when they were looking for a
situation. There was no obligation upon a mast r
who intended to engage a gardener to pay his
expenses, unless he promised to do so. It was some-
times done, but there was nothing to make a master
liable for it. The plaintiff said he had never known a
master to refuse to pay not only the expenses, but a
day's pay as well. Mr. Commissioner Kerr said that
was preposterous.
The Defendant, in his evidence said that he
never engaged the plaintiff. It was absolutely untrue
that he ever took him into his service. The matter
was discussed, and the plaintiff asked him if he would
pay for his furniture being removed from Barnet to
Horley. When the plaintiff told him it might come
to £8 or £10, he said he would consider the matter.
He demurred to paying the removal expenses, and he
asked what would happen if the plaiutitf left his
service — say in a week. To that the plaintiff told
him that it would be his (defendant's) loss. Then he
decided not to take the plaintiff, and he sent him
7s. 6d. to pay for going down to Horley. As for the
other expenses it was ridiculous to suggest that he
was liable for them.
Mr. Commissioner Kbhh said he was not satisfied
that there was any engagement. There would be
judgment for the defendant, and he would be allowed
his cost").
The Weather.
[The term " accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. fur the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
Sun.
Accumulated.
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22 0
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+ 32
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- 78
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+ 187
- 124
4 -
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12-4
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+ 158
- 115
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53
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+ 238
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94
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18'8
48
42
The districts indicated by number in tn<- first column are
the Following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Whtat-prodUcittg Districts —
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. :
4, Midland dountlea ; 5, Ehglantli lnOhidllig London, 8,
Principal Grvtivn. rfw., OuMtU 6, Bcntland. W. |
7. England, N.W. I 8, England, S.W. i P. IrtUurt, N, |
J0l TrSldnd, R. | -CnRtlhfl tBluhd,
Notices to Correspondents.
Aspidistra ; A". & B. The spots on the leaves are
caused by a fungus, Aecochjta Aspidistra. Re-
move all affected leaves and burn them. Dress tlie
plants with the Bordeaux Mixture.
Carnations Sporting: O. Y. sends flowers of three
very distinct colour and marking, all from one
plaut. It shows what, indeed, needs no proof,
that all the varieties of Carnations sprung from
one common ancestor.
Correction. Roport of Royal Horticultural Society's
Meeting, July 27. fie Begonias, for B. Hartland
& Son, &c. , read R. Hartland k Son, the Lough
Nurseries, Cork.
Coodmbkr Houses : J. Market. A suitable kind of
house for winter and spring forcing is the one with
hipped roof, the longer slope facing south, the
width 12 feet, passage in middle, brick pits 4 feet
deep on either baud, the-e being furnished with
hot-water pipes for bottom heat. Four rows of
4^-inch pipes are required for top-heat, and these
should not be buried in a channel in the floor,
but be exposed but, still not brought in the vicinity
of the bine. A water-tank should be placed at
the end of ODe of the beds capable of holding 5 J to
1*0 gals, of water, and if the rain falling on the
roof can be conducted into this taDk, it will be an
advantage. The outer walli of the pit should not
be less than 9 inch brickwork, or more if stone be
used, the inner walls being 4?;, with oaken sills to
the beds. The roof should be fixed as regards the
long slope, the back slope consisting of hinged
lights ; top ventilation shonl 1 be obtained by
means of short movable lights worked with chain
or lever, and front ventilation may bo dispensed
with. See that theheating apparatus is fitted with
a cut-off valve, where that portion of it which heats
the beds enters the chambers beneath them. One
or two openings 1 foot by 2 feet should be made
in the wall of each bed, these being fitted with
iron or wooden doors. For makers, consult our
advertisement columns. Houses for summer cul-
tivation should be span-roofed, and run north and
south. It is a saving of fuel to build forcing-pits
of this kind partly underground.
Cucumbers: J. II. No fungus, but something wrong
with the cultivation, about which you tell us
nothing, and therefore we are unable to help you.
Employment at Kew: Kcw. Applications for em-
ployment are entertained as vacancies occur, and
the would-be pupil must forward his application to
the Director, VV. T. Thisel'on Dyer, C. M.G.
Grapes Splitting: Vines,!!.//. JV. For methods of
treatment, see Calendarial article in Gardener*
Chronicle, " Fruits under Glas^," p. 50, July 2 J last.
Melons : H. McCallum. There is no fungus disease
in your leaves, but their appearance is due to some
local cau'e. We have seen the same thing before,
which was remedied by altered conditions. There
is some mistake in the culture.
Names or Plants : Correspondents not answered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — /'. O Cassia corym-
bosa. — JA. CutKbtTtson. Astilbe Thunbergii,
Helenium granriiflorum, Sidaleea oregana. Cen-
tnurca nigra. — /. R. Spiraea Lindleynna, Bilbergia,
1 ut of which species we cannot determine until we
see flowers.— /!. /I. W. Adiantum decoium, Ivy-
leaf Pelargonium 1' Elegante. — //■ Stanley. 1, Hedy-
chium Gardnerianum ; 2, Dendrobium crystallinum ;
3, Maranta Massangeana : 4, Fittonia argyroneura ;
5, Francoa ramosa ; 6, Stanhopea Bucephalus. —
A. M. Poa rigida. — A. //. Dendrobium bicame-
ratum, Epidendrum volutum. The Fern is Pellea
(Platyloma) flexuosa ; the variety of Odontoglo=sum
crispum is very good. — R. M. Rhodotypus Ker-
rioides. — Daphne. The Palm misBes the growing
temperature of the house from which it was
removed for sale, and possibly got some check at
the roots during removal. — E. J. The bulbs in
the clump were possibly mixed. Those of which
you send specimens, represent the so-called double
form, which ha* been in cultivation in this country
for 300 years. — J. M. B. The Dendrobium has
probably been in a very low temperature, at some
time during its growth ; possibly at night, and
duiing the time it bas been very moist. Some-
times the sun's rays will cause a similar injury.
PoTAsn : ft. i5. The application of potash to the
Strawberry-beds may consist of commercial potash,
or It msy bn afforded 1t\ the form of W00"l-asH«»
made from young twigs and shoots. The stable-
manure would supply the necessary nitrogen, or if
you have it not, it could be afforded as nitrate of
soda. We would advise you to read the articles on
the "Chemistry of the Strawbeiry," which ap-
peared on pp. 490 and 591 of vol. xx. of the
Gardeners' Chronicle for 1896.
Potatos : A. C, Wilts. It is not at all unusual for
Potatos to produce tubers in the axil of the leaf.
It is often caused by some injury to the tuber, as
by a thrust from a fork — or other cause.
Sulphide of Potassium and Bordeaux Mixture :
Vurtcx. The first is known commonly as liver of
sulphur, and is sold by most chemists. The second
may be made at home, ui-iog the followiug formula :
—Copper sulihate, 4 lb. ; fresh unslaked lime, 31b. ;
water, 40 gal. Place 6 gal. of water in a wooden
barrel or tub, and hang in it 4 lb. of pulverised
copper sulphate in coarse sacking. Slake the lime,
adding water only as fast as it takes it up, and pour
together. Before using dilute to 40 gal. Enough
lime should be added to neutralise the free acid.
To test this, get a pennyworth of jellow prussiatp
of potash from the chemist, and place in a small
bottle of water. Add a few drops of this to the
Bordeaux Mixture before it is diluted, and if it
turns the miture brown, the lime i9 decSent, and
more must be added.
Tbuta Lobbi Dying : A. C. R. We do not think,
from the appearances presented, that the mould on
the roots caused the death of the pli-nt. Of the
causes suggested by you, we think the use of the
weed-killer is the most likely. Send a port'ou of
the foliage.
Tii.i.anpsia and -E' hmea, and Manure-water : 7'. T.
A mild infusion of, i-ay, spent hot-bed-manure, or
half decayed leaves, might be permissible, if poured
o/er the leaves. These J la'its are epiphytal in
their native habitats, and they are doubtless
partially nouri-hed by rain-^ater and dew, ami
lotting Uaves, that fall into the leaf-reoeptaclt s.
Tomato: Constant Reader. Peronospora infestius;
Bpiay with potassic sulphide, 1 oz. to 3 gallons of
water ; or use the Bordeaux Mixture.
Tomatos : T. S. B. The leaves are pa>tly destroyed
by a parasitic fungus, probably the same as that
which causes the Potato disease. We F-bould
destroy the affVoted plants to prevent fiuther
mischief.
Vegetable Marrow : Hybridist. Many, probably all,
unisexual plants ooca-ionally become bisexual —the
Yew, for instance. Again, it is very common for
the Vegetable Marrow to produce male flowers
first, and later on female flowers. We have even
seen hermaphrodite flowers on the Vegetable
Marrow. There is no rule without exception in
plant life.
Vegetable Marrow Plants: A. Y. Pinching in
moderation may be recommended, as it tends to
develop fruit-bearing laterals. When growing
these plants in frames for early fruiting, pinching
becomes a necessity till such time as the weather
becomes warm, and the bine may run outside.
Vines and Mildew: Shanlclin. For the Viues to
be attacked every year feeins to point to errors in
management, or to the neglect of measures to
eradicate the pest once and for all. Apply sulphur
(flowers of) with a sulphurator or pair of sulphur-
ing bellows. This maybe syringed off the fiuits
before sending tbem to table, or use the Bordtnnx
Mixture. In the late autumn, thoroughly clean the
vinery, taking out a layer of the soil of the border,
substituting fresh loam and dungforit, and wai-h ihe
Vines with the Bordeaux Mixture. Limewash the
wails, putting a handful of mixed sulphur and
water as thick as table mustard into the limewash.
Sulphur and sour milk and lime should be "fed
to paint the hot-water pipes, and the Bordeaux
Mixture should be used on the Vines once or twice
after flowering. Arrange the ventilation so as to
be able to give air at the top of the house, and
less or not any by the front sashes. See that no
plants apt to be infested by mildew are growing in
the vicinity of the house.
Communications Rfcfived.— C. N.— H. A. G.— Fisher, Son
* Sibray (next week).— J. of H.— E. J. B.— Watford
Chrysanthemum Society. — LincoJnthin IScho.- H. Correvon,
Geneva — C V — G., Southport (next, week). — ('lias. ('--
» Moore -R. !>.— M. D.-J. B-H. H. D -E. C.-L L —
.1 ,t W -G. H. E.-I). R. W— A. C. F.— T. B. W. H. W.
— W. B. H.-G. U.-H. M. E.
pBoTnoRAPBS, Specimens, &c, KnrrivEn with Thanks.—
K, S. (next woek).~ A. B. (Hext week) —J. 0. (tle*t wei»?,
[Market Report, «e» p. »ih)
August 14, 1897.]
THE GAliDENEBW (J HJ? ONI CLE.
97
THE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 1897.
ASTER SICKNESS, AND ITS
CAUSE.
ON July 25, I happened to be staying at
King's Hill, in the parish of Wednesbury,
Staffordshire ; and during the afternoon my
host, Mr. Smallman, mining engineer, took me
round his garden. While we were examining
the flower-beds, he drew my attention to those
which were planted with China Asters, and
remarked that they were a complete failure.
For several years he had prided himself on his
success as an Aster- grower, but this year he
had not produced a single perfect blossom. The
plants grew some 4 to 6 inches high, but after
being bedded-out made little, if any, progress,
and soon began to shrivel or dry up and sicken
off. He had hoard that several other growers
in the neighbourhood were similarly situated,
but could not tell what was the cause. My off-
hand remark was, " You probably have a little
worm called Tylenchus at the root," a thought
which naturally suggested itself to the mind
of Dr. Masters also when I reported the case to
him. Pulling up one of the affected plants, and
looking at the roots with my pocket-lens, I
immediately found what I thought to be the
Tylenchus, and handed it to my friend, that he
might see the cause of all his trouble. I then
lifted a couple of other affected plants, and put
them in a tin, for the purpose of determining
the species on reaching home. On the follow-
ing day I found a number of worms living gre-
gariously within the tissues of the roots, but
was greatly surprised, on putting them under a
low power of the microscope, to discover that
they were not Nematoids at all, but well-deve-
loped and clearly characterised oligochtets
belonging to the Enchyti reidre.
Owing to the fact that nothing is said about
the life-habits of the species which it most
nearly resembles, I shall iu this paper assume
that the worm which causes the Aster sickness
is a species new to science, as it certainly is to
liritain, and shall describe it accordingly. I
shall then draw attention to one or two matters
of practical interest to florists and gardeners.
Aster-worm: Enchytr^us paryulus,
Friend.
The worm is 3 to 5 mm. in length, or about an
eighth of an inch (see fig. 27, p. 98). It is there-
fore the smallest species known to science, since
Tauber's E. minutus is insufficiently described,
and cannot be certainly identified. Viewed
under a pocket lens, it is white or silvery, and
when seen under the microscope, the first six
or seven segments are pellucid, while the re-
mainder of the worm's intestinal organs are
covered with dark cells. The character by
which it may be most readily distinguished by
the microseopist who is not a specialist in worme,
is the number and arrangement of the setae.
As in other oligoch.x>ts, there is an entire absence
of seta?, or bristles, on the first segment ; while
on the twelfth segment, which bears the girdle
or clitellum, and the male-pores, the ventral
bundles are missing. All the other segments,
of which there aro thirty in an adult worm,
bear four bundles of seta, of which two
bundles are lateral and two ventral. In the
first eighteen segments,' or thereabouts, there
are three setce in each ventral bundle, and two
in each lateral ; but in the last ten or twelve
segments each bundle, ventral and lateral alike,
has three seta. Thus the bundles are all either
couples or triplets, and the order and arrange-
ment are definite, not irregular or promiscuous.
There is a large head-pore between tho pros-
tomium and the first ring, i.e., the one with-
out setae, and when a little pressure rests upon
the worm's bo ly, the fluid and particles con-
tained within the cojlomic cavity and head are
poured out of this aperture, thus relieving the
pressure. The brain is somewhat pear-shaped,
rounded off, or convex at the hinder margin,
and there is a slight tendency on the part of
the ventral nerve-cord to broaden between the
third and fourth segments. The blood-vessels
and other parts are of the usual type ; the
girdle is slightly papillose, and accompanying
the pores on the twelfth segment are some-
what large vase-shaped glands.
Affinities.
It will at once be seen that the worm comes
very near to E. argentous, Michaelsen. I
regret that Dr. Michaelsen, who has favoured
me with several of his monographs, has not
been in possession of a duplicate of his article
in which this species is described. I am, there-
fore, limited for information to Mr. Boddard's
brief digest in his admirable Mono/jraplt of the
Oligochceta. He gives tho following definition
and note. " E. argenteus, Mich. : length 5 mm. ;
number of segments 30 ; seta, 2 or 3 per bundle.
Brain convex behind. Anteseptal part of
nephridia of equal diameter with postseptal
part, containing also a coiled lumen ; duct comes
off at right angles, and is long and distinct.
Habitat, Germany (Elbe shore). This species
appears to be the smallest of the Enchytneidse.
The name of the species was given to it on ac-
count of its silver colour, due to the dark pigmen-
tation of the perivisceral corpuscles." It seems
likely that the British and German forms may
be ultimately referable to the same species.
In that case the name parvulus will be
withdrawn.
E.\' iiytk viiis is Plant Pests.
In the valuable little work on the Plant Life
of the Farm, by Dr. Masters, we read (p. 135)
that " Death at the root may result from injury
inflicted by small parasitic worms, &c." Against
this I made a reference some years ago to the
article in Nature, vol. 40, p. 11, May 2, ^9,
by Mr. Allen Harker on " A New Pest of Farm
Crops,'' in which the writer adduces evidence that
not only flowers in gardens, but Clover-plants
in fields are injured and destroyed by species
of Enchytrseus. Curiously enough, though
the fact has been more than once referred to
since, our great authorities on this group of
annelids make no allusion to the predatory life of
the worms belonging to this genus or order. I
have frequently examined white worms belong-
ing to the Enchytrioida', which were living on the
roots of plants ; and have notes of more than
one species new to science which were infesting
grass crops, so that it may be regarded as a
well-established fact that the white worms
belonging to tho genus Enchytrseus and its
allies are destructive to plants.
Mode of Action. — My observations confirm
those of Mr. Harker. The minute worm obtains
admission to the roots and rootlets, and lodges
under the epidermis, where it sucks the juices
of the plant, or even (as microscopic examina-
tions shows) breaks up its cell structure and
swallows the vegetable tissues, thus preventing
the plant from sending moisture and nutriment
through the stem to the leaves. Though the
worms have no teeth, their mouths act as
suckers, and they very quickly divert the nutri-
ment from the ordinary channels to their own
oesophagus, to the ruin of their host.
Naturally enough it will be asked, "What is
the remedy ? " It must not be assumod that all
decaying Asters are eaten of worms. If, how-
ever, the lens reveals their presence, drastic
measures must at once be adopted. If it were
possible, tho moment sickness showed itself, to
lift the plant, excise the injured part and re-
set it, the evil might be arrested. There would,
however, still be two dangers. The plant
might be unable to locover, and if it did, the
eggs of the worm, which are infinitely small,
and would never be detected, may have been
deposited in the tissues. This being so, young
worms will soon appear again, and the plant
succumb after all. The only way to ensure the
destruction of the pest when once in the plant,
is to uproot every sickly individual and consign
it instantly to the flames. Should any florist or
gardener, whose flowers (whether Asters or
otherwise) are affected, discover traces of worms
about their roots, I shall be hajipy to submit
them to examination and report the results.
Specimens should be sent in tins to prevent the
worms drying up, with a stamped addressed en-
velope for reply, to Rev. Hilderic Friend, Ockor
Hill, Tipton. Hilderic Friend.
THE DISEASES OF PLANTS.
(Continued from p. 61.)
II.— Remedial Treatment for Diseases.
In spite of all precautions, fungous diseases
will almost certainly make their appearance
where plants are grown to any extent. The
methods suggested for combating diseases of
fungous origin are far too numerous to allow
us to follow each in detail. In many cases, too,
there is as yet considerable difference of opinion
as to the application of remedies and their
success. Fortunately, the remedies against
fungi may l.e classified into certain groups o
that their application may bo indicated in a
simple manner with fair accuracy. It is
impossible here to prescribe in detail, because
the treatment necessary for each case varies
according as the plant attacked be Carnation,
Rose, or any other ; even varieties of the same
species, or a difference of locality, may require a
change in time or mode of application of the
remedy used. Our aim for the present is to
indicate safe principles, leaving details till fur-
ther observations allow one to sav more exactly
the treatment necessary for each plant in each
locality.
Mildews. — A very large number of plant-
diseases are caused by parasitic fungi, which
form downy, floury, or mealy coatings on the
foliage, twigs, or fruits of their host-plants.
These coatings are commonly spoken of us
"mildews," and are caused by forms of fungi
widely separated in the classifications of (he
scientific fungologist. The' methods applicable
98
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[August H, 1897.
for combating them fall into two distinct
classes : (1) treatment by application of dry
powders ; (2) treatment by spraying.
Powders as Fungicides for Downy Mildews. —
Fungicidal powders have been employed with
most success against the fungi known as the
false or powdery mildews — the Erysiphese ;
they occur on nearly all cultivated crops, par-
ticularly on Roses, Apples and allied fruit-trees,
Gooseberry, Peas and Beans, Cucumber, and
Vines. These fungi are distinguished by living
on the surface of their host-plants, and only
sending tiny suckers into the inner tissues. The
summer conidia or spores give the mildew-like
appearance so characteristic of these fungi, and
spread the disease rapidly ; the winter spores
are housed in capsules, which appear as black
points on the dead or dying remains of diseased
plants. Since these fungi live exclusively on
the surface, their treatment is fairly simple, and
usually effective. To sprinkle infected parts
with sulphur in some form is one of the com-
monest methods used. The sulphur may be
applied dry, as flowers -of- sulphur alone, or
mixed with quicklime ; a light brush, rabbit's
tail, sulphur puff, or other implement should be
used to sprinkle the powder lightly and evenly.
An objection to dry sulphur is that it does not
adhere well to some kinds of foliage, but is
readily blown or washed off ; this is counter-
acted by mixing the sulphur with quicklime or
with water in proportions varying from one
ounce of flowers-of -sulphur in five galls, of water
up to several ounces per gallon of water. A
useful sulphur-lime mixture is known as
Orison's fluid ; it consists of flowers- of- sul-
phur 31b., quicklime 31b., water 6 gallons.
This is boiled till the liquid is reduced to two
gallons, allowed to settle, theu the clear liquid
is drawn off into bottles and kept well corked ;
when used, one part of the stock solution is
diluted with 100 parts of water. Some Rose-
growers add soft-soap and petroleum to mildew
mixtures, thus making the treatment a com-
bined one, directed, not only against mildew,
but also at green-fly or other insect pests. A
mixture of this kind recently recommended in
the Gardeners' Chronicle consisted of 1 lb. soft-
soap boiled in 4 quarts of water, then one wine-
glassful of petroleum and four of flowers-of-
sulphur added; the whole was kept as a stock
solution, and diluted as required with about
twenty parts of water to each part of solution.
Sulphur vapour produced by gently heating
flowers-of-sulphur is a combined fungicide and
insecticide for indoor use, but it must be care-
fully used where foliage is delicate. Bordeaux
Mixture and other copper mixtures described
below arc efficient remedies against powdery
mildews ; where these are already in use for
spraying there need be little fear of the surface
mildews. Powders containing salts of copper,
e.g., Fostite and David's powder, have been
used in the dry condition for mildews of all
kinds, but no advantage can be claimed over
Bordeaux Mixture and solutions of an allied
nature.
Wherever mildew is present, great benefit will
result if the mildewed leaves be hand-picked
and burnt, provided the number taken off will
not hurt the growth of the plant. A light and
careful pruning of mildewed twigs, e.g., of Roses,
either during summer or in early autumn,
followed by immediate burning of the prunings,
is a capital preventive measure for the next
season, and for the same reason it is best to
burn all prunings from plants liable to mildew,
and so destroy the winter spores.
Spraying Mixtures as Fungicides. — The downy
mildews present another large group of fungi
well known for their ravages on cultivated
crops. Amongst them are the cause of the
Potato disease, the true mildew of Vines, Onions,
Pansies, and other species belonging to the
Peronosporea?, as the group of the true or downy
mildews is called. In their effects, the downy
mildews are distinguished from the powdery by
the rapid death of foliage attacked ; for, whereas
the latter forms of mildew are superficial and
may be present over whole leaves before wither-
ing of any of the plant results, with the downy
mildews (e.g., Potato disease) the foliage
becomes brown-spotted within a short time of
attack. This arises from the fact that the
downy mildews live inside their host-plant, and
prey on the softer tissues, which they rapidly
kill and cause to dry up. The conidial spores
alone appear on the outer surface, either over
the whole of a dead spot, or round its margin ;
the winter-spores are to be found in remains of
plants killed. This mode of life is shared by
many other fungi quite distinct from the Pero-
nosporese, but because they live chiefly on
foliage or young twigs, and produce dead spots
bearing conidial and other spores, the methods
prevent stealing, and found that Vines so
treated remained free from certain disastrous
diseases. Some of the more important prepara-
tions of copper may be considered in our next.
William O. Smith, Edinburgh.
{To be continued.)
New or Noteworthy Plants.
ERIOPSIS HELENA, Krzl.,n.sp*
The flowers are the largest yet found in this genus,
and they resemble at firBt eight those of Eriopsis
btloba, Lindley, but they are more than twice as
large as in this species. The callosities on the lip
show by their character that the plant is nearer to
E. sceptrum, Rchb. f., but the flowers of the latter
are of about the same size as those of E. biloba,
and the middle lobe of the Up is quite different.
The plant is undoubtedly the finest species of this
small genus ; it was imported from Peru by Mr.
F. Sander, St. Albans. F. Kr'andin.
NOTES ON HATFIELD.
Dcring a recent visit to these celebrated gardens,
I was pleased to see that improvements have been
steadily carried out in order to keep them abreast of
Fig. 27. — aster-worm, enchytr.eis parvulus (friend), (see p. 97.)
A, Worm, actual size J-in. ; b, hind segment ; c, front, segment.
of treatment against their attacks are in the
main points similar, and we propose to consider
them together. To this class belong many
common leaf and fruit- spotting diseases, a
number of so-called " blights '' or mildew-like
enemies of almost every cultivated crop and
vegetable, and not a few diseases of garden
plants, especially Carnation, Mignonette,
Tomato, &c. The disoasos known as Anthrae-
nose also come into this group ; they are
common on Vines, Raspberry, Kidney Beans,
and othor cultivated plants. This groat and
heterogeneous class of fungus-diseases has
attracted much attention from the almost mys-
terious way they make an appearance, and from
the great frequency with which they are met in
garden, orchard, and farm, as well as the
annoying parsistency with which they not
only destroy whole crops, but cause spotting
or stunt growth, so that the market value
of produce is considerably lowered. It is against
this host of troublesome diseases that the fun-
gicide known as Bordeaux Mixture, and other
mixtures of allied nature, have been so success-
fully applied. These mixtures are essentially
solutions of some salt of copper made up in
various ways. Compounds of copper have been
known to check mildew and smut since the
beginning of the present century, since the
vineyard-owners of France and Italy sprinkled
the Vines nearest the roads with verdigris to
the times. For example, some of the ordinary bed-
ding-out arrangements have been discontinued, and
many more herbaceous plants are grown than for-
merly, these being more in character with an ancient
mansion like Hatfield than Calceolarias, Pelargoniums,
and simi lar bedding-plants. Whatever is attempted
here is well done, and usually an immediate effect is
required and secured. The ground had been well
trenched and manured, new soil being added when
found to be necessary, and the growth of the plants
was very different to that one often sees in old gar-
dens. The middle of July is not the best time for
seeing herbaceous flowers, the early summer varieties
being then mostly over, but I noticed Delphiniums
in many fine varieties, Coreopsis lanceolata (one of the
prettiest thing* for cutting), Lychnis chalcedonica,
* Eriopsis Helena, Krzl., n. sp. — Bulbis maximis, 40 cm.
longis, internodio 1 longo, 3 brevibua conipositis minute
striatis ceterum lajvibus ; foliis lineari-lanceolatis ad 50 cm.
longis, 2 5 cm. latis acuminata ; scapo ad 50 cm. longo;
craaso validoapice nutante ; raceniopauci-plurifloro; bracteis
minutis subnullis ; ovariis c. pedicellis ad 4 cm. longis ; sepalis
oblongis obtusis, lateralibus quam dorsale paulo brevioribus
basi ipsa connatis ; potalis angustioribuB ceterum sequalibua
luteo-aurantiacis purpureo-margiuatis ; labolli lobis laterali-
bus transverse oblongis antice liberis obtusis erectis (non
semi-reniformibus) sinu rotundato inter illos et lobum inter-
medium, lobo intermedio obovato-spatulato antice rotun-
dato (neque triangulo neque emarginato), lamellis 2 trian-
gulis supra divergentibus in disco inter lobos laterales, disco
punctulato-puberulo ; gynostcmio clavato omuino generis,
[■'lores illis Eriopsidis biluba; Lindl. et E. sceptri, H hb. f.,
luajores S"5 cm, diarn., sepala petalaquc aurantiaca pur-
pureo-marginata ; labellum eodem colore sed maouln intense
lutea punctis violacois circumdata in ipsa basi et lubo inter-
medio eodem colore ; gynostemium viride. F. Kriimlin.
Auqdst 14, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
99
Achillea ptarmica flore-pleno, Alstrrojieria auran-
tiaca, Chrysanthemum maximum, &c, doing well.
Phloxes had just commenced flowering, and many
other things were followiug in succession ; and plants
of Tropseolum speciosum were growing exuberantly
and flowering abundantly on a west wall.
The beds on the south side of the house were
tastefully filled with standard Fuchsias in variety,
carpeted in some instances with an undergrowth of
Swainsonia galegifolia alba, in others with Heliotrope,
walls, arbours, aud arches ; tinny gardens would look
more inviting if these adjuuets were constructed and
covered with Roses, Clematis, &c.
Fruit of all kinds is required in largo quantities at
Hatfield, and it mu t be of the best quality. Mr. Nor-
man, the gardener, is an alvocite for "extension
training," and he had a fine tree of the Royal George
Peach to show with over 400 fruits on it. whioh
would convince anyone of fie soundness of this
methol of training. Tho tree wa> planted about
Fill. 28.— KOSA WICHUKAIANA, HARDY KOSE : FLOWEKS WHITE.
of light for ripening the fruit and tho wood. A tree
of Brown Turkey Fig on the back wall of this house
was carrying a he ivy crop of large fruits. One
naturally enquires abo.it Strawberries at Hatfield,
after seeing the fine specimens which have been exhi-
bited at various times, and I found that potting was
just commencing ; and tho plants were strong and
healthy, with roots already pushing through the
bottom of the small pots in which they had been
layered. Royal Sovereign is at present the favourite
variety. Sir Chirles Napier, President, and Vicorn-
tesse H. du Thury, aro also grown in good quantity.
About 7000 plants are annually forced ; and, in order
to ensure high quality, a portion of the kitchen-
garden is planted annually for the purpose of supply-
ing runners; thus, a gool commencement is made by
obtaining extra-strong and early plants.
Grapes are grown well and largely. Black Ham-
burgh, Madresfield Court, Gros Colmau, Lady
Djwnes, and Muscat of Alexandria being those chiefly
cultivated, and the Vines showed good useful bunches
in plenty.
The Plant-stove was gay with largo specimens of
Adiantum FarleyeDs", Anlhuriurn Veitchi, A.
Warocqueanuoo, A. Andreanu-n — the latter plants
were in flower, anil were growing in cylinders of
ephagoum-moss built up about 2 feet high above the
pots; Cissus discolor, and other plants at inteivals,
gave variety. At one end a tine lot of Saccolabiuui
Blumei, with large spikes of flower, were suspended
in baskets ; also boiuo very fine plants of Gloiiosa
superba, in full fl iwer — this is al.vays welcome on
nciount of its prettily formed, rijhly-coloured, giy
flowers.
Carnations were not quite over indoors ; King
Arthur, a fine scarlet, as large as Souvenir de la
Malmaison, was especially noticed, also Miss Audrey
Campbell, the finest yellow [ have seen. A fe.v very
large Malmaisons remained. Other kinds grown are
Winter Cheer aud Uriah Pike. Cyclamens arc ra:ssd
from seed annually, the seed being sown in October.
About 1000 plants are raised, and these wore accom-
modated in cool pits at tbc time of our visit, tho
earliest plants well set with flower-bud", and all
looking vigorous. Cyclamens are much omployed
for decoratiug apartments in the winter season. I
saw houses filled with Drac;enas, Crotons, Cattleyas,
Calauthes, aud Culogynes, each of which has a hou e
devoted to it, and all are cultivated in tho be3t
manner; but Scutellaria Mocciuiani must b„> men-
tioned specially as a most effective p'ant seldom seen
in good condition, aud dotted among Maidenhair
Fern, it had a pretty effe;t.
The kitchen garden was well cropped with vege-
tables of all kinds, and appearances showed that
plenty of the right sort of manure, deep cultivation,
timely sowing and thinning, were matter's that received
full attention. A fine p:ece of the Criterion Pea was
in bearing, auel cropping better than any of the new
varieties ; the quality of the Pea is excellent.
Apple and Pear bushes iu the kitchen garden were
carrying good crops for the season, and tho extension
system haB been followod in the case of ihe e kinds,
aud the high state of fertility in which the garden is
kept doubtless imparts great vigour to the trees, and
enables them to withstand the vicissitudes of the
weather. IK. If. Dirers, Belvoir Castle Qardfns,
Grantham.
and edged with Begonia Worthiana, Fuchsia Meteor,
Lobelia Hatfield Blue, and various other plants,
good strong plants having been put i.r which had
already filled the beds.
On the east front, zonal Pelargoniums have been
chiefly relied upon for effect, with j'ist a few foliage
plants to afford variety and contras's. Pelargonium
E. V. Raspail Impruved proves to be as useful a
variety for bedding as it is in the winter as a pot
plant. The Crimson Rambler Rose is extensively
used, and was flowering freely in various places. It
is one of the best climbing Rose s for quickly cohering
twenty-two years ago in a epau-roofed house 50 feet
long, which it now fills. Owing to the situation of
the house, which is much shaded by others, the
width of the tree is only 8 feet ; thus there are 400
square feet of trellis covered by the tree, and the
fruits were large, aud fit for exhibition purposes—
itself a proof of good culture. In another house a
fine tree of Lord Napier Nectarine was heavily laelen
with its large fruits. This house is a lean-to facing west
—not therefore an ideal aspect for forcing Nectarines ;
but this disadvantage has been paitly overcome by
training the branches horizontally, letting in plenty
ROSA WICHURAIANA.
There are very few of the wild types of Resi whose
flowering time comes 60 late iu the Tear as the end of
July and the beginning of August, but of those few
R. Wichuraiana is one (fig. 28). It is of very rereLt
introduction, but the distinct character of its growth
and the late dale at which it blossoms, have aheidy
obtained for it considerable notice iu this country,
although not so much as iu the United States,
where it is already a popu'ar shrub. It is a nativo
of Japan, and reached this country by the way of
the United States about five or six years ago. Tl e
two characters which more than any others distin-
guish this Rose are its \ rocumbeut habit, and the
very lustrous dark green colour of its leaves, these
100
THE GABDENEFS' GHFONIGLE.
[A' gist 14, 1897.
being, indeed, so bright on both sides as to suggest
their being coated with varnish. Each one consists
of five, seven, or nine leaflets, which are oblong or
elliptical, serrated, and from J to 1 inoh long. The
petiole bears a few short spines and bristles, and
the stipules have their margins set with glandular
teeth. On the strong, succulent, non-flowering
shoots of the curreit yeir, the wood is armed with
stout curved spines, but on the thinner-flowering
shoots of the following year they are mostly arranged
in pairs just beneath each node. The flowers are
of the purest white, and the clusters appear just
above the dense carpet of glossy leaves, which com-
pletely covers the soil. Each flower is upwards of
2 inches in diameter, the petals (normally five) often
numbering six or seven under cultivation. Tnis
species should be given a rich soil, and, what is of
equal or greater importance, the sunniest possible
position. It is, no doubt, the intense aud prolonged
sunshine it receives in North America that causes it
to flower so abundantly there. It is a plant of
vigorous and luxuriant growth, and can be increased
with the greatest ease by means of cuttings put in
diuing the next two or three weeks. W. J. B.
REMARKS ON THE FRUIT CROPS.
(See Tables, ante, pp. 63 to 69.)
(C ntinued from p. S4.)
3, ENGLAND, E.
Cambridgeshire. — Tue early prospect fur fruit
was very good ; the cold winds and late frost (mostly
the latter] caused the destruction of Apples, Plum",
and Pears, also thinniDg tne crop of Goossberries,
Red Currants, &c. J. Hill, Babraham Gardens.
Of Apples, Lane's Prince Albert is by fur the
best crop this year, a local Apple, called Emneth
Earlv coming next. Of Pears, the Hazel is very good,
also Beurre d'Amanlis. Gooseberries were under
average, but the prices have more than made up for
the deficiency. Wilson C. Smijlhe, Upwell Howe
Garden!, Wisbeeh.
Essex. — The fruit crop here is almost a failure, on
account of the late frost we had in April. There was
an abundance of bloom on Apples and Pears. F. King,
Havering Park, Romford.
Lincolnshire. — The fruit crops have turned out
rather poor in this district, owing, no doubt, to the
prolonged cold north-east winds which prevailed
duiing the time the tree3 were in blossom ; never-
theless, the majority of the trees are making good
and clean growth. Amongst the Apple crops, Codling
are carrying by far the heaviest crops. Plum-trees
are bearing very badly in this neighbourhood ; in
fact, I think I may safely venture to s.vy poorer than
they have done for many years past, and there is
also a scarcity of small fruits in general. J. Rowlands,
Manor Gardens, Bardney, near Lincoln.
Norfolk. — Most kinds of fruit are much below
average, Pears being the best. I have goo I crops of
Doyenne d'Ete', Beurre d'Amanlis, Citron desCarmes,
Williams' Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey ; all
others being very thin. Of Apples tlrtre is none.
II. Batchelor, CaitonParh, Norwich.
I never remember such a poor crop of Apples
in this part of Norfolk ; not a tree to be seen any-
where even carrying a third of a crop. Plums tho
Bame, very thin; just a sprinkle of some kinds, but
the trues generally barren. William Allan, Gunton
Park, Norwich.
Suffolk. — In this district the Apple crop is i oor,
and the trees have been much blighted. Pears are
good, aud quite up to the average. Peaches and
Nectarines are fairly good, though the trees have
Buffered much from blister. Apricots are a failure.
Of Cherries, Morellos are good, but dessert kinds are
not so satisfactory. Small fruits are plentiful and
good, particularly Gooseberries ; these did not sutler
so much from late frosts as in some years, which I
attribute to the dryness of the atmosphere, aud also
I I ices haviug a good sprinkling or foliage at the
sime time. In many gardens the first bloom on
Strawberries was destroyed by late frosts ; still, the
crop has been heavy, and the fruit of first rate
quality. //. Fisher1, The Gardens, Flixton Hall,
Bungay.
With the exception of the Strawberry, crops
of hardy fruit that had no protection in spring are
much below the average. Peaches aud Nectarines on
walls, which were protected on cold nights by cur-
tains, are a good crop ; but Apricots, that had the
same alt3ntioD, are a failure. /. Wallis, Orwell Park.
Ipswich.
The fruit-crop around this immediate neigh-
bourhood cannot be considered very satisfactory.
App'es are poor ; Tears are a better crop, but not a
heavy one. Of Apricots there are none. Peaches
and Nectarines have fairly good crops, but the trees
have been much affected with blister. Plums are
average ; more in some gardens than in others.
B. Marks, Hardwicke Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds.
4, MIDLAND COUNTIES.
Bedfordshire. — Apples thin, but trees vtry
healthy, making good growth ; Pears thin indeed
except on walls of east aspect ; Plums are also thin
except on walls of south aspect ; Cherries generally
very thin ; Peaches and Nectarines very good inr'eed
on unprotected Wflls, e'eau, and n.akii g gocd growths ;
Apricots very thin and scarce ; small fruits thin and
scarce except Raspberr.e', which are very good.
G. R. All is, Old Warden Parle Gardens.
Bucks. — All lVuittiees bloomed fairly with excep-
tion of the Damson ; but the weather was very un-
favourable during the whole blooming period, anil, as
a consequence, very little bloom set. All Plums are
quite a failure. Apples may average half a crop;
some trees which are in a little more sheltered position
are a full crop, while others are bare. All trees olean
and healthy. J. Jaijues, Waddesdon, Aylesbury.
Although the crops of Apples are much under
the average, the quality is good, and the trees
remarkably free from blight ; this latter remaik may
also be made respecting Pears. The quality of bush-
fruit is excellent, no traces of blight or caterpillar
having been seen. Strawberries would have been an
extraordinary crop had not the earliest blooms been
destroyed by frost ; notwithstanding this, however,
the crop is good both in quantity and quality. Plums
an 1 Damsons in some orchards are complete failures.
On the wholo, the crops are very scanty, but the trees
are healthy and clean. W. Hcdley Warren, Aston
Clinton Gardens, Trhuj.
— — The county of Bucks is proverbial for its
Cherry and Plum orchards, aud many of both abound
in this district, Cherries more particularly, and the
loss by reason of defective crops will be considerable.
In this locality the flowering period was Dot amiss,
and a good set was secured ; but the state of the
weather afterwards was such as to arrest growth, and
cause the mischief and loss that will naturally ensue.
Ap, les are only a partial crop; Pears plentiful;
Peache3 and Apricots good ; plenty of the early kinds
of the former now ripe on tho walls outride. Black
aud Red Currauts average ; Nuts aud Walnuts very
abundaut. G. T. Miles, Wycombe Abbey Gardens,
High Wycombe.
Apples are a very partial crop ; such varieties
as Lane's Prince Albert, Stirling Castle, Keswick
Codlin, Niton House, Mr. Gladstone, Oslin, Early
Margaret, Yellow Ingestre, Juneating, and Irish
Peach, are bearing good crops ; while such standard
varieties as Blenheim Orange, Cox's Orange Pippin,
Duchess of Oldenburg, and many others, hive hardly
a fruit on them. /. Smith, Mentmore, Leighton
Buzzard.
The most serious loss amoDg fruit crops is
the scarcity of Apples in this district, especially as
regards Orchard-trees. The blossoming was superb,
but the cold weather and biting winds experienced
crippled tho bloom, and the greater part foil off.
Out of several varieties, the only outs bearing a fair
crop in orchard are Dutch Mignonne, Red Quarrenden,
Sturmer Pippin, Beauty of Keut, Hambledon Deux
Ans, and King of the Pippins. Cox's Orange Pippin,
Wellington, aud Ribston Pippiu are slightly cropped.
Of bush trees on paradise carrying a fair crop may be
mentioned Grenadier (very good), Lord Derby, Cox's
Orange Pippin, Worcester Pearmain, Lane's Prince
Albert, and Ecklinville. Pears are generally worse
than Apples, although occasionally a standard
Orchard-tree is sesn bearing a heavy crop, one bem**
Beurre Clairgeau. Wall-trees and bushes are semtily
cropped, the following comprising the best: —
Williams' Bon Chrdtieu, Bergamotte d'Esperen,
Beurre Hardy, Josephine do Malines, Madame Trey ve,
Beurre d'Amanlis, Knight's Monarch, and Doyenne
Boussoeh. Plums a very poor crop ; Cherries on
walls good, Orchard poor ; Peaches and Nectarines
very good, and required much thinning of fruits ;
trees healthy. Waterloo Peaches ripe oa July 10.
Apricots very poor ; small fruits collectively a fair
average crop, of good quality. Black Currants rather
poorer in crop than others ; Strawberries very good,
taken collectively ; Nuts over average, and promise,
from present appearances, to be very good. C. Herrin,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Cheshire.— With the exception of Strawberries
and Apples, this is ODe of the poorest fruit years we
have had for many years. I he early blooms of
Stiawbeiries were injured by fros% which sIioas that
it will be rather unsafe in our climate to have them
too early. Gooseberries' are almost a failure ; so are
Plums, Cherries, and Pears, by the continued cold
weather, when the trees were in bud and blossom.
Some Apple-trees have very good crops, viz., Grena-
dier, Stirling Cast'.e, Cellini, aud Lord Grosvenor ;
others are very thin. B. Mackeltur, Abney Hall
Qardi ns, Cheaille.
This is a very bad soil for fruit-trees— cold and
heavy, not allowing the wood to ripen. Apricots do
fairly well generally, and I attribute the total failure
of this year to the enormous crop last. Damsons seem
also a total failure, which will be a great loss to this
district. Something has taken the Strawberry-plants,
nearly half of which withered and died in spring from
no apparent cause. C. Wolley Dol, Edge Hall,
Mai jui s.
Derbyshire.— All stone-fruits are very thin crop.
Apples good, and Pears a fair average. Small fruits
good, excepting Gooseberries very thin. Straw-
berries abundant, and very good. T. Keetley, Gardens,
Darlci/ Abbey.
Hertfordshire.— Tho fruit-growers of this dis-
trict have cause to lament the very cold weather and
late frosts of the spring, which have seriously affected
the greater portion of the fruit crops in this district,
notably Plums, Cherries, Apples, Currants, Goose-
berries, &c. ; entire orchards are absolutely devoid of
fruit. The best crop to chronicle this year is Nuts,
which is considerably above the average. Pears come
next. The yield of Strawberries was very indifferent,
only in some cases reaching half crops. In these
gardens we have to submit to entire failure in Apples,
Apricots, Cherries, Plums, &c , and only quarter
crops in "Strawberries and Black Currants. Although
it is Jubilee Year, many of our fruit-growers are not
jubilant, yet many are not depressed, but take
dimly and quietly the unavoidable wnich has to be
endured. //'/«. Garman, Frytlusden Gardens, Ureal
Berkhamsted.
Leicestershire.— Apnle?, Pin us, and Cherries
blossomed abundantly, but failed to set owiug to tho
cold ungenial weather prevailing at that time ; the
wind was principally in an easterly direction, but no
severe fros" occurred. Pears on walls iu many
instances set much too thickly, and have been freely
thinned ; these were protected while in flower with
double fish-netting. &o. Peaches and Nectarines
outside have scarcely any fruit, although they were
well protected when in flower; they have sulTereel
severely from blister this season. Plums have a
small crop ou walls, none on standards. Gooseberries
are very scarce, owiug to severe frost when they com-
August 14, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
101
tneneed flowering. Strawberries have borne a heavy
crop of unusually good quality and flavour. IV. H.
Divers, Bel voir Castle Gardens, Grantham.
There was abundance of bloom up in all fruit
trees this spring. The severe frosts and cold pre-
vailing N.E. winds of May mado a complete wreck of
the Apple crop, Stirling Castle, Peasgood, Lord Gro3-
venor, and Seaton House, being the only trees which
have a crop. Amongst Pears on pyramids, Louise
Bonne and Fertility are the best ; Beurre RaDce,
Winter Nelis, Easter Beurre, Mario Louise d'Uecle,
Pitmaston Duche-s, are the best. Cherries were a
great promise, but most of the fruits have fallen at
stoning period. D. Roberts, PrestwUd Gardem,
Loughborough,
Northamptonshire. — The fruit crop in this dis-
trict will be about an average; Keswick Codlin,
Hawthornden, and Lady Henniker are plentiful ; late
Apples, as a rule, will be very scarce. Pears, such
as Beurre- Bosc, Williams' Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne
of Jersey, are fairly plentiful, but the late oue3 were
cut off by frost and snow, and cold winds. Apricots
were frozen on the trees We registered 10' and 12°
Fahr. of frost two nights in succession during the
time they were setting. II. Kempshall, The Gardens,
Lamport Hall, Northampton.
Oxfordshire. — Apples are considerably under
average, but we have a nice sprinkling, especially on
bush-trees. Pears on walls are good. Plums, very
few ; and the same may be said of Cherries. With
Peaches and Nectarines we have seldom failed in the
opej, but this year the blister took the trees very
suddenly, and I never saw them worse ; they are
now growing out of it to some extent, but the crop is
poor, and cannot come to much. The early varieties,
Amsden's June, Alexander, and Waterloo, strange to
say, had very little blister, and are carrying fair
crop?. »Small fruits of all kinds have been good,
Gooseberries especially. Strawberries were soon over.
George Stanton, Park Place Gardens, Henley-on-Thames.
{To be >
almost obsolete name is " Kitakisu ; " sometimes it is
called " Uma (horse)-fuki i Nardosmial." It is
familiar to the Ainu under the name of " Seta (dog)-
korokoni (NarJosmia)." Both the Ainu and the
Japanese prefixes, " seta" and "uma," when applied
to plants, seem to have much the same sense as the
English " dog," in Dogwood, Dogbane, &c , and the
"horse" in Horse-radish, Horse-chestnut, Horse-
mint, &c. The Ainu use it as food as well as medi-
cine. They boil the tender shoots with Beans, and
the roots are put into soup. For medicinal uses the
young leaves are softened by rolling them between
the palms, and applied to skin eruptions. The
Japanese esteem Lappa for similar purposes. It is
used in mauy preparations for its medicinal proper-
ties, which, they believe— at least, the old-fashioned
empirics believe — consist in counteracting the action
of some kinds of poisons. Grated and made into
pulp, the roots are applied as a poultice in eruptions
of the skin. But by far the more important use is
made in the kitchen. As regards this plant we have
outstripped the pantophagou, Chinese, for they have
not raised the plant to the dignity of a market
vegetable. " When young,'' says a Chinese book on
botany, "the tender leaves of the Lappa are cut and
eaten as greens ; the roots may be boiled or steamed
and eaten, but people nowadays rarely use the
plant." Among the Japanese, however, it has been
under cultivation for years, and possibly for centuries.
It enters the kitchen of every household, not being
ostracized from the menu of the most high-toned
restaurant. Thousauds of acres are devoted to its
culture. Official statistics for 1S88 give the total
production of Lappa in the country at about
72,000, pounds, valued at 422,134 yen. The
roots average 3J0 grains in weight.
The production of so large a quantity is not at all
to be wondered at when iw recollect that Lappa
ranks high in the scale of nutritive plants. In the
amount of nitrogen it stands higher than Potatos,
Beets, Carrots, or Turnips; in fact, few roots or
tubers approach it. I append here its chomical com-
position, as compared with some other ommonly
used vegetables : —
BURDOCK AS A VEGETABLE.
The well-known definition of a weed by Emerson
as "a plant whose virtues have not yet been dis-
covered," is confirmed by the better agricultural
authority of Schwerz, according to whom "a weed is
a plant of which the direct uses are unknown to man.''
Both the poet-philosopher an 1 the scientific farmer
implicitly admit, I think, that as man brings more
aud more of nature under his control — in other words,
as he brings more and more plants under cultivation,
many of them, hitherto scorned as weeds, must cease
to be considered as such. I have ofteu seen ridiculed
the Chinese custom of eating birds' nests, bears' claws,
and other incomprehensible delicacies, but I cannot
help admiring the power of pantophagy on the one
hand aud the refinement of culinary skill on the
other, which can convert into means of human enjoy-
ment things apparently worthless and revolting. If,
as philosophers say, civilisation consists mainly in
bringing natural forces under man's subjection, China
must be given a high place in the scale of civilisation
from a culinary point of view.
Is it not a real triumph of art to extract food for
man from so coarse and ugly a weed as Burdock !
Most books on botany in the English tongue describe
Burdock, Lappa major or officinalis, as a pestiferous
weed, and many an agricultural bulletin gives careful
instruction how to destroy it.
The medicinal uses are not to be despised, but they
are unimportant when compared to the value of the
plant as an edible vegetable ; since the kitchen is
more important than the drug-store, the cook is
nearer our hearts than the apothecary. Even in
England the alimentary value of Burdock was not
always despised. Sowerby writes in his Useful Plants
oj Great Britain, " The stalks of the Burdock, cut
before the flowers open and stripped of their rind,
form a delicate vegetable when boiled, similar in
flavour to Asparagus. In the raw state they may be
eaten with oil and vinegar as salad. They were
sometimes candied with sugar in the time of Bryant,
as those of Angelica are."
Id Japan, Burdock grows wild in several places,
but it is also extensively cultivated as a vegetable.
Everyone knows and eats " Uobo," the usual appella-
tion for this plant, although a more refined and
11 " n. Ash K.O
sa,o
1 10 MgO
P3Os SO, 1'
CI.
Potatoa : i0 S 1
0'5 5-8
0-3
0 :
05
1-6
03
Sugar-
S15 i-0
71 3-8
0-6
0-4
0-o
,i g
0 . 0 J
03
Turnips
6'4 20
0 7
0-2
0^ 0-7 0-1
OS
Carrots B50 2 2
1-7
"■
0 4
11 0-5 02 0'4
Burdock 738 i
0 2
1-1
J || ii 'i 0 7 01 ...
So important a crop as Burdock has, of course,
many varieties developed, but the best known among
them are few in number. They are usually named
from the localities where they were first developed,
or where they thrive best.
In raising Lappa much attention is naturally
devoted to the right selection of the soil. It is a
common belief among cultivators that a light sandy
soil is specially adapted to it, and it is true that roots
grown from such soil are long and slender, but they
are prone to be hollow at the centre and rather
tough at the rind. A stronger and deeper soil, say
clayey loam, seems to impart firmness to the root and
a better flavour. To gain the most satisfactory
results, the soil must be ploughed deep and finely
pulverised, or else an undue amount of labour will
be required in harvesting the roots. Indeed, digging
Burdock is a proverbially hard task ; it has become
almost a fine art to do it well. Many an old writer
recommends digging the soil to a depth of some i or
5 feet, and then putting in green leaves, stalks, turf,
and so forth, in a layer of a foot deep, and covering
that with the earth that was excavated. The surface
must then be well hoed in both directions. So much
care, however, is only necessary when exceptionally
fine specimens, for show or otherwise, are aimed at.
One peculiarity of Lappa is that it is not adapted to
rotation — that is, it thrives better if planted continu-
ously on the same soil ; in new land the roots are
likely to become forked. It is also grateful for good
manures — compost, night soil, and especially to rice-
bran — but if compost is a plied it must be well
decomposed, or else the roots will throw off too many
branches.
When the soil is properly prepared, seeds are
planted in rows 3 feet apart, five or six seeds being
placed every 6 to 8 iuches in a row. In Owura, the
usual time for *o viug is the early part of May or late
in April. Before the early part of June the young
plants are thinned out, leaving but one in the hill.
Very often liqui 1-mauure is applied two or three
times before the roots are harvested, late in December.
Another method is to plant the seeds in August, so as
to have the vegetable ready for spring use, in which
case they are sown more closely, since they do not
grow as vigorously as those planted in spring. Lappa
is a slow grower, and takes over 220 days to mature.
Seeds retain their vitality for five years, and many a
gardener asserts that the best crop is obtained from
those three years old. They say that new seeds pro-
duce roots which throw off too many branches and
flower-stalks. This statement, however, is not always
verified. For keeping and marketing, the vegetable
may simply be loft where it was grown, or kept
buried in the earth like Beets or Turnips.
I need only state in general terms that, after their
skin is scraped or peeled off, the roots may be sliced
into long strips or cut into pieces of less than an inch in
length, and boiled with soy, salt, or Spanish pepper, to
impart savour to them ; or, if boiled alone, they may
afterward be browned in sesame oil, which of itself will
flavour them. Another common way of cooking them
is to scrape off the outer skin and cut them into
pieces about 2 inches long, then, when they are
bailed soft, to take them out of the pan and m»sh
them ; then make them into cakes, much as you treat
Oyster-plants. A kind of salad, though not uncooked,
is also made of them. A rather unique and more
elegant process consists in stuffing the roots with sea-
eel and boiling them, after dipping them in a pre-
paration containing soy and pepper. Slices of Lappa
fried and eaten with some condiments form one of
the commonest dishes with us. The roots are some-
times pickled in miso. There are many other ways of
preparing this valuable vegetable for table use, but a
longer description would be interesting or amusing
only to the curious. Inazo Nitobe, in " Garden and
Forest." [Several years ago we presented samples of
this vegetable to Chiswick and to the Fruit Com-
mittee, but the vegetables failed to interest the com-
mittee, and we heard no more of it at Chiswick. Ed.J
BEDDING IN HYDE PARK.
A oreat French artist once said, "Painting is an
art of many sacrifices." It may be well said that
gardening, from the picturesque point of view, is also
' ' an art of many sacrifices." As it is practically the,
making of pictures with living flowers, the artist-
gardener must make a selection of restricted material
that will give the most beautiful effects in his garden-
pictures.
To any one conversant with the style of bedding in
vogue, say, twenty-five years ago, a stroll just now
along the flower-beds in Park Lane would suggest
thoughts giving food for a very interesting mental
reflection. It (the bedding) in those far-off days was
a huge advertisement, a sensation garden — thousands
of scarlet Pelargoniums massed in one bed, between
"dowdy" Perillas and yellow Calceolarias; ribbon-
borders and pin-cushion beds in plenty, and, in fact,
all the floral millinery available.
The area bordering on Park Lane was then a part
of the park devoted to ''carpet-beds," the designs
for which were copied (as the style literally expressed)
from carpets or other unsuitable samplers. It was,
indeed, a case of covering space by line and measure
with geometrical designs I how still and formal it all
was !), ani, as has been well expressed, this giant
geometry had "taken possession," ejecing much that
was good of old in the matter of herbaceous perennials
and beautiful annuals. At the present time, in the
vicinity of Park Lane there is only about one bed de-
voted to carpet-bedding, a good example that has teen
generally followed. The kiotl of display of flowers
in Hyde Park continues to gain favour with the
public, and it may be described in short as the mix d
or blending. Whilst the Superint ndent, Mr. W.
Browne, works on qui'e modern lines, he manages to
introduce many of the old fa hioned p'ants which
were so much the admiration of the people a quart, r
to half a century ago, rightly availing himself at the
same time of more recent i.troclue ions tint «il
beautify, and give increased inter, st to the flower
aud mixed beds.
It is a problem not of easy solution to find some-
thing fresh to present to the public every year. '• John
Bull" is now, more than ever, exacting. Heisakindof
horticultural Shylock, and iu-i-ts upou having Lis
"pound," regarding his flower-plots pretty much as he
102
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 14, 1897.
does his big dinners! — they must be en evidence — a
pecies of rotary transformation-scenes ! He does
not like to " wait for results," but has become im-
patient ; and, in fact, expects to see a new thing
every day !
An inspection of matters horticultural at Park
Lane this season makes it evident that, whilst the
insatiable public may not be entirely satisfied, ". new
ideas " are being carried out, although necessarily,
in the matter of planting, it is not found possible to
employ entirely new plants.
The beds which were a short time ago filled with
Pansies, Violas, Solomon's Seal, Aquilegias, &c, all of
which did remarkably well, have disappeared, and
they are now replaced with Liliums, Erythriuas,
Fuchsias, Celosias, &c. To refer to some of the beds
which attracted most attention on a recent visit,
to justify my remark as to the use of old-fashioned
plants, here the visitor will see the yellow-flowered
Calceolaria amplexicaulis, introduced from Peru in
1845, in association with the beautiful dark-flowered
Fuchsia Marinka, a splendid illustration of the happy
marriage "of the old and the new !" Another charming
arraugenientisconstitutedbythegracefullight-flowired
Fuchi-ia Mrs. Marshall, mingling with the dark Helio-
trope President Garfield, standing on a carpet of vivid
Alternantheras. Then the eye is carried to a bed in
which Vallota purpurea is mixed with Canua Queen
Charlotte, the splendid dark crimson flowei s of the
former contrasting very effectively with the golden
and crimson stripes of the latter. Then, again, the
old Michaelmas Daisy mingles its slender brauches
amongst the delicate pink flowers of Ivy-leaved Pelar-
gonium Madame Crousse. Effective is the association
of Fuchsias Marinka and Mrs. Marshall with Pelar-
gonium Madame Crousse, having some dot-plants of
Begonia castanaefolia, which latter, although not a
tuberous, and a purely evergreen variety, makes a
capital bedding-plant, have a good effect. Erythrina
crista-galli, with its attractive bunches of orange-
coral- coloured blossoms, with plants of Carnation Alice
Ayres, whose flowers are white, tipped with carmine,
and of fine quality, and a strong grower, on a carpet
of Violet Blue Bell, arrested attention. A graceful
bed is formed of Heliotrope President Garfield, with
its bright mauve-purple flowers amongst the dark-
flowered Fuchsia Marinka ; Celosia plumosa and
Lilium laneifolium intermingled, will make a very
showy bed soon. A bed of Carnation Alice Ayre.«,
on a carpet of Viola William Neil, was much
admired. The light-coloured Carnation, on a ground
of the mauve-coloured Viola, produced a very pleasiog
effect. A mixed bed of Pelargoniums with Coreoj sis
tinctoria, having a carpet of the Silver Kceniga varie-
gata, was very telling. A small bed of Cuphea
platycentra (commonly called the Cigar-plant), a good
old bedding-plant, with yellow and crimson tubular
flowers ; Alonsoa iucisifolia, a charming plant, of
easy culture ; Acalypha musaica, having a c.upet of
Kceniga maritima, was a pretty feature. A very
telling arrangement consisted of Heliotrope Koi des
Noirs, blackish-purple, white eye, and very distinct ;
dot-plants of Celosia plumosa, a carpet of Alter-
nanthera magnifica, with a band of A. amcena ;
Cosmos bipinnata, another good old-fashioned plant,
introduced as far back as 1799 ! with a carpet of
Viola lilacina, and dot plants of that finest and
purest amongst the yellow self Carnations, Germania
to wit, make a very light and elegant bed. A
remarkably good and effective arrangement consisted
of Fuchsias Mrs. Marshall and Scarcity, Canna Queen
Charlotte, white-flowered Antirrhinum?, and Vallota
purpurea. A pair of beds filled with large eiimson-
flowered Pelargoniums with plants of the Golden
Privet produce a very rich and striking effect.
Fuchsia Mrs. Marshall, dots of Acalypha, grandiflora,
with a band of Fuchsia Meteor (the latter attractive if
only for its foliage, the lower leaves buff-yellow, the
upper ones rich crimson), Laving Ten-week Stocks
growing up between them, make a very elegant bed.
One that attracted instant attention was the following
arrangement : — The well-known and beautiful Plum-
bago capensis, with groups of Streptosolen Jamesoni ;
this, though an old greenhouse plant, is quite a new
thing in bedding, and, so far, it seems to be an
acquisition. The flowers, on first opening, are of a
pale colour, changing to a brilliant cinnamon-red —
quite distinct from any plant in use here for summer-
bedding, and contrasting splendidly with dots of that
fine Pelargonium Henry Cannell, and the dark-
flowered Fuchsia Scarcity. It had a carpet of mixed
Godetias and Jacobaea.
Some beds of crimson Begonias with plants of
Coreopsis tinctoria have not done so well at present,
the sun and dry weather not suiting them ; but in
cooler weather they will soon improve. Heliotrope
President Garfield, planted in groups with Fuchsia
Mrs. Marshall and Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, and dots
of the beautifully scented (at night) Nicotiana affinis,
make a charming bed. Fuchsia Scarcity, planted
six in a group, with intermediate groups of Ivy-
leaved Pelargonium Galilee, rosy-pink, very double
flowers, make a pretty bed.
Another bed planted with Fuchsia Mrs. Ruudle,
tube and sepals silmou, corolla rich orange-scarlet,
and Pelargonium (Ivy- leaved) Souvenir de Charles
Turner, flowers deep pink, feathered with maroon,
very large pips and truss, is well worthy of mention.
Fuchsia Madame Cornellissen is showing well for
bloom, but is rather later than usual ; a good flower
display will be made in a short tini». A bed of dark-
flowered Heliotrope, with the yellow Coreopsis, is a
very showy bed.
The usual groups of Palms, Bamboos, Araucarir,
excelsa, and Eucalyptus globulus, arranged behind
and between the beds, all help to give the whole
arrangement an enchanting effect. J. B.
We all know and value mulches for the Strawberry-
bed's, and they usually consist of clean straw, or that
which a few showers of rain will render clean and
sweet ; and a mulch hhould be put to Strawberries
before the blooms expand, eo as to afford the
necessary time to bleach and cleanse it. G. JVythcs.
FEEDING-MULCHES FOR FRUIT
TREES, CORDONS, AND BUSHES.
Having at Syou a thin soil that rests on gravel,
mulching is very necessary, especially in the case
of trees and bushes, &c, in the open ground in
a hot summer like the present. The month of
April this year was not a genial one as regarded
the weather, and cutting winds prevailed for
weeks ; but little rain fell, and drying winds con-
tinued to blow till well into May, rendering the
mulching of young fruit trees very uecossary, espe-
cially in the case of cordons and bushes of Apples on
the Paradise stock which are lifted every few years.
At Syon, watering and mulching were both
much needed early in the present summer. I
believe that mulching is our sheet-anchor in fruit-
culture on the light soils of the Thames valloy, for
but few gardeners could afford the labour necessary to
efficiently afford water to their fruit trees without it
Certainly we could not ; and not only is it wanted by
trees of all kinds in the open quarters, but by those
on walls of every sort of aspect.
Cherries especially suffer from drought, and a
timely application of water and a mulch do wonders
for them, enabling the trees to retain their fruit and
perfect it. The wider the space round a tree that is
mulched the better for the tree ; and in the case of
trees on walls, the mulch should extend 3 to 5 feet.
Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines, all of them
worked on the free-rooting Plum stock, benefit more
or less from a mulch over the roots, especially the
Apricot, and growing as theso do mostly on south
and east walls, the resources of the roots are severely
taxed in dry, hot weather. Old trees are benefited by
mulches of half-decayed stable-manure laid on the
soil 4 inches thick, the soil containing tho roots being
previously dressed with superphosphate of lime and
nitrate of soda at the rate of 2 oz. to the square yard,
and raked into the toil and water afforded to wash it
in. It is a dressing that is gocd for most kinds of
fruit-trees when they have become established.
Failing these mineral manures, liquid from the stable
cess-pit, and that from the cow-stalls, as well as the
solid excrement, are excellent fordry soils. The latter
should bo partly decayed before being made use of.
It is now too late to apply mulches to Rasp-
berries and bush-fruits, these being best afforded in
June or even earlier, the exact time being a matter of
weather. The Raspberry requires, or at least is
benefited by a dressing of farmyard-dung as a mulch,
weak and superfluous suckers being first pulled up.
Nursery Notes.
WARRISTON NURSERY, EDINBURGH.
Situated in Inverleith Row, opposite the Royal
Botanic Garden, tho Warriston Nursery of Messrs.
Thomas Methven & Sons is of easy access from any
part of the city of Edinburgh, the cable traracars
from the Mound, in the middle of Princes Street,
passing the gate of the nursery every five minutes.
Horticulturists who may find themselves in Edin-
burgh during their holidays should make it a point to
include a visit to this nursery, as well as to the
Botanic Gardon (which is always interesting, and is
at present undergoing a thorough renovation) in their
programme. About fifteen minutes by cable-car from
Princes Street, a couple of hours' time, and a few
pence, will suffice to do both places ; although a long
day might be profitably spent in the inspection of
the special features and numerous objects of interest
to horticulturists to be seen in them.
In a recent visit to Warriston Nur«ery, which we
had not seen for some years, we found that Messrs.
Methven & Sous had in the interval carried out great
improvements for facilitating business, and added
largely to the number and extent of the glass houses
devoted to the growing of plants and flowers for the
regular supply of their customers, and for meeting
the demands of their extensive plant and floral-
decoration business, in which, under the skilful
direction of their able manager, Mr. Alex. Mackenzie,
they have acquired great celebrity. We had the
good fortune on our visit to have Mr. Mackenzie for
our cicerone, which gave a double value to the time
we spent in walking through this interesting nursery,
and discussing the various points of cultivation and
taste with such a consummate master of both.
Skilful selection of the best of everything for the
special object in view, high cultivation on the most
approved principles, and systematic order everywhere,
were evidently the strong points in Mr. Mackenzie's
successful management of the large and varied nursery
and decorative stock under his charge.
Thees and Shrubs.
On entering the gate, the borders of the main walk,
about 12 feet wide, are seen to be filled with the
choicest varieties of ornamental trees and shrubs,
many of them handsome specimens of considerable
size, and well suited for immediate effect. This
is especially the case with many carefully-trained
specimens of Golden Queen and Milkmaid Hollies, as
well as others of that useful family, and of the more
ornamental kinds of Conifers. The golden variegated
varieties of Conifers assume their richest tints of foliage
in the soft, sandy loam of the nursery ; andwell-trained
specimens of the Golden Yew, the Golden Lawson's
Cypress, and the Golden Retinosporas, are perfect
model plants of golden hue for the decoration of the
front gardens of suburban villas, and the pleasure-
grounds of the more aristocratic country mansions.
In the well-arranged divisions of the nursery a fine,
healthy stock of plants of a useful size, and of the
best varieties for ornamental purposes, are grown in
their hundreds or thousands, as the case may be,
all carefully tended and frequently transplanted,
to insure compact and well-rooted plants that will
move with perfect safety to any distance and thrive
Well afterwards under all ordinary conditions.
The Glasshouses.
It is, however, inside the ranges of glasshouses
at the present time that the visitor will be most
struck by tho vigour of the large and varied stock,
and ihe excellence of the methods of its cultivation.
One range is filled with young Vines struck from eyes
in the usual way early last spring, aud now, July,
many feet in length, and of a thickness of stem, an
August 14, 1897.]
THE GA B DE NE I? S ' C1IB0NICL E.
103
sturdy, short-jointed habit, more than commensurate
with their length. As "fruiters" and " planters " it
would not be easy to mutch ih> m, every leaf perfect,
ulid the growth robust and firm. An adjourng range
was filled with a gnat \aruty of the best decorative
kinds of Palms, among which the graceful forms of
tbe Kentias predorninattd. The plants vary in s:ze
from the year's *eedling to well-furnished specimens
12 to 15 feet in height with every leaf fresh and
perfect; p'ants of gre..t value for carrying out, with
the best i ff ct, the floral decorations at Court func-
tious at Holyrood, and at other places on important
white Azalea narcissiflora there is here pei baps the
finest stock in the country, every plant Btocky and
well grown, and brUt'ins; with buds, which will gko
a rare crop of Bowers in tbe early wiuter. It is
almost needless to add that Mr. Mackenzie grows
and fb>«'t-rs to perfection a Fplendid *tock of CI rys-
autfu-mnms, bis skill in that branch of tbe business
being in prominent evidence at the Chrjsanthemum
show held annually in the YVaverley Market.
Store. Plants. — [n a tpanroofel range mainly
devotid to tbe cultivation of stove plants for decoia-
tive purposes, those grown for table dtcoration w* ra
.; '
Mil. HARRY TU2X3R.
A distinguished prize-winner at the General Horticultural Exhibition, Hamburgh, i : te p. 10y.)
occr8ions, which Mr. Mackenzie executes with his
well known taste and skill. Scarcely any graceful
habited or brightly coloured foliags plant ciroes
amiss to Mr. Mackenzie in carrying out plant
dec >rat'ons, but a few of his special favourites, beside
the Palms, and all graceful habited Ferns arc well
handled specimens, of all sizes, of Euonymus
japon'casUtifolius variegatus, Euryalatifoliavariegata,
ElaMgnus glaber aurea, Rhopala corcovaden'-is, and
Orevillea robusta among greenhouse foliaged plants,
with regal and zonal Pelargoniums, select Fuchias,
and huge-flowered Hydrangfas in summer, and
Indian Azileas, and the choicest flowering plants
forced through tbe winter and spring. Of the early
excellent in fres'iness, grace "ul habit, and bright
colouiiog. Tbe Crotons. of which angustifolius,
Chelsoni, Disraeli Earl of Derby, eleganti-siuvis, «n I
Weis-nanni are grown in greatest numbers as the best
for table purposes — were each fit for a place nn a
competition table ; and the sone mishit be said of the
beiutifnlly-coloured Dracenas, the old varieties,
Cooperi and terminal is, >till holding their o vn in
graceful habit and brilliancy of coloming among many
other charming newer varieties. Pandanus Veitchi,
Draccena Lindeni, and Ficns eltstici variega'a, as well
rs Kulalia japonic*, are gro.vn in qum'ity, and well
grown too, for the beautifully contrasting effect of
their Bilvery-white foHage, when combined with the
more brilliant hues of the leaves of other subjects. The
chief aim in growing these foliage plants for table is
to have every leaf perfect, the plants freely grown to
assume a light graceful habit, and the colours
brought out in tfnir greatest brilliancy ; and these
poin's are admirably obtained by the methods
adopted by Mr. Mackenzie. Similar well-considered
methods are ernplojed in the culture of every class
of plants grown in the nurseiy ; and in the course of
a visit to it, every ob-ercant gardener, whether
employed in a piva'.e esta'lishmeut or in the com-
mercial branches, will not fail to pick up an idea or
two wcrth remembering. Visitor, July 31.
Messrs. Jons Cowan & Co., Ltd.
With a vie .v t> having greater facilities for coping
with au increasing business. Messrs. J. Cowan & Co ,
Ltd., have decided to tran-fer their chief offices, and
ultimately their entire business, from Garston to a
branch establishment at 0 iteacre, which is some
six miles in au easterly direction (Garston being
south) of Liverpool, wlnre, with charming rural sur-
rounriinga, mild and salubrious atmosphere, and
ample railway facilities for making the establishment
readily and easily accessible from all parts, it was
considered advisable to betake themselves. For the
cultivation of Orchids, always a specialty of the firm,
spacious new glasshouses, containing every improve-
ment, have been erectel. As a fitting inauguration,
Messrs. Cowan purchased a few days ago the entire
Orchid collection of Dr. .1. It, Jessop, Koundhay
Mount, Leeds, removing the plants to Gateacre, where
they now occupy two of the new houses. This collection
has been often noticed in the pages of the Gardeners'
vhrmide and other journals, and was admittedly one
of the most select collections in Yorkshire. It is
iutended to further extend building operations, and
make suitable provision for importations of Orchids
from both known and new sources. The nurseries,
which are about 'JO acres in extent, contain good
collections of fruit trees, Conifers, and other ever-
green and deciduous trees and shrubs. /. /,
THE NEW NOMENCLATURE OF
PLANTS.
THE attempted enforcement on the gardener of new
tinmen for plants meets with the samekind of opposition
in Germany as is dealt out to it in this country, and
fir the same reason that almost any kind of mme is
N.iiuMr* for a plant, for the truth of which we refer
t> the often uncouth co np'imeutary n im« given
originally to plants, aril which hiving; got iuto all
kinds <»f gardening ho ok-<, *re not likely to be readily
ousted by others. In Germ my, one suppor'er of the
old nomenclature throws ridicule in this fashion on
the would-l>j inuovitors. Last summer I visited
my old friend, Andrc'es. Hi is a nice dear gentleman,
and a great gardening am iteur, iuterd-ting himself in
everything that app;> irs ou the surface of the eoi',
knows every weed, an I his entire collection of girdeu
plants is neatly and prettily lib" lie t. 0.jeal*-ayslea*-ns
something from Andrees, aud he is constantly " on
the go." I had n>>t seen the go>l gentlemin for a
long time, and I was filled with expectation regarding
his latest discoveries. As mt^ht be expected, his little
gmleu give o »e plna-ing impressions. " Hast thou
n^wlydabelled everything .' "' I inquired of him. With
joyful satisfaction he assented. " O.ie must go with
the times, and I could not do other than give tnv
plants nam is according to the m >st m ideni
views " " I am curious, " said t, * in what
these nnderu vie.vs consist.'' '' Will soti bho'V
you," siid he. A 1 irge group of Lib iroum,
crowded with blossom*, atoo I out brilliantly
aga'nst a bickground of dark green. " Last year,"
said Andre'es, <( every blossom was frozm ; but this
year my group of Laburnum Laburnum. Vos*. has
rewarded me t wo- fold ; alsi the Carigani ciragam,
K ir-«t, leaves nothing to be wished for. Som^ time
the g oup was bordered with the small Am^laochier
Amelancliier, Voas, but these getting too till for me,
I have substituted the variegated Svmjdnrcirpus
symphoricarpus, Voss." "Very neat," I replied, "but
it is not necessary for you to repeat each nitre, my
104
THE GARDE NEBS' C HE ONI CLE.
[August 14. 1897.
memory is quite good." A pleasant glance in my
frieud'3 eyes, "Man, don't feel yourself insulted, that
is the newest nomenclature. Instead of Laburnum
vulgare or Cytisus Laburnum, we now say Laburnum
Laburnum. Caragana arbore3cens is antique, as are
likewise Amelanchier vulgaris or oralis, and Sym-
phoricarpus Symphoricarpus souuds quite as well, at
the lea-t as Symphoricarpus orbiculatus, doesn't it ? "
" Not quite sure," I remark. Still another nest of
caterpillars. " One may search for them every day,
and not find the last one," said Audreys, taking a nest
from a small half-standard Apple-tree. " It is now
called Mains malus ! But. Andrees, that is enor-
mously simple ; and it would be still more so were
we to adopt the arithmetical method, and fay ' + '-.
The labelling would also be more simple ; for instance,
instead of thine Larix Larix, thou wouldst simply
write Larix2 ; or in place of Cedrus Cedrus, Voss,
Cedrus2, Castanea", Catalpa-, Cotoneaster", Diervilla-,
and so on." My friend Andre'es made a wry face, say-
ing that people should not make jokes about science.
I was not yet certain which of us was right. We
approached a small rock-garden, on which I espied a
charming clump of Edelweiss. " I am proud of that,'
said Audre'es; "I collected the seeds of Leontopo-
dium Leontopodium, Karst, on the Alps." He stepped
forward and sud, " That charming plant, the Beech
Fern, Phegopteris Phegopteris, Vo3S, I brought as a
living plant from the Harlz Mountains. Filipendula
Filipendula comes also from there." " Ach so ! thou
meanest that Spirrea Filipendula, L.," I remarked.
Andrees looking sideways at me as much as to say,
" There is auother fossil, a century behind the times,
at the least."
The entire garden was filled with the new names.
Apios Apios, Voss (Apios tuberose, Much.), was
climbing there ; Aruucus Aruncus, Karst. (Ar uncus
Bilvester, Kostel, and Spircci Aruncus, Lin.), gave
beauty to the vicinity of the fountain. Cymbalaria
Cymbalaria, Wettst. (Liuaria Cymbalaria, Mill.),
clambered vigorously over a low wall ; and Linaria
Linaria, Wettst. (Linaria vulgaris, L ), was showing its
first blossoms. There were further Muscari Muscari,
Voss,\'iscaria Viscaria, Voss, Omphalodes Omphalodes,
Voss, Polygonatum Polygonatum, Foeniculum foeuicu-
lum, Glaucium Olaucium, Pentstemon Pentstemon, Pul-
satilla Pulsatilla, Hepatica Hepatica, Lagenaria Lage-
naria, Dracunculus Dracunculus, and a lot more well-
known plants, which were growing not a whit better
under their new names as under their universally-
known names.
As my friend Audre'es was proceeding to make me
acquainted with still more of these old plants, I
strongly objected. I was fatigued and thirsty.
" Cm I offer you anything ? Shall it be double
Kiimmel ? " " But Andrees, look at the consequence.
That is now Kiimmel Kiimmel," said I, shyly.
"Make no more stale joke3. I caunot set a bowl of
Ananas Ananas before you."
We seated ourselves in a shady summer-house sur-
rounded by a group of pot-plants, and I rejoiced that
no bad consequences had happened to my old friend
from the new plant nomenclature, and I believed we
thould hear no more about it. But that was not to
be, for Andrews brought up Adhatoda Adhatoda,
Malvaviscus Malvaviscus, Opuntia Opuntia, and
lastly, the old fruitful Eugenia Ugni, which he had
newly labelled Ugni Ugni, Voss.
" Say no more, Andrfies," I remarked ; " I will have
none of it." " But it is the most modern, and, at the
least, you will allow that these new names rest on scien-
tific basis." In every way Andrees tried to make the
matter clear, and after I had digested a whole series
of nomenclature laws, said I to friend Andrews, " There
lately fell into my hands an old Herbal by the worthy
Brunfels, who wrote ' Ware nit unrecht wennman die
alten namen auch hett lassen bleiben, sintemal so
man eimen bekannten menschen, darin er getauft,
verwanldelt, wird er unbekannt, also auch mit den
Krautern ; " which we may render thus, " No harm is
done if we let the old names remain ; but if you
change the name a man was christened under, you
render him unrecognisable, so also with plants." I see
no use in horticulture for the new names. The public
does not understand U3. In science there may be
some grounds for the system, but you will agree with
me that horticulture in many questions of nomen-
clature should be allowed to go its own way, especially
when we are requested to give up old well-established
mm?. W. M'mkmtyir, Botanic Garden Inspector,
Leipzig, in "Mailer's Deutsche Gartner" for May, 1897.
The Week's Work,
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Matcock, Girdener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Souvenir ele la Malmaison Carnations. — The rooted
layers should now bs potted, the strongest going
into their floweriug-pots, namely, 7-inch ones, and
the weaker into 4 \ inch pots, to be shifted once
later in the year. A mixture consisting of 4 good
loam, j of peat, and \ of charcoal, sand, and so>t
thoroughly mixed together, will suit them very
well. The soil should be made moderately firm with
a rammer, being careful not to bruise the roots. If
the potting-soil is somewhat moist, water will noi be
required for some days after potting ; and when it is
afforded, it should be sufficient, then and at all
other times to permeate every part, frequent
watering being very injurious to this variety. After
the layers are potted, stand them on a floor of coal-
ashes near to the gla*s in a low, span-roofed house,
affording a light shading for the first week or two ;
then gradually accustoming them to full sunshine, and
admitting more and more air as the root-action
increases, not allowing the house at any time to
become stuffy.
The Store. — The shoots of Dipladenia, Stephanotis,
and Aristolochia elegan3 should be laid-in regularly,
and the plants well supplied with water at the roots,
ami not allowed to suffer from injurious insects, but
vaporising the house occasionally. The dead sphag-
num-moss on the surface of pots in which Anthu-
riums are growing, should b} replaced with living
moss. Codirrjams (Crotons) and Draeocnas which have
become unduly large or lanky, may be tongued and
treated asdescribed on p. 22, vol. xxi. of the Gardeners'
Chronicle. When routed, the tops make useful plants
for early work next spring.
General IVork. — Let the supply of water be
gradually withheld from Achimencs, Gloxiniis, and
Gesneras which have passed out of blooin,and remove
the plants from the show-house to a dry pit. Plants
of Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima and Euphorbia
jacquinioeflora, if growing strongly, may be afforded
liquid-manure water occasionally, and a moist-growin»
temperature, plying the syringe gently amongst
them on the afternoon of days that are fine, fumi-
gating the house or pit whenever aphides are ob-
served, and rubbing off with the thumb and finger the
brown scale insect as soon as seen. Cuttings of half-
ripened wood may now be taken of the show and
fancy Pelargoniums, and rooted in pots in a cold
frame, or under haud-lights, all'ording water sparingly
to them till rooted.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Peaches and Nectarines. — Where fruit is ripening,
the house should receive ample ventilatiou in hot
weather, or the fruit will scald on the sunny-side.
If the fruit has to be sent a distance from home,
gather it with a pair of blunt-ended Grape-scissors as
soon as the pulp begins to soften round the stalk ;
but if it be for home use, leave them on the tree as
long as it is possible to do so safely, thereby iusuring
the proper degree of flavour. Do not let leaves and
laterals shade the fruit, frequently going over the
trees, to carry out the needful operation of removing
or pushiug out of the way the offending leaves, &c.
Later Trees. — The application of water to the bor-
ders, also morning and evening syringing, are now very
necessary operations, and where old trees are carrying
numerous fruits, liberal waterings of manure- water, or a
sprinkling of fish-manure, will prove very helpful in
enabling them to mature fruits of good size. Shoots
of use for fruiting another year must be tied-in, aud
only such, cutting out all useless laterals, and do not
crowd the shoots so that the leaves overlap. Mice
are troublesome at this season, especially the large
browu field-mice, which may be trapped in a fig.-4
trap, baited with the kernel of a Filbert. Syringe
the trees night and morning from which the crop of
fruit is removed, and afford full ventilation.
The Pine Stove. — The time is approaching when re-
arranging the house and repotting must be carried
out ; and the present is a good season to prepare for
these jobs, by getting a compost mixed and put under
cover in readiness, and getting pots and crocks washed,
and the pots crocked. If the smooth Cayenne Pine
is largely grown for winter use, the plants will be
pushiug or have pushed up the flower spike, and
Queens being now nearly over for the season, the
fruiters of smooth Cayenne may be moved into the
fruiting house or division, keeping the forwardest
fruits together at the warmer end, or where they
may be readily got afor tying, &o. Afford the plants
with swelling fruits weak manure-water occasionally,
that is when they need water ; keeping the walls,
beds, &B., well damped down, and closing early in
the afternoon, the temperature being allowed to reach
95° to 100°.
Successions. — These plants will mostly have ceased
to grow, and when that is the case they may be kept
a little drier at the roots aud also overhead, but care
should be taken not to go to the other extreme and
allow them to get too dry. Afford air freely in
fine weather, and discontinue to shade the plants.
Any strong specimens that are still growing freely
may be repotted, pots just large enough for them to
fill with Dots before winter being chosen.
Cucumbers. — Preparations should now be made for
planting for winter-fruiting, as when these are planted
early, and the trellis is well covered with foliage, it
is an easier matter to keep up a good supply of fruits
in the winter. LettheCucumber-hou3es or pits bewell
washed with soft-soap alter clearing the old beds, and
linie-wash the walls, mixing some flowers-of-sulphur
with it. Let the start be made with small mounds
of rich rough compost, affording light top-dressings
when the roots come to the light, but do not have
large masses of compost, as these rapidly get sodden
in the winter, it is theu an impossibility to extract
the moisture, and bring the soil into a healthy con-
dition. Do not make use of any plant that has
become starved and stuuted, but only such as will
get away at once. Hub off all fruits for a time,
stopping the bine when needed, so a? to get the
trellis entirely covered with good bearing bine.
Cucumber plants still in bearing must be cleared of
spent leaves and weak shoots, and not allowed to
carry large quantities of Cucumbers, nor allowed to
become infested with insects. Afford them manure-
water liberally, and a slight top-dressing of soil with
a sprinkle of a suitable kind of artificial manure.
These old Cucumber plant', when treated in the
above manner, will often carry oa the supply till the
young ones commence to fruit.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleifrh, Essex.
Making Plantations of Young Strawberry-plants.—
The present is a suitable time in which to transplant
young plants in rows 2 feet apart each way, making the
soil quite firm about them in planting. The plants can
be planted either singly or in triangular patches, allow-
ing a space of 5 or U inches between each of the three
plants thus set out in patches. For this purpose,
good strong well-rooted runners should be used, and
the land, as advised in a previous calendar, should have
a liberal dressing of rich, decayed manure, trenched
or deeply dug into it some time previously to allow
of the whole settling down, the plants doing better in
a firm than a loose soil. A layer of manure
2 inches thick should be laid between the plants,
and then a good application of water afforded (in the
absence of rain) to settle soilabout the roots. Pinch out
all runners that proceed from plants as Boon as they
appear, so as to direct the energies of the plants into
the development of large crowns. The same remarks
apply to Strawberries which may be growing in pots
for forcing-purposes. These should be kept well-
supplied with water at the roots, and with top- dres-
sings of artificial-manure laid on immediately before
applying clear water, weak liquid-manure alternating
with clear water, in addition to the top-dressing.
Pruning Summer-bearing Raspberries. — The canc3
of last year's growth should be entirely removed now
that the fruit-season is past, in order to make room
for the canes of the current year, these being secured
against wind-waving by running lines of tarred Btring
on earn side of the rowB, and fastened to stakes.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
BY W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Outdoor Tomatos. — The plants will be making rapid
progress, rendering it very necessary that the stem
should be securely fastened to the wall, fence, or stout
stake, as the case may be. The stems should now be
stopped by pinching back to the first cluster of
bloom, as any fruit set after this date will not ripen
August 14, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
105
in the opeD air. The side-shoots should be removed as
fast as they appear, and if the leafage be very dense,
a part of it may be cut off, so as to admit light.
Liquid-manure may be freely afforded during dry
weither.
Callage— The beds of Cabbage in use should be
^ kept clear of decaying leaves, and a heavy application
"of liquid-manure given, so as to force on the produc-
tion of a second crop of heads. Large plantings
should be made from the June sowings, putting out
the plants in shallow drills, and affording plenty of
water to settle the soil about them. This crop may
be planted at 1 foot apart. The last sowing of
Cabbage-seed should now be made for the season,
and should the weather keep warm and conducive to
late growth, this sowing will be the most certain to
plant for the main crop of spring Cabbages ; and on
the contrary, if growth be hindered by unfavourable
weather, plants from the July sowiDg will be the
best, and most to be relied upon. The Cabbage crop
being iu most gardens a very important one, it is well
to bestov much care upon it. The land that has
carried the crop of spring-sown Onions is that gene-
rally secured for the principal Cabbage bed ; and
though the application of manure is not alwajs neces-
siry or advisable, yet the land should be dug before
planting it. For Cabbages of large or fairly lar^e
growth, the rows should bo 2 feet apart, and the
plants set out at 18 inches from one to the other ;
but for Cabbages of moderate size, such as Ellam'p,
Sutton's Flower of Spiiug, Wheeler's Imperial, &c,
18 inches between the lows, and a lesser distance
from plant to plant, will suffice in most gardens. In
some soi's these smalUr Cabbages attain large size,
and the gardener must he puided by experience in tho
matter of space. A email bed may be planted on a
warm border.
Work in General.— Clear off the land all rows of Peas
which have gone out of bearing as soon as the pods
saved for seed purposes, if any, are ripe, the ground
thus Fet free coming in for winter Spinach, &c. If,
however, intei cropping is practised, and Broccoli,
Kale, &c., occupy the spaces, it is still important
that the Teas be cleared away as soon us possible
to prevent the drawing of tho former, which need
plenty of exposure to sunlight to enable them the
better to withstand the inclemency of the winter. If
Kale-, Savoys, &c, are to occupy the space vacated by
the Pea-rows, do not dig the land, but roughly hoe
it deeply, and rake off the rubbish before planting
it. For a Spinichbed, it mvy be necessary t> dig
the ground, but no manure should be employed.
Turnips large enough to pull i ,t use miy be stored
in a cool shed facing north, where They will keep
longer in good condition than if left in the soil.
Cauliflowers for s'oring under glass m ty yet be
plante 1, aUo Coleworls.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. IJ. White, Orchid Growar, B .rford, Dorking.
lnt mediate - house, — The following species of
Sobralia are deseiving of cultivation for their showy
if rather ephcmeial blossoms, viz , S. macrantha,
S. m. splendens, S. xantholeuca, S. Lucasiana,
S. Princess May,' S. Warscewiczii, S. albo-
violacea, S. virginalis, S. liliastrum, the pretty
hybrid S. Yeitchi, and S. Kienastiana (syn. with
S. macrantha alba), a species with flowers of the
purest white, and large. Many of these plants are in
full bloom at the present time, and will continue to
throw up young shoots and flower for some tinia
longer. The plants require water at the roots rather
abundantly, and being of vigorous growth they
should not be stinted of pot room, but those which
have filled their pots with roots may be safely re-
potted after flowering. Large specimens which have
become of an inconveniently large size, miy bo
divided and repotted. Owing to the large quantities
of water taken by these plants, the pots must te
efficiently drained, crocks being placed over the
bottom as is done, say, for Chrysanthemum or hard-
wooded greenhouse plants, using as a compost lumpy
fibrous peat, sandy-loam iu a rough unsifted state, a
smallquantity of sphaguum-mos', and a moderate allow-
ance of small crocks. After repotting, afford water
carefully, not saturating the soil, but when a plant
has become re- established it may be applied copiou-ly.
It is not always necessary to repot Sobralias as soon
as they have filled their pots with roots, as by doing
this they become large aud unmamgeable in a short
space of time ; but if in good health, afford them
occasionally weak liquid cow-manure, and they will
continuo to thrive for several years without root
disturbance.
Cymbidiums. — In the same house plants of
Cymbidium Lowianum, C. L. viride (concolor),
C. Lowio-eburneum x , C. eburnea Lowianum x ,
C. Hookerianum, C. Mastersii, C. affine, C. Devoni-
anum, C. eburneum, C. ensifolium, C. sinense,
C. giganteum, C. Tracyanum, and C. longifolium
succeed admirably, for it is a fact that some of these
species get into bad health by keeping them in high
temperatures, and constant saturation of the materials
is equally injurious. A cool, shady part of the
house is the brst place for them, and the compost
should become moderately dry before water is
afforded, it being a good sign of water being present
when on application it rushes through the holes at
the bottom of the pot. Cymbidiums in hot weather
like the present are apt to be infested with red-
spider, which quickly cause the foliage to take on a
sickly hue ; it is therefore very necessary to keep a
sharp look out for this pest. One advantage of
having these plants in a group by themselves is, that
they can then be heavily shaded in very bright
weather.
Epidcndrum Endrcsii is another Orchid to which
red-spider is partial, requiring similar precautions,
and sponging tho under-side of the leaves. This
Orchid should never be allowed to become
dry at the root. There are a few species in
the ool-house, such as Odontoglossum grande,
0. Schlieperianum, 0. Insleayi and its varieties
splendeus and lenpirdinum, which usually begin
to grow at about this date, and the young growths
catching an 1 retaining water, they should be
examined every day and the water poured out,
otherwise these would toon decay. Any of the
above-mentioned plants may now be re-potted, using
pots of small size, and three parts filled with crocks.
After repotting, place them in the warmest part of
the house. Odontoglossum Bictunense and 0. Uro-
Skinneri now iu bloom should not be afforded much
water at the root ; and 0. nebulosum, being liable
to rot from much moisture, and now beginning to
make growth, is easily injured in the sine manner.
This species may now be repotted, the pseudo-bulbs
beiug well raised above the top of the tot. The
same applies to Miltonia Warscewiczii (Odontoglos
sum Wehoni), except that during the summer it
should be placed in the c >ol house, removing it before
winter sets in to one a few degrees warmer.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles LTerrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Plants for Filling the Spring Beds.— 11 Wallflower-
seed was sown two mout is ago, the seedlings will
require to be pricked off into nursery-beds on the first
opportunity, when the weather is cloudj' or showery.
During the drought, the necessity for affording water
to the plants in the open is very considerable, and
with the excessive heat it will bo prudent to wait a
thort time in the hope of rain falling rather than run
the risk of losing or seriously checking the plants.
Last year's plants of Myosotis of kinds may be
pulled to pieces, with or without roots, and dibbled
in, 9 inches asunder, on a north or east border to
make plants fit for going out in October, which they
will do if duly looked after. Seedlings should be
pricked out at a similar distance part. Pausies and
Vio'as will need to be well supplied with water
during dry weather, aud providing a change in the
weather takes place shortly, old plants may be pulled to
pieces, the points of the shoots cut off, and small
rooted-pieces pricked out in the reserve-garden to
furnish plants for autumn-plantin?. Primroses,
Polyanthus, and Daisies may be similarly treated.
Seeds should now be sown of Silene pendula in
variety ; Saponaria calabrica, Nemophilas, Limnanthes
Douglasii, Collinsia bicolor, Candytufts, and Godetias
in variety. The Brompton aud Intermediate Stocks
of various colours may also be sown in drills in the
op: n border, the seedlings being potted-up when
large enough. If the seeds of Silene, Saponaria,
Nemophila. &c, be sown thinly iu drills drawn at a
distance of 10 inches apart, pricking them off does not
really become necessary, and they may be removed to
the flower-beds or borders in due course.
Propagation. — A start should be made forthwith
with Pelargoniums, which have made this season a
stiff but free growth, and the cuttings of which are
fairly plentiful, and in a good state for striking. The
earlier these aie struck now, the fewer will be the
losses in the winter. Cuttings of these plants Btrike
freely in rather light soil on any sunny border, aud
they may be potted up or placed in boxes for tho
winter when rooted. The more general practice is to
insert the cuttings in pots or boxes of sandy-loam,
and stand these in a sunny position. It is advisable
to start with the variegated and golden-leaved varie-
ties first, these being tenderer than others, and
requiring to be rooted earlier. In the event of a
change to rainy weather, the boxes or pot3 should be
put in a cold pit or frame, with the lights placed
over them, and well tilted at the back. If Pink-
pipings are not yet made, no more time should be lust
in inserting them in the manner previously advised.
The layeriug of Carnations should also be attended
to without delay. The propagation of other bedding
subjects requiring slight bottom-heat, viz., Iresines,
Alternautheras, Heliotropes, &c, may be deferred to
the end of the month.
General Work will consist chiefly in maintaining
tidiness everywhere, and affording water to suffering
subjects, of which Phloxes, Michaelmas Daisies,
Heleniums, Sweet Peas, Roses that will flower later,
Helianthus, Feins, Lobelia cardinalis, Gladiolus, &c,
will staud greatly in need. The carpet-bed plants will
require much pinching and clipping to keep the out-
lines of the design clear. Lawns, where not regu-
larly afforded water, will have became brown, and
should not therefore be mown with a mae'iine whilst
the dry weather continues, but skimmed over with a
scythe to cut off bents and grass-haulin.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
Uniting Small Suarmi. — Bees unite peaceably off
combs by throwing them together, and allowing them
to run into a clean empty skep or box. Therefore,
if the bees of two swarms are to be united, drive
both lots, and then put them together, afti rivards
running them into a hive as one swarm. To uuite
driven bees with stocks, sprinkle both lots with flour,
and shake some of the bees off the combs upon those
running in. Thus they are not only well dusted,
but thoroughly mixed.
Foundation Sheets. — In the brood chamber always
use full sheets ; it is most economical. If half .Letts
are used, the bees will almost be certaiu to finish the
combs with drone-cells, which means an annual and
heavy loss of honey, because, whenever there are
drone-cells, the queen practises ecouomy in laying
eggs to produce dr. nes, but this is not economy from
the bee-keeper's point of new, as consumers of honey
ore greatly increased, while the desirable woikers arc
decreased. The sheets of foundation, as -cut out by
manu'acturers of appliances, just fit in-ide the fame,
rind when fastene 1 in the saw-cut of tin top bar,
leave a sp ec at the bottom, which the bees will fill
with drone-cells. When the time fi r suppling
arrive*, the shallow frames n el not be quite fillnl
with foundation, as the btes, during the time of
phntv, aie busy secreting wax, which, if nut utsi d in
making com'ip, would he wasted. In tin se sha'low
frames there will, therefore, alwajs be a g lod propor-
tion of drone-comb, from which the queen must be
kept by a sheet of queen exel ider being plao d upon
tl.e brocd frames.
]!•><'■ Iu tnle Sonsy teithual being Slant/ — First lay
it down as a rule that honey is not to be taken from
the brood-combs, then there will not be much fear of
stings. All surplus should be stored in frames or
sections placed above the brood comb3, and if brace-
combs are prevented, by using an adapting-board
and queen excluder, the taking of surplus honey is a
simple matter — of course, supposing it is not left on
till late in the season. When it is decided to remove
a full super, have ready a super-clearer— that is, a
board to fit the bottom of the super, in which there
is fitted a bee-trap. Gently prise up one end of the
crate, and puff in a little smeke, then raise it sightly
off the hive, and place the board beneath it. If this
operation is quickly and quietly performed, it will
not take two minutes, and hardly a bee will take
wing, and rarely one attempt to sting. In an hour,
more or less, generally less, the bees will have passed
through the trap to the brood-combs, and left the
honey to be removed at the bee-keepers leisure.
How should Frames II ang > —As you Like, in some
hives frames hang parallel with, in others at right
angles to the entrance. Which is the better? If you
take the opiuion of the majority, decidedly the latter,
as the most practical men in England, on the Con-
tinent, and in America, use that style only. In
America it would be a difficult matter to find any
other kind of movab'e comb hive. I have no doubt
the preference for frames running from front to
back is due to the fact that superiog arrangements
are simplified, manipulation of a limited brood-
chamber is rendered easy, aud complications, even in
the hands of a novice, are lnt as likely with the
tiering as with the long hive.
106
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 14, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOl ICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
ihould be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor do 3S not under-
take to pay Jor any contribvtions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
IKustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees,
£c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
THCHSKAT,
MONDAY,
T ESDAY,
SHOWS.
, nc f -iw-nsea Horticultural Kocielv's
AlG-2t| Show.
, , . | Fell nerton on-Tyae Horticultural
Alq. 17 -Bournemouth Horticultural.
/Shrewsbury Horticultural Fete :
WFIiVlfSDW ait IS ' Deputation of UieRuyal torti-
WKDMHbUAi, ah., lb j cultural Society.
(.Trowbr.dge Horticultural.
Auj. 19— Horsham Horticultural.
/ Devon ainl Etttei Horticultural
Ara. 20 ' Co-operative Exhibition at 1hs
( Crystal Pal ,ce.
SALE.
. .,, J' Impnrteil and E."tablis'ieH Oivliida
'(. at Protheroc and Munis' Itounls.
TU'lliOAY,
FRIDAY,
FRIDAY,
Average Temperature for tho ensuing week, deducpd from
Observatious of Forty-three yearb, at Chiawiek. - 62 J.
Actual Temperatures : —
Iajnuon.— August 11 : Max., 71" ; Mln., 61°.
Provinces. - August 11 (6 p.m.): Max., O'l', at Yirlr
Min., .f>7°, at Aberdeen.
Whatever may be the result of
Darwin. the great show to bo held by Ibo
Shropshiio II( llieultuial Society
next week, it is certain that nothing that it can
do in this ■nay can confer upon the Society a
tithe of the honour it has earned by the erection
of a statue to Darwin in the city near to which
he was born, and where ho was educated. Wo
have often had occasion to point out and to
lament the comparatively little value, so far
as horticultural progress is concerned, of these
exhibitions. We by no means under-esliniato
iheir valuo in certain ways, but it is clear that
their influence on progress and develop-
ment is very slight in proportion to the cost of
time, labour, and money that they necessitate.
We havo not to discuss this mattor now, oar
duly is to congratulate the Shropshire Horti-
cultural Society on its enterprise, and to tender
to its executive the cordial thinks of tho hoiti-
cultural community.
Old readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle will
leuiember the interest Darwin took in such
matters as hybridisation, selection, and varia-
tion. They will remenibtr his nunerous con-
tributions to the subject in our columns and
elsewhere, and wi'l have notel how modest he
was with all his eagerness to obtain and diffuse
information.
The two volumes on The Variation of Animals
and Plants under Domestication teem with tho
records ot facts supplied by horticulturists,
and with the account of numberless patient
experiments made by himself. He it was who
revolutionised the ideas of the older botanists
who looked askance at varieties and monstro-
sities, and had little sympathy with the patient
labours of the ilorists. It was Darwin who
showed the immense importance to be attache I
to these variations, as affording evidence of
the progressive development of plants and
animals, and the causos which influenced them.
The goneial inferences from all these facts
and observations were given to the world in tho
Origin of Species, published in 1S59; but it was
'felt that it was necessary to supply tho student
| with tho facts up >n which these inferences woo
'drawn, and this loquirement was fulfilled i'i the
'work on The Variation of Domesticated Animals
and Flints befoie mentioned, a wo:k wh'ch con-
natural scienc3, placed the books under the ban
of his impassioned oratory. Now, the general
principle of evolution is universally admitted in
almost every de^rrtmmt of human knowledge,
and a m)Jeru Bishop instead of binning has
with bacoming approptiateness spoken of
Darwin as "one of the door-keepers of the
vast timp'e of the universe who pointed out
to us new vistas, every one of them loading
up to the throne of God."
Very appropriatj also was thi presence at
Shrewsbury of Sir Joseph Hooker, who, wit i
Huxley, boro tho brunt of tho first attack .
Hooker has happily lived to toe the onct-
deuounced doctrine univei ally accepted ai d
Fig. .')0.— harwin's statue.
(Erected by the Shropshire norlicnltnr&i Society.)
tains, up to tho date of publication, the fullest
general account wo have on the variation of
cultivated plants. That work is a veritable
' treasure-house of informa'ion on matters con-
nected with the general princip'es on which
horticultural practice was based.
It is curious for somo of us to iccall the
exceeding bittornoss with which J AR vis and
his books were assailed at the time of publica-
tion. As Darwin's single-minded love of
truth, caution, freedom fnm do^ma ic agjres-
siveness, and exceeding modesty becamo known,
tho absurdity of the charges bi ought against
him became recognised; whilst his books havo
not only survived the attacks made upon them,
but have bocome the text-books from which
the new generation of naturalists have been
educated. A bishop who was ignorant of
made tho basis of study and rosearch in all
departments of natural science.
Tho statue is i t brouz>, and is the work of
Mr. Mountford, alsi a native of Shrewsbury.
There is a great similarity in the pose of the
figure to tint of the fine statue it tho hall of
the Na'ural lli-tory M iS'Utn. For our illus-
tration we are indebted to the kiudness of th>
proprietor of Knowledge.
On tho ground that nothiug con-
Botanic' earning horticulture is without
interest for us, we note the hope-
ful anticipations expressed at tho annual meet-
ing of tho R>yal B)trnic Society, Regent's
Park. For years the Society has failed to act
up to its title, and moro attention has been
paid to obiects having little or no relation to
Augost 14, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
107
Fio. 31.— staircase at the town hall, Sheffield, on the occasion of the queen's visit, (see p. 109.)
August 14, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
109
botany than to science. Some excuse for this
would be afforded if financial success were the
result, but it is not so, as frequent complaints
have reached us of non-payment of prize-
money, or at least, of very long delays, and it
was acknowledged at the meeting that the
Society has a debt of £20,000 !
The Royal Horticultural Society, for one
melancholy period of its existence, followed a
similar policy to that adopted by the Botanic ,
with the result approaching total collapse.
"When the policy was changed, a great im-
provement ensued, a fact of which we hope the
Royal Botanic will carefully take note. A
school of practical gardening, it appears, is in
prospect, with examinations and certificates.
Of what value are certificates issued by such a
society likely to be, unless it entirely changes
its policy, and regains the respect of the horti-
cultural community ? The imitatation is no
doubt flattering to the horticultural Society, but
we suggest that we do not want in London
two educational centres, and we hope that
anything like competition in this matter
between the two, the Royal Horticultural
Society and the Royal Botanic Society,
may be avoided as injurious to each.
The renewal of the lease of the gardens
is promised, so that there is some hopo
that the garden may still have a useful
future before it. It appears that the Woods
and Forest Department, before acceding to tho
request for a now lease, required some assurance
as to the financial stability of the Society, and
this has been met by the raising of a guarantee
fund. This is a practical, business-like, if rather
sordid way of looking at matters. The chief
claim which such a Society has for the indul-
gence of the Government is surely not a
financial one ; but depends on tho record of
work done, or in the reasonable anticipation of
carrying out the provisions of the charter. Tho
British public will not object to being taxed
for scientific or useful practical work ; but
they will resent being asked to contribute to a
society that condescends to donkey-decorating
and similar entortainments— useful enough in
their way, but beyond the province of a self-
respecting, scientific society. There is no sort
of objection to provide "Welcome Clubs" and
recreations of various kinds, particularly if
other people pay for them ; but, if they are so
provided, the Society should abandon its
charter, and get its title amended for one
more consistent with the objects it thinks fit
to promote.
Staircase at the Sheffield Town Hall.
— Oq the occasion of the visit of the Queen to Sheffield
in May last, thenewly-erectedTown Hall was elaborately
decorated with plants and 11 jwers, an especially 6ne
feature being the grand staircase shown in our illus-
tration fig. 31, p. 107. Here were height, breadth, and
light, and the most seems to have been made of these
advantages by the floral decorators, Messrs. Fisher,
Sibray & Co. of the Handsworth Nurseries, Sheffield,
the whole having a very satisfactory effect.
Carnations at Hamburgh.— At the recent
International Exhibition held at Hamburgh from
July 30 to August 3, the large Gold Staats Medal
was awarded to Mr. Charles Tdrner, Royal
Nursery, Slough, for 200 specimen Carnations in
pots. In addition, an award of the large Gold
Medal was made for 250 varieties of cut Carnations,
three blooms of each variety. An extra large Silver
Medal was also given for forty-eight blooms of dressed
Carnations, and a special prize of 500 marks for the
best exhibit of Carnations in the whole exhibition.
The plants left London on the previous Saturday by
steamer, and were lauded at Hamburgh on the
following Tuesday. The cut bloom3 left London
on Wednesday evening, and reached Hamburgh on
Thursday evening, all arriving in excellent condition
and very fresh. Such a performance establishes a
record in Carnatiou exhibiting, and bears testimony
to the spirited enterprise shown by the exhibitor. A
portrait of Mr. H. Turner will be found on p. 103 of
this issue.
New Winter-garden at the Antwerp
Zoological Society.— The "Palais des Fetes"
of this Society was inaugurated on July 25 by tho
King of the Belgians. Among the many sections
composing the establishment, the Winter-garden
must be mentioned — a fine building, but, if anything,
too lofty. The future will show what can be done
here with the plants. Meanwhile, I may mention
some fine Palms and Tree Ferns. I would name, as
important varieties, Coco3 Bonneti, C. chinensis, C.
Weddelliana, Brahea Roezli, probably the finest speci-
mens in Europe ; Astrocaryum, Washingtonia ro-
busta, Phoenix rupicola, Rhapis flabelliformis, Kentia
Forsteriana, K. Moorei, and other plants. I noticed
Cyathea medullar!*, C. dealbata, Balantium antarc-
ticum, Dicksonia squarrosa, Hemetelia Sinithi, Also-
phila paraguaensis, Dicksonia Biptiatei (?), Lomiria
cycad;efolia, Aralia elegantissima, Cycas revoluti-,
and Maranta zebrina. The arrangement of these
[lants is very successful. At tho end of the gar lea
is a fine grotto and fountain, and a rockery well
Pio. 32.— Darwin's birthplace, til: mo*j
V R *NKVni.l., SHHKW3BU : ,
(S,-.- ]i )
(Taken from bh< Castle J
stocked with plants, amoag them some pretty Sela-
ginellas. To M. Block is due the arrangement of
this garden, and I would also mention in connection
with it M. L Hofi it, ti whom much of tho credit
is due. Ch. dc li.
Aquatic Plants at the Hamburgh Exhi-
BITION.— An important section of this exhibition is
that devoted to aquatic plants from warm regions,
and grown in tanks fed with carefully -heated water.
The Victoria regia has dons well here, and one of its
great leaves has been turned over to show its curious
conformation. It is uncertain as yet whether the
plant will bloom. There is also a fine collection of
other water-plants, bog-plants, Nymphieacej;, &c,
mostly sent from the Hamburgh Botmic Garden,
some from the Brothers Harster, of Speyer-on-the
lthine. Ch. de Bosschire,
Greenhouse Rhododendrons. — Messrs.
Fisher, Son & Sibray send us trusses of two new
greenhouse Rhododendrons raised by them, which
are of great beauty : —
Duchess of Portland has many-flowered trusses of
ro3y-pink flowers, with long white tubes. The tube
is very slender, and measures about 45 mill. (1J inch),
expanding into a flat limb 35 to 40 mill., or about
1J inch in diameter, with ovate lobes. Ten small
globjse green glands surround tha base of the
elongate cylindric ovary. The leaves are coriaceous,
ovate, oblong, taperinj at each end with short thick
petioles.
Duchess of Westminster has deep rose-coloured
flowers, with relatively thick white tubes. The
flower-tube 35 mill. (1£ inch) expands into a limb
measuring about 5 cent. (2 inches) across, lobes
broadly oblong, white edged, and tipped with rose
The ovary is covered with scales, and surrounded at
the base with ten greenish glands.
Border Carnations.— Mr. James Crombie,
of Barrow-in-Furness, sends us several specimens of
border Carnations reinirkable for their free-flowering
properties and vigorous habit. No. 1, labelled Crim-
son-scarlet, from its colour, is particularly noticeable :
No. 4, " Terra-cotta," is bufif, flaked with rose ; No. 2,
Rose Belf, is a well-shaped flower, of a lovely shade of
rose. But it is impossible t) particularise. It is
enough to congratulate Mr. Crojibie on the excellence
of his ttra:n.
Horticultural School at Naarden-
BUSSUM, NEAR AMSTERDAM.— Our attention has
been called to the training given to young men at
the Sempercrescens Nurseries, which offer a good
opportunity to young gentlemen desirous of learning
horticulture, both practically and theoretically. The
theory comprises : —Botany, botanical terminology,
double book-keeping, commercial correspondence in
Dutch, French, English aid Germau, and landscape
gardening. Fuller particulars on application to M.
A. G. M. Richard or M. A. M. C. Jonokindt
CONINCK.
Examination Answers.— In our last issue we
gave some characteristic examples of wlnt miy be ex-
pected when candidates come forward without an
idea of what is expected of them. Here is another
sample, taken from the answers of a candidate
desirous of obtaining a garden appointment : — " In
some plants whose flowers have a flora tube the
stamens are called Thrummide, or Pinnide, according
as the anthers are below or abovo the upper en I of
the tube."
Messrs. Wm. Fell & Co., of Hexham.—
On Thursday, the employe's of this firm of seedsmen
and nurserymen were treated to a trip to the town of
Berwick-ou-Tweed, starting at an early hour in the
morning from the town. Over sixty persons of both
sexes participated in the trip.
Abbey Park Flower Show, Leicester.—
An interesting event in connection with the Abbey
Park Show last week, was the presentation of a
valuable gold watch and chain to Mrs. J. Burn, wife
of the much esteemed curator, in appreciation of her
great attention and kindness to the horticultural
exhibitors and friends. The presentation was made
by Mr. ALFRED Outra.m, F.R H.S , who has acted as
oae of the judges since the commencement of their
aunuil shows, now twelve years since. The presenti-
tion came as an agreeable surprise to the lady.
The Longevity of Seeds.— M. Charles
Naudin contributes to the Bulletin of the Socie'te'
Nationals d Acclimatation de France a paper on " The
Longevity of Seeds, and their Preservation in the
Earth." Seeds, says he, are known to remain for an
indefinite length of time, even for several centuries,
in the ground without germinating, owing to atmo-
spheric or other causes. M. Naudin instances, as a
case of suspended germinvtion, a packet of earth from
the Sahara, which, spread over a flower-bed. and
duly watered, was found to contain seeds of Helian-
themum, which grew, and bore yellow flowers. The
inference is, that an apparently barren region yet
c intains in its soil seeds which, were the climate to
become more humid, would rapidly transform it to
one of vegetable fertility and luxuriance. M. Naudin
mentions, in further confirmation of his opinions,
that in 1895 he received a few seeds from
Gaboon packed in some of tho soil of that
place. This earth, less than two pounds in
weight, was placed in a flower-pot, whence, in a fort-
night, sprang twenty seedlings all belonging to the
Cacurbitaceic. The stems anl brauches of these
110
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 14, 1897.
plants grew to a length of from 20 to 21 feet, and it
is hope 1 that they will put forth bloom, thus show-
ing the genus and species. From this accidental
3 icld, it is supposed that soil more carefully selected
would give still richer results. In the many cases
where plants cannot be brought to Europe in good
order, where they die on the voyage, or are imma-
ture or past their prime, it is suggested that a sample
of the earth selected from so ue likely spot in their
vicinity should be sent over in their stead, and might
be found to contain fertile seeds of the species
desired. If this, says M. Naudin, seems a proceed-
ing based too much upon chance, like that of a fisher
c isting his net at a venture, this difference may be
pleaded : the botanical collector is no more sure of
finding what he seeks, but in all probability will
obtain something new and acceptable. Finally, it
must always be bi.rue in mind how easily pickets of
earth can be transported from place to place without
tiny attention on the journey.
Mr. Alfred Sutton, J. P., of Greenlands,
READING, passed away on Saturday, August 7, at the
ripe age of seventy-nine ye;.rs. Mr. Alfkid Sution
especially interested himself in floriculture and the
'home'' part of the work, whiUt his brothtr was
more paiticuldily connected with the agricultural and
seed-growing departments. Though naturally taking
an interest in the affairs of his native town, Mr.
Sdtto.v did not seive the town on the Town Council,
his retiring disposition disposing him to refrain from
public wjrk. He, however, took tl.e deepest interest
in education, being a member of the School Board
for fifteen years from its formation, when he was
elected at the head of the joll. He was a narm
suppoiter of missionary woik, both at home and
abroad, especially the Church Missionary Society.
At the present time three sons are working as
medical-missionaries in Quetta, Bagdad, and South
Africa respectively. lu fact, all religious movements,
especially those established for the benefit of young
m n, were dear to him. He was one of the founders
and chief suppor'ers of the Reading Church of
Knglan I Youug Men's Christian Association. Three
mission rooms, in populous districts of the town,
were erected by him ; also the coffee-house known as
the " British Workman.'' He was a liberal subscriber
to philanthropic societies, and was for many years a
number of the Board of Management of the Royal
Berkshire Hospital. His wife and ten children (seven
sons and three daughters) survive him. Both Mr.
Alfred Sctton, and Mr. Martin Hope Sutton, his
elder brother, who founded the firm and who survives
him, retired from business more than nine years ago
(May 31, 1888), and they have no capital or other
finineial interest in the firm of Sotto.v & Sons, which
business they then made over to (heir sons, the
present partners.
Stocktaking : July.— Judging by the crowd
at the counter of the Queen's Printers on publi-
cation-day, there must bo an extensive demand for
the Monthly Returns issued by the Board of Trade,
and so one might imagine an effort would be made to
lave these issued without fail on a certain day in
each month. Well, it might have been the excessive
heat, or the Bank Holiday, but whatever was the
cause, nearly a third of the month of August had
passed away before the authorities issued the
Returns for July. Since our last report the new
American Tariff has become law, the German and
Belgian Commercial Trea'ies hare been " de-
nounced," goll his broken out in a good many spots
British Columbia, a greit lock ott and bti ike las
oais to piss at our own doors, and the weather
lutwithstanding, things | olitical and Fecial have
t*i';on quite a lively turn. Fortunately, Lere
we have nothing to d> with these thyies, though
eich anl all of them have had— and will continue
doubtless to have-an influence on British com-
ms-ce and manufactures. Taking up the tale as
told io the Returns, we find that the ioapor's for
Si. I amount to £36,123,523, against £34.378,158
for the same period Ia4 year, or an increase of
£1,745,365. A decrease is noted in four of the
sections, as follows :— Articles of food and drink
dutiable, £101,256; tobacco, £116,905; chemicals,
&c, £103,778 ; manufactured articles, £7845 ; mis-
cellaneous articles, £115.110. The highest increase
is that in raw materials for sundry industries and
manufactures — £879,077. The following is our usual
extract from the " summary " table : —
It is worthy of note that the total increase for the
past seven months amounts to £10,681,073. Very
striking indeed, and sugge.-tive, are the figures rela-
ting to the imports of fruits and vegetables, which
are as follows : —
Imports.
1S96.
1897.
Difference.
Fruits, raw : —
Apples bush
103,252
6S,4ii4
— 34.7SS
Cherries ... .. ,,
!'0,l6ii
92,122
+1,956
Plums „
13S.023
231,316
-t 96,293
Pears ,,
78,523
114.H7
435,584
Grapes ,
20,770
167.S29
4 110,759
Unenumerated ... ,,
2%, 200
393,156
4 111,9 0
OnioDS ,,
335,.'.9i
415.677
4 80.0S5
Potatos c vt.
100,811
409,332
+ 209,521
Vegetables, raw, unenu-
merated value
£194,618
£193,021
-£1,027
It would be waste of time and space to dilate on ihe
"differences" noted — they cany tin ir own les on.
In noticing the
Exports for Ji ly,
the belief may be referred to, that capi'al will be
solicited by our Canadian brethren fur th* develop-
ing of enterprise in that vast land, in the growth if
which we are all interested ; and it may not be inop-
portune to state that a belief is gaining ground
amongst us that the Canadim bankruptcy laws
require overhauling, and generally bringing up-to-
da'e. Bo h the High Commissioner and the Pre-
mier are invited to give a glance at the subject, and
soon. The figures relating to the exports foot up at
£21,359,139 for July, 1896, against £21,501,452 for
last month — or a gain of £142,313; but troubles at
home and abroad have to be blamed. Still, we must
be thankful for the increase, small though it be, in
view of the fact that the decrease on the seven months
amount* to over a million and a half sterling. There
is one special di crease to be noted in the month's
values— that of £963,491 in the see ion "Articles
Manufactured aud partly Manufactured" — viz., yams
and textile fabrics ; the biggest increase is £683,077.
Exports of food »how an increase of £120,029. The
total for the seven months shows a decrease of exactly
£1.592,975.
PLANT PORTRAITS.
Abelix fl-,ribunda1 Revue de V Horticulture Beige, July 1.
Adonih amuren^is, Q rden, July 3.
Erewlrus Elwesm, sp. nov., Michel], in Revue Horticok,
June 16.
Eugenia ouahji, Andre.— A mvrtaceous plant, dis-
covered in Uruguay by M. Ed. Andre. It produces edible
fruit, and thrives in M. Andre's garden in Golfe Joan, Nice.
Rente Horticole, July 1.
Gladiolus Tall Blue, Rail, delta Soc. Toscana d'Orticul-
tura, t. 5.
Gi.oriosa aupERBA, Linnams, Revue de V Horticulture Belye,
June.
Grevillea ALPE9TRIS, Meissner, Rcvut de V Horticulture
Beige, July 1.
Leptospermum scoparium Var., Garden, May 29.
Melocactl's humilts, Surmgar, Qart nflora, t. 1439.
P.fioNiA albiflora major, Garden, June 19.
Rose Fmmetta Nabonnand (Tea), Le Moniteur Horticole,
June.
Rose Madame Abel Chatenay (Hybrid Tea), Raenzeitung,
June.
Rose (Tea) Madame Pernet Ducher, Garden, June "2.
Stenogastra concinna, Garden, July 10.
Tetratheca vekticiluta, Huegel, Revue de I' Horticulture
Beige, June.
Home Correspondence.
SOIL tND THE DISEASES OF POT PLANTS.- Is
not the " gardener in a hurry " responsible for many
of the evils that accompany and afflict most grievously
modern plant culture '! Instead of obtaining his stores
of loam and peat a year or two before he requires
to use them as potting material or for forming beds
for Melons, Cucumbers, Tomatos, Eucharis, Gar-
denias, Mushrooms, &c, the soils are carted iu from
the field or the moor, and with liitle or no previous
mellowing in stack are employed, togothtr with
all the injurious spawn of fungus of various species,
chrysalids, and grubs and eggs of insects, live roots
and seeds of noxious plants capable of germiuation,
remaining in them. Is it a matter for wonder that
the plants suffer at the root or top ? When the writer
of this note was a worker in a garden, one of the
first jobs he was put to was the stacking of the loam.
This was brought in from a strip of pasturage at the
south side of a cliff where the sheep and other kinds
of farm stock delighted to find shelter from the
bitter east aud north winds of a northern maritime
county. The si il was a strongish ) ellow loam,
well s-atura'ed with th- excrements of the animals,
and, as a consequence, it »a« permeated with the
roots of grasses and other plants. This soil was put
into rectangular s'acks about 5 feet wide and high,
finished oft with a peaked top, in order to cast off the
rain to some extent. As the work of digging and
sticking took place in optn weather during the
winter, the sods were usually moist thioughout, and
the heap, therefore, maintained its moi>tuie to a cer-
tain extent for a year or longer. The turves were
put together, glass snd all. quite regularly, like biick-
work ; and when the building of a stack was finished,
the sides were neatly shaved off with a hay knife
or sharp spade. The grass and the roots soon set up a
slight fermentation, engendering warmth in the stacks,
and brought about two things— the di cay of the roots
an! the herbage, destroying most of the injurious
in°eets, their eges, and pupae ; and lho?e in ects
which survived Ihe heat and the deprivation of air
soon succumbed to starvation, for it was an article of
faith wilh the heail gardener not to permit living
plants to ex:st on the sides or tops of the stacks,
these being shaved iff occasionally, and the shavings
tucked into a ho'e made in one of the sides or at the
top, and afterwards covered with sods. The writer
has no recollection of noticing any of those dis-
eases attacking either plants indoors or out, of
which we hear so much at the present day,
and he is of the opinion that they would be much
less common if more care were token in the prepara-
tion of the soil. Similar care was taken of all sorts
of peat in use, only it wat left longer in stack before
being used for any purpose, unless it was when
employed as a top dressing, or an addition to the
staph; in planting American plants in the open air,
for which purpose partially-decayed pi at is to be pre-
ferred to that which is over-much decayed, unless
much sand can be used with it. Leaf-mould was
really what its name implies, and not a partly ■ rotten
lot of leaves. Pure leaf-mould, if kept on an elevated
spot of ground on the noith side of a wall, and when
well decayed, that is in about three years, and pro-
tecteil from rain and snow, contains nothing that is
inimical to pi nt life, but much that is par-
ticuhirly suitable as the food of 'plants. The same
cannot, however, be said of that which is partially
decayed, which may often contain the mjcelium
(spa*n) of various dangerous sapropbjtic fungi, et gs
of insects, &c. Northerner.
LILIUM LONGIFLORUM HARRISII —Your Cliveden
illustration of this beautiful Lily reminds me of the
singular beauty produced by it just recently in the
garden of Stanmore, Kew Road, Richmond, where
there waB a long, thickly-planted row of it, and eveiy
plant in full bloom. Instead, however, of being as
drawn under glass, some 3 feet in height, the Stanmore
Augcst 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
Ill
Lilies were but 20 inches in height. None the less,
the flowors were oi the finest and purest. The bulbs
were planted in the spring in ordinary garden soil ;
Ihey will be lifted when thoroughly ripe, and
doubtless will produce as fine an offect next year.
I had the exceeding pleasure a few evenings since,
when calliog at Staumorc to enquire after the
wolfare of one whom all who know him so much
respect, and have so much missod, Mr. H. Herbst.
1 was rejoiced to find him out walking in his
garden, ihough still in a very weak :ind much-
suffering condition, yet happily much better than
at any time since his attack of illness, Beveral
weeks ago. It was with some emotion, as we
sat in his verandah and looked out upon the garden
with the beautiful white, sweet Lilies in the fore-
ground, I learned from him how much of pleasure
he had been enabled to obtain from sitting quietly
alone, and, as it were, holding communion with his
flowors ; for if not in language, at least in imagina-
tion, one seemed to hold converse with the other.
What a delightful frame of mind is it which thus
enables those who are afflicted still to obtaiu such
happiness from their gardens and flowors ! A. D.
THE SEEDING OF NARCISSUS. — A cji re-
spondent who made an enquiry concerning the seed-
ing of Narcissus, will probably be glad to know that
the seeding of many Narcissi is largely a matter of
climate and soil, as well as of season. Cernuus seeds
as freely as most white trumpets, all of which are
somewhat shy and uncertain ; Albicans might also be
tried — in the writer's garden it produces seed with
fair regularity. Few, if any, of the medio-coronat;e
with high colour can be depended upon for seed,
though many have efficient pollen, e.g., C. J.
Backhouse. But " Narcitsus" will havo to plant
a variety of Narcissi, and observe the effect of
his local conditions upon their fertility. More-
over, the parents (seed and pollen) which in
theory should yield the finest seedlings, do not always
do so in fact, as he will discover. Seedlings from the
Narcissi which are finest in form and colour, com-
monly revert to inferior types ; uothing but much
experience will show the best oloments to work with,
a. H. E.
CROSS-BILLS. — I never remember at this season
of the year such a visitation of strangers. A large
family of cross-bills have taken pos-ossion of the tops
of my Scotch Firs, and the havoc they make with the
cones may be imagined, when I tell you that a full
bushel of cones were picked up under one tree, the
result of, I believe, only two days' feeding. Many of
the cones seem to be dropped before they had opened
them. Is this unusual .' Charles Noble, Bngshol.
FRUIT-CULTURE.— I scarcely think that we cm
attribute (as a pleasant writer upon fruit growing
seems to do in your last issue) the sad failure of the
fruit-crops this year to defects in cultivation. Culti-
vation, in all likelihood, has been the cause as usual ;
perhaps, upon the wholo, improving, through the good
advice of the many, who write about it, without
trying it. But where is the fruit crop ( Gone — as
it so often loveB to be— to the happy land of pro-
mise. After forty years of gentle hope and humble
vigilance over some 12 acres of fruit trees (planted
and managed by myself), perhaps I may be allowed
to offer a hesitant opinion about the very fiequent
failure, even in the warmer parts of this country.
The spring-frosts and the chilly weather of our April
and our May are chiefly to be blamed, perhaps, for the
regular disappointment. But to me it appears that the
present barren season, like one or two which I
have knowu before, should be attributed mainly
to the rather unusual weather of last year.
After a very long drought we were visited
by a month of almost incessant rain, the
wettest month I have recorded in the entries of
more than thirty years. This mouth, unfortunately,
was September, the very period when our fruit
trees should be engaged in forming and maturing the
buds of produce for the following season. Instead of
doing that at leisure, they rushed almost with one
accord, after so long famishing, into wild growth and
rapid extension, such as they should have accom-
plished in the summer. The result being that the
bloom-bud — if there is any truth in my idea — was
slurred and scamped, instead of being Concreted and
solidified. It is true that there was a fine show of
bloom this ye<r ; but it was not steadfast, not hard
and strong, as I have seen it, especially in 1S94.
Being largely congratulated upon the magnificent
crops in store for me, I was obliged to express ill-
mannered doubts ; and, alas ! the pea was not under
the thimble, as the British fruit-grower so often
finds. The weather of the blooming- time was not
propitious, but I have known a fair crop after much
sharper frosts than wo were favoured with this spring.
R. £>. Blackmore.
VINE BORDERS, INSIDE, COVERED OVER WITH
BRICKS. — Twice only have I met with these ; in
each case I was not favourably impressed with tho
system. The borders were rather flat, and the entire
surface was closely paved. The bricks in one case
were green nith lichen, and had a disagreeablo
appearance, and on lifting up one or two of them
the soil beneath was found to be in a soddened
state. Whether success or failure followed the prac-
tice, I am unable to say, but in the second instance
the gardener told me he was far from satisfied with
the results, and should not carry out the practice
further. It seemed as if a good dressing of manure
would be more beneficial to the Vines than the
moisture relaiued and the warmth imparted by
the bricks. Moreover, were the borders open to
the air, there would be less probability of the soil
getting into a sour condition. //. Martha m, Margate.
Holland.
At Amsterdam I visited the Zoological Garden of the
Society " Natura Artis Magistra," wherein are some
excellent collections illustrative of birds ind'genous to
Holland. There is a good aquarium also. The
plants at the Zoological Garden of Amsterdam are
not very important, scientifically serving chiefly to
ornament the garden in buinm-r and tho houses in
winter.
MM. Gioenewegeu & Co. have an important
establishment with many plants well cultivate 1, and
a large seed trade. At their printing office is i-suod
the journal 8emperviren>, edit -d by M. H. Wilts of
Leydeu.
The Socitty "Corona" tlues a large bu-iuess in
indoor plants and flowers.
A well known amateur gi'Jwer is Mr. C. W. It.
Scholton, Juu., who has a good collection of Orchids
and a fine specimen of Livistonia rotundifolia.
Near tho last-mentioned establishment is tho
phytopathologies! laboratory of Mr. Willie Commeliu
Scholten, under the direction of Dr. J. Kitzema-Bos,
under whom its value has already been proved.
At the Amsterdam Botanic Garden are some fine
specimen plants : notably, ICucephalartos longifolius,
supposed to be over 1000 years old, and blooming
every twelve years ; a fine Ptychosperma clcgans ;
many very good Eucephalartoa Altensteini, Palms,
and Cycads ; Doryanthes excelsa, about to flower ;
Macrozamia Denisoni, with a white stem ; Dracaena
Draco, Cinnamomum dulce, Seindapsuspertusus, nith
long adventitious roots ; and a fine DicksoDia
antarctica. The cultivation is not so good as might
be desired. Ch. Dc Bosschere.
Vegetables.
BUNYARD'S EXHIBITION BEAN.
Some little confusion was recently created in the
minds of the members of the Koyal Horticultural
Society's Fruit Committee, by the sending to Chis-
wick from Exeter of a Long pod Bean called Exhi-
bition Long-pod. This, when seen by the committee
at Chiswick, was assumed, both by resemblance and
name, to be the same as Bunyard's Exhibition, and a
previous award to that variety was confirmed. At the
ensuing meeting at the Drill Hall, a dish of the
Exeter variety was brought to tho table, when it was
presented as distinct. Why the sender should have
selected a title already recognised in commerce is
inexplicable, aud the committee was compelled to
ask that both " Exhibitions " should be grown at
Chiswick next year. I have seen the whole of the
Maidstone stock growing on Mr. Bunyard's seed-
farm, and there I had ample proof that the original
Exhibition is a splendid variety, very true, and
carrying pods in abundance of great length, filled
closely with beans. A. D.
New Peas fob 1897.
Probably no kind of vegetable has had more atten-
tion bestowed on it than the Pea, and fine varieties
are so abundant that one might almost suppose that
perfection had been reached. However, several
varieties have come before my notice, four of which
came from a well-known London seedhouse, which,
after giving them a fair trial and made full compari-
sons wiih fine well-known varieties, I must con-
sider to be improvements. Early Forcing is a
splendid Pea, very prolific, quick, and of excellent
flavour ; Springtide is a fine early, white Pea, having
a height of about i feet ; St. Osyth, a dwarf, early
Pea, of fine quality and very prolific ; and Early
Morn, one of the finest Peas that has yet come under
my notice, either for general use or exhibition. It is
a dwarf, marrow-fat Pea, with handsome, well- filled
pods. Edwin Beckett, Aldenham House Gardens,
Ehtrce.
LeTTK'ES: BuNfAUD's PERFECTION WHITE C«S,
and Centenary Cabbage-Leitdcb.
I have had no experience with either of these two
varieties as winter Lettuces, but I can speak favour-
ably of thorn as summer varieties. Perfection makes a
large heart, is self- folding, crisp, and sweet flavoured.
Centenary under good cultivation becomes a fine,
solid head, and is of the best quality, keeping in
good condition for a long time after being full
grown. With regard to the production of good
Lettuces in dry weather, and on light land, thero is
no better plan than that advocated in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, March 20, p. 181, viz., by sowing the seed
where the plants aro to stand to mature. As the
writer of that paragraph justly remarks, there are
many kinds of vegetable seeds which might be sown
where the plants are to stand, thus avoiding the
labour entailed by transplanting, which would prove-
highly beneficial to those left, the tap root travelling
in a downward direction in search of moisture, and
the plants would therefore not be so liable to sutler
in elry weather as are transplanted plants. The
ground planted with Lettuces should be well
mulched in dry weather with short manure, or short
grass, &c, and thoroughly moistened with manure-
water. In this garden the ground is shallow, and
overlies chalk, rendering a mulching and heavy
watering of paramount importance when sowing tho
seeds. Lettuce, like many other kinds of vegetables,
should in the hot months be cut early in the
morning, and laid in a cool, damp place till wanted,
which is a better practice than cutting them after
the sun has shone fiercely on them for some hours.
11. Markham, Margate.
Book Notice.
POT-POURRI FROM A SURREY GARDEN. By
Mrs. C. W. Earle, with an Appendix by Lady
Constance Lytton. (Smith, Elder & Co.)
This is a very pleasant addition to the large num-
ber of popular gardening books which have been issued
sii.ee the fashion was set by Mr. Bright's Year in a
Lancashire Garden, as reprinted from these columns.
Their value lies in the stimulating influence they
exert, and in the pleasure they afford, so that they
fulfil a very useful purpose. The title of the present
volume is an apt one, for the book is really one de
omnibus rebus rt quibusdam aliis. The author gossips
pleasantly about the flowers in her garden and in her
boudoir, and then rambles off to discuss methods of
cooking Potatos and Saltafy, the right way of bring-
ing up sons and daughters, and the appropriate mode
of furnishing the house. She shows a quite unusual
but not very discriminative knowledge of books new
and old, and is somewhat dogmatic in the expression
of her opinions. To believe that Stocver's Life of
Sir Charles Liunceus"h the only biography of him
ever written," is to ignore Pulteney, Maton, Haller,
Sir William Jardiue, Agardh, Macgillivray, Fee, and
the writers of numerous minor biographical sketches.
A reference to PritzeVs Thesaurus, ed. 2, p. 188, will
Bupply the titles of the more important of these
112
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Augcst 14, 1897.
books and booklets, and will also show that the
Pinttum H'oburncnse is not the only work of its kind ;
while a comparative inspection of the books will
show how largely the Pinetwm was indebted to the
magnificent work of Lambert on the same subject.
It is unfortunate, we think, that while enumerating
books adapted to the amateur gardener, the author
should have omitted Nicholson's Dictionary of Gar-
d iiiiuj, which is an authoritative book of reference
that amateur gardeners can hardly afford to be with-
out. A few misprints thould be corrected in that
new edition which we imagine will soon be called for.
A full index adds value to a book which we com-
muid heartily to those with sympathy ani leisure.
Those who can spare but little time for recreation
will find the fascinations of the book somewhat
dangerous !
SOC1ETI ES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.
July 27.— Prest'tt : Dr. M. T. Masters (in the cLutir); Mr.
Bennett-Poe, Prfessor Church, Riv. W. Wilks, Mr. Veitch,
Dr. Bonavia. and Rev. G. Hcnslow, Hon. Sec.
Bybrid Orchil.— Mr. Veitch exhibited a new hybrid—
Epilalia x —between Epideiidrum radicans and Lielia pur-
purata. The former grows to from 7 to S feet in height, but
the hybrid is only about IS inches. Its leaves more resemble
those of L.'tlia, nor dees it root so freely as the E^idendrum.
Thefloweis are larger than those of the latter parent, tnd
scarlet, but with a much broader and blotched lip, approxi-
mating to that of the L;''li <, though the desp mauve colour of
this species is entirely wanting. Mr. Veitch observed that it
is remarkable that the pollen of Epidendrum radicans is
potential in crossing L»lia, Cattlcya, and Sophronitis, but
not with itself. Dr. Masters remarked that this hybrid thus
corroborated Reichen bach's statement that the genera were
dentical.
Apples Diseased.— Dr. Bonavix inquired as to the nature of
a disease which so commonly attacks Apples. Dr. Masters
pronounced it to be most probably Fusicladiuni deudriticum,
which attacks Apples and Pears, causing them to crack.
Mr. Veitch observed that it generally occurs when the tree
is in a poor condition, and recommended a renewal of soil
in the autumn to strengthen the growth.
Wheat- cared Carnations.— Some examples of this wel'-
known peculiarity were received from Mr. Colvile Browne,
of Hex table, Kent. Mr. Veitch observed that whenever
Carnatious were grown in lirge quantities for market, some
jil. mts uppear anion;; them with this malformation. Dr.
Masters added that it was said thatthe immediate cause was
the attick by mites at the apex.
Tiria Apple L"t'j\ — Mr. Browne also saht a spec'mm in
which two leaves were apparently united half-way up, and
bick to back. An examination of the distribution of tlu
fibro-vascular cords showed that there was only one petiole,
a section of which was crescent-shaped, with three or four
cords o.i each half. These coalesced higher up into two
di t'mct ban is, from which the cords supplied to each of the
twin blades arose. It was analogous to a foliaceous stamen
of Jatrophu, described by Dr. Masters (Teratology, p 255).
/, ,„!,,„ i A talked by In ■■'■■ Spe :imeus were receive I from
C his wick covered with a white mealy-bug known as Orthczia
insignis, Douglas,
Seeds Germinating within a Melon. — A specimen was
received in which this peculiarity had occurrc 1. It is nit
infrequent in Cucumbers, Oranges, and the Papa v. It was
observed that the cotyledons were green, though in the
absence of light within the fmit Such occurs also iu
Pist lclo N its. Misleto, pods of Cassi i fistula, &c. Professor
Church remarked that it probably arose from some modifi-
c ition of the rays of light, which were capable of " green-
ing," although their energy was altered in character. It is
observable that plants turn green under all the coloured rays
of the spectrum, though Ferns will be green in total dark-
ness it the temperature be adequate.
Pelorian Calceolaria.— Mr. Henslow showed two flowers of
the ordinary yellow bedding n it plant, which had assumed
the aleeve-like shape in te id of the usual s ipper.
C ..■ ipedium, Tico lipped.— Dr. Masters showed a sp<
with this malformation, the flower being apparently al o
changed as to the number of its parts. It appeared to be
r illy Bynanthic, like the Cattleya shown at the last meeting.
Rosi rubrifolia.—E.e also showed a spray of this red-
1 iaved species, received from Mr. G. Paul, hiving the gall,
'• Robin's piucushioa, ' likewise intensified in colour.
// grid i. ' ■'■ ■■'■ '■ - Dr. Masters Bhowcd a bios om of
tin: first hybrid ever raised in this genus, between A.
brasiliensis Eorm)a«id A. elegans, from Boliv a. [twill be
mure fully described elsewhere.
Cream coloured Vallota, He also exhibited blossoms of. this
variety, A white one is known to ha. e existed, but is appa-
rently lostto cultivation. It was suggested that crossings
i be made with the present one, so that possibly the
white variety in 'v ii
Chemical Analyses of Orchids.— Professor Church, having
carefully considered Mr. Smee's second paper on the chemical
processes which are supposed to take place in Orchids,
observed that it was somewhat difficult to follow the
author's observations es there was a want of systematic
cohesion throughout the paper, some parts appearing to be
rather irrelevant, and others op.n to question. Thus,
chemists are not agreed upon the composition of chlorophyll ;
and if they were, there would be in consequence no special
light thrown on the cultivation of Orchids In his observa-
tions upon the presence ot nitrogen in sewage-grass, Mr.
Smee had altogether omitted any mention of nitrates, and no
conclusions can be drawn from the absolute quantities given,
aslheybear no relation to the actual quantities employed,
but not stated in the experiments Ttie diagram supplied by
Mr. Smee, Professor Church thought interesting, as approxi-
mately representing the gradual loss of earthy salts as one of
the causes of decline and death. With reference to his
observations on phosphates in connection with the flowering
process, it is well known that phosphates generally increase
the inflorescence, while nitrogen enhances the f-diage, and
deepens the green colour of chlorophyll; but Mr. Smee's
remarks upon the decomposition of phosphates are extremely
doubtful. It has been found in all experiments that
ammonias in which phosphorus has replaced nitrogen have
always proved fatal to plant0. Mr. Smee's experiments on
scents, as being formed in the flower itself, are well founded.
Lastly, the suggestion that thorough analyses sh mid be
made of all parts of Orchids was advisable, it practicable;
but such would require very accurate work on definitj lines.
Such only would give valuable results.
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
August 6. — A meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Com-
mittee was held at Chiswiek on the above d^te, and there
were present P. Crowley, Esq , in the chair ; the Rev. W.
Wilks, and Messrs. Balderson, Hates, J Smith, Reynolds,
G. Wjtb.es, G Bunyard, G. W. Cummins, W. Pope, W. Fair,
A. F. Barron, J. Cheal, T. F. Rivers, J. Willard, and A. Dean
—an unusually large attendance, showing the interest taken
by members in the Chiswick trials.
These the excessive recent heat and drought have mate-
rially discounted, as not only is the soil of the gardens excep-
tionally porous, very quickly drying, though well trenched,
lut the heat, owing to the exceeding closeness of the gar-
dens, is very great. In open areas, where there is generally
a moving atmospbere, vegetables have withstoud the great
heat much better than in enclosed areas.
The corumittee was primarily called to examine early
Potatos, and first and second earlies. No fewer than forty
varieties were tried. Oddly enough, in spite of the heat,
only very few had the tubers really ripe ; not a few when
lifted gave large tubers and fair produce, but the skins were
yet soft. Of the number lifted, seven were selected to be
cooked, but it was evident that most of them needed some
two or three weeks longer to mature. The varieties included
several of Messrs. Sutton & Son's popular selections; only
one, however, in a cooked state, gained an award of Merit—
the handsome whit-- round, Harbinger. No doubt, some of
the varieties thus tested will have a further cooking trial
later.
It was interesting to note that no fewer than f.ve of the new
varieties rejoiced in the appellation of Diamond Jubilee, and
probably few will be sorry if none gets into commerce. A
couple of red rounds lifted were apparently reproductions of
Readirg Russet ; and thero are several Ashleafs, but a'l gave
poor crops. A row of Improved Jersey Fluke is but our old
friend International Kidney resurrected. This kidney is
fr own very largely in both Jersey and Malta for supplying
the British market early in the season. The Potato the
home-growers rejected has become the comer-stone of the
foreign ' otato trade.
Generally, not a single variety lifted showed any marked
feature or advance upon older varieties ; indeed, none seem
to give in any way better results than were sten in t e best
seedlings of ten or fifteen years ago.
The committee was invited to inspect some Vegetable-
Marrows from Constantinople, but the two varieties, one a
round and the other a half-long white, were not so good as
our own best ones.
A large number of pretty plants in 5-inch pots of an Eg&-
] lint, the seed sent by Dr. Bonavia, and named Maroo
Baingau, or th_' Marrow Aubergine, were also examined;
fie plants were dwarf, and apparently prolific, but the fruits
closely resembled those of the purple Aubergine.
Tin: Fortnightly Meetisos,
Arocsr 10. — At a meeting of the committees held in the
Drill Hall, Westminster, on Tuesday last, the number of the
exhibits showed a very considerablo falling off. The
presence of the holid iy season was evident throughout the
day, there being fewer well-known faces there than usual.
Hardy flowers, annuals and Dahlias aci ounted fur a consider-
able part of thedisplay that was made. There was a moderate
quantity of Orchids ttaged, and several collections of fruit.
Messrs Kelway & Soy, I.an»port Nurseries, made an exhi-
bition of Gladiolus spikes in a novel manner, which we
describe below. The lecture by Mr. Douglas upon the
cross- fertilisation of florists flowers was fjllowed by an
interesting discussion.
Floral Committee.
Present: W. Marshall, Esq., chairman; and Messrs. Jno.
Fraser, Chas. T. Druery, H. B. May, R. Dean, J. H. Fitt,
O. Thomas, H. Turner, H. J. Jones, Chas. E. Pearson, J. D.
Pawle, Jas. Walker, W. Bain, R. M. Hogg, J. Fraser, and
J. Jennings.
A collection of hardy and herbaceous flowers was staged by
Mr. Thos. 9. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, near Tottenham.
A number of the best species and varieties now flowering
were represented, including such showy ones as Helianthus,
Coreopsis, Rudbeckias, herbaceoxis Phlox, Lilies, Gladiolus,
&c. A variety of Phlox, named La Matilde, was recom-
mended an Award of Merit (Silver I lora Medal).
Mr. M. PRrrcHAitD, Christehurch Nurserie*, in a collection
of similar flowers, had sprays of the white-flowered
variety of Lathy rus latifolius, the effective Eryngitim
Oliverianum, Potentilla Hopwoodiana, the scarlet Lychnis
chaloedonica fl. -pi., some fine growths of Aruudo Donax
viriegata, Asclepias incarnata, and the orange-flowered
A. tuberosa, &J. (Silver Flora Medal).
A very tine group of flowering sprays of annuals from the
nurseries of Messr?. Jas Veitch &, Sons contained some
excellent, and some of them old, species in good condition.
The greatest show was made by a rose coloured variety of
Lavatera trimestris, bunches of white and lilac-flowered
S weetSul tan, double-flo were 1 Helichrysum.Clarkiapulchella,
and others, several varirtk's of Godethi, of which we may
mention Lady Albermarle Jand Duchesa of Fife ; also of
large -flu we red Salpiglossis, which are worthy a place in
eveiy large garden ; Ltrkspurs, Calliopsis tinctoiia, C. Druru-
moudi, and the small-flowered C. marmorat.i nana Several
of the tine Larkspurs were shown, and various other choice
annu la, some of which including Calendula pluvialis with
white Daisy-like flower.?, are not commonly exhibited (Si ver-
gilt Banksian Medal).
Messrs. Barr <fc Son, King Street, Covent Garden, made
a display with flowers of herbaceous Phloxes, Delphiniums,
Gladiolus, Helianthus, and a few miscellaneous hardy
flowers, such as Coreopsis, Lilies, the white flowered variety
of Agapanthus umbellatus. &c. (Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. A. W. Young & Co., Stevenage Nurseries, Herts,
made an exhibit of seedling Gladioli, blooms of Glozinian;
also of zonal Pelargonium King of Denmark, a few Dahlias,
Carnations, &c.
An exhibit of Gladiolus spikes by the well-known Arm of
Messrs. Kelway & Son, Lungport Nurseries, was staged in a
very opposite manner to their usual method. They repre-
sented fans, each of which consisted of nine spikes. These
fans were affixed t j as inauy square boards by straps similar
to those used in a herbarium. Thus shown, each spike is
very oasy of inspect on, and they are probably less difficult
of transportation. The fans, however, were placed above
the average line of sight, and were thus too high. They had
a'so an undesirable air of stiffae-s about them. Many
excellent varieties were used in the display.
Awards of Merit were granted to Dudley, an immense
flower of good substance, salmon-scarlet in colour, shaded
purple in throat ; Mike Lambourn% deep velvety-crimson ;
and Countess of Leicester, large white flowers, marked slightly
with rose-purple.
Messrs. Kelway &, Son, Lin?pjrt, Somerset, also stiged
sprays of a few hardy flowering-plants for Certifi ^ate. These
included a variety of Gaillardii known as Constellation, with
fine flowers of deep lemon yellow. Solidago gigantea, and
other well-known plants, were also shown with the same
object. An Award of Merit was made tj herbaceous Phlox
Bug. Danzanvilliers, a pale-lilac variety with white centre.
Gaillardias from the same firm were cjmraendable (Silver-
gilt Banksian Medal).
Sprays of berries of the pink-flowered Pyrus Hostei were
sent by F. W. Moorb, Esq , Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin ;
and Krythrolama conspicua, a red-flowered Thistle - like
plant, came from Mr. M. Pritchard, Christehurch. The
flowers were, unfortunately, not open.
An Award of Merit was recommended to a strong-growing
beautiful rose-coloured variety of Verbena hybrida named
'•Tresseve," shown by J. T. Bewnett-PoU, Esq., Holmwood,
Cheshiint (gr., Mr. Do*nes).
Mr. T. S. Ware exhibited sprays of P utstemon in several
named varieties, and three pretty varieties of herbaceous
Phlox, all of which failed to gain a Certificate.
Among some pretty varieties of double-flowered Hully-
hocks submitted by Messrs. Webb A: Brand, Saffron WaJden,
a pale yellow-coloured variety with flushed salmon-rose
Centre, and named Leander, was recommended an Award of
Merit.
A First-class Certificate was gained by Calceolaria alba,
an old plant, shown by J. T. Bennett-Pok, Esq. The leaves
of this sptcies are tota ly unlike those of most of the specie?,
b iug deep green, linear, and hard. Tho white flowers are
produced abundantly on shrubby-habited plants, which a:e
very pretly.
Mr. Pofi also obtained a First-class Certificate for some
flowers of Nymphuu Marliacea flammoa, a high-c floured
variety of much attractiveness.
A group of Caunas iu pots from Messrs. High Low & Co.,
Unper Clapton, were of the new varieties Austria and Italia.
These were interspersed with Lilium ncapolitanum, &c,
margined with Statice Butcheri (Silver Binksian Medal).
Messrs. Dobbie & Co.. Rothesay, exhibited blooms of
African Marigolds, Lemon Queen, and Prince of Orange, for
which a Bronze Flora Modal was awarded.
From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., burfcrd, Dorking (gr ,
Mr. Bain), came a nica lot of Canuas and Gladioluses, one
August 14, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
113
of latter, named A. King, has large extra wide flowers
majenta-coloured, with a white band across the lower petals ;
Criuuni Powelli var. alba, flowers of which were shown in the
Fame collection, was awarded a First-class Certificate, all
except the anther is pure white (Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. J. Veitch & So*s showed sprays of various hardy
plants, such as Ptelea trifoliata, with bunches of seed-
vess.ls and strong foliage ; Hypericum floribundum,
Hydrangea quercifolia, Coprosma acerosa, with small trans-
lucent lilac-tinted berries. Clerodendron trichutomum,
Colutca arbore=cens, and C. a. purpurea, also Eugenia Ugni
variegata, with pretty white and green foliago ; and other--4.
Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, made a capital dis-
play with varieties of Lilium auratum, L. speciosum, Gladi-
olus, Arc. (Silver Banksian Medal).
A yellow double -flowered variety of Rudbeckia, named
Gulden Glow, exhibited by Messrs. Barr & Sons, and others,
was recommended an Awaid of Merit.
Dahlias.
It is admitted on all hands that Dahlias are doing remark-
ably well this season, making a generous growth, and pro-
mising fine blooms for exhibition. That they are early, there
was ample evidence on this occasion. Several new Cactus
varieties put in appearance, and it is satisfactory to note
that the true Cactus type is being developed in the new
forms in course of production.
Mr. J. Stredwick, Silverhill, St. Leonard's, submitted
several new Cactus Dahlias, among them Miss Agnes Box,
bright red, flushed with a dark shade, large *n size, with a
tendency in some of the outer petals to become fl it (Award
of Merit). Daffodil, primrose, a pale form of Lady Penzance,
but a more refined Cactus type, novel and distinct, a real
acquisition (Award of Merit). Jubilee, crimson, with a dark
centre, a very promising dark variety that is pretty certain
to obtain an Award during the season. Major H. C. Wilson,
p le crimson, with dark centre, a true Cactus type; Mrs.
reran Barker, reddish-purple, shading to purple at the petal
p .ints ; and Miss Margaret Stredwick, yellow, flushed with
reddish-salmon.
Messrs. J. Cueal & L'oss, Low Arid Nurseries, Crawley, had
several new Cactus varieties, which will, no doubt, be seen in
better condition liter in the season. They were Mrs. Quentin,
rich salmon- rose, deepening to rose, a distinct and highly pro-
mising variety ; King of Siam, rich erimson-maroon, with a
dark shading in the centre, true Cactus typo, distinct, and very
promising ; Profusion, a Pompon-Cactus of the true character,
bright purple, small, compact ; Mrs. Gilbert, crimson, small,
but promising, &c. They also had twelve bunches of t !acl us
arieties, three blooms of each, the must promising being
Cycle, Mrs. Peart, Beatrice, Mrs. Kingsley Foster, Starfish,
Fusilier, &c. Also twelve bunches of single varieties, and
the sime number of Pompons.
Mr. J. Walker, nurseryman, Thame, had sixty blooms of
show varieties, of excellent quality for so early a period.
Prominent among them were Duke of Fife, T. S. Ware
W. Keith, John Standish, J. Ashby, Warrior, Shirley
Hibberd, Harrison Weir, William Rawlings, Perfection, H. T.
I; iwlings, J. Hickling, Hercules, Dandy, &c. ; also four
dozen blooms of Cactus varieties, a few of the best being
Matchless, Fusilier, Lady Penzance, Karl of Pembroke, Miss
A. Nightingale, and Beatrice (Silver Banksian Medal).
Mr. S. Mortimer, nurseryman, Farnham, had eighty-four
blooms of show varieties, chief among them Colonist, J. C.
Vaughan, Goldfinder, J. T. West, Duke of Fife, Crimson King,
J. N. Keynes, Mrs. Gladstone, It. T. Rawlings, Arthur
H iwlings, <fce. ; also sixty blooms of Cactus varieties, such as
Countess of Radnor, Mrs. Wilson Noble, C3'cle, Starfish,
M U-hless, Lady Penzance, and Harmony.
Orchid Committee.
Pri tnt: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the Chair, and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), F. Sander, H. M. Pollet, J. G.
Fowli r, T. Stattcr, W. H. Protheroe, II. J. Chapman, W. II.
White, W. H. Young, J. Jaqucs, E. Hill, C. Winn, W. Cobb
J. Douglas, S. Courtauld, and A. H. Since.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited Odontoglossum Pescatorei
Harrisianum, with a large branched inflorescence bearing
numerous finely-formed flowers. The sepals are white
tinted with pink, and having some clearly defined spotting
of purple colour in the central part; the petals are whi e
with some bright purple spots on the inner halves ;
the base of the lip around the yellow crest is also
decorated with purple (Award of Merit). Messrs. Veitch also
showed two distinct forms of Ladio- Cattleya x Clonia (L.-C.
Warscewiczii ?, L.-C. x elegans o), the one with a labellum
almost wholly light-purple coloured, and the other with base
to the lip, tinged in part with yellow, and in which the
intermr portion was bright purple, a tine form of L.-C. X
Callistoglossa ignescens (C. Warscewiczii x L. purpurata);
and Cattleya X Atalanta (Leopoldi X Warscewiczii).
Messrs. F. S vndkr & Co., St. Albans, showed a small group
in which were plants of the yellow Sobralia xantholeuca;
the new Sobralia Holfordi, with fine rose-purple flo-vers, the
front of the lip dark rose-purple, the base white changing
to yellow in the centre ; a fine example of Odonto-
glossum Kramcri with many flowers ; Odontoglossum
Pescatorei eonspeuum, large m size, and with a broad lip,
handsomely marked round the edge with dark purple ; O.
Sehleiperianum, O. crispum, O. Bictoneuse album, Cattleya
Warscewiczii, Bifrenaria aurantlaca, and Cypripedium x
L twrenceo-Druryi, with ivory-white tlowers, tinged with
emerald green, and marked with dark rose lines. By the
parentage it should be C. X Cybele.
Messrs. Ht'OH Low & Co., Clapton, were awarded a
Bronze Banksian Medal for a group consisting of Jattleya
Gaskelliani, C. Rex, C. Warscewiczii, C. bicolor, C. Eldorad*
alba, Dendrobium veratrifoUum, some tine forms of Onci-
dium Papilio, O. Jonesianum, O. Lanceanum, O. luridum,
Cypripedium x micropterum, C. x Cha*. Canham, C. ton-
sum, C. Charlesworthi, &c.
Sir Trevor Lawrenck, Bart, Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr.
W. H. White), showed a grand plant of Platyclinis flliformis,
with ninety-four of its elegant spikes of yellow flowers
gracefully around it (Cultural Commendation) ; Epidenirum
(Nanodes) Matthewsii, a species of small growth, and of the
habit of N. Medusa;, and with numerous greenish flowers
tinged with rose (Botanical Certificate) ; the ban Isomo Eulo
phia guineensis, with rose-coloured sepils and petals, and
broad pink lip, with purple lines in the centre ; and Masde-
vallia infracta purpurea, with many flowers.
£ir Frederick Wioan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen, showed
two splendid spikes of Ladio-C'attleya X elegans, cut from
the same plant ; and some fine flowers of Iielia crispa, and
Masdevallia macrura.
Elijah Ash worth, Esq , Harefield Hall, Wilmslow,
Cheshire (gr., Mr. Holbrook), showed Ladio-Cattteya x
elegans var. Schroderiana, in colour one of the darkest and
richest yet observed ; sepals and petals of a very dark
purple colour ; side lobes of the lip flesh-tinted and veined
and tipped with purple, the broad, flat front lobe being of an
intense dark ruby-purple hue. It was stated to have been
purchased of Messrs. F. Sander & Co. under the name given
(Award of M- rit).
Thos. Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, Whitefield, Maruhester
(gr. , Mr. R. Johnson), ehowod the new blue Dendrobium,
Victoria Regina, H escribed in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
June 19, 1897, p. 39l> ; and which, in point of colour, is a
decided acquisition, the outer two thirds of eich segment
being dark purplish-blue (Award of Merit); and Cattleya
Dowiana m gnifica.
J. GikNEY Fowler, Esq., South Woodford (gr , Mr. J.
Davis), showed four hybrid Cypripediums, which seen sepa-
rately may get mistaken the one for the other; but, seen
together, give evidence of being very distinct ! The finest
was C. x Callo-Rotbschildianuni, with ivory-white sepals
and petals tinged with rose, the upper sepal being closely
lined, and the broad petals profusely spotted with a pur-
plish-brown (Award of Merit) ; somewhat resembling it were
C. X Ma* a lianum (Bupcrciliare x Rothscbildianum), and
C. A. do Larisse (Curtisii x Rothscbildianum); the other
was C. x Neptune (lo grande x ltothnchildianum), except
that the petals are narrower, more horizontally oxtended,
greenish in tint, and irregularly blotched with dark brown. Mr.
Fowler also showed a tine spike of the bright red Benan-
thera Storei.
G. W. L.wv-S< in. held, Esq , Ne w-Hall-Hey, RawtenstUl,
Manchester (gr., Mr. Shill), sent a cut spike of Ladio-Cat-
tleya x elegans, New-Hall-Hoy variety, appaitently inter-
mediate between the Turner! and the Schdleriana section.
The sepals and petals are white, tinted with lilac, the front
lobe of the lip and tips of the side lobes of a very dark
purple hue.
W. H. Lumsden, Esq., Balmedia, Aberdeenshire (gr., Mr.
G. Roberts), sent Cypripedium x Balmedianum (reputed
parentage Stonei X Fairieanum), which the Committee
decided did not bear out the record. The inflorescence was
three -flowered. The sepals and lip partook much of C.
Stonei. but the former bore more numerous dark lines ;
petals curved downward, and they were narrow, and green-
ish, with some chocolate- coloured lines and spots. Leave?
light green, with dark green transverse lines, like some of
the forms of C. x Harrisianum, and tcarcely possible if the
record were true.
Uki.inaid Young, Esq , Sefton Park, Liverpool (gr., Mr.
Poyntz), sent Cypripedium x Eyermuinianum var.
Hermione.
R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell(gr.,
Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed Ladio-Cattleya x Andreana
(L C. x elegans x C. bicolor), a very distinct hybrid, with
large flowers, sepals, and petals blush-white, the Up bein*
strongly characteristic of C. bicolor, the middle lobe ve<y
much elongated, and of a bright purple, margined with
wh'te.
Fruit Committee.
Present: Philip Crowley, Es ., Chairman, and Messrs. T.
Francis Rivers, Jas. H. Veitch, A. F. Barron, J. Wright,
Alex. Dean, Geo. Wythes, H. Balderson, W. Farr, F. Q.
Lane, Jas. Smith, ani G. HeynoM>.
Messrs. Geo. Bdsyahd &, Co., Maidstone, were exhib'tors
of a collection o f fruit commendable for the present date of
the season. Included were twenty-eight dishes of Apples, a
number of which were varieties of Codlins, one dish of
Lawson Pear, Peach, Apricot ; also Hemskirk, Moor Park
and Blenheim Apricots ; Peaches Hale's Early, Early York,
and Early Grosse Mignonne (Silver Knightian Medal).
A box of absolutely first-class fruits of the Royal Georgj
Peaches was shown by Mrs. Abbott, South Villa, Regents
Park, N.W. (gr., Mr. Geo. Keif) (Cultural Commendation).
Messrs. .1. Veitch & M)KS, Chelsea, exhibited fruits of a
late Gooseberry named Golden Gem, from a cross between
Whitesmith and Antagonist. The berries are large,
-rather long, yedow, thin ia skin, and generally satisfactory
(Award of Merit).
Mr. W. Smytue, Basing Park G u-dens, showed plant?
from the open of kidney Bsan Go'.ia'h, ob aiued from a cross
between Smythe's Seedling an 1 Champion Scarlet Runner
Bean. The plants shown exhibited very rmrked productive-
ness, the i ods being long, exceedingly numerous, and smooth.
Mr. Wadds, of the Cliveden Gardens, Maidenhead, showed
three branches of Blackberry " Kittatiny. ' Its productive-
ness was very remarkable (Award of Merit).
In the Apple and Pear competition 2nd prizes only were
awarded. These were obtained by Mr. Geo. Wythes, Syon
House Gardens, for Jargonelle Pears and Lady Sudeley
Apple.
A capital collection of fruit from Lord Foley, Ruxley
Lodge, Claygate (gr., Mr. J. W. Miller), oontained fine dishes
of Figs Brunswick and Brown Turkey ; Peaches Royal
George, Alexander, Noblesse, and Violette Hative ; EIruge
Nectarines, Warrington Gooeeberry, Morello Cherries, a dish
of Mulberries, Cob and Filbert Nuts, Melons William Tillery,
three dishes of Apples, and a few bunches of Grap:s not
porfeotly ripe (Silver Banksian Modal).
The Lecture.
Cross-Fertilisation of Florists' Flowers.
A paper upon this subject was given by Mr. J. DoTTOLis,
who commenced by stating the importance of the work, and
enumerating some of the results as evidenced in the
Auriculas, Carnations, &c. When hybridisation had been
effected between allied species, a certain degree of variation
occurred, but this was abundantly increased when the
hybrids were again crossed with each other. Thus was
variation obtained quickest. Selection was much slower in
producing results. Mr. Douglas remarked upon his experi-
ence with Sonecio cmentus, stating that he had sown seeds
from this plant for four years, and had obtained but little
variation, but on making a cross between it and a garden
Cinera'ia a very great variety resulted, and some of
the plants were pretty. After referring to Dean Her-
bert, and reading a quotation from his writings to
the effect that a plant was most improv. d after cro s-
fertilisation had been commenced, Mr. Douglas men-
tioned the names of the Revs. Horner, and Engleheart, and
Mr. Martin R. Smith, each of which had done work, by the
cross-fertilisation cf Auriculae, Narcissus, and Carnations
respectively, that would last for many years. Referring to
Rea's Flow in 167(3, Mr. Douglas foirud that there were at
that day as many as 360 varieties of Carnations. It may sur-
prise som-i of our readers to hear that there were as good
bizane and flaked Caniations 110 years ago as we have now.
In proof of which Mr. Douglas exhibited a plate in the
Botanical Magazine of that date (tab. 30) which represented
as good a flower in form and colour as any known by
present day florists. A letter from Mr. Martin R. Smith
was next read, from which the audience obtained an
idea of the extreme care that is taken by this gentleman
to prevent adventitious p >llination when cross-fer-
tilisation is intended. He also referred to the predominant
influence of the pollen-bearing parent over the seedling.
The effect of some remarks that were afterwards made by Mr.
Douglas was that in the great majority of cases the pollen-
bearing parent exercises a predominant infl lence, and tbn
was the case even when Germania, a variety of unusual
individuality, was used as the s^ed-bearing plant. Toere
were, however, exceptions to this common rule.
Mr. Doucla s next urged the imporlance of the choice of
parents, stating that the characteristics desired in the
seedlings should be pres nt iu 1 oth, or, at any rate, one of
these. The points of quality in most of the florists' flowe-s
are given in The Code of Rvhsfor Judging, published by the
Royal Horticultural Society.
The necessity for removing the anthers from th? plant to
be cross-fertilise 1 before these or the stigma have developed,
was next alluded to, and when the stigma has so far deve-
loped as to be ready for pollination, the pollen from the
plant it has been decided should be the other parent should
be applied. This might be repeated once or twice if it be
doubted that fertilisation has taken place.
Mr. Douglas did well to remind his hearers that a large
number of seedlings thus obtained may contain very few
v. iluable ones, stating that if there be one in live hundred
there is cause for satisfaction. Is there a summit of excel-
lence in a flower, beyond which we cannot go ? asked Mr.
Douglas ; he answered it himself in the affirmative. Several
insta ces of varieties of plants nearly half a century old, and
that still remain the best of their section were given, in-
cluding that of the grey-edged Auricula George Lightbody.
Such flowers could be further developed probably upon oth> t-
lincs, but in the same direction improvement appeared
impossible of attainment
Dr. Masters, F.B.S., in proposing a vote of thanks to
Mr. Douglas, referred to the circumstance that up n that
day a statue to the memory of the late Cbas. Darwin was
being unveiled in Shrewsbury, his native town, and reminded
the meeting of the great value of the investiga'ions and
experiments he made, in regard to the fertilisation of pLnts,
and the sign ificance attending the slightest variation ob-
served iu them.
Mr. A. Dean offered a few remarks upon the subject of the
paper; after which Mr. Colvile Brown remarked that
reedling Carnations that were single flowered in the fiist
year, had b.oome semi-double the second, and quite double
the third year. He had carefully observed this himself, and
when fully double the flowers were of good q alily. Mr.
Jenkins remarked in reference to the preponderating
influence of the pollen bearer, that he had crossed two white
Carnations, and in the seedlings there was nearly every
colour represented, but few scarlets. He thought thie
evidence was against the theory.
114
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[August 14, 1897.
THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL.
August 2.— The annual meeting of this Society was held
on the above date in the Institute, Bowness, Windermere,
and was, as usual, well attended. Among those present
were Mr. C. T. Druery, F.L.S., Vice-President, London;
Messrs. J. J. Smithies, W. Forster, R. Tyldcsley, W. Aldred,
Manchester; W. H. Phillips, Belfast; W. Troughton, Pres-
ton ; R. Whiteside, Laocaster ; E. T. Pease, Darlington ;
W. H. Atkinson, Batley ; J. Lovelady, Haslingden ; J.
Mashiter, Melisthorpe ; J. W. Walton, Kkbmond; J. A.
Wilson, J. Garnett, Bowness ; J. Gott, J. Wiper, Treasurer ;
G. Whitwell, Hon. Sec, Kendal, and others
The visual routine business was concluded by the agreeable
notification of the Treasurer, that notwithstanding the
expense attending the issue of the annual papers, in printed
form, to the members, there still remained a handsome and
increasing balance in his hands, which would be available for
the still further development of the objects of the Society.
These objects are the dissemination of a wider knowledge of
the merits and beauties of British Pern varieties, and a
regulation of their nomenclature, and an encouragement
of their general culture by providing a means, at least once
a year, for the exhibition of new fronds and developments
under culture, and the meeting of their finders and raisers
under one roof, so as to exeha* ge ideas, and, it may be,
specimens.
The various officers were re-elected en masse, with the
addition of Mr. W. Martin as committeeman, and a hearty
and unanimous vote of thanks was passed and given to the
executive for the extremely satisfactory lnanagenunt. This
being done, and the time and place of next meeting being
fixed, viz., Bowness, and the next Bank Holiday.
The two papers were read by the Vice-President, Mr. C. T.
Druery, F.L.S.—one written by the President, Dr. Stans-
field (unavoidably absent, to the regret of all), on "Fifty
Years' Varietal Development in British Ferns;" and tho
other by Mr. Druery himself, on the "Ferns of the Diamond
Jubilee." The first paper dealt with ;i general rSsnmS of tho
best wild finds of the period, starting at a time when the
cult was purely in its incipient stage, and leaving off
at a period of some ten years back, which ho left the Vice-
President's paper to deal with. Emanating, as this paper
did, from one alive, and whose father and grandfather
were ardent admirers and raisers, a mass of most valuable
reminisconces, mostly at first hand, was presented to the
members, some of whom were able to certify some of
the facts by their own undeniable recollections of the
finds referred to. The second paper, briefly referring to tho
past, dealt mainly with the passable combination and im-
provement of the existing types in the future, the best of
which were named ; aud the various blendings of character
these might be susceptible of by crossing, great stress being
laid upon the necessity of using thoroughbreds only, i.e.,
crested and symmetrically beautiful forms. An animated
discussion followed, in which Messrs. Pea e, Garnett,
Phillips, Whitwell, Forster, and others took part, showing
that the main points of both papers had been fully grasped
and appreciated. Some very handsome new forms were then
exhibited and named, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Walton, and Mr.
Smithies showing a number of fine fronds, the last of whuh
was a very filamentous pinnate form of Harts-tongue shown
by Mr. Smithies, and which is decidedly one of the Ferns of
the future. A hearty vote of thanks for the papers, and a
resolution to print them for circulation among the members,
concluded the proceedings.
THE SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL
ASSOCIATION.
August 3.- The usual annual meeting was held on the
above date in tho evening. Certificates of Merit were
awarded to Messrs. Croll of Broughty Ferry, and Hugh
Dickbon of Belfast, for the fine Roses shown at the last
special Strawberry meeting of the Association. Several new
members were then elected- Some interesting exhibits were
staged. One, a promising Melon, " The Jubilee,*' exhibited
by Mr. James Graham of C'oltness Gardens, Wisham, which
was Highly Commended.
A large Melon, or Gourd-looking fruit with leaves (ihc
Bastie), a fruit weighing some S lb., was exhibited. The
seeds are large and black, the flesh coarso. and, unless it
proves hardy, and can be grown as a Gourd, it is not likuly
to be of any use on the dessert table.
Mr. Caumh hael showed some of his seedling Strawberries,
the Prince and Princess of Wales and Queen of Denmark, to
prove their high quality aud lateness, and had -several other
promising seedlings.
Messrs. James Grieve & Sons had some pretty Carnations,
and a few bunches of Violas; and Mr. Bitch, from Dn kbos
& Co., Waterloo Place, showed some fine Pinks, and two pure
white ones or Cloves, or rather Pinks w ith Clove fragrance,
Lady Glands ami Mrs. Welch, both of which were thought
equal to Snowthike, a well-known favourite, whose puds . un-
warranted not to burst.
The paper read was an informing and interesting one on
tho " History and Culture of the Melon," by Mr. W. Comfort,
Kylemore Castle, Galway, well read in his absence by his
brother, Mr. Cha.s. Comfort, Broomfield, Davidson's Mains.
Referring to edible Melons being known a thousand or more
years since, to their introduction into Europe of great size
in the fifteenth century, Mr. Comfort hurried up to the
practical side of his subject by dividing Melons into three
classes, in accordance with the co'our of their flesh— green,
scarlet, white -naming a few of the best of each, strongly
recommending La Favourite, and giving the verdict for
flavour to green-fleshed varieties.
Proceeding to Melon-houses, he strongly recommended
span-roofed houses, with the plants within 1 foot of the glass.
As to soil, turfy loam 1 foot thick, if poor, with a little
rotten manure added. In such houses three crops of Melons
miy easily be cut in the year. Five seeds in a o-inch pot in
a temperature of from 70° to 80°. Mr. Comfort does not
believe in old seed, nor seed extra dried through carrying in
pickets, but always some new— that is, last year's seeds.
See that the soil is warm before planting out. For early
work, plant-out when the plants are 2 inches high, and place
them 2 feet apart, adding more soil by degrees. For later
crops the earth may all be applied at once. Plant firmly,
and water sparingly, till the roots run freely through the
soil. Stop the shoots, so as to make the laterals show simul-
taneously four or six female blossoms on a plant ; set these
as near the centre of each plant as possible. Should one
take tho lead, cut tho leader off, or it will starve off all tho
others. Each Melon plant may ripen from four to six
Melons according to its size. Avoid overhead syringing of
Melons. Damp down heavily floors, walls, &c, instead.
Heavy syringing is the chief cause of cankered collars, the
best antidote being a dry stem and a heap of quicklime or
charcoal over it. Tho best remedies for red-spider are a
moist atmosphere aud a paint of milk-and-sulphur on the
pipes. Prevent oveici-jwding the foliage and shoots of the
plants after a full crop is set by cutting back superfluous
shoots to the basal leaf, so as to expose the fruit to as much
direct sunlight as possible.
Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Palace Gardens, confirmed Mr. Com-
fo.t's views as to red-spider, new seeds, light, and general
culture. Messrs. D. T. Fish, Wm. Carmichael, Robert
Morrison, Edinburgh, also discussed the paper most
favourably. On the appeal of Mr. Todd, tho President, a
younger grower gave his experience. He expected to land
his crop in light weeks. This enabled him to cut four crops
out of the same house a year. He preferred sowing one, or
at most two seeds in a pot, and seldom watered till the
seeds had grown. Devote three or four male flower* to
every female, and be content with four fruits to a plant. The
variety he used to grow was called luscious aud melting.
Mr. Todd said he had been forty-two years in the fruit trade,
and during all that time the coming Melon had always been
coming : higher flavoured freer setting, &c., than all others.
So that now he was almoBt driven to the conclusion that a
good Spanish was equal to not a few home-grown Melons.
The usual vote of thanks, and the announcement that Mr.
D. T. Fish would lecture on Sept. 7, on " Plants, Fruits, and
Flowers in the House and in the Life," brought an interesting
meeting to a close. D. T. F.
SPECIAL ROSE MEETING OF THE
BROUGHTY FERRY HORTICUL-
TURAL ASSOCIATION.
This thriving society, which seems remarkably well
officered and managed, holds monthly meetings for the dis-
cussion of matters of interest and instruction to its members.
From the syllabus for the present year I find the fol-
coming satisfactory bill of fare. January, Horticultural
exhibitions ; February, Gladioli ; March, Strawberries ; April,
Odontoglossums ; May, Questions ; June, The Growing and
Showing of Vegetables ; also a visit to the Monifieth Nurseries ;
July, Herbaceous and other Flowers for Cutting. In
addition to these there was an open lecture by Miss Maxwell
in March under the alluring title of " The World as seen by a
Dundee Lady," with lime-light illustrations. And last, on
Saturday, July 24, on the invitation of Messrs. D. & W.
Croll, of the Dalhousie Rose Nurseries, Broughty Ferry, the
members met in large numbers to enjoy a feast of Roses,
a flow of soul, and the sweets of social intercourse and
hospitality.
The Roses at the gathering to which we were .happily
invited, brought back so vividly the champion Rose grower,
Benjamin Cant, of Colchester, the founder of such functions,
whom all Rose growers congratulate on his unique success
this year, and his nephew Frank, who continues the Rose
meetings in tte oast. It need hardly be added that the
meeting at Broughty Ferry was in every way successful ;
and as to the Roses, about which some anxiety had been felt,
as they were nearly a month late this season, they were
in superb condition, and will give a good account of them-
selves until the end of the season, which this year will run
well through < Ictober. The Roses here are all on the Dog,
and are pruned harder back than in East Anglia, where most
of the hybrid pcrpetuals are on the Manetti. Id other
respects Broughty Ferry Ruses might readily be mistaken
for Colchester Roses at their best, and more or higher praise
would be needless.
I find the^e northern Roses took some thirty 1st prizes last
season, and these prizes cuvered most of the chief shows in
Bmtain, and began on June 25 at Hereford, and ended on
September ;i at Edinburgh. This reason the Roses have been
too late for the National Rose Society at tho Crystal Palace
and Norwich, but they will make up at the close by running
good blooms into the frost of November.
One more singular fact impressed must visitors that
the blooming season w..s late— the Briars and their bud-
ding seemed exceptionally early. In fact, the budding was
nearly completed, and many of the buds of a fortnight'
since were already the flowering branehlets of to-day 1?).
In fact, tho Messrs. Croll and their skilful manager,
Mr. Simpson, rely on Ih se very youthful maiden buds for
most of their best autumn-blooms for show or other purposes.
Special means arc adopted to force the buds to bloom
without unduly extending and enlarging the young shoots
into sappy shoots— fit food for frost.
A happy hardy means of perfect flowers and safe-wintering
Rose-plants has been hit upon; thus, almost immediately
after budding, the hriais, with their tops intact, are pegged
down flat on the ground with Bamboo-canes. This checks
the flow of sap into the heads of the briars, aud sends it into
the buds instead, consummating the union of bud and stock
in far less time, and securing one or more maiden blooms.
All sortsof climbing, garden, single, semi-double, Japanese,
Polyanthus, Rambling, Moss, Sncct Briar, and other Roses
are well-grown here, and the main entrance is quite a study
of Roses old and new.
But it is impossible to do moro within the compass of a
single article than note a few of tho more notable flowers
seen, which were all the more telling from being mustered
in breaks of hundreds together. D. T. F.
BEDD1NGTON, WALLINGTON, AND
CARSHALTON HORTICULTURAL.
August 2.— The Annual Exhibition < f this Society was held
on the above date, iu Beddin,'ton Park, and was atteudod by
a great number of visitors. In addition to a large number of
horticultural classes especially suitable to gardeners, ami-
teurs, and allotment holders, the Society holds an exhibition
of poultry, and oilers prizes for the best kept and most
profitibly.cropped gardens. A conference was also held, at
which papers were read by Mr. Jno Wright and Mr. Alex.
Dean, the chair being taken ty A. II. Smec, Esq., The
Grange, Wallington, the President, and a warm supporter of
the Society. The show, although a good one, was rather loss
in extent than last year, notwithstanding thoro h id been a
greater number of entries.
The best cultivated allotment or cottago gardi n was that
of Harvey Hopkins, and the judges were very enthusiastic
in their praise of the success he had achieved.
The 1st prize for the group of plants open to tho county of
Surrey was won by Mr. G. W. Cummins, gr. to A. II. Smee,
Esq., and secretary to the Sooiety. Throughout the classes
the quality of the exhibits wai satisfactory.
A very i"egrettable circumstance attended this show.
During the afternoon the assistant-secretary, Mr. Toogood,
ran from one of the gatos to tte secretary's tent, with
nothing on his head, owing to his having filled his hat with
tickets. Sunstroke followod, and on reaching the tont the
unfortunate gentleman fell uuconscious into the arms of Mr.
Cummins.
NORTHAMPTON HORTICULTURAL.
August 2, 3. — The sixteenth annual show of the above
society took place in a pleasant site in Delapre Park on
the above dates, and considering the unusual dryness of
the season the exhibits were very good, although not reach-
ing so high a point of excellence as in some previous years.
The best twelve specimen stovo or greenhouse plants, six in
bloom and six out of bloom, were shown by Mr. J. Cyf'HBr,
Cheltenham, who had some woll-grown plants of Kontia
Belmoroana, Bougainvillea, Allamanda, DipUdenia, ifce. ; Mr.
Finch, Coventry, being awarded the 2nd prize.
A group of miscellaneous plants arranged for good effect,
t J covor a space of 20 by 12 feet, brought forth two compe-
titi r-, Mr. Cypher and Mr. Vause, and the competition
was very close. The former, who had a very tastefully
at ranged group, consisting of a centrepiece and arches of
Cork-bark filled in with mosses, Orchids, Tul erases, Humea
elegans, Ac, was 1st; aud Mr. Vause, Leamington, 2nd.
Roses were shown by Messrs. John Perkins, Messrs. F.
Perkins & Sons, and Mr. Berger of Northampton The
best twelve bunches of stove and greenhouse flowers were
shown by Mr. Valise, Leamington, Messrs. Thomas Perkins,
and Mr. J. Hayes, gi*. at Ca3tle Ashby.
Mr. Copson, gr. to Mrs. Phipps, Collingtree Grange, had
the best six stove or greenhouse pltnts, three in aud three
out of bloom, distinct ; the finer plants being Swainsonia
alba, Allamanda Williamsii, and a well-grown Kentia
Foist criana.
Mr. Silas Cole, gr. to the Earl Spencer, was 1st for eight
table-plants having very nice Aralias and Crotnns ; and tho
next best being those shown by Mr. Pearco, gr. to G. Lodkr,
Esq., of Floore. The last-named gardener bad the best half-a-
dozen Exotic Ferns, including a very fine luwdlia Hooreanft,
and Plitycerium alcicorno.
Mr. Copson, Mr. Hayes, aid Mr, Adnitt showed six
Coleus in distinct varieties, taking the prizes in the
order of their names. Mr. Copson had very fine Cocks-
combs(six); Mr. F. Beard had the best dozeii of show or
fancy Dahlias, distinct, lit ; and Mr. A. Pearson, gr. to Mr.
G. E. Fall, Long Buckley, was 2nd.
Cactus Dahlias in collections, three b'ooms in a bunch,
distinct, were Hhowii by Mr. F. BoSTOCK, Northampton (gr.,
J. Holland), 1st; and Earl Spenckr, who was 2;.d.
Collection, twelve bunches of stove and greenhnusc Mowers,
were well shown by Mr. F. Bostock and Sir Hkukwald
Wake. Bart , Courteen Hall (gr., Mr. Knightly), 2nd ; hardy
flowers being best shown by Mr. Pearce.
Fruit. — The most important open class was that for
eighteen kinds, distinct, and hero Mr. D. Gibbons, gr. to J. A.
August 14, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
115
Johnston, Esq., Kingston-on-Thames, was 1st, he having
fine Grapes, the Black Hamburghs especially ; a Melon named
Windsor Castle, Peaches, and Nectarines ; the 2nd prize fell
to Mr. J. Hayes for an almost equally good exhibit.
For a smaller collection of Fruit, with six kinds, open to
the County only, Mr. J. Hayes was the winner of the
1st prize and the 8ilver Medal of the R. H. S.
Mr. J. Wilson, gr. to Mrs. Middleton, Hasclbeeh Hall, was
1st with three perfect, grandly coloured bunches of Blvk
Hamburgh Grapes ; and for three bunches of White Grapes,
Mr. Jordon, gr. to Lord Annai.y was 1st with Muse it of
Alexandria.
Quantities of irizes were awarded for all kinds of Hardy
Fruits in seasoi, Melons, &c.
For a collection of twelve kinds of Vegetables, Mr.
Dymock, gr, to B. Wentworth, Esq., Stoke Bruerne Park,
was 1st, showing good Carrots, Turnips, and Celery ; Mr.
J. Hayes being 2nd.
Mr. J. Knightly had the best co-lection of nine ki ds open
to the County, taking also the Bronze Medal of the It. H. S.
The competition in the Amateur and Cottagers' Classes was
keen, and the exhibits of more than ordinary merit.
THE MIDLAND CARNATION AND
PICOTEE.
August 5, 6. — This is now the most important exhibition
of Carnations held in the kingdom, for, as Birmingham
stands midway between the London and Manchester districts,
it is able to draw supplies of flowers from bath ; and it has a
remarkably strong contingent of growers of its own. The
above was not o Ay an extensive exhibitio i, but one of much
higher quality than could have been expected, it being feared
that the hot weather of the previous few days had seriously
affectei the quality of the blooms. But it h d not done so.
The exhibition-house in the Botanical Gardens at Edgbaston
is well adapted to display the flowers to the best advantage ;
it is light and airy, and then there is running through a con-
siderable portion of it a background of Fuchsias a-.d other
fluwers, plants which impart an added effect to the- stands
of cut blooms arranged in lines in front of thom.
The leiding class was for twelve Carnations, tbero being
six exhibitors. The 1st prize was taken by Mr. J. Edwards.
Blacklcy, Minchester, who hid very fine blooms indeed of
J. G. Hedderley, Mrs. Rowan, Robert Houlgravo, Sportsman,
Sarah Payne, sent out about forty years ago, and still one of
the best P.P.Bs., Master Fred Ellis Crosslcy, Lord Silis-
bury, Edwird Rowan Mrs. Gunn, Joseph Lakin, and a seed-
ling. Mr. Tom Lord, florist, Todroorden, was 2nd with very
gond blooms, among them a brilliant C.B. named Medhurst's
Seedling, Gordon Lewis, Lady Mary Currie, Master Fred, J.
Wormald S. F., and Admiral Curzon.
There were fourteen stands of six bloonn, Mr. C. F. Tiii'R-
stan, Wolverhampton, was 1st with remarkably good blooms
of Edward Adams, William Skirving, George Melville,
FlamiDgo, Cristi-galli, and Robert Houlgravt;. Mr. A. R.
Brown, Birmingham, was 2nd.
In the class for twelve white-ground Picotees, seven stands
competed, Mr. R. Sydenham taking the 1st prize with
highly refined blooms of G inymede, Mrs. Payne, Clio, Jessie,
Pride of Leytou, Muriel, Esther, Favourite, Thomas William,
Little Phil, Somerhill, and Scarlet Queen, a brilliant heavy
scarlet-edged flower. Mr. T. Lord was 2nd, having, differ
ing from the preceding. Brunette, Mrs. Wilson, Polly
Brazil, Lady Louisa, Mrs. Sharp, and Mary Anstiss.
There were nineteen stands of six' varieties, Mr. A. W.
Jones, Handsworth, Birmingham, being placed 1st with
Little Phil, Mrs. Opanshiw, Muriel, Madeline, .Somerhill,
and Heart's Delight. Mr. T. W. Goudfellow, Walsall, was
2nd ; and Mr. C. Head, Hibdeu Bridge, 3rd.
Yellow grounds and fancies, both increasingly popular
sections, were fully and very fioely represented. There were
ton stands of twelve blooms, Mr. A. W. Jones taking the
let prize with grand flowers of Voltaire, The Pcy, The Gift,
Cardinal Wolsey.Geo. Cruiekshank. Xerxes, Harlequin, Eldor-
ado.'Ladas, and Golden Eagle— a very fine selection indeed ;
Mr. R. Sydenham was 2nd, his finest blooms were Yellow-
hammer, Monarch, Virgo, London, and May Queen ; Mr. A.
R. Brown was 3rd with a stand which a very few years ago
would have distanced everything.
There were fifteen stands of six blooms: Mr. C. F.
Thurstan was 1st with Eldorado, Voltaire, Yellow-hammer,
Golden Eagle, Mrs. Douglas, and Cardinal Wolsey ; Mr. R. C.
Cartwric.ht, Selly Oak, was 2nd.
The best stand of six yellow-ground Picotees came from
Mr. A. W. Jones, who had in very fine character Voltaire,
The Gift, May Queen, Goldeu Eagle, Xerxes, and Mrs. R.
Sydenham; Messrs. Thomson & Cu., Sparkhill, Birmingham,
were 2nd, with The Gift, Voltaire, Eldorado, Golden Eagle,
Ladas, and Mrs. Douglas.
The selfs were, as is usual, a striking feature, as they not
only have soft tin^s in some flowers, and deep and brilliant
ones in others, but they also afford sharp contrasts of colour.
Out of twelve competitors, with the same number of blooms,
Mr. A. R. Brown was 1st with Britannia, Little John, Mrs.
Eric Hambro, Bendlgo, deep purple ; Braw Lass, Her Grace,
Hayes' Scarlet, Germania, King of Purples, Lady M. Currie,
Nabob, and Topsy ; 2nd, Mr. R. Sydenham, some of the most
striking blooms, in a very fine stand, being Mrs. Rowan,
Britannia, Her Grace, Theodore, a beautiEul sweet scented
heliotrope-tinted self ; Percy andJGermauia.
There were fourteen stands of six selfs, Mr. A. W. Jones
taking 1st prize with excellent blooms of Fiery Cross,
Britannia, Mrs. E. Hambro, Sea Gull, Miss Audrey Campbell
and Germania ; 2nd, Mr. C. F. Thurstan.
Then followed five classes for varying numbers of flowers
shown without paper collars, and with a minimum of dressing,
each flower staged singly in bottles with a certain length of
stem, and confined to a given space of tabling ; these classes
brought a great many blooms together, many were seedlings,
most unnamed, but they were scarcely effective, and
beyond forming a mass of bloom, it is difficult to say what
object-lesson they served. The blooms, which, were of good
size and symmetrical, fresh and bright, won the prizes. If
these classe* are continued in the schedule, greater space
should be afforded them. In addition there were four classes
for undressed border Carnations out with long stems, buds
and foliage ; in some of the classes five sprays were required,
in others three. Here the varieties were mainly seedlings,
but few were named ; the collection which took the leading
prizes were of a promising character, but some flowers were
staged which brought little credit to the exhibitors. These
classes urgently need, some revision in the future.
In the various classes for single blooms, a very large number
were staged. Carnations : Robert Lord and R. Houlgrave
were the best S.B.'s ; C.B.'s, J. 8. nedderley and Master
Fred ; P.P.B.'s, W. Skirving and Sarah Payne ; S.F.'s, Edred
and Sportsman ; R.F.'s, Seedling from T. Lord ; P.F., Gordon
Lewis. Picotees : H. KedE., Ganymede and Ne Plus
Ultra; L. Red E , Thomas William and Mrs. Gorton ; H.P.E.,
Mrs. Openshaw and Muriel; LP. E., Pride of Leyton and
Mary ; H. Rose E., Madeline and Lady Louise ; H. Scarlet E.,
Mrs. Sharp and Scarlet Queen ; L. Ro. E., Favourite. Selfs
and Fancies : White, Mrs. Eric Hambro and Mrs. Lee ;
Yellow, Germania took the first three prizes ; Pink, Mrs. T.
Helliwell ; Crimson, Topsy and Negress; YG. Picotee, Mrs.
R. Sydenham ; Fancy, Voltaire and Monarch. Premier
Flowers.— Carnations : Bizarre, Robert Houlgrave, S. B., from
Mr. J. Edwards; Flake, Gordon Lewis, P. F., from Mr. R.
Sydenham. Picotees: H.E., Ganymede, Red E., from Mr.
R. Sydenham ; L.E., Somerhill, P.E., from Mr. A. W. Jones ;
Yellow Picotee, Mr. Douglas, from Mr. C. F. Thurstan.
Salf : Her Grace, blush, from Messrs. Thomson & Co. Fancy :
Voltaire, from Mr. A. W. Jones.
Certificates of Merit were awarded to the following new
varieties: — L. P. E. Picotee Harry Kenyon, from Mr. J.
WITH AM; Medium R. E. Picotee, Grace Ward, and It. F.
Carnation Mrs. R. Lord, both from Mr. T. Lord.
Some classes included floral arrangements with Carnations,
and several shower-bouquets were staged, made up of Carna-
tions and appropriate foliage. Mr. C. Blick, gr. to M. R. Smith,
Es;., Hayes Common, Kent, took tne 1st prize with one that
commanded general almiration ; Mr. W. T. Gunn was
2nd.
Sprays and button-holes were in plenty. The best table
arranged with Carnations and foliage cime from Miss B.
Mayell, of Acocks Green ; as there were seven of these
tables, and all were good, they had a very pleasing effect.
Bunches of Sweet Peas wore a charming feature. Prizes
were offered for nine bunches of two dozen or so sprays.
The best came from Mr. R. Sydenham, whose leading varie-
ties comprehended some of the best grown.
Mr. H. Eckford, of Wem, offered prizes for twelve bunches,
and several collections of leading varieties were staged.
Then there was a class for an epergne of Sweet Peas ; several
were staged, some of which were very pretty.
The Society's Challenge Cup, won twice in succession by
Mr. Robert Sydenham, now becomes his property ; and the
Turner Memorial Cup is now the property of Mr. A. W.
Jones.
The Botanical Society's Silver Medal was awarded to Mr.
J. H. White, Worcester, for a very fine bank of cut flowers ;
the Silver Medal to Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead, Sale, for a
very fine collection of Ferns ; to Mr. B. R. Davis, Yeovi', lor
some superb Begonias ; to Messrs. Hkwett & Co., Solihull,
for a table of plants and flowers of excellent quality ; and to
Mr. Henry Eokford, Wem, for one of his unique collections
of Sweet Peas. A Bronze Medal was awarded to Mr. W. T.
Guns, Nottingham, for a collection of flowers
MAIDENHEAD HORTICULTURAL.
August 10. — The twentieth exhibition of the above
Society was held in the grounds of Argo Gold, Esq., Ives
Hace, on the above date. The entries were scarcely as
numeious as on some former occasions, although the quality
of the exhibits generally was of a high standard of merit.
The leading groups were nearly perfection, and left little to
be desired, being bright and effective, while fruit and cut
flowers were very good, and vegetables in the special classes
were excellent. Specimen plants were poorly shown, ex-
cepting Feras. Collectively, the show was a very good one,
but there seemed to be a lack of local enthusiasm, and was
poorly patronised during the afternoon and evening, and
evidently something more than a purely horticultural exhi-
bition is required nowadays to draw the masses.
Groups.— In the class for the largest group, 12 feet by
10 feet, the competition was keen, and so close were the two
leading exhibits, that the judges awarded them equal 1st
prizes. There seemed to be an opinion, that was very
generally shared by the observers, that the group put
up by Mr. D. Phillips, gr. to A. N. Gilbey, Esq.,
Cookham, should have taken precedence, being decidedly
more lightly arranged than that of Mr. Aitken, gr. tj
Colonel Meeking, Riching's Park, Slough, The latter, had
some good Pancratiums in his gronp, which appeared to
nave considerable weight on the decision, although his white
pyramid Campanulas were very poor. Mr. Phillips' group had
a central Cocos Weddeliana on a mound of Adiantum, plants
of the latter also forming the groundwork ; at each corner
there stood a handsomely coloured Croton, while Oncidiums
fiexuosum and incurvum were used very effectively, other
plants used being Francoas, Gladiolus, Campanula, Eulalias,
Draca-na Sanderiana, and Caladiums. For the smaller
groups measuring 7 feet by 6 feet, Mr. Fulford, gr. to D.
Lambert, Esq., Cookham, was a good 1st ; 2nd, Mr. J. W.
Richardson, gr. to G. Hkrrino, Esq. Mr. Fulford was
1st for excellent table plants, in which there was a strong
competition.
For twelve handsome foliage plants, the sama exhibitor
was an easy 1st, having finely-coloured half specimen
Codiaiums (Crotons) superba, Sunshine, Aigburtheusis, and
Mrs. Dorman ; Dracasnas A. Laing and superba among his
best plants. Mr. Aitken was 2nd. The latter exhibitor was
1st for six stove and greenhouse plants, and also one speci-
men foliage and one flowering plant, with the latter winning
easily with a largo and finely- flowered Ixora Williamsii ;
Mr. Phillips being 2nd, with a fine Eucharis grandifiora ;
and with a foliage plant, Mr. Wood, gr. to Lord Boston,
Hedsor, was 3rd.
The exhibits of Ferns were good. For six stove and green-
house, Mr. Aitken was 1st with fine plants, among others,
of Microlepia hirta, Davallia Mooreana, D. fijieusis plumosa,
and Adiantum Farleyense ; 2nd, Mr. Fulford.
Mr. Phillips was the only exhibitor of six zonal Pelar-
goniums with grandly trained and bloomed plants, 3 feet or
more in diameter, that well deserved the award, a 1st, that
was given. Mr. Paxton, gr. to the Hon. C. I. Irby, Taplow,
stood in a similar position with six Fuchsias, and was
awarded the 1st prize.
Fruit.- -The quality in general was good, although in some
classes the competition was not keen. Mr. Goodman, gr. to
MissHAMMERSLEY, Abney House, Bourne End, was agood 1st
for six dishes, with Muscat Grapes, Dagmar Peaches (finely
coloured). Brown Turkey Figs, Hero of Lockinge Melon,
Lord Napier Nectarines, and Kirke's Plums; 2nd, Mr.
Aitken.
For four dishes Mr. Johnson, gr. to A. Gilliat, Esq ,
Stoke, Slough, was easily 1st with fine Madrcsfield Court
Grapes and Humboldt Nectarines as his best dishes; 2nd,
Mr Paxton. The latter ohibitor was 1st for four dishes
outdoor grown with old Windsor Pears, Rivers' Early
Peaches, Morello Cherries, and Moor Park Apricots ; Mr.
Aitken 2nd.
In the four Grape classes, Mr F. Cole, gr. to Sir G.
Russell, Swallowfield, Reading, took all the 1st prizes with
fine bunches, although none of the Muscats were well
coloured ; in this class Mr. Fulford was 2nd, also with fine
bunches, but not ripe.
Mr. Goodman was 1st with a line dish of Peaches, highly
coloured ; 2nd, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Goodman was also 1st
with a line dish cf Lord Napier Nectarine ; 2nd, Mr. Cole.
Melons were not of high quality either in the scarlet or
green-fleshed classes; for the latter, Mr. Paxton received
the let award.
Mr. Goodman received a 1st prize for a fine and ripe dish
of highly-coloured Mr. Gladstone Apples.
Vegetables in collection and otherwise were very fine,
special prizes for collection of six varieties being offtred by
Messrs. Sutton, Carter, and Webb k Sons. In the first men-
tioned competition Mr. Goodman was 1st, having New
Intermediate Carrot, Satisfaction Potato, Autocrat Peas,
Al Onions, Perfection Tomato, and Autumn Giant Cauli-
flowers ; 2nd, Mr. Rickord. Mr. W. Davis, gr. to H. Adams,
Esq , and Mr. C. Young, gr. to the Rev. 8. Coney were each
1st respectively in the two following collections with fine
produce.
Miscellaneous exhibits were numerous and good. Mr. C.
Turner, Slough, had very fine boxes of cut Roses, Dahlias,
and herbaceous flowers. Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., a
large and varied collection of herbaceous flowers and annuals,
includiog Asclepias tuberosa, Phygelius capensis, Tritomas,
Pentstemons in variety, Delphiniums and Gaillardias. Mr.
A. Wadds, gr., Cliveden, sent a magnificent plant of Peris-
teria elata, with nine spikes . f flowers, and a collection of
Peaches. Mr. Robt. Owen a collection of plants, with
wreaths and other floral designs. Mr. E. F. Such, herbaceous
flowers, with handsome wreaths, crosses, and bouquets in
variety. Mr. W. BROuGHTONa group of dec rative plants ; and
herbaceous flowers from Mr. H. Deverill, Banbury.
M ARKET 8.
COVENT GARDEN, AUGUST 12.
Plants in Pots.
>.
A diantum , per doz. 4
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12
— specimen, each 5
Asters, various, per
doz 2
Cockscombs, dozen 2
Coleus, per doz. ... '£
Campanula, p. doz. 4
Dracaenas, each ... 1
— various, p. doz. 12
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz, ... 6
Ferns, small, doz. ... 1
— various, doz. 5
Picas dlastica each 1
— Average Wholesale Prices.
d. a. <*. *. d. i. d.
0-12 0 Foliage plants, doz. 12 0-36 0
0-30 0 , Fuchsia, per doz.... 4 0-60
0-15 0 | Heliotropes, dozen 3 0-40
> Hydrangeas, per
6- 5 0 i dozen 8 0-10 0
0- 4 0 I Liliurus, various,
0-4 0 per dozen ... 12 0-18 0
0-9 0 Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-90
0-7 6 Mignonette, p. doz. 4 0-60
0-24 0 Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0
— specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0
0-24 0 Pelargoniums, per
0-2 0 dozen 6 0-10 0
0-12 0 Rhodanthes, dozen 4 0-80
0-7 6
116
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 14, 1897.
Frcit. — .
Apples, Dessert, in
variety.p.bush.
— Culinary, in va-
riety, per bush.
Cherries, Morellos,
per lb. punnet
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— Alieantes, p. lb.
— Ham burghs,
selected, per lb.
2nd quality,
per lb
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall," p. lb.
— Chanoellslands
per lb
Average Wholesale Phices,
t. d. s. d. 8, d. 8. d.
Grapes, Muscats,
selected, perlb. 2 0-30
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb. 10-16
Melons, each ... 19-26
Nectarines, selctd.
fruit, per doz. 6 0-80
— Medium, p. dz. 3 0-40
— Seconds, p. doz. 16-20
Peaches, selected
fruits, per doz. 6 0-80
16-30 — Medium, per
doz 2 6-30
1 0 - — Seconds, per
dozen 16-20
4 0-50 Pears, £ bushel ... 36-40
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
10- 1 0 chael, each ... 5 0-80
S 0- 9 0
4 0-60
10-16
10-20
16-20
13-19
Cot Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, p. 12 blooms
Asters, 12 bunches
— French, 12 bun.
Bouvardias, perbn.
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Corn Daisy, per
doz. bunches ...
Cornflowers, per
doz. bunches ..
Euohtiris, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
Lilium fcUrrisi, per
doz. bioums
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays ...
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches ...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
i. d. 8. d.
0- 4 0
0-4 0
0-12 0
4- 0 6
0-2 0
0- 6 0
0-2 0
0-4 0
0-4 0
0-9 0
10-30
0-2 0
.0-80
! 0- 4 0
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, or Forget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids : —
Oattleya, 12blms.
Odontoglossum
crispum, 12 bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, 12 bu.
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Mar6-
chal), per doz.
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
bunches
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Sweet Sultan, per
dozen bunches ...
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
d. 8. d.
0-4 0
6-3 0
0-32 0
0-4 0
0-6 0
4-0 6
6-2 6
6-10
6-4 0
9-10
0- 2 0
0-2 0
0-4 0
6-2 0
0-2 0
3-0 4
Orchid-bloom in variety.
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices.
*. d. 8. d.
Artichokes, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, Broad, per
bushel
— French, per
bushel
— Scarlet Runner,
per bushel
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz, ... 2 0-26
— 2nds, per dozen 10-16
2 0
1 6
2 0
2 6
Mushrooms (Indoor)
perlb
Peas, per bushel ...
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets...
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
[ — Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
Vegetable Marrows,
per dozen
8. d. 8. d.
0 6-
2 0-
1 0
4 6
4 0-46
2 6-30
2 0 —
1 0 —
The Weather.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees— a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Bright
Sun.
is
H
* S 3
o— bo
Accumulated.
c
CJ
•f. —
as >-
t~
Oi
GO
<s
u
a .
«■«
II
a .
aft
F-
s
m
a
^■5
33
a ■
o
ja '« ""*
V
a. o c.
s £ A'
5 §80*
>
©
<
o
n
S3 H &
>- 2
- 2
111
n
is
o
JS g
d
« Si
U -
Day-
Day-
Day-
Day-
lOths
deg.
deg.
deg.
deg.
Inch.
lus.
0
6 +
135
0
+ 161
- 8
5 -
130
22-3
24
31
1
6 +
146
0
+ 75
+ 12
S +
119
170
39
32
2
5 +
150
0
+ 130
- 78
3 -
106
13-0
66
35
3
5 +
167
0
+ 227
- 124
3 —
105
127
68
39
4
6 +
167
0
+ 205
- 115
0 aver
104
15-8
69
37
6
5 +
172
0
+ 277
- 180
4 -
96
157
60
40
6
7 +
157
0
+ 122
- 21
6 -
128
23 6
44
33
7
7 +
171
0
+ 203
- 02
3 -
120
17-7
59
SO
8
5 +
160
0
+ 260
- 138
1 +
122
238
64
40
9
5 +
145
0
+ 88
+ 8
4 -
137
23 3
33
30
10
5 +
153
0
+ 201
- 57
1 -
129
24 6
37
32
.
4 +
162
0
+ 344
- 80
1 +
131
194
56
42
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-prodvci/ng Dish icts—
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 8, England, E. :
4, Midland Counties; 5, England, including London, S,
Priftocvpal Graeiiig, die, Districts — 6, Scotland. W
7, England, X.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9t Ireland. N.
10, Ireland, S. ; 'Channel Islands.
Trade Notice.
Mb. H. W. Pitcher, lately head-gardener at
Allbury House, Surbiton, lias taken over the manage-
ment of the Surbiton Nurseries.
Notices to Correspondents.
Beech : Elm Pari: The tree is badly affected with
white scale (Adelges fagi). The case has gone too
far to be remedied. It will be better to take the
tree down, strip off the bark and burn it.
Black Cdrrant Bud-Mite: R.H. No cure, so far as we
know of at the present ; cut off and at once burn
every affected shoot.
Books : X. Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine flowers,
by William Sutherland (published by Blackwood
& Sons, Edinburgh and London) ; liobinson's
English Flower Garden. — Amateur. The
most modern manual on ornamental shrubs is
A. D. Webster's Hard;/ Ornamental Flowering
Trees and Shrubs, published at the Gardening
World office, 1, Clement's Inn, Strand, W.C. A
larger work is Augustus Montgredien's Trees and
Shrubs for English Plantations (J. Murray, Albe-
marle Street, Piccadilly) ; but having been issued
in 1870, it is probably out of print, and only to be
met with at old book-shops.
Bouvardias: A. T. Ewell. The plants having grown
too large for your frame, will take no harm if
stood outside, on or in a bed of oral ashes or clean
fine gravel till the end of September. As they are
inclined to flower, you may pinch the stronger
shoots once more, taking care to keep the plants
gently moving for four weeks longer.
Chrysanthemum, Tops of Shoots injured: F.G. 0.
The work of earwigs. Trap them in Bean si raw or
pot? filled with hay, emptying these every day,
and destroying the earwigs. E. M.
Coverino the Kuds of Roses Worked low down
on the Stock : Inquirer. Before covering the
bud with the soil scraped away from the collar, you
should wait till it has taken. We should suppose
that there not being enough iron in the soil to
be injurious to the Rose-stocks, it, would not be
injurious to the bud when covered with it.
Six inches deep seems to us to be a rather excessive
depth at which to insert the buds on any kind of
stock. The treatment of La Grifieraie and Manetti
stocks would be identical as regards the budding.
A better uuion takes place if the wood is removed
from the shield.
Cucumbers Turning Yellow, and Dying from
the Lower End Upwards : J. Holt. We agree
with you that unsuitable, ill-prepared soil, and
rank manure, with perhaps not enough porous
material mixed with the loam, he, are accountable
for the mischief. It seems to us to be a very un-
wholesome kind of soil that was used, and you
cannot do better than throw it out, obtain fresh
sweet loam and decayed manure, make the bed
6 inches thick at the first, and have a fresh start
with new plants. The manure should not exceed
one-quarter of the whole, and if the loam bo of a
very heavy nature, put something with it — say,
burnt clay (ballast), broken sandstone or brick-
rubbish, coarse sand, or charcoal in pieces as large
as Filberts. See that the water can pass freely
away, and when the roots appear on the surface of
the soil, top-dress it to the depth of an inch, and
not more, with loam and horse-droppings, Thom-
son's Vine-manure, fish-manure, or a little Peruvian
guano, sheep- droppings, pigeons' and chickens'-
dung. in a decayed state — any of them in modera-
tion, but not more than one of them. In applying
these top dressings, place them thickest near the
plants, so that the surface Blopes away from the
latter. Be sparing with the water-can till the soil
gets filled with roots, and do njt crop heavily.
Elruge Nectarine Fruits Injured : /. &'., Swan-
sea. Caused by lack of ventilation when the sun is
shining with full force on the house ; in fact, the
fruits were " scalded," in garden parlance.
Ferns for Model Greenhouse : Fernist. Your
house is so small, in fact, merely a Fern-case,
that but a very small collection can be accom-
modated, and we give you the names of a few
suitable species, viz, Adiantum tinctum, A.
capillusveneri-, A. cuneatum. Asplenmm rnarinum,
As. flabellifoiium, As. yiviparum, Cystopteris
tenuis, Davailia bullata, Doodia aspera, Gjmao-
gramma chrysophylla Laucheana, Hymenophyllum,
any of the species, Lomaria gibba, Onychium
auratum, Pteris cretica albolineata, Todea
hymenophylloides, and Tiichomanes radicans, the
Killarney Fern.
Fruit-trees for a West Wall: (?., Southport.
Plums : Jefferson's, Kirke's, Reine Claude de Bavay,
Reine Claude du Comte Atthems, Early Favourite,
De Montfort, Guthrie's Late Gage, as dessert
varieties ; and Diamond, Pond's Seedling, and
Belle de Septembre for cooking. Pears : Jar-
gonelle, Swan's Egg, an old, nice-eating, and a hardy
variety, too much neglected ; Thompson's, Bon
Chretien, Beurre Superfin, Fondante d'Automne,
Gratioli, Seckel, Brown Beurrd, Doyenne' Boussoch,
Conseiller de la Cour, Beurre' Bosc, Beurre) de
Fouqueray, Baron de Melo, Glout Morceau, Du-
rondeau, Beurre' Diel, B. d'Aremberg, Chaumontel,
Marie Bemist, Nouvelle Fulvie, Ne Plus Meuris,
and Doyenne d'Alencon. Peaches : Dagmar, Dr.
Hogg, Goshawk, among new varieties ; and Alex-
ander, Barrington, Belle Beauce, Grosse Mignonne,
among old ones. Nectarines: Improved Downton,
Humboldt, Lord Napier, Rivers' Orange, Stan-
wick Elruge, and Victoria. Cherries : Bigarreau
de Schreckeu, B. Noir de Schmidt, Elton, Gdant
d'Hedelfinger, Black Tartarian, May Duke, Late
Duke, and Archduke.
Laburnum Trees in Grazing-land : G. B. Not
safe trees to plant unless the area covered with the
branches is protected by a high fence, the whole
plant, especially the seeds, being more or less
poisonous when eaten.
Mining Grub in Marguerites : A. B. C. Cut off and
burn all the badly miued leaves, and squeeze the
maggots, which may be found at the end of the
galleries they have made in the other leaves under
the thumb nail without bruising the leaves more
than is necessary. Quassia water and soft-soap,
soot-water, or soot applied dry will keep the 8y
from laying its eggs on the leaves.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — H. Cleaver. Allium
sphjerocephalum, L. — A. 8. Cattleya Leopoldi. — ■
Hnrtus. 1, send in flower ; 2, Pellionia Daveauaua ;
3 and 4, Pellionia pulchra ; 5, Fittonia (Gymuosta-
ehyuni) I'earcei. — H. K. Oncidium proestans, a
supposed natural hybrid between O. Gardneri and
O. dasytyle; and Mormodes pardinum var. unicolor.
— H. B. So far as we can judge by seeing the
barren frond only, the Fern sent is Onoclea sensi-
bilis. We would like to see feitile and barren
fronds of it again. — R. B. Specimen entirely
withered. It appears to be a pale variety of the
common Broom. — G. W. F. Alnus cordata, the
Naples Alder, a good town tree. — W.McA. 1,
Clematis flainmula ; 2, Tecoma jasminoides ; 3,
Picea Biteheasis ; 4, Leucothoe Catesbsei ; 5,
ylnus irnperialis ; 6, Lysimachia ciliata. — S. T.
Apparently a seedling variety of G. dracocephalus.
Nymph^a Leaves : /. P. Gn one of the leaves is a
mass of eggs of one of the water-snails just hatched.
No doubt the babies find the leaves very much to
their taste.
PEACHES : Z. A. There is little doubt but the injury
to the Peach leaves is due to burning or scalding.
Ventilate more freely, and commence early iu the
morning. Iu hot summer weather you can hardly
give Peach-trees too much fresh air. ./. 8. We are
inclined to attribute the black spots upon the fruits
to the puncture of some insect, but in the fruits
themselves there ia no evidence as to what insect
it may be.
Seedling Carnation: A. B. Judging from the
specimens you have sent us, we are not sure that
you have a valuable variety. You must use your
own discretion, or obtain the advice of a Carnation
specialist.
Tomato : /. Gadhcr. We are always pleased to afford
information to our correspondents and subscribers,
but in the multitude of things that reach us which
have to be dealt with hurriedly, things get mis-
laid or lost at times, and even in some instances
they do not reach us for lack of proper address and
other reasons. You should send again.
Vines.: C. L. The leaves have been scalded,
ventilate more freely.
Communications Received. — T. B. — Sutton h Sons. C. I .
_W. B. H.— J. C, Shadwell.— Tuos. Denny.
Spbcimejns Received. — J. C, Bhadwel! (next yen), -
W, B. H. (next week;.- r (J. S Co.
August 21, 1897.]
THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
117
THE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 1897.
THE HISTORY OF THE JERU-
SALEM ARTICHOKE.
fT^HE early history of Helianthus tuberosus
■*- may, like that of mankind, be regarded
under three divisions — a traditional, an early
botanical, and a mediaeval and modern. Of
these the traditional resolves itself into the
fact of its having been cultivated as an article
of food by the Indians of North America before
the settlement in that country of Europeans.
The earliest evidence of this cited by Mr. Trum-
bull is that derived from Champlain, who, in
1605-6, observed that the Almonchiquois In-
dians (of New England) had "force des racines
qu'els cultivent, lesquelles ont le gout d'Arti-
chaut." To this Mr. Trumbull adds that it is
to these roots that Lescardot alludes (Hist, de
la Nouv. France, 1612), when, speaking of the
same Indians and their country, ho says that
the latter contains a kind of roots, " grosses
comme naveaux, tres excellent a manger, ayant
un gout retirant aux cardes, mais plus agroable,
lesquelles plantees multiplient en telle facon
que c'est merveille." Following these is Sagard
Theodat, who, in hiaHistoire des Canada (1G36),
mentions the roots which wo, the French, call
" ( 'anadionnes, or Pommes de Canada."
Proceeding now to the mediaeval history, or
that of the cultivation of this plant in Europe, it
seems to have been introduced into England
very shortly after, if not before it had attracted
the attention of travellers as being propagated
by the Indians in America as a food product,
for in the year 1617, Mr. John Goodyer, of
Maple Durham, Hampshire, received two small
roots of it from Mr. Franquovill, of London,
which, being planted, enabled him before 1621
"to store Hampshire. '' In October of the
same year Mr. Ooodyer wrote an account of it
for T. Johnson, who printed it in his edition of
Gerard's " Eerball," which appeared in 1636,
where it is called " Jerusalem Artichoke."
Previous to which, in 1629, it had been figured
and described under that name by Parkinson in
his " Paradisue " and " Theatrum."
From the last given date to the present time
the Jerusalem Artichoke has been extensively
cultivated in Europe, but rather as a garden
vegetable than a field crop, and has extended
into India, where it is making its way amongst
the natives under Hindoo, Bengali, and other
native names. In Kathiawar, according to
Watt (Dictionary of Economic Products of
India), it is boiled in milk, and considered by
the natives to be a strengthening vegetable.
Aitchison states that it is grown in gardens of
Herat and Mesched under the Persian name of
Seb-i-zamini-augrez ("Notes and Products of
West Aft'ghan and North-East Persia," in
Trans. Bot. See. Edin., vol. xviii.).
It is very curious that the native country of
a plant so well known in gardens, and in a wild
state throughout the length of the Central
United states, and in Canada, should have for
upwards of 250 years been considered doubtful-
This was owing mainly to the vaguo indi-
cations of its origin given by the early authors,
Brazil (following Bauhin) by Linnreus in the
Species Plantarum, Canada by Parkinson, and
by Linnaeus in his Hortus OMfforticm.ua, and
Peru according to Hernandos. In De Candolle's
Geographic Botanique (vol. ii. , p. 983) it is referred
tothelistof"Especesinconnuosal'6tatsauvage,"
and subsequently (p. 988) as " probably North
America." Even in the body of the third
edition of his admirable Origine des Plcmtes
Cultivees (p. 34), published in 1886, he regards
the question as unsettled ; and in the additions
and corrections cites Gray's erroneous opinion,
that it is the Helianthus doronicoidos, Torr. and
Gr. And yet, though there has been no lack
of indigenous specimens in European herbaria,
identical with the cultivated, no one seems to
have thought of going to the Herbaiium to
solve the difficulty. In 1855 Asa Gray's atten-
tion was drawn to the subject from having
received some long, narrow tubers, which ho
considered to be Helianthus doronicoides,
Lamk., with the statement that it had been
found to be good food for hogs. These were
planted in the Cambridge (U.S.) Botanical Gar-
dens, and were found to produce after two or
threo years, thicker and shorter tubers, which,
when cooked, resembled Jerusalem Artichokes
in flavour, though coarser. This led Dr.
Gray to conclude that II. doronicoides was
most probably the original of H. tuberosus, an
opinion which was strengthened by subsequent
observations published in the second edition of
his Manual of the Botany of the N. United States
(1865). Matters, however, did not end here,
for it was discovered that the H. doronicoides,
Lamk., as described by American botanists, in-
cluded two species, that so called, and the true
H. tuberosus, Linn., and it was not till the
publication in 1884 of the Order Composite in
Gray's Synoptical Flora of N. America that
II. tuberosus, Linn., was definitely restored to
its rank as a substantive species, and tho origin
of the Jerusalem Artichoke . I may add that
II. doronicoides differs from tuberosus in the
leaves being all, or nearly all, opposite, sessile,
elliptic, never cordate, obscurely crenate, the
rays much broader, and the ovary and achone
glabrous. It is figured in this work. t. 2778,
under the erroneous namoof II. pubescens, Vahl.
It remains to add that H. tuberosus is indigen-
ous in the lake legion of Canada as far west as
the Saskatchewan, and from thence southward
to Arkansas and the middle parts of Georgia.
Another near ally is II. giganteus, Linn., of
which a figure has been prepared for this work,
which will shortly appear.
Description. — Helianthus tuberosus is distin-
guished from all its congeners by the sum of
the following characters : roots tuberous ; stem
tall, pubscent, branched above; loaves petioled,
ovate, acuminate, serrate, scabrous above,
puberulous beneath, the upper alternate ; heads
large ; involute, bracts, lanceolate, acuminate ;
receptacle convex with dorsally hirsute scales ;
disc and ray-flowers both yellow, the latter
twelve to twenty in number; achenes with
pubescent tips and margins. Sir J. D. Hooker,
in Botanical Magazine, July, 1897.
THE DISEASES OF PLANTS.
(Continued from p. PS )
II. — Remedial Treatment for Diseases.
Copper Preparations for Spraying.- Sulphate
of copper was one of the first copper fungicides
used. Its value for mildews and mildew-like
diseases is not great, because even weak solu-
tions are liable to burn and discolour the foliage.
We shall consider it later, as a treatment for
seed contaminated with fungi.
Copper carbonate as a fungicide is not a great
success. The pure chemical is somewhat expen-
sive, but as it is useful in certain preparations,
to be described later, we give a method for
making it cheaply :— Take (a) 3 lb. sulphate of
copper (bluestone), dissolved in 2 gallons of
hot-water ; (ft) 3J lb. washing soda dissolved in
1 gallon hot-water ; mix (a) and (ft) ; add
water up to 10 gallons, stir up, and allow to
settle. Tho greonish sediment is copper-car-
bonate, and to get it pure, run oil the clear
fluid, add more water, then pass the whole solu-
tion through stout muslin ; the powder loft in
the muslin is almost pure carbonate of copper.
If mixed with water (1 lb. to 4(J gallons), and
stirred up, it can be used as a spraying solution ;
it is however more effective in some of the forms
described below.
Ammoniacal solution of copper-carbonate is a
clear blue fluid prepared by dissolving copper
carbonate in liquor ammonia. As ammonia
vapour is deadly to foliage, this mixture must
be made up with care and away from young
plants. The strong quality of ammonia (known
in the trado as -880) is diluted in an earthen-
ware (uot motal) vessel with seven to eight times
its volume of water, then mixed with the copper-
carbonate powder ; to avoid any excess of
ammonia, it is necessary to stir thoroughly, and
to add rather more copper-carbonate than will
be dissolved. One formula which is ncai In-
correct is : copper-carbonate 5 oz., ammonia
(pure, strong) 3 pints. If the ammonia tolu-
tion be weaker, a larger quautity must be used.
Definite figures like these are however only a
guide, there should never be more than a slight
odour of free ammonia, and no large excess o£
undissolved copper-carbonate. The above solu-
tion before use may be diluted with from fifteen
to twenty times its bulk of wator, giving in all
from 45 to 60 gallons of fungicide. This solu-
tion is clear and almost free from sedimont, so
that it may be used with any spraying
apparatus ; it is safe, and not likely to stain tho
foliage, or even maturing fruit, or flowers. It
is thus a useful fungicide for a final spraying
just before the crop is gathered. In its results
it is weaker than Bordeaux Mixture, hence in
some cases it is less reliable for effecting a cure.
Eau Celeste is practically tho same eolation
as tho above, but prepared in a different way.
The original formula is : diss Dive 2 lb. of coppi r
sulphate in about 8 gallons of water; whm
completely dissolved add 3 pints of liquor
ammonite (-880 quality), and dilute with water
to 45 gallons. This is a strong fungicide liable
to act on foliage.
Modified Eau Celeste is a fungicide ranking
in excellence alongside of Bordeaux Mixture.
To prepare it, dissolve 2 lb. copper-sulphate in
hot water, and mix slowly with 2h lb. washing-
soda, also dissolved in hot water; this mixture
is added to 1 quart of liquor ammonine (-880),
and stirred. Before use, dilute with 50 to
100 gallons of water. It is a very cheap spray-
ing fungicide, safe to use, and effective against
mildew-fungi.
Bordeaux Mixture, or Boullie Bordelaise,
must be regarded as the best of all fungicides
yet tested. It is a mixture formed by bringing
together copper-sulphate and quick-lime in a
large bulk of water. The resulting fluid,
when properly prepared, is a deep sky-blue
liquid in which is suspended a very tine
greenish sediment. The quantity of each ii
118
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,
[August 21, 1897.
gradient to be used^varies with the crop to be
treated, and according to the experience of the
user. At first a large quantity of copper-
sulphate was used, as much as 18 lb. in 30 gal-
lons of water ; but experience has proved that
a much weaker solution is equally good, while
at the same time safer and cheaper. What in
America is called " standard Bordeaux Mix-
ture " contains : Sulphate of copper, 6 lb. ;
quick-lime, 4 lb. ; water, 22 gallons. A more
dilute, or " normal mixture," has the same
weight of copper and lime in 45 gallons of
water ; while for Peaches, an even more dilute
mixture may be required, with from 50 to 60
gallons of water. The preparation of Bor-
deaux Mixture is not difficult, but certain
points need attention. The copper-sulphate
used is the cheap or "commercial" quality,
but as pure as possible, otherwise the Mixture
may not have all the good effects desired.
The lime should be obtained as "shells,"
and freshly slaked before using. In slaking,
the water is added in moderate quantity,
and at various times, so as to allow the lime-
shells to absorb it equally, and break down into
a fine powder ; this is not the case when the
shells are covered with water, or if they are
left to take moisture from the atmosphere, the
resulting powder is then liable to be gritty, and
air-slaked lime sometimes has a different (in
some cases an injurious) effect when used as a
fungicide. With these precautions as to in-
gredients, proceed to make the Bordeaux
Mixture as follows : — Dissolve 6 lb. copper-
sulphate in warm water, and put into a barrel
capable of containing about 44 gallons; in
another vessel slake 4 lb. of fresh " lime-
shells," and make up to a creamy whitewash
with water; strain the lime through coarse
canvas into the barrel with copper-solution, fill
up with water, stir thoroughly, and the mixture
is ready to use. This is the "normal" solution ;
the stronger or more dilute solutions are made
by using less or more water, as already stated.
The Mixture is most reliable when made up in
quantity as just described, and used within
twenty-four hours; but where not used on a
large scale, it might be made up in concentrated
form, and diluted as required. For this purpose
it is best to use stock solutions, each containing
known quantities. The copper-sulphate could
be made, say, 4 lb. dissolved in each gallon of
water. The milk-of-lime is best made fresh;
but a stock solution of, say, ,3 lb. of lime slaked
and added to each gallon of water will keep well
3nough for a few weeks. Suppose the above
gtock solutions be at hand, and one wants
30 gallons of "normal" Bordeaux Mixture, it
would be prepared as follows : — Dilute 1 gallon
of stock solution of copper with 28 gallons
of water, then add a gallon of the lime
solution.
As it is important in all kinds of Bordeaux
Mixture that no excess of copper remain, in
other words, that there is plenty of lime present,
a test known as the " ferrocyanide test," is
frequently used. If a little of the Bordeaux
Mixture be taken in a white porcelain dish or
plate, and a solution of potassium ferrocyanide
(1 oz. in 1 pint water) added, a red precipitate
will be formed as long as there is excess of
copper. Excess of lime will do no particular
harm ; indeed, many prefer it, because the
Bordeaux Mixture is then slower in its action,
but it tends to make the solution thick and
liable to choke the spraying machines.
Bordeaux Mixture is somotimes made up with
soap-solution and paraffin, or Paris Green, or
London Purple, to make it a combined insec-
ticide and fungicide, but this cannot be heartily
recommended.
The action of Bordeaux Mixture is due to
the suspended sediment, which consists of
several compounds of copper and lime. The
action of copper as a fungicide depends on the
fact that its solutions attack and kill the proto-
plasm of living bodies. If one accepts this view,
it explains why copper mixtures discolour
foliage, more particularly young foliage, and
cause it to wither. When made up in dilute
solutions, the copper is unable to penetrate or
injure the host-plant tissues, but is strong
enough to attack the exposed parts of fungi on
the surface of foliage, and to kill germinating
spores. Neither Bordeaux Mixture nor any
allied mixture can reach a disease living inside
its host ; it merely lies on the surface, and
attacks fungi or parts of fungi which appoar
there. Hence the importance of an adhesive
mixture with a somewhat slow action ; these
qualities seem to be best attained by the addi-
tion of lime with the copper, as in Bordeaux
Mixture. Other methods have been suggested
for making adhesive fungicides, for instance,
the addition of treaole, but lime seems to make
as adhesive a mixture as any, besides assisting
to kill the fungi.
Spraying mixtures are applied to the plants
by simply whisking them on with a bunch of
twigs, or by more or less complex machines.
We do not propose, however, to enter into any
discussion of these ; descriptions and illustra-
tions of them may be found in the makers'
catalogues (e.g., the Strawson Company, and
other British and American makers). The
more important points in a spraying-machme
are: — (1) portability; (2) power to apply as
fine a spray as possible over the whole crop,
above and below the foliage ; (3) thorough
mixing gear, which will not easily corrode,
choke, or otherwise get out of order.
With true British caution the use of Bordeaux
and other spraying mixtures, although described
and advocated by the Gardeners' Chronicle for
at least eight j'ears, has made slow progress at
home in comparison with that made in France,
Germany, and America. True, we havo not had
thousands of acres of vineyard ruined by mil-
dew, nor the great orchards of America with their
risk to disease — yet our crops are valuable, and
it is well worth the consideration of every grower
if it would not pay better to have a first-class
crop, free from the effects of mildew and other
pests, rather than the second-rate more or less
defective produce one so often sees. This argu-
ment applies equally to fungus and ir sect-
pests. The cost of spraying or other remedies
is not great ; labour is the largest item. On
account of the limited use of such mixtures in
this country, it is not easy to give reliable
details in regard to treatment of crops. With
Potato - disease, the results have been un-
doubtedly a success (see Journal of the Board of
Agriculture, ii., 1895-96, pp. 45 and 465). In
one case (Wiltshire, 1894), two sprayings with
20 lb. copper- sulphate, 20 lb. lime, 100 gallons
water, were given at end of Juue and three weeks
later, with general benefit, and a net gain of
£4 16s. per acre in favour of the sprayed crop.
Fruit-tree foliage liable to mildews or leaf-
spot diseases may be safely sprayed with
weak Bordeaux Mixture or ammoniacal solution
of copper - carbonate two or three times
in a season, beginning early ; the results
havo been quite successful in North America,
but details are required for this country.
The 60 - gallon Bordeaux Mixture is used for
tender foliage, as in Peaches, Chrysanthe-
mums, Cucumbers, and Raspberries ; Currants
and Strawberries are better with "normal"
(45 gal.) Bordoaux. Tomato-mildew might be
kept in check by weak Bordeaux Mixture, but no
reliable obstrvations are yet to hand. Indoor
Vines liable to mildew are treated with dilute
Bordeaux (50 to GO gallon mixture) once or twice
before fruit- thinning, after this it is somewhat
risky, as it is apt to discolour the fruit. At
present, and until we get the experience of the
growers themselves, caution must be recom-
mended in the use of Bordeaux and other
mixtures. Diluter solutions should be first
tried, then stronger, but a sharp look-out must
be kept for any discoloration of foliage in-
dicating a too strong solution. Experiments of
this kind carried out with care and observation
on a fairly large scale, followed by publication
and comparison of results in the gardening
press, are the ouly means by which we can
reach a truo estimate of the value of
fungicides.
Potassium sulphide or liver of sulphur is a
fungicide well known in Britain, particularly
for Rose, Gooseberry, and allied mildews. It is
applied in solution, from i oz. to 1 oz. in
1 gal. water, freshly prepared each time before
use. William O. Smith, Edinburgh.
{To be continued.)
A GROUP OF ANTHUEIUMS.
Upon the following page is reproduced a photo-
graph, taken in May last, of a group of varieties of
Anthurium Scherzerianum growing in the gardens of
E. M. Mundy, Esq , Shipley Hall, Derbyshire (gr„
Mr. Wm. Elphinstone). These very interesting and
beautiful stove-plauts are cultivated with unusual
success by Mr. Elphinstone, who, some time ago,
obliged us by sending a collection of spathes for our
inspection. These cut spathes were marvellous in-
deed, as compared with the figure of the plant aa
first introduced, and they were excellent illustrations
of superior cultivation. The varieties are not hybrids,
but descendants of the species, and those from Mr.
Elphinstone were remarkable, not only for size of
spathes, but for variety and richness of colouring,
varying from pale red and spotted forms, through
scarlet to deep crimson. The larger spathes measured
about 6 inches in length, and 4 inches in breadth.
STRAWBERRIES.
Strawberries provide all engaged iu hardy fruit
culture with a few weeks of closely occupied time ;
and as the work of the present season is over, we
look around to see what alterations or improvements
can be effected for another year. Too seldom, how-
ever, do those who are seeking to make the cultivation
of fruit profitable communicate their experiences to
the public for the general good ; some of the old selfish
feeling still remains amongst market growers, the un-
fortunate and mistaken spirit that knowledge acquired
in business becomes valueless to the possessor if
imparted to others. The facts point to the opposite
conclusion where discretion is esercised to separate
what concerns only the individual from that which
affects the community at large. Wherever colonies
of fruit growers have been established there has been
a more rapid improvement in methods which have
retained and increased the amount of trade done ; and
the competition and readiness to seize upon every
advantage suggested or adopted by others invariably
leads to an all-round improvement. There are mauy
gardeners iu private establishments who are partially
engaged in growing for market, and a true gardener
is always eager to learn and impart his knowledge
where he can do so with profit direct or indirect iu
the former case, and for the advancement of his calling
in the latter. This train of thought has induced me
to devote an early morning hour to a few remarks on
the profitable aspect of Strawberry culture, especially
with regard to the prospects for another season.
First in importance is the selection of varieties, the
Aug; st
1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
1 1 0
rejection of those proved useless or inferior to others
of later introduction. Apart from all cultural atten-
tion and skilful mothod, a great deal of the grower's
success will depend upon the varieties he deals with,
very much more iudeed than those outside the Straw-
berry trade have any idea. There ore certain qualities
absolutely indispensable in Strawberries, and foremost
of these are firmness, colour, and productiveness.
Soft fruits are so extremely wasteful and profitless,
that however fine their appearance may be, they
should be vigorously discarded if disappointment
and loss are to be avoided, that is why the quality of
firmness has been placed first. My worst experience
in this respect has been with Sensation, which in an
average season is worthless, handsome though it be,
but in very hot dry seasons it is more satisfactory ; and
it was an experience of that kind which led me to
grow the variety more largely, with the result that in
become "smudged" like many sorts do after being
gathered a few hours, render it. a variety well worth
note, and if it could be improved into a more reliable
and productive habit it would be valuable.
If the colour is very light, as in James Veitch for
instance, it is a disadvantage, this variety also possess-
ing the bad quality of softness, though not in such a
marked degree as those first-named ; but the great size
of the fruits recommends it to some, and certainly the
public will buy large Strawberries when they will not
look at small ones. There are several very dark
Strawberries that are worthless, but a notable excep-
tion is afforded by the superb Waterloo, which, as a
handsome late variety is unequalled, the peouliar
fleshy character of the fruits and their distinct flavour
rendering them favourites with nearly all who know
them. Speaking generally, however, there is a preju-
dice against dark-coloured Strawberries, and the
pro'it, and it is not surprising that it has been so
largely planted in the past year or two. The promi-
nence of the seeds is a point against it, but this is not
noticeable in large fruits ; in the smaller fruits it is
decidedly objectionable. In dry weather the fruits
have also a tendency to become spongy, like Latest-
of-All.
Flavour does not enter very largely into the con-
sideration of the market grower, except when he may
be supplying private customers or particular markets
where high-class fruits are in demand. British Queen
and Dr. Hogg still stand at the bead of the best-
flavoured Strawberries, but they do not suit the taste
of all persons, and though I grow them both I do not
find them anymore profitable than other sorts, though
both do very well with me. They are not of taking
appearance, the light colour and the frequent defect
of colour at the tips of the fruits giving them an un-
FlG. 33.— A GROUT OF ANTHUBtrMS AT SHIPJjET HALL GARDENS, (SEE P, 118.)
three feasors out of four it is useless, and I have now
finally rejected it. The dark colour of this Straw-
berry, though rich looking, is not the tint most liked
by the public either. With regard to another com-
paratively soft fruit, Noble, I must say that its quality
of earliuess is a strong point in its favour, and though I
would not advise anyone to plant it. largely who had not
tried it, as it varies greatly in ditl'eront soils and situa-
tions, yet I am not prepared to reject it even in the
face of its superior rival ltoyal Sovereign, for it is some
days earlier with me, and brings considerable " grist
to the mill'' before the other is fit for gathering in
quantity.
As regards colour, in my opinion, two varieties are
pre-eminent, namely. Sir Joseph Paxton and Captain,
and both also possess the qualities of firmness in a
marked degree, though they differ in other character-'.
Captain is rather uncertain, it is not a large cropper,
and is not much use except from young plants, but
its bright scarlet colour, glossy surface, even shaped
ci nical fruits, which keep admirably and do not
tendency is to regard them as over-ripe, especially
some of the smaller- fruited varieties, like Alice
Maud.
An early variety that is not much grown deserves
notice for its colour and productiveness, namely
Scarlet Queen, the fruits are only of medium size,
with a few large ones, but the flavour is fair, and the
very bright uniform shade of scirlet is pleasing.
Shape and siz? are points to be considered in
market Strawberries, and in these and several other
qualities, Royal Sovereign takes first place. It is a
magnificent variety, t'ie fruits of good substauce and
flavour, excellent as regards the shape of the beriies,
and of large sizp, a grand variety for putting in
punnets. The good opinions formed respecting this
Strawberry are fully confirmed by experience. 1 have
found, however, that f'ere is a considerable difference
between the first fruits aud those from two-year-old
plants, compared with later fruits and the product of
older plants, the former being by far the better, both in
size and colour. Still, it is a Strawberry to grow for
r'pened ene t. Many persons also prefer a brisker
flavour, for after British Queen has been gathered a
few hours in hot weather it is apt to become "maw-
kish." Elton Pin3 is one of the finest late varieties,
excepting Waterloo, both in appearance and flavour,
it is unfortunately not one of the most productive.
If an acid Strawberry is wanted, Crescent Seedling
will supply the requirement, aud though the fruit is
small it is produced in large quantities, is firm, and
early. I have not found anything sweeter than
Vicomtesse H. de Thury out of doors. Where I
restricted to three varieties only, I should give the
preference to Royal Sovereign, Sir Joseph Paxton and
Waterloo, as the best Strawberries for punnets at
leading prices. Latest-of-AU gave me some hope one
year that it would be a useful variety for late work
as punnet fruit, but it has been very disappointing
ever since, this year particularly so. The variety is,
however, unquestionably one of the latest in cultiva-
tion, and it is worth attention in private gardens i n
this account, In one year I supplied suftieent for a
120
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Acgust 21, 1897.
large party from this variety alone the third week in
July, and it gave great satisfaction,
Eleanor, though an old variety, ia not to be despised,
both this year and last it has given very good returns,
the fruit of even size, the colour bright, the fruit firm,
and the deeply-indented surface gives a very distinct
appearance.
It was intended when these notes were commenced
to give a fow observations on gathering, sorting, and
marketing, but they have run rather beyond tho
limit ; and another week I will, with the Editor's per-
mission, give some details about the other points that
may be useful to readers. Fruit Grower.
Book Notice.
Lawns and Gardens. By N. Jbnsson-Rose,
with numerous plans and illustrations by the
author. (London: G. P. Putnam's Sons.)
This is a treatise on landscape-gardening, beginning
with a chapter on the study of natural scenery,
passing on through successive sections to the imple-
ments made use of in surveying, the practical work of
laying out and planting cither in masses or as isolated
specimen*, the formation of lawns, rock-work, hedges,
and the formation of orchards and kitchen gardens.
The second part of the volume is devoted to a
descriptive enumeration of the principal shrubs, trees,
and herbaceous plants. The book is handsomely got
up, is well illustrated with sketches from Nature, and
has a good index. In the first chapter, on the study
of natural scenery, the author runs a risk of confusing
the study of natural scenery with the practice
of landscape-gardening. Undoubtedly, the gardener
who has used his eyes, and trained himself to enquire
upon what conditions the phenomena of natural
scenery depend, is in a far better position to do good
work than one who has not had such training. The
art of the landscape-gardener consists in the applica-
tion of the knowledge that he has gained by the
study of natural effects and of natural conditions to
the circumstances before him. On the one hand, a
servile imitation of Nature in a back garden is little
other than preposterous. Adaptation to circum-
stances and locality, on the other hand, shows the
taste of the artist, and leads to the most satisfactory
results. In a garden we require tho plants to grow
in the most perfect way possible. In Nature plants
have to grow how they can and where they can, and
it is only occasionally that we can see them at their
beat. In Nature, too, we often meet with mono-
tony when one species obtains and maintains
tho upper hand ; but iu landscape gardening of the
best kind, we look for contrasted effects in one place,
and reposeful harmony in another. A meadow full
of Snowdrops, of waving Daffodils or Chionodoxa, is
very beautiful in its place, but that place is not
near the dressed garden nor in the immediate
vicinity either of buildings or of "specimen"
trees or shrubs. In such situations they call off
the attention from objects of greater intrinsic im-
portance, and destroy the restfulness and sense of
space of the lawn. In the wild garden proper, or
the Wilderness-walk, the conditions are very different.
There ono revels in the flowers, as in a wood full of
Primroses iu spring.
The work before us is written for American readers
particularly, and the illustrations are largely of
American trees and shrubs. Garden-lovers iu any
country will, however, find many useful hiuts in this
handsome volume, and many subjects for discussion
ou matters of taste and opinion. The illustrations
have the prime merit of accuracy so far as cir-
oumstances permit.
The Rosary.
THE WARS OF THE ROSES.
These are now over for the season, and like those
engaged in the continental wars iu the Middle Ages,
the combatants have gone into winter quarters. The
custom then was, however fiercely they had been
engaged, when the bad weather came on, fighting was
suspended, not to be resumed until the following
spring ; and so now our combatants have laid aside
their weapons, boxes have been emptied, tubes
cleaned, and name-cards replaced in their receptacles,
and what is left for us now is simply to review the
past, and count ou the possibilities of the future.
There have been i-kirmishes over many parts of the
field of considerable interest to those wheu the shows
were held, but not really affecting the general cha-
racter of the combat. The poiuts on which the
thoughts of most rosarians are centred are the three
exhibitions of the National Rose Society.
The Show nt Portsmouth. — These have been held
under varying circumstances, and probably never
since the society has held its three shows have their
results been more chequered, for while that at Ports-
mouth on June IS was the smallest the society has
ever held, the metropolitan one, held at the Crystal
Palace, was the largest ; and the Northern Show at
Norwich exceeded iu its strength most of those
which have been held in northern towns. The
reason for the einallness of the Portsmouth show are
not far to seek : it was the earliest date on which
the National has ever held a show, too early in
fact in any year except for the Isle of Wight and
other warm localities, but especially so in a season
like the present one, which was not an early but
a late one. Roses broke well after pruning,
there was abundance of moisture in the soil
(perhaps a little too much so for cold and clayey
districts), and everything looked promising for a
good Rose-season ; but tho long spell of cold and
ungenial weather in May aud the early part of June
altered the face of things, and we evidently had to
look out for a late and not for an early season — aud
therefore it was unfortunate that the fixture for the
Portsmouth show was necessarily altered, because the
day originally fixed was the one immediately follow-
ing tho Jubilee celebration, and tho local authorities
felt that they must put it backward and not for-
ward. Moreover, one finds that alteration of dates
does not answer as a general rule : the 23rd,
originally fixed for the show, was a fine day; the
18 th, on which it was held, was wet and stormy,
the wind blew nearly a gale, but in such a place as
Portsmouth it was not likoly that any remissness
would be found " in making all taut," and so no
oatastrophe like that which took place at York
occurred here. As might have been expected, the
most southern growers were very prouiiuent ; early
as the date for the show was, it was not so early aa
the fixtures generally made by the Ryde and Isle of
Wight shows.
Probably the most interesting part of tins exhibi-
tion was the section for garden Roses ; for many of
these the earlier date answered well, and the collec-
tions exhibited by Messrs. Cooling of Bath, and Mr.
Tate of Leatherhead, showed what could be done in
both the professional and amateur classes. Captain
Ramsey, who so energetically worked for the Society,
had generously given a ten-guinea cup for the best
twelve varieties : this was awarded to Mr. A. Tate
of Leatherhead, for a superb box of blooms ; so good
were they that not only did they obtain this prize,
but the two medal blooms for amateur classes were
found in it, in Mrs. John Laiug and Madame do
Wratteville. As these flowers were all grown under
glass, they had a great pull upon those who cut from
the open. The other two medal blooms in the nur-
serymen's class were a hybrid Tea, Lady Mary Fitz-
william, exhibited by Messrs. Prior & Son (this
variety used always to be accounted a hybrid
perpetual), and Comtesse de Nadaillac, exhibited
by Mr. George Prince, of Oxford — a flower of
the usual high colour which he always manages
to get into this fine Rose. Mr. 1!. R. Cant, Messrs.
Prior & Sons, and Mr. F. Cant, occupied very promi-
nent places. There was considerable disappointment
as to the competition for the George Prince Memo-
rial prize, as it was hoped that most of our leading
amateur Tea-growers would have been competitors,
but they were most of them conspicuous by their
absence. The prize fell to the lot of Mr. Alex. Hill-
Grey, probably our most enthusiastic Tea-grower, and
therefore one was glad to see that he carried it off,
more especially as he aud Mr. Prince were great
friends.
The Crystal Palace Show.— If, however, the southern
show fell so far short of our expectations and wishes,
the great Metropolitan show at the Crystal Palace on
July 2 exceeded, alike in extent, variety, and quality,
any of its predecessors. It «as the first time that it
has been held on any day but Saturday, and of course
to most of our exhibitors it was a pleasant thing to be
able to get home quietly on Friday night and escape
the bustle and inconvenience of the late arrival home
on Saturday evening. It had, moreover, another good
effect : on no day of the week is there such a throng
of visitors as on Saturday, and consequently many,
both exhibitors and visitors, were surprised at tho
ease with which they were able to get about aud
inspect the flowers. I cannot, however, say conscien-
tiously that the general effect of the show was as
good as in former years, and I think it never looked
so well as when the long nave was given up to the
Roses. The concert-room, too, where a large portion of
the flowers were staged, has a very bad light at all times,
and on a dull day like the 2nd of course the light is
worse, and the amateurs who were relegated to this
part of the building were loud in thoir disapproba-
tion. Equally so, no doubt, would the professionals
have been had this beon allotted to them ; but, after
all, what place is equal to the Crystal Palace for
an extensive exhibition of this kind .' Tiring,
no doubt, it is to those who have much to
do on such days ; boards are so much more
tiring than the turf. So far as the number of
the flowers was concerned, and the various quarters
from whence they came, the exhibition was a
remarkable one ; in the larger classes we find the
names of the old exhibitors recurring over aud over
again. One very pleasant feature of the show was
the number of new exhibitors in the smaller classes,
showing how well the plan of exhibiting according to
the number of plants grown, introduced by Mr.
Charles J. Grahame, has succeeded. In the amateurs'
division Mr. E. B. Lindsell showed better than he has
done for the last three years, and carried off the new
Challenge Trophy, and most of the principal prizes
for amateurs ; he has a beautiful soil for Roses, and
long experience, and also understands well how
Roses may be best put up.
Messrs. Harkness & Sons took tho loading position
amongst uursery men, andagaiucarried off the Challenge
Trophy, although they were run pretty close by Mr.
B. R. Cant. Another feature in the show was the
new Roses. For many years this was a most unsatis-
factory exhibit. We were mainly dependent upon
foreigu Roses, and, owing to the severe duty which
they had to go through in giving buds for propaga-
tion, they were mostly poor in quality ; but now,
when Euglish raisers are sending out so many good
new Roses, tho case is entirely altered.
The stand for the best twelve was awarded to
Messrs. Dickson & Sous, of Newtownards and Led-
bury, and the flowers were exclusively those of their
own raising. Amongst them was a beautiful pink
Rose, with shell-like petals, called Ulster, which
gained the Gold Medal of the National Rose Society
for a new seedling ; and tho others in the collection
were Daisy, Mrs. Grahame, First Cross, Bessie Brown,
Mrs. Mawley, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Eileen Killarney,
Lady Claumorris, Tom Wood, and Countess of
Caledon. Some of these, such as Mrs. W. J. Graut,
are well known, the others are not yet widely distri-
buted, but many of them are highly spoken of, aud
some doubtless will fall out of the ranks.
In the amateurs' prize for six new Roses, the same
fact is observed, only two of them being of foreign
origin. Besides theso there were some that were
cither as sports or seedlings, which will most likely
bo useful entries as exhibition or garden Roses. Mrs.
Frank Cant, shown by Messrs. F. Cant & Co , is
is auother of those delicately-coloured, well-formed
Roses which are sure to find favour. Mis. Rum=.ey
is a pretty aud useful garden Rose, aud Mes&rs. Frank
Cant & Co.'s sport from Suzauue - Maiie Rodo-
canachi has all the good form and substance of that
August 21, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
121
favourite flower, but of a saluion-piuk shade of colour.
Of course, the Medal Rosis are subjects of great
interest to all rosarians, and tho few to whom the lot
of selecting has fallen know the great difficulty of the
task. Sometimes one has wondered why the par-
ticular blooms have been selected, but in this case
no such doubt could have arisen. The grand bloom
of Muriel Grahame, by which Mr. Lindsell gaiued the
Medal, was a magnificent flower, so also was that by
which Mr. Orpen obtained the Medal for the best
H.P. or H.T., Kaiserin Augusta Victoria.
The Medal blooms in the nurseryman's class were,
I thiuk, hardly equal to those, although one was glad
that such well-established favourites as Horace Vernet,
exhibited by Messrs. Harkness & Sons, aud Madame
Cusin, shown by Mr. B. It. Cant, obtaining tho
Medals. There were two features in the exhibition
which, I think, did not come up to tho wishes or
expectations of tho friends of the Roses generally — I
mtan the decorative classes. For the first time table-
decorations, composed of Hoses only, was introduced ;
Messrs. Paul & Son of CheJiunt, and Cooling &
Son of Bath, were the only exhibitors in the nursery-
men's class, and both their stands were worthy of all
praise. Mr. H. V. Machin carried off Lord Penzance's
Cup in the amateur division. In these connections
many of the old favourites made their appearance,
and also some newer varieties, such as Dawn, a
pleasing pink shade of colour ; and Blanche Double
de Courbet, one of the rugosa section, both exhibited
by Messrs Paul & Son ; while Messrs. Cooling had a
very pretty bright Hjbrid Tea, called Purity, which
is likely to be very useful for both decorative and
gardening purposes. Mr. Machin's stand was put up
with tho usual taste which he displays, aud it was no
small task to bring such a collection from so far
north as Worksop, for they are a most troublesome
class to carry. There is no doubt that this is a
popular class, but I think at tho same time the
successful competitors in it must be always thoso
who have largo gardens. Wild Rase.
( To be cnntiiiwh)
Fig. 34. dbndrobictm victobla reoina : flowers slaty- 3lue,
with white crntre.
aud I do not thiuk that the innovation is likely to be
repeated. People are always praising tho Rose as a sub-
ject for decorative purposes, but I cannot agree with
them. For some few years classes have been introduced
to encourage this, but I think that most persons will
agree that they have been anything but decorative.
The fact is, in my judgment, lightness forms one of
the chief characteristics for a good stand of cut flowers.
The exhibition-Rose is not a light flower, and the
better and more perfect it is, the heavier it is ; and
so the only way in which flowers in this class do show
well, is when they can be displayed singly. I may
tay, so far as one's own use of flowers is concerned,
we never use them for vases. Tea-Roses, cut with
loug stems, aud used sparingly, may be the exception
which proves the rule. The French are always con-
sidered to be our superiors in all these matters ; but
I have a distinct recollection cf a grand bouquet,
sent by a bouqucliste in the Palais Royale to the
Crystal Palaco to contend for the prize, and an uglier
exhibit I never wish to see. Garden-Roses, as usual,
formed a pleasant and attractive feature, although
the date was somewhat late for many of them, and
they were certainly not so abundant as at Ports-
mouth ; indeed, they were the only classes in which
all the prizes were not awarded, owing to the lack of
competition.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
DENDROBIUM VICTORIA REGINA, loher.
Our illustration (fig. 34), gives a representation of
this pretty species, which was described iu the
Gardener*? Chronicle, June 19, 1897. The plants
were sent to Messrs. Protheroe and Morris, who offered
them ou Friday, June 13 ; aud therefore the proof of
the correctness of the description, which purchasers
look so anxiously for in the matter kof a " blue
Orchid," was not long delayed, for specimens of it
have flowered in several collections, and have
generally beeu considered satisfactory. The speci-
mens vary somewhat, but all bear white flowers
coloured on the outer halves of the segments with
shades of blue. It is stated to be a native
of the Philippines, growing at an altitude of 6000 foet.
The plant from which our illustration was taken was
exhibited by Thos. Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, White-
field, Manchester (gr., Mr. R. Johnson), at tho
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on tho
l<ith mat., when it was given an Award of Merit.
A MoNtECiorjs CvcxorHES cnLonocniLON,
Amongst some imported plants of this species, one
plant last year produced an inflorescence bearing two
female flowers, in appearance more flat than the
common ones, aud possessing a thicker and shorter
column, but in colour almost identical. This year a
strong growth produced two racemes, one of which bore
two female flowers (which seems to be the usual
number), while the other carried five male blooms,
which, unfortunately, did not properly develop,
though quite sufficiently so to identify the long, slender
columns of the male flowers. The plant upon which
this growth has been made produced thirty-live
flowers last year, in a 6-inch basket, all of which were
male. Mr. Rolfe has worked out this remarkable
character of tho genus, especially iu the ease of some
species known to be monoecious. In tho pages of tho
Gardeners Chronicle of 1891, p. 60, he mentions the
receipt of female flowers from France. K. L. II,
ORCHID PORTRAITS.
Cattleva oitrina, Cogniaux Diet, iron. Orchid, Cattli . i,
t. 6, May.
Cattleva in li. km h.i .1 \, Cogniaux, Diet., pi. S.
Cattleva intermedia vau. Parthenia, Cogniaux, !><<■' ,
Cattleya, pi. Sa.
Cattleva PeRCL' am an \ (O'Brien), Coj niaux, Diet , Cattli s -,
t. 7.
CAl 1LEVA TlilAN.Kl, VAR. DBLICIOSA, Lin</iula, t. 1>L\ IV.
Cattleva Trian.ei \ar. Marle, Cogniaux, Bid., Cattleya,
pi. 5c.
Cocblioda uihiata, Llndcnia, t. i>i.\ii. A natural cross
between C. Noetzliaua and C. vulcanica.
Cymbidu'M eburnsuMj Cogniaux, Diet., Cynibidium, pi l.
i'vmkidium eburneo - Lowiani m, Cogniaux Diet., Cym
bidium, pi. 1a.
Cypripbdiuh Arqus, Cogniatix, Diet., Cypriped., pi. 5.
C\ i in tedium Charles (.'a mi am, Cogniaux, Diet., Cypri-
pedium byb., pi. 9,
Cypripkdium inikne, vara. 1, fuscum ; 2, picturatum ; 3,
immaculatum, Lindenia, t dlxiii.
Cypbipedium Madame Jules Hyk, Cogniaux, Diet,, Cypri-
ped. hybrid, pi. 8.
Cypripedium tonsi tt, Cogniaux, Diet., Cypripedium, p!. 6.
DbkoROBIUH inkun'I'UU'Um, Cogniaux, Diet., Deudrobium,
pi. 6.
Dentjrobium no bile var. no&ilius, Cogniaux, Diet., Den-
drobium, pL h .
Ei i! klia x Haudvana, Cogniaux, Diet., BpilBBlia, pi, 1.
h£LlK ANCEPd VAR. STELLA, CogttiGMX, /'"'' , Lxlia, pi. *A.
L-EL1A CINNABARINA, CogniOUX, Diet,, L.i li:i, pi. 7.
L.bi.ia IB .evt axs, Cogniaux, Diet., Leila, pi. 3a.
L-ELIo-Cattleya Pallas x C. crispa x C. DowiasaJ ,
Revut dt l' Horticulture Beige, June, p. 130.
Lycastb macrophylla vak. Debboisiana, Cogniaux, Diet,
pi. 3a.
Lycastb Rossiana, Cogniaux, Diet., Lycnste, pi. 4.
Mn niNiA Clowesii, Cogniaux, Diet., Miltmii, pi. 4.
Odontoolossuh CBISPOM VAR. Ami Charles, LvmU ■', t
DLXVI.
Odontoolossum crispum var. Kbqbljani, Lind
DLXV.
ODONTOGLOJiSUM ORISPOM VAR. LlNDKNI, Lilt'lenut, t,
DLXV 1 1.
OnONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM VAR. Ll'OIANI, Lim\ 'n*i<< , t.
DLXVIII.
Odoxtogloebuu i >j ELLESa x, Cogniaux, Diet., Odonto-
glo&sum byb , pi. 1, proved by Messrs. Veitck to be a cross
between O. triuniphans and O. Peseatorei.
Odontoglosstm Humeanuh, I ogniaux, Diet,, Odonto-
glossum, pi. 7.
Odontoglosscm triumphans, Cogniaux, Diet., Odonto-
glos&um, pi. 8.
PHAIDS x Marth.e, Lindenia, t. dlxi, a hybrid between
P. Blumei et P. tuberculosus.
Trichopilia brevib, Garden, May 22.
Zyoocolax x Veitchi, Crgniauz, Diet., Zygocolax, pi. 1.
Zygopetaluh intermedium, Cogniaux, Diet., Zygopetalum,
pi. i.
Zv.i'i'KTALDM Perkenoudi. — A cross out of X. inter-
medium by Z. Gautiuri, Cogniaux, Did , Zygopetdluni byb,
Pi- I-
REMARKS ON THE FRUIT CROPS.
(See Tables, ante, pp. 63 to 69.)
4, MIDLAND COUNTIES.
(Continued from p. 101.)
Oxfordshire. — Although the prospects early in the
season for a good fruit year were very encouraging,
Apples aud Pears, with one or two exceptions, are a
very light crop. Plums are an average crop. Apricots
are thin, and a great many large branches have died-off.
Sweet varieties of Cherries have carried a good aver-
age crop of fine large fruit, and very clean. Small
fruits are a very heavy crop, especially Gooseberries,
Black Currants, and Kaspberries. Strawberries,
although very much injured by the frost when in
bloom, have been excellent in both size and flavour.
Figs outside are carrying a good crop of extra-sized
fruit. Nuts are very plentiful indeed, and Walnuts
a good average. -4. (,'. Niclioh, Nuneham Park
dens, Abingdon.
122
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
[August 21, 1897.
Shropshire.— The Plums, Apricots, and other
stone-fruits, are nearly a failure here. Pears are below
the average. Apples very variable ; some sorts, such
as King of the Pippins and Warner's King, are plen-
tiful, while others have few or none. James Louden,
The Qtiiiita, Chirk.
All the Apple-trees with us and in our neigh-
bour's garden were covered with blossom, aud at one
time looked very promising for good crops of fruit ;
but after the blights that occurred, only Codlins,
Lord Sufheld, Laue's Prince Albert, Ribston Pippin,
and Bramley's Seedling set well. I may say that all
varieties of Plums set very clean fruits ; but the crop
is under average. Some kinds of Pears have set
fairly well, viz., Marie Louise, Beurre Bosc, Williams'
Bon Chretien, Beurre Diel, and some Bergainots.
Shropshire is noted for Damsons, but this year there
are very few. Wm. Weeks, Cheswardine House Gardens,
Market Drat/ton.
The frosty nights in the second week of May
did considerable damage to the early fruit-blossom ;
Strawberries would have been a very heavy crop but
for the frost killing all the first blooms, which would
have been the largest fruits, consequently, the crop
is under-sized ; some of John Ruskin, on a south
border, escaped, aud began to ripen on June 2.
Apricot-fruits were nearly all killed, some fruits half-
an inch in. diameter were frozen through ; Moor Park
suffered the worst. Of Apples aud Tears some trees
bear a heavy crop ; others have none. O. Pearson,
Attingham Gardens, Shreimoury.
Staffordshire. — Apples are a very partial crop
here this season. Keswick and Mank's Codlin, Haw-
thornden and King of the Pippins are a fair crop, but
Blenheim, Cox's Orange Pippin, and late varieties are
very thin indeed. Pears are a very poor crop. Straw-
berries fair crop, aud good in quality. Raspberries
are a very light crop. Currants, especially red, are
very good, both in crop and quality. John WaV&s,
Keele Hall Gardens.
— — rlums are very few. Damsons none. Rasp-
berries very good. A few of the earliest flowers of
the Strawberry were killed by late frosts. Early
Pears, as Williams' Bon Chretien, Princess, and Jar-
gonelle had nearly the whole of the bloom destroyed
by frost. The midseason and late kinds escaped.
Wall-trees which had had their spring covering re-
moved, had most of the young fruits destroyed by
the very late frosts. Geo. IVoodgate. Rolleston Hall,
Gardens, Buiion-on-Trcnt.
Warwickshire.' — You invite me to tell you my
story about the fruit crops. Why, sir ! like the
needy knife - grinder, I have none to tell. As to
the hardy fruit in these gardens, the only redeem-
ing feature was the crop of Strawberries, which was
fine in quality aud large in quantity ; and it lasted
well, considering the drought ; luckily, we had
heavily mulched them in good time. Whilst writing
of Strawberries, a friend of mine, who had graduated
in the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society,
and who is a mau always well in advance of the
necessary up-to-date point of horticultural gossip,
asked whether I had heard of the "new London"
way of growing Strawberries? " No," was my reply ;
"living in this out-of-the-way place, we never see any
practice beyond our own ; we trust to the fountain
of our early tuition, and draw upon our inventive
imagination when we wish to make a new departure."
My friend then explained, that the new way was to
plant new beds every year, and dig them down
as soon as the fruit was gathered, i.e., never
having a bed more than a year old. Upon this new
London patent, I found I had already been practically
though unwittingly infringing, and walked my friend
to a plot which I bad been treating in precisely a
similar way. I believe there is something in it ;
from our plants so treated we gathered plenty of
fruits of good quality. Apples aud Pears, as com-
pared with the crop of last year, may perhaps be
described as miserable. There will be about enough
Apples iu this part of the country to provide us with
puddings and pies until the arrival of our sure supply
from over the Atlantic. One day lately I happened
to be travelling in a railway carriage with a Canadian
Apple-planter. Looking out of the window, our
attention was drawn to the usual mismanaged
Warwickshire orchard. My friend described to me
how they planted their trees in Canada, and followed
on until they were brought to their fruiting stage,
which is arrived at much sooner than in this country ;
finishing up by telling me how a London coachman,
after saving himself some money, betook himself to
Canada, bought laud, planted it with Apple trees,
which he grew, fruited, and sold to advantage ;
bought and planted more land. This he continued to
do until he became quite rich, but not proud,
for nothing pleased him better, mj friend informed
me, than on high days and holidays to don his
London high-hat with the " badge," emblem of the
coachman's dignity still upon it. How many of us,
might I ask, with all our knowledge, would have
pluck enough, like this coachman, to go and do like-
wise ? Apple culture in England, with not many
exceptions, consists rather in obtaining a few trees to
plant on some simll space of ground, to provide suffi-
cient only to be able to send up a few dozen dishes
to a Crystal Palace show, there to be seen once, but,
as Edgar Allen Poo's raven said, "Never, never more.''
[If our friend would pay a visit to the district round
Swauley, Farningham, Maidstone, and elsewhere in
Kent, he would modify his notions with regard to
Apple, Plum, and bush-fruit culture. Ed] Of Pears,
those which generally yield fairly well have this
year scarcely any, viz., Marie Louise, Williams' Bon
Chre'tien, and Louise Bmne ; whilst Huyshe's Vic-
toria, which last year stood me in such good stead, is
again this year pretty fruitful. Being in the midst of
great heat aud drought, we are applying to our wall
Pear-trees a heavy mulching of stable-litter, and a
heavy drenching of water over all. Those beautifully-
trained trees which have been figured in this piper [
am anxious to retain in perfect health. Of Plums
there is scarcely any, and the Apricot is uot much
better. The Walnuts are thin on the trees, the
flogging winds liaviug shaken off most of tho embryo
fruits. Hazel-nuts and Filberts promise well. Out of-
doors Peaches, where eare has been bestowed upon
them, are satisfactory ; indoors these and Nectarines
were never better, or the fruit finer. W. Miller,
Combe Abbey Gardens, Coventry.
The Apple crop in this district is very irre-
gular and under average, only the varieties Keswick
Codlin, Lord Suflield, and Lord Derby having fair
crops of fruit. The fine dessert varieties of Apples
are almost fruitless, owing to the injury caused to
bloom by easterly winds aud frosts. Caterpillars
have also made sad havoc with the trees. Pears, on
the whole, are a good crop. Plums of all varieties
are a failure ; moreover, the trees are badly infested
with aphis. All outdoor crops on this light soil are
suffering from the continued drought. Henri/ Titos.
Martin, Stoneleigh Ahbey Gardens, Kenilworth.
The Apple crop generally will be quite a
small one in this neighbourhood ; still, the varieties
Stirling Castle, Keswick Codlin, Lord Suflield, and
Golden Winter Pearmain show an average crop.
Exceptional crops of Plums are found on Denyer's
Victoria, Pond's Seedling, and Early Pro'ific. A. I).
Christie, Raylcigh Gardens, Alcester.
(To i>r continued.)
DARWIN.
At the luncheon given at Shrewsbury in connection
with the unveiling of the Darwin statue, as men
tioned iu our last issue, Sir Jos. Hooker made the
following very interesting statement in proposing the
toast of ''The Memory of Charles Darwin" — a name
which he could not mention without emotion on
the present occasion ; but he asked them to look
back in their imagination to just sixty years aju
and let him tell them of the genesis of the affection
and reverence which he cherished for the memory
of Charles Darwin. It was in 1S38 or early in 1839
that he first knew of him through receiving from
a friend of his (Sir Joseph's) father the loan of
some sheets of the "Records of a Naturalist during
the Voyage of the Beagle," which work was then
passing through the Press. He (Sir Joseph) was at
the time hurrying through his studies at the
University of Glasgow, in order that he might
accompany, as a naturalist, Captain, afterwards Sir
James Ross, iu his projected voyage to the antarctic
regions. Being engaged with hospital duties, he had
little time to devote to the precious sheets, and so he
slept with them under his pillow in order that he
might read them in the interval between dawn and
dressing. This he did with fascination ; but he must
add with despair of ever following, at however great
a distance, in the footsteps of so admirable an observer
aud reasoner. A copy of the " Records of a
Naturalist " was sent to him as a parting gift as he
was on the eve of leaving Eugland ; but meanwhile he
had once met the author, having been casually
introduced to him iu the streets of London by a ship-
mate who had sailed with him in the Beagle.
Very shortly after his return from the antarctic
voyage in 1843, he received from Darwin a cordial
invitation to visit him at his " inaccessible home " as
he used to call it, at Down, adding that he had much
to ask him about, in botanical matters especially ;
and, as he afterwards found, Darwin especially wished
that he should publish some of the botanical results
of the voyage. This " inaccessible heme," destined
to become the Mecca of so many a scientific and
li'erary pilgrim in after years, was then 10 miles from
a railway station. He (Sir Joseph) shoulel nevir
forget the frank an 1 joyous reception that met him
on his first visit to Down, damped though it was by
finding his friend's health so impaired. They had
much to talk over, having visited in many cases the
same countries during their respective voyages — the
C ipe of Good Hope, Rio de Janeiro, St. Helena, Tas-
mania, New South Wales, New Zealand, &c, so that
they felt like fellow-voyagers, forgetting the eight
years that had elapsed between the dates of their
respective cruises. It was, however, in the study at
Down that their intimacy commenced and ripenel.
On tho morning after his arrival on his very first
visit, Darwin asked him to accompany him to his
sanctum for the purpose of his (Sir Joseph) giving him
some botanical information, the great scientist being
especially engaged on the geographical distribution of
animals and plauts. Aud the following was a sample
of how the day was passed on this and many subse-
quent visits. Mr. Darwin had always a long list
of queries to put to him, sometimes collated months
beforehand, the answers to which were distri-
buted on slips of paper amongst a marvellous
number of pockets, bags, and portfolios, that
hung on the wall, or occupied racks by the
fireside. This "pumpiDg," as Darwin called it,
went on for twenty minute3 or half-an-hour, after
which he stated that he was incapable of further
mental exertion, and that he must rest till the time
for his midday walk. They might ask him what
struck him most forcibly about these exercises of his
intellect ; and, putting aside the marvellous amount
of knowledge which he gained, tbey were D.irwin's
indomitable perseverance under bodily suffering,
his command of all the available sources of
knowledge in any given object of research, his
vivid and strong grasp of the most difficult
subjects, and his power of turning to account the
waste observations, and even the blunders, of
his predecessors and contemporaries ; which power
his (Sir Joseph's) friend, Sir James Paget, once
told him was, be thought, one of the most
striking of the many evidences of Darwin's genius.
It is "dogged that does it," was a favourite
expression with him, and so dogged was he that he
had cited his very illness as being to his advantage,
congratulating himself, for instance, on sleepless
nights that allowed him to read off his continuous
observations on the movements of his beloved plants.
Such was his a-sociation with Darwiu for forty years,
during all which time he was his guide, philosopher,
and friend. It only remained for him to join with
them in rejoicing over the fact that the admirable
likeness of his old friend, which the President had
unveiled that day, bad been obtained by tho efforts
of horticulturists; and when he considered how
August 21, 189?.]
THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.
123
much scientific horticulture owed to Darwin, this
was as it should be ; moreover, he felt well assured
that could Darwin know that that tribute to his
memory was, by those special elforts, placed in his
birthplace, amongst the loved Fcenes of his early
youth, he would regard it as the moat prized of all
the honours that had been or could be bestowed upon
him. Shrewsbury Chronicle.
BEDDING IN BATTERSEA PARK.
Batter- ka Park, the product of the genius of the
late John Gibson, and covering the space once
occupied by the Inn known as the lied House,
so celebrated for its shooting matches, will always be
Aristolochia Sipho (popularly called " Dutchman's
Pipe "). Monstera deliciosa here luxuriates on the sides
of a tree.
A mixed border opposite a portion of the lake is
very gay with stately Hollyhocks, interspersed with
Fuchsias which are flowering well, a very dark-
leaved Coleus, and edged with Pelargonium Zelia.
A trellis-like arrangement of the old and well known
Clematis Jackmanni in this quarter flowers
magnificently.
Amongst some of the flower beds noted may be
mentioned — mixed Verbenas flowering profusely, and
some good varieties of the new dwarf Caunas— very
striking with their Glldiolus-like flowers ; other beds
mainly devoted to Cannas are looking well. Very
effective is a bed of mixed Heliotropes, forming a
Fig. 35.— aristolochia elegans. (see r. 126.)
amors fur its subtropical bedding. For some time
to come none of London's other public parks will be
so suitable as this one for this form of gardening, all
Licking more or less the shelter from high winds that
is essential wherever tall, large-leaved, or tender
tropical plants are plunged outside. At Battersea
there is sach a wealth of- deciduous trees and shrubs,
and such cool, green trrf and charming "peeps"
across the lake, that bright and glowing colours are
toned down. The idea of flatness of Burfkce, so
objectionable but sometimes unavoidable, never
strikes one. So beautifully diversified by 1 ill aud
dale are the grounds, and the planting arrangements
have been made with a view to providiug pictur-
esque effect, that the whole forms a charming living
picture.
How delightfully cool and refreshing are the shady
Fern-glades here ! Musas give a noble and tropical
aspect to the surroundings, as do the Palms. Pan-
danus Veitchii, with its long, spiny leaf, looks well
in the open. Near the margin of the water is
delightful groundwork to tlio Well-known and noble-
leaved B.ugmansia Knightii, just passing out of
flower. A striking bed is formed of Celosia
pyramidalis aurea, associated with single-flowered
Begonias, and Lobelia pumila magnifica, the whole
over-arched with gracefully pcndentfoliage. Attractive
too is a bed of Fuchsia, Golden Treasure mixeel with
the graceful Chamrepeuce diacantba, and Antenuaria
tomentosa as an under growth.
Dactylis glomerata, elegant leaved Aralias anl well-
flowered Tuberous Begonias make an effective bed.
A good bed of foliage is produced by the old
DraciBna Draco (introduced from the East Indies
in 1640), with the much more modern and brilliant-
coloured Acalypha tricolor. An imposing bed of
Ficus el&stica, with an undergrowth of darker-leaved
foliage plants produces a good effect.
Abutilon Thompsoni, with its yellow and green
foliage, makes a happy arrangement mixel with blue
Lobelias and edged by Fuchsia Meteor. A charming
effect is made with a block of silver-leaved
Pelargonium, throughout which freely peeps a rich
blue Viola, with small yellowish eye.
In a spot embowered in a wealth of trees, therefore
taking off the otherwiso overpowering colours, is a
very large circular-shaped arrangement on the grass,
the side representing a shield-shaped bod gay
with Pelargoniums, Lobelias, etc. Too free a uso
is made of the Golden Feather for edging. The
witty Sydney Smith was asked once if he could bury
a Dissenter; his reply was that he would be quite
williug to read the service over all of them. On the
same principle, one would like to bury all the
Golden Feather !
The beds on the level in this particular arrange
ment are composed of well-flowered Pelargoniums,
Fuchsias, etc. Fine examples of Succulents plaute t
here have also the desirable effect of toning down
the bright colours. The condition of the Park
entitles Mr. Coppin, the Park Superintendent, to
much credit. J.
THE GROWTH OF TROPICAL
FRUITS IN MADEIRA.
(Continued from p. 311, vol xxi.)
Amonust the species of Anona, or Custard Apples,
grown in Madeira, the Cherimoyer of Peru (Anona
cherinrolia) appears to be the favourite, both with the
residents and the visitors to the island, and it is con-
sidered by the medical faculty to be a wholesome
and nutritious food for invalids, when eaten in a
thoroughly ripe condition. The size of the fruit
varies greatly ; the ordinary size is about 4 A inches
long by 3 J inches broad, but the choicer fruit, which
is that mostly exported, is from 6 to 7 inches iu
length, and of a proportionate diameter. These
larger fruits attain a weight varying from 1| to 2 lb.,
and as a rule they are the choicest aud best flavoured,
fetching a much higher price than the smaller or
medium-sized fruit. When ripe the fruit is of a pale
green colour. It has a very thin skin, covering the
pulpy or edible portion, which envelops a number
of hard, black, almond-shaped seeds. The choicer
varieties contain fewer seeils and more pulp,
but in the commoner sorts they are very pro-
minent, and detract from the marketable value
of the fruit. The Custard Apple is not grown
iu plantations or orchards ; but every Bmal] garden
contains one or two trees, which an- usually grown
from cuttings or seed, and having attained sufficient
growth, are grafted in much the same way as fruit-
trees are in England. The oldest and largest tree a
attain a height of about 20 feet. A full-grown tree
in a healthy condition and properly cultivated will
yield fully 200 fruits as an annual crop, aud instances
have been known where trees have given a profit of
£5 per tree per annum, although this is an excep-
tion. Unfortunately, little or no attention is paid
to the cultivation of auy fruit trees in Madeira,
and they are allowed to run in many instances
from one season to another without either pruning or
manuring, in consequence of which they are attacked
by mealy-bug, from which the fruit, having no
strength to resist, falls to the ground when about
half grown — and these observations apply to nearly all
the fruit trees grown in Madeira. On this subject
the writer of the report says, "I am strongly of
opinion that were a little more attention paid to the
cultivation of this class of fruit it would amply repay
itself, and probably show an increased return both in
the quantity and quality of the fruit in the first season
after being so treated." The export trade in this
fruit is both limited and fluctuating, a small quantity
goes to the London market, and there is also a small
export trade to Lisbon ; but by far the greater bulk
of the fruit grown is consumed in the island, or is
taken by passenger steamers calling at the port for
fresh pro ,'iaions. Were this fruit better known in
England, the demand for it would probably be much
greater than it is at present, and an impetus would
be given to cultivate it in greater quantities. When
gathered iu a quasi-ripe condition, it matures in from
seven to t.=n days, in the same manner as Pineapples
do ; and there seems to be no difficulty on the Ecore
of packing.
124
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 21, 1807.
Guava (Psidium guayava). This well-knowu fruit,
as grown in Madeira, is said to be of a very inferior
quality compared with that of the West Indies, which
the writer of the report attributes to neglect of
culture rather than to any fault of soil or climate.
In Madeira it is seldom used in a raw state, but is
usually stewed, or made into jelly. The fruits are
not exported to any extent, but small quantities go
to Lisbon and other Portuguese possessions.
The Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is another fruit
which is not exported, in consequence of its having to
be eaten in a freshly-gathered state. It grows to
great perfection in Madeira, producing clusters of
fruits of the colour and size of an Apricot. It has a
slightly sub-acid flavour, and is most refreshing in
warm weather. It is used either r.vw or stewed.
The Mango (Mangifera indica) is grown in most
gardens, but no attention is paid to its cultivation,
the trees being seldom, if ever, pruned or manured,
the consequence being that the fruit has greatly
degenerated both in size and quality, the luscious
fruit so familiar to those who have lived or travelled
in India or the West Indies being .quite unknown
in Madeira. As grown in the island, the fruits vary
greatly in size and quality, the bulk of the fruit
seldom exceeding in size that of a large English
Plum. In the larger-sized fruit the stone or
seed appears to gain in size out of proportion
to the pulp or edible portion. The fruits are in
greatest perfection, both as regards size and flavour,
about Christmas, the season lastiDg from September
to February. The trade in this fruit is a fluctuating
one, the greater proportion of the crop being con-
sumed by the residents of the island. Small
quantities go to both the English and Lisbon markets.
The Mango is a very suitable fruit for exportation, as
it can be gathered in a fairly green condition, and
allowed to mature in course of transit. It is
usually packed in baskets, each individual fruit
being wrapped in paper, and then packed in
straw, the basket being covered with coarse canvas.
The writer says, " It is much to be regretted that
a fruit so highly valued by those who have eaten it
in the East should have been allowed to degenerate
to such an extent as it has done in this island, for
were the best varieties of trees imported from India,
and proper attention given to their cultivation, I am
of opinion that the demand would increase as the
quality improved, and any trouble that had been
taken would be more than repaid by the higher
prices that would be obtained for the 6ner quality of
fruit."
It is interesting to note that the Melon-Pear, which
was noticed in the Kew Bulletin for January, 1893,
as a comparatively new introduction, flourishes in
Madeira. The plant was introduced to this country
as Solanum guatemalense, but it? correct botanical
source was proved to be S. muricatum, Ait, a native
apparently of Peru. Grown under glass in this country
the fruit seems to have but little to recommend it,
but in California it is said to be a very refreshing
fruit, almost equal to a good Melon. It would there-
fore seem to be suitable for open-air culture. It is
stated to have been introduced about 1887 into
Madeira, where it thrives luxuriantly. It is easily pro-
pagated by cuttings or layers, and yields a large
crop of its oval-shaped fruits, varying from 4 to
5 inches loog, and having a flavour, it is said,
somewhat between that of a Cucumber and
a Melon, the latter flavour being most prominent.
At one time Melon-Pears promised to become an
article of export, but the demand for them has long
since died out, and it seems that no export has taken
placs during the last three years, notwithstanding
that the fruits are easily packed, and carry without
detriment
The fruits of Passiflora alata and P. edulis are
cultivated to some extent in Madeira. The taste for
these fruits seeui3 to be an acquired one, and the
English pilate does not yet seem to have become
educated to such an extent as to cause shippers to
undertake their exportation, though there is no diffi-
culty in packing nor in the keeping properties of the
fruits. .
Colonial Notes.
♦
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, CALCUTTA.
The failure of the past rains proved fatal to a
number of plants, which had been weakened by the
preceding drought of 1895-96. The conservatories,
which depend for their water on the tanks in the
garden, suffered most, since these tanks had to be
supplemented with water from the river, and the
quality of the water thus supplied was found unsuit-
able for the more delicate plants. The principal
improvement effected in the garden during the year
was the relaying of the avenue leading from the river
entrance to the great Banjan tree. The opportunity
was taken to open out several vistas by removing
trees, and before the end of the year the improvement
of the Clarke and Thompson avenues was taken in
hand.
With regard to plants of an economic value, Dr.
Prain, the Curator of the Herbarium, was engaged
during last cold weather in making observations on
Mustards. To provide samples, patches of the
various kinds of Mustard cultivated in Bengal were
grown in the Sibpur Experimental Farm. Dr. Praiu's
results, which are said to be of great interest both
from a botanical and an economic point of view, will
shortly be published by the Department of Land
' Records and Agriculture. The results of a similar
series of observations on the different kinds of Wheat,
which were made by Dr. Prain in 1895-96, have been
recently published. There was a large demand from
planters and other persons during the year for Rheca
plants, the interest in the cultivation of which has
revived. The indents were met as far as possible,
and the Rheea field has been thoroughly cultivated
and manured in case the demand continues. Dr.
King observes that the real difficulty in respect of
Rheea seems at present " to be rather in securing a
supply of the raw material than in finding a process
to deal with it successfully after it has been put on
the European market."
The herbarium, as usual, received special attention,
and 13,9S9 specunens were added to the collections
during the year.
The second part of the fifth volume and the
seventh volume of the Garden Annals, were issued
during the year. The former consists of descriptions
with figures of about 100 new or interesting species,
while the latter comprises a monograph on the Indian
species of Bamboos, by Mr. J. Sykes Gamble, Director
of the Forest School, Dehra Dun, with a description
of every species of Bamboo found growing within the
Empire, and a summary of its uses. It also contains
a lithograph of each species, with careful analyses of
the parts of the flower, and thus supplies a long-felt
want ; since, owing to the infrequency of their
flowering the Bamboos have hitherto been little
understood, and the different species have been very
imperfectly recognised. Both Dr. King and Dr.
Prain also contributed valuable papers on botanical
subjects to the Journal of the Asiatic Society of
Bengal. The thanks of all botanists are duo to the
government for sanctioning the publication of these
most valuable publications.
The Lloyd Botanic Garden in Darjeeling suffered
severely during the year under review, first from the
unusual drought, an I subsequently from the excep-
tionally heavy rains, which at the end of July
culminated in a storm which destroyed many trefs
and plants. The repair of the damage done absorbed
much money, which would otherwise have been spent
on improvements. The lease of the patch of ground
belonging to the Darjeeling Municipality, which has
for some years been worked as a vegetable garden,
expired during th^ year, and it was decided that the
land should be made over to the Governnvnt for
incorporation with the garden.
Proceedings of the Agri-Horticultural Socictu oj
Madras, Jamiary — March, include a notice of the
aunual flower-show held last February. The season
having been adverse, the exhibits were, on the whole,
scarcely up to their usual standard. The other con-
tents include mention of seeds and plants exchanged,
and Reports of Proceedings. — The Report of the An-
nual Medina of the above-mentioned Society, held
on March 29, mentions the work done during the
j ear, and gives particulars of expenses and receipts. —
Annu'il Report of the Botanic Garden, Grenada, by
W. E. Broadway, Curator, This mentions the fruit-
ing of the Orange known as Grenadine, and peculiar
to Grenada. The variety is said to be somewhat
large, and coarse in size and flavour, and of use for
preserving. Coffee, formerly much in demand, is
now ready, quantities of fine plants awaiting a suit-
able market. The general condition of the gardens
appears to be highly satisfactory.
The Week's Work.
• — —
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Ptatyclinis ( Dendrochilum) filiformis. — This elegant
plant is now flowering from half-developed growths,
and is one of the chief attractions in the Orchid-house.
Many growers, knowing it to be native to the Philippine
1 -lands, c include that the plant lequires great heat ;
but experiments made at Burford have prove 1 such
treatment to be distinctly injurious. In the East-Indian
house or plant-stove the thin, gra-s-like leaves become
iufested with a small species of red-spider. The best
position for the plant at all seasons is a moist, shady
corner in the intermediate-house, suspeuded near to
t lie roof glass ; and if water be plentifully supplied
to the roots whilst growth is in progress, and an
occasional syringing given overhead, this pretty species
will succeed perfectly. The plant will root freely in
shallow, well-drained peat and sphagnum-moss ; if it
requires fresh material or more root-space, the plant
m iy be repotted into Teak-wood baskets or pans as
soon as the flowers fade. The spring flowering P.
glumacea having completed its new growths, should
be given a cool, shady position in the same house.
Epidendrums. — E. Stamfordianum fhould not be
given great heat and moisture. It is now starting to
grow from the base of the current season's flowering-
stein*, and it should be placed in a light, moist
coiner of the intermediate-house, as near to the roof-
glass as possible, where it should be watered with
care. Repotting may be done berore the new roots
appear. Give plenty of drainage - materia!, and
elevate the plant well above the rim of the pot,
using two-parts of rough fibrous peat to one of
sphagnum moss. The well-known E. radicals (rhizo-
phorum) has been in bloom for several months, and
as the plants are starting their next season's flowering-
growths, the present spikes should be removed. It
is a plant of scandent habit, and many of the shoots
that did not flower this season have grown some-
what long ; these may be cut in lengths of about
2 or 3 feet, aud tied to neat stake*, making them
up into a specimen plant. The old growths and
flower-stems frequently send out off-shoots, which
may be taken off and inserted thickly around the
edge of a pot in well-drained sphagnum -moss.
Throughout the growing season E. radicans should be
kept moist at the root, and be properly syringed
overhead. Examine frequently the points of new
.shoots to prevent mealy-bug.
Odontoglossum-house, — Plants of Miltonia vexillaria
may be repotted, but before this is done, closely
examine each plant for small yellow turips, which
lodge low down in the axils of the leaves ; if any are
found, a little sulphur, dusted into the growths, will
drive them from their hiding-places, and at evening
fumigate the house with the XL Vaporiser, w hich
will destroy them. This Miltonia should be given a
larger surface-space to root in than most Orchids
require; therefore, use rather large, well- drained
pots, placing the plants into a shallow compost of
three- fourths sphagnum - mos«, one - fourth fibrous
peat, aud a moderate quantity of small crocks,
well mixed together. Elevate the plants well
above the rim of the pot. After repotting, water
sparingly with a fine rose-can, giving just enough to
induce the moss to grow. As the young roots com-
mence to ramble in and out on the surface of the
soil, a more liberal supply will be necessary. Keep
the plants in their preseut quarters until the nights
become chilly, when they should be removed to a
cool position in the intermediate house. Plants of
Chysis bractesceus, C. Ucvis, C. Limminghii, C.
Sedeui, and C. Cholsoni, that have up to the present
time been growing iu the Cattleya-house, should now
be removed to a light position in the East- Indian
August 21, 1897.]
THE GA1?DENEJ?S' CHBONICLE.
125
house, where they will quickly finish up their
growths, and become properly matured during
autumn. They still require plenty of water at the
root.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Bulbs jor Beddiny. — The earliest opportunity should
be taken to order bulbs that will be required for plaut-
ing-out in the autumn. Where masses of colour are
desired, beds may be devoted entirely to one kind of
bulb ; but if a continuous display is aimed at, it is
well to plant beds with a groundwork of some other
subject, as Pansies and Violas or Myosotis, Primroses,
and such like — the bulbs to be planted about 10 or
12 inches apart, and between the other subjects. The
latter will continue to bloom after the bulbs are past,
and until the summer bedding is put out. For
massing or planting among other plants, the follow-
ing single Hyacinths are well adapted: — White-
flowered : Madam Van der Hoop, Mont Blanc, Mina,
La Qrandesse, Grandeur ;i Merveille. Blue : Charles
Dickens, Lord Derby, Orondates, Grand Maitre,
Czar Peter, Couronnede Cele, and General Havelock.
Dark purple-red : Lord Macaulay, Incomparable,
Norma (pale pink), Robert Steiger, Fabiola, General
Pelissier (crimson), Lord Wellington (blush), Gigantea
(rose), Queen of Hyacinths (bright rosy-scirlet).
Yellow Hyacinths are generally not well adapted for
bedding, and may be omitted.
Tulips, — Helle Alliance, brilliant scarlet, early and
dwarf ; Canary Bird, early yellow ; Yellow Prince,
bright yellow ; La Reine, white, tinged with rose ;
Keizer Kroon, crimson scarlet, edged with yellow ;
Joost Van Vondel, crimson ; Comte de Mirabeau,
white ; Proserpine, rich dark rose, fine ; Duchcsse de
Parma, red and yellow ; Couronue Pourprc, rich dark,
dwarf crimson ; Prince of Austria, fine orange-red,
late ; Queen of Violets, light violet, largo and di<-
tinct. Of showy double Tulips, the following may
be named — Gloria Solis, large reddi-h-browD, with
yellow edge ; Tournesol, red ami yellow ; Yellow
Tournesol, bright golden - yellow ; Murillo, pale
rose ; and La Candeur, white, rather late.
Narcissus Crocuses, Chionodoxas, and Scillas should
be included in considerable quantity in any spring-
flowering collection of bulbs. If the Chionodoxa is
plauted about a rockery the effect is good, and they
reproduce plants freely from seeds, self-sown.
Amaryllis It Uadonna, the Belladonna Lily, should
he purchased and planted now. If planted at
the foot of a south wall, in light lich soil, and about
0 inches under the surface, they will flower
freely for years, the bulbs will increase, aud as
long as freedom of flowering coutinues, it is not
advisable to lift them. Kstablished bulbs growing in
a position as described above, are now throwing up
numerous flower spikes.
)'< w an</ uther similar Hedges should now bo given
their annual clipping. If cot at this season, when
growth is completed, they require little extra atten-
tion throughout the year.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By II. W. Warm, Rayleigb, Essex.
Fig Tree.;. — Be careful that these are afforded
sufficient water at the roots. Thin out surplus
growths, pinching the points of tho3e retained for
yielding fruit next year at 2 feet length, allowing
weakly-growing shoots to make a few inches more
growth bofore nipping the poiuts out. This, in
addition to promoting the formation of embryo
fruits, will cause a more equal distribution in the
flow of sap. Secure leading shoots in position with
nails and shreds. Where the walls are provided with
w r j t fixil to eyss driven tuto the brickwork
about 1 inch from the wall, the wires running hori-
zontally at 9 inches apart, bands of raffia or bast
should be used, care being taken in both cases to
allow room enough in the shreds and ties for increased
gro.vth. A watchful eye must be kept on fruits
approaching ripeness, otherwise birds, wasps, and
flies will not ouly disfigure, but actually destroy many
of them. Half-inch meshed netting, if placed over
the trees, and secured pretty closely to the wall at
bottom and top, and kept out a few inches from the
fruits by forked sticks being placed between the wall
and nettiDg, will save the crop from being injured
by the birds. Wasp glasses three-parts filled with
sweetened beer and suspended at short intervals over
the individual trees will entrap the wasps and flies.
The glasses should be emptied occasionally, refilled
with the syrup and put in position again. In addition
to these wasp and fly-traps the old fashioned, but
nevertheless effective, hand-light traps should be set
under fis»-walls, or, in fact, any part of the garden
where ripe fruits — -Figs, Plums, Pears, and Goose-
berries— require protection from their attacks. Place
a hand-light about one inch above the ground. Make
a hole in the top of the cover, which is placed on the
light, then drop another hand-glass and cover over
the first one, and stop any spaces there may be
between the frames of both glasses to prevent the
escape of the wasp3 and flies which ascend to the
*; top story" as soon as they have feasted on the
damaged fruit, which may be placed on the ground-
floor as a decoy. The glass, excepting the hole in the
top of lid of bottom hand-light through which the
wasps enter the trap, should be whole. In addition
to practising the above-ruentoned measures with a
view to saving any Figs from disfigurement of the kind
indicated, I have placed the individual fruits of such
large varieties as Castle Kennedy and Brunswick in
muslin bags, made with a running-string at the top.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
Bv W. Pope, Gardener, Iliglietere Castle, Newbury.
Autumn-sown Onions.— If seed has not yet been
sown the work should be done with little delay, as
the young plants need to attain a fair size before
winter sets in. It is equally important that the seed
be not sown too early, especially after such warm
weather as we have had recently. Germination will lie
rapid, and if the plants become too large before growth
is checked, they are very liable to start prematurely
to seed in the spring. If the soil be light and porous
a dres>ing of salt may be given before sowing, and
it will bo of service in checking the attacks of grubs,
&e. ; but if this be naturally wet or of a heavy
texture, apply a good dressing of soot and cinder
ashes, the latter to be well incorporated with the
soil whilst digging. Mako the soil moderately firm
before sowing. Drilling being generally preferable
to sowing broadcast, draw out rows about !• inches
asunder and about an inch in depth. If young Onions
have to bo provided at all times for salad purposes,
it is advisable to sow an extra breadth at this date
for use through tho autumn. The Roccas are general
favourites for this sowing, the selection known as
the '' Golden Rocc i '■ being the best in appearance
and good in quality, a good selection of White
Lisbon being useful for early work. Any bulbs still left
over from last autumn's towing should be taken up
and harvested without I033 of time, as they will now
be forming fresh roots aud will soon start into
growth aud be utterly spoilt.
Onions, Spring-sown, — Keep these free Irom weeds
and rubbish. Press down the tops carefully with the
back of a wooden rake, to chock their growth and
assist maturation. When growth is completed, pull
them up and spreal thinly on the ground, turning
every day till thoroughly dry, when they Bhonl 1 he
removed to a dry, cool shed, and stored thinly till
they can be tied in ropes or bunches. Those sown
early in boxes under glass, aud g'own on for exhibi-
tion or other special purpose, will generally have
attained their full sizj, and should be pulled up aud
laid thinly on a greenhouse stige for a iev! days, or
failing this, in a cool, airy shed, where they w.ll
become thoroughly matured, and as a consequence
keep much better through the winter an 1 early
spring. Do not leive them on the ground after
pulling, if it is necessary to koap the bulbi sound
through tho winter.
Mushrooms. — Where Mushrooms are required
through the winter, it will be necessary to commence
collecting the materials for making the beds. To
ensure a regular supply from November onwards,
bed-making should begin in September, and if the
droppings from three or four horses only arc avail-
able, this must be collected daily, and spread thinly
in an open shed secure from rain. Turn this over
occisionally, and when sufficient has been collected,
throw it into a heap to ferment and sweeten, turning
every day for a week, by which time all rankness will
probably have disappeared from the manure, tho bed
being then made according to former directions, aud
spawned at 70° or 75°. For a regular supply a bed
should be made every three weeks through the
autumn.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Melons. — Plauts that will soon ripen fruits must be
carefully watched, withholding water until the leaves
show signs of flagging. If thoy be given much water
at this stage, the fruits will bo poor in flavour, even
if they do not crack. Give air freely during favour-
able weather, aud regulate the growth as required.
Plants carrying fruits about to swell may be top-
dressed or given a little manure-water at a tempera-
ture of 90° to 95°. Keep the laterals pinched, and
close the house carly after a good syringing, allowing
the temperature to run up to 95° or 100°. Avoid
cold draughts when ventilating, especially in the
morning. Later plants that will ripen fruit in October
will need the growths tying in, ani all side-shoots
should be rubbed off till the trellis is reached. After
this, allow just sufficient to furnish the wires. Stop
the 6hoots one leaf beyond the fruit, and as the
flowers open, keep the atmosphere a little dryer, and
pay careful attention to fertilisation. Keep the
bottom-heat as even as possible at about 85' by
adding a few additional leaves or otherwise. An odd
plant or two may still be put into pots if very 1 ite
Iruits are desired.
Vines. — Early houses from which the fruit has been
cut, containing trees that have to be started very
early, may have all superfluous growth thinned out,
leaving just the main shoots shortened back to about
half a-doz.»n leaves. By this means the buds at the
base will plump up, and the Vines will benefit
generally. Do not let them sudor from being too
dry at the roots. Syringe them occasionally to keep
the foliage clean and healthy as long as possible.
Keep houses containing ripe fruit cool and airy.
Vines in later houses should be looked over fre-
quently, and all bad berries removed. Keep the
lateral growth in check by occasionally removing a
little. Make ready the tiffany, Nott'ngham netting,
or whatever material is used for the purpose of pre-
venting injury from wasps. Nottingham or hexagon
netting is the best, as it admits much more air than
the ordinary tiffany.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS
By G. H Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Tark, Luton.
Cyclamen, -Bulbs of last year that have been at
rest during the summer in cold frames should be
potted-up without delay. Use a compost of two
parts fibrous loam, one of leaf-soil, one of decomposed
manure, and a liberal addition of sharp silver-sand
and charcoal. Clean the bulbs from the old soil, and
pot them direct into the flowering- pots, which should
be those about 7 inches in diameter for good-sized
bulbs. When re-potting has been finished, place tho
plants on iuverted pots in a cold frame, and syringe
them once or twice on all bright days. Fomigate
frequently to prevent thrips.
Cinerarias. — The earliest plants now require their
final shift into 6 or 7-iuch pots. Afterwards the
plants must ba shaded, unless the aspect be a north
one, and the atmosphero kept moist. Pot-on succes-
sional plants before they become root-bound, and keep
green fly in check by fumigating occasionally, fir
which the house should be prepared by keeping it
drier.
Herbaceous Calceolarias, —Prick off plants from the
s^ed-pans as soon as they are large enough to handle,
putting them into 2|-inch pots. The compost should
be a little stronger than that recommended to sow
the seeds in. Give them a north aspect, and suffi-
cient room that air may freely circulate between
each. I do not recommend fumigating these Calceo-
laria? during the first stages of growth, as the young,
tender leaves often become injured by it. On the
first appearance of green-fly, remove the pest by
means of a camel's-hair brush.
Vallotas. — These pretty bulbous plants do not
require to be potted frequently, but if this has not
been done for several years, the present time wid be
a suitable one for carrying out the work. Prepare a
mixture of three parts good loam, one of leaf-soil, and
ODe of sand. Shake away the whole of the old soil
from the bulbs, and put five or six of the largest into
a 6-inch pot, or more in proportion to the size of the
pot it is intended to grow them in. Keep the bulbs
well down in the pots, and do not give much water
until the flower-spike is seen. Afterwards they will
require much the same treatment ■. s Hippea3trums.
W inter- jlowcrintj Begonias. — Give liberal waterings
with weak liquid-manure, and keep the plants
steadily growing in a position near to the glass.
B. socotrana that has been at rest during the summer
should now be shaken out and re-potted. This does
best in small pots of 4 to 5 inches in diameter ; and
if it be desirable to increase the stock, place two or
three of the little bulbils into 3 inch pots, which, if
not potted on, will make small but pretty plants.
126
THE GAUDENERS1 CHB0N1CLE.
[August 21, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY,
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
MONDAY,
WEDNESDAY Ai/G. 2
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
/ Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
mittees, at Drill Hall, West-
minster.
Aug. 24 -{ Royal Oxfordshire Horticultural
Society's Show, at Oxford,
| Brighton and Sussex Horticultural
Society's Show (two days).
. . o- / Kingswood Horticultural Society's
aid. is, y show
a-~ o.- f Swansea Horticultural Society's
Aug. 2o -j ghow
ire. 27-)
Royal Horticultural Society of
Ireland's Show.
SALES.
| Special Trade Sale of Dutch Bulbs,
,., J at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
' j Dutch Bulbs and Lilies, at Stevens'
\ Rooms.
( Dutch Bulbs and Lilies, at Stevens
\ Rooms.
Aug 26 i sPecial Trade Sale of Dutch Bulbs,
\ at Protheroe <Si Morris' Rooms.
t Imported and Established Or-
Aug. 27 -f chids, at Protheroe & Morris'
\ Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty -three yearB,at Chiswick, — 61°.
Actual Temperatures : —
London.— August 18: Max., 78°; Mln., 59".
Provinces. — August 18(6 p.m.): Max., 60°, at Margate ;
Mia., 533, at Sumburgh Head.
A hybrid Aristolochia is a
AristoiodHa. novelty, so much so that we can
find no record of one, albeit the
structure of the flower would lead one to
suppose that hybridisation by means of insects
must occasionally occur. The new-comer is
not only a novelty, but as the figure shows,
it is decidedly a good - looking one. Mr.
J. M. Bell, gardener to Rev. Canon Pbetty-
man, Louth, is to be congratulated on his
success, and on the very interesting addition
he has made to our stove climbers. We learn
that the hybrid in question was raised out of
A. brasiliensis by pollen of A. elegans.
" To get at," says Mr. Bell, " the stigma, I
cut a triangular piece out of the perianth, and
having applied the pollen, fixed the bit down
again with floral gum. I was delighted to see
next day that fertilisation had begun, and by
September the seeds were ripe. I sowed in
March, 1895, and in a month they germinated
well. I kept a good stock, part of which went
to Orwell Park, the remainder I destroyed.
During the summer the seedlings made but
little progress. Some would show signs of
growing well, and without any apparent cause
would die. I kept one alive, and this year it
began to flower. I then had procured a plant
of A. gigas Sturtevantii, which has grown well,
but never flowered. In pruning last spring I
kept a half-ripe piece of wood, and grafted it on
a plant of A. elegans, and, curiously, this has
flowered three times. The first time soon after
grafting them the plant rested, broke strongly,
and again flowered, rested once more, and is
now once more in flower."
The parent plants of the hybrid belong to
two very distinct sections of the genus. la
the section to which A. elegans belongs, the
perianth expands above into a broad, shield-
shaped limb, the upper portion of which is
much larger than the lower, although it is not
divided into an upper and a lower lip (fig. 36,
p. 127). In Aristolochia brasiliensis the limb
of the perianth forms two distinct lips, the
upper long and folded in the middle, the
lower much larger, like the lip of an Orchid,
provided with a stalk and with two rounded
horizontally-spreading lobes crumpled like a
Poppy petal, cream-coloured, with a thick
network of purplish spots.
In the hybrid the perianth, including the
tube, is about 8 inches (20 cent.) long, the dis-
tended tube about 2j inches (7 cent.), creamy-
yellow with purplish blotches along the nerves.
The lip, which is so important a feature in A.
brasiliensis, is here obsolete. The upper lip is
intermediate in shape between that of A. brasili-
ensis and that of A. elegans, about 4 inches long
( 1 0 cent.), 7 to 8 cent, in greatest breadth , oblong,
refuse, slightly crumpled, cream-coloured, thickly
bestrewn with arborescent purplish spots ; the
throat of the perianth is clear yellow, as in A.
elegans, with numerous purplish radiating
veins. The interior of the ventricle or dis-
tended position of the tube is covered with fine
downy hairs ; at its junction with the tube it
has on one side a thick fleshy cushion-like pro-
minence, beneath which are two patches of
very dense purplish hairs, as in A. brasiliensis.
The staminal column at the base of the ven-
triculus is erect, about a quarter of an inch
(6-7 mill.) long ; lobes oblong-obtuse, anthers
linear, resembling those of A. brasiliensis.
The leaves, too, are like those of A. brasiliensis,
but less glaucous.
Of the numerous publications
Orchids." with which Linbley enriched
botany and horticulture, none has
more permanent value than the " Genera and
Species of Orchideous plants." Well arranged,
with clear, concise, characteristic descrip-
tions, orderly synonymy and useful notes,
from which all verbiage and unnecessary dis-
cussion are removed, it was at the time of
publication a model monograph. The last
sheet is dated October, 1840; the publica-
tion of the work having been commenced in
April, 1830. Since that time the knowledge of
Orchids has enormously increased, mainly in
consequence of their general cultivation. Horti-
culture iu this case has greatly added to the
resources of botanists. At that time there
were but few species grown ; now, as we all
know, the numbers are vast. Some species are
even threatened with extinction — a calamity
partially compensated for by the greatly ex-
tended knowledge of their structure and
habit, which cultivation has rendered possiDle.
Robert Brown, the two Hookers, Brong-
NIART and others have greatly added to our
stores of knowledge. Reichenbacii devoted
his life to their investigation ; he published
much, but became overwhelmed with detail,
and left no general synopsis, unless indeed,
which is not very likely, it be shut up in
Vienna with his herbarium. In recent times
Bentham completed a masterly survey of the
genera of the order ; Sir Joseph Hooker has
quite lately elaborated the Orchids of British
India ; Cogniaux is engaged on those of
Brazil ; and Ppitzee, relying more than his
predecessors on vegetative characters, has re-
arranged the genera in a manner that has been
followed in some recent books to the terrible
multiplication of synonyms. Eolfe has pub-
lished largely on the order of late years in the
Journal of the Limtean Society, in these columns,
Orchidacearum Genera et Species exposuit, Fritz Kraenzlin
Vo!. i., fasc i. (Berlin Mayer & MUller.
and in those of the Orchid Review. It is also
generally understood that Mr. Eolfe is col-
lecting material for a new ' ' Genera and Species
of Orchidaceous Plants." As Mr. Rolfe has
all the resources of Kew at his disposition, it is
clear that he is particularly well placed for the
prosecution of such a work. Some preliminary
monographs have already been published by
him, such as the revision of Apostasiete and
Cypripediefe, published last year, but which is
not, as far as we see, referred to by Dr.
Kraenzlin in the fascicle before us. This
fascicle contains sixty-four pages, the number
of species described being about the same
number. As it is estimated that some 5,000
species are now known, the reader will be able
to form an estimate of the number of fascicles
that will be required to complete the work.
Dr. Kraenzlin begins appropriately enough
with the Apostasiere, which, with their simpler
and more regular structure, form morphologi-
cally the introduction to the Orchidacefe. They
are exceedingly interesting to the student, but
not highly esteemed by cultivators. Dr.
Kraenzlin's method is to enumerate the
genera, supply references to the literature, and
then to give a Latin description. After this
follows a " clavis specierum," the value of
which can only be tested by actual trial, and
then the full description and synonymy of each
species in Latin, with explanatory notes in
German.
The Apostasieie are not very numerous, and wo
turn with some anxiety to the genus Cypri-
pedium, of which fifty-five species are described
in the present instalment, and here we are
relieved to find that Dr. Kraenzlin accepts the
genus mostly in the old Linnean sense, and in
that which was adopted iu the Genera Planturum
of Hooker and Bentham. Thus, the Selenipe-
dium and Cypripedilum Selenipedilum and
Paphiopedilum of some authors ei ther disappear
or are adopted, properly enough, as sectional
divisions. Orchid growers have their rights,
like other people, and we think they are quite
justified in protesting against the wholesale
changes of nomenclature which the adoption of
Paphiopedilum necessitates. The folding of the
leaves in the young state, the number of com-
partments in the ovary, and the nature of the
seed-coat, no doubt constitute an aggregate of
characters useful tor sectional divisions. Their
adoption as generic characters involves changes,
the inconveniences attaching to which are by
no means outweighed by a supposed more
perfect arrangement.
On the other hand, Dr. Kraenzlin's notions
of affinities are peculiar, one illustration of
which we may give by stating that Cypripedium
Rothschildianum, now generally considered the
same as C. Elliotianum, is placed in one sec-
tion, while C. Elliotianum figures in another.
Uropediuni Lindeni, as has been shown in these
columns, is a peloriate form of C. caudatum,
and should hardly be cited as a variety of C.
caudatum. Other species have apparently
wandered away from their next affinities, as
they are generally understood. More use
might, perhaps, have been made of the form
and appearances of the staminodo, which we
have found useful in determining species and
as a guide to the parentage of hybrid forms.
Some appearance of hasty publication is also
shown in the erroneous citations, such as
Barton PL N. America for Paxtou's Flower
Garden, in the want of uniformity in citing the
references, and in the punctuation.
A concise and accurate revision of this large
and important family is one of the greatest
I AOQCST 21, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
127
wants of systematic and particularly of horti-
cultural botany. Dr. Kraenzlin's book can-
not bo concise, but it should be as accurate as
circumstances will allow. By the time it is
finished, perchance the Eeichenbachian her-
barium will be unsealed, and— What then ?
and present employes of Mr. Arnold Aldridge, of
Manor Farm, Petersham, gardener and horticulturist,
were present at a supper given in honour of Mr.
Aldridge's diamond jubilee in business. It was in
1837 that he first commenced business, and many of
the hands thought the present year a fitting occasion
to present him with a framed and illuminated testi-
evening complimentary speeches were made by the
chairman, the vicar of Petersham, Mr. Groves,
Alderman Marsh Ray, M. Hof (of the foreign section
of the firm), and Mr. J. Aldridge.
The Shrewsbury Show.— The severe gale
and destruction of exhibit! at the York Gala has
Ft«. 36.— THE FIRST HYBRID
A Lecture on Plums will be given by Mr.
A. H. Pearson, on Tuesday next, at the meeting of
the Royal Horticultural Society, in the Drill Hall,
James Street, Westminster.
Presentation to a Horticulturist.—
A gathering of a unique character took place on
Saturday evening at the ' ' Dysart Arms," Petersham,
near Richmond, when over a hundred of the past
monial of the esteem in which they held him, and
also with a lounge chair. Mr. Jas. Walker, of
Church Farm, Ham, Surrey, presided ; and besides
the guests of the evening, Mr. Arnold and his sons,
there were present the Rev. W. H. Oxley, vicar of
Petersham, Alderman Marsh Ray, Mr. C. E. Beach,
J.P., and a large number of local tradespeople.
The presentation was made by Mr. Uzzell, on
behalf of nearly one hundred men ; and during the
found a counterpart at the Shrewsbury Show held
during the present week. Fortunately it did not
occur on the morning of the exhibition, but at about
mid-day on the previous day. It resulted in the
complete collapse of the immense marquee in which
the groups and the collection of large plants were at
the time being staged. The injury done under this
section was considerable. Messrs. Cypher and Finch
appear to have been the greatest sufferers, several
128
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 21, 1897.
of their specimens being irreparably damaged.
Another marquee was also blown over, but this
does not appear to have contained any exhibits.
One of the many refreshment tents also suffered
considerably. The gale appears to have blown from
the west throughout the previous night, termi-
nating iu a sudden cyclone, reaching from Ruabon
on the west on to Shrewbury and eastwards to
Stafford. Had the gale been one day later, the results
must have been disastrous. This is the second occasion
on which Mr. J. Cypher has been a sufferer this season,
he having also been an exhibitor at York. Previous
to the catastrophe at Shrewsbury, it is said Mr.
Cypher, from past experience, cautioned the men
in charge of the marquee in question in sufficient
time to have averted in some degree the wreck which
ensued, but his advice does not appear to have been
acted upon in time. The executive at the Shrews-
bury Show, under the energetic guidance of the Hon.
Sees., Messrs. Adnitt and Naunton, immediately set
to work to erect other tents, and thus much incon-
venience was averted. Subsequent informotion, de-
tailed iu another column, shows that the exhibition
was a great success, the display of fruit and vegetables
being extraordinarily large and correspondingly fine in
quality. The ornamental groups were also of great
beauty. The visit of the deputation from the Koyal
Horticultural Society has given great satisfaction, and
the Council will have had an opportunity of seeing
how they do things at Shrewsbury. Mr. McIndoe,
whose portrait we give on p. 129, may be congratu-
lated on the triumphant way in which he has illus-
trated by his fruits the care and skill of the British
gardeuer. See also page 134.
Bicolor Gloxinias.— Mr. Smith, gr. to H. .1.
Clatwortht, Esq., Weston-super-Mare, sends us a
flower of a Gloxinia in which the two upper lobes of
the corolla arj of a deep violet colour, whilst the
three lower lobe? are rosy-pink. The tube is wholly
white. Mr. Smith says that all the flowers on this
particular plant are two-coloured in this way. We
have never before seen anything of the kind in
Gloxinias, and advise our correspondent to keep the
plant and save seed from it.
THE KING OF SlAM .— On Sunday morning Hia
Majesty King Ciiulalonkorn, accompanied by Prince
Sami'asaht, Baron Sunthorn, and other members of
his suite, paid a visit to Mr. William Bull's estab-
lishment, King's Road, Chelsea. A visit was also
paid to the Nurseries of Me;srs. J. Veitch & Sons.
Mr. A. M. Elcombe, of the firm of Elcomre
& Son, Seed Merchants and Nurserymeu, Romsey,
has been appointed a Justice of the Peace for the
borough of Romsey.
Society of Jersey Gardeners.— The annual
picnic of the above Society was held on Monday,
August 9, when about seventy members and friends
gathered together at 1 o'clock at St. Heller's Weigh-
bridge for a drive to Bonley Bay. Proceeding through
St. Lawrence Valley, with its shady lanes, the first
halt was made at St. Ouen's Manor, the beautiful
grounds of Col. Malet he Carteret. This is one
of the oldest ancient houses and grounds in the
island. From thence to Creux Moie, or what is more
commonly known to visitors as the Devil's Hole,
and home in the evening.
Roses in the Principality. — We had
recently the pleasure of a visit to the nursery of Mr.
Stephen Treseder, situate about a mile out of
Cardiff. Hardy trees and shrubs, Conifers, lie, are
grown here, but the specialty consists in the Roses.
Some of the Teas are planted between great Privet
hedges 8 or 10 feet high, which serve to protect them
against cold eaBt winds, very prevalent in the district
in late spring. Both these and others in the open
had made most satisfactory growth, and were ex-
ceedingly healthy. The nursery is not a large one,
and the space being limited, only the very best
varieties in each section are grown. Hybrid per-
petuals and Noisettes, like the Teas above referred
to, were looking well. Mr. Treseder showed us a
white Tea, which he described as a sport from Anna
Olivier. The sport occurred in this nursery a year
or two ago, and, like most sports, in every particular
but colour of flower it appears to resemble the parent
plant. The blooms are very pretty, slightly lemon-
coloured in the centre, and the plants were covered
with them. Mr. Treseder has a great opinion of
Medea, a Rose sent out by Messrs. W. Paul & Sons a
few years since. The nursery stock generally
exhibited first-class cultivation.
Flower-culture in Schools.— A very in-
teresting addition has been made to the work of the
Agricultural and Horticultural Association, which
has done so much to promote " gardens of taste," by
establishing industrial flower-shows. The new effort
aims at reaching the children in our public schools.
During the past spring the Council of the Association
commenced by offering prizes for the culture of pot-
plants to the children in twenty-seven London
schools. Prizes were offered for every class, as well
as for each school. The flowers to be grown were
Tom Thumb Nasturtium, Candytuft, Ten-weeks
Stock, Germau Aster, Virginiau Stock, and Go-
detii. The prizes consisted of garden tools,
floral certificates, and bound copies of the Asso-
ciation's Annual, " One- and -All" Gardening. E ich
little competitor was supplied with the necessary
seels and very detailed instructions for carrying out
the work, a nominal charge of one penny being made
in each case, to give the children a personal interest
in the success of their attempts. No fewer than
1627 competitors entered, and the results were ex-
hibited iu twenty-seven little flower shows before the
recent breakingup for the holidays. So much
interest and enthusiasm was shown, that Mr. Edward
Owen Greening, at whose instance the experiment
was made this year, hopes to see a great development
of the movement in future years.
Presentation to Mr. O. Thomas, Frog-
more. — On Saturday last an interesting ceremony
took place at Frogoaore, when the foremen and
young gardeners presented Mr. Thomas (Her Majesty's-
Head Gardener) with a handsome silver waiter, and
an addivss of congratulation on his silver - wedding
day. The movement originated with the foremeu,
who wished (as a body) to acknowledge Mr. Tiiomah's
kindness and courtesy, also his assistance and en-
couragement to the young mon in various ways.
Mr. J. Channfll, as Chairman of Committee, intro-
duced the subject for which they were as;embled,
and called on Mr. T. Edwards (Hon. Sec. and Trea-
surer) to read the address This, after offering their
congratulations to Mr. an 1 Miv. Thomas on their
silver-wedding, stated how gladly they availed them-
selves of the opportunity to testify to the invariable
courtesy of Mr. Thom»s to his men, aud of the
respect and esteem iu which he was held by them,
also to assure him that this was a spontaneous ex-
pression of their feelings, and an acknowledgment
of much kindness. Mr. Thomas, in reply, said it cer-
tainly was most gratifying to him, aud he CDuld not
adequately express his thanks, or say how much he
appreciated their kindness. He assured them he
should always look back on that day with pleasure,
aud value their handso ne present, as would each
member of his family. R:sing again shortly after,
Mr. Thomas siid he wished to propose the health of
his foremen, and was glad of the opportunity of
stating how well he was supported by each in their
various departments. Whatever may be thought by
others, he could siy that the duties of the foremen
hero demanded constint attention, aud that the
position of those in authority in the Royal Gardens
was no sinecure.
Home Correspondence.
JAPANESE BAMBOOS.— I have received from
Japan this spring two Bamboos which appear to be
new to western gardens: — 1, Phyllostachys fulva
(Japanese name, Ogon chiku), a Phyllostachys of tho
same type as P. nigra, not yet sufficiently advanced for
me to be able to describe it in detail, promises to be
very ornamental. 2, Arundinaria Metake (Japanese
name, Kaneyaina Dak^ or Shakutan chiku), a dwarf
species closely allied to Arundinaria Veitchii. Both
these species should, from their geographical position
in the Japanese Islands, prove hardy in the average
English climate. A. B. Freeman- Milford,
ROMNEYA COULTERI is very fine here this season.
There have been scores of bloom out at the same
time, and it is quite hardy with us, having been
planted five years since. It flowered well last
season, but not so abundantly. It grows at the foot
of an east-aspect wall, and has no other protection.
In this situation it has withstood 28° of frost, and I
thiuk such a beautiful plant should be more generally
known and cultivated. Thus. Denny, Down House
Gardens, lihindford.
GERBERA JAMESONI.— This fino Composite has
been flowering for some time past in the Edinburgh
Botanic Gardens, where, until lately, it has been
growu in a pot. It produces freer growth,
however, and is more floriferous when planted
iu a warm border. If placed in a border with
a sunny exposure against a building, and pro-
tected in the winter, as is the case at C imbridge,
where it succeeds so well amongst hardy C icti, an
abundince of its scxrlet inflorescences is produced.
Uuder cultivation, the ray-florets are svid to lose a
greit deal of their intense colouring, though they
are still among the brightest of such flowers. [The
colour is variable. Ed.] R. L. 11.
FROST IN JULY.— I con asmre " E. M." that
my glass was in perfect order a*, the time, and also
that vegetation showed decided signs of frost, but
that being so dry at the time very little harm was
done. John Kitley, Castle Nursery, Warwick.
THE CHERRY PLUM.— There are several trees
of tho Cherry Plum (I'ruuus myrobalana) growing
in the orchard here, and I am told that seldom
do the trees fail to bear fruit. Frequently fie
branches are so heavily laden that support has to
be used to prevent their breaking off. This season
the fruit is very fine indeed. We have both the
red and yellow varieties, and if the fruits are
Dot first-rate for dessert, they mike splendid tarts
or preserve. Iu a season like the present, when
plums are very scarce, they are most useful. Never
have I seen the Cherry Plum so fine. Tho soil is
resting on chalk, and we are situated about a mile
from the sea. The sprigs of fruit forwarded I have
scut to bear out my remarks, and which I think you
will agree are very fine. //. Mwrkham, Korthdown,
Margate. [Could hardly be more heavily cropped.
Ed]
THE FRUIT FAILURE.— I read Mr. Blackmore's
note respecting thecuisesof the general failure of
the season's fruit crop with much interest, because
his view corresponds so exactly with that I have
endeavoured to express elsewhere. Nothing is easier
than to set down all our troubles to frosts and cold
winds, but if these certainly very unwelcome visita-
tions did all the harm to the spring bloom attributed
to them, how came it that the harm was so partial
and so erratic ? On the frost hypothesis I have been
puzzled to understand why some trees should not
have set a bloom, and some others close by have
cirried hewy crops of fruit. Of course, it may be
said that Mr. Blackmore's hypothesis should equally
apply to all trees ; but then my experience has been
that whilst surface-rooting and comparatively young
or free growing trees have little fruit, old, or large, or
somewhat checked or stunted trees, especially those
having deep roots, have fruited very well. Clearly it
is a matter that needs elucidation, and Mr. Black-
more, in showing how the buds last autumn on
active, growing trees were demoralised, those ou old or
deep rooted trees suffering nothing, comes nearest to
that elucidation. Then again we had a wonderful flush
of bloom. Pears were specially floriferous ; indeed,
in passing by train I cmld but notice that Mr. Black-
more's trees were such showy masses of bloom as I
had never before seen. How often in the history of
fruit culture has it not been the case that wealth of
bloom has preceded great poverty of fruit. Is it not
obvious that when such is the case, the bloom
may be, and doubtless is, very largely iufertile. Pos-
sibly a severe thiuning of the fruit-buds ere the bloom
advanced, would have done some good. Perhaps it
would have been useless. I do not know that any
one experimented in that direction. It is really
August 21, 1?97.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
129
important, however, we should understand exactly
how much or how little harm the spring frosts did to
the bloom. A D.
A NEW CARNATION SOCIETY.— A few enthu-
siastic florists at Southampton purpose forming a
society in that town, to be termed the Southern
Counties' Carnation Society. Carnation florists
usually have ta' tes for other plants also, and there
seems to be no reason why the new body should not
term itself the Southern Counties Florists' Asso-
ciation, and then include within the scope of such body,
Auriculas, Polyanthuses, Tulip*, Pansies, Roses, Car-
nations, Dahlias, and even Chrysanthemums. Such
inclusion would enable so many amateur florists of
THE KITTATINY BLACKBERRY. — This really
very nice and truly marvellous cropping American
Blackberry, shown at the recent Drill Hall meeting
by Mr. Wadds, of Cliveden Garden', seems to do
much better on the banks of the Thames than it
dues generally. The Parsley-leaved Rubus laciniatus,
it is well known, will succeed well on moderately dry
soils, if they be but deeply worked, and where
properly pruned and fed, produces splendid crops of
fine fruit. But the Kittatiny is somewhat earlier in
fruiting than is the other variety, and if it can be,
as at Cliveden, accommodated with a deep, retentive
soil, that is, even in winter, partially under water, it
will do well. The canes or rods shown at the Drill
Hill were about 5 feet long, and very heavily ladeu
fe ^ I
-
MR. JAS. McINDOE.
Winner of the First Prize in thp Victorian Fruit Class at the Shropshire Horticultural Society's Show.
(See p. 134.)
diverse tastes to associate themselves with the move-
ment. It may be urged that exhibitions of these
various flowers could not be held sinmltaneou-ly ;
but shows, after all, are very small matters compared
with the encouragement a combined association might
give to the culture and improvement of all the
florists' flowers named. No doubt the Southampton
Horticultural Society would feel aggrieved over the
formation of such a society, especially that its own
life is just now is very precarious, but it does next
to nothing for the encouragement of t' e flowers
mentioned, beyond holding a show of Chrysanthe-
mums in the autumn. However, the chief value
found in the announcement comes from the evidence
thus furnished of the interest which Carnations
and Picotees have aroused in the southern dis
tricts. Clearly the National Society must look to
its laurels if the Southern Counties Society be
formed. A . 1).
with fruit, which proved to bo exceedingly pleasant
eating — much superior, indeed, to fruit of Wilson,
Junior, sent for comparison. A. D. [We have also
received specimen of fruits and a letter from Messrs.
Wm. Fell & Co., Hexham. Ed.]
CURE FOR POTATO -SO A B. — From many ex-
periments which have been made during the present
season at different experimental stations in the United
States, on the question of the prevention of Potato-
Bcab, which so seriously interferes with the saleable
condition of the tubers, it appears that a real pre-
ventive has now been discovered, provided the land
upon which the Potatos are set has not previously
been contaminated with the disease ; and even when
that is the case, the disease has been considerably
Ie-sened. The following is the formula to be fol-
lowed : — Make a solution of corrosive sublimate
(which can be obtained at the chemists), one part to
a thousand parts of water — that is to say, 1 oz. of
the sublimate to 62J lb. of water. Immerse the
tubers in the solution for two hours, shortly previous
to planting ; take out and allow them to dry, when
they may be cut if required. It is advisable to
choose sets that are not themselves affected with the
scab. J. J. Willis, Harpenden. [Care must be taken
with this highly poisonous substance. Ed.]
ASTERS INJURED BY WORMS.— I grow a good
many, and have frequently had them attacked by
some kiud of small worm. A strongish watering of
dissolved nitrate of soda has generally settled the
matter, and greitly benefited the bloom. /. Z. L.
THE LONGEVITY OF SEEDS.— In reference to a
paragraph in your last issue, I am inclined to think
no time will destroy some seeds under certain con-
ditions. In 1894 I double dug 20 inches deep some
turf for planting. The turf is a portion of the park
here, and was enclosed from Needwood forest in
1037. As far as I know it has never been disturbed,
but as soon as it was dug a quantity of Gurse sprang
up in all directions. There is no Guise near it. I
give the fact for what it is wort'i. /. Z. Levitt,
\Vychnor Park, Barton onTrmt.
THE LONGEVITY OF SPORES.— Your short note
in last week's issu-^ upou Mr. Charles Naudin's con-
tribution t) the Balb tin of tin Sociitt Ntitionah
d'Acclimatation on 'The Longevity of Seeds and
their Preservation in the Earth " is particularly
interesting, as indicating the possibility of obtaining
rare plants from seeds deposited by them in sift/, the
plants themselves, it may be, being difficult of
removal, or, being removed, perishing in transit, or
subsequently. A particular instance of this kind
within my own knowledge occurred some years ago in
the case of a finely-crested form of the Parsley Fern
( Allosorus crispus) found at Leathwaite, which, in the
hands of Mr. J. M. Barnes, throve for some years,
affording me an opportunity of seeing it ; but then,
as is frequently the case with this species xmder
culture, it got out of condition, and p'rished. As it
represented the only recorded variety in the spuies,
and was a very good form in addition, the loss was
much regretted ; but it occurred to Mr. Barnes to
make a fresh search at the spot where it was found,
and which fortunately could be determined exactly.
Ho did this, but failing to find another specimen, it
occurred to him to bring away a quantity of the
earth with him. This earth he distributed over pre-
pared paus, with the result that he obtained a liberal
crop of the characteristically-crested plants, the spores
of which had evidently been lying dormant in the
soil. Considering the great difficulty, o'teu insur-
mountable, experienced by observant travellers
n not merely securing new, or presumably new,
plants which they meet with, but in main-
taining them subsequently in a living state until
they can be suitably installed for cultivation,
a very valuable suggestion is embodied in
such recorded facts as these. Hare Ferns and
Orchids must, as a rule, spread a liberal annual crop
around them of these spores and seeds, and thus
afford ample opportunities for their introduction in a
form which presents next to no difficulty of trans-
port ; all that is necessary being to follow Mr. Barnes'
procedure, and spread the soil thinly over properly-
prepared compost, and subject the same to the
temperature proper to the habitat whence it was
derived. Since, too, spores and many seeds are dis-
seminated by the wind to considerable distances,
travellers would do well to collect surfaco soil in
likely places where rare plants are prevalent and
collections rare ; it would be odd indeed if the
resulting crop would not yield a host of interesting
things with a fair percentage of new ones With
regard to the Helianthemum seeds found in soil from
the Sahara deserts, their presence there does not
necessarily imply longevity, since assuming the flower
to be indigenous, they might be annually distributed
from far distant oases by the wind-storms peculiar to
that region. Sunflower seeds are sometimes used as
food, and they might, if found on the recognised caravan
tracks, be simply dropped en route. In any case, to
spread such imported earth over flowerbeds intro-
duces a great element of uncertainty in the ultimate
results. Cka.i. T. Dmery, F.L.S.
BRICK-COVERED VINE- BORDERS.— Your corre-
spondent, Mr. Markham, is evidently not favourably
impressed with a brick covering on Vine-borders.
I have found it to answer admirably here — indeed,
far beyond my most sanguine expectations ; in proof
of which, I invite Mr. Markham, or anvone else in-
terested in Grape-growing, to pay me a visit. _ The
visit must be within the next tea days or a fortnight,
as we are now cutting from the house to which I
130
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 21, 1897.
wish to draw attention. The brick-covering is not
intended as a fertilising agent ; it is merely
placed on the border to prevent it being trodden
upon, to maintain on the surface an equable moisture,
and to encourage the roots to come to the surface.
This is the result of the brick covering here ; but the
bricks here do not show green moss, such as described
by Mr. Markham. This, together with the soddened
state of the border underneath, betrays, I am afraid,
a too free use of water at times when it was not
wanted. Briefly, my practice ia something like
this : — After washing the house, pruning the
Vines, and dressiog them with some insecticide,
we then remove the bricks out of our way ;
take away any loose exhausted earth we find on the
surface ; examine whether the roots are on the surface
and whether the border is wet or dry ; if the latter,
we open the border gently with a fork, taking care
not to break any of the roots which we invariably
find scattered all over the surface. This done we
throw on a liberal sprinkling of Thompson's Vine
Manure, washing it in with a free and liberal ap-
plication of water. This operation is followed by a
top-dressing of healthy yellow loam, also freely
mixed with more of Thompson's. The bricks are
then placed on, and the house may now be pro-
nounced ready for another year's Grape campaign.
After all this treatment it will be seen that care
must be taken not to pour water indiscriminately on
to those bricks, or the Boddening of the border
mentioned by Mr. Markham will be the result, first
satisfy yourself that the roots are well at work and
in a fit state to receive and assimilate moisture. I
cannot cut and send a whole house of Grapes up to the
Drill Hall, but if the Royal Horticultural Society
should think it worth their while to send some one
here to see those Grapes and report thereon, I shall
be very pleased to see them. The above Vines have
been planted thirty-five years. W. Miller.
THE WINE-BERRY.— I herewith send you a few
specimens of fruit of Rubus phamicolasius, the
Japanese Wine-berry, introduced a few years ago, and
acknowledged to be one of the most valuable of its
kind. It is very vigorous in growth, attaining a
height of 5 or C feet, and perfectly hardy. Its leaves
are a dark green outside and silvery underneath.
The young shoots are covered with a reddish-brown
hair or moss, which makes it look, perhaps, odd, but
handsome. The fruit is borne in large clusters, often
60 and 100 berries on one bunch, and the flavour of
the fruit is different from any other berry, being
sprightly, sweet, and juicy, with a delicate luscious
flavour, peculiar to itself, and superior to others of
the same family. For cooking purposes, nothing
can be compared to it, as it still retains its fre h
flavour. The fruit commences to ripen early in
July, and continues for a very long time, and
it also makes delicious jelly. The specimens
sent are from the well - kept gardens of Lady
Howard de Walden, De Walden Lodge, Eastbourne,
and are grown on the chalk for the last three years,
thanks to Mr. Simmonds, the gardener, who prides
himself in all her ladyship's botanical pets, which are
very numerous. J. D. [The plant was figured in the
Gardeners' Chronicle, 18S6, vol. xxvii., p. 365, and lias
frequently been exhibited at the Royal Horticultural
Society. Ed.]
ROSA WICHURAIANA.— This seems quite at home
rambling on the face of rockwork at De Walden
Lodge, Eastbourne. It resembles the Macartney forms,
with small glossy foliage and long trailing growths,
flowers pure white, and yellow stamens — a lovely
hardy and beautiful RoBe for rockwork, &c. J, /).
THE HORSE-CHESTNUT AND
ITS ALLIES.
^Esculus (including Pavia).— Among the larger
trees of cool temperate regions there are few of the
size of the Horse-Chestnuts that equal them in their
combined beauty of flower and leaf. In our own
country, certainly, there is none among what may be
termed flowering trees possessing the stature and
bulk of the common Horse-Chestnut, along with such
a stately beauty when fully in bloom. Of the eight
or nine species in cultivation it is by far the largest ;
the others (under the conditions that obtain in this
climate) never get beyond the dimensions of small
trees or shrubs. The two sections of the genus—
^Esculus and Pavia— were at one time kept up as
separate genera on the strength of the fivepetalled
corolla and spiny, thick-valved fruit of the .Esculus ;
and the four petals and smooth fruit with thin
valves of the Pavia". But in both the American
JE. glabra, and the Asiatic JE. turbinata, these dis-
tinctions break down, each species possessing some of
the characters that pertain to both sections.
The following list includes all the species in
cultivation : —
European.
JE. Hippocastanum.
Asiatic.
JE. chinensis (identity doubtful).
JE. iudica.
JE. turbinata.
North American.
JE. californica (Pavia).
JE. flava (Pavia).
JE. glabra.
JE. parviflora (Pavia macrostachyal.
JE. Pavia (sjn. Pavia rubra).
Of Hybrid Origin.
JE. carnea (JE. rubicunda).
Many garden forms.
JE. carnea is almost certainly of hybrid origin,
but its history is unknown. There is also quite
a crowd of forms, hybrid or selected, belonging to
the very variable .E. flava and .E. Pavia, many
of them being intercrosses between those Bpecies.
In this class are to be included the trees (none
of them real species) known in gardens and nur-
series under one or other of the following names:
bicolor, hybrida, lucida, lutea, Lyoni, macrocarpa,
neglecta, pallida, Whitleyi, &c. Some of them are
amongst the most ornamental and richly-coloured of
the smaller sorts — superior, indeed, to the ep;cies
from which they have been derived ; but the
differences between a goodly proportion of them are
so slight, and there are so many whose characters
have never been properly defined, that it would be
a long and difficult task to unravel them at this date.
In the following notes the leading types only are
considered.
All the iEsculus like a rich, moist, loamy soil.
With the exception of JE. californica and JE. indica,
which Bhould always be given the most shel-
tered positions available, they are quite hardy.
Propagation by moans of seed ! is, of course,
the most desirable as a meius to vigour
and long life. The seeds of the Hor^e-Chestnut
should be sown as soon as they fall ; when put away
under the conditions suited to the majority of stored
seeds, they rapidly lose their vitality. Budding and
grafting, but chiefly the former, have to be resorted
to in the case of named varieties and hybrids.
JE. carnea (rubicunda) thrives perfectly on the
Horse Chestnut, as do also the latter's own varieties
but it is not a suitable stock for the less robust and
smaller growing species and varieties of the Pavia
section. They should be worked on stocks of their
own group. It may be mentioned that the buds to
select are not the ones on the leafy portion of the
young shoot, where, of course, the thick, swollen
base of the petiole is in the way, but the small
crowded buds at the base of the shoot, and nearest
the old wood, which in ordinary circumstances are
dormant.
JE. californica.
A rare species in cultivation here, and only likely
to be hardy in the southern counties, where however
it thrives well and flowers. Like several of the
-Esculus, it varies greatly in stature and bulk in a
wild state. Sargent (who figures it in his Sylva, tt.
71, 72) says it is oftenest a shrub 10 feet to 15 feet
high, with spreading branches ; but sometimes a
widely-branched tree, 30 feet to 40 feet high. The
leaflets are usually five in number on each leaf, but
vary from four to seven ; they are borne on short
Btalks, the smaller ones almost sessile, faintly toothed,
and there is a slight pubescence beneath when they
are young. The raceme is erect, and although not
so large as some, is one of the most ornamental in
the genus. It is 6 inches or more long, with the
white or pale rose flowers closely set, and numerous.
The fruit is slightly pear-shaped, and 2 to 3 inches
long, carrying as a rule one feed. In California
it flowers in May, but not till a month later in
this country. It was first introduced by Messrs.
Veitch, and they were also the first to flower it,
at Exeter in July, 1858. It is a native of the Upper
Sacramento river, California, and on the western slopes
of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For tree-lovers in
favoured distiicts it is a tree worthy of notice, not
only because of the beauty of its flowers, but also
for the length of time over which the flowering
season extends.
JE. CARNEA (THE SCARLET HORSE-CHESTNUT).
Of the Horse-Chestnuts with coloured flowers, this
is certainly the most ornamental. It is far from
being as large a tree as JE. Hippicastanum, and rarely
exceeds 30 feet in height. Of its origin nothiog
definite is known, but it is believed to be a hybrid —
possibly between the common Horse- Chestnut and
..E. Pavia. It is at once distinguishable from the
former of these by its leaves ; they are of a deeper
green, the leaflets have a more uneven surface, and
are also more or less curved and twisted. The
flowers are borne in racemes 8 to 10 inches long, the
flowers being a rich rosy-scarlet. On first opening,
each petal is marked by an orange-yellow blotch at
the base, which afterwards becomes a deep red. This
red colouring matter, to which the flowers owe their
beauty, also peimeates other parts of the plant ; the
leaf-stalks are often of a rich rhubarb-red, as are also
the mid-rib of the leaflets and the main and secondary
flower stalks. There are several forms of this Horse-
Chestnut in cultivation, whose differences consist
chiefly in a varying depth of colour. The finest of
them all is var. Briotii, its flowers appearing in larger
racemes, and being of a richer red than any other.
JE. flava (Sweet Bcckeye).
A tree about 30 feet high, as a rule, but, according
to Sargent, met with in America sometimes as a mei e
shrub, or, on the other hand, as much as 90 feet in
height. Each le f has from five to seven leaflets,
that taper towards both ends, but more abruptly
towards the a;iex ; they are pubescent beneath, espe-
cially on the midrib and veins, the pubescence being
mosty whitish, but occasionally of a reddish-brown.
The racemes are 4 or 5 inches high, and (in what
may ba considered as the typical form) the flowers
are pale yel'ow. But this is a most variable tree, and
has apparently hybridised with other Ameiiean
species. There is, in consequence, a large number of
varieties in cultivation, many of which have been
nimed. The sorts grown as neglecta, hybrida,
I.yoni, macrocarpa, pallida, discolor, and others, all
belong to this species, or are hybrids in which it
predominates ; but variations equal in importance to
those that some of them show may sometimes be
discovered in a batch of seedlings raised from a single
tree. It is a native of the Eastern United States, and
is a superior tree to JE. glabra, from which it is to
be distinguished by its short stamens, which are
hidden by the petals. II. J. Bean.
(2*o ',.■ continued.)
Scotland.
A BATCH OF NEW STRAWBERRIES.
In these days some of our skilled horticultural
experts Beem to make new Strawberries as easily as
they mate new sovereigns at the mint, and it is said
they are produced for the same reason, namely, that
sovereigns and Strawberries alike wear out. The
sovereign in course of transference to many hands and
pockets becomes a mere shadow of its former self, and
its destiny is the smeltiug-pot. Among Strawberries
when vital force becomes weak, a cross, or new stream
of fresh blood gives us a New Leader, a Royal
Sovereign, a Monarch, a Prince, a Princess, a Lord
and Lady, Veitch's Perfection, or What Not, endowed
with new life and energy.
We are very far from saying that all the new
Strawberries are better than the old ones, the two
Strawberries that have held the field on either side
the Tweed — Garibaldi [This is Vicnmtesse Hc'icart
August 21, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
131
du Thitry. Ed.] on the North and Paxton on the
South, will need a very great deal of heating, and no
one seems to wish that either should he driven off
the field, so useful has each been in the past, is now,
and is likely to coutiuue to he for many years to
come.
Tho writer will not readily forget the look that
passed over the face of a field-grower of Strawberries
in the North a few days since, who complained so
loudly of the conduct of Garibaldi this year that the
writer, half in fun, half in earnest, advised him to
root them up and plant at once with Royal Sovereign.
" Na, na, mon ; na gif ye planted the Sovereigns for
Denmark, and Kichard Gilbert are also fine prolific
varieties, filling a large portion of the Strawberry
season — the Priucess of Wales promising to be a good
second to Royal Sovereign, Garibaldi, or Earliest of-
AU ; and Richard Gilbert, in firmness of texture and
quality, the coming substitute for the most useful
Paxton. Veitch's Perfection, a cross between Waterloo
and British Queen, has also gaiued a rapid reputation
for quality and fruit fulness. The seedlings raised by
Mr. Allan, of Guuton Park, Norwich, are also growing
into favour with market men. and extending into
private gardens. The opinion of several Strawberry
expeits has recently been given to the effect that
WILLIAM MILLER.
(Gardcnc] at Combe Abbey for tlie pasl thirty-six years, and Senior Judge tl the
Shropshire Horticultural Society's Show'.)
nauthing. Garibaldi is an old tried fieend, that has
maistly dune weel by me, and I maun just stick til't,
or give up Strawberry growing."
Such Btrong conservative feelings, though not often
so strongly expressed, largely prevail among fruit-
growers. It proves also a useful antidote to the too
rapid substitution of new varieties for old. The
former should always be tried tentatively, as few
plants are more influenced than Strawberries by soil
and climate. From the Laxton mint at Bedford,
Royal Sovereign and Latest - of - All may safely
be planted in quantity. Early Laxton and
Monarch are also promising sorts. Mr. Carmi-
chael's four, Prince and Princess of Wales, Queen of
Lord Suffield aud Gunton Park Strawberries not only
match but exeee 1 in flivoiir British Queen and
Dr. Hog*. Such testimony might have caused raisers
to pause in their work. It seems, however, to have
only roused Mr. Allan to uew efforts among his
favourite fruits. Hence, at the show at Norwich he
showed Lady Suffield, a cross between Lord Suffield
and Empress of India.
I have also had the pleasure of tasting and carefully
comparing and contrasting Lady Suffield with other
fine stindard varieties, old and new. I have no
hesitation in stating that for unique flavour and de-
licious aroma this promising Strawberry probably
excels all which have preceded it. It has been said
to combine tho best qualities of both parents. I
should rather define the flavour as a choice blend of
British Queen, Frogmore Late Pine, with a dash of
the old Hautbois.
Two promising Strawberries have been shown
at the last meeting of the Scottish Horticultural
Assoc:ation in Edinburgh. One a fine large fruit,
W. E. Gladstone, of which tho stock is held by James
Grieve & Sons of the Redbraes Nursery, Edinburgh ;
tho other, Thomas Carlyle, a cross between Garibaldi
and Dr. Hogg, in which the first parent has shown
its prepotency in habit, earl'ness, aud fertility, and
a rich smack of Dr. Hogg is di-tiuctly realized.
In case so many novelties shoulel confuse some
steady-going readers and growers, I would recommend
Garibaldi, Royal Sovereign, La Grosse Sucree for tl e
main early crop ; British Queen where it eloes well,
Dr. Hogg, Gunton Park, Richard Gilbert, Sir J.
Paxton, and President for main crop ; and Lord
Suffield, Prince of Wales, Waterloo, and Latest-of
All for the latest. By growing Fome of the latter on
borders ]on the north side of walls, another month
may he added to the leng'h of the Strawberry season.
When in Peith the other day I was not surprised t>
find growers still swearing by the Elton Tine as their
bett and latest Strawberry. /'. T. F.
Trees and Shrubs.
ITEA VIRGINICA.
When properly treated, this North American shrub
is very eirnamental, yet it appeals in late years t »
have fallen into neglect. It is the more valuable
because it flowers during July and August, when
hardy shrubs in bloom become scarce. It grows
naturally in wet situations in several of the Eastei n
I'niteel .States, and an abundance of moisture, together
with a rich loamy foil aud a sunny position, are its
chief requirements under cultivation. It grows into
a rounded bush 3 or 4 feet high (perhaps more ulti-
mately), and ha3 lanceolate, dirk green leaves about
3 inches long, pointed and minutely toothed. The
flowers arc very numerous, anel closely set on an
erect, simple, and cylinelrical raceme, which measures
about 4 inches in leugth. The flowers aro rather
dull white, scarcely half-an-inch across, with five
linear pointed petals. When the plant is seen at its
best, these racemes are borne abundantly, and it is
then as ornamental as Cletbra aloifolia, which it
resembles. But that shrub, of course, belongs to the
Heath family, whilst the Itea is one of the shrubby
Saxifra^acea-. It is an old garden plant, and is said
to have been cultivated by Archibald, Duke of Argyll,
in 1711. IF. /. />'.
Sweden,
Stockholm. — The second hoiticultural show in
connection with the General Art and Industrial Exhi-
bition in Stockholm, was held on July 30 to August 2.
The show was well attended. Large decorative-
planti and fruits and vegetables were well represented.
There were also good collections of hardy annual
and perenuial flowers, and decorative arrangements
of flowers.
The Swedish Horticultural Society of Stockhulm
had invited horticulturists from the whole of the
country to a conference. On Saturday, July 31,
delegates from the different societies met, aud on
Sunday, August l,the general meeting, which was
attended by about 400 persons, took place in the
House of Parliament (Riksdagsbuset).
There were in all seven questions on the pro-
giamme. The first and the chief one related to the
formation of a fund for the purpose of relief to gar-
deners, nurserymen, and their families, when in need.
The debate was opened by Herr Knut Bovin, who
spoke about the necessity of a better organisation of
gardeners and nurserymen in the interest of the
whole trade, as well as of the individual members,
and pointed out how in other countries great results
132
THE GA R D E NE R S' GHR 0 NI CLE.
[August 21 1897.
were achieved in this direction. Ho read out somo
extracts from the rules of the English Gar-
deners' Orphan Fund and the Gardeners' Royal
Benovoleut Institution, and recommended that a
similar organisation should be established in Sweden.
The matter was referred to the Swedish Horticul-
tural Society in Stockholm, which has to appoint
a committee to work out a plan of organisation to
be laid before the societies in the different parts of
the country.
The second question — the formation of a National
Horticultural Society — was considered nearly allied
with the first one, and was referred to the same body
to be dealt with.
Tho next conference is to be held, in connection
with a horticultural exhibitiou at Maliuo, in tho
year 1900.
From September 23 to 30 this year an autumn ami
fruit-show is to be held here in Stockholm. M — g.
SOCIETI ES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.
August 10.— Present: Dr. M. T. Masters (in the chair);
Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. Bonavia, and Rev. G. Honslow, Hun.
S c.
VUe-leaves Defective.— Some Vine-leaves, which appeared to
have decayed prematurely were exhibited. No fungus was
present, and their defective appearance was attributable to
too high cultivation, guano being freely used, with great
heat, and too much water, such being quite consistent with
their appearance.
R-.bes aureum in Frvit.— Dr. Masters exhibited a branch,
bearing a racems of ripe purple-black berries, of this common
shrub. Though introduced by Mr. Douglas from California,
the fruit has rarely if over been seen before. It was received
from Mr. Veitch.
Chrysantliemum-kavcs Attacked by Grubs.— These were re-
ceived from Mr. Jenkins, and were forwarded to Mr.
McLachlan, who reports "that the grubs are very young
larvae of the ' Silver Y-moth ' (Plusia garanii). It will attack
almost anything. They should be destroyed by hand-
picking." The caterpillars are doing considerable damage to
the Chrysanthemums.
Grcen-floictrcd Cross-leaved Heath.— Dr. Masters showed
specimens of this unusual condition. It resembles the
"Wheat-eared" Carnations sent to the last meeting, and
consists of an abnormal repetition of ciliated bracts ; the
flower in the centre having been arrested in consequence
of an attack by sonic giub.
Ptlarganiums Decaying. — Examples of the varieties Vesuvius
and West Brighton were shown, which had decayed from
the collar upwards. It was attributed to too deep planting.
They had large roots, and had been apparently quite healthy
when planted, some being over two-year-old plants.
Possibly they were attacked by a slime-fungus.
HASTINGS AND ST. LEONARDS
HORTICULTURAL.
AUGUST 11. --There are few prettier places on the south
coast For an exhibition of (lowers than the Alexandra Park,
Hastings, and the above show was one of the best held by
the Society. The exhibits were good throughout, but espe-
cially so the plants, groups, fruit, and table decorations.
Mr. T. Portnell, gr. to Sir A. Lamb, Bart., Battle, was
very successful with plants, winning 1st prizes in all classes
open to him. Mr. A. Gadd, gr. to P. A. Eagles, Esq., fol-
lowed ia the majority of cases. Particularly noticeable
were Ixora javanica and I Fraseri, Statice Gilberti, Ronde-
letia speciosa major, Pbormiuiu variegatum Voitchi, Phoenix
dactjliftra, and Arcca Baucri, among Mr. Portnell's many
plants. Mr. F. Morris, gr. to C. J. Ehpen, Esq., Hastings,
was also very successful here. Mr. Portnell again led for
stove and greenhouse (lowers.
Mr. J. Sthedwiik, Silverhill, Hastings, won for twelve
Cactus, for twelve bunches of Pompones, and for twelve
show or fancy Dahlias, his examples of Matchless, Cyril, and
D iffudil being very good.
Mr. T. Durrant YouNu, Eastbourne, was 1st for twenty-
our cut Roses, closely followed by R. E. West, Esq., Reigate.
Table decorations were especially good, Mr. Notcutt, St.
Leonard's, winning for thrcestands (open), and Miss Smith,
St. Leonard's, for three stands (.ladies only).
FRuir, especially Melons and Grapes, were good. Eight
competed in a class for three bunches of Black Hamburgh
Gripes, Mr. O.min, gr. to the Duchess of CLEVELAND,
Battle, just beating Mr. J. Gore, Polcgate, who was 1st for
three of any other black with Gros Maioc, and for three of
Buckland Sweetwater. A collection of eight dishes found
M i Go RE well ahead.
Vegetables were much in advance of expectation for ^o
dry a season, and upon the warm, shallow soils of the neigh-
bourhood. A. P.
BISHOP'S STORTFORD FLOWER SHOW.
August 11. — The annual show of the Bishop's Stortford
Horticultural Society took place on tho above date, at the
Grange, Bishop's Stortford, by permission of Mr. J. Barker,
J.P. The exhibits numbered over 1200, and were fully up
to the usual high average quality.
Among the nurserymen who exhibited were Messrs. T.
Rivers & Son, of S iwbridgeworth, who had a choice collec-
tion of pot fruit; Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, of Waltham
Cr.'ss, and Messrs. G. Paul & Son, of the Old Nurseries,,
Cbeshunt, both of whom showed collec!ion3 of hardy herba-
ceous plants and cut Roses; Messrs. R. Wallace &l Co., of
Colchester, who bad an attractive display of bulbous plants ;
Mr. W. Rumshv, of Waltham Cross, a tine lot of cut Roses;
and Messrs. A. B McMULLER & Co., of Hertford, a stand of
Sweet Peas.
In the competitive classes, there were some choice exhibits.
For a group of plants, Mr. J. Richardson, gr. to Sir James
Blyth, Bart. , of Blythwood, Xtanstel, took 1st prize; Mr.
T. Lodge, gr. to Mrs. Menet, Hockcrill, 2nd.
In the classes fur Begonias, which are always a strong
feature of this show, Mr. D. Patmorc, gr. to Mr. Charles
Gold, jun., was 1st.
In the Fruit classes, the white Muscat Grapes which took
1st prize were an exceptionally fine exhibit, as were also the
collections of fruit for which prizes were taken by Mr. B.
Calvert, gr. to Col. Hoiiklon ; Mr. E. Atkins, gr. to Miss
Pultenev ; and Mr. Beech, gr. to Mr. Jso. Barker. The
Grapes referred to were grown by E. Shclton, gr. to Mr.
J. Barker, J.P.
The cottagers' classes were also well filled, and the quality
of the produce was, considering the season, highly satis-
factory. There were upwards of thirty table decorations in
the ladies department, and also a number of very attractive
decorations of other kinds. A show of agricultural produce
was also held.
CARDIFF HORTICULTURAL.
Ai Gi BT 11, 12.— The ninth annual show was held in the
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Thf tents were pleasantly inter-
spersed on the lawns amongst the shady trees and shrub-
beries, which gave an air of agreeable informality to the
exhibition.
The groups of plants and the table decorations were
decidedly the best features of the show, and proved ex-
tremely attractive ; while fruit and vegetables, on tho
contrary, were fewer in quantity, and of niodci'ate quality.
Among cut tlowcrs, Roses wore splendid for tho season, as
were also Dahlias, but the competition was not extensive.
Bouquets, wreaths, crossos and sprays, were remarkably
fine.
In tho open class, a prize of £10, and a Silver Cup valued
at 2 guineas, for tho best group of miscellaneous plants,
arranged Ur effect, on a space of 100 square feet, was won
by Mr. McLew, gr. to John Gunn, LlandafT, with an
admirably -arranged group of graceful plants, which for
beauty of effect was charming. Conspicuous in the formation
of this group were some lovely specimens of Bamboos ; Messrs,
Case Bro.s, Cardiff, and Mr. R. Crosslins, Penarth. took
2nd and 3rd prizes respectively, both being good; but in
attempting to break away from the conventional circle
style, by making use of cork bridges, slightly overdid it, the
idea hardly Vicing suitable to the limited space of 100 feet
square.
In the amateur class, Mr McLew was again bum Eul
with a charming group occupying '»0 square feet ; Mr. W.
Carpenter, gr. to W. J. Bucklev, Esq., Mindly, was 2nd.
For the group occupying 25 squire feet, Mr. Rex, gr. to
- Walouon, Esq., Llandaff, was 1st.
For the best six stove or greenhouse plants in bloom, Mr.
Lockyer, gr. to J. C. Hanbukv, Esq., Pontypool Park, won
1st prize, with well-flowered plants of good species. Mr.
Lockyer also took the 1st prize for the best single specimen
plant in bloom.
In the open class for fcix Fuchsias, Mr. Hillard, an
amateur, won the 1st prize; and also secured a Certificate of
Merit for the best-grown Fuchsia iu the show.
Mr. L. Clarke, gr. to Col. Sir Edward Hill, Llandaff, took
1st prize for twelve plants for table decoration.
Mr. McLew carried oft* the 1st prize for the best six stove
or greenhouse Feins, with splendid specimens of Davallia
Mooreana, Adiautvuo plumosum, Microlepia hirta eristata,
Cibotium Baromctz, Asplenium nidus, and Gyninogramma
sehizophyll i.
A very handsome and well-grown collection of Ctti nas in
pots was exhibited by Mr. Ralph Crosslinu, Penarth,
which was deservedly awarded a Certificate of Merit b> the
committee. Amongst them, Reine Charlotto, Italia, and
Austria were noticeable, while John Crossling, a seedling
raised at Penarth, attracted attention.
In the cut-Mower section, Mi*. Ralph Crossling and Mr.
Stephen Treseder, Cardiff, took all the chief prizes for
Roses, the former alsi> winning the Royal Horticultural
Society's Silver Medal with his stand nf II. P., twelve varieties,
of three blooms each. The varieties in this stand were
Victor Verdier, Ulrich Brunner, Victor Hugo, Jean Soupert,
Mrs. John Laing, Foster Holmes, Horace Vernet, A. K.
Williams, Heinrich Sehultheis, Allied Colomb, Duchess of
Bedford, and Duke of Wellington.
For twelve bunches of Cactus Dahlias, Messrs. Kkvms,
Williams & Co., Salisbury, were 1st ; and Mr. William
Treseder, Cardiff, a good 2nd; wbilo John Basuam, Bay-
saleg, was awanled a special prize, and deservedly so, for
his collection. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. included
three new seedlings, Acaehon, Mary Service, and Britannia
which unquestionably gave their collection the priority.
For twenty-four Dahlia blooms, Messrs. Keynes, Williams
& Co., and Mr. W. Treseder, were 1st and 2nd respectively.
Iu the open class for table decorations, Messrs. Cask Bros.,
Cardiff, were 1st, and obtained the Royal Horticultural
Society's Silver Medal for a very effective arrangement. Mr.
Phelps, Cardiff, was 2nd.
Mr. A. E. Price, Cardiff, was 1st for the hand bouquet,
with a beaatiful arrangement of Odontoglu3sums, Cattleyas,
Pancratium, and Asparagus plumosus.
Fruit.— Mr. J. M. Franklen showed some fairly good
Grapes, and — Phillips, Esq., of Hereford, some good
Peaches. Pine-apples were inferior. Melons were good.
Mr. Basham, of Bassaleg, showed some fine euliuary Apples.
Veoetahles were shown well by Mr. Charles Foster, gr. to
Morgan S. Williams, Esq., Neath, who carried off the
principal prizes.
Trade Exhibits. -Mr. Win, jam Trfseder, Cardiff, showed
very nice herbaceous flowers, and some fine Dahlia blooms,
for which this firm has more than a local reputation. Mr
Birkenhead, of Sale, showed, as usual, a very fine collection
of Ferns ; and Messrs. Clibran, Altrincham, amongst othor
exhibits, had some good Viola blooms.
MARLOW HORTICULTURAL.
August 11, 12. —This Society held its annual exhibition on
the above dates in the Cricket Ground. This is the third
exhibition of the Socioty, which continues to grow iu
importance, and the exhibits on this occasion were generally
of good quality.
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, contributed 160 bunches of
hardy herbaceous Mowers and annuals, while Mr. C. TURNER,
Royal Nursery, Slough, also sent a not less meritorious
collection of Hoses, Carnations, Dahlias, and herbaceous
flowers.
Messrs. J. Laing iv. Sons sent a handsome group uf deco-
rative plants, and Mr. R. Owen, and Mr. Buck, Maidenhead.
plants, cut flowers, and floral designs.
Groups arranged for effect in a semicircle were a leading
feature, Mr. Blackmore, gr. to R. Hay Hurra v. Esq ,
Spiufield, Marlow, obtaining an easy 1st, with an arrange-
ment composed almost entirely of highly coloured foliage
plants.
Fruits were shown in numerous classes, and were of fair
average quality. The competition in the classes for collec-
tions of vegetables was keen.
TAUNTON DEANE HORTICULTURAL.
August 12.— This was the thhtieth annual show, tho
society having been established in 1-SGu; and there was no
falling off whatever perceptible in the interest the show
awakens in the district. The Vivary Park, which has been
greatly improved since it became the property of the town, was
charmingly fresh and green/and the grouping of tho various
tints admirable. The secretary, Mr. John S. Windsor, is an
admirable manager, and the judges were able to perform their
duties with ease. Soma falling off in the uumber of the
plants staged was apparent, but tho series of west of
England shows make a great demand upon exhibitors at
this season of the year. Cut flowers were numerous, and
their quality generally very good ; vegetables very fine ; and
table-decorations greater in quantity than is usual.
Specin.en stoveand greenhouse plants are always a feature
of great interest at Taunton, £20 being offered as a 1st prize
for twelve ; and Mr. J. Cypher of Cheltenham was here as
usual with somo very fine specimens, which took tho 1st
prize in this class, and the one for six plauts ; Mr. A.
Rowland, gr. to W. Brook, Esq., was 2nd.
In Division B, Mr. Rowland was 1st with twelve stove and
greenhouse plauts.
The best six plants came froai Mr. Thomas, gr. to W. G.
Marshall, Esq-1 Taunton.
Groups of plants arranged for effect were shown in two
classes, and in both of them Mr. Rowland, who has a keen
eye for a light and effective arrangement, took the 1st prize ;
Mr. Feel being 2nd. The latter had the bust six flowering
plants, chief among them being two g od specimens of Ericas
Marnockiana and Turnbulli.
Orchids wore shown in fours in two classes. Mr. Thomas,
gr. to W. G. Marshall, Esq., Taunton, was 1st in both.
Tuberous-rooted Begonias were well shown by Mr. Thomas
in two classes and by the Rev. J. D. Pring in another.
Cockscombs, Gloxinias, Achimenes, Fuchsias, Balsams,
Petunias, and Lilies are still invited, but they vary in quality
one year after another ; so long as they are retained in the
schedule so long will they be grown and exhibited. The
specimen Fuchsias fall behind those seen at Trowbridge
and ulscwhere. The best ncwly-introduccd flowering plant
wis Dipladenia boliviensis amabilis, from Mr. Rowland; the
best foliage plant, Croton Flamingo, a brilliant form, from
Mr. J. Cypher.
The best specimen stove plant was a fine piece of Stepha-
notis floribunda, from Mr. S. IJen'neit; and greenhouse
pi uit, a capital example of Dasylirlon aciotrichuiu, from Mr.
W. A. Sandeord.
Cut flowers are. very popular at Taunton, and they form a
August 21, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
133
leading feature. The best thirty-six, and also the best
twenty-four, came from Mr. J. Mattock, Headiugton,
Oxford; Messrs. J. ToWNSEND & Son, Worcester, wero 2nd
in both classes.
In the amateurs' division, Mr. Thomas Hobbs, Lower
Easton, Bristol, was 1st with twenty-four and twelve Roses,
and twelve Teas ; taking the 1st prizes in each with excellent
blooms for the time of year.
For Dahlias, Mr. GEORGE Humphries was 1st, with twelve
show, and also with twelve fancy varieties. Cactus and
decorative varieties, single and pompons, Mr. G. Hum-
phries staging pretty blooms of the latter. Phloxes were
shown in collections of twelve spikes. Quilted and flat-
petalled Asters, owing to the dry season, were below mark ; the
comet varieties came to the fore in the latter class. Gladioli
were shown iutwenty-fours and twelves ; and Phlox Drum-
mondii, which has quite displaced the Verbena, was'shown
in fine, fresh, attractive bunches.
Floral decorations included a table laid for eight pcrsous
with fruit and flowers, Mr. J. Cypher taking the lot prize,
with a charming arrangement.
FnuiT was a good feature, though owing to the scarcity of
some kinds, it was not shown so numerously as usual.
The best eight dishes, which consisted of Black Hamburgh
and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Bcllegarde Peaches, Pine-
Apples, Nectarines, Figs, Apples, Cherries aud Melons, came
from Mr. J. Lloyd, gr. to V. Stuckey, Esq., aud Mi*. Cross-
man, gr. to J. BRUTOH, Esq., Yeovil, was 2nd.
Mr. CrOSSMAN had the best four dishes, sotting up good
Madresficld Court Grapes, Dymond Peaehcs, Windsor Castlo
Nectaiine and Melon ; Mr. Lloyd took tho second pri/.e.
The classes for Grapes and Poaches were satisfactory.
Plums were not so numerous as usual. The best dossert Pears
were Williams' Bon Chretien aud Jargouello, tho former
evidently from an Orchard House ; tho beat dessert Apples,
lied Astrachan, Irish Peach, mid Beauty of Bath; the best
culinary, Lord Sultield, Po;isgood's Nonsuch, aud Warner's
King. Apricots, Bed and White Currants, with Cherries,
were also Bhown.
Vegetables. — There was a large display of vegetable?. The
special prizes offered by Messrs. Sutton A Bos , E, WEBB St
Sons, and Jarman & Co., brought fine collections ; and those
who are found declaiming against undue size, would fini I much
to criticise among those vegetables, and especially the P< it&tos,
shown at Taunton; but tho Potatos were handsome, clean,
and bright, and generally even in si/c. .Judges have shown
their preferences for siz: in Potatos, and exhibitors follow
their lead.
MiseeUaneout Exhibits included a magnificent collection of
ninety-six spikes of Gladioli, from Messrs. Kblway fc Son,
Langport. Mr. R. Vbitch & Son, Nurserymen, Exeter, had
a large and varied collection of plants and cut flowers,
occupying a considerable space. Messrs. Foot & Son,
Nurserymen, Sherborne, had cut examples of Cannas,
Dahlias, Violas, &c. Messrs. W. Tcrpin & Son. Florists,
Taunton, cut Dahlias, Carnations, Swoct Peas, &c. ; and
Messrs. Jarman & Co. a largo exhibit of Dahlias, Sweet
Peas, hardy flowers, Roses, Ac.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
August 12. Committa present: Win. Thomson, Esq.,
Walton Grange, in the chair; and Messrs. G. S. Ball, W. A.
Gent, Dr. Alexander Hodgkiuson, A. Warburtou, II. Green-
wood, P. Weathers, R. Johnson, an 1 J as. Anderson.
There were no groups presented on this occasion, but there
were f rty-seveu different plants submitted from various
owners. Amongst these wero four that obtained First- lass
Certificates, and twelve Awards of Merit.
Henry Steel, Esq., Taptou Court, Sheffield (Ed. llowarth,
gr. ), presented Odoutoglossum crispum var. Henry Sttel
This plant bore a spike with a dozen flowers of large size and
good substance, with pale lilac blotches, and having a lip of
large size similarly adorned (Award of Merit).
Mr. James Anderson, Wallace Avenue, submitted a very
high-coloured Cattleya Warneri magnifica (Award of Merit) ;
the segments were concolored of pretty rosy-crimson, the lip
deeper in colour. Tiie same exliibitor had a fine variety of
one of Jensen's imported Odontoglossum crispum, the lip
being large, aud finely blotched and spotted, which the com-
mittee asked to sec again The spike had seven flowers on
it. Cattleya superba splendens, and several varieties of
Cattleya Harrisoni, were also shown.
Walter Clarke, Esq., Wrexham (Mr. Thomas Jones, gr.),
had Cypripediurn Youngianum, in which is blended the
parents, l^vigatum and Veitchii ; also the beautiful Cypri-
pediurn Harrisander = Harrisi x Sanderianurn (A. M.) ;
this is an exceedingly showy and effective cross; also Cyp.
Alicj = C. Spicerianutn x Stonci.
Messrs. Chapxesworth & Co., Bradford, had several very
good things; the only plant getting an Award of Merit being
Cattleya Eldorado WaUisii, with albino segments, and having
a bright orange blotch at the base of the orifice of the lip ;
Cypripediurn X apieulatum and C. x Hypatia, Other good
exhibits were L;elio-Cattleva elegans, called Stelzneriana,
Odontoglossuni Pescatorei, and the fine hybrid Leelio-Cat-
tleya velutina.
Samuel Gkatrix, Esq., Whalley Grange (Mr. D. McLeod,
gr.), had a good fresh plaut of Cypripediurn x Gratrixiauuia
= Enfieldense x bellatulum. The flower was not fully
developed, but it is a distinct bellatulum cross, and it is
better tLao most of that progeny in having au elongated
peduncle (Award of Merit :,
Captain Schofiell> (Mr. Schill, gr.), had a beautiful form of
Laelio- Cattleya elegans (Award c f Merit) with an extra
brilliant lip, but the sepaline segments comparatively
narrow.
H. H- Bolton, Esq., Newchurch(Mr. Eastwood, gr.), put up
a fine variety of Lsolio- Cattleya crispa (Award of Merit),
which, when shown grown, may get the premier award ;
the lip is large and of fine quality.
Thomas Statter, Esq. (gr., Mr. K. Johnson), bad thu
effective and finely-finished Cattleya IJrymcriana, in which
the blood of superba and Eldorado was finely commingled
(Award of Merit) ; also, the old and seldom seen in
flower Cattloya Dowiana, fine, flat, typical flower (Award of
Merit) ; Cypripediurn Charles Canbam, large, but rather
dark in colour; La^lia elegans Bluutii, not a large flower,
but having a lip of surprising brilliancy (Award of Merit).
His chief exhibit, for which he received a First class Certi-
ficate in cut flowers was Cattleya Gaskclliana alba. This
was a flower of fine size, but not an albino, having tho
limbs slightly flushed ; indeed, the licence taken with
the name of alba is too great. Oreh id iphi lists wink at
any amount en the lip-limb of f-fiades of yellow, and
permit a pass to alba, but to no other colour. That matter
want.-, clearing up.
F. O. Wkhilev, Esq., Bury (Mr, Rogers, gr.), presented a
very fine coloured but not fully developed Cypripediurn
Luvrcneiauum. In first rate variety, this takes a prominent
place, although au old species.
John Leeman, Esq., West Bank (Mr. Edge, gr.), bad a
specimen placed with several large flowers of Stanhopea
tigrina (Award of Merit). These flowers were fully as good
as any we have seen. Among others submitted we may
name a good dark Laalio-Cattleya clcgaus, Cattleya Wars-
cewiczii and Gaskclliana.
Geo. BBORLAHD Ball, Esq. Mr. Alex. Hay, gr.), had a
First-class Certificate for a grand variety of Bla&devallia
Veitchiaua grandifiora. It was only a small plant having a
few brilliant flowers on it, the gold and the crimson merging
and contrasting well ; it will fill well when larger. The same
gentleman had also a lino form of Cattleya Gaskclliana in a
smallish plant with tho segments snow white without flaw,
aud the ground colour of the lip also white with the lemon
blotch in the orifice of the lip, with faint stencillings of
rjse.ito-piuk towards the extremity of the blade exactly
as in Cattleya labiata bclla, described by me in Gardeners'
Chronicle in IS96, and precisely similar to Cattleya labiata
Measures! noticed by your London Orchid correspondent.
Mr. Alexander Hodgkinson, The Grange, WilmsIow( Mr,
Joseph Moore, gr.), had a First-class Certificate for Lalia
monophylla, with more tban two dozen flowers on it, which
also received a Cultural Commendation This was really the
gem of the meeting. It is the only Lajlia we have from
Jam aii' i, and it has been grown comparatively cool. Crowds
of connoisseurs were about it after the award. It is about
intermediate in size between Lalia eiunabarinaand Sophron-
ites grandiftora, and the colour is oven more brilliant, withou
a single shade of other colour. The lip juts out, depending
from an oblong column shaft— interesting and most beau-
tiful. A First-class Certificate was awarded to SoDialia
Hodgkinsoni (Rolfe). This is in the way of S. Lucasiana, of
excellent form, and the whole of tho segments having a pint
glow. Tho lip is of good form, more sessile than most of its
compeers, with the blade extremity of glowing cerise, with
white median line, and stopping short at the centre, i i
which the lemon solid blotch springs, the column, which is
white, being scarcely convex. The best other things were
Cattleya Ilex and C. Kldorado splcti lens. J. A.
NATIONAL CABNATION & PICOTEE.
(Northern Division).
August 14.— This society held its annual exhibition in the
Annexe of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Manchester. Tbe
quality of both Carnations and Picotees was good, and in
some of the classes thero was a brisk competition, Mr T.
Lord, Holebottom, Todmorden, taking the premier prize for
the fifteenth year without a break.
For twelve Carnations, bizarres aud flakes, white
grounds, all dissimilar, Mr. Lokd was 1st. The following
were the best blooms : George, Master Fred, Gordon Lewis,
T S. Iledley, Bruce Findlay, Magpie, Mr. Rowan, Houlgrave,
Ed, Curzon, Mr. T. Lord, and Thaddeus. Mr. J. 'Edwards,
Blackley, was 2nd.
For twelve Picotees, white grounds, all dissimilar, Mr. T.
Lord was again 1st, and Mr. KbnyoN, Bury, was 2nd.
For six Carnations, bizarres and flake?, white grounds, dis-
similar, Mr. C. Head, Hebden Bridge, was 1st, with George,
Magpie, Edith Annie, Crista-galli, Master Fred, and Robert
Houlgrave ; Mr. C. F. Thurston, Wolverhampton, was 2nd.
For twelve selfs only, not more than two flowers of one
variety, Mr. T. Lord was again 1st, having the beautiful
yellow Germania, Beauty, Mrs. Fred. Joe Willett, Topsy,
&c. Mr. Edwards was 2nd ; Emir and Fire King were best
here.
For six selfs, not more than two flowers of one variety,
Mr. C. F. Thurston was 1st; King of Scarlets was grarjd,
also Surprise. Mr. E. Shaw was 2nd.
Mr. C. Head took the prize for the best Picotee in the
show ; Mrs. II. Harnbro was by far the best white, an
exhibit very full an I of good size.
For six fancy or yellow-ground Carnations and Picotees,
Mr. Sik.lle, Henley, was 1st: Monarch and Mr. Edwards
were tine blooms ; the 2nd and 3rd pri2cs went to Messrs.
Erulklluuk.-u, Mostin, aud Kekyon, Bury.
Mr. Lord hid the best scarlet bizarre in Admiral Curzon,
and also the best crimson bizarre with Master Fred, also best
pink and purple with Edith Anne, and the best scarlet flake
with Sportsman. Mr. Joe Edwa rds had the best rose flake
with Mrs. Kowan. " Tender " from E. R. Brown was a fine
flower. Mr. Lord was again largely to the fore on purple
flakes with Gordon Lewis.
Picotees. — Mr. Lord was 1st with John Smith and Bru-
nette in heavy-edged reds. In light-edged reds Mr. Joe
Edwards with Thomas Wallao. In heavy edged purplos
and in the single bloom classes he held his own throughout.
Fjrst class Certificates were awarded to Mr. Lord for a line
flaked bloom called Mr. T. Lord, and to Mr. Beswick for a
finely-formed Picotee still to name. /. A.
The Show-house at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The spau-roofed show-bouse was ablaze with varieties of
Campanula pyramidalis. On the other side was a grand lot
of Lilium lancifolium of the darkest red-spotted strain, with
many hundreds of expanded flowers. These, with Hy-
drangca paniculata, made a glorious display. In addition, we
may mention that showy hardy bulb rising above the sur-
face of the pot, lla;inanthus magnificus, which completely
beggars for effect the older H. pun iccus ; the lustre of tho
globular heads is quite coral-likc, and the yellow anthers
make a grand top ornament.
THE ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICUL-
TURAL.
August 16.- A very interesting annual meeting of this
Society was held on the above date, Monro Ferguson,
Esq., M.P., the President, in the chair. The Secretary, Mr.
Robert Galloway, read out a list of sevtnty-threc new
members, the best possible proof of the vigour and life of this
useful Society.
The Chairman seemed in a hopeful tone, while regretting
the little support received from the Government, which he
assured the Society did not arise from lack of willingness to
give money help on the part of the Government, but
far more for want of public sympathy aud support.
Landlords, factors, foresters, timber merchants, ant tho
public at large were all interested in the production of
timber of tbe highest quality at the cheapest rate. Its slow
growth under the most favourable conditions told seriously
against its increased production. While the farmer reaped
one or more crops a year from his land, the planter
may have to wait several generations for his profit.
Forestry was far more dependent on landlords for capital
than was agriculture, yet it was the last that had been first
in their favour. The proprietors of Scotland, who had done
so much to stimulate scientific agriculture in practice, had
done practically nothing for commercial forestry. They had
mostly confined themselves to forming the most beautiful
pleasure-grounds in the world. This, however, was rather
landscape-gardening than forestry. Factois and foresters,
too, for lack of proper schools of fores-try, had too often to
buy their knowledge at the expense of owners. There aro
also other difficulties and discouragements to prevent
owners going in for large outlays on woods. lie was
therefore driven to the conclusion that any consider-
able extension of timber-growing must be undertaken
and partly managed by the Government. Still, if he could
under present conditions counsel them to plant more, it
was to all their interest to plant, well aud sell better if
possible. Forestry to succeed under private management
must have its records and its working plans kept carefully
as title deeds, and posted up like ledgers. We believe thai
with the establishment of State forests, there would be
prompt improvement in the Timber management of private
estates.
But the time had not yet ci me for State forests in Britain,
and indeed there were differences of opinion among arbori-
eulturalists on the subject. But they were unanimous as to
the need of a school or schools of forestry and experi-
mental areas, and he believed that much of the future
success of forestry lay in these direction s, and this
Society seemed the only available instrument able and
willing to promote these desirable objects. He called upon
them not to relax their efforts until they had made suitable
provision for the training of foresters, so that they raigfct
remove the waste and ignorance besetting an industry
which ought to rank, in Scotland at least, in honour and
usefulness abreast of agriculture.
Professor Someuv i ilk, in moving a hearty vote of thanks
to the Chan-man, condemned the Government for ignoring
forestry, and doing nothing to foster it in the Highlands.
Professor Somervillc then gave an able summary of the
prize and other essays, with the somewhat stringent
criticisms of the judges, which ought'to prove instructive
to the writers.
On the motion of Mr. M. Dunn, Dalkeith, the judges were
thanked for their report, which was remitted to a com-
mittee.
Forestry lx the Yi> roRlAM Bra.
Mr. M. Dunn, Dalkeith, afterward* delivered au address
on "Forestry in Scotland during the Sixty Years of the
Queen's Reign." During the List sixty years, he said, sub-
stantial advance had been made, not only in the introduc-
tion of new species of trees and shrubs, and improved
methods of management, but in the keen interest displayed
by the public in tha question of forestry educati n, with a
view to the tu ore profitable development of forests. Forc&ti ?
had made greater progress in the la^t sixty year8 than agri-
culture or horticulture, much as they bad accomplished.
Forestry, as now understood, was not known at the beginning
134
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,
[August 21, 1897.
of the Queen's reign, and was almost entirely the creation of
the Vicorian era. Pursuing the subject, Mr. Dunn noted
the improvements in tool-, implements, means of transport,
&c, which had taken place during the Queen's reign, and
while pointing to famous planters prior to the Queen's acces-
sion, devoted pn ticular attention to the noted men (largely
Scotsmen), such as Douglas, Drummond, McGregor, Fortune,
J. C. Loudon, &c, who greatly advanced the cause of
forestry in Britain by the introduction of trees and shrubs
■from foreign countries. Among other branches of the
subject to which Mr. Dunn directed attention were forestry
literature, and forestry education, and the great importance
which these had assumed in later years.
The meeting, on the motion of the Chairman, cordially
approved of the recommendation of the Council, tbat
members of the Society should use their influence with Town
and Couuty Councils and other local authorities, as well as
landed proprietors generally, to induce them to plant speci-
mens of ornamental trees, avenues, groups, and woods of all
sizes during the ensuing season, to commemorate in an
appropriate manner the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Year. In
submitting the m-'tion, the Chairman said that the planting
of such trees as was desiderated would not only embellish the
spots where they were planted, but there might be some hope
of teaching the rising generation to take care of young trees.
His own experience was that where it took sixpence to plant
a standard tree, it took six shillings to protect it. To render
it more certain that some planting worthy of the occasion
should be done in Edinburgh before the cud of the year, Mr.
D. T. Fish suggested tbat some prominent street or streets
should be planted, such as Princes Street, from the Caltou
Hill to the Caledonia Station, Hanover Street, from Princes
Street to Golden Acre or Gran ton, or other suitable streets; and
that aspecial committee of ladies and gentlemen be appointed
by this meeting to co-operate or advise with tlieTown Council
in inrrying out these objects. On the advice of the President
the matter was left in the hands of the Council of the Royal
Arboricultural Society.
The proceedings closed with the award of thanks to the
Chairman.
Later in the afternoon the members left for Dublin on their
annual excursion.
SHROPSHIRE HORTICULTURAL.
(August 18, 19.)
Thai a great success would result beramo a foregone con-
clusion when once it had become known that the Royal
Horticultural Society would join hands with the Shropshire
Horticultural Society to hold an exhibition of hoiticulture in
' 1807 that should be worthy of the present Victorian Jubilee
year. Much of the history of the Shropshire Society
has been previously given in these pages. It has
been characterised by continued and, in the case of
provincial societies, unparalleled success. The income
has increased year by year, and its disbursements,
besides being large, have , been made in support of
objects that have commanded general approval. The
very last one was a sum of over £1000 to erect the
Darwin statue, figured by us in our last issue. There was a
mishap on Tuesday in regard to two of the tents ; but the
energy and resource of the executive did much to lessen the
ill-effect that might have been feared. The extent of this
show may be imagined from the fact that it required nearly
48,000 square feet of covered area. The deputation from the
Royal Horticultural Society included the President, Sir
Trevor Lawrence, Bart., and Messrs. H. J. Veitch, T. Statter,
S. Courtauld, P. Crowley, J. Douglas, H. Selfe Leonard, W.
Crump, J. Smith, and the Rev. W.Wilks. The staff of judges
employed by the Shropshire Society numbered twenty-six. The
entries in the open classes were more numerous than usual,
and the quality of the produce throughout was capital.
Vegetables and fruit deserve the most unreserved praise.
The more important exhibits in all of the open sections are
referred to in the subjoined report, but the exigencies of
time and circumstance prevent it from being exhaustive,
even were such desirable. The weather was not wholly
propitious.
Good as previous shows have always been, that held
(lining the present week was undoubtedly the finest yet
held. The executive, who are ably supported by the
indefatigable Hon. Sees., Messrs. Aduitt and Naunton,
did their best to secure such an exhibition as should beat
previous records. The schedule was a most remarkable one,
notable alike for the liberality of the prizes, and for the
comprehensive nature of the classes.
In the plant classes the specimens have been seen in finer
condition, but the reason for this has, in a great me isure, been
explained by the catastrophe of Tuesday last (see p. 127 . The
group classes suffered in a measure from the same cause ; the
space at command in the tent erected late on Tuesday, although
extensive, did not afford sufficient room for the groups to
be seen at their best, but for taste and quality they were first-
class.
The cut flower classes throughout were exceedingly well
represented, and the competition was invariably been
About all of these exhibits there w;is a remark ibly fre h
appearance.
Miscellaneous exhibits, chiolly by the trade, were great
attr ictious, ind add ;d largely to the effect.
PLANTS.
Stove and Greenhouse.— In the large class for twenty
plants, not fewer than twelve of which were to be in flower, Mr.
J. Cypher won the 1st prize somewhat easily, having grand
examples of the following: Bougainvillea Cypheri, a splendid
specimen, very rich in colour, with the bracts also of
extra size (to this, as a new plant, was the Gold Medal
awarded) ; Erica Austiniana, a little past its best, but a
pplendid plant ; Erica Eweriana, also good ; Ixora Duffi, with
large trusses rich in colouring ; Ixora Williamsi, which showed
the effects of the crushing received under the first tent ; Statice
profusa, a large plant well coloured ; Allamanda Hendersoni
and Clerodendron Balfourianum, both fresh and good; and
Dipladenia Brearleyana, very well-flowered. The foliage
examples being Kentia Forsteriana, mi immense plant with
grand leafage; K. australis, also good, and a very large
Livistona ehinensis with superb foliage, also Croton Johannis
richly coloured, C. angustifolius, a fountain of golden foliage,
and C. Thomp3oni, equally fine in colour with the preceding.
One plant intended for this group, an immense specimen of
Cycas circinalis, could not be staged in consequence of the
injuries it had received,
Mr. Finch, Coventry, who was 2nd, had smaller plants;
he too had suffered seriously by the collapse of the hrge
marquee. The best here were Ixora Williamsi, good and
fresh ; Clcrodeudron Balfourianum, good ; Erioa Austiniana,
very fresh and clean. Of foliage plants, the best were Kentia
Forsteriaua, Cycas circinalis, and Croton angustifolius.
For six plants in flower, Mr. J. Cypher was also 1st,
staging a strong lot, viz., Phcenocoma prolifera Barnesi, a
perfect specimen ; Rondeletu > peciosa major, a finely-
flowered plant ; Clerodeudron Balfourianum, very bright ;
also Erica Aitoniana, Statice profusa, and Bougainvil'ea
glabra, all well flowered. Mr. Fjnch was 2nd again, his
best plants being Ixora Fraseri, extra good; Erica retorta
major, a fine plant ; Stepbanotis floribunda, and Allamanda
Williamsi, very freely flowered.
For six plants, up n to the county of Salop only, Mr. Lam-
bert, gr. to Lord Harlech, Brogyntyu Park, Oswestry, was
placed 1st, with a fine example of Jxora Prince of Oratge,
profuse in flower ; 1 ipUdenia amabilis. very healthy and
well-bloomed ; with a good Allamanda grandiflora, a Croton
Warreni, and Kentia australis. Mr. Bremmell, gr. to H. H.
Francfs HAYiiuRivr, Esq., Overley, Wellington, was a close
2nd here, his best being Rhododendron Princess Royal,
a very fine plant, and well-flowered ; also Clerodendron
Balfourianum,
For a single specimen stove or greenhouse plant, Mr.
Lambert was 1st, with Dipladenia amabilis, a fine specimen,
the Howe's of high quality; the 2nd prize going to Mr.
Farrant for a large and good example of Ixora Williamsi ;
and the 3rd to Mr. Jones, gr. to G. Burr, Esq., Oakland",
with an excellent plant of Bougainvillea glabra.
Fuchsias,— The best six were staged by Mr. J. Carter,
gr. to W. J. Scott, Esq , Besford House. These were what
Fuchsias should be, in tho best possible health, well-flowered,
and in good variety : Wave of Life, charming, and Mrs.
Bundle being conspicuous (a fine exhibit, and far in advance
of any other;.
Groups for Effect (Flowering and Foliage-pi. ants
Combined). — For a group, occupying a space of 450 square
feet, Mr. J. Cypher, in spite of his misfortunes, won the
1st prize in a most creditable m inner, the entire group dis-
playing great originality in design, combined with tasteful
and effective arrangement. Mr. Cypher has arranged many
fine groups previously, but he never surpassed, or even
equalled, that now under notice ; the greatest charm con-
sisted in the diversity evident throughout when viewed from
various standpoints light Palms, Aralias, and varieties of
Asparagus with B tmboos, highly-coloured Crotons, many Or-
chids(notably Deudrobium Phala;nopsis, Scrroderianum.an I
Oncidiums in variety), formed the chief plants, the feature
of the arrangement being a light ground-work, over which
were arranged light arches of rustic cork, upon which the
plants employed told with the best possible effect. Mr.
Mee, Nottingham, was a creditable 2nd, with plants show-
ing first-class culture. The entire group was very bright
and effective, but it lacked the originality of design to be
found in the 1st prize group; well-developed Crotons,
highly-coloured, told, with good effect ; the back part was,
however, rather too formal. Mr. Finch, who was 3rd, had
anuther good arrangement, the plants employed telling with
good effect.
Foliage Groups Exclusively. — Id this class, w.nch is a
fresh and notable introduction into the show, some excellent
arraugements were to be seen. Mi*. Roberts, gr. to C. H.
Wright, Esq., Halston Ha'l, Oswestry, was 1st. The qual'.
fication in this class being 250 square feet, foliage plants.
Ferns, and Palms only being allowed, the group had depth,
consequently there was room for employing plants of good
sizft ; the centre was a plant of Kentia australis, raised about
5 feet from the ground, and towering over the rest, standing
very little from the centre of the arrangement ; other light
Palms w-ere employed, whilst of smaller plants, dwarf
Crotons, well coloured, and in single stems ; foliage Bego-
nias, too, weie used, but there was a sbght lack of such < s
Ca'adium argyrites, Eulalia japouica variegata, i;c. Mr. J.
Cypiikk, who was an exceedingly close 2nd, staged a group
more up-to-date in style, of irregular outline; the Crotons
told most effec ively, and tho groundwork was very tasteful.
M- Mel n tyro, gr. to Mrs. Gurney Pease, Woodside, Dar-
lington, was placed 3rd ; he too showing an admirable group,
which would have looked betterif it had teen extended over
a little more surface, with, in addition, a few more' dwarf
plants for groundwork.
Two more groups were shown in this class, showing that
it is one which meets with encouragement from exhibitors.
Coleus. — These are always shown well at Shrewsbury.
On this occasion Mr. Carter, gr. to W. J. Scott, Esq.,
Besford House, took 1st prize with four largo pyramids, well
finished and furnished, also highly coloured; Mr. Myers,
Sutton Lane, being an exceedingly close 2nd.
Zonal Pelargoniums (Sinoles).— Mr. A. Myers was 1st
here, with dwarf plants well flowered, and bearing extra
good trusses. For doubles, the same exhibitor wa^ also 1st,
showing plants equally well grown.
Caladiums.— The best ha'f-dozen large plants came from
Mr. R. Lawley, gr. to Mr. R. Darby, Adlote ; and the 2nd
best from Mr. Leith.gr. to J. R. Gheatorex, Esq., Mytton
Hall. (Growers of these should take note of t e newer kinds
with brighter leafage.)
Ferns. — The best half dozen of these were staged by Mr.
E. Jones, gr. to A. M.Barber, Esq., Field House, Wellington,
the best being Microlepia hirto eristata, very healthy, and
AdiantumFarleyense, with A. Williamsi. Mr. Steventon, gr.
to Mrs. J. M. Slanly, Sunnycroft, Wellington, was 2nd
one of his finest being Adiantum formosum.
Dracenas. — Mr. Lambert was 1st for six vars., well grown
and healthy, with foliage down to the pots, nearly all being
broad-leaved form-. In the 2nd prize a lot from Mr. Brem-
mell, D. Doucetti, was very good, and the rest well coloured,
but rather small.
Beconias (Tuberous). — The first prize was awarded to Mr.
Jones, who had dwarf plants of double varieties ; Mr. Clift,
gr. to R. Taylor, Esq., Abbey Forgate, being 2nd with
larger plants of singles.
Gloxinias.— The best dozen were staged by J. Parsons-
Smith, Esq., Abbotsmead, he having bright and attractive
varieties: Mr. Dawes, gr. to A. E. W. Darby, Esq., Little
Ness, Shrewsbury, was 2nd, with plants equally large, but
not so good in quality.
Table Plants— Mr. McIndoe was 1st in this class, with
admirable examples of what table plants should be — bright,
clean, and well lurnished ; Mr. Mclntyre, gr. to Mrs.
Gurney Pease, Woodside, Darlington, was a close 2nd, with
plants of similar style and character.
Miscellaneous Collection of Thirty Plants. — Mr.
Jones took 1st in this class with dwarf, well-flowered
examp es of Vincas, Statices, Begonias, &c. ; Mr. Carter
being 2nd, with another good collection.
CUT FLOWERS.
Decorations. — Following the order of the schedule, we
will commence with the class for a display of floral arrange-
ments. As usual, Messrs. Perkins & SONS of Coventry
were 1st with a charmiug combination of arrangements,
baskets, vases, arches, and bouquets. Asparagus,
Croton leaves, and other foliage and grasses were used most
effectively with Roses. Carnations, the Orchids usually use I
for decoration, and other flowers. The large central basket of
Orchids was especially good. The wild Clematis was used a
good deal in this exhibit. 2nd, Messrs. Jones & Suns,
Shrewsbury. This was a good exhibit, though it lacked the
finish of the former. A basket of Anthuriums was good.
Several small baskets of Orchids were pretty ; 3rd, Miss H.
M. Stevens, of Birmingham, whose exhibit was too formal
For a ball-bouquet and bridal-bouquet Messrs. Perkins &
Sons were again 1st, their style and material being similar
to that in the previous clacs ; the colours were beautifully
blended. 2nd, Messrs. Jonfs & Sons, with similar but not
such good arrangements ; 3rd, Messrs. Pope & Sons, King's
Norton, whose colours did not quite blend.
In a similar class, from which Orchids were excluded,
Mr. J. R. Chard, of Stoke Newington, was 1st ; his bridal-
bouquet was very light and pretty.
In the class for a bouquet of Cactus D hlias only, Messrs.
Pope & Sons produced a charming exhibit, showing what
can be done with a heavy flower like the Dahlia ; the variety
was Countess of Radnor, which was mixed with suitable
variegated foliage ; this was muchadmirod. 2nd, Mr. F. W.
Seale.
Messrs. Pope & Sons were also 1st for bouquets of Sweet
Peas and Roses. The best stand came from Mr. J. R. Chard ;
2nd, Mr. F. W. Seale.
Hardy Flowers were illustrated in a strong competition.
The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. W. F. Gunn, Birmingham,
whose exhibit was most meritorious and representative.
Herbaceous Phloxes here were very good. Messrs. Cocker
& Sons, Aberdeen, were 2nd. In this exhibit Chrysanthe-
mum maximum was very fine, also Scabiosa eaucasiea and
Echinops f-pha^rocephalus ; 3rd, Mr. M. Campbell, H gh
Blantyie, who showed the pretty, but seldom seen, Buoh-
thalmum salicifolium.
For a collection of bulbous and tuberous-roote 1 flowers
Messrs. Harkness & Sons, B^d do, were a very good 1st with
splendid Gladioli, good Liliums, Mon'hretias an t Tigri.lias ;
Liliums a. platypbyllum, Henryi and Leichilmi should bz
mentioned. 2nd, Me^ r^. Barr & Sons; 3rd, Me-srs. R.
Wallace & Sons. Colchester, both with goo t exhibits. The
latter contained Lilium Maximu.viczii.
A class was provided for a large group of Carnations,
arranged with their own foliage. Mr. M. Campbell was 1st,
with splendid bunches, well staged. Some se_dlius;s were
staged, including Mrs. D. Dunlop and Snowball, good white*.
2nd, Messrs. Lung £j Mather, Kulso, who htd named
varieties of border Carnation*.
In the class for a collection of Gla lioli, Messrs. Harkness
& Sons were 1st. Their exhibit wis magnificent, and most
August 21, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
135
Taxied Thermidor, Grande Rouge, Enchantress, and Dr.
Biiley were selected as particularly good. The colours
were brilliant. The 2nd prize wua not awarded.
Messrs. D. & W. Croll, of Dundee, staged a large collec-
tion of Roses, and werj pi iced 1st, button-hole and polyantha
varieties were well represented ; 2nd, Messrs. Pope & Sons.
Several large collections of Dihliis were exhibited. Mr.
F. W. Seale staged the most representative collection, and
was 1st. His singles and Pompons were good. Some pro-
mising seedlings of these classes of Dahlias were to be seen.
The arrangement would be more effective if foliage, other
than that of the Dahlia, were allowed ; Messrs. Kevnes,
Williams & Co., were placed 2nd. Their collection was
well arranged. It consisted chiefly of Cactus DahUas of
splendid quality. The following seedlings will be heard
much of in September : — Britannia, Arachne, Mary Service
and Keynes' White, the best white Cactus so far. Some good
Show Dahlias were also staged ; 3rd, Messrs. Jones & Sons
of Shrewsbury.
Messrs. Pope & Sons had a good exhibit; but, unfor-
tunately, used other foliage in the arrangement.
For twenty-four Dahlias, Mr. S. Mortimer, Farnham,
Surrey, was 1st; Mr. B. Brian, Longton, Staffs., 2nd.
For twelve bunches of Cactus Dahlias, Messrs. Keynes,
Williamm & Co., were a very good 1st ; Cycle, Stirfish, and
Lady Penzance were good, as well as several seedlings, of
which Keynes' White calls for special commendation. 2nd,
Mr. F. W. Seale.
For eighteen varieties of Swoet Peas, T. Alderse.', Esq ,
Belle Vue, Shrewsbury, wis a ^'oud 1st.
For forty-eight cut Roses, Messrs. J. Cm.ker A Sons were
1st with good Horace Vernet, A. K. William?, <fec. ; Messrs.
D. & W. Croll 2nd; Messrs. Harkness & Sons 3rd.
For twelve bunches of stove and greenhouse flowers the
awards were :— 1st, G. H. Kknrick, Esq., Edgbaston ; 2nd,
Sir J, W. Pease, Bart. ; 3rd, Lord Harlech, Brugyntyn.
FRUIT.
Fruit, as usual, was shown largoly and well. The Vrtorian
Class, intended t> illustrate the fruit produce of British
gardens, provided sixty-five dishes of fruit, arranged on side
tablos, in space 10 feet by 4$ feet, artistically displayed with
cut flowers, foliage, and not more than twelve plants in pots
not exceeding 5 inches in diannter. The fruit was to be
selected from a list pubhshed in the Shropshire Horticultural
Society's schedule, including representative kinds i nd varieties
of hothouse and outdoor fruits. Three competitors entered
in this class, and each made a creditable display. Mr.
Mclndoe, gr. to Sir Joseph Pease, was a decided 1st,
winning £30 and the Gold Medal of the Fruiterers' Company,
his produce including plants in the background immediately
behind and above the sixteen splendid hunches of Grapes,
eight black and eight white, cut flowers, and fruits.
Crotons, Palms, Aralias, and Eucharis amazouica, and
trailing Moss, Orchid flowers, Caladium Argyrites, in pots,
enclosed in scarlet bags, which together with tbe Bp ays of
Fern, &c, contrasted effectively with the white cloth.
Grapes Alnwick Seedling, Gros Maroc, Gros Guillaume,
and Black Himburgb, faultless in size, shape of bunch, and
colour of berry. Muscat of Alexandri i, Buckland Sweetwater,
Duke of Buccleuch, and Bowood Muscat, all very fine.
Melons Darwin, Scarlet Model, and Magnum Bonuui; two
nice Queen Pines, Tomatos, Peaches, Nectarines (L'>rd
Napier) ; Apples, including two grand dishes of Gascoyne
scarlet; Pears Souvenir du Congre3, Brown Turkey Figs,
Bananas, Cherries, Oranges, Plum*, Gooseberries, Red and
White Currants, Apricots, Plums in variety, and Filberts.
This collection received 321 points, and in addition to the 1st
priz9 already mentioned, was awarded a Silver-gilt Kuightiau
Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society.
The fruits displayed were of the highest quality from tho
fiuit grower's standpoint, and the arrangement was most
artistic.
Mi*. Dawes, gr. to Mrs. Ingram, Temple Newson, Leeds,
was 2nd (207 points). The bunches of Gros Guillaume,
Madrcsfield Court, Black Hamburgh, Buckland Sweetwater,
and Gros Maroc Grapes, were exceptionally fine in this eliss,
as also was a fine cluster of Bananas.
Mr. Goodacre, gr. to the Karl of Harrington, Elvaston
Castle, was a good 3rd, his back dishes, Grape?, Pines and
Melons, being strong; the front and middle dishes lather
weak. Mr. Goodacre's hack ground of grasses and flowers was
good.
Collection of Fruit, 0 dishos : 1st, Mr. Brfn>jell, who had
fine Muscat of Alexandria and Black Hamburgh Grapes,
Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Apricts an 1 Pears. Lord Trevor
was 2nd, and Mr. Langley waa 3rd.
Decorative Dee sekt Tablf.— Five very fcastefully-airai god
tables were put up — gla<sjs filled with Orchids and inter-
mixed with light sprays of Ferns and Asparagus. Mr.
Goodacre was 1st for a light and effectively -arranged table,
whereon was staged fruit of the best description, including a
large Queen Pine, having large, well-developed, brightly-
coloured pips ; long tapering bunches of Muscat of Alex-
andria, Black Hamburgh and Muscat Hamburgh Grapes ;
Peaches, Nectarines, Brown Turkey Figs, Pears,
Transparent Plums, Counters Melon, and Moor Park
Apricots (105$ points1. The "Veitch Memorial'' Medal was
awarded to this capital exhibit. Mr. McIkdoe was a good
2nd, being awarded 104^ points. Mr. Harris (Eastnor
Castle Gardens, Ledbury), was a good 3rd {0'j\ points).
Grapes made a grand display in themselves (334 bunches
being staged), and were of a high order, being large in bunch
and berry, and well finished. In the class (or four bunches
of Black Grapes, two bunches of two varieties, twelve stanps
were staged. Mr. Davis, gr. to Rev. T. Anderson, Welsh
Frankton, Oswestry, was 1st, staging good bunches of Gros
Maroc and Black Hamburgh, fine in every respect; Mr.
Lambert, gr. to Lord Harlech, Brogyntyn, Oswestry, being
a very close 2nd, showing handsome well finished bunches of
Gros Maroc and Madresfield Court ; Mr. Langley, gr. to Rev.
T. M. Buckelev, Owen Tedsmore Hall, West Felton, was a
fair 3rd, showing heavy bunches of Madresfield aud Black
Hamburgh, requiring a little more colour to make them
perfect.
In the class for four bunches of White Grapes, two bunches
in two varieties, seven lots were staged. Mr. J. Campbell,
gr. to C. E. Newton, Esq., Mickleovcr Manor, Derby, taking
1st prize with fine bunches of Muscat of Alexandra and
Cannon Hal!, the berries being large aud beautifully coloured ;
Mr. Lambert soeuring 2nd place with Muscat of Alexandria
and Buckland Sweetwater.
Two-Bunch Classes.— Thirteen pairs of Black Hamburgh
wore staged, Mr. Brennell, gr. to U. H. France Hayhurst,
Esq., Overley, Wellington, being a good 1st ; Mr. Harris, gr.
to Lady Henry Somerset, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, being a
close 2nd.
Black Alicante. — Six stands were shown, Mr. Davis being
a good 1st, staging heavy bunches, fine in berry and colour ;
Mr. Goodacre, gr. to the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston
Castle, Derby, being 2nd.
Madresfield Court was represented by four exhibits, Mr.
Langley securing 1st position, showing good examples of this
fine Grape.
Gros Maroc was represented by eight stands, the
bunches being of good size and shape, and the berries large
and well-coloured. Two medium sized bunches, consisting of
extra large berries and beautifully coloured, secured 1st
prize for Mr. Goodacre, Mr. Lambert taking, 2nd place, and
Mr. F.Jordan, Impney, Droitwich, 3rd.
Muscat of Alexandria. — Mr. Neild, representing tho
'■ Cheshire County Council," Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, took
1st prize with large buuehes, fairly well coloured ; Mr. Fyfe,
gr, to Lord Wantage, Lockinge House, Wantage, was 2nd.
In the Any Other White Grape Class, Mr. Davis came to the
front with good bunches of Buckland Sweetwater; Mr.
McDonald, gr. to tW. B. Marling, Esq., Clanna Sydney,
Glos. , was 2nd ; seven lots were shown.
Classes confined to the Counts of Salop, — Mr.
Langley was lst^for two bunches of Black Hamburgh, com-
pact, well-coloured bunches ; Mr. Da\ is being 2nd with less
compact but equally well-coloured bunches.
In the Any Other Black Class Mr. Can*, gr. to Sir Oefev
\V.\kkman, 1 tart., Yeaton Peverey, was 1st with Madresfield
Court ; Mr. Brennell was 2nd with Gros Maroc
Muscat of Alexandria. — Mr. Carr was a good 1st (out of
seven exhibits), showing good solid bunches, fine in berry
and fairly well coloured.
Two nice we,l-coloured bunches of Buckland Sweetwater
secured 1st prize for Mr. Lawley in the Any other White
Class ; Mr. Carr taking 2nd place with Foster's Seedling,
fine in size and shape of bunch, size and evenness of berry,
but requiring more time to colour.
Amateur Classes.— Mr. Burr, Oaklands, had the best two
bunchos of Black Hamburgh ; and Mr. Barber, Wellington,
had the best pair of white Grapes, showing Foster's Seedling,
Mi ions fnrty-twu in number) were shown well. Mr.
rownaend, gr. to Col. R. T. Llovd, Astou Hall, Oswestry,
had the beat scarlet-fleshed variety, a nice Blenheim orange ;
Mr. Darnell, gr. to — Kenyon, Esq., West Felton, Oswestry,
was 2nd.
Mr. KlSNKERSl I .v, Lcighton Hall, Trowbridge, had the best
^ rem- Meshed variety in Karl's favourite; Mr. Birch, gr. to
Mis. \V.\TKiNs,Shottin Hall, being 2nd with the same variety.
Nectarines. — Twelve good dishes of Nectarines were
shown, Mr. Harris being 1st, showing beautiful fruits of
Pitmaston Orange, of fine colour; Mr. McDonald being 2nd
with good fruits of Lord Napier.
Peaches.— Out of fifteen dishes of Peaches Mr. Robinson,
gr. to R. W. D. Harley, Esq., Herefordshire, was 1st, with
large even-sized fruits of Sea Eagle well coloured ; Mr. G.
Taylor, gr. to C. A. Jones, Esq , Carnarvon, taking 2nd with
Barrington, fine in every respect.
Apricots. — Out of seventeen dishes of Apricots staged Mr.
Bible, gr. to Lord Trevor, Brynkinalt, Chirk, was 1st with
Moor Park ; Mr. Robinsun was 2nd.
Plums.— Mr, Pope, gr. to the Earl of Carnarvon, High-
clere Castle, Newbury, had the best dish of Dessert Plums,
showing fine fruits of Guthrie's Gage ; seven lots were shown.
The Rev. T. M. Bilkeley had the best dish of Culinary
Plums, staging a giand dish of Prince Englebert ; eight lots
were shown.
Cherries1.'- Mr. Brennell had the best out of nine dishus
of Cherries, showing a fine dish of Morellos ; Mr. Walker, gr.
to Sir R. Honyman, Bt., Colm, Whitchurch, was 2nd.
Apples, Culinary and Dessert, were represented by four-
teen dishes. The Hon. Mrs. Kenvon, Whitchurch, had the
best dish of dessert, showing Beauty of Bath.
Pears.— Thirteen dishes of Dessert Pears were staged.
G. F. Ward, Esq., Hadnall Hall, Salop, was 1st with Louise
Bonne of Jersey.
VEGETABLES.
For nme distinct kinds of Vegetables, Messrs. Sutton &
Sons offered a cup valued at £5 os., and £5 in money, as well as
five other prizes. Ten splendid lots were staged, and the coveted
honour was won by Morgan Williams, Esq., Glyn Neath, Gla-
morgan (gr. Mr. Forley). Sutton's Solid White Celery was a
marvellous exhibit, Ailsa Craig Onions of wonderful size,
Prize-taker Leek large and good, New Beet, Intermediate
Ca r gran n every way, Satisfaction Fotato, Perfection
Tomato, Improved Blood Red Beet, Prizewinniug Runner
Heans. The 2nd prize went to Mr. Pope, who had a fine lot
of produce, the collection b;ing the same as that which won
for him 2nd place in tho first-named class; Ailsa Craig
Onions, Perfection Tomatos, and New Red Intermediate
Carrot were his best dishes.
Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, London,
offered six prizes for collections of nine distinct kinds,
the 1st prize being £10, and the 2nd £5. Eight lots
were staged. The coveted award was won by Miss
Talbot, Penrice Castle, Swansea (gr. Mr. Milner), who
staged a very fine exhibit — consisting of Model Leek, grand ;
Autumn Giant Caulillower, large ani good; Intermediate
Carrot, fine ; splendid Jersey Lily Turnip, and good Perfec-
tion Tomato, Supreme Potato, Ailsa Craig Onion, and Duke
of Albany Pea ; 2nd, Mr. Townsend.
Potatos were shown largely and web*, the tubers very well
selected, even, and clean. Mr. C. Foster, gr. to Morgan S.
Williams, Esq., Glyn Heath, Glamorganshire, was 1st for
three dishes, with Windsor Castle, Satisfaction, and Abun-
dance, Mr. Pope being a capital 2nd with Satisfaction,
Reading Russett, and Matchless.
Mr. WAITE had the best single dish, showing Windsor
Castle.
Mr. Foster had the best collection of five varieties, showing
fine tubers of Abundance, Heading Russett, Windsor Castle,
Tennyson mottled with brown, and Boston, a good even
clean lot of tubers.
Peas —Six lots of Peas, consisting of three dishes each
were put up for Mr. Eckkohd's Prizes. Mr. W. Pope, gr. to
Hon. Mrs. L. Kenyon, Melspen, Wbitecburch, was 1st.
showing Eckford's Rex, Eckford's Prior, and Eckford's
Magic.
Runner Beans were shown in good condition for the
season, Mr. Pope (Highclere) being 1st with Sydenham's Ne
Plus Ultra.
Tomatos ( for Mr. Sydenham's prizes) were staged in good
condition. Mr. Lcith, gr. to J. R. Greatorex, Esq., Myton
Hall, Shrewsbury, was 1st out of twelve lots shown.
TriiNirs were shown iu large numbers and in fine form
Mr. Towksbotj was 1st in a strong competition.
Onions made a good show. Mr. Williams, Neath, had the
best dish of nine spring-grown bulbs.
Mr. Waite had the best dish of autumn-sown bulbs. This
exhibitor also had the best dish of Parsnips.
Several special prize classes were devoted to Tomatos
Beans (Runners), Carrots, Ac.
MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS.
Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea.had a recherche group
of Stove and Greenhouse plants, comprised chiefly of new or
rare plants ; Caladiums were very conspicuous, rich in
colour and sturdy in growth, the best being, of dwarf kinds,
Le Nam Rouge, dwarf red, a fine for grouping ; Chelsea
Gem, a paler shade, very bright ; and Baroness Schroeder, a
creamy buff with crimson veins, and of larger kinds,
B. 8. Williams, fine in leafage ; Raronne Adolphe
De Rothschild, a deep metallic red, very fine, and Major
Joicey, red on a pale coppery ground. Other choice
specimens comprised Helieonia illustris rubricaulis,
Pbrynium variegatum from l'aron Frank Selliere, Nepenthes
mixta, N. Dicksonianaand N. Hookeriana ; smallerplants were
represented by the newer Dracanas, choice Ferns, some beau-
tiful little plants of Rhododendron and of Lily of the Valley
which as massed had a beautiful effect ; Exacum macran-
thum shoulel also be noted, being in first class character.
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons were awarded the Gold Medal of
the Royal Horticultural Society, as offered by them
specially in the schedule, for the exhibit (not for competition)
which, in the opinion of the Council of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society, best represents the progress of horticulture for
the past sixty years. In addition, Messrs. Veitch secured
one of the three special Victorian Awards, viz., a full Dessert
Service of the value of £12 12*., for the most attractive
display of rare plants. Another of these awards went to
Messrs. Jones &. Son of Shrewsbury for an extensive display
of cut flowers in great variety.
Messrs. Ker & Sons, Aigburth Nursery, Liverpool, staged
a lovely group of Crotons, small and medium sized plants,
superbly coloured ; the best of these were Prince of Wales,
Reidi, Gordoni Morti, interruptus aureus, also several other
choice kinds, the whole representing thoroughly the de-
corative value of the Croton when grown as these plants
were, tbe whole forming a superb exhibit.
Messrs. Cowan, Liverpool, staged a large group of Ro;cs in
pots, dwarf plants, Lilies and Orchids, the latter consisting
chiefly of Cattleyas, the whole being finished off with dwarf
foliage plants, making a good display.
Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, staged a long table of
tuberous Begonias, arranged in a tasteful manner, and con-
sisting of the finest single and double named kinds, remark-
able alike for quality of flower and high-class culture.
Messrs. R. Smith & Co., Worcester, arranged a large group
of decorative flowering and foliage-plants with cut flowers,
tbe chief features being the Gloxinias, Montbretias, and
Lilies, with Bamboos.
Messrs. Backhouse & Sons, York, showed a selection of
the best Bamboos, tall and healthy plants, very light and
elegant ; also, Asparagus deflexus, and examples of their
rockwork furnished with growing plants, which comprised a
choice selection.
The thud of these awards was made in favour of Messrs.
Pritchard &: Sons, Shrewsbury, for the most novel exhibit
illustrating the progress of horticulture during the last sixty
years ; this consisted chiefly of Cannas in the best new
varietie Ferns, and other present day plants and flowers.
136
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 21, 1897.
From Mr. J. Hudson, gr. to Leopold de Rothschild, Esq.
Gunnersbury House, Acton, came a collection of twenty-
two • varieties of hardy Water Lilies, mostly new. The
best reds were" N. Ellisiana and N. marliacea rubro-
pimctata ; N. marliacea albida was of large size, N.
odorata sulphnrea and N. pymcea helvola were prominent
yellows. Of rose-coloured varieties, N. odorata rosacea and
N. o. exquisita were good. The Gold Medal of the Shrews-
bury Society and the Silver-gilt Flora of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society were awarded.
Messrs. Dicksons, Chester, staged a huge bank, chiefly of
hardy flowers and small table plants. This was an exhibit of
great merit, and very representative. Romneya Coulteri,
the Tree-Poppy, is a lovely white flower of large size, the
white petal contrasting well with the yellow centre; it
deserves to be more frequently seen. Platycodon Mariesii
and P. Mariesii alba were exhibited. Crinum grandiflorum
was good.
From Mr. A. Myers, Florist, Shrewsbury, came a large
collection of zonal Pelargoniums, and some well-flowered
dwarf specimens of Campanula pyramidalis.
Mr. M. Campbell staged Dahlias in variety, and good
single annual Chrysanthemums, Princess May, Golden Gem,
and Chieftain, &c.
.Messrs. Dobbie & Co. brought a large quantity of Dahlias
Cactus and Pompon, Carnations, Violas, &c.
Mr. B R. Davis brought a grand lot of tuberous Begonias
from Yeovil Nurseries ; some of the best were Victoria
Regina, dark red ; Mrs. Stothert, pale yellow ; Mrs. Rich-
mond, flesh colour ; Ariel, white.
Messrs. W. &.J. Birkenhead, Fern Nurseries, Manchester,
staged a large quantity of Ferns in considerable variety,
British and exotic.
Mr. S. Mortimer staged a large collection of show and
Cactus Dahlias of first-rate quality. The best Cactus were
Fusilier, Starfish, and Mrs. Wilson Noble.
Mr. E. Murrell, nurseryman, Shrewsbury, staged an
extensive and very good collection of Roses and Gladiolus.
"Messrs. Jones & Sons, Shrewsbury, put up a varied and
extensive collection of Dahlias in variety, and hardy flowers,
including annuals, well and effectively staged.
Messrs. Carter, High Holborn, London, brou ght an
exhibit of flowers in pots and cut. The staging was good.
Mr. J. H. White, nurseryman, Worcester, staged hardy
flowers, Grapes, and a new Tomato, "Majestic," of large
size.
Messrs. Proctor & Soy, Chesterfield, brought Carnations
in variety. Messrs. Webb, Stourbridge, were also represented.
Mr. Eckford, Wem, Shropshire, staged Sweet Peas in
great variety* and of good quality.
Mr. W. F. Gunn had a meritorious collection of hardy
flowers.
Medals Awarded toy the Royal Horticultural Society.
Gold Banksian. Silver "Kni«jiitjan.
liffS&f*' YfXEt Sons' Earl of Harrington (gr., J.
Ltd rhclsea, for bestrepro- £ ,.|lodacreJ for° PetiStivQ
sentativc Victorian EraGroup. DoSMCrt.tabl*
Silver-gilt KniohTian.
Sir J. Pease, Bt, Hutton
Hall (gr., J. Mclndoe), for his
exhibit in Victorian Fruit
Class.
Silver-oilt Flora.
Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham,
for Group of Plants ; Mr. J.
Cypher, for Stove and Green-
house Plants ; Mr. E. J. Mee,
Nottingham, for Group for
Effect ; Messrs. Dicksons,
Ltd., Chester, for Group of
Hardy Plants; Hon, Leopold
de Rothschil i(gr., J. Hudson),
for Collection of Water- Lilies.
Silver Flora
Messrs. R. P. K< r & Sons,
Aigbur h, Liverpool, for Cro-
tons ; Mr. J. S. Ware, Totttn-
ham, for Tuberous Begonias ;
Messrs. R. Smith &■ Co., Wor-
cester, for Group of Plants ;
Mr. it. R. Davis, Yeovil, for
Tuberous Begonias ; Mr. E.
Murrell, Shrewsbury, for
Roses and Gladioli ; Messrs.
Harkness &Sons, Bedale, for
Collection of Hardy Bubs and
Tuberous Flowers.
PRESENTATION TO THE SECRETARIES
A pleasant incident in connection with the show was a
presentation to Messrs. H. W. Adnitt and W. W. Naunton,
the Hon. Secretaries. A committee was formed some weeks
ago, Mr. A. On tram acting as secretary, and Mr. O. Thomas
as treasurer. Sufficient funds were easily raised for the pur-
chase of two handsome silver centre-pieces for the dinner-
table. Each bore the name of the recipient, and the words,
*' Presented by horticultural friends, in recognition of ser-
vices to horticulture." Sir Trevor Lawrence made the
presentation. All who have any knowledge of the Shropshire
Society well kuow how well the gentlemen have deserved
this recognition.
Silver Banksian.
Mr. A. Myers, Shrewsbury,
for Fuchsias ; Messrs J.
Cowan & Co., Ltd., Garstou,
Liverpool, for Group of Tea
Roses, Lilies, and Orchids ;
Mr.T. Pritchard, Shrewsbury,
for Collection of Vegetables ;
Mr. A. Myers. Shrewsbury,
for Zonal Pelargoniums ;
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothe-
say, N.B , for Dahli «s, &c. ;
Mr. M. Campbell, Blmityre,
N.B.j for Carnations and
Picotees ; Earl of Carnarvon,
Newbury (gr , W. Pope), for
Collection of Vegetables ; Mor-
gan Williams, Esq.. Glyn
NeaMi (gr., C. Foster), for
Collection of Vegetables ; C.
E. Ncwto •, Esq.(gr.,.I. Camp-
bell), for Muscat Grapes.
Bronze Banksian.
T. Birch, Shrewsbury, for
Collec'ionof Veget ibles ; Miss
Talbot, Swansea (gr. R.
Millor), for Culler ion of
Vegetables.
Glasgow, in 1822, and commenced his horticultural
career in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. 'He after-
wards went to Kew, and remaiued there until 1848.
In that year he went to America, and subsequently
to Australia. Returning to America, Mr. Fowler was
engaged by the late Jno. Hopkins upon the Clifton
Estate. It was the iutentiou of Mr. Hopkius to hwe
the university bearing his name established on the
Clifton ground, and at the same time to have Mr.
Fowler plan and lay out a botanical garden there,
but through the untimely death of Mr. Hopkins the
plan fell through. Mr. Fowler, who was at Clifton
forty years, planted many rare treej and Conifers
there, but some of these were cut down and grubbed
out last season. A considerable number of horticul-
turists attended the interment outhe 26tn ult.
timnm
to
(jormpordenU
©tntuarri,
WILLIAM FOWLER— The death is announced of
Mr. W. Fowler, head gardener at Clifton Park, Balti-
more Deceased was born -.\t Kelvin Grove, near
Bulbs : Subscriber.- If you read French, as you pro-
bably do, you will find Guiheneuf's Les Plantcs
Bulbeuscs, Paris, Octave Doin, suitable for your
purpose.
Carnation Seedlings:- D.&M. The flowers were
considerably withered when tbey reached us.
Several of them are well worth cultivating, but we
do not recognise anything unusually superior in
them. Their exact value could only be determined
after seeing them in perfect condition, and ascertain-
ing the habit of each variety in comparison with
similar ones previously raised.
Chrysanthemum : Ambitious. 1, The Edinburgh
Society allow exhibitors to place in the vases Chry-
santhemum foliage other than that growing on the
actual stems containing the blooms exhibited. The
committee found that the foliage upon the stems
containing the blooms does not keep fresh, thus
this was detrimental to all the exhibits. Hence
the concession to all alike. 2, The appearance of
incurved Japanese blooms can be slightly improved
by removing misformed petals, beyond this they
are not dressed like the ordinary incurved section.
3, Cut the blooms with sufficient stem, wrap the
base with wet moss, covering the moss with paper ;
wrap tho whole stems and blooms in soft tissue-
paper, taking care to have all the leaves erect in
the paper. Lay the stems in a long shallow box,
one bloom resting at the base of its neighbour. Do
not lay one upon another. E. M.
Club on Melons: Subscriber. You probably mean
eel-worms ; if so, you can do nothing but burn the
plants, turn out the soil, and get fresh.
Correction — In the fifth line of my letter to you,
p. Ill, the word "same" has been rendered
'cause," thus making me say the very opposite of
what I intended. R. D. Blackmore. [Wocanouly
express our contrition. En. J
Cucumbers : E. J. The plants are weakly, but the
roots are healthy, and we see no sign of actual
disease. Probably your treatment has been, or is,
at fault.
Cucumbers— Tomatos : A. A. L. 0. Any flat basket
or box would answer for Cucumbers if properly
packed with moss or wood-wool. Tomatos should
be sent in flat boxes or baskets with a cross handle,
and holding about a dozen pounds. We do not
know at the moment where they can be obtained,
but the salesmm would probably provide them on
application.
Ficus elastica : Hortus. We are unable to say
what has caused the injury, but it is most improb-
able that it has arisen fro n cold or wind.
Fruit trees on lawn : Richmond. You cannot do
better than give I he trees plenty of liquid from farm-
yard manure. It may be applied when most conve-
nient, but preferably in spring and early summer.
Insect on Pears : M. C, Your leave* are erten by
the slug-worm, Selandria atra, a species of saw-
fly, frequently described and figured iu these
columns. Dust the leaves with tobacco or helle-
bore-powder, but take care not to do so when there
is any fruit ripening.
Insects : Miss R. A fossorial Hymenopterous
insect, of the numerous genus Crabro. The flies
are dragged into the burrows as provision for its
grubs.. R. McL.—E. TV. A caterpillar of the
" Elephant " Hawk-moth (Chcerocampa elpenor),
about to change to chrysalis when received. It
feeds on Epilobium, Fuchsia, &c. R. McL.
Melons: T. B. We should prefer not to syringe
Melons carrying fruits of much size. It might
induce them to crack.
Kames of Fruits: B. 7. if: S. Apple: probably
some local sort not known here ; Patch ; Probably
Violette Hative. — T. B., Esher. Apple Lady
Sudeley.
Names or Plants : Correspondents not anwered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — E. S, Ashford. 1,
Solidago canadensis ; 2, Magnolia grandiflora; 3,
Catalpa syringajfolia. — P. S. Aralia mandschurica.
—G. B. Alpinia nutans, Bot. Mag. 44, t. 1903 —
/. R. Villenou, France. Odontoglossum Lindley-
anum varies very much, and your specimen seems to
be but a variety of that species. The greenish
flower is Lycaste linguella. 4, Mesospinidium san-
guineum. The other specimen was not found, and
had probably fallen from the box, which was much
broken. — A. II. GoDgora galeata. — G. W. R.
Catasetum macrocarpum. It is interesting to know
that your treatment of the Gloxinias continues to
be successful. — G. IV. H. Paulownia imperialis — ■
T. D. .Matter insufficient for determination. —
Ontario, Melilotus alba cdias M. leucantha. — R. A*.,
Hamburgh. Encephalartos Ghellinckii, of Lehmann.
— E. A. W. Ulmus montana var. Pitteursii. —
J. H. 1. Conoclinium ianthinum. 2. Statice
latifolia. 3. Veratrum nigrum. 4. Thalictrum
minus. 5. Colutea arboreseens. 6. Abelia
rupestris.
Pansy : T. B. Your question is by no means clear.
What you send is a Pansy flower from a worn-out
plant, which has probably flowered in spring, and
is now for the time exhausted. ,
Peas Diseased: J. C, Shad well. The disease is due
to the pre-ence of the Pea-mildew, Peronospora
viciie. As the disease appears to be well established
with you, spray at intervals of ten days with a
solution of potassium sulphide, as a preventive,
from the time the Peas are 4 inches high until the
bloom appears. G. M.
Pink and Violet-roots : I'. D. We find no trace
of eel-worms, but tho plants have been too deeply
buried in the soil.
Raspberry Canes : IV. B. H. The fungus
Pleospora vulgaris is the cause of the mischief.
Collect and burn all diseased caues ; if these are
allowed to remain the fungus continues to grow
throughout the winter, and inoculates the young
canes in the spring. G. M.
Sweet Peas : S. R. V. For the best Sweet Peas
for market work, consult Mr. Eckford, of Wem,
Salop. Your other question may be addressed to
Messrs. Kelway, Langport, Somerset.
Tomato : Anxious. The leaves are attacked with a
fungus, Cladosporium fulvum. It is too late now
to do much beyond removing the leaves and burL-
ing them. Another year an occasional spraying
with Bordeaux Mixture will be useful as a pre-
ventive.— </. G. Your fruits are affected with black
spot, so often figured and described in Gwrdt toera'
Chronicle. You can do nothing now but burn the
affected fruits. Another season try spraying with
Bordeaux Mixture, soon after the flowers fall, and
upon the leaves once or twice during growth.
Tree Carnations : L. H. S. In the Carnation
Manual (Cussell & Co.) are two chapters &■ voted
to this subject ; the cost is a few shillings.
Vines: Perplexed One. To induce your Vines to
colour well, get the canes thoroughly matured
each autumn. Do not over-crop. See that fhe
borders are well-drained and sweet, and give plenty
of air to the house whilst the ben-its are ripening,
with a little warmth in the hot-water pipts. You
may have to continue the heat a little longer in
the case of Gros Colnnar. You can syringe jour
Peach trees with nothing strong enough to kill
scale that would not also injure the foliage.
You might kill the scale with a small brush
and methylated spirits, but keep it from the leaves.
When the leaves have fallen, the task will be
more easy,
Communications Recmved. — Secretary of Scottish Horticul-
tural As'sdciatiort.— M. de V.— W. It.— N. K. Br.— G. A. It
— W. T. T. D. (with thanks! —P. E.— E. M. II — H. T.—
G H— D. T. F.— C. S — T. B. M .- H. G. 13.— W. H. White
(withthank6).-Ed. Conner— E. Cottem'.— A. C. P.— T. B,
— W F. & Co.-C. S.— J. -Df.ugUs.-J. B.— D. T F.
Auqust 28, 1897.]
THE GARDENER ti' CHRONICLE.
137
THE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 1897.
THE INTERIOR OF WESTERN
AUSTRALIA FROM A HORTICUL-
TURAL POINT OF VIEW.
\^7"FRE it possible for a botanist, without
' * knowing in what part of tho world ho
was, to find himself upon one of the low hills
which rise from the great elevated table-land of
the West Australian desert, he would see iu
every direction an apparently dense forest
reaching far as the eye could follow it. The
landscape might hero and there be diversified by
great masses of bare granite projecting from
the verdurous maze, or in some distant valley
a stretch of dazzling white would tell of the
presenco of a salt lake ; but the main fact im-
pressed upon his imagination would be the
luxuriant covering of vegetation stretching out
before him, mile after mile, to tho vory vergo
of tho horizon, where it would stand as if
embossed against the brilliant bluo, in a fashion
quite unknown to inhabitants of, or visitors to
the moister climates of Europe.
Were our botanist now told that he was sta-
tioned in the midst of a desert, with an annual
rainfall of not move than from 3 to 5 inches,
tempered with long spells of fierce drought, his
incredulity would surely have somo excuse, and
yet be entirely without foundation. But he
would begin to doubt his first impressions on
descending to the plain. Here ho would at
once notice, between the sparsely-placed shrubs
or trees, large patches of loamy- red, or may be
of loose and glistering white sand, of which the
enly occupants would be a few struggling blades
of grass, for the most part dry as tinder, clus-
tering wherever a bit of shade might seem to
proruiso somo alleviation from the sun's burning
rays. Lifo there would be none, except pos-
sibly for some scared and hurriedly fleeing
lizard ; though swarms of flies, intent on making
life a burden to the rash explorer of their
dreary domain, would certainly attend his pro-
gress. Over all a stillness as of death,
save that now and again some faint breeze
would quicken the listless Gum-troes, making
their leaves sparkle like so many tiny mirrors ;
or a stronger wind, suddenly arising, to
pass away as suddenly, seize in its mighty
grasp whatover happened to bo near, while a
column of red dust, burled skywards, would
mark its triumphal progress. Nor, upon
further inspection, would still plainer signs of
an inhospitable climate be wanting. Leaves
might be seen wilting on their stalks ; branches,
dead and dry, still attached to a trunk mani-
festing somo show of life ; perhaps a flower or
two, faded and dried before the seed had been
set, or young fruits scorched ere time had
been given them to lay on a sufficient thickness
of protecting tissue. Signs such as these would
all tend to convince our wanderer that no at-
tempt had been made to deceive him, and that
in spite of appearances from the hilltop, his
present lot was cast in a veritable desert.
But there is a reverse to this picture. After
heavy rain — alas ! a very occasional blessing
— or in early spring, before the sun has re-
gained its power, the botanist may, in favour-
able situations, find a fair number of
floral treasures. Springtime is certainly
the most profitable for collecting, as then
numbers of lowly annuals, which could
not possibly exist when the sun begins to
scorch the ground, put in a welcome appear-
ance, so enlivening the country as to make one
confess that the desert is not altogether without
its share of beauty. Nay, wo have seen specially
favoured spots where dense masses of pink,
snow-white or yellow everlastings, made a
foreground which, one might venture to aver,
would havo been pleasing ovon to such masters
of colour as Titian and Millais. Thoso pink
everlastings are the well known Helipterum
Cassinianum, more familiar in cultivation as
Schconia Cassiniana ; the yellow are chiofly
Waitzia corymbosa, Heliehrysum semipap-
posum, and Helipterum Ilaighii, the two latter
well worth)' of being introduced into gardens,
especially Helipterum Haighii. Podolepis pallida
is a lovely yellow everlasting, much in the style
of Podolepis acuminata, but with heads a little
smaller. We saw one spot — -the flank of a great
granite outcrop not far from Coolgardie — covered
with the pale golden nodding flower-heads of
this plant, forming a literal " field of cloth of
gold," and a fine sight it certainly was. Of
white everlastings may be mentioned the abun-
dant Cephalipterum Drummoudii, whoso pic-
turesque massed flower-heads mark it as a
meritorious aspirant to the honours of cultiva-
tion ; Helipterum rubellum, equally abundant
and, in spite of its specific name, usually show-
ing white involucres, and Helipterum Fitzgib-
boni, with curiously flat heads, recalling some-
what those of the double Daisy, and chocolate
outer involucral scales. Other notablo ever-
lastings are Athrixia tenella, with small yellow
fluffy flower-heads — a quaint-looking thing;
Helipterum rosoum, a very graceful plant, of
which only the white- flowered variety was met
with; the more modest Helipterum strictum,
and though last, not least, that charming intro-
duction, Rhodanthe Manglesii. This latter, as
a rulo pink-headed, though sometimes white,
grows only in well-watered spots upon the
granite rocks which outcrop in various places
all through the interior of the colony.
Some of the West Australian Sundews are
vory pretty, and, the climbing ones especially,
will doubtless in time be recognised ornaments
of the conservatory. The handsomest seen by
us were Drosora macrantha, with large snowy
blossoms, and Drosera Menziesi, var. flavescens,
with yellow. Ionidium floribundurn is a lowly
shrub with flowers, strikingly recalling a
" counterfeit presentment " of those of the wild
Pansy, only on a smaller scale. As a cultivated
plant it could not for a moment be compared
with its flaunting congeners ; but it would bo
valuable to the gardener, if only because of the
lavish way in which its flowers are produced.
The reverse must be said of Marianthuslineatus,
as its white and chocolate-striped flowers are
larger than those of the cultivated Marianthus
caaruleo-punotatusand Druminondianus, though
some might prefer these latter on account of their
extreme elegance. Malvace;v are not abundant ;
the best from a horticultural point of view
collected by us is the purple-flowered Hibiscus
Krichuuffianus; and among Sterculiacete the only
one of much worth is Keraudrenia integrifolia.
This bush, which one tiuds only close to gianite
rocks, has flowers like those of a Rulingia until
pollination occurs, whereupon tho purple calyces
enlarge to the size of a half-crown, and as they
are borne in plenty, the plant at this time makes
a handsome show.
Myrtacea) are in strong force in the desert ;
indeed, in some parts they constitute the bulk
of tho flora. Species of Thrypiomene, Mioro-
myrtus, Vorticordia, &c, aro not of much
account to the horticulturist, but the magenta-
flowered Wehlia thryptomenoidos is more
worthy of notice, and Kunzea sericea, with its
largo trusses of red or cream-coloured blossoms,
needs only to be seen to be admired. Another
well-represented order is that of the Goode-
niacero; one of these, the well-known chaste
littlo Brunonia australis is rather common here
and there, as also aro the yellow Mimulus-like
fiowors of Goodenia mimuloides, while you may
see the blossoms of Dampiera lavandulacea in
places on the granito, where water is apt to
collect aftor rain. But the gem is un-
doubtedly a new Velleia, found on the bank of
a creek in the far interior. This, with a fine
disregard for convention, sports flowers of a
lovely rose hue— a most rare occurrence in tho
order. Unfortunately, search how we might,
we could find but one specimen of this, and
that had not yet formod its capsules.
There are some pretty spinose Solanunis,
notably Solanum lasiophyllum, which you may
find anywhere close to the granite outcrops,
and a new species, allied to Solanum orbicula-
tum, with small round woolly leaves and purple
flowers. Moreover this mention of Solanacow
recalls a remarkable variety of Nicotiana
suaveolens, assuredly the smallest of all tho
tobaccos, its stems sometimes only a couple of
inches high, and the rosulate leaves not even
that longth ! We do not anticipate any ardent
desiro on the part of growers of the fragrant
weed to raise a crop of this veritable torn-thumb
of a plant.
Of course Leguminosio are well to the fore,
being represented by Gompholobium, Gastro-
lobium, Phyllota and other genera; most of
them, however, havo much similarity to species
already cultivated. A notable exception is a
new Oxylobium, a fine shrub reaching 6 feet
in height, with large, deep-green leaves and
long racemes of orange-coloured flowers.
Neither are the Acacias of much account, as
almost all tho desert species have small incon-
spicuous spikes, though this cannot be said of
Acacia acuminata, whose splendid phyllodes
and inch-long blooms should gain for it
unstinted welcome.
Eromophilas and Pholidias abound, and
several new species of both genera — some of
thorn deserving a horticulturist's notice — were
brought down with us. Worthy of mention,
too, is Prostanthera Baxteri, of w^hich the
flowers are pale lavender, or white streaked
with purplo ; and, indoed, very like those of
Prostanthera niyea, already an inmate of our
conservatories. Another species, Prostanthera
Grylloana, with dull-red flowers, would be of
service to the nurseryman.
There is not much to be said about the Pro-
teacero. Though they abound, the usual thing
is for the flowers to be put forth but sparingly ;
but this is perhaps due rather to the prevalence
of unfavourable conditions. There is, however,
one charming Grevillea, a graceful shrub,
10 feet high, with cream-coloured flowers of
cloyiugly sweet scent. In deference to the
authors of the botanical portion of the Elder
Expedition Report we have called this Grevillea
nematupliyllii, though it differs in some respects
138
THE GABDUNEIiS' CIIBONIGLE.
[August 28, 1897.
from the Simon pure, an east Australian species.
AVe have ventured to deal differently with a
fine Hakea, called by the authorities above-
named, Hakoa lorea, but, in our opinion, so
different from Robert Brown's plant as to leave
no alternative but its description as a novelty.
Numerous species of Trichiuium and Ptilotus
sorve to keep up the reputation of Amaran-
thacere as pre-eminently a desert-loving order.
The finest of them is Triohinium exaltatum,
introduced into cultivation long since. With-
out doubt, tho prettiest of the unintroduced ones
in Triohinium Carlsoni, which, in refreshing
contrast with the eternal iteration of whito or
pink flowers indulged in by Amaranths, bears
heads now of an orango, now of a lemon-yollow
colour.
As might be expocted, orchids, so abundant
in better-watered districts of the island-
c mtinent, stand at a high premium in the
the desert. Besides Thelymitra and Ptorostjdis,
there are only two genora, Diuris, of which a
few species are known in cultivation, and
Microtis. The Tholymitras are the well-known
blue Thelymitra longifolia and tho yellow
Thelymitra antennifera ; the latter, unless we
mistake, is not yet introduced. The Pterostylis
is Pterostylis pyramidalis, a somewhat critical
species, not likely to be warmly welcomed, inas-
much as it is so like others long familiar to the
lover of plants.
From the above remarks the reader will pro-
bably gather that, at least from a botanical
standpoint, the West Australian interior is not
quite so poor as hasty inspection during tho hot
teason might lead one to suppose. By no
means, however, do wo expect this article to
result in setting the emissaries of our Veitches,
and Bulls, and Lindens tumbling over one
another in their eagerness to experience the
delights of the desert, including, as such, a
scorching sun, clouds of dust, and flies by the
legion, with the chance of a wash in Heaven's
g»od time ! But there is one thing that might
be done ; any horticulturist happening to havo
a rel itivo or acquaintance over there engaged in
propitiating the tickle Goddoss, might do worse
than ask for a consignment of the seeds of any
plant likely to strike the fancy. In this way,
many a charming flower, now literally wasting
its sweetness on the desert air, or, at best,
looked on only by the careless miner or the
naked — or, still worse — the semi- civilised
savage, would have a chance of becoming a
thing of beauty to a wider and more apprecia-
tive clientele. S. M.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
«
LUDDEMANNIA SANDERIA.NA, Krzl., n. up*
A vigorous-looking plant, with strong ovoid,
furrowed bulbs, and 3—4 leathery lanceolate leaves
on each of them. In general habit it resembles
* Luddemannia SaTideriana, Bird., u. sp.— Psoudo-bulbis
magnis crassis obscure quadrangulis multicostatis tri tetra-
phyllis, ad 10 cm. altis, 4—5 cm. diametro ; foliis obloogis acutis
ad 15 cm. longis, ad 5 cm. latis ; scapo nutante v. pondulo
pliri-multifloro ; bracteis scariosis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis,
1 s cm. longis ovarium nigro-furfuraceum fere sequantibus ;
scpalo dorsali obovato-oblongo acuto, sepalis lateralibus basi
paulum productis Iongioribus obloogis acutis ; petalis cuneato-
ovatis acutis, labeili lobis lateralibus oblique elliptk-is fere
orbioularibus erectis rotundatis, iutennedio rotundato mar-
nine crenulato apiculato, toto disco vclutino, callo elato a
basi modium usque deaso pil iso ; gym»t;miu sepalum dors do
lere soqnante supra dilatato, rostuKo producto acuminata.
^epaU alba v. pallide lutea, IS cm. longa, :i nun. lata,
dorsalc brevius, petals 1 •:. cm. longa, ad 6 mm. lata; labelling
album purpureo-striatum, et pnesartim in callo purpureo-
pilosum, 1'2— l'Scm. longum ; gynostemium I 2 cm. longum,
album purpureo punctulatum.
• lombia pr. Medellin, import. F. Sander F. Kn
much that of Luddemannia Lehmanni, but it differs
at first glance by the cream-coloured flowers and the
lip, and to this part of the flower the loos'; important
characters of specific value are confined. The lip
is also white, but with dense purple blotches and
spots ; the basal part especially is covered by a denBe
cushion-like hairy callosity of the darkest purple ;
the side lobes are oblong, and the middle-lobe rounded.
The spike hangs downwards, and bears about 20—25
flowers, and when just opened the appearance is very
pretty. The colour turns after two days from creimy-
white into a yellowish-mauve, aud the purple into
black. F. Kramlin.
METHODS OF PROPAGATION.
[Continued from p. 85. )
Propagation from Eyes. — The India-rubbers,
Ficus elastica and varieties, are readily increased
from single eyes ; but, unlike the Vines, had better
have their buds started by heading back the shoots
of the old plants sot aside to propagate from. As
Boon as these buds have grown an inch or two, cut
right through the parent-stem above and below the
bud, and insert tho piece carrying the started eye
iuto a thumb (72) pot filled with sandy-soil, aud
when you have prepared sufficient for your purpose,
plunge the whole up to their rims in a hot-bed of
cocoa-refuse or tan in the inside lights of the propa-
gating-pit, aud after watering copiously, keep close
for a week or so. Plants so raised make the best
small specimens for all kinds of decorative work ;
and though the ordinary cutting-method is quick and
good, yet it goes without saying.Jthat if we have a
scarce or rare plant to deal with, if one can make a
saleable plant from every bud, tit is better than
sacrificing six to compass tho same result. The
variegated form of Ficus elastica, as well as the
elegant Ficus Hahni, and others of the genus, may
all be thus propagated. I was set wondering how
our American friends managed to work up such a
large stock of any now Rose they send out in such a
short time as they managed to do ; and being of an
enquiring mind in all matters relating to propaga-
tion, I soon gathered the following useful facts : —
It is by U3ing every single eye or bud, where
possible, and rarely are two taken, wh re the wood
used is fairly stout and ripe.
In the United States much of the propagation is
done on benches or stages, which are heated from
beneath by tanks, or hot-wator or Bteam-pipes.
These are covered with 4 to 5 inches of light soil, and
the heat toon permeates this, and there is formed a
bed in which all kinds of cuttings can be rapidly
struck. But to return to the new Rose. When
the temperature is regular throughout the bed, a pot-
plant of the Rose is taken aud cut up into pieces an
inch or two long by diagonal incisions, each carrying
a single bud or eye, with its leaf still attached to the
node. The leaf may bo shortened by removing the
centre leaflet and the two next below it, when the
eye or cutting is finished, and they may at once be
dibbled into the hot-bed. In order to compass
success in this process, the wood from which the eye
has been cut must be of the current season, and have
been grown under ylass ; to this end, propagators
have always a bitch of st ;ck plants at their com-
ma id, aud then the only other proviso is that the
plant from which it has been cut is iu vigorous
health, neither attacked by mildew, or rust, nor any
insect-pest. Thus treated they root quickly, aud as
soon as they have made a little top-growth, they may
be taken out of the sod in wh'e'j they were struck and
potted iuto single pots, being very careful not to
bruise the young and tender wood in the process, or
it will turn black aud die. Shade for a time, say till
the young rootlets appear at the side of the pots,
when it may be dispensed with, except just in the
middle of the day ; but Roses are very apt to scorch.
Plants raised thus, especially of the Tea aud Noisette
section, are the very best for pot work, for foreiDg,
aud for planting-out in span-pits, to grow for cut-
flowers.
The plants of the new Hoses received from tho
growers in May and June, are, as a rule, in just the
coujition to furnish single eyes for this practice
but it is waste of time to attempt to propagate
Roses thus, when from any cause they have
lost their foliage. In gardens or nurseries where
there are no means of extemporising a bench such as I
have indicated, the best substitute for it is a thin
deal box about 6 inches deep, filled with soil, and
plunged in fermenting dung or tan. The Rose eyes
may be then dibbled into this, and with care and
attention to temperature, moisture, aud shade, results
will be satisfactory, if not entirely successful.
Besides Vines for fruiting purpo es, any of the
tribe can be raised from single eyes, such as the cut-
leafed or Parsley, and the purple-leaved Grape, while
any of the Virginian Vines (Ampelopsis) can be bo
multiplied ; and that reminds me that the useful and
deservedly popular Ampelopsis Veitchi, from single
started eyes, cau thus be propagated indefinitely.
Take an old well-branched plant of this useful climber
and plant it out iu a warm propagating-house, or even
iu a Melon or Cucumber-pit, and as soon as it pushes
growth, which it will from nearly every bud or eye,
allow them to grow from 4 to 6 inches long, and then
remove them with a sharp knife close to the old wood,
aud dibble them into the soil of your hot-bed, water-
ing copiously. Shado for a whi'e, and in a very little
time each piece will root, and may have a short stick
put to it, or be lifted with a little ball of earth and
be potted into a small 60-size pot, being careful not to
break or disturb the tender root-fibres. Harden off
gradually, aud then plunge out-of-doors under a wall
or hedge, and if large plauts are desired, rep at
and stake with a longer stake each time they are
shifted.
Thus much for single eye propagating, but I do not
wish to Buggest that I have exhau-ted the subject.
Experience,
(To be continued.)
MR. HARRISON WEIR'S GARDEN.
As the traveller speeds through the station at Seven-
oaks, on the South-eastern Railway, he can hardly
fail to be attracted by the geological section which the
railway makers have exposed to view on either side, at a
little distance from the platform. The rail in fact
cuts across a noble mould of greensaud, and on either
side an arch is formed of huge blocks of saudstone
rock, pieced together as the stones of a bridge may
be, and with bods of sand between the layers of stone.
On the one side of the rail is the garden of Mr. de
Barri Crawshay, all aglow when we saw it with noble
oriental Poppies, and rich in selected forms of
Udontoglossum crispum. On the other side, the left
as we are going down the line, is the residence of our
old friend and valued correspoudent, Mr. Harrison
Weir. It is not for us, in his presence as it were, to
dilate upon tho service his artistic pencil has rendered
for so many years to humanity. To our readers he
will be specially kuowu not only as an artist, but as
a naturalist and a gardener. Knowledge of the man
and his work begets a desire to see his garden. A
garden is so often an index of a man's tastes if not of
his character. It is almost needless to say Mr. Weir's
garden is unconventional. It would drive a tidy,
soil-scraping, root-denuding, verge-cuttiug gardener
to despair. Flower-beds and herbaceous borders in
the narrow technical sense there are none, and yet
the whole garden is one vast floral spectrum. There
may be some soil somewhere, iu fact we are sure
there is, but it is not visible, so thickly is it clothed
with motley flowers and diverse foliage. So there
must be a plan, and a one skilfully carried out, too ;
but it is not apparent till one looks for it. The
garden in fact occupies part of the slope of the green
Band mound we spoke of. It descends sharply from
the house at the top of the bank to a terrace over-
looking the rail, aud from which a fine viow of
the Kentish downs is obtained. Narrow, zigzag
paths lead from terrace to terrace, amid a wilderness
of gay flowers, tall perenuials aud lowly alpiues,
bosky shrubs, and aspiring trees.
Mi-. Weir is, as we have said, an enthusiast. He
August 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
139
loves plants — he finds beauty in all and each — so
that it would not be practicable even if it were desir-
able, to enumerate his treasures. Moreover, so
numerous and diversified are they that the aspect
presented one week is notably different from that
offered in another. Take the year through, never
can there be a day in a garden like this where some-
thing cannot be found to admire and instruct. H'hat
about the weeds ? some one will 6ay. Well, there
are some— and there are none— a paradox that is
explained by the fact that, while care is taken that
none shall be obtrusive, or occupy space where they
are not wanted, others are left to grow at their own
sweet will, or at least with as great freedom as the
struggle for existence in so densely peopled a garden
will allow. The Foxglove is one of the local weeds,
which is duly cherished. It is a lesson in taste and
catholicity to hear the proprietor descant upon the
beauty of form and colour of some of these too often
stop. Our readers will feel that reticence in this
particular will give a juster notion of an artist's
garden than any cut and dried enumeration of sesqui-
pedalian names could do.
THE WILD APRICOT AND THE
GRAFT.
The culture of the Apricot has been traced as far
back, in the history of nations, as the Assyrian
period, and at least two Latin authors, Pliuy and
Columella, refer to the tree as a variety of the Plum,
and as a native of Armenia [and the former states
that it had been introduced into Italy about thirty
years. Ed.]. As regards its origin, modern researches
have shown that the Apricot does not grow wild
either in Armenia or in the Caucasus; and, accord-
ing to Reynier, the stretch of African territory
extending from the river Niger to the Atlas range of
grafted themselves thrivetherein, and the necessary
amount of heat is also available. In its native
country, and in Central Asia, the natives propagate
the Apricot by seed. True reproduction is, however,
only obtained by means of the graft, and to this
end the Peach-tree is generally used as the subject
in the region of the Vine, where the Almond -
tree is, however, preferred in calcareous or dry soil
In more northern latitudes, as in Central Europe,
and in irrigated or damp ground with a good subsoil,
the stock generally adopted is that of certain varieties
of the Plum-tree, such as Myrobolan St. Julien or
Damascus.
At the last (and first) Pomological Congress which,
not long ago, was held at St. Petersburg, a well-
known Russian horticulturist, M. SimireDko, drew
attention to the value of the wild Apricot for grafting
cultivated varieties of the Apricot itself, as well as
those of .the Plum and Peach treeB. He gave it as
Fig. 39.— view in sir. Harrison weir's garden at sevenoaks. (see p. 138.)
despised plants. So great is the elegance in the form
oi the foliage of many of them that it is a pity they
are not more often suffered to remain where they
add to the general charm by the varied form and
colour of their leaves, and inflict little or no injury
on their associates. A little attention in the way
of decapitation before the seeds are ripened will
prevent their undue multiplication, whilst a similar
check to their subterranean reproduction is afforded
by the number and variety of the competitors. If
these do not suffice to keep the unruly in check, the
gardener may be turned in, but with the precaution
that he be not allowed himself to become the greatest
weed of the whole.
On the high ground are flowering shrubs in profu-
sion, and a selection of ornamental and " picture
trees ; " whilst Mr. Weir's pomological instincts find
due representation elsewhere, as also do the fowls
concerning which he writes so pleasantly.
In reading this note over, we find that we have
scarcely mentioned a single plant by name ; had we
begun to do so, we should not have known where to
mountains, is to be regarded as its original habitat.
The introduction of the Apricot into Europe is
apparently due to the Romans, at first into Italy,
then into Greece, and subsequently and gradually
throughout the central European region.
Considering its southern origin, a considerable
amount of heat is naturally required for the complete
maturation of the fruit, and hence it is that, under
ordinary conditions, the Apricot grown in, say, the
south of France, is much superior in flavour to that
obtained in the open air in more northern latitudes.
The tree, moreover, enters into development at an
early period of the y ear, and it is because of the damage
caused where spring frosts occur that considerable
importance is to be attached to certain results which
have been obtained in this connection in Russia, as
regards the employment of the wild Apricot (Arme-
niaca vulgaris) for purposes of grafting.
In the general culture of the Apricot, the tree
requires a light but good soil, and it does not grow
well in calcareous ground, or where the sub-soil is
damp, unless the roots of the subject on which it is
his opinion, based on the results of, many years
experience, that Armeniaca vulgaris is the most
valuable subject in this connection, inasmuch as it
shows no antipathy to any variety of the above-men-
tioned fruit trees, which develop vigorously and luxu-
riantly thereon. The wild Apricot is, moreover,
remarkable for its powers]' of endurance, and in the
province of Kieff, where the winter is very severe,
the tree has never been known to be injuriously
affected by frost, an advantage which the other
ordinary subjects do not^there possess. Early in the
spring of each year M. Simirenko grafts indoors some
thousands of Plum trees\on ^the] wild Apricot, of
which plants are preferred, for the Apricot and Peach,
which are at least a year old. " If , the graft is unsuc-
cessful, the subject is cut low down in the autumn,
so as to make use of the shoot which is thereby
subsequently developed. M. Simirenko obtains bis
supply of wild plants by seeds sown in the autumn,
and young plants are obtained very regularly if the
stones are not too crowded.
As regards the Plum tree,' which demands a
140
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 28, 1897.
moist soil, Hungarian varieties in particular, the
wild Apricot is of particular advautage, inasmuch as
it thrives well on dry land, and irrigation or watering
is consequently less necessary. The roots of the
wild Apricot, moreover, do not encumber the soil,
and because the shoots remain full of sip until late in
the season, the rind is easily detachable in the autumn,
sojthatthe process of grafting [budding. Ed.] can be de-
layed beyond the busy summer. As regards resistance
to low temperatures, M. Simirenko states, as has indeed
been also observed in America and in Germany, that
P. St. Julien is the most susceptible to frost, and
that trees grafted on P. Myrobolan are not very long
lived. The President of the French Pomological
Society, who has recently referred to this subject in
the Pomologie Pranraisc, testifies to the same effect,
the average duration of Apricots so grafted in the
Ain department, for instance, not exceeding four
years. Nor does the cause appear to have been
hitherto explained ; the Apricot almost invariably
grafted on the Plum in France, grows at first very
vigorously, the scion dies, though the subject (stock)
continues to thrive. It is, therefore, suggested, as
was, indeed, proposed by M. Carriere many years
ago, that Armeniaca vulgaris might be adopted in
this connection with considerable advantage in
France, not only in the warmer districts, but also in
the more northern region, where the Apricot does
not naturally grow to perfection.
The wild Apricot is widely employed for grafting
purposes in the Crimea, especially so in Bessarabia,
and the Germans are now importing large quantities
of young plants of this kind from Russia. It is also
interesting to note, in conclusion, that mauy native
tribes of the African region which, as I have already
stated, is the native habitat of the Apricot, are suffi-
ciently good horticulturists to know the value of the
wild variety for purposes of grafting. Xcion.
THE DISEASES OF PLANTS.
(Continued from p. 118.)
Treatment of Seed for Fungi. — Seed mixed
with fungus-spores is the source of not a few
diseases of crops. The winter spores of most
fungi are adapted to lie dormant for long periods,
and, as most of them ripen along with the
plants inhabited by the parent fungus, they
readily find their way into seed. This is
particularly the case with the diseases known as
smuts and bunts, but also happens with rusts,
mildews, and other fungi. The spores germi-
nate along with the seed, and the fungus readily
makes its way into the young seedling plants.
In fact, certain diseases, e.g., smuts and bunts
can only attack their host-plants in the seedling
stage, and that they do so successfully is proved
by the number of black-smutted ears one sees
in almost every field of Oats or Barley. Other
smuts are common and injurious on Onion,
Beet, Carnation, and Violet, also on wild plants
such as Thistles, Anemones, Primulas,
Hyacinths, and their allied cultivated forms.
In every case the smut starts from the winter
spore, and enters the young plants ; at first, and
for a long time, there is no external indication
of disease, the fungus keeping out of sight, but
in pace with the growth of the plant. The smut
does not appear till the flowers are formed
(sometimes it may be in the foliage), then it
breaks out as pustules which shed a daik
powder, the new crop of spores ready to be
carried by wind, rain, insects, &c. to new plants,
or to lie dormant till a fitting opportunity for
germination presents itself. The concealment
of the early growth of smut-fungi in their host-
plant renders fruitless any attempt to reach
them by fungicides. By the time spores appear
there can be no cure, the crop is beyond recovery.
Measures against smut-fungi must therefore be
directed at killing the spores to prevent access of
the fungus to crops liable to suffer. Hence the
necessity of treating sped in some way which
will not harm it, but will kill the spores of
fungi, as well as others. The more important
methods of doing this are as follows : —
Sterilisation by hot water, or Jensen's method
(see Journal of the Boyal Agricultural Society,
1888, p. 397). — The object of this process is to
subject the seed for a short time to the action
of water hot enough to kill adhering fungus-
spores, but not to injure the seed. This takes
place with grain after five to fifteen minutes in
water, about 130° to 134° Fahr. ; with Beet-
seed, after five minutes. The immersion is
carried out by placing the seed in a vessel
easily permeable by water ; for example, a
basket lined with coarse canvas. The hot
water is best contained in two large vessels, the
first with warm water, to wet the seed, and to
prevent cooling of the water in the second
vessel or boiler, which must be kept constantly
between 1303 and 134D Fahr. ; a lower tem-
perature will not ensure death of the spores, a
higher may injure the seed. After a few
minutes' immersion in the first boiler, the seed
is placed in the second for at least five minutes,
and frequently stirred. With dry seeds like
Beet, it is recommended to soak them first in
water for a few hours, and allow to stand
till swollen ; grain, however, does not require
this. The seed after hot-water treatment is
cooled in cold water, and spread out till dry
enough to sow.
Sterilisation by Copper-sulphate. — The steep-
ing mixture is a half per cent, solution of
copper-sulphate in water, prepared by dis-
solving 1 lb. crushed commercial sulphate of
copper (bluestone) in hot water, then adding it
to 22 gallons of water. The seed is allowed to
stand covered by this solution for a night, from
twelve to sixteen hours ; then take out and
allow to drip till dry enough for sowing. The
method may be improved on, if, without
removing the seed, the copper liquor is run off,
and the seed covered with milk-of-lime, pre-
pared by shaking up 1 lb. of good fresh-slaked
lime in each 4 gallons of water used ; after
stirring for five minutes, the lime liquor is run
off and the grain spread out to dry.
Sterilisation by Potassium-sulphide. — The seed
is left twenty-four hours in a half per cent,
solution, prepared by dissolving 1 lb. of fused
potassium-sulphide in 24 gallons of water. The
seed is placed in a wooden vessel, covered with
the solution, well mixed several times during
the twenty-four hours steeping period, then
spread out to dry for sowing. The powder
advertised as " Ceres-powder" contains potas-
sium-sulphide with other ingredients. It has
been recommended for grain-smuts.
The success of these methods depends greatly
on their general use throughout a whole dis-
trict, and year after year. In addition to using
steeping-mixtures, every precaution should be
employed to destroy diseased plants, particu-
larly in the case of smuts on garden or vegetable
produce. It is believed that the use of fresh
farmyard-manure containing smutted straw
should be avoided, and that well-rotted manure
is much safer.
Treatment of Rusts. — The rusts, or Uredinese,
as they are scientifically called, are amongst the
commonest pests of cultivated crops, their rusty
or brown colouring rendering them easily dis-
tinguishable amongst the green foliage. The
remedy to keep them out of the garden has,
however, yet to be discovered. No treatment
we know of can be applied against them with
much chance of success. We can only recom-
mend that plants likely to be attacked be culti-
vated in as healthy surroundings as possible,
and that rust-proof varieties be selected for use.
The ravages of the Hollyhock-rust are a case in
point, no remedy ever seemed to affect it ; and
now we are only taking up this valuable deco-
rative plant again after it had almost dis-
appeared. The Carnation-rust threatens us
now, and as yet the only remedy seems to be
the drastic one of rooting- out and burning all
infested plants. The agriculturist seems no
better off with rust on Wheat. It is, therefore,
to be sincerely hoped that those with oppor-
tunity of experimenting with Carnation, Plum,
or other rust could get some reliable method of
treating this annoying group of fungi. Bor-
deaux Mixture or potassium-sulphide has been
recommended for various rusts, but results
hardly justify the expanse and labour of appli-
cation. Where these fungicides are already in
use they may check rusts, and it would be well
to observe the results. The problem of com-
bating rusts is complicated by the fact that
many of them pass part of their existence on
one host-plant, part on another. Thus, Wheat-
rust inhabits at one time Wheat and many
grasses, at another Barberry ; a common Apple-
tree-rust has a second stage on Juniper, and
Pea-rust has a stage on Euphorbia. We
cannot, however, say definitely whether the
rust may not exist on one host-plant without
the other ; this is said to be the case with
Wheat-rust. William (/. Smith, Edinburgh.
• (To be continued.)
CALCEOLARIA ALBA.
One of the most attractive exhibits at a recent
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society was con-
stituted by some well-grown plants of this species
•shown by Mr. J. T. Bennett-Poe. The foliage is
rather dense, the linear leaves being almost whorled,
and the inflorescence terminal, much branched and
many flowered. Each flower is snow white, or the
white of the ripe Suowberry (Symphoricarpus). The
plant is hardy in favourable localities, and is of a very
decorative character, whether grown as a pot plant in
a greenhouse or in beds. It is rarely seen now-a-days,
though it was introduced from Chile to the Veitchiau
Nursery at Exeter, by William Lobb, so long'ago aa
1844. A coloured figure was given in the hot. Mag.,
t. 4157.
REMARKS ON THE FRUIT CROPS.
(See Tables, ante, pp. 63 to 69.)
5, SOUTHERN COUNTIES.
(Continued from p. 122.)
Berkshire. — I have scrutinised the crops more
extensively this season than last. It has been a
peculiar season ; and, in regard to Apples, many of
the trees, and even orchards, have about one-third of
a crop. Two trees of the same variety will be growing
side by side ; one is bearing abundantly, and the other
has none. Pears are mostly good upon wall-trees,
and fair on standard-trees. Plums may be considered
a general failure in this district, the early frosts
having ruined the blooms, as they did those of the
Cherry, and almost killing the small branches upon
my trees. To finish off my survey, on the 20th ult.
I visited the beautiful grounds and gardens of C. E.
Keyser, Esq., Aldermaston Court, where Mr. Gait
has been working out great improvements of late
years. In regard to fruit there, the features are
exactly as I have stated in the caole. At the other
extreme of my visiting Englefield House, the fine
seat of R. Benyon, Esq., Mr. Coombes can boast of
the best crop of Peaches, Plums, and Apricots, on
the walls that I have seen. As a whole, this year's
crops are the worst I have known for twenty-one
years. Robert Fmn, Sulhamstead.
ArcrsT 28, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
141
Apples are the worst crop for many years, the
crop depending upon a few never-failing varieties of the
Codlin class, viz., Keswick Codlin, Frogmore Prolific,
Stirling Castle, and Potts' Seedling ; late-keeping
Apples will be very scarce indeed. The Pear trees
have good crops on walls, but with a few exceptions
Pears are a failure on trees in the open. Plums are
very scarce on wnlis as on orchard trees. Cherries,
both sweet and Morello, are an average crop on wall-
appointing, Plums more especially ; for although
these bloomed well, they failed to set, which may, I
think, be partially attributed to the harsh winds and
frosts prevailing whilst the trees were in bloom, and
partially to the fact that owing to the wet, almost
sunless autumn, the wood failed to ripen satisfactorily.
To the part failure of the Apple crop this applies, I
think, with still greater force. W. Pope, Nighclere
Castle Gardens, Newbury.
Fig. 40.— calceolaria alba, (see p. 140).
trees, but they are quite a failure on orchard standards.
Peach and Nectarine trees suffered much from the
cold weather in the spring, and there are scarcely any
Apricots. Small fruits were good, particularly black
Currants and Strawberries. Walnuts generally are
a failure. T. Turton, Maiden Erl'gh Gardens,
Reading.
Fruit crops this year are, on the whole, dis-
Dorset. — Considering the wealth of blossom which
showed on the Apple-tivee, a good crop might have
been anticipated ; but, as a fact, few varieties have
any. Striped Beefing, Irish Peach, and Yorkshire
Greening are well cropped ; whilst King of the
Pippins, Keswick Codling, Beauty of Kent, Graven-
stein, Lord Suffield, Duke of Devonshire, and Ribston
Pippin have moderate crops. Pears are a still
poorer ^crop, Glou Mor<eiu.[ Knight's Monarch,
Thompson's, round r.anie, Beurre Die!, Seck'e,
Madame Trejve being the only ones which are
fairly cropped ; and a few are to be found on
trees of Marie Louise. Catillac has a good crop.
The Plum crop is the worst we have bad for some
years, there were 10° of frost when the trees were in
flower. The same cause ruined the Cherries. Figs-
od outside walls are a very good crop. Gooseberries,
red and white Currants, and Strawberries were
capital, and of the last, Royal Sovereign and Dixton's
Latest-of-All, were very fine and good. T. Denny,
Down Mouse Gardens, Bland ford.
Hants. — The Apple crop, as a whole, is not an
average crop ; while such varieties as Mere de Mdnage,
Irish Peach, Worcester Pearmain. King of the Pip-
pins, Lord Suffield, Warner's King, Cox's Orange
Pippin, in one orchard are heavily laden, the same
varieties, not 200 yards distant, are a failure. Cater-
pillars have not been so troublesome as in some past
years. The crop of Plums on the wall trees is a fair
i>ne. Strawberries were good, but the season was
short, Royal Sovereign being especially tine and g >od.
E. Molynciix, Suanmore Park, Bishop's Il'nltham.
The fruit crops in this district, taken as a
whole, are under average, which I attribute mainly
to the cold winds in the early spring, as the first
indications were most favourable. Apples in general
are much below the average, but there are individual
exceptions ; and the same hold-* good for the Pear
crop. Plums are a failure. J. H'asleij, Sherfitld
Manor Gardens, Basingstoke.
Fruit here, on the whole, is very scarce,
owing mostly to the late frosts in May, and the heavy
rains when the Plums and Damsons were in bloom.
Peaches and Nectarines have not set quite so well as
usual. Blister has been very bad with me ; all the
first leaves had to be taken off, which gave the trees
a severe check. I gathered the first Peaches
(Waterloo) from open wall on .Inly 10. The trees
now are making good and clean growth. Arthur Lee,
Palace Souse Gar/lens, Beaulicu, Southampton.
The Apple trees are clem and healthy, but
the fruit has dropped very badly, owing to the heat
and drought. We have plenty of Pears, and the trees
also have a healthy appearance ; but the fruits, like
tho?e of the Apple, have dropped very much from
standards, but not from trees on walls. Plums are
a fair crop on wall trees in sheltered places. Goose-
berries are hereabouts a thin crop, as are Rasp-
berries, and the fruits are small for lack of moisture
in the soil. Tue Damson trees carry a very heavy
crop, and the trees are clean and healthy. II'. Smythe,
Basing Park Gardens, A Iton.
Although there was great promise of an
abundant fruit harvest, we cau scarcely term it an
average one. Apples and Pears bloomed freely, but
defective fertilisation caused most of the bloom to
fall ; in many instances the trees are quite barren.
King of the Pippins, Deux Aus, Laue's Prince Albert,
Cox's Pomona, Cellini, Barnack Beauty, anl a
few others are laden ; whilst, of Pears, Marie
Lou:se, Pitmaston Duchess, and Beurre Hardy, are
amongst the best. Small fruits have been up to the
average. Peaches and Nectarines outdoors are good,
and trees healthy and clean. A. Maxim, Heckfield
Place Gardens.
Kent. —During upwards of twenty years that I
have been here, I do net remember having such bad
crops of Apples, Pears, and Peaches as we have this
year. All varieties bloomed well, and set fruit very
thickly, but owing chiefly to continued cold east
winds, and a few slight frosts when the fruits were
about the size of Peas, they, in mo3t cases, all ran
off. Another effect of the cold was to be seen in the
abundance of blister, which at one time seemed almost
impossible to eradicate, but by continually pinching
the diseased leaves off, they have made good wood
since the weather has been more genial. Cherries have
been as near a total failure as possible. Whereas the
orchards on one" farm near here were sold last year
by auction for £1300, this year the highest bid was
142
THE GA n DENE I? S' CHI! ONI CL E.
[AncrsT 23, 189".
£200. On the other baud, small fruits have been
very plentiful, especially Strawberries and Goose-
berries ; but owing to the drought, the former fruit
was soon over. Plums and Damsons are generally a
very thin crop, although, where they have been washed
to destroy the vermin that would eventually get on to
the Hops, fairly good crop? are to be found. AppleB
in some orchards are. well cropped, especially the
Ccdlin type. Kentish Cob-nuts abundant, and
where washing was resorted to against the caterpillar,
there are immense crops. Geo. Woodward, Barham
Court Gardens, Maidstone.
The fruit crops suffered very much from May
frosts about the 12th, 13th, and 14th ; on the 13th
we had 5° of frost, which spoilt the best blooms of
early Strawberries ; the later varieties, however, have
been very good. Other fruits dropped from the
trees, viz.. Apricots, Peaches, Plums, and Cherries.
Some Apples are a good heavy crop, such as Blen-
heim Orange, Tower of Glamis, Stirling Castle,
Duchess of Oldenburg, and King of Pippins ; but,
as a rule, the crop in this neighbourhood is poor. X.
The fruit-crop in this district is one of the
lightest we have seen for years. Cherries]jwere
nearly a total failure, and even the few_ there were
were of poor quality. Pears are almost as
bad. Apples are patchy. Taken as a'whole, there
is not half a crop ; the quality, however, promises to
be first-class. Strawberries have been a large crop of
indifferent quality. Cob-nuts and Filberts so far are
a record crop. If nothing goes amiss with them,
they will be quite twice an ordinary yield. Champion
Bros., Borough and Covent Garden Markets, and
Mereworth, Maidstone.
Apples, Pears and Plums are decidedly the
poorest crop and quality of my eight years' acquaint-
ance in the locality. It is partly due to spring'frosts,
but I think more so to last year's drought, as the bloom
was small and extremely abundant. Aphis has been
abundant on Apples. Out of several hundreds of
varieties of the three fruits above-mentioned, there is
not ten per cent, with fruit on. Geo. Abbey, Junr.,
Avery Hill, Eltham, Kent.
All fruits blossomed well, but the continued
E. and N.E. winds, with low night temperature,
checked growth, and most of the fruits fell off.
Locally there are a few Victoria Plums, but in this
district there is no good crop except Cobnuts and
Filberts, which are the largest known, and the
bunches are the biggest. Qeor/je Bunyard, Royal
Nurseries, Maidstone.
Strawberries cropped heavily, and the fruits
were of capital size and flavour. Peaches and
Nectarines were fair, but the blister and continuous
cold nights early in the season lessened the crop of
fruits. Apricots, Morello Cherries, and Plums poor.
Several of the free-bearing varieties of Apples and
Pears are well cropped, and required thinning, but on
the whole the crop is far from being a plentiful one.
II. Marl-ham, Northdown, Margate.
The cold and perishing east winds in spring,
in addition to severe frost in May, destroyed a most
promising and abundant crop of Apples, Peaches,
Apricots, and Plums. Strawberries have been a heavy
crop of fine fruit, also Gooseberries, black and red
Currants. Filberts, Cob and Walnuts are plentiful.
Geo. Hull, Lullingstone Castle, Dartford.
In early spring fruit trees generally were
looking very promising, and there was a fine show of
blossom, but owing to the late frosts the crops will
be anything but satisfactory. The hailstorm on
June ti did considerable damage in the immediate
neighbourhood. F. Moore, Blendon Park, Blctcldcy.
All kinds of fruit trees blossomed abundantly,
but there is only an average crop of Apples, owing to
the cold north-east wind which was blowing during
the time the flowers were expanded. Pears are a
splendid crop on the walls and upon standards.
Plums are good. All bush-fruits have been heavy
crops, but individually small. Strawberries were
good, but the season short. I have never seen such a
crop of Nuts. A. Wilson, Eridge Castle Gardens, Tun-
bridge J Tells.
(To be < ' led.)
American Notes.
PLUMS.
Several weeks ago attention was called in these
columns to the marked tendency to include in
American fruit-lists more and more varieties of native
origin, and fewer aud fewer of foreign birth. The
course of events is especially interesting in the case
of the Plums, in which the representatives of several
species are competing for favour. Several varieties
of Japanese Plums have been widely disseminated
in quite recent years ; but even now many of the
best varieties of tliis class are American seedlings
from the Japanese importations, as Hale, and Juicy.
America is blessed, however, with several vigorous
species of Plums, the potential good qualities of
which are only beginning to be realised. The varie-
ties introduced to cultivation have been mostly
derived from Prunus americaua, P. angustifolia
(chicasa), and from the multifarious natural
hybrids commonly passing under the name of
P. hortulana. This last group, represented best by
the well-known Wildgoose, has been peculiarly pro-
lific of fine garden varieties, such as Whitaker,
Milton, Miner, and Moreman. Meanwhile, introduc-
tions are made from Prunus Watsoni, a dwarf species
from the Kansas sand plains ; from P. maritima, the
beach Plum ; from P. subcordata, the Pacific coast
Plum ; while P. rivrularis, P. gracilis, P. grandulosa,
and other native species are being manipulated by
many experienced plant-breeders, who permit us to
be surprised at nothing in the way of strange results.
Many strange and interesting hybrids have already
been produced, and it seems altogether probable that
the geueaologies in our Plum-list will become rapidly
complicated in the future.
The effect of these diverse introductions on the
garden culture of Plums is decidedly good. It adds
an interest to Plum-study which is of itself an object,
aside from the production of fruit. It furnishes
varieties adapted to all tastes, all soils, all climates,
and all sites in a country where many diverse con-
ditions are diversely severe. And we may still hope
that the best results are yet to come.
American Dwarf Cherries. — In connection with the
American Plums, the native dwarf Cherries ought
also to be mentioned. Several varieties have been
urged in the nurserymen's catalogues in recent years,
and have enjoyed extensive experimental planting.
Most of the named varieties have been seedlings of
Prunus Besseyi, although the Utah hybrid is believed
to be a cross between that species and P. Watsoni ;
and P. pumila has not been forgotten by the experi-
menters. But no variety yet introduced has shown
any possibilities as a dessert-fruit, and the culinary
value of some is still doubtful. Moreover, they are
specially liable to disastrous attacks of the brown-rot
fungus, which renders fruitage very uncertain.
" Principles of Fruit-growing." — Professor Bailey
his issued another book. There is nothing unusual
in this, nor yet in the fact that it is a good book.
We have learned to expect one or two books a year
from Professor Bailey besides his bulletins and other
contributions to horticulture and botany. Tin:
Principles of Fruit -gi owing are here set down pretty
much as the author teaches them to his students, and
the volume is therefore something of a students' text-
book. There is, however, nothing juvenile in its
tone, or in the treatment of the topics, but such a
statement of scientific principles and practical empiri-
cisms as seems likely to interest and assist the un-
lettered grower of Grapes or Pears. While this
volume has little or none of the scientific value of
Survival of the Unlike, it is quite probable that it will
find much wider circulation and more general appre-
ciation among practical horticulturists.
Testing Varieties. — Anent the recent discussion of
work for Chiswick Gardens, I note the emphasis laid
on the comparative tests of varieties of fruits, vege-
tables, and flowers. This is a subject which haa been
very thoroughly threshed over in experiment stations
circles in this country. In general, experience tends
to discredit this class of work. There are a few
places in America where varieties of certain groups
are tested with ample results of value. The extensive
fruit tests carried on by Mr. Beach at Geneva, N.Y.,
and by Mr. Craig at Ottowa, Ont., have been of great
and undeniable good to planters ; but the variety-
testing, which has been a very large part in the scheme
of horticultural work at many experiment stations
has been an almost absolute waste of money. Those
experiments which elucidate general principles of horti-
cultural and agricultural practice seem to give the
most for the money spent. The magnificent work
done in spraying, and the control of plant diseases
well illustrates this. The extensive studies which
have been made at several stations upon horticultural
and botanical classification have also helped to put
our pomology and olericulture upon a scientific and
reasonable basis, and thus to give us so me real
advancement with the world. F. A. Waiujh.
The Week's Work,
FRUITS TJNDEB GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Figs. — The early house has probably finished ripen-
ing the second crop of fruits, and the trees should now
be relieved of any small fruits remaining, and the
house be thrown wide open if the trees are planted in
borders, removing the lights if possible, so as to in-
sure the wood being thoroughly ripened, and the trees
rested. If in pots or tubs, they should be removed
to a sunny position out-of-doors, taking care they do
Dot suffer from drought at the roots. It is best to
plunge the pots in some old leaves, and should the
weather become very wet, slates or boards may be
placed over the pots, to prevent the soil getting
sodden through t30 much water. These remarks
apply to all orchard-house trees in pots that have
been moved out-of-doors. In later houses the fruits
will still be ripening. Ripening Figs are much
injured by damp, therefore damp the house less
frequently ; and if the weather be wet, cause a little
heat to pass through the pipes, accompanied by
the circulation of a little air. Let the fruits hang
till thoroughly ripe, and should they ripen too fast,
and it becomes absolutely necessary to gather them,
they will keep longest on an inverted air-sieve, with-
out any leaves, so that the air can circulate freely
amongst them. If the trees in the intermediate-
house are being pushed on to ripen the second crop,
they will now be swelling up fast, and should be
given liberal supplies of warm manure-water, and be
well syringed once a day, when the house is closed,
which should be done early.
Fines. — If any Pines have to be repotted, the work
should be taken in hand at once, and the batches
arranged for the season. Take care to give only
sufficient root-room to carry the plants through the
winter without becoming pot-bound ; and where any
doubts exist as to the pots being large enough to
enable them to do this, they should be shifted at
once, for if they get pot-bound, and are rested
in that state, they will be sure to throw up their
fruit prematurely, and thereby cause a serious break
in the succession. If the stock of plants is low, and
good strong suckers are available, the present is a
good time to put in a batch, as they will get nicely
rooted, and make good strong plants by spring. If
any are carrying ripe fruits, and the room is wanted,
lift them out and place them in a cool vinery, where
they will keep in good condition for some time.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Cuarles Hkrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Bedding Arrangements. — The plants in the various
flower-beds being now at their best, it will be well to
look over them with a view to deciding how many of
the arrangements are worth repeating another year.
It is necessary that the requirements for next year
should be estimated now to enable the propagation of
sufficient plants of a certain variety, and to prevent
any waste of time over plants that eventually would
not be used. The hot weather has favoured such sub-
jects as Pelargoniums, Zinnias, Petunias, and Antirrhi-
nums. Verbenas are also gay, while Calceolarias and
Begonias, where circumstances havo not permitted
the application of water ad libitum, are in many
instances suffering badly. One of the simplest and
prettiest mixtures here this season in a pair of beds
consists of the old variegated Pelargonium Manglesii
and the dark blue Viola, Archie Grant. The Violas
were planted out early in spring, and became
thoroughly established before summer set in, the
Pelargoniums being dotted over the bed later. The
latter are allowed to retain their small pinkish
flowers, and both subjects are blooming profusely,
although little water has been applied ; but the
Violas have not been allowed to seed.
Chrysanthemums in beds and borders will need water
at the roots to preserve the foliage in a satisfactory
condition. The early-flowering Madame C. Desgrange,
G. Wermig, and similar varieties in beds, may bo
given an occasional soaking of liquid manure.
August 28, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
143
ErytkHna eristagalli. — -The present beauty of this
half hardy herbaceous plant suggests a note in refer-
ence to its adaptability for the borders in a position
where the roots may be slightly protected duriDg the
winter if needed. Any sheltered spot, such as
afforded near the base of a south wall, for preference
that of a stove or greenhouse, will answer admirably.
When planted in such a position in southern counties,
very little protection is needed for the stools, except
in severe winters, when a covering of bracken, coal-
ashes, or cocoa-fibre is necessary. A large specimen
in these gardens has been so treated for many years,
and annually forms a most interesting feature. Many
of the growths on this old-established specimen
attain to a height of 7 feet, the upper half being well
covered with their handsome coral-red blossoms.
The principal requirements towards free growth are
perfect drainage, with a fair depth of good loamy
soil. Propagation may be carried out by dividing
the crowns in the spring when just Btarting into
growth, or from seeds, which may be sown at
the present time, in pans containing light soil.
Place them in a close frame, and grow them on in a
warm house through the winter, for planting out
nest summer.
General Work. — Should the present showery
weather continue, prick off Wallflowers, Myosotis,
and other spring bedding plants. Divide and trans-
plant Heuchera sanguiuea, Hesperis matronalis albus
plenus, Verbascum Chaixii, and such plants that
have flowered and are possible of increase by division.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. II. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Dendrobiums. — Some of the deciduous and semi-
deciduous Dendrobiums are about completing their
growth. When the new bulbs are quite made up, it
will be necessary to remove the plants to a cooler and
drier atmosphere, and full sunshine. This change,
however, should be effected gradually, because, just
when the bulbs are finishing many of the old roots are
growing, and emitting lateial root'ets. It is prin-
cipally through them that the plauts gain sufficient
strength to flower. When the terminal leaf at the
extremity of tho bulb is complete, select a position at
one end of the growing house, and place there such
plants as are in this condition, ami for a week or ten
days expose them to more light and air, and at the
same time gradually lessen the amount of water at
the root. After this time the plants may be taken
to a cool greenhouse or vinery from which the Grapes
have just been gathered, taking care to place them
out of the line of draughts. The vinery is perhaps
the best place for them, as there the plants gradually
pass from moderate shade into full sunshine. When
thus exposed, the leaves soon turn yellow, and if
allowed to remain untouched, they will in time fall
away naturally. The water given the plants at the roots
should be reduced by decrees until after the leaves
have fallen. In watering plants at such a stage, the
inexperienced should not depend entirely upon the
appearance of the compost, because, being exposed to
strong sunshine, the surface of the soil quickly
becomes crisp and dry, while underneath the
roots may be saturated. A sound practice
is to carefully examine the plants every day, and
immediately the newly-made bulbs show the least
signs of shri/elling, (hen give the plants a thorough
watering. It seldom happens that all of the plants
are ready for removal at the same time, therefore,
when the earliest are taken out, others will be ready
to take their place. Such practice enables the grower
to gradually mature his plants, aud they will be less
liable to injury when exposed to full sunshine in the
resting-house. Up to the present we have removed
the earliest of the following well-known varieties : —
D. Wardianum, D. crassinode, D. nobile, D. Ains-
worthii x D. splendidissituum grandiflorum x D.
crystallinuui, D. lituiflorum, D. Pierardi, D. aspasia
x D. Juno x D. Dominii x D. Linawianum, D.
euosmum leueopterum X D. Cassiope x , and Beveral
of the melanodiscus and chrysodiscus hybrids. There
are still many plants of the deciduous section that
are in the middle of their growing season, as D.
anosmum, D. Parishii, D. superbum (macrophyllum ),
D. albo-sanguineum, D. primulinum, D. Boxallii, D.
cretaceum, D. crepidatum, D. tortile, D. Hilde-
brandtii, &c. These must be given liberal treatment
both at the root and in the atmosphere, until growth
is completed. The same remarks apply also to the
taller- growing species, as D. Dalhousieanum, D. mos-
chatum, D. binoculare, D. fimbriatum, D. Paxtonii.
D. calceolu", and D. clavatum. Some of the ever-
green section, as D. thyrsiflorum, D. densiflorum. D.
Schrodene, D. Farmed, D. Guibertianum, D. Grif-
fithianum. D. suavissimum, and D. chrysotoxum
have made their growth, but it is not advisable to
remove them! just yet. Like D. Wardianum, these
plants are liable to start secondary growths : but, if
possible, they should be prevented from doing so,
as one set of growths each year is all that is necessary
to the well-being of the plant. In order to prevent
its occurrence, place the plants, immediately the
growths are made and the leaves fully expanded,
into a warm, light position in the Cattleya-house.
Water the plants with discretion, or the foliage will
become spotted and unsightly. When the growths
are matured aud the leaves have attained their proper
green colour, then the plants may be removed to a
somewhat lower and drier atmosphere. Such distinct
species as D. Dearei, D. sanguinolentum, D. Huttoni,
D. subclausum, D. glomeratum, D triadenium, and
D. O'Brienianum are still making their growths, aud
appear to thrive best when suspended on the shady
side of the warmest house.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
Bv W. Pope, Garilener, Highelere Castle, Newbury.
Lifting an'! Storing Early and Second Early
Potato!. — The frequent thunder-showers of the last
week or two are prodi c ng the usual effect upon Potato
cro|is that may have finished, or nearly finished, their
growth, and disease is setting in apace. Lifting
should be followed up persistently at every favour-
able opportunity. Fine weather is indispensable for
this, as the tubers need to be thoroughly dry before
storing. When taken under cover they must be
stored thinly for a week or two. and again sorted
before finally storing in bulk. Seed required for
another season's planting should be gathered up and
stored separately, as some amount of air and light
will benefit these rather thin otherwise. Inferior
varieties should be carefully noted, that they may be
discarded in favour of good ones, of which there is
now no lack. Some will suit certain localities and
soil better than others. Late varieties are still
growing strongly, and as long as strong growth con-
tinues the fungus spores will have but little effect
upon them. Such varieties as Magnum l'.onum,
Chancellor. &c, are practically disease-proof, but all
are best lifted as soon as the skins are set.
jloi'-irs. — Where an autumn-sowing of Cauli-
flowers is practised, the work should be done as soon
as possible, selecting a warm corner, or a site under a
south wall, for the purpose, and sow thinly in shallow
drills. A slight dressing of superphosphate of lime,
or dissolved bone, will assist germination, and help
the plant through the earliest stage. As soon as large
enough, prick the seedlings oil' singly into small pots,
or iuto a frame whore they may be afforded some
protection through the winter. Coddling must always
be avoided by affording plenty of air at every oppor-
tunity. Early London, Walcheren, and Veitch's
Autumn Giant are good varieties for present sowing.
Owing, however, to the now general practice of early
spring sowing and forwarding the young plants under
glass, autumn sowings have fallen greatly into
disuse.
Old Cabbage Beds. — Beds of Cabbage that have
yielded produce during spring and summor should
be cleared off the ground, unless the supply of Savoys
and other early winter produce is likely to be deficient,
in which case the dead leaves, &c. , should be cleared
away, and a good soaking of liquid-manure afforded,
the ground being afterwards hoed through deeply.
A good supply of tender produce - equal to young
plants may thus be obtained. The plants from the
first sowing of Ellam's Early, Sec. should now be
large enough to plant out from the seed-bed, and if
too early for spring, will be certainly appreciated in
November and December. Plant Coleworts also in
quantity.
Jl'iater Radishes. — Make a good sowing in firm
ground that is not too rich. Sow the seed very
thinly in shallow drills, 8 or 9 inches apart in
an open sunny situation. China Rose is much the
best variety for present sowing, being equally hardy
with the black Spanish, and much more crisp and
tender. The seed must be protected from birds.
months, with a liberal quantity of well - decayed
leaf-mould and sand. Plaee this in a cool, dry
shed, and it will make excellent potting - material
for successional batches. The pots must be clean,
and well drained with small crocks. Roman Hyacinths,
Jonquils, Paper-white Narcissus, Early Due Van
Thol and other Tulips, should receive first attention,
to be followed with a good selection of named Hya-
cinths, Daffodils, Crocuses, Scillas, Iris, Snowdrops,
and others. If large quantities of cut blooms are
required for house and table decorations, and there
are limited meaus of production, it will be well to
use ordinary-sized cutting-boxes for some of the
Narcissusand Tulips. Treated in the same way as those
pots, they will yield large quantities of flower for
cutting, and those grown in pots may be used
for decorative purposes. When the bulbs have beeu
potted, plunge them in a bed of coal-ashes, and pro-
tect them from heavy rains. They must not be
allowed to remain in the ashes too long, and an
examination should be made occasionally to ascertain
whether they have commenced to push. Those bulbs
ready for removal should be placed iu a cool house
or frame, aud gradually inured to the light.
Freuias. — Those potted in July should be removed
from the plunging material to a position on a Bhelf
near the glass in a cool house. Afford support with
neat stakes before the growth gets too long. Pot on
successional batches, plunging the pots just over the
rims only.
General Work. — Plants of Hydrangea Hortensia
now past their best should be plunged in a suitable
position out-of-doors, but some of the oldest pieces
that have grown unshapely may be cist away or
planted out-of-doors in a sunny spot in the pleasure-
ground. Spring-struck cuttings may be potted on in
good strong loam. These will make useful flowering
plants next season. Tuberoses that are throwing up
flower spikes should be removed to a warm house,
where they may be fed well with manure - water ;
rub off all side shoots, and protect successional batches
from heavy rains by placing the glass-lights over
them. Those not yet showing flower should still be
kept rather dry at the roots.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Bulbs for Spring-flowering. — These should be potted
at intervals of three weeks to form a succession of
bloom. The majority of Narcissus and Daffodils will
succeed best if potted-wp at once. Mix a good
quantity of loam that has been stacked for a few
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Alpine Strawberries. — -The present is a good
time to plant strong-rooted runners of the Alpine
(Ijuatre Saisons) Strawberry. Plant them in rows
1 foot apart and 6 inches from plant to plant, in
ground which has had a dressing of manure dug into
it recently. Make the soil firm about the roots when
planting, and water in the absence of rain to settlo
the soil. La Genereuse (large red Alpine) is the bett
variety to grow. A border in front of a wall having
an east aspect is best suited to the culture of the
Alpine, because ripe fruits of this variety are not
required until the summer Strawberries are past.
The size and quality of the fruits depend in a great
measure upon the treatment accorded to the plants,
which will flourish in any kind of soil of fair depth
and average fertility. In order to secure large clean
fruits, place some flints closely together on the soil
between the plants. These will not only preserve a
more uniform degree of moisture in the soil about the
roots than would otherwise be the case, but will pre-
vent the ripe fruit coming in contact with the soil.
The first, and sometimes the second flowers that
the plants produce should be removed, inasmuch as
they are not required until August, and if allowed to
fruit early, they will the sooner cease to bear. There
is a pleasant acidity in the flavour of the Alpine
Strawberry which is pleasing. During autumn good,
dishes of it and the autumn-bearing Raspberry (Belle
de Fontenay) are much appreciated, not only by the
consumers but also by the gardener, who is re-
sponsible for a good dessert being placed on his
employer's table.
Royal Hautboys. — This old variety is now seldom
met with. It is quite distinct in both foliage and
fruit from any and every other variety of the Straw-
berry in cultivation, and the fruit, owing to its pecu-
liar flavour, is much prized by some persons. Rooted
runners, if planted now in good soil, in rows 20 inches
asunder, and at the same distance in the rows, mak-
ing the soil firm about each plaut. will yield a fair
crop of its purplish-red coloured fruit. One or two
rows, according to length of rows, will suffice if
planted only with a view to placing on the dessert
table a Strawberry quite distinct in shape, colour,
flavour, and aroma from any other Strawberry. The
number of plants grown can easily be increased if
necessary.
144
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 2S, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
ihOUld be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay /or any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement
APPOINTMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER.
fReading Horticultural Society's
Show.
| Glasgow and West of Scotland Hor-
ticultural Society's fchow (two
days).
Horticultural Show at Bath (two
days).
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
Sept.
SEIT.
SATURDAY, SEn. '4.
TUESDAY, Sept.
WEDNESDAY,
TUESDAY,
THURSDAY,
SEPT.
Sept.
Skpt.
Ayrfhire Gardeners' Society's
Meeting.
National Dahlia Society's Show at
Crystal Palace.
Societe Franchise d'Horticulture of
London, Meeting
Isle of Wight Horticultural Im-
provement Society's Meeting.
Royal Hort. Soc. Corns.
Early Show of the National Chrys-
anthemum Society (three days).
Royal Caledonian Horticultural
Society's Show (two days).
Royal Horticultural Soc. Corns.
Royal Horticultural Society's 1 ruit
Show, at Crystal Palace.
SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
1 Dutch Bulbs, at Prott eroe & Morris'
MONDAY, Auo. ;jo-> Rooms.
( Bulbs, Ac, at Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
„. .,-, J Dutch Bulbs, at Protherocfc Morris'
vo- ■"■) Rooms.
1 Dutch Bulbs, at Pi otheroe & Mom's'
1 -J Rooms.
( Bulbs. <fcc. , at Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
( Dutch Bulbs, at Prothf roe & Morris'
THURSDAY, Sept. 2- Rooms.
(.Bulbs, <fcc, at Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
Du tch Bulbs, at Protheroe«fc Morris'
Rooms.
Imported and Established Orchids,
at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
TUESDAY',
WEDNESDAY Sept.
FRIDAY,
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty -three years, at Chiawick,— 59 9°.
Actual Temperatures : —
London. — August -.r> (Noon) : Max., t"6° ; MIn., 55°.
Provinces. — August 25: Max., 73°, at The Skaw ;
Mia., l>~°, at Aberdeen.
It was upon these popular fruits
Plums. that Mr. A. H. Pearson, of the
Chilwell Nurseries, Nottingham,
so admirably and exhaustively, as well as
pleasingly, dilated at the Drill Hall meeting of
the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday
last, and to which so comparatively a small
body of auditors listened. Mr. Pearson's
paper covered the subject of " Plums, and their
Culture," so tersely and so aptly, that no one
who gardens could have failed to find in it food
for reflection. The lecturer not only greatly
interested his audience, but provoked an inter-
esting discussion, which helped to evoke yet
farther valuable information. Eesiding and
practising in the Midlands, Mr. Pearson's
experience may not, in every case, coincide with
that of more southern Plum-growers ; but all
the same, he left little room for cavil.
A veiy important feature in the lecture was
found in full reference, not only to means of
propagation, budding beiug, of course, the
chief one, but to stocks. As it was shown, so
diverse are the characters or habits of Plums,
that some do best on the Mussell, or on the
Brussels, or on the Mirabelle, as the case may
be, and many had been the mistakes in the past,
leading to premature death, or even to strangu-
lation, arising from the putting good varieties
on to the wrong stocks. Specially was it
lamented, and the chairman, Mr. G. Buny'Ard,
coincided, that there was no dwarfing stock for
the Plum, as was the case with the Apple and
Pear, although that defect is somewhat miti-
gated by the fact that Plums as a rule are
not such strong growers as are the fruits
named. As bearing on this question, Mr.
Hammond, a well-known Kentish grower, said
that the half-standard form of tree was best for
market-planting, as it soonest became fruitful,
and was dwarfer than tall-worked standards,
and early fruiting soon checked strong wood-
development.
With respect to wall-trees, Mr. Pearson
deprecated the planting of common sorts like
Victoria against south walls, where Plums of
greater excellence should Hud a place, leaving
cooler aspects for the Victoria and similar
cooking varieties. He also advocated the
method of horizontal training like that usually
applied to Pears on walls, as ''checking
sap- flow" and promoting fruitfulness over
a greater area. Mr. A. Dean, however,
contested this point on the ground that our
finest stone - fruits always crop best on fan-
shaped trees, whilst horizontally -trained Pears
were not always cropping successes. Beyond
which, there is the objection that gumming,
is a too common complaint with Plums, causing
branches to die. The loss of a branch on a
horizontally-trained tree would involve a big
gap, whilst in a fan-shaped tree new branches
soon fill the void. With respect to the
common expression by gardeners, " checking
sap-flow," it is advisable that those employing
this now hackneyed expression should have the
fullest knowledge of what is involved in it.
As commonly used among gardeners, it conveys
a wrong idea as to the movements of the fluids
iu plants, but it is the phrase, not the facts,
that may be objected to. Whilst physiologists
now know for certain that the old notion of up-
and-down sap-currents requires much modi-
cation, they have not as yet devised a clear
explanation of the facts that undoubtedly do
present themselves.
A wide list of varieties of Plums for various
forms of culture was given, and those anxious
for further information will find it all in a
future issue of the Eoyal Horticultural Society's
Journal. The lecturer ventured to express a
belief that ouo reason for the complaints with
respect to Flum gluts occasionally experienced,
was due to the too liberal planting of the popular
Victoria, and to the comparative neglect of
other valuable varieties. That was, to employ
a well-known simile, " putting too many eggs
into one basket." He advised^the growing of
such early and late varieties as Czar, Monarch,
oic, that the ripe season might be spread over
a longer period, when better prices would be
obtained. This view was generally held by
Mr. Hammond, whose market experience is
of the highest, but who all the same said,
that in such markets as Spitalfields and the
Borough, which were really the people's mar-
kets, it seemed impossible to have too many
Victorias, for this Plum would selliu preference
to other varieties, so popular is it. Possibly
Mr. Hammond grows finer samples, and markets
them more carefully, than do those who com-
plain of gluts and low prices ; indeed, wo have
great sympathy with Mr. Pearson's dictum,
that good fruit always commands a good price.
Naturally, the lecturer laid great stress on the
importance of utilising surplus Plums for the
making of jam, as this is not only a
delicious fruit-compound, but it keeps well.
But to make this practice at all profitable,
it is needful to have the jam factory close
at hand. In this way, the defects of one
season are covered by the abundance of
another. The preserving of Plums whole in
bottles, though one of exceeding importance,
escaped attention through want of time, and so
far as concerns Plum - drying on the French
system, our uncertain climate seems to fail to
produce suitable fruit, or wo do not grow the
proper varieties. As to sending Plums to the
dessert table the preservation of the " bloom "
on the fruit was strongly advised, as when so
preserved the fruits are not only much more
beautiful, but are far more tempting, because
they show that the fruits have had a mini-
mum of handling. Arising from this matter
it is difficult to avoid reference here to the
general habit of placing these fruits iu the
shop windows in tempting condition, in
boxes, practised by the French, and which
we seem too obstinate to copy, yet that very
tastefulness in packing for shop - sale means
enhanced value to the fruits. Some shallow
boxes of splendid Plums from Sawbridgeworth
were shown in the hall, lined simply with
common tissue paper. How much in this case
would the French lace - paper have enhanced
their beauty. The more the subject of Plums
is considered the more illimitable the scope of
it seems to be, and we join heartily with the
audience of Tuesday last in awarding to Mr.
Pearson hearty thanks for his admirable
discourse.
These gardens will probably
Th° I?t,c°fthe soon cease to exist. During the
ShetheldBo- . ^° .
tanical Garden. Pas' 'ew months the affairs 01
the Society have been allowed to
drift into a deplorable state. This has been
followed by the discharge of nearly all the
gardeners, the dismissal of the Curator, and
finally the sale of the whole of the plants in the
houses. All these retrogressive movements
are alleged to be in opposition to the majority
of shareholders of the gardens ; those who are
responsible for the breaking-up policy beiug a
few individuals who are in possession of a large
number of shares, having purchased them with
no view to retaining the gardens as gardens,
but as a speculation. It was at one time
thought that the Sheffield Gardens would
have passed into the hands of the Town Trustees,
and have been put to better use than they ever
were before, as, after passing into the hands of
that body, they would have been public pro-
pert}', and open to the people of Sheffield for-
ever, The committee formed for preserving
the gardens approached the Town Trustees, who
promised to give £'.3000 towards buying up the
whole of the shares at par value, which is £o
per share, providing the Preservation Com-
mittee could raise by subscription or gift of
shares an additional £'4000, the two sums being
sufficient to purchase the 1S00 shares at par
value. This amount was raised, and at two
meetings of the shareholders it was, we are
informed, passed unanimously that the Society
be dissolved, and passed over to the Town
Trustees, on the understanding that that body
would pay par value for the shares, viz.,
£9000. This would have passed, but for the
Garden Committee raising an objection as to
the legality of the proceedings, and now the
August 28, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
145
FlG, 41,— ■GRA.MMATOPHYLLUM SPECIOStJM : SPIKE 7 FEET HIGH; FLOWERS 5 INCHES ACROSS. (SEE PP. 146, 150.)
146
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 28, 1897.
affairs of this Society, the gardens of which
were opened in 1836, stand in a most awkward
position.
Botanical gardens formed by societies in the
provinces have oftentimes a difficult matter to
keep afloat, and have to resort to various ways oi
raising finances to carry them on, which are in too
many cases far from what one looks for in such
institutions. The Sheffield Gardens were, we are
told, only in debt at the end of their financial
year to the amount of £22, so that cannot be
framed as an excuse for breaking them up. The
houses in these gardens were a great attraction
to the Sheffield public, and now that the con-
tents have been disposed of, it is a question if the
gardens are worth retaining, as there are two
parks belonging to the town at no great distance
from the botanical gardens. These gardens are
a little more than 18 acres in extent.and were laid
out by the late Robert Makxock, who, at the
time, was Curator of them ; they include a
magnificent range of conservatories 340 feet in
length, which is divided into eight compart-
ments, the Palm -house occupying the centre. At
the back of this range are the pits and frames,
and seven other houses for cool and warm-house
plants.
The National Co-operative Fes-
tive Festiv a?" ^va^ ^as oace more been, held
with its exhibition of productive
and distributing agencies, and its flower show,
and judging from the extent of its industrial
display, and the dimensions of its illustrations
of farm and garden produce, it is yet in the full
vigour of its operations. It needs such a build-
ing as the Crystal Palace, with its spacious
grounds, to afford ample accommodation for
these : for its conferences and meetings, its
social gatherings, its choir competitions and
sports, and its concert of some seven thousand
voices, and the company of from -10,000 to .30,000
persons who usually attend it. On this occa-
sion, the flower show had to be located in a
huge tent erected on the terrace — 600 feet in
length by 40 feet in width — and in which the
produce was seen to much better advan-
tage than in the Palace, where the
height and dimensions of the building dwarf
plants and flowers out of all proportions.
During the last few years it has been found
necessary to divide the competition. The flowers,
&c, furnished by the members and customers
of the Agricultural and Horticultural Associa-
tion compete on the Friday, the contributions
to some 120 classes being judged on that day;
and on the following day the same number of
classes is much more numerously filled by con-
tributions from the members of industrial
co-operative societies, some of whom bring their
produce from Scotland. This class of exhibitor,
among which is to be found many enthu-
siastic and successful amateur gardeners, forms
sixty-eight per cent, of the competition. In
this section there was staged in the various classes
twenty-nine complete collections of vegetables,
comprising 174 dishes. One of these collec-
tions came from Scotland, two from the Mid-
lands, three from the west, five from the north-
west, eight from London and its suburbs, and
ten from the South of England. By an equi-
table arrangement, the exhibitors in these
several districts competed together, as it would
be manifestly unfair to pit produce grown in
colder districts of the north-west with that pro-
duced in the warmer south.
While plants and flowers are largely repre-
sented, the bulk of the garden produce is vege-
tables. These can be packed and conveyed to
London with much greater convenience and
safety than plants and flowers ; and of vege-
tables there were in the industrial section over
1000 entries. Most prominent were Potatos,
the beauty of many of the tubers recalling the
Potato exhibitions held at the Crystal Palace
a few years ago. Next came Beans, repre-
sented by 135 dishes. Turnips, Peas, Onions,
•fcc, were also very numerous. The two weak
points in the vegetable classes were Turnips
and Cabbages, though some very good examples
of each were shown ; others — as an incidence
of the season more than from any other cause —
were rough and ill-shapen. The judges found
it no easy task to select the four best out of,
say, fifty dishes of white Kidney Potatos, or
the same number of Peas.
Every year the standard of quality rises to a
higher level, so quickly have the exhibitors
realised the preferences of the judges for those
qualities which make for excellence that inferior
exhibits are now few, and. they come mainly
from those who are competing for the first time.
In the cut-flower classes may be found the
representatives of almost every flower that
blooms in August. Dahlias were most nume-
rously shown, especially the Cactus and Pom-
pon varieties ; the former especially would have
done no discredit to the Exhibition of the
National Dahlia Society. Asters and Marigolds
were numerous also. There were many more
Ptoses than might have been expected. Fra-
grant Sweet Peas were abundant, and Asters of
all types. Many specimen-plants, showing
successful culture, were staged ; Ferns offender
character, Coleus, Fuchsias, Harrison's Musk, of
which there were some excellent examples ;
Lilium speciosum, &c. It is quite certain that
the range of choice of gardener-co-operator is
large, and ho is by no means slow to learn the
value of high qualities in the strains he loves to
cultivate.
The higher qualities of fruit came, of course,
from the gardeners of members, and there were
some very good collections. It is matter for
great regret that one exhibitor deliberately
endeavoured to mislead the judges by tying
together fragments of bunches of Grapes
to form a large one. Happily the attempt was
discovered, and it is to be hoped the exhibitor
is by this time heartily ashamed of himself.
One specially interesting feature was an
exhibition of photographs of " Gardens of
Taste,'' promoted by the Agricultural and Hor-
ticultural Association, and which was arranged
iu the Italian Court. Many of these were
delightful, not only in the charming features
they represented, but in the clearness and
vividness of the pictures. In this samejcourt
was an exhibition of pot-plants grown in pure
sand, having the aid only of pure chemical
manures. There were five sets of plants, each
grown in a different way — without manure,
with manure from which nitrogen is absent, with
manure minus phosphate, with manure without
potash, and with the Association's manure, con-
taining all these elements. In the latter case,
perfect crops were found produced in the most
sterile sand. These experiments appeared to have
a great interest for the exhibitors, and in all pro-
bability supplied suggestions by which many
cottage gardeners can overcome the difficulties
experienced in many parts in obtaining suitable
manures for their plots, and especially so in
parts where but little of ordinary farmyard or
stable manure is made. We have seen allot-
ment gardens literally starved for want of
adequate supplies of fertilizers.
Mr. E. O. Greening, the indefatigable
director of the Festival, made a departure on
this occasion, which was welcomed. On the
atternoon of Friday he organised a meeting in
one of the large dining-rooms for the purposes
of a social gathering, at which Mr. J. Wright,
Mr. B. Dean, and others of the judges delivered
addresses on some topic related to the flower
show. But this was but one of other gatherings,
social and otherwise, which extended over the
five days of the festival. It may be added that
all the officials of the Palace write in expressions
of warm praise ofjthe conduct of the visitors,
who appear to take the Festival seriously, and
make it in the cases of many their annual visit-
to the south a time of calm, dignified, but
thorough enjoyment.
GRAMMATOPHYLLUM SPECIOSUM.— The event
of the week, horticulturally considered, has been the
exhibition of a noble spike of this Orchid by Sir
Trevor Lawrence. An idea of it can be gleaned
from our figure, repeated from a former volume.
At the bottom of the spike in Sir Trevor
Lawrence's plant were two abnormal flowers,
one of which is figured in fig. 41, p. 145. This
flower had four nearly equal segments in two
rows — no true lip and a straight column— a very
common state of things among Orchids, and in-
teresting as showing the probable derivation of
the ordinary irregular Orehidflower from a regular
type. The plant is recorded to have flowered first
in 1851 in Loddiges' nursery at Hackney, while
a much finer specimen appeared in 1859 in the
garden of W. G. Farmer, Esq., Nonsuch
Park, Ewell, and subsequently another was flowered
by Mr. Scott, gr. to Sir G. Staunton, Leigh Park.
Mr. Cdrtis, of Penang, a few years since sent
us a photograph of a magnificent plant of this
species of dimensions that we hesitate to cite. Un-
fortunately the photograph was unsuitable for re-
production. Another fine but much smaller specimen
was imported by Messrs. Sander & Co. of St. Albans.
We gave a figure of the extraordinary snake-like
pseudo-bulbs denuded of leaves, and with its curious
ascending rootB, at the back page of the index for
vol. xiii., 1893. This specimen was presented to the
Koyal Gardens, Kew, by Messrs. Sander, and forms
now one of the most striking objects in the Victoria
house. The roots have access to the water, and the
plant is in vigorous health, and will no doubt flower
in another season. The plant is a native of Java and
other islands of the Indian Archipelago. The pre-
vailing colour of the flower is dull yellow thickly
dotted with reddish-purple spots. The pseudo-bulbs
attain a height of 9 to 10 feet, and the flower-scape
measures 6 feet and upwards in height. The flowers
measure 5 to 6 inches across.
The Wolverhampton Chrysanthemum
SOCIETY. — At a recent meeting of this Society the
present Chairman, Mr. G. A. Bishop, tendered his
resignation, owing to his retirement from the gardens
at Wightwick Manor. The resignation was accepted
with regret. Various members, including the vice-
chairman, Mr. G. Bradley, Mr. ft. Lowe, Mr. J. E.
Knight, Mr. Simpson (Chairman of the Horticultural
Club), and others. Bpoke to services rendered to the
Society by Mr. Bishop, and expressed their sense of
the loss the Society must sustain. It is proposed to
present Mr. Bishop with a testimonial.
The Annual "Outing" of the employe's of
Messrs. John Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, took place
on the 20th inst. About eighty persons journeyed to
Eastbourne, accompanied by the heads of the firm,
and an enjoyable day was spent.
Notes from the Isle of Wight.— The
monthly meeting of the Isle of Wight Horticultural
Improvement Association was held at Ventnor on
August 7. Dr. J. Groves presided over a fairly good
audience. Mr. C. Orciiap.d, Bembridge, read a paper
on " The Progress of Horticulture iu England during
Her Majesty's reign." Mr. W. W. Sheath of Macro-
carpa, Ventnor, obtained the Association Certificate
August 28, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
147
for a group of flowering and foliage plants effectively
arranged.
The Shanklin Horticultural Society held their
eighteenth summer show in Rylstone Grounds by
permission of M. Spabtali, Esq., on August 18.
The quantity and quality of exhibits far exceeded
that of any previous show. Through the exertions
of Mr. A. Carter, Hon. Sec, and an energetic com-
mittee, the Shanklin Show is the largest and most
popular in the Garden Isle.
The local horticultural society of the picturesque,
fertile, and quite village of Niton held their third
summer show in the grounds of Lady Mart Gokdon'
at "The Orchard" on August 18. The exhibits
by Percy Lindlev, can confidently be recommended
to all who are planning a continental trip this autumn.
Among the new features of this edition of the Tourist
Guide, are a series of maps and a chapter upon cycling
routes in Holland, Belgium, and Germany. Not the
least attractive features of the hand-book are the
charming illustrations, and of quite another nature,
the "dull, useful information" as to expenses,
luggage, &c.
The Big Gooseberry.— A competition has
just been held by Messrs. Stuart & Meik, Kelso,
N.B. The firm make a speciality of the fruit, and
recently their customers were invited to send their
Flli. 42. — BASAL FLOWER (MALE) OF SIR TREVOR LAWRENCE'S SPIKE OF GRAMMATOPHYI.U'M
SPE.CIOSUM. (see pp. 146, 150.)
were numerous and of excellent quality ; the com-
petition being keen in most classes.
The two days' show of the local horticultural society
at Freshwater was held on August 1 8 and 1 9 in Farring-
ford Park by the permission of Rt. Hon. Lord Tennyson.
The exhibits were not so numerous as last year, but
the quality of exhibits was good. Better staging and
labelling however would be to the advantage of the
visitors.
HUDDERSFIELD CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.
— Owing to the numerous calls on the inhabitants
for funds on account of the Indian famine, the
Jubilee, &c, it has been decided not to hold the show
this year, but to await a more normal conditiou of
the exchequer.
"Tourist Guide to the Continent."—
This, the Great Eastern Railway Co.'s Guide, edited
largest berries to compete for a gold medal. The
winner was a specimen of "Ringer," a deep olive-
greeu skinned variety, and it weighed 22 dwt. Mr.
T. E. Middleton, Radcliffe-on-Trent, was the grower.
Numerous specimens weighing 17 to 20 dwt. came
from the district embracing Lancashire, Yorkshire,
Cheshire, Staffordshire, &c. The heaviest varieties
were Ringer, Bobby, London, Lord Derby, and Queen
of Trumps. The berries generally are said to be
smaller this season than usual.
VlTIS VOINIERIANA. — This is a suggested new
species in the way of Voiuieriana antarctica, but of
much larger proportions. It is being distributed by
M. Sallier, nurseryman, Neuilly, France, who recom-
mends it for outside cultivation in the west and south
of France and for winter gardens in England. It was
received by M. Charles Baltet from M. Voinier, of
Tonkin, who found it on the Nin-Binh mountains in
Laos, where it clambers over rocks, &c, like Ivy, but
so vigorously that, according to M. Voinier, it would
soon cover a cathedral. It has stout Rhopala-like
stems and alternate trifoliate leaves with long stout
petioles, each leaflet being oblong-obovate, 4 inches by
5, the margins serrate, the nerves very prominent,
rich glossy green above, the under surface covered
with soft hairs. It is said to have enormous grape-
like fruit, with large seeds, and to be of peculiar
flavour. A plant of it recently added to fie Kew
collection bears out this description in regard to vigor
of growth and the characters of the leaves. II'. Watson
in Garden and Forest.
Shirley District Gardeners' and Ama-
teurs' Mutual improvement Association.—
The monthly meeting was held at the Parish Room,
Shirley, Southampton, on Monday, 16th inst. Mr. S.
Heaton, Lecturer in Horticulture to the Isle of
Wight County Council, gave an address on the
diseases of plants. The lecturer dealt with the
subject under three heads— (1) parasitic and insect
attacks ; (2) deleterious gases, Kc, in the air
affecting nutrition ; (3) a redundancy or defi-
ciency of light, air, moisture, aud warmth.
Careless transplanting and pruning might also
cause serious injury, whilst the absence of proper
plant-food, aud au excess of organic-matter in the
soil, were commented on as fruitful sources of
disease. As to combating diseases, the lecturer re-
commended in severe cases the total destruction by
fire of the plants, and in light attacks, persistent
spraying.
Hailstorm at Acton. Gunnersbury. and
LOCALITY. — On Wednesday last, August 25, about
noon, a terrific hailstorm burst over this immediate
district, accompanied with heavy peals of thunder
and mo9t vivid lightning. The damage done in Acton
is most grievous to witness, more especially amongst
the many market florists of the neighbourhood. A
hurried visit paid to Mr. Humby's Nursery iu the
Mill Hill Road, revealed such a destruction amongst
growing plants still standing outside, and in broken
glass, as could scarcely be credited were it not seen.
A large stock of Chrysanthemums, which in the
morning were the picture of health, were broken and
stripped of their foliage in the most surprising man-
ner, other things also suffering extensively (samples
of this iujury done are sent by the post also). When
seen six hours after the storm had burst, hailstones by
the barrow-load could be gathered up, many of these,
as measured then, being fully an inch in diameter
In this district, too, there are some very pretty villa
gardens, which are completely denuded of flowers,
and the foliage completely riddled. The foliage of
the trees is also stripped off so as to cover the
ground quite thickly, some of the trees being almost
bare. Other nurseries have alBO suffered seriously,
Mr. Pike's being another instance. At Gunnersbury
the damage is not apparent ; the hailstones here
ranged up to the size of nuts ; of these there was an
enormous quantity. In all probability we shall Bee
more signs of the injury done in a few days' time.
The Aucuba shoots enclosed are from a villa garden in
Acton [the leaves are reduced to tatter?]. /. Hudson.
Home Correspondence.
BLACKBERRIES. — It is instructive to note that
whilst Mr. Wadds finds that very fine American
Blackberry, Kittatiny, to thrive best at Cliveden, on a
somewhat moist soil, that is even partly under water
in the winter, the more famous Parsley -leaved
bramble, Rubus laciniatus, evidently does best in a
much drier position. Ho^ well it does thrive in
drought, though the soil is of a somewhat stiff and
not at all generous nature, may be seen at Maiden
Erleigh, Reading, whera Mr. Turton has it on a long
wire-trellis, where it has been fruiting splendidly. The
brambles are fronting to the south-east, and are
planted some 15 feet apart. The trellis, which is
composed of about six stout strands of wire attached
to iron uprights, is 6 feet in height aud 150 feet
long. The oldest planted brambles having now
become strong, entirely cover the space allotted to
148
THE GAB DENE US' CHRONICLE.
[August 23, 1897.
each plant, having long stout growths or rods, fruit-
ng very heavily and finely. So much are the berries
n demand in Reading, that ten times as many as the
trellis produces could easily be sold at highly re-
munerative prices. Seeing that the fruits are ripe
usually a month before our best wild ones, are
far finer and much sweeter, it is remarkable that no
one so far seems to have embarked in the culture
of this fine bramble on a market scale. Without
doubt there is money in it, especially if warm, sunny
sites, on 'a deep, retentive soil, be chosen. The ripening
season is midway between that of the Raspberry and
the wild Blackberry. A . D.
CHOICE OF VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES —
The advice given on this matter by your corre-
spondents would be more valuable did they state the
nature of the ground they have to deal with. We
have here a light, sandy loam in which many of the
sorts strongly recommended are practically useless, as
we have found to our cost. Of the sorts which are
really satisfactory in every respect, we have only
found four, President, Gunton Park, Royal Sovereign,
and Waterloo. We have tried dozens of kinds which
have been recommended by various persons, and all
more or less have been failures. Tkos. Fletcher, Grap-
penhall, Cheshire.
CELOSIAS AS BEDDING-OUT PLANTS.— Auyone
visiting Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, during
the next few weeks, will have an opportunity of
seeing to what good account Celosia pyTamidalis
plumosa is turned to as a " bedder." The plants
are admirably grown, and the colours distinct,
ranging between soft yellow, gold, and rich crimson.
Some are planted in masses, sufficient room being
allowed to each plant to develop its true character,
with the result that each mass or bed so planted
appeared to be composed of specimen-plants. The
same may be said of plants intermixed with other
subjects. The superintendent is'to be complimented
upon the success of his work, and the appearance of
his flower-beds. There is evidence of his skill as a
landscape-gardener at every turn and corner of the
park. H. W. W.
BRICK-COVERED VINE BORDERS.— Having seen
the Vine-borders at Combe Abbey last September, I
can endorse all that Mr. Miller has said respecting
them. The appearance of the Vines, and the quality
of the fruit, bear testimony to his system of Grape-
growing being the correct one. I may add that the
brick-coverings are placed about an inch apart, so that
the air is not excluded from the borders ; at the
same time they retard evaporation, and being absor-
bent, hold a quantity of moisture after watering and
damping down. They also give the borders a more
tidy appearance than the ordinary mulching of
manure. Mr. Miller called my attention to the
quantity of fibrous roots underneath the bricks ;
several bricks on different parts of the borders were
removed, and in must cases there was a mass of
feeders under them. H. Slarlc, Kingswood, Birmingham.
On taking charge of the gardens at Aston
Rowant House, Oxford, some two years and a
half ago, I found the vine - borders there covered
with bricks. Not having seen or heard of such
a practice before, I was very adverse to it. Lady
Chichele Plowden, who has a knowledge of fruits,
and fruit-culture, and is a thorough gardener and
botanist, informed me the practice had been
attended with success in previous years. I there-
fore closely watched the results, giving the Vines the
usual orthodox treatment. The Grapes in the
Muscat vinery, which contained three varieties,
and were planted two years previous, carried good
bunches, well ripened and finished. The adjoining
vinery, planted with all black varieties, and canes about
twenty-five years old, proved equally satisfactory
under the "brick" treatment, and carried very fine,
well-finished bunches also. My practice differed
somewhat from that Mr. Miller described in your
last issue. I removed the bricks from the borders in
the autumn, not replacing them again until the house
was ready ."or starting, placing long boards on the
borders to walk upon. I found upon examination
under the bricks, the surface of the border was a net-
work of white flesby roots or feeders. These roots to
some extent perished by allowing the bricks to
remain on them. I therefore removed them, at the
same time covering the surface of the border with
loam. My experience is that brick-covered vine-
borders require to be watered with great care,
especially so if the soil is of a retentive nature. A
great many of the bricks I used were hollowed out on
the one side. The concave side being placed upper-
most held the manure water with which the houses
were damped down. W, B. Clarke, Wellington,
Somerset.
MALVA ALCEA. — This is a good and useful plant
for the wilder parts of the garden, remaining in full
flower for six weeks from the beginning of August.
It is sold in nurseries under two or three names,
being a variable plant : it is a native of the South of
Europe, and is perennial from a hard woody base,
and does not last more than three or four years, but
seedlings come in abundance round the parent. It
grows about 5 or 6 feet high when full grown, and is
not particular about soil or surroundings. There is
nothing ornamental about it when out of flower.
The flowers are large, and coloured clear rose, the
colour of those of our native Malva moschata. It
seems to form spontaneous hybrids freely with that
species, of which in its white variety a large number
grow in the rough parts of this garden. Many of the
hybrids are white, but I have never had the type
white, though it probably might be found white in
its native home. The plants are much branched,
and as there is a quick succession of flowers on each
twig, they are useful for cutting. C. Wollcy-Dod,
Edge Halt, Malpas.
A SOUTH OF ENGLAND CARNATON SHOW.—
Unlike "A. D.,'' I cannot bring myself to contem-
plate with much favour the proposal to found a
Southern Counties Carnation Society. If there are
enough growers at Southampton to form a small
local society, well and good ; but, seeing that the
coHnty of Hampshire adjoins Surrey and Berks, and
comes very near to Bucks and Middlesex, it appears
to needlessly trench upon the ground already covered
by the London Society. If the Southern Counties
require a new society, the western and eastern will
likely follow suit, and then we shall have the Car-
nation interest broken up into a series of miaor
societies, each one of which will find it extremely diffi-
cult to maintain its organisation if formed. The
circular signed by " W. Garton, Junr.," reveals too
much. He proposes to induce " amateurs " to become
members of his new society by expressing his willing-
ness to supply them with twelve good and well-
rooted plants of different " varieties," which appears
to me to be playing down somewhat low. Every
amateur cultivator of the Carnation so-called is more
or less a dealer in plants, and I have a shrewd
suspicion that what W. Garton, Junr., seeks to
accomplish, is the formation of a centre, by means of
which he may dispose of hie surplus plants, as he
somewhat significantly remarks that he " purposes to
set aside out of his large stock every season a
certain number of plants to be distributed among
this class of competitors." I presume he means to sell
them to these competitors, especially as the circular
further sets forth that the " annual subscription is
fixed at 5s., and is to go to the prize fund," which,
I presume, means that the promoter will bear the
expenses of organisation and working. This same
vicious principle is in operation in connection
with the National Auricula and Carnation Societies,
as gifts of seeds are held out to induce persons to
t-ubscribe. This is subversive of legitimate trade.
For my own part, as an old florist, desirous of up-
holding the best traditions of floriculture, I hope the
attempt to form a Southern Carnation Society will
signally fail. A n Old Florist.
THE FAULTY FRUIT CROP. — In reply to " A. D. V
inquiry in your last issue, I have thiuned the blossoms
on fruir-trees on a moderate scale in the spring.
Most of them have been Pear-trees that were pro-
fusely covered with bloom ; a few Apples also,
including Cox's Orange Pippin. The trees are
Standards and Pyramids eight to twelve years old in a
garden on a fair slope to nearly due south with
excellent protection ; soil fairly heavy. Varieties of
Pears, Williams' Bon Chretien, Beurre' Diel (Stan-
dards), with the same sorts, and also Marie Louise,
Superfin, Louise Bonne, Doyenne' du Cornice, and
various others, as Pyramids. Only Thompsons and
Nouvelle Fulvie are grown on a south wall,
and had no protection. The disbudding was
done from about four to two weeks before flowering,
and it relieved the trees of from 40 to 70 per cent, of
promising buds, even more, but results are uniform
— practically a complete failure of fruit. A striking
exception is a young Standard Pear, transplanted in
the spring of 1895 into line with other standards
After similar disbudding, this tree is bearing a crop
of four dozen fruits, reduced to one on each bunch,
where five to eight Pears originally set to each bunch.
Although this tree flowered simultaneously with the
other standards,(the result is striking. The other
standards gave a moderate crop last year when there
were none on the recently transplanted tree. I be-
lieve the abundant rains last autumn have been the
cause of producing weakly flowers, and it may be that
the warm, damp month of March this spring may
have accentuated the evil, followed as it was by such
trying weather in April and May. H. H. R., Forest
Hill.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION.
The following extracts relating to the progress of
physiology are taken from a report in the Times of
Prof. Michael Foster's address to the section of
physiology now in session at Toronto: —
" But there is a still larger outcome from the professorial
chair and the physiological laboratory than the training of
the student ; these are opportunities not for teaching only,
but also for reseach. And, perhaps, in no respect has
the development during the past thirteen years been so-
marked as in this. Never so clearly as during this period
has it become recognized that each post for teaching is no-
less a post for learning, that among academic duties the
making knowledge is as urgent as the distributing it, and
that among professorial qualifications the gift of garnering in
new truths is at least as needful as facility in the didactic
exposition of old ones. Thirteen years have seen a great
change in this {matter, and the progress has been perhaps
greater on this side of the water than on the other, so far as
English-speaking people are concerned. We on the other
side have witnessed with envy the establishment on this side
of a university, physiology having in it an honoured place,
the keynote of which is the development of original research.
It will, I venture to think, be considered a strong confirma-
tion of my present theme, that the Clark University at
Worcester was founded only ten years ago. And here, as an
English-speaking person, may I be allowed to point out, not
without pride, that these thirteen years of increased oppor-
tunity have been thirteen years of increased fruitfulness. In
the history of our science, among the names of the great men
who have made epochs, English names, from Harvey on-
wards, occupy no mean place ; but the greatness of such
great men is of no national birth - it comes as it lists, and is
independent of time and of place. If we turn to the more
everyday workers, 4whoso continued labours more slowly
build up the growing edifice and provide the needful nourish-
ment for the greatness of which I have just spoken, we may,
I will dare to say, affirm that the last thirteen years have
brought contributions to physiology, made known in the
English tongue, which, whether we regard their quanti'y or
their quality, significantly outdo the like contributions made
in any foregoing period of the same length. Those contribu-
tions have been equally as numerous, equally as good on this
side as on the other side of the waters.
The development of which I have spoken is an outcome
of the progressive activity of the age, and the dominant
note of that activity is heard in the word " commercial."1
Noblemen and noblewomen open shop, and every one, low
as well as high, presses forward towards large or quick,
profits. The very influences which have made devotion to
scientific inquiry a possible means of livelihood, and so
fostered scientific investigation, are creating a new danger.
The path of the professor was in old times narrow and
strait, and only the few who had a real call cared to tread
it ; nowadays there is some fear lest it become so broad and
so easy as to tempt those who are in no way fitted for it.
There is an increasing risk of men undertaking a research,
not because a question is crying out to them to be answered,
but in the hope that the publication of their results may
win for them a lucrative post. There is, moreover, an even
greater evil ahead. The man who Hgh*s on a new scientific-
method holds the key of a chamber in which much gold
may be stored up; and strong is the temptition for hin*
to keep the new knowledge to himself until he has filled his
fill, while all the time his brother-inquirers are wandering
about in the dark through lack of thit which he possesses.
Such a selfish withholding of new scientific truth is begin-
ning to be not rare in some branches of knowledge. May
it never come near us !
The Nervous Svstem.
Fruitful as have been the labours of the past dozen years, we
may rightly consider them as but the earnest of that which
is to come ; and those of us who are far down on the slope of
life, may wistfully look forward to the next meeting of the
Association on these Western shores, wondering what mar-
vels will then be told. Physiology, even in the narrower
sense to which, by emphasis on the waver ng barrier which
parts the animal from the plant, it is restricted in this
section, deals with many kinds of being, and with many
thiogs in each. But, somewhat as man, in one aspect a tiny
fragment of the world, still more of the universe, in another
aspect looms so great as to overshadow everything else ; so
the nervous system, seen from one point of view, is no more-
than a mere part of the whole organism, but seen from
another point of view, seems by its importance to swallow
up all the rest. As man is apt to look upon all other things
as mainly subserving his interests and purposes, so the
physiologist, but with more justice, may regard all the rest
Augcst 28, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
149
of thejbody as mainly subserving the welfare of the nervuis
system ; and, as man was erea ted last, so our natural know-
ledge'of the working of that nervous system has been the
latest in its growth. But, if there be any truth in what I
Uavejurged to-day, we are witnessing a growth which pro-
mises to be as rapid as it has seemed to be delayed. Little
spirit of prophecy is needed to foretell that in the not so
distant future the teacher of physiology will hurry over the
themes on which he now dwells 'so long, in order that he
may have time to expound the most important of all the
truths which he has to tell— those which have to do with the
manifold workings of the brain.
And I will be here so bold as to dare to point out that this
development of his science must, in the times to come,
influence the attitude of the physiologist towards the world,
and ought to influence the attitude of the world towards
him. I imagine that if a plebiscite, limited even to instructed,
I might almost »ay scientific, men, were taken at the
present moment, it would be found that the most prevalent
conception of physiology is, that it is a something which is
in some- way an appendage to the art of medicine. That
physiology is, and always must be, the basis of the science
of healing is so much a truism that I would not venture to
repeat it here were it not that some of those enemies alike
to science and humanity, who are at times called anti-vivi-
sectionists, and whose zeal often outruns, not only discretion,
but evon truth, have quite recently asserted that I think
otherwise. Should such an hallucination ever threaten to
nervous action, and a fuller, exacter knowledge of the laws
which govern the sweep of nervous impulses along fibre and
cell, give us wider and directer command over the moulding
of the growing nervous mechanism and the maintenance
and regulation of the grown one— then, assuredly, physiology
will take its place as a judge of appeal in questions not only
of the body, but of the mind : it will raise its voice not in
the hospital and consulting roam only, but also in the senate
and the school.
Supply of Fuel.
Lord Kelvin, speaking on the fuel and air supply of the
earth, said that all the known fuel on the earth is the residue
of ancient vegetation. One ton of average fuel takes 3 tons
of oxygen to burn it, and therefore its vegetable origins,
decomposing carbonic acid and water by the power of sun-
light, gave three tons of oxygen to our atmosphere. Every
square m< tre of the earth's surface bears 10 tons of air, of
which 2 tons is oxygen. The whole surface is 124 thousand
millions of acres, or 510 million millions of square metres.
Hence there is not more than 340 million million tons of fuel
in the earth ; and this is probably tbe exact amount, because
it is probable that all the oxygen of our atmosphere came
from primeval vegetation. The surely available coal supply
of England, Scotland, and Wales was estimated by the Coal
Supply Commission of 1831, which included Sir Roderick
Murchison and Sir Andrew Ramsay among its members, as
being 146 thousand million tonH. This is approximately six-
Floral Committee.
Present; W. Marshall, Esq., chairman; and Messrs. O.
Thomas, Chas. T. Druery. H. B. May, R. Dean, Geo. Stevens,
J. P. McLeod, Chas. Jeffries, J. D. Pawle, Jas. Walker, Geo.
Nicholson, Jno. Fraser, H. J. Jones, R. M. Hogg, and J.
Fraser.
A First-class Certificate was awarded to Ficus radicans
variegata, eight plants of which were shown by Mr. W.
Bull, New and Rare Plant Establishment, King's Road,
Chelsea. These are graceful and ornamental. The variega-
tion is good, and is always, from the margin of the leaf
inwards, in most cases, there being but little green left.
Mr. Bull also showed two plants of Musa superba.
Several new Carnations, including selfs and yellow-ground
Picotees were shown by Mr. G. H. McUulloch, Dissington,
Hall, Northumberland.
A few Roses were shown by Messrs. W. Paul & Sons,
Waltham Cross. Good new varieties like Empress Alexandra
of Russia, T., Waltham Standard, H.P., and Aurora, a H.T.
bedder, were included.
Sprays of the erect species of Clematis known as
Davidiana were shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Burford,
Dorking (gr., Mr. Bain). The flowers are small, blue, and
are produced in whorls, whilst the foliage is large and
Dahlia-like.
Clumps of Heather, very suggestive of the moors, came
Fig. 43. — mr. mcindoe'3 first prize exhibit of sixty dishes of fruit in the Victorian fruit class at the Shrewsbury show.
(Mr. Afclndoe was also awarded the Special Victorian Medal offered by the President to the Champion Exhibitor. See Report in our last issue.)
possess me. I should only have to turn to the little we yet
know of the physiology of the nervous system and remind
myself how great a help the results of pure physiological
curiosity— I repeat the words, pure physiological curiosity,
for curiosity is the mother of science — have been, alike
to the surgeon and the physician, in the treatment of those
in some way most afflicting maladies, the diseases of
the nervous system. No, physiology is, and always must
be, the basis of the science of healing : but it is something
more. When physiology is dealing with thoae parts of the
body which we call muscular, vascular, glandular tissues and
the like, rightly handled she points out the way not only to
mend that which is hurt, to repair the damages of bad usage
and disease, but so to train the growing tissues and to guide
the grown ones as that the best use may be made of them
for the purposes of life. She not only heals, she governs and
educate . Nor does she do otherwise when she comes to
deal with the nervous tissues. Nay, it is the very preroga-
tive of these nervous tissues that their life is, above that of
all the other tissues, contingent on their environment and sus-
ceptible of education. If increasing knowledge gives us in-
creasing power so to mould a muscular fibre that it shall
play to the best the part which it has to play in life, the little
knowledge we at present possess gives us at least much con-
fidence in a coming far greater power over the nerve-cell.
This is not the place to plunge into the deep waters of the rela-
tion which the body bears to the mind ; but this at least
stares ua in the face — that changes in what we call the body
bring about changes in what we call the mind. When we
alter the one we alter the other. If, as the whole past
history of our science leads us to expect, in the coming years a
clearer and clearer insight into the nature and conditions nf
that molecular dance which is to us the material token of
tenths of a ton per square metre of area of Great Britain. To
burn this quantity would take one and eight-tenths of a ton
of oxygen, or within two-tenths of a ton of the total oxygen
of the atmosphere resting on each square metre of Great
Britain. The Commission estimated 56 thousand million
tons more of coal as probably existing at the present in lower
and less easily-accessible strata. It may, therefore, he con-
sidered as almost quite certain that Great Britain could not
burn all its own coal with its own air, and therefore that the
coal of Great Britain is considerably in excess of the fuel
supply of the rest of the world reckoned per equal areas
whether of land or sea.
(To be continued.)
Societies.
»
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
August 24. — Seldom is there so small a display at the fort-
nightly meetings than was the case on Tuesday last in the
Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster. Horticulturists are
evidently taking their holidays in numbers, and the attend-
ance was in proportion to the exhibition. Orchids were very
few, but amongst them was a spike of the Mammoth
Gram matophy Rum speeiosum shown by Sir Trevor Law-
rence (figured on p. 14J). Among other exhibits, the most
prominent were Dahlias and Lilies. A moderate quantity of
fruit was shown, including an excellent new Melon from
the Royal Gardens at Frogmore. Mr. A. H. Pearson de-
livered an interesting and able lecture upon Plums.
from Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery
Chelsea. The varieties included Erica vulgaris, E. v. varie-
gata, E. v. aurea, E. v. fl.-pleno, E. v. Hammondii (white),
E. v. cuprea, E. v. monstrosa, and E. v. Alporti, the last-
named being one of the most showy. E. cinerea alba and
E. Mackayana were included. Allied to the Ericas is
Menziesia, from North America and Japan. M. polifolia
atro purpurea and M. p. alba were well shown. This plant
is more correctly named Dabeocia polifolia. Flowering sprays
of Rhus glabra (coccinea) and R. Osbeckii were likewise from
Messrs. Veitoh (Silver Banksian Medal).
Purnell Purnell, Esq., Woodlands, Streatham, exhibited
a group of miscellaneous plants, which included well-grown
Fuchsias, Dracaenas, Caladiums, Ferns, Ac. (Silver Flora
Medal).
From Mr. Thos. S. Ware, Hale Fa-m Nurseries, near
Tottenham, was shown a collection of Dahlia blooms in
sfrays. This included Cactus, Show, Pompon, and other
varieties, and was awarded a Silver Flora Medal. In addition
to the above, a few good Gladiolus were shown in spikes,
including one named Rev. W. Wilks ; also Montbretias, and
blooms of Lilium Leitchlini, pale yellow with purple-coloured
spots.
Messrs. R. Wallace &, Co., Kilnfield Nurseries, Colchester,
made the brightest display in the hall with a stand of Lilium
blooms, Gladiolus, &c. Varieties of L. apeciosum, L. tigri-
num, L. Batemanni, and other species; also some new
Gladiolus and Tritonias were noticed (Silver Flora Medal).
By far the largest exhibit on this occasion was a monster
group of Caladiums from the nurseries of Messrs. Jno.
Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, S.E. It was arranged upon the
floor in an irregularly-faced group, and the Caladiums were
freely interspersed with graceful Palms and Ferns. The
150
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[August 28, 189?.
Caladiums repcesented many new and choice varieties, and
the exhibit generally was highly praiseworthy. A smaller
group of well-coloured medium-sized Crotons from the same
nurseries deserves commendation (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).
Hibiscus Manihot was shown by F. D. Lambert, Esq.,
Moor Hall, Cookham (gr., Mr. Fulford). The plants were
about 6 feet high, had Aralia like foliage, and bore numerous
very large yellow flowers on an erect spike.
Dahlias. — Show, Cactus, and Pompon varieties came from
several sources, the Cactus types predominating1. Mr. J.
Green, Norfolk Nurseries, Dereham, sent by post several
blooms each of Cactus varieties of a decidedly promising
character, but the way in which they were shown, and the
ymall size of the blooms, detracted from their actual value.
The best varieties were Indian Prince, Midnight Sun, Mr.
Moore, Norfolk Hero, and Royal Purple. The committee
requested to see them again iu better condition.
Mr. J. Stredwick, Silverhill, St. Leonards, had some
varieties of decided promise two of which received Awards
of Merit, viz.. Night, maroon-crimson, the tips bright wine-
crimson, a large true Cactus, with full flowers, having a
better centre than those of Matchless, of which it is a
brighter type ; and Amber, yellow ground, the points of the
petals deep amber, rery bright and effective, a great improve-
ment ou Harmony, having much more of the true Cactus
character. Twu others are also good, viz., Porcupine, bright
crimson, shaded with maroon, the florets somewh.t erect;
and Frank Woodgate, bright orange, somewhat distinct in
colour, though much resembling Mrs. A. Beck, both the fore-
going being true Cactus types.
From Mr. C. Turner, Itoyal Nursery, Slough, came some
charming new Fompon varieties, to three of which Awards
of Merit were made : viz., Vesta, white, of perfect shape,
though as shown a little deficient in the centre, as well as in
purity of colour, defects which time may remove ; Phryne,
deep yellow, distinctly and regularly edged with bright
salmon-red, distinct and attractive; and Hypatia, bright
t^rra-cotta, a distinct shade of colour with a rosy tint thro *n
uvrr it, and lemon centre of perfect shape and centre,
others were Ida, yellow, heavily tipped with rosy-carmine ;
Madeleine, yellow, distinctly tipped with rosy-purple, very
pretty ; and Edna, a small bright crimson self ; also Marjorie
fellows, an attractive show variety, amber-yellow, with
clear yellow centra, and having a tip or shading of pucy-
mauve (Award of Merit).
From Mr. G. St. Pierre Harris, Orpington, came four new
show varieties: viz.. Birmaid, Freedom, Mariner, and
Singularity, whxk will no doubt be seen in better condition
later on.
Orchid Committee.
Present: H. J. Veitch, Esq., Chairman and Messrs. De B.
Crawshay, H. J. Chapman, W. H. White, J. T. Sabriel, W. H.
Young, E. Hill, T. W. Bond. W. Cobb, A. H. Smee, A. Mason,
and H. M. Pollutt.
A First-class Certificate was unanimously awarded to
Grammatophyllum speciosum, a spike (upwards of 7 feet in
length) of which was shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence,
Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr. W. H. White). The flowers are
yellow, spotted chocolate or reddish-purple, and are well
portrayed in the accompanying illustrations (see figs. 41, 42).
A Gold Medal was deservedly awarded it, iu addition to the
First-class Certificate. From Sir Trevor's garden also came
LaelioCattleya Janet, a very pretty hybrid, its white lip,
with coloured margin and orange throat being very attractive.
Mr. W. Boll, King's Road, Chelsea, obtained an Award of
of Merit for Goodyera Rollissoni. The leaves are velvety-
green, with golden-yellow margins, and occasionally varie-
gated through the lamina in several places.
An Award of Merit was recommended to L*lio-Cattleya
Juna, shown by N. C. Cooksox, Esq., Oakwood, Wylani-on-
Tyne. It is a hybrid from C. Mosaize and L. rnajalis. The
flower is neat and compact, sepals and petals very pale
rose, sepals slightly tinged with yellow at the tips, lip not
coloured very deeply, throat orange, with cream-coloured
veins — a pretty flower, with curious blendings of colour.
R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell (gr.,
Mr. Chapman), exhibited Ly:ho- Cattleya Andreana (a cross
between Ladio-Cattleya elegans and Cattleya bieolor) ; all the
fiVwer except the lip is practically white, shaded faint rose
on the exterior. The lip is recurved back at the point,
which, in proportion to the base of the lip, is rather spread-
ing. Tip of lip handsomely coloured, and the flower generally
pretty. Masdevallia Lowii was shown ir-m the same
gardens,
Messrs. J as. Veitch & Soss, Chelsea, were awarded a
Silver Bauksian Medal for a small group of hybrids. This
included Laslio-Cattleya Nysa (crispa9, xWarscewicziio* ),
remarkable for a very fiue lip ; L.-C. Parysatis, L.-C. Pro-
serpine superba, &c. Cattleya intertexta was shown in
flower; it has a curiously-mottled lip. Also Cypripedium
Janet and G. rnelanthus Hooter* ?, xStoneio*), an elegant
flower and spike.
Messrs. F, Sander & Co., St. Albans, had Catasetum
fimbriatum in bloom; also Ltelio-Cattloya Sa'iderse and
L.-C. Robin Measures. The sepals and petals are yellow in
each case, but the lip differs in shape and colouring; the
latter is also a larger flower. The collection included Ladia
amanda, and a hybrid between Ltelia pumila and C.
Harrisoniae violacea, fce.
Messrs. High Low &, Co., Clapton, had Cypripedium
Alfred Hcllington, a very pretty form of Lit lio- Cattleya
Canhainiaua, and L.-C. Harrisoni prn_'stans.
Chas. L. N. Ingram, Esq., Elstead House, Godalming,
f-howed Ladio- Cattleya x Radiance (L. purpurata Dominia-
num x C. Dowiana). Another LseHo- Cattleya, named
Ruby Gem, from Catt'eya Lawrenceana x Lselia elegmp,
had a neat flower, with well-coloured lip. Cypripe-
dium gracile, from C. Haynaldianum X C. Swanianum, has
narrow petals, marked with prominent chocalate spots.
The lip is light purple, and the flower generally is attenu-
ated in appearance.
Fruit Committee.
Present : Philip Crowley, Esq., Chairman, and Messrs. Jas.
H. Veitch, A. F. Barron, W. Pope, A. H. Pearson, Alex.
Dean, G. S. Miles, H. Balderson, G. Norman, Robert Fife,
and F. Q. Lane.
The only Award of Merit recommended by the committee
was that to a seedling Melon named Frogmore Scarlet,
several fruits of which were shown by Mr. O. Thomas, Royal
Gardens, Frogmore. The fruits were above medium size,
closely, but not prominently netted, exterior straw-coloured,
flesh scarlet, and quality first-class.
Mr. Geo. Wythes, gr. to Earl Percy, Syon House. Brent-
ford, showed thirty Melon fruits of moderate size, but good
appearance. These were of the variety Middlesex Hero.
Mr. Wythes had also a seedling Melon from a cross between
Middlesex Hero and Beauty of Syon.
A collection of Grapes from Captain MacDonald, Hurst
Side, West Moulseytgr., Mr. G. Elliott), was awarded a Silver
Knightian Medal. It included three bunches of Foster's
Seedling, six bunches of Gros Maroc, and a equal number of
Madresfifld Court. The quality of the collection deserves
praise, the berries and bunches being large and generally
well- finished.
Mr. A. H. Rickwood, gr. to the Dowager Lady Freake,
Fulwell Park, exhibited a commendable collecion of fruit,
including thirteen dishes of Peaches, two of Pears and four of
Apples, also Morello Cherries, Red and White Currants, four
dishes of Plums, and three bunches of Black Hambro
Grapes (Silver Banksian Medal).
From Messrs. T. F. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, were
exhibited bunches of Giadiska, White Grape, and Directeur
Tisserand, Black Grape. Also splendid examples of Late
Transparent Gage Plum, Golden Transparent Gage, and
Monarch, all from pot trees, grown in a warm house.
Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, illustrated the
exceptional crop of Nuts of the present season by showing a
colUction of twenty varieties of Cob Nuts and Filberts.
Some of the clusters were lemarkable, especially the variety,
Duke of Edinburgh, a variety certificated in 1SS3.
A collection of vegetables from Mr. T. Robinson, gr. to
W. Lawrence, Esq., Elsfield House, Hollingbourne, was
deservedly awarded a Silver Banksian Medal. There were
good Carrots, Potatos, Turnips, Cabbages, Onions, Beans,
Celery, Tomatos, Beet, Cucumbers, Parsnips, and Marrows.
A collection of eighteen nice specimens of Covent Garden
Favourite Cucumber was shown by Mr. W. Kemp, Barnes;
and Mr. Corbett, gr. to the Rev. Marquis of Normamby,
Mulgrase Castle, near Corbett, exhibited fruits and sprays
of fruit of Tomatos, Royal Sovereign and Mulgrave Castle,
both of them of promisiug character, but hardly distinctive.
In the Veitchian competition for flavour in ipples and
Pears, the 1st prize Apple was Irish Peach, shown Mr. Geo.
Wythks; 2nd, Lady Sudeley, from Mr. Herhin, Dropmore
Gardens. There did not appear to be any award made to the
Pears.
EASTBOURNE HORTICULTURAL.
August IS. — There are few more pleasant summer places
than Compton Place, and the enormous attendance on ihe
above date again proved how well it pays to get up a really
good exhibition, as was once more the case here, A few of
the chief prizes were the following : —
Mr. J. Warren, gr. to J. Offer, Esq., Handcross Park, for
eight stove and greenhouso plants, showing conspicuous
examples of good cultivation. Mr. T. Portnell, gr. to Sir A.
Lamb, Battle, was 2nd in that class, but beat Mr. Warren in
a class for six similar plants. The eight exotio Ferns from
Mr. Warren were grand. Mr. J. Warren was ahead of Mr.
Portnell for eight and also for six ornamental or varie-
gated foliage plants ; particularly well-coloured were his
Crotons Sunset and triumphans.
One of the be t classes was for groups of Ferns, Mr. A.
McBean, gr. to Miss Whagge, Braemer, just beating Mr. T.
Fuller, gr. to J. Hooker, Esq., Arundel Road. Mr. Warren
was ahead for six table plants ; and Mr. T. Portnell for
some well-grown pyramidal Fuchias.
Fruit was very good, especially the Grapes, eight com-
peting in the clas* foi three bunches of any black variety ;
Mr. T. Tugwell, gr. to Miss Swift, Beechwood, winning
with well-finished Black Hambugh, and again for chree of any
white vanity with Muscat of Alexandria; a magnificent
bunch of Black Hamburgh securing 1st for him in a class for
a single bunch, any variety.
The best collection of fiuitcame from Mr. W. F. Thomas,
Wannock, Polegate, who was also alieadfor a collection grown
outdoors.
Cur Flowers.— Mr. Warren was in front of Mr. Portnell
for twelve varieties of stove and greenhouse cut flowers. The
best thirty-six cut R ses came from Mr. Will Taylor,
Hampstead. R. E. West, Esq., Wray Park, Reigate, won
for twenty-four and twelve blooms distinct.
Seven competed in the class for three stands of flowers,
Mrs. Sherrard, Hailsnam, winning with a very pretty
arrangement.
Vegetables were very good.
Some of the numerous non-competitive exhibits included
one from Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, who had some?
good stands of Cactus, Pompon, and other Dahlias, as also
did Mr. J. Charlton, Tunbridgc Wells, in addition to a good
stand of herbaceous cut flowers. A superb group came front
Mr. H. May, Compton Place, and from Messrs. G. & F_
Scott, Eastbourne. Fruit was well shown by Mr. F. W.
ThuMas, Wannock, Polegate.
TROWBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL.
August IS.— The Trowbridge Society, which can rank a&
one of the oldest horticultural societies in existence, cele-
brated its furty-eighth annual show on the above date. It-
is a society which proceeds pretty much upon the lines it
lid thirty years ago ; it always brings together a large and
attractive show, and we thought this the best we had ever
seen there. Several large tents were set up in the show-
field near the railway station, and every one of them was
fully occupied. There were, as usual, Fuchsias, the like of
which can be seen only in the Trowbridge district; and
many of the flowering and foliage plants compare most
favourably with other exhibitions in the West. Rarely have
two such tine collections of nine stove and greenhouse plants^
been staged in the West ; in the sixes and threes also there-
were well-finished examples. Cut flowers were abundant,
and vers good. There was capital fruit, large quantities of
superb vegetables, while the plants shown by woi king men
would have done credit to the best exhibition held in the
country.
P^nts.— Mr. Matthews, gr. to Sir W. R. Brown, Bart.,
Trowbridge, a young gardener of great promise as a plant
cultivator, was placed 1st with nine stove and greenhouse
plants, a well-balanced collection. Mr. George Tucker, Hil-
p^rton, who has succeeded to the plants he grew so well for
his late employer, Major W. P. Clark, was 2nd. These two
exhibitors were bracketed equal lsts with six plants, so near
dii they come to each other in size and finish.
Mr. Tucker was 1st with three admirable specimens. The
first prize specimen plant was a piece of Cycas revoluta from
Mr. S. Agar, gr. to Mrs. Mackay, Trowbridge. Tbe best
new or rare plant was a finely-coloured specimen of Croton
Aigburth Gem, from Mr. G. Pymm, gr. to Mrs. Gouldsmith,
Tiowbridge.
The old reputation Trowbridge has for Fuchsias was fully
maintained by Mr. Tucker, who was first with six and also-
with four plants, and the practice of showing an equal
number of light and dark varieties is a good one. One of the-
best dark varieties for exhibition because such a good grower
and so free of bloom is Dod 's Favourite, which was raised in
this reighbourhood seventeen years ago; it is always one of
six exhibition varieties.
Such things as good Cockscombs ; finely grown ai d*
flowered specimen z >nal Pelargoniums, especially those from
Mr. Tucker ; Begonias single and double flowered, Achi-
rnenes, well-grown and bloomed, Gloxinias, <kc., made up
the flowering plants, with the exception of those found in
groups. Groups arranged for effect are a new introduction
at Trowbridge, and they are taking well ; there are thre&
classes for them, but in the most important Mr. G. Pymm
was 1st with a worthy object lesson in artistic grouping that
will not be lost upon the gardeners present at the show.
Mr. R. Fosbrooke, gr. to R. Moulton, Esq., Bradford ou-
Avon, was 1st in the next most important class for a group.
Mr. H. Matthews had the beBt eight fine-foliagfd plants,
fine Palms and brilliant Crotons, with a good example of
Phormium tenax variegatum being prominent. Messrs.
E. S. Cole & Sons, Nurserymen, Bath, were 2nd. There
were good bushes cf Colens, also good Caladiums, shown in
sixes ; and there was a fine bank of Ferns and mosses, they
being shown in groups of fifteen ; but on this occasion they
were too much crowded to display themselves to advantage.
Mr. G. Tucker had the best collection.
Cut Flowers included Roses, and they were very good
for the time of year. In these classes Mr. J. Mattock, Nur-
seryman, Oxford, had it his own way, for he was 1st with.
1-2 trebles, also with 86, %i, axd 12, and with 24 blooms of
Tea-scented varieties, all being clean, fresh, and bright.
The main of the 2nd prizes went to Mr. Thomas Hobbs,
Lower Easton, Bristol, an old amateur cultivator of many
years' standing. Dahlias were uumerous, and of good promise
for the coming competition at the Crystal Palace. Messrs.
Keynes & Co., Salisbury, had the best 24 and also the best.
12 bunches of Cactus. Messrs. J. Cray & Co., Frome, the
best 12 ; Mr. J. Walker, Thame, the best 12 Fancies, and.
also the best 12 Pompons. Of seedling Dahlias there was a
very pretty pale lilac Cactus variety from Mr. G. Humphries,
which is full of promise.
Then there were classes for 34 bunches of cut flowers ir*
which the usual stove and greenhouso subjects were promi-
nent. Zonal Pelargoniums, very good and bright ; Comet
and Victoria Asters, and the delicate quilled varieties ;
Pansies, Carnations, Hollyhocks, Ac. Verbenas in' a cut
6tate are still invited, but it is time they were displaced_by
Sweet Peas.
Fruit is always good at Trowbridge, and it was so on this
occasion. The only collection of ten dishes ca me from Mr.
Strtonell, a very good one. Mr. G. Pymm hai the beetjsix
dishes, staging in excelleut character Black Hamburgh,
Filter's Seedling Grapes, Victoria Nectarine, Dymond
Tcacb, Tears and Melons.
August 28, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
151
A Diamond Jubilee Class was originated for eight bunches
of Grapes. Mr. Carpenter, gr. to A. R. Bailey, Esq., Frome,
was 1st with Muscat of Aletandria, Alicante, Madresfield
Court, and Gros Maroc, having enough of each to make up
the required quantity. Mr. Foi.tt, Bath, was 2nd, having
very good bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, this bein^ his
only variety. Mr. Fortt had the best two bunches of black"
Grapes, staging good Alicante ; Mr. T. Smith, gr. to the
Bl»hop of Salisbury, had the two best bunches of white in
Foster's Seedling; Mr. Clack, growor to C. K Colston, Hsq.,
Deviies, tho two best bunches of black Muscats in Madres-
field Court ; and Mr. Carpenter the best two bunches of
white Muscats in that of Alexandria. Barrington and Sea
Eigle were the best Peaches ; Pino Apple and Royal the best
Nectarines ; Oullins' Golden Gage and Pond's the best
Plums ; Beauty of Bath, Irish Poach, and Cjuarrenden the
best dessert Apples ; Lord Suffiold, Poasgood's Nonsuch, and
Warner's King the bost culinary varieties. A very fine lot
of Nuts and Filberts were staged also, and grand Morello
Cherries.
Of Vegetable* there was an enormous display, and gene-
rally if romarkably good quality.
Miscellxneous ExiiuuTS comprised a charming collection
of Garden Roses, from Messrs. G. Cooling & Sons, Bath.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL OF
ABERDEEN.
Auqi'st, 19, 20, 21.— This society held its annual show on
tho above dates in the grounds of Robert Gordon's Collego,
Aberdeen. Naturally, the recent wet weather has injured
tho flowers, and tho show suffered somewhat in tho cut-
flower sections. This was more than compensated for, how-
ever, in the magnificent display of greenhouse plants. In-
deed, judges who have attended the show for tho past
twenty-eight years, declared that they have never seen any-
thing finer in this department.
Tho entries this year numbjred about 1700, or fully 4)0
fewer than last year, but the display was a most meritorious
oqo. In all sections there were separate competitions for
profession il and amateur horticulturists, and in a third
department valuable prizos were given for tho encourage-
ment of working-men amateurs. The arrangements for
the show were admirably carried out by the now Secretary
of the Society, Mr. J. B. Rennett.
Cut Flowers. — Roses wore rather poorly represented, but
what thero were made a beautiful show. The excellence of
tho Dahlias and Gladioli was remarkable. A special featuro
in this tent was tho fin© display of bedding-plants, shown
in bunches and pots on a space not exceeding 2 feot by
3 feet. Tho competitors showed conspicuous tasto, and
the Society's Silver Med il was worthily won by Mr.
Robert Kiloii, Woodlands Gardens, Cults, with a
splendid collection. Tho model garden contest also
brought out some painstaking and unique designs,
and Mr. Alexander Douglas, Middlemulr, Belhelvie,
oarriod premier honours. Mr. Douglas introduced a
novelty by placing a miniature fountain in tho co^tre of his
exhibit. Although not so numerous as usual, tho entries in
the competition in bouquets, wreaths, and baskets of rlowerd
were in oxcellont tasto. The principal prize takers in these
competitions were Mr. John Robebtson, Ferry hill House,
Aberdoen ; Mr. Robert Kiloh, Woodlands, Cults ; and
Mr, Ar ex. Burns, Jim , New Market Buildings, Abordoon.
Pot Plants. — In the large marquoe, devoted to tho
housing of tho p >t plants, were some splendid specimens.
Here, as elsewhere, the entries wore somewhat fewor than
last year, but the quality was above the average, few, if any,
inferior plants beiug staged. In the centre were placed the
larger plants, and also groups of plants arranged for effect,
on the ground, in circles of 10 feet diameter.
Mr. John Proctor, gr. to Sir William HENDERSON, Devanha
House, Aberdeen, carried off the beautiful Silver Tea Service
with one of the must unique designs ever seen in Aberdeen.
Mr. Proctor's design included Crotons, choice Orchids, Ferns,
Caladiums, fcc, all finely grouped and rising in pyramidal
shape to a handsome Cocos Palm as centrepiece. A new exhi-
bitor at the Aberdeen show, Mr. Hutton, Usui House,
Montrose, took 2nd place in the same competition, with a
most tasteful arrangement.
In the class for six specimen stove or greenhouse plants,
Mr. Proctor again carried the prizj, with a splendid assort-
ment, Ferns, Pelargoniums, and Dracaanas were woll shown.
In Lilies, Mr. Leslie, Honeybrac, took 1st place, with a
grand specimen of Lilium auratum, which had as many as
thirty-six blooms on one spike. The Society's Silver Medal
for the best specimen plant in flower was taken by Mr. Joii^
Proctor, with a superb Eucharis ; while Mr. Hutton,
Montrose, took a similar award for the best new plant in
flower or foliage with Heliconia illustris.
Messrs. W. 6z D. Croll, Dundee, and Messrs. W. Smith &
Son, Aberdeen, mado fine displays with Roses. Messrs.
Smith had also a splendid collection of herbaceous flowering
and other plants. The exhibits of pot plants by amateurs
arid the working class were accommodated in a portion of
the Art Gallery Building*, adjoining and entering from tho
grounds, The section was an excellent one ; the side tables
containing greenhouse plauts were of a very high order.
Mr. John Simpson, Varvil Bank; Mr. Bhownie, Ellon; and
Mr, l rit.LE3PiE, Aberdeen, were all to the front at am iteur
exhibitors
Vegetables. — Although ir.it so numerous as last year, the
quality was excellent. Some of the Potatos had the pre-
vailing fault of the year in not being cloansd skinned. The
special feature of tho vegetable tent was the boxes of vege-
tables, which were arranged with unusual taste. The pre-
mier collection was sent in by Mr. George Milne Cluny
Castle, and was the subject of much comment, professionals
declaring it to be the best both in point of quality and taste
that has been seen at the Society's show for many years.
Market gardeners also came forward strongly in this tent,
the winners in a tough fight being Mr. Alex Paterson,
Ruthrieston, Mr. John Paters-in, Sunnybrae, Rubislaw,
and Mr. Alex. Davidson, Kepplestone, Rubislaw. In the
amateur class, the chief winners were Mr. William Leith,
Crimonmogate Mills, Lonmay ; Mr. W. D. Brownie, Ellon ;
and Mr. Charlfs Gray, Woodsido, Aberdeen.
Fruit.— The show in this section was very fine, and some
uncommonly fino specimens were staged, especially of
Grapes. Mr. Hutton, Montrose, is to be congratulated at
tho largo amount of success he achieved at this his first
appearance at an Aberdeen show. He worthily carried off
quito a number of prizos in this section. Gooseberries were
particularly fino, tho chief honours in this section being taken
by Mr. Midlu.eton, Monymusk House, and Mr. James
Grvnt, Crimonmogate. For Grapes, Mr. A. Hutton, Mr.
Georqe M. Stuart, Banff, wero the chief prize winners.
Among other prominent winners in tho fruit section wero
Mr. Andrew Reid, Durris ; George Tvy'lor, Raedcn ;
Alexander Red, Urie House, Stonehaven; David Chap-
man, Aden House; and John Daloarko, Elgin.
Non-Competitive Exhibits.
Mention must be made of tho beautiful displays made
by Messrs. Ben Reid & Co. , Aberdeen, and Messrs.
FlO. 44.— ELAjSTU TUBE FOR PR1 SERVING FLO WEB
is BUTTON-HOLES,
Cocker, Rosarians, Aberdeen. These displays were indued
superb, and reflected the highest credit on the firms named.
spate will not permit of fuller details.
DEVON AND EXETER HORTI-
CULTURAL.
August 20.--In proverbially unfavourable weather, tho
185th exhibition of this society was held on Northernhay
Public Grounds. The classes slightly exceeded in number
those of last yoir, but there were fewer exhibitors. Asa
whole, the exhibition compared fivourably with previous
ones, tho group; and tho vegetables indeed showed higher
excellence.
Mr. Hairs, gr. to Sir John Shelley, Birt. Shobrooke Park,
staged a magnificent collection of vegetables, which was one
of the features of the show, and Mr. Rowland, gr. to W.
Brock, Esq., Pa'kerswell, surpassed all previous efforts in
his arrangement of plants for decorative effect.
Cut Flowers (Open) — For twenty -f >ur Double Dahlias,
show and fancy, Mr. G. Humphries, Chippenham, was 1st,
and in tho twenty-four Double Cactus class, premier honours
were awarded to Mr. W. B. Shale.
The 1st priz^ for forty-eight spikes of Gladioli went t)
P. II. Pox, Esq., Wellington, and for twelve Tea Roses to
Messrs J arm an & Co., Chard.
Specimen Plants. — The value of the 1st prize for specimen
plants is mt enough to tempt exhibitors from a distance, so
that the competition is cmfined, as it were, to local growers.
The classes for twelve stove and greenhouse, and for six stove
and greenhouse plauts- half in flower and half foliage — was
taken by Mr. Rowland, gr. to "W. Brock, Esq., as also was
that for Bix stove and greenhouse flowering plants. Mr.
Rowland's plants looked wonderfully well.
For sis stove and groonhouso Forns, promior honours fell
to Mr. Barnes, gr. to the Rev. A. H. Hamilton-Gell,
Winslade.
Groups.— The miscellaneous group, 11 feet X 15 feet, ar-
ranged in an oval space for effect, was keenly contested, the
cup falling to Mr. Rowland, Mr. G. Lick, gr. to B. H. Hill.
Esq., Cleve, Crediton, being a close 2nd. Instead of the old
cone shaped arrangement, both competitors had used virgin
cork more or less effectively to make an irregular arch from
which sprung light arrangements of Orchids, Grasses, &c.
In the smaller group (11 feet x 8 feet), Mr. Bawden, gr. to
W. D. Richards, Esq., Boaummt House, Broadclyst, woa.
Fruit. — In the Fruit classes, the chief prize is given by
the President for the year, Mr. Alderman Pople, Mayor of
Exeter, and for this priz; the competition was keen, premior
place being given to Mr. Lloyd, gr. to V. Stuck by, Esq.,
Langport. Mr. Lloyd's collection consisted of Black Ham-
burgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Queen Pine,
Jargonelle Pears, Pineapple Nectarine, Jefferson's Plum,
Brown Turkey Fig, Dymonl Peach, Melon Taunton Hero,
Quarrendcn Apples.
Veobtaules.— For the collection of twelve kinds there
is always much competition, but though all three entries
were woll staged, Mr. Mairs, gr. to Sir John Shelley, was
well 1st, and Mr. Lock was 2nd. In the separate dish classes
for vegetables the competition was keen, the entries nutuor-
ous, and the quality exceptionally high.
The classes for cut flowers tilled well, and competition was
close.
A collection of plants was staged by the Jadoo Cm. ; these
were growing in Jadoo Fibre. They were bright in colour,
healthy and vigorous.
Honorary Exhibits.— Mr. 81ade, gr. to Lord Poltimoue,
Poltimore Park, staged a grand lot of Streptocarpus, well-
grown and full of highly-coloured blossoms, some very fine
Cannas, Lilium auratum, and other plants.
Messrs. Robert Veitch & Son, Exeter, showed choice
Alpines, Cannas, Gladioli, Dahlias, and a charming lot of the
new brightly -coloured hardy Nymphans floating in water. The
Exeter Nursery Co. staged a fine collection of stove and
greenhouse plants; Mr. James Walters, Mount Radford,
Roses {conspicuous among which was a box of fiue blooms of
Mrs. John Laing); Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, Double
Begonias, Roses, and Dahlias ; Mr. William Randall,
Exeter, a general collection of conservatory plants ; Mr. W.
B. Shale, Torquay, Dihlias ; Messrs. Tuplin & Sons, Newton
Abbot, Carnations.
New Invention.
FLOWER -TUBE FOR THE BUTTON-HOLE.
Mh. Scott, of Kirkgate, Leeds, sends us a speci-
men of a flower-tube for the buttonhole which is
efficient, inconspicuous, and inexpensive. It is made
of india-rubber, and the disc is so inclined at the
upper part, as to rest against the lappel of tho
coit. It is made solid at the point so as to prevent
tho water being ejected if tho tube get pinched.
From its elastic nature, the tube adjusts itself to the
curve of the coat, and does not project beyond it.
Markets.
CO VENT GARDEN, AUGUST 26.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regula ly very
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed.]
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, per dozen
blooms
Asters, 12 hunches
— French, 12 bun.
Bouvardias, per bn.
Carnations, pr, doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Cornflowers, per
doz. bunches ..
Eucharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
ilium Harrisi, per
doz. biooms
— Laucifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches ...
s. d. s. d.
2 0-40
2 0-40
6 0-12 0
0 4-0 6
0 9-20
4 0-00
0 6-26
3 0-00
10-20
2 0-40
2 0-40
4 0-90
2 0-40
1 0- 2 0
10-20
4 0-80
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis. or Forget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids :—
Cattleya, 12blms.
Odontoglossum
crispum,12bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, 12 bu.
Roses. Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Mare-
chal), per doz.
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
bunches ...
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Sweet Sultan, per
dozen bunches ...
Tuberoses, IS blms.
. d. s. d.
I 0-~4 0
10-40
16-30
) 0-12 0
! 0- 4 0
0-6 0
4-0 6
6-2 6
0- 1 0
6-4 0
9-10
0-2 0
0-2 0
0-6 0
- 2 0
1 6
0-2 0
3- 0 4
Orchid-bloom in variety.
152
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[AuausT 28, 1897.
Plants in Pots.
8.
Adiantum, per do». 4
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12
— specimen, each 5
Asters, various, per
doz 2
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ... 5
— spocimen, or
large plants, oa.
Cockscombs, dozen
Coleus, per doz. ...
Companula, p. doz.
Dracaenas, each ...
— various, p. doz.
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz....
Ficus 3lastica each
— Average Wholesale Prices.
a. 5. <l
0-12 0 Ferns, small, doz. ... 1
0-30 0 — various, doz. 5
0-15 0 Foliage plants, doz. 12
1-5 0
6-2 6
0-4 0
0-4 0
0-6 0
0-7 6
0-24 0
0-24 0
0-7 6
Fuobsia, per doz.
Heliotropes, dozen
Hydrangeas, per
dozen
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Palms, various, ea.
— specimens, ea.
Pelargoniums, per
dozen
Rhodanthes, dozen
d. s. a.
0-2 0
0-12 0
0-36 0
0-6 0
0-4 0
Enquiries.
8 0-10 0
0-12 0
0-9 0
0-6 0
0-10 0
6-84 0
0-10 0
0- fl 0
Fruit.—.
Apples, Dessert, in
variety,p.bush.
— Culinary, in va-
riety, per bush.
Damsons, ^-bushel
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alicautes, p. lb.
— Ham burghs,
selected, per lb.
2nd quality,
per lb
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall."p. lb.
— Channellslands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
Melons, each
Nuts, Cobs, per lb.
— Filberts, per lb.
Average Wholesale Prices,
j. d. s. d. s. a. s. a.
Nectarines, selctd.
8 0-10 0 fruit, per doz. 6 0- S 0
— Medium, p. dz. 3 0-40
3 6-50 — Seconds, p. doz. 16-20
5 0-56 Oranges, 8. Austra-
10-20 lian, p. ciae, con-
! taining 120 fruit 10 0-12 0
16-20, Peaches, selected
10-16
10-13
10 —
4 0-50
2 0-26
0 0-
0 9-
0 3
0 2
fruits, per doz. 6 0-80
— Medium, per
doz 2 6-30
— Seconds, per
dozen 16-20
Pears, various, per
bushel 4 0-10 0
small, bush. 2 0-30
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
chael, ea<:h ... 5 0-80
Plums, Greengage,
per J-bushel ... S 0- 9 0
— ■ Victorias, per
*-bnshel ... 5 0-60
— Ordinary, in
variety, J-bush. 4 0-60
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Artichokes, Globe,
perdoz.
Beans, French, per
bushel
— Scarlet Runner,
per bushel
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz. ... 2
— 2nds, per dozen 0
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb 0
— outdoor, p. lb. 0
16-20
0-2 6
9- 1 0
6 —
3-0 4
Garlic, per lb.
Peas, per bushel ...
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
— Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
— Channel Is-
lands, per lb....
Vegetable Marrows,
per dozen
8. ''. ■••'. '/.
0 2 —
£0-60
1 6 —
0 2-
4 0 —
2 0-26
16-20
0 —
The Weather.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees— a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours. 1
Temperature.
II
Accumulated.
oP=
■ C to
-d geo.-o a«
■St
3«
El!
Rainfall.
^is
>-,■■/■
- —
K 5
■— -
Q ,;
3 , ^
Bright
Sun.
3^
3g 9"
Day-
(leg.
Day-
cleg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
cleg.
lOtlis
Inch.
Ins.
0
1 +
94
0
+ 190
- 8
7 +
142
24-9
33
30
1
0 aver
98
0
+ 84
4- 12
1 +
130
19 3
46
33
2
2 +
123
0
+ 157 - 78
1 +
115
141
4S
36
3
2 +
137
0
+ 255
- 124
0 aver
113
13-9
49
39
4
1 +
127
0
+ 219
- 115
0 aver
114
17-2-
44
38
5
1 +
137
0
+ 2<J!P
- 180
:■• +
105
17-i
43
41
6
0 aver
105
0
4- 135
- 21
7 +
139
26-6
39
34
1
0 aver
120
0
4- 216
- 92
1.1 +
131
20-6
41
30
8
0 aver
124
0
+ 306
- 138
4 +
134
25-8
49
40
9
1 -
102
0
+ 85
+ 8
4 +
149
26 0
38
31
10
1 -
100
0
+ 202
- 57
8 +
142
27 7
35
33
«
0 aver
137
0
+ 361
- 80
9 +
143
21-3
42
42
" 3e that questioneth much shall learn much." — Bacon.
Mustard for. Wire-worm. — I should be very
glad of any information regarding Mustard for
destroying wire-worms, as advertised in the Gardeners'
Chronicle for March 6, 1897. How much of the
M istard drosB should I uie per acre f Also, how
much Mustard-powder should be mixed in i gallous
of water for eradicating worms in pots 1 Inquisitive.
Weed-destroyer. — What are the proper quantities
of arsenic (poison ! ), potash, and water, to boil together
for destroying weeds on gravel paths, how long should
they boil, and what is the correct strength to use
liquid at ? Dtdwith.
Water Weed. — What are the best means of de-
stroying Potainogeton and other such weeds from a
lake ? Lexden.
Field Mice. — What is the best method of ridding
a lawn of field-mice ? They do not appear to take
the poisons put down for them. E. R.
The districts indicated by number in the first rohunn are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts—
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. , :;. England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazingi ,i<.. Districts 6, Scotland, \V ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. : 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, IS. ; * Channel Islands.
Notices to Correspondents.
Begonias : F. W. The work of a mite, extremely
minute in s'ze. Try tobacco-water.
Books : //. G. R. Vegetable Teratology (Masters) is
out of print. You may possibly obtain a copy
from a secondhand bookseller. — Smith. (1). Dis-
eases of Plants induced by Cryptogenic Parasites,
by Tubeuf, translated by W. G. Smith (Longmans,
Green & Co). (2) Manual of Injurious Insects 'and
Methods of Prevention, 2nd edition, by E. A.
Ormerod (Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent &
Co.. Ltd.).
Bdlbs: Ignoramus. — The Freezias should bo culti-
vated in pots in the greenhouse, and may be potted
up now. The Narcissus may bo put in the ground
at once, or any convenient time until end of
October. Oxalis rosea will thrive well in a good
situation out of doors. Nerine sarniensis had best
be potted up for cultivation in the greenhouso.
Zephyranthes rosea may succeed in a specially
sheltered spot out of doors, but tho species prefi rs
greenhouso treatment. Cooperia Drummondi is
also tender, but it suceeds iu exceptional positions
out of doors.
Carnations : C. W. D., and L. G., Maiden. Macro-
sporium nobile, a well-known Carnation pest,
is present on all the specimens sent, and is un-
doubtedly the cause of the trouble. The presence
of this fungus is indicated by an arrest of growth
of the intcrnodes, resulting in densely crowded and
stunted branches. All fragments of diseased plants
should be collected and burned, and the healthy
plants sprayed with potassium sulphide, to guard
against inoculation from tho innumerable spores
present on diseased plants. Q. M. — Enquirer. Write
to Mr. J. Douglas, Edenside Nurseries, Bookham,
Surrey.
Chrysanthemum : G. H. You send a very curious
condition in the variety Robert Flowerclay, iu
which the iuternodes or joints of the stem arc
much contracted, and the leaves crisped and con-
torted. It is clearly due to some check to growth,
but how caused we canuot tell. It appears,
according to your statement, to affect all the plants
of that particular variety, and no other.
Examination Books : W. S. Put not your trust in
books alone, but get a few weeks' or, better,
months' practical training if possible. As aids, you
will find Dr. Sorauer's Treatise on tin Physiology
of Plants (Longmans), very serviceable. If that
is too large, then try F. Darwin's Elements of
Botany (F. Clay & Co.)
Gladioli : W. P. The safest and best praclice to
consistently follow is to lift them each season. Of
course most of them are hardy enough to be left
in the ground in this district, without suffering
injury in an ordinary season. But excessive damp
is prejudicial to them, and as a general practice
we would advise you to lift and store them as
you would Tulips.
Grains : S, E. />. — A very curious state of things
in which the seedcoats become fleshy and grow
faster than the berry which, iu consequence, cracks.
We usually do not see Grapes in this condition till
they are ripe, when the appearance is that of one
or more Grapes arising from the interior of the
parent Grape, and so the condition was described
and figured. Your specimens show that it is the
seeds that become fleshy ; we cannot assign any
reason for the change.
HOBTIOOLTURE IN' MALTA, MADEIRA, AND CANARY
IiLANDS : Christian Schmutl. We cannot advise
you of any in Malta or Madeira, but you might
communicate with the following persons iu Las
Palmas, Canary Islands: — Victor Perez, Ilafael
Massuer, Felipe Ma6suer, and Juan Leon, of
Castillo.
Nambs of Fruits : C. S. Your Apple is identical
with Catshead. — A. J. B. Your Peaches were too
badly bruised to be identified, which under the
most favourable conditions is difficult in the case
of Peaches removed from the tree. Plum No. 3 is
Lawson's GoMen Gage, and No. 4, Guthrie's Late
Green Gage. We do not know what caterpillar it
may be that is doing the mischief.
Nambs op Plants : Correspondents not answered
in this issue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the folloiving number. — J. II., Kilkenny. The
common Truffle, Tuber sestivum. — E. A. The
leaves are of the Japanese variety of the common
Hop. — E. S. R. 1, Clematis viticella ; 2, Clematis
flammula ; 3, Spira;a Douglasi ; 4, Lycium bar-
barum; 5. Picea orientalis ; 6, apparently one of
tho American Oaks —perhaps Quercus coccinea ;
7, a Silphium, which we do not recognise ; 8,
Thalictrum flavum. Th nk you for Bending such
good specimens, but another time please not to
send more than six at a time. — Subscriber. Vallota
purpurea. — D. P. Manscll. Another time send to
the Editor, not to the Publisher. Your plaut is
Alonsoa incisa. — A. II. Some Zinziberaceous plaut,
but which we cannot determine from such meagre
leaf specimens. — T. W. 1, Stachys lanata ; 2, N.it
recognised ; 3, Perhaps the Atlas Cedar. We
cannot tell from tho piece sent ; 4, Viburnum
Lantana.
Nursery Foreman : S. T. C. As you were paid
weekly and had no agreement, we do not think
you can claim a month's notice.
Primula JAroNiCA : C. W. D. — The flower stalk,
instead of withering, has developed a leaf-bud from
its Bide, as happens occasionally in herbaceous
perennials.
Rainfall: Hydro. -07— 1-32— 4-11— 106 and 9 01.
Tue Cape or United States: W. F. C. We are
not sufficiently acquainted with the circumstances
to be in a position to advise you. If you emigrate
to either place, you should be prepared to turn
your hand to anything— for a time, at least.
Tumatos : A. W. Pollard. The normal number of
carpels is 2 to 5. In these specimens, instead of
remaining united, some have become detached.
Tomato a Fruit or a Vegetable. — From a bota-
nical standpoint, of course, tho Tomato is a pn-feat
fruit, just as a Peach U, or a Kiduey-bcan pod. At
the same time, as Tomatos are almost exclusively
(though not invariably) used as a vegetable, and
with salad, it is found convenient to class them
with vegetables, and thus to call them what they
are not.
Vallotas : Subscriber. See note under "Plants
under Glass" on p. 125 of our last issue.
Communication* Rfceived.— W. O.— G. S. B.-J. A.— II E.
— W. G. S., Edinburgh.— J. McL.— X. E. Br.— G. A. B.—
W. T.— J. D.— J B.-J. D. S. C. de B— J. B.— Director,
Royal Gardens, Kew.— J. C— J. H. C. W. D.— W. S. G.—
G. X.— T. S. H.-Senex.— W. H. C— J. O'B.— A. D.—
E. Cottam.— T. B— F. A. & Son.— J. Mel — E. T., Leeds.—
Smith (with tbaoks).— W. H. W. W. Gardiner. - Stoma
A Storrie.— A. J. B.— C. Abbot.— A. Hill.— H. C— S. II.—
C. T. D.— X. Y. V, , and others.
Specimens Received. — II. W. (nex* week).— James Veiteh &
Sons with many thanks (-). — A. Y. R. .next week).' — A. II.
(next week).-C. W. D.— E. S. J., Demerara.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers.— W Publisher has the satitfao
tiott of announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners'
Chronicle " has, since the reduction in the price of the paper,
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
Advertisers are reminded that the "Chronicle" circulates among
Cni-Ni'Hv Gentlemen, and am Classes of Gardeners
and Gardes lovers at h'jme, fliat it has a spec'iatl
Foreign akd Colonial Circulation, and that it is
presetfyod /"' ref nmr i,i all tlie pi incipal / ibratit \
September 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
153
THE
$Mmm' tytetmitlt
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1897.
THE PARISIAN FIG CULTURE.
rpiIE raising of Figs in the vicinity of Paris
■*- is increasing, proof that the industry is
remunerative. While in the East the Fig-tree
acquires large dimensions, round Paris it is but
a shrub. The Fig belongs to a family claiming
to have 000 species, that are not easy to class.
The ordinary Fig, Ficus Carica, is peculiar to
the regions of the Mediterranean, where it pro-
duces an abundant supply of esteemod food.
The tree may be said to grow there spon-
taneously, and to attain a height of 33 feet.
The Sycamore, or Pharaoh Fig, Ficus Syco-
morus, is peculiar to Egypt and tho Levant. It
grows to a very large size ; its fruit, which is
not much prized, is extensively consumed by
the Arabs, and its light wood, reputed to be
incorruptible, formed the coffins for mummies,
and has provod to be well conserved. In Abys-
sinia the Fig is made into bread, henco the F.
panificus. The F. religiosa produces gum lac,
the F. rubiginosa yields caoutchouc, or india-
rubber; the juice of F. atrox supplies Indians
with poison for their arrows, F. variegata fur-
nishes the vegetable wax of Sumatra, and F.
elastica is cultivated as an ornamental shrub in
Europe.
Only two varieties of Figs aro grown in the
vicinity of Palis— the Versailles or Madeleine,
and the Dauphine. The ohief figueriet are at
Argeuteuil and La Frette— tho latter is famous
for its Lilac also. Figs aro found in Western
Asia, Northern India, Northern Africa, Burmah,
Malaya, and Southern Europe. Naturally,
its culture exacts great care at Paris during
the winter. In winters of great severity
that part of tho plant above ground is
killed, but so long as tho frost does not touch
the roots, new shoots will bo sent up, for the
shrub grows rapidly, and is, on the whole, not
exacting as regards soil. The Fig prefers a
light sod, where sand predominates ; an argilo-
calcareous soil is good, but some varietios
thrive well even on humid land, or land that
can bo irrigated. The main point is to secure
a southern aspect, and to protoct tho plant from
tho too dry winds in spring, and from those too
humid in autumn. It is not averse to poor
soils, but those fresh, deep, and fertile suit
best. Round Paris such favourable conditions
exist. The chief mode of propagation is that
from marcottes or layers, raised from two-year-
old branches, and easily effected, as they
rapidly take root. In March they are separated,
and planted out. The plant is also propagated
from slips, sucker?, and grafts, but rarely from
seed. The latter, in the South of France, is
rather an amusement than a serious business ;
the seed is uncertain and tedious. Suckers
have a tendency to produce suckers. The
end ought to be to secure a bush, called
cepte, with five or six stems, from 3 to
7 feet high. In April, the soil having been
woll prepared, the layers are planted in
tronches 21 inches apart, and.the same width.
Place the layers so as to slope alternately to the
right and left, at 12 feet apart; the distance
between the trenches varies from 13 to 16 feet.
In duo course prune, so as to secure vigour for
the stems, which will bear fruit from the third
year. The bearing branches must not be too
numerous. Pinch off useless buds, but leave
sufficient for the development of now bearing
wood, and loaves to shade tho fruit. In tho
vicinity of the latter, nip off unnecessary buds ;
this will prevent the Figs from becoming
stunted and leathery. The leaves supply shade
and mellow tho fruits ; but if too many, and
they rub each other, thin out, as they might in
their rubbing scratch and blacken the Figs.
In the South of France, tho Fig-tree produces
two crops in the year — spring and autumn ;
however, in the Jigueries of Paris only one crop
is raised, that between the ond of June and
August. In order to hasten the maturity of
the Figs, a drop of the best olive-oil from a
pointed bit of wood or a quill on the eye of tho
Fig. This swells the latter, and hastens maturity
by seven or ton days, but unless executed by
an experienced hand, when tho fruit commences
to assume a blond tint, which indicates ripe-
ness, the flavour may suffer. For tho Paris
market the Figs, generally six on each branch,
and weighing from 2 to 4 oz. each (I have
before me at my dejeuner four green and purple
varietios of a total weight of 10 oz.), are
gathorod in the morning before the dew has
disappeared. Of course, only green Figs are
raised around the capital. Marseilles sends
also plenty of fresh Figs during her season,
which commences in August ; this Provenco
Fig is small, soft, has an agreeable perfume,
and makes an exquisite table fruit. In Smyrna
tho Figs, whon half-dried, aro flattened, then
placed in sacks in an airy situation, or packed
in cases for exportation. The small Figs of
Dalmatia and of the Greek Islands are exported
in large, rush-woven sack baskets.
Examine the young branch of a Fig-tree in
course of elongation : in the axil of each of its
leaves is a bud or eyo more or less pointod, and
accompanied by a small globular body, which is
the Fig in its embryonic stage. In due time it
develops, till it resembles a little Pear, inclosing
in its concavity a large number of grains that
are the result of the fecundation of as many
female flowers. The Fig contains 1 1 per cent,
of sugar, so more therefore than tho Apple or Pear.
It is one of the four fruits which, with Grapes,
Peaches, and Strawberries, constitute part of
the alimontary regime for complaints of tho
stomach.
How do the Fig-growers round Paris fight
the climatic difficulty ? About the middle of
November, when tho leaves drop, and of course
the fruit is all gathered, a trench is opened and
tho stems inclined therein, but so as not to
touch ; all extraneous vegetable matter is ex-
cluded, as its presence could induce decom-
position. The steins aro next covered with a
good 12 inches of the excavated soil, battered
down, and sloped from the top like a roof, to
throw olf tho rain. This wintering operation is
performed during dry weather. In March,
when no severe frosts are to be apprehended,
the trenches are opened during foggy weather,
so that the soft and humid steins are not too
suddenly exposed to sunshine, or to too parching
air, and the plant injured thereby. Then level
the soil, dig, and weed, and open at the base of
each bush a basin to receive water when deemed
necessary.
The Fig plant is only liable to one insect,
attacks from the kermes ooocus. Like all the
specios of this family, the parasite lives on the
sap, causing the leaves to curl up, and the fruit
to fall. Scraping the branches with a blunt knife,
or rubbing with a rough brush dipped in a solu-
tion of soap-and-water, or dusting with flowers-
of-sulphur, will get rid of the pest. The prioe
of green Figs in Paris varies from 2 to 5 franos
per dozen. Edward Conner.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
SOLANUM LASIOPHVLLUM, Dm., in Pair.
Encyc, Supp. III., p. 764.
This is a woolly spinous species, much in the style
of Solatium marginatum, but with purple flowers.
Although not in any way remarkable on account of
its fruit, the contrast of white woclly leaf and purple
flower is very effective ; and should the plant prove
easily manageable in cultivation, it will probably
secure a permanent foothold.
The species is Western Australian, and it ranges
from the tropics into the desert, but is not found
in the. mo'ster south-west corner of the colony.
Seeds brought down by myself from the interior
readily germinated in the conservatory of a relative,
and, thanks to the care of Mr. Stacey, the gardener,
flowering began in the second week of August. The
seedlings were raised in sandy loam, whence thoy
were transferred to leaf-mould, which suits them
admirably, provided it bo not watered too freely. In
its native haunts, which aro sand-patches near granite
outcrops, it seeds freely ; in the desert, however, it
rarely exceeds half a foot or so in height, whereas
cultivated specimens are twice as high. Spenetr
Moore.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
ALDERMAN WILLIAM BOLTON'S ORCHIDS,
WILDERSPOOL.
Mr. But,TON in the course of the last few years has
erected in an open quarter at the back of his villa
residence about thirty span-roofed houses for Orchids,
for the purpose of making the crop of flowers pav, as
well as for trade and general purposes, and, so far
as one can see, he has been fairly successful, with Mr.
Cain as his general cultural manager. He has commis-
sioned Mr. Jensen to send him from the rich stores
of Facho the best forms of Odontogloesum crispum.
He must have quite 50,000 O. crispum alone, varying
in size and established condition. His houses are
low-spans, more than 100 feet in length, and the
pitch of the roof is so contrived that lines upon
lines of these established plants, closely, but not too
closely, set, weigh down the roof-covering. They are
mostly grown in perforated pans, and the atmosphere
is kept very moist ; the result is, that the young
growths have great vigour, and the matured bulb',
after the trying ordeal of transport, are plumping-up.
He has also a more advanced batch, sent home by
Carder, to which he attaches great importance, and
a large parcel of what might be called a nondescript
lot, very vigorous, but of leEser merit. The plants
of O. Pescatorei are in fair quantity, and contain
many fine blotched and spotted flowers. There are
also other species, but not of the same commercial
value. This batch, in bulk, good and indifferent,
will occupy about ten of the low span houses.
In other houses, all of the low-roofed type, are
quantities of Cattleya. The varied collection of
plants of C. labiata are sending up young growths
with sheaths that promise a plentiful crop in autumn
and witjter. They are kept in pots of limited size,
and the roots clamber over the sides, indicating
vigour in the same plane as the deep- green leaves
with their sheaths both double and single. In these
low houses, the sun-heat is tempered by copious
154
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 4, 1897.
moisture, which, in tie height of Hie growiug season,
can scarcely be overdone.
There is a grand stock of Cattle; a Triamei, which is
largely sold in this establishment, both as plants and
as cut-flowers for market-purposes. Some of the
varieties are very durable, and find their way not
to shops only round about here, but in Covent
Garden. The low roofs suit this Cattleya well, and
the grand sheaths, bronzing as they mature, give indi-
cation of vigorous flowers. C. Mossi;e is filling up
a"ain, and from the various quarters that it comes
from give great variety. As it is one of the oldest,
so is it one of the best for varieties in colour, varying
from light or whitish to intense cerise colouring.
Undoubtedly the u ost popular Cattleya we have is
Cattleya Mendeli. It had its rise in the Manchester
district, and was dodicated to Sam. Mendel, who
resided in the Whalley Range district. There is a
grand batch in several houses here— all about the same
elevation — rubbing leaves, so to speak, within a s ife
distance of the glass-roof. Of course, a three years'
culture of imported plants is not a sufficient test of
the life of a plant, as we have had many opportunities
of. witnessing -a long life of an Orchid betokens
cultural capacity. It makes a pretty plant, this
C. Mendeli, when properly handled. Its home has
been evidently ransacked, and it behoves all g overs
to take good care of their plants. What a beautiful
thing Cattleya gigas is ! After seeing Warner's f< 'eel
Orchidaceous Plants, 1st number, we cannot think of
calling it War-cewiczii ! There is evidently a fre.-
flowcrin" s'raiu of it, as observed in the numerous
forms in flower here. Then Cattleya aurea is not
scarce, but we can take all that arrive. The cut flowers
of this species fetch higher prices than those of any
other Cattleya or anything else. There is a nice batch
here, and there is a proper way of growing it :
suspended it must be and near the glass, if health,
life, and good condition are to be maintained. What
a lovely-coloured species Cattleya superba is ! We
are evidently learning the way of growing it. It is
in line health and flowering freely ill this establish-
ment. Tho best group wo ever saw, both as to
growth and Bower, was in Mr. Rappatt's establish-
ment u"t far fro n West Brighton, Liverpool.
Mr. Cain tells me it should not be grown in a
highly-heated atmosphere, but thit it should be
placed towards the glas*, and not stinted, particu-
larly atmospherically, of moisture. It is in fine
flower, and coming at this season of the jear, its
brilliant carmine flowers are indispensable where the
best things only are wanted. Another capital July and
August flowering-plant is Cattleya Harrisoniana, tho
variety of shades of colour, and the size of tho
individual flower being striking. Cattleya Gaskelliana
varies as much as does any Cattleya, and cannot
always be depended upon to come uniformly gooel
year after year ; its fragrance is delightful. Another
good distinct Cattleya is C. Schillcriana ; the dusky
blotches and spots remind ouo of Oriental colours,
and fine plants of it a!e now cheap in the maiket.
The suuin.er-floweiiug C. labiata Warneri is a very
distinct grower, and its tioweiiug season is generally
finished before the " olel " C. Jabiata comes in. Tbe
stock here was much increased last season, and
the collectors have sent over good-sized plants of
it. It is easily known by the leathery texture of its
leaves, anel the eyes at the base of the growths being
very prominent — more so even than the form which
was so much prizjd, anel which for over twenty j ears
was lost, until collectors met with it on fresh
ground. /. A.
ORCHID PORTRAITS.
Cattleya Mossi/e, Finnic, Cogniauj:, Vict. Icon. Orchil.,
t :>. July. ('- M. de M.u I. am. ui, Cogniaux, Diet. Icon.
Orchid., t. 9a, July.
Cattleya Tcian.ki var emixeks, Lindeida, t. m.xx
Cymbidrtm Lowianum var. flaveolum, lAndenia,
t DLXXII.
Cvmbidium Towiavum, Rchb. t, Cognitux, D<ci. Icon.
rf., t. 2, July, 189?.
Cypripediujo Pault, a cross between C insigue var.
CI antini and vat. yillosun] PoxalH, I nd t. dxxli.
In, m.: i ii.ii m Venus, Rolfe, Cogniaux, Diet Icon 0 dd
Dendrobium, t. 3, July 1S97. Hybrid out of D. Faleoneri by
D. nobre.
Et'iDKNDio'M elegantumx, Co rniaux. Diet. Icon. Orchid^
t. 1. .T 1 1 1 v . 1S97. OutofB. Wallisii by pollen of 15. Etulrcsiox
Wallisii.
Epideni'Rim leucochiluw, Klorzsch, Cogniaur, Diet. Icon.
Orchil., Epiclondrum, t. 1, July, 1897.
EPIDENDRUM VIRENS \ Alt GRANI'll'l.'iRU&l, CognidVX, Did.
l:m Orchid., t 2, .Inly, 1807.
L.kma tenebrosa, Rolfe, Coit'iaux, Diet. It n. Orchid., t. 8,
July, 1897. L. tenebrosa, M. Lionet, id., t. 8a.
Odontoglosscm 'Bisi'e:M Queen Victoria, Cojniaux, Diet.
Icon. Orchid., Odontoglossuni, t. 1, f ., July, 1S97.
Odontoglossumxcirro-Hai.li, L'ildcni'1. t. DI.XIX.
Odontoclossc-m Tescaiorei var. imperiale, Cogniaux, Diet.
Icon. Orchid., Odontoglossum, t. 2a.
' Idoktoolossuh WlLl.CKBANUM, Cogniaux, Diet . Icon. Orchid.,
tldontoglossum, t. 2. A natural hybrid bstween O. crispum
and O. lutco purpuraum. The same hybrid was raised
artificially between the species named by M. Leroy, head
girdener to Baron Edmond do Rothschild.
Oncidiim sarc >des, Cogniaux, Diet. Icon. Orchid., On-
cidium, t. o.
Tricbopilia si evis, A'- sue de V Horticulture Beige, August 1.
Vanda Kimbai.liana, Kevui II riicolt, August 1.
KEW NOTES.
Calceolaria alba, figured in a recent issue, it now
in flower in an outside border by the wall of the
Orchid House at Kew.
CapparU spinosa, — The Caper is not always found
an easy plant to grow. Tuero is just now a fine
plant in flower in au outside border at the base of the
wall of the lie muuiio House at Kew.
Polygonum lanitferum — This forms a vi ry attrac-
tive bed at Kew. It is a perennial, growing 3 to 4
feet in height, with bold handsome foliage, the leaves
being lanceolito, somewhat decurved, anel covered
with hoary down. The plant is a native of the tropics,
and will probably not survive the winter without
protection ; grown as it is at Kew, it forms one of
the most effective plants we know.
Echinops albidus is an old, rather than a well-
known plant. Tho foliage, though spiny, is elegantly
cut, and of a grey colour, whilst the globular flo.ver-
heads aro whitish.
Rudbcckia maxima is a perennial now in flower at
Kew. It has bold ovate entire glaucous foliage, which
alone is striking. The large (lower heads are yellow.
//"'in-. a vcnkolor. — Under this name is to be
called in future the pretty climber with one-sided
spikes of yellow anel red flowers, known as Miua
lobata. It is now in flower in the herbaceous grouud
at Kew.
Puli/gonum baldschuanic am. — There is no question
as to the beauty of this species as now seen in the her-
baceous ground at Kew, but it is state! to be difficult
of propagation.
TEINITY GROVE, EDINBURGH.
Some four years siuce your late contributor,
" Vagabond," whoso promising career was all too
short for his friends and our literature, visited the
Oiove, and chronicled sonic of the historical incidents
and horticultural features of these gardens, mellowed
with mauy memories of the past, and distinguished
by many merits of the present. I will procaed to
describe a few more of the more prominent features
of this exceptionally well- managed and fully -furnished
place. The entire area covers s mre 6 acres, and is sur-
rounded on three sides by walls of considerable height
and strength. These are needful for safety, as well
as for shelter, as the demesne is environed by public
roads. Tne Firth of Forth a'so approaches within a
few yards, and the east winds especially roll acioss
the gardens with terrific force, sweeping the heals of
the Cedars and other Conifers with such violence as
to prevent them from reachiug their full stature.
At one corner of the ground the house approaches
close to, and may be said to form the boundary wall
into a yet higher and stronger barrier against the Firth
of Forth and the sea breezes. Freezing fogs that often
do much harm rise densely, and fall with chilling
force ever thesj gardens in the early spring. Similar
fogs are more or less constantly hovering over Edin-
burgh anel the surrounding district.
The planners and planters of the grove used every
means in their power to build, plant and grow out of
their well sheltered gardcu the scathing wiuds, tbe
shivery fogs, tho bleak, wild inrush of storm and
tempest from the open sea. The oldest, possibly the first,
wind and storm -break runs along almost the entire
length of the boundary wall facing tbe Firth. It
consists of a high screen of Sycamores, Limes and
Ash. These are fine stately trees, with largo boles
anel tops, though they have boldly done battle with
the breeze rolling in from the Firth for probably a
hundred or more years. There are other stitely trees
towards the end of the house,' as well as the fine
Pear and Poplar trees, and others. The Pear is
immensely prolific, but specially perishable, so that
they must be bottled or preserved, or eaten— no easy
matter with such quantities — so soon as ripe, though
it has set thinly this year. At other points, shelters of
Yew, Privet, Holly, and other trees o.- shrubs in
hedges are used with excellent effect to improve tho
local climate of well- furnished rosaries and kitchen
gardens. Thriving masses of young trees and shrubs
are posted where they will provo mo=t ellective for
shelter, and telling for landscape efftc's. It is
astonishing what cosiness, shelter, variety, and lvst
may be had out of such gardens as these,
skilfully laid out and carefully furnished. If
once inside, their well-clothed walls of Uose«,
climbers, fruit trees, &c, their mauy walks, numerous
flower-beds and borders, various grass- aid tenuis-
lawns, make one soon forget his close proximity to
the city, tho road, and the sea. The long walk,
ucarly 200 yards long, partly shutting out and
partially revealing the kitchen garden, an! melting,
as it were, iu'o tbe orchard, beget ideas of exte .t
seldom found outside of the largest gardens. The
stmdard Hollies and Rhododendrons of great siz:
and in robust health, the latter in full flo.ver, sufficed
to fill the eye anel senses with pleasure.
One of the most pleasing charms of the grove is,
that the beauty of the gardens unfolds itself
gradually. The hedge-screens, the groups of trees
and shrubs, partly reveal anel partially conceil the firo
beds and b rders of heibaceous plants. The some-
what unique and almost quaint group of glass-
houses aro the same as those already described. Mr.
McKenzie tloes not exhibit, auel therefore he has few
new plants or new houses ; but the old houses are fully
and well furnished. I noticed a fino plant of Clep>-
deudrou Bjlfourianum in full bloom, and somo goo 1
pieces of Dendrobium uobile and other Orchids in
robust health.
Ferns wore also in full bemty. The Lapageria
rosea was growing like a weed on one of the walls;
and the finest and most persisteut bloomer of all the
Passion-flowers, P. racemosa, was a blaze of colour
on the flowering racemes from the last year's w>od
while the current year's shoots were rushing into
bloom. This is without an exception the finest
plant of this splendid Passion-flower ever feeu by the
writer. When, as au old and successful glower of t'lis
plant, I ventured to advise Mm to leave all t''0 old
racemes intact, as they would assuredly bloom again
after a short rest, a look of incredulity passed over
his face, as if he doubted whether he could find room
for more bloom than he had already. And probably
he was right.
In a small Peach house and vinery at the end of
the plant-houses Mr. McKenzie had managed to pack
more Peaches, Nectarines, Grapes, upon four stone-
fruit trees, and on a few rods of Vims, than is
sometimes seen in half-a elozen gla-s-huuses of four
times the size. On venturing to suggest whether he
might not be overloading his willing horses, that is,
Vines, to., he cheerfully replied that he thought this
the lightest crop he had bad, adding, ai he proudly
and tenderly touched leaf and fruit, 'You see how
they seem to like it." And assuredly the fine foliace
and plump fat bu is were models of vigorous heilth,
as much as the crops were of unusual fertili'y.
The I'eaches were Royal George, Violet ta fchUive
the Nectiriues also, I believe, is Violette Hiitive. The
Grapes were Hamburghs, Muscat of Alexandria, and
Madresfield Court. In answer to an enquiry as to
the latter's conduct as regards cracking, the answer
was an emphatic. "No; the heavy crop prevei.ts
that!"
The fruit crops in the open were good ; Goose-
berries especially were giants in vigour, pictures of
September 4, It'??.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
155
health, but the fruit thinner than usual, owing to
the cold, biting winds and severe frost of the spring,
rears are also thin this season. Plums and Cherries
are not much grown, and Apples still promise a
bumper crop ; Strawberries were fine, but nearly a
month later than last year. Early Cauliflowers,
Potatos, Peas, and all other vegetables promised well.
Looking into a summer-house on the Lawn, we
noticed some capital oil-paintings on the panels of
Marecbal Niel Roses, Constance Eliot Passion-flower,
Christmas Ro^cs, &c. , painted by Miss Thomson,
the daughter of A. Thomson, Esq., the proprietor
of the Grove. D. T. F.
the arborescent species of North America, for,
although it extends over a large ai'ea, it is nowhere
abundant. This species breaks down the distinctions
that were once made to keep the Pavia^ and iEsculus
separate. It has the characteristic flowers of Pavia,
but the fruit is prickly when young like the true
Horse-Chestnuts, and at the same time has the thin
valves of the Pavias. The flowers resemble those of
some forms of -E. flava iu colour, but always differ
in the long oxserted stamens. Another difference in
our comparatively small cultivated specimens is to be
noted in the bark, that of -E. glabra being rougher
and more fissured than in the other.
flowering tree. No tree of its size produces a more
be.iutiful display of flower, or has more striking
foliage. It reaches normally 50 to 80 feet in height,
but often more. At Invercauld House, in Aberdeen-
shire, there is a tree which a few years ago was close
on 110 feet high. It is seen in greatest beauty when
planted as an isolated tree, or iu a group six or eight
together. In either case, it requires ample space, so
that the lower branches may spread out and sweep
the ground. The magnificent avenue of Horse-
Chestnuta iu Bu-hey Park forming the approach to
Hampton Court Gardens is famous throughout the
country. It is essentially a tree for the park, the
5^«
&c/{K&v -
FlC. 45 — VIEW IN THE PUBLIC PARK, WORTHING, SUSSEX. (SEE P. 403, IN OUR ISSUE FOR JUNE 19 LAST.)
THE HOUSE-CHESTNUT
AND ITS ALLIES.
{Concluded from p. 130.)
M. glabra (Ohio Buckeye).— This is one of the
least attractive of the genus, having small racemes
of greenish-yellow flowers. The leaf has five, six,
or seven leaflets, which are obovate, and have a
conspicuous mid - rib and main veins. The name
" glabra " is somewhat of a misnomer, for the
leaves are occasionally covered underneath with a
whitish pubescence, and it is always present on
the mid • rib and in the axils of the veins ;
the leaf, however, is never so pubescent as that
of JE. flava. This .(Esculus is known as the
Ohio Buckeye (and in gardens sometimes as
iE. ohioensis). It is said to be the rarfst of
M. HtrrocASTANUii (Tits Common Horse-
Chestnot).
Until quite a recent date, the native country of the
Horse-Chestnut was unknown and merely guessed at.
Most authorities gave it as North India, and Loudon
attributed it to "Asia and North America," a very
comprehensive area, but still incorrect. It is now
known to bo indigenous to the mountains of Northern
Greece, where it was noticed by Sibthorp, and where,
at a later date it was found by M. Orphanides to be
a true native. It seems to have reached the more
western countries of Europe by way of Constantinople,
seeds having been sent from there to Clusius, the
botanist, iu Vienna, about the year 1576. Of all the
trees hardy in Britain, either native or introduced,
the Horse- Chestnut is the finest when regarded as a
timber being of comparatively little value, although
clean straight stems are valued for purposes where a
soft white wood is required. There are numerous
varieties, among which the following may be men-
tioned : —
Florc-pleno, whose flowers are of longer duration
than the type.
Folils awcis VafligAliS. — Leaves more or less of a
golden-yellow, which, however, tends to gradually
disappear as the trees get older.
Laciniata (syn. asplenifolia). — A curiosity, the
leaves being cut up into narrow lobes.
Memminga'i.— The entire leaf has a yallowish tinge.
Crispa has short-stalked leaves, and broader leiflets ;
the whole tree, too, is of compacter habit.
None of the varieties is superior to tho typ\
156
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 4, 1897.
M. indica (Indian Horse-Chestndt).
The first recorded flowering of this species in Eng-
land was in 1S5S, in the July of which year it flowered
with Mr. C. J. Bnnbury at Mildenhall in Suffolk.
This tree had been raised from seed sent from
Northern India about seven years previously.
This species has never become common, because it is
not so hardy as most of the genus. Its leaflets are
more numerous than iu the other species here men-
tioned, seven to uiue of them being produced in
one leaf. This character, and the fact of the leaflets
being produced on a small, flattened, somewhat
crescent-shaped expansion of the main petiole, render
it easy to be recognised. Eich leaflet ia stalked,
toothed, dark green, and smooth, the middle and
largest one 9 to 12 inches long. The young wood
and leaf-stalks have a red tinge. The flowers are
white, and produced in rather loose racemes 8 inches
long ; the two upper petals have a blotch of yellow
and red at the base, and the lower ones are tinged
with pale rose. This Horse-Chestnut is found in
Nepal and other parts of Northern India, at eleva-
tions of SHOO to 10,000 feet, where it forms a tree
70 feet high, with a trunk one yard in diameter. Sir
Joseph Hooker saw it iu 1849, during his Himalayan
travels, loaded in spring with its white blossoms, and
equalling in beauty the common Horse-Chestnut at
home. It flo.vered at Kew during June last.
.E IARV1KLORA.
For small gardens this is the most valuable of the
genus. Invariably of dwarf stature, it is sometimes a
small tree with a short, single trunk (as in the ease
of the fine specimen iu the Coombe Wood nursery),
but more often it is a low bush, greater in diameter
than in height, and sending up a crowd of stems
from beneath the surface of the soil. Its value is the
greater also becauso it flowers in July and August, or
some five or six weeks later than the others, and at a
time when flowering shrubs are becoming much
scarcer. It is seen at its best, perhaps, as an isolated
specimen on a lawn. Its leaves are of the common
l'.ivia type, consisting of three to seven, but usually
five leaflets, which are in colour of a deep green. The
raceme is erect, loug and slender, cairying numerous
flowers, which are white faintly tinged with pink. The
stamens constitute no inconspicuous feature of the
flower, being long and thread-like, and pinkish-white.
In spite of its beauty, both as regards foliage and
blossom, not to mention its graceful habit, it is a shrub
that has been much neglected; yet it has been in culti-
vation since 1820. It is a native of the South-Eastern
United States, and is met with in gardens under the
name M. macrostachya.
M. Pavia (Red Buckeye).
This is a dwarf species, most frequently a shrub,
but occasionally a small tree. The leaflets are five in
number, lanceolate, 3 to 5 inches long, serrate, shin-
ing dark green above, paler, and covered with a fine
tube cence beneath. The flowers are disposed in
bhort erect racemes, and are of a bright rosy-scarlet,
with red protruding stamens. From M. flava and
glabra it may be distinguished by its smaller leaves
and its more bushy and less vigorous habit. It is,
like them, a native of the Eastern United States.
There is a form with pendulous branches (peudula) ;
both it and the type are suited to positions of limited
extent.
M. TORBINATA.
In habit and in foliage, this Japanese species very
closely resembles the common Horse-Chestnut, but
the fruit is quite smooth, which is a characteristic of
the Pavias. I have not heard of its flowering in this
country, although about ten years ago it flowered and
fruited in France (in the Segrez Arboretum). There
is a vigorous young tree in Messrs. Veitch's nursery
at Coombe Wood, about 12 feet high, and there are
several smaller ones in the Kew Arboretum. Whilst
the leaves, both in size and texture, much resemble
those of M. Hippocastanum, they may be distin-
guished by the paler coloured petiole and mid-ribs,
and by the leaflets having a more drawn-out apex ;
each side of the mid-rib, too, is clothed with a short
whitish tomentum, and there is little or not any of
the reddish-brown wool seen at the base of the young
leaflets of the common Horse-Chestnut. The raceme
of flowers is slender, and upwards of one foot long, the
flowers being a yellowish-white. The fruits are \\ to
2 inches in diameter, and slightly pear-shaped. The
species is a native of Japan, and was found by Maxi-
mowicz in the Island of Yezo, in 1801, at sea level ;
in more southern Japan it is found at altitudes of
4000 to 5000 feet.
In the Gardeners Chronicle, p. 717, June 5, 18S9,
there is a figure of AH. chinensis. It is there sug-
gested that it may possibly be the same as M. tur-
binata, a suggestion also made by Miquel. A plant
under this name was exhibited by M. Lavallee in
1883 before the Central Horticultural Society of
France, and a specimen with this name is now in the
Kew Arboretum, but it has never flowered. The
identity of AZ. chinensis is therefore obscure at
present. IF. J. Bean.
THE DISEASES OF PLANTS.
(Conclude&from p. 140.)
Treatment of Bacterial Diseases. — Bacteria are
said to produce several of the diseases popularly
known as " rots." They have been proved to
he the direct cause of diseases of Tomato,
Cucumber, Carnation, Potato, Pear, and other
plants ; and they are frequently found accom-
panying other diseases, assisting them to destroy
cultivated plants. In Tomato- fruits and Potato
tubers, the disease manifests itself as rotting
spots, -which enlarge until the fruit or tuber is a
putrefying mass; it also spreads rapidly amongst
the growing plants, and will soon ruin stored
produce. On Carnations and Cucumbers the
foliage is first attacked, showing general un-
hcalthiness, probably spotting, and a failure of
growth, which results in defective flowers and
fruits, if not in the total destruction of the
plants. One of the Potato bacterial diseases
atlacks first the stems and foliage, and spreads
thenco to the tubers. The Pear disease appears
on the bark, where it forms spots with a dark
fluid exuding, and as a result thefoli;igo withers
and drops off, so that the fruit crop is spoiled.
There is, as yet, no reliable fungicide known for
bacterial diseases ; and treatment cau only bo
effected by careful cultivation. Forcing condi-
tions are favourable to the spread of these
diseases, as has been proved with the Tomato,
Cucumber, and Carnation. In the case of indoor
Carnations, a distinct benefit was observed when
the plants were supported on wire-netting," so
that the roots alone were watered, tho foliage
being lightly sprayed only now and then, and
afforded as much air as possible. Similar treat-
ment is also found to be beneficial for indoor
Tomatoj and Cucumbers. In every case great
care should be taken to remove diseased plants,
and destroy them forthwith, and to see that
houses and frames are kept as clean as possible.
It may also be necessary to change the crop to
a fresh house, care being taken to use plants
from a new source in the new house. As yet it
is impossible to say whether any particular
varieties are proof against bacterial disease, but
it seems quite probable that if the larger growers
would make careful observations they would
find varieties that are hardy and worthy of cul-
tivation. The nests of Pear or other tree-killing
bacteria should be scraped out, and some anti-
septic dressing applied to the wound ; these
dressings will be considered in the succeeding
paragraphs.
Treatment of IVound-fungi. — Certain diseases
of trees and shrubs obtain a hold on their host-
plants through wouuded surfaces ; space, how-
ever, forbids us giving more than a brief note
about them, but those interested will find full
details in the larger works of Professor Hartig
(Diseases of Trees, translated by W. Somerville),
and 1 >r. Carl Freiherr von Tubeuf (Diseases of
Plants, translated by W. G. Smith). The cul-
tivators likely to suffer from cases of wound-
fungi are those who have to employ pruning,
i.e., fruit-growers and foresters. The fungi
of this class are nearly all nursed on dead
material or dying branches ; thence they make
their way into wounds on the living trees,
and spread gradually from branch to branch
and from tree to tree. Careful collection and
burning of all material likely to act as a nursery
cannot be too strongly recommended. Common
diseases produced by wound-fungi are the
" nectria" canker of Apple and other trees (e.g.,
Lime and Beech), and the common fungi, known
as Polyporea?, which produce large bracket-like
spore-bearing outgrowths on many trees, such
as Ash, Birch, Beech, and fruit trees. The
"black-knot disease of Plum and Cherry, and
the canker of Larch, are related to this group.
In Italy the Olivo plantations suffer from attacks
of a Polyporus, and the growers keep it checked
by cutting out the spore-bearing out-growths as
soon as they appear, and then scrape the wounds
clean. This treatment is the best one for all
Polyporen?, and has boon recommended for other
diseases, such as " black knot," or the various
cankers occurring on trees. Thorough washings
with strong solutions of some copper compound
before the foliage appears are extremely bene-
ficial. Timely spraying with Bordeaux Mixture
or other fungicide is also recommended. Sul-
phate of iron (copperas) has beeu suggested, yet
the results obtained do not altogether recom-
mend its use ; a wash of 4 to 8 lb. per gallon
of water may be used, but as it is extremely
caustic and injures machinery and clothing, it
is best applied with wool or rag mops, and only
on the old wood. The most effective method of
treating wound-fungi is to dress all large wounds
on trees with coal-tar. This is now done by the
bestgardeners who have to look after trees in
parks, and in nurseries where the young trees
are pruned into shape. It is therefore recom-
mended as a covering for the larger wounds
made by pruning fruit-trees, though it may bo
neglected in tho case of young wood, which soon
heals in the natural way. The coal-tar dressing
is beneficial because it not only prevents the
entrance of fungi into the exposed surfaces, but
is also antiseptic, preventing the rotting of the
wood, and assisting the perfect healing of the
wound. Dressings of this kind are most
effective when applied in autumn or winter on
fresh-cut surfaces. Their universal use would
go far to prevent many of tho unsightly scars one
sees on fruit and park-trees.
Boot Diseases. — These are a common source
of trouble to growers of plants. As, however,
they are, in most cases, caused by conditions of
the soil, or to the attacks of grubs or mites,
they require but short notice here. The
common root diseases of fungous origin are
" Finger-aud-Toe," and various forms of bac-
terial diseases. " Finger-and-Toe." that great
enemy of all cultivated plants of the order Cru-
ciferse (Cabbage, Turnip, Wallflower, etc.) is
best checked by destruction of diseased speci-
mens, and by a rotation of crops whereby the
land is left free from cruciferous plants for some
time. It has frequently been successfully
treated by addition of lime to the Soil at
intervals of a few years. This and other modes
of treatment have been discussed by various
writers in publications available to every one
(see the present writer's note in Diseases of
Plants, Longmans, 1897, p. .327).
Before concluding this series of papers we
shall give a few general rules for the treatment of
September 4, 1897.]
THE GA i? DENE B 8 ' CHE 0 Nl CL E.
157
diseases of plants due to fungi : — (1.) Endeavour
to use healthy varieties of plants, and to culti-
vate thern so that their growth is hardy and
their surroundings as free as possible from
fungi likely to injure them. (2.) Use clean
seed ; if necessary, clean the seed by the use of
steeping mixtures, as already described. (3.)
If spraying mixtures are to be effective, they
an attack is far advanced before being observed,
then endeavour to save the remaining crop by
at once destroying killed portions of plants or
whole dead plants. This is a last resource, but
it may do much to save fruit or flower ; it may
sometimes be assisted by the use of spraying
mixtures. (5.) The rearing and use of hardy
or disease-proof varieties cannot be too strongly
FlO. 46.— ERYTHEA EDULIS, AT SANTA BARBARA.
ERYTHEA EDULIS, AT SANTA
BARBARA.
The accompanying illustration (6g. 46) is taken from
the largest specimen of E. edulis known out of its
native Ouadaloupe Island. It is growing at Santa
Barbara, California, and is said to bo over thirty
years old. The roundish berries are three-quarters
of an inch in diameter, and turn shining-black at
maturity, when their pulp contains sugar enough to
make them palatable, and better still if stewed like
Prunes. This Palm remains comparatively rare in
gardens, although it is not less hardy than the
common Californian fan-Palm, Washingtonia fili-
fera, nearly as fast a grower, and to be sure
more graceful in appearance than the same. Dr. F.
Franceschi.
tttust be applied early, and on the first appear-
ance of disease ; particular!}* all forms of mil-
dew-like disease on foliage. Where the disease
may be expected (o.g., Potato disease), greater
bi neflt will follow by instituting a regular
series of two or threo sprayings each season
without waiting till the disease appears. (4.)
When a disease comes with little warning and
at onco assumes a virulent form (as with
Tomato and other bacterial diseases), also .Peach
curl and other twig-deforming diseases, or where
i ecommended. To obtain useful disease-proof
varietios suited for each class of soil is a thing
much to be desired ; it is moreover true gar-
deners' work and far before the use of fungicides
or other temporary moans of relief.
Plant diseases due to fungi may or may not
be common. It is no part of these papers to
discuss this : their object is attained if they
enablo gardeners to combat or prevent a certain
class of troubles to which plants in their charge
aro liable. WiUiam 0. Smith, Edinhurgh.
QUEENSLAND BOTANY.
The Department of Agriculture, Brisbane, has
published a book by Mr. F. M. Bailey entitled,
A Companion for the Queensland Student of Plant
Life. With this is incorporated Botany Abridged.
The whole volume has now reached its second
edition, and certainly deserves high commenda-
tion both for its aim and its method of attain-
ing it. " To smooth the way to a knowledge of
botanical nomenclature " is, in truth, a kindly deed
There is no more real difficulty in using correct
names than in learning colloquial ones, if only begin-
ners would believe it. since merely custom niakef ' ha
latter seem easy. Mr. Bailey Btrives to show the
reason and meaning of botanical terms, and how the
classification and nomenclature of plants are based
upon the prominent or prevailing characteristics of
the species. The information in it is admittedly
gleaned from many sources ; large use having been
"made of the works of Bentham, Limii.ev, Hens-
low, Masters, De Bary, and Cooke," so that its
reliability is ensured, aud also its gentral as well as
it- local utility.
The Rosary.
THE WARS (IF THE HOSES.
(C.ncludid from J>. 118.)
Many were the searchings of heart when it was
announced that the committee of the National Rose
Society had choson Norwich as lire site for the last
greit battle of the season, and its suitability was
loully que-t oned by many of those who had been
accu-tomtil to take part in these battles. There was
a howl from the men of the " West C'ountrie," who
a>kai), " Are we to be expected to bring our Hoses
aero is Eug'and, and have them in good condition on
the battle d«y ' Why, we should be like the men
wh ) took part in the Jamieson raid, who were so
exhausted after 150 miles' ride that they were unable
to <lo anything." The answer to this was two-fold.
" The shows had been held in the west, and you have
e;pected the cooperation of East Anglian growers
at your shows at Bath, Heretord, and Gloucester, aud
on; remembers that some years ago Mr. Baker, of
Exeter, carried oft the chiof prize at the Norwich show
with a box of blooms that excited the wonder of East
Anglian growers by their beauty and freshness, while
at the western shows many of the East Anglian
growers c irried off the chief prizes." Objection also
was made to Norwich being considered a northern
town, but it could hardly be considered a southern
one, and so the committee determined that it should
for the nonce be called a northern one ; but really,
after all, the question of geographical position does
not matter so much as the date. In these days cf
rapid communication, Roses can be taken as well to
one part of the country as the other, and the prizes
at the northern shows were very oftan secured by
southern growers ; moreover, East Anglia had for so
many years contributed so largely to the success of
the exhibitions of the National Rose Society, that
wher it was pleaded that the Society ought to have
an exhibition there, the reasonableness of the request
was at once recognised, for with such gro.vers as Mr.
B. R. Cant, Mr. F. Cant, and Messrs. Prior & Son,
158
THE GAEDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
[September 4, 1897.
and such amateurs as Messrs. Foster Melliar, Berners,
Oi-pen, and Page Robert^ it would be difficult to
find auy part of the country where success Wis more
likely to be secured; moreover, Norwich had had
for many years a most successful Rose association
affiliate 1 to the National Society, an 1 it was felt that
its desire to have a national show held there ought
to ba gratified. The result fully justified the sound-
ness of the decision. A most successful show was
held. Exhibitors from various parts of the country
came forward, although the chief and most successful
exhibitors came from the south, and not from the
north. Some of the more southern counties were un-
represented, while, as might have been expected,
Norfolk, Essex, and Hertford contributed largely to
the exhibition.
This was held iu the grounds of Carrow House iu
connection with the annual flower show of the Nor-
wich and Norfolk Association ; it was arranged in five
tents, but leaving tlie miscellaneous collection of
plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, &c, I will only
notice the Roses staged in competition for the prizes
offered in the National Society's schedule, and chiefly
some of the most remarkable points. The weather
had for some days previous to the show been very
warm, and consequently there was a tendency amongst
the H. l'.'s to display their charms a little too openly.
I think it was a gratification to many who, while
wishing well to all exhibitors, saw the Jubilee Chal-
lenge Trophy awarded to Mr. B. II. Cant ; he was
not able himself to do much owing to excessive weak-
ness, but it cheered the old man when his two sons
were enabled to wire to him that he had carried off
the trophy ; not only this, but he secured the princi-
pal prizes in the nurseryman's classes. Amongst the
amateurs, Mr. E. B. Lindsell was again the champion,
having secured the Jubilee trophy and the principal
prizes in his division ; the Rev. J. H. Pemberton
following closely on. The most remarkable feature
in Mr. Lindsell's exhibits was his successful exhibit
of Teas ; he has always beeu, when at his best, un-
surpassable in hybrids, possessing as he does a splen-
did soil, a good climate, and great experienco, and
now that he has come forward so successfully in the
Tea classes, he will be a formidable antagonist to
those who have had it pretty well their own way in
this class. Another exhibitor who has stepped boldly
to the front is Mr. Charles J. Grahams, ami I have
no doubt we shall hear more of him in another season.
Those from the wett, exhibited by Messrs. Tnwnsend,
of Worcester, showed that they did not consider
distance an inseparable obstacle to successful exhi-
bition. Mr. Orpen, who has male his mark aa an
exhibitor of Teas, had a grand stand of eighteen,
for which he carried off the first prize. It is
a matter of wonder to some that Mr. H. V
Machin did not occupy a more prominent
position, for both tho locality and date were in his
favour. The absence of Messrs. Dickson k Son, of
Newtownards, was much regretted, for it was hoped
that if the north of Ireland was too far off, he might
have obtained his flowers from Lodbury ; but it was
one of those mischances which take place in Rose-
growing as in other things.
There is always an interest attached to the Medal
Roses, and it is one of the points about which all
exhibitors are anxious, and very few but those who
have been engaged in the task can estimate the great
difficulty of arriving at a right conclusion on tho
subject. It may be as it is said of the tasters of
wine, that when they have tried a number of samples
they find it very difficult to distinguish port from
sherry ; so when the judges have gone through the
boxe3 and selected those whioh they consider worthy
of the honour, they have great difficulty in deter-
mining to which of these it shall be awarded. There
have been frequently failures— I have seen it awarded
to a Rose from which .the freshness of colour was
gone, and whoso chief merit seemed to be its size ;
wliile in another instance I have seen a misshapen
flower given the Medal because of its brilliant colour —
but I do not think that any mistake was made at this
exhibition. In the amateur class, that for hybrid
perpetuals was awarded to Mr. S. Berger, of Steven-
age, Herts, for a well-formed and well-coloured bloom
of Mrs. John Laing, rather undersized for present
taste ; in the nurseryman's class Messrs. Harkness k
Son gained the Medal for a very beautiful bloom of
the Eirl of Dufl'erin, which has been exceptionally
good this soason. In the Tea classes the Medal fell
to Mr. Orpen for a grand bloom of Muriel Graham,
finer even than that which obtained the same honour
at the Crystal Palaceshow, exhibited by Mr. E. B. Lind-
sell. Some doubts have been expressed, even by
eminent rosarians, as to the value of this sport from
Catherine Mermet, for it is said that it was not
distinct enough, and would most probably revert to
the Rose from which it sported ; but when a flower
gains at two exhibits of the National during the first
year of its distribution two Medals for the best Rose
in its class, 1 do not think there can be much amiss
with it. Some of those who once doubted have
retracted their opinions, and one of our oldest and
most successful growers, in writing to me tho other
day, said, "You neel not be afraid to recommend
Muriel Grahame, for it is a perfectly distinct and
beautiful Rose." The Medal for the best Tea in the
nurseryman's class was to a grand bloom of Niphetos,
exhibited by Messrs. Mack & Son, and when shown
in such stylo as this was, its beautiful form, large
shell-like petals, and pure colour, claim for it un-
questionably the position of the best white Rose iu
cultivation, notwithstanding that so many havo
claimed that honour since its introduction more than
half a century ago, for it was sent out by Bougere in
1844, and there is probably no Rose which is so
extensively cultivated for cut flowers for tho London
market as this fine flower. Pure whiteness makes it
available for both bridal and general purposes, and
its staying properties, owing to its thick petals, adds
to its value.
When so successful a Society as the Norfolk
and Norwich Horticultural Society undertakes ths
arrangement for exhibition, you may be sure that
everything is done that can conduce to tho comfort of
exhibitors and judges, and the general arrangements
of the show, and the thanks of the National arc cer-
tainly due to Mr. J. J. Coleman for his giving tho use
of his beautiful park, to Mr. Powell, the energetic
secretary, and to tho committee, for their valuable
aid ; and they must havo been gratified at tho
success which attended their efforts.
There is another view of the wars of the Roses
which has been started by a leading horticulturist in
one of your contemporaries, in which he calls iu
question much that is connected with the National
Rose Society. I think, however, it would be premature
to enter upon this subject at present, but I hope ou
some future occasion to touch upon the matter ; in
the meantime, let me say that I hope that all lovers
of this beautiful flower will do their best to advance
the interests of the Society, which has done more to
encourage and extend its culture than anything else
which has been done during tho last twenty-five
years. Il'dd Rose.
REMARKS ON THE FRUIT CROPS.
[See Tables, ante, pp. C3 to 69.)
5, SOUTHERN COUNTIES.
{Continued from p. 142.)
Middlesex. — The May frosts spoiled what pro-
mised to a record fruit year, as the blooni was magni-
ficent on all kinds of fruit-trees. Strawberries also
uffered considerably, most of the oarly flowers being
killed. S. T. Wright, R. H. S.'s Gardens, Chiswick, W.
The long continuance of easterly winds
hroughout this district ciused almost total destruc-
tion of Plums. Tears and Apples were also alfected,
but in a lesser degree. Cherries suffered slightly even
on warm walls. From the same oauss and cold
nights, Peaches and Nectarines on west walls were
greatly checked in the earlier stages of leaf develop-
ment. Strawberries were never a finer crop hore, the
two kinds standing out moBt prominently being Royal
Sovereign and Late3t-of-AU. James Hudson, Gunners-
bury House., Aelon, W.
The fruit crop in this district is one of the
worst we havo experienced for many years. Apples
and Strawberries have been the only crops of any
note ; the spring frost killed all the Plums, early
Pears, and small fruits. William Bates, Cross Deep
Gu rdens, Twicken ham.
- Our fruit crop is much under the average.
Apples, Pears, and Plums, which promised so well, are
a very thin crop ; many trees have no fruit, they
having suffered from the severe weather when in
bloom. Peaches and Nectarines are excellent, and
plentiful. Apricots dropped badly after setting.
Strawberries were excellent ; Royal Sovereign and
Latest-of-AlI being Tour best. G. Wythes, Syon,
Brentford.
Surrey. — The following varieties of Apples are
fairly cropped : — Stone's, Warner's King, Lane's
Prince Albert, Stirling Castle, Mink's Codlin, Blen-
heim Orange, Wellington, Cox's Orange Pippin,
Hormead's Pearmain. 0. J. Salter, Gardens, Wood-
hatch Lodge, Reigate.
A grander lot of bloom 1 never saw, but
most of it was cut off with the frosts in May. Pears
on walls have a fair crop. The following varieties of
Apples are those bearing the most fruits : — Grenadier,
Lady Hsnniker, Keswick Codlin, Lane's Prince
Albert, Lord Suffield, Anuie Elisabeth, Red Juueat-
ing, Stirling Castle, aud Gloria Mundi. Thos. Osman,
Ottershaw Park Gardens, Chertscy.
The exceptionally severe late frosts injured
the crops in many places. In one of our gardens the
crop of Gooseberries was almost lost through this
cause, while in another part of ths garden they
escaped, and carried a splendid crop. Apples are
without exception a very heavy crop ; especially is
this so with young tre?s on the Paradise Stock ; the
fruit now looks well. J. P. McLeod, Dover House
Gardens, Roehamplon.
Frost and cold winds prevailed during the time
Plums, Apples and Pears were iu bloom. Many of
the bushes and orchard Apple trees have scarcely
any fruit on them. Apple trees in sheltered positions
are carrying good crops, especially Lord Sjffield,
Stirling Castle, Keswick Codlin, Lane's Prince Albert,
and a few others. Peirs, too, are satisfactory in the
most sheltered spots, but where fully exposed to the
wind and frost there is no fruit. The blooms on the
earliest varieties of Strawberries were destroyc d by
frost, but mid-season and late varieties escaped.
G. II'. Cummins, The Grange Gardens, Carshalton.
The extreme drought in the spring, with
exceptionally sharp frost--, ruined all fruit crops.
Strawberries were blackened, and the crop was ot
so fine as usual. Of Apples I have scarcely a gallon.
I fear there has not been much encouragement to
increase fruit culture on a largj sc\le during the past
three years. A, Eoana, ffoslemive.
Pears aud Plums are almost a failure, and
Apples also, with the exception of Lane's Prince
Albert, Stirling Castle, and Grosvenor. Gooseberries
are a medium crop, and the berries very large.
Currants were a good crop, but injured a little by
blight. James Walker, Ham, Surrey.
Apples are better than we expected a few
weeks ag >. An old tree of Blenheim Orange is loaded
with fruit, but there is not a fruit on the young ones.
King of the Pippins boars a heavy crop. In the grass
orchard that has been well top-dressed with rich soil,
such as road-scrapings aud pond cleanings, &c, until
the sod is quite loose and the grass luxuriant, we calcu-
late upon having about a third of a crop. There are
many trees that have not a single fruit. Tho following
sorts have rather more than an average crop : — Lord
Suffield, Keswick and Mank's Codlin, Quarrenden,
Cellini, Minohall Crab, Alexander, Wellington, and
Sandringham. In a corner of the kitchen garden,
sheltered by some tall Elm trees, the trees will require
a good many props. In another orchard, Yorkshire
Beauty, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Garibaldi, two rows
planted in pits on the grass, have not any fruit In
a cultivated orchard, with only tho width of a walk
between where Mangolds are grown with the aid of
cow-manure, including Messrs. Webb k Sous' artificial
Mangold- manure, both trees and fruit have a different
September i, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
159
appearance to those planted in pits on the grass.
Even in this cultivated orchard we have many
blanks ; it is quite in the open, with no
bhelter. The leading fruitful sorts here are York-
shire Beauty, I may say in full orop, both in rows
and single trees. On the grass this sort makes a nice
pyramid or bush ; in a young state it bears its first
fruit on the points of the shoots, which should not be
pruned until it makes its natural spurs. With a
little atteution in pruning, it makes a handsome and
evenly-balanced standard. Other sorts in this orchard
with anything like a crop are Devonshire Qiiarrendeu
and Lord Suffield. There is scarcely a sprinkling of
Pears or Plums. All trees with no fruit upon
them are being summer pruned with the " Standard
Pruner," haviDg two sizes, C and 12 feet long. Pears
are a thin crop, with the exception of some
standards of Beurre d'Aremberg, Bourre Diel, Beurre
Bachelier, BeurreS Hardy, Beurre" dAmanlis, and Fon-
dante d'Automne, Espaliers of some varieties on
sheltered branches are bearing an odd fruit or two.
Cordon Pears planted seven years ago, 15 inches apart,
are, most of them, 16 feet high, trained perpendicularly.
They are fruitful, and appear excellent. By a system
fof close early pinching of the side-shoots, the trees wero
brought to a fruitful state early. The first pinch-
iog is given when the shoots are about 6 inches long,
and is not discontinued as long as there is growth.
♦ The trees are upon the Quince stock. Pitmaston
Duchesse has been the most stubborn of all to bring
into fertility, but this year it shows three fine fruits,
and a plenitude of fruit-buds. On a south aspect the
following are the sorts that are carrying from two to
three dozen fruits each ; very few trees have none : —
Durondeau has a nice crop, but the fruits are too
soon gone ; Ne Plus Meuris, and next Pitmaston
Duchesse, Knight's Monarch, Glou Morceau, Winter
Nelis, Josephine de Malines, and Beurre Iiance, all
useful Pears, both as to eatiDg and keeping ; Jar-
gonelle and Williams' Bon Chretien, Doyenne du
Cornice, a grand Pear, Beurre dAremberg, a capital
keeper and good dessert Pear, and Beurre DieL On
a western aspect there are more blanks amongst the
cordons this season. Baronue do Mello, thin ; Beurrd
Bachelier, good ; but Nouvelle Fulvie, Magnate, Joley
de Bonneau, Vicar of Winkfield, Beurre Duval, Van do
Weyer Bates, Belle Julie, Dr. Trousseau, Duchesse
d'Angouh me, and St. Qcrmain, are all blank; Louise
Bonne of Jersey has a wonderful crop. /. Miller,
Ruxley Lodge Gardens, Eshcr.
Sussex.— On May 12 we registered 9° of frost
which spoiled most of the bloom on Apples, Pears
Plums, and Strawberries, and partly so on Gooseberries
and Currants, Walnuts and Apricots, although the
latter wero given a certain amount of protect'on,
F. Qeeson, < 'ovidray Park Hardens, Midhurst.
Teach trees showed fairly well for fruit, but
were attacked with blister and almost killed. Pears
generally have a good crop, but trees of Marie Louiso
are noticeable for very poor crops. The excessively
wet autumn last year in this district, I think, hsd
something to do with the poor crop of Strawberries.
Alex. lieid, Junr., Posting worth, Cross- in- Sand.
Owing to the ungenial weather in spring
most fruits suffered severely. Peaches on the south-
east walls were badly blistered. Pears in the open
are few, but on walls where protection was afforded
there is a fair crop. Chenies, though not more than
an average crop, have been very fine ; whi'e Apricots,
though Eadly crippled with the frost, are the best we
have had fur some years. Strawberries were not a
heavy crop, and Royal Sovereign was the best. //. C.
Prinsep, Buxted Park, Uekjhld.
Never was the prospect for an abundant fruit
crop of all kinds better than this year until May 14,
when a severe frost effected wholesale destruction,
especially amongst Cherries, Plums, Strawberries,
and Apples. Lord Suffield, Keswick Codlin, Cox's
Pippin, Cellini Pippin, Stirling Castle, Hambledon
deux Ans, Reineke du Canada, Ecklinville Seedling,
Mew Hawthornden, Irish Peach, and Old Nonsuch
are bearing full crops. E. Burberry, Castle Gardens,
Arundel.
The general fruit crop in these gardens is
barely an average one, so much of the bloom being
destroyed by frost on May 12. The foliage of Pe.-.c'.es
and Nectarines suffered very much from blistor during
tho early stages, but the trees are now clean and
healthy, and carrying full crop?. Plums are very
scarce in this neighbourhood ; as are Apricots.
Mellaril Parker, Goodwood Gardens.
■ — — We had a good show of Apple blossom, but it
was injured by the May frosts ; in places some trees
are loaded ; in one of my orchards I shall not get
10 bushels. Pears aro very poor, as are also Plums ;
but all bush fruits were wonderful, G. D. Duncan,
Warnham Court, Horsham.
WiLTsmitE.— The Apple, Pear, and Plum crop is, I
think, the worst I have known during the last thirty-
six years. This is due to a largo extent to severe
frosts in the early part of May, especially on the
morning of the 13th, when there were 8° of froit.
The fruits and blossoms on all unprotected trees,
whether on walls or in the open garden, fell off, or
wero greatly injured. T.Chdllis, The Gardens, WiUon
House, near Salisbury,
7. ENGLAND, N.W.
Lancashire. — The fruit crops are very variable ;
some gardens have no crop of a particular variety or
kiud of fruit, whilst the same variety or kind is
abundant in another garden not distant. Only once
in seventeen years has the Pear crop been so poor'as
it is this year in this garden, the only tree bearing a
full crop being Louise Bonne of Jersey worked on
the Quince. Another tree near it 40 feet high, on
the Pear stock, has scarcely any fruit. W. P. Robi r(a,
The Gardens, Guerdon Hall, Preston.
The Apple and Pear crops generally in this
district are below the average. The unusually severe
frosts during tho whole of the second week in May
killed the blossom, of which there was a great pro-
fusion. Being well sheltered, our crops are much
better than our neighbours'. Apples bearing full
crops are Grenadier, Golden Spire, Mere do Manage,
King of the Pippius, Tower of Glamis, &c. Ponrs :
Doyonuu du Cornice, Williams' Bon Chrdtien, Louise
Bonne of Jersey, Easter Beurrd, &c. />. Athlon, Lathum
Park Gardens, Ormskirk,
Westmoreland. — Blossom was plentiful and strong,
but many succumbod to sharp frosts in May.
Amougst Apples, Kiug of Pippins, Annie Elizabeth
Northorn Greoning, Ecklinville seedling, Keswick
Codlin, and Foam's Pippin are loaded. Cherries and
Pears are few, but Marie Louise and Doyonm'- du
Cornice are good. Amongst Strawberries, Dr. Ho^g
still keeps to the front ; Royal Sovereign, Empress of
India, Sir J. Paxton, aud A. Nicaise do well. W. A.
Miller, Undciliy Gardens.
■ The Apple crop looketl very promising when
in bloom, but the dry month of May aud the cater-
pillar together, in many instances destroyed the crop.
The show of bloom on Plum trees upon walls or as
pyramids, was very thin. Our best varieties are
Victoria, Gohlen Gage, Early Prolific, and Golden
Drop. Strawberries on strong ground were very tine
indeed. Our best wero James Veitch, Countess,
Auguste Nicaise, aud Empress of India. J. Clarke,
Lowlhcr Castle Gardens.
8. ENGLAND, S.W.
Cornwall. — Apples are an avorage crop. Pears
very few, a'so Plums, Damsons, and Gooseberries.
The cold winds cut the Peach aud Nectarine trees
very much, aDd in some cases quite killed them. I
never saw trees looking better when in bloom. IP. //.
Bennett, Menuliilly.
The Apple crop iu East Cornwall is an average
one, and some varieties carry a heavy crop, Kiug of
the Pippins, Irish Peach and Blenheim Orange
Pippin being the best amongst the dessert varieties;
of culinary varieties, Alfriston, Keswick Codlin, and
Bismarck are good. Pears are very poor ; cold winds
and heavy rains during the blossoming time ruined
the crop. I have never seen Peach and Nectarine
trees so badly cut. We had strong east winds fat-
ten days at the end of April, and frequent hail-
storms, which, in spite of protection, cut the leaves
off in many cases, and spoiled the trees for the
season. Chas. Page, Boconnoc Gardens, Lostmithiel,
Cornwall.
The fruit crop is the worst I have expe-
rienced for twenty years ; the trees gave great pro-
mise early iu the season, but the cold, blighting
winds cut them to pieces. I never saw Peach-trees
so badly blistered, and some trees were hit so badly
that they have not recovered. Many of the large Plum
orchards in this neighbourhood are entirely destitute
of fruit. Wm. Sangwin, 1'relissick, Truro.
Devonshiiii;.— The fruit-crops are a comparative
failure in this district, though tho trees bloomed
more abundantly than for yearB past. This I attribute
less to an ungenial spring than to the drought that
has prevailed here for some seasons pat t, and culmi-
nated in the dry aud burning summer of last year
when the rains came too late to enable the trees to
recover. They did this sufficiently, however, to put
forth an abundant bloom, which exhausted them, fur-
though in many instances the bloom appeared heilthr,
and to "set" well, the fruit has since dropped, and
left but a thin and meagre crop. A. Barnes, Hcnton
Satchville, lien f. ml.
Fruit trees blossomed well wilh the excep-
tion of Plums, and all appeared to have set well, but
the cold ea-t wind that was prevalent after the flower-
ing stage, injured Peaches, Apricots, and Pears. All
fruit bushes have beerr heavily laderr, abo Straw-
berries, and the fruit was of good quality. J. Mayne,
Biclon Gardens.
Gloucestershire.— The fruit crops are fairly good,
although below the average. Apples are very good
indeed ; the varieties, Keswick .Codlin, Ecklinville
Seedling, Warner's King, Peasgood's Nonsuch, King
Pippin, and A9bmead's Kernel are the best. Cider
fruit is aburrdant. G. W. Marsh, Arle Court,
Cheltenham.
All fruit trees produced an abundance of
bloom ; and the north-east wind, and absence of sun
rath-r than frost, caused the subsequent failure.
Apples aud Plums aro a complete failure. A fow
orchards iu sheltered positions are bearing a fair
crop. This is the first time in seventeen years that
Barsdoffer Apple has not had a good crop. Richard
Shore, Berkeley Cattle Gardens.
The fruit crops are the wor»t we have had
for some years, which is undoubtedly due t.. the sharp
frosts that occurred late in May. Thomas Shingle,
Tin Gardens, Tortworih.
Herefordshire. — Such varieties of Apples as
Ecklinville Seedling, Stirling Castle, Keswick Codlin,
Golden Spire, and Tower of Glanva are be 'ring very
fine crops. Desiert varieties aro also good, tVo'cester
Pearmain, King of the Pippins, and White Transparent
especially so. Pears are a failure, owin^ to frost, cold
winds, and the Pear-midge. Plums are quite a
failure, as are Cherries. C. A. Bay fori!, G/ewslone
Gardens, Rejss.
MoNMOurnsinm: — The most un-atisfactory crops
this year are those of Plums and Cherries, anil their
poverty may be attributed to the prevalence of cold,
i!ry N.E. winds while the trees wero in blossom.
Both Apples aud Pears are partial, the best crops
being in sheltered situations. Upon pyramid trees of
Apples there are good crops of the following varieties :
— Cellini, Beaumanrr's RedReinette, Grenadier, Lane's
Prince Albert, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Sandringham,
Schoolmaster, Warner's King, Belle Poutoise, Cox's
Orange Pippin, aud Duchess of Oldeuburgh. [led
Currants suffered much from aphis. Stran berries
were excellent in every way. Royal Sovereigo, Leader,
Gunton Park, President, Vicomtesse Heiicart du
Thury, and Latest-of-AU being remarkably so. Titus.
Coomber, The Bendre Gardens, Monmouth.
■ — - Apples are scarce, the only sorts cirrying
heavy crops being Golden Pippin, Calville BUnche
d'Hiver, Hawthornden, and Xorfulk Beaufiu. Pears,
which were a charming sight in spring, being covered
160
THE GAB DE NEBS' CHBONIGLE.
[September 4, 1897
with bloom from the Btem outwards, but are only an
average crop. Peach and Nectarine trees are looking
remarkably well, and they are carrying heavy crops,
which give every indication of swelling to a handsome
size. Plums in these gardens are a failure, while
Morello Cherries are under the average, but very fair.
What fruit we have of Apples and Pears is free from
blemish. W. F. Woods, Llmfrechfa Grange Gardens,
Caerleon.
The prospects of an abundant crop of all
kinds of fruit were never better than in the spring
months of this year, the orchard and garden trees
being covered with blossom; but unfoitunately, iu
many parts of the county, we have been doomed to
disappointment, through the biting easterly winds
and frosty nights experienced in April and May.
Not only has the Plum crop been almost en-
tirely destroyed, but in many places the trees have
succumbed. In my fruit ground at least a dozen
strong trees are killed. Cherries aro a failure.
Pears almost as bad, with exception of Marie Louise
d'Uccle and Bon Chrdtien. Some trees of those two
varieties have fair crops. Apples are very irregular,
and very few are to be seen in the graseed orchards
in exposed situations. Local varieties grown as
standard trees iu sheltered positions where the
soil has been cultivated and well manured, are
carrying very heavy crops of fruit. Soveral varieties
worked on the dwarfing stock, such as Ecklinville,
Lane's Prince Albert, Bismarck, Saudringham, Stir-
ling Castle, Keswick, Lord Grosvenor, New Hawthorn-
den, Mabbot's Pearmain, Adams' Pearmain, Celliui,
New Northern Greening, Evagil, Hoary Morniug,
Peasgood's Nonsuch, Golden Spire, Newton Wonder,
Frogmore Prolific, and Tyler's Kernel are carrying
fair crops. This, however, applies only] to garden
trees. Gooseberries have been a very heavy crop,
some varieties avoraging from 20 to 21 lb. per bushel.
Of Raspberries, Superlative has proved by far the
best. Strawberries are not much grown in this
county for market purposes. In the few cases where
they are, reports are not good. LTpon the whole, I
can safely say we are considerably under the average.
John Basham, Fair Oak Gardens, Bassaleg, near
Newport.
Somersetshire.— Small-fruits have been plentiful,
but the stone fruits are under average, the frost and
cold winds having destroyed the bloom. Peaches
and Nectarines are an average crop where protected.
Apples in sheltered situations are an average crop
and large in size, but generally where not sheltered in
orchards, there are very few fruits. Pears, a good
crop on some of the late trees. Thos. Wilkins,
Inwood House, Hcnstridge.
■ Apples set very well, but dropped from late
frosts, also Pears ; a few Pears now carrying fine
crops are Vicar of Winkfield, Jargonelle, Beurre'
Bachelier, and Williams' Bon Chretien. Plums are
almost a failure in the district of Frome, Victoria
being amongst the best, and strange to say Green
Gages are far moro numerous than black varieties.
A. Young , Mar 'ston Garden*.
During the thirty-five years I have had to do
with a garden 1 have never seen a grander promise
for Apples, Pears and Strawberries ; but the severe
frost in May, just as the Apple bloom was setting,
destroyed our hopes. In our garden, Pears as large
as one's thumb were turned black and dropped off.
Lord Suffield, Domino, and Itoyal Somerset Apples are
the best crop ; and in Pears, Winter Nelis, King
Edward, and Old Crassane. John Crook, Forde Abbey,
Chard.
Worcestershire. — Taking the fruit crop on the
whole, the present season is a disappointing
one. It opened, however, with great promise, both
Apple, Pear, and Plum blossoms opening strongly,
but the disastrous May frosts, coupled with the
lengthened period of cold and cutting winds, and a
low temperature generally, told its tale on the embryo
fruits. The Plum crop is the worst, although iu this
garden there will be a half crop of Damsons, but in the
district there are thousands of trees without a fruit.
Apples and Pears are partial, on some trees there are
heavy crops, and on others none. For instance, we
have a largo tree of Blenheim Orange carrying a
heavy crop, and on others there is none. The same
with Dumelow's Seedling. That good old locil
variety Tom Put is carrying a good crop generally.
Small fruits good, although iu the opou fields Black
Currants are a poor crop. A. Young, Withy Cour/
Gardens, Stourport.
Apples are a good half-crop, but very partial ;
trees here and there heavily laden ; others a short dis-
tance away quite barren. Some of the young, well-
cared for orchards, i ecently planted on this estate, are
very encouraging, especially the Codlin types of Apples,
showing fine clear fruit. Pears are good, and have
clear skins, a fair average crop of nearly all the
leading kinds. Perry Tears, too, are abundant.
Plums of all varieties are a complete failure : 14° of
frost when in flower beiug the primary cause. Apri-
cots suffered likewise. Peaches and Nectarines on
walls had their leaves badly blistered by c lid, damp,
and by easterly winds. W. Crump, Madresficld Cow
Malvern.
(To be continued.)
Trees and Shrubs.
PINUS PARV1FLORA.
As a perfectly hardy, free-growing, and decidedly
ornamental Pine, the above species is certainly not
sufficiently recognised iu this country. It is of com-
paratively low and spreading growth, with flexible,
up-curved branches that are well supplied with
foliage. The leaves are iu bundles of fives about
2 iuches long, slightly twisted, bluish-green on the
exposed, and distinctly silvery on the inner, sides.
Cones are freely produced, usually several together,
each from 2 to 2h inches long by 1^ iuches diameter
at the widest past, and composed of hard, brown,
widely wedge-shaped scales. Two seeds are contained
beneath each scale, these being § of au inch long with
a broad wing of the same leugth, 2,S00 being included
in 1 lb. weight. The bark is of a light greyish-green
colour. In early spring, the beautiful fyellow male
catkins render the tree highly conspicuous. I have
seen beautiful examples of this Pine in the north of
Ireland, where they were growing fully exposed on
light gravelly loam. A. D. Webster.
The Week's Work.
THE HARDY PiiUIT GARDEN.
BvH. W. Ward, Rayleijjh, Essex.
Gathering Ripe Fruit. — Pears and Apples that
are ripening [should be gathered forthwith, and
placed on the shelves in the fruit-room, care being
exercised not to bruise the fruit. In fact, those
entrusted with the gathering and storing of fruit
should handle them as lightly as possible, to avoid
discoloration aud decay occurring. One layer of
fruits will be sufficient on tho shelves, as there is
probably plenty of shelf-space at the preseut time.
Among the Apples now fit for storing may be men-
tioned Kerry Pippin, Lady Sudeley, Worcester Pear-
main, Red Astrachan, and Yellow Ingestre Pippin.
The varieties of Pears which require to be gathered
during the next week or two are Souvenir du Congres,
Clapp'B Favourite, Petite Marguerite, Beurre d'Aman-
lis, and Williams' Bon Chretien. The fruits part
readily from the trees when nearly ripe, a stage of
growth which the colour and aroma of the fruit,
coupled with a practical acquaintanceship with tho
characteristics of the several varieties on the part of
those engaged iu the work, will indicate.
Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums. — Fruits of late
Peaches, such as Golden Eagle, Princess of AVales,
Warburton Admirable, Thames Bank, Sea Eagle, and
Salway, should be exposed to the sun as much as
possible, or the colour will be pale.
Autumn Pruning. — Young growths which have
been made since the summer pruning was done,
should be shortened back to within 5 or 6 inches of
the branches from which thoy spring. Leading
shoots on wall and espalier-trees require to be
secured in the spaces which they are intended to
furnish.
Thinning the Wood of the Early Peaches and
Nectarines.— Trees of Early Alexander, Waterloo,
Amsden June, aud Hales' Early Peaches, and Early
Rivers and Lord Napier Nectarines, should be pruned
forthwith. It is waste of the forces of the trees to
leave shoots and branches till the beginning of next
year, which ought to be cut out as soon as the fruit is
gathered, or as 6oou after as possible. By thinning
the surplus growths, and cutting clean away old
spurs, the shoots retained for yielding next year's
crop will become better matured.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Violets to flower during winter may now be plauted
iu cold frames. The following method has proved to
be tho best hero. Frames in which early Potatos
were forced are used for the earliest plants. The
frames are replaced on the old hot-beds, tilted to a
sharp anglo, and then three parts filled with soil,
which is made moderately firm. If the plants were
treated as advised on p. 234, vol. xxi., they will lift with
a good ball of soil, the whole of which is preserved
intact after removing any earth-worms that can be
seen. Plant the roots firmly, and sufficiently close to
the glass, that when the work is completed the leaves
will come within an inch of it. Good soakings of
water should be given every few days for the first
fortnight, during which time the plants should be
kept cool. The lights may then be placed over them,
and a covering of Cocoa-nut fibre refuse should be
spread evenly over the surface of the soil, and close
up to the crowns of the plants. This will impede
evaporation aud serve tho purpose of keeping the
flowers clean. Remove all decaying leaves as soon as
seen, and give abundance of air on all favourable
occasions. Plants to bloom later are treated similarly,
but they are plauted in brick pits, in the place of
wooden frames, the former being moro capable of
resisting frost. Fire heat, at bottom or top, is never
resorted to. The variety Marie Louiso will give an
early and a continuous supply of blooms. Neapolitan
and the double whites yield a late supply.
General Work. — Richardias, Salvias, Abutilous,
and other species that were planted out in the spring
should now be prepared for lilting when this becomes
necessary. To this end, a bright spade should be
forced round the side of eaoh plant a few inches from
the stem, according to the size of the pots it is in-
tended to place them iu. Keep tho points of Chrys-
anthemums and other plants tied, as oocasion requires.
Advantage fhould now be taken to cleause any
structure that was not cleaned last spring; it being
much moro easily done before the plants are housed
than afterwards. Obtain a stock of bast mats and
other protecting material in good time.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Higholere Castle, Newbury.
Turnips. — Late crops will require to be thinned,
and tho land stirred so long as the leaves of the plants
do not meet across the spaces ; and all weeds
destroyed. Autumn sowings being prone to make
spindly growth and poor bulbs if allowed to become
crowded in the smallest degree, hence the need of
timely and severe thinning. Always use the hoe
after thinning, pulling up large weeds and removing
them from the laud to prevent their growing again.
If the late sowiugs have uot been made, or they have
failed to grow, sow seeds of a quick-growing variety
forthwith on the chance of a mild autumn occurring.
Early Milan is a variety which, if sown at this date, will
quickly form roots, and it is tender eating, but not a
long keeper when left in the ground, although if lifted
and stored when large enough for use, it remains
in good condition for a long time. To keep Turnips in
store they should be embedded with their tops free
in slightly moist earth, in a cool light cellar or shed.
Some of the Swede Turnips for table use are more
delicate iu flavour than the ordinary type, and very
hardy, and seed may also be sown at this date.
Kidney Beans'. — An abundaut sowing of some
varieties of Kidney Beans, of the Ne-plus-ultra type,
should be made iu pits or frames at about this
date. It may not always be necessary where this
follows another vegetable crop to put fresh soil into
the pit, See,, it sufficing simply to clean and level the
soil and draw drills 15 inches apart and 3 inches deep,
sowing the seeds thinly. If the bed of soil is very
dry, it should be copiously afforded water two days
before the sowing is made. The lights should not
be used before frosts threaten, and then only at night.
This crop will be a valuable one to follow Scarlet
Runners and French Beans cut off by early frosts.
September 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
161
Seed Gathering and Clearing off Old Crops. —Take
advantage of dry weather to harvest ripe seeds of
Peas and Broad Beans, thrashing them out and tho-
roughly drying them in the sun before storing thorn
in the seed-room, or they may be left in the pods till
a wet day affords the opportunity to get the job done.
It is good policy to endeavour to perpetuate or im-
prove a selected stock of any kind of vegetible by
saving a small quantity of seel each year, only the
best plants being selected as the soed-'oearers. It is
not advisable for a gardener in a private place to
save seeds on a large scale, this being done much
better and cheaper by the professional seed-growers.
The remains of vegetable crops of all kinds should be
cleared off the quarters without delay, as not only is
the land impoverished by their being retained, but
the space they occupy can be more profitably em-
ployed for growing Coleworts, Asparagus, and Buda
Kale. This last is a capital spring vegetable, being
late in running to seed, and comiug into use at a
time when other vegetables have became scarce.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, B irlord, Dorking.
Cool-house. — The Lycastes are in full growth, and
until the pseudo-bulbs are fully completed, the plants
will require a plentiful supply of water. Keep them
well shaded from the sun. The present is the best
season to overhaul the Masdevallias. Some of the
more vigorous plants will require additional root- room;
others that are healthy, and have sufficient space,
will only need to have the old soil picked out and
fresh compost substituted for it. Large masses that
have overgrown the edges of the pot, aud become
bare in the centre, may now be safely divided aud
re-made into compact specimens ; or, if for trade
purposes, they may be broken up into small pieces
and potted separately. For the stronger-growing
plants, as M. Veitchiana, M. Liudeni, M. ruaerura,
M. ignea, Mr. Chelsoui : M. cucullati, M. ainabilis,
M. coruiculata, M. peristeria, M. coriacea, M.
Kphippium, M. Uargautua, M. elephanticeps, M.
Fraseri the yellow St. Davisii, and the numerous
forms of M. Harry.iua (cocciuea), pot culture is pre-
ferred. These Masdevallias are deep-rootiug plants.
After several experiments, I find that they grow
stronger and produce a greater number of blooms
when potted into deeper compost than usual.
Those who do not grow their Masdevallias satis-
factorily, I would advise to try this method, aud
at the same time to select pots that are in propor-
tion to the size of the plants — the object being to
lessen the amount of shallow-surface rooting space,
and to induce the roots to grow downwards into the
soil. Secure good drainage by placing a hollow
piece of crock over the hole at the bottom of the pot,
aud just cover it with a layer of smaller pieces ; then
add a thin layer of sphagnum-moss, aud for the rest
make use of peat and moss in equal proportions.
Carefully work the soil in amongst the roots, placiug
here and there a moderate-sized crock, to assist the
egress of water. Pot moderately firmly, and keep the
base of the plant about on a level with the rim of the
pot. After the plauts have been repotted, afford
them one thorough watering, but until the roots
have had time to get a firm hold again, afford just
sufficient to keep the surface of the compost moist.
Such treatment should b9 continued throughout the
winter months. In early spring, when growth recom-
mences, the plants should be kept thoroughly moist.
Such dwarf-growing varieties as M. Stella x , M.
Gairiana x , M. C lurtanldiaua x , M. Henrietta? x , M.
Shuttryanax, M. caudata Shuttleworthi, M. cilura,
M. Rolfeana, M. infracts, M. triangularis, M. Tovarensis,
M. Schroderiana, M. inocharis, M. fragrans, M.
melanopus, M. maculata, M. Parlatoroaua, M. racemosa
Crossii, M. Reichenbachiana. M. rosea, M. torta, and
many others, when intermixed with the stronger-
growing kinds, are not easily observed. It is a good
plan, therefore, to erect a lattice-work stage at one
end of the house, placing it on a level with the foliage
of the larger plants. In such a position the plauts
are nearer the light, which is very importaut, and
where they may be more closely examined. All of
them grow well in pots. Other dwarf species, which
form pretty tufts when in bloom, are M. Armini, M.
Wagneri, M. hieroglyphica, M. floribunda, M. muscosa,
M. picturata, M. Womilandiaui, M. triadactyhtes, M.
Simula, M. Estra'Uc, &c. These plants, if house-room
bo limited, may be suspended to the roof in small
shallow pans ; in such a position they do very well in
winter, but during the heat of summer they thrive
best when placed down upon the stage with the other
dwarf varieties. Masdevallias are comparatively cool-
growing species, and during the summer they succeed
with the Odoutoglossums ; but if, after root-disturb-
ance and through the winter, they can be afforded a
few degrees more warmth than the Odontoglossums
require, they will thrive luxuriantly. The pure white
M. Tovarensis should not bo repotted now unless the
compost has become sour, or the plants are in a bad
condition at the root.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles IIerrin, Gardener, Dropmure, Maidenhead.
Hydrangeas. — These comparatively hardy shrubs
make a good show in shrubbery borders, and if it be
desired to increase the stock, cuttings may be readily
struck at this season. H. pauiculata grandiflora and
H. hortensis are both equally useful, the former for
planting in beds over a suitable carpet, and the latter
for facing the shrubbery. Cuttings should be made
from the points of half-ripened shoots, and be inserted
singly in pots of light sandy soil, and placed in
a frame on a slight hot-bed. The top air should be
kept somewhat cool, and if a little bottom-heat can
be allorded, roots will form quickly. Plants so raised
may be flowered in pots the next season, and will
produce one strong flower head, after which they
may be planted in the borders if desired.
Veronicas in several species may be similarly pro-
pagated. V. Traversii is a free, whitish-flowered
species, that quickly grows into a large and handsome
bush.
Pentstemons. — Notwithstanding the late dry
weather, seedling aud other l'entstemons have made
a strong growth, and are flowering freely. Where
propagation from cuttings of select named varieties or
choice seedlings is carried out, the young growths
now springing from the base should be used for this
purpose. The cuttings when made should be inserted
to the number of four or five round the sides of
large 60-eized pots, filled with sandy soil, ami si lod
in a close frame. Seeds may also be sown at this
date, aud the seedliugs kept in a cold frame and pro-
tected from Bsvere frosts, to be platted out early
next summer.
Verbena-beds are full of flower, and to keep them
in this condition as long as possible, the seed-vessels
should bs rem jved as soon as the flowers drop. If it
is desired to increase any varieties from cuttings,
they will strike readily if placed in pots of sandy
soil aud stood in a close frame, or plunged in a frame
having a slight bottom heat.
Alibrietia Edgings. — As a substitute for Box edging
in the flower and herb ice jus gardens furnished
with gravel-paths, the close-growing Aubrietias, as
deltoidea gneci or Campbelli, are useful. Such au
edging has advantages which Box dojs not possess,
for during a portion of the year it is a mass of bloom,
and it is less trouble to keep in order. The present
timo is a suitable one for planting new, or for cutting
back established edgings. The trimmiugs from tho
latter make excellent material for the foruntion of
new borderings. The ground should be prepared
similarly as for Box-laying, treading the soil Bat and
firm, and planting with a line. The soil edge should
be chopped down squarely 2 or 3 inches nearer the
pith thau the liue of plauts, which the Aubrietia will
quickly cover.
General Work. — Remove faded flowers and decay-
ing leaves from the flower-beds, doing the work if pos-
sible when the foliage is dry. Dahlias should be dis-
budded if large blooms are required, and the growths
nude sejure with bast. Mauy of the perennial Sun-
flowersare now at their best, and note should be
made if any of the chimp? require to be divided ;
yellow flowers not being allowed to preponderate over
other colours, and some of tho varieties, as H. heti-
folius, increase so fast as to require partial removal
annually. Lawn-grass is growing fast, and weekly
mowings will be necessary. The sweeping and rolling
of gravel-paths after rain should have due attention.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. H&rris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Peaches and Nectarines. — The trees in the early
houses must not be permitted to lack water at the
roo^, either at the present time or through the
autumn or wiuter, dryness of the soil being one of
the chief causes of bud-dropping. I have noticed
that it is almost always the earliest trees which suffer
the most from this vexatious malady, water being
withheld owing to the pressure of work, or want of
though';. An occisional heavy syringing overhead will
likewise tend to keep the foliage healthy and free
from insect pests. As fast as the fruits are cleared
from the trees in late houses and wall-cases, thin out
the shoots that have carried fruits, so as to let in the
sunlight to the current season's wood. Go over the
trees in bearing, aud remove all foliage from around
the fruit, either cutting it off or putting it aside,
affording air freely by day, aud closing the house at
night, the air commencing now to get damp and
chilly. Protect the fruits from wasps, either by
covering tho trees or the window-openings, &c, with
fine netting.
Vines. — What has been stated about the borders of
Peach trees applies equally to the earliest vines,
which must not be neglected after the crop of Grapes
has been removed, but they must be afforded clear-
water alternately with manure-water of various kinds.
Advantage should be taken of the indraining of rain-
water into the manure-water tauks, to employ it upon
the inner borders in liberal quantity, first ascertain-
ing if the borders are in need of moisture. I have
carried on this practice for three successive years at
this season and during the wiuter, with the result
that tho Vines have been wonderfully improved.
Vines carrying ripe Grapes, and the latest Yiues,
must be protected from wasps and flies, and from
injury by decaying berries. Great care must be used
in damping-down and ventilating, doing less of the
former, and affording a small amount of air at tho
top, but no air at the front of the vineries at night,
and assisting the circulation of air in the vineries by
maintaining a slight degree of warmth in the heating-
apparatus. Remove all redundant growth from
Muscat Vines, and thus let in the sun to the bunches,
so as to bring up the colour of the Grapes.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
The Super-clearer or See-escape.— No appliance of
recent years has rendered more help to beginners in
bee-keeping than that known as the super-clearer. It
is well worth while for everyone who keeps bees to
pay especial attention to the proper working of this
little appliance, 6ince by its use honey may lie
removed without tho slightest risk of giving annoy-
ance to neighbours, no matter how near. It neods
but to rise early before anyone is about, set on the
clearer, aud at night lift the honey off and carry it
indoors without disturbing a single bee. Always use
a little smoke when taking honey, and be careful to
carry all racks of sections and surplus chambers
indoors as soon as cleared of the bees. Allow no
broken pieces of comb with honey to be lying about,
and take every precaution to preveut robbing being
started. Bear in mind that as soon as the honey income
fails, aud the bees are being deprived of their stores,
they naturally begin to attack weak hives, and
robbing once started is difficult to stop.
Extracting. — Shallow frame boxes full of combs
should not be removed till wanted for extractiug
purposes. The honey keeps better on the hive than
in the house ; at the same time, uo extracting should
be deferred longer thau can be helped after the
honey is sealed. Special care is required in handling
newly-built combs heavy with houey in hot weather,
especially if they are not built down to the bottom
bar of the frames. The bees should in these cases bo
brushed off the combs with a feather— not shaken oil'
as is usual. Always return frames to the hive3 after
extracting in the evening, and let them be placed in
the same hives aud in the same position they filled
before the honey was removed. A little care in hand-
ling houey indoors will keep the bees from trying to
enter the house. When excluder zinc has not been
used, queens are occasionally found in supers while
clearing them of bees. A look-out is thererore neces-
sary to see that she is not thrown on the ground at a
distance from the hive aud lost. Frames from which
the honey has been extracted should he given back to
the bees to clean up before being packed away for the
winter ; always do this in the evening, as it excites
the bees a good deal, and they have time to settle
down before the morning.
Removing Honey. — Notwithstanding the receut
glorious bee-weather, the end of surplus gathering
for 1897 is rapidly nearing a close ; indeed, except in
heather districts and in the far north, the season is
now virtually over. All surplus-honey may therefore
be removed. Nothing will now be gathered over and
above what may, with real and wise economy, be left
for the bees' own winter stores. Unsealed sections
aud shallow frames should be removed and extracted
at onee, as no sealing will now be done, and the honey
will be taken down to the bottom of the hive if left
on longer. In some seasons, bees are irascible and
mischievous when being deprived of th»ir stores, aud
unless an apiary is kept quiet and free from the wild
disorder we sometimes meet with, a great deal of
annoyance may be ciused, not only to the bee-keepers
themselves, but to neighbours as well.
162
THE GAB DEN EL'S' CHRONICLE.
[Sei'tembkr 4, 1897.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
SATURDAY,
TUESDAY,
fSociete Franchise d'Horticulture of
K*i>T d) London, Meeting.
oept. 4< l3]o of wight HortiollUurai Im.
I provement Society's Meeting.
I Royal Horticultural Society's Mcct-
Sept 7 ' intf'
j National Chrysanthemum Society a
1, Early Show.
yi
MONDAY,
Sept. 6
TUESDAY, Sept.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 8
THURSDAY, Sept.
FRIDAY,
, 'Royal Caledonian Horticultura
Society's Show, Edinburgh (three
WEDNESDAY, Sept. S ( ,,dtys): . . . ,, , . „ ..
Derbyshire Agricultural and Hoi li-
cultural Society's Show, at Derby
v (two days).
SALES.
Unreserved Clearance Sale of
Ferns and other Plants, at the
Ealing Park Nursery, Windmill
Road, Brentford, re W. B.
Southee, deceased, by Protheroe
& Morris-.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe &
Morris' Rooms.
'Clearance Sale of Palms, Ferns,
Camellias, Azaleas, Ac., at The
Rose Nursery, High Street,
Clapham, by order of Mr. G. B.
Fischer, by Protheroe & Morris.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe &
Morris' Rooms,
/Sixtieth Great Annual Trade Sale
of Winter-blooming Heaths, at
the Longlands Nursery, Sidcup,
by order of Messrs. Gregory &
Evans, by Protheroe & Morris.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe h
Morris' Rooms.
'Third Great Sale of well-grown
Palms, Foliage and other Plants,
at the Kow Nursery, Richmond,
S.W., by order of Mr. K. Drost,
by Protheroe & Morris.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe &
Morris' Rooms.
(Second Annual Trade Salo of
Heaths, Roses, Ac., at the Mill
Lane Nursery, Choshunt, by
j crder of Mr. E. Rochford, by
Protheroe & Morris.
Impirtedand Established Orchids,
at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroo &
Morris' Rooms.
Averaoe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswiok.— 59°.
Actual Temperatures :—
London.— September 1 : Max., 62° ; Mln., 48".
Provinces.— September 1 : Max., 85°; Min., 55°.
A few yeara ago a mysterious
Slime-fungi. disease appeared on the Vines at
Ohiswick and elsewhere. At that
time little or nothing was known of the real
nature of the disease ; but, shortly afterwards,
some researches of MM. Viala and Sauvageau
were made public, from which it appeared that
the " browring " [brimissiire. of the French) was
due to the presence of a slime-fungus, or myxo-
mycete, closely related to that which produces
" finger-and-toe " in the roots of Crucifers.
Later researches of M. Debray and others
showed that the slime-fungus is by no means
confined to the Vine, but occurs on plants
belonging to many different natural orders,
including Rosaceous fruit-trees, indeed that it
may be considered as likely to invade any plant
under favourable conditions.
M. E. Roze, in the Bulletin of the Mycological
Society of France, t. xiii., p. 154, recently pub-
lished, gives further details of the nature and
mode of growth of the parasite, which is hence-
forth to be known as Pseudocommis vitis of
Debray. Roze detected its presence in the
tubers, as well as in the leaves of the Potato ;
that the " plasmodes," or masses of protoplasm
of which the fungus consists, might remain dor-
mant in the tubers during tho winter, to
awaken to new life in the haulm and leaves in
the following spring. The fungus was culti-
vated in various ways and on different plants
by M. E. Roze, who also succeeded in inocu-
lating with the fungus several previously
healthy plants.
Thus minute fragments of Potato infocted
with the disease woie introduced by inoculation
into the soeds of Lupins at the commencement
of germination, and when the cotyledons were
unfolded, blackish spots bordered with orange
became visible, and, when examined micro-
scopically, showed the plasmodes of the fungus.
In other cases it sufficed simply to water the
soil in which various seedlings were growing
with water known to be contaminated by tho
fungus, although the effects were not there so
rapidly apparent as in tho case of direct
inoculation.
In cultivating the fungus it was found neces-
sary to subject it continuously to a moist
atmosphere ; for where the contrary condition
prevails, the plasmodes do not mako their way
into the stem and leaves, but become encysted ou
the surface of the soil, forming cysts of an
orange colour sufficiently large to be seen by
the naked e}re. The warmth and moisture of
our vineries and forcing-houses, then, are con-
ducive to the growth of the fungus, aud M. Roze
even notes its existence in the Orchid-houses,
where :t attacked the foliage of various species
of Angrseoum, t'alanthe, Cymbidium, Lycaste,
Odontoglossum, Oncidium, and Phalrenopsi*.
A";ain, we frequently see cuttings of Pelar-
goniums after a time rot off from below up-
wards without appreciable cause. We have
generally attributed the disease to too deep
insertion of the cutting, or too deep planting
when planted out. The observations of M.
Roze render it probable that this condition is
sometimes due to the presence of a slime-fungus.
For the benefit of those of our readers
desirous of investigating the disease for them-
selves, it may be pointed out that the plas-
modes, otherwise difficult to see, are rendered
visible by the agenoy of chloro-iodide of zinc,
which brings out the characteristic orange
colour of the plasmode and its contents.
Our knowledge of tho life-habits of the
fungus is so imperfect that anything like a
cure is not at present within our reach. As
we have said, the conditions favourable for the
development of the fungus are those which are
also propitious to the Vine or other plant grown
under glass. Destruction by fire of affected
plants, or at least of tho parts known to be
affected, is the only thing that can be recom-
mended with confidence. Possibly future
experiments may reveal some means of killing
the fungus without injury to the host-plant.
Cattleya Warscewiczii "Mrs. E. Ash-
worth." — Colour variations in Cattleya Warscewiczii
of any importance are more rare than in any of the other
large-flowered Cattleyas ; and forms of the albino class,
in which the colour is almost entirely suppressed,
are extremely rare, and consequently very valuable.
When we regard the frequency of such forms in Cat-
tleya labiata Triansei and other varieties of C. labiata,
and the endless variation shown by it (which is so
great as to render the flowers of very few of its
representatives exactly alike), the circumstance is all
the more remarkable and significant in regard to
taking C. Warscewiczii out of tho true C. labiata class
in which some authorities have placed it. Cattleya
Warscewiczii "Mrs. E. Ashworth " (fig. 4", p. 163),
exhibited by Elijah Ashwoiith, Esq., of Harefield
Hall, Wilmslow, Cheshire (gr., Mr. IIolbrook), at the
Royal Horticultural Society, July 27, 1897, when it
received an Award of Merit, is one of the most beauti-
ful of the forms of the species which have yet ap-
peared, being entirely of a clear blush-white, or very
pale Peach-blossom tint, the only other colour in the
flower being a soft yellow tinge at the base of
the lip, and an almost imperceptible lilac-coloured
spot on its front. This fine novelty was purchased
some years ago with ordinary varieties of C. Warsce-
wiczii, all freshly imported, by Messrs. John Cowan
& Co., of Liverpool.
Royal Horticultural Society.— The nex
meeting of tho fruit and floral commitees of the
Horticultural Royal Society will be held on Tuesday,
September 7, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria
Street, Westminster, from 1 to 5 P.M. A lecture on
" Pitcher Plants " will be given by Mr. H. J. Veitch,
F.L.S, at 3 o'clock.
Journal of the Royal Horticultural
SOCIETY.— The August part of the Journal of the
Royal Horticultural Society (vol. xxi., part i.), con-
tains the official list of the Victoria Medallists, and
reports of the various papers read before the Society
siuce March last. Professor Marshall Ward's
paper on the mode of cultivating and observing
microscopic fungi is entitled " Microscopic Garden-
ing." It is interesting, as showing the methods
adopted by microscopists to identify tho fungi and
study their life-history. Some of the way-marks of
modern progress are mentioned, which will be of
great service to the student ; thus, it was not until
1804 that De Bart proved the penetration of the
fungus-tube of Phytophthora into the Potato plant.
Mr. Willis' paper on the employment of artificial
manures is also full of interestiug matter, important
to all gardeners. An official list is given of varieties
of Apples and other fruit which are for exhibition
purposes to be considered as for dessert or for culi-
nary use, as the caso may be. The list is, of course,
quite arbitrary, but for the sake of avoiding confu-
sion it is desirable to have a standard list like that
here given.
GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU-
TION.— We have received the following letter from
Mr. G. J. Ingram, Secretary to this Institution : —
" The Committee, Treasurer, and Trustees acting on bebalf
of the members and subscribers of the av-ove Institution, with
tho concurrence of its President, the Duko of Westminster,
recently forwarded through the Homo Secretary a loyal and
dutiful address to the Queen, for forty-six years the gracious
Patroness of the Charity, congratulating her Majesty on the
completion of the sixtieth year of her bouoficeut reign, and
I have now received the following reply from tho Rt. Hon.
Sir Matthew White Ridley, M.P.
Copt.
Secretary of State. Whitehall, S.W,
Homi-: Department. August 21, 1897.
Sir, — T have had the honour to lay before the Queen the
loyal and dutiful Address of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent
Institution, congratulating her Majesty on the completion of
the sixtieth year of her reign, and I have to inform you that
her Majesty was pleased to receive the same very graciously.
With rcforenco to tho application for permission to make
use of tho words : " Victorian Era " in connection with the
titlo of a Fund now boing raised by the Institution, I have
to acquaint you that her Majesty graciously approves of the
desired permission being granted.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
(Signed) M. W. Ridley.
G. J. Inoram, Esq.,
Secretary to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent
Institution, 50, Parliament Street, S.W.
MR. G. W. CUMMINS.— Many of our readers
will learn with regret that this well-known Surrey
gardener intends to relinquish his post at The Grange
Gardens, ^Vallington, which he has filled to the satis-
faction of his employer for a period of sixteen years.
Both master and man have to deplore the death of
their respective wives, and as Mr. Cummins tell us,
' ' a gloom has apparently been hanging over the
place," and he would like to obtain another appoint-
ment iu a healthier locality, and where the land is
better adapted for good gardening than that at The
Grange. Mr. Cummins has been a successful culti-
vator of hardy fruits, Orchids, Ferns, and exotic
plants generally.
CARNATIONS— We have received ,some beautiful
blooms of Carnations from Messrs. Laing k Mather,
Kelso-on-Tweed. They were cut from outside beds,
and the quality of them is commendable. Besides
September i, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
163
^P; :##
Fig. 47.— cattleya wabscewiozu "jirs e. ashworth." (see p. 102.)
164
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 4, 189'
some well known varieties of selfs and yellow-ground
Picotees, a few of the newer ones are represented,
and more than one promising seedling. We con-
gratulate our North Country friends upon being able
to gather such flowers from their borders at this
date.
" KEW BULLETIN."— The last number of the
Kew Bulletin, dated December, 1896, has only lately
been issued. It completes the tenth volume, and
the editor has availed himfelf of the opportunity to
give a summary of the contents of the ten volumes.
It is well known that Sir William Hooker, on
being appointed Director in 1811, made it one of
his chief objects to promote what is now called
economic botany, and to aid in the development of
the lesources of the colonies. His relations with
foreign and colonial botanists were exceptionally
extensive and intimate. By their means ho was
enabled to establish the museum of eonomic botany,
to inaugurate the series of colonial floras, and gene-
rally to lay the foundation and erect much of the
superstructure which has rendered Kew the centre
of economic botany. Sir Joseph Hooker took up
and extended his father's work. His extensive
travels necessarily brought him into contact wi'h
colonial authorities, and his own unwearied labours
enabled him, even in the midst of constant official
duties, to produce monographs on the Floras of
New Zealand and Tasmania, whilst it is but a few
months since he brought the Flora of British India
to a close. From the point of view of commercial
botany, the most important development of recent
years hss been the establishment of " botauic
stations " for the purpose of supplying trustworthy
information on the culture of economic plants, and of
facilitating the introduction or exchange of valuab'e
plants. There are now nine such stations in the
West Indies (the first dating from 18S6), five on the
West Coast of Africa, and one in Fiji. All or mo3t
of these are manned by gardeners trained and selected
for the purpose at Kew. The considerable propor-
tions that the colonial fruit trade has assumed are
largely due to the initiative or to the suggestions
from Kew. The rubber industry ha3 been fostered,
and in two years rubber was exported from Lagos to
the extent of nearly £i 00,000. The scientific work
of Kew has not been neglected, now plants havo
been described in largo numbers in the Bulletin, and
plant diseases have received much attention. An
index to the ten volumes greatly facilitates reference,
and serves to illustrate the activity that reigns at
Kew in departments of which the great mass of the
public know nothing.
" The Asa Gray Bulletin." — We have
received from the editor (Mr. Gilbert H. Hicks) a
copy of this bimonthly journal, which contains an
illustrated article on "Passion Flowers " and other
matter. We find in it notes on l: Our Native Urchids,"
and various observations on botauical matters.
"Maladies des Plantes Agricoles. "— M.
Ed. Prillieux has published, through Messrs.
FlRMIN-DlDOr ET ClE. (WILLIAMS & NoROATE,
London), the second volume of his treatise on the
diseases of agricultural plants, fruit and forest tree'.
It is devoted to parasitic fuugi, of which descriptions
and illustrations are given. In this publication, as
in most other French works of similar character,
Duchartre is credited with having discovered the
virtue* of sulphur as a cure for Vine mildew. The
date given is 1850. We have not the means of
referring to Duciiartre's paper, but we think it
most probable the eminent French botanist took the
suggestion from John Kyle, the English gardener,
who described his use of flowers-of-sulphur as au
antidote to the Vine mildew (Oidium Tuckeri), in
the Hardeners' Chronicle for July 22, 184S. Mr.
Berkeley, who described the fungus in these
columns (see the iseue for November 27, 1847),
always credited Kyle with the discovery of the
remedy. The synopsis of the genera given by M.
Prii.lieox will be very serviceable to the student
who from any cause has a difficulty in referring to
larger and more detailed volumes. A table of con-
tents and an index add greatly to the value of this
excellent book, which we commend to the notice of
our readers.
Agricultural Returns of Great Britain,
as Reg»rds Farm Crops, 1897.— The Board of
Agriculture affords the following preliminary state-
ment for 1897, compiled from the returns collected
on June i ; and com;aiisoa8 with previous years : —
Crops.
Wheat
Rarlcy
Cts
Potatos
Hay from Clover and
Rotation Grasses
Hay from Penument
Pasture
Hops
1897.
1898.
1S95.
Acres. Acres. Acres.
l,8-9,l(il 1,693,167 I.417.4S3 I
2,035,790 2,104,7ol 2,166,2'
1,036,056 3,095,488 3,296,1 6 I I
.514,91) 563,741 £41,217
2,286,261 8,171, 966 .'.303,431
1,509.977
50.S63
4,637,923 4,760,074
54, '217 58,940
1S94.
Acres.
,927,962
095,771
,253,401
504,451
■,121.9(11
1,831,759
59,535
Comparisons with 1896 and 1S95.
Crops.
Increase.
Decrease.
OverlS9c.
Over 189 5.
UnderlS96. Under 1895.
Per
Per
Per
Per
Acres.
ct.
Acres, ct.
Acres.
ct.
Acres.
ct.
Wheat
195,204
11-5
471 678 33 -.i
Birley
uS.974
3-3
130,489
»•)
Oats ...
59,432
1-9
20 ',007
79
Pot ,tos
...
58,827
19 4
;;; :'.<•:
tt 7
Hay trom
Clover .
114,295
5 3
...
17,170
li '7
Hay from
Past tre
. 127,916
2 8 2 '"."'•'.
5 3
nops
3. 154
6-2 8,077
13-7
"Th£ Record of the Royal Society."—
The Rojal Society has published a small volume
d:votedlo the record of its institution and history
and to be considered as the complement of the Year-
books recently issued. The information given herein
is, avowedly, principally historical, and has been
brought down to the present date. An account will
be found in the Record of the Royal Society's various
charters, statutes, benefactors, and trusts. Present
memlers will be interested in the biographies and
portraits of former Presidents and other officers of
tho Socioty. Among the more familiar names we
notico those of Lord Brouncker, Sir Joskth Wil-
liamson, Sir Christothbb Wren, Sir John Hockins,
and Samuel Pbpys. This latter celebrity was elected
President of the Royal Society in 1684, and remained
in that office about two years.
ACREAGE OF HOPS.— A preliminary statement
compiled from the returns collected on June 1, 1897,
showing the acreage under Hops in each county of
England in which Hops were grown, with a compara-
tive statement for the years 1896, 189.r>, and 1891,
will be found in the following table, supplied by tho
Board of Agriculture : —
Counties.
1S97.
1S96.
1895.
1894.
Acres.
Acres.
Acres.
Acres.
Berks
4
11
Gloucester
40
49
38
39
Hants
2,303
2,494
2,875
2,911
Hereford
... 6,542
6,895
7,553
7,625
Kent
.. 31,661
33.300
35,018
35,520
Monmouth
2
Salop
129
140
150
140
Suffolk
2
1
10
17
Surrey
1,416
1,623
1,783
1,93)
Sussex
... 5,174
5,908
7,469
7.5S9
Worcester
3,591
3,800
4,024
3,818
Total
... 50.SG3
51,217
58,910
59,535
Longevity of Seeds. — Botanists, who have
reason to revere the name of de Caudolle, will read
the following note with sympathy, not only for its
intrinsic interest, but also as the production of one of
the fourth generation of this famous botanical family.
M. Auguste de Candolle, who now writes to us, is
the great grandson of Auguste Pyramus de Can-
dolle, who died in 1841. " With reference to M. Ch.
Naudin's paper on the longevity of seeds and their
preservation in the earth, referred to in a recent
number of the Hardeners' Chronicle, the following
facts may be of intorest. Some time ago, I was put
in possession of some earth which had been dug up
in Peru, near the Amazon River. Less than four
days after the earth had been placed in two large
germinating pans in a hothouse, a species of grass
began to spring up, which proved to be Eleusine
indica, Stead., and of which I subsequently counted
over a hundred plants. I also detected Vandellia
Crustacea, B nth., a Spurge, and a species of Ver-
benacea?, perhaps now. These species all flowered
and produced seed in duo course. No doubt, with
proper care, and had the EleuBiue been kept down,
many more distinct species might have been rerred.
Aug. de Candolle, Genera,"
Wheat Crop of the United States —
The latest published returns for.varded to us from
Washington may thus briefly be summarised : —
The condition of winter Wheat (81'2) is 2 '7 points
higher than in June, and 5 6 poiuts higher than in
July of last year. The range is from 110 in the States
of Maryland and Virginia, to 40 in Illinois. There
are seven records of over 100 out of fifteen ; the
others range from 92 downwards. Spring Wheat
condition is given at 91"2, or 16 points higher than
in June, but 21 lower thau iu July of last year.
The average condition of spring and winter Wheat
combined (84 9) is 1*5 poiuts higher than that of the
corresponding period of last year. As to the condition
of tho crops at the close of July, the reporter
says: —
" The average condition of spring and winter VVhe it com-
bined, sl-9, is l.. points higher than thtt of the corres] I-
ing period of last year. Tho reports with regard to winter
Wheat in Now York arc, on tho whole, excellent, tho last
month having been exeeediugly favourable. From Pennsyl-
vania they indicate a full normal crop. In Maryland the
weather has been very favourable, and the crop prospects
arj very good. In Virginia the harvest is practically over,
the crop has been secured in good condition, and so far as
reported, it is of unusually good quality. In Kentucky the
crop is said to be the bast for years. In Ohio the crop has
matured fiuely nearly all over the Stite, and the quality of
the Wheat is reported as excellent. Ill Michigan the condi-
tions h ive been less favourable, the entire stand being, with
very few exceptions, thin on the ground. In Indiana the
quality of the Wheat is said to be very line, and promising a
heavy average weight per bushel. Measured by bushel's
however, it will nut be more than two-thirds of an average
crop. In Illinois an improvement during the month is re-
ported, and the quality of the grain harvested promises to be
very fine. In Missouri the crop has headed out better than
was expected a month ago. In Kansas no material change
of condition ii reported. In Texas the weather conditions
havo been favourable, except quite locally. In California
harvesting is now under full headway, the conditions having
greatly improved during the month of Juno, in Washington
and Oregon the conditions are greatly improved, but in the
latter Stato more rain is needed to insure a normal yield.
" In regard to spring Wheat, the crop seems to have held
its own in Wisconsin very well, notwithstanding unfavour-
able conditions. In Minnesota the conditions have been in
the main unfavourable, but less so in the Red River valley
than in other sections. The Iowa crop has been unravuural >l v
affected by cold aud dry weather. In Nebraska the condi-
tions have been improved by recent rains, and are, on the
whole, very good. The same is true in North Dakota."
The Massachusetts Horticultural So-
ciety was incorporated in 1829 "for the purpose of
encouraging aud improving the science and practice
of horticulture." The chief means by which this end
has been sought are horticultural exhibitions, the
library, and lectures and discussions on subjects con-
nected with horticulture. Among these the library
stands prominently as a source of scientific and
practical information on horticulture, yet it is felt
that the actual usefulness of the library is less than
its possibilities. The library appears to have attained
an extent and value exceeding that of any other
horticultural library in this country, and excelled by
few in the world. Though only members of the
society can take out books for home use, all who
desire are cordially invited and welcomed to consult
its books in the library-room, and all such will find a
great convenience in its central location — at Horti-
cultural Hall, No. 101, Tremont Street, Boston.
September 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
165
Metropolitan Parks and Open Spaces —
The London County Council "Red Book" for the
year 1896-97 was issued recently -the annual report
of tho General Purposes Committee. It has many
iuteresting features, not the least being the action
devoted to the caretaking of the public parks and
open spaces during the past twelve months. From
this we learn that the Parks' Comtnittae exercise
control over seventy-nine open space*, with an
acreage of 3,685, as against forty such spaces with
an acreage of 2,656 inherited from the deceased
Metropolitan Board of Works. Tho Committee
has continued its beneficent survey of Loudon
with a view to further acquisition, as oppor-
tunities arise, to satisfy existing or prospective
needs. The Council has, duriug the past year,
assisted the acquisition of recreation grounds in poor
and crowded districts — ■ a wise assistance — this
in Bennoudsey, Walworth, Hoxton, and Islington.
In the outlyiug and more favoured districts of Hamp-
stead and Sydenham, open spaces which were threat-
ened have been presorved, in view_of the approach
of bricks and tnortir, and no doubt wisely. One
would wish, it is stated, that the natural boundary
of our county would be a belt of green spaces, pro-
viding ample ramparts ot fresh air. Misapprehension of
the committee's intention in regard to works on Hamp-
stead Heath has probably been by thistinieallayed. Not
a ruthless vandalism, but an ;esthetic solicitude has
prompted the conmitteo to plant for tho future, so
asto preserve the picturesqueness of thepreseut, while
it has treated the gorse, says Dr. Collins, with a
reserve worthy of Linn.eus. It would be idle to
follow the Reports into the works now being done in
one or other of the parks, &c. ; they are all taking
to sanitation, pleasures, and health-giving recreation
and auiusemeut ; and the youth of to-day are fortu-
nate iu being so earnestly aud intelligently catered
for in all thit concerns physical and intullectuil
development.
Ventnor Undercliff Horticultural So
CIETY. — The sixty-second Bhow in connection with
this Society was held on Wednesday, August 25, in
Ventnor Park. Three large tents were filled with
fruits, fiowers, vegetables, and plants. The Isle of
Wight Horticultural Improvement Association Certi-
ficate wis awarded to Mr. A. Richards, gr. to
J. Jessop, Esq , Bonchurch, for an exhibit of vege-
tables. The other principal prize-winners were
Messrs. G. WiTr, J. Woods, S. Cotton, D. Day,
J. Bastibini, W. Taylor, W. Heath, F. Attrill,
Sheath and Niblett. Messrs. Peed & SoNsstagol
some blooms of Gloxinias and Tuberous Begonias aud
leives of Caladium.
The English Arboricultural Society
held their Annual Meeting at Lynn.— This
Society was founded at Hexham in 1880, with
about half-a-dozen subscribers. The number has
yearly increased, aud it has now upon its roll some-
thing like 420, with headquarters at Haydon Bridge,
Northumberland. Its object is to promote the cultiva-
tion of trees aud shrubs. Mr. F. W. Beadon is presi-
dent, and Mr. John Davidson, secretary aud treasurer.
On Wednesday, August IS, a journey was made to
Cattle Rising Hall, the seat of Sir Horace Fai:-
QUHar, M. P., and thence to the Sandringham estate
of the Prince of Wales, who provided the party
with luncheon in the splendid club room at Wolferton,
which his Rojal Highness has provided for the
benefit of the iuhabitanti. A long time was spent iu
inspecting the trees. Iu some respects, owing to the
inclement weather, the visit was disappointing.
Upon leaving Sandringham, a d'ive was taken to
Houghton, the property of the Marquis of Chol-
mondeley, where the party was deeply interested in
the magnificent avenues of Beeches, and in several
remarkably fine specimens of Cedars of Lebanon.
Lord De Grey and Wilton provided tea for them.
The annual dinner at night at the Globe Hotel, Lynn,
proved a very happy aud social reunion. Oa Thurs-
day, when the weather was perfect, the excursionists
went to Holkham Hall by the kindness of the Right
Hou. the Earl of Leicester, K.U.,Lord Lieutenant of
Norfolk. This trip was almost exclusively one of
business, and was much enjoyed. A luncheon was
provided by his lordship for the party. The last day
of the session (Friday)— another showery day — was
devoted to Meltou Constable, the seat of Lord
HasTINUs. Several places have been suggested for
uext year's meeting, and Balmoral appears to be the
most favoured. Times.
Royal Caledonian Horticultural So
ciety'S Show, September s and 9.— This
important event, as we learn at the moment of goin ,'
to press, is likely to be one of the finest displays ever
seen in the Waverley Market, the Jubilee Prizes
exciting keen competition among exhibitors from all
parts of the kingdom.
Publications Received. — Favourite Flowers
of Garden and Greenhouse. Tho 49th number of this
reprint is now ready. — Dirt ion nairc (V Horticulture el
de Jardinatjc. This has now reached the word
'' Schizocasia." — Annates Ac/vonomiques, 25th Juillct.
— Le Chryianthime, Journal de la Societd Francaiso
des Cbrysauthe'inistes, August 1. — Bulletino delta R.
Soc. Toscana di Orlicultura, July. — Die Botanischen
Institute derfreien und Hetnsstadt Hamburg, Von Dr.
A. Voigt. — Die natiirlichen Pftanzenfamilien,
Supplement and Index to part ii. — iv. —
Transactions of the Massachusetts Horticul-
tural Society for 1896, Part II. — Median's Monthly,
August, contains articles on Pentstemon barbatus and
horticultural subjects generally. — The Botanical
Gazette, June (Chicago, III.), contains: "Further
Observations on the Myxobacteriaoete," by Roland
Thaxter ; " Life History of I. ilium l'hiladelphicum,"
J. M. Coulter; " Polleu Tubes of Zrtnia," H. J.
Webber, all finely illustrated, and various notes aud
reviews. — The Botanical Gazette, July, contains :
"Notes on Zygomycetes, Syncephalastrum, and
Syncephalis," R. Thaxter ; " Development of
the Autherozoids of Zamia," H. J. Wkrber ;
" Mexictn Fun;i," E. Holway ; " Move-
ments of Diatoms." W. M. Kozlowski ; and
briefer articles. — Transactions of the Massa-
chusetts Horticultural Society for 1895, Part III.,
being a list of accessions to the library during the
year. — The Forester (Princetown, New Jersey, August*.
— Bulletins Jrom the United States Department of
Agriculture. Division of Entomology : The Use
of Steam Apparatus for Sprayiug, L. 0. Howard ;
The Asprragus Beetles, F. H. Chittenden ; Iusect
Control iu California, C. L. Marlatt ; The San
Jose Scalo — T. Cockerell. Division of Soils: —
Electrical Method of Determining the Temperature
of Soils — Milton Whitnet and Lyman J. Briggs ;
and Electrical Method of Determining tho Soluble
Salt-contents of Soils - - Milton Whitney and
Thos. Means. — Sooty Mould of the Orange and
its Treatment, by H. J. Webber. A most carefully
written aud illustrated Bulletin (No. 13) on this pest,
issjed from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. —
f'assell's Saturday J~ourn.il. The holiday number is a
double one, and contains an unusual amount of
attractive literature. — The World of Adventure
(Cassell & Co., London, Paris and Melbourne).
The new penny issue of this thrilling periodic il will
bo appreciated by all boy-readers. — Journal of the
Horticultural Society, Vol. XXI., Part 1, August. —
Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse
(Frederick Warne & Co, Bedford Street, Strand),
Vol. IV., Nos. 51 and 52.
Home Correspondence.
RARE CONIFERS. — I was delighted to find,
amongst hosts of uncommon trees and shrubs, at
Emmetts, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, the nevcly-acquired
and charmingly situated estate of F. Lubbock, Esq. ,
two Conifers, fully developed specimens of which I
had not seen before. These were the upright Silver
Fir (Abies pectinata fastigiata), and the inverted
branched spruce (Picea excelsa inverts), the former
about 45 feet, and the latter fully 30 feet high.
Mauy little-known forms of coniferous trees are
looked upon as monstrosities, aud particularly so
those iu question ; but if I am favoured with and
you will reproduce the illustrations of those that I
have been promised, your readers will agree with me
that both are well worthy of beiug cultivated. It is
very interesting to find such raro conifers in little
known and out-of-the-way places, but, as I have
before pointed out, this is the rule aud not the
exception with coniferous trees. I Baw the Japanese
Yew (Cephalotaxus pedunculata) growing well by the
lake margiu, amongst many other uncommon Coni-
fers, at Trentham, thus confirming what I have before
pointed out, that a still, damp atmosphere is con-
ducive to its well being. A. D. Webster.
ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS AS GARDENERS.
— Iu the Contract Journal for August 11, I notice
that the body known as the " Incorporated Associa-
tion of Municipal aud County Engineers," has been
holding its annual meeting iu Loudon this year,
when, as usual, it discussed subjects within and
without its own province. The municipal engineer
has — or ought to have — plenty to occupy his mind iu
his own sphere, without attending to matters which
should be dealt with by members of a different pro-
fession. I am afraid these gentlemen, as a rule, are
iuclined to believe that everything connected with a
municipality should bo under their entire supervision
and management, and they would make themselves
responsible for more than they could attend to.
These opinions are strengthened by readiug in the
above-mentioned journal one of the papers which the
members of the Association are reported to have
listened to during the meeting then held. The paper
is entitled " The Laying-out of Parks, Recreation-
Grounds, and Open Spaces," which, as may be
imagined, when delivered in connection with an
Engineers' Association, is a very poor attempt iudeed.
The old axioms, such as " No two walks should run
parallel with oue another," " For every curve there
should be some apparent reason," are trotted out as
if only now discovered. Nurserymen are indicated
as being opinionated in regard to the planting and
growing of trees, and the "author" gives them several
lessons, which, it is to be hoped, will benefit
them. Why do city engineers, as a body, regard
themselves as landscape gardeners .' Is it because
they believe it to be an art in common with the
making of roads, sewers, and such like, or is it
because they are of opinion that it is a phase of
surveying .' Whatever the reason, the sooner they give
up those ideas, and leave the laying out of public parks
to men who aro better qualified to do it, the better
it will be for the general public, and the reputation
of city engineers iu general. All that any engineer
has a right to do with the laying out of a public park
is simply in marking off the boundary, and executing
the erection of any railiug or buildings that may bo
required. As to the position and form of walks, or
tho kinds of trees, shrubs, &c, to be used, such
matters should be left to the landscape gardener,
who, being familiar with this work, and with the
trees, is the right individual to carry out such
work. Practical.
TROPICAL FRUITS. — It is surprising we do not
see more tropical fruits in the markets. What would
attract more attention at large dinner-parties during
Christmastime than a dish of Custard Apples or
Avocado Pears .' They would add the variety and
change so much needed, the flavour is so unlike that of
our owu native fruits. The two fruits mentioned I
can recommend as being very palatable. The Melon-
Pear, frequently seen two or three years since, has not
gained favour in this country. The Loquat (Erio-
botrya japonica) I am not acquainted with. 1 had a
large plant, but was not successful iu fruiting it. I
should be interested to know if it has produced
edible fruits in this country [often]. W, H. Clarke,
Wellington, Somerset.
MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA GRAPES AT SHREWS-
BURY SHOW. — I think the following particulars will
be of interest to some growers of Grapes, more
especially of the Muscat of Alexandria. The bunches of
this variety that obtained the 1st prize at the show,
were taken from Vines not cultivated iu the ordinary
manner, and Mr. Neild, the Curator of the Cheshire
Horticultural College, who exhibited them, informed
me that the eyes were put in during March, 1896, and
after becoming well-rooted, they were planted in the
vine-border. These Vines made very strong growth,
and had covered the roof and back wall by the autumn,
The rods were cut back in tho winter to about 3 feet
in height, aud this season each one was allowed to
carry one bunch, which came to about the same size
in each case as those that were shown at Shrewsbury,
166
THE GAB BE NEBS' CIIBONICLE.
[September 4, 1897.
viz., i\ lb., to ih lb. each. Considering that only eighteen
months have elapsed since the eyes were put in, I
think this is a very unusual feat in Vine culture
The Vines have made exceedingly strong growth, and
give great promise for another year. J. R.
THE PARSLEY-LEAVED BRAMBLE.— Your corre-
spondent, "A. D.," does not give this useful variety
its due amount of praise. I have grown it for years
on the poorest sandy ground, which is almost useless
for anything else, the roots being, however, heavily
mulched every winter, and every year the plants
have borne an enormous crop of fruit ; iu fact, it is
for the space it occupies the most valuable fruit that
I grow. The best bearing row is on a trellis S feet
high, running east and west ; the heaviest crop is
naturally on the south side— but the north, which
gets no sun, bears and ripens a good crop also. Of
all the fruits we grow it. is the only one which has
never failed, whatever the character of the weather.
The present is perhaps the worst fruit year we have
ever had, but the Parsley-leaved Bramble bears, as
usual, an enormous crop. Any of your readers who
are near me would do well to see the result obtained
on nearly useless land. I have counted forty-eight
good large berries iu a single cluster. Thos. Fletcher,
Grappcnhall, Cheshire.
MR. HARRISON WEIR AND HIS GARDEN.— It is all
very well to advise, but, as a rule the only garden
worthy of the name is that which has been a garden
for at least a generation. Some fifty years ago, when
I was a small boy, I commenced operations with a
Potato, which I rooted up every few days to see how
it was getting on. This, of course, proved a failure,
and unfortunately discouraged me for a time. Learn-
ing by experience, results became more satisfactory,
but still, for a time they were not much better. I had
not learnt the value of patience, and that takes a long
time to learn. The first thing is to find a suitable
spot, and this is not easy. The best man in the world
is hampered if he can only get a flat field with a
barbed-wire fence ; the place must be ready made for
him, the trees must be of good size, and he must
succeed someone else. Few gardens can be made in
a lifetime, and in any case, a good deal of knowledge
is required. Given an old crooked garden, all ups and
downs, or as an acquaintance puts it, " very unflat,"
much can be done ; but neither Mr. Harrison
Weir nor anyone else could have made such a place
as is shown in the photograph, unless his predecessor
had planted trees, and Nature provided crooked
places and big stones. A collection of fowls can be
got together in a year, but a collection of fine
trees is the work of a lifetime. One of the worst
features of the some fashionable gardens is the
bedding-out, which leaves the flower-garden bare and
miserable-looking for half the year ; it is much better
to arrange the beds so that they are never without
something of interest. As a basis for this the old-
fashioned border of herbaceous perennials is neces-
sary, with spaces between where annuals and half-
hardy plants can be sown or planted, and the ground
may be largely planted with bulbs, which grow and
die away at various seasons, and are let alone year
after year. As truly stated in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, some weeds are desirable, and such nativo
plants as Foxgloves, wild Roses, to grow wild in the
hedges, Harebells, Geraniums, Blackberries, Bul-
rushes, even fungi on rotten tree-roots, and that
abominable weed, the wild Convolvulus, if kept down
with a strong hand, all add a charm, in their
proper places. In the general arrangement of the
garden, certain points are necessary : for instance, the
entire garden should not be in sight from anyone point ;
the variety of the plants grown should be as great as
possible ; and last, but not least, every day in the
year, without exception, there should be something of
interest for all comers, and good flowers be also
always available. This means, of course, some
amount of glass, but very little of this is really needed.
Thos. Fletcher, Grappenhatt, Cheshire.
WATER - WEED. — In answer to an enquiry by
" Lexden " as to tho best meanB of destroying
Potamogeton and other such weeds in a lake, allow
me to say that if he will get a pair of swans early
next year, he will find that Potamogeton at least
will never again reach the surface of the water. Swans
will eat many water-plants, but not Polygonum
amphibium, one of tho most difficult of water-pests
to get rid of. R. Irwin Lynch.
THE MIRABELLE PLUM (versus PRUNUS MYRO-
BALANA). — Iu the admirable lecture on Plums
delivered by Mr. Pearson at the meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society on August 24, allusion
was frequently made to these Plums in regard to
their suitability for stocks, &o. Some confusion seems
to exist as to what is meant when the Mirabelle or
Myrobalana are named, the lecturer seeming to
consider them one and the same, whereas they are
as distinct as two Plums can well be. The former —
the Mirabelle— is a small round early yellow Plum,
very useful for cooking purposes. It is not much
grown in this country ; why, I do not know. In
Franco it is much esteemed. I have seen it at
Ferriires grown in pots and laden with fruit. As a
stock for the Plum this Mirabelle is, in fact, not used,
and does not appear suitable. In Dr. Hogg's Fruit
Manned it is correctly described, the following
synonyms, Mirabelle blanche, Mirabelle jauue, Mira-
belle Perle"e, Mirabelle Petite, Mirabelle Vicuno beiug
given. With regard to the Prunus Myrobalana :
this is not grown usually in this country as a fruit
tree, but as a stock for the Plum, as an ornamental
flowering tree, and as a hedgerow plant. It is one of
the earliest trees to blossom, beiug frequently in full
bloom in the end of January. Owing, no doubt, to
this early flowering, it seldom bears fruit, although I
have flowered trees of this Plum for nearly half a cen-
tury ; and fifty fruits would about represent the total
crop for the whole of that period. The fruit is below
medium size, roundish, with a nipple at the apex,
skin pale red, fle.-h pale, acid, adhering to the stone,
stalk long, slender, like a Cherry. A very poor
cropper. A very good description of it is given iu the
Fruit Manual, in which it is stated that it maybe
used more in the dessert as an ornamental variety
than for its flavour. Tho following synonyms may
be mted— Cherry, Early Scarlet, Miser Plum, Vir-
ginian Cherry. A. F. B. [In some parts of Kent
Primus Mirobalaua is fruiting heavily this year, whilst
oth°r Plums are very scarce. Ed ]
A SOUTHERN COUNTIES CARNATION SOCIETY.
— " An Old Florist " is evidently endowed with the
same quality that quasi-clairvoyants habitually have,
viz., inaccuracy. Moreover, as is usual with such
extremely 'cute critics, he hides his identity under
anonymity and endeavours to besmirch a gentleman
whose only wish is to make the above society a
success, irrespective of pecuniary considerations.
Veiled correspondents should tike the trouble to
make enquiries before making just aspersions, and
those of the " Old Florist " type ought to have
learned, at their time of life, that now and again it is
possible to meet with those who take an interest in
matters without having sordid motives. Your corre-
spondent, "A. D.," on the other hand, writes a
reasonable and sensible letter in regard to the society,
and perhaps it would lie well if his suggestions were
given consideration. FJ. P. Westlake, Southampton,
August 31.
When a correspondent writes t imply to air his
opinions, there may be some excuse fur writing
anonymously, but in personal remarks, such as
those of "Au Old Florist," I think it nie.iu and
cowardly so to do. Perhaps his letter and private
opinion may be a little at variance. I will not
intrude upon your valuable spaoo by attempting t>
provo or deny what may be said for or against the
formation of the Southern Counties Carnation
Society, further than to state there is an increasing
desire amongst the admirers of the Carnation as au
object of special culture in Hampshire, the Isle of
Wight, and adjoining counties that such a Society
should exist, as the climatic conditions in these parts
prevent our exhibitors competing on equal terms
with their northern and midland friends at the London
and other shows. However, I let the opinion, which
' Old Florist" so knowingly declares, pass for what
your readers may think it is worth, but when his
letter " reveals" such an unwarrantable and personal
attack, I think it is high time to protest ; and I must,
iu justice to myself, ask you to favour me by tho
insertion of this letter. Whether tho writer has
wilfully omitted the word gratis in his quotation
from my circular 1 cannot say, but if not a wilful, it
is a serious omission. Before the writer ventures to
express his " shrewd suspicion," or "presume" (as
a matter of course) that good must be evil, it would
be well for him to ascertain something of the standing
and bona fides of the person he accuses of interested
motives and trade tricks. For the rest allow me to
say, as one of the originators of the Society, that I
have come forward, at considerable expenditure oE
time, &c, to foster and develop the popularity of
the Carnation iu the south of England ; and what I
have offered m the way of encouragement is to give
and not to sell for personal benefit, either in the
present or future ; and I, therefore, utterly disclaim
the unworthy imputations which " An Old Florist"
makes against me. IVm. Qarton, Jan., Argyll House,
Woolston, Hants, August 31, 1897.
"An Old Florist" (on p. 118 of the Gard.
Chron.) is hardly just to the proposal to form a
South of England Carnation Society. Why, if
there be about the suggestion something of an adver-
tising element, is it any worse than is seen in traders
offering prizes to customers as inducements to
purchase seeds. What would be the much-vaunted
co-operative exhibition were it not a large trade
advertisement ? Has not the Royal Horticultural
Society for many years held out to possible Fellows
the bait of an annual distribution of plants ! and
does not even " An Old Florist " complain that
the National Carnation Society tempts members
by promises of packets of seed ? Surely Mr. Garton,
of whom I know nothing, but had imagined to be a
gentleman amateur, is not worse, and every bit as
good as others. And why should not the formation
of provincial societies lead to the wider culture of the
Carnation ? Is not the " National " after all a home
counties' show, and the Northern Society very much
a northern counties' show ? Why then not a
southern one if there bo found a sufficient number
of amateur growers to form one ? We might as
well say that with the existence of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, there is no need for the existence of
provincial horticultural societies. I say of them, the
more the merrier, so long as they have a raison d'etre
for their existence, and can by their operations show
they are filling a void, and rendering good service to
Carnation culture. A . D.
A FINE BUNCH OF BANANAS.
Our illustration (tig. 48, p. 167) shows a bunch of
Bananas grown in the gardens at Sherwood Park,
Tuubridge Wells, the residence of Lady Siemens.
The fruit was considered to be a very fine
specimen, the variety being Musa Cavendishi. It
contained 275 fingers, or pods, one of twin-shape
weighed 13 oz., while one other of the ordinary
growth turned the scale at 10 oz. The bunch of
fruit, as a whole, when cut from the plant, weighed
over 105 lb., and the fruits were of the finest quality.
The length of the bunch from the top finger, or pod,
to the bottom ouo, measured 4 fett 5 inches ; length
with stem and fruit, 5 feet 0 inches ; the height of
tho trunk of the plant was 7 feet, and that of the
leaves 8 feet. The plant was grown in a border
4 feet wide, 2 feet deep, with a flow and return-pipe
for bottom-heat. The soil is old pasture-loam of a
rather sandy nature. The plaut was fed during its
period of growth with farmyard liquid-manure, and
with several top-dressings of Thomson's Vine and
Plant Mauuro forked into the soil, followed with an
application of water. The temperature of the house
iu the winter mouths ranged from 65° to 70°, and in
summer, 70° to 80°, with abuudauco of moisture. For
many years Bananas have been very successfully
cultivated at Sherwood Park, and about sixteen years
ago a fruit was exhibited at the Royal Horticultural
Society's show in London, which attracted much
attention in horticultural and other circles, its weight
being 74 lb. Bananas are never planted at Sherwood
except when the sucker comes up out of place, and
the border has not been entirely renewed since its
first formation about twenty years ago. D. MeKenzie.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION.
(Com- 1 1'.< l-d front p. 149.)
Section K. — botany.
Professor H. Marshall Ward, Sc.D., F.U.S, delivered his
presidential address, which was exceedingly long and
t conical, He said :—
The competent historian of our branch of science will have
no lack of materials when he comes to review the progress
of botany during the latter half of the Victorian reign. The
task of doing justice to the work in phanerogamic botany
alone, uuder the leadership of men like Hooker, Asa Gray,
Mueller, Engler, Warming, and the army of systematists
so busily shifting the frontiers of the various natural groups
of Itowcring plants, will need able hands lor satisfactory
treatment. A mere sketch of the influence of Kew, the
principal centre of systematic botany, and of the active con-
tingents of Indian and colonial botanists working under its
inspiration, will alone require an important chapter, and it
will need full knowledge and a wide vision to avoid inade-
quacy of treatment of its powerful stimulus on all depart-
September 4, 189?-]
THE GAfiDENEfiS' CHRONICLE.
167
nienta of post-Darwin! m botany. The Genera Planlavum,
the Flora of India, suffice to remind us of the prestige of
England in systematic botany, and the influence of the large
and growing library of local and colonial floias we owe to
the labours of Bentham, Trimen, Clarke, Oliver, Baker,
Hemsley, Branfis, King, Gamble, Balfour, and the present
Director of Kew, is more than merely Imperial. The
progress in Europe and America of the other departments
of botany has been no less remarkable, and, indeed, histo-
logy and anatomy, comparative morphology, and the
physiology and pathology of plants have perhaps been
advanced even more rapidly because the ground was newer.
In England the work done at ('am' ridge, South Kensington,
and elsewhere, and the publication in the Annate of Botany,
and other journals, sufficiently bear witness to this.
for priority arc apt to accompany these subdivisions of
labour ; and those of us who are most intimately concerned
with the teaching of botany will do well to take he:d of these
sigus of our times, and distinguish between the healthy
specialization inevitably due to the sheer weight and magni-
tude of our subject, and that incident on other movements and
arising from other causes. The teaching and training in a
university or school need not be narrow because its research
laboratories are famous for special work. One powerful
cause of modern specialization is utility. The develop-
ment of industries like brewing, dyeing, forestry, agriculture,
with their special demands on botany, shows one phase ; the
progress of bacteriology, palaeontology, pathology, economic
and gcographicd botany, all asking special questions,
suggests another. In each cise moa are encouraged to go
Fig. 48.— bunch op kanakas grown in lvdy Siemens' garden,
sherwood park, tunbridck wells. (.see p. 1g6.)
A consequence his been the specialisation which must soon
be openly recognised — as it already is tacitly — in botany as in
oological and other branches of science. No note has b2en
more clearly sounded than this during tho past twenty-five
years, as is evident to a I who hivo seen the origin, rise, and
progress of our modern laboratories, special journals, and
even the gradual subdivisions of this association. We may
deplore this, as some deplore the departure of the days when
a naturalist was expected to teach geology, zoology, and
botany as a matter of course ; but the inevitable must come
Already the establishment of bacteriological laboratories and
a huge special literature of zymo-technical laboratories and
courses on the study of yeast and mould fungi, of agri-
cultural stations, forestry and dairy schools, and so on— all
these are signs of the inexorable results of progress. There
are disadvantages, as the various Ceni'albUUter and sp cial
ournals show ; for hurried work and feverish contentions
more and more deeply into the particular problems raised
Identification of flowers in Egyptian tombs, of pieces of wood
in Roman excavations, the sorting of hay-grasses for analysis,
or seeds in the warehouses ; the special classifications of
Beedlings used by foresters, or of trees in winters, and so on,
all afford eximples. It is carried far, as witness the immense
labour it is found worth while for experts to devote to
the microscopic analysis of seeds and fruits liable to adultera-
tion, or to the recognition of the markings in imprints of
fossil leaves, or of characters like leaf-scars, bud-scales, len-
tieels, and so on, by which trees may be determined even
from bits of twigs.
If we look at the great groups of plants from a broad point
of view, it is remarkable that the fungi and the phanerogams
occupy public attention on quite other grounds than do the
algae, mosses, and Ferns. Alga; are especially a physiologists'
group, employed in questions on nutrition, reproduction,
cell - division, and growth ; tho Bryophyta and pterido-
phyta are, on the other hand, the domain of the morphologist
concerned with academical questions, such as tho alternation
of generations and the evolution of the higher plants.
Fungi and phanerogams, while equally or even more
employed by specialists in morphology and physiology,
appeal widely to general interests, and evidently on the
ground of utility. Without saying tint this enhances the
importance of other groups, it certainly does induce
scientific attention to them. I need hardly say that com-
parisons of the kind lam making, invidious though they
may appear, in no way imply detraction from the highest
honour deservedly paid to men who, like Thuret, Schmitz,
and Thwaites in the past, a .d Bornet, Wille, and Klevs
in the present, have done and are doing so much to advance
our academical knowledge of the Algae; and Klebs' recent
masterpiece of sustained physiological work, indeed, pomises
to be one of the most fruitful contributions to the study of
variation that even this century has produced. Nor must we
in England forget Farmer's work on Ascophi/Uum, and on the
nuclei and cell-divisions of Htpatkas ; and while Bower and
Campbell have laid bare by their indefatigable labours the
histological details of the mosses and vascular cryptogams,
and carried tho questions of alternation of generations and
the evolution of these plantssofar that it would almost seem
little remains to be done with Holfmoister's brilliant concep-
tion but to ask whither it is leading us, the genetic relation-
ships have become so clear, even to the details, that the recent
lis.-,, very by Ikeno and Hiraseof sporraatozoids in the pollen
tubes of C'ycas and Gingko almost loses its power of surprising
us, because the facts fit in so well with what was already
taught us by these ani other workers. It is impossible to
over-estimate the importance of these comparative studies,
not. ,uly of the recent vascular cryptogams, but also of the
fossil pteridophyta, which, in the hands of Williamson. Scott,
and Seward, are yielding at every turn new building stones
and explanatory charts of the cdific-3 of evolution on the
lines laid down by Darwin. All these matters, however,
serve to prove my present contention, that the groups re-
ferred to do not much concern the general public; whereas,
on turning to tho fungi and phanerogams, wo find quite a
different state of affairs.
It. is very significant that a group like tho fun>i Bhould
have attracted so much scientific attention, and aroused
popular interest at the tunc time. In addition to their
importance from more academical points of view the fungi
appeal to wider interests on many grounds, but especially on
that of utility. Tho fact that fungi affect our lives directly
has been driven home, and whether as poisons or foods,
destructive moulds or fermentation agents, parasitic mil-
dews or disease germs, they occupy more of public interest
than all other cryptogams together, the flowering plants
alone riva'ling them in this respect.
UTILITARIAN BOTANY.
A marked feiture of the period we live in will be great
advances made in our knowledge of the uses of plants. Of,
course, this development of economic botany has gone hand
in hand with the progress "I geographical botany and the
extension of our planting and other interests in the colonies,
but the useful applications of botany to the pro esses of
home industries ire increasing also. The information
a quired by travellers exploring new countries, by
orchid -collectors, prospectors for new fibres or india-
rubber, or resulting from the experiences of planters,
foresters, and observant people, living abroad, has a
valuo in money wnich does not here concern us : but it his
also a value to science, for the facts collected the specimens
brought home, the processes observed, the rc-ohs. [analyses,
the suggestions gathered— in short, the puzzles propounded
by t cso w.ndcrers-all stimulate research, and so have a
value not to be expressed in terms of money. The two react
mutually, and I am convinced that the stimulus of tho
questions asked by commerce of botanical science has hid,
and is having, an important effect in promol ing its advance.
The beit proof to be given of the converse -that botany is
re illy u -cful t . commerce -is afforded by the ever-increasing
dcrn inds for answers to the questions of the practical man"
At the risk of touching the sensibilities of those who main-
tain Ihat a Cniversity shou'd regard only the purely
academical aspects of a science, I propose to discuss some
cases where the reciprocal influences of applied, or useful,
and purely academic, or useless botany — useless, be-
cause no use has yet been made of it, as some
one has wittily put it — have resulted in gain to
both. In doing this I wish to clearly state my con-
viction that no scientific man should be guided or
restricted in his investigations by any considerations
whatever as to the commercial or money value of his results
—to patent a method of cultivating a bacillus, to keep secret
the composition of a nutritive medium, to withhold any
evidence, is anti-scientific, for by the nature of the case it is
calculated lo prevent improvement— i.e., to impede progress.
It is not implied that there is anything intrinsically wrong
in protecting a discovery— all I urge is that it is opposed to
the scientific spirit. But the fact that a scientific discovery
is found to have a commercial value also— for instance,
Wehmer's discovery that the mould fungus, Citroyomyces,
will convert 50 per cent, of the sugar in a saccharine
solution to the commercially valuable citric acid, or
Matruchet's success in germinating the sjiores of tho
Mushroom, and in sending puro cultures of that valuable
agaric into the marktt — is no argument against the
scientific value of the research. There are in agriculture,
forestry, and commerce generally, innumerable and in>2>ortant
questions for solution, the investigation of which will need
168
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[&EITEMBER 4, 1897.
all the powers of careful observation, industrious recording,
and thoughtful deduction of which a scientific man is
capable. But while I emphatically regard these and
similar problems as worthy the attention of botanists, and
recognize frankly their commercial importance, I want
to carefully and distinctly warn all my hearers against sup-
posing that their solution should be attempted simply because
they have a commercial value. It is because they are so full
of promise as scientific problems that I tbink it no valid
argument against their importance to theoretical science that
they have been suggested in practice. In all these matters
it seems to me we should recognize that practical men
are doing us a service in setting questions, because they set
them definitely. In the attempt to solve these problems we
may be sure science will gain, and if commerce gains also, so
much the better for commerce, and indirectly for U3. But
that is not the same thing as directly interesting ourselves in
the commercial value of the answer. This is not our function
and our advice and researches are the more valuable to com-
merce the less we are concerned with it. It is clear that the
magnitude of the subject referred to is far beyond the
measure of our purpose to-day, and I shall restrict myse'f to a
jhoit review of some advances in our knowledge of the fungi
made during the list three decades. Profe.'sor Ward then
proceeded to show, in somewhat minute detail, the bearing
of these researches on fungi in variousindustries, as brewing,
butter-making, cheese-making, forestry, &c.
Among the papers which have been read in the Botanical
Section were several relating to forestry in Canada and the
United Sta'cs.
Mr. G. P. Hughes gave a description and measurement of
Coniferous trees, grown from Yosemite Valley seed, conveyed
by the author in 1S74, and cultivated in England The
description of these Conifers tends to show that most of the
California^ and British Columbian species thrive well on
congenial soil and stations in Great Britain, and that as trees
of ornament, shelter, and commercial value, they are well
Worth cultivating. Californian and Biitish Columbian Red-
wood now produced Is. 11-/. per cubic foot in the English
market, yellow Pine, 2s. 6d. ; Pitch Pine, Is. Gd. per cubic
foot.
FUNGUS.
Prof, ssor Marshall Ward, the President of the section, read
a paper on " Stereum hirsutum, a Wood-destroying Fungus."
lie has cultivated this fungus from the spores, on steri-
lifed wood bloiks, and has not only obtained very vigorous
pure cultures, and traced the action of the mycelium week
by wetk on the elements of the wood, but has obtained
spore bearing hymenea, and worked out the life-history very
completely. The fertile hymeninm arises in about three to
four months. In destroying the wood the fungus deligni-
fies the inner layer of the walls of the wood elements, and
in three months' cultures and upwards these turn blue in
chloi zinc iodine, and are shown by other re-agents to undergo
alteration to cellulose-like bodies before their final consump.
tion by the fungus,
Mr. Harold Wager discussed the nucleus of the yeast plant.
Mr. W. G. P. Ellis described a disease of Tomatos. From
dise ised Tomatos received in August, 1896, from Jersey, the
ass i i .led fungi and bacleria wen.' isolated and cultivated on
nutrient gelatine, and the mycelium was traced in sections
of the fin ts. on removing the Brat skin with carefully
st irillaed instruments the mycelium within the fruit formed
in a short time the well known sporangiophores of Mucor
stolonifer. Though lit) in the season (August 31, 1S96),
inf ctio i of Bouni plants at the University Botanic Gardens,
Cambridge, from pu c cultures caused a disease resembling
that of the fruits received in August and September from the
grower. Experiments are in progress to determine (1) whether
the fungi obtained, other than Hucor stolonifer, cause d-sease,
and (2> the site of infection,
PRESERVATION OK VEGETABLE BPEl IMENS.
T..e report of the committee appointed to report on the
best means uf preserving vegetable specimens for exhibitions
in museums was presented. The committee since presenting
their interim repurt have continued their inquiries and in-
vestigations, the result havicg been largely to confirm the
statements already presented. Thus for preserving speci-
mens in a liquid medium, alcohol on the whole yields the best
results, in spite of its discolourizing action. Rapid killing and
in some cases special methods of bleaching the specimens
before immersion in the alcohol are additional precautions
which it is desirable to observe. For bulky objects, or for
others in which flaccidity occasions no disadvantage, formalin
may be used in 5 per cent, to 16 per cent, of the commercial
solution. No better methods of mounting specimens for exhi-
bition purposes have been devised than tbose in use in the
Museum of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh, an
account of which is included in the interim n port already
referred to.
THE BVOR S( OPE.
Mi- Francis Darwin gave a preliminary account of a new
method of investigating the behaviour of stomata. The
method resembled in principle Stahl's cobalt test, inasmuch
as it only indirectly indicated the condition of the stomata.
The instrument made use of was a hygroscope, depending
for its action on tbe extreme sensitiveness to watery vapour
of certain substances. The best mate ial consisted of thin
sheets of horn treated in a special manner, and known as
" Chinese sensitive leaf " When this membrane was placed
on a damp surface it instantly curved with the concavity
away from the source of moisture. If one end of a strip of
the material was fixed to the lower surface of a block of cork,
and placed on the stornatal face of a leaf, it was clear that
only the free end could rise. It was on this principle that
the hygroscope was constructed, the angle to which the
hygroscope tongue rose being a rough indication of the
degree of transpiration. Thus, on a leaf having stomata only
below, the index of the hygroscope remained at zero on the
upper surface of the leaf, while on the lower side it instantly
rose to an angle varying with the condition of the stomata.
If they were widely open, the angle would be 30° or 40° to a
horizontal line; if closed, the reading would be zero on both
surfaces of the leaf. With this instrument a number of
well-known facts in tbe physiology of the stomata could be
easily demonstrated.
CROSS-FERTILISATION OF PLANTS.
Mr. William Saunders, Director of the Dominion experi-
mental-farms, gave a most interesting account of the results
achieved in experiments in the cross-fertilisation of plants,
trees and shrubs. The work included experiments with
varieties of the Gooseberry, Red and White Currant,
Black Currant, Raspberry, Blackberry, Grape, Apple, Pear,
Plum, Cherry, and Peach, also with different sorts of
Wheat, Barley, Oits, Peas, and Rye, an1 with several
species of wild flowers and ornamental shrubs. Among
the most interesting results obtained with fruits were
mentioned a hybrid between the Black Currant and Goose-
berry, which strikingly shows the influence of both parents;
a valuable yellowish -green Grape, known as Kensington,
which is a cross between Clinton and Buckland's Sweet-
water ; several dark-purple Raspberries, produced by crossing
the Black and the Red R spberry ; a large number of Seedling
Apples, crosses between the Siberian Crab and the hardiest
of the cultivated Apples ; and a hybrid between the Sand-
Cherry and a cultivated Plum. This latter hybrid and the
crosses with the Apple are expected to give very hardy trees
suitable for growing in the North -West Territories. Some
very promising new varieties of Wheat have been protluced
by crossing Ladoga with Red and White Fife. One of those,
known as Preston, ripens earlier than Red Fife, and in tbe
tests of last season stood ahead of that variety and of all
others in productiveness. Very distinct hybrids between
two-rowed and six rowed Barley have been produced, some
of which may prove commercially valuable. In ornamental
shrabs an interesting hybrid was obtained between two
species of Barborry, the resulting shrub showing clearly the
effects of the cross in the flowers, fruit, leaves, and general
habit.
In tin afternoon Mr. A. C. Seward gave a lecture on
fossil plants.
they should be blocked up at the back and front to
admit plenty of air. At no time after the plants have
become established should the lights be closed, except
there be hard frost and sno v, when they will need to
be covered with mats. Parsley may be grown well and
with certainty by this method, for in such a structure
the roots and stems can be kept in that dry state
which is so indispensable to their health in the winter
season. H. T. M.f Stoncleigh.
ON GROWING PARSLEY FOR
WINTER USE.
It is important to have a constant supply of fresh
gieen Farsley throughout the year, but more especi-
ally is this useful plant in greatest demand in winter,
when a supply cannot be maintained without con-
siderable care and attend m.
Some varieties are more susceptible to cold than
others, therefore it is necessary to have seed from a
good strain.
Parsley for the winter supply ia grown in various
ways, but the best result I have seen followed the
method I will now endeavour to describe. It is recom-
mended to BOW the seed in the month of May, in
drills 12 or 15 inches apart, on a south border.
When the rou^h leaf appears they should be somewhat
severely thinned", say from 6* to !> inches apart in the
rows, to afford each plant ample Hpace for its fu'l
dovelopmtnt. Not only will superior quality be thus
insured, but a heavier bulk may be obtained
from a given area, should" the plant* be allowed
to grow thickly together. Close attention is neces-
sary as to weeding and wateiiug, as occ iBion tnny require.
Hy the end of August they will have become large
and vigorous, when a position ahouM be chosen in
some sbeltere 1 part of the garden on which to erect
n structure tor.c^ive them, viz , a three-light frame or
more, according to the requirements of the establish-
ment. The mot important point is to provide
efficient drainage, for there is no doubt that more
Parsley is aunually lost through insufficient drainage
thau from actual frost. A quautity of brick-rubble
should be laid at the bottom to the depth of 9 inchts,
so that the bed m iy be raised above the general level
of the ground. The frame should then be placed on
this ; next a slight covering of rough leaves or stable-
mauure, and last'y a gotd laytr of prepared soil, which
must neither le too light or too rich. A suitable
compost will consist of three parts loam, one of leaf soil,
one of decomposed cow-manure, an 1 one part mortar-
rubble ; the whole should l>3 well mixed before
being placed in the frame. Press the soil firmly as
it is thrown in, making it up to within 0 or
8 inches of the glass, and rake the surface level.
Before removing the plants give them a thorough
soaking with water. It is a good plan to remove a
portion of the leaves from the plants about a fort-
night before they are lifted from the seed-bed, as by
s > doing the plants will receive less check than would
otherwise be the case. The roots may be planted at
about 6 inches apart each way, after which they
should be watered and kept moderately close for a
few days, shading from bright sunshine. When
established, give abundance of air, and 6nally remove
the lights entirely, except daring rainy weather, when
SOCIETIES.
BRIGHTON AND SUSSEX HORTI-
CULTURAL.
August 24, 25, — This was one of ths best of several goo 1
summer shows held by the above Society. The Dome, Corn
Exchange, nnd Lawn proved norre too ample for the many
(660) exhibits and classes (107). A prominent feature was the
number and excellence of non-competitive exhibits. Mtssrs.
Balchin & Sons, Hove ; Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea;
Messrs. Peed & Son, West Norwood ; and Messrs. Laimj &,
Sons, Forest Hill, were lach awarded the Society's Silver
Medal for their collections. There were many other
exhibits, but these were of notable exeelU-nee.
As most of the classes were wtH tilled, and many of
them drew forth unusually strong competition, we can only
give the chief winners in the most important classes.
Groups. — In the open class for miscellaneous plants, Mr.
W. C. Hollands, Tunbridge Wells, won from Mr. G. Mills
Dyke Road, Nursery, Brighton, both groups being well let
up, but the first-named was an extremely light and pretty
arrangement. The Corporation Challenge Cup and a Silver
Medal went with the 1st prize.
Brighton makes a feature of its groups, and that of Fei ns,
from Mr. G. Miles, Dyke Koad, was well setup, just beating
Mr. Adauios, gr. to the Rev. Sir Georoe SbitTNER, Bart.,
Hamsey, Lewes.
Mr. Turner, gr. to Sir Greville Smvtiie, Wick Hall, Hove,
won for a group of miscellaneous plants in the division for
amateurs and gentlemen's girdeners only.
Tables op- Flowering and Foliage Punts were good,
Mr. Lawrence, gr. to T. Ol IVER, Esq., Taubridge, Horsham,
winning ; froiw Mr. W. C, Hollands, closely followed by Mr.
G. Miles. In the amateurs' division a table of plants
arranged against a wall was a pretty and useful feiture;
this was ieoured by Mr. T. Wells, 24, St. Mar.in's Street,
Brighton.
Planis were very good and clem, the colour and n ish in
those from J. Warren, Esq , Handeross Park, Crawley, and
Mr. A. G.bsou, gr. to T. F, Burnahv Atkins, E*q., Hal-dead
Place, Scvenoaks, being worthy of special note.
Mr. Giihon beat Mr. Warren for six stove and greenhouse
plants in bloom ; but Mr. Wirren was ahead for six Exotic
Feras, a specimen Craton (very bright), a specimen Palm,
and a stovo or greenhouse pl»nt in bloom.
Mr. T. l'\ii>s, gr. to U. Clowes, Esq , Clayton, Hassocks,
won from Mr. hJ. Meachein, gr. to Miss Armstrong, Woodslee,
Preston, for twelvo Begonias ; Mr. E. Uo^ li .g, gr. to Miss
Will bit, Huratpierpoiut, beating Mr. Fairs for oix
Gl ixinias.
Mr. Lawrence be.it Mr GaRNETT for six Ctotona ; but the
positions were reverse! for bix very highly • coloured
Draca-nas,
Mr. Lawrence, M.ssrs. W. Miikj & Co., Hove, and Mr. J.
Warren, won in this order fur some well-grown table-plant") ;
while for a small collection of Orchid's in bloom, Mr. J
Harper, gr. to E A. Tucker, Esq , Voinon Lodge, Preston,
beat Mr. 1L Game It, gr. to R. G. Fletcher, Esq, Mount
Harry, Preston.
Cur Flowers. — Twenty-four varieties of stove and green-
home flowers found Mr. W. Archer, gr. to Miss Gib-on,
Saffron \V..KUn , Essex, well in front, and the Society's Silver
Medal was justly awarded. Mr. W. Taylor, Hampton,
Middlesex, and Mr. T. Durrant You.no, Eastbourne, weie
tbe only competitors for twenty-four cut Roses, and were
awarded Is* and 2nd prizes respectively.
Mr. Ha RBI 8, Denne Pa-k, Horsham, won from Mr. T. D.
Yocno for twelve Teas or Noisette Roses.
Dahlias ware exceptionally good and numerous. Mr. T.
Mortimer won for forty -eight varieties of show and fancy
blooms; Mr. F. W. Seale, Sevenoaks, following. Mr. F. W.
Seale was ahead of Messrs. Kevnes & Co., Salisbury, for
twenty-four singles, and also for twolve Pompons; but
Messrs. Keynes & Co. were well in front for twelve bunches
of Cactus varieties. All of these were well staged, and they
made a most effective show.
Fruit was well coloured, and of good quality. For
thr^e bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes, Mr. T. Dancy,
gr. to E. J. Pope, Esq., Horsham, won with well-finished
examples ; Mr. D. Gibson won for three bunches of black
and three of white Grapes; and Mr. Harris, Horsham, for
one bunch in the amateurs' division. Mr. Lawrence was
1st for two Melons. Mr. F. Potter, gr. to R. Worslev, Esq ,
Cuckfield, won for two dishes of Peaches. Nectarines, Pears
and Apples were also good. Mr. J. Gore, Polegate, was well
ahead of Mr. Goldsmith, gr. to Sir E. Loder, Bt., Leonardslee,
Horsham, in i strong elass for a collection of fruit.
September 4, 1397.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
169
Vki.f.i'ables. — It was remarked bow gnod these were not-
withstanding the weather had been exceptionally dry in this
district. The Bronze Medal and 1st prize was awarded to Mr.
W. Manton, gr. to Mra. Clifford Bower, Picknell, Bolney,
for a collection of nine distinct dishes in the open division ;
while the special class, open to gardeners only, found Mr. H.
Knight, gr. to Mrs. Bannister, Ouckfleld, well ahead. Both
were strongly contested classes ; as also was that for six
dishes of Potatos, in which Mr. P. Draycott, gr. to Lieut-Col.
Dudley Sampson, Lindfield, won.
Among other exhibits not for competition we especially
noticed a collection "f Dahlias, he, from Messrs. J. Cheal
ii Sons, Crawley; and some good Tea and Noisette Roses from
Mr. G, M. Piper, Uckfield, Sussex.
KINGSWOOD HORTICULTURAL.
Ai'HLTsi 25.— This Society, which was formed only six
j ens ago, has greatly prospered. Kingswood is a great
industrial district, lying on an elevation east of Bristol,
favoured in ninny ways for the culture of plants, and
ivmong the working-classes thero are a great number of keen
Horists. who have small houses in which they grow plants to
gteaj perfection, and in the open they produce excellent cut
Hovers. The inhibit mts take a great interest in their
annual show; they decorate streets and houses, and now
Hi. to is a line of electric cars running from Bristol to Kings-
w I, thousands of persons come out from the city t > see
the exhibition. The tents were in a field adjoining the
Vicarage.
Certain classes open to all attract line exhibits; thus, Mr.
.1 C.\ Cher, of Cheltenham, showed sixteen stove and green,
house plants, and he won with ease the handsome 1st prize.
Mr. Cypher also won the handsome Silver Cup offered for a
group of not less than 100 feet; it was a superb arrange-
me t. Mr. Wilkins, gr. to Lady Theodora Quest, low I
I loose, lilandfonl. was 2nd. There were very fine double and
- in I.' (lowered Begonias; superb specimen Fuchsias from
the Trowbridge district, and others. In the amateurs'
dnisin, open to all, Mr. Geo. Ticker, Hllperton, Trow-
brftd ' took the 1st prize forsix fine specimen stove and green-
boaae plants ; Mr. Wincing being again 2nd. In the cot-
i i t division there were also wolt-grown plants, in many
respects teyond the quality usually seen.
Th. ie is always a good show of cut flowers at Kingswood.
The best twenty-four varieties of Roses in trebles came from
Mr. S Tick- 11. i i:, I irdifl: and the best twelve from Mr.
Thomas Horbs, Lower Easton, Brisl..! Dahlias were well
shown, Mr. T. HoBBS taking the 1st prize with twenty-four
blooms; Mr. G. Htm rutting, Chippenham, had the best twelve
fancies ; single and Cactus varieties were also shown. The
pretty Pimponsdonot as yet find a place in the schedule
Hone very good quilled Asters were staged; the Comet
lype represented the flat petalled varieties. In all other
classes for cut blooms, and they were many, good quality
prevailed.
Fruit was fairly go id ; ;m I Vegetables numerous and very
BATTLE FLOWER SHOW.
An.iisr 25.— This event, in which not only the exhibitors
but Ihe whole neighbourhood tike a warm personal Interest,
was held on the above dale. A heavy thunderstorm, attended
by hail and rain, mined its success financially, but t' e show
was well up to the average. This tocitty allows the two il!-
(I. lined classes, amateurs and cottagers, to enter the lists
together in Division II , to the occasional discomfiture of the
lirst-named; but doubtless tho encouragement given to
cottage gardene s by the Duchess of Cleveland, Lord Bra sey,
and his family, who offer substantial prizes, is the main
.I e of this.
Hi. exhibitors of both dowering and foliage plants were
much the same as shared the honours at Hastings ; but the
fruit stlged was larger in quantity, and better in quality.
Mr. W. Allen, gr. to Lord Brassev, secured the lion's share
of the prizes. In some classes be was very closely run by
Mr. .1. Gore, fruit-grower, Polegate, whose Gros Maroc
Grapes were faultless, while Mr. Allen's Muscat of Alex-
andria were perfection itself.
American Peaches were to the fore, Sea Eagle taking both
1st and 2nd prizes in Division I. Gripes were very good ;
three bunches of BCadresfield Court, shown by Mr. J. Gore,
were models of culture and finish.
Plums are always a great feature here. Mr. B. II. Thorpe,
Battle, again took 1st honours with Transparent Gage, their
luscious pulp showing golden yellow through their delicate
skin. The 1st prize for culinary Plums was aAarded to a
fine dish of the old Plum, Belle dc I.ouvain, and 2nd to
Victoria, which variety originated in Sussex.
Morcllo Cherries were tine and clean, Mr. Allen securing
lsl prize for a plate of fifty fruits.
Pears.— 1st, Clapp's Favourite, Mr. J. Gore; 2nd, to Sou-
venir du Congres, not so named.
Culinary Apples. —1st, \V. Allen, with a handsome dish of
l'casgood's Nonsuch ; 2nd, Warner's King, by A. Hewitt,
gr to Captain Ellice.
Dessert Apples.— 1st., W. Allen, with Irish Peach; 2nd,
Mr. Thomas Wannock, with Lady Sudeley.
For a collection of eight dish s, 1st, Mr. J. Gore, Polegate ;
2nd, to the Abbey Gardens (Mr. Camm).
Nothing calling for notice was shown in Division II., but
the cottagers' class produced some excellent dishes of culi-
nary Apples, Mr. T. Brvant, Newport, securing an easy 1st
wiih Glory of Hants; while Mr. R. Saunders, Netherfjell,
was a close 2nd, with Potts' Seedling.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
August 26.— On the occasion of this meeting, \fu. Thomp-
son, Esq., Walton Grange, took the Chair.
The number of exhibits was few, but many of them were
distinguished for high quality, and thirty-four plants were
submitted to the committee.
Wm. Thompson (Mr. Stevens, gr.), showed Cattleya Claskel-
liana Nellie (Awar.l of Merit), a freely formed flower of the
lighter strain, also Cattleya speeiosissimi (Award of Merit);
this was a flower good in every point, with two white spots
on the lip, which formed a good contrast with tho shaded
blush tints of the rest of the flower; the pretty Oncldlum
venustum (Rolfo), with flowers the colour of O. concolor, but
not as large. It received a Cultural Certificate, but an
" Award of Merit" would have been a more fitting award.
A. Warburton, Esq., Vine House, Haslingden (Mr. Tlu.s.
Lofthouse, gr '. showed Cypripe lium Lawrenceanum
Hyeanum. This deservedly received a First-class Certificate.
'In. .mas Stutter, Esq., Stand Hall (Mr. R. Johnson, gr |,
sent a number of valuable plants, the more prominent
being Cypripcdiinn Lord Derby (First-class Certificate'. Tin's
isa very large flower, somewhat similar to (.'. x Morgan! e Bur-
fordenso. It is a cross be tween Rotbschildianum and super-
biens, and is an improvement on either of them. The chief
gain in the progeny lies in the broad lcavod sepals and petals,
and in the Indian-red spottin g of the lip, which is of a highi r
colour than in the pollen parent ; it was a well grown plant.
Along with this was a plant of Lselio Cattleya Nyssa snperba
(Award of Merit). This is a brilliant II. over,' and might have
deserved a higher award as a seedling of Lselio Cattleya
crisps y, with Cattleya gigas. The I.. lia pnrpurati Blon
heimense from the same exhibitor < Award of Merit) is an
effective flower ; and Cattleya gigas delieata (Award ..f Merit )
is one of the prettiest of that showy section.
Simi si Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (Mr. R. McLeod, gr )
showed Cattleya x Mary Gratrix = 0. Morisoni, or rather
C. intermedia and C. Schofieldi ma ; the peach-coloured
ground of C. Harrison! and the spotting of c. Schofleldinna
were very obvious, the whole Bower forming an inter, no
object lesson for hybridists. The same exhibitor had I vpri
pedium • Chapmani, Gratrix':, variety (Award of Merit); and
Cypripedium ■ Callo-Rothschildianum = Rotbschil.h mum
album, both "f whi h are fine gains in their way.
Mr. J. Anders. in, Wallace Avenue, exhibited Cattleya
Harrison! guttata, in which the whole of the sep.il- and
pel ils wore regularly covered with cherry-red spots on a
peach-coloured ground, through and through Ihe fabric; he
si .. showed a pretty ■ ..loured form of the pale dowered
section of r'altleya Seh.. li.-ldiana— a very striking form m I
several showy ( attleyas of the finest quality, incliidin. r
superba,
E. J. Sidebotham, Esq., Erlsdene, Bowdon (Mr. Shiner,
gl l, had a remarkable example of Cattleya leopoldi, the
flowers of which remind one of Oak leaves in October ; the
plant is not vigorous, but the flowers are of fine size, and
found favour with the committee, who awarded it a First-
el iss i tartificate.
T. I.efmann, Esq., West Bank House, Heaton Mersey (Wr.
Edge, gr.), showed some very choice plants, the most striking
of which was by. is e leucantha [whose ?], which the coai-
mittee asked to see again ; also Dendrobium Victorias regina,
Cattleya anrea, and several others.
II Greenwood, Esq., Highneld House, Haslingden (Mr.
Spurr, gr.), showed Zygopetalum Gautieri (Award of Merit),
growing on a Tree Fern stem, tho flowers looking all the
better for being in the midst of the fronds ; he also showed
a good variety of Miltonia Moreliani atrorubens (Award of
Merit). W. II. Almond, Esq , Alumscar, Blackburn, exhi-
bited a fine form of Cattleya Gaskelliana, wi-h more than a
dozen flowers in fine condition, and several blooms of
Cattlej a Leopoldi,
SWANSE A. HORTICULTURAL.
A.CGC3T 23.— The first annual show of this Society took
pi ce on the above date, and was a great sucress. It was
held in the New Market, which has been built at a cost of
nearly £'J7,0oo. The value of the market as a place for
holding the show was proved on the first occasion, for
during the day rain fell in torrents, but there being accom-
modation sufficient for thousands, visitors were rendered
independent of the weather. The exhibits were excellent in
quality and quantity, about WO entries being sent in. The
Trade exhibits formed a prominent feature of the show.
Messrs. Kelw.iy & Sons, Langport, Somerset, staged a
grand exhibit, consulting of 100 spikes of Gladioli, and collec-
tions of Dahlias, Delphiniums, and other herbaceous flowers.
Messrs. Tkeseder of Cardiff put up a magnificent co lection
of Dahlias. Messrs. Cubran & Son of Altrincham a fine
collection of herbaceous flowers.
Messrs. Dicksons' exhibit of Eoses in bunches was greatly
admired, including as it did many of the most beautiful
kinds.
Messrs. Parsons & Co. and Mr. A. Kitley, both of
Swansea, had exhibits also of horticultural produce.
The best and most attractive exhibits were the several
groups of miscellaneous plants arranged to produce the beat
effect. The 1st prize of £5 was offered by Sir J. T. D.
Llewelyn. Bach group occupied 100 square feet, and it
would be difficult to imagine a better aesthetic etleet. The
groupfrom Mrs. Picton Turberyille's gardens at. Hendre-
foilan took tho 1st prize. Taste in arrangement, no less
than the rare beauty of the plants, told in its favour, and
Mr. Hawkins, the gardener, is to be congratulated upon his
success. The centre-piece was a stately Palm, and between
this and the dainty border of Panicum variegatum were
handsome Celosias, Eulalias, prettily-tinted Coleus, and
delicate-looking Asparagus Ferns, mingled promiscuously
but artistically with the choicest of flowering plants. The
group exhibited by Mr. W. Farrwi, whieh took 2nd prize,
was very little behind. In the centre a Palm (Seaforthu
elegans) rose majestically, and the ('rotous, Dracjenaa,
Coleus, and Palms of several varieties that surrounded it,
were exceptionally beautiful.
In the groups occupying 50 square feet, for amateurs and
gentlemen's gardeners residing within twenty miles of
Swansea, there were four competitors, and standing, as they
did, near the more magnificent plants, they were thrown
slightly into the shade. Still, the groups were excellent, the
predominating plants being the same as in the larger groups.
There was a number of classes for plants, both stove and
greenhouse speciea, and the exhibits in these were
s.Ui-faetory.
1 'in of the most interesting departments of ths ah >w was
that for cut flowers, the blooms shown in competition being
of the very finest quality. For Rosea, Mr. Ralpii Crossing
ofPenarth, an! Mr. Thomas Pknriok came into close com-
petition, the former carrying off the prize In the class
limited to a radius of 20 miles, Mr. T. P«nru b, whose Roses
are the envy ofGowerland, was easily 1st.
Double Dahlias were splendid, and h tj Mr. George
Humphries, of Chippenham, was tin- most &ucci aful
exhibitor, for symmetry in petal formation, and for purity
in colouring, Iron the .hast.' white of (he Flag of Truce
Variety to th.- quaint hues of tin- Dorothy, and th.- deep
beauty of the Victor, bis stan ) ol D.ihli is would be difficult
to excel lu Cactus Dahlias Mr. lii hparies ngun took let
priz3.
Asters were not cm optionally g 1, ,n.l there was little to
choose botween the stands of Mr. Humphries and Mi <;
Poulet, of Mo listou. who was amongst the most successful
exhibitirs in the show.
The prizes offered for bouquets were productive of some
charming specimens of tin- florist's ;iI t
GRAPES were very vol, tho^e from th.- vinery of Mr.
PHILIP RiCB ibd, which louk l-t priz :, being exceedingly fine.
Mrs. Pici-.n Tt i.ii k\ ii i i ■--. vinery yielded fruit scareelj
inferior.
\ i i i ial-lks were shown in some quantity, and the
quality throughout was commendable.
SANDY AND DISTRICT HORTICUL-
TURAL.
ai i bt W.— This exhibition was originated twenty nine
jtits ago, and has been continued ever since. One great
attraction is found in the fact thai almost everything that
can interest Country people is represented — plants and
flowers, fruits and vegetables, market garden and firm
produce, dogs, eats, poultry, needlework, carving, &c. All
these are arranged in a erics of tents formed in an irregular
circle running round th ■ park "f Sandy Place, in which the
show is held. Anyone interested in country pursuits would
And a visit to the Sandy show one that would both instruct
and entertain.
From a horticultural point of view, the Sandy show is an
important one. Good prizes are o tiered for certain plants
and cut flowers, open to all comers. There is one for ten
stove and greenhouse plants in flower, and Mr J. Cypher
came from Cheltenham with some verytine specimens. There
were some nice groups arranged for effect from local exhi-
bitors ; very good zonal Pelargoniums, and local classes for
foliage and stove and greenhouse plants, Fuchsias, Begonias,
I 'oleus, Src.
Sandy has pre-eminently a cut flower competition, the
largest tent being filled with them. Thero was a class for
forty-eight cut blooms of Roses, and some very nice fresh
blooms were staged by Mr. .1. Mattock, nurseryman, Oxford ;
and Messrs. G. & W. Buroh, nurserymen, Peterborough,
were 2nd.
Mr. Mattock had the best eighteen Tea-scented Roses,
showing some excellent blooms.
In the amateurs' divisions some fairly good Roses were
staged. Dahlias were a good feature, the prizes bringing
some of the leading growers. Mr. S. Mortimer, Swiss
Nursery, Farnham, was 1st, with a superb lot of blooms.
With twelve fancy Dahlias, Messrs. Keynes & Co., were 1st,
some very good blooms being staged. Pompon, Cactus, and
single Dahlias were also very good features ; and of the
Cactus type, Messrs Keynes & Co. put up a superb stand
of twelve bunches, some of them new varieties of great
beauty.
Hardy flowers were magnificent; there were five or six
collec ions of twenty-four bunches, many of them large and
imposing. The best came from Mr, W. H. bees, gr. to P. A.
Bevan, Esq., Trent Park, Barnet, who had a remarkably
fine selection admirably staged. In the amateurs an 1
cottagers divisions, good cut flowers generally were staged.
170
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September i, 189?.
Fbdit and Vegetables were extensively shown the latter
particularly so. The special prizes offered by Messrs. Sutton
& Sons and Messrs. Carter ii Co. brought very fine
collections.
ACCRINGTON AND DISTRICT HOR-
TICULTURAL.
Auoubt 27.— This exhibit! n was a creditable on1, cora-
prisingplants arranged for effect, and also a large quantity of
florists' flowers, as well as a fine exhibition of Grapes and
other fruits, and many vegetables.
Mr. Brigo-Bury, Bank House (Mr. John WilkinsoD.gr.),
sent for exhibition only a fine group of Ore1 ids, prominent
among which were Cattleya Gaskelliana magnifies, a flower
of very large size, with a beautifully blended orange and
cerise lip, and the peach-coloured segments standing flat and
close together. One or two well-g-own Ladio-Cattleyas
shone out, and among Cypripediums there was nothing finer
than C. Ciossianum. A. Warburton, Esq. (M-. Tom Loft-
house, gr.), had Cypripcdium Lawrcnceanum Hyeanum,
and the much-spoken-of C. insigne Laura Kimball. This was
in much better condition than when shown in Manchester by
H. Low & Co., being quite free from spots, but not so finely-
Gniphcd a flower as I was led to believe. J. A.
HAMBURG GENERAL HORTICUL-
TURAL EXHIBITION.
Special Show.
August 27— September 5.— Having just returned from a
visit to the great horticultural exhibition at Hamburg, I
think it possible that a short description of the show may be
of interest to your readers. As has been previously men-
tioned in th°se columns, the exhibition has been open since
last May, and will continue open until the end of Septem-
ber, several special shows meanwhile being held of the fruits
flowers, &c, in season. The permanent exhibits are Coni-
fers, evergreens ■end deciduou trees, fruit trees, Boses, hardy
herbaceous perennials, Dahlias, Cannas, bedding-plants, &c.
The exhibition is held in a public park between the Hot-
stein and Millern gates, the site being a, part of the old moat
and ramparts of the free city of Hamburg. The moat being
filled with water, fringed with Rushes and aquatics, spanned
by rustic bridges, and having one or two charming chalets
on its banks, is a great feature in the landscape and the old
rampart being clothed with trees in places, and fine lawns
sweeping down to the water, breaks up the ground, and
makes it an exceptionally favourable spot for laying out a
garden on a large scale. The grounds consist of some
45 acres, and the exhibit*, which are under cover, are mainly
housed in structures of woud and canvas, erected around
the margins of the park, leaving the centre free ; the excep-
tion to this is the grand hall, which is a huge structure on
the summit of the bank overlooking the moat, and visible
from every part of the garden. I have no measurements to
guide me, but, roughly speaking, I should say the interior,
whim is used for displaying plants, is some 300 feet long by
150 feet wide. Then* * a large gallery at the east end, also
a lecture hall and committee-rooms. The budding, which is
of wood cost 300,000 marks.
Interior ok Great Hai l.
I need not trouble you with a description of the exterior of
the building or its architecture, but will endeavour to
describe the interior as seen from the large gallery at the
east end. In the centre is a huge dome lighted by four
dormer windows, and a central li^ht at the top ; right and
left are short transepts with large windows, and facing one
there is what may be described as a long chancel, dim and
dark. I have used terms of church architecture to describe the
building, and really in form it much resemblos a church, and
certainly the light is "dim "if not " religious." The whole
interior, dome, arches, and massive-looking pillars, are
white, rel eved with gilt here and there, under the
dome is a basin of water with rock edges, surrouuded
with beds laid out in a regular pattern, and the^e are
massed with plants in pots, Cyclamen, Begonias, Bobbs,
Carnations, Lily of the Valley, a id small foliage plants,
each bed of one kind, and surrounded by masses of
Maidenhair Ferns to allord relief. This garden is flanked
on either side by a group of Palms, with feathery
specimens 20 feet high, breaking the groups here and
there. Looking away to what I have called the chancel
end is seen a large mass of Caladiums, behind which arc
Dracaenas, and a deep background of Palms reaching up to a
grevt height ; immediately under the- spectator is a fine bank
of Crotons, Dracdtnas, and other foliige plants; the sides
have also groups of mixed flowering and foliage plants, and
beyond those are galleries filled in similar style. The water
for the centre basin enters on the right-hand side by acascade
with quaint figures of sea gods, and escape0, by a sort of rock
grotto. At the south-west corner of the building is a tunnel
of rockwork, clothed at the entrance with Ferns and Palms,
and loads out into the gardens.
As a whole, the view in this large building is very pleasing ;
there is a wealth of immense Palms which one rarely sees,
and they form an admirable background, preventing any
appearance of flatness or dwarfing which ordimry plants
would have iu such a large and apparently massive building.
With regard to the plants themselves, 1 suppose such a num-
ber of fine Palms has seldom been seen together, the bulk of
them are sent by Mr. L. Winter, of Bordighera, and arc
grown out of doors at his home in Italy, although Mr. A.
Wager, of Leipzig, shows some fine specimens of indoor cul-
ture ; one is struck by the well-grown and finely-coloured
Dracsenas, Crotons, and other foliage plants, but the flower-
ing pi ints are not equal to those seen at home.
Profusion of Cut Flowers.
Passing from the central hall, one finds a building some
five hundred feet in length devoted to cut-flowers arranged
as bouquets, sprays, wreaths, crosses, and in all kinds of fancy
designs ; there arc also vases of flowers and wreaths of foliage
with wild fruits and berries. Toattemptadescription would bo
vain, a jury of fivejudges has been three days making awards,
so that space would fail were one to attempt to review this
department, even iu a superficial way ; suffice it to say, that
any lover of flowers could well spend a day there, and it
would repay a long journey to do so. In the matter of
bouquets and sprays we have not much to learn, and a visitor
who had seen this department at Shrewsbury this year
would have no need to blush for our English bouquet artists ;
yet one could not help admiring the dainty little bridal
bouquets which arc used in Germany, just a light little
arrangement of Myrtle, white Roses, and a few Lilies of the
Valley with a narrow white ribbon and lace, a bouquet which
we should call a child's bouqu3t, and yet perhaps more suit-
able for a bride to carry than our larger arrangements.
Whilst one's insular taste is perhaps not quite educated [? Ed.1
enough to admire windmills, wheelbirrows, and other mon-
strosities for.ned with flowers, and which are apt
to recall to one's mind the fearful designs made of butter-
flies which one used to see in years gone by in the windows of
local naturalists, yet one could but admire some of the fancy
designs, and more particularly the admirable taste shown in
the arrangement of colours. One or two designs which
struck me as tasteful I will briefly mention, passing by the
hundreds of wreaths, broken lyres, and other well-known
emblems. Firstly, a broken wheel resting against a pillar,
the wheel and pillar of Silver Birch, the wheel ornamented
with Odontoglossums and Maidenhair, the pillar entwined
with Niphetos Roses and sprays of brown Berberis. Again,
a basket of white Water-Lilies and Bulrushes was most
charming; as was a tall vase of frosted silver filled with
Gladiolus French leyensis, Vallota purpurea, Lobeli i car-
dinally with its dark foliage, and scarlet Cactus Dahlias,
Cushions seemed muoh in vogue, a design that ona
cannot approve of, for who wants to sit upon flowers
yet some were very pretty; a dark cushion of So ibious
fringed with grasses, aud a spray of Lapageria alba upon
it; another of purple Stocks with white Ro^es; and again
one of Mignonette with Cypripediums, fwtre very pleasing.
One could not help noting an inverted umbrella composed
of Hydrangea paniculata edged with Maiden-hair— at a little;
distance the peculiar white and greenish tones «>f the
Hydrangea exactly resembled lace, and the design was re-
lieved by a few La France Roses. A white marble cross
made of Chrysanthemum blooms picked together with a
trailer or two of Cisms discolor, and pale Rosos twining
round, with a base of w ute specio-uim Lilies and Palm
loaves was very striking. 13 tt we must leave this depart-
ment, and passing rapidly through oilier b hidings containing
Dracenas, Palm-*, &c , we .arrive at a stru ittire where
Erfurt is the title. Here are represented the articles fir
which the Erfurt seed growers are famous, and one
finds large collections (and alas, designs in colour) of
Asters, Zinnias, Phlox, Gaillardia*, Petunias, Marigolds, Arc.
The quality of the exhibits, especially Asters, is not equal
to one's expectations— but the season has not been favour-
able for the development of gooi blooms. Cut blooms of
herbaceous plants aud Gladioli form an important feature,
and Messrs. Ha age & Schmidt have a fine group of a really
white Gladiolus, White Lady.
Miscellaneous Exhibits.
Mr. Winter (ills the next section with Palms, and then in
a quiet corner we find Mr. Sanosr, of St. Albaus, with a
magnificent group of Nepenthes and new Palms, Messrs,
H. Low & Co. bavo a group of Orchids, and several amateurs
are represented with good plants.
In the nevt building are fruits and Tornados, Vines in pots,
fairly dona ; Apples and Pears in pits, good, shown by an
am iteur ; them>st striking exhibit is a cine of Black II un-
bargh, la ered in a pot, an I encased in a glass structur •, the
cine carrying twent/ large bunches of finely-coloured and
well-finished fruit. Th; Apples, Pears, and Plums in this
department are poor, and for the most part unnamed.
Out of this building one pissea through a permineut
exhibit of much interest, which consists of a collection of
insects injurious to horticulture an I forestry, with spicimons
of d imaged foliage, wo id, <tc., anl th3 inserts in all stages.
Then comes a building of m irket plants, and from this one
passes to a structure saired to the dwellers at Wand-meek.
The horticulturists of Wandsbc^k have furnished this building
since the commjn:emjnt of the exhibition. At the present
moment the central portion is filled with fliwjriu* plants,
double and sjnii-doable zonal Pelargoniums, Gloxinias
(good), Carnations, a id Lily of the Valley, aUo Dracaenas and
small Ormge tivos ; the sides with Palms an I foliage pi ints.
Ojc grower has a collection of bulbs in a dry state— Tulips
and Hyacinths but I hear that most of his produce goes to
Holland. Centres of trade arc dilli-ult to establish, anl not
easy to remove ; and it will be long ere Holland ceases to bo
the recognised home of Hyacinth and Tulip culture.
Wandsbeck is ono of the centres of Lily of the Valley
culture, and some interesting photographs of the fields are
exhibited ; in one of heso may be seen s'xty women and boys
picking up the Crowns as they are turned out by the plough ;
in another eighfeen women working " planit juns" hoes,
this almost rivals " Chinese cheap labour."
Crossing near to the principal entrance, one finds streets
vegetables on tables in the open air. To our mind this was
the most disappointing feature of the exhibition ; most of the
prizes were awarded to collections rich in number of varieties
but poor in point of quality, while other collections smaller in
point of numbers, hut of fresh, good stuff had to be contented
with lower awards. Home of the market growers put up
admirable collections not for competition, but a great many of
the vegetables contained in the large exhibits were stale,
badly grown, and rough. The Potatos (excepting those of
the market-growers) were beneath contempt from an
exhibitor's point of view, small, sc ibby, ill-formed, split
with the digging-fork, and devoured by wireworm, a cottage-
garden show at home would have refused them bench room.
Collections of Cucumbers in a ripe state did not appeil to
us, but here they preserve them, and afterwards eat them '
The small Carrots, Radishes and Salads of the market-
growers were good, and naturally Cabbages were to the fore
hot., in numbers and quality, but it struck us as rather over-
doing the thing when one seedsman showed sixteen distinct
varieties of Red Cabbage, and we doubted the ability of
anyone to renamo them had their labels been taken away.
Next to the vegetables is a structure some three hundred
feet long of cut-blooms, principally Dahlias, of which flower
one exhibitor staged five hundred different varieties ! wo
did not take notes of all of these. Messrs. Lemoink & Son
showed a fine lot of new hybrid Gladioli, and otherexhibitors
had collections of Herbaceous Perennials, Zinnias, Asters,
Montbretias, Ac
It will give your readers some idea of the vast number of
exhibits in the various classes if wo state here that the
judges for tlrs particular show numbered 120, and that it
took upon the average a day and a half for them to complete
their labours.
The View Outside.
Leaving the buildings, we may say with regard to the
gardens that their natural features, already mentioned, have
been made the most of by the honorary landscape architect
Mr. Rudolf Jilrgens, and the result is highly creditable.
Bold sweeping roads, I had almost said walks, permit of
thousands of visitors promenading without inconvenience,
and as there are 70,000 season-ticket holders, this is im-
portant. The permanent exhibits of Conifers, herbaceous
plants, Ac , arc all treated with an t ye to general effect, and
the result is really more like an ornamental garden than an
exhibition,
It would be quite impossible in the limits of this sketch to
mention a tithe of the- outdoor exhibits, but one cannot fad
to notice a large oval basin of water on the terrace, in which
is growing a collection of aquatics planted by the Curator
of the Hamburg Botanical Garden. They were planted eaily
in May, but have the appearance of having been established for
years, so luxuriant is their growth. 01 course the temper i-
ture of the water is artificially raised. Iu tt e centre of the
bisin is some rockwork, with various Rushe i growing
arouud it, aud on th-; m irgiu of the water are Arrow-heads
(Sag'utarias), .fee. Tho surface is now almost covered pith
Lilies of many descriptions in full b'oim ; especially fine are
Nympba; i Ortgiesiaii i, which ha* a lovely pink bloom, wi h
pointed petals, and dark foliage, of striking contrast, the
flowers being produced very freely. Oabomba caroliniana,
with single yellow bloom*, like a Malva moschata, must
charming; Eiehhornia azure i, a blue water-Hyacinth, and
many others.
Standard-trained plants seem much in demand, and are in
many instances used with good effect. Especially tine is a bed
of standard Heliotropes, with steins like young Apple trees
the standard Fuchsias a'c also good ; and a bed of at ind ird
I'el irgoniums, with a dark background of Pines, is striking.
Roses are a great fe iture in the permanent exhibits ; and, in
addition to m my largo beds of standards planted about the
gardens, there is a Roso-garden proper of some acres in
extent, anl also extensive beds of dwarf Roses in another
part of the grounds. Many of the standard Roses are workel
upon Ro a laxa, and have stems of th3 thickness of a leal-
pencil. These necessitate supports, but they enable the
grower in Central Germany to lay his plants down in the
winter, anl cover them with soil anl straw, thus escaping
destruction by fivnt. Not miny Kue^ are in bloom, as it is
niv bitwesii th : saaioni, but we noticed tint ths standards
upon R. laxa had m »re flowora than those on the Briar.
Whether this is tin case all throug i the seison, we could not
ascertain.
Cannas planted singly on the grass are in groat n imbers
and very effective, masses of Lilium speciosum in sheltered
pots are superb : and Gl idiohu are in full beauty, but mured
in places by blanks suggestive of disease. Ca-pet-bedding is
represented, but does not cill for ny rem irks. Alpines and
hardy Fern i are plaatel on the shady side of mounds, and
there ire borders on the outside of the gardens proper devoted to
annu ils. Here also ono finds the model fruit g i dens, inclosed
by trained tree? stretched on wires, palmettos, cordons and
horizontally trained, and inside squires of pyramid trees
with edgings of norizmtil cordons; the trees are most of
them excelleirly trained, but very old an 1 what we shou'd
term scrubby ; of fruit they do not carry much this season.
Standard Gooseberries and Currants are especially well done,
aud have carried large cropj of fru't ; tr lined Cherries and
Poaches arc poor, especially the latter.
How the Judges Fared.
I mn-it conclude these notes with a word of thanks to our
entertainers. We were received with every kindness and
September 4, 1897.]
THE (lAh'DENEE^ CHBONICLE.
171
courtesy, a special tour round the city hi coaches, and
through the docks ami harbour in steam launches, hcin^
arranged for our last day, which concluded with a dinner in
the Great Hall at night. The judges were of divert n itiomli-
ties, including a Turk, a Dane, some Swedes, a sprinkling of
French tnd Belgians, a couple of Englishmen, and tho samo
i.umb..rof our cousins from the United States Speeches wore
delivered in all sorts of luiguages, old friendships renewed,
and a general " good time " enjoyed. It will he long ore the
memory of the Hamburg International Exhibition of 1S97
fades from the memory of A. II. Pearson.
W. H. BLAND. — It is with regrot that we
Lave to record the death of Mr. W. H. Bland, of the
Old Nurseries, Fordham, Cainhs, in his 80th year.
He was the raiser of tho Hollyhock Black Night, of a
Tree-Box which is unsurpassed at the present time,
and of a golden variegated Spruce. His son, Mr.
Edwin Blaud, will carry ou the business.
•«&
1 *V'v
[The term "accumulated temperature" Indicates the a gn
gate amount, as well as the duration, ol di n
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the i I
named: and tins combined result is expressed in Day-
decrees a "Day-degree" signifying r continued foi
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.l
Temperature.
M 5?
pa
%■*
> 3
O oj
ACCUMULATED,
o
o
<
a)
u
,
**>
o
■-■ »
p O os i "_ -
b«H Eh '■ "
3 g »V3 g en
o £ £ j§S §
,0 ** l"3 £ « l-s
Rainfall.
Bright
Sun.
« —
"7 5=
a a
Pay-
deg.
Day-
tic
0
+
05
0
1
1 +
102
0
2
+
116
0
3
0 aver
ns
0
4
1 -
111
0
5
0 aver
128
0
6
1 +
lOo
0
1
) aver
112
0
8
•2 -
1011
0
9
1 -
OS
0
10
1 -
10?
0
«
0 aver
183
o
Day.
cleg.
Day-
i
+ 20:' -
I- E0 +
4- 10- -
4- 251 -
t- 213 -
+ 396 -
+■ 140 -
4- 215 -
I 197 -
4- ~i 4-
| 19" -
4- 360 -
S
1J
"S
124
115
180
20
92
13S.
S
07
80
lOtlis
Inch.
In .
6-
US
:::;
133
IS S
3D
0 +
120
15 2
40
3 +
US
14 S
40
1 +
119
17'9
33
5 +
110
181
43
4 -
115
27 2
35
3 -
136
211
31
6 +
110
271
3S
1 +
1
26 '.i
30
2 +
148
2S7
30
9 +
149
228
51
30
::
36
39
37
41
34
ia
41
31
33
43
The districts indicated by aumber in the lir.u column are
the following : —
ii. Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing I'
1, Scotland, B. ; 2, England, N.B. j 3, England, E. ;
I, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, <8c, Districts — 6, Scotland, \V. ;
7, England, N.W. : 8, England, S.W. 9, Ireland, X. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; ' Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending August 28, is
lurnished from the Meteorological Oi35.ee :—
"The weather during this p.'Hud continued in a very un-
settled -state generally, but the falls of rain were less frequent
and heavy in the extreme north and north-west than else-
where. Sharp thu del pterins were experienced over England
on the 24th and 25th.
"Tlie temperatun did not differ materially from the mean,
but was slightly above it in t'ie north, and below it in the
south and south-west. The highest of the maxima were
registered, as a rule, towards the end of the week, and '
ranged from 733 In the ' Midland Counties' and ' England,
S. \V . ,' to 69° in Ireland, and 68° in ' Scotland, N.' The lowest
of the minima, which were recorded on rather irregular
dates, ranged from 31° in 'Scotland, E.,' and 38° in ' Eng-
land. S.W.,' to 48° in 'England, 3,' and to 551 in the
' Channel Islands.'
"The rainfall was less thin the mean in Scotland, but
more elsewhere, the excess in uijst parts of England and In
the ' Channel Islands' being very considerable.
"The bright sunshine exceeded the mo^u in ' Scotland, N
and E.,' 'England, N. E ,' and over Ireland, and just equalled
it in 'Scotland, W. ;' in all other parts of the kingdom it
was rather less. Tho percentage of the possible duration
ranged from 51 in the 'Channel Island V t> 4:1 in ' England,
S.,' and to 3 ' in ' Iioland, N.' "
Cut FLOwmta.— Averare Wholesale Prices.
Statistics of the Jersey Potato - crop,
FOR SEASON 1897, giving the number of packages
and tons exported ; also the average price per week
at the States' Weighbridge (St. Helier), and a com-
parative table for fifteen consecutive years, 1897
included, viz. : —
B
C-, c, c^ g g
§§§■53
a> Q a ^ ^
April Ifi
May 3
May 10
May 17
$
H io oi
to " » °
jr
o
CO
5* g £
C-l
ti ti t, £< g
Z X Ssi i
- * ^ ^
^ **3 *<J ^
IO O' 00
•< vf
" Vi o
CO
§ § 5 g Z
o a a> ro tZl
ii -* _ t„ «
B
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W
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7T :
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^ ° ~i --"
<J'
O » -Ji O ©
^ ^
To >•
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oil
Oi
-j »< :i ^j ©
c w
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cm ;: C. >** ■
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O
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i- 4- © rfk «-
Markets.
AXERAGE WHOLBSA.LB PttlCES.
S. <!. S. d,
5 0-10 0
3 6-50
3 0-4 0
6 0 —
1 0- ■_' U
16-20
10-16
10-13
10-16
10 —
4 0-50
0 7- 0 9
2 0-20
0 9-13
0 9-10
16 —
Nectarines, sclctd.
fruit, per doz. G
— Medium, p. dz. 3
— Seconds, p. doz. 1
Nuts, Cobs, per lb. 0
- Filberts, per lb. 0
| 'ranges, S. Austra-
lian, p cise, eon-
t lining 120 fruit 10
Peaches, selected
fruits, per doz. 6
— Mediutn.p. doz 2
— Seconds, per
dozen l
Pears, various, per
bushel 4
small, bush. 2
Pine-applee, St. Mi-
chael, each ... 5
Plums, Greengage.
perA-bushel ... 9
— Victorias, per
i-bushel ... 5
— Ordinary, in
variety, i-bush. 4
0-8 0
0- 4 0
6-2 0
COVENT GARDEN, SEPTEMBER -J.
[Wo caunut accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. Tbey are furnished to us regula ly very
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
- lleamen, who reviso the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for tho week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed. 1
F in -it.—
Apples, Dessert, in
variety, p. bush.
— Culinary, in va-
riety, per bush.
Blackberries, peck
Damsons, J-bush .1
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alicantes, p. lb.
— Ham burghs,
selected, per lb.
2nd quality,
per lb
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall. "p. lb.
— Chanoellslanda
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
Meluns, each
Mulberries, per gaL
0-
6-
8
3
i
0
6-
2
0
0-
0-
10
3
0
0
0-
S
0-
L0
0
0-
6
0
0-
6
0
Arums, per dozen
blooms ...
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, per
bunch
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Cornflowers, per
doz. bunches ..
EiK'haris, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
Lilium Harrisi, per
doz. biooms
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
M aidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
s.d.
3 0- G 0
2 6-60
0 9-20
4 0-60
0 6-26
3 0-60
10-20
2 0-40
2 0-40
4 0-90
2 0-40
1 0- 2 0
16-26
4 0-80
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, or Forget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids : —
Cattleya, 12blms.
Odontoglossum
crispum, 12 bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, 12 bu.
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Mar6-
chal), per doz.
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
bunches
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Sweet Sultan, per
dozen bunches ...
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
.il.s. d.
2 0-40
> 0- 4 0
L 6- 3 0
3 0-12 Q
2 0-10
iO-60
4-0 6
6-2 6
6- 1 0
6-4 0
9- 1 0
0-2 0
0-2 0
0-0 0
6-3 0
0-2 0
3-0 4
Orchid-bloom in variety.
Plants in Pots.—,
s. d,
Adiantum, perdoz. 4 0-
A«pidistras,perdoz. 12 0-
— specimen, each 5 0-
Asters, various, per
doz .. ... 2 )>-
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ...
— specimen, or
Large plants, ea.
Coleus, per doz. ...
< lompanula, p. doz.
Dracamas, each ...
— various, p. doz,
E yorgreen shrubs,
in variety, doz....
Flcus jlastica each
Average Wholesale Prices
t. d.
12 0
30 0
15 0
5 0
5 0-90
1 6-
3 0-
4 0-
1 0-
12 0-
6 0-
1 0-
2 i.
■ 4 0
■ 6 0
■ 7 6
24 0
24 0
■ 7 6
s. d, s. a.
Ferns, small, doz. ... 10-20
— various, doz. 5 0-12 0
Foliage plants, doz. 12 0-36 0
Fuchsia, per doz.
Heliotropes, dozen
Hydrangeas, per
dozen
Liliums, various,
per duzen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Palms, various, ea.
— specimens, ea.
Pelargoniums, pur
dozen
0-6 0
3 0-40
5 0-10 0
0 0-1 -j o
6 0-90
10-60
a o-io e
10 6-84 0
6 0-10 0
Vegetables. — Avb&ag
■>. s. d.
Artichokes, Globe,
perdoz. ... 2 0 —
Beans, French, per
bushel
— Scarlet Runner,
per bushel
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Gallic, per lb.
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb. ...
1 6 —
i e- 2 o
'2 0-
0 9-
0 2
1 0
0 6 —
e Wholesale Prices.
s, ./. s, d.
Mushrooms, out-
door, A-bushel ... 2 6-30
Peas, per bushel ... 5 0-60
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets... 16 —
Shallots, per lb. ... 0 2 —
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ... 3 0-36
— Medium, do. . 2 0-26
— Seconds, do. . 10-16
— Channel Is-
lands, per lb..., 0 2-03
POTATOS.
Arrivals have been light the last few days, and prices a
shade firmer. Present quotations range from 60*. to 95*.
/, ■ 32 an l , H ! nglon Street, Con nt Gard n, »'.''.
SEEDS.
London: Sept. 1.— Messrs. John Sbaw & Sons, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, S.E , report rather
more business now pissing in seeds. For Trifolium there is
a moderate sale at the very low rates current; supplies
appear falling oft* somewhat. Full prices are realised for
Mustard and Ripe seed. This season's winter Tares are
good, cheap, and abundant. Rye is still scarce and dear.
For Canary seed the tendency of values is distinctly upwai 1
Tho supply of Hemp seed is still short. New English Peas
offer reasonably. Haricot and Butter Beans arc advancing
in price. Linseed is quiet.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.
Glasgow: Sept 1. — The following are the averages of
the prices current here during the past week:— Pears, 3<f.
to Bd. per lb. ; Apples, id. to tid. do. ; Plums, 4d. do. ; To-
matos, Guernsey, 3d. to A\d. do. ; do., Scotch, od. to Id. do. ;
Grapes, home, 1*. Gd. to 2s. do. ; do., foreign, 6d. to Is. do. Vege-
tal.1-s :— Golden Ball Turnips, l*.6d. to 2s. perdoz bunches ;
Cabbages, Scotch, Gd. to $d. per dozen ; Cauliflowers, Scotch,
I*. ::d. to Is. Gd. per bunch ; do., Dublin, 2s. Gd. do. ; Pars-
nips, 5 . to Gs. per cwt ; herbs, assorted, Id. to 2-?. per bunch ;
Mint, green, Gd. do. ; Onions, Dutch, 3s. Gd. to 4s. per bag ;
do., Portugal, Is. per stons ; Parsley, 9d. to Is. do. ; Potatos,
best, St. to lOd, do. ; Carrots, 10d. to Is. per dozen bunches ;
Peas, 5*. to 10j. per cwt. ; Cucumbers, 4*. to 4s. 6('. perdozen;
! s, round, 6d. to yrf. do.; do., Cos, Gd. to 9d. do.;
Radishes, id. to Gd. per dozen bunches ; do., London, Ik. Gd.
do. ; Horseradish, 2s. 3d. to 2s. Gd. per bundle ; Bjans,
Hi lid, It. per stone; do., French, 3s. Gd. to is. per sieve;
Mushrooms, Is, per lb ; Beetroot, [d. to 5d. per bunch;
Mustard-and-Cress, 'Sd. per punnet ; Spinich, 2s. to 2s. Gd,
per stone; Rhubarb, Is. Gd. to 2s. per cwt.
Liverpool: Sept. 1. — Average of the prices at under-
noted markets ; — St. John's: Potato-, Is. to Is. id. per peck ;
Peas, 8</. to Is. do. ; Cucumbers, 3d. to Gd each ; Grapes, Eng-
lish, 1 -. to 2*. Gd. per lb. ; do. f ireig », id. to 6d. do ; Pines, Eug-
li-h, ". to 7s. each; do. foreign, Is. do.; Mushrooms, Gd. to Is.
lb. ; Lirkenhead : Potatos, 10& to Is. peck ; Peas, Is. to Is. id.
do. ; Cucumbers, 2d. to Od. ca<-b ; Grapes, English, Is. orf.
to 2s. Gd. per lb. ; do., foreign, Gd. to id. do. ; Pines, English
172
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 4, 1897.
4s. 6d. to 7s. each. North Hay ; Potatos, Early Regent, Zs. 6rf.
to 4>. p9r cwt. ; Kidneys, 4s. to 4s. 6d do. ; Turnips,
id. to 6rf. per dozen bunches ; Swedes, Is. Gd. to 1*. Od. por
cwt. ; Carrots, 6d. to&d. per dozen bunches ; Onions, English,
Vs. to 8s. per cwt. ; do., foreign, 4s. 6d. to 5s. do. ; Parsley,
id. por dorm bunches; Lettuces, 4i. to 6d. pjr dozen ;
Cuonnabers, Is. id. to it. Si. do. ; Cauliflowers. Sd. to Is. 61.
do. ; Cabbages, <M. to Is. do. ; Celery, Is. 3d. to 2s. per
doaen.
CORN.
Aver\oe Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the
week ending August 2S, and for the corresponding period
of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These
Hgures are based on the Official Weekly Return :—
Description.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Wheat
«. d.
22 5
t. d.
31 8
a. d.
+ 93
Barley
21 10
22 5
+ 07
Oats
13 1
17 1
+ 1 6
CATALOGUES REC-IVED
Fred. Smith & Co., Woodbridge, Suffolk— Bulbs.
Alex. Cross & Son, 19, Hope Street, Glasgow -Bulbs, &c.
Jno. Wood, s, Corn Market, Penrith— 1, Bulbs : 2, Apples.
Fotheiungham & KING, Corn Exchange, Dumfries -Bulbs
A. Robinson, 1a, Bishopsgate Without, City— Bulbs, Rose
and fruit trees, <fec.
Clark Brothers k Co., 65. Scotch Street, Carlisle— Bulbs
Thos. Walmf, let, JtrNR., Lichfield— Bulbs.
E. H. Krelaoe & Son, Bloemhof Nurseries, Haarlem. Hol-
la d— Bulbs.
Amos P.rry, Winchmore Hill, London, N. — Bulbs, and
General hardy herbaceous and border flowering plants.
W J. Watson, Town Hall Builiings, Newcistle on-Tyno—
Bulbs.
Dobik & Mason, 22, Oak Street, Mmchester— Bulbs
E. Weds & Suns, Wordsley, Stourbridge— Bulbs and Flower.
roots.
Armitioe Brothers, Ltd., Nottingham -Bulbs.
DinnsoN & Robinson, Manchester— Bulbs and Ro-es.
Collins Br ithkrs <fc Gabriel, 39, Waterloo Road, London
S.E. — Bulbs
Frvnk D cks & C)., Hi, Deansgate, Manchester-Bulbs.
McKenzibs, Ltd., Camden Quay, Cork— Bulbs.
— Maii.urd 5 Place de l'Eglise a Choisy ie Roi, Hortuul-
tural Buildings.
C. Patrick, Ghent, Bolgium— Palm3, Azaleas, Rhododen-
drons, Laurels.
Max Bontzel, Nieder-Schi«iweide, Berlin-Fruits, Roses
&C. '
Kent & Brydon, Darlington— Bulbs.
W. P. Lurd & Sinclair, Dundee and Cupar, Fife— Bulbs.
Jo
brrupondcnh
Books : Perplexed Reader. My Gardener, by H. W.
Ward, and published by Eyre & Spottiswoode,
East Harding Street, E.C. ; Villa Gardening, by
Ed. Hobday, and published by Macmillan &' Co,
Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
Correction : In report of Eastbourne Show in our
last issue, the second paragraph should commence
Mr. Offer, gr. to J. Warren, Esq., Handcross Park.
Covering of a Slate Roof of a Coach-house :
A. } . Z. Crimson Rambler Rose, as you suggest,
would answer the purpose, and being of ranipaut
growth, it would not be long in covering the roof.
You might plant the climbing Rose Jnnoceute
Perpdtue', a white-flowered Polyantba Rose of rapid
growth and great floriferousness ; or Wistarii
sinensis, or Clematis flammula, a species with
deliriously-scented flowers ; or C. montana, early-
flowering white, and many other varieties of Cle-
matis. Sweetwater Vines, and Aristoloehia Sinho
might be thus employed.
Cucumrers: E.S. II'. The specimen you have sent
us affords no evidence of disease.
Earwigs: II'. S. E. Cut hollow stems of Bamboo
into one-foot lengths, and fasten several of them to
each Peach tree. The earwigs will hide in the
stems, and if frequently examiued, a large number
may be destroyed.
Fruiting of Araucaria imbricata : G. Sewery. It
would be prudent on your part to greatly re-
duce the number of cones on the trees. In
younger trees than yours the profuse bearing of
cones would be a sign of deterioration and decay
of vigour, but in trees fifty-five years planted this
may not be the case : still, a reduction of the
number is advisable.
Fungus in Spent Hop3 : C. D. C. The Paraso
Mushroom (Lepiota procera), very good eating.
Fuhqus on Carnations : W. J. C. Timely appli-
cations of the Bordeaux Mixturs would doubtless
ward off attacks of fungus, but nothing we at pre-
sent know of will destroy it when once it has
entered the tissue of the leaves, Y on do not tell
us what sp;cies of fungus has attacked the " ether
plants." For mildew, flowers-of-sulphur,distributed
with a muslin-dredger, usually suffices. The for-
mula for the Bordeaux Mixture was given in cur
issue for July 3 last, p. 12. A very convenient
remedy, when only a small quantity is wanted,
consists of potassium-sulphide, 1 oz. ; water,
3 gallons.
Fungus on Carnation : 0. Abbot. Early stago of
fuugus, possibly Heterosporium, but too immature
for determination. Why not try spraying with
oue of the copper solutions ? M. 0. G.
Fungus on Chrysanthemums : A. J. R. Uredo
Hieracii, on Chrysanthemums. I am not aware of
its having been found previously in this country
upon Chrysanthemums, but it is common on other
composite plants. M. C. C.
Fungus on Phlox : A. Hill. The material sent for
examination is too scrappy to enable us to arrive
at any conclusion. G. M.
Fungus : A. D. W. The mycelium of a kind of
"dry-rot," but no name can be given to it in the
imperftct stage. M. C. C.
Fungus: W. B. H. Agaricu3 (Pholiota) spectabilis,
never eaten, but not really kuown to be poisonous.
A very different thing from the Beefstike fuDgus.
M. C. G.
Gardener's Pero,ut-ite of House Coal : B. B.
When the gardener resides on the place, and there
are glasskou<es to be heated, It is customary, in the
London district, for the employer to supply coals.
When the gardener resides off the premises coals
aro not given, but then the wages are increased in
proportion.
Insects in Potato Land: W. A. G. Those sent
are millipedes (Julusguttatus), which feed on decay-
ing vegetable, and more or less on animal, matter.
Trench the land deeply after dressing it with gas-
lime and soot. Set traps of Potato and Carrot,
6 inches deep, and 2 feet apart over the land. The
creatures are not injurious to any great extent to
living plants. Keep the ground stirred with the
digging-fork when it is not covered with vegetation.
Lilium auratum : R. W. R. The deeply-coloured
variety is the somewhat; rare A. rubro-vittatum.
Medlars : R. S. M. Gather when ripe— that is,
when they part easily from the shoots, and store
them like Apples till they are bletted, and not
before this change takes place are the fruits fit for
consumption or making jelly. Jelly is made in the
ordinary manner, but it should be strained to clear
it of the cores and stones.
Names of Fruits : J. BoltrUl. Apples : 1, Red
Astrachan ; 2, Irish Peach. — Ignorant. 1, Not
sufficiently developed to recognise ; 2, Windsor ?
3, Lemon Pippin : 4, Williams' Bon Chretien.
Hamilton. 1, Ecklinville seedling ; 2, Bramley's
seedling ; 3, Emperor Alexauder; 4, Duchess of
Uldenburgh ; 5, Lord Suttield ; 6, Alfriston. — A. L.
Peaches: 3, Noblesse ; I, Belli'garde. Nectarines:
l.Stanwick Elruge ; 2, Violetto Hative. Peaches
are difficult subjects to name with certainty. —
M acorn. 1, Early Red Juneating ; 2, Irish Peach ;
3. Red Quarrenden ; 4, Lord Suffield.— A. P. The
Grape you send is a most agreeable one. The skin is
thin, flesh juicy, and of pleasant sweet flavour. It is
Royal Muscadine, a very variable Grape, according
to locality and conditions of treatment, It is some-
times more richly flavoured than those your send.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered
in this isiue are requested to be so good as to con-
sult the following number. — //. II'. 1, Davallia
hirta cristata ; 2, Adiantum elegans ; 3, Adiantum
Waltoni, both garden varieties ; 4, Adiantum
coucinnum. — /. B. IV. Lycaste Deppei. — R. A. II.
1, Oncidium pnctextuui ; 2, Oncidium ForbesH;
3, Odontoglossum Wallisii. — ./. G. it- Co., Bradford.
The abnormal flower of Cymbidium Lowianum is
very singular in having two perfect anil one imper-
fect labellum. The other is the racemose form of
Cycnoches peruvianum. — Fr. de Luet. Basella
rubra. — /. Wright. Erigeron aurantiacum.
Narcissus for Market . //. A. IK The following
varieties, amongst others, are grovwi by a in st
successful market gardener : — Emperor, Empress,
Princess, Golden Spur, Tenby, Edward Leeds,
Horsefieldi, bicolor grandis, Minnie Hume,
Princess Mary, Cynosure, Barri conspicuus, Mr.
Stevonson, Maurice Vilmorin, poeticus, and the
variety poetarum, John Bain, Orange Phoenix,
Sulphur Crown, Nelson Major, J. B. M. Camrn,
Madame de Graaff, Captain Nelson, C. J. Back-
nous;, Beauty, Glorii Mundi, Leedsii Beatrice,
Mrs. Langtry, Duchess of Westminster. The
White Japanese Anemone and Gladiolus are both in
demand in the market. Whether the production of
them will pay or not must depend upon efficiency
of management and astuteness to grasp the changing
peculiarities of the market, which will help you to
dispose of your produce at the best price.
Nuts: St. A. Filberts should be gathered when the
husk has almost entirely chauged from a green to
a brown colour ; if left till quite brown, the Nuts
will drop out of the husk. Spread the Nuts on
paper or clean garden-ma*s in a vinery or dry shed
for a fortnight, afterwards storing them in a
thin layer on the fruit-room shelves or floor,
if not intended for long keeping ; but if
the latter, put them into large clean plant-pots,
whelming another large pot, or some large roofing-
slates over these, and keep in a cool, not too dry,
cellar, or bank them over with moderately dry
earth or sand. The object aimed at is to keep the
kernels from shrivelling, but without inducing
germination during the winter, and the husks from
early decay. Some persons slightly sprinkle the
Nuts wuh salt when storing them in pots, &c.
Ornamental Fence, North side of a Rock Garden:
A*. }'. Z. Berberis, Darwini as you suggest, would
answer admirably for covering the fence, if it were
fastened to it; B. s'enophylla would likewise do
well, and it flowers abuudautly. Some of the neater-
growing Ivies would answer the purpose, viz.,
Canariend', rhomboidea, digitata, poetica, &c. If
the spot is not reacted by the sun, Ilosa rugosa is
not likely to give satisfaction. If you are residing
in a southern county a ou might plant single and
double- flowered Camellias, and Escallonia macrantha
against the fence.
PtTUNiA Blooms : J. If. There is nothing remark-
able in this seeding variety.
PrrrosroRUM eugenioides : T. C. H. This plant
can be easily propagated from seeds or from
cuttings. The latter may be either half or fully
ripened, and should be inserted in light sandy soil
in a close propagating-case, in a temperature of
from 55° to 60°. Shade until roots are formed.
The nurseryman sometimes propagates this plant
from eyes also, just as the Americans do Roses ; but
this system, though more economical, requires
considerable care and experience.
Show Gooseberries : J. G. Red : Alderman,
Bollin Hall, Conquering Hero, Dan's Mistake,
Eskender Bey, Highlander, London, Slaughterman,
Speedwell, Talfourd, Wonderful. Yellow: Candi-
date, Citheriua, Criterion, Drill, Hue and Cry,
Leveller, Leviathan, Mount Pleasant, Peru, Rail-
way, Trumpeter. Green : Fearless, General,
Green London, Lofty, Matchless, Plunder, Shiner,
Stockwell, Telegraph, Thumper, Tom Joiner, Turn-
out. White : Antagonist, Brackley Hero, Careless,
Coppice Lass, Freedom, Hero of the Nile, Jeuuy
Lind, King of Trumps, t >ueen of Trumps, Snow-
drift, Snowdrop.
Tomatoi Diseased : J. P. The fruits sent are
affected with Cladosporium Lycopersici, ' ' Black
Spot," a pernicious fungus, described and figured
in these columns, October 1, 1S87. There is no
known cure, but tho fungus may be kept away by
early dressings of the Bordeaux Mixture, a warm
temperature and dryish air, with ventilation night
and day, weather permitting.
WniEwoiiM and Parasite: S. .(■ S. The objects
attached in two parallel rows to the body of the
wireworm are pupa) of miuute Hymenopterous
parasite, which as larvtc lived inside. It is an in-
teresting case, and I will endeavour to rear the
perfect insects, and discover to what species they
belong R. McL.
Communications Received.— W. Thursbv.— J. A.— C. M. R.
—J. Smith.— A. II. -G. I'' -H. A. A F. de Laet.— Q. II.
Hornchurch.— J. I!.— W. L. W— G. Andrews — L. B., New
Yak. D. T. F. E. C— G. H. S.— T. H. MP. J.O. B.
.1. Douglas.— T. Brewir K J. L. — Enquirer. — P. Crowley.
— T. B.— E. B. 11 i' , ,:> ii ••■a Cannell h Sons. D.R.W.
(Shortly).
September 11, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONIGLE.
173
THE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1897.
P I O E A.
"OUT it is time to come to tho flowers, and
■*-* in speaking of them I feel almost com-
pelled to speak in what might well be called
exaggeration and with a too great use of super-
latives ; but it is really impossible to speak of
the flowers of Piora without using superlatives,
and what seems like exaggeration. Before I
left England I had been told by more than one
friend well versed in flowers generally, and
especially in alpine flowers, that in no part
should I find such a paradise of flowers as at
Piora. So I went in faith, and they really far
exceeded my wildest expectations. I took with
me Gremli's Swiss Flora far Tourists, published
in English by Nutt, in the Strand — a most
excellent little book, which I can strongly
recommend to all who go to Switzerland in
search of flowers. I can also recommend, but
not so highly, Correvon's Flare Coloriee de
Poche, published iu Paris. It has some fairly
good plates, which are helpful, but it only
records the more conspicuous flowers, and is
not exhaustive, as is Gromli's. Now, Gremli
describes 2637 Swiss plants, including Perns
and grasses, but without the mosses, fungi, and
lichens, which of themselves must bo a study ;
and I feel quite sure that within a radius of
3 miles or less from my hotel it would be quite
possible for a good searcher to find more than
one-half of these l>(i.'J7 plants. I was not
searching for plants, I simply admired and
gathered those that wero near the paths in my
rambles ; and yet the number of different plants
that I saw — many of thorn seen wild for the
first time — were a constant delight, and a
delight that was varied every day and in
every walk. It was not only the large
number of species, but it was the large number
of the individuals of many species that was to
mo so remarkable and noteworthy. I will name
a few. The Gentiana acauhs was a little past
its best, but it was still abundant ; and I am not
exaggerating when I say that during the week
I was there I must have walked over acres of
tho gem-like G. bavarica. I had no idea that
I could anywhere see it in such masses, and it
seemed to be in no way particular as to its
position ; it was abundant, and perhaps most
abundant, in the damp ground near the lakes,
but it was also found in many high places. The
whole place was especially rich in Gentians ;
besides the G. acaulis and bavarica, there was
G. lutea, cruciata, punctata, asclepiadea (not yet
in flower), and germanica. This last one I was
especially pleased to see: it is a British plant,
and I know it well, especially on the Cotswolds.
But theio is a great difference between the
British and the Swiss plants, and it is a dif-
ference which shows how largely the colour of
flowers is affected by their soil, situation, and
especially, perhaps, their elevation. In England
the flower is a pale blue ; at Piora the colour
is as brilliant as that of G. bavarica, which it
so much resembles at first sight that it is not
till you take the plant in your hands and see
that it has an annual root, and that it has many
flowers in its little stem instead of the one
flower that G. bavarica carries, that you see
tho difference. As with G. bavarica, so it was
also with the Bird's-eye Primrose (P. farinosa).
It was everywhere in hundreds, and you could
not help treading on the little beauty. I do
not think it was finer than I have seen it at
Malham and Ingleborough, in Yorkshire ; but I
saw many specimens of a far richer and deeper
colour than I have seen in England. The
alpine Hose was everywhere, and was in its
fullest beauty at that high elevation, though
near Hospenthal it was almost past flowering.
I delight in the Alpenroso, not only for its
bright flowers, which give such a colour to so
many Swiss hill-sides, but because it is the
only Rhododendron (except B. dahuricum,
which some consider only a geographical variety)
that will grow on soil charged with lime. To
me the faint smell is rather pleasant, though to
some it is quite unpleasant ; and at Piora I
learned two facts about it which I had not
noted before. There is hero and there wet
marshy ground on the hill - sides, not bad
enough to stop a walker, but enough to make
his feet damp. I noticed that wherever I could
see an Alpenroso the walking was good and
firm, though it may have appeared to be grow-
ing in a marsh. The other thing I learnt about
it was, that it gives most valuable protection to
many plants. I suppose it is not grazed by
cattle, sheep, or goats, aud the result is that
many good plants come up right in the midst
of the bushes, and are, I suppose, protected by
them. I found many grand specimens of Aqui-
legia alpina growing thus ; also Streptopus
amplexicaulis, and others ; and nestling round
the outside of the bushes, and well protected
by them, I found Maiauthemum bifolium,
Pyrola rotundifolia, and other gems. And I
think it was worth all the journey to Piora if
only to see the St. Bruno's Lily (Paradisia
liliastrum) in flower. The first flowers were
showing themselves when I was there ; but I
am told that when in full flower the hill-sides are
white with them, and that they can be gathered
in sheaves. I have grown it for many years
and admired it, but I never realised its supreme
beauty till I saw it on its native hill-sides.
There surely can be no flower more thoroughly
beautiful, while the whiteness of tho flowers is
the nearest approach to absolute purity that
can be conceived. I shall never forget it as I
saw it first at Piora. G rowing with the St.
Bruno's Lily, and in many other places, was a
large quantity of the fine yellow Alpine Ane-
mone (A. sulphurea), which I had seen before
in its full beauty on the Furka Pass, where one
hill-side was so covered with it that at a con-
siderable distance the whole hill-side looked
yellow ; but at Piora the time of flowering was
past, yet tho beauty was not gone, for the
heads with their many- feathered seeds were very
boautiful.
It is very tempting to say more of the many
beautiful flowers that I saw, but time and space
would fail me — but there is one plant that I
must on no account pass by. The Cobweb
Sempervivum (S. arachnoideum) is everywhere,
clinging to chinks iu the rocks, and of wonderful
beauty ; there were many small patches of it
which I could only compare to brooches set
with brilliant jewels, the outside of each
rosette being a pale rose, and the inside a glit-
tering spot formed by the cobweb that joins
together every leaflet of each rosette. This
likeness is increased by the fact that on all that
I saw at Piora the rosettes were very small,
and unopened, except to a small extent. I
fancy that late iu the 3'ear the rosettes expand
aud become flat, but they are so closely packed
that it is hard to see how they can find room
to expand. I was none the less glad to see the
little beauty growing in such abundance and
beauty, because I have never succeeded in
growing it. In England it is a most capricious
plant, growing well in one garden, and iu
another with apparently the same surround-
ings utterly refusing to live. And I must add
another charm that the flowers give to the
walks at Piora — there is an abundance of
sweet-scented flowers. Among these there are
two small Orchids of very delicate and pleasant
scent — the little black Orchid, Nigritella an-
gustifolia, and Gymnadenia odoratissima ; the
Nigritella being fairly abundant, and the
Gymnadenia not so frequently met with.
These, however, do not give out their scent
till sought for, and so do not account for the
pleasant smells that are met with in the walks
unsought. Much of this comes from the
Alpenrose ; and after rain the Sweet Briar
bushes scattered through the woods give out
their well-known scent. But there are two low-
growing plants which, as I think, fully account
for the pleasant scents ; the one is our own
Thyme, which is everywhere. But I think the
chief scent is given out by the pretty alpine
Milfoil, Achillea moschata ; it is very abundant,
and when crushed gives an aromatic, musky
smell.
For plant-collectors, as distinguished from
plant-lovers, Piora is a delightful place. I was
not collecting plants ; I was simply looking for
them to see them in their native habitats, and to
admire them in their native beauty. But I
wished I could have collected the native plants
and taken them home, for I do not remember
ever to have seen a place in which they could
be collected so easily and with such almost
certainty of success. The lower parts of the
hills, which alone I examined, are composed of
debris formed from the stones that have come
down from the rocks above, and are covered
with and permeated throughout by a rich
humus, which is practically all decayed leaf-
mould. The stones are not of a large size, and
it is very easy to remove them ; with a little
help from the alpenstock they can one by one
be removed, and then the root, though often
penetrating the humus to a great distance,
remains exposed, and the whole plant can be
taken up without injury. And at Piora there is
little fear of the most greedy collector doin<»
any real destruction ; he may help himself as
largely as he likes with a very clear conscience,
and he will do little harm for those who come
after him. As an instance of the ease of takiii"
up difficult plants there, I may say that the
evening before I went away I wished to find
some seedlings of the handsome Gentiana punc-
tata which I had marked by the lake-sido not
far from the hotel, for I knew that a full-grown
G. punctata has a big root which it is almost
hopeless to attempt to dig up with any chance
of success. I soon found the plants, and among
them many little ones that seemed exactly what
I wanted. But I soon found they wer3 no seed-
lings ; tho littlo bunch of radical leaves con-
cealed a root-stock more than an inch in
diameter, and it took several minutes of work
with the alpenstock to follow the root to the
end, and then it turned out to be nearly a yard
174
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE,
[September 11, 1897.
in length, with many ramifications, but the
nature of the soil allowed rne to get all I wauted
without any injury to the roots. All collectors
should remember that it is of the firs'; import-
ance not lo bruise or break a-iy of the roots ; if
they are bruised or broken, Nature's first work
is to heai the wounds, and while so doing little
other wo.k is done by the plant, and if thry
are badly bniis:d and are a long time out of
the ground and s> get dried, death is almost
eei tain. Col!ectors should also remember that
it is labour in vain with a great many
plants to take them from a soil of one marked
character and transplant them into another. All
tho plants at Piora grow in the debris of
primary rocks at a high elevation ; many of
them, like the Rhododendron, will grow any-
where, but a very large number, the majority
pei haps, will simply die when removed to a soil
cmip'Sfd of lime or chalk at a low elevation.
I teel sure that tho niountair air is a great
factor in the vigour and abundance of Alpine
plants, and in many instancs in tho colour of,
the flowers, and cannot help thinking also that
the iciuced atmospheric pressure which tho
flowers pet at high altitudes has its influence
upon their healthy growth. II. N. E., in the
" (ill ITiJilll."
New or Noteworthy Plants,
L/E^IO-CATl'LEYA x BROOolEANA.
Several plants described as "remarkable Ladias '
were imported from Brazil by Joseph Broome, EBq ,
of Sunny Hill, Llandudno, and this one now
flowe ing fully bears out the description, though the
qmstion of its being a na'ural hybr.d or of garden
origin in 1st remain uuansnered. In certain par-
ticular* it his a resemblance to some of the finest
forms of L. -C. x elegans, although d fieiing widely in
having petals which differ in shape from any form of
that variety, and almost as broad as those of some of
the large-fl jwered Cattleyas. The lip. too, ditfers,
the front lube being merely separated from the side
lobes as though by a i otch on each side, and not
carried forward on an isthmus, as seen in some degro
in forms of L -0. x elegans.
Tht flowers measure about 6 inches in width ; all
the segments are well di-p'ayed, and of good sub-
stance, and bright colour. T,.e sepals are 1 inch
wide, and 2| inches long ; the petals ovate, and not
pointed, j.s in other varieties which might be classed
with it ; nearly 2 inches in width, and 3 in length.
Both sepals and petals are of a clear rosy-mauve
colour, the petals furnished with slightly darker
veining. The side lobes of the lip are pure white,
the tips coloured purple-rose. The broad, flat front-
lobe of the lip is of a rich crimson-purple colour, a
purple band extending to it from tho base, and its
surface bearing a raised veining of olaret colour, with
a slight tinge of orange. It is one of the finest and
most distinct of its class, and it is a pity that its
origin cannot be more definitely stated. James
O'Brien.
CHERRIES, THEIR CHEMICAL
COMPOSITION.
Before the Cherry season of 1894, requests were
mide by the authorities of the College of Agricul-
t ire of California, to a number of prominent orchard-
ists for average sample* of Cherry varieties grown by
them. A few were received in fall-ripe and excellent
condition, and submitted to analysis, with results as
follows : —
No. 1. Variety Royal Ann, from Chico, Butte
County. — The Cherries were in excellent condition,
quite large, and marked in colour as characteristic
of the variety ; the flesh was hard and firm, and
easily separated from the pit, juicy and sweet.
No. 2. Variety Black Tartarian, from Chico.— A
typical sample of the variety.
No. 3. Variety Royal Ann, from Nevostle, Placer
County.— A pleasant-tasted fruit, somewhat smaller
than that received from Chico (No. 1), but beauti-
fully marked.
No. 4. Variety Black Tartarian, from Newcastle.—
A very sweet Cherry, though smaller thau the others
examined of the same name ; colour giod.
No. 5. Variety Black Tartarian, from San Josi!,
Santa Clara County.- -A very sweet fruit, somewhat
larger than the Newcastle sample (No. 4), and re-
sembled much in colour and size that grown at
Chico (No. 2).
No 6. Variety Napoleon Bi^arreau (Royal Ann),
from San Josd. — In size much like the other Royal
Anns, but of higher brown colour, which spread over
the surface of the fruit, giving it a rich appearance.
The largest Cherries were found to be Royal Ann,
from Newcastle and San Jose, respectively, of which
54 1 made a pound. The smallet was tho Black
Tartarian, from Newcastle, which required 72 9 to
mike a pound.
The highest flesh percentage was found in Royal
Auu, from Newcastle, 9o-7 percent. ; that of Royal
Ann from Chico c uning very near to it with 96 per
cent. The Black Tartarian from Sin Jose' contained
the least flesh, viz, 94 per cent., but at the same
time was the juiciest fruit. The driest flesh was that
of the Royal Ann from San Jose' (No. C), which had
but 79 1 per cent, of juice in the flesh. Nos. 3 and
4 possessed but little advantage iu this re-pect over
No. 6, yielding about 81 per cent, juico in the fl-sh.
Of sugar contmt in the whole fruit there were
some differences, but not so great as found in some
other fruits. The Black Tartarian Cherry from San
Jose- (No 5) yielded the most sugar, 12 75 per cent ,
and this was the most juicy Cherry examined. Aside
from this sample, there was but little choice, as the
others showed upwards of 10 percent, leaving out
the minimum, viz., 8 '98 per cent., found in the
Royal Ann from Chico ( N'o. 1). These Cherries,
wuh in av. rage of 10*96 per cent, sugar, resemble
Apricots, which average at this station 111 per cent,
sugar. European grown Cterries show 1924 per
cent, sugar in the fruit, this being one of the few
instanc s where European and C.diforuiin fruits show
agreemeut in this importiut ingredient.
Of acid therd was no great variation noted, ranging
from 0'8 to 0*5 per cent , or about as much in amount
as is quoted for Californiau Trunes, Plums, and
Peaches.
Nitrogenous m iterials (albuminoids) exist in the
flesh or edible portion of Cherries in a very con-
siderable quantity. We note a variation in the albu-
minoids of the flosh of Cherries of from 1 to 1£ per
cent., giving au average of 1"2 per cent, for all, being
the same as is given for Apricots. This figure, viz ,
1 '2 per cent, is the highest for these nitrogenous
materials, exceptiug that of Figs, which show 1;5 per
cent., and therefore places the Cherry, as compared
with other, on a high footing as to content of flesh-
forming matterB.
KOnig gives, as an average of nine analyses of
European Cherries, only 0 67 per cent, albuminoids
in fresh fruits, or about one half as much a3 found in
the Californiau Cherries.
The ash- percentages of Cherries are remarkably
alike, averaging 0'44 ; only one lot, No. 6 (Royal
Ann), reaching over half per cent, with 0521. Nor
does this fruit withdraw from the soil any more
plant-food material than do Prunes, Plums, and
Apricots, which contain respectively 0486, 0 62, and
0'50S per cent. ash. Turning now to the composi-
tion of the ash of Cherries, it was fouud that over
one-half is composed of potash, and that the next
largest ingredient was phosphoric acid, 1 5'1 1 per
cent. Only oue other fruit-ash — that of Grapes — ■
contains more phosphoric acid, or as 21 24 per cent,
against 1511 ; Prunes come next, with 14 OS per
cent, phosphoric acid in aah.
As to lime in the ash, the Crape, Prime, Apricot,
and Cherry, all show about 4 per cent. — very much
less than that in the Orange, Lemon, and Fig a-hes.
Sulphuric acid in the Cherry-ash is high— even more
than quoted for Oranges— 5'83 against 5'25 per cent.
Composition
of the Ash of Cherries.
Constituents.
Black Tar-
taii.m Cherry
from Shu Jose
California.
European
Cheir. .
Percentage of ash in fresh fruit ...
0-482
0 2.0
Percentage composition (
Potash
f ash : —
57 67
51 85
Soda
6-SO
219
Lime
4-20
7 47
Magnesia
Iron oxide
5-40
IIS
546
1-98
Manganese
0-83
Phosphoric acid
IS 11
15 97
Sulphuric acid...
5 S3
5 Oil
Silica
113
0 04
Chlorine
1-83
o ns
Taking the figures as given for the Californiau
Cherry, it is found that this fruit extracts from the
soil by its g.-owth the following amounts of nitrogen,
potash, phosphoric acid, &c, in each 1000 lb. of fie»li
fruit as gathered.
So I Ingredients abstracted by 1000 lb. of Fresh Cherries.
Nitrogen 2 29 1b.
Potash...' 277 ,,
Phosphoric acid 0-72 ,,
Other ash ingredients 1'33 ,,
These figures are very similar to those required for
the same weight of Apricots ; it may, therefore, he
concluded that for Cherries, when manurial fertilisers
become necessary, a nitrogenous as well as a pbos-
phatic manure will be required first, leiving the
potash fertiliser to follow at a later period.
The high Bulphuric acid couteuts in the ash of the
Cherry, as in that of the Orange, may suggest the early
use of a dressing of superphosphate of lime, gypsum,
or old mortar rubbish, as these will help to mako
available the potash already present in a latent con-
dition in the soil ./. /. Willis, Harptmden.
NEW VARIETIES OF CARNATIONS.
It has been urged repeateelly-by amateur florists,
that in order to obtain success in the cross fertilisation
of plants, one subject only should be dealt with. Mr.
Martin R. Smith has worked with the Carnation only,
and has thoroughly mastered the iutricacies connected
with the cross fert lisation of that plant. His work
in producing from seed a new type of Malmaison Car-
nation is evidence of originality in one direction ; but
he has also marked out a new line, all his own, in
border Carnations, and has advanced quite as far in this
section, having produced varieties possessing qualities
in the form and colour of the flowers, and in the habit
of the plants hitherto unknown. Nothing at Hayes
is left to chance, and a record is kept of all the
crosses made, which are carefully tabulated.
The experience thus gained had led Mr. Martin
Smith to a stroDg belief in the prepotancy of the
pollen-parent, a beliet, however, which has been
somewhat shaken by the results obtained from this
year's seedlings, a very large number of which have
closely followed their seed-parent in habit, form, and
colour.
The im portance, however, of this negation of previous
experience is, iu Mr. Martiu Smith's opinion, much
diminished by the practical impossibility of knowing
with certainty what p dlen has really fertilised the
seed. The flower may have been self-fertilised or
affected by pollen carried by the wind before being
crossed by the operator. A few instances, therefore,
iu which the influence of the pollen parent is plainly
discernible, are more convincing to the mind thau
would be many apparently poiu ting to an opposite direc-
tion, as the value of such results is always neutralise
by the doubt which will fail to arise as to whether
the cro?s was in very truth what it professed to be.
A few results have been obtained which may be
considered practically established : for instance, that
the crossing of parents of the same colour, rose
with rose, scarlet with scarlet, or yellow with yellow,
will produce a very large preponelcrauce of seedlings
of the same colour ; but when parents of different
SEPTEMBER 11, 1?£7.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
175
Fig. 49. — fancy carnation hidalgo.
Exhibited lirst in 1SSW. Sizr of bloom S Inches ; yellow ground, streaked and
rgined with crimson. (See p. 174.)
Flti. 51. — CARNATION CINNAMON.
Size of loom :{ inches ; colour cinnamon or apricot ; petals Large, and Bmootb
mi the edges. (.Sre [». 174.)
-
i
Fig. 50.— fancy carnation czarina.
Size of bloom 3A inches ; -iteji yellow -:• iund, margins marked with red lines
flowers large ana full. (See p. 174.)
Fig. 52. — carnation reoent.
Size of blooms inches ; buff ground-colour, heavily mark J with purplish-red.
(See p. 174.)
17-6
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,
[Seitember 11, 1807.
colours arc used, their progeny will bo found of every
conceivable tint, and experience so far can trace no
rule or method in the matter.
Fuither, it would appear that (he crossing of two
strongly-opposed colours, such as yellow and purple,
yellow and maroon or scarlet, has a distinct tendency
to pruduce whites.
The iuter-crossing of yellow ground fancies will
result in an almost exclusive return of yellow ground
fancies, and as is well known the inter-crossing of
Hakes or lizarres will give a vast preponderance of
(lowers with the fame distribution of colour.
Yellow would appear to be the least stablo of all
colour1, for the use of pollen from a variety of any
other colour will, as a rule, euli ely displace the
yellow iu the progeny ; and in a cross of yellow u|.on
a seed-parent of any other colour, but few, if any,
jellows wili be found among the seedlings. The
prepotency in this cise of the pollen parent will, as
regards colour, be found witho ut evidence, but may
be clearly demonstrated in habit, petal, or calyx.
The usual tendency to " throw back " is obstrvable,
and Mr. Martin Smith mentions that from the
crossing of a scarlet and a white, both seedlings from
G-ermauia, he this year obtained several yellow selfs.
It is certaiu that the whole of (he seeds in tho
same p d are not equally affected by the pollen-parent.
Some of the scedungs from it will be found bearing
stron; and undoubted evidence of the cross, aud
these will generally prove t) bo the pick of the lot ;
whilst others will take after the seed-parent, and a
sure percentage will show a tendency t ) revert to the
''single" form from which the pireut was originally
developed.
In considering, thorcfore, t'.e value of a cross
bitweeu auy two varitties, it is necessiry first to
eliminate much that is moderate or inferior. If but
< ne seedling in a bundled is produced of very supe-
lior merit, and (here i- evidence that it is (he genuine
produce of the two Varieties used, (he value of the
cross must be fixed by that one good seedling, and
not by the ninety-nine which have hid to be thrown
away.
What Mr. Martin S-nith is n)w striving for is goo I
c institution, compact habit of plant, flowers standing
boldly erect on stout footstalks and of good outline,
aud the out' r petals smooth, well formed, aud that do
not reflex.
The six flowers we have figured on pp. 175, 177, were
photographed by Mr. Stanley Wrightson, at Great
Uookham, in the nursery of Mr. J. Douglas, who has
ttken over the availab'e stock of the new Hayes
scellings. The varieties are a selection from 150,
all named and classified with the greatest care. The
flowers are slightly reduced iu size.
REMARKS ON THE FRUIT CROPS.
( S i Tuhlcs, ante, pp. 63 to 69 )
WALES.
(Concluded from p. 160.)
Carihginsiiire. — Ou the whole the fruit crops in
this district are very poor, and especially Apples.
There was a grand show of blossom, but cold winds
and late frosts ruined them. Bush fruits have boen
very plentiful ; Strawberries were good, but did not
last long. R. T. Williams, Crassviood Park,
Afarysticith.
Denbighshire. — In this garden Apples are a grand
orop ; the variety Stur.ner Pippin lias failed, but this
bore a very heavy crop last season. Tears aro good,
too, exceptionally so the varieties Williams' Bon
Chretien, Marie Louise, Doyenne du Cornice, Beurre
Diel, Beurre; d'Amanlis, Beurrd Super fin, Jargonelle,
Josephine d ! Malines, Louise Bonne of Jersey,
Marie Louise, and Catillac. F. Fairbairn, Wynnstay
Gardtns, Ruabon.
Early and late Apples are excellent crops.
Mid-season varieties were damaged by the frost when
in bloom. Itibston Pippin aud King of the Pippins
are the best cropped amonj late varieties. Hairy
Pjrdcr, Ru'.hin Castle Gardens, Dcnbiyhshire.
Glamorganshire. — Fruit-trees here never looked
bttter than they did this spring ; they were clean and
healthy, and fro 3 from insect pests of all kinds.
Apple, Peir, aud Plum trees were one mass of
blossom, and promised well for an abundant cop ;
but the fruit did not set well, and a great mauy of
the Apples dropped after they had grown to the size
of pigeons' eggs. Of Aoples, Lord Suffield, Cox's
Orange Pippin, R'bston Pippin, King of the Pippins,
and Alfriston are ca-ryiug good crops ; while most
other varieties have not more than half a crop. Pear-
trees on walls and pyramids in the open quarters have
about half an average crop. Plums are a complete
failure. Strawberries were plentiful, and gojd in
quality. A. Petligrcm, Castle Gardens, Cardiff.
The fruit-crop iu (his district is much under
average, especially Pears, Plum*, Cherries, Peaches,
and Nectarines. I never remember to have seen
Peach-trees in Buch a bad s(ate, and the cold weather
inMaykillel many of the shoots. Apples iu some
gardens are a heavy crop, aud t':e trees look cliau
and healthy, but iu others there is much scarcity.
All small - fruits have been plentiful. R. Milncr,
Pcnricc Castle.
Montgomervshire. — The season opened with great
promise, there was an abundance of blooms, aud they
were uninjured by frosts ; but cold easterly winds
following caused the leaves to blister, aud the trees
became badly blighted. Owin; to this check the
fruits did not swell, and consequently they fell off iu
great numbers. Damsons are quite a failure. John
Lambert, Powis Ca't'c Gardens, ll'els'tpool.
Pembrokeshire. — All fruit trees bloomed well this
season, and there bein*; a total absenco of spring frost a
good crop of fruit was anticipated. But the weather
was cold, wet, and sunless dining the blooming period,
and the fruits set badly. Then there was a sudden
chan:e to heat and drought, and most of those that
had set dropped off. We have an averaje crop of
Apples, the best being King of Pippins and
Alfriston. Geo. Grijli i, Slebcek Park Gardens.
The following varieties of Apples ore bearing
good crops : Adams' Pearmain, Bramley's Seedliug,
D. T. Fish, Keswick Codliu, Lady Henniker, Lord
Suffield, Ecklinville Seedling, Margil, and Tower of
Glamis ; all varieties of Pears are very thiu. aud the
fruits small. W. B. Either, Stackpole Court Girdens,
Pembroke.
IRELAND, N.
Gai.way. — Tho fruit crops, with tho exception of
small fruits, aro almost a failure. Apples, Pears,
Plums, and Cherries bore very heavy crops last year ;
this circumstance, combined with a very wet and
sunless autumn, left the trees exhausted, and the
wood badly ripened. The blossom was consequently
unable to withstand tho long period of c dd and
wet in the spring. John Cobban, Gwballij Gardens,
Ballinasloe.
Kerry. — The spring of this year was the most
disas'rous for outdoor fruit that I remember. There
was an abundant show of blossom on all kinds of
fruit trees, but for nearly three weeks there was cold
weather, with hail and snow, and only the late-
flowering Apples and Pears set any fruit. Geo. R.
Brecsc, Killarncy Gardens, co. Kerry.
Westmeat'j. — i'he fruit crops in this district are
on the whole fairly satisfactory. Apples are a fail-
crop, Lane's Prince Albert, Cox's Pomona, Hiostou
Pippin, aud Blenheim Orange, being especially abun-
dant and of good quality. Pears also are very good
both on walls aud standards, a few standard trees of
the market variety, Hessle, being weighed to the
ground with fruit. The growth on Apples, Pears,
Plums, and small fruit trees is exceptionally clean,
strong, aud healthy. Robot Anderson, The Gardens,
IValerstoton, Athlone.
Wicxlow. — In the early spring we had great
promise, but the bitter east winds that prevailed here
during April and May proved most damaging to the
crops, especially to Plums, Pears, aud Chenies. Of
R ispberries we have had a very heavy crop of good
fruit. Carter's Superlative is the favourite variety
here. D. Crombie, Powerseourt Gardens, Bray.
IRELAND, S.
Kildare. — Tho fruit crops are under average,
owinj; to the severe frosts of March 30 (12°) aud
April 2 (11°), both of which were of ten hours' dura-
tion. Varieties of Apples carrying full crops are
Lord Suffield, Blenheim Orange, and Northern Green-
ing, and these all carried heavy crops iu 1895 and
1896. Frcdk. Bedford, Slraffan llia.se Hardens.
King's County. — The fruit crops are very iudiffe-
rent ; Cherries, Plums, and Pe irs are v. iy few and
poor iu quality ; whilst Peaches ou open walls are a
total failure, although there was an abundance of
blossom. T. J. Hart, Birr Castl: Gardens. Pars ns-
town.
Limerick. — The present is the in 'si unravourab'e
fruit season I have experienced. Pears lo iked very
promising when iu bloom, but c dd east winds with
frost set in, destroying the pollen, so that we are
practically without Pears of any variety. Apples are
only a partial crop. J. EllieoV, Sumi>ic>'viltc Gardens,
Limerick.
CHANNEL ISLVNDS.
Guernsey. — The crops of out-of-door fruits are
abnormally poor. Tho trees bloomed fu'ly two weeks
earlier than iu the two previous years. This of itseif
was a dinger, but the subsequent weather has com-
pleted the evil, for it has beeu cold and cheerless —
so much so, that the crops are now ten or twelve
days at least later than in au ordiuary season. Mauy
of tho fruits did not set well, those wl ich did,
advauced but little for a considerable time. C. Smith
<C' Son, Caledonia Nuiscry.
Jersey. —Apples aro an abundant crop, the tree3
being loaded with fruit. Pears arc scarce, owing to
wind and frost when the trees were iu bloom
All stone-fruits have failed. Edwin John Askelford
Nurseries, Queen'* Road, Si. /felin'.s
Isle of Man, — Tho prospects of au excellent fcuit
crop were good early iu the s 'ason, but the persistent
cobl and wet, and the high winds during June
cause I a very large proportion cf tho Apples, Pears,
and Cherries to fall prematurely. Strawberries have
been fine, aud of good quality. /. Murphy, Cronk-
lourne Gardens, Douglas.
Belgium,
EXHIBITION OF THU ANTWERP ROYAL
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The 16Gth exhibition of tho above sorety was
held in the ne w and handsome premis;s of the 11 >y i
Z lological Society, aud was very sucees-ful.
The programme iucluded uou compet (ivo exhibit!
and others for emipetitiou ; the former were tin
most numerous and important, many being cou-
trihuted by Antwerp horticulturists who had not
previously exhibited.
Two consignments of plants were particularly
noticeable, that of about two hundred speciran
plants sent by M. Florent Pauwels ; the other from
M. J. I. Do Beucker, consisting of a series of repre-
sentative plants illustrating the various fl iras of the
globe, mingled with a dozou floral decorations,
ranging from a bunch of Thistle blooms to an elegant
arrangement of Lilium Harrisii and spalhes of
Anthurium.
Tue society instituted a new award for this exhib:-
tiou, namoly, a diploma of artistic merit to be
awarded to the exhibitors whose arrangements
showed good taste. Four dip'omaswere allotted ; for
plants and flowers from M. J. I. De Beucker ; for
the floral sprays of M. J. Smets-Truyman ; the cut
flowers from M. RaesDaems, and fourthly to tie
planner of the exhibition, M. GuillaumeDe Bosschere,
who had successfully and arti-ticilly contrived the
general arrangement of the hall.
A Certificate of Merit for rarity was accorded to
M. F. De Laet for Ec) inocactus Trollieti. A cultural
Certificate was awarded for Echinoc. ictus Wislizeui
and for Anthurium Rothschddianuiu, from M. A.
De Smet.
September 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
177
W-i »»•'
FlG. "».'!. C IKNATI03 G1LU \.
Si,;.' o( bloom 8 inches clear yet] >w soil ; form perfei t (See p, 174.
Fig. 54.— cabxatiok aureola.
Si; ■ i »f hi lom . " inchi
: yellowish-buff ground, curiously marked ivitli
li ep red, (See p. 174.)
METHODS OF PEOPAGATION.
IContmued from p. 13s.
BuSH-Fr ITS AND ROSE STOCKS, VaBIOUS. —
Only in a few instances are fruit-trees raised from
cuttings, but all bush-fruits are so propagated, some
t tking off the wood in the autumn (by far the better
plan), making the euttiugs in the winter, or on wet
days, and planting early in Maicb, when it frequently
happens in mild winters, the cuttings being litd in
small bundled, and beddtd in the soil, the butt-ends
will have all callused over, and scarcely one will /nil
to strike ; others take the prurings from their
bushes, and making cutting* theD, bed them in
thickly, and afterwards put on a mulching of spent-
tan or cocoa refute, and get a fair percentage to
take root.
It matters not greatly how the cuttings are made,
but my plan lias been to make them from 9 to 10
inches long, cut square, i.o, at right angles to the
axis at the thick or bottom end, and diagonally at
the top; and for Gooeberrics, and red and white
Currants, disbudding all but three or four eyes at
the top, which, when they grow, will furnish tho
first branches of the young bush.
Iu making cuttings of bl ick Currants all the buds
are retained, as it is an advantage for them to throw
up strong and numerous shoots from the ban-,
and so furnish the bush with a perennial supply
of stout new wood on which the best fruit is
produced. Raspberries usually throw up quite
enough fresh canes every season to re-stock the beds,
but in selecting brood avoid the stoutest pieces, as
they frequently are unripe, and will Buffer from frost
in severe wintus, following a moist ami mild autumn.
Where you have a new variety and want to increase
it rapidly, you may take cuttings about a foot
long of tho fully ripened canes, and dibble them
into a prepared bid, leaving only ore or two
eyes or buds above the turface of tho soil ;
or the ripened canes may be bent down, and
pegged into a sha'low furrow, cutting a notch
below every bud and pegging the cane tirmly into
tho soil, and then covt ring over with light, prepared
soil. The nest ye.r nearly every bud will start
growing up through the soil, rooting from the base,
and the cine may be cut off and divided up into
lengths, each carrying a sound shoot ; but this is only
needful iu case of new and soaice kind', such as
Superlative, Beaeonsfield, and perhaps the hybrid
Blackberry that hails from America. This reminds
rue the Blackberries which were boomed some year or
two back by American nurserymen, may be freely
propagated in this simple manner.
It is but a step from these to their near allies, the
Roses, which are all capable of rapid increase from
cuttings of one-year-old shoots taken when rip<* in
the early autumn, before the foliage has all dropped,
and inserted in a prepared bed, made up of stilt
loam a little lightened with silver-sand, and sifted,
well-decayed manure. It is better to cover with a
hand-light or frame, tivingair occasionally to prevent
dampiug-off, and never allowing the soil to get too
dry.
In America thousands of young plants of Tea,
Rosette, and hybrid Ferpetual Roses are raised on
wh.t are called "cutting benches." These are flat
stages of wood running over hot- water pipes
or tanks, so as to ensure a steady bottom heat.
The cuttings are made about 5 inches loDg, cany-
ing at least two leaves which are shortened to two
folioles. The cuttings are firmly bedded in the soil,
and a good heat being maintained, they root in a very
short space of time, making the best if plants for
pot-work or bedding out.
Great care should be exercised not to take cuttings
from unhealthy plants or tLose affected by mildew
or rust. A modification of the Yankee plan is to use
a shallow wooden tray, and when it is full of cuttings
to plunge it in the warm material of the propagating
pit, but unless great care is taken, there is dar ger of
an attack of one of the many ills to which Ro.-e- flesh
is undoubtedly heir to, and dressings of sulphur and
other nostrums are useless, and often only aggravate
the evil. A valuable hiut culled from an American
bcok is that succe=s is alucst assured it the cuttings
<u»><vuoi oi varieties
178
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 11, 1897.
be taken from house.grown plants, and undoubtedly
the Tea, Tea hybrid and Noisette Rosea are readily
increased by this method.
Rose stooks for forming dwarf plants are univer-
sally raised by this method. The cuttings of ripe
wood are taken in the autumn, and laid in by the
heels till a wet or severe frosty day makes it necessary
for an indoor job to be found for the men.
The Italian (Manettiae) stock is the one generally
used. The cuttings are made from 9 to 10 inches long,
and the lower bud? out on", leaving only two or throe at
the top of the cutting. They are then lined-in about
2J inches apart in a sheltered border, and well trodden-
in, and asifting of cocoa refusespread evenly over the soil
auiongtbem to make a neat finish, and to keep an even
t2mperature,and the moisture in the soil. Most of them
will strike, and early ia the following autumn every
other plant may be lifted for potting to use for
inside grafting, and those left will take a bud in June
or July ; but it ia the practice to take out the soil to
the depth of 3 or 4 inches so that the bud may be
inserted below the ground line ; and when this has
started and somewhat hardened to fill up the soil
level, covering the union, and so, in most eases,
encouraging rooting from the base of the bud.
Speaking candidly, it is a pity the Manettii is so
free and easy of propagation and working, for, except
for a very few Roses, it is a most unsatisfactory stock.
It is true the plants grow very vigorously in the first
year, but each succeeding one they get weaker, and
at last may be Eaid simply to exist ; while the stock,
being of a very irrepressible nature, is constantly
throwing up strong suckers from the bottom and
Billing the bud.
Many amateurs, and I might also say gardeners,
cannot distinguish the stock from the Rose, and ao in
time — alas! a short time— the Rose-bed becomes all
Manettii. A simple and efficient means to distinguish
the stock from the Rose is that most, I may say all,
H. P., Tea, and Noisette Roses have compound leaves,
with two pairs of opposite leaflets and one terminal
-in all, five ; but the Manettii and multinora Roses,
includiug Turner's Crimson Rambler, have seven,
viz., three opposite pairs and one terminal. My
advioe to the gardener and amateur is, put a ban on
Manettii stooks, using by preference the native wild
Rose3, R. canina and R. arvensis, either as seedlings
or cuttings. I have had most satisfactory results
from Briar cuttings which are thus made, and may
be generally cut in plenty from the beds of standard
Rriars. Generally two or three laterals are allowed
to each Briar, but two are ample ; one finally, all
good rosaiians will say.
Remove all the superfluous ones, cutting close to the
main stem, so as to secure a heel, and then shorten to
about 6 inches. Line-in these cuttings about 3 inches
apart, and tread up firmly, when most of them will
root aud be fit to take a bud the next June or July.
Any weak or badly-rooted ones may be potted and then
plunged for winter grafting. The next most gene-
rally useful Rose stock is the " Grifteraio," or, to give
it its full title, Multinora do la Grifferaie, which roots
freely from cuttings of the ripe yearling wood, out
at a node, the cuttings being made about 8 or 9 inches
long, disbudded at the base, and two-thirds embedded
in the soil of the cutting-border ; they may be
budded as they stand, or be transplanted. On this
stock all the strong-growing and climbing Tea and
Noisette Roses can be worked, aud the smooth- wooded
perpetuals, such as Marie Finger, &c.
There are two more Rose stocks employed by
French and some English growers to bud Tea Roses
upon, one of which is desirable, as it not only imparts
a neat pyramidal form to the bush, but causes a
short aud compact habit of growth, and great free-
dom of flowering. This is known as the Napoleon
stock (Rosa laxa) ; on it such Roses as Madame
Chedane Guinoisseau, Marie Van Houtte, and other
useful Teas, make beautiful plants for pot-culture ;
aud the last is Rosa polyantba, which is good for
some Teas, and for all Noisettes, as well as for their
hybrids. Both of these may be readily propagated
from cuttings of the ripe wood, taken just at the fall
of the leaf. Fxperieaci.
{I'o be coutiv
American Notes.
— >
REFORESTATION.
A great deal of interest in forestry subjects ia
being manifested in certain quarters. The efforts to
secure a more reasonable management of the forests
on publio landa are especially strenuous. Of course,
the present negligent apathy is due chiefly to igno-
rance of the value of the publio woodlands, and of
the feasibility of their systematic management. Any
contribution to our knowledge of the aatual fact8 is
therefore e3peoially timely. One of the best of
recent publications dealing with such matters is a
bulletin discussing the " Rate of increase on the cut-
over timber lands of Minnesota," and issued from the
Minnesota experiment station by Professor S. B.
Green and Mr. H. B. Ayres. Beside3 giving accept-
able statistica as to the extent and composition of the
valuable lumber forests of Minnesota, the special
question of the rate of increase on cut-over lands is
answered as well as may be by giving several careful
measurements. From these it appears that White
Pine(PinusStrobus, Linn.), left as scattering trees after
logging, and cut at the age of 100 years (elapsed time
since logging not given), has made an average annual
increment of 1 '."> cubic feet during the last ten years.
White Pine first crowded, and then set free by fire,
125 years old, has given an average annual increment
during the last ten years of -89 cubic feet. White
Pine grown in the open, fifty-six years old, has made
aa average annual increment of 125 cubic feet during
the last ten years. Norway Pine (Pinus resinosa, Ait )
left after logging, aud cut at the age of 128 jears,
shows an average annual increment for the last teu
years of 79 cubic feet. Norway Piue grown in the
open (age not stated) gave an average annual incre-
ment of -96 cubic feet for the last ten years.
Tamarae (Larix americana, Michx ), second growth,
thirty-eight yeai-3 old, showed an average annual
increment of '46 for the last ten years.
Ari'LE Crop of 1S97.
As was expected, tho Apple crop of the present
year is considerably below the average. The Secre-
tary of the National Apple-Shippers' Association
estimates it at 00 per cent, of a full crop. The
quality of the crop is not likely to be better than
that of last year. The quality last year was good
in spite of the large crop, but this year has been
marked by weather favourable to the spread of
fungous diseases and insect pests. Apple scab is very
bad in unsprayed orchards ; but, fortunately, nearly
all the commercial growers in America spray care-
fully every year. It seems probable that the price
for first-class fruit this year will be considerably
higher than last. Last year the English expoit
market was demoralised by excessive shipments of
poorly graded, poorly packed, poorly ripened fruit,
for which shipping and storage facilities were quite
inadequate. The Dominion government has now
completed the arrangement of cold storage houses in
connection with cars and boats from all parts of
Canada direct to Liverpool, London, and other
English ports, and this may have some influence on
the disposal of the ripening crop.
Quebec Pomology.
The fourth anuual summer meeting of the Quebec
Pomological and Fruit Growers' Association was held
on August 17 and 18, at Stanstead, with a moderate
attendance. The territory represented by the mem-
bership of this Society comprises the coldest Apple-
growing rogion of North America. Indeed, it has
been only by the most strenuous search after the
very hardiest varieties that Apple-growing has been
made a success at all. The fact that Apple-growing
has at last succeeded in a commercial way, ia a
remarkable testimony to the patient enterprise of the
Quebec horticulturists. The winter of 1896-9" was
a very severe one in this region, owing partly to a
lack of snow-coveriDg on the soil. Many old orchards
of supposedly "iran-clad" varieties were ao badly
decimated as to require replanting or complete
destruction. Such an amount of winter-damage is
however, very exceptional, and fruit-growers will not
be deterred from further planting. The Ruasian
varietiea of Applea have been widely distributed
throughout the province in answer to the demand for
something especially hardy, and such aorta aa Yellow
Transparent and Duchess of Oldenburg have achieved
some commercial impoitance. The writer enjoyed
the privilege lately of visiting the old farm of the late
Charles Gibb, at Abbotsford, Quebec. Mr. Gibb was
one of the first and most prominent importers of
Russian fruits in America, and the orchards which
he left, aud which are now in the hands of M. Wm.
Craig, are a very interesting memorial of his woik.
Many of the trees which he planttd are now bearing
profitable crops. The Russian varieties are not
occupying the cold regions of Canada and the States
to the exclusion of others of American origin ; but
they have served a very useful purpose in inducing
experimentation in Apple-growing where people bed
not the faith to try native sorts. Russian Pears and
Plums have met with but indifferent success.
Russian Cherries have done a little better, but they
have not yet passed out of their probationary stage.
F. A. I Faugh.
The Society of American Florists.
This body has held its thirteenth anuual conven-
tion at Providence, Rhode Island. It was in many
respects a notable gathering, especially as concerns
the attendance, but tho topics for discussion were
presented in a very ordinary way, and actual discus-
sion fell flat. Even the proposed change in the title
to " Society of American Florists and Ornamental
Horticulturists," was handled in a desultory sort of
way. Mr. A. Herriugton made a strong plea for the
title of gardener, but tho grotesque name as sub-
mitted was eventually adopted. Now it is an accom-
plished fact, everyone is asking what is an ornamental
horticulturist ' and the ludicrous side is being fully
appreciated.
The fact is, the addition is made because the
Society seeks a national charter, which was vetoed by
President Cleveland on the ground that the best
interests of horticulture were not to be best served
by a body of florists— which, of course, is a pa'ent
fact. Moreover, the Society Las been, and is, in need
of more funds, which may be supplied by increased
membership ; therefore its managers are anxious to
open it up to others than mere commercial florists ;
the cash of the gardener is sought, and some of the
speakers were not sufficiently careful in expressing
themselves in terms of dieparagement about the fruit
and vegetable raisers. They Bhould remember that
at one time they themselves were nearly all in some
way all-round gardeners.
Some time ago there was partly organised in New
York a society for gardeners only, for many men of
the craft wanted to maintain their individuality, as
apart from the florists. Since its inception, hose.er,
it has been so grossly mismanaged, that the Society
of American Florists has now a chance such as it
never before had, and it looks as though it will next
year show an even greater vitality than it has this
time. The feeling that the Society is to be run by
the working florist was well shown in the election of
the new President, W. F. Gude of Washington,
D.C. He was sprung upon the meeting in opposition
to a wealthy gentleman with large investments in
commercial floriculture, and his election was carried
by a large majority.
The next convention will be held in Omaha,
Nebraska, and it will be the first time that the
Society has gone so far into the west. By many this,
together with the surprise election of the Pre-
sident— a young man under thirty years of age — is
looked upon as the dawn of a new era, and of wider
scope for the Society's work.
The exhibition held in connection with the con-
vention was chiefly remarkable for the display of
Water Lilies and other aquatic plants. There was
oie private collection from Mr. Oakes Ames, and one
trade lot from Mr. H. A. Dreer, to whom the awards
were made in the order named.
Rhododendrons aud Azalea mollis raised from seed
in 1891 were represented by good-sized plants, and
September 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
179
the trade is regarding the matter with Eome interest,
as the present import duty on all plants is 30 per
cent, ad valorem, which makes the foreign stock come
dear to the buyer.
The Bulb Supply.
The question of our supply of bulbs has again been
introduced by C. H. Allen. It looks as if we shall
soon be hard at it raising at home all the Lilium
Harrisi that are wanted. It will be a serious blow to
the Dutch if we take to raising our own bulbs — and
why sho rid we not / None can answer that.
Pomoloqical Society.
Oa September 1 the biennial gathering of that very
important body, the American Pomological Society,
met at Columbia, Ohio.
The Fruit-crop.
The returns indicate that the Apples this year will
be about 60 per cent, of last year's crop ; this does
not necessarily indicate any diminution in svipj ly for
the Liverpool aud London markets, but rather that
the out-of-the-way districts at home, which were
reached last year in sheer desperation, will not be so
well supplied,
Tomatos.
The superiority of English Tomatos for forcing
purpose* as compared with the American varieties, is
being more strongly impressed upon the craft. The
one that has prove i itself to be facile princcps is
Best of-AU (Sutton's), which is fully 50 per cent, better
in yield than the hitherto standard variety LorillarJ.
Pot.vtos.
It, is noteworthy in the respect that English Potatos
are a failure on the farms of the States. Repeated
attempts at their cultivation ha7e been made, but
s oner or later — generally in a couple of years or so
— the variety has dwindled away, and the "crop"
does not equal the se?d in weight. This yevr some
better results may be reported, but the dreadfully
wet season will ac ;ount for the present results.
JoI'ankse Iris.
A resent visit to the nurseries nf John Lewis
Childs gave one an entirely new appreciation of the
possibilities of the Japanese Iris (I. Ktetnpferi).
Here have we been worrying ourselves about the
supply of water at the roots when at Floral Park,
New York. This plant is grown as a field crop — by
the acre ! High and dry on the edge of a railroad-
cutt'ng were to be seen the very finest blooms.
Pvidently wet feet are not a necessary condition for
this most beautiful member of a gorgeous family.
Fruit-Conservation.
It is always a matter of surprise to the American
housekeeper to learn that her English cousin does
not "can." Fruits thus preserved for winter use
are much more serviceable for a variety of purposes
than jam. Here no housewife fails to put up in
glass jars a liberal store of Apples, Pears, Plums,
Peaches, Chenies and even Raspberries, Strawberries,
&c. These can b3 used later for dessert or pies, and
are almost equal to the fresh fruits. Tomatos are
also thus stored. This proce?s of canning is so called,
I suppose, because no cans are used. The process
broadly is first to get the glaSo jars well heated by
standing them in cold water, wh:ch is Irought to tl e
boil, then to fill with fruit, cooking it till tender, then
adding sugir to the juice that flows from the fruit, so
as to make a syrup, then fill the jars quite fu'l, and
hermetically seal while still hot. Fruits thus pre-
served are so infinitely superior to the sickly, over-
sugared jam, that the latter is but very rarely met
with. The jars for this work are made with a screw
metal top, lined with china, and a washer of india-
rubber.
Mr. David Houston, Director of the Essex
County Technical Instruction, has been visiting
many of our eastern experiment stations on behalf
of his Council. After inspecting the Government
Department of Agriculture at Washington, he will
continue his investigations. A n Old Correspondent.
Forestry.
MIXED PLANTATIONS.
(Continued from p. ■%.)
In the formation of a truly ornamental piece of
woodland, no better guide can be taken than Nature,
and the first question the intending planter should
ask himself is, what is the indigenous forest growth
of the particular locality he has to deal with. This
can easily be ascertained by the inspection of neigh-
bouring woods and copses, or odd corners of ground
which have been lefc to themselves for years, and are
gradually becoming stocked with indigenous trees
and shrubs. He will probably find a sufficient variety
in these spots to enable him to pick oat both timber
trees and shrubs suitable tfor game cover ; and the
chief question to decide is the extent to which these
particular species may be employed, keeping in view
the particular objects for which the work is under-
taken. One almost invariable desideratum in planta-
tions of the usual kind is a quick etl'ect, for the growth
of a young plantation into a game cover, let alone
its growth into a timber-yielding concern, is a com-
para'ively slow business. Rapidity of growth in a
species cannot, therefore, be overlooked altogether,
and there is little doubt that," compared with many
of our recent introductions, indigenous trees
are at a decided disadvantage in this respect.
Our native forest flora is also rather weak in
evergreens, and here again it does not always
satisfy the requirements of the gamekeeper in the
way of shelter, or the landscape-gardener in imparting
warmth and variety of foliage during the winter
months. Conifers are practically the only class of
tree at our disposal for this purpose, but their too
free uss either in the park or plantation, frequently
nullifies any advantage that fought to accompany
their use. All that is required from an aesthetic
point of view, in any piece of woodland, is just suffi-
cient alteration in the species and type of wood to
prevent the eye from acquiring that famili irity in the
SCJn-3 bef re it which is said to breed contempt. Any
greater change than this is a mist ike, as it tends to
destroy those peculiar features which are associated
with a particular district, an 1 which adapt themselves
so readily to the physical features of a locality. It
may be difficult to determine definitely the species
best adapted for any particular site, but a close obser-
vation of the native habitat of both indigenous and
exotic forest trees is the best way of avoiding
error in this respect. Generally speaking, forest trees
may be divided, from an ornamental point of view,
into two classes — those which are seen to best advan-
tage on sloping ground, and those which suit them-
selves more readily to a flat landscape. Amongst
the former will be found the majority of Conifers,
more especially such as are of a stiff and
pjramidal habit of growth, while broad-leaved
species are more frequently indigenous to plains
and lowlands. This rule of course has many
exceptions, for the same species wh:ch occupies
the hill slopes and elevated ground in a warm climate
will be found in the plains and low-lying land at
higher latitudes. But in a general way it must be
admitted that many Conifers not only thrive better
in hiily districts than broad-leaved trees, but also
have a far better appearance on a hill-side than
the more spreading and fiat-topped deciduous types.
Of course a fine specimen of any species looks
well wherever it may be, but we refer here to
trees in woods aud large masses, where the general
effect is of more importance than that derived from
individual trees. Spruce, Larch or Silver Fir, for
instance, are more suitable trees for planting on steep
hill-sides, or on the sides of deep ravines, than Oak or
Beech, not altogether because they thrive better in
such situations than the latter, but also because their
habit of growth is more in harmony with the rugged
and broken nature of the ground. Variety in the
landscape in such cases is afforded by the conforma-
tion of the ground rather than by the stems and
foliage, and that sameness of habit which characterises
trees of this class is less noticeable. On flat cr merely
undulating ground it is otherwise, for here nothing
occurs to attract the attention except the vegetation
itself. In such cases, broad-leaved trees usually
produce a more satisfactory effect than Conifers,
owing to the greater variation in the individual
habits of the trees. In deciduous woods, again, we
get the varying effects of spring, summer, autumn,
and winter, the three former of which undoubtedly
possess greater attractions for the ordinary observer
than the little varied appearance which Conifers
retain throughout the year. Generally speaking,
therefore, the choice of species for a mixed plan-
tation should be determined a great deal by the
characteristic soil, situation, and physical features of
the district. Whatever species thrive naturally in
the locality should be planted most extensively, not
as a regular mixture, but in masses or groups, in
those spots which show them off to best advantage,
and where slight differences in the character of the
soil render one more likely to succeed than another.
Dietinct types should only be introduced where
changes in the conformation of the ground lend
themselves to their use, and where the reason for the
change of crop is easily apparent. On flat ground,
where no such alteration occurs, the necessary
amount of variety may be afforded by placing
clumps of another type hero and there through-
out the bulk in the shape of a mixture with
the prevailing species, and in such a way that tho
change in the class of tree is of a gradual and scarcely
perceptible kind, for abrupt changes are seldom
natural. A. C. Forbes.
(To >■' continued,)
AN EXTRAORDINARY HYBRID (?)
FERN.
Mr. E. .t. Lowe has kindly sent me recently a
frond and photographs of a presumed cross between
A«plenium trichomanes and Athyrium filix-fcomina,
and unlikely as such an alliance appears, I am
Btrongly ir.olined to believe it has taken plac°, since
the bi-pinnate character of the Athyrium appears too
distinctly, and is so alien to any sports of A. tricho-
manes as to be an extremely unlikely occurrence
without foreign influence. I siy this, de-pi e my
knowledge of the wide variation which undoubtedly
occurs without any crossing whatever, because,
wide as such variations may be, they are
usually simple extensions, so to epeak, of pre-
vious peculiarities, a plumose form becoming
more finely cut, or a crested one more heavily
crested. Cresting, per te, originates, it is true, in
seedlings from non-crested forms, and so constitutes
an exception to the rule : but I know of no case
where a merely pinnate frond, as in Asp. tricho-
manes, Bports into n it merely a bi-pinnate one, but
is this bi-pinnate form characterised by wide intervals
between the pinnules. Thus Polypodium vulgare and
Blechnum spicaut both assume bi-pinnate forms,
graduating from simple serration to such deeply
incised pinnrc as to render them bi-pinnate, but no
definite interval is developed, as in the case before
u=. On the other hand, on examining the frond
itself, I find it to be Asplenium trichomanes in every
respect but form. It is profusely sporiferous, tho
sori being densely confluent all over it, and
the spore3 are apparently perfect, and dis-
play that ovoid shape with an irregular mar-
ginal ridge, which distinguishes the spores of
this species most unmistakeably from the smooth
reniform ones of Athyrium. Among these I
was surprised to find prothalli developed in
abuudanee, germination being clearly visible in seven
or eight days after sowing on July 10, and at
present a crowd of healthy prothalli are jostling one
another for space. I am sanguine, therefore, that a
crop of sporeliugs will result, and yield by their
appearance and development some clue to their true
parentage. The fact thai, Athyrium is classed with
the Aspleniums by the best authorities would seem
to reduce the improbability of such a cross as
this ; but apart from a very meagre resemblance
in the fructification which has led to such classi-
fication, there is absolutely no feature pointing to
kinship, and no observant cultivator of varieties
180
THE GA I? D E NEBS' CIIBONICL E.
[September 11, 1897.
would, except in drfereuce to toxt-books, accept
it as correct. Athjrium filix-fcemina is a large-
growiug deciduous Feru, of succulent, soft texture ;
a ground plan*-, affecting marsh aud even boggy
situations ; is extremely prone to vary — more so,
probably, lhan any other known species, and by
virtue of this, has produced a great number of
heavily tasselled forms, one even cresting to the
fourth degree — i.e , frond, pinna, pinnules, and pin-
nulets ; the sorus is almost punctiform, with a ragged,
horseshoe shaped indusium ; and the spore, as we
have seen, is smooth, and kidney-shaped. Asplenium
trichomanes, and most of its allied species, are not
deciduous, but evergreen ; not succulent and soft,
but hard and leathery, and they affect walls, rocks, and
comparatively dry habitats. Then, too, they are
little given to variation, though A. trichomanes is an
exception, and even this, like all of its kin, fails to
produce regular secondary crests ; the sorus is usually
long and lineal, and the spore is provided with a
marginal ridge of a very pronounced character. In
my opinion, therefore, this co-classification is purely
arbitrary. With these facts in my mind, coupled
with the great fertility of the plant in question, I
hesitate until further evidence is provided by the
rising generation now under culture to accept the
Fern as an indubitable hybrid, though, as I have said,
it is difficult to account for the form of the frond on
any other hypothesis. In any case, the variation is
so remarkable that I have thought a note there
anent would be welcome. Clias. T. Druery, F.L.S.
Variorum.
Cranberry - pickinq in Wisconsin. — The
army of pickers that descends upon the Cranberry-
bo»s of Wisconsin every autumn, is composed chiefly
of Pole.s, Indians, and half-breeds, the Indians being
considered the best pickers because they never stiike,
and always accept the prices offered by the overseers.
As a rule, they earn a dollar a day and their bo.ird.
They bring their lodges and tepce3 with them, and
camp on the field. The Indians will not begin to
work unt half-past nine in the forenoon, and they
promptly knock off at four in the afternoon, in spite
of persuasions or threats. This peculiarity some-
times proves costly to the growers, for if a killing
frost is threatened in the night, the owners are com-
pelled to hurry about, and hire more white pickers,
since it is a waste of time to try to get an extra
hour's work out of an Indian. He would see the
whole field frozen stiff first. At such times, the
Poles realise the advantage of the situation, and
demand extra wages for overwork. The Indians are
good weather-prophets, and serve a useful purpose in
foretelling when to prepare for frost, aud when the
word issues from the lodge of a chief that frost is
approaching, the bogs are immediately flooded, and
extra help is employed. If the water covers all the
berries in time, no damage happens, but those that
arc left exposed will be ruined. Garden and Forest.
The Week's Work,
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Cucumbers.— Where a continuous supply has to be
furnished throughout the winter, an early start should
be made, and if my previous notes have been followed,
the young plants from which the fruits will be
obtained should now be making rapid progress. Close
attention must be given to tying and stopping, tying
the shoots thinly over the trellis, in order to cover it
with sturdy bine and healthy foliage whilst the
weather is favourable. The fruits for the present
should be removed. As soon as the roots emerge
through the small mounds on which the plants stand,
spread a little new soil, consisting of good loam iu a
rough state, which has first been made warm, over
the surface. Should the house not have been at
liberty earlier, plants if strong may yet be planted,
and, given favourable weather, they will become well
established before the winter sets in. See that the
house is quite clean before planting out the Cucum-
bers, otherwise red-spider, mildew, &c , may soon put
in an appearance. Should aphis appear, use tho
XL-All liquid. Old Cucumber pl.nts, if still in
bearing, should be treated a* I have previously
advised, aud e?ery means taken to keep them in
health till as late a period as possible, and in that way
spare the young plants. Keep the points pinchc1,
spent foliage and deformed fruit removed, and the
trellis covered with bine, affordiug nutriment in the
form of warm liquid-manure once or twice a week.
Do not allow the fruits to attain to their fullest size,
but remove them when they are just fit for use.
Melons. — Hants with ripening fruit should be kept
quite dry at the roots, and not be syringed overhead ;
during weather like the present, airing the pit or
house freely on fine days, and affording fireheat so
as to develop the flavour ; taking care however
that the sun does not Bhine directly on to the
fruit, or it will turn the flesh of a brown colour.
The latest crop must be pushed along speedily by
utilising the sun's warmth, which is best done by
allowing the heat inside the house to rise to 80°
before giving air, and closing early in the afternoon,
making use of fireheat on dull days and cold nights,
as once a Melon plant is checked the swelling of the
fruits is not readily set agoing. Frequently pinch the
lateral shoots ; afford a light syringing at closing time
on days that are fine and sunny, and do not let the
temperature at night fall below 70° ; and in all other
respects follow the directions given above. Always
use water that is warmed up to 90°, and do not wet
the stems of the plants.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, B irford. Dorking.
Deciduous Calanthes. — Plants of C. Veitcbi and
C. vestita have commenced to show their flower-
spikes from the base of the new bulbs, and it is im-
portant that each plant be given additional space. As
soon as each batch of the deciduous Dmdrobiiuns are
removed to their restiug-quarters, I fill the space
thus vacant with the largest aud most forward of the
Calanthes. Kvery plant should be placed in a
position where it will obtain a certain amount of
sunlight. If the plants can be put within a foot of
the roof-glass, the extra light will invigorate and
solidify the bulbs, and counteract spot in the leaves.
If stage accommodation be limited, the smaller plants
may be stood singly in shallow pans or baskets, and
suspended close up to the roof. During the middle
of the day, when the sun is bright, a very thin
shade may be necessaiy. By the end of this month
the plants will have become accustomed to the extra
light, and the shading may be dispensed with. The
bulbs, though considerably advanced, still require
plenty of water at the root, and in the extra sunlight
the Burface of the soil will dry quickly, and will
require wa'.er accordingly. An alternate watering
with weak liquid cow-manure will be beneficial to
the plants, if it be discontinued when the plants begin
to change colour. Calanthes of the Kegnieri section
are now in full growth, and as these would be injured
by the extra amount of sunlight, they should be
given a separate position, and treated as recommended
for the others when they were in full growth.
Oattleya-house. — Pleione concolor, P. la^enaria, F,
Wallichiana, P. maculata , P. prrecox, and P. I'eichen-
bacliiana now require plenty of light and air. It is
not necessary to dry-off these Indian Crocuses aftfr
their bulbs are made up, with the object of inducing
them to flower freely ; no difficulty being expe-
rienced in getting them to produce an abundance of
bloom if bet compost be kept merely moist until the
flowers expand, when dryness at the root i; necessary
to prevent the flowers from becoming spotted.
Repotting and Surfacing of Odontoglossums. — As
with Masdevallias, the most suitable time for icpotting
or top-dressing these plants is the present month,
new roots aud growths being now in course of
development. The outer air is genial in this month,
rendering it easy to afford a suitable temperature to
the plants, which should be cool and moi-t, then
r<) establishment soon takes place. Before the p'ants
are repotted, &c. , search the young growths for
yellow thrips, which are apt to escape notice owing
to their minuteness, till some disfigurement of the
leaves occurs. If any signs of this pest are visible in
the interior of the growths, every plant should he
vapoured once or twice with the XL AU liquid,
doing this after sunset, first taking the precaution to
moisteu the paths, floor, ami stages, and to maintain
a moderate degree of warmth, wh'ch will hive tl e
effect of enticing the thrips out of their haunts on to
the leaves, where the vapour soonest kills them.
It is always preferable to vaporise the plants before
repotting them. Where a considerable collection of
species and varieties of Odontoglossums is grown, some
plants will not have commenced to grow at this date,
and others are only just on the move, the repotting of
both of which had better wait till further progress is
made
Odontoglossums which may be Repotted, d-c. — The
species 0. triumphans, O. Halli, O. Harryanum,
U. luteo purpureum, 0. hystrix, O. poljxanthum,
O. tripudians, O. cirrhosum, 0. cuspidatum, 0.
Nevadeuse, 0. ntevium, 0. Pescatorei, 0. gloriosum,
<>. radiatum. 0. mulus, O. odoratnm, O. ramosissi-
mum, 0. Edouardi, 0. sceptrum, 0. cristatellum,
the numerous forms of 0. crispum, aud the various
hybrids of 0. excellens, 0. Wilckeanum, 0. Ander-
sonianum, 0. Ruckerianum, and 0. hebraicum, which
flowered early in the year, may be repotted during
this month. A suitable kind of compost for them
consists of liviug sphagnum-moss, good fibry peat in
equal proportions, and a moderate number of small
clean crocks. Let the sphagnum be well cleaned of
leaves and rubbish, and slugs and snails, the last two
causing the Orchid cultivator much trouble, as they
increase very fast, and commit havoc among the
plants Should the sphagnum contain much water,
first squeeze it well, then spread it out in the sun to
dry. As regards the peat, it should have the fine
dust sifted out of it. To enable the operator to mix
the peat and moss intimately, a heap of each should
be placed on the bench, and a handful of peat should
be taken in one hand, and one of , moss in the
other, pulliug the materials to pieces, so as to well
incorporate them. The fresh pots should be
quite clean inside and out, and proportionate
to the size of the plants, the overpotting of any
plant being carefully avoided. The pots should
contain crocks to three-fourths of their depth, and
above these a thin layerof sphagnum moss. I may men-
tion that last year I experimented with about twenty
plants, and iustead of putting in crocks 1 employed
the rhizomes of Ferns which Ihe peat containid, and
up to the present time tho state of the plants so
treated has been satisfactory. Masses of Oak-leaves
taken from the leaf-heap and placi d edgeways at the
bottom of the pot form a satisfactory kind of drain-
age material. This year many of our Odontoglossums
will he treated in this manner. When the old com-
post has become decayed it should be shaken off the
roots, but compost in a fairly good condition should
only have the surface renewed, the roots being lelt
undisturbed. In potting, the compo-t should be
pressed together with a moderate degree of solidity,
but not so much so that water cannot pass
away freely. Keep the bottom of tho plant
somewhat higher than the rim of the pot,
and wheu the fiiling-in is finished, a few heads
of sphagnnm-moss may be pricked into the sur-
face. Plants in poor condition should have all of
the stale compost removed, decayed roots cut off,
and the entire plant be washed in warm water. After
repotting them in as small-sized pots as possible,
afford water plentifully once, and only just as much
as will keep the sphagnum-moss alive ; but use the
svringe between the pots every morning; and
admit plenty of air when the weather is favour-
able ; and every day, just before sunset, close
the upper ventilators, and well damp-down. This
will cause the roof glass to be covered with con-
densed moisture, aud set up conditions favourable to
the growth of the plants. In the course of the
evening, and especially if the outer air is warm and
moist, the ventilators that were closed at sunset may
be opened to their full extent, and the last thing at
night lowered again, but not closed, as much air
being allowed to enter the house as is safe.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Hbrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Herbaceous Borders. — The rains which have fallen
during the past week have moistened the soil tho-
roughly, but they have spoilt many of the flowers,
and rendered much lidying-up necessary. The stakes
placed to all annual and perennial Sunflowers will have
to be made secure, and Michaelmas Daisies, now grow-
ing very fast, should be given another tie to prevent
their being blown about and made untidy. These plants
promise to make a good display ; plants of the dwarf
and very useful vaiiety, A. Atnellusbessaralicus, being
already a sheet of purplish-b'ue flowers. Phloxes--
w hich have been hi uefited by the rain — should be tied
up loosely, if their height be above 3 feet. Phygclius
capensis is one of the brightest dwarf subjects iu the
borders at Ihe present time, and although not fre-
quentlj seen in gardens, it is a very des'rable plant.
September 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
181
flower-stalks of Lavender should now be cut and laid
out to dry in a warm room ; while Helichrysutns and
other everlastings should be cut directly the flowers
open, and hung up flowers downwards, in an airy
house or sbed. ..i
Cassia corymbosa. — This half-hardy evergreen plant
is admirably adapted for summer-beddiDg. In
gardens where flowering plants. such as Fuchsias and
similar subjects are appreciated in the summer-
bedding arrangements, this free-growing, yellow-
flowered plant should always be included. It has the
merit of continuing in bloom till checked by frost,
although not hurt by a few degrees of frost. It
may be carefully lifted and potted-up, when it
will continue to flower in the greenhouse or conser-
servatory to the end of the year, at which time waten
should be partia'ly withheld, so as to induce a state
of rest, but being an evergreen it must not be kept
very dry, or the leaves will drop off. The flowers are
but little affected by damp. .
Tuberous-rooUd Begonias grow and flower freely in
wet weather ; and, although 6eeds form a certain way
of increasing the stock of these plants, cuttings are the
quickest and most trustworthy method of obtaining
plants of any desired tints. These will strike easily
now if made from the short side-growths, which arc
of a harder nature than the strong points, which
being very succulent, are liable to decay. Having
made the cuttings, place them to the number of four
round the sides of a well-drained 64-pot, filled with
light sandy soil. If the pots be plunged in a mild
hot-bed, roots will form in the course of a few weeks.
Pot-off the cuttings as soon as they have plenty of
roots, and keep them growing in an intermediate-
house throughout the winter and spring. If bushy
plants are desired, the points of the shoots should be
nipped off in the early stages. Standards are easily
formed by taking up one strong shoot, and stopping
it at the required height.
If several varieties are grown, let each be kopt sepa-
rate, otherwise the latest keepers may chauco to be
used first.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By \V. Pore, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Nowbury.
Vegetable Marrows and Ridge Cucumbers. — Cut tho
fruits for table use wheu of small size, and do not allow
any to grow large and develop seeds unless a largo
number of plants exist, as seed-bearing checks the
production of fruits. As the nights grow longer and
colder, it will be advisable to cover the Ridge Cucum-
bers with spare lights, and thus prolong the season
of fruiting by several weeks. Give abundance of
water to both when required, and, occasionally, weak
liquid-manure.
Celery. — The main crop of Celery may be earthed
up, taking care to pulverise the soil before doing so,
and choosing a dry day for doing the work, water
being afforded the plants a few houis before begii niog
to earth up. If the garden be infested with slujs and
snails, first afford the trenches a liberal dressing of
quicklime. Celery for use in the months of October
and November may now bj eirthed up fully, but
later crops not more than half way, more than this
causing the decay of the heart-leaves still low down in
the plants. It is good practice to go over growing
Celery twice or thrice during the season, and tie the
leaves loosely together with broad sti ips of bast or
raffia to prevent the leaves being broken by tho
wind.
Pcai arc becoming e career, and every means should
be taken to prolong the season by netting the rows
so as to preserve the pods from being eatou by small
birds. If mice are many, set traps for them, or
these creatures will cause much loss.
Mustard and Cress will require a slight protection
after this date, and the seeds are best sowu in a cold
frame or hand-light. Wheu cold weather sets in, sow
the seed thinly in shallow boxes, as these can bo shifted
about as may be desired. Do not cover the seed with
soil, but simply make the soil firm, and then sow
evenly on the surface, and cover with a board or slate
till it sprouts.
Spring-sown Onions — These will now be ripe, and
ready for pulling, about which there should be no
delay, or it may be difficult to dry the bulbs, if there
are many of them. Given a few fine days, there will
be no difficulty in drying them on the ground, if they
are turned over daily till dried ; but in wet weather
it may be advisable to place them on a hard path, or
on a bed of coal-ashes to dry. Onions should not be
stored in heaps, but laid out thinly in an airy shed
for a few weeks, the final sorting and tying into
bunches, &c , being left for a wet day at a later date.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. w. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Transf-lanting Strawberries. — Where not already
done, no time should be lost in making plantations of
Strawberries. The ground for this crop should have
received a heavy dressing of decayed manure, and
been trenched or deeply dug. In planting, set out the
plants in rows at from 20 inches to 2 feet each way,
according to the strength of the variety, pressing the
soil pretty firmly around the roots of the plants, but
keeping the crown slightly above the ground level.
Early forced plants of Laxton's Noble, Garibaldi
(syn. Vicomtesse Hihicart du Thury), and Royal
Sovereign, which had been duly hardened off prior to
being transplanted in the open in prepared ground in
spring, should have a little more clean straw placed
under the clusters of fruit.
Morello Cherries. — If the fruits havo been left on
the trees for gathering, they should be looked over
often, and the decayed fruits removed, so as to pre-
yent decay spreading to the sound onos. The
Morello Cherry is liked by some persons as a dessert
fruit during the present month for its pleasant
acidity ; moreover, a dish of large, well-coloured
Morelloa is not the least of the attractions of the
dessert at this time of the year.
Summer-bearing Raspberries, — The canes which have
borne fruits should be cut down to tho ground, so as
to let in sun and air to the current season's canes ; and
in order to secure them against the wind, twist a length
of tarred string once round line3 of stoutish sticks
firmly stuck into the soil at short intervals on each
side of the rows, and tie the two strings loosely
together here and there with cross ties.
Storing Apples and Pears. — The recent gales
brought down large quantities of Apples and Pears in
orchards. This fallen fruit is only tit for present
consumption, and, as such, should be placed apart.
In view of more gales occurring, it will he advisable
to examine all trees on which fruit is approaching
maturity, and gather those which part readily from
the shoots, storing them in single layers on the
shelves, if plenty of shelving exists, and two or three
deep if it be limited. It need scarcely bo repeated
that all kinds of fruit require very tender handling.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By Q. H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Bouvardias. — After this date the plants which have
remained where they were planted should be dug up
with sufficiently large masses of soil, and repotted in
a fairly rich soil, care being taken to preserve intact
most of the small roots, and to use clean or new
pots, and crock them well with small pieces. After pot-
ting, stand the plants in a cold frame or pit for a
few weeks, and keep them close until such time as the
roots begin to grow again. If flowers are required
early, those plants which were kept in pots the
whole season will furnish them, the stopping of
their shoots being now discontinued. Let the shoots
be tied out, and the plants made as trim looking as is
consistent with a graceful appearance, and if green-
fly appears on them, fumigate the frames without
delay.
Winter -floweting Carnations. — These will not be
the better for being left out-of-doors any longer, and
more especially if the garden is low-lying. Fasten
the flower-stems to neat green-painted sticks, cleaning
the plants and the surface of the soil, and washing
the pots ; placing them afterwards in a well-lighted
and ventilated span toofed house, and near the roof-
glass if possible, or, at aiy rate, in as light a position
as possible. Under this kind of treatment the flower-
spikes do not become drawn, and the flowers open
satisfactorily. No fire heat will be needed excepting,
perhaps, a small amount in the day-time when the
weather is dull, wet, or foggy. It benefits the plants
to afford liquid manure-water once or twice a week ;
and occasionally, as a change of diet, a spoonful per
pot of patent manure, such as Clay's.
Euckaris. — The leaves of the plant should be
cleaned of mealybug and Thrips, if these be present,
by using a sponge dipped in some kind of insecticide,
never allowing them to get badly infested before
taking means to rid the plants of these pests. It
does the plants good to wash the pots occasionally, in
fact, whenovcr tho leaves of the plants themselves
are cleaned. Failing any other means, soft soap at the
rate of 4 oz. to the gallon of rain-water, and heated
to 100", will serve the purpose of washing the leaves.
Such of the plants as are well rooted, and havo
matured their foliage, and been rested for a few v. eeks
by lessening the quantity of water at the root, and
keeping the plants in a house with a slightly lesser
degree of warmth, will, if given more warmth, and a
few thorough soakingsof water and liquid-manure, soon
come into flower. The plants should be started in
batches in order to lengthen the flowering season.
Some of the plants will be growing ttrongly in a
high temperature, and when grew u is completed,
these should be rested. We nevtr dry off our plants,
and seldom repot them, nor is the b 1 •mite known
in this garden.
Euphorbia jacquiniftora and puleherrima. — These
plants are now growing strongly, and should be
assisted with frequent applications of farmyard
manure-water, with chemical manures as a change.
The plants should now be placed in a structure pro-
vided with tho means of heating it, so as to keep up
a warmth of 60° and dissipate damp, air being
afforded only in fine weather. If the plants do not
flag on sunny days, shading should be dispensed with,
and this rule applies to all stove and greenhouse
plants.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
Wind Bics accompany a Smarm. — A swarm is com-
posed of the queen, for there will not be another in
the hive for eight or nine days, few or many drone*,
and some thousands of workers. Worker bees are
nurse-bees for the first fortnight of their short lives,
and as there will be thousands of grubs left in the
hive when the swarm leaves, these bees for feeding
purposes alone will be in request. Apart from their
services as nurse bees being required, it is a well-
known fact that it is the old bees mainly that accom-
pany or form the swarm, flees live only about five or
six weeks in the summer, and six mouths if hatched at
the end of the season when work is about over. The
queen commences to lay in January, when she
deposits' a few eggs in the centre-comb, and she
continues her work throughout the year until July
or August. During the summer months she la\s
between two and three thousar.d eggs a day.
A Mammoth Bee-hire — The biggest bee hive in the
world is a natural one in Kentucky, known as the
" Mammoth Bee-hive." It is in reality a hu?e cave,
the main compartment of which is 150 feet high, the
floor covering 10 acres in ext.nt. The bee-hive is of
s>lid rock, the roof having been entirely honey-
combed by bees. M. Bertrand, a famous French
bee-keeper, has hives containing t.vtnty-Bix frames.
Shallow Frames for Extracting. — There seems
to be a general inclination just now, on the
part of those who keep bees more or less for
profit, to favour a system of working for extracted
honey in preference to that where the produce is
iutended to be sold in the comb. A good many
reasons have contributed to bring about this feeling,
but no doubt the low price obtainable for fine comb-
honey, and the difficulty of finding a market for it
last season, have been the main'causes of complaint.
Sections (if they are to be secured in fine ondition
and quality) are not easily got, for a good deal of
care and trouble arc involved iu their production ; and
when the bee-keeper, after all his expenditure of
time and labour, is offered perhaps less than one half
the price he counted on, he is apt to feel discouraged,
and inclined to cast about for a remedy for what is
to him a very unsatisfactory state of things. We
have been brought into communication in various
ways with a goodly number of bee keepers, and there
Beems to be but one opinion as to the way in which
an improvement cm be effected. In other words,
tney are "going in for extracting," either wholly, or as
nearly so as to make comb honey a very minor point
with them. This being so, it behoves us to follow
the bent of public opinion; and although it may be
thought early in the season to give advice now,
we deem it useful to say a few words to those who
are already maturing tin ir plans f r another year.
The main point for consideration being the very per-
ceptible fall in the value of British honey expe-
rienced in tho autumn of 1885, it becomes necessary
to consider by what means the largest amount of tho
product may be obtained at the smallest outlay of
time and money, in order to secure such an equivah nt
in quantity as will counterbalance lower price'.
182
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 11, 1897.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
MON'DAT,
T BSD AY,
Sepc. 13
SALES.
Bulbs at Protheroe & Morrlb*
Rooms.
Twelfth Annual Trade Sale <f
Plants at Dyson's Lane Nurseries,
Upper Edmonton, by Protheroe
& Morris.
Sale of Freehold Building Land at
Rayleigb, Essex, by Protberoe &
Morris.
Bulbs, at Stevens' Rooms.
Bulbs at Protberoe & Morris'
Rooms.
Annual SUe of Heaths, at the
Nurseries, Lee, Kent, by order of
Messrs. B. Mailer & Sons, by
Protheroe & Morris.
-Bulbs, at Stevens' Rooms.
Bulbs at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms,
i Annua Sale of Plants at The Nur-
series, S. Woodford, by order of
Mr. John Fraser, by Protheroe
WEDNESDAY, Sept. V> Sale of ]an'd at \Vanbr.rough, near
Guilford, also the Lease of the
Ash ford Nursery, at the Auction
Mart, Tokenbouse Yard, by
Protheroe & Morris.
Bulbs, at Stevens' Rooms.
Bulbs at Prother e St. Morris'
Rooms.
Twenty-ninth Annual Trade Sale
of Plants at the Brimsiown Nur-
series, Enfield Highway, by
Protneroe & Morris.
Bulbs, ^t Stevens' Rooms.
'Bulbs and Orchids at Pi ot 1m roe &
Morris' Rooms.
Sept. 17. Sixteenth Annual Sale of Heaths
at the Longlands Nursery, fid-
cup, by Protheroe & Morris.
THURSDAY, S. it rfi
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiewick.— 57.8°.
Actual Temperatures : —
hoxDON.— September S : Max., 61° ; Mln., 52°.
Provinces.- September 8 : Max., 60° ; Min., 51°.
The influence of the stock upon
»'TZi:L ^e graft is a subject which has
been much debated, but it ha9
long been observed that fruit-trees, and espe-
cially many varieties of dessert Pears, are
modified in their characters, according to the
nature of tho stock on which they are grafted.
It has been remarked, in fact, that if the
essential peculiarities of these varieties have
not been changed, th sir vigour and early fruit-
bearing, as well a? the size, colour, and
flavour of their fruits were noticeably modified,
according to whether they were grafted upon
the free stock or on the Quince.
But hitherto, although these observations
relate to one of the most important questions in
vegetable physiologj', they have not beon made
the object of scientific tabulation, which would
have furnished the indispensable precision and
exactitude. Some few years since some experi-
ments were made by a French observer, whose
name we have unfortunately mislaid, but which
are of the greatest importance in connection
with this subject.
As it was necessary to proceed under exactly
identical conditions, ripe fruits of Triomphe do
Judoigne, which were gathered from two trees,
one grafted on the free stock, and the other on
the Quince, were submitted to analysis during
three consecutive years.
It is almost needless to add that the two
Pears were of the same age (fifteen years) ; their
vegetation had always been normal ; they were
trained in the same manner, and were planted
side by side ; consequently, their roots were in
the same soil.
Neither to the composition of the soil, age of
the trees, nor exposure, which frequently have
so much influence on the size and flavour of
fruits, can be attributed any of the results under
such circumstances as these.
Prom reading this table, which chronicles
the result of analyses made during 1894, '95,
and '96, it may easily be deduced : — 1st. That
the average weight of fruits gathered on the
Triomphe de Jodoigne grafted on the Quince far
exceeds that of the fruits of the same variety
grafted on the free stock ; 2nd. That the density
of the juice of these same fruits is higher in the
former than in the latter case ; 3rd. That the
proportion of free acid (represented by sul-
phuric acid, S03HO) is greater in the juice
expressed from fruits gathered on the variety
under consideration, and grafted on the Quince,
than in the j uice of the fruits of the same variety
grafted on the free stock. 4th. Finally, and this
is the most important fact and one it is especially
desirable to establish, the total quantity of
sugar contained in the juice of fruits gathered
fromTriomphe de Jodoigne grafted on the Quince
is markedly higher than that in the juice of fruits
from the same variety when grown on tho free
stock ; in fact, there is observable an excess of
nearly 9 grains of sugar per litre in plants grafted
on the Quince. Then, for trees producing annu-
ally each about 300 fruits, there would be from
'280 to 406 grammes of sugar according to the
stock, the total quantity of sugar attained
being 7 kilos, with the Triomphe de Jodoigne
Fin. 55.—
a, Calceolaria arachnoidea ; colour purple. Natural size.
B, The Calceolaria of sixty years ago.
on the free stock, while it exceeded 1 1 kilos.
with the same variety grafted on the Quince.
From the whole of these experiments it is
proved that the stock exercises a considerable
influence upon the graft, since it increases or
weakens most of the physiological phenomena
of the scion.
We came upon tho substance of this note by
accident, and unfortunately we have no record
either of the name of the observer, nor of the
place of publication ; but the subject is too
important to be passed over.
CALCEOLARIA8, 1 835 TO 1897.— The generic
name of this beautiful flowering plant ha? its origiu
from the word calceolus, a little alipper, in allusion
t) the form of the flower; it was so named by
LlNN/Eus. Thespecies C. pinnatawaa introduced into
this country from Peru by Sir Joseph Banks in
1 773. The herbaceous variety as wo know it to-day
is the outcome of a lengthened series of hybridising
and cross-fertilisation. In 1820 only seven species
were known in this country, the handsomest of which
was C. corymbosa, the flowers of which are yellow,
and the form of the flower that of a sack-purse.
From that time till 1830 several other species were
introduced from Chili, two of which had purple
flowers. As soon as these plants bloomed in the
nursery of Messrs. Yoong, of Epsom, their foreman,
Mr. Penny, made an attempt to hybridise them, and
the result was a number of beautiful varieties. In
1831 the first spotted variety was introduced into
this country. It was found easy to cross the true
sub-shrubby species with the herbaceous, and these
remarkable productions incited mauy persons to raise
varieties between them. Amongst the first to raise
H. Calceolarias were J. Plant, a florist, of Cheadle
Major of Knostrop, near Leeds ; Barnes, gardener to
W. Norman, Esq., Bromley Hill ; Green, gardener to
Sir E. Antrobds, Cheam ; whilst a few year" later
came Kinqhorn, gardener to the Earl of Kilmorey ;
W. H. Holm as of Derby, Messrs. Dicksons of Edin-
burgh, and N. Gaimes of Bittersea. Of these
raisers, it was H. Major who was the first to
make any notable advancement in the Cal-
ceolaria as a show flower, and it is to hia
endeavours that we are indebted for the foun-
dation of the fine strains of to - day. At
the present moment there are several prominent
girdeners who have select strains of this plant, and
our leading seedsmen are also continually improving
the size and form of the blossoms and the habit of
growth ; and we may mention Messrs. Carter,
Messrs. Sotton, and Mr; James, as possessors of
some remarkably fine strains. Our small illustrations
represent C. arachnoidea, fig. a. and an improved type
of the Calceolariaof 1835, fig. B. and the large one p. 1 83
that of Messrs. Carter's Victoria strain taken this sea-
son, which they have kindly allowed us to reproduce.
The public taste at one time leaned towards the sub-
thrubby varieties ; but the taste in this direction has
greatly declined, and now the herbaceous variet:es
are generally cultivated. The former were decidedly
miffy plants, difficult to keep over the winter, and
li ible at other seasons to die suddenly without appa-
rent cause. A coloured plate of eighteen varieties of
Calceolarias is given in the Florictiltaral Cabinet for
October, 1835, p. 238, which show the first improve-
ments obtained by the florist, J. Plant.
"The Journal of the Royal Horticul-
tural SOCIETY." — The August number, forming
part I. of volume xxi., is now before us It appears,
on reference to the table of contents, to be stored
with interesting mat'er, of which we may instance
" Microscopic Gardening," "Bud Transference and its
Effects on Fruit," "Artificial Manures and thrir
Bearing upon Horticultural Practice," " Winter and
•Spring Bedding in Flower Gardens," "Disease* of
Plants," "The Physiology of Pitcher Plants," and
"Storing and Preserving of Fruit, " these being the
titles of papers read at the various meetings of the
committees held at the Drill Hall, James .Street,
Westminster, during the present year, outlines of
which have appeared in these pages. We find a
number of reports of trials carried out in the Society's
gar.ien on Beans, Pea>, Strawberries, and a list of
the proposed trials to be undertaken during the
ensuing year.
A Jubilee Exhibition in Vienna.— Th
Imperial and Royal Horticultural Society of Vienna
intends to hold a jubilee exhibition next year in coai-
memoraioaof the Emperor Franz JosEPn'sfifty yearo'
reign. This exhibition will remain open during the
spring and summer, and will include also four special
exhibitions of short duration. Demands for space must
be made previous to November 1 of the present year.
Bulletin of the Essex Technical Labo-
ratories, CHELMSFORD.— The summer course of
three weeks' elementary instruction in the science and
practice of horticulture of the County School of
Horticulture was held during July, and a class of
fourteen pupils attended it. A theoretical and prac-
tical examination in both branches of the subject
took place during the last week of the term.
The examination-papers consisted of questions in the
science of horticulture, to be answered by the student
orally in some cases, and in writing in others ; in
the practice of horticulture, and in horticultural
operations.
Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
Society. — On the occasion of the meeting of this
Society on August 14 last, the Floral Committee
awarded First-class Certificates as follows, viz. : —
To Mr. C. G. van Tubergen, jun. , of Haarlem, for
Cactus Dahlias, Bridesmaid, Cycle, Fantasy, and Star-
fish ; to Messrs. E. H. Krelage & Son, of Haarlem,
for Gladiolus gandavensis Weisse Dame, G. Lemoinei
Henriette Renan, G. nanceianus Colonel Gillon, and
The ''Gardeners Chronicle," Sept. 11, 1897.)
183
<
itifci
l# ♦■ *
*• ~*#
wt* \
> ♦
i
*V r.
Fl«. 56.— MODERN TYPES OP CALCEOLARIA HERBACEA BLOOMS. (SEE P. 182.)
184
THE GA f?DE NEB S' C III? ONI CL E.
[September 11, 1897.
Lygodiuru japonicurn ; to Mr. K. Wezelenburg, of
Hazerswoude, for Qlyeeria spectabilis foliis variegatis.
Certificates of Merit were awarded to Mr. C. G. van
Tubergen, jun., of Haarlem, for Cannax Ami Jules
Chretien, C. x Vice President Luizet, Cactus Dahlia
Cinderella, and Kniphofia X Surprise ; to Mr. Phil.
Henkcl, of Hilversum, for Heliotrope Madame
Renn^ Andre ; and to Mr. K. Wezelenburg, of
Hazerswoude, for Tamarix Odessana. A Botanical
Certificate went to Mr. J. H. Schober. of Putten, for
Oenothera tetraptera. H. C. Zirart, Secretary.
The Spineless Gooseberry.— We find a
note by M. Professor Emil Rodiqas in the Bulletin
d' Arboriculture, to the effect that plants of this
variety sent out by Letellier & Son, Caen, had
reverted to the original spiny form. This reversion
may be due to the goodness of the soil of the horticul-
tural school-garden at Ghent.
BERBERIS VULGARIS AND MILDEW.— In conse-
quence of the common Barberry serving as the host
plant of the mildew of corn, Paccinia graminis, the
Royal Swedish Agricultural Academy in Stock-
holm, the managers of the Royal domaius, and the
Royal Agricultural Associations, have requested the
railway directors in Sweden to grub up all Barberry-
bushes for a minimum distance of 53 metres from all
cornfields ; and nurserymen are directed to notify in
their catalogues that this species of Beiberis should
not be planted in the vicinity of arable land. In this
manner it is hoped that the spread of this injurious
parasite on corn crops will be greatly lessened.
Cape Fruit Cultivators.— I am sorry to
see that there are still some farmers at the Cape who
think they know all— or enough — about fruit grow-
ing. The Cape Government expert recently failed to
get an audience at King, outside the Press and
officials. I hope, however, his suggested Fruit
Growers' Association will catch on. There is still
room in the Loudon markets for wcll-packeel Cape
garden anil orchard produce. Mr. Rhodes intends to
give increased attention to this matter of fruit-grow-
ing in South Africa. He has just received from
Australia a large consignment of Citron trees for the
Bulawayo district, where they should do well. I
trust they may, and that other experiments in the
acclimatisation of vegetable life in Rhodesia will
also Eucced. The African Critic.
Botanical Magazine :—
Sclteelea Keivensis. — A tropical American species, of
which a figure of the crown, together with eletails of
the flowers and fruits are given, the plant having
flowered and borne fruit at Kew — a matter of rare
occurrence in the case of the larger Palms, as Sir J.
Hookkr remarks, in his note accompanying the
illustration. The whole plant is 25 feet high to
the level of the coma, and the trunk from the ground
to the lower leaves measures 8 feet, and 3 feet in
girth. The leaves are many, spreading, and decurved,
25 feet long, leaflets croweled in three ranks, spread-
ing and decurved, with pendulous lips.
Cirrhopetalum Curtisil. — A native of the Straits ot
Malacca, and sent to Kew by Mr. Curtis, Superin-
tendent of the Garden and Forest Department,
Penang. Pseudo-bulbs about au inch apart, and two-
thirds of an inch long, ovoid, green, clothed with
brown sheaths ; leaf 4 to 4| inches long by nearly an
inch broad, linear oblong, very coriaceous, yellowish-
green on both surfaces. Scapes solitary from the
base of the pseudo-bulbs, 3 to 4 inches long, very
slender ; flowers numerou?, in a crowded umbel,
hardly half an inch long ; dorsal sepals and petals
bright rose-coloured, lateral sepals paler, fading into
white in the middle ; lip bright yellow.
Helianlhus giganteut. — This plant is an old inha-
bitant of English gardens. H. giganteus has been
cultivated at Ke.v since its establishment as a botanic
garden.
Stock-taking i August.— This operation, in
the present condition of things social and political, is
far from proving so satisfactory as one might desire.
Affairs in the near and the far East are in a dislocated
condition; at home the ruinous game of '-'beggar-
my- neighbour " is being busily carried on in several
most important trades ; and as a natural consequence,
trade is deeply affected, as the export record to some
extent proves. The total value of the imports for
the past month are placed at .£33,371,385, against
£32,480,473 for the corresponding period last year —
or an increase of £890,912. Here is the usual
extract from the " summary table " in the Board of
Trade Returns for August : —
Imports.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
£
£
£
Total value
32,430,473
33,371,3S5
+ 890,912
(A.) Articles of food
and drink — duty
free
11,0ST,257
ll,7iS,SS3
+ 641,626
(B.) Articles of food
and drink — dutiable
1,920,668
1,940,789
+20,121
Raw materials for
textile manufac-
tured
2,465,714
2 247,764
—217,950
Raw materials for
sundry industries
and manufactures
6,036,984
5,635,240
+ 598,258
(A.) Miscellaneous
articles
1,013,18S
859,078
-154,110
(13.) Parcel Post ..
54,774
S2,561
+ 27,777
Imports of duty-free supplies of food and drink show
an increase of £641,626, which is spread over a large
area ; but cereals do not cut a very satisfactory
figure. For instance, there is a decrease of £341,252
in Wheat ; of €94,162 in Barley ; and of £44,32(3 in
Oats— quantities, in all cases, showing a corresponding
reduction. The sensational prices in the American
market gave a fillip to prices in the home market —
one result being a rise in the price of bread— what
the ultimate effect nary be has, we think, yet to be
seen. The unexpected enhancement of values in the
Chicago and New York corn markets might not have
occurred had the monthly crop reports been care-
fully noted, and it would be well for our Board of
Agriculture to see to this matter. A brief monthly
notice of crop-pre>spects at home aud abroad — that is,
for a month or two preceding harvest-time — would
certainly be beneficial all round ; and a correspondent,
who iuvited the attention of the Board to the sub-
ject has, he writes, been promised that the matter
shall have consideration. There is plenty of time.
One unsatisfactory item in the imports is that of
£177,018 set down for increase in the value of manu-
factured articles. The "decrease " items are metals,
chemicals, oils, raw materials for tpxtile manufac-
tures, and "miscellaneous." Our ever-interestin<»
statistics of fruit imports is appended : —
Bythe-way, the imports for the past eight monlhs
show an increase of some £11,438,513 over the cor-
responding period last year. Turning now to our
Extorts,
we find there is a falling off for the month to the
extent of £1,552,799— that is to say, whilst the
exports in August, 1890, were valued at
£20,326,790, those for the past month amounted to
£18,773,997. The reasons for this have already
been noticed. The falling oil' is principally in articles
of food and drink, yarns and textile fabrics, metals,
and articles manufactured therefrom excepting
machinery, millworks, apparel, and articles of
personal use, and also partly-manufactured articles.
We can only express the hope 1 e:e that changes may
be effected in the political and social conditions now
existing. True, we may not be alone in the
"hobbling " process, bat a steady look at the £ s. d
aspect of things is to be recommended to all con-
cerned. The drop on the eight months' trade is
represented by £3,145,774. In the four months of
the year still to run this falling off may be recovered.
Bulbs for the London Parks.— Messrs.
James Carter & Co. of High Holborn, for the ninth
time, have been honoured with the commands of the
First Commissioner of Public Works to supply the
whole of the bulbs required for the Royal Parks of
London for the present season's planting ; andasimilar
favour from the London County Council for the parks,
Gardens, and open spaces under its control.
A Lecture on the Cultivation of
Violets was delivered on the 4th inst. by Mr. J
Mekbiit, gr. to H.U.H. Princess Beatrice, at a
meeting of the Isle of Wight Horticultural Mutual
Improvement Society, at Newport. It was after-
wards resolved to abandon the intention to hold a
fruit exhibition during the present year. Several
Cultural Commendations were awarded to exhibits
before the meeting.
Publications Received. — Fruit Growing, a
useful shilling handbook, by B. Welis, Fruit
Nurseriei, Crawley. — 2 he Canadian Horticulturiit
(Ontario), August. — Jitpoit on the Government
Gardens and Parks, Nilijiris (Madras), July. The
Curator, Mr. It. L. Proudlock, gives us the infor-
mation that " the year under review was the first
in which the gaitlens were under the control of
the collector of the district iustiael of under that of
the Government botanist. The appointment, of a
Government botanist is still under correspondence
between the Government of India and the Secretary
of State. Peudiug fiual orelers tho work has been
entrusted to Dr. A. G. Bourne, the officiating Super-
intendent of the Central Museum, who will deal with
all applications for botanical assistance. In con-
Becprenco ©f this arrangement, and the decision to
ultimately make Madras tho headquarters of
botanical work in this Presidency, the Herbarium
and the more valuable portion of the Library hitherto
attached to the Government Garelcus at Ootacamund
have been transferred to Madras." Much necessary
work has aUo been done in the Ootacamund gardens
during the past twelve nonths ; and now the gardeu
buildings neeel enlarging. Mr. Proctologic reports
the unusual fact that a "garden which has been in
existence for fifty years, anel which has nearly three
miles of boundary line, is almost entirely unfenced."
— Agricidtttral Bulletin of the Malay Peninsula,
(Garden and Forest Departments, Straits Settlements),
June, includes notes on Rubber-culture, Ramie
( Beohmeria nivea), Sugar, Coffee-pests, Birds useful to
the Agricnlturist, anel Pot-plants. — A rji icultural Gazette
of New South Wales (May) contains much informa-
tion, iucluding articles ou Marketing Citrus Fruit-*,
the Strawberry, Phylloxera, Influence of Be. s ou
Crops, &c. — Anniversary Address, by J. H. Maiden
(Royal Society of New South Wales, Sydney) May.
The subject of the aeidress is divieled into three
headings : 1, History of the Society eluring the past
Year ; 2, Progress of Science in New South Wales
during the past Year ; and some Botanical Notes and
Jottings.— The American Florist, August 7 and 14,
a " Convention Number " of special interest as regards
both letterpress and illustrations. — Annual Report of
Ilawkcsbury Agricultural College and Experimental
Farm, Richmond, New South Wales, for 1895. — Revue
Scicntifique, August 21, includes a paper by M. E.
Prillea'jx, on "Maladies dea Plautes Agricoles et
des Arbrea Fruitiers et Forestiers causdes par les
Parasites Veigelaux." — BotanUchc Zcitung, August 10,
and Heft VIII. (also August 16), including "Kenntniss
der Polyembryouie von Allium odorum," F. Hegel-
maier. — The Kew Bulletin for the months of April,
May, June, and July. These numbers contain much
very interesting matter, as, for instance, Mycological
Flora of the Royal Gardens, Kew ; Insects destructive
to Plants in West Africa, Fruit-growing at the Cape,
Canaigre, Extraction of Gutta-percha from Leaves,
Murram-giwss, Eucalyptus Timber for Street paving,
Grafting Sugar-cane, aud a List of K"w Publications
SEPTEMBF.rt 11, 1897.]
7 HE GARDE NEBS1 CHRONICLE.
185
from IS11 — 95 (TCvitrc k Si'OT iiswoodb). — Bulletin de
la Sjciili Botaniouc dc France for August. — Biblio-
graphic des Sciences Naturelles (J. B. Bailukbe Jit
I'll'*, 19, Hue Hautefeuille, Parisl. — FlorUegium liar-
lemense (De Erven LoOs.tfs, Haarlem) — Useful
Fibre Plants of the World, by C. It Dodge (Wash-
ington Printing Office). — Annual Report of the Forest
Department, Madras Presidency, for the year curling
Jane 30, 1S96 (Government Press, Madras).— Nou-
v lies Rtcherches sur Us Nodosities ou Tuba ties des
I.igumineuscs, by 0. Nadtun (Libraiiic Agrieole de
1 1 Maison Rustique, 26, Due Jacob, Paris) — Journal
of Botany for September, 1897. - Botanical Magazine,
Tokyo. — Fruit Culture for Profit, Salisbury series. —
Year BoeA- of the Department if Agriculture (Wtsh-
ington Government Printing Office).
There may be some fifty of these trees from five to
s'x years planted, and although fruiting sparsely
hitherto, they this year carry a splendid crop.
Thetr.es are somewhat loose growing, a'ld possess
the habit of fruiting at the points of the shoots.
The fruits are of good size, some quite large, roundish,
tending to yellow in colour, with bright red next the
sun. I am certain, that could growers of Apples
generally see these Ruxley trees now, there would be
10,0(10 planted this autumn. In every case the
trees are assisted to carry the fruit by the aid of
props.
Cordon Pears, — One side, and the bald gable
end of a large brick building close to Mr. Miller's
house, have been utilised by planting cordon Peers.
These were planted several years since, and stand
Fig. 57. — Ficua rawcaks varieoata.
NOTES FROM RUXLEY LODGE.
In his returns of the fruit crops in the Claygato
district of Surrey, Mr. J. Miller places Apples as
<l under " average. Judged, however, by the general
average of the season, his crop at Ruxley Lodge is
considerably above, yet as compired with what it
should be for tho exceeding breadth of the orchards
there, it is small. Whilst there may be seen,
chiefly on rather old trees, capital crops of Keswick
an 1 Manx C .dlins, Lord Suffield, Lord Derby,
Blenheim O.ange, King aud Cellini Pippins, and
some few othtrs, there are very few fruits on
youDg trees, with one notable exception, and that is
so remarkable a one as to call for special notice. In
a low-lying orchard on grass, on a very stiff clay soil,
in rows at intervals amongst other varieties, are many
half-standards of Yorkshire Beauty, as named there,
although I think the variety has other synonyms.
tome 15 inches apart. Poor Tear season as this is,
yet there is on these cordons generally quite a good
sprinkling of fruit, aud some of the best dessert
varieties are really fruiting well, but others, not
so fruiting, carried good crops list year, Mr.
Miller, I observed, did not adopt the usual practice
of training his trees obliquely but vertically ;
aud the trees seem to fruit just as well, and are
admirably furnished. Thus there is no rule without
the exception. The cordons ranged from 16 to 20
fett in height. It is a capital example of how
efficiently to utilise good wall aspects by planting
them with Pear-trees.
Peaches, etc. — Although these fruits and Nectarines
are grown in great quantities under glass, they are not
the less remarkably well grown on walls out of dooi s,
the Scotch love of wall trainiug asserting itself.
There is a south wall in the old monastic garden, in
the bottom of the border of which, is still lift the
brick floor, 2.V feet below the surface, presumably
laid by the monks of old, and ou this wall are grown
fine young trees that are utilised as needed to fill any
vacancies that may occur in the houses. In the home
garden a similar high south wall is finely tilled from
t ip to bottom, and in every prrt with good growth,
foliage, and fruit of Brrrington, Royal George,
and Bellegarde Peaches, and Pitmastoa Orange,
Veitch's Large Elruge, an 1 Violet Hative Nectarines,
the whole presenting a first-rate eximple of such
hardy fruit-culture.
Melons. — A good many years ago when at Clumber,
Mr. Miller raised so good a green-fli sh Melon, that
he named it after his friend of Welbeck, William
Tille-ry. Thaf. variety iu an improved form, for the
fruits are now more handsomely netted as well as of
bettershape, is the one chiefly grown at Huxley, and a
fir.->t rate variety it is. As a green-flesh form (aud tho
greens usually give good flavour), this is one of the
best. William Tillery, like its compeers, Hero of
Lockinge and Blenheim Orange, will be a still good
diss when many successors have been forgotten. A. D.
FICUS RADICANS VARIEGATA.
We represent by fig. 57 a shoot taken from a
plant shown by Mr. W. Bull, New and Rare Plant
Establishment, King's Road, Chelsea, at a meeting
of the Royal Horticultural Society, on the 21th ult.,
when it was recommended a First class Certificate.
The whole of the fight plants noticed ou that
occasion were freely variegated, Lhe margins of the
leaf in all eases being the parts where the variegation
commenced. Some of the leaves where almost
white. The usefulness of this variegated form,
which creates so striking an effect intermixed with
olher foliage, will bo apparent. Judging from the
appearance of the plants when exhibited, this variety
would appear t<j be of moderate aud slender growth.
KEW NOTES.
A Larqh-Froited Cactus. — The largest fruit we'
have ever seen produced by any ('actus has lately
ripened on an olel specimen plant of Cereus triaugu-
1 iris, which for many years has been a conspicuous
object on the roof of the Cactus house at Kew. The
present year has seen this plant at its best, for it has
lorne over 150 flowers, 30 of them having been
open at one time. Tho flowers are nearly one foot
across, the sepals green or yellow, the petals pure
white, forming an enormous star with a large cup-
like centre, containing a sheaf of slender filaments
tipped with yellow anthers. The Kew plant has
flowered more or less freely every year, but it has
never borne fruit until this year, when, with the
hope of getting a good hybrid, pollen of C. graudi-
ftorus w.as placed on the stigma of a single flower of
('. triangularis: The stamens of the latter had not
beeu removed, and therefore the cross is not certain ;
I nit, looking at the fact that the flower thus treated
was the only one that set a fruit, it is probable that
the cross has been effected. The fru'.t matured in
about three months, and when lipe it weighed
exactly 2 lbs., its size ami shape being tho3e of an
ostrich's egg, and its colour bright crimson. The
rind was an eighth of au inch iu thickness, and it wai
filled with soft, white pulp, through which the small
black shining sec Is were scattered. This pulp was
decidedly palatable, being sweet, very slightly a3;d;
whil=t the seeds were in no way disagreeable. It is
probable that wih a little management a I.rge crop
ei fruite might be borne annually by strong plants of
this species of Cactus ; and as it is easily grown, it is
worth trying— in warm countries, at any rate. In
my opinion it is far superior to the fruits of any
Opuutia that I have tasted ; moreover its beautiful
colour and size would recommend it as a good fiuit
for the tables of the wealthy. Philip Miller speak- of
it as ,: the best flavoured of any of the sorts," and
tates that it was cultivated in Martinique for its
f-uits before 1759. II'. II'.
186
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[SeFtem6£r 11, 1897
Home Correspondence.
JUDGING AT HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.—
Allow me a small space in your columns to ventilate
my ideas in regard to the judging of exhibits, a
matter that frequently affords subject for debate in
the horticultural press. In the more important
horticultural societies, great consideration is given
to the selection of the judges, and these men almost
invariably perform their duties to the best of their
ability in accordance with the views that they enter-
tain in regard to the merits, and condition of the
exhibits. These views, however, often conflict with
those of the exhibitors and visitors. In reviewing
the results of awards made at agricultural shows, we
frequently observe the decision given by the judges
at one place completely reversed a few days later
at another show without any apparent change
taking place in the condition of the animals.
This irregularity is looked upon by our agricultural
brethren as a matter of course consequent upon the
change of judges, and there is nothing said about it.
In the same way, two sets of judges adjudicating
upon a class of horticultural exhibits would some-
times arrive at different results. This, however,
should not be ; and the chances of eccentric judg-
ment would be rendered almost impossible if the
methods of estimating the values of various points
wereuniform. The dissatisfaction experienced in Grape
judging last year, and the subsequent discussion in
these pages with little prospect of a better under-
standing being arrived at in future, will suffice f jr
my offering a few suggestions that may enable us to
see eye to eye as regards the value of varieties in
competition. We have little guidance in this matter
from the code issued by the Royal Horticultural
Society in regard to fruit. The relative value of
the properties in Fingle specimens of flowers
and vegetables are, however, exhaustively treated,
although no direct attempt has been made to deal
in the same manner with genus, species, and variety.
Neither, as was expected, has a systematic method of
judging, especially collections, been formulated for
universal adoption by societies. Then what is to
be done f The only data we have on this important
Bubje ;t appeared in these columns a few years ago.
and is now embodied in the Horticultural Handbook
(Blackwood & Sons). The method therein propounded
seems adequate for the purpose of adjudication, and
the estimate given on the knotty point of relative
value in the various classes of exhibits is as near as
possible founded on an equitable and popular basis.
In the second edition of the publication referred to —
which, by the way, has the imprimalew of Malcolm
Dunn, the recognised leader of gardening thought
and practice in Scotland at the present time — there
is a list of Grapes classified in the order in which they
are esteemed, with an estimate of their value pro-
portionate to the usefulness of the variety for dessert,
combined with its exhibition qualities. The varieties
are divided into three classes, those with Muscat
flavour and large berries being at the top of the
list, with Black Hamburgh, Mrs. Pearson, Madres-
field Court, and Duke of Buccleach, following.
These are followed by such varieties as Buckland
Sweetwater, Gros Colman, Foster's Seedling, Lady
Downs, while a shade farther down the scale are
found Alnwick Seedling, Trebbiano, Gros Maroc,
Raisin de Calabre, &c. It is clear to all, that there
is a wide disparity in the natural merits of the
varieties named, which should be followed with a
corresponding depreciation in the rate of value in
competition. In fixing a rate of maximum value for
the varieties with both flavour and appearance, due
regard should be paid to the standard prescribed for
measuring the cultural merits, so that one factor may
not neutralise a proper and equitable estimate of the
other. Allowing five points as maximum for cultural
merit, and one for relative value, seems a fair propor-
tion to strike between the two elements. In the
latter case, fractions of a third, a half, and quarter,
would require to be used, or decimals may be
employed as in the list and tables already referred
to. The metric system of calculation when minute
degrees of difference exist is eminently satisfactory,
beiog simple, and capable of extension to the 1 00th part
or lower. I heartily agree with the system promul-
gated in the publication from which I have been
quoting, especially in dealing with cultural and rela-
tive value separately, and if this method, or a better
one, if possible, were adopted by judges generally, we
might claim to have inaugurated during the Queen's
reign, although at the eleventh hour, a just and
intelligible system of judging at exhibitions, which
we do not at present possess. I intended to hav&
made a few remarks on exhibiting unripe against ripe
Grapes, with a few observations on mixed collections,
but as I have exceeded the limit of an ordinary letter,
I will do so in a future issue. A yrsh ire Lad.
STATICES.— A genus of plants, inhabitants of
saline districts and the seashore, mostly of Western
Asia, deserve to be more generally cultivated in
our gardens than is the case at the present time,
being of easy culture, of compict, dwarf habit, and
very free-flowering and enduring, some of the species
lasting in bloom for a long time, notably, S. profusa ;
indeed, the variety might be termed perpetual-
flowering, as when a good number of plants are
grown, it is possible to have quantities of bloom the
whole year. The colour, too, of this species is
pleasing, snd one that we do not often get in flowers,
the calyx being purple, and the corolla white. In
my opiniou, the beBt for general purposes are
S. brassiciefolia, S. imbricata, a native of Tene-
riffe ; S. Gilberti, and S. Butcheri. These re-
semble each other closely, and being of stronger
growth than S. profusa, make large specimens suit-
able for exhibitio i. The compost which suits
these plants is one that consists of good fibry
loam three-fifths, one fifth leaf-soil, and one fifth
decayed oxen-dung in a dry state, silver-sand being
liberally added to the mixture. The plants should
be grown in a temperature of 50" to 65°, a close atmo-
sphere being avoided during the flowering-time. The
flowers, which are "everlasting,"' are invaluable when
cut for house-decoration during the winter. The above
kinds may beincreased brcuttingsinserted in small pots,
covered with a layer of sand during early spring, and
placed under a bell glass in an intermediate tempera-
ture. All greenhouse species, contrariwise to the ordi-
nary practice with other plants, should not be rested
during the winter, but be kept gently growing all
the time. H. T. M., Stoneleigh.
BLACKBERRIES— Referring to "A. D.'s " note in
your issue for August 28, I have grown Rubus
laciniatus on a heavy, almost clayey, dry soil, some-
what stony. The brambles are planted on a bank
2} feet high, and are 5 feet apart, covering an arch of
wire-trellis 12 feet over and 80 feet long, running
east to west. The stout rods are fruiting very
heavily this summer, and the berries are exceedingly
large, f commenced to gather ripe fruits on Aug 2,
and during the following week I gathered 40 lb. for
preserving-purposes. Like "A. D.," I am strongly of
opinion that were our market-growers to cultivate this
delicious fruit, they would find a quick sale for it. J. S.
TROPICAL FRUITS FOR THE TABLE. — Mr.
Clarke does not appear to have considered this
subject in all its bearings. Of the class of fruit he
specially refers to, i.e., Custard - apples, Avocado
Pears, Mangoes, kc, it is very certain that the
general taste does not run this way, in fact, judging
from the samples reaching this country, they are one
and all beyond comparison inferior to a good Pear or
Orange. I think I may Bafely state that there is not
a tropical fruit which is brought into this country
with which I am not well acquainted, and, except
those which are familiar, such as the Pineapple,
Banana, &c, they are only to be considered as
curiosities and fit only for window - shows — few
are worth eating, not even the beautiful Prickly-
Pear. Of tropical and sub-tropical fruits we have
abundance, from the aristocratic Pine, to the humble
but equally good Orange, and anyone who cinnot
find a sufficient variety of English and foreign fruits
the year round, must be exceedingly hard to please. It
is desirable that such fruits as the Mango, Prickly Pear,
Avocado Pear, Custard-apple, &c , should be known,
but they are simply expensive curiosities, and fade
into insignificance beside the humble Strawberry,
or even the ripe Gooseberry, of our gardens.
There is too much time given to praising the foreign
fruit, because we know so little about it ; we hear
the praises of the Cloudberry, the Japanese Wine-
berry, and others, but having both grown and eaten
these, and many of their relations, I have not found
one to compare with a good English Raspberry in
any single point. Judging from the samples coming
to this country, the best fruits appear to be English,
and closeon these are the fruits f romthe warm temperate
zone, which include Oranges, Grapes, Peaches, &c.
The same remarks apply to Nuts, of which, perhaps,
the best foreign ones are the American Butter-nut and
the Hickory-nut ; but these are both surpassed by the
Kent Cob and the good old Walnut. Tins. Fletcher,
Qnippenhall, Cheshire.
FRUIT CROPS IN ESSEX.— In this district the
Apple crop is less than half a crop, and in our garden
Keswick Codlin, Warner's King, and King of the
Pippins are the best cropped varieties. The Pear
crop iB under the average. Sweet and Morello
Cherries were a bad crop on standard tree3 ; on large-
headed trees only about ore quarter of the usual
crop. The Plums generally were under the average.
In regard to small fruits,the Ntrawberrycrop was a good
one, but the season was short owing to the drought ;
and Currants and Gooseberries were a thin crop. The
fruit trees carried a wealth of blossom, to which the
late frosts we had in May proved fatal. /. Richardson,
Bh/thwood Gardens, Stansted, Essex.
EARLY FROST. — On the 4th inst. we recorded
4° of frost in the Blane Valley. Hoar frost lay very
heavy ; and during the early part of the morning,
the sun shone out brightly. The effect of this was,
that the young growths on Bay Laurels and Rhodo-
dendrons were destroyed. J). Brough, Duntrealh
Custle Gardens, Blanejield, Stirlingshire.
OROBANCHE SPECIOSA.— When at Carton, co.
Kiidare, recently, Mr. Black showed me a very pretty
white-flowered parasite, under the above name, grow-
ing and flowering quite freely on the roots of the
common Broad Bran , which had been reared from seed
sown, presumably, with those of its foster moths r.
There are four Orobanches in Index Kewensis, under
this name, but the plant I saw at Carton is beautiful
enough to be grown for its flowers, apart from its in-
terest as a parasite. The stems are chocolate-purple,
with dense white hairs, and the flowers large for an
Orobanche, nearly pure white, with slight purple
Teining. I understood Mr. Black to say that Mr. W.
Thompson of Ipswich supplied the seeds, and perhaps
he can tell us more of the plant's history and
habitat. F. W. B.
THE REGENT'S PARK ZOOLOGI-
CAL GARDENS.
It may be assumed that most persons who visit this
famous Zoological Garden are attracted thither by
the specimens of beast and reptile to be seen, and if
they pause to admire the beauty ot the gardens, or
the summer bedding, it is merely an incident of the
hour. Yet a person capable of ordinary observation
is bound to notice that the beasts' houses and dens
are set at considerable distances apart, among well-
kept lawns, shubberies, and beautiful flower-beds.
Summer bedding as we practice it at the present time,
is often a compromise between the massing system,
only just discarded, and the mixed style of the herba-
ceous border. The greater the number of uncommon
species of plants included, while neatness is suitably
preserved, and a sufficient amount of colour is ob-
tained throughout the season, the more commenda-
tion does its execution command.
The best type of summer-bedding is well illustrated
in these gardens, and they are as well worthy a visit
from a gardener desirous of obtaining new ideas as
is the best of our London Parks.
Having said this much, it is hardly necessary to
add, that beds of one species of plant, masses of
Pelargoniums or Calceolarias, without being suitably
relieved by other plants, are not to be found
there. On the contrary, most of the beds of any-
appreciable size, contain half-a-dozen species, or if
fewer, then two or more edgings are used.
Entering by the north gate, there runs a narrow
border upon a terrace on the right side, containing such
miscellaneous plants as Palms, Fuchsias, New Zea-
land Flax, Celosias, Alternantheras, Lobelia (blue and
white-flowered), and Mesembryanthemum cordifolium
variegatum. These are planted in such a manner
that the effect is good. Opposite this border is a bed
on the grass, planted with Palms, but carpeted with
Asparagus plumosus, among which can be seen white-
flowered Lobelia. The whole is surrounded with
Ophiopogon, Jaburan variegata, and Mesembryanthe-
mum, and the bed is edged with Echeverias.
In front of the monkey-house there is a very
pretty flower-garden in three sections, containing
diamond-shaped and other beds. The first and last
of these sections have been planted similarly, and
the picture during the summer has been a most
pleasing one — the result of tasteful planting a'ld
persistent attention afterwards.
The feature first observed in these beds consists of
Celosias, which are used freely in several of them.
September 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
187
Mr. Young, who has superintended the gardens for
a number of years, has undoubtedly possessed
himself of a magnificent strain, the plants pre
ducing the long feathery plumes of richest colouis so
much admired, but so scarce in gardens. But
beyond this there has been care exercised that no
inferior varieties have been planted iu the beds. The
best varieties of Celosia, as most of us know, produce
but little seed, and even from seed from the most
perfect plaLts there may aris? a number of indifferent
varieties.
Mr. Young raises his plants in pots, and none is
put into the bods until the quality of the flower can
be estimated. In no other way could such satisfactory
effact be obtained. The finest strain of Celosias will
run back to an indifferent one in a marvellously
short spaet) of timo if there be not tho strictest
vigilance exercised.
Looking at one of the beds in this flower garden,
we find it planted with Verbena venosi, with a band
around it of Iresine Lindeni, and edged dee ply with
Lysimachia Nummularia aurea (Golden Creeping
Jenny). Another one has a centre of fibrous-rooted
Begonias, having rose-coloured flower?, Burrounded
with a few Pelargoniums, and edged with Alyssum
saxatile variegatum. The Celosias are used a?
"dot" plants in the centre of the bed, iu some of
which were counted as many as twenty-two. Several
plants mentioned above will please anyone who may
not yet have tried them for the purpose. The Lysi-
machia makes an excellent edging to flower beds, and
is very little trouble if it be allowed to occupy the
same position for several years. It is a rich and
beautiful colour. The Pelargonium Ompbale, possess-
ing green leaves and pink flowers, is admirable.
A round bed at the end of the Monkey-house iu
planted with Lobelia cardinalis var. Firefly tisingabove
Chlorophytum, with a dwarf-growing Fuchsia around
them. There are some more flower-beds iu front of
the bears '-dens ; they run along the side of the path,
and are backed by a neat shrubbery. One of these
beds contained Pelargoniums, surrounded by a band
of Veronica Hendersoni variegati, theu Golden
Fleece Pelargonium, and Bluestone Lobelia. Two
other beds contain dot-plants of Abutilon Souvenir
de Bonn, planted above Pelargoniums, and edged
with a white-leave 1 Pdlargonium named Princess
Alexandra, and then the Golden-leaved Lysimachia.
This Pelargonium is a gem, but it is very delicate
also. The roots are taken up, and propagation is
effected in spring, but it is worth the trouble.
The centre bed iu tho design is filled with the newer
strain of Cannas, with tall plants of Iresiue around
them, and Lysimachia. The Cannas have bljomtd
a liuirably. In another part of the gai dens we noticed
a large bed of Hydrangea paniculatagraudiflora, above
Golden Privet and Antirrhinums mixed together, and
edged with Acalyphas and L' 6itnachias.
Violas have been excellent, and double-flowered
Zinnias also.
In front of the salnon there are many more b ds
cut out on the grass. Between and about these
are clumpa of Bamboos, and during the summer
months, large plants of Dracaena australis, Agave
americana, Phcenix recliuata and other Palms, Ficus
elastic*, &c, are seen. Here is the boldest treatment in
the gardens, andsome of the beds containing large, fine'y-
coloured Ricinus, and similar plants, look admirable.
Acacia lophantha fand Araucaria excelsa are planted in
the beds, and where dwarfer plants are employed,
wherever practicable, the fine Celos;as, some of them
of deepest colour, others pure golden yellow a.ic ued.
We have not attempted to describe fully the plants
in every bed, but merely to convey an idea upon
what system the whole bedding is carried out, and of
the Buccess that follows. It may not be seen at its
best now, for the autumn rains have caused a littlo
rank growth since these notes were taken, but a visit
next summer should afford pleasure and instruction,
SUNFLOWER - PlTH. — The lightest substance
known is said to be the pith of the Sunflower, with a
specific gravity of 0'028, while Elder-pith — hitherto
recognised as the lightest substance — has a specific
gravity of 0'09, reindeer's hair 0"1, and cork 0"2i.
For life-saving appliances at sea, cork with a buoyancy
of one to five, or reindeer's hair with one of cue to
ten, has been used, whilst the pith of the Sunflower
haB a buoyancy of one to thirty-five.
SOCIETIES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
September 7.— Thero was a better display at the meeting
held on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, Westmin&ter, than on
the last occasion. A considerable number of Orchids was
stiged ; and collections of Dahlia blocm9, Laidy flowers, and
several miscellaneous groups of plants, accounted for a con-
siderable amount of space. There were some voiy fine plants
of Eucharls grandiflora in bloom, a large group of Crotons,
and a magnificent display of Nepenthes and S-irracenias, the
former of whioh served well to illustrate the exceedingly
instructive and interesting lecture upon that genus delivered
by Mr. Harry Voitch. By the Floral Committee only four
awards were made, viz., a First-class Certificate to a hybrid
Nepenthes from Messrs. .Tas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., and
Awards of Merit to a Dahlia, a Michaelmas Daisy, and to
Hibiscus Manihot. There was a considerable amount of fruit
staged, including large collections from the Qucen'B gaiden
at Fiogmore, and Lord Percy's at Syon. Several seedling
Mel ins were shown, and an Awaid of Merit was recommended
to a variety from Mr. Hekrin, Dropmore Gardens.
Floral Committee.
P esent : W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman; and Messrs. Jno.
Fraser, H. B. May, Jno. Jennings, Geo. Paul, C. J. Salter,
W. Bain, J. W. Barr, Geo. Gordon, J. D. Fawle, II. Turner,
Chas. T. Druory, Geo. Nicholson, R. Hogg, and Chas.
Jeff cries.
Messrs. Cutbubii A- Son exhibited a group of plants i f
Nerine Fothergilli major in bloom, iuter&percd with a ftw
Ferns.
Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm X urseries, near Tottenham,
staged a large group <>f hardy flowers, as did also Mes>rs.
BakrA'Sun, King Street, Cov^ut Garden, L ndon. In both
cases a Bron/3 BanksUn Medal was awarded.
Me srs. Birr & Sou exhibited an effective KniphoSa
named Corallina sups rba, abo a deep-coloured Gladiolus, J.
Laiug; and a double- flowered yellow Datura known as Golden
Queen, a sort of hose- in-hose flower.
Messrs. Dohbie &. Co. exhibited a fine lot of blooms of
French Marigolds from their Nursery at Orpington in Kent,
the strain of which was remarkable for quality.
A group of Eucharis grandiflora plan's in bloom was
shown by Mr. F. Knioiit EAME3, Fulwell Nursery, Twicken-
ham. The plants wero very large, and well-flowered (Silver
Flora Medal).
From Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St Albany, was shown a
number of Gloxinia blooms of good strains; and Mr. W. J.
GODFREY, Ex mouth Nurseries, Devon, had two white-
flowered Japanese Chrysanthemums, named respectively
Queen of the Earlies and Barbara Forbes.
An Award of Merit was obtained by Mr. W. Peters, Givons
Grove, Leatherhead, for a showy variety of Michaelmas Daisy
known as Mrs. W. Peters. Plants two years old, and others
raised from cuttings during the presentyear, wero exhibited.
The flowers arc numerous, but small, white, with yellow
disc.
Messrs E. G. Reid, of Beckenham Hill, had several Bpraj s
of new C nnas; and Mr. Empson, gr. to Mrs. Wing field,
and Mr. Farr. gr. to A. Pears, Esq., Isleworth, showed new
Croton3, but no award was made. A variety of Primula
obconiea, with slightly friuged flowers, came from Mr. Tnos.
Lowton, Odpringe House Nurseries, Faversham. A number
of sprays of Cannas, representing about a score varieties, was
shown by Mr. Robt. Owen, Maidenhead.
Some beautiful specimens of Nepenthes came from Messrs.
Jas. Veitch & Soss, Royal Nurseries, Chelsea, most of them
strong, healthy plants, with good pitchers. Like ;ill such
exhibits from the Chelsea establishment, it was very repre-
sentative, both of the original species and of garden hybrids.
We noticed specimens of N. Chelsoni, N. Curtisii, Burkei,
Hookeriana, Mastersiana, several plants showing varia-
bility in colour of the pitcher; N. Morganitt, Mixta (one of
the recent hybrids fig ured in the GarJent .&' Chrou ic 'e,
January 14, 1S93), N. hybrida var. Courti, Dominiaca,
albo marginat*, Purvillei, Ac. One new hybrid was
shown, named N. Tiveyi, obtained from a crass between N.
Veitchii <$ and" N. Curtisii superba ?. The pitcher is pale
green blotched frequently with red, about (i inches long,
wings deep, and having long teeth at the margins ; margin of
uiJiith nearly an inch wide, de.p brownish-red in colour,
prettily lined. Lid erect, and very small in proportion to the
mouth of the pitcher. The plant bore six leaves, and each
carried a pitcher. This handsome hyb:id was awarded a
First-class Certificate.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons also exhibited sprays of
Robinia hispida, Acerpalmatumsanguineum, Hymenanthera
crassifolia, Hibiscus cielestis and H. totus albus, H. Lady
Stanley, Andromeda arborea, and plants in bloom of
Acidanthera bicolor (figured in Gar .'enera' Clironiele, Octet e ■
3, 1896) (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).
An extensive group of Crotons was shown by Mr. W. Farr,
gr. to A. PEARS, Esq., Spring Grove, I&lewoith. These were
arranged on the floor in the centre of the hall, and occupied
a considerable amount of space. Many finely-coloured
specimens were observed, and the group was one that would
have done credit to any private establishment (Silver Flora
Medal).
Mr. Chapman, gr. to R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge
Lodge, Camberwell, obtained a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a
group of Sarraconias, Darlingtonia, and Cephalotus,
Sarraconias Chelsoni, Atkinsoniana, Courti crispata,
Maddisoniana, Wrigleyana, and melanoihoda were noticed,
and some very pretty plants were included.
From Sir Tkevor Lawrence's garden at Burford, Mr. Bain
exhibited some capital Peut6tt. mons grown from seed sown on
February 12 last, also sprays ot Lobelia cardinalis var. Car-
mine Gem, L. fulgens violacoa (a distiLct and pretty variety) ;
flowers of Mina lobata, &c.
Messrs. J. Ciieal <fe Sons, Lowficld Nursery, Crawley, made
an exhibit of Dahlia blooms of the Pompon, show, Cactus,
and single-flowered soctions. An Award of Merit was reconi.
mended to the variety F. C. Pawlo, a scarlet-coloured Cactus,
with a shade of purple. A Silver Flora Medal was awarded
to the exhibit,
A colleotion of Dahlia blooms was shown by Mr. Eric F.
Such, Maidenhead ; and Mr. J. Walker, of Thame, Oxon,
was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for an exhibit con-
taining upwards of a hundred Dahlia blooms, chiefly of show
and Cactus varieties.
Orchid Committee.
Pi esent: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair ; and Messis.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Boc\ Thos. Statter, J. Gabriel, H. M.
Pollett, F. J. Thorne, T. W. Bond, H. J. Chapman, A. H.
Smce, J. Douglas, T. B. Heywood, and C. Winn.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch &. Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, staged a fine group, lich in beautiful
hybrids, and especially in hybrid Cattleyas and Lauio-Cat-
tleyas, of their own production, who have done so much to
extend the number of showy Orchids which flower in the
autumn and winter. One of the finest on tho present occa-
sion was Cattleya X Euphrasia (superba tf. x Warsce-
wiczii 9), which bad, when first flowered, in a weak
state, been awarded an Award of Merit, but was now
unanimously voted a First-class Certificate. The fine
flower was of perfect shapo, the eegments of firm texture,
and well displayed ; sepals and petals light purplish-
rose colour; Up very broad and handsome, in colour yellow
at the base, with purple markiogs, the front lobe of a glow-
ing purplish ruby-red, with a very narrow lavender-coloured
margin. Another pretty novelty, thowu for tho first time,
was Cattleya x Melpomene (Forbeaii?, Mendelicf), a
medium-sized flower, of a clear blush- white, with lilac
vcining, the base and centre of the lip being yellow,
with a few purple markings and raised processes,
which plainly indicated C. Forbesii. Other handsome
hybrids in Messrs. Ve itch's group were Lielio- Cattleya x
Epicasta (L. pumila x C. Warsccwiczii), L.-C. x Eunomta (L.
pumilaxC. Gaskelliana), L.-C. x callistoglossa (C. Warsccwiczi
x L. purpurata), L.-C. xClonia superba (L.-C. elcgans Turncri
x C. Warscewiczi), L.-C. X Parysatis (C. Bowringiana x L.
pumila), L.-C. X Ste.la (L.-C. ele^ans var. x L. crispa) ;
varieties of L.-C. x Nysa (L. crispa x C. Warscewiczi), and
C. x Wondlandi (C. Warscewiczi x C. Bowringiana) - all very
handsome and distinct gains. Among the Cypripediunrs
were a grand variety of C. tonsum, with three flowers ; a fine
C. xCEnanthum supeilmm, with twelve flowers; C. Charles*
worthi, with sixteen finely-coloured blooms; C. X Moigani.u
langleyensis, C. x Mrs. Canham, C. X Carnusianum, Vt itch's
variety, C. x Melanthus, C. x Janet, C. x Hornianum,
C. x Euryales, some good C. Curtisii, and hyb id Seleni-
pediums. Of other species noteworthy were Angiacum
Eichlerianum, of singular growth, and bearing large flowtis
with scoop-shaped label! um, green at the base, and white in
(rout; Oncidium spilopterum, some grctful O. incmvuir,
O. pnetextum ; a singular almost wholly light yellow O.
varicosum ; the pretty scarlet Renanthera matutina, a gtod
example of A e rides Lawrenciae, Cycnccbes chlbrochilun,
Catasetum Bungerothi, LceUa monopuylla with sixteen
flowers ; Ly caste lanipes, Cattleya bicolor, Brassia Lawrence-
ana longissima ( Botanic il Certiti cate) ; Odontoglostum Uro-
Skinneri splendens, very bright in colour ; and other species.
The group, which was a fine one in every respect, was
awarded a Silver F.ora Medal.
Fred. H *rdv, Esq.,Tyntesfield, Ashton-on-Merse3' (gr., Mr.
Thos. Stafford1, was awarded a Silver Flora Medal lor a -mall
but select group of Orchids, the prominent feature in which
was a good example of Cattleya x Hardyana. With it there
were of note Cypiipedium x Hardyanum x Ainsworthi x
caudatum), much resembling C. macrochilum ; a fine variety
of La-lio-Cattleya X elegaus ; Cattleya x Ashtoni ; C. x poi-
phyrophlebia. with pretty light lilac flowers, and purple
blotch on the lip ; Dendrobium Phala-nopsis Echroder-
anum, &c.
R. I. Measi re^, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Caml erwell(gi\, Mr.
H. J. Chapman), showed Kbyneo&tylis coslestis, Cambridge
variety, a very handsome form, with Lrigbt blue lip, and
lighter blue tips to the sepals and petals (Award of Merit) ;
ani Cattleya Schofieldiana superba, large in size and fine in
colour.
Thos. Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, Whitefield, Manchester,
(gr., Mr. R. Johnson), showed Cypiipedium x Lord Derby
(Rothscbildianum x superbiens). which received a Kirst-
class Certificate when he first showed it, August 13, 1805,
and was well illustrated in the Gardener*' chronicle, Sep-
tember 28, 1895, p. 857 ; also C. x Lady Isabel (Rothscbildia-
num xStoneiJ; and the handsome C. x triumphans (Sal-
lieri Hyeanum X ccnanthum supcrbum).
Major Joicev, Sunningdale Park, Sunningdale, Berks (gr.,
Mr. Fttd J. Thorne), showed a strong plant of the fine old
Acineta Parkeri, with two pendent spikes of large wax tike
188
THE GABDEXEBS' CHRONICLE.
[September 11, 1897.
yellow flowers, spotted with crimson in the centre. The
two spikes bore together forty-five Mowers (Botanical Ccr-
ti6cate\
Mrs. Harris, Lambcrhurst, Kentfgr., Mr. Huggins), sent
Cattleya x Miss Harris (C. Uossiw X C. Scbilleriana), a pretty
hybrid, partaking much of C. Schillei ian • .
Welbcke 8. Ellis, Esq., Hazelbourne, Dorking (gr., Mr.
Barrel), showed Oncidium panduratum, a species «>f the O.
Wentworthianum class with brown flowers tipped with light
yellow (Botanical Certificate).
A. W. Warhurton, Esq., Vine House, Haslingden, Man-
chester (gr , Mr. T. Loft house), showed the'fiue yellow-flowered
Cypripcdinm insigne var. Laura Kimball with two fine
flowers.
i.\ L X. Ingram, Esq , Elstcad House, Godalming (gr., Mr.
T. W.Bond), sent Lselia X splendens [(crispa x purpnrata) ;
and a tmall form of L. C. X Andreana (bieolor x elcguis
Turner!) named L. C. x Gazelle.
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, showed Cat I ley a x
Minucia (L'lddegesii x Warscowiczi), in good fonn ;
Cypripedium x Alfred Hollington, and other Cypripcdiums.
Messrs. Pander k Co., St. Albans, sent Cypripcdinm :<
callo-Rotbechildlanum, C. x barbatum x Rotbschildianum,
the pretty Maxillaria striata, Odontoglossum Krameri with
twenty flowers ; the pretty natural hybrid Miltonia Peetcrs-
iana with dark rose llowors barred with purple ; Miltonia
spectabilis Moreli na, &c.
Fruit Committee.
Trt ' ".' : Philip Crowley, Esq, chairman; and Messrs.
Geo. Bunyard, H. W. Ward, G. W. Cummins, T. J. Salt-
marsh, A. H. Pearson, J. Wright, C. Herrin, J. W. Bates, W.
Fair, W. J. Empson, G. H. Sage, Geo. Wythe?, 11 Balderson,
J. Smith, Geo. Reynolds, and J. Willard.
In the Veitchian compethion for flavour, the 1st prize for
Apples was taken by Mr. J. Mayne, Bicton Gardens, Devon,
who showed Kerry Pippin, from an espalier tree on the Crab
stock. The 2nd prize was awarded to a dish of G ravens tein,
shown by Mr. Geo. Wythes, gr. to Earl Percy, Synn House,
BrentforJ. The best Pear was Williams" Bon Chretien, from
Mr. Herrin, gr. at Dropmore, obtained from a bush-tree upon
the Quince stock. The same variety from Mr. Wythes was
placed 2nd.
Several good seedling Melons were shown, and to one of
these, named Mrs. Herrin, shown by Mr. H burin, an
Award oF Merit was recommended This was obtained
from a cross between La Favourite x, and an unnamed seed-
ling. It has white flesh, uncommonly deep, of good
flavour, and very juicy ; exterior is straw-coloured, netted, of
moderately large size. The cavity in this Melon is very
small. Mr. Herrin also exhibited a fine fruit of Diamond
Jubilee Melon, a variety shown at the last Temple Show,
when it was given an award.
Mr. Miller, gr. to Lord Foley, Ruxley Lodge, Claygatc,
xhtbitcd fifteen large, handsome fruits of Princess of
Wales Peach for which a Bronze Knightian Medal was
awarded. He had also a dish of Yorkshire Beauty Apples,
a large, rather flat shaped culinary variety with considerate
colour upon one side.
An Award of Merit was r commended to Scarlet Runner
Bean, Bunyard's Hill prize, shown by Mr. W. J. Empson,
Ampthill Gardens. The pods were about 10 inches long.
Mr. W. Mitchell, Fir Cottage, Farnham Royal, fclough,
exhibited fruits or a Seedling Blackberry, and sprays of
same. The fruits were very fine, and the variety free
cropping (Award of Merit).
Mr. J. Coles, gr. to 1J. J. Walker. Esq , Balcombe,
Sussex, obtained a cultural commendation for a dish of
beautiful fruits of Exquisite Peach.
Mr. W. Kemp, The Gungah, Barnes, was awardel a Silvei
Banksian Medal for an exhibit of twenty-four good Melon-
fruits, representing several of the finest varieties.
Madresfield Court Grapes in three bunches from C. Bayer,
Esq., Forest Hill, gr., Mr. W. Taylor, were deservedly
awarded a Cultural Commendation ; and a similar honour
was deservedly given to a dozen Stirling Castle Peaches
shown by Mr. W. Howe, gr. to Henry Tate, Esq., Streatham
Common.
From the Royal Gardens, Windsor, Mr. 0. Thomas exhi-
bited a large number of Peaches and Nectarines, all grown
out-of-doors. The varieties were Violette Hative, Stirling
Castle, Prince of Wales, Alexandra Noblesse, Princess of
Wales, Grosse Mignonne, Premier, Buckingham Mignonne,
Bellegarile,Barrington, Alexandra Noblesse, Teton de Venus,
Hirdwick Seedling, Haymaker, Dr. Hogg, Dymond, Condor,
and Crimson Galande, Nectarines. Pine-apple, Victoria,
Hiudwxk Seedling, Humboldt, Violette Hative, Prince of
Wales, Spencer, Lord Napier, and Oldenburg. Some Golden
Jubilee Toroatos shown were perfect in shape, heavy, and
of pretty appearance. A Silver-gilt Knightian Medal was
deservedly awarded.
A collection of fruits, embracing seventy dishes, was
shown by Mr. Geo. Wvthes. The bulk of these were Apples
and Pears maDy fine dishes of each being noticed. In
addition, there were fifteen dishes of Peaches in as many
varieties ; four Nectarines, viz., Elruge, Dry den, and
numboldt ; four varieties of Plums, viz., Pond's Seedling,
Archduke, Victoria, and Purple Gage ; Shropshire and
Cluster Damsons, a dish of Mulberries, and Morello Cherries.
The collection was a very praiseworthy one, and a Silver
Knightian Me lal was awarded.
From Jno, Rcssell, Esq., Richmond, were some uncom-
monly well-cropped Tomato plants from out-of doors; the
variety was Campbell's Prolific.
Lecture on Nepenthes.
Mr. Harry J. Vkitch, who delivered a lecture upon this
genus of plants, avoided going over the ground traversed by
Professor Vines before a meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society on June 15 last, when the power possessed by Nepen-
thes to decompose and digest in the pitchers various organic
bodies was explained and defined. Mr. Veitch commenced
by tracing the early history of these interesting plants, and
gave particulars as to time and circumstance when many of
the typical species were introduced. Until the commence-
ment of the nineteenth century, the known history of the
genus is fragmentary to some degree ; but afterwards the intro-
duction of the various speciescau be followed with compara-
tive certainty. Thus Mr. Veitch referred to N. Raffles i na
in trod need from Singapore in 1815, N. Hookeriaua f ro n Borneo,
iu 1S47, and many others. A largo number of species wore
introduced between 18S0and 1890. The Seychelles Nepenthes,
N. I'lirvilki, was illustrated by a plant bearing several
pitchers that had been kindly ltnt by the Director of the
Royal Gardens, Kcw, who, in an accompanying letter,
remarked that it had taken more than a quarter of a century
to introduce this species to Britain. Mr. Veitch spoke at some
considerable length upon the species obt lined from Borneo,
and one of these, Rajah, which produces a very handsome
pitcher, but is very difficult of cultivation in this country,
was illustrated by a dried Pitcher from Borneo, and a fresh
one that had been produced in the hothouses at the Royal
Gardens, Glasncvin, Dublin. Mr. Moore, the skilful director
there, hid obtained a Pitcher rather more than two- thirds :.s
large as the one produced naturally, and as the achievement
is without parallel in the case of this species, Mr. Moore is to
be congratulated. Mr. Veitch, when speaking of the plants,
in most cases alluded to the specific characters, and with the
fresh and dried specimens at his hand, he was able to impart
to his hearers a very large amount of interesting information.
Passing from a review of the species, to speak of the hybrids
that ha 1 been obtained by hybridisation in this country, Mr.
Veitch said, that though there were probably forty varieties
considered hybrids, ho thought that many of these were
merely varieties from hybrids, and that certainly there had
not been that number of crosses effected. There have been
ten hybrids raised at Chelsea, already distributed, and Mr.
Veitch was enabled to show some of those in comparison with
the parents, and to explain what characteristics hal been
secured in the progeny, that for horticultural purposes male
it more valuable than either of its parents. Instancing N.
Mastersiaua and a few others, it was an easy matter to show
that some of the very best plants in the genus were hybrids ;
and Mr. Veitch was on very safe ground when he declared
that whilst certain species would always claim a prominent
position in gardens, the effeet of the work of the hybridist
would be that a great number of varieties would be raised
that would yield fine pitchers, and combine wi h this pro-
perty a strong habit of growth, and eventually, as a race,
they would be more useful to the gardener than the original
species. This much has already been proved : that the
hybrids raised as seedlings in English hot-houses arc much
more amenable to the artificial eultuie essential in this
climate than arc the species. There are some hybri !s pos
sesscd by the Chelsea firm that have not yet been shown or
distributed, and one was before the meeting on Tuesday. It
was named N. Tiveyi, and is alluded to in tho above report.
Next, Mr. Veitch devoted some time to a description of tho
botanical features of the genus. Some coloured drawings helped
greatly to supplement these remarks. The dioecious flowers
were described, the essential organs, male and female. The
processes of pollination and fertilisation were explained, and
the time which elapsed between the one and the other given.
A fow pots of seedlings one year old, and others a little more
advanced were shown, and the rate of progress of growth at
that stage and subsequently, were matters referred to in
detail. The first true leaves produce pitchers, and these
become larger on succeeding leaves, in proportion as the
, strength of the plant increases.
The concluding part of Mr, Veiteh's admirable paper
was devoted to a description of the habitats of most of the
species. The conditions of climate the plants naturally erjny
were given precisely, and statistics of rainfall, temperatures,
humidity of atmosphere were given ihat had been taken
from observations made at meteorological stations.
Following the reading of the paper, Mr. F. W. Burbidge,
M. A., Curator of the Botanical Gardens at Trinity College,
Dublin, remarked upon the subject under discussion at con-
siderable length. He first referred to the Pitchers them-
selves, and reminded the audience of the insect- digesting
powers they had, suggesting that Nature had prompted the
plants to develop this means of obtaining nourishment in
order to compensate for the disadvantages attending a weak
root-system. Passing, Mr. Burbidge had something inter-
esting to say about the Bornean species at home, and of his
experience when collecting some of them in company with Mr.
Peter Veitch. From personal observation, too, Mr. Burbidge
described the white mist that is peculiar to great altitude* in
Borneo, and how all vegetation in this zone is continually wet,
and the temperature cooler, but unusually even. Cultivators
in this country had to produce circumstances as nearly like
these as possible. In an ordinary Nepenthes houso (Mr.
Burbidge reminded his hearers) air should be allowed to
enter the house from the bottom, but that no top ventilation
should be open at the same time. A better system Mr.
Burbidge thought would be to build a structure for the
Nepenthes without any special means of heating it ; surround
this with the hottest of the stoves, and by allowing the air to
pass from these into the cooler atmosphere of tho Nepenthes-
house a condensation of moisture would occur as nearly as
possible resembling the natural state of things.
READING HORTICULTURAL.
Septe.mrer 1. — Nothing is more depressing than a flower-
show held during a fc*ale, accompanied by drenching rain ;
and it was under such circumstances tho usual summer show
of this Society took place. As usual, the display was arranged
in the Abbey ruins, and the tent covering being furrow-
shaped, quite a deluge of water came through at certain
points. The weather kept visitors away, and a great loss
must result. This was all the more to be regretted as it was
generally a good exhibition ; some of the fruit, and the
vegetables especially, being superb.
Plants.— Stove and greenhouse plants were shown in
eights, the 1st prize being takeu by Mr. W. Finch, Coventry.
Mr. Chamberlain, gr. to F. M. Lonergan, Esq., Cressingham
Park, took the 1st prize with four specimens. The best
specimen plant in flower was Erica Maruockiana, from Mr.
Peel.gr. to Miss Todd, Shirley, Southampton ; Mr. Bright,
gr. to J. B. Kahslaki;, Esq , Whitcknights, coming 2nd, with
a superbly-grown and flowered light-flowered Fuchsia named
Western Beauty. Orchids were poorly shown, but Septem-
ber is late for them. Fuchsias were shown by Mr. Bright,
large, finely-grown pyramids, admirably bloomed ; Mr.
Wilson, gr. to Mr. B. Garland, Lower Redland, was 2nd.
Liliums, double zonal Pelargoniums, and tuberous Begonias
were not exceptional. In the amateurs' divisions. Fuchsias
staged in fours made a good show, Mr. Smith, gr. to Miss
Niei d, Beading, taking the 1st prize.
Stove and greenhouse Ferns were well shown by Mr.
Willis, gr. to II. C. Simmonos, Esq., Reading, who had an
excellent specimen of Microlepia hirta cristata, also of Also-
pbila australis, Cibotium prineeps, &c. Mr. Leith, ^r. to
A. R. Wki/ii Thornton, Esq., Bisingstoke, was 2nd. The
latter had tho best four rint-foliagcd plants, bavin.; a well-
coloured piece of Croton Queen Victoria among them.
Mr. Peel had tho best three Palms, staging excelleut
examples, consisting of two fine Keutias, and a Latania bor-
bonica. Mr. G. Lewis was 2nd. Coleus were also shown,
the best of them in the form of bright-foliaged pyramids.
Groups.— One extromely interesting feature at this exhi-
bition was tho competition in tho largo group class— one of
ISO feet, arranged on the turf banks in the Abbey ruins. There
were four competitors, there being ofl'ced by Messrs. Sutton
& Sons a very handsome chased Silver Cup of th3 value of
25 guiueas, which is held for a year by the holder, and in
addition a cash prize of ££. This was won by Mr. Peel, gr.
to Miss TnnD, with a very tasteful arrangement, in which the
usual subjects were grouped in a skilful manner. The Cup
has to be won three ti mes in succession before it can be taken
outright. Mr. Pope, gr. to J. P. White, Esq., Wargravo, was
2nd. There were several competitors with small groups cover-
ing 80 feet, Mr. Chamberlain taking the 1st prize.
Cut Flowers. — Amongthecutflowers Dahlias took the lead.
The best eighteen blooms came from Mr. J. Walker, Thame,
run very close by Mr. S. Mortimer, Farnham, who was 2nd ;
both stands contained excellent blooms. Mr. J. R. Tranter,
Henley-on-Thames, had the best twelve blooms, and E. F.
Sri ii, Maidenhead, was 2nd. The best six blooms in the
amateur division came from Mr. G. Lewis. Messrs. Cheal
& Sons, Crawley, had the best twelve bunches o Single-
flowered, among them Duchess of Marlborough, white, edged
with crimson-purple, was very striking. Mr. Mortiueb hud
the best eighteen blooms of Cactus Dahlias. Mr. W. Taylor.
had the best twelve, and was also 1st with the same number
of Tea Roses ; but storms I ad affected them. In the amateurs
class for twelve, W. C Romaine, Esq,, Windsor, was 1st.
Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons had the best, twelve spikes of
GlaHiolus ; Messrs. Wallace, Colchester, was 2nd. Mr.
Finch had tho best twelve bunches of cut flowers, showing
mainly stove and greenhouse subjects.
Fruit.— In the class for eight dishes of fruit, the 1st
prize went to Mr. Gkeson, gr. to C. E. Keyser, Esq ,
Warren House, Stanmore, who had finely-finished White
Muscat and Black Hamburgh Grapes, both showing excel-
lent culture ; a grand Smooth Cayenne Pine-apple, Brown
Turkey Figs, Pitmaston Nectarine, Barrington Peache=,
extra fine in size and colour; Golden Gem Melon, and
splendid Morello Cherries. Mr. Pope was ind, having
Muscats, Smooth Cayenne Pine, and Favourite Melon, all
good.
With six dishes, Mr. Howard, gr. to Mrs. Mi:yers, Ben-
ham Park, was 1st, with line Pine-apple Nectarines, Stirling
Castle Peaches, and good Grapes ; Mr. Chamberlain took
the 2nd prize. Mr. W. Fyfe, gr. to Lord Wantage Loekingc
Park, was very successful with Grapes, showing excellent
examples. Ho was 1st with three bunches of Black Ham-
burgh, also with any other black variety, and with White
Muscats. In the latter class, Mr. Cole, gr. to Sir G. Russell,
Bart., Swallowfield Park, had three large well-coloured
bunches, but the berries were rather small. The rain poured
in upon Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots and Plums. Mr. C.
Ross, gr. to Captain A. J. Carstaiks, Welford Park, Newbury,
had the three best dishes of culinary Apples ; Mr R. 'Webb,
Benham, was 2nd. Mr. Tukton, Maiden Erlegh, had the
three best dishes of culinary Pears. Dessert Pears, Melons
&c, were shown ; also Cucumbers, as near perfection in
shape and size as could well be imagined.
Vegetables. — The handsome money-prizes given by Messrs.
Button & Sons for twelve distinct kinds of vegetables,
brought thirty-seven collections. Seven prizes were awarded.
Mr. R. Lye, The Gardens, Sydmonton Court, Newbury, took
the 1st prize with a collection so perfect as to leave little to
be desired Mr. Bowerman, The Gardens, Hack wood Park,
Skptember 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
189
Basingstoke, was "2nd. Tlicso collections, tbc fias£"*even or
eight of wbicb were of high quality, male an exhibition in
themselves. Mr. Noah Kneli.er, The Card ns, Malshanger,
Basingstoke, took ihe 1st of Messrs. Wbbb & Sjns1 prizes for
ix kinds; and Mr. Johnson gr. to A. Gilliat, Esq , was
nd.
Misckllvneous. — Fine and showy miscellaneous collec-
tions of cut tlowers, &c , wero shown by Mo**, James
Veti.ii & Sons, Chelsea, J. Laing & Son4, Fo»est Hill,
Wal' ace & Co , if Colchester, and others.
GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOTLAND
HORTICULTURAL.
September 1. — One of tlio best displays of fruits, (lowers,
and vegetables ever scon in the western capital of Scotland
was m ide on the above date. At the main entrance were
large exhibits of cut flowers from several nurseries ; and p'ants
and Bowers from Mr. M. Cuthrertson of Rothesay filled a
large space. Blooms of herbaceous plants were strongly in
evidence, and interspersed w tb florist flowers of brilliant
colour, tlicy made a great display. Mr. Forues of Hawick
had large collect ons of hardy flowers and Carnations ; and a
largo and choice collection of Dahlias and Pansies was
shown by Mr. T. Smellie.
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., of Rothesay, had a table 15 feet
long furnished with products from their Rothosay grounds.
Their IYntsteruons were very fine, and there was an immense
collection of all elas&es of Dahlias, spikes of stately
Hollyhocks backed up this large exhibit. An exhibit from
Mr. Campbell, High Blantyrc. contained m*ny Dahlias
and Carnations.
Roses were of much excellence, and Mr. Croll, of Dundee,
obtained the 1st prize for twenty lour blooms. Messrs.
Cocker, of Aberdeen, were 2nd, with a handsome exhibit.
Dahlias made a considerable display, and many growers
competed well in the various classes. Mr. CAMPBELL of
IH.intyro was Is* for the larger collection, and Mr. Smellie,
2nd. Marigolds, Asters, Pansies, an I Antirrhinum \ of good
quality were present in qu mlity.
In the larger hall, tables of plants lor exhibition were not
so numerous as on some forme, occasions Messrs. Smith &
Simons had a largo exhibit of choice foliage and Qowering-
ptants, and Messrs Austen and McA<) \ n had a fine display
of plants on and iu front of the la gc platform,
Mr. D. Wilson, gr. to Mr. Stephens, We^tmount, was 1st,
showing a table of beautiful plants, including <M nto-
glossun-s and other Orchids The 'Jnd piiz: was taken by
Mr. Miller, gardener at Auchcnraith.
A large table filled with bouquets in great variety was the
centre of much admiration.
Tabic plants were mmerous, and the competition in the
class for six specimens w. a kocn.
Fruit generally was remarkably good, 0 pr-r'a'ly black
Grapes; Musc.it s, too, wore well shown, and some of them were
finely coloured. Apples, Pears, ami Flume were less
numerously shown than usual. Mr. D. Murray, gr. to the
Marquis of Ailsa, Culzoan Cattle, was the only exhibitor
in the class for a collection of twelve sorts Me had a re-
markably handsome Queen Pino, capital Nectarines, Brown
Turkey Figs. Best-of All Melon, and good Grapes, but wo
have teen Mr. Murray's Crapes much liner than they were this
eeason, Mr. Aiadrie, Lirbert Bouse Qirdens, was is' for
six dishes; his Black Hamburgh Grapes, Sea Eagle Peaches,
Pine-apple Nectarines, ani Figs were first rate. Mr
Buchanan, gr. at Bargany, was a good 'Jnd, but some of the
fruits were past their best.
The tempting prize for four bunches of Grapes was
Carried off by Mr. Aiunjm:, beating Mr. Lis lie, of
I'itcullen, who has never before been beaten in this class at
Glasgow. Mr. Airdrie's bunches were Muscat Hamburgh,
Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield Court, and Black Ham-
burgh, large in bunch and berry, and highly finished; Mr.
Leslie had fine Muscats of Alexandria.
Eighteen bunches were tabled in the class for Black
Hamburghs, Mr. Menzies, gr. at Druniepird (*), was 1st,
with a grand pair of hunches ; Mr. Aii-drie, lyu>bert, was a
clrse Tnd.
Mr. Leslie's 1st prize pair of Muscats of Alexandria were
remarkably fine; Mr. AiRr>RiE was 2nd with well-coloured
bunches.
The other classes for Gripes were well contested, and that
foi the heaviest bunch was won by Mr. Leslie, who staged
one weighing 8 lb.
Apples were not remarkable for size or quality; neither
wtro Pears. Peaches, though not numerous, were tine in
size and colour. Mr. AlRDBlE was 1st with Sea Eagle.
Nectarines were very tine especially the 1st prise exhibit of
the vaiie'y Pineapple from M-. Mi -bray.
A large ball was crowded with vegetables of flue quality.
Mr. Brown, gr. at Houston, had a capital collection ; Leeks,
Celery, Peas, and Potatos being as fine as they are ever likely
to be seen at a September Ehow. Potatos were remarkably
well exhibited, and were, without exception, clean and of
lire form. The exhibits from amateurs were numerous and
good.
NATIONAL DAHLIA.
September 3, 4.— The annual exhibition of this Society
was held on the a'jove dates, at the Crystal PulSfee. Iu f ac )
of the unusually severe gales of the forepart oT last week,
Dahlia growers had not anticipations of a record show, for
each of them was painfully aware of the difficulty attending
the preservation of their own flowers from the effect of wind
and rain. Wo do not intend to speak of the exhibition in
the superlative degree but there can be no hesititi in
in describing it as very satisfactory, and much beyond
general expectation. No doubt, the strongest section was
that of the CactuB -like flowers ; there was much compe-
tition in the classes, and the flowers were decidedly good.
Indeed, such a bank of Cactus blooms as was produced
by the classes for eighteen and twelve varieties has
seldom, if ever, been staged. From an exhibition point
of view, the section next popular was the show typo —
the large, symmetrical, "squat "-looking flowers, as if
chiselled, but possessing colours of beautiful and variel
shades. Too s »lidly heavy to cut for decorativo p i
they seem to bo cultivated for the exhibition boards al no.
The decorative flowers wero few, and they are mere'y a
compromise between the ehow and Cactus types. Pompons
are useful for decoration, and they are most effective in the
flower-borders. There were several exhibitors in these
classes, which we think it would be more pleasing were
greater care to hi used iu the selection of the smallest most
" Pompon " like flowers. Single flowers, the pets of a dozen
years ago, are parti dly neglected, and it is easily seen Ihit
th ; circumstance is due to the marvellous development iu
the C ictus section. The few exhibits of single flowers, how-
ever, were so good as t i suggest, " Why has our popularity
decrcasi d?" Single flowers wit i longitudinally recurved
petal*, and describe 1 as singlc-flowt re 1 * ' ictu*>, do not appear
to liiul much favour unless with person i who admire an
aesthetic kind of decoration.
Many new varieties of Dahlias were submitted for Ceilih
catc •, and, as usual, these were principally of the most
popular sections. < >ne of the very b st was the Cactus bio >m
shown by Mr. Weni;, and named [sland QUCOD, a pure uianvc-
c iloiire 1 Mower, and distinct from any hitherto raised.
COMUBMOS \ HON Cl ASS.
The principal class at this Exhibition wa^ one known as
1 1 1 ■ Commem ration Class, to which tempting prizes were
offered for the best decorative display of Dahlia U ms,
together with orn unental foliage plants, Ac. Tin se ton],,
wero staged on a table-space of is feet byG feet, and were
intended to advan'agoously display the development that
Ins lake i pi ie ■ in i lie Dahlia duriog the Victorian Era.
\s a matter of (act, the exhibits were decorative arrange
menu of Dahlia blooms and nothing in ire. The Victorian
Era was only suggested by the collection awarded 1st prize,
and this suggestion consisted in a rather stirT looking erown
COmpOS ■>! Of a yellow Pompon Dahlia, and by the
monogram V.K. with 1SJ7 on one side, and 1807 on the
other, all in Dahlia blooms, in a group arranged for
effect, it would have been dangerous to have sought by
comparison to demonstrate the development that b is
taken place, and the task was not attempted. Apart
from this failure to comply with the schedule, the two col-
lections were Bitisfaotory. As pictures, the 2nd pria
tion fl IS the more enjoyable, but it did not thrust the Dahlia
forward so well and thoroughly as in Mr. M V. Scale's
collect ion from Sevenoaks. Few pUnts were used inthelatt i
exhibit, and there was a profusion of cut blooms, in sprays,
upon pillars, ant as shower bouquets, and it probably
deserved the 1 st prize awarded to it. Messrs. J. Cheai &
Sons, Crawley, employed much fewer flowers, and th
wall t"iied down by a profusion of suitable foliage. A cone,
with a Palm sapped top, was the least pleasant feature in this
stand.
Snow ind Fancy Blooms intermixed.
There were five collections in the class for sixty bl.u.m.s,
and it was an exhibit of considerable merit that won the 1st
prize for Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury. We
will give the varieties as being of interest in this notcwortby
year:— Back row: WT. Rawlings Emin Pacha (very fine
bloom), Harrison Weir. J. T. West, R. Dean, Mr. Chamber-
lain, M. Campbell, Chieftain, Duchess of Albany, Mrs. C.
Noyes, Hairy Keith, Rav. J. B. Camm (sport), a distinct-
coloured flower; Duke of Fife, Dorothy, Colonist, Geo.
D irnes (self), J. Ilickling, beautiful soft yellow; A. Ocock,
Pelican, and Gaiety (sport). Centre row : Buffalo Pill (dark
crimson self), Florence Tranter, Imperial, Royal Queen, Rev.
.T. B. Camm, Comte de la Scaux, R. T. Rowlings, Nellie
Caramel, Mrs. Saunders, Alice, Emily, Gaiety, curious
markings of red, yellow, and white; Thomas Hobbs,
William Powell, yellow ; Arthur Riwlings, Virginal,
Buffalo Bill, Miss Barber, H. Walton, Mr. Glascock, and
Duchess of York. Front row : N ibian, Mrs. Langfcry, Miss
Cannell, W. Keith, Mrs. Every, Mrs. McKenzie. Dazzler,
T. S. Ware, Mrs. W. Slack, Seedling Yellow with reddish
edges, H. Bond, Mr. gpofforth, Hon. P. Wyudham, Shottis-
ham Hero, Goldsmith (yellow sport, with deep red
margins), Mrs. Morgan, Golden Fleece, Kathleen (very pretty
ti at), Rebecca (self), and Mrs. Gladstone. The colours might
have been more effectively disposed in this stand. Mr. Ciias.
Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, was 2nd, with an even lot
of medium-sized blcoms, of good colours, and well put up.
In the class for forty-eight bloom?, distinct, there were
a?nin five exhibitors, the chief honour being won by Mr J.
Walker, Thame, Oxon. We noticed in this stand of praise-
worthy blooms, excellent examples of Chorister, John lluk-
ling, Jno. Standish, Victor, Harrison Weir, H. Walton,
Dorothy, Eclipse, Perfection, Glow-worm, one of the
brightest of Dahlias; Peacock, Maud Fellow?, Emin Pasha,
and others ; Mr. 0. Tl BSEtt, again shoving smaller, well-
formed blooms, was 2nd; and Mr. 8. Mortimer, Rowlodge,
Farnham, was 3rd, exhibiting commendable blooms.
Of thirty-six blooms, distinct, there were only three col-
lections, and the 1st. prize was taken by Mr. G. W. Hi m
PHRIes, Twickenham, with an exhibit of capital bl I
moderate size; Mr. J. West, Tower Hill, Brentwood, was
2nd; and Mr. J. Stredwick, St, Leonards-on-Sea, 3rd.
Mr. G. W. Humphries won the class for twenty-four
blooms with a collection containing fine specimens of Colo-
nist, Jas. Stephens, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. John Downie, II irry
Keith, W. Powell, Mrs Gladstone, and others. The only
other exhibitor in this class was Mr. J. West, Tower Hill,
Brentwood, whose bloom * were a little below good exhibi-
tion size.
The best exhibit of twelve blooms was from J. R. Tranter,
Esq., HeuIey-on-Thames, who had Chieftain, Duke of Fife,
Florence Tranter (fine bloom), Jas. Cocker, Duchess, of Yoik
and Miss Cannell (both pretty edjfed blooms), Shirley II b-
berd, R. T. Rawlings, Rosamond, Mrs. Langtry, Arthur
Rawlings, and Matthew Campbell; Mr. A. Rawlings, Rom-
ford, was 2nd ; and Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, 3rd.
Cact'ts blooms — These wero the feature of the show, and
elicited general admiration. There wero seven competitors iu
the class for eighteen varieties in bunches of six blooms each,
and in a marvellously keen competition the 1st prize was
gained by Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., Howe House Nur-
series, Cambridge. The varieties staged were Mrs. A. Beck,
Fdka, a soft purplish-rod coloured Mower; Mrs. Wilson
Noble, rather Itss deep in colour than we have seen this
comparatively new variety; Lady Penzrase, a charming
yellow flower; Mrs. F. Fell, white ; Earl of Pembroke,
purple; Gloriosa, Delicita, a most beautiful bloom; Chas.
" ibridge, Harmony, Fusilier, Fantasy, with crab-c'aw-
like petals ; Mrs. Kingsley Foster, Matchless, Casilda, Star-
fish, excellent scarlet variety ; Cinderalla, and Regulus,a de< p
crimson sell of oxc illont quality, and awarded the Society's
First-class Certificate. Messrs, Keynes, Williams, & Co.,
Salisbury, t 10k the 'Jnd priz j, an enviable one in such a com-
petition. This firm included several new varieties, such as
Mary .Service, Stella (scarlet, crimson), Alfred Vasey (salmon
red), Ruby (crimson and purple), and Araehne, a bizirre-
Louking Mower with much recurved petals (white and red,
centre of each petal white). Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons wen;
3rd, and included a few new ones also, notably, King of Siam,
adeeply -coloured dower, the inner pel lis of which are almost
black.
Mr. J. West wai the winner of the 1st prize for a collec
tion of twelve varieties, beating Mr. G. W. Humphries, 2nd .
and Mr. S. Mortimi a, Farnham, 3rd. In Mr. West's stand
was a pure mauve-coloured variety named Island Queen, and
awarded the Society's First-class Certificate. There were
several seedlings of some merit, J. C. Drewcr and Eilcin
Pallisier wore very lino blooms. Tjc 2nd and :ird place coi-
tions were very good.
I . -There wera three exhibitors in a class
for twclvj varieties, in sprays of six blooms each. The
1st "prize was taken by Mr. M. V. Seals, Sevenoaks. The
collections nude a pratty effect, Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons
were -'ni, and Mr, Jno. Charlton, Tunbridge Wells, 3rd,
each st iginj commendable exhibits.
Pompt n$. The Urges) cl tssin this section is fur Iwenty-four
varieties, and they are shown in sprays of ten blooms each.
Messrs Keynes, Williams & Co. were 1st, with a praise-
worthy lot of blooms, inclusive of a seedling under the name
of Agate, pale lei in colour, very slightly marked with
pale purple. The other varieties e .11 for no special remark.
The '2nd prize was awarded to a collection from Messrs. J. Cheal
.v Sons, which appeared to run very closely the exhibit just
noticed. The blooms were good, and in addition to being
fairly representative, they were set up very ncitly; Mr. C.
Turner, Slough, was 3rd, aud showed several novelties, in-
clu ling Ida, yellow, with crimson edge ; Snowflake, white ;
and Hypatia, pale red, with yellow centre. There were four
competitors.
The class for twelve blooms was w.m by Messrs. J. Boriiell
& Co., with a praiseworthy exhibit of the choicest varieties.
Mr. J. West w is a good 2nd, and ob'ained a First-class Cer
tificate for the variety Nellie Broomhead, exhibited in th 8
collection. It is of capital form, and the colour i* very pretty
mauve. Mr. G. H. Humphries was 3rd.
Single flowered Varieties — Mes »is. J. Ciieal & Sons, Craw-
ley, were 1st in the class for twenty-four varieties, and
they were shown similarly to the Pompons in bunches or
sprays of ten htooms eaeh. Tlie stand was a good one, and
well calculated to display the charms of the single-flowered
section. The 2nd prize was taken by Mr. M. V. Se*le, who
is also entitled to a share of praise.
The class for twelve varieties found but ons exhibitor, viz.,
Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxon, who had a stand of capital
blooms, string the following varieties : Miss Roberts,
Northern Star, Amos Perry, Maude, W. C. Harvey, Formosa,
Duchess of Westminster, Victorii, Lowfield Beauty, Mrs.
Bowman, and Eclipse.
A.MATEURS.
The classes for amateurs were well filled, and the number
of exhibitors in this division is on the increase. The best
twenty-four blooms "f show and fancy varieties, came from
Mr. Thomas IIobbs, Lower Easton, Bristol, a veteran who
commenced to exhibit in 1 852, and on this occasion headed
the nine other, c >mpetitors. He had well-finished blooms of
190
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 11 1897.
Duchess of York, Vice President, Jolin Hickling, Matthew
Campbell, Imperial, Mrs. Gladstone, Mr. W. Slack, Thomas
Hobbs, Muriel Hobbs (new). Prince of Denmark, &c. Mr. A.
Starling, Havering, Romford, was 2nd. Mr. S. Cooper,
Chippenham, had the best twelve show varieties ; and Mr.
W. Mist. Ightam, was 2nd. Mr. C. Keep, Streatham, came
in 1st with tbe best six, and Mr. G. Wyait was 2nd.
In the amateurs' division, fancy Dahlias are still shown by
themselves. Mr. S. Cooper took the 1st prize with twelve,
having, in good character, Frank Pearce, Mr. J. Down's,
Mr. Saunders, Sunset, Matthew Campbell, Lottie Eckford,
&,c. Mr. R. Burgen, St. Neots, was 2nd. Mr. A. Starling
was 1st with six blooms, having the Rev. J. B. M.
Camm, S. Mortimer, Peacock, Duchess of Albany, S. Cooper,
and Darzler. Mr. E. Jefferies, Langley Burrell, was 2ud.
There was a class also for maiden growers, which brought a
good competition.
The amateurs made a good display with Cactus varieties.
Mr. W. Mist taking the 1st prize for twelve bunches
of six blooms; chief among them being Starfish, Mr.
Wilson Noble, Mr. A. Beck, Miss A. Nightingale, Masterpiece,
and Gloriosa. Mr. E. Brown, Horl-y, was 2nd.
The best six bunches were shown by Mr. E. Mawlev,
Berkhamsted; Mr. C. E. Wilkins, Swanley Junction, 2nd.
Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons offered prizes for nine bunches,
the best coming from Mr. Wilkins, who had Mr. Wilson
Noble, Lady Penzance, Fusilier, and Charles Woodbridgo,
the latter being very fine this season. Mr. H. A. Needs,
Horsell, was 2nd. In the Maiden class for six bunches, Mr.
F. Sharp, Twyford, took the 1st prize.
The best six varieties of Pompon Dahlias wore shown by
Mr. W. C. Paoram, Weybridge, chief among them Wire White
Aster, Arthur West, Phcebe, and Sunshine ; Mr. J. Hudson
was 2nd.
Mr. E. Jeffries had the best six varieties, six blooms 01
each ; Mr. G. Wvatt was 2nd.
Mr. T. W. Girdles ro.\TE, Sunningdale, tor»k a 1st pri*e
with six bunches of ten bloims of single Dahlias, having
attractive varieties in Cadet, Naomi, Tighe, Jeannette, Polly
Eccleo, Phyllis, and Fred. Leslie. Mr. C. Osman was 2nd.
Mr. E. Mawley had the best six bunches of six blooms.
Beauty's Eye, Demon, and Miss Roberts being his best ; Mr.
J. Hudson was 2nd.
Mr. J. Hudson took the 1st of Messrs. Dobbie k Co.'s
special prizes for six single Cactus Dahlias ; and Mr. C.
CSW *n wis 2nd.
< >pen Classes.
The series of classes for six blooms of one colour of Show
and Fancy Dahlias is useful as bringing out the best of
each. Thus, the best dark was the Prince of Denmark, from
Mr. M. W. Seale, Shirley Hibberd, and William Raw-
Hngs following. We do not appear to have any light Dahlia
which can beat Mrs. Gladstone— it was 1st, 2nd, and 3rd,
Mr. Mortimer having the best. The leading yellow self
was John Hickling, from Mr. Mortimer, J. N. Keynes,
and R. T. Rawliug sfollowing in order. A bright self-form
of the Fancy Mrs. J. Downie, won tbe 1st prize for a red
Dahlia for Mr. Mortimer, John Standish and Arthur
Rawlings being 2nd and 3rd. The best white was John
Walker from Mr. Walker, which when at its boot no other
white self can compete with. Mr. G. Humphries had the
best tipped DahUa in Mrs. Saunders, and it took the 2nd
prize also. Mr. Seale had the best striped in Mrs. Downie,
and it was 2nd also. The Lest edged Dahlia was Miss Cannell,
from Mr. J. Walker;.!. T. West came next in merit.
New Dahlias.
Certificates of merit were awarded to Messrs. J. Burrell
<Si Co., Cambridge, for Cactus Dahlia Regulus, deep shaded
crimson, a flower of fine shaps. To Mr. F. Bonny, for single
Dahlia Colton Beauty, the sides of the petals edged with soft
yellow, very chaste and pleasing. To Messrs. Keynes & Co.,
Salisbury, for Cactus Dahlia Alfred Vasey, brilliant orange-
salmon, flushed with rose on the points of the florets ; Mary
Service, the base golden-salmon, the points of the florets
rosy-mauve ; Capstan, salmon, suffused with red ; and
Arachne, the curious tubular florets, white, margined with
reddish crimson, and incurving towards the centre— all very
fine. To Mr. J. R. Tranter, for show Dahlia J. R. Tranter,
a pale orange self, of fine outline, and somewhat distinct in
colour. To Mr. C. Turner, for Pompon Dahlia Hypatia,
bright terra-cotta, with golden centre-very pleasing. To
Mr. J. Stredwick, St. Leonard's, for Cactus Dahlia Daffo-
dil, soft yellow, of exquisite tint and shape ; Tillie, salmon,
suffused with pale rose, the florets tiuged with s ft mauve ;
and Night, rich maroon, tinted with fiery- crimson towards
the edges of the petals— all very fine quality. To Mr. T.
Hobbs, for show Dahlia Muriel Hobbs, clear, soft yellow, of
fine shape and centre. To Mr. S. Mortimer, for Cactus
Dahlia E. J . Deal, clear, blight scarlet— very fine. To Mr.
G. Hi mphries, for Cactus Dahlia Annie Turner, orange red,
with a pale cerise shading. To Mr. J. T. West, for Cactus
Dahlia Island Queen, s ft lilac-mauve— very distinct and
pleasing ; and to 1'ompon Dahlia Nellie Broomheid, soft
lilac, ol tine shape. To .Mr. T. W. Fellowi-s, for show
Dahiia Mrs. William Fellowes, yellow ground, heavily suf-
fused with orange-red, tine petal and shape; and to Mr.
Geo. St. Pierre Harris, for show Dahlia Harbinger, soft
pinkish-rose— a very atti active shade.
M iscellaneous Exhibiis.
Mcssr«. IT. Cannell & Co., Swanley, made a fine display
of Dahlia blooms, and a few other flowers. Dahlias wete
shown by Mct-srs. Carter, Page & Co., Loudon Wall,
and Mr. T. S. Ware, Hile Farm Nurseries, near Tottenham,
and Messrs. J. Peed ife Sons, Roupell Park Nurseries, Nor-
wood.
Autumn Roses made an exhibit of some dimensions from
Messrs. W. Paul & Sons, Waltham Cross, Herts. Many of
the newer varieties were included, such as Queen Mab, Em-
press Alexandra of Russia, Waltham Standard, H.P.,
Enchantress, &c. These varieties appear to afford a con-
siderable amount of bloom during August and September.
Messrs. Jno. Laing <fe Son, Forest Hill, London, SE., bad
a group of plants displaying their Begonias, Caladiums, and
Gloxinias. Messrs. A. W. Young U Co., Stevenage Nurseries,
showed blooms of Asters, Lilies, and other border plants ;
and Mr. Charlton, Tunbridge Wolls, exhibited a group of
hard flowers.
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
September 7, S, !».— The usual September show of this
Society was held in the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on
the above dates. There was the customary display of
Dahlias and Gladioli, but not many Chrysanthemums.
Apart from varieties of Madame C. Desgranges, there was
scarcely a large flowered Chrysanthemum well represented in
the few competitive classes, which were easily accommodated
upon "iie table. Chrysanthemum plants in flower were com-
meudably shown by Mr. J. H. Witty, Nunhead Cemetery, and
II J. Jones, Ryecroft Nursery, Lewisham. If Chrysanthe-
mums were unusually attractive, the show of Dahlias and
Gladioli left nothing to be desired in the matter of display.
Both flowers were well shown. Messrs. J. Burrell & Co ,
Howe House Nurseries, Cambridge, with a magnillcent col-
lection of varieties, took 1st prize for a collection of Gladioli,
and a much smaller exhibit of a similar character was made
by Messrs. Harkness &l Sov, Bedale, Yorkshire.
Chrys wthemums. — Tbe first class calls for twenty-four
bunches of Chrysanthemums in eighteen varieties, but there
was only one exhibitor, viz., Mr. Eric F. Such, nurseryman,
Maidenhead. Thy well-known early-flowering varieties con-
stituted this collection, :tnd we did not notice any new one
th it calls for remark.
Tbe best twelve bl ,oms of Madame C. Desgranges were
shown by Mr. B. Calvert, gr. to Col. A.Houblon, Hallingbury
Place, Bishop's Stortford, who bad very good blooms of this
variety. Little inferior, however, wa^a dozen from Mr. Chas.
Crooks, gr. to the Dowager Lady Hindlip, Hudson House,
Droitwich ; and a third exhibit was staged by Mr. W. Perrin,
gr. to C. W. Richardson, E-:q , Fairgreen House, Siw-
bridgeworth.
Mi. Calvert took 1st prize for the best twelve blooms or
a large flowering variety other than Madame Desgranges,
showing ^ery fine blooms of tbe yellow- dowering sport George
Wermig. Extra prizes were given to Mr. W, J. Godkrky,
Fxmouth Nurseries, and Mr. Jas. Ag,\te, Havant, both of
whom showed twelve blooms, which included several
mid season varieties being contrary to schedule. Emily
Silsburv, (jueen of the Earliee, and Barbara Forbes, were
good in Mr. Godfrey's stan 1.
The best t«/t Ive bunches of Pompons were from Mr. E. F.
Such ; and Miss Di:benham, St. Peters, St. Albins, was 2nd.
Mr. B. Calvert had 1st prize for the best six bnuches of
any yellow variety of Madame C. Desgranges, staging, how-
ever, the two varieties Geo. Wermig and Mrs. Hawkins.
The only exhibitor of six blooms, distinct, who made a
tolerable display was Mr. W J. Godfrey. Emily Silsbury,
Lady Fsther £mith, and Milaco being the best varieties.
Miss Debenham beat Mr. P. B Crane in a class for twilve
bunches of Chrysanthemums.
Mr. B. Calvert obtained a 1st prize for six blooms of any
large-floweiing variety, showing Midame C. Desgranges;
Miss Debenham was 2nd.
The best epergue of Chrysanthemum blooms was a satis-
factory one from Mr. T. S. Williams, 4a, Oxford Road,
Eiling.
Of non-competitive exhibits of Chrysanthemums we
noticed tbe following: — Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood Nurseries,
Redhill, furnished a table with bunches of Chrysanthemums
of many varieties. The exhibit was remarkable for a really
large flower of Madime Gustave Henry, a white-flowered
Japanese viriety. Mr. J. H. Wiitv. Nunhead Cemetery,
hid an excellent group of plants in flower. For the season
they were well flowered, and the group was nicely put up.
Mr. H. J. Junes, Lewisham, showed a group of plants
in flower, with a smaller group of Begonias at either
end. The Chrysanthemums had interspersed among them a
few plants of Lilium sp ciosum album in flower, and the
group generally was an exhibit of good taste.
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, put up a few
bunches of Chrysanthemum blooms, with sprays of C. perus-
grass ; and Mr. NormaN Davis, Framfield, Sussex, had a
few varieties of Chrys inthemums, of which Queen of the
Eailies, Harvest Homo, and Mme. Desgranges appeared to
be tbe best.
Dahlias.— We have already described the show of
Dahlias as satisfactory, and our space will not permit
us to note fully the competitive classes. Some of the
principal of these were won as follows: For forty-eight
blooms of Show and Fancy Dahlias in thirty-six varieties,
Mr. Jno. Walked, Thame, Oxon, was 1st; and for thirty-
six blooms, distinct. Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge Nur-
series Farnham. Mr. S. Humphries, Kington Langley,
Chippenham, Wilts, was 1st for twenty four blooms, distinct,
in class 15; and for a similar number in class 17, Thos. IIobls,
Esq., Eiston House, Easton, Bristol. Messrs. J. Burrell
& Co. had the best collection of eighteen bunches of Cactus
Dahlias ; and Mr. J. T. West, Tower Hill, Brentwood, the
best collection of twelve bunches.
Messrs. Kevnes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, won for
twenty-four bunches of Pompons, distinct ; and Messrs. J.
Burrell & Co. for twelve bunches.
The best twolve bunches of single-flowered varieties were
f.om Mr. Eric F. 8uch, Maidenhead; but F. W. Girdle-
stone, Esq., Sunningdale, won the larger class for twenty
four bunches.
Among miscellaneous exhibits, Mr. E. F. Sur-H showed a
number of Dahlia blooms and hardy flowers. Mr. E. G.
Reid, Beckenham, furnished a table with flowering-sprays
of Cannas. Mr. M. V. Seale, Sevenoaks, exhibited Dahlia
blooms ; and Mr. Jno. Green, Norfolk Nurseries, Dereham
made one of the best displays with the same flower.
Mr. Thos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham,
covered a considerable floor-space with a design, including a
large central cone of blooms, and smaller cones at oach corner.
A large number of Dahlia blooms were used in this exhibit,
which created considerable display.
Apples and Peirs were shown by Messrs. S. Spooner «Si
Sons, Hounslow.
ROYAL
CALEDONIAN
CULTURAL.
HORTI-
September 8, 9. —The autumn show of the Royal Cale-
donian Horticultural Society was held in the Waverley
Market, Edinburgh, on the above dates. The society is in a
flourishing condition. Its finances are good, its members
increasing, and its influenco among horticulturists in the
north is becoming more and more general. This show (which
is being held as we go to press) is th« latest indication of the
success that attends the society's efforts1.
It i3 very much with societies as with individuals— to
st .nd still is to go back. No increase substanti illv means a
decrease ; and all horticulturists North and South earues'Iy
hope that its approaching centenary may but strengthen its
vigour and augment its vitality. No doubt tbe Victorian
Jubilee has added to the prosperity of the show thi* year ;
but thoj^e liberal prizes have hardly added more than a
sjoretoth* entries. The growth of the Society is dm to a
regular and steady national advance in horticulture.
To give some idea of the extent of t^e exhibition, it unv
be state! that about 360 bunches of Grapes were staged :
there were live tine fruit tables in one class, each exhibit
containing twenty-five dishes of fruit. There were nine
collections of eight dishes of fruit, six collections of
twelve dishes of hardy fruits, four collections of twelve
dishes of fruits grown in an orchard house, upwards of fifty
Melons, nine dishes of Figs each containing twelve fruits,
and fourteen dishes of Peaches, twelve fruits to a dish.
The entries were numerous in the Masses for dessert and
culinary Plums, and for Gages. There were six collections
of Apples in the class for twelve varieties ; and, indeed, the
competition generally in the Apple classes, both in the col
lections and in the single dishes, was satisfactory, there
being t«ttged, at the most modera'.e calculation, upwards
HOOO f uits.
The most popular varieties of Apples, as measured by the
number of entries, are Lord Sufti-dd, twenty-five; Stirling
Castle, twenty-five ; Ecklinville, sixteen ; King of the Pippins,
fourteen; Cox's Orange Pippin, twelve; Ribstou Pippin,
twelve ; Kesw(ck Codlin, fifteen ; Irish Peach, twelve ;
Warner's King, twelve; Hawthornden, eleven ; Worcester
Pearmain, nine ; Lane's Prince Albert, nine ; Cellini, nine ;
Peasgood's, eight; Pott's Seedling, nine ; Thorle Pippin,
nine; Oslin Pippin, eight.
The entries for a single dUh of Peara, of six fruits each,
numbered 136, making a total of 8H single fruits in this class
alone — not bad for the capricious crop of the year, and the^e
figures do not include the collections of Pea's in twelve
varieties, four of each, for which there were nine com-
petitors ; and the collection of Pdars grown in Scotland, six
varieties, four of each. The Jargonelle stdl holds its own as
the most popular Pear, with fourteen entries ; Williams' Bon
Chretien, 11 ; Marie Louise, 11 ; Louise Bonne of Jersey, 10;
Beuire d'Amanlis, 8; Doyenne" du Cornice, 6; Catillac, 0 ;
Souvenir du Congres, 5 There were 20 dishes of Goose-
berri s, 19 of Cherries, 16 of red Currants, 9 of wLite, 7 of
black, 7 of Rispberries, and 4 of strawberries.
The nurserymen's classes, such as Dobbie's, MotbvenV,
Lane's, Todd's, the specimen Fems and flowering plants ;
the enormous masses of herbaceous plants, fine FuL-htias
Begonias, were the most noticeable objects.
The specimen Conifers and Palms also did very much to
furnish the spacious floors of the Waverley Market.
Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, fctove and greenhouse plants,
Violas, Gladioli and Hollyhocks, were superbly shown.
A pretty collection of Water-Lilies, as giown in the open
air, was shown by Mr. Hudson of Gunnersbury, and excited
much interest. Some of the finer varieties were Nymphasa
Marliacea carnea, aurora, sulpburca, tuberosa, Andnann,
Robinsoniana, the latt-named a very pretty species of a
crimson coluur, and small, &e. Altogether, there were
twenty-one varieties.
Roses made a first rate display. Messrs. Croll, Dickson
IIaukness, and others, showing as good blooms as they
have exhibited this season, the Messis. Croll almost sweep-
ing the boards in the nurserymen s class, taking 1st in the
following classes;— Thirty-six, twenty-four, eighUen, twelve;
and for tw>.nty-four and twelve Teas. Al*o 1st for e ich u the
September 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
191
following :— Twelve Roses of one sort— a most brilliant dis-
play. Dozens of other sorts were also shown in perfect con-
dition, making a fine collection in themselves, and securing
1st prizes in every class.
Tbe choicest blooms among the different stands were per-
fect examples of the following :— Marie Van Houtte, Madame
Hoste, Medea, The Bride, Iunoceute Pirola, Marshal Niel,
Souvenir de S. A. Prince, aptain Hayward, Princu Anhur,
A. K. Williams, Susmne Kodocanachi, La France, and the
dozens of single sorts were all good alike.
Mr. Crocker, of Dundee, Thos. Smith & Sons, Stranraer,
and Messrs. Hugh Dick-oh & Son, of Belfast, were winners
of several 2nds in various classes; Mr. Crockf.k's 1st, how-
ever, for a dozen of Chas. Lefebvre, were magnificent blooms.
PRIZE LIST— FRUIT.
Collection of twelve dishes of fruit, 1st prize, J. Hunter,
Lambton Castle ; 2nd, F. Harris, E-istnor Castle, Ledtury ;
3rd, J. W. McHattie, Strath fieldsaye.
Collection of eight dishes of fruit, 1st, F. Harris; 2nd, D.
Kidd, Musselburgh ; 3rd, Richard Cairns, Balruddcry,
Dundee.
Collection of twelve dishes ot hardy fruit, 1st, J. Day ; 2nd,
J. Nicholson, Essex ; 3rd, T. H. Cook.
Collection of twelve dishes of fruit grown in an orchard-
house, 1st, J. Huntkr ; 2nd, Jas. Gibson, Chiswick ; 3rd,
\V. Williamson, Tarvit.
Six bunches of Grapes, in three varieties, 1st, T. Lunt ;
2nd R. Cairns ; 3rd, J. Leslie.
Four bunches of Grapes, distinct varieties, 1st, D. Kidd,
2nd, Messrs. Buchanan, Forth Vineyards, 3rd, D. Aikmkik.
Two bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, 1st, D. Kidd ; 2nd,
K. Cairns; 3rd, W. Rutherford.
Two bunches of Black Hamburgh, 1st, J. Mathisun ; 2nd,
J. Menzies; 3rd, T. Sutherland.
One bunch of Muscat of Alexandria, 1st, V. Ma«d<>nald;
2nd, D. Kidd.
i ,One bunch of Black Hamburgh, 1st, J. Menzies; 2nd,
Paterson.
One bunch of Alicante, 1st, P. Hunt ; 2nd, Messrs.
Murray & Son.
One bunch of Alnwick Seedling, 1st, A. Hutton ; 2nd
T. Lunt.
One bunch of Gros Colmar, 1st, D. MacPhersun; 2nd,
Wsi. Murray <fc Son.
One bunch of Lady Dowues, 1st, D. Airdrie; 2nd,
J. Day.
One Queen Pine-apple, 1st, D. Kidd; 2nd, D. Mi iihav.
One Pine, other variety, 1st, M. Malcolm McImvki;, Glen.
One Melon, green fleshed, 1st, A. Richardson, Craig Park
2nd, J. Waldie, Dollar.
One Melon, scirlet-fleshed, 1st, A. Richardson; 2nd, J.
Rah&qb.
Twelve Figs, 1st, J. Morrison ; 2nd, M SIcIntire,
Twelve Peaches, 1st, F. Harris; 2nd, Jas Co38AR.
Twelve Nectarines, 1st. T. Lunt ; 2nd, J. Morrison.
Twelve Apricots, 1st, D. Mackay; 2nd, Wm. Lainu.
Twelve Plums, Gages, 1st, W. Laing ; 2nd, F. Harris.
Twelve Yellow Plums, not Gages, 1st, J. Harper, Jersey;
2nd, F. Harris ; 3rd, Thos. Bowman.
Twelve Red or Purple Pluni-i, 1st, J. Harper ; 2nd, F.
Harris.
Collection of Dessert Plums, four varieties, 1st, J Day;
2nd, Thos. Bowman.
Collection of Culinary Plums, four varieties, 1st, J.
Harper ; 2nd, J. Day.
Collection of Apples, two varieties, ripe or unripe, 1st,
Jas. Gibson; 2nd, J. F. McLeod.
Collection of Apples, grown in Scotland, twelve varieties,
1st, J. Day ; 2nd, D. Murray
Collection of Apples, six varieties, 1st, J. Cairns; 2nd,
Wm. Laino.
Six dessert Apples, no two varieties, 1st, Jas. Gibson ; 2nd,
J. Harper.
Collection of Pears, twe've varieties, four of each, ripe or
unripe, 1st, J. Harper ; 2ud, James Gi3son.
Collection of Pears grown in Scotland, six varieties, four
of each, 1st, D. Murray , 2nd, T. H. Cook, Gosford.
THE VICTORIAN ERA CLASSES
Were so named in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee
of Her Majesty the Queen, and bjcause the Council of this
society desired to bring prominently before the public the
remarkable advance made in the leading branches of horti-
culture during tbe Queen's reign, as exemplified in the best
produce of British horticulture at the present time. The
Council therefore hopefully anticipated that this competition
would be a noteworthy one, and that the exhibits displayed
would form a record in the history of British gardening. In
the 14 class the prizes amounted to thirty-nine guineas, with
a 1st prize of twenty guineas, a 2nd of twelve, and a 3rd of
seven guineas. The class was !or a table of fruit 20 feet
long by 4 feet 0 inches wide, tastefully decorated for dessert.
The Veitch Memorial Silver Medal was awarded with the
1st prize, the Society's Diamond Victoria Silver Medal with
the 2nd, and the Society's Jubilee Bronze Medal with the
3rd. Five competitors entered the lists, and it is only
needful to name the exhibitors to note the niture of the
struggle between them : Mr. J. Hunter, Lambton Castle
Gardens, who took 1st prize ; Richard Cairns, Balruddy
House Gardens, Dundee, who was 2nd; Alexander Kirk,
Norwood, Alloa, 3rd.
Prizes of equal value (thirty-nine guineas) in money, ac-
companied with similar medals, were awarded to the best
group of plants tastefully arrange i on a space not exceeding
300 square feet of the floor of the Hall.
There were only three competitors :— John McIntyre,
Wondside Gardens, Darlington, who took 1st prize ; Mr.
McIntvre, the Glen Gardens, Innerleithen, 2nd ; Mr. JonN
Downie, Edinburgh, 3rd.
For cut flowers in class 3 the prizes were a 1st of ten
guineas, a 2nd of seven guineas, and a 3rd of four, with
accompanying medals for the best and most artistically-
arranged table, 15 feet long by 5 feet wide, of cut flowers,
hardy plants, and half-hardy annuals grown in the open
air. Each bunch was formed of one variety, set up in
vases or other suitable receptacles with their own foliage,
no other to be used, and no plants in pots to be set
upon the table. There were five entries in this class,
the tables made a fine display ; but it surely must have
been an accident that Roses were excluded from the cut-
flower tables with Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, Pelargoniums,
and other tender plants and flowers. Messrs. Harknkjs A:
Sons, Bedale, were 1st; Mr. James Cocker, Aberdeen, 2nd ;
and Mr. Jas. Forbes, 3rd.
Class 4, called foratable of vegetables 12 feet by 5 feet wide,
tastefully arranged, consisting of twenty-five dishes, and not
fewer than sixteen kinds, and not more than two dishes of
two distinct varieties of any one kind. The same money
prizes and medals were awarded as for cut flowers, vi/.., ten
guineas, seven guineas, four guineas, with medals and cash.
It is almost a new departure in showing vegetables to ask
and provide spaoo for their neat, tasteful, aud effective
arrangement, but no decorations— plants, flowers, or foliige —
were used, but pot or sweet herbs, the foliage or sprays of
culinary vegetables, green moss or a suitable cloth. — Open
to Gardeners and Amateurs (four entries). James Gibson,
Drumhurst, 1st ; Robert B. Rae, Drumlans, Roxburg,
2nd; William Harper, Tullibeton House Gardens, Perth,
3rd.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degnvs of
temperature above or below 42' Fahr. for the period
named: and this combined resull is expressed in Day-
d>"_civ.-s -a •' Day-degree" signifying 1' continued For
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees i"i
an inversely proportional number of hours. |
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Accumulated,
= '■'
I »
X D
« 3
o»-
. =3 ^ ~ S sL*
Bright
Sun.
q . z £
ei * r? «j —
1 h is
« =
0 *-3
IglS"
-
0 1
1 2
3 2
4 3
5 2
9 3
10 3
Day-
deg.
74
74
111
79
90
95
79
8S
118
Day- Day-
deg. deg.
Day-
deg.
+ 196 —
+ 04 +
4. 152 -
+ 2i6
+ 186
- 124
- 115 1
T 27S - IS"
+ 122 -
+ 195 -
+ 277 -
+ 55 4-
+ 171 -
+ 34S -
20 1
92 i
138 I
SI
57 I
83
lOtlis
Inch.
In.s.
4 +
151
26 5
20
30
5 +
130
20 9
26
33
15 +
127
17 2
30
36
5 +
123
15 S
47
40
12 +
125
19'6
35
37
6 +
115
19-2
4tj
11
16 +
152
298
26
33
17 +
14 2
23-6
33
£0
17 +
147
296
44
41
U +
162
29 0
32
31
12 +
155
307
35
33
6 +
155
24 0
46
43
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal H i , Districts—
1. Scotland. E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; o, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, £c., Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
THE following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending September -1, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
"The weather was again in a very unsettled, rainy con*
dition, but with some fine intervals, the latter being most
marked in the southern and south-eastern districts. Thunder
and lightning occurred in many parts of England during the
latter part of the period.
"The temperature was below the mean in all districts, the
deficit ranging from l°in 'Scotland, N.' and 'England, N.E.,'
to 3° in most of the western districts and in the 'Midland
Counties.' Tbe highest of the maxima were registered on
August 30, and ranged from 72° in ' England, E.,' to 05° in
Ireland, and 63° in ' Scotland, W.' The lowest of the minima,
which were recorded on September 4, ranged irom 31° iu
* Scotland E,' (at Braemar), and 34° in 'Scotland, N.,' to
41° in 'England, N.W..' and to 493 in the ' Channel Islands.'
" The rainfall was greatly in excess of the mean ; iu
'England, N.E.' the fall was as much as four times the
normal, and in nearly all other parts of the kingdom two or
three times.
" The bright sunshine was less than the mean in most dis-
tricts, but slightly exceeied it in ' England, S. and E ,' and
over Ireland. The percentage of the possible duration
ranged from 47 in ' England, E.,' and 46 in * England, S." and
the ' Channel Islands,' to between 26 and 20 in Scotland."
Continental Novelties,
A VARIEGATED-LEAVED SUNFLOWER.
Some leaves, young, and also of full size, of a varie-
gated dwarf form of Helianthus animus reach us
from Mr. F. Roemer, seed grower of Quedlinburg,
which have a rather striking effect. The variegation
consists of irregular patches of creamy-white on a
green ground oolour. The plant, if it come true from
seed, might be of use in shrubberies and rough places
in the garden.
New Invention.
A PLANT PROTECTOR.
We have recently reoeived a model of a very
simple plant protector. An ordinary flower-pot is
used, the interior is whitened, and the bottom sawn
off' in such a manner that two grooves remain. The
pot being inverted, a piece of glass is fitted into the
grooves, and is thus secured against disturbance from
wind. It is proposed to use these protectors to place
over delicate plants in spring, that may by such
means be safely planted out in the open much earlier
thau the work is usually done, and the plants becom-
ing established iu their permanent positions, a longer
season of bloom will ensue. It is urged that being
made in different sizes, these protectors will be use-
ful for placing over all sorts of delicate bedding
pUuts, Potatos, aad many other things. It is pro-
bably intended for amateurs rather than professionals,
though the latter may find such a cheap contrivance
useful. A patent has been applied for by a Mr. H.
Thompson.
Markets.
CO VENT GARDEX, SEPTEMBER 9.
[ We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regula ly very
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the Bupply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed.]
Fruit.—
Apples, Dessert, in
variety, p. bush.
— Culinary, in va-
riety, per bush.
Blackberries, peck
I lamsons, J-bushel
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alieautes, p. lb.
— Ham burghs,
selected, per lb.
— — 2nd quality,
per lb
— Muscats, "Cau-
nonHall."p. lb.
— Chan lellslands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
qualitv, per lb.
Melons, each
Mulberries, per gal.
Average Wholesale Pkices.
S. d. s. d. 8.
Nectarines, seletd.
8 0-10 0 fruit, per doz. 6
— Medium, p.dz. 3
3 6-50 — Seconds, p. doz. 1
3 0-40 Nuts, Cobs, per lb. 0
6 0 - — Filberts, per lb. 0
10-20 Oranges, 8. Austra-
lian, p case, con-
16-20 taining 120 fruit 10
10-16 Peaches, selected
10-13 fruits, per doz. 6
I — Medium, p. doz -
10-16 — Seconds, per
dozen ...
10 — Pears, various, per
bushel 4
4 0-50 small, bush. 2
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
0 7-09 ohael, eaxih ... 5
Plums, Greengage,
2 0-26 per j.bushel ... 9
— Victorias, per
0 9-13 4 -bushel ... 5
0 9-10 — Ordinary, in
16-- variety, £-bush. 4
<7. s. J.
0-8 0
0- 4 0
6-2 0
3 —
2 —
0-12 0
6 0-80
2 6- 3 0
16-20
0-10 0
0-3 0
0- 8
0-10
0-6 0
0- 6
192
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 11, 1897.
Cut Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, per dozen
blooms
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, per
bunch
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Cornflowers, per
doz. bunches ..
Eucharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
L ilium Hanisi, per
doz, biooms
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches .
5. d. s. d.
3 0-
2 6-
0 9-
4 0-
0 6-
3 0-
1 0-
2 0-
2 0-
4 0-
2 0-
1 0-
1 6-
4 0-
Margruerites, per 12
bunches
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, or Forget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids :—
Oattleya, 12blms.
Odontoglossum
crispum, 12 bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, 12 bn.
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Mare-
chal), per doz.
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
buuehes
Stephanotis, dozen
sprayB
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
s. d. s. d.
2 0-40
2 0-40
16-30
5 0-12 0
2 0-40
3 0-40
0 4-06
16-26
0 C- 1 0
6-4 0
9- 1 0
0-2 0
0-2 0
: 0- 2 6
3-0 4
Orchid-bloom in variety.
Plants in Pots.—
s. d.
Adiantum.perdoz. 4 0-
Awpidistras.perdoz. 12 0-
— specimen, each 5 0-
Asters, various, per
doz 2 6-
Chrysan the mums,
p. doz. pots ... 5 0-
— specimen, or
large plants, oa. 1 6-
Coleus, per doz. ,., 2 0-
Dracaenas, each ... 1 0-
— various, p. doz. 12 0-
E Tergreen shrubs,
In variety, doz.... 6 0-
Veg eta b les. — A i
s. d.
Artichokes, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, French, per
bushel
— Scarlet Runner,
per bushel
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz,
— 2nds, per dozen
Garlic, per lb.
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb. ...
Average Wholesale Prices.
d. s. d. s. d.
Ficus alastlea each 10-76
Ferns, small, doz. ... 10-20
— various, doz. 5 0-12 0
Foliage plants, doz. 12 0-36 0
Fuchsia, per doz..., 4 0-60
Heliotropes, dozen 3 0-40
Hydrangeas, per
dozen 8 0-10 0
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Palms, various, ea.
■12 0
30 0
15 0
2 6
4 0
7 6
24 0
24 0
0-12 0
0-9 0
0-6 0
0-10 0
— specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0
'erage Wholesale Prices.
s. d.
2 0
1 6
1 0-
0 9-
0 2
0 6
Mushrooms, out-
door, A-bushel ...
Peas, per bushel ...
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
— Medium, do. ,
— Seconds, do, .
— Channel Is-
lands, per lb..,.
s. "\ s. d.
2 6-30
5 0-60
1 fi —
0 2-
2 6-30
2 0-26
10-16
Potatos.
Supplies are still rather light, and some descriptions have
advanced a shade since last report. Ruling prices as fol-
lows:— Hebrons and Snowdrops, 70«. to 9?s. ; Giants, 70s. to
80s. ; Blacklands, 60*. to 659.— John Bath, 32 and 34, Wel-
lington ^tr^et, Covent Garden, W.C.
SEEDS.
London: Sept. 8. —Messrs. John Shaw A Sons, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S. E ,
write that there were but few buyers on to-day's seed market.
With respect to Tri folium, both supply and demand are now
alike falling off. For Mustard and Rape seed there is a
small inquiry on former terms. Choice new Winter Tares
are offering at tempting rates. Giant seed Rye is scarce and
firm. Full prices are asked for Alsyke and Trefoil. Hemp
and Canary seed, without much business passing therein,
are both very firmly held. Wisconsin Peas and Haricot
Beans are 2s. higher. Ca'ifornian Butter Beans meet with
increasing favour at advancing quotations. Linseed is quiet.
FBTJIT AND VEGETABLES.
Glasgow: Sept. 8. — The following are the avorages of
the prices current here during the past week:— Pears, 3d.
to Sd. per lb. ; Apples, Ad. to 6d. do. ; Plums, 4d. do. ; To-
matos, Guernsey, Zd. to 4J& do. ; do., Scotch, bd. to 7d. do. ;
Grapes, home, 1*. 6d. to 2s. do. ; do., foreign, 6d. to Is. do. Vege-
tables : — Golden Ball Turnips, Is. 6(2. to 2s. per doz bunches ;
Cabbages, Scotch, 6d. to Sd. per dozen ; Cauliflowers, Scotch,
Is. 3d. to Is. 6d. psr bunch ; do., Dublin, 2s. 6d. do. ; Pars-
nips, 5 ■. to 6s. per cwt ; herbs assorted, Id. to 2d. per bunch ;
Mint, green, 6d. do. ; Onions, Dutch, 3s. 6d. to 4s. por bag ;
do , Portugal, Is. per stone ; Parsley, 9d. to Is. do. ; Potatos,
8 ■/. t > 10d. do. ; Carrots, 10d. to Is. per dozen bunches ;
Peas, 5* to lQi, perewt. ; Cucumbers, 4s. to 4s. 6(2. perdozen;
Lettuces, round, 6(2. to \)d. do.; do., Cos, 6d. to 9(2. do.;
RidUhes, 4(2. to 9d. per dozen bunches ; do., London, Is. 6(2.
do ; Horseradish, 2*. 3d. to 2s. 6(2. per bundle ; B ana,
Broad, Is. per stone; do., French, 3$. 6d. to 4s. per sieve;
Mushrooms, Is. per lb ; Beetroot, 4c2. to 5(2. per bunch ;
Mustird-aud-CVess, Sd. per punnet ; Spinich, 2s. to 2s. 6d,
per stone; Rhubarb, Is. fi<2. to 2*. per cwt.
Liverpool: Sept. 8. — Average of the prices at under-
noted markets :— St. John's: Potato*, Is. to Is. 4d. per peek ;
Cucumbers, 3d. to 6(2. each ; Nectarines, 3d. to Ad. each ;
Peaches, 6d. each ; Grapes, English, Is. to 2*. Gd. per lb. ; do.
foreigo, 4(2. to 6(2. do. ; Pines, English, 5s. to 7s. each; do.
foreign, Is. do. ; Mushrooms, Ad. to Gd. per lb. Birkenhead ;
Potatos, 10(2. to Is. peck ; Cucumbers, 2d. to 6d. each ; Grapes,
English, Is. 6*. to 3s. per lb. ; do., foreign, 6d. to Sd. do. i
Pines, English, 4s. 6d, to 7s. each ; Peaches, 4d. each ;
Mushrooms, 4(2. to Sd. per lb.
CORN.
Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the
week ending September 4, and for the corresponding period
of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These
figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :—
Description.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Wheat
». d.
23 1
«. d.
33 7
I. d.
+ 10 6
Barley
21 11
25 11
+ 40
Oats
13 11
17 0
+ 3 1
ormpondent
Boa and Aquatic Plants : Enquirer. Aponogeton
distachyon, Butomus umbellatus, Calla palustris,
Hottonia palustris, Ly thrum roseum superbum
and L. salicaria, Menyanth.es trifoliata, M.
nympbfeoides, Nuphar ad vena, N. lutea, Marlis'
Nymphaeas, and others ; Pontederia cordata,
Villarsia nymphoides, Iris pseudo-acoris, and I.
palustris.
Books : X. Y. Z. The Hose Garden, by Mr. W. Paul
(Kent & Co., 23, Paternoster Row) ; Folklore of
Plants, by T. F. Thiselton Dyor(Cliatto & Windus) ;
and The Book of the Rose, by Rev. A. Foster-
Melliar (Macmillan & Co.)
Bushes and Trees for Margins op Water :
Enquirer, Hardy Khododendrocs, I'ernettyas, Gaul-
theria Shallon, Cotoneasters various, Aralia spinosa,
A. Sieboldi, Yucca gloriosa, Y. filamentosa, Y.
flaccida, the more ornamental Alders, as A. glu-
tinosa laciniata, A. cordata, Sc, American Oaks,
American red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Pinus
strobus, Willows, Poplars, especially Populus caua-
densis, P. Abele, and P. tremula ; Catalpa speciosa,
and C. syringsefolia. For all of these plants special
stations should be made by digging out the staple,
and filling up with suitable mixture. Ferns, Rho-
dodendrons, and American plants generally, like
a soil in which peat or a fibry loam forms the
chief part, together with a good proportion of
sand. If the staple be of fair quality, a small
quantity of new loam will make it good enough
for most kinds of trees, but it should be trenched
3 spits, and lay exposed for an entire winter. All
ground before it is fit to carry plants not naturally
inhabitants of a marshy soil should be drained in
some manner, and rubble drains are the best for
such land, these being placed low onotigh to obtain
a fall to the outlet, and yet draiu the land 3 to
4 feet deep.
CORRECTION. — Mr. Henry Merryweather desires us
to rectify "Wild Rose's " statement regarding the
premier bloom of Niphetos Rose staged at the
National Rose Society's show at Norwich, of which
he was the exhibitor. See Gardeners' Chronicle
for last week, p. 158.
Coucn-GRASs and Lily Bulb : W. T. The perfora-
tion of bulbs and tubers by the roots of Couch-
grass is of common occurrence.
Grapes Cracking : Perplexed. The effect of much
moisture having access to the border after a long
period of drought, aggravated probably by undue
denudation of foliage, and an over-moist atmo-
sphere in the vinery, with insufficient ventilation.
Names of Fruits: G. C. A Codlin, evidently,
perhaps Keswick ; but fruit arrived in too poor a
cond.tijn to determine.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be so good as to consult
tin following number. — ./. A. Dendrobium cbrys-
anthum. — R, W. P. 1, Amaryllis belladonna ; 2,
Eryngium ametbystinum ; 3, Heuchera glabra ; 4,
Pteris argyrtea. — CM. Rogers. Spirsca sorbifolia,
the flowers are white, paniculate. — /. Smith. 1,
Spiraea callosa ; 2, Spiriea saticifolia ; 3, Spiriea
Douglasii ; 4, Diervilla ftoribunda. — G. F. Statice
Gmelini. — John Clayton. Asclepias fruticosa. —
G. II. S. 1, No specimen ; 2, a garden variety of
Rose; 3, Atropa belladonna; 4, Pernettya mucro-
nata ; 5, Silphium laciuiatum ; 6, Scrophularia
aquatica ; 7, Clethra alnifolia.
Plants for Margins of Water : Enquirer. — Iris of
almost any species, New Zealand flax, Arundo
Donax, and the variegated form of it ; Gunnera
scabra, Rhubarb, Hartstongue Fern, Osmumla
regalis, Polypodium vulgare in its numerous
varieties, Polystichum aculeatum, P. angulare,
many forms ; Woodwardia orientalis, Lastrea eris-
tata, L. spinulosa, L. dilatata iu shady places ; L.
montaua in cool and damp ones. Many of tho
Alpine plants so called, if planted in well-drained
rockeries or parts of the bank that are drained
efficiently, do and look well by the sides of ponds,
&c. ; if planted in big patches, viz., Aubrieteas,
Campanula cajspitosa, C. pulla, C. carpatica, C. tur-
binata, Dianthus alpinus, Gentiana acaulis, G.
verna, Iberis correajfolia, Myosotis in variety,
Phlox Nelsoni, P. frondosa, P. subulata, Saponaria
ocymoides.
Palm : J. Carter. I find no fungoid disease. The
little white mould is superficial and saprophytic.
It seems impossible for a plant to live with tho
roots compressed into a pot in this manner, with-
out soil or sustenance — that is quite enough to
account for anything. M. C. C.
Pear Tree : J. M. When the leaves turn yellow,
any necessary pruning may be done without fear
that any injury will occur to the tree. Remove
all redundant growth down to the old wood, and
afterwards keep it under by early removal in the
summer ; and persistently keep the centre of the
head clear of shoots. The best fruits come from
the spurs (not too long), and the terminal two-year-
old shoots. Do not carry out much winter prun-
ing after your tree is brought into proper form,
but rely upon two summer pruning*, namely, in
June, and late in July. Marie Louise possesses
huii,' spurs, and a close inspection should be made
when shortening these, that those terminating in a
fruit-'oud are not cut off unless unduly long.
Rose-budding of Dwarf Stocks: F. T. A point on
the stem just below the ground-level is the proper
one.
"Setting" the Flowers of Cucumbers : G. II.
The pollen should be employed for fertilisation
about noon, and it should be taken from flowers
that have been expanded about two hours. We take
it that you mean by word " ripe," that the flowers
had been open much longer than that, and were
useless for fertilising purposes, the pollen having
fallen on the soil, or been eaten by bees, &e.
Situation abroad : T. II. With your acquirements
and foreign experience you should have no difficulty
in filling an appoinment. Advertise in the Times,
Tropical Agriculturist, and this journal.
Strong Briar-shoots is Hedges : F. T. They may
be budded without removal, taking them up in the
spring ; but this job must be carefully done, or the
bud may die. Such Briars may also bo dug up,
trimmed at the roots, aud potted iu 32's, aad early
in January grafted with Rose-shoots iu a tempera-
ture of 58° to 69°. These will Bower under green-
houso treatment in April.
Tomatos : /. ]]'., Ilampstead. Tho fruits are attacked
by tho "Black-spot" fungus, Cladosporium ly-
copersici, so often described and figured in those
columns. Remove and burn at once every fruit
that is so affected.
Communications Received. — A. G. Lydiurd.— M. T. M. —
W. M.— Caldwell & Sons.— M. It. S.— J. l>.— J. Collie.—
K. E. T.— W. 0. -H. C— T. L.— H. T.— F. De Laet.— 8. 8.—
J. 8.— D. T. F.— W. F. & Co.— D. R. W.— E. C— O. H.—
Wild Rose. — D. Buchanan, Mackay, Queensland. — J. Burt
Davy, Berkely, California. — H. J. C.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers. —The Publisher has the s
lion of announcing that the circulation of the "Gard&ncrs*
Chronicle" lias, si/io the reduction in tlie price of the papers
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
Advertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among
Country Gentlemen, and all Classes of Gardeners
and Garden-lovers at home, that it hasa specially large
Foreign and Colonial Circulation, and that it is
preserved for reference in all the principal Libraries,
September 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE.
193
T11K
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1897.
CAEN.
lyfOW that tho London, Brighton & South
-*- ' Coast Railway Co. have established a line
of small, but comfortable, steamers direct from
Newhaven to Caen, horticulturists, botanists,
and anybody else who has the opportunity,
might easily do worse than take a trip to
Normandy by this route. The boats are
necessarily small because they have to go up a
canal, some 9 miles long, from Onistreham (the
name of which is strikingly suggestive of
our Kentish town of Westerham) to Caen, but
tho sea-voyage of nearly lot) miles only
occupies seven hours, and the fares are modera-
tion itself.
This is not the place to dwell on tho mani-
fold interest of the ancient town of Caeu to the
student of history or of architecture. In
these respects, the most competent of authorities,
the late Professor Freeman, has compared it
to Oxford. William the Conqueror and his
queen lie buried here, each in a magnificont
abbey-church of their own foundation — or
rather Matilda still lies undisturbed, whilst tho
bones of the Conqueror have been scattered
no man knows where ; whilst, besides these
two noble specimens of Norman architecture,
there is at least one other church in the town,
that of St. Pierre, worthy to rank with many of
our English cathedrals. The castle, also founded
by the Conqueror, and once garrisoned by
4000 English soldiers, still frowns over the
town, with its deep though dry moat, its
draw-bridges, and its machicolated gateway ;
c rumbling, half-timbered houses in many of
the streets recall Chester or old London, and at
every turn dark ontries, with round-headed stone
arches or picturesque gables, offer attrac-
tions to artist or photographer. In the
Hotel de Ville is a by no means despic-
able library and picture gallery ; but it is
as the seat of a well-equipped University with
threo faculties (letters, medicine, and science),
and of a small, but excellent, botanical garden,
that Caen is most likely to interest readers of
tho Gardeners' Chronicle. The University
possesses a natural history museum, contain-
ing the valuable ethnological collections of
I'umont d'Urville, the great navigator, who
was born in 1790 at the small manufacturing
tosvn of Conde sur Noireau, some thirty miles
south of Caen. In France they appreciate the
honour due to men of science : and in Caen,
besides a Place Malherbe, named after the poet
who was born there ; and a statue of Auber the
composer, also a native of the town ; a street
and statue commemorate Laplace the as-
tronomer, and Elie de Beaumont the geologist,
two illustrious natives of the department of
Calvados, in which Caen is situated ; a Eue
Desmoneux and a Place Blot do honour to the
founder and chief benefactor of the Botanical
Garden; and a Eue Pasteur bears a name
which belongs to the whole world of science.
The Jardin des Plantes is on the outskirts of
the town, approached by the Eue Desmoneux,
and facing the Place Blot, and occupies rather
high ground, sloping mainly towards the north-
east. It is of irregular outline, about a quarter
of a mile long, but less than half as wide, a
considerable portion of its upper part being
little more than a shrubbery, tho trees in which
are not labelled. The original garden, the
foundation of Desmoneux, at the north end, is
now devoted to propagating purposes, all the
public portion of the present garden occupying
the site of a quarry of the celebrated Caen
stone, which was presented to the municipality
by Dr. Frederic Blot, a physician of the town.
On the grass slopes of the quondam quarry,
there is now some effective bedding, in
which Cannas, Begonias, and Lobelia cardi-
nalis play the chief part. Tho good trusses of
bloom on the Pelargoniums used for bedding-
out, hero, and in most of the cottage windows
in the neighbourhood, are very noticeable.
In the centre of the garden is a fine block of
houses, comprising a central hall and staircase,
over which is the museum, herbarium, and
small lecture-theatre ; a small but lofty gable-
topped temperate-house, and a more recently-
added iron-framed, curved-roofed Palm-house,
entirely covered with excellent, narrow-slatted
Venetian blinds. Both houses at the time of
my visit were at 25° C. (77° F.), but, except
for its walls, which were nearly covered with
Heliotrope, aud a large specimen of Yucca
guatemalensis, about 20 feet high, with a
stem over a foot in diameter, the temperate-
house was all but empty ; a number of
fine tall plants of Mimosas, Eucalypti, Pro-
teads, Benthamia, Araucaria, Cham;orops,
&c.,in tubs, being out-of-doors for the summer.
In the Palm-house is a large Date-palm and a
fine plant of Pachira insiguis from Martinique,
aud, throughout tho collection, as is only
natural, and as is to a great extent the case with
our own national collections, the colonies of the
country were better represented than other
foreign lauds. I also noticed a good specimen of
Xylophylla arbuscula, and one of Euphorbia
Hermenti from the Gaboon. The plants in the
houses are almost all labelled, the larger speci-
mens bearing also the names of their donors.
Below the level of the gravel terrace in front of
the principal block is a range of seven good-
sized " petites serres," partly underground,
well-stocked with clean, well-grown plants;
but without any arrangement and, con-
sidering the reputation of M. Angis —
the late diroctor and father of tho present
director — as an orchidist, very few Orchids.
It should be mentionoil, however, as an
excuse for any shortcomings, that the gar-
dens are under a not too lavish municipal
control, and that M. Angis, with somo fifteen
men under him, is responsible for all the little
gardens in the squares of the town. In the
grounds a large Myrtle, C'ephalotaxus Fortunei
in full fruit ; and several Catalpas covered with
blossom, told of a mild climate. In the lowest
and most sheltered part of the garden is the
botanical garden proper, in which, in a space
not larger than the student's garden at Kew,
is a much more extensive series of hardy plants
systematically arranged according to their
Natural Orders. [Here there were strikingly
few gaps, and still fewer of those errors which
so commonly arise from strong - growing
self-sown usurpers. The white enamelled-iron
labels with black lettering were only too
conspicuous, all of them being about
3 feet high ; but the use of separate generic
labels, the generic name not being repeated
on the others, did not seem to facili-
tate study. One agreeable feature of this
collection, on the other hand, is, that not only
shrubs but troes, such as Catalpa, Paulowuia,
Liriodendron, Magnolia acuminata, and M.
macrophylla, were in their proper places in the
systematic sequence. Two small ponds allbrded
an insufficient representation of aquatic plants.
In the centre of the botanical garden is a
commodious botanical institute, which, together
with a marine laboratory at Luc-sur-Mer, a
watering-place 14 miles from Caen, is under the
control of the Faculty of Sciences of the Univer-
sity. The building is about the same size as
the Jodrell Laboratory at Kew, and by the
kindness of Dr. Leger, one of the botanical
staff, who happened to be in residence, though
the vacations had commenced, I was enabled
to inspect all the arrangements. Besides small
private studies for the professors, a small but
sufficient reference library, in which Dr. Lrger
pointed out Bentham and Hooker's Genera
Plmttarum and the I nil ex Kewensis as being in
daily use ; and a carpentry room, in which was
a lathe for grinding sections of fossil plants ;
there was a roomy well-lighted dissecting-room,
with lockers for each student containing a Hart-
nack microscope, with camera lucida, dissecting
microscope, and re-agents. Students of two
classes work here ; from twenty to thirty at a
time belonging to the Faculty of Medicine, and
about half as many preparing for graduation
in science.
The museum, over the central hall of the
glasshouses, is small. It contained some sections
of timber-trees grown in the gardens, some
interesting colonial timbers, and a systematic
collection of fruits and seeds ; but its chief
interest is the herbarium, which is chiefly that
of Lonormand, but also includos a very valu-
able collection from New Caledonia, made,
during a residence of fifteen years, by M.
Vieillard, a navy surgeon. The Lenormand
herbarium is very extensive, filling several
rooms, and comprises cryptogams as well as
flowering-plants. The latter are arranged accord-
ing to De Candolle's Prodromus ; but a very
ingenious index to it has been prepared, based
upon Durand's index to Bentham and Hooker.
This consists of a small chest of drawers filled
with cards, ordinal ones standing higher than
the others, generic ones written on yellow card,
and the species in each genus in alphabetical
order.
Caen Flower Show.
On the occasion of the annual race-meeting
at the beginning of August, whilst the boating
club organised a most picturesque and successful
Venetian fite on the Orne, the Horticultural
Society of Caen and Calvados held a three days'
flower show in the Hotel de Ville. On one
evening of the show an excellent instrumental
concert was given by a large military baud.
The number of competitors was not great, nor
did the exhibition seem to have been sufficiently
advertised, but the exhibits of the prize-win-
ners were of so high a degree of excellence as
to demonstrate that the florists of Caen fully
understand their business. Amateurs were not
well represented, nor, with the exception of
some samples of the remarkable Louis Gauthier
Strawberry, preserved iu spirit, were fruit or
vegetables at all prominent. Of this Strawberry
I can only say, from what I saw, that its
fruits reach a circumference of 9f inches.
Five of them are stated to have weighed 1| lb.,
194
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
September 18, 1897.
and tho variety has the additional valuable
quality of bearing a second crop in August and
September on the runners. It was produced by
the gardener whose name it bears at the Chateau
of Greutheville, distant about 5 miles from Caen.
The chief floral exhibits that attracted my
attention were a group of Coleus (awarded a
(fold Medal), exhibited by M. Marcel Lepage,
23, Rue des Marais, Caen ; a group of very fine
tuberous Begonias, effectively edged with
Linariamulti-punctataerecta(Silver-giltMedal),
exhibited by M. Itosette of 88, Rue de Vancelles,
Caen, who also obtained a Silver-gilt Medal for
Petunias, and Bronze Medals for Zinnias and
Verbenas ; a group of Pelargoniums, awarded a
Gold Medal, was exhibited by M. A. Lenormand,
41, Hue St. Sauveur, Caen ; another excellent
group, awarded a Silver Medal, was exhibited by
M. L. Davy, 200, Rue Caponiere, Caen, who
also obtained a Silver Medal for Coleus ; and
last, but not least, the collection of varieties of
Gladiolus gandavensis exhibited by M. Leon
Barette, of 3, Rue Gemare, Caen. Two of
these, novelties of 1S96, " Nuits d'Orage," and
" Deuil de Carnot," the one a lurid brown-
yellow, the other a very deep crimson, are
exceptionally fine. Certainly, the gardens of
such oultivators as these gentlemen, would alone
make the capital of Calvados well worth a visit.
(/. S. Boulger.
Book Notice.
The Hamburg Botanical Garden.
In connection with the remarkable Horticultural
Exhibition now in progress at Hamburg, it may be
of interest to allude to the Botanic Garden, long
under the direction of our correspondent, Dr. Reich-
enbach. Dr. Voigt has, by authority of the eduoi-
tional officials of Hamburg, prepared a complete
history of tho botanical institu'e of that city, illus-
trated with reproductions of photographs of tho
principal points of view in the garden, the museum
(interior and exterior), and some of its contents
besides plans and maps of the garden and museum in
their past and present aspects.* Dr. Voigt has
divided his book into two portions and an appendix.
In the first section he traces the origin of the gardeu
and includes a biographical memoir of Dr. Johannes
Fliigge, to whose travels a collection of botanic.il
specimens was due its foundation. Dr. Fliigge
died in 1816, his last days being embittered by
the grief of seeiDg the gardeu upon which he had
bestowed the work and zeal of a lifetime destroyed by
the bombardment of the city by the French. The
garden was not re-instated for nearly five years after
this event, when Dr. Lehmann was appointed
director. After his death, there was again an inter-
regnum of some three years before Dr. Keichenbaeh
was offered the vacant post. Under his regime, the
area of the garden became greatly extended, the
plant collections were re-arranged according to a more
modern system of classification, and vast numbers of
new specimens were purchased. The description of
the present condition of the botauic garden occupies
the third chapter of Dr. Voigt's book, and the second
section is devoted to a notice of the earliest collec-
tions of botanical specimens that were tnido iu
Hamburg, and to that of the development of tho
museum, the arigiual model being the similar institu-
tion atKew. Although the question of founding such
a museum had often b?en brought forward, no decided
steps were takeu in the matter till 1ST0, when Dr.
Back bequeathed his carpological collections to tho
State on condition that their custody should be en-
trusted to competent men in order that they might
become of permanent value and be constantly added
to and enlarged. They included seeds and fruits of
"Die botauischen Institute der frcicn und Hanscstadt
Hamburg's," von Dr. A. Voigt (Leopold Voss, Hamburg and
Leipzig, 1897),
about 10,000 plants, brought together from all parts
of the world. Dr. Binder's collection of Algto was
acquired by the exertions of Dr. Sonder in the same
year, and so rapidly did the specimens accumulate that
they were amalgamated under the title of the
Botanis-ches Museum in 1883. In 1894 the collec-
tions were removed to their present imposing and
commodious quarters. Heie are the herbaria, the
co'lections of woods and seeds ; the library, the work-
rooms and laboratories, all of which are fully described
iu Dr. Voigt's book. The appendix is devoted to
a list of the names of the officials counecfel with the
Botanical Institute from the time of its foundation,
the numbers of tho species of every genus of plants
grown in the garden at the present time, and many
other details connected with the library, museum and
laboratory.
WALNUTS, CHESTNUTS, AND
ALMONDS.
In order to answer the many inquiries relating to
the composition of California Nuts, and to the
manures required to replace the exhaustion of the
soil caused by their growth, Mr. G. E. Colby began
the work of investigating samples of Walnuts,
Chestnuts, and Almonds grown in various parts of
California, each variety of Nut and its parts being
considered separately. The physical analysis, the
ash, nitrogen contents, and the kinds of fertilisers
necessary to replace the soil ingredients taken away
by the Nut crops are first considered ; then the
question of the composition of the kernels of the
Nuts with reference to their food-values, is briefly
dealt with.
Walnots.
Six varieties of Walnuts were examined of the
growth of lSOo ; they were gathered from trees
upwards of eight years old, grown in districts which
well represent Walnut-producing localities. The
Bijou Walnut is more of a curiosity than anything
else, still it deserves the place given it.
The following table gives the rc-,ultsof the physical
analysis, and tho ash and nitrogen contents of the
various parts of the Walnut : —
omposition or
Calikornian
Walnuts.
Variety— Soft-shell-
Bijou
Native
Blaek
Constituents.
§§
68
ffl •
hi JfS
"JO
"SI
ag
-ArO
Physical Analysis.
Entire fresli fruit: —
Average weight of nuts
grams'
1330
15-80
13 30
31 00
14-10
Average weight of
hulls „
20 00
1750
11-70
49 00
35 90
Total weight ,.
33-30
33-30
25-00
80-00
50-00
Nuts, proper per cent.
40-00
47 50
45-00
37-50
30 00
Hulls ... „
60 00
52-50
55-00
62 50
70-00
Fresh Nuts (hulled) : —
Average weight of ker
nels ... grams'
6 00
6155
510
834
3-75
Average weight of
shells
7-30
9-15
8-20
22 66
10 35
T.jUl weight „
13-30
15-80
13-30
31 00
1410
Kernels ... per oeui.
45 00
42-10
38 30
20 00
25-90
bhelts
55 00
57-00
m-70
73-10
7C10
Ash an ' nitvo :> «
Fresh nuts (hulli -1)
Ash por cent,
0 7S
ii lil
ii 83
ii 68
0-57
Nitrogen
1 00
1-00
1 08
(LSI
0-98
Fresh kernels : —
Ash
1-16
105
1-18
1-36
1-36
Nitrogen ... ,,
1-82
2 09
2 45
2-40
3 16
Fresh she Is :
Ash ,,
061
0 35
0 62
0-41
0-30
Nitrogen ... ,,
0-32
021
0 23
0-20
0-20
Fash hulls : —
Ash
115
1-83
2-21
106
0-51
Nitrogen .. ,
o-ii
0 28
0-17
0-15 0-12
The Bijou Walnut is very large, weighing 2-6 ozs.
as an average, or more than twice the weight of
ordinary Walnu's. While the hull is also quite thick,
its percentage of the entire fruit, 02-5, is not very
much greater than that of the soft-shells, and even
less than that of the native black. The same is true
with regard t) the proportion of shell in the hulled
nut, 731 per cent.
Between the three soft-shell varieties there are no
differences other than would naturally occur iu
samples from different trees or localities. The
average weights are, of nuts, 14 '1 grams ; hulls, 16'4
grams ; Bhells, 8 '2 grams ; and of kernels, 5 9 grams.
It is remarkable th»t the percentage of nitrogen in
the fresh uuts (hulled), and in the fresh kernels
is much greater than is the percoutage of ash. In
the case of the native black variety the nitrogen in
the fresh kernels is nearly three times more than is
the amount of ash, and t * ice as much iu the soft-shelled
varieties from Los Angeles aud Amador counties.
Chestnuts.
Two samples of Californiau Chestnuts were ex-
amined, both of the Italian variety, one grown in
Santa Paula, Ventura couoty, and the other in
Clinton, Amador county.
The following table gives the results of physical
analysis, and shows also the ash aud nitrogeu con-
tents, in the various parts of the Chestnut fruits.
Cojipo ition or California^ Chestnuts.
Constituents.
Grown in
Santa
Paula
Grown in
Clintur.
Physical Analysis.
Entire frc^h Fruit-
Average weight of Nuts ...
grams
28-50
21-67
Average weight of hulls ...
,,
21-50
11 -co
Total weight
,,
60-00
38-38
Nuts
p. cent.
57-00
65-00
Hulls
,,
43-00
3500
Fresh Nuts (hulled)—
Average weight of kernels
, grams
21 us
13-34
Average weight of she Is ..
,,
4-42
3-33
Total weight
,,
i8 5)
21-67
Kernels
p. cent.
84 50
8460
Shells
,i
15-50
15 40
Ask and Nitrogen.
Fresh Nuts (hulled)—
Ash
p. cent.
0-S3
o-so
Nitrogen
,,
1-02
0'59
Fresh Kernels —
Ash
,,
075
0-83
Nitrogen
„
1-06
0 65
Fresh Shells -
Ash
,,
0 99
0 63
Nitrogen
„
0 76
0 26
Fresh Hulls-
Ash
1-23
1-09
Nitrogen
"
0 50
0-22
About 30 granis, an equivalent to 1 ounce.
Of the two samples of Chestnuts examined, that
from Santa Paula is clearly the better, for it has a
heavier nut and kernel, though the proportion of
nut, with reference to the entire fruit, is greater in
that from Clinton. The averages of the two samples,
taken as a possible average for Ch3stnuts in general,
are— hulls, 16'5S grams ; nuts, 25'0S grams; shells,
3'88 grams ; and kernels, 21 "21 grams.
Almonds.
Eleven samples of Almonds were examined, seven
of light-woight, and four of heavy-weight. The 1XL
from Davisville stands as tho lightest of all the
varieties, viz., 52 grams, though its nut is somewhat
heavier than that of King's soft-shell, 2 li against
2-3 grams.
On the other baud, the Languodoc Almond is the
heaviest of all, viz., 25 grams, though its nut is
about like that of the light-weight varieties, 4 5 gram?.
The IXL Almond from Skyland, on the Santa Cruz
mountain, has also a large hull, l'l grams ; but with
it the largest nut of the lot, 7 grams, nearly three
times the weight of several of the others. The paper-
September 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
195
shell Tariety of the Foothill Station has a very heavy
hull, averaging 17 grams, and a nut as small as that
of the light-weight Ne Plus Ultra, viz., 3 grams ; the
proportion between the hulls and nut being greater
than with any other of the varieties.
It is thus seen that, although an Almond fruit may
be large and weighty as it comes from the tree, it by
Marie Dupreys, which ranks next to the Languedoc,
the heaviest kernel of all.
Nitrogen Content op the Different Fruits.
Referring again to the tables above, where the
nitrogen is reported for nuts, kernels, shells, and
hulls, it is seen that the average percentage for
Fig. 58.— codonopsis ovata.
(Exterior of flowers pale blue, with purple zone.)
no moans fulloas that the nut is also large, and,
imless the cleaned product from a tree bearing such
large fruit is proportionately greater, it may not be
aore profitable than that from smill-sized fruits.
In examining the results as to the proportion
between the kernel and the shell, it is found that the
heaviest kernels are with the heavy:weight varieties,
with the exception of Drake's Seedliug, which falls
below some of the light-weight Almonds ; and the
hulled nuts stands thus: — Walnuts, 102 per cent. ;
Almonds, T64 per cent. ; CheBtnut, 0'80 per cent, of
nitrogen. The largest part of this is contained in tho
kernel, as that in the shell of the Walnut is but
one-sixth, that in the Almond-shell one-twelfth, and
that of the Chestnut-shell one-tenth of the whole
nitrogen of the hulled nut.
Comparing this with the European data we have,
we find that the European nitrogen • content agrees
closely with that mentioned for the Califoinian nuts.
The difference in nitrogen in the kernels of the Penn-
sylvania and California Chestnuts is only a trifle.
The ash constituents, and the mauurial require-
ments of the different trees, will be considered in a
future article. J. J. Willis, Harpendm.
CODONOPSIS OVATA,
The first mention of this pretty species is in
Dr. Forbes Royle's Illustrations of the Botany of the
Himalayan Mountains, p. 253, which was published
in 1839. A figure of the plant is also given under
t. 69, but it cannot be said to agree very well with
the accompanying illustration (fig. 581, which was
made from a plant shown at the Royal Horticultural
Society's meeting, Westminster, on June 23, 1896,
by Mr. Amos Perry, of Winchmore Hill. Codonop-
sis iGlossocomia) clematidea, as figured at t. 167 of
the Gartenflora, seems to be much nearer the plant
here figured so far as habit is concerned, but the
flowers do not agree with those of that specimen
either in size or colour. The plant shown at the
Diill Hall was from 12 to IS inches high, and bore
several more or less drooping flowers of a pale blue
colour outside, distinctly veined, and with a con-
spicuous purple zone about one-third the length from
the base, at a point where some of the flowers are
somewhat constricted. Looking into the flower, one
may notice two zones of purple, then one of yellow,
and one of black at the base surrounding the ovary.
The plant is a native of the Himalayas, but, unless
there is considerable variation in the species, there
seems to be a doubt as to whether that here figured
is really Codonopsis ovata or some other species not
yet described. John Weathers, R.H.S., London.
NOTES ON THE CULTIVATED
BRASSICAS.
In common with nearly all cultivated plants,
especially those which are perplexing, the Braseicas
have recived too little attention from botanists. The
inevitable outcome of such neglect or of any super-
ficial study is a reduction of species, and in this
direction Brassica hns suffered greatly. It is usually
confusing to reduce type3. The most perplexing
species in our manuals are those which contain the
greatest number of old types or Bynonymous names.
It is true that this is supposed to be primarily due to
the variation of the Bpecies or groups, but I am con-
vinced ttat it is often to be charged to superficial
study or insufficient material. The conviction is
growing upon me that our manuals contain too few
rather than too many species ; at all eveuts,,the
miscellaneous dumping of Ruta-bagas, Turnips, Rape
and other plants into Brassica campestris is unnatural,
and therefore unfortunate. The best presentation of
the species of true Brassicas which has yet been made
is that of De Candolle's Prodromal so long ago as
1824, and my own studies lead me to adopt essenti-
ally those conclusions. I am not clear as ta the
generic merits of Brassica and Sinapis. If we
are to erect generic characters upon general
habit, the two might be kept apart, but I have
not found structural characters with which . to
separate them, and for the purposes of this discussion
I have kept them together. I should add, that I am
acquainted with no group in which many of the
difficulties of classification vanish more quickly upon
a study of the growing plants than in these Brassicas.
From my standpoint, the group may be divided as
follows : —
a. Whole plant glaucous-blue when in flower ; leaves
of the flower-stems cla<piui» ; flowers various.
I. Leaves from the first more or less fleshy
throughout, an 1 glaucous-blue, even when
young ; flowers large and creamy-yellow,
the petals conspi'tuuu-ly long-clawed, asd
the sepals usu i 1 ■• erect.
1. Brassica oleracea, Linn., the Cabbage and Cauli-
flower tribe. Lsavej ■< .moth from the first,
and the root never t iberous.
2. B. Napus, Linn., the liapti. Leaves smooth
from the first, diffe iu^ from B. oleracea
196
THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
[September IS, 1897
chiefly in habit, and more deeply scalloped
leaves. The botanical position of the Rapes
is open to doubt.
3. E. canipe.itfis, Linn., the Ruta-baga. First
leaves hairy, the root usually tuberous.
H. Leaves, except upon the flower-stem,
thin and green ; flowers smaller and bright
yellow, less prominently clawed.
a. Plant potentially biennial (that is,
the root hard and thickened, often
distinctly tuberous) ; foliage firm in
texture.
* Leaves distinctly hairy.
4. B. Rapa, Linn., the common Turnip. Leaves,
prominently lyrate or interrupted below, the
root tuberous.
** Leaves not hairy.
5. B. chinensis, Linn., the Pak-Choi Cabbage,
Radical leaves wavy and ample, glossy green,
obovate or round, obovate in general outline,
either entire or obscurely wavy or even crenate,
tapering to a distinct and thick strong petiole,
which is generally not prominently margined ;
pod large aud tapering into a beak half an inch
long ; root sometimes tuberous.
6. B. napiformis, Bailey (Bull. 67, Cornell, 1894),
the tuberous-rooted Chinese Mustard. Radical
leaves comparatively few, the blade thin and
oval in outline , and on long and slender, slightly-
feathered petioles, sharply and irregularly
toothed, with a thin bloom ; beak of the pod
more abrupt ; root distinctly hard and
tuberous.
aa. Plant truly annual ; foliage profuse,
loose and soft.
7. B. Pe-Tsai, Bailey, I.e., the Pe-Tsai Cabbage.
Numerous radical leaves, large and light
green, oblong or ovate-oblong, crinkled and
very veiny, and the margins wavy, contracted
into a flat and ribbed petiole 1 to 3 inches
wide, which is provided with a wide thin-
notched or wavy wing ; stem-leaves sessile, and
clasping ; pod of medium size, with a short
cone-like beak ; the leaves tend to form an
oblong, loose head, like Cos Lettuce.
8. B. japonica, Sieb., the Calif ornian Pepper-grass,
Pot-herb Mustard. Rather numerous radical
leaves, oblong or oblong-obovate, the margins
either crisped or cut into many very fine
divisions, the petiole distinct at its lower end ;
stem-leaves all petioled; pod very small, with
a slender beak ; the soft, thin leaves make
excellent " greens."
o Plant green or but slightly glaucous when in
flower; leaves on the flower-stems not promi-
nently clasping ; flowers sniill and yellow.
(Essentially Sinapis.)
9. B. juneea, Cosson, the Chinese Mustard.
10. B. nigra, Koch, common Mustard of commerce.
11. B. alba, Boissier, white Mustard.
The most important innovations in this classifica-
tion are the recognition of the peculiarities of tbe
stem-leaves and the sizes and colours of the flowers ;
aud it is to be noticed that the Ruta-baga and Turnip,
which are ordinarily thrown together, fall into
different categories. The differences between the
Cabbage-like species and Turnip-like species in size
and colour of flowers is really striking when the
plants are flowered side by side. The Turnip-flower
is more like that of Mustard than like that of the
Cabbage tribes. The breaking up of the Oriental
Cabbage tribe into the three species (B. chinensis
proper, B. napiformis, and B. Pe-Tsai) is also an in-
novation, but I am unable to understand the plants
in any other arrangement.
The point which I wish to urge particularly at this
time is the specific distinctness of the Ruta-baga and
Turnip, and I will contrast them more minutely.
The tubers of the two avo different iu season,
texture, and flavour. In the Ruta-baga the small leaves
immediately following the se3d-leave3 are sparsely
hairy, but all subsequent leaves are entirely smooth,
densely glaucous-blue, thick, and Cabbage-like, with
a fle.-hy petiole and midrib. In the Turnip the
radical leaves are always more or less hairy, and they
are green and Radish-like, thin, with slender petiole
and the leaves are much more lyrate, with interrupted
leaflets on the petiole ; the small leaves following the
seed-leaves are also thinner aud narrower, and more
deeply scalloped. In the Ruta-baga the flowers are
large, creamy, and Cabbage-like, while in the Turnip
they are small, yellow, and Mustard-like, with shorter
claws and more spreading calyx. The Turnips vary
in hairiness, but the cone of expanding leaves, or the
" heart-leaves," always shows the hairs distinctly,
while the heart-leaves of the Ruta-bagas are entirely
smooth, fleshy, and remind one of the young shoots
of Seakale. I have grown most of the trade varieties
of Ruta-bagas and Turnips, and they may be referred
to their respective species as follows. Specimens are
in the Cornell Herbarium.
RntaBaijas (Brassica campestrisi. — 1, Bronze-top
Swede ; 2, Burpee's Breadstone ; 3, Carter's Ruta-
baga; 4, Carter's Imperial Hardy Swede; 5, Col-
son's West Norfolk ; 6, Early White Vienna ; 7,
Improved American Purple-top Rutabaga ; 8, Im-
proved Champion : 9, Improved Yellow Summer
Turnip ; 10, Improved Yellow Swedish ; 11, Laing's
Improved; 12, Lincolnshire Improved; 13, Long
Island Improved Purple ; 14, Long White French
Turnip: 15, Shamrock; 16, Skirving's ; 17, Sutton's
Champion ; IS, Taunton ; 10, White Rutabaga ; 20,
White Swede or Russian : 21, Yellow French.
Turnips (Brassica Rapa). — 1. Aberdeen ; 2, Black
Stone ; 3, Cow-horn ; 4, Early Dutch Turnip ; 5,
Early Snowball ; 6, Extra Early Milan Ked-top Strap-
leaf ; 7, Extra Early Purple-top Munich ; 8, German
Teltow ; 9, Green Barrel ; 10, Green Globe ; 11,
Grey Stone : 12, Long White Tankard ; 13, Mont-
magny ; 14, New Golden Finland; 15, Pomeranian
White Globe ; 10, Purple-top Strap leaf ; 17, Purple-
top White Globe; 18, ' Red-top Globe shaped ; 19,
Red-top Strap-leaf ; 20, Robson's Golden Ball ; 21,
Seven-top ; 22, Teltow, or Small Berlin ; 23, True
Jersey Navet ; 24, White Egg ; 25, White Flat, or
Globe ; 26, White Model ; 27, White Norfolk ; 28,
White Strap-leaf ; 2ft, Yellow Aberdeen ; 30, Yellow
Globe ; 31, Yellow Malta ; 32, Yellow Stone.
Brassica oleracea must be held to include, I think,
all the Cabbages, Kales or Borecoles, Collards, Brus-
sels Sprouts, and Cauliflower and Broccoli ; and most
botanists appear to agree that the Kohl-rabi belongs
here, but upon this point I am not fully satisfied.
So far aa I know, B. oleracea is the most variable
species in cultivation in temperate climates, although
Naudin would give this distinction to Cucurbita
Pepo. But the Brassica varies immensely in nearly
all its parts, while the important variations of the
Cucurbitce are confined to the fruit aud length of bine.
There are few plants in which contemporary evolu-
tion can be so well studied as in this Brassica.
The Chinese Cabbages, which are now coming into
cultivation, possess unusual interest to both the hor-
ticulturist and botanist. They are not only exceed-
ingly variable, but the variations are of such a
character as to show very clearly what has been the
genetic history of the garden forms. The species is
now represented in cultivation by several widely
different forms. Hemsley refers the Chinese Cab-
bages to Brassica campestris, but they really have
little in common with that much-abused species.
The confusion into which our Brassicas have fallen
is in some measure due to the different vernacular
names which they bear in different countries. The
French use the word chou generically to include all
forms of B. oleracea, and the Ruta-baga, that is, all
the blue thick-leaved Brassicas ; while in England the
Ruta-baga is called the Swedish Turnip. A tabular
view of the different vernaculars may prove to be
useful : —
French. English. American.
Chou Cabus Cabbage Cabbage
Chou de Milan Savoy Savoy Cabbage
ChouxuGrossescotes Portugal Cabbage Portugal Cabbage
Chou de Bruxelles Brussels Sprouts Brussels Sprouts
Choux-verts Borecole or Kale Borecole or K lie
Chou-rave {^^ «}**!««
k Turnip-rooted Cab- \
Chou navet ■? bage or Swedish j-Ruta-baga
( Turnip J
Chou-fleur Cauliflower Cauliflower
Navet, orChou-nav.'t Turnip Turnip
L. II, Bailey, in (i Garden and Forest"
EASTERN AND WESTERN
LILIES.
The Lilits of Asia and America, in addition to
their capability of floral impressiveness, have this
valuable qualification — that the grandest of these
bloom between the first and the second efflorescence
of the Rose. This is an admirable arrangement
for our gardens, and we do not greatly mourn
the temporary absence of their greatest rival, while
the imperial Lilies of Japan, of California, of India,
and of Levantine regions are in splendid bloom.
The earliest Lily and the latest— Dahuricum and
speciosum — are, however, beautiful contemporaries
of the Rose. The former flowers in the beginning
of July, often as early as the third week of June ;
it belongs to the sub-genus Isolirion, its finest varieties
being D. erectum and D. incomparabile, of which
the latter, which increases rapidly, creates in my
garden magnificent effects. With Lilium speciosum,
on the other hand, the season of flowering is, as I
have indicated, the latest of all ; it is the peculiar
glory of September and October, at which period it
is undoubtedly, by reason of its beauty and fragrance,
the most attractive of autumnal flowers.
In Scotland, the reign of that queen of the garden
Lilium candidum, begins usually, except in an
abnormally warm season, about the middle of July :
and there can be no question that when it is exten-
sively and adequately cultivated, the effect of this
Lily when in flower is unique. By many authorities,
such as Mr. J. G. Baker of Kew, Sir Edwin Arnold,
who has travelled much in the East, and Dr. Wallace
of Colchester, it is conjectured that the words " even
Solomon iu all his glory was not arrayed like one of
these" were suggested to the greatest of Teachers by
the brilliant aspect of Lilium chalcedonicum, the
scarlet Martagon ; but as Lilium candidum is also a
native of the Levant, and flowers with great freedom
in the valleys of Palestine, it is equally possible that
its beauty may have been the inspiration of one of
the most touching and memorable utterances of the
" Friend of Man."
The amateur cultivator who knows nothing, in most
instances, of their nature or characteristics, will, in
all probability, during tbe first flowering season
after planting their bulbs, be intensely disappointed
with the aspect of these ; but if he will let them
wisely alone till the following year, he will witness a
vast improvement in their growth, which in succeed-
ing seasons will be greatly increased. It is, indeed,
a peculiarity of all the Martagons, including L. dal-
maticum and L. chalcedonicum, that as a general
rule they take several years for their full establish-
ment ; but as I can testify from long experience,
they are all the more enduring by reason of this
limitation, if such it may be called, in the light of its
results. L. Szovitzianum, sometimes erroneously
denominated "the Persian Lily" (though, as I have
already explained, this special variety is of Caucasian
extraction, see Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 320, Septem-
ber 19, 1896), is a supreme favourite of the Dean of
Rochester, in whose antique garden it sometimes
attains to a height of 8 feet. Here, my stateliest
specimen was destroyed, or rather, broken otf from
the bulb by the wind in the month of June, before
which my finest Dalmatian Martagon also gave way ;
likewise a fasciated form of Lilium candidum
bearing upwards of 100 buds. Growing as they
were, in strongly sheltered positions, and no
storm of such violence having been anticipated,
they had been, unfortunately, inadequately secured.
But I have this consolation, that the uninjured
bulbs remain with what may be entitled their floral
potentialities.
The growth of Lilium giganteum, the great Hima-
layan Lily, is like that of the Martagons, exceedingly
slow when it is grown from offsets, as to ensure its
full stature it always ought to be. One of my
gigauteums has been growing steadily thus for at
least three years, and I anticipate that my patience
will be amply rewarded next season by its floral
revelation, and the majestic height to which, under
such conditions, it will certainly attain. Perhaps
the most successful cultivator iu Scotland of Lilium
September 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
197
giganteum is J. W. Osgood H. Mackenzie of Inverewe
in Ross-shire, not far from Loch Maree, and he tells
me he grows it entirely from offsets, the results of
which natural method of culture are invariably
impressive. He who grows it from bulbs generated
elsewhere than in his own garden need not be sur-
prised if its growth is limited : likewise, let me add,
the number and dimensions of its flowers.
The characteristics of Liliuui auratum are of a
widely different character from those of giganteum,
for a bulb of this Lily, if planted as late as the
end of February, will make, in all probability, a
successful effort to bloom the same year. But
I think that this is the experience of cultivators
of the "Golden-rayed Lily," — that, when grown
in this somewhat disrespectful manner, which is
utterly unworthy of a true lover of flowers, it has
a strong tendency to resent such treatment, aud dis-
dains to exhibit, when its flowering-period comes, its
full capabilities. The probability also is, that if
forced in this unnatural manner, the result will be
deterioration and early decay. The Divine Art,
which works in the realms of Nature in its highest
operations, is deliberately slow. Its loftiest work is
accomplished imperceptibly. We do not see our
fairest flowers growing, we only know by observation
that they have grown. Their silent yet realisable
evolution is a mystery, and so, by reason of our
mental limitations, it must evermore remain.
Much might be written regarding the fragrance of
Lilies, which imparts to our gardens such a tropical
atmosphere during the summer and autumn months.
The perfume of such varieties a* L. auratum, L.
longiflorum Harrisii, and even L. candidum, is too
powerful and oppressive for an ordinary conservatory ;
but it is not objectionable in the open air. On
the contrary, when experienced under such
mitigating conditions, it forms — especially in the
case of L. candidum — no inconsiderable part of
their attractiveness. But on the other hand, the
exquisite odour emanating from Lilium Browni,
L. Krameri, and the richly-dowered L. speciosum,
requires no mitigation. This, independently of their
distinguished beauty, gives them a fascination which
is, eveu among Lilies, exceedingly rare. David Jt.
Williamson, Manse of Kirkmuidcn, Wigtonshirc, X.B.
Nursery Notes.
MR. G. MOUNT'S NURSERY, CANTERBURY.
As an instance of successful nursery and market
gardening, Mr. G. Mount, carrying on operations at
Canterbury and Folkestone, is worthy of a note in
these pages. The original establishment, called the
Exotic Nursery, in St. Peter's Street, Canterbury,
once carried on by the late W. Masters for many
years, and subsequently by him in company with
J. Kinmont, still exists as an appanage of the larger
nursery at St. Dunstan's on the outskirts of the
city ; but it is too small in area and too much sur-
rounded by houses and trees to serve any very useful
purpose at the present day. At one time this small
nursery was filled with hardy perennials, hardy Ferns,
Phloxes, Carnations, Hollyhocks, &c. ; the walls with
climbing plants, and the glasshouse with a fine assort-
ment of Azaleas, Camellias, and stove and green-
house plants, and the best Orchids of the day, exotic
Ferns, and Selaginellas. The chief use of this garden
at the present day is the growing of flowering annuals
and border flowers for the shop trade, and Carnations
and Picotees. The old circular-shaped glasshouse,
standing in the centre, aud once surmounted with
an expensive domed roof, now replaced with one of
a less ornate character, was filled, at the time of our
visit, with Palms, &c, for decorative purposes. One
longed to clear away the whole stock of the place,
houses and all, and remodel and plant it with a better
class of material, building a light useful glasshouse
or two for the display of popular flowering and
foliage greenhouse and stove planta. Perhaps, in
time, the present proprietor, who is certainly not
lacking in enterprise, will see his way to do this.
At the St. Dunstan's branch all is modem —
long, span-roofed houses of simple construction, and
provided with ample means of ventilation and heating,
are grouped together in some numbers. Here Vines
and Tea Rises in pots are grown to perfection, also
Tea Roses planted out for the supply of cut flowers
all through the season, and now, being rested by
withholding water from the borders and affording the
mo3t ample ventilation, to be started later in the
autumn for furnishing flowers at Christmastide, when
there is a lively demand for Roses, especially Teas.
The varieties chiefly planted are Niphetos and
Catherine Mermet. This Rose - bouse measures
20 feet in width by 100 feet in length, and the area
is divided into a central bed, and a bed at each
side, and the plants are mostly in bush form.
Two other span-roofed houses were remarked,
135 feet in length and 20 feet wide in each case, that
were similarly planted with Rose Catherine Mermet.
A large span house was filled with Maidenhair Fern,
shade being afforded by training Tomato-plants to
the sash-bars — a remarkably healthy lot of plants,
both of Ferns and Toraatos. Tomatos in the per-
fection of health and fruitfulness occupied two
houses, respectively 130 feet by 27 feet, and 130 feet
by 20 feet. The plants were planted out, as we
thought, rather thickly, iu the central and side beds.
The results, however, dissipated any doubts
that we may have had in respect to the plants
shading each other, and thus acting inimically
on their flowering, for more fruitful plants could
scarcely be found anywhere under entirely dis-
similar treatment. The fatal " spot" disease of the
fruit, Cladosporium lycopersici, seldom gave
trouble ; and equal freedom from the leaf and fruit
disease, Cladosporium fulvum and the " sleepy "
disease was, we were informed, enjoyed. The
laissez /aire of some cultivators does not hold
here, timely precautions being taken by dressing the
plants with the Bordeaux Mixture, and affording as
much air day and night as is commensurate with
fairly rapid growth ; moreover, the syringe is not
frequently employed, nor much root watering, but the
happy medium aimed at between a too dry and a too
moist condition of the soil. The variety is a selection
of Perfection, and hundreds of mature fruits were seen
which measured 14 to 15 inches in circumference.
Several thousands of Chrysanthemums Lady Selborne,
one of the best white flowered decorative varieties, the
plants healthy and well-foliaged, were remarked. The
blooms are for cutting. Mare'chal Kiel and other climb-
ing varieties of the Rose, are grown in pots ; besides
bushes of Tea Roses, similarly gTown, were to be
observed standing outside in the full sunshine, in
order to mature the shoots. The second flowering of
these and of the Tea Roses in the open quarters, had
been very abundant this season, and still gave pro-
mise of a plentiful crop should the weather prove
propitious, and early frosts in this part of Kent are
not usually of any great severity, so that the promise
will probably be fulfilled.
The large stock of Chrysanthemums above-men-
tioned will be accommodated in those houses that
are now filled with maturing crops of Tomatos, the
pot-Vines, pot-Roses, &c.
Some remarkable quarters of young Apple-trees,
one and two years from the graft or bud, were
observed weighed down with fruit. These consisted
of that wonderful cropper, Bismarck, the coming
Apple for market purposes, according to the belief of
many nurserymen ; Worcester Pearmain, Cox's
Pomona, Cox's Orange Pippin, Gascoigne's Seed-
ling, Mere de Menage, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Ju-
bilee, and Blenheim Orange Pippin. All of
these varieties are worked on the Paradise
stock. We could not fail to remark the healthy
appearance of all varieties of Apples, Plums, &c,
and the entire freedom from aphis, and of the
"worm i' the bud," Winter Moth aud CodlinMoth,
a pleasant state of things which is due to spraying
the trees several times with Paris Green for the
larva;, and quassia for the aphides. Of Plums there
are great breaks of Rivers' Early, Denyer's Victoria,
and various Gages : many of the trees being in bearing
condition, and all were in a vigorous condition.
It was a genuine pleasure to us to observe in this
nursery a desire to keep abreast of the newer
knowledge and methods whilst retainiog all tbat is
of value in the old. Especially was this to be noted
in the use of fungicides and iusecticides, the lament-
able effects of the non use of which are only too
common, even in such a famous fruit growing county
as Kent.
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons.
We have referred on several previous occasions to
the work carried on at Eynsford by Messrs. H.
Cannell & Sons, with a view to raising in this country
flower and other seeds that are still imported largely
from the Continent, and which a few seasons ago were
obtained exclusively from foreign sources. Taking
advantage of a bright day during the present week, we-
revisited the establishment, to see what the harvest-
of such seeds for the present year promised to be.
Mo6t gardeners are probably aware that Eynsford is
the next station below Swanley Junction on the
London, Chatham & Dover Kailway ; that it lies
pretty high, aud that the ground where the tender
annuals are grown for producing seeds is a valley with
steep sides very much exposed to light aud all
possible sunshine. Hence the position has been chosen
for the purpose to which it has been put, and in this
sense is exceptional. But there are numerous other
spots, we'doubt not, in Kentandtheadjoining counties,
where the work might be done as well as here,
if commenced under energetic management. The
results of the present season are not required
to prove the capacity of our land or climate to
produce seeds that English seedsmen have
habitually permitted Germany to supply them with ;
for several years past this has been a fact to some
of us. It would be mere affectation to pretend
other than satisfaction at every fresh evidence
English producers exhibit of a desire and ability
to raise or manufacture for themselves au article,
the 6upply of which they have heretofore obtained
from outside sources. This much is said without
the least intention to despise foreign produce, upon
which we are continuously dependent, and for which
the country is grateful. If there is any gardener or
seedsman who doubts the capacity of our own climate
to perfect seeds of all sections of Asters, he should
run down to Eynsford during the next fortnight.
The evidence Mr. Cannell will be able to give bim
should be conclusive, and it will be afforded freely.
Asters— The breadths of these Asters may be seen
at present with blooms in perfect condition, others
going to seed, and with some seed already deve-
loped. Of course, when this last stage is reached
the flower-stems are removed, and then exposed to
sunshine under glass. Thus the Comet section
had been removed altogether, as it is the first to
be harvested. Other types were still in the field,
including Victoria, Emperor, Paeony- flowered, Crown,
Shakespeare, Mignon, Jewel, English Quilled, Comets,
Needles, &c. All of these, and indeed every
description of Aster, we were informed, produce capital
seed at Eynsford, and of all, except novelties, the
stock in the nursery is raised from seed so obtained.
Owing to the construction of the flowers, the most
difficult to seed are the Pseony, Victoria, and Emperor
types ; the most easy being the quilled flowei-3, which
have always been grown as well in England as any-
where. Mr. Cannell assured us that sufficient seeds
of every section are obtained to supply the whole of his
private trade, and for planting again in the nursery the
following spring. The seedlingB are dibbled out towards
the end of May or in June. It would serve no purpose
to enumerate the very many varieties of different
colour in all the sections, but the yellow-flowered
variety of quilled Aster, known as Eynsford Yellow,
may be mentioned as being decidedly distinct and the
best yellow-flowered Aster. There is a novelty de-
scribed as a yellow-flowered Victoria, but as we saw it,
the flowers were only cream-coloured at the most.
Speaking of novelties, there are several from the con-
tinent, including the Victoria just mentioned; L'Ide'ale,
a white-flowered Aster with smooth petals, excellent
flowering habit, so that when pulled up the plant forma
a fine white bouquet in itself. In shape and size of
ower, it looks like a rather large Mingnou. X-rays
198
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Strn.MBER 18, 1897.
represents I irieties, one white flowered, the other
purple : I sta are quilled, and the blooms pretty
fairly repi -meo! the Japanese (Jhiysantheniurns.
Miscellaneous.
Moat i ' t eks, including the biennial ones, are
grown i and being flowered under glass,
the perf> the seeds is ensured. Turning from
the Asd re are beds around of various
floweriu, -, all being grown to produce seed.
African I I .nch Marigolds, Dianthus, Lobelias,
Salpigloi las, Verbena hjbrida (an excellent
strain w . large flowers), Nasturtiums. Phlox
Drumiii r.nuias, Antirrhinums, Delphiniums,
Carnatn I temons, Gorietias, Coreopsis, and
too mn j to be mentioned here.
Owiiif; to <ry weather during the summer, the
seed-hor est i 'ther earlier thnn usual, and should
the preeeni bri lit sunshine coLtinue for a fortnight
the quantity i d quality of the seed will be most
satisfact ir, A white, single-flowered Petunia named
Snowball ;i Continental novelty, was very promising ;
as was a s. m double variety of dwarf Lobelia, named
Duplex, with ers of intense colour. In the bottom
of the valley m ny beds of Violas were still flowering
freely, uimiP . u m being a fine yellow one, named
Chi-istiua Robi son, raised at home, which we think
gardeners will value.
Vegetal. Irs. not less than flowers, are planted in
the nursery and ndjoining fields to produce seeds, and
excellent Parsley, Lettuce, and other kinds, may be
seen close to the Asters. Onions are successfully
grown and seeded, the large breadth covered with
bulbs to flower next year beiDg in every way satis-
factory. A stock of exhibition-sized bulbs has been
housed, of excellent quality, being sound and fully
ripened.
When the numerous features in the seed-
grounds have been studied, the houses where the
seed-drying is effected may be visited. They stand
on a hill, are span-roof and light— just the kind suited
to Melon, Cucumber, or Tomato-growing, to which
purpose they are put during the summer. Now
however, the} are full of seeds, principally of flowering
plants, and no better place could be desired to
thoroughly dry and ripen them. Leaving the
wonderful seed-farm, the management of which
must require unremit ting care, industry. and patience,
we are driven back to
Swanley,
but by a round about way, for the purpose of noting
two systems of fruit-growing, the lazy method, and
the up-to-date intelligent method. We are not con-
cerned with this at the present, however, and reach-
ing Swanley, there was plenty to interest one for a
very long time. The zonal P elargoniums. and other
plants for winter-blooming, are looking capital.
Three houses were occupied by Cannas, and one of
these especially presented a gay picture. Cannas arc
obtained in bloom the whole year round, and at the pre-
sent there are numerous varieties in fine flower. Wewill
montion a few extra good ones that any gardener may
obtain with confidence that they will please .—Aurora,
orauge-scarlet, a well-formed flower, habit of plant
dwarf; Germania, scirlet, with a suspicion of yellow
towards the margin of segments ; the well-known
Queen Charlotte, an excellent variety ; American
Flag, orange-red, with a yellow fringe : Beauty Poite-
vine, vermilion-crimson ; Piersna & Co., crimson ;
Emilie Lorenz, very fine, a dwarf plant, with a com-
pact inflorescence, flowers yellow, marked with blood
red ; Incendie, similar to the last-named, but the
colours less decided ; Souvenir de Antoine Crozy,
Alphonse Bouvier, intense crimson; M. H. Debn.use,
spotted yellow, habit very good ; Madame Pichon.
yellow, with suffused red spots : Madame Perrin de
Isles, quite a new shade of colour, perhaps best
described as red, over which is a silvery hue, ami
suspicion of purple— a first-rate novelty ; aud Madame
La Baronne P. Thenard, also a new shade, being dis-
tinct orange. The two last-named are acquisitions.
Messrs. J. Charlesworth &. Co.
The collection of Orchids obtained by E. H.
Woodall, Esq., St. Nicholas House, Scarborough, has
passed into the hands of Messrs. .1. Charlesworth & Co.
Bradford. The collection is famed for its fine speci-
mens, and the remarkable varieties it contained, many
of which have from time to time delighted the visitors
to the Koyal Horticultural Society's shows. Among
them may be noted some grand examples of Vanda
cocrulea, one of which secured a First-class Certificate ;
a fine specimen of Cypripedium insigne Sandene, the
rare, scarlet-flowered Renanthera Imschootiana, Cypri-
pedium Rothschildianum giganteum, C. Leeanum
giganteum, and some remarkably fine Cattleyas and
Lielias, among which are capital specimens of
Lcelia crispa superba, and Cattleya Loddigesii, sent
direct to Mr. Woodall by desire of the late Emperor
of Brazil.
Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. have also acquired the
collection of M. Robinow, Esq., Hawthornden,
Didsbury, Manchester, a Guateuialian merchant, who
had exceptional facilities for procuring the best
varieties of everything from the countries in which
he had correspondents ; hence his magnificent speci-
mens of the best form of Lycaste Skkineri alba, and
other rare varieties. The collection, which has been
carefully worked up for the last twenty years, con-
tains Gramatophyllum speciosum, Co?logyne cristata
alba, in fine condition ; Vanda Sanderiana, and other
showy Vandas and Aerides. and many rare species.
Both the late owners are giviue up their collections,
owing to indifferent health rendering it inconvenient
to afford theirhobbies the proper amount of attention.
/. OB.
KEI-APPLE AS A HEDGE
PLANT.
This shrubby South African plant (Aberia caflra,
Harv. & Sond.), a Bixiaceous plant, is armed with long
spines, and makes excellent hedges. It is evergreen,
and bears fruits like small yellowish Apples. When
fresh they are acid, and used as a pickle ; when ripe
thev make a good jam. The Waikato Times oi New
Zealand, recommends the Kei-apple as a hedge plant
in the following terms : —
" One is always hearing complaints now-a-days of
the paucity of good plants suitable tor hedge purposes.
This harbours the Wheat-rust or the leech, but dies
out in patches ; while another would be admirable
were the cows not so fond of it. This being so, the
thanks of the community are due to Mr. A. Tempest,
of Parnell, for his enterprise in introducing and pro-
pagating the Kei-apple. It was Sir George Grey, I
believe, who first mentioned the shrub, which grows
wild upon the Karoo, or sandy plains of South Africa,
and it certainly seems a perfect hedge plant. It is a
sturdy, stocky, short-jointed grower, an evergreen,
and with thorns which grow to (i inches long and
over, aud a ' perfect terror to evil-doers,' be they
beasts or human beings. As an added advantage, the
female plants (they are of both sexes* fruit heavily,
bearing in great quantity yellow Plum-shaped fruits,
the size of a Green Gage, which are both pleasant
eating, and make an exquisite jam. Orchardists
would do well to bear this shrub in mind when
planting."
To this the following note is added in the Agricul-
tural Journal of the Cape of Good Hope : —
" It will be noticed that a wrong part of the
country is stated to be the native habitat of this
plant, but all the good qualities as a hedge plant are
perfectly true. In some old book of travels in South
Africa, it is stated that on the eastern coast there
were ' wild Apricots ' ; were these Kei-apples .' Few
people like to eat the fruit raw, but the jam is first-
rate. A proportion of Kei-apple, with Tomato, would
make a good jam."
The Week's Work.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
lwl'tan Azaleas. — Thoroughly cleanse the structure
in which it is intended to house these plants, as tbey
will require to be taken indoors very soon. The
plants themselves should also be cleansed with a
solution of soft-soap and tepid rain-water, or by the
use of some safe insecticide. To effect this, lay the
plants on their sides to prevent the liquid from
entering the soil. Immediately the plants are
housed and dry, well fumigate the house for the pur-
pose of killing any thrips that remain.
Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums. — These may now be
propagated, placing four or five cuttings in a 5-iuch
pot. Keep them in a cool-house, and rather dry
at the root, until roots have formed. They may
be potted off as soon as they are struck, and kept
growing all the winter ; thus treated they will make
good decorative plants by next season.
Chrysanthemums. — Vigilance will be required tokeep
down earwigs, or they will prey upon those buds
selected to form the early supply of bloom. Remove
all lateral growths, and see that the plants do not
suffer from want of water. The surface of the soil
may appear moist when the roots are not, therefore
rap every pot carefully with the knuckles to settle
the matter. Preparation should be made for housing
the plants, that, should early frosts occur, the plants
may be removed under cover expeditiously.
General Work. — All other plants that were placed
outside for the summer months, will need to be
removed to the houses very shortly. If it is prac-
ticable to devote small houses to some of the prin-
cipal species, the work is greatly facilitated. In any
case, no plants should be housed that are not
thoroughly clean. The houses, too, should be
cleansed for their reception ; the creepers tied, or
thinned out, as the case may require, and all in-:ect
pests destroyed. If the plants have to be placed iu
houses containing mixed collections, the arrangement
should permit of the different specits being placed in
separate groups.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleitfh, Essex.
Transplanting Young Fruit Trees. — In most gardens,
young trees of the Peich, Plum, Pear, &c.,are planted
temporarily till space on the walls aud espaliers,
and in borders and orchards, can be found for
them. By following this plan the trees in time acquire
size, and the foundation of the future crown,
besides getting well provided with roots. Such
prepared trees do not feel removal much, and go
away the following summer unchecked in growth,
especially if they are transplanted in the autumn
before the leaves fall, that is towards the end of
next month. In order to transplant such trees
satisfactorily, they should be lifted with much
of the earth adhering to the roots, aud most
of the fibres intact. The soil for 18 inches
to 2 feet from the stem of wall-trees, and half that
distance, or a little more, according to size, in the
case of trees growing in the open, should be pricked
over with a fork, and watered a day or two before
digging up the trees, so as to insure the success of
the operation. On beginning to dig up a tree, a trench
should be opened out about the distances given,
more or less, according to the size of tree, and of
about the same depth, the soil being carefully dug out
with a fork from beneath the roots until the weight
of the mass of soil is reduced sufficiently to enable
two or three men to lift it on to a strong garden- mat,
which should have been placed under the ball whilst
it is still in its place. By this means the mass can
be readily lifted without the soil coming away from
the roots. The hole at the new station of the tree
should be a little larger than the ball, and should be
prepared in readiness for the tree. If the staple is
good, i.e., loamy, inclining to be heavy rather than
light, and about 18 inches deep, all that is neces-
sary is to excavate the hole to the proper depth,
breaking up the soil in the bottom of the hole with
a fork, and placing a portion of the top spit therein,
leaving the soil somewhat high in the middle
for a standard or bush tree, rounding off to the sides
for wall-fruit trees. Being satisfied that the hole is
deep enough to take the mass of soil and roots
without burying the crown of the root more than an
inch, place the mass in the hole, remove the
mat from beneath the ball, cut off straggling and
damaged roots, and work some of the soil well
under and among the roots protruding from the sides
of the ball. In planting, allowance should be made
for the soil subsiding 1 or 2 inches iu the course
of as ninny weeks. When the soil has been
filled in round the ball, mulch with a '2-inch layer of
short dung, aud afford the whole a thorough applica-
tion of water. If the staple be poor, shallow, or light,
for near the water-line, uieaus should be taken to
render it better adapted to the requirements of the
tree by adding thereto road-side parings three-fifths,
and horse-droppings or short dung one-fifth, the
whole being well mixed before being put in the
hole. In the case of wet Irnd 6 inches of clinkers or
brickbats should be put into the hole for drainage,
and the trees planted on slight mounds. In the
event of the staple being unduly heavy, a little
September IS, 1S97.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
199
chalk, lime-rubble, or leaf-mould, if obtainable,
should be added ; lime-rubble and leaf-mould applied
together would prove beneficial. Trees of the
Peach, or choice varieties of the Plum and Pear,
transplanted to sites against walls having south, west,
and east aspects, will be the better for having a mat
or two hung over them during the heat of the day for
a week or ten days after removal, syriDging the trees
overhead in the afternoon.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Spring Cabbage. — The crop of Spring Cabbage being
usually regarded as an important one, the early cut-
ting of which affords a good deal of emulation to the
craftsman, every effort should be made to push on the
plants at this season. The plantations of the earliest-
raised plants should be hoed on a dry day, and after
lying untouched for a day or two, the plants earthed-up
with the hoe. The main batch of plants of the principal
sowing will now be large enough for planting on the
ground occupied by the Onion crop ; the soil if it be
light and in good heart, being merely dug over
slightly, or deeply hoed, and the rubbish raked off.
In most cases, however, it will be advisable to afford
the land a light dressing of good manure, and dig it.
Too much space between the plants is not desirable,
and 18 inches each way is sufficient for all the early
varieties of Cabbage. If slugs be troublesome, dust
the land with soot and lime, doing this in the evening
or early morning, aud fill up vacancies in the rows
without undue delay.
Endive and Lettuce.— If well-rooted stocky plants
are still to be found in the seed-beds, they may be
dibbled into the soil of a south or other warm border,
planting them at 15 inches apart, aud keeping a sharp
look-out afterwards for slugs and grubs of various
kinds, creatures that are very fond of newly-
planted Lettuce. This batch of plants will prove of
great use during the last two months of the year, if
means can be afforded to shelter them where they
grow from frosts and heavy rains. If frames or pits
are available at that season, the plants, when fully or
partially grown, may be planted in these rather closely,
and given proper attention in the matter of airing, they
will remain fit for use for a long period. L-ttuce-seed
may still be sown in a sheltered plot of ground for
affording plants for setting out in the early spring ;
Bath, or Brown, and Hicks' Hardy White Cos, and
All the Year Round Cabbage being the best varieties
to sow at this season.
Mushrooms. — Endeavours should be made to sup-
plement the supply of Mushrooms obtainable in
the fields and from Mushroom-beds in the open, by
making beds in the Mushroom-house or in warm sheds.
In making up beds in sheds it is necessary at this
time of the year to make them thicker than is necessary
in warmer weather, and after spawning them, which
should be done as soon as theheathas declined to 85 ■
to cover the bed with a good thickness of sweet hay
or drv litter. If thesupplyof freshhorse droppings be
insufficient, fresh tree leaves may be mixed with the
manure, in the proportion of one of leaves to three
of manure, or dry loamy soil in about the same
proportion may be used instead, taking care to mix
all thoroughly together a few days before making up
the bed.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Roses, — Blooms promise to be more plentiful than
was at one time anticipated, the rains having induced
free growth, which is clean and free from rust and
mildew, so far. Briar-stocks that broke too late into
growth for the first budding may be budded if the
bark runs easily. These late buds if they take well
remain dormant till the spring, which is better than
having buds break into growth, which being tender
when the winter comes, is liable to be cut off' by
frost. The buds on early worked Briar-stocks should
have the ties round the buds loosened or removed, as
may be necessary. The strong shoots on climbing
Koses should be loosely tied in, or they may be broken
oft' by winds ; and all weak and blind shoots, and
the shoots that have borne flowers, clean cut away.
This will strengthen those that are left, by letting in
the light, and utilising the energies of the plants in
the right direction.
Propagation. — Cuttings of Coleus, Alternantheras,
and Iresines for furnishing stock in the spring,
should now be taken from the plants in the beds,
and inserted in pots of sandy soil, surfaced with
silver sand, and plunged in a mild hotbed to form
roots. The cuttings of Mesembryanthemum cordi-
folium variegatum being liable to damp off in a hot
bed, can be struck with the least amount of loss if
the cutting-pots are placed on a shelf in a warm
house that is kept moderately dry. Having watered in
the cuttings, the soil should be allowed to get rather
dry before water is again afforded, aud all decaying
cuttings removed as soon as they are observed.
Cuttings of Fuchsias may now be struck, and iu the
case of bedding varieties, they may be kept growing
till next spring, either in the cutting-pots, or as
potted-off plants. Fuchsias form good subjects for
filling vases and baskets, as well as "starers" or soli-
tary plants in the beds. The bedding Pelargoniums
have made moderately sturdy shoots which will make
capital cuttings should more stock be required to
meet the requirements of next year. The cuttings
at this late part of the season must be rooted in pits,
or frames, and not out of doors. Calceolarias, Violas,
Gazauias, &c , may remain until quite the end of
the month, with the certainty of the cuttings striking
freely at that time.
Carnations. — The layers, if well attended to from
the lirst, will have become sufficiently rooted to
allow of severance from the parent plant and planting
where they are to flower next year, or for potting
and keeping in cold frames during the winter. In
all but the very coldest parts of these islands and in
smoky centres, border Carnations are best outdoors,
and especially if the soil be light. In clayey and wet
soils, winter protection is often necessary ; but the less
codling, as a rule, the plants receive, the better. The
beds and sites for receiving the layers should be
changed annually, and should be prepared by digging
and manuring, new loam or decayed manure, or both,
forming a good dressing for the beds or patches.
After making the soil firm by treading it evenly and
regularly all over, and in the case of beds lining
them out in quadrangular shape, plant out the
stronger and better-rooted layers at one foot apart
Potted plants should be made firm in the soil, ami
afforded an abundance of air always, except during
hard frosts.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford. Dorkinj;.
Odontogl . •. Where these plants are culti-
vated largely it will take some considerable time to get
them all repotted, and while this work is iu progress,
other plants will be requiring similar attention.
Loelia elegans now flowering from the new pseudo-
bulbs should be repotted, if necessary, as soon as the
flowers fade, the new roots at that time emitted
from the base of the floweiing-bulb, enabling the
plant to establish itself. Afford plenty of drainage
in the pots, and a thin layer of sphagnum-moes
over the crocks ; and use peat and sphagnum-
moss in equal ^i, entities, mixing plenty of small clean
crocks with it. When repotting any tall-growing
species of Lielia, make the pseudo-bulbs firm by
fastening them to a neat and durable Btick, and keep
the base of the plant above the rim of the pot. At
this period some of the plants are in bloom, others
fast sending up bloom-spikes, the young pseudo-bulbs
being especially tender and subject to decay from
water lodging in the centre of the growths, too great
moisture in the compost, or a too low temperature ; or
excess of moisture in the atmosphere will also cause
the leaves and bulbs to decay. If injury arises from
excess of moisture at the root, forthwith repot the
plant and place it in a drier and warmer house. If
caused by the other evils, which are only local, the
affected pseudo-bulb may be removed almost to its
base, affording water with care afterwards, and gradu-
ally exposing the plant to more light aud air. If a
plant exhibits no further sigrs of discoloration, it
will commence to root, and may then be repotted
in the manner advised for healthy plants. A newly-
potted plant of L;elia elegans requires careful water-
ing, as any excess causes the tips of the roots to
become black. First afford as much water as will
moisten the compost, aud subsequently less frequently,
and gradually diminish the quantity according to the
activity of the roots. At the present time, and
during the winter, the plants of this species should
be placed at the warmest end of the Cattleya- house,
or where the warmth is about 60°. Our late-
flowering plants of Lselia purpurata are starting
into growth, and any that require repotting will be
attended to when the growths are a few inches high.
Large specimens that may have lost many old back
pseudo-bulbs may be divided and remade up ; decayed
portions of the rhizome, dead roots, being removed,
and the worn - out compost replaced with new. L.
purpurata requires a deep pot and plenty of compost
The varieties of Cattleya Eldorado may now be re-
potted. Keep them in the warm part of the Cattlcya-
house, and when the night temperature of that house
falls to or below 60°, place them in the cooler part
of the East Indian-house. C. Bowringeana which has
ceased to grow, does not need frequently to be
afforded water, the pseudo-bulbs turning black, and
the inflorescence being lost if too much moisture be
afforded. This applies also to plants of C. Skinneri,
Cattleya Dormaniana and C. bicolor. C. Lawrenceana,
C. exonieusis , C. amethystoglossa, C. elongata
(Alexandra), and Lselia tencbrosa, now in good
growth, will be benefited if placed at the warmer end
of the house and raised to the roof. Small plants
being suspended from the roof, will assist in the
timely formation of the new pseudo-bulbs. C.
Dowiana and C. D. aurea, now in bloom, should be
placed where they can get plenty of light to ripen
their growths, water being carefully afforded. Lselia
pumila aud its varieties should be hung up to the roof
of the Cattleya-house, plenty of water being afforded
them till the flowers fade, and growth for the season
is at an end. Cattleya Triamei, C. Mendeli, C.
Sehrodene, C. Percivalliaua, C. maxima, C. labiata
(the autumn - flowering variety), and others which
have ceased to grow, will require less water at the
root, every ray of sunlight, and as much fresh air
as it is practicable to give them. During the dull
■lamp weather it is advisable to look over the Cat-
tleyas and Ladias every morning, letting out the
moisture that gathers iu the sheaths, which, if not
removed by slitting those that are damp-looking,
will cause decay. The plants so treated should
be kept dry at the root, and removed to a drier house
for a few 'lays. If a pseudo-bulb is seen to be
turning black, the plant should be treated as advised
for Laelia elegans.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Tomato*. — Plants which have borne much fruit
should be removed, and new plants for winter-fruit-
ing planted in their places. These plants should
have been setting their fruit outdoors, but it being
risky to allow them to stay there any longer, it is
well to plant them forthwith under glass. The house
or pots, before the plants are placed in them, should
be cleaned and fumigated, and if the Tomato-fly has
been a source of trouble, flowers-of-sulphur may be
burned in them, or Richards' XL All employed in its
place. The proper drainage of the beds is an impor-
tant matter, and this must be examined, and if found
faulty, put in good order. Be careful in fastening
the plants to the trellises that the stem does not get
twisted : and rub off all laterals, so as to allow
of the plants being stood nearly close together.
If the plants are already in their winter quarters, the
roots must not be allowed to ramble at will, but they
must be coufined or restricted in some way. It is
always advisable to set the blooms, if possible, out-of-
doors, the couditious favouring setting during the
line days in early September. The redundant growths
of shoots and leaves on fruiting plants should be
regularly reduced, so that light may reach the ripen •
ing fruits. Afford water rather sparingly, and ventilate
freely iu fine weather, and gather the fruit as soon .
as it is well coloured. Cather all fruits on out-of-
doors plants if frost appears imminent, hanging them
in a warm glass-house to ripen.
Pinery. — No time should now be lost in getting
the various divisions put in order for the winter,
washing the walls, &c., with soft-soap and water iu
which half-a-pint of petroleum to the pailful is
mixed ; not forgetting when washing the walls to
wash those of the pit that will contain the fermenting
materials for bottom-heat. If tree-leaves in a fresh
state are used at this season, great care must be
taken that the plants do not suffer from any excess
of heat iu the bed, fresh leaves being very liable to
heat violently, which, if it happen when the bulk of
the plants are resting, would be very disastrous.
Fruiting Phials carrying fruit will require a steady
bottom-heat of 85°, and to be examined carefully
once a week to ascertain if any plant requires water
at the root, water being afforded a plant till the fruit
it is carrying begins to colour, and then withheld.
Succession - plants, which have quite, or nearly
finished their growth for the season, should be kept
in a moderately dry condition at the root— not too
dry, or they may fruit prematurely. The bottom-heat
should not exceed 80°, or the night temperature 62°
Suckers which have made free growths, and are
likely to get pot-bound before the spring, may still be
repotted into comparatively small pots. Advantage
should be taken of the first warm day to wash the
walls aud glass of all pits and houses containing
Pines, even should the occupants of the same need
uq immediate attention.
200
THE GABDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 18, 1897.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY,
MONDAY,
Sept 21 ^ Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
' " \ mittees.
pr. io i
TUESDAY, Sept. 21
SALES.
Bulbs, Tat Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Clearance Sale of Glass Erections,
Piping, &c , at the Layfield
Nursery, Sudbury, Harrow, by
Protheroe & Morris.
WEDNESDAY, Sept.22
(Bulbs at Protheroe & Morris"
Rooms.
Clearance Sale of Glass Erections,
THURSDAY,
\ Piping, &c, at the Rose Nur-
I sery. High Street, Clapham, by
V Protheroe &. Morris.
/ Bulbs at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Sept. 23( Sale of Palms, Ferns, Shrubs, &c ,
at the Floral Nurseries, Castle
Hill, Maidenhead.
Bulbs at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
'j Orchids, at Protheroe <6 Morris'
[ Ro ms.
Sept.
,J
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 56.6°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London. — September 15: Max., 673 ; Min., 52°.
Provinces. — September 16 : Max., 62°, at York ; Min., r.:i",
at Snmburgh Head.
Do Orchids
degenerate ?
The report of the Congres Hor-
ticole de la Societe Nationals
d'Hortioulture de Franoe, 1897,
revives the question, "Do certain Orchids
degenerate under cultivation ? " — a question
which has been frequently touched upon in the
pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle. In speaking
on the subject, M. Georges Grigxax made
some excellent remarks, the tendency of which
was to maintain that the question was by no
means settled, and that, were it possible, it
should be submitted to universal suffrage ; and
even then the matter would possibly be as
indefinitely terminated as it is now.
We may say that we agree with the views
expressed by M. Georges Grignan ; and as it
is a matter of the highest importance to the
large number of amateurs now cultivating
Orchids, we venture to touch on the subject in
the hope that some of our readers may be able,
and willing, to give their version of it.
In the first place we should say that, in order
to start fairly, the question should rather be
put, ' ' Do certain Orchids degenerate under
cultivation more than other plants which are
not easily propagated ? " It may be said that
all cultivated plants which are not readily
increased by seeds, cuttings, runners, or in
some other manner whereby the re-establish-
ment of the plant as a young specimen, free
from the infirmities of the old stock plant is
secured, are liable to degenerate more or less
quickly, the rate in a great measure being de-
termined by the care bestowed on them, and the
suitableness or otherwise of their surroundings.
It is not too much to say that plants, like men,
must terminate their existence at some time or
other, whether in their native habitats or under
cultivation ; and it is doubtful whether a huge
mass of Cattleya freshly imported does not last
as long as a single specimen in the Orchid-
growers hands, if it be properly treated, as it
would be in its native habitat. But in its
native home, when the feebleness of old age
comes on, some of the stronger pieces on its
outer circumference establish themselves as
centres, and when the main plant collapses,
they start anew as fresh plants This process
(a very common one among hardy perennials)
is analogous to what is called degeneracy under
cultivation, and one of the methods of prevent-
ing the loss of the plants would be to imitate
nature and start with fresh young specimens.
This practice is much resorted to by nurserymen,
and there are numberless instances of Orchids
which were only imported as a single specimen,
or in other cases as two or three specimens, and
by propagation under cultivation, they have
become tolerably plentiful, and more healthy
to-day than was the first imported plant. One
of the most familiar instances of this is
Dendrobium nobile nobilius, though that is
scarcely a severe test, for the species is
not generally on the black list, but still
there are numbers of gardeners who do not
succeed in growing it well.
And with regard to the list of species difficult
to grow, it appears that what one grower con-
siders difficult, another manages very well ;
and the genera which are considered impossible
to cultivate k>-day, may be as easily managed
by those who understand them in ten years' time,
unsatisfactory, though here and there sufficient
specimens of them in rude health may be found
to redeem them from the list of unmanageables,
which, generally speaking, means plants not
understood, or for which no proper accommo-
dation has yet been found. Of these we may
mention Saccolabiums, Aerides, Yandas, and
other evergreen Orchids of the same class,
with which the greater number of Orchid-
growers fail, probably from the same cause as
growers of the Catasetums failed in times
gone by, viz., an excess of heat and moisture
at the season, when, though evergreen, they
require, in the same manner a? the deciduous
plants coming from the same districts, a resting
season, though not necessarily a drying-off.
Cattleya Mossice has by some means got the
reputation of degenerating, though in some of
our old gardens, where a few Orchids are grown
among other plants, it is no uncommon thing
to find great specimens of it, and of other
reputed " bad doers,'' which have been in the
Fig. 59. — a plant of nepenthes x tivevi : pitchers coloured
iirown^and green.
(Shown by Messrs, .1. Veitch & Sons. See p. 201.)
as some of the things considered very difficult
to manage ten years ago are easily grown
to-day. Take, for example, the Catasetums,
Mormodes, and Cycnoches, which up to a few
years ago had a bad reputation as being un-
manageable. To-day you may see in Sir
Trevor Lawrence's collection, and in others,
a large number of specimens which have been
cultivated for years, and with increasing
strength of flower and growth. The reason
of this change will explain a large number of
successes with plants that were formerly regarded
as difficult.
Formerly, when Catasetums and other plants
of the class alluded to were received, they were
placed on the staging among other Orchids,
and watered more or less all the year round,
like too many other subjects which require a
distinct period of growth, and as well marked
a period of rest — and degeneracy and death
were the consequences. Now, they receive
special treatment, and are grown well, and
afterwards they are properly ripened ; the period
of inacivity serving the all-important pur-
pose of ensuring their doing but twelve-
months' work in one year. There are yet many
classes which are at present deemed generally
same garden for a great many years. In fact,
such specimens now are more often found in
gardens where a collection of Orchids is not
attempted than they are in collections almost
exclusively of Orchids, and in which the
degeneracy is said to be noted. And this fact
brings us to another thought as to the great
cause of the so-called degeneracy, viz., over-
crowding. In the early days of Orchid-
culture small consignments were the rule, and
the specimens were carefully guarded and given
space by the cultivators who received them ;
now the plants come over by the thousand, and
it is quite a common thing for amateurs to
buy a hundred or so of a species at a time. The
consequence is, that suddenly an amateur starts
with new houses and plenty of room. In the
early days all goes well, for anyone can grow
Orchids for a time ; then, as large quantities
are continually being added, the houses begin
to get crowded, and the owner finds for the
first time that Orchids are not so easy to grow
as he thought, and that some of them are
degenerating. The plants have the same
nature as they had when they did well, but
the conditions are altered. The subject is an
interesting one, and its bearings numerous ;
September 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
201
and in future issues we hope, with the assist-
ance of some of our readers, to give particulars
of some species of Orchids, of which the plants
noted have been in cultivation for a great
number of years.
But before leaving the subject, we would like
to point out the importance of raising Orchids at
home. To a great extent, so far, the experiments
have consisted of raising cross-bred varieties, and
our experience of these tends to prove that the
home-raised plant has a better constitution,
and can better adapt itself to our climate and
houses than the imported specimens can
be expected to do. The question is, then
(although it would take time), would it not be
wise to raise uncrossed, or true, many of the
finer varieties of Cattleyas, Lselias, and other
popular Orchids, and thus, while increasing
the plants wished for, get also the better
constitution which comes with the seedling
plant raised in the country in which it has to
grow ?
It is true that disease, which many Orchid-
growers attribute to unsuitable surroundings
and errors iu treatment, attacks Orchids in some
collections ; but it can no more be spoken of as
either the cause or the effect of degeneracy, than
the diseases attributable to unhealthy surround-
ings and errors in diet which afflict human
beings can be said either to point to, or arise
from the degeneracy of mankind.
FlC. 60. — PITCHER OF NEPENTHES X TIVEYI.
NEPENTHES x TIVEYI.— Our illustrations repre-
sent a full-sized pitcher and the plant as it appears at
the present time, of a new hybrid of Nepenthes raised
by Messrs. J. Veitch k Sons, of the Royal Exotic
Nursery, Chelsea, and exhibited by them at the Royal
Horticultural Society's meeting held at the Drill Hall,
James Street, Westminster, on Tuesday, 7th inst.
The plant is the result of a cross between the species
N. Curtisii and N. Veitchi, and is named in honour
of Mr. Tivey, one of Messrs. Veitch's able hothouse
foremen. The ground colour of the body of the
pitcher is of a light green, streaked and blotched with
a bright brown tint, as i-s likewise the prolongation
of the midrib of the leaf on which the pitcher
depends. A conspicuous feature is the broad, con-
vex rim of the pitcher, which is of bright reddish-
brown, running into a lighter shade towards the inner
edge, and beautifully lined. The operculum or lid
resembles the rest of the pitcher in regard to the
ground colour and markings; the wings are green,
and possess a few long haiis. The pitchers in general
partake of the charateristics of both parents — N.
Veitchi, a Bornean species of great beauty, going
sometimes under the names of villosa and sanguinea,
and figured and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
December 7, 1881 ; and N. Curtisii, also Bornean,
introduced by Messrs. Veitch through Mr. Curtis
and figured and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
December 3, 1887.
The Cultivation of Cyclamens is the title
of a lecture to be delivered at a meeting of the Com-
mittees of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tues-
day next, in the Drill Hall, Westminster.
The British Association.— The second Cana-
dian meeting of the British Association, as we learn
from the Times of Sept. 11, has come to an end.
The general impression is, that in many respects it
has been one of the most successful meetings ever
held. In point of numbers it is, as might be ex-
pected, below the average ; the total is 1360. But
in the number and character of the papers, in
several at least of the sections, the Toronto meeting
will compare favourably with any recent meeting.
In the Botanical Section the papers were almost
all of a highly technical nature, dealing largely with
the microscopical structure of plants. Mr. Seward's
lecture on " Fossil-plants " was one of the most warmly
received contributions to the work of the session.
202
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 18, 97.
The subject was most logically an! lucidly presented,
pnd excellently demonstrated. In conjunction with
the physiologists, th^ botanists devoted the bulk of
Tuesday to the discussion of the chemistry and
stiucture of the cells in plants.
To the Members of the National Rose
SOCIETY. — We are requested to publish the
enclosed : — "I do not think that any member of the
National Rose Society who is interested in its welfare,
can be quite satisfied with its present condition. It
is true that each year our schedule of prizes becomes
more and more enlarged, that new classes are origi-
nated, and that some few of our members generously
come forward to offer an additional stimulus to exhi-
bitors ; that we have issued several publications, and
that the number of the societies affiliated with us does
not diminish, but at the same time there seems to be
that want of enthusiasm, without which no cause can
prosper. It is probably the very fact of our having
always a credit-balance at our bankers' at the end of
the year that leads our members to be satisfied with
the present condition of things ; but when we con-
sider that the number of our members has not of
late years increased, I do not think that we can
congratulate ourselves overmuch. This opinion has
been expressed by many, and various suggestions have
been made as to how it is to be remedied ; many of
these seem to me unpractical and impracticable, and
I have therefore felt constrained as the founder of this
Society, and m >t in any official capacity, to make this
appeal. I want to ask you, my friends, if each one
of you could procure an additional member ? There
are many, both professionals and amateurs, who have
received considerable sums as prize-money, who have
never as yet brought us a new member. Will you not,
then, bestir yourselves, and see if you cannot remedy
this evil ? Of course, I do not anticipate any
immediate response to this note, as we are drawing
towards the end of our year ; but I do want you to
think over it, and lay to heart the suggestions
thar I have made. Let me again say, that this
move is an entirely independent one, and in no
way compromises anyone but myself, but I feel it is
necessary to make this appeal, when I note the steady
and, in fact, rapid advance of other societies devoted
to various branches of horticulture, while our society
is practically merely holding its own. //. Hollywood
UOmhraia."
British Exhibits at the Hamburg Special
Autumnal Exhibition. — The prize-list of the
autumn special exhibition of the great general horticul-
tural show now running at Hamburg reveals the names
of only two exhibitors from this country, viz., Messrs.
Hugh Low & Co., nurserymen, of Clapton and
Enfield, and of Messrs. F. Sander & Co., of St.
Albans and Bruges ; and the first-named firm was
successful in obtaining a small Gold Medal for a
group of Orchids. Messrs. Sander « Co. showed
much more numerously, apparently, taking a small
Gold Medal for five species of Nepenthes, a large
Silver Medal for three species of Nepenthes ; a large
Silver Medal for one plant of Nepenthes, and the
small State Medal, together with a special prize of
1000 marks given by Commercial Councillor Riede-
mann for a numerous collection of Nepenthes.
A large Gold State Medal was also awarded
them for some novelty, the name of which the prize-
list does not disclose. The St. Albans firm were
likewise awarded a Large Silver Medal for a group of
fifty plants of Araucaria excelsa var. glauca, and six of
A. e. var. compacta robusta ; and a Small Gold
Medal and Mr. E. Amsinck'b special prize of 1000
marks for a group of new and rare Palms, including
a specimen of Bismarckia.
Wolverhampton Gardeners' Horticul-
tural Club.— A lecture on Orchids was given to
the members of this association of gardeners on the
7th inst. by Mr. H. A. Bubberry, formerly Orchid
grower at Highbury, Birmingham. The lecturertreated
his subject from the standpoint of a gardener having
but little glass accommodation : and dealt chiefly
with those species that succeed with but little
warmth. After reviewing the general situation
and pointing out how extremely simple were the
needs of most species, he entered fully into the
cultural methods found to answer with cool Orchids.
He placed them in two classes, viz,, the warmer
and the cooler sections ; the former differing
from the latter only because more Bun heat
should be given them during the summer, when
they are growing. He fully described the cultivation
which each requires, and enumerated a large number
of the more popular and showy species which
flourish under identical conditions of culture. A
hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer terminated the
proceedings.
Hybrid Vines (Rapport dc M. L. Linda, Profesn
de Technologic Agricolc a L'fiutitut National Agrono-
itii'juc ; Sur r Analyse -dcs Vins Normands ; Com-
munique a VAcadimie des Sciences, par M. Aime
Oirard, le 15 Mars, 1897. — We learn from this
report that the Vines discovered and brought to
Europe by M. R. P, David from [China, and the
Japanese Vines brought by M. Henri Degron in
18S2, have been propagated to such an extent that
cuttings of them have been sent to 85 departments.
Pre'coce Capiat is a cross between [Romaneti (Vitis
cordifolia) and Spinovitis. It is a vigorous-growing
plant, with bunches of Grapes 20 to 30 centimetres,
i.e., S to 1L} inches long, ripening at Damigny, near
Alencon, in the department of l'Orne, therefore, at
the extreme limit of the cultivation of the Vine
between September 1 to 15. This is as early as the
other Vines grown in this locality, namely, Pagnucci
and Romaneti. The pulp of Pre'coce Capiat is almost
always of a deep red colour, and rarely rose-coloured.
The analysis of the wine made in 1893, 1S95, and
1S96, gave very favourable results, it being a much
superior wine to the vins ordinaircs, and richer in
alcohol and acidity, and containing less tannin, tartar,
and inorganic matter than either Romaneti (cordi-
folia), R. (triloba), Pagnucci, or Spinovitis Davidi.
In colour it resembles the wine of central Spain. In
central and southern France, it is calculated that in
ordinary years, the Grapes of Pre'coce Capiat will be
ready for the vintage in August. It is thought that
it will afford a good stock on which to graft the best
French varieties.
Physalis peruviana and P. pubescens.—
The fruits of Physalis pubescens and P. peruviana are
seldom seen on the dessert-table in this country, but
in France and the South of Europe they are valued
on account of their slightly acid taste, and they are
eaten raw. P. pubescens is a perennial plant, with
a branching angular stem, 2J to 3 feet high ; heart-
shaped or oval leaves ; solitary flowers, yellowish
and small, and marked with a brown spot in the
centre. The large bladder-shaped calyx contains a
juicy orange-yellow fruit, about the size of an ordi-
nary Cherry. In this country, as also in Northern
France, it must be accorded the same kind of treat-
ment as the Tomato. P. peruviana differs but little
from the first-named. Its berries are yellow, and
they make a nice preserve. The cultivation of
this species is making some progress in Tunis,
where the | plants commence to ripen their
fruits at the end of May, and find at that season a
ready sale in Paris and other French cities. The
number of fruits borne by a plant is about 300, and
the produce of an are ( = 120 square yards) is from 150
to 200 kilos.
Yorkshire Naturalists' Union.— The 134th
meeting will be held at Barnsley, for a fungus foray,
from Saturday to Monday, September IS to 20. Mr.
A. Clakke will assist Mr. Crossland, the Hon.
Secretary, in carrying out the arrangements. Mem-
bers will find ample accommodation at "The
Queen's." " King's Head,'' " Coach and Horses,"
"Royal,'' Pierce's ''Temperance," Clegg & Potts'
"Temperance" (all within three minutes of the
meeting-room). The district to be investigated is
shown on sheet 87 S.W. of the 1-inch Ordnance-map.
Permission to visit their estates is kindly granted by
Colonel W. T. Spencer Stanhope, C.B., Mr. God-
frey Wentworth, and Mr. T. W. Vernon Went-
worth. Mycologists and others interested are cor-
dially iovited to attend the excursions, and take part
in the investigations. At 6.30 p.m. a short address
will be delivered by Mr. George Massee, F.L.S.,
entitled " A Talk on Edible and Poisonous Fungi."
A lantern will be provided for the illustration of the
paper, and for showing any slides relating to fungi
that may be sent. Mr. A. Clarke will exhibit a
number of stereoscopic photographs of fungi. The
fungi collected will be on view, and several micro-
scopes will be available. All parties will each day
after the ramble meet at the Lecture-hall, Harvey
Institute, to examine the specimens collected ; and
the specimens will be arranged and on exhibition on
Monday evening. Consignments of fungi from other
parts of Yorkshire, and from Lincolnshire, will be
gladly received; theyshouldbe labelled with the locality
and collector's name, be packed in moss or grass (not
paper), and addressed to Mr. E. G. Batford, 20,
Eldon Street, Barnsley. Information in regard to
the route to be taken and other matters, will be
furnished on application to the Hon. Secretary,
4, Coleridge Street, Halifax.
Blenheim, Woodstock. — Visitors to the
Oxfordshire seat of the Duke of Marlborough,
may be interested in learning that a sum of £35,000
is being spent on cleansing the well-known great lake.
In the pleasure-grounds, very large and separate
clumps of Acer Negundo foliis variegata and
Prunus Pissardi have been planted ; and these two
most effective subjects are also planted in asso-
ciation.
Wanton Destruction of Natural
BEAUTY. — "The church and burial-ground of St.
Mary's, Stoke Newington, date back to the seven-
teenth century, and the trees which almost concealed
the old church from the adjoining highway of Church
Street have for years been the pride and admiration
of the older inhabitants of the parish. There is a
clock in the church-tower, and at a recent parish
meeting the rector was asked to have the ancient
trees lopped, so that passers-by could see the time.
Tho rector (Rev. Prebendary Shelford) declined to
accede to the request. Last week, during the absence of
tha rector at the funeral of the Bishop of Wake-
field, a number of roadmen in the employ of the
vestry took possession of the burial-ground, and
lopped the trees in a most astonishing fashion. The
matter came before the vestry late on Tuesday night,
when Mr. J. J. Rcntz, J.P. (the vicar's church-
warden), asked by whose authority the work of
' destruction ' had been carried out. The trees, he
said, had been hacked in such a manner that they
could not possibly recover their pristine beauty
during the lifetime of any of the members present.
The magnificent row of Limes at the entrance to
Clissold Park are now unrecognisable. Prebendary
Shelford (the rector) said it was not by his autho-
rity that the trees had been cut. He believed that a
distinctly illegal act had been done, but no amount
of damages could compensate for the loss of beauty
to the district. The matter was referred to a
committee for further enquiry. Daily Chronidc.
Royal Horticultural and Agricultural
Society of Ghent.— On the occasion of the meet-
ing of the above, on September 0, awards were made
as follows : Certificates of Merit, to three Sonerilas,
shown by M. L. De Smet-Dovivier ; to Sobralia
xantholeuca, shown by the Marquis de Wavrin, with
acclamation ; to Beaufortia purpurea, Chironia
exifera, Chironia floribunda, shown by M. E. Beding-
HATJS; and to cut blooms of a double flowered Begonia
shown by M. Ernest De Cleboq.
The POTATO Crop in England is not likely to
be more than an average one. There is still an
uncertainty, however, due to the altered climatic
conditions during the past few weeks. Growers are
anxiously awaiting the lifting of the crop. In
Ireland there seems little doubt that disease has
attacked the tubers, and very seriously injured the
crop, which will probably be the worst for years past.
Some predict a Potato famine. In any case, the
prices for Potatos will be higher during the coming
winter than has been the case for several seasons.
September 18, H'-7.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
203
.The Church Armvs Emigration Test
Farm. — The Earl of Winchii.sea has joined the
Management Committee of the Church Army aa
honorary adviser to the Society's emigration test farm
and market garden. Mr. Frank Spicer, of Farn-
borough. has also become an honorary agricultural
adviser.
The Importation of Belgian Witloof
NTO FRANCE. — Tne importation of Brussels Endive
or Witloof into France, according to the Journal du
Cork II 'tii il du Nbrd, has assumed large dimen-
sions in recent years, and the greater part of the
Witloof consumed in that country, is of Belgian
growt'a, there being, it is calculated, about a million
.and a half kilos, imported. ^Tue Halles in Paris and
and continues to increase its demands. The
total produce of the champagne districts is some
25,000,000 bottles, and 22,000,000 are exported. In
1894 and beginning of 1S95. the consignments to this
country showed a falling off ; however, a decided
increase took place in the second quarter of 1895.
While the quantity exported to us during the first
five months of that year amounted to 3,252,0
bottles, it increased in the corresponding period of
1898 to 3,936,000 bottles. It is to be noted, that
whilst the trade with America remains stationary,
that with Russia, Germany, and Belgium shows an
increase in proportion corresponding to that of our
own. It would be interesting to our transatlantic
friends if they could get at the actual consumption of
mm '
■'
_ mp
Fig. 61.— A "crested" begonia.
of low-lying fogs, the search -light which render-
them visible is an invaluable assistant. A year ago
some accounts wero published relative to the cloud
effects on Mount Low and Pasadena. According to
these accounts Mount Low is about 15 miles norths
north-east from Los Angeles, and about 6 miles in a
straight line from Pasadena. When the beam of light
fell upon the bodies of clouds they at once became
luminous, so that all the details of motion were
visible ; when the beam fell upon the falling rain,
the great cone of light glowed like molten metal. It
seems, concludes Prof. Abbe, that the formation and
motion of fog and cloud a', night-time could be
advantageously studied by means of the search-light.
The height at which fog first forms, and its gradual
extension upwards and downwards during the night,
would be a very interesting and profitable investiga-
tion. Nature, September.
THE CODLIN MOTH. — Those orchardists who
have but few Apples this year will have their compen-
sation next year in the greatly lessened numbers of
the Codlin-moth. It has been remarked that in
orchards which had few Apples in any one year, the
fruits were not greatly injured the following year,
even when no measures were taken to prevent an
attack. This was doubtless owing to the moth
finding few or no fruit in which to develop the maggot.
ASPARAGUS RUST.- We remark in Garden and
Forest for August 25, an article, with illustrations of
a disease of Asparagus, appearing in the U.S.A.,
which takes the form of a rust, and is due to a fungus,
Puceinia asparagi. The parasite is exceedingly
minute, consisting of microscopic threads, which
penetrate the tissues of the Asparagus plant, deriving
its nourishment therefrom, and breaking through
the surface to bear the innumerable brown spores
that impart the dark colour to the spots on the stems.
The Bordeaux Mixture has been used as a protection
and preventive dressing. As a means of destroying
the spores existing on the mature stems and leaves,
collecting these and forthwith burning them, is an
obvious way of lessening the risks of an attack of the
fungus another year.
Valuation of Nursery Ground.— Messrs.
T. Kennedy & Co., of Dumfries, have successfully
appealed against the valuation of their York Place
Nurseries, at Dumfries, which was assessed at £60.
The claim for a reduction to £40 was granted.
BELGIUM. — We published last week a few notes
of the exhibition of the Antwerp Royal Horticultural
Society. In addition to the Certificate of Rarity
obtained by M. F. DE Laet, of Contich, for Echino-
cactus Trollieti, this exhibitor was swarded Cultural
Certificates for E. Wislizeni and Melocactus com-
munis, a Gold Medal for a group of Cacti, and for
another group a silver gilt Medal.
Publications Received.— Kew Bulletin for
August and September. Diagnoses Africana, em-
bracing 181 species of plants ; also a few miscellaneous
notes. — Dirtioniiaire iconotjrapluque des Orchids, by
A. Cogniaux and A. Goossens : Epidendrum. —
Florilegium Harlemense. Coloured plates, with de-
scriptions of bulbous and tuberous-rooted plants.
the environs are credited with a million kilos, a year,
which is about three-fourths of the entire foreign
importations of this salad plant. Our gardeners are
evidently not the only ones who feel the pinch of
'■ foreign " competition.
Produce of French Vineyards.— Trust-
worthy information on this subject is always of
interest to consumers in this country — which is so
profitable a customer of the French agriculturist.
Certainly not the most or the best is made of eider,
perry, and Hops in this country : and until proper
attention is given to what may be termed our
national beverages, Freuch wines of a good class
will always command attention. In a recent number
of the French Economist some interesting particulars
are given as to the production and exportation of
champagne. Thus we are told that Great Britain
ss the largest foreign consumer of this wine.
champagne in the States : in this way they could get at
the amount to be placed to the credit of the American
producer.
THE HEIGHT OF CLOUDS.— A method of de-
termining the heights of clouds, and especially of the
ill-defined stratus clouds, by means of the search-
light, was suggested by Prof. Cleveland Abbe many
years ago. It was proposed to establish a search-
light, the beams of which should be vertical : the
apparent altitude of the centre of the luminous spot
of the cloud was to be observed from a station not
far away, and the height was a matter of easy calcula-
tion. Prof. C. Abbe returns to the subject in the
Monthly Weather Review (May), and points out that
with the great increase in the power of the modem
search-light, further applications have become prac-
ticable ; thus in harbours on the sea-coast, where
one wishes to ascertain the presence and development
A "CRESTED" BEGONIA.
During the present year we have on several
occasions, given illustrations of " crested " Cyclamen
flowers, and in fig. 61 is reproduced a bloom of a
tuberous-rooted Begonia shown at the last meeting of
the Royal Horticultural Society, from the gardens of
Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bt., Dorking. Mr. Bain writes
us : " I cannot yet say much about the crested Begonias.
Sir T. Lawrence has half a dozen varieties of them
in different colours, and showing crests of different
degree. By saving seed from the best crested varieties.
I hope to obtain flowers with larger crests. The
varieties appear to retain their flowers longer than the
normal single-flowered ones." In the case of the
Cyclamen the "crest" tendency has been much
developed, and no doubt this is just as possible with
the Begonia.
204
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Seitbmber 1?, 1807.
Home Correspondence.
APPLE PEASGOOD'S NONSUCH.— la calling at
Falkland Park, South No-wood, recently, a bit of in-
formation which may be useful to gardeners was
gleaned from Mr. A. Wright, viz., that this variety of
Apple forms a fruit bud — if in bearing condition — on
the terminus bud of the shoots ; and if the trees are
pruned on the short spur-system, the result is a barren
tree. J. B.
THE NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY'S
DISQUALIFIED EXHIBITS.— The recent disqualifica-
tion at the Aquarium Show must, in a great measure,
be attributed to the ambiguous wording of the
schedule. For several years past, various classes for
the September Show were stated to be for "blooms
of any large flowering varieties,'' and what is under-
stood to be such have been exhibited with success.
This year it reads the same, but a note is appended at
the bottom of the amateur classes as follows : " Only
the varieties included under the head of early flowering
in the society's Jubilee catalogue, '96, can be
exhibited in the foregoing classes." This apparently
was overlooked or misinterpreted by the various ex-
hibitors, and disqualification was the result. Among the
early -flowering varieties given in the catalogue, very few,
if any, can be called large-flowering, neither do they
all bloom in September. Should not the foot-note
distinctly state that the whole of the varieties must
be culled from the list as given in the catalogue i
And, further, is it advisable to attempt to encourage
the cultivation of these small-flowering early varie-
ties, except it be in the natural or bush form ? If
such stipulation be considered a wise one, then the
selection must be compiled with more care than has
been displayed in the Jubilee catalogue, for several of
the finest and largest-flowering early-blooming varie-
ties are omitted. Two in particular I would men-
tion, viz., Queen of the Earlies and Barbara Forbes.
These were sent out as early-flowering varieties in the
spring of 1896, and were shown at several of the earlier
meetings of the National Chrysanthemum Society in
the autumn of 1895. Of the first-named, the late
Mr. W. Piercey, no mean authority, repeatedly
expressed the opinion that it was by far the finest
early white variety in existence ; and two seasons ago,
Mr. W. H. Lees, who is one of the catalogue committee
pronounced it immensely superior to Madame C.
Desgranges. Barbara Forbes received the firpt and
only First-class Certificate awarded by the National
Chrysanthemum Society throughout last September ;
yet, strange to relate, neither of these varieties is to
be found in the early-flowering list of the National
Chrysanthemum Society, and for this reason they were
disqualified by the judges (to whom no blame can be
attached) at the recent exhibition. That they
were known to the committee is proved by
the fact that they are to be found in the
general selection. It is worthy of remark that
several varieties which have repeatedly been exhibited
and catalogued by many of the trade are omitted from
the catalogue, whilst quite two-thirds of those cata-
logued have not and never will be grown by English
growers. Annie Heard, perhaps the prettiest and most
graceful single white flowered Chrysanthemum that we
possess, was certificated by the National Chrysanthe-
mum Society and Royal Horticultural Society in 1S95 ;
yet it is not to be found in the selected list of singles
of the Jubilee catalogue. If not worthy of inclusion,
why certificate it, and what value can the members of
the catalogue committee themselves place upon the
certificates 1 W. J. Godfrey.
PLAGUE OF WASPS. — I do not know if wasps are
very numerous this seaBon generally, but this neigh-
bourhood is quite overrun with them. To-day I
started five men in search of nests, and within the
space of two hours they found no less than nineteen,
all within a quarter of a mile of our fruit-garden. To-
day I was examining a fruit of Beurre" d'Amanlis
Pear, and I found no less than twelve wasps inside
of it. What can one do to protect his fruit under
these circumstances 1 The insects attack the fruits
long before they are ripe. John Butler, Nbrmanton
Park Gardens, Stamford,
LARGE ONIONS. — For some two or three years
the Hackwood-raised Onions, chiefly Ailsa Craig, have
been the best that have been shown anywhere in the
Kingdom, taking all the leading prizes. What will be
the entire result of the present year's crop here has
yet to be seen ; but there are in the garden-sheds
hundreds of superb bulbs, ranging from vi lb. to 3 lb.
each, perfect in form, and as solid as a cannon-ball.
It is interesting to find that these grand bulbs are
produced each year from the same ground, which is
each season deeply trenched, the bottom being brought
to the top every time, so that the soil is all of the
same quality, and the ample feeding and great depvh
allow the roots to go deep, and they will do so. Allied
to sowing seed under glass in the mid-winter, and
putting out the young plants when strong and
sturdy in April, these are the chief elements in this
method of Onion production. Even if these fine
bulbs had no exhibition value, and that is consider-
able, they constitute first-class seed stock ; indeed,
it is well known now, that even ordinary outdoor
spring-sown seed, if from such fine bulbs, produce
by far the finest stocks. I have been able to test
that point, this season, on comparatively poor ground
at Surbiton, having grown from an ordinary spring
sowing of Main Crop, Ailsa Craig, Crimson Globe,
Wroxton, and others, far finer bulbs than anyone on
the 150 allotments had, with better soil than mine.
This seed was saved from very fine bulbs given me in
1895, and grown for that purpose last year. The big
bulbs are also valuable for baking or stewing, consti-
tuting a mild flavoured yet delectable dish. A . X).
LADY HUTT GRAPES.— Last year Mr. Bowerman
fruited the black Appley Towers Grape finely at
Hackwood Park, but it is not so good this year ; and
he thinks it is a variety that does best on young
rods, and therefore should be grown on the long-rod
system in preference to hard-spurred rods. It would
be interesting to learn other gardeners' impressions.
Lady Hutt, growing in the same house, is this season
better than last year. The bunches are fi ne and massive,
and the berries large. Even when fully ripe, there
is in them a greenish hue that gives to the variety a
distinct appearance. Judging by what is seen of the
variety here, Lady Hutt should make a first-rate,
late, white Grape, either for exhibition, or for the
dessert. The border at Hackwood is outside, and
that fact has to be taken into consideration. A. D.
THE SPINELESS GOOSEBERRY. — We have a
bush of each of the varieties of the Bo-called Spine-
less Gooseberry, and for a spineless kind they are
wonderfully prickly ; they grow very slowly, have
had no fruit for two years, and are apparently undesir-
able additions to our fruit bushes. We will try
them for one more year, and if there is no improve-
ment to the rubbish heap they will have to go. Thos.
Fletcher, Qrappenhail, Cheshire.
LtRGE PEACHES.— A Peach-tree in an unheated
fruit-house at Blaithwaite Castle Gardens, Carlisle,
has this year borne some exceptionally big
fruit, and not having myself seen any of such
a size, it may be of interest to record the fact.
The tree is of the Barrington variety, and
was planted in the beginning of the year 1893.
In 1894 it produced three, in 1895 forty, and
in 1896 about 140 Peaches of an average size, none of
which was over 10 oz. This year it has not matured
so many fruit — about forty ordinarily-sized ones,
and eighteen large ones — these latter varying in
weight from 10 oz. to 14§ oz., well-shaped, nicely-
coloured and of good quality. They are borne on a
particular branch of the tree which produced very
tew fruit the preceding year, and this may partly
account for the size attained this year, although the
limb is on the more shaded side of the tree. /. Parkin,
Blaithwaite, Carlisle.
THE SOUTHERN COUNTIES CARNATION SO-
CIETY.— Nothing that has been said by your corre-
spondents suffices to remove from my mind the
impression that the proposed establishment of a
Southern Counties Carnation Society is a move
entirely in the interests of Mr. William Garton, Jun.
It is true the word "gratis " is written on the side of
the circular, but it is not printed, and has evidently
been added as an after-thought. The original pas-
sage runs: — "Mr. William Garton, Jun., is willing to
supply each new amateur member with twelve good
aud well-rooted plants of different varieties, and also
proposes to set aside, out of his large stock every
season, a certain number of plants to be distributed
among this class of competitors." I presume this was
thought to be a little too much of a tout for busi-
ness, and so the word " gratis" was added by the pen,
after that of supply in the first line, and it is now in
the form of a bribe to persons to become members.
It will be observed that it does not neces-
sarily follow that the term "gratis" applies
to the last half of the paBsage. It therefore appears
that in order to induce persons to become members
of the Southern Counties Carnation Society, and also
obtain possible purchasers of plants from Mr.
William Garton, Jun., a bribe in the way of a gift of
plants is nec«.-sary. To this I strongly object, as
subversive of all the best traditions of floriculture.
Almost every so - called amateur, who grows and
exhibits Carnations in the present day is a trader,
and many of them publish a list of varieties they wish
to dispose of. I have no doubt that what is termed
in the printed circular the leading professional
growers — that is, the legitimate traders — will note
this, and hold themselves severely aloof from the
Society, or any association with such questionable
floral philanthropy. " A. D." appears to find himself
in a tight place, and is driven to extremities to find a
justification for his hasty and ill-advised advocacy of
Mr. Garton's scheme. A n Old Florist.
PHYS'LIS FRANCHETI. — This is an acquisition
to our hardy plants. I obtained seed of good vegeta-
tive power in 1896, which gave me abundance of
plants, whereas that of 1895 was generally bad. The
large orange-coloured calices, many of them 9 inches
in circumference, have, when cut, a brilliant effect in
winter and autumnal decorations of all kinds. The
plant is of easy cultivation in good garden-soil, the
calices colouring well if the plants are grown in a
sunny spot. y. F. P.
FRUIT FROM THE CAPE. — Seeing the quota-
tion from the African Critic in your last issue, anent
the apathy exhibited by some of the fruit-growers at
the Cape, perhaps the following lines concerning one
of the first to attempt teaching them better things
may be interesting : — A young gardener named
Hutt was with me at Clumber some twenty years
ago. He soon afterwards went to the Cape, and is-
now superintendent at the office of the Board of
Trustees of the Maitland Road Cemetery. Returning
home some time since for two months' holiday, he
visited me at Ruxley Lodge, when we talked of old
matters and of new methods. The following remarks
were on the Peach as cultivated in the gardens at
Clumber. He observed on going to the Cape that
the ground for Peach-trees was well moistened during
the rainy season, and this he thought agreed with the
practice common at Clumber of affording heavy
drenchings to the Peach borders during winter
at a time when the roots are considered by many
to be at rest. I take no credit to myself
in the matter of watering fruit borders, for in.
my apprentice days at Erskine House Gardens,
under Mr. Sheils, our orders were to thoroughly
water one yard at a time, before watering another
yard, and so on to the end of the house,
and, if considered necessary, do it all over again.
Bud - dropping was not known at Erskine. Mr,
Hutt, seeing how luxuriant the Peach tree grew
as standards, and how they were smothered with
small fruits, which were not thinned, and that when-
ripe they were roughly gathered into baskets for
the Cape market, advised the growers to thin.
the fruits upon a few of the trees in their orchards,
and taught them to prepare them for market d la
Covent Garden. The result was a financial success
to the growerB, as the larger fruits fetched three
times the price obtained for the inferior ones in
their own market. Mr. Hutt'B next move was to try
and make England a new market for the Cape. Hie-
f ather being a market-gardener, h e had some experience
in packing fruits for Covent Garden Market. The
growers were somewhat diffident in the matter, but
after some persuasion he assisted them to pack three
boxes of their best fruits aB he had seen them packed
at Clumber. One box was sent to Covent Garden,
one box to the director of the Castle line of steamers,
and one to some other representative person. Hence
the beginning of the exportation of Peaches from the
Cape. /. Miller, Huxley Lodge Gardens, Eshtr.
TROPICAL FRUITS.— In last week's Home Corre-
spondence in the Gardeners' Chronicle there is an-
interesting statement on this subject. It is so
difficult to judge rightly by one's individual feelings
or senses, for there are no two persons who see alike,
smell alike, taste alike, hear alike, or feel alike. It is
quite true that " judging from the samples of tropical
fruit that come to this country," one can have no idea
whatever of what really good tropical fruits are like.
I once bought an Avocado Pear at one of the London
shops for either two or three shillings, and I am sure
I never tasted anything nastier ! But it is quite- a
mistake to faucy that those things sold in the London
shops are anything like the fruit one gets in tropical
countries. My experience is mainly that of the fruits
of India, and I declare that there i9 no finer fruit on
earth than a good, ripe Mango. Of this delicious fruit
September 18, 189".
THE G . 1 R D E XE R S' G IT I! 0 X I < ' L E.
205
there are over a hundred varieties. At one time
I was studying the Mango fruits, aud native
gentlemen who possessed Mango orchards used
to send me samples of their choice and
rare varieties ; so I had an opportunity of tasting
many a fine thing. There are Mangos almost as large
as an ostrich-egg ; others as small as a Plum. The
best are those of the "Bombay section," of medium
size, and, when ripe, of the consistence of butter in
winter, and can be eaten with a spoon. It has been
alwayB a wonder to me that these fine varieties are
never sent to London, for, like the Pear, the Mango
admits of being ripened off the tree, better than on
it. Those I tasted in London were of a most inferior
kind, from Madeira or the West Indies, and would
not be looked at in India. Some that I had studied,
had the flavour of Nectarines, others of fresh good
Figs, but most have a " sui generis " flavour that is
not to be met with in either Orange, Grape, Peach,
or anything else. Then I have much wondered why
the red Banana (plantain) of Bombay has never,
seemingly, been introduced into this country. There
is nothing like it in all the range of Banana flavours.
It is large and astonishingly good. The stumps
or roots would travel any distance and vegetate.
It is a tall plant with a red stem. Then again,
the thin-skinned Pommello of Bombay, with a
beef-red pulp, is a fine fruit of the Orange tribe.
The Indian Custard Apple (Anona squamosa), when
j ust ripe, cannot be compared to any other fruit ; aDd
it is distinct, and delicious. You cannot compare one
fruit-flavour with another fruit flavour, any more than
you can compare a horse with a camel, or Rhubarb
with Celery ; aud it seems an absurdity to state that
because we have Oranges, Grapes, Peaches, &c, we
are not to have Mangos, Custard Apples, red
Bananas, &c. Fruit-growing under glass is increasing
in this country, and therefore I see no good reason
why tropical fruit-trees should not be added to the
long list of British fruits. They are distinct. One
would hardly say that, because we have the Lily of
the Valley, we do not need the Lilium auratum.
With regard to Prickly Pears, there are to be had in
Malta three of the finest things in the way of fruit,
viz., the white-fruited, the yellow-fruited, and the
red-fruited Prickly Pears (Opuntia Ficus indica).
When fully ripe their flavour is unique, and cannot
be compared with any flavour of English or other
fruitB, and it is simply delicious. The choice
varieties are to be found only in private gardens.
E. BonavCa, M.D., Sept. 13, 189".
THE LOQUAT.— In reply to Mr. Clarke's letter in
your issue for September 4, we have a plant here which
is quite thirty years old, and grows in a conserva-
tory kept at a temperature of about 50° during the
wiuter. The plant blooms about November, and
produces fruit annually, but not a heavy crop,
possibly because it blooms during sunless weather.
The fruit ripens during spring, and resembles a small
smooth orange, about 1A inch in diameter. In flavour
it is rather insiped, and not by any means desirable
as a dessert fruit. George Harris, Tin Castle Gardens,
A Inwirk.
THE CARROT IN INDIA.
Sir George Birdwood, to whose forethought India
owes many of the good things of other climes, gives
a very interesting account of the history of the Carrot
in that great country, from which we take the
following notes : —
" The Carrot would appear to have been continuously
known in India from at least the time of the Great
Akbar, the contemporary of Queen Elizabeth, and it has
•long been in cultivation as a garden crop throughout
India ; while in the Bombay Presidency it is not only
cultivated by Europeans as a garden crop from
imported English seed, but also widely, if irregularly,
as a field crop by the native ryots, who use acclima-
tised seed,* originally obtained, if I remember
' The acclimatised seed is obtained in Western India by
•digging up the Carrot when its root bas attained about one-
tbird its full size, and cutting off bith the root and the
leaves, or "tops" (which are eaten as a baji, or, as we say,
"greens") of the pliut within a couple of inches of '"the
crown of the root." The portion of tho root remaining
attached to the stalk is then deeply incised cross-ways aud
dipped in a strong compost of the mixed dung of the pig and
buffalo and virgin-earth, the lateritious earth of the Deccan
being preferred with a little assafoetida added, and as much
liquid-manure as will reduce tiLe mass to an adhesive paste.
The roots are then, with, the usual religious ceremonial,
planted out and watered, and in due course produce strong
flowering stems and large umbels of characteristically
aromatic fruit.
rightly, from the Cape of Good Hope. It is sown in
the l"thand ISth lunar asterisms during the months
of November and December, and is reaped in the
22nd and 23rd during the mouths of January and
February, yielding, usually, an abounding crop.
The plant is indeed found growing spontaneously
in Cashmere, and on the Western Himalayas at
elevations of from 3,000 to 9, "(0 feet above the sea
level, and is probably indigenous to the region ;
Central Asia, from the Himalayas to the confines of
Russia, appearing indeed to be the aboriginal habitat
of almost all the immemorially familiar pot-herbs of
the old world.
But as the plant is known throughout central and
south-western Asia by its modified Greek name,
tstufliri, as well as by the name of ga:.ar, one of the
many eastern variants of its Sanskrit name Garjara
(literally "grass," i.e., vegetation), it may possibly
have been introduced into (.'ashmere by the
Macedonian Greeks. The fact of the plant being
found growing wild in the Western Himalayas, and of
flourishing in India wherever it is cultivated, gives
the strongest support to the opinion of Sir Edward
Buck, that the cultivation of the Carrot as a field
crop from improved European seed is capable of
universal extension in India.
All the factors of success in Carrot cultivation are
found over the greater part of India. The natural
soil is nearly everywhere light and loamy, and easily
dug, and penetrated by tap-roots to a great depth, and
self-draining ; and the conditions of climate permit of
the seed being sown continuously from August
15 or 30 to November 15 or 30 (in Bombay to
December 15), and of the roots being continuously
cropped from end of November to the beginning of
June. There is also, in normal seasons, sufficient
rain for the seed times, while, as the plant is usually
raised in India as a garden crop, or by petite-culture,
artificial irrigation for it is always at hand. In view,
however, of the gratifying results of the encourage-
ment given in the last century by the Society of Arts
to Carrot-growing in the United Kingdom, it is
deserving of consideration whether the Government
of India might not, with even greater public advan-
age, offer small prizes all over that country for the
extended or improved cultivation of Carrots, as,
indeed, of other quickly-maturing root crops ; and
this could be easily done either directly or through
the intervention of the various provincial agricultural
and horticultural societies with which the Indian
Government is more or less responsibly associated."
THE CREEPING SPECIES OF
FICUS.
Several species and varieties of Ficus with the habit
of that popularly kuown as F. repens, have recently
been brought into cultivation, and are likely to find
favour as garden plants. The last is F. radicans
variegata, introduced by Mr. \V. Bull and exhibited
by him at the Temple show in May last, and again
recently at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society, when it was awarded a First-class Certificate.
A figure of this plant was published in the Gardeners'
Chronicle last week.
The names of these plants are, however, somewhat
puzzling. Thus F. radicans appears to be a garden
name for a plant of which a flowerless specimen
collected by Sir Joseph Hooker in Chittagong, and
still unnamed, is in the Kew Herbarium. The name
radicans had been given by Roxburgh to the species
known to botanists as F. rostrata, which is quite
distinct from F. radicans of gardens. This name
may therefore be retained for the plant under notice,
at any rate until it can be determined botanically.
Some cultivators confuse this plant with F. repens,
but the two are quite distinct in habit and leaf-
characters. They may be distinguished as follows : —
F. radicans, Hort. — Stems creeping, smooth, wiry,
green when young, dark brown when old, rooting
freely, and bearing at intervals of about an inch
alternate leaves with whitish stipules ; petiole
half an inch long ; blade lanceolate, cordate at the
base, 3 inches by 1 inch, bright green. An evergreen
useful for covering walls, pillars, &c, in warm
houses. The variety variegata has leaves prettily
marbled, and margined with milk-white.
F. stipulata, Thunberg.— This is the plan t popularly
known as F. repens, a smaller-leaved form of it being
known as F. minima. It bas ovate, obliquely -cordate
leaves, from h to 1 inch long in its creeping or barren
stage, and much larger lanceolate-cordate leaves in
its tree or flowering stage. It is nearly hardy in
England — quite hardy, in fact, in the south if
planted against a south wall ; one of the most
useful plants for indoor gardening, filling as
important a place there as the two species of
Ampelopsis do out-of-doors. It is a native of
Japan and China, where it is commonly cultivated.
It has been in cultivation in England since 1771. In
his recently-published monograph of the Indo-
Malayan species of Ficus, Dr. King refers F. stipu-
lata to F. puinila of Linn;cus, but for garden pur-
poses the former name may properly be retained for
the creeping or barren form of the plant.
F. falcata. — This is a species of recent introduc-
tion, which we owe t<> Messrs. H. Low & Co. It is
of similar habit to F. stipulata. and is likely to prove
as useful for clothing damp walls, &c, in warm
houses. In the nursery of Messrs. F. Sander & Co. at
St. Albans, there is a beautiful example of it on a
wall in a stove, where it has grown very quickly in a
somewhat shaded, moist situation. It is also planted
as a wall-covering in the tropical fernery at Kew.
The stems creep aud root and branch quite as freely as
F. stipulata, and the leaves are an inch long, obliquely
oblong, with a slight curve, whence the name falcata ;
they are of a dark lustrous green colour, and
decidedly attractive. According to Dr. King, this is
a form of F. punctata of Thunberg. and is a native of
the Malayan Peninsula and Archipelago, where it is
not uncommon on trees and rocks. He describes it
as " a very remarkable and beautiful species, varying
much in fruit, and in the shape of the leaves, even in
the same plant, the leaves on its small branchlets
from the lower part of the main stem being often
much smaller than those from branchlets near the
apex, and occasionally different in form."
F. barbata.— This species is sometimes met with
in large tropical houses, where it covers Palm-stems,
pillars, &c, with long trailing shoots, bearing leathery
ovate-oblong hairy leaves, about 6 inches long. It
has long been an inmate of the Palm-house at Kew.
It is a native of the Malayan Peninsula and Archi
pelago. To recapitulate, we have now the following
creeping Figs in cultivation : —
F. barbata, Wall.
F. falcata, Thunb. (a form of F. punctata, Thunb. )
F. radicans, Hort. (not of Roxburgh),
var. variegata. Bull.
F. stipulata, Thunb. (the barren form of F. pumila,
Linn.;
syn. F. repens, Hort.
var. minima, Hort.
I am indebted to Mr. W. B. Hemsley for assistance
in identifying these plants. II'. W.
Colonial Notes.
THE BAHAMAS.
The report of the Colonial Secretary of the
Bahamas on the condition of the islands for the past
year is, on the whole, satisfactory. The value of the
imports last year was £194,774, and of the export*
£139,000, the figures in both cases showing material
increases over the corresponding returns for tbe
previous year. The increase in imports took place in
foodstuffs, cigars, coffee, corn, hay, wood, salt, meat,
and bicycles ; in exports, Gra.jes, Tomatos, salt,
pponges, turtle-shell, and logwood were all in larger
quantities, while the production of Sisal-fibre wa»
nearly doubled. After referring in detail to the
various plantations of Sisal in the islands, the Colonial
Secretary says: — "The prospects of this new industry
are now becoming more defined, and, although it has
absolutely failed to fulfil the anticipations once formed
of it, there seems to be less reason to fear that it will
die out altogether, and some reason to hope that it
may in time become a small but well-established
industry, returning fair profits to those engaged in it.
and giving a much-needed variety to the colonial
products, which at present are all included in the
sponge and fruit trades."
206
THE GAB DENE US' CUB ON I CLE.
[September 18, 1897.
SOCIETI ES.
EOYAL
CALEDONIAN
CULTURAL.
HORTI-
(Conchnicd from p. 191.)
The Trade Exhibits.— Without the substantial support
afforded by the trade generally, the opening ceremony,
and the show itself, would have been shorn of much of its
more important features.
Messrs. John Dow.vie * Soks, Edinburgh, furnished a
great number of plants, the space occupied by their exhibits
being 300 square feet. Messrs. Dorbie ii Son, of Rothesay
and Orpington, furnished a table of cut flowers measuring
50 feet in length, and 5 feet in width. Messrs. Dickson <fe
Sons, of Edinburgh, showed extensively ; Messrs. Forbes &
Sons, Hawick, exhibited a Jubilee table of cut flowers, fine
collections of Hollyhocks, Pentstemons, Carnations, and other
herbaceous plants. Messrs. Forbes & Sons made a most
interesting exhibition of shrubby Phoxes, illustrating their
evolution during the last century, from a poor needy-looking
variety to the fine exhibits and high-coloured varieties of
to-day. This firm were 1st for eleven spikes of Hollyhocks J
and Mr. C. Irvine, Jedburgh, was 2nd. Why eleven ? Do
the schedule framers believe that good luck is found in odd
numbers ?
In the gardeners' and amateurs' classes of Hollyhocks, the
number of spikes of Hollyhocks required was five. Mr.
Oliver, Morpeth, an old Hollyhock fancier, being 1st in
this class; Mr. Bexnet, Tweedmouth, »nd; and Mr.
Richardson, Peebles, 3rd.
There was also a class for six blooms of Hollyhocks, in
which Mr. Oliver was also 1st, and Mr. Bennet, 2nd.
In the class for twelve blooms, Mr. Oliver was 1st; Mr.
Bennet, 2nd ; and Mr. G. Hood, Edinburgh, 3rd. These
Hollyhock exhibits were, as a whole, the finest and most
promising I have seen for many years.
Messrs. Dobbie's stand, which covered 250 square feet, was
backed with Palms, Fems, and tall herbaceous plants of the
choicest species and varieties, and furnished in front with
show, fancy, Pompons, Cactus, and single-flowered Dahlias,
some 200 varieties in all arranged in a striking manner, the
whole being edged with flowers of their fine strain of French
Maiigold.
Messrs. R. B. Laird & Sons, Frederick Street, Edinburgh,
had a large exhibit of various subjects arranged for effect,
the one helping the other. Cut flowers of herbaceous plant*
were in great variety, forming an important feature of the
group.
Messrs. Thos. Methven & Sons, 15, Princes Street, Edin-
burgh, had a table of Liliums, double - flowered tuberous
Begonias, Crotons, Caladiums, Crozy's Cannas in variety,
Pancratiums, Palms, and Ferns, arranged as a ground-work
to the group, which was artistically arranged. The whole
was interspersed and brightened with Lilies in fresh con-
dition, including L. auratum, L. a. rubro - vittatum, L. a.
platyphyllum, and L. lancifolium.
Messrs. Dicksons & Co., 1, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh,
had a large and bold table at the east end of the market.
Along thecentreof their tables were very good youngpot-VineB,
as well as fruiting Vines and Peaches in pots, arranged in
place of the usual Palms. The fruiting Vines consisted of
Lady Hutt and Appley Towers. Violas, new varieties of
Picotces, and Carnations, the latter including Dowager
Duchess of Athole (a white perpetual- flowering variety),
Duchess of Fife (shell-pink), and others were shown. Hardy
shrubs were represented by Colutea orientalis, Primus Pis-
sardi, Hypericum Moserianum var. tricolor, Spira;a Bumalda,
Abies pungens glauca Kostcri, and the Japanese Wineberry.
Mr. Henry Eckford, Wem, Shropshire, staged a collection
of Sweet Peas in many of the more interesting and newer
varieties, which always create interest.
Messrs. Dickson & Sons, 33, Hanover Street, Edinburgh,
had a group of the more inte resting and useful Conifers,
arranged round the sides of the band stand. Some of the
more showy were the Golden varieties of Cupressus juniperus,
Thuya and Retinospora, and Abies Parryana glauca.
Messrs. James Grieve & Sons, Redbraes Nursery, Edin-
burgh, had a table of choice Palms, Aspidistras, Dracamas,
bronze and tricolor Pelargoniums, and New Zealand shrubby
Veronicas in great variety for pot work. All these were
brightened with such flowering plants as tuberous-rooted
Begonias, single and double flowered ; also choice Sweet
Peas, Carnations. Violas, and choice herbaceous flowers. They
also had a beautiful anchor of flowers.
Messrs. Kerr Bros., Dumfries, exhibited a collection of
new varieties of show, fancy, and Cactus Dahlias, and herba-
ceous plauts. Mr. James Rowatt, Glassford, by Strathaven,
staged Pentstemons, Phloxes, and China Asters in variety.
Mr. John Phillips, Granton Road Nurseries, Edinburgh, had
a table of Araucaria excelsa in plants of various sizes, inter-
spersed and brightened with Lilies and Carnations, Ferns,
Kelaginellas, and other plants. Messrs. Laino & Mather,
Kelso on-Tweerl, had a table of the new hybrid continuous-
rtoweving Chrysanthemum Princess May. They had also a
fine lot of their popular Carnations, including the new self,
Viscountess Melville. The Chrysanthemum is quite hardy,
and has been flowering outside and inside for eighteen
months.
Mr. A. Findlav, Markinch, Fifeshire, showed atable of new
varieties of Potatos, including Klondyko, said to be the
c;irliestvariety in cultivation. They may be dug eight weeks
lrom the time of planting.
Messrs. Scarlett Brop., Musselburgh, had a line table of
vegetables and herbs, including Vegetable Marrows, Cab-
bages. Cauliflowers, Scarlet Runners, Ac.
Mr. Michael Ccthbertron. Rothesay, N.B., had a table
of alpine plants in pots, including about seventy species and
varieties of Saxifrages ; also a collection of Sedums and
Sempervivums. He also had cut flowers of herbaceous
plants, conspicuous amongst which was a collection of Mont-
bretias, new Phloxes, Lemoine's hardy Glodioli, and the new
Rudbeckia Golden Glow.
Mr. Hugh Hanan, 9, Bank Street, Edinburgh, had a fine
collection of Sweet Peas in seventy varieties. On his table
were long flowering terns of Tropfeolum speciosum, and
growths of Smilax.
Mr. A. Lister, florist, Rothesay, N.B., had a collection of
Sweet Peas, Carnations, Pentstemons, Dahlias, herbaceous
plauts, and Pansies, elevated to a high ridge along the centre
of the table, making a very pleasing and effective exhibit.
A new Dahlia, named Jeannie Alister, is a single Cactus
variety of a new shade ; and Lister is a purple variety with
pointed petals.
Messrs. Ford & Co., glass manufacturers to the Queen,
39, Princes Street, Edinburgh, had an exhibit of the latest
table decorations, rustic glass, taste fully arranged en suite,
in tubes, flower-stands, and bowl centres.
Hydrangea paniculata. Gladioli, Lilium Harrisii, and other
flowering plants lightened up the Palms, Ferns, and Arau-
caria excelsa, all of which were arranged in tiers that were
shown by Messrs. M. Todd & Co.
THE OPENING.
The ceremony of formally opening the Show took place at
1 o'clock on the first day, when the Marouis of Lothian,
President of the Society, delivered the inaugural speech, in
presence of a considerable gathering of spectators, including
■ the Earl of Moray, Lord Provost, Sir Andrew McDonald and
Lady McDonald, General Hope, Sir John Cowan, Professor
Annandale, Professor Bayley Balfour, Members of the Town
Council, and other gentlemen.
DERBY.
Septembr 8, 9.— The thirty-sixth annual exhibition was
held in conjunction with the agricultural show on the above
dates, and was a great advance on any that have preceded
it, due probably to some impo rtant alterations that have
been made in the schedule and in the management of the
show, which induced more cultivators to compete in many
of the classes.
Groups.— The principal features were the fine groups of
plants filling the central portion in a circular tent, the
eight competitors following the improved st yle of arranging
their plants, and there was nothing to mar the uniformity
of the whole. All the groups were good, and any one of
them would have been 1st at an ordinary show, thus giving
the judge* no light task to make their awards. Eventually
Mr.Ward.gr. toT. H. Oakes, Esq., Riddings House, Alfreton,
was placed 1st for good culture as shown by the plants, and
for graceful arrangement of them. His Crotons were very
fine examples as regards the colour and size of the foliage,
and they were well contrasted with Ixoras, Lily of the
Valley, a variety of Orchids, Cocob, and other Palms, the whole
of the pots being hidden with moss. Mr. Mee, of Notting-
ham, was 2nd, with a very prettily-arranged group, containing
good Crotons, Palms, Acalyphas, some good pottuls of Ner-
tora depressa, and good plants of Nepenthes prettily
arranged over a small pool of water, the whole forming a
very pleasing combination. Mr. Cypher, of Cheltenham,
was 3rd ; his group was speeillly noticeable for the fine lot of
Dendrobiums arranged on branches of virgin cork, also for
several tine pieces of Odontoglossum, &c. This group con-
tained the best flowers, but it lost points in arrangement.
Messrs. Veitch & Sons staged a splendid group of plants,
not for competition, containing many of the fine-foliage
Caladiums for which the firm is noted ; also some of their
improved varieties of greenhouse Rhododendrons, a beautiful
specimen of Davallia Veitchi, and some fine specimens of
Nepenthes, the whole being tastefully arranged with various
Ferns, Bouvardias, hybrid Streptocarpvis, and the fine
winter-flowering Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. For this group
they were awarded a Gold Medal.
Decorative Dessert Table.— Mr. Goodacre, of Elvastjn
Hall Gardens, won the 1st prize against three other exhibitors,
with a nice collection, containing Queen and smooth Cayenne
Pine apples, excellent Muscat of Alexandria and Gros Maroc
Grapes, Hero of Lockinge Melon, two grand dishes of Peaches
(Sea Eagle and Golden Eagle), and a dish of Gascoigne's Seedling
Apple, &c. The floral decorations of this table consisted of
Orchids, Asparagus plumosus, Smilax, &c. ; 2nd, Mr. Ward,
gr., Riddings House, who staged a very fine Queen Pine,
dishes of good Grapes, Pears, Ac., set off by a graceful
arrangement of flowers and foliage.
Fruit. — In the fruit classes some very fine bunches of
Barbarossa Grape were staged by Mr. McCclloch, who took
the 1st prize; the 2nd going to Mr. McVinish, who staged
medium bunches of Madresfield Court. In the class for
three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, Mr. Goodacre was
well to the front with capital examples ; 2nd, Mr. McVinish,
Loekington Hall.
Cct Flowers. — Mr. Jenkinson, Newcastle, Staffordshire,
won the premier position with various Orchids, Roses, Car-
nations, Cactus Dahlias, Lilies, Gloriosa supcrba, and other
flowers, set out tastefully against a dark background, and
relieved with shoots of Asparagus plumosus, Ferns, Ac. ;
2nd, Mr. Cyyher, who staged Orchids, Asparagus, Smilax, Ac.
Miscellaneous. — Silver Medals were awarded to Mr.
Goodacre for a fine group of Begonias and Ferns ; to Mr.
Finch for a similar exhibit; to Mr. White, Worcester, for a
collection of herbaceous flowers, Dahlias, &c., amongst
which Colchicum speciosum caucasicum was especially fine ;
to Mr. Deverill, Banbury, for a fine collection of herbaceous
flowers, Dahlias Ac.
Cactus and other Dahlias were excellently staged by
Messrs. Cheal, of Crawley (Bronze Medal).
Vegetables were remarkably good. The chief prizes were
taken by Mr. McVinish, gr.. Loekington Hall ; Mr. Read,
gr., Bretby Park; and Mr. Woodgate, gr. Rollcston Hall.
The amateurs' and cottagers' classes contained some very
line specimens, the competition in some instances being
very keen.
WELLINGBOROUGH AND MIDLAND
COUNTIES DAHLIA.
September II. — This was the second exhibition, and it was
such a remarkable advance upon that of last year that its
permanence is assured. The open classes attracted several
leading growers— trade and amateur- from the south; and
if the majority of the leading prizes were carried off by them,
they yet exhibited blooms of such fine character as to be
valuable object lessons, which will be learned by midland
growers. The takings at the doors denoted an increasing
interest in the exhibition, and it is propablo it will become a
two days' show in the future.
There were nine entries in the class for twenty-four varie-
ties, and equal 1st prizes were awarded to Messrs. S. Mor-
timer, Faniham, Surrey ; and Mr. G. Humphries, Chippen-
ham. A few of the best blooms in these two stands may be
mentioned:— Perfection, J. B. Service, John Hickling, Mrs.
Gladstone, Sbottesham Hero, Glow-worm, Arthur Rawlings,
Duke of Fife, W. H. Williams, Frank Pearce, Lord Chelms-
ford, Mrs. Langtry, William Rawlings, Miss Cannell,
Florence Tranter, James Stephens, Henry Walton, and Miss
Fox; Mr J. T. West, Cornwallis, Brentwood, was 2nd; and
Mr. J. R. Tranter, Henley-on-Thames, 3rd, with very good
stands. With twelve varieties Mr. Mortimer was again 1st.
The practice of exhibiting Cactus blooms on show boards,
as in the case 01 the show varieties, is followed at Welling-
borough. Mr. Mortimer, and also Mr. West, setup two very
fine stands of twenty-four distinct blooms each, and the
advantage rested with Mr. Mortimer, closely pressed by Mr.
West. Such varieties .as J. E. Frewer, Princess En<.,
Beatrice, Gloriosa, Wm. Stredwick, Starfish, Mrs. L. Seymour,
Matchless, delicata, Cycle, Mrs. G. Sloane, Cfesax, Fantasy,
Ruby, Island Queen, Ethel, and Octopus were seen at their
best.
Messrs. Mortimer and West were also 1st and 2nd with ■
twelve varieties.
Mr. William Baxter, florist, Woking, had the best twelve
varieties, three blooms in a bunch, fine in quality, and
admirably set up ; and Mr. J. Wright, nurseryman, Leices-
ter, had the best twelve bunches of Pompons, a little large
in size, but nicely set up on wire frames.
There were several classes for amateurs, open to all comers,
Mr. R. Burgix, St. Neots, taking the leading prizes with
show and fancy Dahlias ; and Mr. H. A. Neeps, Woking;
for Cactus and Pompons, staging in admirable style. Several
Certificates of Merit were awarded to new varieties.
Fruit. — Some classes were set apart for fruit. The best
six dishes came from Mr. Hates, The Gardens, Castle Ashby.
The best two bunches of Grapes, well-finished Muscat
Hamburgh, came froaa Messrs. Clayton & Son, Welling-
borough.
Miscellaneous collections of Dahlias were shown by Mr. J.
Green, Norfolk Nursery, Dereham, and others ; and some
fine Apples were contributed by Messrs. H. and E. Lack,
nurserymen, Wellingborough.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
September 9. -At this season the number of Orchids
which flower is comparatively few, but this is made up in a
measure by the fine quality of those which do flower. There
were present :— G. Shorland Ball, Esq., Ashford, in th
chair ; and Messrs. S. Gratrix, E. J. Sidebotham, Dr. Hodg-
kinson, J. Cypher, W. A. Gent, J. Anderson, Wm. Stevens,
A. Warburton, H. Greenwood, R. Johnscn, Jas. Backhouse,
and Wm. Bolton.
S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (Mr. R. McLeod, gr.), had
Cypripedium bellatulum album (First-class Certificate), a fine
clean flower, which gains in whiteness after a day's expan-
sion. It is an exquisite variety, and received an unanimous
Award. The same exhibitor showed Lffllia praastans, a large
flower with bright segments, and a lip of a bright maroon
tint, but with a centre that was blotched with white, which
was no improvement. It received an Award of Merit.
A. Warburton, Esq., Vine House, Haslingden (gr., Mr. T.
Lofthouse), exhibited a fresh, well-grown plant of Cypripe-
dium insignc Laura Kimball, which, although it got no
award in London, was here awarded a First-class Certificate.
It was the first of the yellow C. insigue that has oome before
this Committee, and it his improve! on acquaintance,
September 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
207
although there were experts who had doubts of its maintain-
ing equal rank with C. insigrie Bandera.
Thomas Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, Whitefleld (gr., Mr. R.
Johnson \ exhibited a lot of good Orchids, foremost among
them being Cypripedium x triumphans, a variety that is
undoubtedly the most brilliant of its class, and it is no
disparagment to the others of the class to say that among
varii ties of the C. tunanthuni superbum it is the best. Its
form is possibly not so perfect as one would like, but its
brilliancy and the features derived from C. Sallieri, make it
a pretty flower. Tlrs exhibitor showed Ladio- Cattleya callis-
toglossa (Award of Merit1, a fine 1 ybrid with a showy lip,
and 'he other parts of the flower tend to make it a desirable
variety. Ladia elegans Chelsonensis was given an Award of
Merit, due probably to the brilliant colouring of the lip, for the
flower itself is too small for the present taste in these plants.
Cypripedium x Memoiia Moensii obtained an Award of Merit
— wo have seen it much better ; also Cattleya Parthenae.
Messrs. H. LowACo., Clapton, had a magnificent plant
of Lnlia elegans Cawenbergi. It is a striking plant, with
the flowers in close order on the flower-spike. The rich
purplish-crimson lip, adorned with a peach-like tin^, took
the eye of the committee, although they stopped short of
voting it a First-class Certificate, and it received a Cultural
Commendation and an Award of Merit instead. The same
firm also presented Cypripedium X Alfred Hollington, which
haa already been described in these pages. It received an
Award of Merit. The same award was meted out to Cattleya
Murrueca = C. Ilarrisoui x C. gigas.
J. Leemann, Esq., West Bank House, Heaton- Mersey (gr.,
Mr. Edge), showed Auguloa eburnea ; it is an old favourite
that is now seldom seen. The flowers were developed to
perfection, and the plant received an Award of Merit. The
same exbi. itor had also* a fine plant and variety of Cattleya
aurea, with an extra broad lip, nearly whully of crinison-
purple, with faint threads of gold throughout.
E. J. Sidebotham, Esq., Erlsdeno (Mr. Shiner, gr), had
the finest Cattleya speciosissima yet submitted to the com-
mittee 1Awaid of Merit). The segments were full and un-
usually well-formed. It was described in full in Gardeners'
Chronicle, 1896, and of the two in flower, called a and u, the
best was the A variety, although, in uur opinion, it was
not so well developed as last season.
Mr. Jas. Cypher, nurseryman, Cheltenham, was voted an
Award of Merit for a novel lemon-coloured Oncidium James-
iauum distinct from the type.
Win. THOMPSON, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (Mr. Stevens,
gr.), showed a group consisting of Odontoglossum crispum,
omprising Belf coloured and spotted varieties alung with
O. tripudians, tlieshbwy Masdevallan Veitchiana of the better
ype, and several other species, for which tho Committee
awarded a Silver Medal.
BIHDS USEFUL TO GARDENERS
AND FA11MEUS.
The Kestrel or Windiioveh (Falco tinnun-
cdlos). — This beautiful and valuable bird is often
wantonly killed either for the sake of shooting at some-
thing wild, and the pleasure of seeing it stuffed and
set in a glass-case, or because of an exaggerated
idea on the part of gamekeepers that it is a sys-
tematic destroyer of young partridges an 1 pheasints,
grouse, hares, and rabbits.
The wholesale destruction of such birds as the
kestrel is frequently the main cause of abnormal and
sudden attacks upon crops by animals and insects.
In favourable conditions of climate and other cir-
cumstances, and in the absence of the checks pro-
vided by nature against their undue increase, certain
animals multiply exceedingly, and do infinite harm,
as was exemplified by the serious injury occasioned
to grass-laud in parts of Scotland by voles in 1S92.
Insects also appear more frequently and in larger
numbers in these later days, owing in a degree to the
destruction of birds, their natural destroyers. As
an example, it may be observed that the enormous
decrease in the number of swallows on account of
their alleged destruction in their winter quarters,
has, it is fully believed, been oue cause of the
increased swarms of aphides which now cjtne
upon the Hup plants regularly every season.
In their migration from tho Plum and Kiui
sou trets, and other trees of the Prunus tribe,
these insects were formerly cleared oft' by the
swallows. Now, swallows arc so reduced in numbers
that they have little influence upon this and other
iusect attacks.
The kestrel prefers animals of the mouse tribe to
all other forms of food. Yarrell, iu his HUtorg of
British Birds, says, "Mice certainly form the princi-
pal part of the food of this species." It also feeds on
beetles, especially cockchafers and wireworms (the
larvae of click-beetles), and frogs. When it cannot
get mice it will occasionally take very young birds,
as pheasants, partridges, and grouse, but according to
all observers it preys chiefly upon mice and insects ;
and in the report of the Departmental Committee,
appointed by the Board of Agriculture to inquire
into a plague of field voles in Scotland in 1892, it is
stated that the food of the ke-trel, is known to con-
sist almost exclusively of mice, grasshoppers, coleop-
terous insects, and their larva;.
Keepers do not always discriminate between
hawk and hawk ; and bee .use other hawks, as
the sparrow-hawk, for instance, take young game-
birds wholesale, it is often erroneously concluded
that the kestrel is equally an offender in this respect.
In the report referred to above, it is observed, in
connection with the question of the kestrel's habit%
that it is rare to find people able to distinguish
between one kind of hawk and another. Few of the
witnesses who gave evidence before the Departmental
Committee were able to describe hawks' otherwise
than as red, blue, brown, or yellow, and it was often
found impossible to make out what species they
intended to indicate.
The identification of the kestrel is easy on account
of its practice of hovering in the air, without motion,
for a long time. Its graceful flight is also different
from thu rapid dashes of the sparrow-hawk. It is
about 15 inches from head to tail, the female being
slightly smaller.
Copies of this leaflet can beobtained free of charge
and post-free on application to the Secretary, Board
of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W.
Letters of application so addressed nocd not be
stamped.
Florists' Flowers-
CHliYSANTHEJIUMS.
During the present month tho plants should
receive a good deal of feeding ; but this, like
everything else, needs a little care. Many good-
looking plants get spoiled by indiscriminate and
excessive feeding, which ruins them at flowering
time, and lets in a gardener, say, at an exhibition,
whose plants wore at one time rather insignificant-
looking. The best s )rts of manure are the voidings of
animals, such as those of the stall-fed ox, horse, and
sheep, changing these from week to week, and afford-
ing clean water occasionally, as a change and to sweeten
the soil, remembering that the plauts may have a
surfeit of good things. Another matter to attend to
is the getting of the wood well matured, and to do
this the plants must stand iu the full suushiue the
entire growing season, and not bo fed too lavishly, or
the shoots will be so gross and sappy, that no amount
of autumn sunshine will ripen them.
#bttuar«*
Mr. James COCKER.— Many will hear with
regret of the death of Mr. J. Cocker, the senior
partner in the Aberdeen firm of Messrs. Cocker &
Sons, nurserymen, of that town. His death took
place at Sunnyside, Aberdeen, in the sixty fourth
year of his age. A brief account of the life of the
deciased will appear in theee columns shortly.
Variorum.
HOW TO DESTKOY SCALE, &o.
We hear of all sorts of remedies for scale, but
none is so good as the old one of white-washing the
trunk and limbs of, say, a Plum, Pear, Orange, or
Fig-tree. If there are many small shoots that
require removal, see that this is done before the
lime-washing takes place. Nerium Oleander is apt to
be badly infested with white scale, and a lime-
wash applied in the winter will remove these.
Applied to the stem and limb3 of orchard-trees, it
clears them of moss and lichens, although aesthetic
folk may not admiie the appearance of the trees so
treated, and will contend that less unsightly means
might be* taken to kill the moss, &c. The chief
thing, however, is freeing the trees from the parasitic
growths, and maintaining them in good condition. We
have seen it stated that lime-washing will destroy
mealy-bug, but we have our doubts.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named: and this combined result is expressed in Day.
degrees— a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours. 1
Temperature.
Bright
Sun.
Jj fcO
Accumulated.
<V
OS
3
2
3 0 .
■i r.
a
efl
%4
r, ■-.
2
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03
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o
«■*
9.-, oj
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0
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~ X
, -'
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&
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> 5 a
BeIow42°, differ
from Mean sin
January 3, IS
BO °
Ms
t- t*
z .z_
is
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d
S3
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a
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?
3
o
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rt H
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Day-
Day-
Day-
Day-
lOths
deg.
ucg.
deg.
deg.
Inch.
Ins.
j —
is
6
+ 166
- 2
7 -
155
26-7
46
30
1
a -
54
9
4- 26
+ 21
5 -
143
21-1
43
33
0 -
57
0
+ 108
- 78
2 -
130
17-6
28
35
1 -
78
0
+ 201
- 119
2 +
127
16'5
40
30
4
■1 -
71
0
+ 147
- 115
1 -
128
20-1
36
37
5
4 -
:i_»
0
+ 246
- ISO
3 +
119
200
32
40
6
5 -
53
3
+ 85
- 17
6 -
154
30-5
49
34
1
5 -
lio
o
f 151
- 02
5 -
144
239
43
16
£
4 -
SI
0
f 247
- 138
8 +
151
31'2
39
40
9
4 -
64
0
4- 20
+ 8
5~
165
29 3
59
31
10
3 -
82
0
+ 146
- 57
2 +
159
317
43
33
*
2 -
111 |
0
+ 333
- SO
10 +
160
25-6
35
43
The districts indicated by number in the fir.it column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts ■
1, Scotland, K. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Cuuntius ; 5, Etigluml, including London, S.
Principal GfraziTW, £c., Districts— 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. : * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending September 11, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
" The weather continued very unsettled and rainy during
the earlier days of the week, but subsequently became fino
and dry in all parts of the kingdom.
"The temperature was again below the mean, the deficit
being as much as 4° or 5° in most parts of the country, and
6° in ' England, N.E.' and ' Scotland, E.' The highest of the
maxima were recorded, as a rule, on the 11th, and varied
from 09° in the ' Midland Counties/ 'England, S.' and 'Ire-
land, S.,' to Gl° in ' Scotland, W.' and ' England, N.W.' The
lowest of the minima, which were registered towards the end
of the week, ranged from 29° in ' Scotland, E.,' 30' in 'Scut-
land, N, and W," and 32 in the Midland Counties' and
'Ireland, N.,' to in' in 'England, S.,' and to 4:'1 in the
• Channel Islands.'
" The rainfall exceeded the mean in 'England, E. , S-, and
S.W..' and the 'Midland Counties,' as well as in ' Ireland. S.
and the ' Channel Islands;" in other districts, however,
thei-e was a deficit. The fall in 'England, S.W.' and the
' Channel Islands ' was again very heavy.
"The bright sunshine exceeded the normal in Ireland,
Scotland, and ' England, N.W.,' but was deficient in most
other parts of the kingdom. The percentage of the possible
duration ranged from 59 in ' Ireland, N.,'49iu 'Scotland, W.,
and 46 in 'Scotland, N.,' to 32 in 'England, S.,' and 28 in
'England, N.E."'
208
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 18, 1897.
Markets.
COVEN T GARDEN, SEPTEMBER 16,
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regula ly very
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
tho date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed.1
Fruit.
Apples, Dessert, in
variety.p.bush.
— Culinary, in va-
riety, per bush.
Blackberries, peck
Damsous, ^-bushel
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alicantes, p. lb.
— Hamburghs,
selected, per lb.
2nd quality,
per lb
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall. "p. lb.
— Channel Islands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
-Average Wholesale Pkices.
s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
Melons, each ... 0 9-16
S 0-10 0 Mulberries, per gal. 16 —
Nectarines, selctd.
3 6-50 fruit, per doz. 6 0- S 0
2 6-30 — Medium, p.dz. 30-40
7 6 — — Seconds, p. doz. 1 G- 2 0
1 0- '2 0 Nuts, Cobs, per lb. 0 3- 3}
— Filberts, per lb. 0 2 —
16-20 Oranges, 8. Austra-
10-16 lian, p. case, con-
10-13J taining 120 fruit 10 0-12 0
Peaches, selected
10-16 fruits, per doz. 6 0- S 0
i — Medium, p. doz 2 6-30
10 — 1 — Seconds, per
dozen 16-20
2 0-40, Pears, various, per
bushel 4 0-10 0
0 6-00| small, bush. 20-30
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
2 0- 2 G i chael, each ... 5 0- S 0
I Plums, Ordinary, in
0 9- 1 3 ' variety, ±-bush. 4 0-60
Cut Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, 1 2 blooms...
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, per
bunch
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Cornflowers, per
Dahlias, 12 bunches
Eui.'haris, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
L ilium Harris!, per
doz. biooms
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
s. d. s. d.
0-6 0
0-6 0
9-2 0
0-6 0
6-2 6
0-6 0
0-6 0
0-4 0
: 0- 4 0
i 0-18 0
: 0- 4 o
.0-20
.6-26
10-80
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, orForget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids : —
Cattleya, 12blms.
Odontoglossum
crispum,12bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, 12 bu.
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Pearls),
per dozen
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
bunches
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Tuberoses. 12 blms.
Violets, 12 bunches
. d. s. d.
2 0-40
! 0- 4 0
16-30
5 0-12 0
2 0-40
0-4 0
4-0 6
6-2 6
G- 1 0
6-4 0
9-10
0-2 0
0-2 0
2 0-60
0-2 6
3-0 4
6-2 0
Orchid- bloom in variety.
Plants in Pots.—
s. d.
Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-
Aapidistras.perdoz. 12 0-
— specimen, each 5 0-
Asters, various, per
doz.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ... 5 0-
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 1 6-
Coleus, per doz. ... 2 0
Dracaenas, each ... 1 0
— various, p. doz. 12 0
Eri 'a, various, for
dozen 9 0
Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s.d
12 0
■30 0
■15 0
2 6-50
2 6
■ 4 0
■ 7 6
24 0
18 0
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz....
Fie us alastica each
Ferns, small, doz. ...
various, doz.
6 0-24 0
10-76
10-20
5 0-12 0
Foliage plants, doz. 12 0-36 0
4 0-60
3 0-40
Fuchsia, per doz.,
Heliotropes, dozen
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Palms, various, ea.
— specimens, ea.
9 0-
6 0-
4 0-
2 0-
10 6-
12 0
9 0
6 0
10 0
84 0
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices
. d. i
Artichokes, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, French, per
bushel
— Scarlet Runner,
per bushel
Beetroots, p. bush.
Cauliflower/', dozen
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Oarlic, per lb.
Marrows, per tally
s. d,
2 0
5 0-
6 0
4 0-50
19-20
2 0 —
2 0-30
0 9-10
0 2 —
5 0-60
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb
—(Outdoor), half-
bushel
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Sprouts, per j -bush.
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb.
— Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
— Channel Is-
l.mds, per lb....
t. .;.
0 6
The Rye-market is steady. Peas and Haricots meet an im-
proved demand at values favouring holders. The inquiry for
Canary and Hempseed is small. There is no change in Liu-
seed. Tho new English. Longpods show good quality.
Alsyke and Trefoil attract some speculative attention.
2 6-30
1 6 —
0 2-
3 0 —
3 0-36
2 0-26
1 0- 1 G
POTATOS,
With moderate supplies of Potatos, prices rule as follows :
— Hcbrons and Snowdrops, 75s. to 9 s. ; Glints, 70*-. to SOs. ;
Blacklands 60& to 65s.— John Bath, 32 and 34, Wellington
Street. Covent Garden, W.C.
SEEDS.
London : Sept, 15. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S. E,
write that retail sowing orders for Trifolium are still coming
to hand ; very little seed will remain over unsold. The sate
for Muatard and Rapeseed continues slow. Winter Tares of
excellent quality are now obtainable for very little money.
CORN.
Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for t e
week ending September 11, and for the corresponding period
of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These
figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :—
Description.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Wheat
!. d.
23 9
». d.
33 1
». d.
+ 94
Barley
23 4
27 4
+ 40
Oats
14 1
17 3
+ 32
{Markets carried over to p. ix.)
Enquiry.
" He that questionclh much shall learn much." — Bacon.
Westwood. — There is an apparatus heated by au
oil-lamp, and used for purposes of propagation of
plants. Can any of the readers of the Gardeners'
Chronicle indicate the name of the firm which supplies
such apparatus '.
Mr
wpondenfo
Books : F. P., Cambs. We imagine that you require
a book treating of the chemistry of soils — not
gardening. You should obtain Dr. W. Fream's
SmLs and their Properties— one of Bell's Agricultural
Series — price 2s. 6d. (Bell & Sons, York Street,
Covent Garden, W.C.)
Chrysanthemum Leaves Diseased. II. E. T. The
green resinous colouring matter has entirely dis-
appeared, but how ? And in lack of more precise
infoimation as regards your method of culture,
manures used, &c., and more abuudaut material,
we are unable to advise. 1 hat the plants affected
cannot produce good flowers is certain.
Correction, Glasgow Show. — The exhibit of
Pentstemous and Hollyhocks erroneously credited
by our repoiter to Messrs. Dobbie & Co., were
exhibited by Mr. C. Irvine, of Jedburgh.
Grapes : G. S. The berries sent are attacked by the
minute fungus, Glaeosporium heticolor. Cut out
and burn every affected berry, for there is no
known cure.
Himsccs . 11'. L. II. Some greenhouse and warm-
house species, as H. Trionuin, may be increased
from seed, and all of them may be struck in a
warm frame over bottom-heat, or in a case in the
propagating-house in the spring, the cuttings being
taker from plants that have been forced into
growth. H. syriacus (Althea frntex), a hardy
shrub, grows well from Beed, which ripens in this
country in warm seasons. Layering of the best
varieties of H. syriacus is advisable, and cuttiugs
may be struck, cool, under bell-glasses, but it
requires much patience on the part of the propa-
gator.
Names op Fruits: /. 0. The slight boxes contain-
ing Plums were partially smashed, and the fruit
much damaged. — A. B. W. Fondaute d'Automne.
Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in
this issui are requested to be so good us to consult
the following number. — Anxious. Cineraria acanthi-
folia, a silvery-leaved plant that is to be preferred
to C. maritima, but not as easy to propagate. It
is a variety that does well when established.—
A. D. L. The little yellow Odontoglossum appears
to be the typical O. odoratum, a very variable
species. The other is O. ramosissimum. — T. I. &
Sons. Clematis flammula. — T. L. Hippophaii
ihamnoides(Sea Buckthorn). —.4. G. L. 1, Solidigo
serotina ; 2, Helianthus rigid us var. Diana; i,
Helianthus rigidus ; 4, Helianthus inultiuorus
maximus ; 5, Helianthus giganteus ; 6, Chrysan-
themum uliginosum.
NaXDINa domestica : Fr. da Lad. A greenhouse-
shrub of ea»y culture, thriving in sandy-peat and
loam, with much the same kind of culture as that
which is found to answer with the Camellia
japonica. Cuttings of ripe shoots strike readily in
sand under a hand-glass without bottom-heat.
Perfdmes, Essential Oils : E. C. H. The article
enquired for appeared in our issue for May 1, 1897,
p. 283. The date of the Consular Report, upon
which the article was based, we are unable to
furnish ; but, doubtless, Mr. Jackson would be able
to do so. We have no record of the experiment in
"Wallflower-culture for Ferfumc-purposes in Lin-
colnshire." Much of the kind of information that
you require is furnished by Mr. G. W. S. Piesse in
his The Art of Perfumery, published by Longmans
& Co. ; and much may be gleaned from Maiden's
Useful Native Plants of Australia. There is a very
large amount of information in the Gardeners'
Chronicle anent the cultivation of perfume-plants
at home, but time fails us to hunt for it. As you
are seeking for information concerning flower-
production in the colonies, they ought to be able
to assist you at the Imperial Institute, South Ken-
sington ; and at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Plan of a Maze : H. J. C. A plan appeared in these
pages on February 10, 1849, the same being repro-
duced iu the issue for March 5, 1892. It was
taken from The Theory and Practice of Gardening,
by John James. 1712.
R. H. S. Journal : W. L. II. The Journal appears
more than once a year. You should apply to the
Secretary, 117, Victoria Street, Westminister.
Seeds : //. C. We have no knowledge of white-
flowering plants having seeds of a low degree of
vitality ; their seeds, as a rule, vegetating as freely as
those of plants having coloured flowers. There is
nothing iu your statements in regard to these
matters.
Setting of Cucumber Blossoms : Q. H. Had you
furnished us with the necessary particulars iu
regard to your management of the plants, the
question you put to us would have been less of the
nature [of a conundrum. We are glad, however,
that you have discovered the reason that the
blossoms failed to "set."
Skin Eruption supposed to be caused by Spar-
mannia africana : W. E. II. We have no know-
ledge of any ill effects arising from the contact of
the skin with the leaves, shouts, &c., of this plant.
Perhaps some of our readers would kindly give
their experiences.
Smilax officinalis : Fr. de Lact. This name is given
to three or four different species of Smilax by as
many different authorities. Most Smilaxes are
hardy in the temperate zone, and present no diffi-
culties in their cultivation. They prefer a sandy -
loam, good drainage, not much manure, and a sunny
aspect.
Tubbrous-ROOTED Begonias: L. S. Very large high-
coloured varieties, but not differing greatly from
scores of others fouud in gardens. Whether they
are adapted for bedding-out will depend ou the
pose of the flowers, habit, &c. of which those
sent do not allow us to form an opinion.
Communications Received. — Subscriber. — C. Roskill.—
0 Best— St. An. hies — Roberts — W.— Jas. Hughes — T. B.
_S N — W. J. V— T. K.— Protheroe & Morris.— A. It. S —
J Backhouse & Sons.— M. C.-Z '/,.— W. D. H.— F. S. & C>.
-J. W W. G. T. K. A Co. — J. B- Davy, Cal fornia —
M T M — J. B Bailey Wadds (many thanks), D. Iu \V.
_ E. C— G. S, J.— It. W — R. D.— Harrison Weir.—
J. Anderson.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers. —'IV" Publisher has the
Hon, o/ announcing that the circulation of the "Gardeners
Ohronlcle" has, since the reduction in the price of the paper
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
divertisers are 1 '«■"'' i '!> it th " Chronielt ' cir datesammg
Country Gentlejiex, and au Classes of *;\iuien-ers
and Garden-lovers at li ime, that it has a speciall
Foreign and Colonial Circulation, and tint it is
preserved for i ferenee in all the principal Libra ics.
September 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
209
THE
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1897.
LAMPOET.
rpiIE practised observer of British domestic
-*- horticulture is occasionally the witness of
features in a particular garden that are unique.
He notes the result of certain methods of cul-
ture, differing absolutely from those to be found
in any horticultural manual; they are, in fact,
original in conception, and consequently
peculiar to the place.
Sometimes it means merely that as tra-
vellers adopt various routes to one and the
same place, so have different means been
adopted to obtain the results sought for. Less
frequently the cause is a deeper one, since
a novel ideal is sought — perhaps one that
numbers would unhesitatingly declare to be
nothing more nor less than eccentric horti-
culture. Be that as it may, the probability
is, that a garden which presents such deviations
from the beaten road is one that will afford the
visitor most interest, and will remain longest
in his memory.
Such a place is Lamport Hall, an old
manorial residence in Northamptonshire, 'twixt
the county town and Market Harborough. It
has been the home of tho Isham family for
upwards of three centuries and a half, and of
the present Baronot Sir Chas. Isham for more
than seventy years, for fifty of which ho has
exerted a controlling influence over many
characteristics of tho garden.
To know with what interest he has done this,
how far he has succeeded in realising his own
ideals — some of them remarkable ones, it is
necessary that one should visit the place, and,
under Sir Charles' own guidance, see his bowers
of Box-trees, his rockery, or his walls beauti-
fully clothed with vegetation, and hear, as we
did, tho theory or the reason that suggested the
construction of the objects in each instance.
But that is not possible to all, and tho purport
we have in writing this note is to convey some
idea of tho garden, and indicate the reasons for
certain methods that have been pursued, which,
however, it would be unorthodox to recom-
mend. First, then, we may refor to —
The Rockery,
the most unique spol in the garden, and one
wherein have been concentrated most of Sir
Charles' interest and personal work. It maybe
said at once that its claim to notice does not
rest upon the size, for it is small, and the fact
of being small may have suggested its style and
character. In construction it differs widely
from any rock-garden that we have seen. Sir
Charles himself says, aneut a rockery: — "It
should exhibit a combination of opposite
extremes, the utmost wildness of construc-
tion, with the highest cultivation. It should
be trained that the crevices remain open
to produce an effect of light and shade."
Herejs given, in the constructor's own words,
his idea of what he would like to produce.
The highest point in the structure, and it
may bo seen in the oentro of fig. 04, is 24 feet,
and is topped by a few feet of Tree-Ivy, conse-
quently, though miniaturo in area, its height is
altogether unusual. Standing in front, the
rockery describes an imperfect half-circle, or
crescent, the highest point being also furthest
from you, the sides becoming rounded until
almost in a line with tho beholder. Except by
a narrow entrance which abuts on the mansion,
this feature of the gardens at Lamport is
entirely hidden from view, and probably there
are few rockeries nearer the residence than this
one. The disadvantages of site, however, in
tho present case, are few — indeed, one only,
that on one side it adjoins a conservatory. It
was not planned thus, and the fault has arisen
through a difficulty in procuring the stone that
it was intended should have covered the site.
The rockery has been described by Sir Charles
as "an assemblage of small caves, crevices,
excavations, and inequalities, carpeted and
encrusted with a vegetation suited to the
purpose." There has been no attempt to make
it resemble a ruin by using columns or such
objects; but its shadowy caves, its studied
finish, its ruggednoss, its extremes, are striking.
The Lamport rockery is not remarkable for
an extensive variety of alpiuo plants. The inten-
tion has been to clothe it suitably, that the effect
of the whole may be pleasing and picturesque,
and that every plant when viewed individually
should appear to be in just its right position.
It is more correct to say that the plants have
been selected to clothe the rockery, than that
the latter was constructed for the growth of a
collection of plants.
In tho manner in which the plants have been
cultivated there is much novelty. It may be
said here that every stone of which the struc-
ture is composed has been placed in position
by the owner himself, or by his direction, and
in his presence, lie has done the planting,
and no other person has anything to do with it
unless by his instruction. Closo to our feet
there is the common Veronica spicata. It
happened to be in bloom, and it was noteworthy
because growing luxuriously apparently upon
the flat surface of a large stone. YVe should
have been none the wiser had Sir Charles not ex-
plained that he had chiselled a small hole through
the centre of the stone, and put soil into it, so
that the roots of tho plant could by that means
reach tho ground through the stone. This sort
of thing occurs frequently, and in the case of
different species, and affords an illustration of
the amount of mechanical work that has
been expended — some of the stones so treated
being 14 inches thick. The hammer and chisel
are always at hand, and they account for many
of tho plants succeeding in very strange situa-
tions. No plant that grows quickly is a
favourito for this structure. Everything is in
miniature, and if the plants are not so naturally,
then their cultivation is directed to that end
It is full of plant curiosities. A stunted in-
dividual that refuses to make free growth is just
the kind of plant that is sought. Dwarf Conifers
form one of its features, and Sir Charles has
been at some trouble to procure them. Some of
them are known to be upwards of seventy years
old, and have not made more than 3 feet natural
growth. But besides being of this great age,
many of them have also to support Ivy, which,
planted at the foot, has run — well, just as much
over its host as it is allowed to do, for the
smallest plant is "cultivated," and limited as
to size. These aged Conifers include several
Spruce Firs that camo from the Royal Exotic
Nursery of Knight & Perry at Chelsea, now
owned by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons ; also several
Retinosporas, silver and gold-coloured forms of
Lawson's Cypress (Ivy-clad), and others. But
the strangest looking object amongst the Coni-
fers is a diminutive fir, probably seventy years
old. It has five straggling roots, tho ends of
which only have penetrated between the stones,
whilst a few inches of each, and tho base of the
plant are suspended and disclosed. Evidently
when the plant had become established, tho
stones have been picked away from the roots so
far as it was safe to do this. Thus to a large
extent, the root system as well as the part that
is usually above ground, may be seen.
Tho Utah Agave (A. utahensis) grows on a
piece of rock a few feet from the ground, in as
perfect a position as this Alpine species could
be given. A few plants of the Japanese Maple
(Acer polymorphum) in close proximity appear
very suitable, and have made little growth,
although planted as long ago as 1869. Here
and there is the variegated Box ; and occa-
sionally over the rocks and caves, hangs a
variegated Bramble. At the present time this
Bramble is a very pretty sight, the foliage is
beautiful, and the canes bear abundance of
fruit. Yonder one sees the curled-leaved variety
of the common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgaro), and
the alpine Strawberry in ruoro than ono spot
clothes a projecting piece of rock with its pretty
leaves. Over a good part of the rockery tho
Spider House-Leek (Sempervivum arachnoi-
deum) creates a silvery effect, distinct and
pleasing. We have not previously seen this
species growing so freely and happily. A
Thalictrum, or Meadow Rue is noti'ed, and a
hardy species of Euphorbia, about 6 or 7 inches
high, with dark green leaves, gives another
aspect entirely to the part it covers. This species
i , ' i flowers here, and contrary to the circum-
stance being considered a disadvantage, it is
appreciated, for, said Sir Charles, " Species that
do not flower on the rockery usually present a
good appearance for the greater part of the
year, but flowering species are apt to look
' weedy ' directly they havo bloomed." In the
spring, however, almost the whole face of the
rockery is clothed with Aubrietia deltoides, and
it is a sight not to be forgotten. But it
is not necessary to further remark upon the
species of plants, for they have been chosen
from different reasons entirely to those that
would count with the average gardener. Two
other features of this rockery, moreover,
call for mention : the first is that of the Crystal
Caves situate on the right-hand side of fig. 04,
and formed of quartz, &c, which are certainly
uncommon, and produce a distinct and admir-
ablo effect. The second, is that of the pretty
miniature figures or models a few inches high,
that represent gnomes or fairy miners at work
in tho caves and crevices; some havo caught the
trade union spirit and are "on strike." as will
be seen on reference to tig. 63. The demand
they make (a familiar one) is prominently dis-
played on a board hoisted at the entrance to a
crevice. The use of miniature figures was
advocated by Loudon in his Encyclopaedia of
Gardening as an appropriate set-off to pigmy
Fir-trees, and his idea is explained by woodcuts
on pp. 28 and 29 of the edition of that work
published in ls.jQ. They certainly increase the
weirdness and novelty of the scene; whilst
the positions some of them have been placed
in at Lamport are suggestive of reality.
One of these is lying at full length upon a rock
gazing over the ledge ; at others, apparently
210
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 2d, 18y/.
■walking beneath. But the first object that
fixes the attention, and even startles most
visitors, is a life-size figure, in terra-ootta, of a
young lady sitting upon a rock reading a book,
which is held in her hands. She has evidently
been engaged in tending the plants, for a
watering-can stands close to her side. This
figure was seen some years ago at an exhibi-
tion at Brussels, and later Sir Charles Isham
purchased it from a dealer in such things in
Oxford Street, London ; since being stationed
upon the rockery, two presents have been made
her ; a hat and a diamond ring. The figure is
so good that it is invariably mistaken for an
actual person.
We must hasten to notice features other than
the rockery, however, yet not before mention-
ing an old plant of Ampelopsis Veitchi that
covers the wall opposite. We said "cover,"
but that is not strictly correct, for Sir Charles,
as he pulled away a few leaves and young
shoots, remarked, " It would grow all over the
■wall if I would let it." That is not desired ;
the wall must be made visible iu some places,
and the thick stems of the plaut are objects of
admiration that require no clothing, at Lamport,
at least.
Before leaving the scene we noticed a flag
displayed, and iu letters upon the wall may be
read, " Fifty years old ! This is the Jubilee of
the rockery, commenced in 1847."
The Box Bowers.
The pleasure-grounds may not boast a repre-
sentative collection of the best kinds of trees,
but in their Box Bowers and Box-trees (liuxus
sempervirens) generally, they possess a charac-
teristic, that so far as our experience goes is
without a parallel. These B jx Bowers are said
to havo been plauted by Sir Edmoud Isham
about HO years since. Some of them appear to
suggest that originally the Box was planted
around small groups of forest trees as an edging
merely, but they have since thriven in such an
extraordinary manner that, by degrees, the
central trees have been removed, the Box
has filled the space, and it has grown to a
height of 20 or more feet. The branches have
also extended laterally to a great distance, and
the lower ones falling upon the grouud, have
become layered naturally. Sir Charles Isham
has opened each of the groups iu such a manner
that they present deep shadows in the land-
scape, that are visible from the residence.
One of the groups is represented by fig. 65,
and on reference to this, it may be seen how
Sir Charles has cut away some portion of the
foliage and side-shoots in order to disclose the
handsome stems of the taller trees. But in
this instance the stems are not so striking as in
many others. The figure represented at the
entrance to the bower is that of tho present Sir
Charles Isham. The vigorous growth of Box
throughout the pleasure-grounds is phenomenal,
and the distinctive appearance it imparts to them
may be imagined. Many of the stems have a
diameter of more than 4 inches. The varie-
gated variety also grows freely, and there are
many instances of it found upou the walls, and
as trees of considerable height.
Picturesque Walls.
In the pleasure grounds at Lamport are
several high walls of rough stone, such as may
occasionally be found in other very old gardens.
Modern gardens rarely possess walls that are
not utilised for the protection and support of
fruit trees, and when iu a rare old place,
that, with other features indicative of a past
century, there are such walls as exist
at Lamport, wo are charmed by them.
But the beauty of those of Sir Charles
Isham's is greatly enhanced by the perfect
manner in which they are clothed. They
assuredly oxhibit taste of an uncommon degree,
and appeal to one's sense and appreciation of
the beautiful. Very opposite treatment indeed
has been practised in the case of the plants
growing against these walls to that under which
other species grow in the rockery, or even in
the pleasure-grounds. Abundance of freedom
characterises the growth in all instances, resulting
in such complete absence of stiffness or formality
as we have seldom observed elsewhere. A fine
old plant of Wistaria sinensis with its large
limbs, embraces one of the walls for a very
considerable distance, and though less in its
dimensions than the large plant at Hampton
Court, its size is sufficient to remind one
of that specimen. It is a glorious sight
when covered with its pendulous racemes of
delicately-colourod flowers ; and even out of
bloom the appearance of the plant is decidedly
good. A purple-leaved Viue loosely hides the
wall in another aspect, and near to this is a
bold-looking plaut of the dangerously poisonous
Rhus toxicodendron from North America,
and sometimes known as the Poison Ivy and
Poison Oak. The plaut upon this wall is
probably the variety radicaus, figured in But.
Mag. t. 1806, as B. t. vulgare. But uo plants
appear to better advantage upon the walls at
Lamport than the varieties of Ivy. Frequently
there may be seen beautiful pioces of Tree- Ivy
above the wall, similar to that which crowns
the highest point in the rockery ; whilst of
silver variegated varieties, and a golden- coloured
Ivy, there is an uncommon wealth, and the
beautiful colour is phenomenal.
The Yew Trees, &c.
A path known as the Eagle Walk runs
through an avenue of Taxus baccata fastigiata,
which have grown, and still continue to
thrive with healthful vigour. The remarkable
characteristic iu connection with those is the
method in which the trees are trained. Sir
Charles prunes each of them himself, and it is
not too much to say, that there are not two of
them of the same apjoearance. Tho most that
one generally thinks of doing in regard to
training tho Irish Yew is to secure the
branches that are liable to be blown out
of position. Columnar iu habit, the tree
is generally induced to become even more
so than it would do naturally. At Lamport
this is not the case, and many of the lower
upright branches have had their tops removed at
about 3 to 4 feet from the ground level. Some-
times this is dona to prevent the tree becoming
dense in appearance, and again to disclose the
main stem, which in a pyramidal tree is usually
hidden. The avenue presents a somewhat
novel picture, and a certain weirdness is given
to the trees from the shapes into which they have
been pruned. We might mention a few other
instances of trees that are pruned in an uncon-
ventional manner, but these must suffice.
The Kitchen Gahdex, &c.
There is a useful kitchen garden at Lamport,
exceedingly old, of course, and the walls by
which it is confined support a quantity of fruit-
trees. Some of these are past fruiting profitably,
and a few of the Peach-trees are to be removed ;
but there are others of greater value, and
the Pear-troes especially are remarkable for
tho evidence they give of past and present
care in training. Vegetables are plentiful
during tho present season. Mr. H. Kempshall,
the gardener, showed ui crpital crops of Onions,
Potatos, Peas, and other kinds. Celery was
making good progress, and first-class Lettuce,
and such like, in all possible places, indicate 1
that the garden was cropped to the utmost.
There were excellent Tomato^ under glass, and
Grapes, Melons, and other fruits looked well.
We remarked an exceedingly heavy crop upon
indoor Peach-trees, and it will need much
skill to induce them to repeat it year after
year.
Tho few plant -houses wore neatly main-
tained, and in the borders out-of-doors, tho
display of flowering-plants was particularly
commondable.
Lampoit Ilall contains mauy very valuable
paintings, and besides these there aro numbers
of interesting and curious features. These S.r
Charles was kind enough to show and explain
to us, but they are not exactly matters that
need be discussed in the Gardeners' t'hronide,
though two of them may be briefly mentioned.
In the drawing-room is a number of dried sprays
of Gypsophylla paniculata, which look like a
bush placed in an 8- foot trumpet-glass. Uponthi3
are fastened a quantity of the most gorgeous but-
terflies. The idea is to mako them appear as if
naturally alighted thereon. In the diuiug-
l'oom was a permanent table decoration, con-
sisting of some dried Blackthorn shoots covered
with beautiful lichens, and tastefully mounted ;
also Gypsophylla paniculata and Cotoueaster.
The Blackthorn was c dlected from a very damp
district by Sir Chailes.
Many years ago there used to visit tho
grounds at Lamport thousands of visitors from
Northampton and elsewhore. FUes were held
there in support of charitable iustitutions, aad
Sir Charles Isham was most enthusiastic in
making them a success. Indeed, his good
nature was such, that notices were place I
about the gardens inviting visitors to help
themselves to flowers to place in their button-
holes. Sir Charles and Lady Isham are de-
servedly held in the very deepest affection by
their tenantry, servants, and all who have expe-
rienced their goodness and courtesy. P.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
SELACIl SELLA. HOMILli, Jenman, n. sp.
Stems prostrate, or sub-erect, very Bhort, slender,
leafy to the base ; fronds once or twice brauched ou
both sides, A an inch io li inches long, J to 1 incli
wide ; pale straw-green, main rachis and brandies
angular, 1 to 2 lines wide over the leaves ; major
leaves spreading, lax, not imbricating ; linear-ollong
sub-acute, the base oblique, | to 1 line loDg, not
ciliate-edged ; minor leaves minute, ovate, conspicu-
ously aristate, slightly keeled or not, deusely
imbricated ; spikes very short ; quadrate or rather
flattened, dense, keeled, cuspidate. — Trinidad, West
Indies. It comes in between S. cariben.-is and S.
alboniteus, and is a very small, toft, delicate species.
Selauinella hazauuniense, Jenm., n. sp.
Stems stiout, stitfly erect, one to two spans lung,
sub augalar or cylindrical, ljgaeous, brown or strami-
neous, laxly clothed with appre?sed sub-ovate stale-
like leaves equally from base to top, the stem show-
ing freely between ; fronds ample, quite erect. Babel-
lat3, 12 to IS iuches wide and deep, consisting uf several
spreading dichotomouslybranched, flat divisions, the
lower largest and more compound ; the branches
spreading, and \ to f inch wide, tapering or not
outwards, the fertile ones trune.ite at the top, 4 to
10 inches long, the margins serratiform ; mijur leaves
spreading, falcate, imbricating acutely, slightly cordate
at the oblique base, a line wide, 3 lines long, not
\
Septembeb 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
■•#
211
ciliate ; minor leaves minute, appressed, ovate cuspi-
date, in a double series, very dense ; spikes 4-gonal,
tail-like, 2 to Zk inches long, pendent ; bracts densely
imbricating, sharply keeled, mucronate — upper
regions of the Mazaruni River, forming dense thickets.
The finest species in the colony, the barren fronds
resembling most those of S. Parkeri, but differing in
particulars. Its principal difference from any other
local species is in the long, slender, tail-like spikes,
resembling those of several Lycopodiaceaea, such as
L. guadalupianum, although not branched. G. S. Jen-
man, Demerara,.
SAFFKON CULTIVATION IN
KASHMIR
In an interesting volume on the Valley of the
Kashm ir, by Walter R. Lawrence, are some notes on
the cultivation of Saffron, from which the following
tried in vain to cure him. Baffled, the physician at
last asked the water-god whether he was a man, and
on finding out that he was a Nag, he at once saw that
the remedies applied to the Nag's eyes were nul-
lified by the poisonous vapours which issued from
the water-god's mouth. He bound his eyes with a
cloth, and the Nag was restored to health. In
his gratitude, the Nag gave the physician a bulb
of Saffron, and the cultivation sprang up at Padam-
pur, now known as Pampur. The system of cultiva-
tion, it is said, suggests the idea that it is unnecessarily
slow and primitive, and the European methods of
producing seed-bulbs might increase the production
of Saffron in Kashmir. At present cultivation is
extending as fast as the local method of seed pro-
duction will allow, but that this method is slow may
be inferred from the fact that at measurement of a
total area of 4527 acres of Saffron-land, only 132
acres were actually cultivated with the Crocus. In
for planting out the bulbs is in July and August
and all that the cultivator has to do is to break up
the surface a few times, and to ensure the proper
drainage of the plot by digging a trench on all four
sides. The flowers appear about the middle of
October, and the purple blooms, and the delicious,
though somewhat overpowering scent of the Saffron
turn the dry, uninviting plateau above Pampur into
a rare and wonderful garden. There is no doubt that
the soil above Pampur is strong, for excellent crops
of Wheat and Barley are grown there. Although the
cultivation of Saffron has extended most satisfactorily
during the last two years, it is feared that the system
of collection adopted by the farmers will have
the effect of preventing the industry becoming
popular, as during harvest-time the cultivators are as
carefully watched and supervised as diamond-diggers
at Kimberley. In former days men came from all
parts of Kashmir to cultivate Saffron ; but now, with
Flu. 62. — SECTION OF ROCKERY AT LAMPORT HALL. (SEE P. 209.)
facts are taken. The drug in Kashmir is famous for
its bouquet, and is in great request as a condiment,
as well as for a pigment for the forehead-marks of
the Hindus ; various substances, such as turmeric,
are now used for the latter purpose by the Kashmiri
Pundits, but if a man can afford it, he will use the
bright saffron colour, mixed with red-lead, and
pounded with a piece of Deodar-wood.
The cultivation of the Saffron is peculiar, and the
legend about its introduction into Kashmir shows,
at any rate, that it is an ancient industry. In the
time of KiDg l.alta Dit there was a famous physician
in Fadampur, the city founded by Lalta Dit's minis-
ter, Wazir Padam. A Nag, or water-god, fell sick of
an eye complaint, and went to the phjsician, who
former days the Saffron cultivation was a large
source of revenue to the State, but during the famine
the people in their distress ate up the bulbs, and
although seeds have been imported from Kishtweir,
and every year land is set apart for the production of
seed , the process of reproduction is slow. For seed
purposes a particular aspect and sloping ground are
required, and it takes three years before the bulbs
can be planted out in the small square plots, where
the Saffron is to be grown. These plots must remain
fallow for eight years, and no manure or water given
to them. When once the bulb has been placed in
the square, it will live on for fourteen years without
any help from the cultivator, new bulbs being
produced, and the old one rotting away. The time
the exception of a few men from Trinagar, tlie^culti-
vation is in the hands of local men. At harvest-
time the whole flower is picked, and put into bags,
and then taken to the farmer, who takes one bag for
himself, and gives the other bag to the cultivator.
The bags are never opened, and it has beou foundjby
experience that the cultivator never attempts t to
foist a bad bag on the farmer. The ^culti-
tivator then takes his bag to the left bank
of the river, and makes his owu arrangement for sale.
AVhen the flowers are collected, the real work of
extracting Saffron commences ; the flower3 are dried in
the sun, and the trifid stigmas are picked out by
hand. The reddish-orange tip forms the first-quality
Saffron. The long white base also makes Saffron,
12
THE GARDENERS'
CHRONICLE.
[September 2.", 1897
but it is of inferior quality to the tip3. The Saffron
thus collected in a dry condition is known to the
trade as " Mougla," and fetches one rupee per tola.
When the " Mougla" Saffron has been extracted, the
sun-dried flowers are beaten lightly with sticks and
winnowed. Then the whole mass is thrown into
water, when the petals swim and the essential parts of
the flower sink, the latter are collected ; and the parts
which have risen to the top are dried and again beaten
with slicks, and then plunged into water. The pro-
cess is repeated three times, and each time the parts
which sink become poorer. One form of adulteration
is to mix the sunken parti of the third stage with
those of the first stage. The Saffron obtained in
this way is lighter in colour, and of fainter scent than
the "Mougla," and is known to the trade as " lacha,"
and sells at twelve annas per tola. The Saffron when
made is sent to Amritsar and other trade centres by
registered post.
across, the effect cm be imagined. For this handsome
plant we are iniebted to M. Crozy, and it is said
to be a cross between B. Oibia and B. rubra, the
latter species being probably intended for B. coccinea.
B. L. Harrow, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.
Plant Notes.
BEGONIAS.
Tuberous-rooted Begonias, La Fayette and Worih-
iana, are admirably adapted for bedding-out, the
former being very free-flowering, of erect habit, in
colour a crimson-scarlet, and with double blossoms,
its height beiug about 9 inches. Worthiaua is single-
flowered, of an orange scarlet colour, also very free,
and of dwarf habit. Beds filled with each variety,
and edged with bands of Golden Feather, are now
objects of special beauty in the gardens of East
Burnhani Park. C. H.
HlBISCCS SPLENDENS.
In Australia this species grows to the size of a
small tree. Under cultivation it forms an acceptable
plant for the greenhouses, and flowers continuously
for several mouths during the summer. The stems
and foliage are covered with rough hairs and small
light brown spines. The axillary flowers are about
2 inches across, and the broad petals are a most
pleasing tint of pinky-white. At the base of the
petals runs a dark purple circle, the stamens also
being of this colour, forming a good colour-contrast
to the other parts of the blooms. The cultivation of
the plant, when given a good rich soil, is easy.
PHYSOSTELMA (HOYA) CA5IPANCLATA.
The flowers of this species are very unlike those
of other Hoyas, under which generic name it is some-
times grown. It is a climber with wiry stems, and
opposite leaves in which the venation is not as marked
as in Hoya, and the internodes are very long. The
bell-shaped flowers are in cymes, and form quite a
little bunch of buff-coloured corollas hanging from
the stems. In Java the plants are said to flower the
whole year. It is well worthy of a place in the
stove, and needs little attention if potted in a rough,
peaty compost, and afforded good drainage.
SeuUM CCERULEUM.
This is an old plant that deserves to be more
commonly cultivated, both out-of-doors and in the
greenhouse. If sown in the spring the growths soon
flower, and form quite a carpet of pretty, light blue,
star-like flowers, which continue for some weeks.
The plant does not grow more than 3 inches in
height, and in a dryish border it makes a charming
edging. A figure may be seen in the Botanical Maga-
zine, t. 2224. Grammanthes chlorseflora, of similar
habit, producing orange and red-coloured flowers, is
also a good plant.
Begonia President Caenot.
This Begonia has been in commerce for some years,
but it is far too seldom seen. For two months past
a specimen has been in flower here, in a cool stove,
where it is planted under the staging at the back of
the hot-water pipes. The stems (about 13 feet long)
are trained over the roof, and have made their way
into the lantern. .lust now there are about forty
trusses of its large rosy-carmine female flowers ; and
as these hang in clusters, some of which are 9 inches
KEW NOTES.
Crinum Balfouri. — This species was discovered in
Socotra by Dr. J. B. Balfour wheu he explored that
island in 1880. It flowered at Kew in the autumn of the
same year, and was figured inihe Botanical Magazine,
t. 6570 (1881). A bulb of it was brought ' from
the same island by the late Mr. Theodore Bent, who
found it and other Crinums, as well as Begonia
socotrana and other plants, when collecting there a few
weeks before his death, which occurred in May last.
This bulb is now in flower in the stove at Kew, and
the parts of the plant are larger generally than those
given in the Botanical Magazine. The bulb is
4 inches in diameter, the neck 4 inches long ; the
leaves glaucou;-green, 1 foot long and 2i inches wide.
The scape is 2 feet long, compressed, and it bears an
umbel of fifteen flowers, which are pure white,
fragrant, with narrow spreadiug segments 3 inches
long, the stamens and btigma tinged with pink. It
comes nearest the new C. Woodrowi, recently intro-
duced to Kew from Bombay.
The Kew Belladonna Lily.
There are four largo flower-heads of this magnificent
variety in full blow in front of the Orchid-houses at
Kew, and by the side of them is a border crowded
with flower-heads of the common form. The dif-
ference between the two is most marked, the scapes
of the Kew variety being twice as long and corre-
spondingly stout, the number of flowers in the umbels
four times as great, whilst the flowers are of a rich
rose-crimson colour. How this variety originated is
uncertain. It was said to have been obtained by
crossing Amaryllis Belladonna and Brunsvigia
Josephiuse, but there are no traces of the Brunsvigia
in the Kew plant. There are young plants at Kew
which are certainly the result of crossing the Bruns-
vigia with the Belladonna, but they are only about
two years old. Meanwhile let me recommend the
Kew Belladonna Lily to large growers of bulbs in
such places as Bermuda, Natal, &c. A few thousands
of it would find a ready sale in England. It is by far
the handsomest autumn-flowering bulbous plant I
know of.
The Bermuda Lily.
This is now flowering freely both in the temperate-
house and in the open air at Kew. The usual time of
flowering for this Lily is from April to June, accord-
ing to the treatmont it receives, but it appears that
the season may be lengthened by securing bulbs that
have been grown iu Natal, the bulbs now flowering at
Kew having been purchased at the auction-rooms in
April last. They were advertised as having been grown
iu Natal, and about 4000 were sent over to England
for sale as an experiment. Judged by the plants at
Kew the experiment is a complete success. The
bulbs when sold were equal to the best samples
received from Bermuda, but they realised less than
is usually paid for good bulbs in September. The
enterprising person in Natal who sent these bulbs
should send more next April, and those who want
good white Lilies in September should buy them.
Gladiolus rRiMDLiNUS,
and a pink-flowered G. oppositiflorus, are two inte-
resting species now flowering in the collection at
Kew. The former was described in 1S90 from bulbs
flowered at Kew iu 1890, whither they had been sent
from the Usagava Mountains, in East Tropical Africa,
by Mr. Missionary Last. It ltas the habit of, and is
quite as sturdy as G. dracocephalu«, whilst the flowers
are of an uniform primrose-yellow colour. It is well
worth the attention of breeders of Gladiolus. It
flowers and seeds freely at Kew every year. The
second species was lately received from Mr. Howlett,
of Uitenhage, who obtained it from Matabeleland.
The type, noticed in the Gardeners' Chronicle in
March, 1S93, p. 291, has white flowers, on spikes
4 feet or more high ; but this pink variety has spikes
about a yard high, which are crowded with flowers
coloured of a rich pink, with dark crimson pencillings.
It did not flower until the present month, and there
is little chance of its ripening seeds this year. If G.
oppositiflorus is one of the parents of the gandavensis
Bection of Gladiolus, it is remarkable that it should
flower very late in the year.
Urginea Scii.la.
A large bulb of this, the plant from which squill
is obtained, is now bearing a tall spike of flowers in
the Cape House, at Kew. If it were to flower more
frequently under cultivation iu this country it would
deserve to rank among useful bulbs for the green-
house, the inflorescence being not unlike that of one
of the smaller species of Eremurus. The bulb is
6 inches in diameter, and leafless ; whilst rising from
its centre is an erect spike 1 yard high, the upper
half clothed with star-shaped white flowers, measuring
an inch across. The leaves, which are developed in
the winter, number about twelve, and are fleshy,
strap-shaped, about 1 foot long and 2 or 3 inches
wide. The plant is found abundantly in countries
bordering the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, &c,
from whence the bulbs are imported to be sliced and
dried for use as a medicine.
A Yellow Ixora.
According to botanists, this is one of the many
varieties of I. coccinea, but for garden purposes it
requires a distinctive name. It is I. coccinea var.
flora lutea of the Ceylon Botanic Gardens, from
whence plants have been obtained for Kew, and they
have flowered freely in a stove this year. The plant*
form compact shrubs about 1 foot high, with shining
green-ovate leaves, 4 inches long by 2 inches wide,
and terminal, rather loose cymes of butter-yellow
flowers, each with a tube 1 inch long, and a limb
1 inch across. The plants continue to push up shoots
from the base, which flower when about 1 foot high.
I. coccinea is widely distributed throughout India,
both wild and as a garden plant ; but this yellow-
flowered variety is only known to occur in Ceylon.
It may conveniently be called I. lutea. IP. W.
The Rosary.
THE ROSE GARDEN IN SEPTEMBER.
A very great mistake is, I think, sometimes made
by amateur Ruse-growers, who think that when once
the summer bloom is over the plants may be left to
themselves. It is the way with a good many things,
when people have got all out of them that they can,
they neglect them, and leave them to their fate ; and
thus, if you go to the rosary now, you will be sure
to find strong shoots with half-a-dozen blooms on
them which, in the earlier mouths of the year, would
have been closely disbudded — and yet surely a well-
coloured Duke of Edinburgh or a Mrs. John Laing
are more valuable now than they were when the
garden was full of Roses. Therefore I think that this
is one point that has to be looked to in September,
and if the liose-growera have returned from their
holidays, when probably their plants have had a bad
time of it, this should have attention.
There is another point which I have of late yeurs
urged upon Rose-growers, viz., the desirability of not
leaving all the pruning to be done iu the spring. We
have at one time or another to get rid of the flower-
ing wood of the current year, and of such weakly
shoots as would be unlikely to give us good blooms.
When should this be done ? The general reply
would, no doubt, be — oh, of course, in the spring ;
but from this opinion I differ. I think it is much
better to get rid of it now, as by so doing you let
more light into the plant, and consequently the wood
ripens and hardens better. There have been, and
are, differences of opinion as to the value of good
ripening ; but I should think the general consensu i
of opinion would be that it is a most important
factor in obtaining good results in the next season,
and therefore I would say, cut out all growth
that is not wanted for next yesr. Of ourse, I am
September 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
•213
■writing only of dwarfs, on whatever stock they may
be budded. Although for a long time duiiug the dry
weather of July the growth of Roses seemed almost
at a standstill, yet when the rains came it was
astonishing to see how rapidly the plants Eent out
shoots from the underground steins ; these are the
shoots upon which we depend for our next season's
flowers. Andhere let me give a word of warning: that
where you have plants budded on the Manetti you
should watch the stocks very carefully, and see that
you are not encouraging their growths instead of those
of the Rose. The foliage is misleading,and, unlike the
Briar, is not easily distinguished from that of many
of the Roses which are budded on it ; and it is no un-
common thing to see even in good gardens a flourishing
growth of the stock, while the scion has completely
perished. It is desirable also in exposed situations
to be careful that the long and juicy shoots should
be secured against the wind — and what winds
we have had this year ! The best way to do
this is to place a stake to each of them ; of course,
that I have plants in my garden which have been
budded for upwards of forty years ou the Wauetti,
and yet are strong and healthy — and I do uot think
more than this can be expected of own-root Roses.
Should, however, auyone wish to make cuttings, the
present is the best time for doing it ; shoots
of about 9 or 10 inches long are the best suited
for this purpose — a place should be pre-
pared for them in a shady border, the soil should
be light, having a good proportion of sand in it.
It is indifferent whether the cuttings have a heel or
not, but care should be taken that nearly the whole
of the cuttings should be buried, leaving only one or
two joints above the ground. Theejesof these joints
which are buried, had better perhaps be taken out
with a sharp knife ; and it may be desirable to put a
frame over the bed in severe weather. The Americans
are somewhat fond of Rose-propagation by cuttings, but
with them bottom-heat is used to a great extent, and
the plants are grown more for the purpose of pro-
ducing flowers than for making good plauts. They
Fig. 63. — section* op rockery at Lamport, showing the fairy misers "on strike.'
(The figures are about 3 inches high. See p. 200.)
the wind has great play ou them, and unless
secured in some such way as this, they will get con-
siderably damaged, and oftentimes the whole plant
"wobbles about," leaving a hole which in a wet
season is apt to get filled with water, and so injure
the plant. For the same reason, where the shoots
exceed 4 feet in length, which they often do, it is
advisable to slightly shorten them.
There is a subject which at this season of the year
is sure to attract some amateurs, I mean that of
growing Roses on their own roots. We are con-
tinually being told how much more natural, and,
therefore, how much better such a process is. We are
also told that it is a more rapid method of growing
them, and that they live longer. To both of these
statements I demur ; many Roses raised from cuttings
are very slow in getting hold of the ground, and it is
a couple of years before any good return is given. I
have now and then, it is true, seen some good results,
but not ne whit better than if the plants had been
budded. I have never found that what we call
difficult Roses do any better on their own roots. I
have never seen such varieties as Horace Vernet, Louis
van Houtte, or Reynolds Hole doing well in this
fashion ; and as to their longevity, I can only say
are not turned out-of-doors, and after they have
served the purpose of flowering, they are in most
cases cast aside. Considering the cheap rate at which
Rose-plants can now be had, I do not think that
any amateur would trouble him or herself with this
method of propagation. Ifeel that in writingthis, that
I am like the cook who gave directions for dressing a
pike, who, after giving elaborate instructions as to
how it was to be stufied, and the care with which it
was to be cooked, added, having done all this,
"pitch it away." So I would say to those
amateurs, do not trouble yourself about Roses on
their own roots — in fact, many of our largest amateur
growers do not propagate their own Roses ; they
prefer going to some nurseryman in whom they have
confidence, and obtaining their plants from him.
There may be advantages in budding your own
plants ; you may be more sure of selecting good
flowering-wood, and so not be disappointed when the
time for blooming comes on. But, knowing how very
careful Rose-growers are in all that pertains to bud-
ding, and how anxious they are to maintain their
reputation, 1 think the matter may be safely left in
their hands, and I am sure that a great deal of trouble
and worry will be avoided by carrying out this plan.
I do not refer to standards or half-standards, which
many amateurs bud for the purpose of obtaining
maiden blooms.
When new beds have to be formed (and, of course,
all who really love the Rose will be auxious to give it
a place tD itself), now is the best time to be preparing
them. We constantly hear complaints of amateurs
having a bad soil for Roses, but this is a matter which
can in most cases be remedied. The soil which the
Rose prefers is that of a good greasy-loam ; but all of
us do uot live iu Hertfordshire or Essex. Good drainage
is, however, one great essential, and when the soil is
too retentive, artificial drainage should be resorted to ;
but I am more than ever persuaded that a good
climate is a better factor iu successful Rose growing
than a good soil. It is in most cases possible to
make a bad soil into a good one by procuring some cart-
loads of good loam ; and this should now bo obtained
where necessary, and well dug iD, aud the bed left in
a rough state uutil the time for planting comes on.
The question as to whether manure should be used
at the same time is a much debated one, but I
think, on the whole, it is safer not to make use of
any. The amateur having made all these necessary
preparations, may now con the Rose catalogues, and
look through his Rose-beds, in theoue caBe to decide
ou what new varieties he shall introduce, and in the
other what plants he will discard. It is early enough
to carry both of these into execution, but it is well to
be forearmed, for when the month of October comes
there are so many things in the garden to be thought
of, that it is well to clear these matters away before
that month sets in. Wild Rose.
Foreign Correspondence.
LILY-BULBS AND OTHER CHINESE FOODS.
The several thousands of Chinese resident in San
Francisco are remarkable for their aversion to " white
devils' bread," and for using in its stead a number of
articles, either imported at considerable expense
direct from China, or grown by them in the rich
alluvial valleys of California. One may frequently
see offered for sale in the provision dealers' stores in
Chinatown, San Francisco, large baskets of yellowish-
white Lily-bulbs, with large scales. Enquiry elicits
the information that these bulbs are eaten as a vege-
table by the Chinese, after being lightly boiled. I
have made several attempts to grow them iu the
Botanic Garden of the University of Caliiornia, but
without success until the present season, probably
owing to lack of moisture. Last March, however, I
obta;ned two fine bulbs in China-town, and planted
them in the light soil of a shaded rockery, subject to
daily watering, and on August 21 cno opened a fine
blossom, which proves to be that of Lilium japoni-
cum, var. Browni.
Among other things frequently met with in the
provision stores of China-town are : — tubers of arrow-
head, Sagittaria latifolia, Willdenov ; the long white
roots of Chinese Radish, Raphanus chinensis ; young
plants of an Amaranthus neatly tied up in bundles ;
the young shoots and flowering tops of the Chinese
Cabbage, Brassica chinensis ; sprouted seeds of the
Soy Bean, Glycine Soja ; black, white and green
seeds of Glycine Soja, and a small, square, white
cheese made from the same, wrapped in a yellow
cloth, and bearing a brown Chinese monogram ;
"stones" of Ginkgo fruits (Ginkgo biloba) ; tubers
of an Aroid (Colocasia?) ; rhizomes of Chinese
Ginger (Zingiber or Alpinia >.) ; Yams, tubers of
species of Dioscorea ; sea-birds' eggs from China,
each wrapped in a plaster of wet dung or clay ; dried
octopus ; ducks skinned, spread out, and dried ;
dried clams ; dried cuttle-fish ; pork, fresh, roast or
dried ; seeds of Nelumbium speciosum ; water-
melon seeds ; and numerous articles the botanical or
zoological origin of which I have not yet discovered.
The drug-stores of China-town are equally remark-
able. In them one can usually obtain a panacea for
all ills, varying in the number of ingredients according
to the price paid (25, 35, or 50 cents). This prescription
usually contains a few slices of the root of a Glycyr-
214
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 25, 1897.
rhiza ; the bark of a tree — (" him make heap strong,"
said my suave, almond-eyed druggist) — dried flower-
heads of a composite plant, dried cockroaches, dried
cockchafers — ("him good make see far," said John,
pointing to the large eyes of the creature) ; and the
skin, head, and tail of a lizard, stretched on thin
sticks. An extra five cents will procure a dried
"sea-horse;" and yet another five cents, a dried
fish of peculiarly narrow shape, and about 4 inches
in length. The black-capped, pig-tailed assistant
makes a paper package of the whole, and deftly ties
it round with a grass-like leaf, of Chinese origin.
Before leaving I asked how the medicine was to be
taken, and was told to boil all the ingredients to-
gether, make a tea of them, and to drink the same
whenever troubled with heart-burn, toothache, cough,
dimness of sight, or other ailment. Joseph Burtt Davy,
University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
L.ELIO-CATTLEYA x CLIVE (C. Dowiana ?,
L.ELTA PUMILA PR.ESTANS $ ).
A vert fine bloom of this handsome hybrid, raided
"by N. C. Cookson, Esq., of Oakwood, Wylam-on-
Tyne, is sent us by his gardener, Mr. Murray. The
sepals and petals of the flowers are of a bright rosy-
purple ; the peculiarly-formed lip, which is nearly
3 inches broad, is of a bright tint of purple with
lilac apex and orange-and-brown markings in the
base and middle area, and velvety in texture. The
flower has the fragrance of the Rose. It resembles
L.-C. Ingrami (L. Dayana x C. Dowiana aurea), but
may readily be distinguished from that variety. /. O'B.
Houlletia Brockt.ehurstiana.
This species is probably the finest of this small
genus, and is a source of attraction whenever it is in
flower. In a healthy condition it is a strong grower,
forming large pseudo-bulbs of a roundish shape, which
bear single leaves, the blades of which are about
IS inches long, borne on a rounded petiole 1 foot in
length. The basal inflorescence is nearly erect, and
stands well above the compost. A plant in the
Cattleya-house of the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens
bears two spikes, one of which carries eleven, and the
other six fragrant flowers. In colour these are of a
reddish-brown, spotted with purple, and the se
are tipped with brown. Another species, H. odora
tissima, a Columbian plant, is also coining into
flower. Both are grown in the Cattleya-house, and
are afforded a good supply of water when growing.
Masdevaixia cornicdlata
13 very distinct iri the colour of its flowers, which
are brownish-red, curiously mottled and spotted with
yellow, the tails also being yellow. They are borne
on pedicels scarcely a^ tall as the foliage. The tube
is very broad ; indeed, this is the feature of the flower.
A variety named M.c. inflata, said to be of a more yellow
colour, with less spotting, was introduced in 1881 by
Messrs. Bull ; and the type made its appearance four
years earlier at Messrs. Backhouse & Sons, having
been obtained for them by their collector at an
altitude of about 9000 feet in Colombia. R. L. H.
Florists' Flowers.
THE AURICULA.
The season appears to have suited the Auricula
remarkably well. That there has been loss of plants
goes without saying. The rarest and most carefully-
tended collections are not exempt from loss ; the
insidious rot, canker, the devouring grub, &c, destroy
some, and too often the more valuable varieties.
Green-fly has given but little trouble, and it can
always be kept under without difficulty.
There are two periods of growth for the Auricula
one which commences in January or February, indi-
cating that the time of blooming is approaching ;
the other is in July and August, when it develops
vigorous leaves. Growers, as a rule, like to re-pot their
plants previous to the second period of growth, so
that the plants may have the advantage of fresh,
sweet soil.
Change of quarters is highly desirable during the
summer months. There is nothing like an open
north exposure, especially if the position be a cool
and shady one, yet exposed to the sunshine for
several hours daily.
Free and ample drainage and porous soil are advis-
able at the summer potting ; 1 inch deep of drainage
is desirable, and some growers give 2 inches. I
find that the most healthy plants are those in soil
which dries quickly ; and the plants will bear a
little drought without receiving harm. It is when
the soil becomes dry, and remains so until the young
root-fibres perish, that harm is done.
At the time of potting, it is usual to take off any
rooted offsets, and repot them singly in small pots if
the offsets are large enough, or if small, place a few
round the sides of large pots. Dryness at the roots
must be guarded against when the young stock is
making roots : enough moisture to keep them active
is sufficient. The frequent addition of young stock
of leading varieties is most important, as it is only
in this way that a collection of Auriculas can be
maintained in vigour. Sometimes a plant appeal's
to become weak for some reason, and fails to
make growth. When this happens, it is a good plan
to make an exchange with some grower at a distance,
and especially with one living in a northern county.
The reason why some old varieties of fine quality
remain so long in cultivation is, that they are well
cared for. A plant of an Auricula will last for many
years, and it has been well said that " the span of
human life may not suffice to measure the lifetime of
an Auricula." I have inherited some old varieties
which have been grown for a good part of a century,
and may be cultivated for yet as many more years ;
and varieties are now being raised which may find
as great favour with our descendants. But some do
wear out in course of time, showing signs of the
approach of old age by becoming less constant in
character. Every one who succeeds in raising a fine
new Auricula which displays permanence of character,
is a benefactor to those who core for and cultivate
this fascinating flower. R. D.
pals The Herbaceous Border.
EUCOMIS PUNCTATA.
This useful Cape bulb forms a desirable subject for
general decorative purposes at this season, when
simply grown on in 5 or 6 inch-pots. For room
decoration it is admirably adapted, lasting at least a
fortnight in good condition in an ordinary living-room.
A moderately strong bulb in a 5-inch pot produces a
spike 18 inches to 2 feet high of its starry, wax like
flowers, which are whitish, and spotted with rose,
and possesses an agreeable fragrance. My principal
object, however, in penning this note was to recom-
mend it for a position in the herbaceous border or
the flower-garden, where, if planted at 5 or 6 inches
in depth in a moderately light and well-drained soil,
it forms at this season an object of beauty. It is most
effective when planted in a group on a sloping bank.
A few days since I saw a very fine group in full
bloom in a position such as this in the gardens of
East Burnham Park, Slough, and the effect was both
striking and unique. The flower-spikes last fresh for
a considerable time after being cut. C. [I.
Aster Amellus.
The autumn-flowering porennial Asters are later in
flowering this year than I have ever before known
them to be, and late-flowering varieties, such as A.
turbinellus and A. ericoides, unless October is warm
and genial, will not roach flowering at all. Aster
Amellus did not begin to flower till September— a full
month later than usual. The very backward spring
made these plants late in starting, and during the hot
and dry July they made no progress, and some were
burnt to death. Being in Savoy last autumD, near
Aix, where A. Amellus abounds wild by roadsides and
everywhere, I was surprised to find how little it
varies there, and how entirely it differs from our
A. Amellus of English gardens. The wild plant is
altogether smaller, and the flowers, both the disc and
the rays, less than half the size. It is possible it may
have been improved by cultivation and selection of
seedlings ; but I lather think that it is a superior
variety which we have, perhaps var. bessarabicus,
which I have never seen as a wild plant. I have a
white variety which was collected in Savoy, but the
tint is dull, and the rays few, and it is a plant of
little merit. It comes partly true from seed, but in
two or three generations has shown no tendency to
improve. C. Wolley Dod. Edge Hall, Malpas.
The Week's Work.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
The Herbaceous Borders will require attention in
the removal or partial cutting-back of withered stems
and blooms of such plants as Paeonies. Delphiniums,
Aconitum, Sunflowers, and others. Since the rains,
weeds have sprung up freely ; therefore, when the
surface is iu a sufficiently dry state, use the Dutch-
hoe frequently.
General Work. — If fine weather continue, unac-
companied by frosty nights, the bedding-plants
generally will make a fair display up to the end of the
month ; and to preserve a tidy appearance as long as
possible, continue to remove all decaying leaves or
flowers. Subtropical plants, such as Cannas, Ricinus,
Hedychiums, Abutilons, Fuchsias, and some other
foliage plants, are now looking better than ever this
year, while the yellow-flowering Cassia corymbosa is
blooming profusely. The propagation of all tender
plants should be completed without delay. Alter-
nantheras should be struck in pots or small boxes in
sufficient numbers for providing cuttings in the spring.
Clean growths should be selected for cuttings ; the
youngest shoots that are quite free from flower at the
points being the best. If Lobelias of the L. speciosa
type are propagated by cuttings, cut over a few of
the plants from the least conspicuous position of the
garden ; and pot-up these a little later, and they will
furnish plenty of spring cuttings. Dahlias should be
examined, and either the colour of the flower or the
name placed to each where these are missing, or the
names on existing labels have become illegible.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Schoinburykia tibicinus. — S. Sanderiana and S.
Kimbal liana are quite distinct from other Orchids in
having hollow cows-horn-like pseudo-bulbs. The
plants are now growing freely, and should be placed
in such a position in the warmest house as will expose
them to full sunshine. They should be well supplied
with root-moisture until growth is completed, and
the flower-spikes are seen emerging from the centre
of the new pseudo-bulb. Gradually lessen the supply
at this stage until the flowers fade, and then place the
plants in a cooler and drier atmosphere. Other species,
such as S. undulata and S. Lyonsii, may be given the
same cultural conditions. S. crispa and the closely-
allied La;lia superbiens, will thrive if placed amongst
the Cattleyas, and treated similarly to those species.
Catasctums and Cycnochcs at this period should be
placed on the south side of the hottest house, sus-
pended well up to the roof -glass. Until the growths
are completed and the leave3 commence to change
colour, an abundance of water should be given them.
Any of these species now showing their flower-spikes
will require generous treatment until the spikes are
cut, when the plants may be suspended in full sun-
light iu a cooler and drier house. Until the leaves
have fallen, they must be kept moist at the root, and
afterwards, if thoroughly well ripened, they will
require but little or no water throughout their
resting period. The varieties of Mormodes that
grow in the temperature of the Cattleya-house should
be treated similarly.
The Mexican Division. — L;eliaanceps, L. autumnali ,
L. albida, L. Gouldiana, L. furfuracea, L. peduncu-
laris, L. majalis, Cattleya maxima, C. speciosissima.
Luisia Ameeiana, L. Kimballiana, L. Psyche, Yanda
teres, V. Amesiana, Y. Kimballiana, Epidendrum
Randi, E. atro-purpureum (macroclulum), E. radi-
September 25, 1897.]
THE GAB DE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
215
cms, Oncidium splendiduun, Odontoglossuui Londes-
buroughianum, U. citrosnium, Cyrtopodiums, Bar-
kenas, &c, «ill henceforth require only the thinnest
of shading at any part of the day.
Cattleyas. — The majority of the Cattleyas will
stand more direct sunlight at this season than at any
other. By gradually exposing them to more light
and air, the newly-made pseudo-bulbs and leaves
become hard and well - ripened, conditions which
greatly assist them to pass through the winter safely,
^'liere such plants as Vanda tricolor, V. suavis,
Tricbopileas, Miltonias, Ccelogyne elata, C. grammi-
nifolia, C. Cummingi, C. corrugata, C. fuliginosa,
t 'ymbidiums, and the cooler-growing Cypripediums,
: re placed in the same house as the Cattleyas, they
should be put at one end, and be carefully shaded
from stroDg sunshine.
Eulophiella Elisabethic has made a considerable
number of new growth, and the plant is beginning
to root freely from the rhizomes. The present is
a good time to re-pot the plant, and being a vigorous-
looting species, it should be placed in a rather
large pot. and with a one - fourth less depth of
compost than is afforded to Orchids generally. It
will root freely in well-drained peat and sphagnum-
moss. Place the plant on the shady side of the
hottest house, and afford it copious waterings
throughout the growing season. Preserve a con-
stantly-moist atmusphere around the plant, or thrips
and red-spider will injure the foliage. The new
E. Peetersiana may also be re-potted now, and treated
similarly.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, EaBtnor Castle, Ledbury.
Peaches and Nectarines. — Trees that have made
strong growth, and especially young trees, may re-
quire to be root-pruned, and as the leaves will soon
tall from the trees in the earliest house, the work
may be proceeded with at once. Take out a trench
around the tree sufficiently far from the stem to catch
the points of the roots, then fork backwards towards
tbe tree till a sufficient quantity of the roots are
exposed ; which shorten back according to the
strength of the tree, and if viry strong, right back to
the ball ; then fill in firmly with the old soil. Should
any of the roots look other than clean and healthy,
the old soil should be replaced with some fresh,
moderately heavy loam, and a liberal addition of sound
lime rubble, carefully relaying the root3 as the
process of filling up goes on. We examine the roots
of all our trees every year in this way, taking care to
keep a sufficient distance from the trees, and we thus
are sure where the roots are ami what their state is,
and can therefore afford nourishment without waste.
If advantage be taken of wet days for effecting the
root-pruning of inside trees, the labour is missed
bat little. If any trees are to be removed and
others brought in, the decision must be determined
very soon, and preparations made for carrying
out the work. If the work be done before the leaves
fall, good - sized trees can be moved with very
little check. We moved large trees from inside to
out-of-doors and vice vend last autumn, and have
taken good crops of fruit from the trees this season.
When moving the trees, keep as much soil as pos-
sible on the balls, and take care that the place is
made ready before a tree is removed. Cover the
roots up quickly and carefully, and they will com-
mence action in a few days, and obtain hold of the
new soil before all the leaves fall. In later houses,
as soon as the fruit is gathered, lose no time in
thinning-out superfluous shoots, so that the wood
may thoroughly ripen. .See that no trees are suffer-
ing from lack of water. I afford water to the
trees as regularly, though not so frequently,
through the winter as in the summer, and conse-
quently suffer little from bud-dropping. Collect and
tie in bundles all laths that have been used for
propping up the fruit. Look over late trees on
alternate days, and gather all the fruits that readily
part from the trees. Houses containing fruits should
be closed on cold nights, but all others should be
fully ventilated.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Cauliflowers. — Plants still in the seed-beds if
intended to be kept through the winter, should not
suffer from crowding together, or they will not
prove satisfactory. It is better to thin them out,
pricking off the plants removed into other beds, or
where they can be covered with a frame or hand-
glasses during the winter. Although protection is
necessary in all but the most favoured districts, it
should not be given until it is necessary, and air
should always be afforded when there is no frost or
rain. If cold frames are used, these should be sunk
in the soil, so as to bring the plants up to the light.
The time-honoured method of wintering Cauliflowers
in hand-lights has not been excelled, although the
ability to raise Cauliflowers in heat, by sowing the
new early varieties has caused their disuse in
many gardens. For the benefit of gardeners who
may not have used hand-glasses or cloches, a few
words of explanation may be necessary. The laud— on
a south border by preference, having been trenched
after a heavy manuring, should be allowed to
settle for a fortnight, and then be levelled, and
made firm by trampling it evenly all over.
It should then, on a dry day, be raked roughly,
and lined out into beds 3 feet wide, with alleys
between them of 2 feet in width. The handglasses
(cloches), or hand-lights, measuring 2 feet square in the
case of the latter, and 20 inches in diameter in that of
the former, should then be arranged at a distance of
2 feet apart on the beds. The Cauliflower plants may
then ' ^planted in tbe space enclosed by each cloche or
hand-light, at about 7 inches apart. Iu early April all
but the four corner plants should be removed from
each hand-light or cloche, and planted elsewhere.
Air must be admitted whenever there is no hard frost
by tilting the tops, or placing something under the
rim ; or in the case of hand-lights with removable
tops, by tilting these or twisting them round a little,
so as to admit the air. Cauliflowers now turning-in
should be examined atshort intervals of time, breaking
down a leaf or two over the curd, which will gene-
rally be sufficient to protect them from injury. If
too many are coming on at one time, pull some of
them up by the roots when the heads are of sufficient
size, and lay them in soil in a cool shed.
Outdoor Tomalos. — Fruits not yet ripe on plants
out-of-doors are not now likely to ripen outside,
unless the plants are protected by spare lights or in
other ways. In the case of plants in the open
quarters, the stems may be carefully bent low down,
and cold frames put over them, and by this means a
quantity of fruit ripened off that would otherwise be
lost. Fruits with a trace of colour in them may be cut,
and hung up in a pit having a temperature ofoo, or the
stems may be stripped of the leaves, and hung up
indoors with the fruits attached, iu order to ripen.
All the plants in pots at present out-of-doors, for
providing winter Tomatos, must be placed in glass-
houses forthwith.
Parsley.— Remove yellowing leaves, and stir the
soil between the rows. A lot of the latest-sown
Parsley plants may now be pricked out in cold frames,
so as to make sure of having nice fresh healthy
leaves in the early spring-time, when Parsley is, as a
rule, very scarce on the out-of-doors beds.
the individual trees operated on. Refill the trenches
with some loamy soil, assuming the natural mould
to lack fertility. If this is not at hand, a little short-
manure should be added to the excavated soil before
returning it to the trenches. In the case of wall-
trees, or trees growing in cultivated parts of the
kitchen garden — that is, fruit- plots in which vege-
tables are grown among the trees— a mulch should be
laid over the roots, extending from the stems to
1 foot beyond the loosened soil, to prevent frost
penetrating the roots, and to maintain the soil warm
and moi-t.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Preparing around for New Plantations of Young
Trees and Bushes. — Wtiere the making of fresh plan-
tations of fruit-trees and bushes is contemplated, a
suitable site should be decided upon, and the ground
selected affcrded a good dressing of manure, which
may be trenched in a few weeks before planting takes
place. The trenching should be done from 1J to
2.} feet, according to the natural depth of good
soil. The soil at the bottom of the trenches should
be loosened with a fork or pick, levelling the same
in doing so in order to secure a uniform depth ot
earth. Place a good coating of manure over the
loosed subsoil, following this with the top-spit, then
another layer of manure and another spit of mould,
together with the shovellings of the remaining good
soil. In this way, ordinarily shallow soils may be in-
creased to a good depth in the course of a few years,
with satisfactory results.
Soot-pruning. — Any bush or standard tree which
has not yielded good crops of sightly fruit, should be
root-pruned forthwith, so that fresh fibrous-roots
may be made before the fall of the leaf. Dig a
trench from 18 inches to 2 feet from the stem, accord-
ing to size of the tree, and cut all roots clean off in the
process of opening the trench, working the soil away
from any tap-roots that may exist, in order to cut
them off. This amputation of unnecessarily strong
and damaged roots will induce numerous small
feeders to push forth to the permanent advantage of
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Lutou.
Gardenias. — Any of these plants which have filled
their pots with roots should receive copious supplies
of clean water and clear Boot-water, and occasionally
a slight sprinkling on the surface of an artificial
manure. It is, however, advisable not to afford
stimulating food to any of the plants which may have
set flower-buds, or many of these will drop off.
Overhead-syringing must not be done heavily at this
season, and only iu the morning when the day pro-
mises to be fine. The leaves of the plants should
always be dry when night sets in. Gardenias require
to be kept scrupulously clean, which state is best
attaint d by sponging and dipping them, and occa-
sionally syringing the leaves with soot-water ; the soot
for this purpose, about one peck, being put into a
canvas bag, and immersed in a vessel containing
20 gallons of rain water. This soot - water should
be made lukewarm at this season. The temperature
for Gardenias may range from 60° by night to 65" to
70° by day.
Bulbs. — Quantities of bulbs in sufficient number
to meet the requirements of the establishment may
be potted, and afterwards treated in the manner pre-
viously advised. Lilium longiflorum var. Harrisii, if
required in flower iu the early spring, should be
amongst those potted at about this date, uBing for it
a compost consisting of friable loam of good quality,
decayed leaf-mould, a small quantity of charcoal, and
sharp sand in quantity sufficient to give porosity.
A suitable size of pot is the small o2.
Fuchsias. — Cuttings of these plants may still be
struck by placing them to the number of five or six
in 48's filled with a rich, sandy compost. When
rooted, pot them off, and keep them growing in an
intermediate-house all through the winter.
Solanum capsicastrum. — Plants growing in the
open air may now be potted in 4S's and 32's according
to size, and be kept shaded for a fortnight. Weather
permitting, they may be syringed daily once or
twice. The northern side of a cool house suits the
plant whilst being re-established.
Salria splendens, die. — These plants now require
plenty of water at the root, and any that have been in
pots all through the season will be benefited by a liberal
top-dressing of decayed manure ; the variety com-
pacta, as its name implies, is of a bushy and compact
habit ; and grandiflora is a graceful variety, with long
pendulous spikes of bright scarlet flowers. The
branches of .Salvia azurea should be Becured to thin
sticks. The plant lasts in bloom for many weeks from
November onwards, and is a pleasing-looking plant in
the greenhouse. The bottom blooms as they get
past their best should be pinched off, otherwise
decay will spread to the others, even to those not
expanded. Afford liquid manure-water occasionally
till the flowers commence to open, when clean rain-
water only should be supplied.
General Woii. — Proceed with the housing of all
tender plants, the low temperatures and moisture in
the air, now, being unfavourable to them, even should
no frosts occur. Water should be withheld from
Hippeastrums, Achimenes, and Gloxinias, and the
pots containing them placed one above tbe other on
their sides on a dry shelf. The seedlings of herbaceous
Calceolarias aud of Humea elegans should, before
crowding takes place in the seed-pans, be pricked off
into others, and afforded a place on a shelf near the
glass, and be guarded against slugs. A similar place
should be found for double -flowered Primulas ; and
when watering the latter, do not allow it to lodge in
the centres of the plants, or damping-off may result.
Gradually reduce the quantity of water afforded
Caladiums, and when the foliage has died off naturally,
the same kind of treatment as that given to Amaryllis
will suit them — with this difference, that the dormant
tubers require stove-heat to keep them from decay.
216
THE GAB DE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
[September 25, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
THURSDAY,
MONDAY,
/'Show of British-grown Fruit by
Sept. 30 [ the Royal Horticultural Society
t at the Crystal Palace (three days}.
Sept.
Protheroe & Morris
TUESDAY, Sept. 2S
WEDNESDAY, Sept.
THURSDAY, Sept.
FRIDAY,
Oct.
SALES.
,_ /Bulbs at
'' 1 Rooms.
/ Bulbs, Continental Plants, Roses.
( &c, at Protheroe «fc Morris'
1 Rooms.
i Annual sale of Conifers, &c , at the
I Wood Lane Nurseries, Islewoith,
V by Protheroe & Morris.
„„ I Bulbs at Protheroe & Morris'
v\ Booms.
f Bulbs, Roses, Carnations, Hardy
3<H Plants, at Protheroe <fc Morris'
v_ Rooms.
. / Orchids and Bulbs, at Protheroe &
t Morris' Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 55.2°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London. — September 22 : Max.', 60° ; Min., 513.
Provinces.— September 22 : Max., 60', at Dungen
Miu., 4S', at Stornoway.
A Law of Here-
dity.
We are indebted to Professor G.
Henslow for the following re-
marks on a most important and
interesting subject. Mr. Francis Galton has
lately contributed a paper to The Proceedings
of the Royal Society (vol. lxi., p. 401), on
" The Average Contribution of each of several
Ancestors to the total Heritage of the
Offspring," wherein he illustrates and demon-
strates the truth of a Law of Heredity,
which he had previously stated as probable
[Natural Inheritance, 1889, p. 134), "because it
was then unsupported by sufficient evidence.-'
Thanks to the late Sir Everett Millais, who
bred basset-hounds for many years, Mr. Galton
has secured sufficient facts to test the accuracy
of the law, so far as it applied to the colours of
the hounds. The law is, that " the two parents
contribute between them on the average one-
half, or (0-5) of the total heritage of the off-
spring ; the four grandparents, one-quarter,
or (0-5)2; the eight great-grandparents, one-
eighth, or (0'5)3 ; and so on."
He observes that this law is in harmony with
the observed facts of embryology, in which there
are "binary subdivisions of the germ-cells, with
the concomitant extrusion and loss of one-half
of the several contributions from each of the
two parents to the germ-cell of the offspring ; "
so that each parent contributing one-fourth is
what might on a priori grounds be expected to
be the case.
The bassets are dwarf blood-hounds, having
two recognised varieties of colour, viz., white,
with large blotches ranging between red and
yellow. This kind is called "Lemon and White,"
the other has some black in addition, and is
called "Tricolor." Mr. Galton enters them
as "T." (tricolor), and " N." (non-t.). Sir
E. Millais supplied Mr. Galton with pedigree
records of colours in 817 cases. The colours of
all four grandparents were also known in 567.
Of 188, the colours of eight great-grandparents
were also recorded. Such were the bases for
Mr. Galton's calculations.
His first inquiry was to see if either sex was
prepotent, and he came to the conclusion that
the dam was prepotent over the sire in trans-
mitting the same colour in the proportion of 6
to 5. The author, however, has accidentally
reversed the entries " Sire T., Dam N.," and
" DaniT., Sire N.," for his numbers, so that it is
not the dam, but the sire which is really pre-
potent to this small amount. This difference
does not affect the law, therefore, sex is not
recognised in the calculations.
The problem is to show that if the fractions
of the series given above be assumed to represent
the contributions of each generation, respec-
tively ; then the law will be true if the calculated
results correspond with the actual numbers of
T. or N. offspring which were born.
Mr. Galton's first table sets out the actual
numbers as received from Sir E. Millais of
T. or N. offspring, corresponding to the four
combinations of pairs of parents, viz., sire
T. and dam T., sire T. and dam N., sire N.
and dam T., sire N. and dam N. These are
again taken with various combinations of
grandparents.
From the table of data he deduced five other
tables to illustrate various facts, and in the
fifth and sixth puts side by side the calculated
total tricolor offspring, supposing the law to be
right, and the actual number of tricolor offspring
recorded in the first table. The calculations
are too elaborate to be reproduced here ; all that
need be said is, that the "co-efficient" or fraction
to be multiplied into the total number of
offspring (i.e. both T. and N. together) under
each group of ancestry is calculated for each
grandparent and great-grandparent or further
ancestry, as representing the amount of in-
heritance supplied by each member of the
ancestry. Thus in one case the total number
of offspring observed was 118 (T. and N.). By
multiplying this by -8342 or by -83 the result
is the calculated number of T. offspring which
ought to have been born, or 99. The observed
or actual number was 100. The reader will
also gather how accurate the law is by the
following pairs of numbers representing the
calculated and observed or actual numbers of
T. offspring ; when the calculated did not
transcend grandparents the numbers were 236,
239; 149, 139; 6, 9; or grand totals 391, 387.
Again in table 6, in which pedigrees were
utilised up to the 3rd generation, we find
the numbers as follows : — 53, 56 ; 52, 56 ; 9, 9 ;
8, 6; 49, 46 ; 9, 8 ; and grand totals, 180, 181.
Nothing could show better the truth of the law
than the extraordinary accuracy of the last
pair of numbers. Whether this law holds good
for all other " elements of heredity," as we
might call them, besides the single one of
colour, is at present undetermined.
If we now turn to plant-breeding, of course
we have no data wherewith to test the law, and
it may be questioned whether any really
practical value can be attached to it. The
belief that the male is more usually prepotent
in plants, has perhaps been generally acted
upon ; for it is a custom, I believe, to take
pollen from a good parent for fertilisation, when
some special strain is required.
Mathematical calculations, as a rule, are
inapplicable to living organisms ; partly be-
cause the latter differ in very many particulars,
and partly because those particulars are corre-
lated together in ways that are imperfectly
understood. Hence, though Mr. Galton suc-
cessfully proves the law for a single, simple
feature, namely for colour, in an otherwise
pure strain of animals, it does not follow that
the law can be applied with equal success to
the ordinary problems of horticulture. More-
over, a new class of questions enters largely into
these, which relate to hybridity. Here two
organisms, having different forms of stability,
concur in producing a third form, which has a
third form of stability. Mr. Galton has him-
self discussed this subject in his Natural
Inheritance.
Hence, if we test the law with multifold
crossings in plants, we do not find it so readily
traceable in the features of a single offspring,
as he did in the number of offspring of the same
colour.
First consider a single species, say the Fox-
glove. All individuals (apart from the usual
"individual" and trivial differences) are prac-
tically exactly alike. The law may be present,
but it cannot be detected ; the result is the
same as if each parent contributed one-half.
In the case of first hybrids, though each
parent may contain the sum of its ancestral
series of precisely similar beings, yet the result,
as seen in the structure and form, &c, of the
hybrid offspring is not always equal to one-
half — though reciprocal hybrids are mostly
alike — for it often happens that the features of
one of the parents predominate, though no
universal rule exists as to any regular prepo-
tency in either sex. Again, in comparing the
visible features of hybrids with those of
their parents, it is impossible to estimate
the relative contributions, mathematically ;
for a part of a flower, for example, of the
hybrid offspring may resemble the same
part in one parent, while another part of the
flower will be like that of the other parent.
Thus, when Rhododendron jasminiflorum (with
a white, long-tubed, small-limbed corolla) was
crossed with R. javanicum (having a short-
tubed, broad-limbed, orange-coloured corolla),
the offspring, " Princess Royal," shows a broad
limb, a long-tube corolla, and the orange-tint
has not been contributed at all, the colour
being rose-pink.
With regard to colours, it often happens
that several offspring from the same pod will
vary greatly in colour. Thus, when Rhododen-
dron Lobbi (crimsoD) was crossed with R.
Brookeanum (straw-coloured), the offspring
were crimson-scarlet, red-orange, and primrose-
yellow, varying to pale salmon.*
Hence the parental colours, which ought
theoretically to have been representable by \,
cannot be so represented if there are various
colours, or various depths in the tint, if the
colour be the same, as is often the case.
When a cross is recrossed to its third, fourth,
or a later generation, as is frequently done
among florists' flowers, though a calculation as
to the relative amounts of inheritance which
should be contributed by each member of the
ancestry respectively, can readily be made,
yet the visible results do not appear to corres-
pond with them. Thus, to take an example,
the hybrid Rhododendron " Little Beauty " con-
tains five species. Its pedigree is as follows : —
R. jas. x R. jav. ( = Pr. Rl.) ; Pr. El. X R. jas.
( = Princess Alexandra); Pr. Al. x Duchess of
Edinburgh ( = R. Lobb X R. Brook; Monarch),
Mon. x R. Malayanum = Little Beauty.
Altogether there are here five generations, so
that the amount of heritage contributed by
each species would, according to Mr. Galton's
law, be approximately —
Jas., -ir: Jav.,,L; Lob.,^; Brook, i;
' 3 t» '65' ' US ' ' 88 '
Mai., and its ancestry, i.
Now, when we examine the visible results,
we find that " Little Beauty " is almost identi-
cally the same as R. Malayanum. The colour
• "Hybrid Rhododendrons," by Rev. O. Henslow, Journ.
Hort. Soc , xiii., p. 30.
Sepiembkb 25, 1S97.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
217
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THE GAB DENE US' CHBONICLE.
[Suti'mber 25, 1S97.
and form are the same, though the latter is a
trifle larger in the hybrid. The leaf is slightly
i runcated, such being apparently the only
leature visibly inherited from any one of the
uther species, viz., B. jasminiflorum.
This case illustrates another, and by no
means uncommon fact, that if two species be
i rossed, and the female paient may bear
offspring, there may be no trace whatever of
the male parent, the female being absolutely
prepotent. In these cases, therefore, the law
would seem to fail ; or at least it is not traceable
in external appearances.
Again, if the anatomical structures of the
two parents are at all markedly distinct, their
i-orresponding differences may be detected
in a state of combination by a microscopical
Hxamination of those of the hybrid, as Mr.
Macfarlaxe has so well shown. In the
• ase of Mr. Veitch's hybrid Ehododendrons,
I compared in every possible way the
tissues of the stems and leaves of the parents
und first hybrids; and there was rarely any
appreciable difference whatever in their
anatomy. I thus obtained almost purely
negative results. This appeared to be due to
the fact that these species probably
live under much the same external con-
ditions, so that the texture of the vegetative
organs are the same; so that while in Mr.
Mactaklaxe's case some rough application of
the law might possibly be attempted, nothing
would follow from the above species of Rhodo-
dendron.
Finally, the only practical deduction which
strikes me at present is, that the oftener the
offspring of hybrids be crossed with new forms,
the retention of any particular feature is pro-
portionally lessened, and is soon practically
lost; though, how far it may be retained " in
the blood," and re-appear by atavism, it is im-
posible to say. That each parent of a cross will
necessarily contribute exactly one-quarter of
any special feature in the offspring, does not
appear to be sustained by facts.
local " authority " will well supplement his
labours by furnishing such cultural instruction
as may be best suited for the poor, sufferirg
tillers of the soil.
Reports have for some time past
'mirier' been current a»t, owing to long-
continued bad weather, certain
districts would be, and were being, overrun by
the Potato disease. And it is reported that ruin
stares in the face many an Irish cultivator, who
has lost his Potato crop, and that assistance
will have to be given in many instances to ward
off starvation. Truly, this is a most unfortunate
condition of things, and the prospect of
extirpating the disease a very poor one, as
it is but too likely that the small holder will
gather up all the refuse he can, in order to
make up a muck-heap for distributing over his
small parcel of land when he can procure sets — for
these sets will be furnished him goes almost with-
out saying. Of course, there are Potatos with
a good reputation as disease-resisters, as well as
many with a bad one ; and to-day we give the
names of three varieties sent us by a northern
farmer, who speaks highly of them as offering
the strongest amount of resistance to the blight.
The names of these, are " Up-to-Date," a
heavy cropper; " Pritish Queen," a ' good
second early ; and " Challenger," a new Fife-
shire production well spoken of, but compara-
tively dear, as the stock of it is at present small.
Good friends to the cotter and crofter in the
■Sister Isle will be those who get him to tho-
roughly cleanse his land and burn all the refuse
that can be consumed. Such advisers will also
3ee to the purchase of the very best sets ; and the
The Royal Horticultural Society's
Show of British-grown Fruits will be held at the
Crystal Palace, Sydenham, on Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday next. A conference on "Progress" will be
held on each of the three days, and papers read :
that of Thursday being by Mr. G. Bustard, and
entitled " Progress in Fruit Cultivation during the
Quken's Reign." That on the following day, by Mr.
A. W. Sutton, will deal with the progress in vegetable
cultivation during the same period of time ; and the
paper to be read by Mr. J. Assbee on Saturday will
illustrate the progress made in market gardening. In
view of the moderate crops of hardy fruits this
season, the exhibition may not be so large as last
year, but there will sure to be a good show. A cold
luncheon for gardeners will be provided on Thursday,
at which the Council, judges, and lecturers will be
present. Other persons interested in the show may
obtain tickets for same from the Secretary before the
29th inst.
Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta.— The
Report from the Curator, Lieut-Colonel King, of the
Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta, for the year 1896-97
is one of considerable disaster, the garden having
suffered greatly from the drought, which followed
that of the year 1S95-96. Much uselul work has,
however, been done in the cultivation of economic
plants, the investigation of the flora of British India,
and the enrichment of the herbarium. A mono-
graph has been published of the Indian species of
Bambusa by Mr. J. Sykes Gamble
Pomological Society of Boskoop,
HOLLAND.— The Plant and Fruit Committee awarded
at a recent meeting the following First-class
Certificate ; to Glyceria spectabilis folia argentea
variegata, shown by Mr. K. Wezelenburg, Hazers-
woude, Holland ; and to crosses of Clematis
integrifolia and C. viticella, namely, Kbnigin
Wilhelmina, Hortulanus Wilke, C. H. Joosten, and
C. van Kleef, shown by Mr. C. van Klei:f, Boskoop.
Second-class Certificates were awarded to climbing
Rose Carmine Pillar, and to Daphne laureola folius
atro-purpureus shown by Mr. K. Wezelenburg,
Hazerswoude ; and to crosses of Clematis integrifolia
and C. viticella, namely, Queen Victoria, President
Carnot, C. de Vos, Felix Faure, President Cleveland,
M. van Kleef, Kaiser Wilhelm,' Win. E. Gladstone,
Prins Hendrik, Hortulanus Witte, shown by Mr.
C. vax Kleef, Boskoop. P. A. OttoUndtr, chief
Secretary of ike Pomological Society, Boskoop.
THE ISLE OF WIGHT.— On Wednesday, Sept. 15,
the Ea9t Cowes Horticultural Society held an exhibi-
tion of Totnatos, followed by a discussion opened by
Mr. C. Martin*, Clarence House Gardens, on the best
methods of cultivation, and the most suitable varie-
ties for indoor and outdoor planting.
■ The Isle of Wight Horticultural Improve-
ment Association took their third and last outing for
the season at Swanmore Park, Hants, on Sept. 16.
The party was received by Mr. E. Molyneux, and
conducted over the kitchen, fruit, and flower-
gardens, the vineries, stoves, &c. ; and last, but not
least, the Chrysanthemums were inspected. The
sub-tropical bedding and the rock-garden were much
admired. The colour of the Apples in the orchard
was excellent. The effects of planting the trees on
the surface, and of thinning the branches instead of
too much shortening back or pruning, were noted.
The Chrysanthemums, of course, were especially
interesting, and much time was spent in observing
the habit of growth, &c, of some of the newer
varieties. The party returned to the garden Isle
much interested by their visit to Swanmore, where
they had been most kindly entertained both by the
proprietor, Mr. Myers, and his gardener and steward,
Mr. E. Molyneux.
FLOWERS in Season.— From Messrs. Town-
send Bros., Bloxham, Oxon, we have received a few
blooms of new varieties of decorative and single-
flowered Dahlias. The best of the decorative varie-
ties is Monarch, an intense crimson-coloured bloom
of large size, and the habit is described as good.
The others possess pretty tints in color Favourite
is a single flower of much attraction, the white petals
being margined with pure orange. Speckled Gem,
also single-flowered, has petals of crimson and yellow,
promiscuously associated, giving the blooms a mucb-
speckled appearance.
The Harvest in Scotland.— The Dundee
Courier of September 16 gives reports collected from
farmers in every county of Scotland, regarding the
yield of the season's harvest. These reports are all
of a satisfactory character. The yield of Barley is
described as much above the average, and the quality
excellent. Wheat and Oats were also very good
crops. Turnips promise to be an exceptionally heavy
crop, though the yellow variety in some districts is
suffering from want of rnoioture. Potatos are not a
heavy crop, and there is not much evidence of disease.
Beans and Peas have turned out well.
Torquay and District Gardeners'
ASSOCIATION. — The programme has just been
arranged for the ensuing winter session of this body
of gardeners. The session will commence on
September25, with the Presidential address from Dr.R.
Hamilton Ramsay, a staunch supporter of the Society.
Among those who have promised to contiibute
papers during the winter are Mr. A. H. "Whipple,
M.A., B.Sc, Staff instructor in science and agriculture
to the Devon County Council ; Mr. F. W. Meyer,
landscape gardener to Messrs. R. Veitch & Son,
Exeter ; and Mr. George Bedford, Head-master of
the Torquay School of Art.
A Striped Gloxinia Bloom.— That flowers
of the Gloxinia show much variation in their mark-
ings is well-known, and many strains have a ring or
margin of colour different to that of the corolla and are
furnished with very beautiful forms of spotting on
the lobes, and for some distance down in the tube.
But less common is it to find a flower of this type
with white, descending markings as observed in some
species of Convolvulus, such as has been sent to us
by Mr. Brewer, gardener at Oaklands, St. Albans,
which is a variety worthy of perpetuation by leaf-
cuttings.
Salvia splendens var. grandiflora.—
The brightest thing at the last meeting of the Royal
Horticultunal Society's meeting was undoubtedly the
groups of the above plant from Mr. Hddson. Gunners-
busy House Gardens, and Mr. H. B. Mat, E Imontoo,
Most gardeners are acquainted with the type, which
they value for its bright scarlet colour at this season,
when so few flowers of that colour exist under glass ;
but few know anything of the grandiflora variety,
which is a much showier plant, having longer flower-
spikes, which being consequently heavier, they droop
somewhat, giving to the plant more gracefulness than
is possessed by the type. The plants shown by Mr.
Hudson were in 10 inch pots, and had stood out-of-
doors the whole summer in a sunny part of the
garden at Gunnersbury House, Acton. They are the
produce of Bpring-struck cuttiDgs, and were twice
stopped — the second time being early in July.
The Browning of Plants.— The so-called
browning of plants — Brunisswe of the French — a
mysterious fungous disease until recent years unin-
vestigated, and so far as our knowledge goes, not
wide-spread in this country, but met with occasionally
on the Vine and a few other plants, is prevalent on
the following plants in France according to M.
Debray, and whose statements are quoted by M. E.
Roze in a communication on the subject sent to the
Journal de la Socieli Rationale a" Horticulture de
France, and inserted in last month's issue. Among
others, the following genera and species were men-
tioned as those on which Plasmodrophora vitis had
been found, Hepatica triloba, Cynoglossum, Ompha-
lodes Papaver bracteatum, Tradescantia virginica,
September 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
219
Mahonia, Begonia, Carina, Petunia, Epimedium alpi-
num, Helianthus, Aucuba (leaves and fruits), Phyto-
lacca decandra. Mirabilis longiflora, Spanish Sainfoin,
Fuchsia, Pseonia, Phlox, Funkia, Deutzia, Astrantia
major, Montbretia, and Gladiolus. It has also been
remarked on Sycamore, Tilia, Acer, and other timber
trees, and on divers vegetables and garden fruits. It
is, as M. Debbat remarks, easy to constitute a
malady, but it is sometimes almost an impossibility
to discover a remedy or combat the effects.
Publications Received. — Knowledge (pub-
lished, 326, High Holhorn), vol. xx.. No. 143.—
lijdschvift roor Tuinbouu; published by J. B. Wol-
ters, at Groningen. — Nouvelles Rccherches sur les
Nodosities on tubcrcules des Legumineuses (CllAS.
Naudin), Librairie Agricole de la Maison Rustique,
26, Rue Jacob, Paris. — Agricultural Gazette of New
South Wales, June, 1897, vol. viii., part 6. Report
<if an Investigation into the effects of the Darling Pea
Arethcs\ntha Bletioidks, Bulletin de la Socieu de France,
t. XL1V., 1S97, pi. 5.
BnrLROpHYLLrM Barbicerum, W. J. Goethe, in Gartenftora,
September 15.
C'ELGoyne sparsa, Rchb. f., Gartenftora for September I,
lS'.iT, plate 1442.
Crinom Sandf.rianum, Garden, August 14.
Diervilla precox, Lemoine. — A Japanese species intro-
duced by M. Lemoine, of Nancy : flowers, rosy pink in pen-
dulous clusters, Garten Flora, Aug ist 1.
Grevillea alpestris, Revue de C Horticulture Beige, July.
Lathyrus splendens, The Garden, August 2S, 1S97.
NARCiesua Ellen Wii.lmoti-, Garden, July 31.— One of the
finest bicolor varieties.
Nymph.ea stellata var. zanzibarensis, Revue Horticole,
July 10.
Home Correspondence.
SOME HINTS ON GROWING MUSCAT OF ALEX-
ANDRIA VINES. — This fine variety is one which it
is not within the ability of every gardener to bring
to perfection. There are, I should suppose, no better
sprouts coming away, and which have now produced
nice white heads, not at all, or but very little inferior
to what were produced from the same plants early in
June. Whether the same freak has been ob-
served in any other variety of Cauliflower, I should
be interested to know, or if is it peculiar to this one
variety ? /. Easter, Nosteil Priory Gardens,
BLACKBERRIES. — I have been pleased to read the
previous letters upon this subject. Having to pro-
vide a large quantity of fruit each season for preserv-
ing purposes, we have always found Blackberries very
useful, but this year they have been doubly appre-
ciated, through the failure of Plums and Damsons.
An excellent crop of Raspberries', and now a
good crop of Blackberries, have compensated us for
the loss of the stone-fruits. One of the many good
qualities possessed by the Blackberry is that of con-
stant cropping ; let the season be what it may, a
good crop of Blackberries is forthcoming. The bes^
variety here is Rubus laciniatus, our soil being a stiff
loam with a clayey subsoil, and although it seems t •
be satisfactory in any soil, the variety pays for good
Fig. 65. — a bowei: of box -trees is the pleasure-grounds at Lamport hall.
(see p. 209.)
(Swainsonia galegifolia), upon sheep ; Pruning and
grafting ; Fruit-Maggot fly, &c. — Journal of Botany
for September, 1897, No, 417, vol. xxxv. — The
Botanical Gazette, for August, 1897 (Chicago, Illinois).
Phalloidefe of tho United States (continued).
Stamens and Carpels of Typha latifolia, and briefer
articles. — Dictionnaire Pratique D' 'Horticulture et de
Jardinage, No. 63. — Agricultural Journal of the Cape
of Good Hope, August 5, 1897. — Boletim da Sociedade
Broteriana, xiv., Fasc 1, 1897. — Dictionnaire Icono-
grapltique des Orchids, by A. Cogniaux and A.
Qoosens (Epidendrum). — Destruction of an Elm-tree
at St. Albans, G. Abbey. — The Japanese Botanical
Magazine for July, 1 897, Tokyo. — Fruit Culture for
Profit, Salisbury Series, No. 7.
PLANT PORTRAITS.
Abelia floribusda, Pecaisne, Revue de V Horticulture
Beige.
AsTiirRiiM Hybrid Czar Nicholas II., Revue de VHorti-
cvlun-e Belffe el Elrancire for September 1. ism;.
Apple, Director Rqdiuas, Bulletin d' Arboriculture,
August.
Muscat Grapes in England than those grown by Mr.
Harman at Newnham Paddox. In regard to treat-
ment, he holds that it is very essential to good
flavour that the vinery should be carefully ventilated
at this season, for if the fruit is not ripe at the end
of this mouth, the management has been faulty —
unless, indeed, the variety is wanted for table at a
very late date. When the Vines are started in the
spring, if the sun is very powerful, a double thickness
of fish-net is thrown over the glass to modify
the ardency of the sun's rays, and air is always
admitted to the vinery when the temperature rises to
70°, as a degree of warmth higher than that will scorch
the foliage, which is the tenderest of all Vines.
A. Smith, Harcwoo'l House, Colin Deep Lane, Hendon.
CAULIFLOWER, VEITCH'S EXTRA EARLY
FORCING. — Some time ago I read somewhere about
this variety of Cauliflower producing a second crop
of serviceable heads. I never experienced any-
thing of the sort until this year, when a few plants
were put out by the side of some early Cabbages, the
stalks of which were allowed to remain in the ground
after the heads were cut, the same as the Cabbages.
No more was thought about tl>em\mtil I noticed strong
c 1 ure. We trait our Blackberries here the same as
Uaspberries, i.e., cutting out the old fruiting-canes as
soon as the fruit is picked, and re-tying in their place
sufficient of the current season's growths (generally
from four to six from each stool) to take their place.
We never dig among the stools, but place over the roots
a mulching of good rotten manure in the autumn, as
soon as the work of tying-in the new canes is finished.
At intervals during the winter, when the ground is
not frozen, good soakings with manure-water are given,
which cause the plants to throw strong canes. If
the season should be at all hot and dry, a good
soaking with drainings from the manure-heap when the
canes are in flower is very beneficial. The modes
of training that may be adopted in different places I
do not think make any difference to the amount of
fruit produced ; but where blackbirds and thrushes
are plentiful, a kind of training should be practised
that will admit of nets being easily and conveniently
placed over the rows. We find a horizontal wire,
supported by iron standards 4 feet high, and
running the full length of the rows (80 yards)
a very convenient mode of training. A few iron
standards, standing about 7 feet out of the ground
(having a small hole made in each near the
220
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 25, 1897.
top, through which to pass a piece of galvanised-iron
wire strained tight from each end), if placed down
each row, will keep the netting off the leaves,
and allow of the fruit being picked without
removing the net. I should like to advise the planting
of a good stock of plants of R. laciniatus in all
gardens, as Blackberries are palatable to most persons,
and they are excellent mixed with Apples in tarts or
puddings. With a few Apples added, they make a
very toothsome preserve. Geo. Woodgatc, Rolleston
Hall, Burton-onrTrent. [We recently observed R.
laciniatus fruiting very freely upon a slope in Messrs.
Cannell's nursery at Eyusford. The fruits, unless
quite ripe, are very hard, but when cooked they are
described as delicious in tarts and as preserve. Ed.].
WASPS. — I noticed in last week's issue that at
Normanton, Stamford, wasps are very Dumerous and
troublesome. In this district I have not yet seen a
young wasp this year. What can have become of
the queens that were very numerous early in June ?
A similar circumstance happened some years since at
Mereworth, but on that occasion I attributed the loss
of the queens to an early spell of very warm weather
being followed by a Budden change to very cold
weather. That was, however, not the case this year.
H. Markham, Northdown, Margate.
Your correspondent, Mr. John Butler, in
order to save his fruit, cannot do better than con-
tinue a Bearch for the nests of the wasps, giving
to the men employed in the search a bottle con-
taining dissolved cyanide of potassium, with instruc-
tions to push a piece of cotton-wool soaked with the
solution into the entrance of each nest that they find,
and the effect will be at once to prevent the passage
of wasps either in or out of the hole. Some few years
ago when making alterations in a gentleman's pleasure-
ground near Macclesfield, my assistance was solicited
in eradicating what became quite a plague of wasps ;
and knowing that the Gardeners' Directory gave a
receipe for the purpose I procured it, and soon de-
stroyed upwards of fifty nests with the substance
above-mentioned. The operator need have no fear
as to its effects on the insects, the poison being of a
most deadly kind ; and I destroyed the nests at any
hour of the day. T. Eeid, JVentworth Nurseries,
Hexham.
A GARDEN OF ASTERS.— A rather novel form
of summer-bedding has been adopted this year at
Cliveden, the residence of the Hon. W. W. Astor.
Owing to the nature of certain requirements, it was
necessary to retard the spring bedding-plants as much
as possible, so as to obtain them in the best condition
in June. After this time, the flower-garden would
be little seen until September, owing to the absence
of the family, and it was suggested by Mr. Wadds,
the gardener, that the beds, which are large, and
lie a considerable distance from the mansion, should
be filled with annual Asters in distinct colours. To
this end a quantity (about 30,000) was raised in
frames, and as soon as large enough pricked off in
borders in the open, and thence to the beds. These
are now just at their best, and the great masses of
soft colours are very effective. The long waved
border under the terrace is filled in with lines of
distinct colour, following the outline of the border,
the plants average not more than 6 inches in height,
and they are full of flower. The varieties used in
this part are Snowball, dwarf lilac, white Bedder,
light Blue, and delicata, and the angles at the back
are filled - in with a scarlet coloured variety, a
thousand plants being used in each line. The larger
beds are planted in pairs with one colour, viz. Peach
Blossom ; white changing to blue ; white changing
to rose ; red and white striped ; white bedder, and
purple ; while a large distinct circle is filled-in
with crimson and white variety, having a blue centre.
Very few stray colours were to be found, which
testified to the purity of the strain of Asters used.
C. Herrin. [What have declaimera of the " massing "
system to say to this ? Ed.]
ENGLISH AND GERMAN ASTER SEED.— The
reference made in last week's issue to Aster seeds
raised at home and in Germany induces me to say
that I have this season been enabled, through the
kindness of Mr. Cannell, who sent me small packets
of ten varieties of his home-saved seed, and of Messrs.
Dobbie & Sons, who gave me, for the same trial,
both their home-Baved and best German imported
seeds, to test them fairly on a plot of ground at
Surbiton, where the seeds were sown in April in
small clumps. I sowed the German seeds in the
centre of the border, and the Eynsford and Orpington
seeds at either end, labelling etch, and found, when
they bloomed, that the home-grown Asters were abso-
lutely as good as the German. A. D.
THE SOUTHERN COUNTIES CARNATION SO-
CIETY.— The letter that appeared iu the Gardeners'
Chronicle for September IS, p. 204, signed "An Old
Florist," is neither just nor generous. He appears to
entertain the id^a that no one can do a kindly action
without deriving some pecuniary benefit in doing so.
Now it so happens that Mr. Wm. Garton, jun., is a
very high-principled gentleman, respected and beloved
by all who know him — a member of the well-known
wealthy firm of Garton & Co., and a great and liberal
patron of horticulture ; but his chief hobby is the
cultivation of the Carnation, which he is endeavouring
to bring to the fore by promoting a society, offering
handsome prizes, and presenting plauts of the best
sorts, to anyone who would like to join the society.
Of course, it is perfectly ridiculous to imagine that
Mr. .Garton is desirous of getting any pecuniary
benefit from the society, his only object being (a
truly good and philanthropic one) to set it going ;
and that it will prove a success under such favourable
auspices, there can be no doubt. I think " An Old
Florist " should not have expressed himself in the
way he has done, without any just foundation what-
ever ; and if he has auy right feeling, he ought to
apologise for having done so. II'. H. Rogers, J.P.
TROPICAL NYMPH/EAS IN THE OPEN AIR.—
I have been successful in flowering Nymphsea
capensis, Nymphsea Devonieusis, and Nymphsea
cyanea in the open air this summer, at the end of a
stove-pit in the open air, where I had made a brick-
tank about 6 feet square and 2 feet deep, in the
bottom of which 6 inches of mud was placed, and the
tank filled up with warm water. To keep the
water warm, a small pipe was attached to the air-tap
of the hot-water pipes in the pit, so that I was enabled
to have a little warm water flowing constantly into
the tank, and keep the water at about 70°. After
the water had been in the tank about ten days, I sank
a very small plant of Nymphsea capensis to the
bottom, it being first planted in an Orchid-pan ; in a
few days the foliage had reached the surface of the
water, and very shortly afterwards it began to show its
flower-buds (this was the early part of June), and at the
end of that month several fine flowers had opened,
from which time till September 20 we have had from
seven to ten fully-expanded flowers daily on this plant.
Later in the summer I planted Nyinphiea Devoniensis
and Nymphsea cyanea, which have flowered equally
well ; and all being well next summer, I intend to
make a larger tank, and plant out other tropical
Bpecies. W. J. Toiensend, Sandhurst Lodge, Woking-
ham, Berks. [These plants are being cultivated in
open-air tanks in many parts of the country. Ed.]
EARWIGS. — These creatures are, as every gardener
knows, very destructive to Dahlias, Zinnias, Verbenas,
&c. ; but knowing their aversion to moisture, it
occurred to me to thoroughly moisten these plants
overhead every evening after dusk, and the results
proved highly satisfactory, not a single plant so wetted
being injured by them. This was discontinued after
the plants were established aud making rapid growth.
W. H. Aggctt, 70, St. James' Road, Bermondscy, S.E.
[Were the earwigs not troublesome afterwards ? Ed.]
A WARNING. — Several allotment holders at Kent
House, Beckenham, have this season lost portions of
their produce, and the police have failed to make any
arrest. One allottee evidently intends taking the law
into his own hands, for he has put up a board with
the following notice — "The Lord Helps those who
help themselves ; but, the Lord help that man I
catch helping himself to my Marrows." Id. Webster,
Kelsctj Park Gardens, Beckenham.
DAHLIA FLAMBEAU AS A BEDDER.— This is a
grand variety for bedding purposes : in fact, it pos-
sesses every good quality. The plant attains a
height of about 3£ feet. In colour it is scarlet, of a
beautiful shade ; and the blooms stand well above the
foliage. It is, perhaps, the earliest Dahlia to come
into bloom. Three large beds are filled with it this
season at Hampton Court, and the effect produced is
brilliant in the extreme. W. H. A.
CRESTED BEGONIA BLOOMS. — I was much
interested in the bloom of the single-flowered
crested Begonia in last week's Gardeners' Chronicle.
and send for your inspection a double form of
Begonia, which, when more fully developed is
capitally crested. The enclosed is a small bloom
from a nearly exhausted plant. You will notice it
has a good firm upright stem. The better developed
blooms showed the cresting much better. F. Geeson.
[The bloom, an exceedingly double one of large size,
was distinctly crested on many of its petals. Ed.]
CHRYSANTHEMUM LEAVES DISEASED. — Under
this heading a reply is given to a correspondent
at p. 208. I gather from the reply that the leaves
referred to were largely devoid of chlorophyll, and
yellow in colour. There are some varieties that
seem to Bhow this yellow colouration when outdoors,
under the best culture. I have noted it in several
fine collections. Looking over oue the other day in
company with an experienced grower, he remarked
that some of his plants showed the same golden hue
iu the leaves, but he found, after housing, that the
green colour all came back again. That is au inter-
esting fact. Perhaps the leafage suffers from too low
a temperature outdoors during the autumn nights,
and prefers the warmth of a greenhouse. Perhaps
the excess of strong sunlight to which subjected'
during the summer is detrimental ; evidently, it is an
interesting case iu plant physiology. A. D.
MR. HARRISON WEIR'S GARDEN. — I am some-
what mystified by the curious letter of Mr. Thomas
Fletcher, re my garden. I do not understand what
his planting a Potato fifty years ago and daily digging
it up has to dj with my planting my garden, but I
do believe that I clearly understand some of his
remarks. Here is one : " The best man in the world
is hampered if he cau only get a flat field with a
barbed-wire fence (what has the barbed-wire fence
to do with it?) : the place must be ready-made for
him, the trees must be of good size, and he must
succeed someone." In making my garden, I have
not succeeded someone else ; nor do I consider it need-
ful for a garden to have trees of a good size, but trees
are necessary for pleasure-grounds and shrubberies.
A garden is cultivated, a shrubbery " well ordered."
"Few gardens cau be made in a lifa-time, and in any
ci.se, a good deal of knowledge is required. Very
well ! Then I have done something that only few
can do, for " Weirlegh," at Brenchley, Kent, was a
wheat-stubble when I boug it it, and when I left, it
was very favourably noticed by most of the "garden-
ing " press as something uncommon. It may perhaps
come as a matter of surprise to Mr. Thomas Fletcher
to learn that my garden seven years ago was an utter
waste-piece of ground, and the part photographed
was a rough patch of grass lying in a hollow below
the road, and a place where much of the sweepings
and refuse of the villa gardens was brought and shot
into — in fact, what is often termed "a muck-heap."
This is the part shown. Below this was a small space
and five Oak trees (not in the photograph), then a
mound made by the waste of a stone quarry called
"tip" being shot there, and below it a flat piece of
ground, and to this the public having access at all
times, they had dug up and carried off every Fern or
wild flower that existed there. The ground
slopes towards the south-west, in some parts
precipitately. And so unpromising was the place
to do anything with, that it and the new house
stood empty for five years, neither it nor the
land having been occupied, or even the latter
fenced-in. Such was what I had to deal with. Whether
I have auy of the knowledge that is required I do not
pretend to say, but it will be at once seen that I
have not succeeded anyone else, as Mr. Thomas
Fletcher says, at least I ought to have done. He
says further, that "neither Mr. Harrison Weir nor
anyone else could have made such a place as is shown.
in the photograph, unless his predecessor had planted
the trees, and Nature provided crooked places and big
stones." As I have said, this part was a rubbish-place,
and I made the twisting paths, banked it about, and
the rocks were brought by cart from a neighbouring
quarry, and placed by hand as shown. All the
trees have been planted according to my directions,
and after about six years' growth they have been
photographed. There are more photographs taken of
different parts of the garden, all of which show that
every part differs much from the other, and is
generally unseen when a bend or turn is made in the
paths. As to the wild flowers and plants, they have
all been brought to it. About 2 oz. of Primrose
seed have been scattered, and Digitalis, Poppies, and
many other seeds ; also nearly 10,000 Daffodils have
a home and resting-place about the banks, &c. Those
who have seen ths place as it now is, have been kind
enough to tell me " they " thought it beautiful ; and
to me, of course, it is so. With all the rest that Mr.
Thomas Fletcher has written as to what a garden
should be, &c, I agree, as it is one of the principles
on which my garden is planned. Mr. Thomas
Fletcher, however, Btates that spaces are to be left
September 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
221
between the herbaceous plants for annuals and half-
bardy plants. With these I will have nothing to do.
There are no annuals or bi annuals but the wild
flowers — no others ; all others are perennials, low,
and tall-flowering plants, &c. He also says that,
" Every day without exception there should be some-
thing of interest for all comers, and good flowers to
be always available." This is much the case for
many months in my garden ; but I do not care much
for outdoor flowers wheu the frost is about, the
ground frozen, and the winds keen and cutting.
At all other times let there be flowers, and those in
plenty. As to the volunteered opinion of Mr. Thomas
Fletcher that "A collection of fowls can be got
together in a year." I beg entirely to differ with him
— no ; nor in twenty years. My fowls come of stocks
that date back far beyond half-a-century. It takes a
lifetime to breed a good and true strain of high-class
poultry. In conclusion, allow me to tell Mr. Thomas
Fletcher that my garden is my garden in all senses.
It was no garden about six years ago. I bought tho
land for a garden, planned it, planted it, maintained
it. " It is all mine, and I am proud of it." Harrison
Weir.
THE LATE MR. J. COCKER.
In tbe last issue of this journal, the demise of Mr.
J. Cocker, nurseryman, of Aberdeen, was brie8y
recorded ; it was there stated he was at the time of his
death the senior partner of the firm of Messrs. Jap.
Cocker & Sons, nurserymen, of Aberdeen. He had
taken no active part in the bueiuess for nearly
two years owing to a paralytic seizure ; and
latterly he has been a sufleier from other maladies.
The deceased Eerved his apprenticeship as a gar-
dener and nurserymau with his father, who had
started the business that was afterwards so greatly
developed ; he then for some time served as a
journeyman at Cloncaird Castle, Ayrshire, and sub-
sequently he obtained a situation as gardener near
Croydon, remaining there for several year!. During
this sojourn in the south, he was paying great
attention to the nursery business as then carried on
around London. About twenty-six years ago, he
joined his father in the business which now bears
their name ; and ten years afterwards, on the death of
his father, he took his three sons, Jaine*, William,
and Alexander, into the business as partners. He
made a special study of " Florists' Flowers," and in
conjunction with others eucouraged a taste for some
species which were fast on the wane ia the estimation
of gardeners.
In the cultivation of the Pansy, Phlox, and Pentste-
mon, he took the lead, and was fortunate in beiug
the raiser of the first blue show Pansy, " Sunny-park
Rival," which still ranks as one of the best,
if not the best of its class. He devoted attention to
the very beautiful and useful bedding Pansies, the
descendants of crosses of Viola cornuta, recognising
their good qualities as bedders and continuous
bloomers ; although I cannot claim for him the
honour of having done the most in this connection,
which honour justly belongs to Mr. P. Grieve and
the late J. Downie. He was a successful cultivator of
Roses, and the firm, under his far-seeing guidance,
began about sixteen years ago to make Rose-growing
a specialty, and their name has since become a house-
hold word in this branch of the nursery business
throughout the country.
Much to the surprise of his fellow nurserymen,
the cold and apparently uugenial climate of Aber-
deenshire was made to produce Roses as fine as any
in Scotland, or, indeed, out of it.
The almost universal use, at that time, of the
Manetti Rose as a stock did not meet with Mr.
Cocker's approval, and at great expenditure of time
and money, be set himself the task of discovering the
best kind of stock for each section and variety of
the Rose. And it was owing to the experience thus
gained, combined with high cultivation, that Cocker's
Roses took the leading prizes at most of the horti-
cultural shows in Scotland, and at some continental
ones likewise. Another branch with which tbe name
of the deceased will long be identified, is the culti-
vation of and bringing into prominence many fine
species of herbaceous perennials which for a long time
bad been ignored. His two sons, William and
Alexander, will continue to carry on the business as
heretofore. C. S. France.
SOCIETI ES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
September 21.'— An ordinary meeting of the committees
took place on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, James Street,
Westminster, when tho display ot exhibits was almost equal
to the capacity of the building. Such an exhibition of Dahlias
is seldom made under the auspices of this society. Nearly
all the trade growers of the flower were represented by large
collections of blooms, and several amateurs contributed equally
imposing exhibits. Novelties were numerous, and these
secured as many as sixteen Awards of Merit. The considera-
tion of new Dahlias was the greater part of the work before
the Floral Committee, and beyond these very few awards to
new plants were made. There was an excellent display of
Gladioli, several exhibits of Chrysanthemums, and an exten-
sive show of Roses grown in the open at Waltham Cross.
Before the Orchid Committee was an exceptionally interest-
ing Vanda from Messrs. Linden-, Brussels, and a few other
novelties. The exhibits of fruit were uncommonly few.
The Late Ma. JAMES COCKER
Floral Committee.
".Present: W. Marshall, Esq.. Chairman and Messrs. H. B.
May, Chas. T. Druery, R. Dean, J. H. Fitt, Geo. Stovens, J.
F. McLeod, J. Jennings, Thos. Petd, R. B. Lowe, Chas.
Jeffries. J. D. Pawle. D. B. Crane, Ed. Beckett, Geo. Paul,
J. W. Barr, and J. Fraser.
Groups of J miscellaneous foliage plants were put up by
Messrs. J no. Laing]*& Sons, Forest Hill, London, S.E., and
Messrs. J. Pbed&.Sons, Roupell Park Nurseries, Norwood
Road, S.E. In the 'collection from the latter establishment
were a few Caladiums, some well-coloured pretty Crotons,
the handsomely marked stove-plant Leea amabilis, several
ornamental varieties of Begonia Rex and plants of Drataena
Sanderiana (Bronze Banksian Medal).
Messrs. Laing's exhibit was a larger one, and it contained
a number of excellent Crotons of moderate size but rare in
colour ; also some varieties of Cordylines with coloured
leaves, as Lord Wolseley, A. Laing, and others ; Ferns, Cala-
diums. several Gloxinias, a number of plants of the pretty
Saxifraga sarmentosa tricolor superba, &c. (Silver Banksian
Medal).
An excellent display of cut Roses was shown by Messrs.
W. Paul & Sons, Waltham Cross Nurseries. Roses thus re-
main in season a considerable time after the first Chrys-
anthemums have been exhibited. Of Queen Man, a new
China Rose, of rich salmon -apricot colour, there were excel-
lent sprays of bloom ; and of Empress Alexandra of Russia,
Medea, and others, many of which have already been Certi-
ficated. Old Roses, including H.P.'s, Teas, Noisettes, and
China Roses, were shown in a large number of varieties,
some of the Teas including Marie Van Houtte, Sylph, and
Niphetos, being very pretty in their autumn buds. The dis-
tinctly-coloured Noisettes, William Allen Richardson and
Madame Pierre Cochet, &c, were well shown (Silver-gilt
Banksian Medal).
An Award of Merit was recommended to Cordyline Rus-
sell!, shown by Mr. J. Russell, Richmond. It has narrow
leaves, dull brown in colour, with midrib of very dull yellow.
Mr. Thos. Lowton, Faversham, was recommeuded an
award of Merit for a variety of Primula obconica with fim-
briated flowers. The peculiarity, however, needs further
development to become effective.
From Messrs. Robert Veitch & Sox, Exeter, was shown
a plant of Fuchsia triphylla (type), and several plants of F.
t. superba, which has crimson flowers of much larger size.
Messrs. Jab. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea, exhibited three very ornamental grasses — Gyne-
rium argenteum, with tine erect plumes of pale purple
colour ; Molinia ccsruled variegata, similar to tho type,
except that the foliage is variegated ; and Apera arundi-
nacea, with slender, drooping flower-stems, 3 feet or more in
length. The general appearance of the plant is most
graceful, and would be especially suitable for planting in a
basket (First class Certificate). A very ornamental Vine,
with conspicuously-coloured foliage, was exhibited. A nice
plant of Retinospora obtusa sulphurea was awarded a First-
class Certificate.
Salvia splendens grandiflora was capitally exhibited by
Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper EdmontoD
The plants forn ed a bright, almost dazzling group, and this
was well margined by pretty varieties of Adiantum
cuneatum (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. J. Hudson, gr. to
Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton,
was awarded a Silver Floral Mtdal tur an excellent group of
the same Salvia in flower.
A number of diverse varieties of seedling Fuchsias was
shown by Mr. P. Fry, Addington, West Mailing, Kent. The
plants had been raised from t-eed sown in gentle bottom-heat
about the middle of February last. They were planted out
in the open in May, and lifteu and placed into pots during
the last week in August. Some of them were 2 feet high,
and as much through.
A magnificent collection of spikes of Gladiolus was shown
by Messrs. J. Bcrbell A: Co., Howe House Nurseries, Cam- '
bridge. About 120 spikes weie included in this exhibit, and
the whole of them represented fine varieties. Many new
ones and some unnamed seedlings were staged, but it would
be invidious to select any for special mention from such a
collection ; a Silver-gilt Flora Medal was awarded.
Messrs. Wm. CCTBUSH & Co., Highgate Nurseries, LondoD,
N., showed a few plants of Carnation, Princess of Wales, a
variety of the Malmaisou type, also a number of sprays of the
dark purple -fruited Phytolacca decandra, flowers of Aster
acris, Arc
Fine sprays of the new Phy falls Francheti came from
Messrs. H. C inn ell & Sons, Swauley, Kent, and from
Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans.
A capital group of Chrysanthemums of the variety Lady
Mary Fitzwigram, a good white-flowered decorative Chrys-
anthemum, very free aDd fui'able for market, was shown by
Mr. G. Wythes. gr. to Earl Percy, Syon House, Brentford.
A few plants ot Lilium Harrisii in bloom, and plenty of
decorative foliage plants, htlped to make the group ut'
pleasing effect [Silver Flora Medal).
An exhibit of cut Chiytanthemums was staged by Mr.
W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nurseries ; and he had twelve
large blooms of the yellow-tioweied Japanese W. R. Prince,
one of Mr. Godfrey's seedliDgs. Other varieties included
Lady Esther Smith, Barbara Forbes, Milano, Miss Emily
Silsbury, Miss Oxenham, Madame Gustave Henry, Lady
Kennaway, &c. Naturally, some of the blooms were a little
deficient in colour.
An Award of Merit was recommended to Japanese Chrys-
anthemum Mychett White. It is said to be a fine market
variety, aDd flowers early. A dozen good t looms were
shown by Mr. M. Russell, Fornborough.
A group of Chrysanthemums in flower, with ornamental
foliage plants interspersed, was shown by Mr. J. H. Witty,
Nunhead Cemetery, London, S.E. Most of the varieties
included were of the early flowering section (Silver Flora
Medal).
Mr. E. F. Such, of MaideDheai, had a group of cut flowers
in bunches of early Chrysanthemums cut from out-of-doors.
Of the numerous varieties, the following were best : — Har-
vest Home, Eulalie Morel, pink ; M. C. Desgranges, Long-
fellow, white, an excellent variety for cutting from ; Madame
Carmiauge, white, petals long and drooping ; Piercy's Seed-
ling, Mdlle. M. Massey, and Blushing Bride (Bronze Banksian
Medal).
A very fine show of hardy flowers was made by Messrs.
Paul & Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, obtaining the award
of a Silver Flora Medal. The better things were new Phloxes,
apparently of continental origin, viz., Miss Pemberton,
cherry-red, with flowers H inch across — very showy (Award
of Merit); Ferdinand Cortez, a magenta-coloured variety;
Joseph Burton, one of a rosy-crimson colour, also very nice ;
Coquilicet, a bright looking scarlet flower, of large size
Jay: na "se, a lilac and white flower; Eclaireur, a purplish-
crimson-coloured flower; Regulus, a soft pink-flowered
variety ; and Fantome, a flower of lilac and white. Other
flowers in fine condition were Aster (perennial) Nova? Anglic
var. pulchella, deep purple ; A. Novfe Belgii var. Turity, and
A. N. B. laevigatas, of rosy-lilac colour ; Funkia subcordata
grandiflora, which differs from the type in having large
flowers ; Aster Bessarabicus, with capitally-developed
222
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 25, 1897.
blooms; Helenium grandicephalum striatum, Senecio pul-
cher, in very fine order ; Cyclamens Hedenefolia album, and
others ; Crassula Cooperi, a dense-habited dwarf plant, with
bright crimson flowers and red-tinted leaves, the plant
showing well in the mass, the flowers being, if small, yet
very numerous (Award of Merit).
Messrs. J. Veitch h Son* (Limited), King's Road, Chelsea,
S.W., received an Award of a Silver Flora Medal for hardy
flowers in variety, among which were noted several forms of
Anemone japonica, including bright, and light pink, and
white- flowered varieties, also A. j. Whirlwind, the semi-
double flowered white variety. Perennial Asters were abun-
dantly shown in good condition, also Boltonia asteroides,
Kniphotia Uvaria in a large number of spikes. One of the
best white perennial Asters that was noted in this collec-
tion is Candida, a flower with pure white rays of sufficient
breadth to make a good bloom.
Dahlias.
Messrs. H. Cannell and Sons' exhibit from Swanley
included a nice lot of Cactus blooms in sprays of five.
These were faced by a few good Pompons (8ilver Banksian
Medal).
Single- flowered Dahlias of the show type, and of the
Cactus strain were very finely shown by Mr. J. Hudson, gr.
to Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury House,
Acton, and the exhibit included a few good Cactus sorts
also.
An exhibit of Dahlia blooms from Messrs. Jones & Sons,
Shrewsbury, included flowers of the show and Cactus types
upon show boards, and in addition a number of shower
bouquets and other arrangements chiefly of Cactus blooms
(Silver Flora Medal).
Mr. Saml. Mortimer, Rowledge Nurseries, Farnham,
Surrey, contributed a large number of show Dahlias, backed
by a number of sprays of the Pompon and Cactus types
(Silver Flora Medal).
Mr. Thos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, had
an immense display, in which Cactus and decorative varieties
were chiefly represented. A few Pompon and single flowers
were, however, included, also a few Nerines and Liliums in
flower (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).
Messrs. J. Cbeal & Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley,
had eight large boxes of blooms, in which single- flowered
varieties, show, Cactus, and Pompons were all well represented
(Silver Flora Medal).
Messrs. J. Rurrell <fo Co , Howe House Nurseries, Cam-
bridge, exhibited some of the choicest varieties of Cactus
Dahlias, and the blooms were of good quality.
Upwards of eight dozen blooms of show and Cactus
varieties of Dahlias were shown by Mr. G. Humphries,
Kington Langley, Chippenham, Wilts ; and eleven sprays of
choice Pompons were from the same establishment (BroDze
Banksian Medal).
A large exhibit of Dahlia blooms was made by Mr. J. T.
West, Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex. There were eleven
dozens of show blooms, and a number cf the choicest Cactus
and Pompon varieties. A Silver Banksian Medal was
awarded this collection of fine blooms.
Mr. J. Green, Dereham, exhibited new varieties of Cactus
Dahlias, aud obtained several awards for same.
An exhibit from Mr. Chas. Turner, Royal Nurseries,
Slough, was composed almost exclusively of Cactus blooms.
Seven of these were staged in each basket, and these were
surrounded with Adiantum Ferns. There were twenty-four
such baskets (Silver Flora Medal).
New Dahlias.— Messrs. J. Bururll & Co. obtained
Awards of Merit for Falka, roBy-crimson, with a flush of
magenta towards the points; Casilda, pale primrose, the
points of the basal florets tinted with pink— an exquisite
variety ; and Salmon Queen, also a beautiful and distinct
variety; the ground colour salmon, heavily flushed with a
deep tint of salmon and also of magenta on the points of the
florets.
An Award of Merit was made to Island Queen, from Mr.
J. T. West ; this variety supplies a tint of soft lilac, .with
a perceptible shade of mauve— a lovely form, which will
prove very welcome to exhibitors, as supplying a tint of
which Beatrice is now the principal representative. Mr.
West also had Ethel, pale yellow ground, the basal petals
slightly suffused with delicate salmon.
Messrs. Keynes & Co., [nurserymen, Salisbury, staged a
dozen or so of new varieties, and Awards of Merit were made
to the following quartette :— Arachne, less spider-like in
form than this variety was seen at the beginning of the season,
still very distinct, the combination of white and scarlet-
crimson being very attractive ; Mary Service, yellow ground,
flushed with both pale and deep salmon and magenta ; Laver-
stock Beauty, deep reddish -salmon, bright and very effective ;
and Keynes' White, which promisee to be the best white
Cactus in cultivation, as it produces much more finished
flowers than any of the whites now grown.
Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfields Nursery, Crawley,
received Awards of Merit for two very fine Cactus varieties,
viz., Mrs. John Goddard, brilliant crimson, very fine in
colour, and a handsome self-coloured Cactus of great
merit; and Mrs. Finch, pale crimson flushed with magenta
at the points of the basal petals, very fine Cactus type. An
Award of Merit was also made to Cactus Green's Gem (an
unfortunate name, as there is already a Caunell's Gem), the
colour orange-salmon, a very promising variety, somewhat
distinct in colour, from Mr. John Green, Norfolk Nursery,
Dereham, who exhibited several seedlings of a small-flowered
type, which might be denominated Pompon Cactus, and
which promise to prove of great value for garden decoration
and fur cutting.
Of show varieties, Awards of Merit were made to Muriel
Hobbs, a very fine clear yellow self, of high quality, and
very constant, from Mr. Thomas Hobbs *t. Mark's Road,
Bristol ; who also had James Hobbs, rich plum, edged with
bright rosy-lilac.
An Award of Merit was made to a very pleasing soft lilac
self of fine shape, from Mr. St. Pierre Harris, Orpington,
Kent.
Mr. C. Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough, had Cassandra,
soft silvery- lilac, which will, no doubt, be seen in better
condition another season— the colour is decidedly novel ; and
the Pompon variety, Maluma, bright yellow, small, com-
pact, fine shape, received an Award of Merit,
Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, ob-
tained an Award of Merit for Minnie Richards, delicate
blush, fine petal and shape, quite novel and distinct.
Mr. J. T. Webt had Nellie Broomhead, an exquisitely-
formed soft lilac variety, in excellent condition, and it stands
as the best new Pompon of the year (Award of Merit).
Orchid Committee.
Pr sent : Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the Chair ; and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec.), De B. Crawshay, W. B. Latham, J.
Gabriel, H. J. Chapman, W. H. Young, E. Hill, C. Winn, W.
Cobb, A. H. Smee, and S. Cortauld.
But one First-class Certificate was awarded, and that fell
to L»:lia pnestans, " Gatton Park variety," sent by Jeremiah
CoLiiAN, Esq., Gatton Park, Surrey (gr., Mr. King) ; a very
extraordinary form with white sepals and petals suffused
with a decided blue tint, the front of the labellum also being
purplish-blue.
Messrs. Linden, V Horticulture Internationale, Pare Leo-
pold, Brussels, showed Vanda amcena, a remarkable supposed
natural hybrid between V. Roxburgbi aud V. ccerulea, with
which species it was imported. The plant and flowers were
fairly intermediate between the t wo species named, sepals and
petals of a peculiar bluish-grey, with numerous violet spots :
lip violet-blue. The sepals and petals were glossy, and the
whole flower very pleasing in appearance (Award of Merit).
R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Flodden Road,
Camberwell (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed Miltonia X
Peetersianum, a supposed natural hybrid, said to be between
M. spectabilis Moreliana and M. Clowesii ; but the plant
exhibited was evidently M. Regnelijx spectabilis More-
liana. The pretty, neat flowers were of various shades of
light purple, the form of the lip closely resembling M. Reg-
neli (Award of Merit).
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, staged an effective
group, the gem of which was Cattleya x Hardyana var.
Lowiie, a very richly-coloured form, bearing very bright
yellow markings on the lip ; and a gorgeously-tinted purple-
crimson front lobe (Award of Merit). In the group also were
a pretty light- coloured variety of the rare Dendrobium Lee-
anum, some finely -flowered specimens "of Vanda ccerulea,
fine pans of Cypripedium Charles worthi, C. x Arthurianum,
C. x Alfred Hollington, and other Cypripediums ; Cattleya
Gaskelliana delicatissima, a pretty, nearly white variety ;
C. Schofieldiana, C. Luddemanniana, Laelio - Cattleya x
Novelty, L -C. x Aurora, L.-C. x porphyrophlebia, fine speci-
mens of Odontoglossum grande, O, Harryanum, 0. crispum,
Oncidium Jonesianum, 0. varicosum, Lffilia pumila pra-stans,
&-. (Silver Flora Medal).
Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, showed a few rare
Orchids, including the new Dendrobium Greatrixianum, a
pretty slender species from New Guinea, bearing white
flowers, the large ovate labellum of which has a purple blotch
at the base and apex. The chaste white Cypripedium bella-
tulum album, C. X H. Ballantyne, a splendid specimen of
the true Dendrobium Grifhthianum, with long drooping
spikes of soft yellow flowers. It is often called D. Farmeri
aureum, but the thick whale-bone-like texture of the leaves,
and. many other features, well separate it from D. Farmeri.
Messrs. Sander also showed a fine Miltonia spectabilis
Moreliana, the suppose! hybrids, M. Lamarcheana and M.
Blunti Lubbersiana ; the rare Cypripedium x Saundersianum
(caudatum x Schlimi), with dark rose tinted pouch and
petals ; Odontoglossum grande, &c.
W. S. McMillan, Esq., Ardenholme, Maghull, Liverpool
(gr., Mr. W. G. Robertson), showed Cattleya x Hardyana
alba, a very charming variety, with white sepals and petals,
and rich ruby-purple lip, with the usual golden veining seen
in C. aurea. It was obtained from among plants imported
by Messrs. J. Charlesworth & Co., of Bradford.
Sir Frederick Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr., Mr.
W. H. Young), showed a fine inflorescence of the showy and
fragrant Houlletia Brocklehurstiana.
D. M. Grtmsdale, Esq., Kent Lodge, Uxbridge, showed a
good form of Oncidium Papilio (Award of Merit), and one of
Cattleya Harrisoniie major.
F. W. Moore, Esq., Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevdn,
Dublin, sent Lycaste Denningiana, a large species, with
green sepals and petals tinged wiih orange, aud showing
reddish- orange lip (Award of Merit).
Messrs. Collins & Collins, Cumberland Park Nurseries,
Willesdcn Junction, showed a group of twenty-four Odonto-
glossum Pescatorei, and a small plant of O. excellens.
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
Present : Philip Crowley, Esq., Chairman ; and Messrs. G.
W. Cummins, W. Iggulden, Jas. H. Veitch, J. Wright, Alex.
Dean, W. Farr, J. W. Bates, Geo. Woodward, W. J. Empson,
Geo. Reynolds, G. T. Miles, F. Q. Lane, Robt. Fife, G. Nor-
man, J. Smith, J. Willard, and Geo. Bunyard.
A dozen fruits of Melon, Earl's Favourite, was shown by
Mr. W. Kemp The Gunyah, Barnes ; and a dozen Cucumbers
o the varieties Covent Garden Favourite and The Rochford.
oth of them good sorts for supplying the market (Vote of
Thanks).
The best Pear in the Veitchian classes for flavour was
Souvenir du Congres, shown by Mr. C. Herrin, The Gar-
dens, Dropmore. The fruits were taken from a bush tree
upon the Quince stock. 2nd, Autumn rTelis, from Mr.
Wythes, fcyon House Gardens.
The 1st prize for Apples was awarded to Ribston Pippin,
from Mr. Wythes ; and the 2nd to Worcester Pearmain, shown
by Col. Coleman, Reigate (gr., Mr. King).
A Cultural Commendation was deservedly awarded to Mr,
J. Woodward, gr. to Roger Leigh, Esq., Barham Court,.
Maidstone, for a dish of Beurre*'Mortillet Pears, the fruits-
being very large, and beautifully coloured.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch «fc Sonjs, exhibited fruits of Peach
Late Devonian, a medium-sized fruit, very highly coloured
upon one side, and good in flavour. It was certificated three-
years ago, and is described as a good bearer.
A white Grape, named Bloxham's Seedling, was exhibited
by Mr. J. Bloxhaai, The Gardens, Brickhill Manor. It is &
moderately short roundish berry of medium flavour and
tough skin, bunch much shouldered.
A Silver Knightian Medal was awarded to Mr. Empsoa,
gr. to Mrs, Wingfield, AmpthUl House, Ampthill, for a fine
collection of Onions, of exhibition- size. Some of the largest
were Ailsa Craig, Holborn, Barnet Hero, Record, and Ex-
celsior, but many other varieties were represented by very
nice sptcimens, and the whole were deserving of much,
commendation.
Lecture on Cyclamens.
In the afternoon Mr. W. Iggulden read a paper upon the
cultivation of Cyclamens. After referring to the frequent
failure of gardeners to cultivate the Cyclamen with success,
the lecturer said that the care usually given to Chinese Prim-
roses, or to Cinerarias, was insufficient for the Cyclamen^
which required attention to details equally with the Chrys-
anthemum. Seed should be sown in October, or under
certain circumstances in December, but not later. Seed
should be sown singly in a compost of fibrous-loam, natural
leaf-mould, and a little silver-sand, at half-an-inch apart.
Cover with glass or other material, and place in a warm
temperature, and the seed will germinate after five
or six weeks, when they should be gradually exposed to
light, and eventually raised to a point close to the glass.
Spray with tepid water once a day. Instructions were next
given upon removing the seedlings singly into 2£-inch pots,
using a similar compost to that the seeds were sown in, &c.
To grow the plants with success, they should be placed on
ash-covered stages in a low span-roofed house, in a tempera-
ture of 55° to 05°, and the atmosphere must be moist.
When repotting into 5-inch pots, a richer compost was
advised, and it should be made moderately firm. During the
hot days of summer the pUnts thrive best in frames sloping
from the south, and in any case they should not be exposed to
strong sunshine. In August, some of the strongest plants may
be removed to 7-inch pots, and towards the end ot September
it becomes necessary to house the plants. If a small struc-
ture cannot be set aside for them, put the plants in a warm
greenhouse, and keep them together, and near to the roof-
glass. They will need frequent attention in the way of
fumigating to keep them free from green-fly. At this and
during the blooming season, a night temperature of 45° and
50° by day was quite sufficient. Mr. Iggulden strongly
advised that one-year-old corms be retained and grown for
another season. He declared against partially resting them,
and urged that the corms should be thoroughly baked..
Early in July give them water, and if the baking has been
sufficient, the corms will commence to break over the whole
surface, and they should be shaken out and repotted. Such
plants, said Mr. Iggulden, will bloom rather earlier, and
better than seedlings.
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
September 20. — A meeting of the Floral Committee took
place at the Royal Aquarium on the above date. Two First-
class Certificates of Meritwereawarded,onetoMychett White,
from Mr. H. J. Jones, Lewisham, a medium-sized early Jap-
anese, which, from the specimens shown, appears to be very
free ; it is whiter than Mme. Desgranges, and it received its
Award as a very useful early decorative variety. It is one o£
the best in the collection at Chiswick. The other Award
went to Klondyke, rich old-gold in colour, the flowers
were medium-sized, reflexing, full, and very handsome. Cer-
tificated as a market variety, from Mr. Norman Davis,,
Framfield, Sussex.
Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood, sent Yellow Griinewald, a
yellow sport from this well-known variety.
Mr. F. G. Foster, Brockhampton Nurseries, Havant, sent
an early, white flowering Japanese named James Martin, but
it was not sufficiently developed to permit of a correct
estimate of it being formed.
Mr. W. J. Godfrey, nurseryman, sent a collection of forty-
eight cut blooms of Japanese, among them were the following
new varieties ; — Miss Oxenham and Lady Kennaway, very
li'ce each other in colour, though differing in form and width
of petal ; some blooms were white-tinted pink, and some
of a rosy tint ; Milam, dark reidish-chestnut with a
golden reverse ; William Laycock, pale primrose, a
September 25, 1897. J
THE GAB BE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
223
broad -pot died re-Hexed Hower ; and W. R. Prince, a
large, reflexed Japanese, with the deep colour of Sun-
flowtr, b»t darker, and broader in the total; tins is a very
promising variety, and tbe committee expressed a wish to
see it again. A small Silver Medal was awarded to Mr.
Godfrey for his collection of blooms.
A mooting of the general committoo took place at Ander-
ton's Hotel on the 20th inst., Mr. T. W. Sanders presiding.
The secretary presented a report of the medals awarded to
miscellaneous exhibits at the recent show ; and also reported
the financial position as satisfactory, members' subscriptions
coming in well. A subcommittee was appointed to make
the preliminary arrangements for the animal dinner in
November. Twelve candidates for membership were elected,
and the North Canterbury (New Zealand) Chrysanthemum
Club was adin tted to affiliation.
THE BRITISH MYCOLOGICAL.
The tiist " Annual Week's Fungus Foray " of this Society
was held in Sherwood Forest from 13 to 18 September, 1897.
As the Society was only founded last year, some little
curiosity was felt as to how it would cany out its proposed
scheme of working the mycologic flora of Sherwood Forest.
Devotees appeared in Worksop from the north, from the
south, from the east, and from the west of England in good
numbers, and during the week excursions were made in
various directions from this centra.
The present writer has taken part in many fungus forays ;
he has seen one generatiun of mycologists pass quite away
and join the majority, while many others have dropped
from the ranks of the working fungologlst incapacitated
either by illness or by age, old friends and old faces have
gone and arc missed, but it is a pleasant thing to see a new
generation, brimful of youth and overflowing with enthu-
siasm, plunging into the study with that kceu zest whi h
is so essential to those who would master the hymenomyeetes.
Circumstances prevented the write.- from bearing* the pre-
sidential address of Mr. G. Masaee, on " Mycological Progress
during the past Sixty Years," but it would, without doubt,
bo appropriate and eloquent, coming from the distinguished
author of the BrUisii Fungus Flora. The Society is fortunate
not only in its president but even more so in its Secretary,
Mr. Carleton Rea. whose groat practical knowlodg< of fungi on
the one hind, and his power of managing men on the other,
combined with an enormous capability for work, make him
an ideal secretary for such a society. This is not the place
in which to enumerate all the rare species found during the
week, but some must be mentioned. Sparassis crispa was
sent to tho meeting from Surrey; Agaricus decastes was
found dining one of tho excursions, an interesting plant,
with which wo are all familiar, from Fries' figure in rite
Icones, but which looks something like a csa^pitose form of
A. nebularis. Amanita recutita, a fungus which Fries recog-
nised as a British species from Berkeley's figure in The Out-
lines, t. 3, f. 3, under the name of Ag. excelsus, was found in
Clumber Part, as well as Nolunea chloropolius, growing in
shoit grass by the roadside. Not far from the last-mentioned,
on the perpendicular side of i road-drain, several specimens
of Clitocybe incilis wire githered, a plant by no means
common.
At the evening meeting, Mr. A. Clarke read a paper on
'Photography as applied to Mycology," illustrated by
numerous photographs of various species of fungi. This was
beard with interest by all present, for all had more or less
practical acquaintance wi>h the difficulty of making the
pencil depict just what one wants to show. Dr. Plowright
gave a short r&ame of the new species of Uredines and
Vstilagincie found during the past year, and exhibited spe-
cimens of Urocystis filipendulsB, TuL, from Mr. Ta turn, uf
Salisbury. Specimens of the two species of Barley-smut,
U. Hordei and Jenseni wera also shown.
Tbe visit to Birklands on the following day was especially
interesting. This is one of the oldest parts of the forest.
Beech and Oak aid the predominating trees. The Oaks, to
which the attention of the mycologists was more particularly
directed, were, of course, the oldest and most decayed. Here
they were to be seen in hundreds in various stages of hol-
lowness and decay. Twenty years ago one would have
passed them by as being merely instances of hollow trees ;
for why should a tree not become hollow when it is old?
Siuce the masterly researches of Hartig, however, upon the
diseases of timber, this is quite changed, and we now ask
ourselves what fungus is it that has hollowed these trees ?
The bulk of the members blessed with youthful eyesight
and youthful legs, under the care of a stalwart forester, strode
off at the rate of 4 miles an hour, leaving three or four of the Lean
athletic to amuse themselves by turning over fallen logs, dead
branches, and decayed leaves, in search <>t the " micro-
scopic." We did not cover above a quartci of a mile of wood-
land all day, but the treasures we did find made amends tor
our deficiency in walking power. Again and again, did we
gizc at the stricken 0*ka as we wandered under them,
examining their fallen limbs ; a few bur specimens of Fis-
tulina hepatiea, but this was not the destructive agent. The
manner in which these Oaks grow, or rather how they had
ceased to grow, was striking. They had almost without
exception well grown trunks of pretty uniform diameter,
up to 30 or 40 feet ; then the trunk rapidly diminished in a
spindle-like manner, and in almost every ease the tup of the
tree had been broken off by the wind. This destruction of
the upper branches was su uniform and su characteristic that
it could not fail to attract attention. There were some
hundreds of trees all growing under the same conditions, and
expose! to tho samo winds, &e., none had their largo lateral
branches blown off, none had been uprooted ; something
must therefore have predisposed their upper branches to
injury. We find as a general rule that tho nature of the
particular injury a strong wind does to trees, is determined
by pre-existing fungoid disease present on them. These
grand old Sherwood Oaks, if they wero not all hollow, were
dea I and rotten within; the heart wood l eing reduced to a
massof deliguified tissue. This was shown when Bonie small
animal, such as a squirrel or even a mouse, had male its
hole through the bark and still living sapwo id, as soon as tho
burrow reached the dead heart wood, it ran out like sand
into a heap beneath the hole, only it was not in tine
powder like sand, but in the form of redd sh-brown, dry,
cuboid fragments. Now, this cuboid fracture depends upon
the way in which the mycelium of the fungus originally
extended itself, and is beautifully shown in Bartig's
Lekrbuch dtr Baumkran/cheiten, taf. vi, figs. 1, 2, and 3.
The writer examined tree after tree for parasitic fungi ; not
a single specimen of Polyporus dryadeus, which is so
common in Herefordshire, nor of P. quercinus, nor of P.
fomentarius, nor Agaricus melleus was seen all day. There
was one beautiful Polyporus, however, growing in grand
luxuriance on great numbers of the trees, and that was P.
sulphurous. This we know to be one of the worst enemies
the Oak-tree has in the fungus kingdom. But we must
stop; if we get upon the question of fungus disease, we
are apt to grow wearisome to our best friends, and the
Editoi will remind us that the available space of the
Gardeners' Chronicle is not unlimited.
What became of the walking-party, whore they went, an I
what they found, is not known to the undersigned; but,
doubtless, they enjoyed the ramble through the classic
glades oi the forest of RobiuHood. Amongst those who took
part, in tin meeting', &c, were Miss Rose, of Worcester ; Mr.
J. Rose, President of the Worcestershire Naturalist's Club;
Prof. J. w. Carr, Miss C. Crossland, SuLoliffe ; C. T. M
Plowright, J. Needham, Salmon, and 11. G. Peacock. Chart* •
B. Plowright, M.IK, King's Lynn, September IS, 1897.
ONION SHOW AT BANBURY.
Tins Oxfordshire town continues to hive its annual dtsplaj
of Onions, owing t) Mr. Henry Dkvekill's prizes that ho
offers for specimens of pedigree bull)-, he has put into
commerce. The show is arranged in his shop and premises,
winch have recently undergone considerable enlargement
As soon as the judging is over the townspeople are admitted,
and they crowd the place all the time it is open to them.
The timepiece offered for the si\ largest and bandsom t
specimens of cither of Dcvcrill's Pedigree Onions was
won by Mr. .1. Dowerhan, The Gardens, Hack wood I'.uk,
Basingstoke, with six solid, symmetrical, and handsome
peoimens, weighing li ; lb.; but they did not reach the
record weighi of LS95, namely 1 7 j lb. The twelve best speci-
mens of Deverili's Ailsa Craig or Cocoi-nut came also from
Mr. Bowerman, and they scaled 26 lb. Coc ia nut was finely
shown in this class, but it has no chance against Ailsa Craig.
which comes so much larger.
The best twelve specimens of Deverill'd Anglo-Spanish,
Lord Keeper, Royal Jubilee, and Rousham Park, were the
latter, from Mr. W. Keep, The Gardens, Fariogdon House,
Paringdon, weighing 21| lb.; Mr. R. Lye, The Gardens,
Sydmonton Court, Newbury, was 2nd, with Anglo -Spanish,
weight 10$ lb.
The best twelve of Improved Wroxton, a long Globe-shaped
variety, which has the reputation of being a good keeper,
came from Mr. ,B. Thorn, Oxford; they wero admirable
illustrations of the type, and weighed 12} lb. Mr. R. Lve
was 2nd with well-formed bulbs of lighter weight.
DeveriU's Challenge is a new and distinct Onion, with a
pink skin, fiat in shape, and quite solid. Mr. Lye had the
best twelve, Mr. Waite taking the 2nd priz*.
The largest and handsomest specimen of any one of the
Fedigree Onions was one of Ailsa Craig, from Mr. Bowerman,
who was 1st with a line, solid example; Mr. Knellkk came
next with an Anglo- Spanish.
In the class for the best twelve of any one of the Pedigree
I taions, open only to bondfide amateurs and cottagers, there
were twenty-four entries ; the best twelve were Ailsa Craig,
from Mr. II Pli.mib. Cuckfield, weighing 18f lb., the 2nd
prize went to Mr. W. Woodcroft, Nelthrop, Banbury, with
the same variety, weighing 14} lb. I ivo other prizes were
awarded, and in each case were won by Ailsa Craig.
The best six of DeveriU's Oxonian Leek came from Mr. R.
Lye, Buperb specimens ; Mr. Bowerman came Cud. and Mr.
Knu.ler 3rd.
The best collection of eight distinct kinds of vegetables
comprising DeveriU's specialties, came from Mr. R. Lye; he
had superb Oxonian Leeks, Aylesbury Prize Red Celery,
anl Exhibition Scarlet Intermediate Carrot, with others;
and Mr C. ■). Waite came 2nd.
English Varieties of Potatos in the
U.S. A— In many of the American horticultural
journals notices are found of the trials of English
Potatos, and in the opinion of the writers these varieties
arc pronounced to be unsuited to the climate of the
U.S.A., exceptiog in seasons whoso climatal character
approaches that of this country. The only variety
which seems to have exhibited anything like its true
character under skilled cultivation is, as we learn from
American Gardening, Myatt's Ashleaf.
Markets.
CO VENT GARDEN, SEPTEMBER 23.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of tho samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed. 1
Cut Flowers.- Average Wholesale Prices
Arunis,12bIooms...
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, per
bunch
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms ...
— per doz bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Cornflowers, per
Dahlias, 12 bunches
Eui.'haris, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
i rladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
Llium Harrisi, per
doz. blooms
-- Lanci folium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
s. (/. s. d.
0 0-60
3 0-60
0 4-
0 li
li 'i
4 0-
2 0
6 0
0 6-
3 0-
2 0
6 0
3 0-60
2 0-40
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, or Forget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids : —
Cattleya, 12blins
Odontoglossum
crispum,12bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, 12 bu.
Roses. Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Pearls),
per do2en
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
bunches
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
4 0-80 Tuberoses, 12 blms.
Violets, 12 bunches
Orchid-bloom in variety.
s, d, s. d.
2 0-40
1 ii- 2 0
6 0-18 0
0-4 0
10-20
10-26
16-30
1 6- 0
3 0-40
0 4-06
16-20
0 0-10
16-4 1)
0 II- 1 I)
10-20
10-20
2 0-00
2 0-20
0 3-04
16-20
Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Adiantum, per doz. 4 0-12 0
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0
— specimen, each 5 0-15 0
Asters, various, per
doz 2 6-50
Chrysanthemums,
p, doz. pots ... 5 0-00
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 1 6- 2 6
Coleus, per doz ... 2 0- 4 0
Dracamas, each ... 10-76
— various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0
Erica, various, per
dozen 9 C-18 0
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz....
Ficus alastica each
Ferns, small, doz. ...
various, doz.
6 0-24 0
10-76
10-20
5 0-12 0
Foliage plants, doz. 12 0-36 0
Fuchsia, per doz.... 4 0- G 0
Heliotropes, dozen 3 0-40
Liliums, various,
per dozen ... 9 0-12 0
Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0- 9 0
Mignonette, p. doz. 4 0-60
Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0
— specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0
Fat it.
Apples, Dessert, in
variety. p. bush.
— Culinary, in va-
riety, per bush.
Blackberries, peck
Damsons, j-bushel
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alicantes, p. lb.
— Ham burghs,
selected, per lb.
2nd quality,
per lb
— Muscats, "Can-
nonHall."p. lb.
— Channel Islands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
$, "'. . d.
8 0-10 0
3 6-50
2 6-30
7 6-80
1 0- 2 0
16-20
10-16
10-13
10-16
1 0 —
2 0-40
0 6-00
2 0-20
0 9-13
Wholesale Prices.
Melons, each ... 0
Nectarines, seletd.
fruit, per doz. 0
— Medium, p.dz. 3
— Seconds, p. doz. 1
1 Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb 25
> — Filberts, per lb. 0
Oranges, S. Austra-
lian, p. case, con-
taining 120 fruit 10
Peaches, selected
fruits, per doz. 6
1 — Medium, p. doz 2
— Seconds, per
dozen
Pears, various, per
bushel
small, bush.
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
chael, earn
Plums, Ordinary, in
variety, |-bush.
d. - J.
9- 1 6
0-8 0
0-4 0
6-2 0
0-27 6
2 —
0-8 0
6-3 0
16-20
0-10 0
0-3 0
0-8 0
0-10 0
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Artichokes, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, French, per
bushel
— Scarlet Runner,
per bushel
Beetroots, p. bush.
Cauliflower.*, dozen
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Gallic, per lb.
Marrows, pur tally
B. d. 8. <l.
2 C- 2 6
3 0-4 0
1 B- 2 6
19-20
2 o —
2 0-30
0 9-10
0 2 —
5 6- 6 0
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb
— (Outdoor), per
lb
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets ...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Sprouts, peri-bush.
Tomatos. selected,
per doz. lb. ...
— Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
— Channel Is-
lands, per lb.,..
i. f7. s. d.
1 0 —
0 6-
0 8
6 —
3 0
2 0-
1 0-
0 2
2 6
1 ti
POTATOS.
Arrivals have been rather heavier the last few days ; trade
arm for choicest samples, but other descriptions have fallen
about 5s. Present quotations :— Hebrons and Snowdrops,
70s, to 90s. ; Giants and Magnums, 65s. to 7os. ; Blacklands,
55s. to 62s. 6d:—John Bath,
Covent Garden, W.C.
■J--J, and 34, Wellington Street
224
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[September 25, 1897.
SEEDS.
London : Sept. 15.— Messrs. John Shaw & Sous, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maize Pond, Borough, London, S.E.,
write that although it is rather late, sowing orders for Trifo-
lium still drop in ; as regards stocks of this article, tho
platter this season will prove quite bare. For Mustard and
Haposeed, the sale is slow on former terms. Winter Tares
moot just now with oly a meagro inquiry. There is no
change in Rye. Peis, Haricots, and Whits Runners tend
upwards. Bird-seeds are steady in value, but quiet in
demand. The Linseed market is flat.
(Markets carried over to p. ix.)
[The term "accumulated tempfrature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Bright
Sun.
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Accumulated.
a
»
$M
lis
M
X3
+3
■J o —
'•*•%
1-3
u
u
te»
tp '3 r"t
.2+3
Ob
<o
t-i 2 —
281
>
o
<
>
o
•5 gco
^ - «
3 S«
-Lfl
a
'-
> 5
3a
n
> o c
-1
CQ
o
6
O
H
Si*
tc 3
10 2 -
Day.
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
lOtlis
Inch.
Ins.
1 +
72
0
+ 167
- 2
1 +
161
27-8
21
1 +
81
0
+ 21
+ 20
4 -
148
214
31
1 -
83
0
+ 95
- 78
3 -
133
ITS
37
3 -
"8
0
+ 173
- 124
1 -
130
17-0
25
2 -
79
0
+ 122
- 116
5 -
130
20-2
26
o _
!J9
0
+ 227
- ISO
2 -
122
20-4
45
0 aver
S2
0
+ 81
- 17
5 -
158
3Mi
30
1 -
86
0
+ 139
- 92
4 -
147
•21-3
35
1 -
93
0
+ 231
- 138
5 -
153
316
50
0 aver
83
0
+ 12
+ 8
5 -
169
29 6
27
2 —
83
0
+ 126
- 57
6 -
161
31 8
48
1 -
111
0
+ 323
- 80
5 -
162
25-9
53
30
33
35
39
37
40
33
30
41
31
33
43
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts—
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, ate, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. 9, Inland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; " Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending September IS, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
" The weather was fine and dry generally during tho earlier
half of the week, although a good dual of cloud prevailed at
times, and some slight showers occurred in the extreme
north and north-east. By Thursday, however, unsettled,
rainy conditions bad commenced to spread Blowly over us
Irom tho northward, and by the close of tho period the
change had extended to all parts of the kingdom.
"The temperature was again below the mean in most dia-
tricl bul was rather above the normal in 'Scotland, S an I
E,,' and just equal to it in ' Scotland, \\ .' and ' trel ind N
Thehighestof the maxima were recorded on the 13th, and
ranged from 7i° in 'Scotland, E., and fr 72° in 'Scotland,
N. and W.,' and ' England, S W.,' to 67° in ' England, E. and
N.W.,' and in the 'Channel Islands.' Towards tho end of the
week the daily maxima were very low. The lowest of the
minima were registered either at the commencement or at
the end of the period, and ranged from 33° in ' Scotland, W.,'
and 34° in ■ England, S.W.,' to 40» in ' England, S.,' and to
483 in the ' Channel Islands.'
" The rain/ail was less than the mean, excepting in ' Scot-
land, N.' The deficit was very considerable in most districts,
and especially in the west and south-west.
" 'I he bright sunshine exceeded the mean in ' England, N. E.
and S.W.,' as well as in 'Ireland, S.' and the 'Channel
Inlands ; ' in most other districts there was a deficiency, The
percentage of the possible duration ranged from 63 In the
' Channel Islands,' 50 in ' England, S.W.,' and 4S in ' Ireland,
S.,' to 25 in ' England, E.,' and 21 in ' Scotland, N.' "
orrtepoTvienU
Anthracite Coal : Anxious. This is a very enduring
kind of fuel. Much dearer than either coke or
small coal ; it is probably cheaper in the end
than either, and a great saving in stoking. To
burn it alone requires a strong draught during the
early stages of combustion, after which a less
strong draught is needed. To obtain the required
strong draught, it is sometimes necessary to
lengthen the chimney-stalk ; and to preserve
the fire-bars from destruction, the ash pit should
be constructed to hold water. It would be
false economy to use coke or ordinary coal with
anthracite.
Aralia Sieboldi, Abnoemal Leaves : A. E. C. The
plants suffer from an over-luxuriance of growth,
or, rather, of the mesophyll cells of some of the
leaves, which stretch themselves out hose-like,
forming swelling?, and often causing a rupture of
the epidermis. According to Sorauer, these appear-
ances are met with in Dracama, Cassia, Acacia,
Aralia, Panax, Hedera, Camellia, he. Keep your
plants in a lighter and drier house, affording them
only a moderate quantity of water at the root, that
is, let them get rather dry before applying water,
and do not give manures of any sort. The causes
of the malady have not been ascertained with
certainty.
Books : T. Trilhw. You should enquire of Mr.
Upcott Gill, the Bazaar office, 170, Straad, W.C.
Celery Blight : C. W. D. Celery-leaves seriously
affected with a disease, have been forwarded to us,
whicli threatens to destroy the whole Celery crop.
At first, the leaves aro mottled with roundish or
oval, pale brown spots, dotted in the centre with
small black points ; later on, the spots and lewes
are nearly wholly of one colour, densely sprinkled
with little elevated black dots, or perithecia.
These cells, or perithecia, contain long slender
sporules about 30 to 35 millemetres long, and
scarcely one millemetre in diameter, with very
indistinct guttules or faint sept;o. Probably this
is a variety of Septoria petroseliui, but with more
slender sporules. Of course, this is wholly an
endophyte, and exists in the plant before it makes
its appearance on the leaves, and hence is most
difficult to deal with. Doubtless its spread may
be checked by rooting up all hopelessly-diseased
plants, and picking the leaves oft' such as are not so
bad. One of the copper solutions might bo tried
as a forlorn hope. M. C. C.
Clbrodendrons : J. G. Disease, as shown on the
leaves sent, often attacks Clerodendrous in the
autumn. Keep the plants tolerably dry at the
root for two or three months, then cut them back,
shake out, and start again.
Correction. — Mr. J. Auderson desires us to correct
an error which he made in " Northern Orchid Com-
mittee " report (see p. 207). The Lajlia elegans
Cawenbergi, credited to H. Low & Co., Clapton,
was the property of William Thomson, Esq.,
Walton Grange, Stone (gr., Mr. Stevens).
Diseased Carnation Grass : T. F. A- J. F. The
pest is Uromyces Dianthi, Nsl., and as it is com-
pletely au endophyte— that is, it exists in the plant
before sigus of it appear on the surface— there is
little hope uf any application of fungicide .solu-
tions. Plants not attacked should be isolated, and
syringed with Bordeaux Mixture. All injured
plants and leaves should be burnt. M. ft C.
Genista cytisfs: .1.0. The cuttings should be in-
serted late in June, in pots of sandy peat, surfaced
with silver-stud, well watered, and when the foliage
has got dry, they should be covered with bell-
glasses, and stood in a greenhouse, shading
them from bright sunshine. The cuttings should
be rooted in six weeks, when they may be potted
off singly.
Ginseng : N. B. The root of a Chinese plant, Panax
quinquifolium, said to possess extraordinary medi-
cinal virtues. This plant is also found in North
America, and does not possess any such virtues.
Insect : Colonel II. Oakdcn Fisher. The epidermis
is eaten away by the Pear-slugworm, Selandria
atra. The worm is blackish or bottle-green, of
a club-shape, and covered with slime exuding from
the Bkin, Dusting the leaves with quick-lime
several times on successive days will clear them
off the trees. Syringing with strong soapsuds or
tobacco-water destroys them. The soil underneath
the trees should be skimmed, removed, and charred
or deeply burned.
Insects on Palm Roots : /. O. The minute white
creatures are apparently the young stage of some
spring-tail insect (Collembola), but whether they
do damage or not is difficult to say. The appli-
cation of some approved insecticide nii^ht destroy
them. R. McL.
Name of Fruit: F. F. F. Apple Worcester
Pearmain. Of the Fern, you must send a better
specimen.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be so good as to considt
the following number. — J. Banks. 1, Tarragon
(Artemisia dracunculus) ; 2, Summer Savory
(Satureja hortensis) ; 3, Wormwood (Artemisia
absinthium) ; 4, Horehouud (Marrubium vulgare) ;
5, Winter Savory (Satureja montana) ; 6, Sweet
Basil (Ocymum basilicum) ; 7, Pot Marjoram
(Marjorana hortensis). — W. D. H. 1, Impatiens
parviflora ; 2, Mentha hirsuta. — Conijera;. 1,
Juniperus virginiana var. Schotti ; 2, Quercus
Ilex; 3, Juniperus virginiana; 4, Cryptomeria
japonic! ; 5, Juniperus recurva ; 6, Cupressus
macrocarpa. — F. Carter. 1, no flowers sent ; 2, Thuia
orientalis ; 3, Cryptomeria japoniea ; 4, Cupressus
pisifera ; 5, Sequoia sempervirens ; o, Fitzroya
patagonica. — Z. Z. 1 , Spirtea : no flowers sent ; 2, S.
canescens; 3, S. japoniea var. ; 4, Veronica (garden
hj brid) ; 5, Viburnum ; 6, Elicignus. Specimens
very poor, sciappy and imperfect. — J. Backhouse
(fc Son, Podocarpus alpina, and Araujia sericifera
(Phjsianthus albeos).— /. (?. 1, Linaiia bipartita ;
2, Retinospora pisifera aurea ; 3, Juniperus excelsa;
4. Cyrtodeira fulgida; 5, Aster bessarabicus. —
H.W. 1, Abutilon Darwini tesselatum; 2, Abutilon
striatum ; 3, Eupatorium album ; 4, Sempervivum
arachnoideum ; 5, Pachyphytum bracteosum; 6,
Pacbyphytum intermedium ; 7, Haworthia marga-
ritifera ; 8, Crataegus Azarolus ; 9, Asclepias
curafsavica. — Stanhopea. You must send a better
specimen, and when in flower if possible. — Caldwell
& Sons. Atriplex hoitensis var. atrosauguinea. —
0. P. The purple-leaved plant is Atriplex hor-
tensis var. sanguinea, the other is Periploca
gneca. The seeding of this plant is rare in this
country.
Pear: A. IS. S. We must see the insect before we
can name it ; and none was sent. Kindly send
specimeus.
Soot : A. M. Let a peck of fresh soot be put into a
canvas bag, soak iu 20 gallons of water for two or
three days, and then use for the Cabbages, &e.
Tomatos: A. M. The fruits crack owing to excess
of moisture at the root.
Woodlice in Cucumber-house : C. II. W. Try the
effect of pouring boiling water into all crevices,
and dashiug it under the beds and wherever there
is a hiding-place for the insects ; doing this at
night when they are out of their hauuts feediug.
Slates laid on the floor about [inch above it form
capital traps, aud large numbers can be caught by
this simple means. Carbolic acid might be tried
with good effect.
Communications Received.— Subscriber. 11. C. & Sons.—
C. RoskiU -C. B.— St. Andrews.— Roberta W .las. II.
T. B. -W. U. II. — I. Florence (you should send parti
culars of treatment).— W. C— T. Singleton.— F. G, «i. -
J. R. H.— W. T. J.— W. T— N. E. B.— T. .1. 1'. - J. Carter &
Co.— J. Laing & Sonv.-A. J. L.— F. J. M.-J. B.— W. T.—
F. Sander & Co.— J. B. Davy. — W, G.-W. G. S.— J.
Elliot.— W. L. ('. S.-II J. CI.— A. D. -.1. O'B i R
C do li I>. 'I'. I<\ II T tl
PHOTOOR U'OS RECKIVEn,
Mr Medley W I.
i mi . i.i is fr mi Nat i1, through
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers.— Th<- Piiblislier has tilt BatlsfdC'
Hon of ini una ir i >cf that the circulation of the "Gard tiers'
Chronicle " fcas, strt.ee the reduction in the price of the p tper,
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
Advertisers are reminded tluit the " Chronicle " circulates among
Country Gentlemen, and all Classes of Gardeners
and Garden-lovers at h nne, that it has a specially larg$
Foreign and Colonial Circulation, and that it is
preserved for rejerence in all the principal Libraries,
October 2, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
225
-;
te&
THE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1897.
THE HORTICULTURAL TRADE
DURING THE PAST SIXTY YEARS.
TN looking back upon the horticultural events
-*- associated with the long reign of the Queen,
some mention of the changes which have
occurred in connection with the London and
provincial seed and nursery trades during that
period may not be without interest. As far as
can be learned — for no attempt appears to
have been made to compile anything like a
reliable trade list until the late Mr. John
Edwards started his National Garden Almanac
in 1853 — the leading wholesale seed houses in
1837, or within a year or two of that date, were
J. G. Waite, Hatton Garden ; J. Nutting, 46,
Cheapside ; Warner & AVarner, 28, Cornb.il I ;
Noble & Co., 152, Fleet Street ; and Flanagan
& Son, Mansion House Street, though probably
the latter was a retail rather than a wholesale
dealer in seeds. I think it may be safely
assumed that the firms of Minier, in the Strand ;
Beck & Co., Adelphi ; and Wrench, London
Bridge, were also in existence as wholesale
seed dealers in 1837; for although their names
may not have appeared in contemporary adver-
tising records, it being a point of otiquette with
some of the old firms not to advertise, and thoy
were content to be represented on journey by
the principals or their travellers ; yot their
existence is pretty certain.
In some of the gardening publications which
appeared in 1813 could have been seen a notifi-
cation by William Hurst and William George
McMullen, "for many years past engaged in
the house of Warner & Warner, 28, Cornhill,"
to the effect that it was their intention to open
a new seed establishment at (!, Leadenhall
Street. This announcement covered con-
siderable space, as a catalogue of flower and
vegetable seeds formed a good part of it ; and
from it could bo learned that the Walcheren
Broccoli had only recently been offered, and
that Myatt's Victoria Rhubarb and British
Queen Strawberry, also raised by Myatt, wero
new also, the latter being quoted at 10s. Gel. per
hundred.
By 1853 changes had occurred, for Warner &
Warner had disappeared ; the firm of J. Nut-
ting bad become Nutting & Son, and was still
in Cheapside, and the name of Lockhart,
84, Cheapside, also appeai'3 ; J. G. Waite
had gone to Holborn, and H. Clarke probably
from the Borough to King Street, Covent
Garden; and the firm of Noble & Co., perhaps
the oldest of all, had become Noble, Cooper,
& Bolton,
Of ths foregoing houses, Nutting & Son
carried their business to Barbican, and subse-
quently to Southwark Street ; it is one of the best
known and best respected of the London whole-
sale seed-houses. Hurst & McMullen subse-
quently became Hurst <& Son, and some years ago
changed their head-quarters to 152, Hounds-
ditch, where they carry on an enormous business,
the present head of the firm being Mr. N. Sher-
wood, so well known for his great liberality to
our gardening charities. Beck & Co. becamo
Field & Child, and later as Beck, Henderson
& Child, and at the time of the commencement
of the Thames Embankment carried their
business from the Adelphi to Upper Thames
Street, and eventually becamo united with the
firm of Waite & Co., who some years since
changed from Holborn to Southwark Street.
The firm of Minier, Nash & Nash, so loDg
carried on at (50, Strand, was eventually absorbed
by Waite & Co. Noble & Co., subsequently
Noble, Cooper & Bolton, eventually R. Cooper,
of Southwark Street, and now Cooper, Taber &
Co., ultimately absorbed the firm of Waite &
Co., and they are still in business in Southwark
Street.
In 1853 Charlwood k Cummins, a business pro-
bably established before 1837, were at Tavistock
Row, Covent Garden, where the firm remained fur
many years, and which at one time enjoyed a con-
siderable reputation for tree and choice seeds,
subsequently becoming Howcroft k Watkins, arid who
still carry on business in Hart Street, Covent Garden.
In a trade list dated 1854, I find for the first time
Batt, Rutley & Silverlock at 412, Strand, though
the firm may have been founded some years pre-
viously, and it is now Rutley & Silverlock, of Savoy
Street, Strand.
In 1853, the firm of G. G.bbs & Co. was in Down
Street, Piccadilly, and that of T. Gibbs & Co. in
Half Moon Street, Piccadilly, and both had doubt-
less existed or some years ; but one firm only exists
now — that of T. Gibbs & Co., Down Street, but it is
doubtful if anyone of the name of Gibbs is now
associated with it.
James Carter o doubt established himself in
business in Holborn antecedent to the Queen's
accession, as I have one of his catalogues bearing
date 1842, a publication in remarkable contrast to
that issued by Messrs. Carter & Co. in the present
day. On the death of James Carter, Messrs. Ains-
worth, Beale, iV; White — I believe, three of the
assistants in the business — became partners, and sub-
sequently it was in the hands of Mr. Beale aloue.
Eveutually he took into partnership Mr. W. H.
Duunett, an extensive seed- grower at Dedham and
St. Osytb, in Essex ; the wholesale branch was
added to the retail business, and it has now grown
into a very large one. In 1853, Hooper & Co. were
in the centre- row Covent Garden, and they sub-
sequently went into the wholesale trade ; but the
name appears to have now become almost, or quite,
extinct. The same may be said of Smithers &
CrightoD, who had a wholesale place of business in
Bunhill Row, twenty years or so ago.
I think it must have been subsequent lo the
Queen's accession that Messrs. P. Lawson & Sons of
Edinburgh, established themselves in Great George
Street, Westminster, opening a London depot; they
subsequently went to King Street, Cheapside, and
eventually to Southwark Street ; and it was while in
occupation there that the London branch was given
up. Messrs. Stuart & Co., now of Henrietta Street,
Covent Garden, is a firm dating back about forty
years or so. Mr. A. L^gerton has been in business
at Aldgate for many years. The youngest of
the London wholesale seel firms is that
of Watkins & Simpson, Exeter Street, Strand.
Mr. Watkins began his business career with
Messrs. Charlwood & Cummins, in Covent Garden,
and subsequently had charge of the flower-seed de-
partment of Messrs. Hurst & Son, until he started
in business as above, and is now at the head of a
eucoesaful commercial undertaking. So much, then,
•or ths wholesale trade firms ej far as information
is available. I confess that the earlier information
at my disposal is somewhat scanty, and is no doubt
open to correction ; much of it, however, is the out-
come of personal knowledge, as I became connected
with tho London wholesale seed trade forty years ago.
In reference to the Londou retail seed and nursery
businesses, I find that in 1844, W. Catleugh was at Hans
Place, Chelsea, also in the Old Brompton Road, and
was then sending out the new Pelargoniums raised by
Foster and others. It may, I think, bo assumed
that Gray, Adams & Hogg were in business at
that time in South Kensington, on the site of
the present Exhibition Road, but the firm had
disappeared before 1851. Cutbush was at Highgate,
Cuthbert at Southgate ; J. Cuthill was in business at
Denmark Hill, Camberwell, in 1837, and in 1842 he
sent out his Black Spine Cucumber, which was a
great favourite with gardeners for many years ;
Chandler & Sons were at Vauxhall when the Queen
began her reign ; Dennis in the King's Road, Chelsea,
raising and sending out, among other things, Pelar-
goniums and Calceolarias ; Little was carrying on a
florist's business in the same road ; and the pre-
mises after remaining unused for a number of years
have been quite recently acquired by Messrs. Carter,
Paterson & Co., carriers, &c. N. Gaines, a famous
raiser and cultivator of Pelargoniums, was at Batter-
sea ; Dickson, famous for Auriculas and other florists'
flowers, at Acre Lane, Brixton ; E. Denyer was at
the Loughborough Nursery ; and J. & J. Fraser were
in the Lea-bridge Road : this business was established
many years ago at Leyton by Findlay Fraser, it was
then carried to the Lea-bridge Road, and is now
located at South Woodford as Fraser k Son. The
Brothers Fraser were famous cultivators and ex-
hibitors of stove and greenhouse plants, Pelargoniums,
&c, forty years ago ; Glendinning at this time was at
Chiswick, but later he removed to the neighbourhood
of Percy Cross, Fulham. H. Goldham was at Islington ;
H. Groom at Clapham — both famous cultivators of
Tulips ; the Hendersons were in the Wellington Road
and Pineapple Place, St. John's Wood ; the Waterers
were building up their great reputations at Bagshot
and Knaphill ; Knight & Perry were at the Exotic
Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, as the business
did not pass into the hands of Mr. J. Veitch until 1 853.
J. & C. Lee, originally Lee & Kennedy, were at
the Vineyard, Hammersmith, now C. Lee & Son,
though most of the original site of the nursery is
covered by buildings ; Loddiges & Sons at Church
Street, Hackney ; and Low & Sous at Clapton, from
whence they sent out, in 1843, Tropasolum poly-
phyllum at 42s. per plant. Further, Protheroe k
Morris were at Leytou6tone ; Rollissoii at Tootin<» •
Weeks k Co. at Chelsea ; and Whitley & Osborn at
Fulham. This firm was originally established by
Messrs. Whitley, Braham, & Milne ; and Mr.
Osborn, who ciine from Scotland as a clerk to the
firm, ultimately became a partner with Mr. Whitley,
and subsequently the head of the firm of Osborn &
Sons. In 1844, there was the firm of F. & A.
Smith at Hackney ; but whether they subsequently
removed to Dulwich, and was known as F. & A,
Smith there, I cannot say. I think that Geo. Smith,
Tollington Nursery, Islington, at one time a famom
Verbena-grower, must have embarked in business a
little later than the date of the accession of the
Queen. J. Kernau, Russell Street, Covent Garden,
was certainly there in 1842.
Going beyond the more immediate district of
London, it may be remarked that Ronalds was at
Brentford in 1837, Mountjoy & Son at Ealing, and
the Brothers Hayes at Edmonton, or, at lea*t, very
soon after this time.
In 1837, T. River?, Jun., was at Sawbridgeworth,
and in 1842 advertised A Short Treatise on the Root
Pruning of Fruit Trees. J. Wood, subsequently
Wood & Ingram, of Huntingdon, was sending out
Pieotees in 1837, and a new scarlet flowered Phlox
Drummondi in 1842. E. P. Francis was at Hertford,
and in 1843 he sent out Snow's Winter White Broccoli.
Youell & Co. were at Great Yarmouth, and in the
same year they distributed the Fastolf Raspberry.
George Lightbody was also distributing Auriculas
from Falkirk, and Rev. J. Tyso tho Ranunculus
from Wallingford. The Brothers Brown *ent out
226
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
Dahlias from Slough ; Geo. Wheeler from Warmin-
ster, Pamplin & Sons from Walthamstow, and Will-
mer from Sunbury. Ed. Spary, who subse-
quently became a nurseryman at Brighton, was
in 1835 gardener at Denford House, Hunger-
ford, and a successful cultivator and exhibitor
of Dahlias ; while Widnall was a contemporary
raiser of considerable repute. At Reading, John
Sutton, the founder of the firm, had commenced
business as a dealer in agricultural seeds ; sixty years
ago Mr. Martin Hope Sutton, now in his eighty-second
year, reorganised his father's business, and added
thereto the vegetable and flower-seed branches, and
the concern has now grown to be of gigantic pro-
portions. E. Cooling, at Derby ; Sharp, of Wisbech ;
The Dicksons of Chester ; Veitch & Son, and Lu-
combe, Pince & Co., of Exeter ; W. Chater, of
Saffron Walden ; J. C. Wheeler & Son, of Gloucester ;
J. Cranston, of Hereford ; W. Bridgewater Page, an
accomplished botanist and landscape gardener ; W.
Rogers & Oakley, of Southampton ; Lane, of Berkhaui-
sted ; and Adam Paul, of Cheshunt. Adam Paul
was a gardener at Enfield, and went into business as
a nurseryman at Church Gate, Cheshunt, in 1S07 or
1808, at a place which was originally vinerie1" or
seed grounds ; he died about 1843. At that time the
Cheshunt Nurseries were widely known for their
Holljhocks as well as Roses. Adam Paul was suc-
ceeded by his Eons George and William, and in 1860
a separation took place, George retaining the home
nursery and William established himself at Waltharn
Cross hard by. There were also W. Masters, of
Canterbury ; Skirving, of Liverpool ; R. S. Yates, of
Manchester ; J. Warner & Thos. Harrison, of
Leicester ; Pennell, of Lincoln ; Sharpe, of Sleaford ;
Saunders, of Abergavenny; Ewing, of Norwich ;
John Perkins, of Northampton ; Pearson, of Chilwell ;
T. Perry, of Banbury ; E. Tilley, Bath ; Maule,
Sealey, & Garraway, of Bristol ; Ivory, of Dorking ;
Jackson, of Kingston; H. Pope, of Birmingham;
Backhouse, of York ; and not a few of the Scotch and
Irish firms were doubtless established at the com-
mencement of the Victorian Era.
Permit me to say that I submit the foregoing
information, which has been compiled with con-
siderable care, not without some degree of diffidence,
because dates in some cases cannot be accurately
verified. I hope it will not be altogether unaccept-
able, as marking interesting trade events during the
past sixty years. Richard Dean, Ealiur/, W.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
MEGACARYON ORIENTALE, Buissier.*
Our illustration (fig. 67) shows a specimen (much
reduced) of a remarkable Boraginaceous plant which
has recently flowered in the garden of W. B. Boyd,
Esq., of Faldonside, Melrose. It was originally de-
scribed by Linnaeus as Echium orientale, aud was
called by Boissier at one time Ouosma megalospermum,
but ultimately called by him by the name here adopted.
It is a native of Turkish- Armenia, and is a tall, coarsely
hairy plant, closely allied to Echium, differing from it
chiefly in the smooth, ovoid, not tubercled carpels.
The leaves are oblong lanceolate, narrowed at both
ends, and hoary. The numerous flowers (see fig. 68)
are borne in a terminal, loosely-branched pyramidal
cyme. The corolla is tubular, with an irregularly fire-
lobed limb, the two upper petals pink, each with two
longitudinal purplish streaks.
Mr. Boyd, in a note, savs : — "All that I can say
about the plant is, that six years ago I received the
young seedling plaut from Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich,
and that it has been growing since (hen in a rockery
border in lather heavy loam, which may have
retarded its flowering for so m my years. On care-
fully measuring the plant, I find that it is exactly
4 feet 3 inches high."
Vanua amikna x .
Another new natural hybid Vauda has to bo
recoided (fig. 69, p. 21,9). It was imported by Messrs.
Megacaryon orientali (Linn, sub Ejhio), Boissier, Flora
oi " titalis, vol. iv. ( S7HL p. 204.
Linden of Brussels, along with V. Roxburgh! and
V. ccerulea, between which two species there is little
doubt it is a natural hybrid, both the habit of the plant,
and the size and colour of the flowers, being evidently
intermediate between the two species named. The
sepals and petals are glossy on the surface, and
of a peculiar bluish-grey, marked with many blue
spots. The side lobes of the labellum are white
spotted with blue ; the front lobe violet-blue. It is
a very pleasing and distinct variety, and was accorded
an Award of Merit by the Orchid Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society, when it was shown by
Messrs. Linden on Sept. 21. J. 0' B.
Fig. 07. — meqacaryon orientale: flowers rost-lilac,
STREAKED Willi RED.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
A SINGULAR MILTONIA.
A flower of the beautiful, vinous-purple- tin ted
Miltonia spectabilis Moreliana var. illustris, sent by
Mr. W. H. Young, Orchid-grower to Sir Frederick
Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen, Richmond, and
which is apparently normal in every other respect,
presents the curious feature of having three pairs of
pollinia, each pair under its own authercap, the
whole being symmetrically arranged in triargular
form at the apex of the column, the creamy-white
anther-caps within the purple wings of the column
giving rather an additional beauty to the flower. The
upper stt are in the usual place, the pollinia attached
by caudicles in the normal way. The two extra Eets
are arranged below it, one on each side. The anther-
caps of the extra sets are attached to the column by
the outer edge only, and on remo/ing them, each dis-
closes a pair of pollinia, which are almost free, and
not attached by caudicles. It is a very singular
departure from the normal form.
ORCHID PORTRAITS.
Brassavola quandi flora, Diet. Icon, des Orch.. August.
1897.
Cattleya intermedia, var. punctata, Die'. Icon, des
Orch., August, 1897.
Cattleya Mossi.e, var. Reineckiana, O'Briou, Diet. Icon,
des Orch., August, 1S97.
Cvpripedium Lawrenceanom var. Trieuani'm, L'mZenia,
part lxxviii.
Dendrobium suavissimum, Lindenia, part lxxviii.
EPIDENORUM COSTARICENSE, Did. UotX. dCS Orcll., August,
1S97.
L.elio-Cattleya eleoans, Diet. Icon, des Orch., August,
1S97.
L.elh Digbyana, Benth., Diet. Icon, des Orch., August,
1S97.
L.elia UTOSA. Diet. Icon. des. Orch., August, 1897.
Masdevallia racemosi, Diet. Icon, des Orch., August, 1S97
Miltonia vexillaria var. vittata, Lindenia, part lxxviii.
Odontoglossum oirrosdm, Diet. Icon des Orch., August
1897.
Oncidiom crispum, Diet. Icon, des Orch , August, 1897.
Oncidiom tiorinum, Diet. Icon. d:s Orch., August, 1SLI7.
Scuomburgkia tibicinis, Lindenia, part lxxviii.
Selenipedium Cleola, Diet. Icon des Orch., August, 1S97.
Sobralia i.eocoxantba, Reime de I'HorticiUture Belye el
Elranyere for September 1, 1897.
METHODS OF PROPAGATION.
(Continued from p. 178.)
Cuttings. — This mode of increasing plants, shrubs,
or trees is only resorted to in nurseries, in a few cases
in the open ground. Hedge or shelter-trees, that are
required in quantity, are so raised as well as some kinds
of fruit-tree stocks, as the Quince, Paradise, and Burr-
knot Apples ; while every gardener and forester
knows that all kinds of Willow and Poplar are most
easily propagated from cuttings. Pollards are formed
by taking straight branches of the various kinds of
Willow, cutting their bases to a point with a sharp
axe. They are then dropped into holes dibbled for
them by the margins of rivers, brooks, or ponds,
where they seldom fail to root freely. Almost with
equal facility can be raised most cf the Poplars, but
usually cuttings of the ordinary size are taken of
these, as they are so rapid in growth that they quickly
make good plants. The cuttings should be made
about 9 inches long, finished square at the base, the
top being cut diagonally, and in planting, quite
0 inches of the cutting should be dibbled into the
soil, and firmly fixed by treading and affording water.
In nurseries, most of the hardy-climbing plants
are kept in pots plunged in the open ground in beds
of s| ent tan, coal ashes, or other light material, so
that they are ready for sale, and can safely be
transplanted at any season.
These so-called climbers, for some are only coerced
to climb by being nailed or tied to walls or fences,
are, as a rule, propagate 1 by cuttings ; it will be as
well to take these first.
Akebia quinata is a rapid and graceful climber,
with deeply divided ternate or quinate leaves, pro-
ducing abundance of dark plum-coloured, sweet scentt d
flowers in the spring. Cuttings of the mature wood
root readily in the early autumn under a bell glass ia
the open ; or an old plant may be taken into one of
the houses in early spring, and the joung growth
taken oft as they push, the cuttings being inserted in
well-drained light soil in pans or pots, and covered
with a boll-glass. Kept close and warm, they will
root in about a month, aud may then be afforded air,
aud as soon as they are hardened off, be potted
into 60's. The various kinds of Ampelopsis may be
thus increased as has before been demonstrated under
the head of single-eye propagation.
The Berberis tribe includes no true climbers ;
but such species as B. Thunbergi, B. stenopbylla,
B. nepalense, and even B. Darwini, may be utilised
to cover fences or trellises with evergreen-growth,
and the last-named species will generally flower twice
or thrice a year. All may be raised in the open
from cuttings inserted in prepared beds, and covered
with hand-lights, though the process is often a long
one. Buddlea globosa is increased by cuttings of the
young wood, taken with a heel of the wood of the
previous season, and inserted in a north border ;
while Buddlea Lindleyana, which differs so markedly
from it in its inflorescence, may be increased in like
manner by simply taking off the young growth with
a heel, inserting them iu saudy loam, covering with
a bell - glass, shading from direct sunshine, and
protecting from frost.
October 2, 1897.]
THE GAR DENE US' CHRONICLE.
227
Among Ceanothus we have some short-jointed,
Small foliaged kinds, which are best increased by
cuttings in gentle bottom-heat. Prepare the pro-
pagating-pan by covering the bottom with clean pot-
sherds, on these put a layer of peat-fibre, and finish
with a layer of prepared soil having a good quantity
of peat and sand in its composition. I inert the
cuttings firmly in the soil, water copioisly, cover
with a clean bell-glas3, and plunge to the rim in any
position where it will have the advantage of gentle
bottom heat, and the cuttings will be rooted and
ready to pot off in the autumn if the process be
started in early spring, which is the best pariod.
Ceanothus rigidus, C. papillosus, C. thysifloru', and
C. verrucosus are be3t propagated in this manner ;
the stronger-growing varieties, of which C. azureus is
the type, are best layered, so greatly do they vary
and degenerate when raised from seed. Corchorus
japonicus and its varieties can be increased with
facility if cuttings be taken of the partially-matured
wood, inserted in a prepared composition in the op»n
border, an! covered close with a hand-light. The
white single - flowered kind, Rhodotypus of conti-
nental nurseries, and the extremely pretty Japanese
form, C. japonicus var'egatin, with its abundant,
single primrose col mred flowers and elegaat silver
grand glossy foliage, while the young shoots are of a
a distinctly reddish-bronzy tint, adding much to its
beauty as a wall or fence plant.
Cydonia (Pyrus) japonica has now many fine and
distinct varieties other than the well-known but mis-
called "japonica." Colours ranging from pure white
in "nivalis," through orange, or even yellow shades,
to the deep blood-red of Lucien Simons' new variety,
" Simoni ; " while handsomo fruits are yielded by
" Maulei ' and Maulei superba ; and from America
wc have a variety named Columbia, with finely-
coloured fruits, 2 to 3 inches in diameter, which may
be used as the common Quince as in tart', or to make
a preserve. AU these will strike, if cuttings of the
mature wood bo taken with a heel. Experience.
(To be confirmed.)
Fruit Register.
— • —
FRUITS IN THE UNITED STATES.
The following notes are taken from reports
collected and published by the Agricultural Depig-
ment at Washington, and their correctness is there-
fore to be relied upon : —
As to Pcae'ics we learn that, with 'eif exceptions,
Fig. 68. — flowers of meoacaryon orientals (natural size1,
(see P. 22(3.)
variegated foliage, are worthy a place iu any gool
garden.
The Cotoneasters, such as C. thymifolia, &c, may
be increased by simply planting out a large bushy
plant in the open, and pegging the branches down to
the soil, and then partially covering them with a
prepared, light compost, made firm, when every
shoot will throw out adventitious roots, and eventu-
ally make a plant ; or the growing points may be cut
off with a heel, inserted in prop iga ting- pans or pots,
and covered with a bell - glass ; and if these be
plunged on a warm tan-bed, it wi 1 facilitate and
encourage rooting.
Crataegus Pyracantha, or the Fire Thorn, an indis-
pensable wall or border-shrub, should be layere 1 or
raised from seed, as I have before noted ; but the
very vigorous and otherwise improved variety, C. p.
Lelandi, may be easily propagated from cattings of
yearling wood inserted in sandy soil in the open,
and covered clo3e with a haud-light, or the cutting-
pan may be plunged in a tan-pit and covered with a
bell-glass. I have previous'y remarked that by far
the most tree-fruiting habit is securel by grafting on
the white-thorn, but it is as well to have also a
stock of it on its own roots. Another allied shrub,
the Photinia, may be propagated by striking the
young wood taken with a heel of mature wood, or it
may, with advantage, be grafted on the common
Quince stock. It ranks next to the Magnolias for its
the crop is not a good one —in New York, rather poor ;
iu New Jersey, not very good ; in Pennsylvania, ouly
moderate ; in Delaware, less than 10 per cent, of an
average crop ; in Maryland, a small crop ; in Georgia,
less than half a crop ; in Kentucky, below last year ;
in Ohio, almost an entire failure ; in Arkansas, the
crop is on the whole good ; California, fair ; Washing-
ton, never better ; Oregon, promises better than
last season.
Apples are reported below average except in the
far west, and on the Pacific coast. From all the
North Atlantic States the reports are more or less
unfavourable. In Ohio the fruit has dropped off
badly, and the indications are that the present con-
dition ot 46 per cent, will prove toba too high rather
than too low.
Grapes in New York are reported as in rather poor
condition ; New Jersey as fairly good ; Pennsylvania,
only moderate ; Delaware, generally fine ; Maryland,
healthy, and in good condition ; Virginia, generally
abundant, and thus far free from rot ; Georgia,
promising well ; Kentucky, good condition ; Ohio,
suffered less than other fruits, but not indicating an
unusually large yield ; Indiana, injured by late
frosts ; Missouri, merely a normal crop, of good
quality ; Kansas, very satisfactory ; Nebraska, over
average as to yield and quality ; AVashington, never
better ; Oregon, more promising than last year ;
and California, promises to be exceedingly good.
FitoiT-FARii in Kansas.
A correspondent supplies us with the following
interesting intelligence :— The " Apple King of the
World," is the high-sounding title given to Judgo
Wellhouse : his orchard consists of 1630 acres, con-
taining 100,000 Apple trees. In thirteen years ho
has picked over 400,000 bushels of Apples, and
whenever he has spare money he adds to his orchard,
and sets out more Apple - trees ; growing these
is his passion. Said he, "I take more delight in
planting Apple-tree3, and seeing them grow, than in
aayth'ng else in the world." Chief precedence as to
favourite varieties is given to Ben Davis, of which ho
has 630 acre3 ; Missouri Pippin, 360 acres ; Jonathan,
300 acres ; and Pano, 100 acres. Thirty of his years
have been spent in Apple culture. May he spend as
many more.
Tasmania.
We are indebted to the Agent-general for the
following brief note concerning the Apple crop of the
past season : — Total number of cases sent to market,
123,575 (per P. and O. Co., 63,263; per Orient Co.,
55,312 cases). The season lasted from the beginning
of April till the early days of June. The following
are the averages of the prices obtained for the varieties
mentioned :— New York Pippins, per case, is. 3d. to
2ls. ; Alfristous, 4s. 9d. to 16s. 6d. ; Ribston Pip-
pins, 4s. 9d. to 16s. 6d. ; Prince Alfreds, 5s. Sd. to
21s. ; Scarlet Pearmuns, 3s. 9d. to 16s. ; Sturmer
Pippins, 5s. 3d. to 13s. ; French Crabs, 6s. to 10s. 6i. ;
various other kinds, from 4s. Sd. to 16s.
It is satisfactory to get an authoritative statement
as to prices ; it shows that a careful selection of
sorts, cire in packing and handling, tell on the
nurket here.
THE WHEAT CROP OF 1897.
The rainfall in S.'ptenibar, 1896, was very much
above the average iu all the chief Wheat-growing dis-
tricts in England. At Rothamsted it exceeded
8 inches, being nearly 5A inches over the averaga, and
the temperature was above the average. Thare was
a good deal of rain in the first three weaks of
October, but the latter pirt of the ramth was fairly
dry; and this dry weather continued all through
November, thus enabling farmers to sow a largi area
oE Wheat. Both October and Noveinbar were very
c >ld months. December was a wat and rather old
month. Tuere was also a good deil of rain in the
first part of January, the lattar part, however, beia»
inioh drier; the first halt" of tha month was of
average tamp arature, the last half baing very cold,
the therm meter during the third week slDwiu'6'
to 8' balov the average. Ttie first week in February
was very wet and cold, the rainfall during the re*t of
the month being considerably bolow the average, and
the tamperature much above, especially duriug the
last week, which showed 8 ' or 9° over the average.
Very little corn was sown during the month of March,
owing to constant wet weather; the month was also
warm, especially during the last week, when the tem-
perature rose to 8° or 9° over the average. The
abundant hay crop was greatly assisted by the com-
plete saturation of the soil by the March rainfall.
April was both cold and dry, and this character of
the weather continued throughout the month of May.
A great deal of rain fell during the first three weeks of
June, and the temparature being higher than average,
the growth of all crops at that period was very rapid.
The last week in Juae and the first week in July
were very warm, the temperature rising 3" or 4° over
the averaga; this was followed by a cold wave,
bringing the temperature saveral degress below that
of the previous two weaks. The remainder of the
month, and the first fortnight in August, were very
favourable for harveit operatioas ; after that a good
deal of rain fell in different parts of tha country, and
corn which had not been carried suffered much
injury. With the excaption of the serious fall in
temperature which occurred in July at a very critical
period in the growth of the crop, there is nothing in
the general character of the climate which would lead
one to suppose that the crop would be below an
average yield, or th-t so muoh inferior or offal
228
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONIGLE.
[October 2, 1897.
corn would exist. This cold weather continued
for a fortnight in England, E , while the hot
weather returned in England, S. and the Midland
Counties, at the end of one week. The only remark-
i.ble feature in the climate of the harvest-year ending
August 31, 1897, which has not occurred to the same
extent before during our experiments, was the great
rainfall in September, 1896. Rain fell on twenty-
three days out of the thirty, and gave a total of
8 iuches for the month, which was nearly 5k inches
over the average of forty years.
Farmers are very well acquainted with the great
value of nitrate of soda as a manure for our Wheat
and other corn crops, and they also know that it is
Hie nitric acid which constitutes its chief value ; but
they do not know quite so well that it is the nitric
acid which is formed iu our soils year by year which
is one of the most important foods for our Wheat
crop. It is generally found in our soils as nitrate of
lime, and being exceedingly soluble in water, it rises
and falls with the soil water as the weather is wet
or dry, being washed out of the soil when drainage
tikes place. For the last nineteen years we have
measured the amount of nitric acid per acre in the
rain-water which has passed through the soil of one
of our 6elds to the depth of 20 inches, the soil not
being disturbed in any way, and kept free from
vegetation. The average amount of nitric acid, cal-
culated as nitrate of soda, passing through 20 inches
of soil in September amounted to 19£ lb. per acre ;
whilst in September, 1896, when so much rain fell,
it amounted to 130i lb. It is quite evident, there-
fore, that our Wheat was sown in a soil which had
been deprived of one of its most important foods to
a very serious extent. Whether the roots of the
Wheat plant remained near the surface instead of
passing into the subsoil ; whether the crop was
injured, or if injured, to what extent, by this loss of
nitric acid, we have no (xperienceto guide us. Al-
though the rainfall in the chief Wheat-growing
districts of England during the month of September
wis very much over the average, still it was very
much less thau the rainfall at Kothamsted ; and if
the Wheat suffered injury from this cause, it would
sutler more here than in other districts. Our Wheat
crop is therefore not so reliable as it would otherwise
be as indicating the yield of the country ; still, I give
the figures for what they are worth : — ■
climate, and our dependence upon it. Although not
shown in the table, the amount of offal, or immature
grain, is exceedingly large this year, and I fear it
will be found to be very generally so. The only consola-
tion which the grower possesses is, that he is receiving
a better price for his product. Taking the population
of the United Kingdom in the middle of the harvest
year, 1897-98, at rather over 40 millions, and reckon-
ing a consumption of 6 bushels of Wheat per head,
rather more than 30 million quarters will be required.
The area under Wheat in the United Kingdom in
1897 was 1,936,041 acres, and taking 26£ bushels (of
60 lb. ) per acre as a basis • upon which to calculate
the crop of the country, we get 6* million quarters.
Deducting 2 bushels per acre for seed, it leaves nearly
6 million quarters available, and a requirement of
21 million quarters of imported Wheat. Whether
the very high estimate I adopted as the yield per
acre of our Wheat crop last year was actually exceeded,
or whether the higher price of Wheat led to a reduc-
tion in the consumption, cannot be readily ascer-
tained, but the imports amounted to nearly li mil-
lion quarters less than the estimate required for
consumption, at 6 bushels per head of the population.
/. B. Lawcn, Rotkamsted, September 23.
Artificial Manures.
c
£sp
PsS. S
^ ffl o
Si =■>"<»
Bi'shels of Dressf.d Grain, per Acre.
Present year, 1897
Averages : —
10 years, 1S8T-96
35 years, 185 "-86
45 years, 1652-06
37}
40}
33 {
35}
283 :l~
25?*
29jt
Weight ter Bcsiiel of Dressed Grain is Pouhdd.
Present year, 1897
Averages : —
lOyeais, 1887-96
35 years, 1S52-S0
45 years, 1852 98
61J
ci|
00}
00}
61fJ 6o;
005
59.5
60J
69}
69}
Total Straw, Chaff, i-c, Per Acre, in Cwts.
Present year, 1897
Averages : —
10 years, 1887-96
35 years, 1852-80
45 years, 1852-96
v?
34}
23} 39
32}
335
8J
37}
31}j 39
36}
35}
11
31|
33}! 40}
41}
3SJ
103
3-i
33 1 40}
40§
38
25}
27}
27fc
27}
* Equal tD 20} bushels at 60 lb. per bushel,
t E'jual to 30 bushels at 6" lb. per bushel.
} Equal to 27 bushels at 00 lb. per bushel.
§ Equal to 27} bushels at 00 lb. per bushel.
A reduction of 9 bushels per acre over the average1
of last year, upon a crop grown under exactly similar
conditions, shows very clearly the uncertainty of our
Switzerland.
•
M. FROBEL'S NURSERY AT ZURICH.
Zurich affords a marked contrast to other Swiss
towns. It is modern to the core ; its railway station
as crowded in proportion as any London station ; its
streets full of bustling life, tramways here, tramways
there, boulevards like those of Paris in miniature,
tree-planted streets, an imposing cathedral, and
beyond all, the lake renowned in song.
There are, no doubt, old houses and old Btreets,
for Zurich is as old as any city of the Con-
federation, but the hasty traveller in passing
straightway to his destination does not see them,
and there is, or people say thero is, an imposing view
of the distant Alps from the borders of the lake. It
may be so, but, as far as we are concerned, we viewed
the mist, but mi-sed the view, as in so many other
places this September. As we succeeded in our
direct purpose to see M. Frobel and his famous nur-
Bcry, we must not complain if secondary objects
were not attainable. While iu his neat sanctum we
are awaiting M. Frobel's arrival, we call to mind
the services he has rendered to horticulture,
and we bethink ourselves of Begonia Frcebeli,
amongst others, and sure enough there is hanging
before us a document da'ed August 4, 1875, and
signed by three well-known and honoured horticul-
turists, two of whom, Charles Noble and Archibald F.
Batron, are still with us ; whilst J. Townshend
Boscawen h is been gathered to his fathers. There
loo is the diploma of corresponding member of our
Royal Horticultural Society, to which Mr. Friibel
points with a pride which shows that the honour is
prized by our foreign friends. Stepping outside,
our host laments tb.it we have come at the
worst season of the year, that now, " Oh, there
is little to fee ; had we come in May or June
it would have been different." It would have
■been, no doubt, but wo are as used to
such assertions on the part of garden-owners of all
degrees as we are to the universal complaint on the
part of gardeners of want of an adequate staff. We
know by long experience how to discount such state-
ments, and assuredly we found M. Frobel's nursery,
even in the middle of September, extremely interest-
ing. We cannot pretend t) dilate upon more than a
small proportion of the things we saw ; but in tnese
days of lamentation over foreign competition, and of
self-depreciation, it was exhilarating to find a large
•assortment of elegant garden pottery for decorative
purposes from— Maple & Co. I There were French
goods, American and Austrian wares, and wares from
other countries, including Bamboos from Tonquin;
but Maple & Co. amply held their own. We are
accustomed to think of the Tottenham-Court-Road
firm as dealing in furniture only, and not as horticul-
tural sundriesmen. We made the discovery to the
contrary when climbing to the roof of M. Frobel' !
warehouse for the purpose of seeing a magnificent
hardy climber, with leaves much like those of a
Scarlet-runner Bean, and which covers the walls of
the house with a noble vesture of foliage. But why
get on the roof to see what c in be seen as well below ?
The answer is afforded by the circumstance that the
flower-spikes of deep violet pea-shaped flowers are
produced, for the present, at this elevation only.
The plant is Pueraria pachyrhizi — we know it in
England by another name, and under glass,
but we have not seen it in flower; unless our
memory is somewhat at fault. With like condition
as to memory we record our impression that the
flower has bean figured in the Revue Horticole. B i
this as it may, we have here a very noble climbei',
which we may infer would be as hardy in England as ic
is in northern Switzerland. Coming down from the roof
we proceed to look round, but on trying to recall what
we saw, we find it impossible to classify our notes, b it
must just take things as we found them. Humulus
japonicus variegatusis aless robust free-growing climber
than the Pueraria, but its leaves are here unusually
brightly variegated. The flowers hitherto producj I
are all males, so that propagation by seed is not
possible. Some day, no doubt, female flowers will bj
produced, and then seedlings will be obtained. A
bush of Cotoneaster horizontilis, which ourconduc or
saye should be called C. Davidiana, attracts attention
by its prostrate habit and profusion of small scarlet
berries. "Oh, que e'est beau," remarks M. Frobel,
dropping into French for our benefit, and going ou
to say that the leaves, which are deciduous, become, ere
they fall, almost as brilliantly coloured as the berries.
A tank full of Marliac's hardy Water-Lilies is next
noted, and M. Frbbal points to a seedling of his owu
as of a deeper crimson colour than any yet raised.
Moreover, it is one whose origin i3 known. M iny
years since our valued friend, the late Prof. Caspar/,
described a rose-coloured variety of the common
white Water- Lily obtained from Sweden, and c died
it Nyinphrea alba var. rosea. From seeds of this rose,
tinted Water-Lily, M. Friibel claims to have obtain-. I
the very richly-coloured variety of which we saw
small flowers, the last of the season. This is to be
called Nymphsea Otto Friibel ; at least, seeing wh r,
its origin is, we hope it will not be called N. Frobeli.
From Nymphseas to Opuntias seems a long stride,
but the two sets of plants are not far apart
in this nursery ; and here also is a bel of
Opuntia humilis, O. Rafinesquii, O. missouriensis, an 1
others, including O. camanchica, which M. Frbbil
prefers to the rest. The dry summer climate of
Zurich probably suits these plants better than our
moisture-laden atmosphere; but when we ventured to
make a remark of this nature, a grim smile passe I
across the face of our host as he asked us wheth r
we had not had experience that it did rain i.i
Switzerland I
Close by were the dead flower-stalks of the no'.le
Bell Flower, known as Ostrowskya magnifica, a plant
which has proved somewhat disappointing in England.
Two months entire rest after flowering is M. Frobel's
prescription for its well-doing. Next came a large batch
of whito-flowered Kamondia, of which a small propor-
tion revert to lilac. White-flowered Pulsatillas wire
equally abundaut here, though of course not in bloom
at the time of our visit. The double white Colchicum,
however, was in full flower, and is much used for
bouquet work.
While speaking of white flowers, M. Frobel poiuts
out that the variety of Japanese Anemone known as
Lord Ardilaun is superior to the one called Lady
Ardilaun, which is not altogether polite. Many of
the blooms of Lorl Ardilaun presented a "hen-and-
chicken" condition, owing to axillary prolific iti.r ,
or the production of flower stills iu a ring within the
perianth-lobes. Close by, under a spreading tree is a
clump of Asarum europicum, a plant which M.
Frobel considers as excellent for covering bare patches
under the shade of trees, a valuable hint to those who
have a sufficiency of the plant. Rubus xautho-
cirpus, a Chinese species, is next shown as a dense
low-growing bramble with sleuder prickly stems,
elegant pinnate foliage, and yellow, agreeably- tasted
fruit.
October 2, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
229
Coal and coke are dear in Zurich, and every effoit
Las to be made to reduce the fuel bill, consequently
many plants which in England are rarely suffered to
go outside, are grown for at least part of the year
out-of-doors. That the plants gain greatly in robust
ness is evident here, where bitches of Ochna multi-
flora are seen in a most thriving condition, and which
we were assured flower much more freely than when
kept entirely in the stove. Stephanotis floribunda,
Peperomia arifolia, ^-Eschynanthus, and many other
stove plants afford corresponding illustrations ; but
Swiss sun in summer is a different thing from its
humid British representative.
To detail all the Orchids grown here would be
tedious, the collection is large, the specimens of
moderate S'ze, the leaves firm, healthy, and leaving
nothing to be desired. Speaking generally, abundance
of light, moderate heat, great humidity, and ample
American C. spectabile. We were shown the only
two plants riised from this cross, and the foreman
professes his ability to see evidence of the cross in
the two little seedlings before us. We shall wait
before we say anything more than that it may be so.
M. Frobel'a nursery is well known as the home of
many choice alpine and herbaceous plints. These
are grown for propagiting purposes in frames and
pots, but others are planted out ou rock-work.
One such rockwork resembles in form the pits in
which our farmers store their Mangels. It consi-ts
of a mound of porous earth, sloping on two sides,
and flat on the top. On the sides of the mound,
bricks of cement are placed flat against the surface
of the mound, but sloping inwards and downwards.
Between the chinks the plants, such as Androsaces,
root freely. The effect is not picturesque, but thero
can be no question that the plants like their position.
Fig. 69. — vanda am<t:na. (see r. 226.)
v«ntilation are the main factors upon which M.
Fiiibtl relies in the cultivation of these plants, and
the results are ceitainly very satisfactory. Moreover,
he is not afraid of growing Orchids with other plants,
and does not, in all cases, afford them the luxury
of a separate house. Among Orchids, mention
may be made of Pleurothallis Rcezli, Vanda
Kimballiaua in fl iwer, Cattleya Dowiana in flower,
Deudrobium rhahenops's Schroderianum, Catasetum
Bungerothi, Dendrobium Venus X , a cross between
D. nobile and D Falconeri ; Augrsecums of various
kinds ; Bolleas, which do well ; and the usual Cattleyas
and Lrclias. The blocks on which many of these are
grown are of Yew, a wood we do not remember to have
seen used elsewhere for like purposes. Crossing and
hybridisation are carried on vigorously. We can only
note a cross between Cypripediuin Curtisii and C. bella-
tulum as affording a very robust offspring. There are
other crosses in which C. Chamberlainianum takes
a place ; but perhaps the most extraordinary of all is
that between C, Lawrencianum and the hardy North
Porou3 bricks, such at we use in England, w .uld
probably be better than those of cemeijt, as holding
mois-ture better. The mounds are of moderate
height, so that a movable glass-roof can be placed over
them as a protection from the rain when necessary.
The rare, pink-flowered Asperula athoa was in bloLmi
on this mound, and also the yellow-flowere 1 Erodium
chryfanthum, the blooms of which produce car-
pels only, and no stamens, so that no feeds are
lormed. Epilobium obcordatum, which some fail to
grow, does well here. Viola delphinantha, a very
rare species from Mount Athos, is also growing here.
Regretting that our limited time forbid further
investigation, and especially that it rendered im-
possible a visit to the nursery of trees and shrubs,
which, iu its way is, we believe, as interesting as the
one we are now in, we were obliged to bid our
kindly host farewell ; and wc recommend all plant-
lovers who visit Zurich to make a point of seeing
these nurseries, and, profiting by our experience, to
allow themselves plenty of time for so doing.
BIRDS USEFUL TO FARMERS
AND GARDENERS.
(Continued from p. 207.)
The SrARROW-niWK (Accip'.ter Nisus-j. — This
hawk is somewhat smaller tfcan the kestrel or wind-
over (Falco tiununculu-), described in a previous
leaflet. The male is about 12 inches in length, and
the female is generally from 2} to 4 inche i longer.
Thi upper part of the body of the male is ot a bluish
slate colour, while the under part is brown, or greyish-
brown, with bars of darker colour. In the female
the body is brown, and the under parts light grey
with brownish bars. Both male and female have a
blue beak and yellow legs and feet. The wings are
Bhort. Unlike the kestrel, the sparrow-hawk gene-
rally builds a nest of sticks in trees, in Oaks and Firs
by preference, and usually in the depths of woods.
In the beginning of May it usually lays five or six
round eggs of a bluish-green colour with shades or
spots of brown.
The sparrow-hawk may be distinguished at once
by its peculiar flight. At one time it is seen high up
in the air, propelling itself by the use of its wings,
then skimming along for a while without their
motion. When in pursuit of prey it dashes with
incredible velocity through trees and underwood,
into stack yards and poultry yards, and swoops down
with almost lightning rapidity upon a sparrow or
other small bird, or, it may be, a young chicken,
frequently quite regardless of the close presence of
man.
Though termed sparrow-hawk, it does not confino
its attention to sparrows, but captures many kinds of
small birds, especially chaffinches and other finches,
blackbirds, thrushes, wrens, and titmice. Ritzema
Bos says, in his Tierisckc Schiidlinge nnd NiUzlingc,
that it is considered injurious iu Germany, because
it kills so many insect-destroying birds. In France,
according to Brocchi, it has the same reputation.
The sparrow-hawk has a bad character in Great
Britain, at least among game-keepers and poultry-
women. This is justified to some extent, for it
undoubtedly takes young partridges, pheisants, and
rabbits, particularly when it has young ones; and is
a far worse offender in this respect than the kestrel,
which rarely takes birds of any kind. Careful
observers who have watched the nests of sparrow-
hawks, have remarked that the feathers round the
nest and in the pellets are chiefly those of small birds,
but the feathers of game and chickens are sometimes
found. If the little piles of feathers and bones often
seen by the sides of woods and hedgerows, and ou
binks, constituting the remains of a spariow-hawk's
meal, are examined, it will be noticed that they
are in the m»in those of Buiall birds and mice, and
i ot infrequently of frogs and rabbits. Selby states
that in a nest contiiuing five young sparrow-hawks
he found a lapwing, two blackbirds, a thrush, and
two green linnets, all recently killed, and partly
divested of their feathers. It is the natural habit of
the sparro r-hawk to hunt for food towards dusk,
when young partridges are safe under the hen, and
young pheasants are in their coops or under their
foster-mothers ; but when a pair have young in their
nest, they hunt early and la'e, and at this time,
without doubt, they take young game-birds, and are
a cause of considerable anxiety to game- keepers.
Mice, voles, and insects are sometimes taken by
this hawk. Seebohm says that it is beneficial because
it kills wood-pigeons, which are a fearful pei-t to the
farmer in some localities. This is corroborated in the
evidence cited in the Report on the Pro'ectiou of
Wild Birds cf the House of Commons Committee in
1873, to the effect that the wood-pigeon ia the
natural food of the sparrow hawk, which is the only
bird that can catch it.
Upon the whole, in view of this evidence, and of
the opinions of several well-informed writers, and of
observant countrymen, on the habits of birds, the
Bparrow-hawk ought not to be mthlessly destroyed,
and farmers would do well to exert their influence
to prevent the wholesale and indiscriminate destruc-
tion of this and other hawks, and of owls and other
useful birds, as well as such animals as weasels and
stoats, which keep down rats, mice, voles, and other
vermin.
230
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
DO ORCHIDS DEGENERATE?
By the kindness of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., his
Orchid grower, Mr. W. H. White, has prepared and
forwarded a list of some of the species of Orchids
of which the identicil plants enumerated have been
in the Burford collection for many years. The list ia
of the greatest interest as bearing on our remarks in
the Gardeners' Chronicle, Sept. 18 last. Many of the
plants enumerated come under the heading of difficult
plants to manage, in sjme collections at least, and
during their life at Burford, probably many scjres, if
not hundreds of the same apsciea have been imported
and cultivated for a time and then died. The speci-
m n of Renanthera coccineah of special interest, as it
can be traced back to one of the earliest importations
of that plant. It was in Morse's nursery many years
before it came to Burford, and it is probably one of
oldest epiphytal Orchids in cultivation.
The following list comprises some of the Orchids
which have been many years in Sir Trevor Lawrence's
Collection : —
Aerides Lobbi ( Russell) 1SS2
„ it 1S77
,, crassifollum 1S77
,, Godefroyae 1883
„ falcatum ISHi
,, Lawrencite (original
plant)
,, suavissimum
(severa1) 1877
„ Houllettianum, about
20 years
,, quinque-vulncrum 1SSI
,, expausum 18S2
,, affine 18S0
„ Larpentiu, over 20 yens
„ Fielding! (Day) 1SS1
„ Ecbroderfe, about
] 5 years
,, virens 1874
,, KeiehenbachUnum,
nearly 20 years
,, maeulosum 1881
Saecolabium Bluiuei 1879
„ retusum 1875
,, ampullaccum 1S77
Angjaicum sesquipedale,
over 20 years
,, Kotscbyi, first im-
portation
, , pellucidum 1877
, , Scottianum 1 880
„ pertusum 1878
,, distichum 1884
,, bilobum, about 2) years
„ Cbailhianuni (Day) 18S1
,, Leonis 1885
,, eburneum 1881
,, falcatum 1834
Sarcocbilus Fit/.geraldi 1889
Vanda teres, over 20 years
,, auavis(EaliiigPark) IS7C)
„ tricolor Bassetti,
many years, no date
,, ,, Dalkol-.h var ,
20 years
„ „ suavis 1860
,, tricolor 18 0 '
„ latnellata Boxalli 18S4 I
„ insignia 18S2 I
„ Hookeriana 18S2 I
,, furva, 10 or 12 years
,, Lowi 1877 I
,, Cathcarti 1877 j
„ Kimballiana 1889
,, Ame-iaiia 188J
,, cocruleseens 18i4
Renantbr r.\ coccinea,
Cliina lbl-i, came
into our collec-
tion from Morse 18S2
,, matutina 1881
Pbalamopsis Esmeralda 1882
,, Mario 1886
, , Luddemanniana 1 877
,, cornu cervi 1&77
,, intermedia Portei 1881
,, Scbilleriana, amabi-
lia, grandifloia 1877
,, violacea 18S0
Phaius tuberculosus 1881
Ccelia macrostaebya 1S77
,, Baueriaim is '7
Cw'.iopsis hyacinthina 1877
Cleiaostoma erassifolia
(Uodgson)lSS.,i
Spathoylottis Lobbi 1877
Microstj'lis inetallica ls77
Cymbidium cbloran-
tburu 1882
Stanbopeas (various) 20 years
Sobralits (various) 20 yeari
,, Cattleyie, over 20 years
Eliantbus, sp. 18SU
Dendrobium Kiu^ianura 18»0
,, triadeniura, over 20 years
,, Ainswortbi „ ,,
,, undulatum 1S83
„ puipuieum 1888
„ beterocaipum album
(Yates) no date
„ Dominii, very old, no
dato
Dendrobium limbriatum.
Dalhousieauum,
and Chrysan-
tbum 1S82
,, nobile very old, no date
„ tortile 1884
,, palpebre, 20 years
„ Scbroderaj, D.
Farmeri, D. thry-
sinorum, D.
chrysotoxum,
and D. suavissi-
num, about i0 years
„ Guibertianum
1S77
,, Falconeri gigan-
teum (Veitch)
1S79
,, bigibbum album
1SS0
,, lituiflorum candi-
dum
1879
„ Phalfenopsis, part
of tbe original
plant
,, Huttoni
1S77
„ micansand D. longi
cornu
ISs.-)
,, revoluturn
1S87
„ Parisbi
1879
„ superbum Burkei
1S81
,, senile
1*77
,, Treacbeiianum
1SS3
,, Brymerianum, over
20 years
,, Harveyanum
1882
„ Hughi (Lee)
1888
Tbunia Marshallii and T.
Bensonife, many years
Lailia Gouldiana bad 17
spikes last year.
Large specimen
bought in
1S88
,, acuminata
187;»
,, pra;stans
138 1
„ Perrlni
1831
,, Perrini alba
18S7
,, enapatha
lss6
,, elegans Turneri,
187 j
and 1S77
,, anceps and varie-
ties
1873
i, cinnabarina
I88S
,, Lawrenceana
18S)
,, purpurataBrytiaca 1887
Cattleya dolosa
18S1
„ Skinneri alba
1882
„ maxima
1884
„ exoniensis
1S77
„ Trianaii
1875
,, , , Backbouscian a
,, Skinneri
,, Moasire
,, „ Reineckiana
,, ,, Wagneri
,, chocoensia
,, Lawrenceana,
ginal
,, crispa
„ PeroivalHana
„ Gaskellian.i
„ Mardelli
, , Fausti
„ gigas
,, Warneri
,, Dormaniana
,, Mendeli
,, labiita, oil var
many years
,, luteola
Braaaavola Uiybyana
,, Leptotes bieolor
Ccelogyoe glandulosa
,, Cumraingi
,, graminifolia
„ corrugata
„ flaccida
,, Sanderiana
18«
1881
1S7I
1S<5
18SIS
1879
1835
1-78
1882
1-80
1882
188!
Is76
IBs!
lssj
1SSL
„ ocellata
,, barbata
, Massangeann
,, tomentoaa
Eria ancho: ites
nu date
18S')
1S76
1888
18', 7
18i0
1888
1877
1877
1S86
1877
1878
1884
1880
1885
1882
Bulbophyllum barbl-
gerum, B. Thour- j
ail, and Cirrbope-
talutn Meduare, and
C. Cummingi
Scuticaria Hadweni and
SteeU 1877
Laeliopsis domtngensis,
20 years
Schomburgkla tibicinus 1882
Bulbophyllum grandi-
florum 1837
,, longisepalum 1887
,, auricoruum 20 years
from
Lady
Doro-
thy
\ Nevel-
le's
| Collec-
tion,
1S79.
Bulbophyllum siamense 1877
Eulophia guineensis 1889
Epidendrum nemorale 1879
,, radicans, 20 years
,, Pseud-epidendrum 1SSI
„ prismatocarpum 1S81
,, xanthinum 1881
,, sceptrum (Lee) 18SS
,, evectum (Dr. Pater-
son) 1879
„ craasifolium (Dr.
Paterson 1S79
„ myrianthum album 1SS6
,, purum 1882
,, aracnoglossum 1882
M vitellinum 1S79
Brasaavolas atricta anl
Perrini
Catasetum scurra, 2)
years
,, intergerimum
„ barbatum protis-
cidium
Mormodes luxatum
Miltonia vexillaria, from
20 years
Ornithidium mioiatum
,, polybulbon
Braasia Giroudiana
Chysis Chelsoni
,, Sedeni
Trichopilia Galle ittiana
n suavis alba
,, crispa
,, lepida
Platyclinia glunncea
20 years
„ Cobbian i
Cypripedium Fairiei-
num 20 years
,, caudatum Wallisi 1S79
,, Masterai.iniim 1888
,, Vfxillarium
,, bellituluin
,, niveum
,, Godefroya?
„ concolor
„ Druryi
,, prdestj.ns
There are also a great
number of Cyi>.
species and hy-
brids too numer-
ous to mention
that have been
in trie collection
a great number of
years
Bletia hyacinthina
Grammatophyllum epe-
ciosum
Peristeria elata
Zygopetalum B irkel
,, Mackayi
Coslogyne Fce.-stcrmanni 1886
And many very old
plants of C. cristata
Uropedium Liudcni 1S77
Arpophyllumgigmteum 1877
,, spicatum 1SS0
Maxillaria nigreacens 1879
,, Turneri 20 years
,, venuata 1878
1880
1SS7
1888
1SS4
1884
1887
18S0
1879
188S
1SS5
1SS-2
1879
1879
1SS0
1879
1S86
1888
1888
18 ;r,
1881
188 8
1S8S
1887
1SS7
1884
1877
Maxillariagrandiflora 1883
,, lepidota 1878
„ Sanderiana 1883
,, piota 1886
„ Rhombia 1879
Anguloa uuiflora 1881
„ Ruckeii 1S82
„ eburnea 1877
Lycastes, various, from 1S79
Nanodes Medusa? 20 years
Sopbronites grandiflora,
1S77 and 1882
Odontoglossum, mulus,
from Farnham
Castle 1874
,, coronirium ,, 1876
,, luteopurpureum 1879
,, Rossii aid Cervan-
tesii 1877
„ triumpbans and
Halli 1879
,, Pescatorei 1877
„ citrosmum '20 years
,, crispum 1874
„ ,, flaveolum 1880
„ aspersum viola-
ceum 18S1
,, facetum and Ed-
wardi 18S0
„ cristatellum 18S3
j, prionopetalum 1877
„ ramosissimutn 1882
,, mevium, about 20 years
„ grande 1889
,, crinitum sapphiri-
tum 1S87
„ Audersonianum 1877
„ Ruckerianum 18S0
(t Wilckeanum 1*JS2
,, guttatnm Bate-
manni 1881
„ Bictonense album 18S1
„ Harryanum 1S88
,, pulcbellum 1877
„ „ Ru c k er' s
variety from The
Poles in 1880
,, Uro Skinneri 1889
„ retusum lss7
Oncidiums, undulatum 1SS4
,, macranthum 1877
,, splendens l^ss
,, ccebelleta lssi)
,, cucullatum lssJ
,, MarabalUanum 1884
„ zjbrinum (James),
from 1877
„ bifrons 1S84
,, Phatenopsis 18S3
,, Kienastianum 1879
„ sessile 1877
,, Jonesianum 1S93
,, anthocrene lsT'j
,, Fosterianum 1SS8
,, ornithorrhyncum,
about 20 years
1832
18S4
1881
1876
1877
1879
lS8t
1883
1880
Tricbosma suavis
Ada aurantiaca
Cryptophoranthua Day-
anus
MaBdevallia macrura,
about
,, Davi ii
,, Veitchi
,, coraiculata
,f Schlimi
„ tovarensis
Masdevallias of the Har-
ryana and lgnea
types date from
1875, and various
dwarf - growing
species, princi-
pally botanical
curiosities, from
Restrepia antenifera
Several speciosof Plouro-
thallis
And Maadevallli of tho
Chimtra aection from 1881
Uabenaria militaria 188 i
1880
1877
18S3
THE CONIFERS OF THE SANTA
LUCIA MOUNTAINS.
The Sauta Lucia Mountains take their name from
their highest peak, which rises near the middle of tho
chain in Monterey County to an elevation of 6,100
feet. These mountains extend along the coast of
Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties from
Monterey Biy southward, parallel with the cjast.
South of San Sinvon Bay they trend towards the
south-east, lisin.; their identity in the low hills of the
Carisa Plain. From Pt. Sur to Pt. Corda they present
a precipitous front to the ocean, rising abruptly from
3,000 to 4,000 feet from the very edge of the ocean.
Numerous mountain streams come tumbling down
through quickly des;enling canons and widen them
delta-like, forming s nail tracts of comparatively level
land. These little areas are very fertile and well
supplied with the priesb water ; bo that, in spite of
their isolation anil limited area, they have been taken
up by settlers, who are known throughout the
county as ' ' The Coastors."
These mountains are especially interesting to the
botanist, since they are the southern limit of the
flora that follows Sequoia sempervirens, and is so
characteristic of the northern coast forests. They also
contain species most abundantly represented in tho
Sierras, as well as many peculiar to themselves.
These different floras have their representatives
among the Coniferae, so that the distribution of the
Coniferse will indicate, somewhat, the distribution of
the different floras.
Sequoia sempervirens and Pseudo-tsuga taxifolia
are associated together, as in the forests further
north ; but the latter is not confined to the coast
canons, being found also within sight of the ocean on
the ridge above, near the Los Burros mine, and ia
other places not visited by the writer. The Red-
woods scarcely venture above the fog line, which, in
these steep mountains along the coast, is distinctly
visible to the eye, as well as instantly perceptible t )
the sense of feeling. They are rarely found outside
of the canons, since the steep slopes of the hills offer
an environment that is too dry. The soil is dry
and the air also. It must not be thought that
the Red woo is and Spruces here are miserable
specimens. One Redwood-tree in Willow Creek
Caflon is 12 feet in diameter, and a spruce-fir tree in
the same canon is more than 3 feet through. This
Redwood tree is said to be the largest in Monterey
County, and it is certainly a fine specimen.
On the summit of the ridge from which the o^ean
can be seen, Pinus Coulteri is the most noticeable
tree. Somewhere in these mountains, in 1831, Coulter
collected the first known specimens of this Pine, noted
for its enormous cones. His specimens probably
came from near Santa Lucia Peak, siuce he records it
as growiog with Pinus Lambertiana, and it is only
there that the two species are found together.
Pinus Coulteri generally grows on exposed and lofty
ridges, but in these mountains it extends down the
sides of the mountain on the eastern slope almost to
the banks of the Nacimiento River, where it is
associated with Pinus Sabiniana, the Grey-leaf Pine,
common on the low hills of the Nacimiento and San
Antonio Valleys.
On the same ridge where Pinus Coulteri abounds,
Pinus ponderosa is also abundant, often growing with
Pinus Coulteri, but frequently forming exclusive
groves of scattered trees.
One poor little bush of Juniperus californica was
seen near a never-failing spring on the Los Burros
trail. Probably the species is better represented in
parts of the mountain not visited by the writer. It
is said to be common near Cruikshank's ranche. The
trees so far noted can all be seen when crossing the
range from the Los Burros mines, on the ocean Bide
to the San Migueleta ranch, on the Nacimiento river.
Another trail further north is now known as the
Plaskett trail ; formerly it was called Mansfield's
trail. Pinus tuberculata is the most noticeable
Conifer on the eastern side of this trail, and the trees
grow almost to the base of the mountain. Its lightly-
clad branches, and numerous persistent cones,
readily distinguish it from the other Conifers.
Looking down into the deep canon of San Miguel
Creek, south of the trail, but near by, and off into
the distant canon on the north that marks the head-
quarters of the Nacimiento River, peculiar trees can
be seen lifting spire-like summits above all the others.
These trees are known botanically as Abies bracteata,
the rarest existing Fir, and confined to a few canons
of these mountains. When once seen, these trees
can be recognised as far as the eye can reach. While
there are few individuals, comparatively, the number
of Birjall trees coming up in San Miguel Canon assures
ue that the species is in no danger of extermination.
Mr. E. C. Mansfield and the writer visited this locality
on May 1 of the present year, to obtain flowering
specimens, which had, until then, never been collected.
The trees were in full flower ; the pollen had begun
to float through the air, and near the tops of all large
trees female flowers were plainly to be seen. Coulter
records that only the middle branches bear cones.
This was not so with the trees observed in this canon.
Owing to the great difficulty experienced by Mr.
Mansfield in reaching the topmost boughs and in
October 2, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
231
securing specimens, only a few pistillate flowers were
obtained, and these Mr. Mansfield carded down,
holding the twigs, to which they were attached, in
his mouth, so as to keep them intact on the branches.
The specimens are in the herbarium of the Californian
Academy of Sciences, duplicates having been sent to
I'rof. C. S. Sargent to be represented in the Silva of
North America. The staminate flowers were more
abundantly collected, being so much more easily
obtained.
The Firs seen in this canon had lost their lower
branches, and therefore lacked the symmetrical out-
line from base to 6ummit which tho more perfect
specimens exhibited. The writer some years ago
birdnests set with diamonds. The beauty of the
cone-laden branches can perhaps bo imag'ned.
Further north, near the foot of Santa Lucia Peak,
a third trail (spoken of above) crosses these moun-
tains. It is known by the name of the Santa Lucia
trail, and is the most rugged but most attractive of
all I he trails. Long ago it was much travelled by
the Indians, but nov a traveller rarely crosses tho
mountain by that route. It passes through the only
grove of Pinus Lamb^rtiana now left in these moun-
tains. The writer can never forget the amazement and
delight experience 1 when coming upon this grove.
One or two young trees had been seen on the way up
the eastern slope, but their identity was only guessed
^
'%.
G"5~
FlG. 70. — FLOWER OF JACASTE DENNING1AN A : SE61IESIS TALE YELLOWISH-GREEK
Lll" REDDISH-ORANGE.
saw two trees in a gulch further north, which the
Santa Lucia trail crosses, where the lowest branches
reached almost to the ground, and the trees tapered
to perfect cones with long, pointed tips waving
plume like in the breeze. The trunk, at the upper
part, sends dowu long, slender branchlets, that droop
as do those of the Weeping Willow or Weeping
Spruce. Even the upper boughs have a tendency to
grow downwards, thus rendering the foothold of an
adventurous climber somewhat precarious, since the
si gh'est breath of wind sways the slender upper axis
to acd-fro.
The mountaineers are all enthusiastic in their
admiration of this tree, which they uame the "Silver
V r." When the cones have attaiued full growth
they have a purplish hue, and the long, slender,
ixseited bracts become gemmed with diu;>s of resin.
The upper part of the tree seems full of odd-looking
at until the magnificent trees far above and beyond
were discovered. Pinus Lambertiana is said to have
been abundant formerly on the slopes of Santi Lucia
Peak, and a few trees are yet left. Libocedrua
decurrens, a'so, then grew on the mountain. While
the San Antonio Mission flourished, the best timber
on Santa Lucia Po.k was crt down, and these two
valuible species were almost utterly destroyed. In
those days it is said tint the Nacimiento and San
Antonio Valleys were " blick with Indians." Their
houses, fields, and aqueducts gave life to the hills
and valleys over whic'i the beautiful Oaks alone now
seem to hold sway. Were it nst for the few sur-
vivors in almost inaccessible places, and the timbers
and other relics of tho San Antonio Mission, tho
story of the former prevalence of the Sugar Pine and
Incense Cedar would scarcely be credited." Atice
Eastwood, in " Erythea" June, 1S97.
LYCASTE DENNINGIANA.
OoR illustration (fig. 70) represents this very
fine species, whioh was originally described by Pro-
fessor Reichenhach in the Qardeners' Chronicle,
December 23, 1876, p. 808, the plaut being dedicated
to Mr. Denning, then gardener to Lord Loudes-
borough. For many years the plaut Ins been very
rare, and it was a pleasant surprise to see it at tho
Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on Sep-
tember 21, on which occasion it was shown by F. W,
Moore, Esq., Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens,
G'asnevin, Dublin, the home of so many rare and
curious Orchids and other plants. Lyoaste Denning-
iana is a native of Ecuador. Its fine flowers have the
sepals and petals very pale yellowish-green ; the
showy labellum reddish-orange, changing to red-
brown. When shown it received an Award of Merit,
BOTANICAL EXPLORATION IN
YUNNAN.
Dr. HiiNRV, the well-known Chinese botanist, is
now stationed in Yunnan. The following extract
from a letter recently received from him gives some
interesting particulars of this botanically rioh
region : —
"Customs, Mcngtse, par Laokay, Tonking.
"September 5, 1896.
" As regards bot my, e.g., this region — on the out-
skirts of which I was stationed at Iohang, and now
am here again on another border of it at Mengtse —
is, I imagine, tho most interesting in the world. It
is evidently the headquarters of most of the genera
which are now spread all over Europe and Asia in
great part. The geology is quite unknown, and it is
a combination of knowledge of the ancient history of
the region geologioally, anl of the flora, which will
explain much that is obscure in the present distribu-
tion of species. I have told you of the immense,
universal, and peculiar deposit of red clay which
covers Yunnan, extending into the Shan States.
This perhaps speaks of glaciation, and perhaps it is to
glacial phenomena that the present richness of the
flora is due.
" I intend to go on oolleoting vigorously, and hope
to rival Delavay iu Yunnan. His 30U0 species will
be hard to beat.
" The country immediately around Mentgse is not
so very rich, as it is bare of wood and water ; but in
all directions at two to four days' distance there is
splendid country. 1 have just had a native collecting
in the mountains south of the Red Kiver near the
French frontier, and he has brought back from the
virgin forests of a high mounlain about 100 interest-
ing species, e.g., he has re-fouDd Tetraceutron (a
genus of Trochodendreaj), perhaps a newspecies,at any
rate a variety, of the Hupeh plant. He lias also
brought me undoubted wild Tea. Hitherto the Tea-
plant has been found wild only in Assam, the cases
of its spontaneity recorded from China being very
doubtful. In all my trips in Szechwan and Hupeh
I never met it. The present specimens are above
suspicion, coming from virgin forest, and at an
immense distance from auy Tea cultivation, the
nearest being P'u-6rh, 200 miles west. Bretschueider
in Botanicon SinicuM, part ii., p. 130, has some
remarks on the antiquity of Tea in China, and it was
not till the sixth or seventh century that it came
into general use. It is probable that it was fouud
wild in these southern provinc-s, which did not form
a part of the ancient Chinese empire, and I daresay it
will be fouud wild in these mountains from Mengtse
to Szemao. It is not probable at a 1 that Tea came
so far away as Assam.
"My native also brought back some interesting
Fcras, pretty Cyrtaudre?e, &c.,and some specimens
iu fruit of the curious Lysimachii, the leaves of
which have a delicate but strong fragrance. They are
used for scenting hair-oil by the Chiuese. Perhaps
some of the seed is ripe enough for me to seud to you
for cultivation.
'•' I have had enquiries from a London firm about
60ap-trees. They wi&h to buy the fruits of these iu
quantity, as they have brought cut somo patent or
232
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
other which demands a largo consumption of tlusj
fruits. I suppose the saponin therein is tho base of
the patent (lor washing fine fabrics, hair wash, &c,
perhaps). They didn't say what their patent was.
" A large number of soap-trees occur in China, and
I would write a note for tho Bulletin on tho subject,
as it is of perhaps considerable commercial import-
ance, but one thing is wanting. The species of
Gledit;chia require revision. Four are mentionod in
the Indtx Fl. Sin., i., p. 208, ct seq., but since then
there is a new one from Hupeh and another from
Yunnan. There were also specimens of mine at Kew
from S. Formosa, which are not yet matched with any
described species.
'• The chief soap-trees are Sapiodus Mukorossi,
Gymnocladus sinensis, and all the species of Gledit-
schia, excepting G. officinalis, Hemsley, which has a
small pod only used as a drug. The fruits of these
are very generally used in China in lieu of soap, and
for washing the hair the Chineso ladies say they are
superior to alkaline soaps.
" I have tried, in vain, to get a Lolo teacher to
instruct me in tho language, and teach me their
method of writing, now almost gone out of use, if not
entirely. The MSS. of the Lolos are as yet
undeciphered.
" I told you about the plague, its ravages amount-
ing to actual decimation of the inhabitants of Mengfee
town. It Buddenly ceased on or about August 8, a
few cases having appeared in the surrounding villages
just before, and it is now gone completely from this
neighbourhood, though I hear that it is now prevalent
in a town some twenty miles away on the other side
of our mountains.
"My collector also found some Laurinere the
absence of which was rather puzzling to me. I am
sending him off in another direction in a day or two.
Tho mountains he botanised over he described as
lofty, and covered with thick forest of immense tre3s.
Bears occur there, a sure sign of virgiu forest, as far
as my experience goes in China.
"I have little more to add, as I have not been
away lately on any interesting trips. I, however, find
much to interest me in the mountains around : it is
not everywhere you come across plants you have not
seen before, almost every day. The Orchids are
plentiful and rich in species.
" This place is isolated iu the extreme, and it takes
such a time to receive letters. As regards stores,
they come after delays of months. I have nearly
finished all my shoes, and there are new pairs, I
hope, all along the way, but tbey do not seem to come.
"It is rather easy travelling about here, as mules
are cheap and numerous. I have just had a tent
made for trips. The savage villages in the mountains
are too dirty to stay in, oven if oue always found
these queer folk in the humour to take one iu.
What I me in by ' too dirty ' is something awful, as I
put up qu'.to cm.fortably with the huts of the
Chinese in Hupeb, whit.h were comparatively clean.
"The Chinaman is of course superior to these
Shans, Lolos, Miao-izu, in energy and various other
laudable qualities, but the Miao tzu and true Lolos of
the mountains have mure pleasant manners in many
ways— at least, I like their looks and way of talking.
"Does no geologist ever dream of investigating
these regions ! Yunnau is well known for its mineral
wealth. It is easy enough now getting here from
Hongkong by way of Touking." Kew Bulletin, February
and March, 1897.
Florists' Flowers.
DAHLIAS AT MR. C. TURNER'S SLOUGH
NURSERY.
"Tcrner's" was a household word among florists
all over the country at one time, and if it be less so
at the present day, it is because there are so many
more persons engaged iu the Sorists'-dower business,
and not because the nursery has in tho least degree
deteriorated. The raising of Dahlias from seed, and
tho propagation of the plants in other ways, still
forms oue of the specialties of the firm, and not less
so now, than in bygone years. As the popularity of
one kind of florists' flower wanes, another comes
to the front to be, in its turn, probably relegated to
the limbo of half or wholly forgotten plants.
The show variety of Dahlia i->, in so far as southern
growers are concerned, on the road thereto ; but in
Bpite of the smaller amount of interest taken in it,
numbers of all the best varieties are s'ill grown here,
and a large trade done in the plants, chielly with culti-
vators in the northern counties. The favourite secti >n
of the Dahlia at the present time in the south is the so-
cilled " Cactus- flowered " varieties, the llowor of these
varieties being very lasting as well as ornamental
when cut. Knowing that every good variety is
afforded a fair trial at Slough, I recently visited the
nurseries with a view to making a selection.
The Cactus Dahlias are accorded the greatest amount
of space, being followed closely by the show and Pom-
pon varieties ; of the first named variety, many that
are new, and under name as well as unnamed seedlings,
were remarked in the trial beds. Among the yellows
was Mrs. H. Turner, a very showy flower, not too
large. It is a plant which throws flowers early as well
as late in the season ; but the nrd-sea^on flowers are
apt to become too large, flat, and not to partake of
the true Cac.ua shape.
Lady Penzance is a pretty yellow flower, good for
cutting where short stems will suffice, but which
has the disadvantage of not throwing up well, thus
the blooms are partially hidden among the foliage.
Of flowers of red and orange-scarlet shades, there are
far too many. Fusilier is a free and good variety of
full size, and of the true Cactus shape ; Glorosa
grows tall, and has brilliant crimson, partially
incurved flowers ; Fantasy represents a dwarf form
of the preceding, but with smaller flowers ; Harmony
is a reddish-bronzy flower exhibiting a pleasing
combinat:oa of colours — an improvement on Countess
of Gosford ; Starfish is a perfect " Cactus variety "
of an orange-scarlet colour, and every flower comes
true — a decided acquisition — its height is 4 feet.
Mrs. H. Cannell is of an orange-buff colour, and a
good flower ; Cycle is iu colour ruby-red, grading off
tj a lighter hue at the tips of the florets, the flowers
borne erect on a stout stalks ; Endymion is a bright
cerise-coloured flower with twisted florets ; lonaof a
terracotta hue ; and Mrs. Beck is of a rich reddis
salmon hue, and, like the preceding variety, it is free
flowering. Charles Woodbridge is a new variety of a
plum colour, a fine type of Cactus-shaped flower, and
distinct ; Cinderella is of the same class as the pre-
ceding, but of a deep shade of velvety-purple ; Delicati
and Mrs. Wilson Noble are varieties of a salmon pink
tint, free flom ring, and of moderate growth. Of dark
varieties, Matchless, although a telling colour, is not a
true Cactus; Harry Stredwick, one of this cla?s,
possesses flowers of a more perfect-shape ; and a
variety of dwarf growth, with perfectly-shaped
flowers of a criinson-maroon colour was found in a
Slough seedling named Hyperion, the flowers of which
are thrown well above the foliage. A good white
Cactus Dahlia appears to be still lacking, the variety
Mrs. A. Peart being of a creamy-white, the flowers of
which are often misshapen ; and Mrs. Francis Fell,
although a free-bloomer, ha? slender flower-stalks,
causing the flowor to droop and show the reverse of
tho pinkish llorets. It passes for a pure white,
however, when cut with short s'alks as set up for
exhibition purposes.
For effect in the beds, the Pompon Dahlia with its
numerous, small, erect flowers is perhaps the most
effective. The best in this class are, whites, Lady
Blanche and White Aster ; orango-scarlot, Isabel ;
clear yellow, Whisper ; deep crimson - maroon,
Douglas; light orange scarlet, Phoobe.
The single-flowered Dahlias soem to bo dropping
out of cultivation, although some of the starry, or
single-flowered Cactus ones, are useful for cutting, and
last fairly well when taken iu the newly-expanded
state. H.
The Week's Work.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS
By G. H. Maycock. Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
The Fernery. — With the approach of a season of
greater moisture in the outer air, that of the fernery
m.ust necessarily undergo a change, aud damping down,
and affording water to the plants must be lessened. One
damping down, and that early in the day, when also
the application of water to those plants that need it
may be carried out. This lessening of moisture
should not be carried so far as to make the air
parched, or thrips and red spider will overrun the
Ferns. In collections it is very difficult to meet the
requirements of each plant, but something can be
done by arranging together in groups those species
that need similarity of treatment. Some species
thrive beneath the shade of taller Ferns. If
the house be a lean-to, the back wall may have
nbry-peat and loam secured to its face by means
of small-meshed fencing-wire, in which Davallias,
Nephrolepis, Nephrodiums, Pteris tremula, As-
pleniums, and others may be planted. Such walls
afford a quantity of fronds for cutting, and they are
useful adjuncts to the indoor garden. The Todeas
Hymenophyllums, and filmies generally, should have
a structure to themselves ; and some of them thrive
in the crevices found in some old stone-walls, and also
do well in the ordinary Fern-case. The Todeas,
Hymenophyllums, &c, should be kept continuously
moist winter and Bummer, but not by syringing
them overhead. The proper temperature of the
warm fernery at the season is 55° by night, and 60°
by day, but a few degrees more than these figures in
mild weather doing no barm.
Ccntropogon Lucyana. — This showy plant does well
at this season in the intermediate house if the growth is
nearly completed. Old plants in baskets (see p. 75,
in vol. xxi.), will have made shoots 2 to 3 feet long,
which should now be tied out round the sides of the
baskets at regular distances apart, a few supports
being likewise afforded those in the centre of the
plant.
Agathea celestis. — Those plants which up to tho
present have stood in cold frames may now be placed
in a house with a temperature of 50 at night, and
6° higher by day, when large quantities of the llowers
will appear on them in a short space of time.
Agathea coolestis should not be afforded manure-
water, unless it should appear exhausted, when
farmyard liquid manure will, if diluted, be of benefit.
Francox Ramosa, or Garland-ftower, is a pretty
plant, useful for furnishing cut flowers in the spring
and summer. Seedlings of it which were raised in
the spring and pricked off into small pots, will be
sufficiently rooted to repot into large 48's, in which
they will flower in the spring of next year. A com-
pjst of loam three-quarters, and leaf-mould one-
quarter, and enough silver-sand as will give porosity,
will suit the needs of the plants. Being repotted at
this date, the plants will winter safely if plunged to
the rims in coal-ashes in a cold pit. The plants may
also be propagated by division, potting these bits iu
small 48's.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleiffh, Essex.
Removing Root-suckers from Fruit-trees. — Wall-
trees frequently produce root-suckers, and if the
Dutch-hoe be used repeatedly to destroy seedling
weeds, these young suckers are cut down by the tool,
but they appear again more numerously very soon
afterwards. Owing also to the fact that the top-
growth of wall-trees is more restricted than is the
case with standards and bush-trees, the disposition to
producs root-suckers is increased. The present time
is a good one to go carefully over such trees, and
remove, by the aid of a spade and sharp knife, all the
bunches of roots which have in tho way stated formed
on tho main roots, afterwards replacing the soil and
making it firm.
Fruit tree Stocks worked during the present year
should have all suckers coming out below the graft or
bud rubbed off as soon as they appear. This applies
to Apricots, Peaches, Plums, and Cherries, and the
result will be that the flow of sap will be directed into
the development of the scion. Neglect of this has
resulted in many failures among young fruit-trees.
The Harvesting of Apples, Pears, Filberts, Wal-
nuts, Quinces, and Medlars, should receive almost
daily attention during the present month, the
different varieties of Apples and Pears very quickly
succeeding each other in order of ripening. The
fruit should be put on the fruit-room shelves in the
order iu which they will become lit for use. When a
fruit readily parts from the spur on being lifted to a
horizontal position, it is fit for gathering. Medlars
and Quinces may be left on the trees till the end of
the month. Walnuts and Filberts should be gathered
as soon as they come away freely from the trees. Gather
October 2, 1897. J
HE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
233
Filberts for packing in jars with their husks when
ilry, and place the jars in a cool room or cellar out
of the reach of mice, covering the mouths of the jars
with a piece of slate, or a seed-pan of the same size.
I may repeat once more that the greatest care should
be exercised in the handling of all fruits, but espe-
cially Apples and Pears, or they will be certain not to
keep well.
THE KITCHEN" GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, HigUclere Castle, Newbury.
Lettuce and Endive. — A good supply of salad
during the winter months may be ensured by lifting
a number of Lettuces and Endive from the open
ground when about half grown. Remove them with
balls of soil attached, and plant them from 9 inches
to 1 foot apart in cold frames. If the work be care-
fully done, tho plants will receive very little check,
and 60on form largo plants that will keep in good
condition much longer than those which may bo
lifted, and stored in fra-u< s when full growu. The
frame-lights should be removed as much as possible
for the present, merely putting them on iu the caso
of heavy rains, which, in conjunction with early frosts,
may prove damaging to them. Plenty of air may bo
admitted at such times by tilting the lights at the back.
Endive, now large enough for use on the open quarter,
may be protected and blanched by gathering the
leaves up and tying them firmly at the top whilst
qu.te dry. This will blanch them perfectly, and
prevent moisture fiom reaching tho hearts of the
plants. In the case of the small, curled varieties,
tUnching may be done by laying a roofing-tile over
the plants for a few days.
Late Potatus. — Take advantage of fine weather to
proceed with the lifting of the late Potatos. It is
important that tho tubers be dry before being stored
away. If the tubers will not be required for con-
sumption for a few months, there is no better plan
than that of putting them into clamps on the ground.
Put them in long, narrow ridges, about 4 feet wide
at the bottom, and 2J feet high. Cover well with
dry straw or Fern, and place a good thickness of soil
over this, taking care to leave sufficient openings
along the ridge to carry off any moisture arising from
s.vealiug, but closing them with a bunch of straw.
Onions. — Summer-grown Onions should be got into
their winter quarters. Any cool, dry place will bo
suitable, and a few degrees of frost will not hurt
tliem iu the least, provided they are dry. If plenty
of shed-room be available, the buibs may be laid
thinly on shelves after being divested of the loose
skin. Otherwise tbey may be tied into bunches or
ropes, and hung up thickly to the rafters or walls.
Onions should be examined frequently for decaying
or growing bulbs. Thick-necked or imperfectly-
fiuUhcd bulbi should be kept by themselves fur
pre ent use, long-keeping varieties being likewise
stored separately for late consumption. Keep autumn-
sown plants free from weeds, and on a dry day stir
the soil with the Dutch-hoe. A dusting of fresh
soot afforded occasionally is of great benefit to the
Onion.
Kidney Beans. — These plants will now need protec-
tion from early frosts, and so prolong the season out-
doors as much as possible. Growth even now is very
slow, and a slight frost will quite stop the supply.
Dwarf varieties may be protected somewhat by
placing spare frames and lights over them ; or hoops
and mats placed over the rows will protect them on
cold uights.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Vines. — In the earliest houses the Vines have
become thoroughly rip.'ned, aud the work of cleansing
and pruning them may soon be commenced. In cases
where the wood may not be ripening so quickly as
could be wished, it will be well to prune back the
shoots to five or six eyes so that they are exposed to
the niii. This shortening will also cause the back
buds to swell up considerably ; aud if manure-water is
abundint afford the in-ide borders a good soaking
with same. Vines it is intended to start on
November 1 should be pruned ai:d got ready as soon
as the leaves commence to fall, taking caro not to
prune back very closely, if the Vines are aged. Leave
a good plump bud, even if it be at some distance from
the rod, for a loDg spur is more tolerable than a worth-
ier bubch of Giapes. The houses should be washed
well with soft-soap and water, and if the Vines are free
from bug, a good washing of Gishuist Compouuel with
a little flowers-of-sulphur added will be all that is
needed. Apply the liquid when warm, aud rub it
into the bark wi'h 6oft Ferubbing-brushep. Remove
old mattine: tyes from the wires. Take clean away
everything from the surface of the border, and if the
top soil is at all spent. carefully poiut it over with a fork
and rake off as much of it as can be done without
injury to the root". Then cive a spriukling of Vine-
matiuie, or of finely c ui-laed bones, aud cover with a
layer of good friable-loam to which has been added a
little lime-rubble and soot. B at this firmly with a
steel- fork, and cover with a layer of long stable-
manure. The outside borders may be treated in the
same way, making sure that the roots be kept near to
the surface. A good watering with tepid-water will
be all that remains to be done when closing the
house.
Mid season Houses. — Trim off all lateral growths
upon Vines from which the crop has just been
removed, and then syringe them thoroughly with a
mixture of soft soap and water. If the borders be in
the least degree deficient in moisture afford then
water abundantly, and throw the house wide open
night and day. As these structures are often required
for housing Chrysanthemums, the Vines may be pruned
or half pruned before these plants are bi'ought in.
Later Houses containing ripe Grapes must not be
kept too damp ; at the same time the roots must be
afforded sufficient moisture, or the Grapes will drivel.
If water be necessary, choose a uice bright morning,
and do the work early, so that the bouse can get
moderately dry before closing time. If the nights
became cold and fo^'gy, clo?e the vineries at night,
and op-u them as soon as the mist has cleared off
in the morning. Remove decaying berries promptly,
as one left in a bunch will soon spoil the whole
bunch. If Muscats are lacking in colour, the foliage
may be pushed back, to admit all sunlight possible.
Keep a sharp look out for injury from mice.
Icing improper practice to admit la-go volumes of
cool »ir into the house all at once, a better method
beinr to slightly open the veil ila'or-, increasing tlio
amount of air admitted as the inside temperature ri-es.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. WHITE, Orchid Growjr, B irford, Dorking.
Up to the time of writing, very little fire-heat
his been needed in any of the houses, but in
October we must be preparetl for cooler weather ;
sudden changes ocjur, and usually in the early morn-
ing hours, causing a drop in the he it of the houses,
which the gardener isunable to guard against. On these
occasions no application of water to the plants or
damping down should be done till the proper degree
of warmth has been reached. For the next few
weeks the night temperatures may be as follows : —
East India-house 65° to 70°, Cattleya and Mexican-
house CO" to 6:1°, and the intermediate-house 60°; the
higher temperatures being maintained only when the
external air is near to about 45°. When banking up
the fires, the dampers should be so arranged that there
may bo a fall of several degrees by the morning-
hours. Such of the deciduous or semi deciduous
Dendrobiums mentioned in a former calendar, which
are now being rested, will be quite safe in the green-
house or other airy structure with a temperature at
night of about 55°. As the weather gets colder, and
the psueda-bulbs ripen, a temperature of 50°, if the
house be kept dry, will suit them. The cool or
Odontoglossum-bouse may be kept at 50" to 55° while
the weather continues mild, but when colder weather
renders it necessary to use the heating-apparatus, the
lower temperature named should not be exceeded.
The Masdevallia house should at all times be 2° or 3°
warmer than the cool-house, and to prevent the black
marks so often seen upon the leaves of these plants,
the atmosphere should always be several degrees
below saturation poiut. The external air being more cool
and moist now than during the heat of summer, there
is no need to damp down so often. From the present
time a moderate amount of damping of the East
Indian, Cattleya, Mexican, and intermediate-divisions
morning aud afternoon will suffice. In the cool-
houses one thorough damping down in the morning
will suffice, but after a bright sunny day, the floors
may be sprinkled in tho afternoon. It is important
at this season to let the houses get comparatively diy
during the middle hours of the day, doing this
regularly having the effect of checking the develop-
ment of spot on the foliage, and maturing the growths.
Every house should be well ventilated when the
weather is favourable for so doing. The top-lights of
the East Indian-house may be opened to a moderate
extent for a few hours in the middle of warm days ;
the Cattleya. Mexican, and intermediate-houses being
also well ventilated whenever the external air is above
50°. Abundance of air must be given to the occupants
of the cool house when outride it is not lower than 45°.
In tho warmer divisions, a certain ainouut of dis-
cretion must be used in the matter of ventilation ; it
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Hurrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Calceolarias. — During the next ten days the cut-
tings required for furnishing plants for next year's
bedding should be taken. From many years' ex-
perience, I find that the cuttings are more easily
struck at this time than earlier. After the
heavy rains in the early part of September, the
Calceolarias made free growth, and good outtings
should be readily obtainable in the form of strong
growing points, rejecting those which have incipient
flower-buds. The cuttings may be successfully
rooted in a cold frame set on a hard bottom of coal
ashes, on to which same rough leaf-soil to the depth
of 3 inches is placed, aud on this a layer of the same
thickness of finely sifted, moderately light soil. Let
the bed be made smooth, with a light slopo from the
back to tho front of the frame, and make it firm.
Over tlie mould some silver or clean river or
sea-sand may be strewn to the depth of half an inch.
Put iu tho cuttings by means of a rather blunt-
ended dibber of 'j-inch in diameter. If dibbled in
3 inches apart, the cuttings will have sufficient space to
grow till early spring,when they should be transplanted
iuto other frames. Afford the bed one good appli-
cation of water, and keep the frame close and shaded
from bright sunshine for three weeks, that is, till
roots have formed. Protection with mats or litter
should be afforded to exclude frost during the winter.
Cuttings of Gazauias and Antirrhinums are as readily
struck iu the sann manner if inserted at this date.
Violas. — TheRe are usually required for early
blooming iu tho flower-beds, and as the plants are
more floriferous and satisfactory if newly planted
each year, either by being taken up and divided,
and the younger of the rooted pieces selected for
re-planting at this season, or by taking cuttings now,
and rooting these in a cold frame, as recommended for
the foregoing ; or, if a frame be not available, then on
a sheltered border. The smaller rooted bits of the
old plants — but not the older portions of these plants
— may also be pricked out on a border, and these will
make good plants for transferring to the beds in the
spring. They will, however, come in better for lato
than early flowering, that is, the bloom will come
late and last through the summer months, if the pre-
caution be taken to manure the ground they will
occupy with well decayed and pulverised spent mush-
room-bed dune, or thit from old hot-beds, or even
with leaf mould.
Violets. — Toe plants have grown considerably
since September set in, and both single and double-
flowered varie ies have formed good strong clumps,
i>nd flowers are nowplentiful on many of the varieties.
The double-flowered varieties may now be lifted
from the open grouud aud planted iu frames. The
bed of soil ou which they are planted should be laid
on an unsinkable bottom, and it should consist of
good loam and leaf-soil in the proportion of two-
thiids of the former to one-third of the latter. The
bed should be so made that the plants are almost
touching the glass. A portion of the^siogle varieties,
if they have been convenient'y planted for the purpose,
may havo frames placed over them later ou, and
protection afforded them in frosty weather.
Bedding-plants. — The whole of the Pelargoniums
which have beeu struck in the open should be potted-
up forthwith, and placed under glass. If any of the
old plants are to be saved, these should be potted-up
without delay, shortening the roots, but not the
tops, and putting them iuto pots as small as will
accommodate the roots, using as a potting soil sandy-
loam. They should not receive any water for a week
or two ; but if the sun be bright, shadiog should be
put over them for a few hours. Have protecting-
material placed handy, so that beds of tender plants
still in a presentable condition, or which it may be
desirable to save, may be quickly covered in the event
of frost occurring.
Spring Wheat in the United States.—
We learn from tho Agricultural Department at Wash-
ington that the condition of spring eVheat (8b' 7), 54 '5
points lower than in July, but 7 '8 points higher than
at the corresponding period la-t year, and 4'5 poiuts
higher than in the August average for the last te
years.
234
THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
APPOINTMENTS FOR OCTOBER,
SATURDAY, Oct. 2
THURSDAY, Oct. 7
TUESDAY,
TUESDAY,
SocitHe1 Francaise d'Horticulture,
London.
I sle of Wight Horticultural Society,
Meeting.
Ayrshire Gardeners' Society, Meet-
ing.
I Royal Horticultural Society s Com.
mitteee.
National Chrysanthemum Society's
Show.
Annual Einner of the United Hor-
ticultural Provident and Benefit
Institution.
Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
Oct. 26-^
mittees.
TUESDAY, Oct. 5
SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
/ Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
J Unreserved clearance sale of Stove
MONDAY, Our. 4 and Greenhouse plants at the
I Gardens, Cowdray Park, Mid-
hurst, by Protheroe ife Morris.
\ Dutch Bulbs, at Stevens' Rooms.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Unreserved clearance sale of Plants,
L'ghts, and utensils at The Vino
Nursery, Downs Road, Clapton,
by Protheroe & Morris.
Clearance sale of well-grown
Enonymus, Palms, and other
stock; at The Saxe Weimar Nur.
sery, St. Edward's Road, South-
sea, by order of Mr. T. J. Short,
by Protheroe & Morris.
Dutch Bulbs, Palms, Azaleas, and
other plants from Ghent at
Stevens' Rooms.
Dutch Bulbs, Azaleas, Camellias,
Roses, Perennial Plants, tfcc.
at Messrs. Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Unreserved two days' sale of Nur-
sery Stock at The Tunbridue
Wells Nurseries,Tunbridge Wells,
by order of Messrs. T. Cripps &
Sons, by Protheroe & Morris (two
days).
Unroserved sale of imported
Orchids, Dutch Bulbs, Lilies, ifcc.
s at Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
1 Dutch Bulbs, Azaleas, Camellias,
.7-! Perennial Plants, Roses, &o., by
! Protheroe & Morris.
{Dutch Bulbs, and imported and
established Orchids at Protheroe
& Moms' Rooms.
-Dutch Bulbs at Stevens' Rooms.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 0
THURSDAY,
Oct.
FRIDAY, Oct.
SATURDAY, Oct.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswiek.— 53'4°.
Actual Temperatures : —
London.— Sejitemhcr '_".' ; Max., 70°; Min., 5tT.
Pbovtnces.— September 20 : Max., ii0*, at York ; Min., MF
at Sumburgh Head.
For the fourth year in succession
ThShoFwUit the R°yal Horticultural Society
has opened an exhibition of
British-grown fruits at the Crystal Palace. No
one doubts the influence that such a display
exercises upon British fruit-cultivation. Its
effect is to demonstrate that in our climate it
is possible to produce hardy fruits, especi-
ally Apples, as fine or finer than those from
any other part of the world. It is a grand
advertisement, and one that is needed, for if
horticulturists know well enough what first-
rate English-grown fruit is, there aro numbers
of the populace who do not. It is advisable,
nay, essential, that they should do so, and
nothing can effect this but the repeated exhibi-
tion of fruit in the finest condition it can bo
obtained. Such a show also encourages a
desirable emulation amongst gardeners, and
tends to raise the average standard of excel-
lence in culture.
We regard it as a happy circumstance, there-
fore, that in 1804 the Royal Horticultural
Society decided to endeavour to revive the
Annual Crystal Palace Fruit Show that had
been allowed to lapse. This was done on
condition that those interested in the matter
would subscribe £100 towards the prize fund, and
for the fourth time this condition has been met.
The speeches of the Chairman of the Crystal
Palace Company, and of the President of the
Royal Horticultural Society at the luncheon were
satisfactory, inasmuch as they indicated a
general and earnest desire to continue the show
from year to year. Nothing has been wanting
on the' part of tho Crystal Palace Company to
make the show a success, and the Society very
fully appreciates the consideration that has
been shown. Notwithstanding certain rumours
to the contrary, we gather from the chairman's
speeoh that the Crystal Palace is not likely
to be sold to this or to that body at
present, and for an indefinite time the finest
place for such a purpose in the metropolis will
be available for the annual fruit show. The
present exhibition is satisfactory to all con-
cerned, and a pleasant surprise in such a season
as 1897. The moral seems to be that, let the
season bo never so bad, there will always be
sufficient good hardy fruits to make a first-class
show.
The lecture delivered on the first day by Mr.
Bunyard was upon " Progress in Fruit-
cultivation during Queen Victoria's Reign,''
and we cannot do more for the moment than
briefly refer to some of the subjects then touched
upon. Mr. Bunyard invited his audience to
imagine a typical garden of 1837. He explained
the system of fruit-culture then practised, and
enumerated the varieties with which such a
garden would bo furnished. The leading fruit-
tree growers of that time were mentioned, and
the introduction of continental novelties and
methods referred to. Mr. Bunyard spoke of
the grand work done by the late Thomas
Rivers, and alluded to the increase of fruit
culture under glass.
In such a review of the development in fruit
cultivation, considerable prominence has neces-
sarily to be given to the work done at Chiswick
under Mr. Barron, especially the first
Apple Conference, an event that was
the means of effecting incalculable good. A
tribute was paid to other workers in the cause
of popularising and systematising fruit-culture
in this country, some of them by their pens,
others by actual practice, and the excellence of
the work done by the Fruit Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society was acknow-
ledged. Carefully-compiled lists of varie-
ties of fruits known in 1837, and still
cultivated, and a list of fruits certificated by
the Royal Horticultural Society during the
sixty years, are included as appendices to the
paper. Interesting notes upon the introduction
of some of tho best fruits ; and a review of tho
Pomological literature during the present reign
were given and a list added of the best
fruits in 1841, being a reprint from the
Gardeners' Chronicle of that date.
In vol. xvii. (N.S.), p. 636 (1882),
TLOateKew.°"60 and PP- 16 and 19> Yo1' xi" 1892>
3rd S. , we published reproductions
of the original design by Decimus Burton for
the Temperate-house at Hew, only a portion
of which was completed in 1862, namely,
the central block and the two octagons.
The building of the two wings was postponed
presumably through lack of funds. One of these
wings, tho south, has this 3-ear been built, thanks
largely to the exertions of the Right Hon. J.
Chamberlain. In its main features, the new
house is in accordance with Mr. Burton's
design, the only deviation being in the use of
ightor material and more glass, an improve-
ment on the original from the cultivator's point
of view. Tho house is a handsome quad-
rangular structure, with a high central span
land lean-to sides. It is 38 feet high, 112| feet
long, and 62| feet wide. Except the paths, the
whole interior is laid out in beds, with the hot-
water pipes placed in a grating-covered trench in
the central path and round the outside walls.
These beds, which are from 4 feet to 5 feet deep,
are filled with from 18 inches to 2 feet of drain-
age, tli rough which agricultural drains run, and
from 2i feet to 3 feet of soil. This is chiefly
pasture- loam, with which rivor-sand and liuio-
rubbish has been freely mixed. Altogether
about 1000 loads of material have been placed
in the be is. At the south end, some large
masses of rock have been arranged for the
accommodation of Agaves, Cacti, Euphorbias,
and such-like plants.
This house is to be devoted to plants requiring
an intermediate temperature, and a liberal
allowanoe of sunlight. The minimum winter
temperature will be about 50°.
Planting operations began in April, and the
house was opened to the public on July 25.
The growth of the plants generally has been
surprisingly vigorous, very few indeed of the
500 species planted having failed. There can
be no doubt that the bed system is preferable to
pot-culture for plants in large houses, that is
if rapidity of growth with luxuriance are
desirable. This has been abundantly shown
already by the growth made by plants pre-
viously cultivated in pots, some of them having
already grown almost out of recognition. Of
course, this probably means a short life and a
merry one for some things which, when kept in
pots, grow with less vigour and last much
longer.
As has been already stated, about 500 species
of plants have been planted in this house. It
may be worth while to set down the names of
some of the most interesting of these.
Economic plants are largely represented, and
it is surprising how many of these are growing
with a vigour hitherto unknown when they
were grown in pots in the smaller houses. The
Mango is fruiting in this house for the first time
at Kew. The Kaki (Diospyros Kaki) is ripen-
ing its orange-like fruits, and the Guavas
(Psidium Cattleyanum and P. littoralis) bear
crops such as have not been seen at Kew before.
Cottons (Gossypium) in variety are represented
by healthy bushes 5 or 6 feet high, bearing plenty
of flowers and pods ; the Caricas (Papaws),
Passiflora edulis and Tree Tomato (Cypho-
mandra) are also fruiting freely. The last-
named plant has grown in three months
from 2 feet in height to 9 feet, and its hand-
some cordate leaves are 16 inches across.
Other interesting and important economic
plants in this house are: — Cinchonas, Nephe-
liums (Litchi and Longan), Persea gratissima,
Shaddock, Lemon and others of the Orange
family, Musa Cavendishi, and others ; Lucuma
deliciosa, Mexican Apple (Casimiroa edulis),
Sugar-cane, Uva-grass, Pomegranate, Kaffir
Plum, Dragon's-blood (Dracwna), Frangipani,
Star-apple, Sea-side Grape (Coccoloba unifera),
&c. In all, there are about fifty of the most
important economic plants represented.
The soloction of plants that deserve pro-
minence at Kew is equally representative. We
noted Greyia, Oldenburgia, Gardenia Thun-
bergi, Bauhinia Galpini, Erythrina tomentosa,
E. caffra and E. Humei, Burchellia capensis,
Mackaya, Alberta, Strelitzias, Leucoden-
dron (Silver-tree), Calodendron, Protea, &c,
among the African denizens. Many of these
have either flowered already, or promise to do so
shortly. Erythrina tomentosa is an extraordi-
nary plant, with a wiry stem 4 feet high, and a
head of grey-green trifoliate leaves, each leaflet
measuring over a foot in width. Melhania
erythroxylon, an interesting Sterculiad peculiar
to St. Helena ; Juania australis, a Palm found
only in Juan Fernandez ; Renanthera coccinea
the scandent Chinese Orchid ; Sophora chryso-
phylla , from the Sandwich Islands ; and Ipomooa
Wolcottiana, a tree-like species from Mexico,
are rarities which find a congenial home in this
houso. Hibiscus Manihot is a plant which has
completely outgrown its botanical characters
October 2, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
235
since it was placed in this house, its leaves
being 18 inches across, and its flowers enormous
yellow cups. A figure of a variety of H.
Manihot will appear shortly in these pages.
A select dozen species of Eucalyptus form
a feature along the side-beds, whilst through
Bull's-horn Acacias, Calliandra, Cacti, Puyas,
Gustavias, Bougainvillaeas, Coccolobas, Dasy-
lirions, Yuccas and various Palms representing
the flora of Mexico and the West. The collec-
tion is one that should prove of considerable
value horticulturallv and botanically. The
such plants as Hymenocallis, Crinums, Bego-
nias, Streptocarpus, Browallias, Ohlorophytums,
and an elegant little Sugar-cano known as the
Japanese variety.
It is intended to proceed at once with the
erection of the house on the north side of the
(£>"'\v
Fig. 71.— a rasbberry- blackberry hybrid: in colour purplish-black, with a silvery bloom, (see p. 236.)
the middle run two rows of tall plants
of Cocos plumosa; these will no doubt form
a fine feature in a year or two ; Bauhinias,
Melastomads, Gordonia anomala, Lager-
stroemias, Poinciana regia, Boupalas, Aralias,
Musas, Bamboos, and Ficuses are choice plants
from Eastern regions ; Barnadesia, Blakea,
Luculia gratissima, Pogonopus caracasana,
climbers are equally choice, among them being
Aristolochias, Beaumontias, Passifloras, Solan-
dras, Ccphalandras, Sicana odorifera, Lonicera
Hildebrandi, Momordica cochin-chinensis, Arc.
Among the rocks at the south end are various
Aloes, Agaves, Euphorbias, C'ereus gigauteus,
large specimen of Opuutias, Sausevierias, Pro-
teas, Crassulas, &c. The undergrowth consists of
block, a vote on account for the purpose having
been already taken. This house will be devoted
to the cultivation of such plants as require only
protection from severe weather, such as Hima-
layan Rhododendrons, Camellias, &o. When
this addition has been finished, the whole
block or range will be without an equal. It
will, in fact, be worthy of Kew.
236
THE GAJiDENEJiS' GIIBONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
A Raspberry-Blackberry.— The efforts of
hybridists in this country and the United States of
America have frequently been directed to cros-ing
Rubus IdseiiK, the Raspberry, with R. fruticosus, the
Blackberry, and R. trivialis, the American Dewberry,
the prominent idea of the cross-breeder being the
obtaining of a plant which, while affording a
longer succession of fruit than the Raspberry,
and in that respect resembling the Blackberry, would
be superior to the latter in the matter of flavour.
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons (Limited) of the
Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, showed at the Royal
Horticultural Society's meeting at the Drill Hall, James
Street, Westminster, on Sept. 1 7, a quantity of f ruiting-
stems of a cross which they had obtained at their
Langley Nurseries between Raspberry Belle de Fon-
tcnay and the common Blackberry, the Itepberry
being the seed-parent. The fruits of a purplUh-
black colour, with a grey bloom on them, were of the
size shown in our illustration (fig. 71, p. 235), and very
abundantly produced.
Apple Crop in the United States.— Ac-
cording to the very latest trustworthy reports, there
are very few extensive Apple-producing States whose
reported condition indicate more than one-half or
three-fourths of a normal crop, and generally the
indication is towards the lower rather than the
higher average. New York reporting 58, Pennsyl-
vania 52, Ohio 35, Michigan 38, and Indiana 56 per
cent. The most favourable reports, by comparison
with the foregoing, are Virginia 65, Tennessee 68,
Kentucky 67, Illinois 85, Iowa 78, Missouri 76 per
cent. Not only is the yield much below the average,
but except in a few States, the quality of the fruit is
decidedly inferior.
ORLEANS. — A horticultural exhibition takes
place at this city on the days 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and
10th of November next, the exhibits consisting of
Chrysanthemums, fruit, wine, and liqueurs. The
schedule is obtainable from the Horticultural Society
of Orleans and Loiret.
Import Duty on Fruit in the United
STATES OF AMERICA.— Uncle Sam has placed the
duty on fruits as follows : — Apples, Peaches, Quinces
Cherries, Plums, and Pears, green or ripe, 25 cents
per bushel ; Apples, Peaches, Pears, and edible fruits,
including berries, when dried, desiccated evaporated
or prepared in any manner, not specially provided
in this Act, 2 cents per pound ; berries, edible, in
their natural condition, 1 cent per quart. Currants
2 cents a pound ; Grapes 20 cents per cubic foot of
capacity ; Plums 2 cents a pound.
Canadian Tomatos. — From the English market
reports it would appear that this fruit can be exported
profitably in cold storage. The Fru.it Grower, London,
dated July 22, quotes Guernsey Tomatos at from 6 to
10 cents a pound, and speaks of the supply as being
abundant. When we consider that this fruit often
sells as low as J cent per pound in this country, it is
evident that we are encouraged to attempt its
export.
The European Fruit Crop is estimated as
follows : — Apples, England, fourth crop, will require
large importations ; France, light crop in the south,
fair crop in the north, can export some ; Belgium,
third crop ; Holland, fair crop ; Germany, fair ; Italy,
good. Pears : England, worst crop for many years ;
France, good crop of late kinds ; Germany, good crop
of ordinary fruif.
The BuRiiiNK Plum is a magnificent success in the
Niagara district so far as growth of true and produc-
tiveness is concerned. Mr. L. L. Hacar of Grimsby,
has some y ouug trees breaking to the ground with ropes
of this beautiful Japan variety. Mr. Hagar believes
that it will prove an excellent acquisition Extracted
from Vo. IX of the Canadian Horticulturist,
The Dutch National Chrysanthemum
SOCIETY, as the secretary, M. J. K. Boude, informs
us, will hold its first exhibi'iou of these flowers from
November 12 to 16 next, in the King's Hall of
" Natura Artis Magistra," at Amsterdam. The
schedule is divided into three sections, viz. , one for
nurserymen, another for amateurs, and a third for
amateurs who do not employ a gardener. For the
nineteen numbers a sum of about .£100 prize-money
is set apart. As there is a great rivalry among
Chrysanthemum- cultivators, it is thought that this
show will be worth seeiog.
Newcastle and District Horticultural
Mutual Improvement Society.— The first meet-
ing of the sixth session of this society was held at
25, Westgate Road, on Tuesday, September 14. Tho
Chairman, Mr. J. Bullock read a very interesting
paper on "Filmy Ferns," and was followed by a
discussion in which many of the members took part.
Shirley and Surrounding Districts Gar-
deners' and Amateurs' Mutual Improvement
ASSOCIATION. — The monthly meetiDg of the above
Society was held at the Parish Room, Shirley, South-
ampton, on Monday, Sept. 20, Mr. B. Ladhams,
F.U.H.S., presiding over a good attendance of tho
members. There was an exhibition of Vegetables,
and a discussion on the exhibits. There was also a
good display of cut-blooms of Dahlias, and herbaceous
plants ; also of fruit and Tomatos. The Annual
Excursion of the members will be on October 2, to
the Crystal Palace, when it is hoped there will ba a
good number of the members present.
Sweet Pea Shows.— As yet, a special show of
Sweet Peas is unknown in this country, but there is
no reason that we know of why we thould not have
them. The flowers are very pretty and fragrant, and
their development i3 considerably influenced by treat-
ment. We read of a fine annual show of this sort
being held in August at Springfield, Massachusetts,
tho majority of exhibitors being amateurs. We read
of the Sweet Peas shown by Mr. Eldred being
"superb," of " wonderful size," his fifty of Aurora
" the wonder of all beholders." Although home-
raised varieties were among the winning collections,
these contained likewise many of Eckford's. So
that at the least, in the matter of Sweet Peas, we are
not played out as yet.
The Ulster Horticultural Society will
hold its exhibition of Chrysanthemums on Nov. 16
and 17, at Belfast, and, judging from the schedule
now to hand, the event should be of first-rate
importance. One hundred pounds and three Medals
are offered in one class, which is to commemorate
the Diamond Jubilee Year, and calls for forty -eight
Japanese blooms in at least thirty-six varieties, open
to the United Kingdom, exclusive of nurserymen. A
1st prize of £40 and a Gold Medal, with six other
prizes, can hardly fail to make this competition a
memorable one. Apart from the class noticed, the
schedule is very similar to that of most first class
societies, and includes sections for amateurs who
keep gardeners, and for amateurs who do not ; also
for nurserymen, farmers and cottagers respectively.
The section devoted to plants seems very complete.
Fruit and other miscellaneous produce is solicited.
Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
SOCIETY.— On the occasion of the meeting of the
Floral Committee of this Society on Sept. 11, the
committee awarded First-class Certificates to Messrs.
C. Ottolander & Son of Apeldoorn, for Abies coucolor
fastigiata, Aucuba japonica loDgifolia dentata, and
Pseudotsuga Douglusii glauca pendula ; to Mr. C. G.
van Tubergen, Jun., of Haarlem, for Cactus Dahlia
Harry Stredwick ; to Messrs. J. W. Wigman & Son
of Zutpheu, for Cactus Dahlias Harry Stredwick
and Iusignis ; to Mr. K. Wezelenburg of Hazers-
woude, for Daphuo Laureola fol. atro-purpureis and
Physalis Francheti ; to Mr. A. P. Hendriksen of
Zeist, for Penuisetum macrurum ; and to Mr. 1).
Keuchenius of Hoogeveen, for Rosa Gloire de De-
venter. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Mr.
Jac. P. R. Galesloot of Amsterdam, for Callistephus
sinensis aurea ; to Mr. C. H. B. Alsche of Velp, fur
Medeola asparagoides ; to Mr. G. T. Hemerik of
Leiden, for Cactus Dahlia Beatrice, and Dahlia
Mahala Sheriff ; to Mr. C. G. van Tubergen, Jun., of
Haarlem, for Cactus Dahlias Beatrice and Miss
Webster ; to Mr. W. van Veen of Leiden, for Cactus
Dahlia Beatrice ; and to Messrs. J. W. Wigman &
Son of Zutphen, for Cactus Dahlias MiBS Webster,
Crimson King, Green's Gem, Jessie, Mrs. Allhusen,
and Princess Ena. Certificates of Merit were further
awarded to Messrs. Sluis Brothers of Enkhuizen, for
Beans Hollandsche White Giant ; and to Mr. A.
Wulfsche of Zwijndrecht, for a collection of Tomatos
in fourteen varieties. H. C. Zwart, Secretary.
THE ANNUAL DINNER of the United Horticul-
tural Provident and Benefit Society has been fixed
for Tuesday, October 12. It will take place in tho
Holborn Restaurant, and Mr. H. B. May, of the
Edmonton Nurseries, will take the chair.
CALIFORNIAN ORANGES— The American liner,
St. Paul, which arrived at Southampton on Wednes-
day, Sept. 22, brought 4403 packages of Californian
fruit, consigned to Messrs. Garcia, Jacobs & Co., of
Covent Garden. The St. Paul docked at 10 o'clock
in the morning, the fruit was discharged, loaded into
railway-vans, forwarded to London, and delivered in
Covent Garden Market by 7 o'clock in the evening,
nine hours after the steamer docked at Southampton,
and seven days four hours after leaving New York.
The fruit reached market in splendid condition, an 1
all of it was sold before 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Murnintj Leader, September 24.
Dundee Jam Trade. — In consequence of the
shortage in the Scottish fruitc:op, Dundee j im-
manufacturers have had to resort largely to the Con-
tinent for their supplies. The changeable nature of
the season wrought serious havoc with the fruit trees
severe frosts in the latter end of May doing much
mischief. Apart from Apples and Pears, which have
also been imported iu increased quantities, there has
been conveyed direct to Dundee from the Continent
up to the present time, 70 tons of Gooseberries,
50 tons of Raspberries and Strawberries, 60 tons "f
Currants, 45 tons of Plums, and 500 baskets of Cher-
ries. Up to the same date last year the quantities
were 18 tons of Gooseberries, 15 cwt. of Raspberries
and Strawberries, 10 tons of Currants, 2 tons of
Plums, and 127 baskets of Cherries. A considerable
portion of the Dundee jam-minufacturers' supplies is
landed at Leith and Grangemouth.
Flowering of Agave Americana. — There
are two plants of this species of Agave now in flower
in the gardens of the Right Hon. Lord Field, at
Bakeham, Eoglefield Green, Egham. Each spike is
22 feet high, and they have been growing since
February last. Mr. Wren, Lord Field's gardener,
will be pleased to 6how the plants to anyone who is
desirous of seeing them.
The Epidemic of Typhoid at Maidstone.
— Messrs. George Bunjard & Co. desire us to state
that their nurseries are 2 miles from the town, and
in no way connected with it by drainage or water
supply. Visitors should travel by the London, Chat-
ham & Dover line to Banning station, which is in the
nursery.
Serious Accident to Mr. Will Tayler.
— When out driving on Saturday last, September 25,
Mr. Will Tayler, the well-known fruit-tree and
Rose-grower, Osborne Nursery, Hampton, was thrown
from his trap, and received severe injuries to the
head, rendering him insensible for some time. While
his condition is extremely serious, his many friends
will be glad to know that strong hopes are entertained
of his ultimate recovery.
Publications Received. — Journal of the
Japanese Horticultural Society, April, 1897 (Tokio). —
The Water ■ Garden, by William Thicker (New
York : A. T. de la Mare Printing and Publishing
Co.). Treating of ponds, adapting natural streams,
planting, seed-saving, propagation, building aquatic-
house, with cultural directions for all ornameutil
aquatics. — The Journal of the Board of Agriculture,
September, 1897. (Lauqhton & Co., 1, Essex St.,
Strand, W.C.) Price Is. Excellent illustrated articles
on injurious Insects, viz., Asparagus-beetle, Pea-thrips,
Applo-blossom Weevil, The Y. Moth, damaging to
Clover, Peas, Rape, Turnips, <»ud Cabbage. The
Oo OBEB 2, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
237
blight of Gooseberry (Microsphceria grossularia) is
alao described, and the preventive remedies indicated.
The number contains much interesting matter on
foreign and colonial agriculture, &c. — The Botanical
Magazine of Japan for August, 1897, No. 126, vol. xv.
(Tokyo).— Tropical Agriculturist (Colombo), A. M.
& J. Feroxson.— Queensland Agricultural Journal
maximum, No. 1, 2nd yearly volume (0. Schmidt :
Berlin, S.W., 46). — Canadian Borticulluritt, No. ix.,
vol. 20. — Mosses of the Azores and of Madeira, by
J. Cardot (from the eighth Annual Report of the
Missouri Botanical Garden) — Lindcnia, Part lxxviii ,
July, 1897.— The Orchid Review, September, 1897.
No. 57. Vol. 5. — Botanischer Jahrbiicher fur
Fig. 7'-.— spir.*:a millefolium: flowers white.
July, 1897, vol. i., part 1. (Brisbane : Edmund
Gregory, Government Printer.) — The Agricultural
Journal (Cape of Good Hope), August 19, 1897.
— Botanische Zeitung, Heft ix., September 16. —
Botanische Cenlralblatt, Band lxxi., Nos. 12 and 13. —
Die Nalurlichen Pjlanzenfamilien, No. 159, Sphaeriales
and Laboulbemieaj, by G. Lindau. — Die Gartenwdt,
with supplementary coloured plate of Chrysanthemum
Systematik Pjlanzengeschichte und Pfianzen geographic,
vol. xxiii., No. V., and vol. xxiv., No. II.— Agricul-
tural Gazette of New South IVales for July. Articles
on Useful Australian Plants, giving vernacular,
botanical, and aboriginal names ; on the Sheep Fluke,
Orchard notes for August, Vegetable and Flower
Culture, besides much that is more peculiarly
agricultural in its nature.
PLANT PORTRAITS.
Fritillaria Walujewii, The Garden, September 25, 1897.
Iris Leichlini, The Garden, September 18, 1897.
Oxalis enneaphylla, The Garden, September 11, 1897.
P.eonia lutea, Jardin, August.
Pear, Late Ninove (Tardive de Nino7e\ Bulletin d'ArbirL-
culture, &c, June.
Pentstemon barbatus, Meehahs Monthly, August.
Physalis francheti, Masters, Rtvue Horticole, August 16.
PoTHOf> aurea, La Semaine Horticole, No 33, Sept. 1897.
Pkune Hative de Buhl. — A new variety of Plum, ripe in
the middle of August ; fruit in shape roundish oval, large ;
pulp yellowish-green, of good vinous flavour : excellent
cropper, and the fruits hang on the tree some time after
being fully ripe. The bloom-* will withstand 3° Cent of frost
without injury. A table-fruit. La Stmaine Horticole, Sep-
tember 25, 1879.
Rhododendron Mus. TtiisELTON-DvEt, The Garden,
August 7.
Rose Scsahne - Maris RodogvxaoUi, T'te Gxrden for
August 21, 1897.
SoLanom Seaforthianltm, Revue Horticole, Septembsr 10,
1897.
Strawberry Perfection (Veitch), Bulletin d' Arboriculture,
de Floriculture, &c , 7th se'ies, vol. i., No. (5, September 1,
1897.
Trop.eolum X Leichtlini, Revue Horticole, September 1,
1897,
Utricdlaria latifolia, The Garden, August 21, 1S97.
Veronica eliptic*, Journal of Horticulture, September 2
1897.
SPIR.EA MILLEFOLIUM.
This may not be one of the most attractive of the
Spiraea., but it is undoubtedly one of the most re-
markable and interesting species belonging to that
exteusive genus (fig. 72). The flowers are produced
in a terminal, compound raceme, 5 or 6 inches high,
and each flower is about half an inch across and
white. The striking character of the shrub is not so
much due to flowers as to the foliage. The leaves aro
3 inches long, bipinnate, and resemMe very much in
their minute sub-division those of the Milfoil of our
w.iysides. The upper side of the leaf is greyish-green
and glabrous, but beneath is covered with a dark-
coloured tomentum, and the petioles, midribs, as
well as the whole of the young wood, are covered
with a very viecid gum. According to Nicholson's
Dictionary of Gardening, this Spinea was introduced
from California in 1880, and is a low evergreen sbrub.
At Kew, it is a bush 4 to 5 feet high, with erect
branchos, and although it is never without a lev
leaves even in midwinter, they are then confined to
the extreme tips of the shoots. Coming from Cali-
fornia, it requires as much sunlight as is possible in
our climate, but it should be given a sjil of only
moderate richness, for a too vigorous and succulent
growth is apt to be injured by frost in winter.
W. J. B.
Home Correspondence.
LADY HUTT VINE. — Notwithstanding the state-
ments of your correspondent " A. D." on p. 204,
I greatly doubt if the fruit of this variety will
ever become popular, owing chiefly to the greenish
hue of the berries to which ho alludes. I have
the Vine as grown on its own roots, and inarched
on a Lady Downes' Seedling, and in neither case
was it satisfactory, the berries being small, al-
though the bunches were large, was the flavour not
good. These Vines were growing in inside borders
with access to a well-made border outside. In the
same vinery there grew side by side with Lady Hutt
a Vine of Appley Towers, which was everything that
one could desire, being large in berry and bunch,
and a heavy cropper. The fruit was often exhibited
at important horticultural shows, and always obtained
1st prizes. This Vine of Appley Towers was
iuarenedonanother]of Lady Djwnes',fand was pruned
on the spur method ; althou^i I, like Mr. Bower aian,
have an idea that the fruit would bo bettor if taken
from long rods. It is one of the best varieties for
hanging till late in the season. II. T. M.
CAULIFLOWERS FORMING HEADS A SECOND
TIME. — It is a common thing for Veitch's Extra Early
Forcing Cauliflower to throw out sprouts from the
side ; and the Bame kind of second crop has occurred
in my garden with the Walcheren, which had sprouts
1 inch in diameter at the base, and heads as large as
an ordinary tea saucer. We obtaiu a useful crop of
small Cabbages after the fir.-t cutting, and why not
Cauliflowers .' uOnly let the laud be in good heart,
238
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
and the planting done early, and not too close, to
reap the best results. A. Smith, Harewood House
Gardens, Henden, N.W. [We have several communi-
cationB from gardeners in various parts of the country
to the same effect. Ed.]
HAMPTON COURT GARDENS.— Oliver Wendell
Holmes, says that :—
" Little of all we value here,
WakeB on the morn of its hundredth year
Without both feeling and looking queer ! "
The distinguished author makes exception, however, in
the iuterests of a tree and a truth. The famous Vine
here shows that he was right. In its hundredth
and twenty-ninth year it shows no decay. At the
present time it bears a crop of no fewer than 1,200
bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes — about two-
thirds having been removed in the thinning process.
Probably, the Vine is the oldest in existence uDder
cultivation. All its fruit is forwarded to the Royal
Household via Windsor, and the laBt bunches
will not find their way to the Royal table until about
December. What is called the Jubilee Bed here is a
splendid design, and has been worked out with great
taste and skill by the Garden Superintendent, Mr.
Gardiner. It is one of the largest oblong beds just
oppo-ite the Tennis Court. The groundwork consiats
of Herniaria glabra, and in the centre is a large
diamond (indicative of the Diamond Jubilee) ; the
centre consisting of Echeveria Peacocki, and is
surrounded, to complete the diamond, with a broad
margin of red Alternanthera. At either end is a
large crown worked out with red and yellow
Alternautheras ; and at the sides, in red, are the
monographs of the Queen, the Duke of York, and
Prince Edward of York. J. B.
EARWIGS. — If Mr. Aggett will lay two boards on
the ground, or Bloping against a rest, with a small
space between them, he will find that he can catch
thousands, and may practically exterminate his
earwigs. In a Bimilar way woodlice may be caught
very easily. In the Cactus-house, my foreman, Mr.
Lamb, found that by laying pieces of bark to-
gether, large numbers were secured. R. J. Lynch.
In reply to your enquiry in reference
to my note in last week's iBBue, the earwigs were not
troublesome, and did not touch the plants after the
watering was discontinued, and my experience is,
that the critical time is when they are put out, and
until the growth becomes somewhat rank, when they
leave them strictly alone. W. H. A .
EXPERIENCES WITH HORTICULTURAL BOILERS.
— Of these my experience embraces only three kinds,
namely, the upright tubular, the Cornish-Trentham,
and the saddle. My first experience was with an
upright tubular, which required a specially prepared
stoke-hole, having a top platform to hold a Btore of
fuel from which the boiler was fed, the ashes beiDg
withdrawn from the ash-pit at a lower level. Two
of these boilers were fixed near their work, haviDg a
long under-ground flue to convey the smoke to an
upright chimney-stack. These went on very well for
a number of years, the underground flue, however,
giving me a good deal of trouble. The Trentham-
Cornish boiler about this time made its appearance,
and was hailed at the time as presenting a panacea
for the boiler difficulties. I got two 7 feet long", and
had them placed tide by side in a capacious stoke-
hole, just under the chimney-6tack ; did away with
the old underground flue, building in its stead a tunnel
sufficiently large in which to place a flow and return-
pipe, and in which a man can pass comfortably along to
examine and repair those pipes at any time, should they
require it. All the houses right and left are served
from off these mains in the tunnel. By this arrange-
ment we secured a far better draught for the boilers,
and the flow and return-pipes follow the line along
which previously the smoke used to pass. This
arrangement worked very well until we were over-
taken by a series of wet yerrs — those years which
played havoc with many tenant-farmers, and killed
many of the finer feeding grasses in the pastures.
The water rose in our stoke-holes, necessitating almost
constant pumping; and this was rendered all the.
more necessary on account of the retiring flue
belonging to the Trentham boiler passing along the
bottom or floor level of the stoke-hole. These boi'ers,
having worked for some considerable length of time,
began to show signs of decay, and I therefore took
an early opportunity to take them out, and ra'se the
floor of the stoki-hole 3 feet, and since doing that we
have had no more water rising through the bottom.
Being desirous of obtaining a boiler more simple in its
construction than the Trentham, and equally powerful.
I called in a local firm. They gave me a 7-feet saddle-
boiler, with four crossed Galloway tubes at the far end,
two flow-pipes fixed on the top instead of one only as
is generally put. Finding with the Trentham boilers
always great difficulty in getting at the far end to
clean them out, I determined to obviate this in
the setting of my new saddles, and this was rendered
all the more necessary on account of the Galloway
tubes. To this end, therefore, instead of fixing the
ends of the boilers both up against the wall of the
stoke-hole in the usual way, 1 had them set 4 feet
away from it, thus leaving a passage all round behind,
fixiog at the back end of each boiler a heavy furnace-
door lined with a substantial fire-brick slab ; this
enabled us easily and thoroughly to clean out the far
»nd, which could but imperfectly be done from the
front. These boilers are furnished with "sludge"
doors, by which they can readily be cleaned out.
I have preserved the furnace-door or mouthpiece of
the Trentham boilers, which I thought were good ones.
The ash-pits of these boilers are all made hollow and
water-tight, thus able to hold water, the object of
this being to prevent the destruction of the fire-bars,
which had been, but which now seldom occurs,
a constant source of expense. All our other
boilers and stokeholes have in turn been treated
in a similar manner. Fortunately the stokeholes
had been made originally very rcomy, and all of
them are well ventilated. The entrance to our
largest stokehole is by an inclioed tunnel, being
much eafer than by a flight of steep steps. I am not
aware that anyone has tried this manner of setting a
boil.T, though I have shown it. to many gardens rs
who have called here. W. Miller, Combe Abbey
Gardens.
BUSH BOUGAINVILAEAS.— Does the growing of
Bougainvilaea glabra in hard spurred bush-form in
pots, and in a cool temperature, materially tend to
deepen the colour of the bracts? There are two
large sturdy bush-plants in pots at Hackwood Park in
fine bloom treated as mentioned, and when I saw
them the other day I could but remark how exceed-
ingly the bract colour resembled that Been on Mr.
Cypher's fine plant exhibited at Shrewsbury, which he
has named Cypheri. Another person had previously
noted the same thing. B. glabra, growing in more
warmth, close under the roof, had very pale bracts in
comparison. If the form of treatment mentioned is
not responsible for the deepening of the floral colour,
then are the two plants at Hackwood a distinct and
beautiful variety. A. D.
FIGS, BROWN TURKEY A^D OTHERS.— It ia
doubtful whether, as an out-of doors Fig, we have a
better and more useful variety than Brown Turkoy.
Iu the Isle of Thanet, Figs grow in the open with
great freedom and productiveness, and need but little
care and attention. At Northdowu, there are several
trees growing at the foot of walls near to hard gravel
and asphalte footpaths, and under which the roots run,
bo that feeding or top-dressing is an impossibility ;
yet these trees bear heavy crops annually. No
pruning is practised more than to remove straggling
branches, to keep the trees within reasonable
bounds. The soil is of a very chalky nature. The
next best variety is Brunswick, and the fruits
attain a large size, but are not so high
in quality, although these monstrous fruits
tell upon the exhibition table. Other dark fruited
varieties have been tried in different gardens, but
have not proved equal to the kind mentioned above.
White Marseilles is the only white one growing here,
aDd although growing by the side of the others it is
much less fruitful. This season we have had a very
fair crop, and the fruits are delicious. They have
ripened well owing to the hot, dry season we have
had ; but the trees are inclined to grow too strong to
be fruitful. //. Marlcliam, Nortlidoicn, Margate.
THE BRUSSELS EXHIBITION.— From what I cau
learn, very few people have been over to see the
exhibition at Brussels this year from England. I
think it would repay many horticulturists to do so,
because they would no doubt break their journey on
the way home at Ghent, and there they would, if they
elected to do so, see the immense strides that are
being made in the erection of houses, and the
improvements in the forms that they have found
to be advantageous. I will, with your permission,
enumerate a few of these. The staging consists of
iron standards, and on these are screwed or riveted
bars of T-iron, or angh-iron; then they take thin
boards and place them on the before-mentioned
T-iron bars ; on this, \\ ire-netting slightly turned up
at the sides and at the end, is put, and it appeared
to be made in lengths of about IU feet. Uu to this
wire-netting, cement and sand, mixed together with
water, are well rubbed in and smoothed down, and
before it is quite dry holes are pierced in it to afford
egress for the water ; and when it has set sufficiently
hard, the boards are withdrawn from under the wire-
netting. This leaves a perfectly rigid staging that
one can walk upon without any fear of its collapsing
or cracking. A wide staging of this sort is placed in
the centre, and two narrower ones on either side of
the house. Another improvement which has been
dictated by experience is to carry a hot-water pipe
about 7 feet high the whole length of the house on
either side, and, say, one-third of the distance across.
The advantage of this, is that in place of the cold air
coming down from the lower part of the roof in
frosty weather, a genial temperature is maintained
thereabouts instead ; which is not obtained if there
are only hot pipes underneath in the old-fashioned
style close to the floor. Water being a prime neces-
sity in Belgium, they find that they can get constant
service at Brussels and Bruges by the use of the
Airmotors, and many contracts for these apparatus
are given out. They are also finding out the great
advantage of pumping by these machines into a tank
carefully erected over a shed, well supported by the
walls of the building, and letting the water reach
their houses by gravitation. When the tank is built
in under the roof the water rarely ever freezes. I
made Eeveral journeys in different directions on the
roads running outside these towns, and the number
of glass-house*, and the acres of ground being covered
by them, would surprise anyone who had not seen
these towns for two or three years. Further than
this, they put up a large central house, and around
this central house they take care to have plenty of
space for extending it. Houses are then built at right
angles to this one, with all the doors opening out
of this central house, so that in cold weather, when
these doors are opened, no current of cold air enters
the house. In all these new houses every precaution
is taken to catch the rain-water, and lead it into
enormous tanks. The quantities of Azalea indica at
the present time in the gardens point to the fact of
the prices tumbling very rapidly if cold weather sets
in. There have already been one or two sharp
frosts, and many of the cultivators admit that it will
be impossible for them to save their stock of plants
if they do not get a little more time before the winter
sets in, in earnest, or they must be prepared to
accept very low prices. The plants that I saw were
in splendid condition. Great improvements have
been made in the heating arrangements ; anthracite
coal is now burnt, and they have learnt by experience
the necessity of having high chimneys, and where
they have not got the convenience of using bricks,
large chimneys similarly constructed to the American
style of factory- chimney, and made of sheet-iron,
arc erected. Thos. Christy.
The Rosary.
— » ■
SOME NEW CONTINENTAL ROSES.
Emmanuel Geibel, Kedlung, Lubeck.— The flowers
of this admired novelty, now some years in com-
merce, are large, full, and very beautiful. In colour
it resembles Madame Falcot. A fine variety for the
open ground.
Gudrum, P. Jacobs, Wertendorf, is a hybrid Tea
of the form of Perle des Jardins. The plant ia
extremely floriferous, every shoot canying several
flowers on long strong stalks. I He colour is a
glistening silvery rose-pink with a light fiery-red
centre.
Louise MuUcr is a cross between a seedling of
Pierre Notting and Safrano, and one of General
Jacqueminot and Emperr r of Morocco. It possesses
the property of flowering from the beginning of June
to the first autumnal frost without CtRsation. The
colour of the flower is a lively shade of red. It is
useful also as a climber.
Coronet, Dingee, Conard & Co. — This novelty was
obtained by crossing Paul Neyron with Bon Silene.
It is a magnificent, very full rose-pink, with a silvery
tinge in the centre. The buds are dark-carmine.
The plant is similar to Paul Neyron in habit, and it
blooms early and continuously,
Mr. D. Lambert of Treves has succeeded in obtaining
a cross between Rosa polyantba Aglaia and Turner's
Crimson Rambler. The progeny is said to posssess
very fine foliage, great floriferousness, and very full
blooms of a tender hue. Illuitrierte Garten Za.tv.ng.
October 2, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
239
In the Journal des Roses we read of a Marechal
Niel de M. Peray, which, according to the competent
opinion of M. P. Cochet, will turn out to be a wonder-
fully useful Rose for the bouquet-maker. It is said to
have been derived from the Marechal, but it differs
in colour from that variety, being rose, and some-
times changing to red. The expanded flowers have a
diameter of 5 inches.
Plant Notes.
SCUTELLARIA MOCINIANA.
This is one of our most beautiful flowering stove-
plants. It is a nitive of Mexico, and was introduced
to this country in 1868. When arranged between
pots of Miidenhair Fern, its bright scarlet flowers
produce a pleasin ; effect. It is propagated by cuttings
taken in the spring, and placed singly in small 60-pots
in a temperature of 65°. The cuttings should be
shifted into 48's when well rooted, using a compost
onsistiig of one-half loam and one of leaf-soil, with
a little sand ailed. By judicious pinching, nice,
bushy plants, with many spikes of flowers, can be
grown in this sized pot.
MOR.EA RoBINSONIANA IN CALIFORNIA.
This handsome Iridaceous plant, native of Lird
Howe's Island, has been flowering beautifully in the
garden of Mr. Geo. P. Rixford, secretary of the Califor-
nian Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, this summer.
It was raise 1 from seel sent by the la'.e Baron von
Mueller, in 1831, and this is the first time that
it has flowered in California. The flowers are rather
large, white with dark centres, and borne in spikes.
Bentham says of this species that it is " known as the
Wedding Flower. It is the largest species of the
genus ; the habit is that of the nearly-allied Pardan-
thus chinensis, the flowers are nearly those of the
Moraoa iridioides." /. Bcirlt Davy, Berkeley, Cali-
fornia, September 3, 1897.
Law Notes.
THEFT OF MUSHROOMS AT BECCLES.
William Chilvefs, Leonard Betts, Benjamin
Ward, and Heury Pitchers, Beccles boys, were
charged with stealing Mushrooms, value 2>\, the
property of Mr. J. Edwin Crisp, at Homefield, on the
5th inst. Mr. J. P. Larkman appeared for the prose-
cution, and said this case was one of stealing culti-
vated Mushrooms, and he should be able to call
witnesses to prove cultivation without any doubt.
Mr. J. E. Crisp said he was the owner and occupier
of the house and grounds known as Homefield.
Part of his grounds consisted of enclosed land adjoin-
ing the house, and extending down to St. Mary's
Road. The land was ordinary arable land before he
laid it down, and he gave orders to have it planted
with Mushroom spawn. Ibis was done by Robert
Moore, his gardener at the time. Since then he has
had good crops of Mushrooms — the crops varying,
of course, with the weather. Lately he had missed
Mushrooms; there had been plenty in the evening,
and none in the morning. In consequence he com-
municated with Inspector Lingley.
Robert Moore, gardener at Belstead Hall, near
Ipswich, said he was formerly gardener to Mr.
Crisp, and while in his employ received orders to
sow Mushroom-spawn on the lawn, which he did.
By the Bench : He sowed the spawn seven or eight
years ago. By Mr. Larkman : When once sown the
spawn would go en increasing by itself. It was not
necessary to sow it annually.
Police-conotable H. Churchyard said he was on
duty on Sunday morning in Mr. Crisp's park. About
4 30 he say the four defendants come from St. Mary's
Road into the park, spread themselves out about
20 yards apart, and go round the park gathering
Mushrooms. They had a basket (produced) to put
them in. He saw all the boys gather Mushrooms.
Chilvers said they did not go inside the park ; they
went on the lawn.
Witness said the boys did not go where the deer
were.
The Bench retired, and on their return the Chair-
man said they were all convicted, and would be fined
7s. 6d. each, in default seven days. A fortnight was
allowed to pay. Ward paid at once. East Suffolk
Gazette.
INFERIOR MANURE.
At Lichfield, Wednesday, September 22, Margaret
Catherine Ginster, Frank Ginster, and Rudolph
Ginster, trading as M. C. Ginster & Sons, patent
manure manufacturers, Erdington, Birmingham,
were charged at the instance of the Staffordshire
County Council with breaches of the Fertilisers and
Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893, by having failed to supply
invoices and details of analysis with two loads of
turnip-manure purchased by Mr. Nigel C. A. Neville,
stipendiary magistrate of Wol verhampton, for use on
his farm at Shenstone in June and July last. Mr.
Fisher prosecuted on behalf of the county council,
and Mr. Vachell appeared for the defence. The
manure purchased was advertised to contain fish-
blood, horn-hoofs, flesh, bones, and other animal-
matter, with a trace of flour, of which some were
dissolved and soma undissolved, some partly soluble
and some insoluble, because, if manufactured all
soluble, it would be too rich for the first crop, the
aim being to grow two crops without the assistance
of stable-manure. The manu re was sold at from
Jt'6 10s. to £7 10s, and Mr. Neville purchased two
and a half tous in June, and half a ton in July. Not
having been supplied with proper invoices and
analyses, and failing to secure satisfactory results
from the manure, Mr. Nevi lie sent samples of the
last load to Mr. E. W. T. J ones, the county analist
of Staffordshire. That gentleman said the manure
consisted of blood and animal-matter largely mixed
with shoddy, and he pronounced the samples to be
rubbish, not worth more than £2 to £3 per ten.
Mr. Ginster, senior, declared the manure was what it
was represented to bu iu the rdvntisc-ments.
The bench imposed a penalty of £2 and costs on
each of the three members of the firm for each of
the two offences, and allowed the county council
£15 15s. for special costs. The full penalties and costs
amounted to £33 1 8s. Times, September 23, 1 ' 97.
Nursery Notes.
MESSRS. JOHN LAING and SONS.
A recent inspection of the fruit trees grown by
this firm was suggestive of some retrospective
thoughts in connection w ith the fruit question, and
they fashioned themse Ives into looking back —
say, to 1883 — when the first famous Apple conference
was held at Chiswick under the auspices of the Koyal
Horticultural Society, follow ed in later years by
Bimilar conferences under the same good lead. There
is no need to question the belief that there gatherings
elrew increased attention to pomological matters, with
the result that hardy fruit culture, if it has not
advanced by leaps and bound', is making sensible
progress.
In conversation with Messrs. Laing's able manager
here, Mr. Wakelin, it was gleaned that a more
beautiful display of Apple blossom was never seen,
but the high hopes once held of a great fruit crop
were dashed by late frosts ; still, theie is a good
sprinkling. Amongst the earlier varieties where the
set was early, of course the deficiencies are not so
noticeable ; but amongst the late varieties which
were in flower when the frost came the loss is much
greater. The soil of the fruit grounds consists of a
light, yellow, sandy, maiden loam. The trees are not
winter-pruned, but summer-pinched. To numbers of
persons who grow their trees within restricted areas,
and subject them to much branch pruning, this is
a point of much importance.
Regarding the important question of stocks, the
adaptability of the Quince for Pears and the Paradise
for Apples has been amply proved here by the mass
of roots these stocks produce on the surface, thus
obtaining all the benefit of the sun's warmth, and the
stimulating action from manurial mulchings and
waterings. Herein, doubtless, lies the secret of the
production of fine fruit both for table and exhibition.
In such a nursery as this, where the demand for
trees is great, one neted them grown — and grown
well — in the various forms to suit the many
requirements. Amongst Apples, the stan lards and
half-standards were noticeable by reason of their
straight, bright-looking stems, and good heads. Then,
what a sight were the sturdy young bush-tress, 21 to
3 feet high ! The pyramid-trained trees, too, are in
excellent condition — well-formed trees, with good
lower boughs. Noteworthy was a very large stock of
standard Apples on Crab-stock for orchards ; horizon-
tal and fan-shaped trees also arrested our attention,
as did a fiue batch of young Apple stocks on Crab
and Paradiso, and Pears on Quince, and double-
worked. Cordon Apples, so useful as edgings for
garden-walks, or for training to walls obliquely, are
well cared for, being represented by a fine Btock ;
the trees bear very quickly, and produce handsome
fruit.
It may prove of interest to allude to some of the
finer Apples grown here. Bismarck, extra-large,
similar to Nonsuch, but with more colour, a great
bearer, keeps well, and retains its flavour till the end
of April. Potts' Seedling, very free bearing, a culi-
nary Apple of the nret quality ; it forms a medium
»iie pyramid, and does well as a standard. Lane's
Prince Albert is a variety that no garden should be
without.foi ming as it does a medium-sized bush orstan-
dard, and it is a prolificbearer. Lord Suffield is one of
the very best early varieties, and a great cropper, and
of which a good stock is grown. Well worthy of
mention is the constant cropper Manx's Codlin, bear-
ing when even quite joung, and forming a small but
very handsome pjrarnid on the Paradise. Lord
Dei by is a gcod oi chard or garden variety, and is
withal a handsome Apple, a strong grower, great
bearer, and a variety of the first quality. Calville
d'Ktu is a fine crisp fruit of medium size.
Pears, too, are well grown, being represented by a
vigorous stock in all shapes — standards, half-
ttandards, pyramids, dwarf fan-trained, and hoii-
zontal trained (for walls and espaliers), bush-treeB and
cordons, tingle, upright, and diagonal. Tie newest
v.riety, Le Lectier, melting, good flavoured, and a
good cropper, is worthy of mention.
There is a very fine quarter of large fruiting
leaches and Neetarir.es— trees with thirty and forty
shoots on them. Highly worthy of special mention
is the fine stock of dwarf-lrained large trees of that
fine Nectaiine, Early RUers, a very fine, large, and
early varii ty, of exquisite flavour. There is also a
large steck of extra sized Peaches, Nectarines, and
Apricots for orchard-house culture, aud another good
batch of trees eoming on for that same and certain
mc thed of securing a crop of fine fruit. Quite worthy
of mention, too (for orchard-house culture), is a good
stock of Applep, Pears, Plums, and Cherries in pots
of the newer and good varieties, hardened olf and
well-budded.
It is not often that one sees as at this nursery, such
a stock of dwarf-trained, extra-sized Apricots. Not a
sign of the dreaded canker, so often seen, but free
from this scourge, and representing a clean, healthy,
and vigorous stock.
The Cherry occupies an important position among
our dessert fruit, not only on account of its beauty
and delicious flavour, but because some of the
varieties are the first to ripen of our out-of-door
fruits, and, as is well known, it is also well adapted
for cultivation under glass. Here Cherry-trees in all
the popular sorts may be seen in all shapes for train-
ing or otherwise. Likowise noteworthy are the
Cordons, pyramids and itandards. We noticed a
good and healthy batch of Cerasus Mahaleb, the stock
that all the Duke Cherries are worked upon. After
Apples, the most profitable crop to grow is unques-
tionably Plums, and here is grown a fine stock of tho
best varieties, and in the various forms of tree re-
quired to bring about the most satisfactory results
by would-be cultivators.
240
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
A general collection of hardy ornamental trcea
is grown here, such as E^ms, Acers, Acacias, &c.
The new golden-leaved Maple— Acer aurco-variega-
tum — presenting a good bit of colour, is a first-rate
novelty worthy of the attention of planters. Conifers,
too, and various hardy climbers are also well grown
at Forest Hill.
As is well known, by the frequent and
successful appearance of the firm at our leadiog
exhibitions, the Kose is very extensively cultivated
by them. Here were seen many thousands of Rose-
trees and bushes. 35,000 standard Briars were being
budded, and a good butch was noted of Manetti
stocks and seedling Briars just budded. OE standard
Roses there is a big and healthy stock, in all the
popu'ar varieties.
At the branch nursery, the main display of bedding
Begonias has now been for the first time concen-
trated, and for which iucreasingly popular class of
flowers the firm have deservedly gained a world-wide
fame by reason of their persevering and successful
work amongst them. The change of soil from Forest
Hill was evidently a move in the right direction.
The plants are arranged in very long beds, about
4 feet wide, representing thousands of plants, and
arranged in their different colours. It is a wonderful
collection, literally exposed to the four winds of
heaven.
Lacking indeed of the quality of appreciation wou'd
bo tho visitor who could gaze, without admiration,
on the Begonias found at this branch in the variom
structures devoted to their cultivation. We noted
the following as amongst some of the bett of the
double-flowered varieties, and raised by the firm : — ■
Mr. John T. Bennett - Poe : this grand variety has
Fplendid flowers, which are beautifully fringed an 1
Cimellia-formed, of goad substance, and perfectly
erect ; Marchioness of Dowushire, a fine deep crim-
son, very dwarf, large, erect Sowers; L»dy Frederick
Fitzroy, a superb yellow A;>ricot, excellent Ca nellia-
formel flowjrs, mist attractive., an! should be in
every collection of Begonias; Invincible, vivi 1 criui-
8>n. fine form, ha'iit and substance extra fiae ; Erne-t
T. C)Dk, a splendid dark glowing crim--on, la'ge an 1
fulldnible Ho vers, one of the best in this colour;
Empress Frederick, rich rosy-pink, rose-shapjd
fljweri, superb; Clio, a fine (rilled yell>w ; Laly
Wilm)t, beautiful pinky-salmon, Camellii-shape I
flowers, bushy habit, extra fine ; Lady Williams fl'jnn,
a magnificent deep yellow, very large full Camellia-
Bhaped flowers, erect hab'.t, a spleudi 1 variety ;
Duchoss of Northumberland, a handsome bright
salmon, extra largo flowers ; Duke of Fife, a beau-
tiful ro3y-8almon, very large erect double flo vers,
distinct, good habit, Auriferous.
The stock of Crotras, some of the b^t, showel
numerous highly cultivated varieties. One noted
superb ornamental-leaved Begoniis, hybrids of 15.
Rex, of which a splendid variety is Louis Cappe,
silvery satin-white leaves, rose veins surrounded with
green.
In the excellent and varied collection of Ferns, we
noted Adi.intum Lambertianum, exceedingly small
pinnre, with gracefully penduloui fron Is ; A. Wei-
gandi, a very distinct kind, fronds crispy, and
pinnre slightly overlapping. An acquisition, an 1 a
beautifully variegated plant, is Bougainvillaea speciosa
viriegata. Another good variegated plant is Nico-
tiana affiuis variegati. Anthurium Feniertnse
was notable with its bold habit and broad foliage.
Cissus argentea is uncommon, and Cyanopbyllum
maguifieum is one of the most beautiful foliage-pla .ti
in cnltiv iti in, but rarely seeu nowadays.
In tho outside quarters was noted a very fine
collection of new and improved varieties of Cactu",
I'omp t>, show, and single Dahlias. Amass of Chrys-
anthemum maximum. Duchess of Abercorn, was
noted as a good thing with its large pure white hand-
some flowers. Decided acquisitions for the flower-
gir^ea are: — Antirrhinum album fluribundum, a
beautiful siow white variety, dwarf and floriferous.
A. Crimson Bedder, deep crimson self, of a dwarf
compact habit ; a most effective variety. A Yellow
Bidder, puio yellow self; is a valuable novelty. J. B.
SOCIETIES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
British-grown Fruits at the Crystal Palace
(Sec also p. 234.)
Thu-Bday, Sept. 3J, and two following days.
A really good show of British-grown fruits was opened at
the Crystal Palace oh Thursday. There may have been
misgivings on the part of the management that the com-
parative scarcity of Apples and Pears this season, would
result in a poor show. If this was the case, the fears ' ave
not been realised. It was a most satisfactory display, and
in a measure, an astonishing one. Grapes as a rule were
not of exceptional quality, but they were fair. Apples and
Pears, however, — in fact hardy fruits, were shown abun-
dantly, even more numerously th in last season, for we are
informed that 1000 extra plates have been in requisition.
The average quality throughout was high ; there being but
little disparity in many instance* between the 1st. 2nd and
3rd prize collection*. The arrangements worked smoothly,
and c >nsidering the amount of work such a show throws
upon the secretaries of the society, Mr. Wright, (he supeiiu-
teudent at Chiswick, and his ass;stmt Mr. Humphreys,
the society's officers are entitled to congratula'ory
commendation.
The Schedule was composed of the following divisions: —
Division I., fruits grown under glass or otherwise, open to
gardeners and amateurs only, contaiuing fifteen classes ;
Division II. including seven classes, open t<> nurserymen
only ; Division III. for fruits grown in the open air, nur-
serymen excluded, containing twenty -four classes ; Divi-
sion IV. for single dishes of fruit grown in the open air,
nurserymen excluded, containing ninety-four classes ; and
Division V. composed of the Veitchian classes for flavour in
Apple* and Pears.
DIVISION I.
The 1st class was for twelve dishes of ripe desseit fruits,
with certaiu restrictions as to the number of varieties of any
one kind. The three competitors were Lady H Somerset,
Eastnor Castle, Ledbury (gr., Mr. F. Harris); The E irl of
Harrington. Elvaston Castle, Derby (gr., Mr. J. H. Good-
acre) ; and Sir J. W. Pease, Bart , Hutton Hall, Guisborou^h
(gr., Mr. Mclndoe). The prizes were awarded in the order
in which we hive given the names. Mr. Mclndoe was less
fortunate than usual, but there was no mistake m ide in
the j udging ; the collection from Mr. Harris was
ahead. His Grapes were Muscat of Alexandria, good
large bunches but berries only indifferently coloure 1 ;
and Gros Maroc. He had a good Pine-apple, a seedling
Mel >n ; Pear, Pitmaston Duchess ; Apples, Ribston Pippin
and King of Pippins; Peaches, Sea Eagle and Prince of
Wales ; Nectariue, Albert Victor ; Plum, Golden Drop, and
Brunswick Figs. The collection from Mr. J. H. Goodacre
contained Muscat and Black Hamburgh Grapes, Pine-apple
Nejtarine, Brown Turkey Fig, two dishes of Plums, and ono
of Peaches (Sea Eagle), Pine-apple Xeetariue, Hero of L)ck-
rioge Melon, Queen Pine, Pitmiston Duehess, and Souvenir
du Congrfes Pears, and American Mother Apple.
Mr. McIndoe's Gros Guillaume Grapes were good in bunch,
but had been knocked about considerably. He had Buck-
land Sweetwater for the other variety. He had two dishes
of Apples, two of Pears, two of Plums, and two of Peaches.
The competition for the best collection of eight dishes was
limited to exhibitors who had not competed in the larger
class. Thero were six fruit-growers in competition here,
and the 1st prize was won by Mr. Geo. Reynolds, gr. to Mess' s.
Dk Rothschild, Gunnerabury Park, Acton, W. He had
well-coloured, moderate-sized bunches of Muscat of Alex-
andria Grapes, and exeellently-berried, but not well-coloured
bunches, of Gros Maroc. A fine Melon, the fruit of a seed-
ling ; Gladstone and Princess of Wales Peaches, both
very good, the latter unusually well coloured ; Pine-
apple Nectarine, very weU coloured ; Ribston Pippin
Apple, anl Coo's Golden Drop rium. The 2nd prizj
went to Mr. W. J. E upsm, gr. t> Mrs. WiNG FIELD,
Ampthill House, Ampthill. He had fine Black Alicante
Grapes, three bunches of Golden Queen, an E istnor Castle
Melon, two dishes of Peaches, a go id dish of Doyenne du
Cornice Pear, Brown Turkey Figs, and Coe's Golden Dro >
Plum. The 3rd prize was taken by Mr. W. Tidy, gr. to
W. K. D'Arcy, Esq., Stanmore Hall, Middlesex, who in-
cluded in his collection a dish of fruits of PassiSora edulis.
The other exhibitors in this class were Mr. F. Cole, gr. to
Sir Geo Russell, Bart., Swallowfield Park, Reading; Mr.
Smith, gr. to R. Avev, Esq., Bad^em >re House, llenley-on-
Thimes; and Mr. W. Taylor, gr. to C. Bayer, Esq., Tewkes
bury Lodge, Forest Hill, S.E.
Figs, one dish. — There wore eleven dishes of Figs staged,
the best being Brown Turkey, shown by Mr. W. Messenger,
gr. to C. H. Beuners, Esq., Woolverstone Park, Ipswich.
The same variety from Mr. H. Folkes, gr. to C. E. ^trachan,
Esq., Gaddesden Place, Hemel Hempstead, was 2nd ; and
Mr. W. Mitchell, gr. to W. Fleming, Esq., C'uilworth Manor,
Romsey, again with the samo variety, was 3rd. None of the
newer and better flavoured sorts were shown, a matter of
some surprise
Collection of Hardy Fruit* not exceed in- j Fifty D sites. —These
fruits were grown entirely in the 0*en, and there wore three
competitors. The 1st prize was won by Mr. Geo. Wythes,
gr. to Earl Percy, Syon House, Brentford, with a display of
much excellence. The Apples shown best were Cellini
Tippin, Ribston Pippin, Alfriston, Lord Derby, Warner's
Kmg, Wealthy, aud Cox's Orange Pippin. The following
Pears were good :— Doyenne Boussoch, Jean Van Geert, Pit-
maston Duchess, Beurre Diel, and Brown Beurre*. Of Peaches
there were Admirable, Barrington, Golden E*gle, Warburton
Admirable, Sea Eagle, aud Nectarine. Plums, Coe's Golden
Drop, Pond's Seedling, Wyedale, and Washington ; Damson
Shropshire Prune, Morello Cherries, Filberts, Walnuts, and
Hazel-nuts, and a few bunches of Sweetwater Grapes. The
fruits were placed upon coloured foliage on plites, and the
exhibit had a good effect. The 2nd prize went to Mr. J.
Powell, gr. to Colonel Brymer, M.P., Islington House, Dor-
chester. No trouble was taken in this case to set out tho
fruits in a decorated fashion, but the quality of the Apples
and Pears was very go ^d. The collection contained two
dishes of Poaches, two dishes of Nuts, one of Medlars, one of
Coe's Golden Drop Plum, and three bunches of Sweetwater
Grapes ; all the rest were Apples and Pears, most of them of
very large size. Mr. W. Miller, gr. to Lord Foley, Ruxley
Lodge, Claygate, Esher, was 3rd, exhibiting Apples and
Pears, also Filberts, Walnuts, Brown Turkey Figs, Bullaces,
and Medlars.
Collection of Hardy Fruit not exaeUng thirty-six dishes. — The
produce in this class was intended to illustrate Orchard-
house culture, and might be grown partly or entirely under
glass. There were only two exhibitors, the 1st prize being
taken by Mr. R. Potter, gr. to Sir Mark Collet, Bt., St.
Clere, Kemsing, Sevenoaks. He had Foster's SeedliDg (bad)
and Gros Maroc Grapes, Rondi Noir and Brown Turkey
Figs, Princess of Wales and Lady Palmerston Nectarines,
Golden Eagle Peaches, Autumn Compote and Coe's
Golden Drop Plums, and the rest were Apples and Pears.
Some of the Pears were very large, fine specimens of
I uchess d'AngoulQme, Marie Louise d'Uccle, Doyenne
Boussoch, Pitmaston Duchess, Marguerite Marilat,
aud others were noticed. Apples, too, exhibited capital
culture. The best were Emperor Alexander, the Queen,
Ribston Pippin, Baldwin, King of Tomkins County, and
Lady Henniker. Mr. J. McIndoe was awarded 2nd prize,
aud a very good collection it was. His Grapes were Black
Hamburgh, Foster's Seedling, and Gros Maroc, three bunches
of each. Peaches, Mrs. Sharpe, Champion, Golden Eagle,
Sea Eagle, and others ; Plums, Pond's Seedling, Coe's Golden
Drop, Magnum Bonum, Late Transparent Gage, Bryanston
Green Gage, Archduke, Pri ce Englebert, Comte Atthems
Gage, Ac. His Negro Largo Figs, Apples and Pears, were very
fine, and among the Apples we noticed the very pretty
variety James Grieve.
Grapes.
* ix diittnet varieties, tiro bunches of each; both Black- anl
White iti'txt be repre entel.—l&r. Reynolds, gr. to Messrs. Dk
Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park, Acton, won well the premier
position here, with three blick and three white varieties,
the former being Black Hamburgh, well kept and good ii
colour; Gros Maroe, fine in berry and co'our ; Madrosfield
Court, well finished ; and of the latter well-coloured and fine
bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, specially fine Chasselas
Napoleon, cle ir in berry and well-coloured ; and good
examples of Buckland Sweetwater. Mr. Taylor, gr. t> C.
Bayer, Esq., Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill, 8.B., came in
a good 2nd, his best being very tine Madresfield Couit, largo
in berry and well finished ; good Muse its, fine Gros Colmar
aud Gros Maroc, with Gros Guillaume. Mr. Go >dacro, gr. to
E irl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, Derby, being placed
3rd, he staging well-finished buuehes, the best ben/ Mrs.
Pearson, extra fiae in b inch aud berry ; Mrs. Pince, good ;
Black Ham'mrgh and Muscats.
For three varieties Gropes, distinct, tic<> bunches of each.—
Mr.Cole.gr. to Sir Geo. Russell, Bt., M. P., Swallowfield
Park, Reading, was easily first with splendidly coloured
Muscats, very clear in ths- beiry ; good AlicantdS and Foster's
Seedling, both well finished. Mr. Jones, Ridgway Vineries,
Cradley, Malvern, cime2ud with Gros Maroc, Gros Colmar
and Alicante, all well coloured medium-sized bunches. Mr.
Harris, gr. to Lady Henry Somerset, Ledbury, being 3rd,
his best bting Muscats and Gros Colmar, which were very
close, if not superior to the *nl.
For th<ce bunches, Black Hamburgh.— 'Mr. Mitche 1, gr. to
J. W. Fleming, Esq , Chil worth Minor, R msey, was well
to th ) front with lirge bunches, very fine in berry, and
superbly coloured Mr. Taylor was a good 2nd, slight'y
lacking c dour, and Mr. Reynolds 3rd.
For three bunch s, Madresfield Court. — Mr. Taylor was 1st,
his exhibit being excellent, very fine in berry and well
coloured. Mr. W. Tidy, gr. to W. K, D'Arcy, Esq., Stan-
more Hall following, his Grap.s only lacking colour. Mr.
Emp3on, gr. to Mrs. Wingfield, Ampthill House, Beds, was
a good 3id.
For three bunches G os CuLnw, or Groi Maroc, Mr. J. Jones
won with the former, the fr i*. being fine, the bunches large,
as we-e the barrio.*; Mr. Reynolds followed c'osely with
Gros M iroc, Bhoyring largj bunches ; Mr. Cole being 3rd with
the last-named variety.
For three bunches A I 'ta t», Mr. F. Cole was 1st, with bunches
well proportioned, and the colour good ; Mr. J. Bury, Peter-
sham Vin;rles, 1 j fleet, showing well for 2nd place; Mr.
Howe, gr. to Henry Tai'E, E:\, Ptirk Hill, Strcatham
Common, followin exceedingly c!o3^, w.th tho finest
bunches of the thiee.
i*br Three Bum-he- lady 1 otonv. — Mr. Tidy won the 1st
place with wj'd flushed bunches of medium size, Mr. Emp-
son following with a good exiiib t : Mr Kemp, gr. to C. R.
SCrase Dilk;ns, Esq, Coo hurdt, H-r ham, taking 3rd
prize.
October 2, 1897.
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
241
For Three Bunches of any other Black Grape, Mr. Mitchell
won easily with beautiful examples of Mrs. Pince, much
finer than it is usually staged, these examples being
woll-coloured, and the bu-icbos weighty. Mr. W. gmitb, gr.
to R. Ovev, Esq.,, Badgemore House, Honley on-Thamcs,
coming 2jd with Alnwick Seedling ; and Mr. Reynolds 3rd
with the same variety.
For three bunclas of Musrat of Alexandria. — Mr. F. Cole
won the premier award with perfect examples, superbly
coloured, and fine in bunch ani barry. Mr. Goodacre was
placed 2nd with large bunches, but scarcely so well finished ;
and Mr. Reynolds 3rd, wherein the colour was better, but
the berries rather smaller than in the former case.
For (lore bunches of a ny ether White.— 'Sir. Kevnolds was well
to the front with C basse! as Napoleon, finely finished, clear in
the skin, and large in berry ; Mr. Taylor following with
Buekland Sweetwater in good condition ; Mr. Lane, gr. to
Miss Ridge, Highfielu, Kngleneld Green, 3rd with Chasselas
Napoleon
DIVISION II.
Nurserymen Only.
Collection qf Fruit Trees Bearing Fruit in Pofs,—
Messrs. T. Rivers & Suss, Sawbridgeworth, had no com-
petitor in this class, their exhibit being the only one of its
kind in the show. The trees were stood upon a table, and
were individually beautiful pictures indeed. The following
Apples we uoticed :— Bijou, Cox's Pomona, Bramley's Seed-
ling, and Bismarck; Pears, Chis. Ernest, Duchesse de
Mouchy, Pitmaston Du< hess, Conference, Lebrun, President
D'Osmanville, Uvedalc's St. Germain, Durandeau, Berga-
motte d'tisperen, Doyenne du Cornice, Marie Louise d'Uccle,
nnd Durondeau. Cob's Golden Drop Plum, Golden Eagle
1'each, and several crabs were also included as trees in pots.
The tible was e ipitally furnished 'twixt the pots with
gathered fruits. There wore splendid Grapes of Black Ali-
cante, Muse At of Alexandria, Golden Queen (Pearson), and
Groa Maroc. Peaches included Lidy Paluierston and Golden
Eagle. Piums : Primate (Rivers), a late red variety, Coe's
Golden Drop, Decaiane, Giand Duke, Jefferson, Golden Trans-
parent, a half purple coloured sport from Golden Drop, and a
medium sized yellow Plum, a seedling. Apples and Pears
were well represented ; Louise Bonne of Jersey was very
large and well-coloured ; Souvenir du Congres and Doyenne
du Com;ce, and other first-class Pears being shown finely. A
monster fruit of Pitmaston Duchess, said to weigh 2 lb.,
and covered with a glass case, caused considerable attraction,
as did also the large handsome fruits of Peasgood's Nonsueh
Apple, and other sorts better in quality, but not so alluring
in appearance. The 1st prize was well deserved, but absence
of competition is regretablo.
Collection of Hardy Fruits grown partly or entirely under
Glass.— The produce in this class was to illustrate Orchard-
house culture ; and though thero was but one exhibit, this
was effected fairly well. Messrs. Geo. Bunvard & Co.,
Maidstone, showed, and the table laden with their pro-
duce looked capital. In the centre were fruit-trees in pots
from end to end, inoludlug Vines, Pears, Apples and Figs.
A plant in the ceutre, of Cornish Aromatic Apple, was l*den
with highly coloured fruits. Durondeau and other Pears on
trees were likewise good. The fruifs on dishes, however,
wero the best. Such Pears as the following were gran 1 :
Doyenne d i Cornice, Pitmaston Duchess, Beurre Duuiont,
Marie Bcnoist, Conference, Beurre Fonqueray, Marie Louise
d'Uccle, Director Alphand, and Souvenir du Congres. Of
Apples, cut of a large number of varieties, the following
appeared specially fine: Lane's Prince Albert, Grenidier,
Flanders Pearmain, Mother, Lady Sudeley, Belle de Pontoise,
Gascoigne's Scarlet Seedling (really wonlerful in colour),
Ribston Pippin, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Cox's Orange Pippiu,
Warner's King, Wadhurst Pippin. Bautnann's Red Winter
Reinnete, Washington, R culver, Twenty Ounce, Alexander,
Annie Elizabeth, Aic. A few Grapes, Peaches, and Tomitos
were also included in the exhibit.
Collection of not fewer than Seceniy-fivc or more than 100 dis-
tinct variet'us of Hardy Fruits.^ Messrs. Geo. Bunyard A: C«> ,
Maidstone, were again 1st, beating two other exhibitors. It
was permissible in this class to use a few foliage plants to
heighten the effect of the exhibit. The most that was dono
in this direction was to place a Palm at the apex of a few of
the more important pyramidal piles of Apples. In Messrs.
Bunyard's exhibit there was a large pile of Apples, arranged
in the centre, of varieties of high colour for effect, and it
greatly helped to set off1 the exhibit. The whole of the fruits
had oeon grown in the open air. Varieties of Apples that
specially attracted attention were : Stones, Cox's Pomona,
15. mm .mi's Red Winter Reinuette, Th? Queen, River's Codliu,
Stirling Castle, Yorkshire Beauty, Washington, Lady Sudeley
(capita!), Newton Wonder, Bow Hill Pippin, Tibbit's Pear-
main, New Hawthorndeu, Vicar of Brighton, Line's Priuco
Albert, Tower of Glamis, Mother, bauibling's Seedling,
Frogmore Prolific, Col. Vaughau, Twenty Ounce, Ribston
Pippin, Lady Henuiker, Jas. Grieve, Mere de Menage,
Cox's Orange Pippin, Lord Derby, Golden Noble,
Gloria Mundi, Emperjr Alexander, King of the Pippins.
Of Pears the Duchess d'Angouleme, Beurre Diel, Beurro
Hardy, Conference, Doyenne Bussoch, Gansell's Bergimot,
Pitmaston Duchess, Souvenir du Congres, Marie Louise
d'Cccle, «fcc. The "2nd prize was tiken by Mr. H. Berwick,
Sidmouth Nurseries, Djvon. A considerable part of this
exhibit was arranged in baskets, and the fruit was decidedly
good in quality and size. By the inclusion of a number of
high coloured sorts the effect of the collection was good,
though not set up so tastefully as the 1st prize exhibit.
Collection of not facer than thirty or nmre than fifty dLH'uwt
varieties of Hardy Fruits. — There was only one exhibitor in
this class, namely, Mr. J. Colwill, The Nurseries, Sidmouth.
All of the produce had been cultivated in the open air, and the
Apples deserve tho highest commendation. Most of the fruits
were put up in baske's, and the best Apples in a splendid
collection were Cox's Orange Pippin, Warner's King, Tyler's
Kernel, Emperor Alexander, Gravenstein, Golden Noble,
Dumelow's Seedling, Peasgood's Nonsuch, King oi Pippin?,
Autumn Pearmain, Cellini Pippin, Alfriston, Mere de Menage,
New Hawthornden, Beauty of Kent, Lane's Prince Albert,
Worcester Pearmain, Newton Wonder, Lord Suffield. Pears
were equally fine in many instances. There were also a few
Peaches and other fruits.
For a Collection of not fewer than thirty or mire than fifty
distinct varieties of Pears in ba-<krts or dishes groicn entirely in
the open air, table apace of 24 feet by 3 feel. — Mr. H. Berwick,
Sidmouth, South Devon, was 1st with fruits of medium size
only, but bearing every evidence of excellent quality, the
best dishes were those of Hacon's Incomparable, DurondejU,
Jersey Gratioli, Autumn Bergamot, Pitmaston Duchess,
Brown Beurre*, Beurre Supertin, Doyenne Bussoch, and
Catillac.
Collection of not fecer than thirty or more than fifty distinct
ear itties of Apples i7t baskets or dishes, groicn entirely in the
Op: n Air, on a table space, 24fcet by 3 feet. — This class brought
forth some splendid produce from Mr. Joux Basham, Nur-
seryman, &,c, Fair Oak Nurseries, Bassalog, near Newport,
Monmouth. The finer and better known kinds were staged
in square baskets, making a most effective background to thoBe
in dishes. The finer of these were Tyler's Kernel, Warner's
King, Crimson Queening, Sandringham, Lane's Prince Albert,
Bismarck, Beauty of Kent, Newton Wonder (extra fine),
Ecklinville Seedling, Cox's Orange Pippiu (very large and
fine), Ribston Pippin (equally good), and Egrenioiit Russet.
This exhibit was characterised by fine finish, large size,
solidity, and clearness of the skin, proving beyond any doubt
that this locality is especially well suited to Apples.
DIVISION III.
Fruits Grows is the Opes.
Gardeners ant Amateurs Only.
Apples, tic -iily four dis'ies, distinct', sixteen cooking, eight
dessert,— There were six collections staged. Mr. Woodward,
of Barbara Court, Maidstone, coming 1st, with superb
examples of Peasgood's Nonsueh, Warner's King, Stone's
Apple, Belle Dubois, Brabant Bellerleur, Tower of Glamis,
Mere deMemge, Bismarck, Ecklinville, Ac. Of cooking and
of dessert, fine Cox's Orange Pippin, Washington, Ribston
Pippin, Gascoigne's Scarlet, Ailing ton Pippin, Calville Rouge,
Baumann's Winter Reinuette, and American Mother ; Mr.
C. A. Bay ford, gr. to W. C. Lee-Campbell, Esq , Glewstone
Court, Herefordshire, was 2nd, having fine Warners King,
Poasgood's Nonsuch, Tyler's Kernel, Prince Albeit, Stirling
Castle, Pott's Seedlings, and for dessert Ribston Pippin,
King of the Pippin, Cox's Orange Pippin, Mother Apple,
Duchess Favourite, Bauramn's Reinuette; Mr. Goldsmith,
gr. to Sir E. Loder, Horsham, was 3rd, having Peasgood's
Nonsuch, Pr uce Albert, The (jueen, C oc's Pomona, Mrs.
Barron, Emperor Alexander ; and of desserts, Blenheim
Pippin, Adam's Pearmain, Wealthy, King of tho Pippins,
and Ribston Pippin.
Twelve dishes distinct J eight cooking and four d ssert. —
There were six lots again here, the best coming from Mr. W.
Pragnell, gr. to J. M. Wi no field Digbv, E*q., Sherborud
Castle, who had fine Peasgood's Nonsuch, Warner's Km.;,
Bismarck, Annie Elizabeth, Emperor Alexander, and
Alfriston, with Sturmer Pippin, Cox's Orange, Ribston. and
King Pippin*, the latter rather poor. Mr. Miller, gr. to
T. W. Startup, Esq , Maidston*, was 2nd, having good
Lord Derby, Warner's King, Cox's Pomona, The Queen, 6z:.,
and handsome Cox's Orange and Ribston Pippins, Worcester
Pearmain, and Gascoigne's Scarlet, very fine. Mr. J. Hill,
gr. toC. M. W. Adease, Esq., Babraham HUI, Cambridge,
wis 3rd.
Nine dishes of Applet, six cooking and three ibsert, brou ht
two collections. Mr. Slogrove, gr. tj Mrs. Cbawford,
Rjigite, was 1st, having very good samples of varieties
already named; Mr. Herbert, gr. to J, T. Ch&rleswoxlth,
Esq , Redhill, was 2nd.
Six dishes of Cooking Apples, d'stinct, again brought six com
petitors. Mr. Woodward again being to the fore with superb
Mere de Menage, Emperor Alexander, Peasgood's Nonsuch,
Lird Djrby, anl Warner's Kmj. Mr. L;*is, gr. to T.
Olivers >n, ICsq , Maidstone, was 2nd ;aud Mr. Rick wood, gr.
to Lady Freak k, Twickenham, 3rd. One collection was in
this class disju dined, th i exhibitor having baumann's R;d
Reinuette in it as a cooking Apple.
T/u\e Dislici of C joking Apples, dislinc', hid seven c Elec-
tions. Mr. Goldsmitb being 1st with fine Lird Derby, Peas-
good's Nonsuch, and Warner's King ; Mr. J. Powell, gr. to
Col BavMeR, M.P., Dorchester, had same varieties; Mr A.
B. o5K, Merewortb, Kent, was 3rd.
Six Dt&hts of 8r naley's Seedling was rather a disappointing
class, as the examples were r ither poor. The bsst came from
Mr. King, gr. to J. Colmas, Esq., Rjigats ; Mr. Turbott, gr.
to J. Hartreaves, Esq , Maiden Erlegh, Reading, was 2nd ;
Mr. H. Howard, Uinghim, Norfjlk, coming 3rd. Th.-re
were only three entries.
Sixdishes of Dessert Apples, distinct, broug' t eight collections,
colour in the class being a marked feature. Mr. Woodward
was 1st here, having beautiful Mother Apples, Cox's
Oraage, Ribston Pippins, Washington, Gascoigne Scarlet, and
Bium inn's Red Reinnette ; Mr. Miller was 2nd, having
Worcester Pearmain, Blenheim Pippin, King Pippin ; Mr.
Goldsmith was 3rd.
Three dishet of Dessert Apples, distinct. — There wero eleven
entries in this class, Mr. Bayford coming 1st with King and
Ribston Pippins, and Washington ; Mr. A. Kemp, gr. to C.
M. Scrase Dickens, Esq , Horsham, was 2nd, having Cox's
Ribston Pippins and American Mother ; Mr. R. Potter, gr. to
Mr. Mark Allet, Bart., Sevenoaks coming 3rd.
Twelve dishes of Dessert Pe n, distinct, brought six lots,
the best, and a grand lot of fruit coming from Mr. G. Wood-
ward, who had Doyenne Merode, Durondeau, Pitmaston
Duchess, Marie Benoist, Duchess d'Angoulemo, Bjurri*
Baltet, Emile d'Heyst, Doyenne du Cornice, Beurre
Superfin, and Princess ; Mr. Goldsmith was 2nd with
Doyenne" Buussoch, Marguerite Marillat, I'oyenne* du Cornice,
Souvenir du Congres, Ma io Louise, Beurre Niger. Mr. J.
Powell was 3rd.
Nine dishes of Pears, dessert, distinct.— Here the collections
were five, the best coming from Mr. W. Cotterell, who
had Pitmaston Duchess, Louise Bonne, Beurre Bosc, Duron-
deau, Gansel's Bergaraot, Beurre Hardy, and others; Mr. W.
Jones, gr. to J. B rough \m. Esq , Carshalton, was 2n ' ; and
Mr. Brickwood, 3rd.
Six dishes of D. ssert Pears, distinct, brought sixteen entries,
the best coming from Mr. Messenger, gr. to C. H. Bernerh,
Esq., Woolverstoue, Ipswich, who had Pitmaston Duchess,
Beurre Baltet, Doyenne du Cornice, Beurre Hardy, Duron-
deau, and Louise Bonne; Mr. BlooOOVB v*as 2nd; and Mr.
Basile, gr. to the Rev. O. Powell, Weybridge, was 3rd.
Three Dishes of Dessert Pears, distinct.— Six entri s. Mr. U,
Edwards, r. to C. W. Field, Esq., Sevenoaks, had the best
with Madame Treyve, Doyenne du Cornice, and Pitmaston
Duchess ; Mr. Fonnell, gr. to W. M. Gaza LET, Esq , Ton-
bridge, was 2nd, having Marguerite Marillat, Souvenir du
Congres, and Pitmaston Duchess; Mr. Uuiris, gi. to O. A.
Smith, Esq. East Grinstead, was 3rd.
Three dishes of cooking Pearst distinct .— Four entries. Mr.
Woodward was 1st with fine Catillac, Triomphe de Joi-
doigne, and Gros Calebasse. Mr. Goldsmith was 2 -d with
Uvedale's St. Germain, Catillac, and Triomphe de Joidoigne.
Mr. R. Chamberlain, gr. to F. II. Moruan, Esq., Reading,
coaiing 3rd.
One dish of coiling Ptars biought four dithes. A. O. Smith
Esq., gr. Mr. Harris, was 1st, having gigantic Catillac,
Uvedale's St. Giimain, H. Stocks, Esq., Petersham, coming
2nd.
Three dishes of Peaches, distinct, ten lots. — Mr. Woodward
had rich-coloured fruits for the 1st prize in Pr ncees of
Wales, Sea Eagle, and Victoria; Mr. F. Harris, gr. to Lady
H. Somerslt, Eastnor Cattle, was 2nd with Gladstone, of a
rich colour ; Sea Eagle, and Lord Palmcrston ; Mr. N incey
gr. to Mrs. Druce, Merstham, was 3rd.
One dish of one variety brought three exh. bits, — Mr. Mitchell,
gr. to J. W. Fleming, Esq., chilworth, Romsty, w;is 1st with
handsome Sea Eagle: Mr. Lano, gr. to Miss RiD3E, Egbam,
being 2nd with Stilling Cattle; Sea Eagle comipg 3rd from
Mr. Goldsmith.
Tnra >l<«hes of Nectarines, distinct, was represented by ono
lot only from Mr. Harris, of Eastnor, who Lad large Tine
Apple, and Albert Vietor.
Th re ic. re five sing't dtshts of Nictarines. —Samples rather
small; Mr. Struguell, gr. to the Right Hon. W. F. Loso,
MP., Ruod Ashton, was 1st with Victoria; Mr. J. Hill
having Pineapple ; and Mr. Bradley, gr. to F. W. Marten,
E&q , Bylleet, Suirey, was ^rd with V.ctoria.
Four dishes of Dessert Plums, distinct, five lots; Mr. Folke,
gr. to E. A. Strachan, Esq . Hemel Hempstead, was lit with
Coe's Golden Drop, Cloth of Gold, Reine Claude, and Late
Transparent Gage. Mr. J. West, gr. to Lord Bkaybkookb,
Saffron Walden, was 2nd, with Violet Reine Claude Green-
gage, and Coe's Golden Drop. Mr. Strugnell was . rd.
One dish of Dessert Plains, one varuty.—Tue best was fino
Coe's Golden Drop, from Mr. We&t ; Mr. Turton coming 2nd
with the same variety; Monarch, from Mr. Lewis, Leitig
oddly placed 3rd. There wero eighteen di-hes.
Pour d ishet of Cooking Plums, distinct, five lots.— Mr. Good
acre was 1st, with tine Pond's Seedling, Goliath, Archduke,
and Monarch. Mr. C. Sim was 2nd ; and Mr. J. Day, gr.
to the Earl of Gallow iy, Garliestown, 3rd.
OnedhhoJ Cooking Plums, one variety; brought eleven dishes ;
Mr. Osborn, gr. to the Rev. H. Goldino Palmer, Reading,
being 1st.
Gage Plums, one du,h. — Tho best Reine Claude came from
Mr. MbsseN er; Mr. Herrin coming 2nd with Brady's
Greengage. Mr. Goldsmith was the only exhibitor of
four dishes of Damsons, with ordinary varieties.
DIVISION IV.
Cooking Apples.
Alfriston, of which there were seven dishes, led the way.
Mr. J. McKenzie, gr. to F. S. W. CornwAllis, Esq., Linton
Park, Maidstone, was 1st with very fine examples ; Mr. G.
Woodward, gr. to R. LEIOH, Es^., Barham Court, Maidstone,
2nd ; and Mr. W. Lewis, gr. to J. Oliversox, Esq , East
Sutton Park, Maidstone, 3rd.
Beauty of Kent was represented by nine dishes: Mr. R.
Chamberlain, gr. to T. M. Loneruan, Esq , Cressingham
Park, Reading, was 1st with finely finished fruit; Mr. G.
Woodward, 2nd ; and Mr. A. Basile gr. to the Rev. O. L.
PowEis, 3rd.
Bismarck was represented by eleven dishes : Mr. J.
McKbxzie was 1st with very fine fruit indeed, large, even,
bright; Mr. G. Woodward came 2nd, smaller, but a perf».CL
half-dozen and Mr. C. Ross was 3rd.
Bramley's Seedling was represented by four dishes, all
242
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
good, the 1st prize going to Mr. C. A. Bayford, gr. to C. Lee-
Campbell, Esq., Glewaton Court, Ross, who had clean,
bright, even fruit. Mr. S. Lyon, gr. to J. H. Salmon, Esq.,
Holly Bank, Rowton, Chester, was 2nd with large specimens,
a little uneven ; Mr. J. Hill.gr. to C. R W. Adeane, Esq,,
Babraham Hall, Cambridge, was 3rd.
Cellini Pippin..— There were thirteen dishes of this variety,
all very bright in appearance, the 1st prize was taken by Mr.
G. Goldsmith, gr. to Sir E. G. Loder, Bart., Leonardalee,
Horsham, with fine, brilliantly-finished examples ; Mr. C. A.
Bayford was 2nd, also with an excellent lot, and Mr. J.
Powell gr. to Col. Brymer, M.P., 3rd, with good fruit.
Cox's Pomona brought seventeen dishes, all finely- coloured
fruits ; Mr. J. McKenzie was 1st with extra bright coloured
specimens ; Mr. J. Powell was 2nd, and Mr. G. Goldsmith,
3rd, both showing this favourite in excellent character.
Duchess of Ohlenburgk was represented by seven dishes of
uneven character; the 1st prize was taken by Mr. James
Coulton, Dildawn Gardens, Castle Douglas, N.B., with
examples that showed the type in its best character. Mr.
T. W. Herbert, gr. to J. T. Charlesworth, Esq., Nutfield
Court, Redhill, was 2 id with rather larger but less perfect
specimens ; and Mr. G. Goldsmith 3rd.
Dumelow's Seedling brought sixteen dishes, all good, a few
exceptionally fine. Mr. J. McKenzie was 1st with superb
fruits, large, even, bright ; Mr. W. G. Pragnell, gr. to J. K. O.
Wingfield Diuby, Esq., Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, was
2nd, with very bright but leas even specimens ; and Mr. C. A.
Bayford 3rd.
Ecklinville Seedling. — Of this there were fifteen dishes. Mr.
J. McKenzie taking the 1st prize with large even fruits of a
bright clear yellow tint ; Mr. J. Spottlswood, Queen's Park,
Brighton, was 2nd, also with well finished examples ; and
Mr. G. Woodward a good 3rd.
Of Emperor Alexander there were ten dishes, large, bright,
highly finished fruit, taking the leading prizos. Mr. J.
McKenzie waa again to the fore with superb examples ; Mr.
G. Woodward was 2nd with smaller, but very bright Apples ;
and Mr. G. Goldsmith a close 3rd.
Frogmore Prolific was represented by six dishes, varying
in character, doubtless owing to difference in locality. Mr.
J. McKenzie was again 1st, with very fine fruits ; Mr. C A.
Bayford, 2nd; and Mr. W. G. Pragnell, 3rd.
Goldti Noble brought twelve dishes, some especially
bright in colour. Mr. G. Chambers, Moorcocks Farm,
Mereworth, Maidstone, was 1st. with very bright, clem
even fruits, rather more conical in shape than is usually
seen. Mr. G. Woodward, was 2nd, with bright fruit, a
little uneven in size ; and Mr. J. McKenzie, 3rd.
Golden Spire.— There were six dishes. The best coloured
and most even being from Mr. G. Woodward ; an unusually
fine lot of fruit. Mr. G. Goldsmith was 2nd; and Mr. W.
Lewis, gr. to T. Oliverbon, Esq., East Sutton Park, Maid-
stone, 3rd.
Grenadier was represented by three dishes only, so no
exhibitor went empty away. Mr. C. Herrin, gr. to Lady L.
Fortescue, Dropmore, Maidenhead, was 1st ; large, even
well-finished fruit being staged. Mr. W. Lewis was 2nd;
and Mr. J. Hill, 3rd.
Hawthornden {New).— Was represented by four dishei.
Mr. G. Woodward coming 1st with very fine examples.
Mr. A. Brooks, Latter's Farm, Mereworth, Kent, was 2nd,
also very fine ; and Mr. T. W. Herbert was 3rd.
Hormead's Pearmain brought two dishes only. Mr.
J. McKenzie was 1st with very fine fruit; and Mr. J. Hill
2nd, with much smaller example*, even and clean.
Lane's Prince Albert evidenced its growing popularity by
being represented in 11 dishes ; here Mr. C. Ross, gr. to
Capt. A. J. Carstairs, Welford Park, Newbury, was 1st
with remarkably fine large and bright fruit. Mr. C A.
Bayford was 2nd also with fine Apples, though lacking the
colour of Mr. Ross' fruit; and Mr. G. Woodward was 3rd.
Lord Det%.— Was also represented by very fine examples.
12 dishes being staged. Mr. G. Fenuell, gr. to W. M.
Cazalet, Esq., Fairlawn, Tonbridge, Kent, was 1st with
highly - finished specimens. Mr. R. Edwards, gr. to
G. N. Field, Esq., Beechy Lees, Sevenoaks, was 2nd
with smaller but clearer and better-coloured fruits ; and Mr.
C Herrin was 3rd. One fino dish was labelled by the judges
as "not Lord Derby."
Lord Grosvenor was shown in four dishes, Mr. G.
Woodward coming 1st, with large, very bright, and perfect
examples ; Mr. C. Herrin was 2nd ; and Mr. F. Harris, gr.
to Lady H. Somerset, Eaatnor Castle, Ledbury, 3rd.
Lord Sufoeld brought fifteen dishes, varying in size. Mr.
J. McKenzie was again 1st, with really superb fruits,
even, and very bright ; Mr. G. Woodward was 2nd, also with
very fine specimens ; and Mr. R. Chamberlain, gr, to F. M.
L>neroan, Esq , Cresslngham Park, Reading, 3rd.
Mtrt de Mtfnaye was in very fine character Mr. McKenzie
taking the 1st prize, with very large, even, highly-coloured
fruit; Mr. C. Ross was 2nd, with little smaller but equally
well coloured examples ; and Mr. G. Woodward 3rd. There
were seven dishes.
Northern Greening brought three dishes only. Mr. C. Ross
was 1st, with good sized, well-coloured fruit ; Mr. A. Brooks.
was 2nd ; the third prize was evidently withheld.
Newton Wonder was shown in two classes, in the first it was
necessary the exhibitors lived in Cardigan, Radnor, Shrop-
shire, Stafford, Warwick, Northampton, Bedford, Cambridge,
Essex, or counties further north. Two dishes were staged :
Mr. J. Hill, Babraham Hall, was 1st with very fine fruit; and
Mr. H. H. Hurnard, Gurney Manor, Higham, Norfolk, 2nd
with larger fruit, a few somewhat spotted. In the following
clasa for the same variety from growers living south of the
foregoing counties : Mr. R. Edwards, Beechy Lees, was 1st
with an excellent dish of even fruits ; Mr, G. Goldsmith, was
2nd, with fruit showing more colour, even, and clean ; and
Mr. J. Harris, gr. to P. Crowlly, Esq., Waddon House,
Croydon, 3rd ; there were four dishes.
Peasgood's Nonsuch was represented by some stupendous
specimens : Mr. J. McKenzie taking the 1st priz ) with very
large even, bright fruits ; Mr. W. A. McKenzie, gr. to the Lord
Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Palace, Wells, was 2nd, also
with very fine apples ; and Mr. F. G. Fowell, tho Horticul-
tural College, Swanley, 3rd ; nine dishes were staged.
Potts' Seedling was represented by eleven dishes. Mr. T.
Turton, gr. to J. Hargreavgs, Esq., Maiden Erlegh,
Reading, was 1st, with very good examples ; Mr. G. Wood-
ward, was 2nd, also with very fine fruit ; and Mr. J.
Hudson, gr. to L. de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury House,
Acton, 3rd.
Royal Jubilee brought one dish only from Mr. C. Ross,
but the fruits were a very good representation of the
variety,
Sandringham was well represented by nine dishes; Mr. J.
McKenzie adding another to his successes, taking the 1st
prize with a superb dish. Mr. G. Wythes, gr. to Earl Percy,
Syou House, Brentford, was 2nd, also with an excellent
dish ; and Mr. C. Ross, 3rd.
Spencer's Favourite, which is very like Golden Noble in
appearance, was seen in four dishes, Mr. G. Woodward
coming 1st with perfect fruit, yellow as a guinea ; Mr. W.
Jones, gr. to G. R. Broughton, Esq , Wellington Bridge,
Carshalton, was 2nd. with rather larger but not such well-
finished fruit; and Mr. W. B. Millet, gr to T. W. Startup,
Esq., West Farleigh. Maidstone, 3rd.
Stirling Castle brought ten dishes varying in size ; Mr. J.
McKenzie was 1st with a really perfect dish ; Mr. W. Strug-
well, gr. to the Rt. Hon. W. H. Long, M.P., Riod Ashton,
Trowbridge, was 2nd ; and Mr. W. King, gr. to J. Colman,
Esq., Gatton Park, Rugate, 3rd.
Stone's or Loddington Seedling brought four dishes only,
and here again Mr. J. McKenzie was 1st with finely-matured
fruit ; no 2ad or 3rd prize appears to have been awarded.
The Queen brought bright-coloured fruits, and here again
Mr. J. McKenzie took 1st prize with a dish of large, even and
bright Apples : Mr. G Woodward was a good and close 2nd ;
and Mr. C. Herrin, 3rd, his fruits be'ngbrilliantly-coloured.
Tnir.rof Glamis was represented by eight dishes; Mr. J.
McKenzie was 1st with examples which left little to be
desired, so perfect were they ; Mr. A. Brooks, Mereworth,
was 2nd, and Mr. C. A. Bayford, 3rd.
Tyler's Kernel was seen in three dishes, Mr. J. McKenzie
showing ag,iin very fine indeed, conical in shape, and perfectly
finished ; Mr. J. Hill, Babraham Hall, was 2nd ; and Mr.
A. Basile, gr. to the Rev. R. A. Powels, Woburn Park, Wey-
bridge, 3rd.
Warner's King was numerously represented, there being
twenty-four dishes, some very fine. Here again Mr. J.
McKenzie came in 1st with a splendid dish— large, bright,
even. Mr. G. Chambers, Mereworth, was 2nd with large
fruits not so freely coloured ; and Mr. G. Woodward was
3rd.
In what might be termed a consolation class for any other
viriety there were seventeen dishes Mr. J. McKenzie
coming 1st with a superb dish of Dutch Codlin finely
coloured. Mr. W. Camm, gr. to the Duchess of Cleveland,
The Abbey, Battle, Sussex, was 2nd with an admirable dish
of Lady Henuikcr ; and Mr. G. Fennell, Tonbridge, 3rd with
Castle Major. Manx's Codlin, Gloria Mundi, Councillor, Anne
Elizabeth, Hollandbury, Belle Dubois, and others were
staged.
Dessert Apples.
Adam's Pearmain was represented by seven dishes. Mr.
W. Camm, gr. to the Duchess of Cleveland, The Abbey,
Battle, was 1st, with regular, handsome specimens. Mr. G.
Gu'dsmith, gr. Sir E. G. Loder, Leonardslce, Horsham, was
2nd, also with very good fruits ; and Mr. G. Woodward, 3rd.
Of AUen's Everlasting, three dishes only were staged;
Mr. J. Powell.gr. t> Col. Brymer, M.P., was 1st, with well-
coloured fruit. Mr. W. H. Godden, gr. to The non. F. W.
Buxton, Cashiobury, Siwbridgeworth, was 2nd, with good
fruit, lacking colour ; and Mr. J. SpoTtisWood, Queen's Park,
Brighton, was 3rd.
Baumann's Red Winter Reinette produced nine dishes, all
finely coloured; Mr. J. McKenzie, gr. to F. S. W. CoRnw*llis,
Esq., Linton Park, Maidstone, was 1st with very fine speci-
mens; Mr. C Ross, gr. to Capt. A. J. Carstairs, Welford
Park, Newbury, was 2nd, having very fine fruit also ; and
Mr. H. C. Prinsep, gr. to Viscountess Portman, Buxted Park,
Uckticld, was 3rd.
Cf Blenheim Orange there were seventeen dishes, Mr, W.
H. Godden taking the 1st prize with large and bright fruits ;
Mr. G. Chambers, Moorcocks Farm, Mereworth, Kent, waa
2nd, with smaller but very handsome, bright fruit ; and Mr.
W. King, gr. to J. Colman, Esq , Gatton Park, Reigate, was
Sid.
/; row nlec' s Russet was repiesented by seven dishes, but
one of them was labelled by the judges, Old Royal Russett.
Mr. G. Woodward was 1st, having the type well represented;
Mr. H. C. Prinsep was 2nd; and Mr. A. H. Rickwood, gr.
to tho Dowager Lady Freake, Fulwell Park, Twickenham,
3rd.
Of Claygate Pearmain there were five dishes. Mr. G.
Woodward was 1st, having this variety very fine ; Mr. H. C.
Prinsep was a good 2nd ; and Mr. W. H. Godden 3rd.
Court Pendu Plat was represented by fifteen dishes, some
richly coloured. Mr. J. C. Tallack, gr. to E. Dresden, Esq.,
Livermorc Park, Bury St. Edmunds, was lit, with very fine
fruits ; Mr. C. Ross 2nd ; and Mr. R. Chamberlain, gr. toF. M.
Loneroan, Esq., Cressingham Park, Reading, 3rd.
| Cox's Orange Pippin was in force; twenty dishes being stage!,
some finely finished. Mr. W. Messenger, gr. to C. H.
Berners, Esq., Woolverstone Park, Ipswich, was 1st, with
large, even bright fruit, not so brilliantly coloured as some;
Mr. W. Kino, came 2nd with highly-finished fruit, very
bright ; and Mr. G. Woodward, was 3rd.
Egremont Russet brought two dishes only, Mr. G. Gold-
smith, Lconardslee, was 1st with very good examples; and
W. B. Miller, gr. to T. W. Startup, Esq., West Farleigh,
Maidstone, 2nd.
Fearn's Pippin was finely shown, fifteen dishes compet-
ing, Mr. J. C. Tallack was 1st with brilliant fruit, large even
very bright fruit ; Mr. J. McKenzie coming 2nd, and Mr. W.
Jones, gr. to G. R. Brougham, Esq., Wallington Bridge,
Carshalton, 3rd, and like the preceding, finely finished.
Gascoigne's Scarlet was represented by seven dishes, all
showing off this brilliant Apple to the best advantage. Mr.
J. McKenzie was 1st, with grand samples. Mr. J. Hudson,
gr. to L. de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton,
2nd, and Mr. G. Woodward 3rd, both having very fine fruits.
King of the Pippins came to the fore iu nineteen dishes.
Mr. J. C. Tallack was 1st, with fruits requiring nothing to
make them perfect examples. Mr. J. Powell wa3 2nd ; and
Mr. C. A. Bayford, gr. to C. Lee Campbell, Esq , Glewstoa
Court, Ross, 3rd.
King of Tomkin's County brought fine dishes, varying some-
what in appearance. Mr. T. Turton, gr. to J. Hargreaves,
Esq., Maiden Erlegh, Reading, was 1st with large, even, and
richly -coloured fruit ; Mr. J. C. Tallack was 2nd, a very
good dish indeed, but lacking colour ; and Mr. J. Hill, gr. to
C. W. P. Adeane, Esq., Babraham Hall, Cambridge, 3rd.
Of JfabboVs Pearmain there were but two dishes staged ;
Mr. J. McKenzie was 1st with excellent fruit ; and Mr, H, C.
Prinsep, 2nd.
Manningtons Pearmain brought eight dishes ; Mr. G
Woodward was lat with very good specimena; Mr. J.
McKenzie wa* 2nd, and Mr. T. Turton, 3rd.
Of Margil there were ten dishes, the 1st prize going to Mr.
G. Woodward, with very bright specimena ; Mr. J. McKenzie
was 2nd ; and Mr. C. A. Biyford, 3rd.
American Mother was represented by six dishes. Mr. C. A.
Bayford was 1st with conical, high-coloured fruit. Mr. J.
McKenkie was very close up as 2nd; and Mr. G. Gold-
smith, 3rd.
Ribston Pippin brought twenty-two dishes; some of tho
fruit being wonderfully fine. Mr. G. Woodward was 1st with
perfect examples ; Mr. J. McKenzie with fruit, only just in-
ferior, was 2nd ; and Mr. C. A. Bayford, 3rd.
Scarlet Nonpareil produced seven dishes, but one of them
was marked Ross Nonpareil. Mr. J. Hudson came 1st with
perfect fruits very even and fine ; Mr. C. Ro-s, with very
good fruits, was 2nd; and Mr. J. Hill, 3rd.
Of Stunner Pippin there were nine dishes, Mr. W. G.
Pragnell, gr. to J. K. D. Wingfield Digbv, Esq., Tho Castle,
Sherborne, was 1st with remarkably good fruit; Mr. II.
Chamberlain cane 2nd, and Mr. C. Ross 3rd.
Williams' favourite was represented by one dish only,
bright fruits, fr*m Mr. tJ. Powell, gr. to Colonel Brymeii,
M.P., Ilsington House, Dorchester.
Worcester P'orma in was in force, nineteen dishes of bril-
liant fruit being staged. Mr. W. Kino, Gatton Park, took
the 1 st pri/e with grand y coloured fruit ; Mr. G. Woodward
was 2ud, and Mr. W. Messencer 3rd.
Any other Variety brought twenty-four dishes : Mr. J.
McKenzie was 1st with a dish of St. Edmunds Pippin, a
very handsome golden fruit russet; Mr. G. Goldsmith came
2nd with finely coloured Gravenstein ; and Mr. G. Wooiward
was 3rd with fine Washingtons, Wealthy, Beauty of Hunts,
Allington Pippin, Parroquet, Kentish Pippin, and other
varieties were shown.
Dessert Pgaiis.
Btrgamotte Esp-ren.— There were eight dishes of this Pear.
Mr. J. Powell, Islington Hou-e, was 1st, with an even good
dish ; Mr. C. Ross was 2nd, and Mr. G. Woodward 3rd.
Beun-e1 Bosc was represented also by eight dishes. Mr. G.
Goldsmith was 1st, with very fine fruit ; and Mr. C.
Cotterell, gr. to Sir W. N. M. Geary, Bart., Oxon Oath Park,
Tonbridge, 2nd ; Mr. W. B. Osborn gr. to the Rev. H. G.
Palmer, Holme Park, Reading, was 3d.
Benrrt' d'Anjou brought one dish only, a very good one,
from Mr. G. Woodward.
Bturre" Dul was in force, fourteen dishes being staged
Mr. G. Woodward was 1st, with some large and handsome
specimens ; Mr. G. Wythes was 2nd, also with remarkably
good fruit ; and Mr. G. Goldsmith 3rd.
Benrrt? Dumont brought two dishes. Mr. G. Woodward
again was 1st, with even, handsome fruits ; and Mr. A. Basils
was 2nd, with riper Pears, but not so good in appearance.
Beurre" Hardy produced eight dishes. Mr. G. Woodward
was again to the lore with splendid examples ; Mr. H. C,
Prinsep was a remarkab y good 2nd; and Mr. W. Messen-
ger, Wolverstone Park, was 3rd.
Bturre" Superjin was represented by eleven dishes. Mr. G.
Woodward again 1st, with a very fine even, dish; Mr. G.
Goldsmith was 2nd ; and Mr. John Webb, gr. to H. Pad
wick, Esq., Manor House, Horsham, 3rd.
William's Bon Chritien brought two dishes, one over-i-ipe.
Mr. James Day, gr. to the Earl of Galloway, Galloway
House, Garlieston, N.B., was lat. with very good fruits.
Comte de Lamy brought three dishes only; Mr. T. Turton
was 1st ; Mr. T. W. Herbert, Nutfield Court, 2nd ; and Mr.
G. Goldsmith, 3rd.
Conference secured five dishes. Mr. G. Woodward was 1st
with an excellent represent it' on of the varie'y; "r. .W
October 2, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
243
Slogrove, gr. to Mrs. Crawford, Gatton Cottage, Roigate
2nd, also with good fruit ; and Mr. J. Powell, 3rd.
There were six dishes of ConseilUrde la Cour; Mr. J. C.
Tallage coming in 1st with very fine examples; Mr. A.
Basile, with good fruit was 2nd ; and Mr. 0. A. Bayford,
3rd.
Doyenne" iJu Cornice was represented by ten dishes, some very
good ; Mr. J. Powell came in first with a superb dish ; Mr.
B. Calvert, gr. to Col. Archer Houblon, Bishops Stortford,
was a good 2od; and Mr. G. Woodward, 3rd.
Duchessc de Bordeaux. — There weTO but two dishes. Mr. G.
Goldsmith was 1st; and Mr. G. Woodward, 2nd.
Durondeau was represented by eight very fine dishes.
Mr. G. Woodward was 1st. with superb examples ; Mr. W.
G. Praonell was 2nd ; and Mr. W. Cotterell, 3rd.
Easter Benm1 brought seven dishes, Mr. B. Calvert taking
the 1st prize" with handsome, even-sized fruit. Mr. G.
Woodward was 2nd ; and Mr. W. Cotterell, 3rd.
Three dishes of Emile d'llcyst were staged ; the best
came from Mr. G. Woodwarii ; Mr. W. StrL'onell, Rood
Ashton, was 2nd; and Mr. G. Goldsmith, 3rd.
Fondante d'Autnmiie was represented by four dishes. Mr.
A. Basils was 1st with a capital fruit ; Mr. T. Turton, 2nd ;
and Mr. G. Goldsmith, 3rd.
Fondante de Tliirriott. — There were three dishes of this
Pear. Mr. Wood was again 1st with a perfect dish. Mr. W.
Messenger was 2nd; and Mr. J. Nicholson, gr.to J. W. Mellf.s,
Esq., Sewardstone Lodge, Chingford, 3rd.
Clou Morceau. — This was shown in fine character, Mr. J.
Powell taking the 1st prize; Mr. J. Woodward was 2nd
with rather larger fruit, not so well finished; ant Mr. B.
Calvert 3rd.
Out of thirteen dishes of Josephine de Malines, Mr. J.
Powell was 1st with a very even, handsome sample ; Mr. T.
W. Herbert was 2nd, and Mr. B. Calvert 3rd.
Louise Bonne of Jersey was represented by ten dishes, som.
of them brilliantly coloured ; Mr. J. Coles, gr. to H. F.
Walker, Esq., Highley, Balcombe, Sussex, was 1st with
superb examples ; Mr. W. Messenger was 2nd; and Mr. G.
Goldsmith 3rd.
Mnrie Benoiat brought three dishes. Mr. G. Wuodward was
1st with very fine examples ; Mr. G. Messenoer was a very
good 2nd ; and Mr. G. Wvthes. 3rd.
Marie Louise was in good character, ten dishes being
staged. Mr. B. Osrorn took the 1st prizi with very fine
fruit; Mr. G. Woodward, only just beaten, was 2nd; and
Mr. G. Goldsmith. 3rd.
Marie Louixr d'U.-de was represented by seven dishes. Mr.
W. Cotterell taking the 1st prize with large and highly-
finished fruit : Mr. G. Woodward was 2nd ; and Mr. G-
Goldsmith, who had the largest but the greenest fruit, 3rd,
Of Marguiritc MariUat, two dishes only were staged, both
very fine, and perfectly ripe. Mr. G. Goldsmith was 1st, and
Mr. Edwards, Beechy Lees, 2mi.
There were fivo dishes of Nouvelle Fulvie. Mr. G. Wood-
ward was 1st, with very fine fruit ; Mr. G. Goldsmlth 2nd ;
and Mr. G. Wvthes 3rd.
Olivier de Serres. — The best dish of this variety came from
Mr. G. Goldsmith ; Mr. G. Woodward was 2nd, and Mr. G.
Nicholson 3rd. Four dishes were staged.
Pitmaston Duchess was represented by twelve dishes of
superb fruits. Mr. W- CoctbrelL was 1st, with grand
examples; Mr. G. Woodward 2nd; and Mr. C. Harris, gr. to
O. A. Smith, Esq., Hammerwood, E ist Grinsteal, 3rd.
Secklt was represented by three dishes only ; Mr. C. Ross
was 1st with a very line sample, Mr. T. Tcrtos 2nd, Mr. F.
Harris, Eastnor Castle, 3rd.
Two dishes only of Siuo mir du Congrii wen stijid. Mr.
G. Goldsmith was 1st with some very Hue frui', and Mr.
Geo. Fennel, Fairlanvn, Tonbridge, 2nd.
Thompson's Pear was represented by five dishes. The best
came from Mr. J. Powell ; Mr. W. Cotterell was 2nd, and
Mr. Slogrove 3rd. Mr. Powell's Pears were particularly
line.
Winter Nelis brought twelve dishes. Hero again Mr.
Woodward took the 1st prize, having superb fruit. Mr
Goldsmith was a good 2nd, and Mr. F. Harris 3rd.
Any other variety was represented by nineteen dishes, the
lr,t prize going to Mr. G. Woodward, for magnificeut
Gansel's Bergamot ; Mr. J. Spothswood, Brighton, wis L'nd.
with Doyenne Boussoch ; and Mr. G. Goldsmith 3rd, with
Rivers' Princess. Madame Treyve, Brock worth Park,
Duchess d'Angoulcme, and Beurre Bacuelier, with others,
were shown in good character.
DIVISION V.
The Veitcu Prizes for Flavour.
In the competition for flavour in Apples as many as forty-
four dishes were staged. Mr. II. 0. Prinsep, w,is 1st with
Kihston Pippin, finely -coloured fruits, firm yet ripe ; Mr. C.
Hcrrin, gr. to Lady Fortrscue, Droj>more, Maidenhead,
being 2nd with Cox's Orange Pippin, which were scarcely
ripe.
Thirty-two dishes of Pears were staged. Mr. B. Osborn,
gr. to Rev. H. Goldinc. Palmer, Holme Park, Reading, was
1st with good examples of Louise Bonne of Jersey, in first rate
condition; Mr. Cotterill, gr.to Sir Wm. Geary, Bart., Ton-
bridge, with Fondante d'Automne, the examples being of
medium size.
The Luncheon.
The customary luncheon took place on Thursday in the
Garden Hall. Sir Trevor Lawrence, President of the Royal
Horticultural Society, presided, aud among those present
were Messrs. T. B. Haywood, P. Crowley, J. T. Bennett-Poe
and R. MeLichUn members of Council); Mr. J. T. Rait,
chairman of the Crystal Palace Company, Mr. W, Gardiner,
Secretary; and Mr. H. Oilman, Manager; the Rev. W.
Wilks, Mr. Arthur W. Sutton (Reading), Mr. G. Bunyard,
Mr. Owen Thomas, and a number of representative
gardeners.
The toasts of the Queen and the other members of
the Royal Family having been enthusiastically honoured,
the Chairman proposed "Prosperity to the Crystal Palace
Company." He said the Royal Horticultural Society were
deeply indebted to the Crystal Palace Company for the help
they gave the fruit industry by supporting such shows as the
present. One thing they ought not to forget, and that was
that, while great progress had been made in every art and
science during the Queen's reign, the fruit-growing art had not
lagged behind. He wished the Crystal Palace Company
every success. Mr. J. T. Rait, Chairman of the Crystal
Palace Company, responded. He said he and the directors
were only too pleased to see the Royal Horticultural Society
again holding their show at the Palace, and hoped they
would do so for many years to come. He expressed the
hope that alterations that had been made in the arrangement
of the ecntral transept met with their approval.
Wi'h regard to the many rumours as to the alleged in-
tended sale of the Crystal Palace, he asked them to look
upon them as merely rumours, and nothing else. The com-
pany suffered considerably from the Jubilee, but it was
satisfactory to know that their flag still floated on Sydenham
Hill. It was the intention of the directors to con- tinue
to make the Palace worthy of the glorious tmditions of
the past. There certainly had been an attempt to induce
the London County Council to buy the Palace, but beyond
that, the rumours were worth nothing. He always held
that the Palace should be a nationa institution, but as
long as it remained under its present conditions, the com-
pany looked for the generous support and sympathy of the
public.
The Chairman next proposed "The Judges," and referred
to them as the finest body of experts in matters of fruit
growing in the kingdom. As to the Crystal Palace Com-
pany, he agreed with Mr. Rait that it should be a National
Institution.
Mr. Owen Thomas, The Queen's Gardener, responded.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
September 23.— Present : G. Shorlaud Ball, Esq., Ashford,
in the Chair ; also Messrs. S. Gratrix, Weathers, Greenwood,
Johnson, Captain Schofield, Jas. Anderson, W. A. Gent,
Wm. Bolton, and E. J. Sidebotbam.
From H. H. Bolton, Esq., HeiL,rhUide, Newchureh (gr.,
Mr. Eastwood), came Calanthe x Eclipse = Sanderiana x
veratritolia, an interesting but ineffective cross ; also a good
Cattleya speciosissima, a bright-lipped Cattleya aurea (Award
of Merit).
G. Shorland-Ball, Esq., Ashford, Wilmslow (gr., Mr. A.
Hay), showed the beautifully-coloured Vanda KimbalHana
(Award of Morit) ; also a very pile form of Odontog^oisum
Bictoniense (Award of Merit).
W. H. Almond, Esq , Alnmscar, near Blackburn, had a
fine fresh-looking plantof a goo 1 form of Miltoaia Morelliana,
which was voted an Award of Merit.
Wm. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange (Mr. Stevens, gr.),
sent a fine cut spike of O lontoglossum sceptrum which
seems to be in some way allied to O. luteo-purpureum.
Samuel Gratrix, Esq., West Point, Whalley Range (Mr.
D. McLeod, gr.), sent Cypripedium X Lowergrenn^n = Spi-
cerianum X Io grande, which received an Award of Merit, but
the committee doubted the correctness of the alleged paren-
tage, and the plant, when flowering next time.shiuld be again
brought before it. The sime exhibitor had Cypripedium x
Callo Rothschildianum, which was thought to resemble Lord
Derby, a variety already certificited. It differs, however, in
the arrangement of the pa als. This exhibitor had also
O. X memoria Mrensii. An Award of Morit.
Thomas Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, Manchester (Mr. R.
Johnson, gr.), had a very good cross of Cypripedium Stonei
X Rothschildianum, bearing the narrowish segments of both
parents, as well as a good ground-colour and pretty spotting.
It was not named.
John Leemann, Esq., West Bank House, Heaton-Mersey
(Mr. Edge, gr), had the beautiful Phaius Ashworthi x =
P. Maurei X P. maculata, a fine yellow flower with a tasseled-
lip — a very striking novelty. It received an Award of Merit.
Wm. Bolton, Esq., Wilderspool, hid a choice group nicely
flowered, consisting of a plant of Cattleya superba with six
flowers on a spike, and a pretty-coloured variety of C.
Eldorado splendens ; also a finely-formed and coloured C.
gigas Sanderiana (Award of Merit) ; Cittleya Schofieldiana, a
large flower, nicely spotted, received an Award of Merit
while another one with a crowd of flowers upon it receive! a
Cultural Certificate.
The Ven. Archdeacon Raw^torne, Balderstone Grange,
Blackburn showed a splendully-^rown plant and variety,
with over a dozen flowers, of thu rather scarce Miltonia
Morelliana atrorubens. The si?,e, form, and finish of this
remarkable variety impressed the committee, and they
awarded it the only First-class Certificate of the day.
John Leemann. Esq. (Mr. Edge, gr.), had a group of freely -
flowered Orchids set amongst Maidenhair Ferns, which
relieved the monotony of tbe single exhibits at the time of
the year when there is no wealth of Orchid - flowers, of
Odontoglossum crispum, grande, and other Odontoglots,
Cattleyas, and a good assortment of the inmates of the cool
and warm houses. He was awarded the Silver Medal of the
Society. A pleasing design in Orchid-flowers with a portrait
of Darwin on the obverse was shown by this exhibitor.
There has been no Gold Medal, which is a facsimile of
the Silver one, made up to the present. It is a matter of con-
gratulation to take the highest award of this Society. /. A.
BOTANIC GARDEN,
calabar.
OLD
The following is an extract from a letter received
from Mr. John Henry Holland, whose appointment
as Assistant-Curator of the Botanic Station in the
Niger Coast Protectorate was announced in the Kew
Bulletin,, 1896, p. 147.
"The gardens are well situated, on rising ground,
covering altogether about 45 acres. This includes a
large area planted with Coffee, a small proportion
with Cacao, whilst experimental grounds and nursery
occupy the remaining part. There is, I can assure
you, plenty to do.
"The quarters are good, situated conveniently in
the gardens, on a hill about 160 feet high. We have
not a very extensive view of the surrounding country,
being partly enclosed with dense bush. We can,
however, see Duke Town at the foot of the hill, and
catch a glimpse of the river, with an occasional sight
of a steamer passing by to the anchorage."
The Bulb Garden.
IXiAS
are admirable plants for pot culture for greeuhouse-
decoraliou in the spring, and the bulbs may be potted
at this season, putting eight or nine bulbj in a 6-inch
pot, using sandy loam and leaf-soil, aud placing them
in a cold pit, where they may remain till in flower.
The graceful flower-sprays of the different varieties
have a nice effect when placed amongst other plants,
or in jardinieres and vases.
Watsonia rosea
has long and handsome Howtr-spikes, and the plant
is suitable for conservatory decoration in the early
summer months, if treated somewhat similar to the
early varieties of Gladiolus. J. Baxter.
F. E. McAllister of New York.— We read
in the Florist's Exchange of the death, on Tuesday,
September 14, of Mr. F. E. McAllister, for twenty-
five years carrying on an extensive seed and importing
busiueis in New York, his specialtie) being flower,
field, and garden seeds, bulbs, implement?, and
sundries. The deceased was 53 years of age.
MR. J. H. CLEMENTS.— It is with regret that I
have to record the death of Mr. J. H. Clements, at
Brambliug House Gardens, Chesterfield, on Sept.
22, at the age of fifty-five. A Kentish man by birth
he went through the usual course of instruction in
good establishments, going from a place in Worcester-
shire, to Mr. M. Dunn, at Dalkeith Palace Gardens,
and thence to take charge of the gardens at
Whittington Hall, Chesterfield, where he made
numerous improvements while in the employ of the
late W. Fowler, Esq. At the death of Mr. Fowler,
fourteen years ajo, he went to take charge of
the gardens then being formed at the new residence
of T. 1'. Wood, Esq., Brambling House, and with an
employer liberal and enthusiastic in horticultural
matters, Mr. Clements fouud a suitable sphere for his
abilities in the forming aud planting of artistic rock-
work in a large house for Palms. Ferns, &c. , besides
houses for other plants and fruit, and a large show-
house for Chrysanthemums. A cold, taken a fortnight
ago, followed by pneumonia, was the cause of his
untimely end. Mr. Clements was well known and
respected by a wide circle of friends. W. Parks,
Whittington Ball Gardens, Chesterfield.
244
THE GABDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 2, 1897.
Enquiry.
" Be tliat questioneth much shall learn much." — Bacon.
Three Crops of Flowers from Catherine
Mermet Rose in one year in Denmark. — Can auy
of our readers inform A. J. S. if such an occurrence
is usual.
Omwbm
tor
orrcjppndcnfo
A Good Market Tomato : H. E. T. Try Young's
Ecli| se or Frogcnore Selected.
Basket Willows: J. A. For strnog work, Snlix
conformis, the shoots grow from 7 to 10 feet long,
will do well on we' soil ; a good coppice wo d,
the wood being pliable and tough. S. purpurea,
a fino quality of Willow, rods straight and loug. a
good cropper on rich land, shoots tough and
pliable, and leaves bitter, making it distasteful to
stock— excellent for fine basket work. S. Hop-
peana, a French Willow, shoots 5 to 7 feet long,
may be used peeled or brown. S. Helix (Rose
Willow), used for the best small work. Grows
best on warp land ; on strong land it is short and
scrubby.
Books: R C. C. W. You shou'd obtiin Mr. Wil-
liams' Orchid Manual, published by B. S. Williams
& Son, Paradise and Victoria Nurseries, Upper
Holloway, N.
Carnations and Pinks : X. The first have
originated from Dianthus caryophyllus, and the
second from D. plumarius. Numerous crosses
have been raised between most diverse species,
and between crosses consequently the charac-
teristics in regard to form and colour of the flowers
are not traceable. Some hybridists have regarded
the garden Pink as having descended from D. caryo-
phyllus, and not from D. plumarius. Pinks are
distinguised from Carnations by their dwarfer
habit, narrower leaves, more decidedly perennial
character, pungent balsamic fragrauce, and their
capability of being propagated by division of the
root.
Challenge Boiler : E. R. B. We are unable to give
the name of the maker. We do not find the
name you mention as a boiler maker in London,
or in the country with an office in towu. You
should advertise in our columns.
Coiidylines (Dracenas) : T.Q.H. Such root-stocks
as those sent could not be expected to bear healthy
free growing heads. Strike fresh tops, and wheu
they are free of the old cankered base*, they will
thrive satisfactorily.
Figs : W. II. H. To prevent the fruits falling
prematurely from out-of-door Fig trees, direct
your efforts to obtain a thorough ripening of the
wood each autumn. If the tree is growing too
strongly you must root prune. Never stop a shoot
unless it is uncommonly strong. Keep the
tree thinly upon the wall by removing each
season as many shoots as may be necessary.
Wheu root pruning, you had better examine to
see if any of the roots are too far from the surface
of the soil. They should be kept very near to the
surface, and covered during winter and spring at
least with a mulch of short manure. Some
growers pinch the shoot* in summer to effect
ripening ; you might try this method upon another
tree, and note the result.
Fongds on Black Currant Leaves : C. E. T. The
leaves are affected by the Uredo of Cronartium
ribicola, the aecidium stage of which affects tho
bark of Pinus strobus. The disease, as it appears
on the leaf of the Currant, is figured in the (far-
deners' Chronicle, vol. xii., 1892, p. 135, and
described at pp. 44 and 133 of the same vo'ume.
Every leaf, and all the pruning*, should be col-
lected and burned, and the ground under the
bushes skimmed and buried deeply. Afterwards
dress the trees repeatedly with the Bordeaux Mix-
ture. It is apt to infest the other members of the
Ribes family.
FcN<;oa on Grapes : C. S. Certain atmorspherlo
conditions favour the growth of moulds, and you
can only take ouch precautions against them as the
use of floweraof-uulphur in combication with
whitewash on the hot-water apparatus, keeping
sulphur in saucers of water, and using tho Bor-
deaux Mix t ire iu a mild form on the foliage twice
or thrice during the summer, also damping the
floors and walls with the sauai'. Avoid coolness
and dampness in the vineries at alt times.
Grubs : W. Lewis. The common Leather-jacket,
the larva; of the Daddy-longlegs — Tipula oleracea.
Injurious to the roots of plants when present in
great numbers in the soil. Repeated digging of
the soil, and exposing it to the birds and the
weather, will rid the land of them.
Lr^iOM candidum : S. S. D. It is quite natural for
this species to make a tuft of leaves iu the autumn.
Do not disturb them, they gain iu strength if let
alone.
Mushroom : J. C. it Co. It is the Hor.e-Mushroom,
Agaricus arvens is, and very good eating. Fl ivour
ra' her stronger than that of A campoitris. M. C. C.
Names of Fruits.
%* Applications to name fruits are so numerous at this season,
as seriously to hamper us in tl:< exercise of our editorial duties.
They entail an expenditure of time, labour, and money, of which
our readers can have little idea. We are most desirous to oblige
oar correspondent* as far as wean, but we must request that they
will observe the rule that not more than six varieties be sent
at any one time. The specimens must be good ones, just approach-
ing .-.penes, and they should be properly numbered, and care-
fully pocked. We do not undertake to send answers through V.e
post, or to return fruit*. Delay in any c<sc i* un 'voidable.
C. A. B. 1, Winter Pearmain ; 2, Gravensteiu ;
3, Rnindway's Magnum B mum ; 4, Biumann's
Red Winter Reinette ; 5, Leinoa Pippin. —
Thomas Kimble. Wore ster Pearmiin. — //. T.
1, Beurre Diel ; 2, Comte de Lamy ; 3, Duchesse
d'Angoulenae ; 4, Beurre Diel ; C, Gravenstein.
— T. P. 1, Doyenne du Cornice ; 2, Louise
Bonne tf Jersey ; 4, Napoleon. Apples : 1,
Fenrn's Pippin ; 2, Court of Wick ; 3, Cox's
Pomona ; 4, Not recognised. — W. 1, Beurre'
Clairgeau ; 2, Doyenne" Boussoch : 3, Catill ic ; 4
Not recoguised.— Jane Eyre. Small variety resem-
bles Sussex Duck's Bill ; large, Yorkshire Beaut; ;
— 0. Best. 1, Beurre Sterckinann ; 4, Easter
Beurre' ; 5, Catillac ; 9, Autumn Bergvmot ; 3,
Beurre d'Amanlis ; 8. Thompson's ; 7, Beurrd
Diel.— Huberts. 1, Duck's Bill of Sussex ; 2, Not
kuovvn ; 3, Blenheim Orange ; 4, Cellini Pippin.
The Pear was not iu perfect condition. — C. Roskill.
1, Windsor ; 2, Beurre d'Amanlis ; 3, Hawthorn-
den ; 4, Not known ; 5, Ribston Pippin ; 6, Court
of Wick. — T. B, Esher. 1, Cox's Pomcna; 2,
Lemon Pippin ; 3, Not recognised. — Subscriber.
1, Beurre Hardy ; 2, Beurre" Bachelier ; 4, Beurr6"
Bosc ; 5, Lord Grosvenor. — St. Andries. 1,3, Old
Pearmain ; 2, Lane's Prince Albert ; 5, Not known;
4, Edmund Jupp ; 6, Hawthornden. — James
Hughes. 1, 3, Not recognised ; 2, Bess Pool ; 4,
Emperor Alexander; 6, Eckliuville ; 5, Cellini. —
,/. H., varieties in sealed packages. 1, 3, Holland
bury ; 2, Gloria Mundi ; 4, Alfriston — Robert
King, per M. C. K. Your Pear is correctly named,
Beurre Bachelier — X. Y. Z. 1, Golden Pippiu ; 2,
Frogmore Prolific ; 3, Lord Derby ; 4, Nonsuch ;
6, Gloria Mundi. — C. J. Wilson. 1, Claygate Pear-
main ; 3, Knight's Monarch ; 4, Passe Colinar ;
6, L mise Bonne of Jer.-ey ; 2, Flemish Beautv and
Dumelow's Seedling; 7, Col. Vaughan — 67. -V. 1,
Emperor Alexander ; 2, Gloria Mundi ; 3, Nut
recognised ; 4, Ecklinville ; 5, Duchess ; G, Pear
Beurre Hardy. (Thauks for P.O. for Gardeners'
Orphiu Fund).— W. P. R. The Pear is the Summer
Franc Real, an abundant cropping, poor -flavoured
varietv that may be eaten off the trte, or soon after
gathering it. — W.J. B. Your specimens we are
not certain of. Names shall be given nest week. —
Frank Bailing* I. Pear pretty enough, but worth-
less. Flesh dry like a piece of wood, — A. M.
Beauty of Kout. .1/. /. K. Resembling the YVin-
sor, but bruised a good deal. — /. Russell. Red or
crimson. Carraway Russet, Damson Crittenden. —
/. A. Edgar. 1, Golden Noble ; 4, Mere de
Menage; 9, Mi-re de Menage ; 6, Lord Derby;
Ribston Pippiu ; 5, Hanwell's Souring.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be so good as to consult
the following number. — Af. Cuthhertson. 1, Gera-
nium sylvaticum ; 2, G. placental ; 3, Hypericum
tetrapterum ; 4, Astilbe chinensis. — /. H, If. Onci-
dium microchilum, a species which bears a strong
resemblance to O. splendidum in its habit of
growth. —A. T. C. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, garden-raised
variations of Adiautum ouneatum ; 3, Adiautum
decorum; 4, Aliantum cuneatum; 8, Ptoris
trcmlua, 9 ;*Pterio serrulatft ; 10, Pterio argyrsea,—
P. C, 1, Croton intorruptus ; 2, Croton Johannis;
3, Croton triloba ; 4, Crotou elegaus ; 5, Probably
small leaf of C. Weissmanni ; 6, Croton variega-
tus ; 7, Tecoma australis. — J, G. The Orchid is
Catasetuna Trulla ; the other Passi flora edulis. —
East Fairleigh. Stanhopea Wardi aurea, and
Odontoglossum bictonense. — A*. Y. Z. 1, Rhus
typhina ; 2, Cereus serpentiuus ; 3, Phyllocactus
sp., no flower; 7, Achillea ptarmici, double var. —
W. C. 1, Aralia chinensis ; 2, Acanthus mollis ;
3, Hydrangea hortensia, garden var. ; 4, Cornus
alba, var. Spxthii. — W. T. Johnson. 1, Polygonum
vacciniaefolium ; 2, Commelinv ccelest;s ; 3, Scolo-
peudrium vulgare, one of the crested forms ;
4, 5, 6, Acer palmatum, garden vars. ; 4, being var.
disseetum. — W. Thomson, 1, Atiiplex patula
2 and 3, Chenopodium rubrum.
Peat moss Litter and Azaleas. B. B. Too spongy
and absorbent of moisture, and we greitly d mbt if
tho plants c mid be maiutaiue I in health in this
material.
Six Speci :s of Conifers for Planting in the
Thames Vallky : G T. Junipsrin virgiuiana
(Red Ctdir), P.nus resmosi (lie 1 1'iu i of Cinada),
the Douglas Fir, Picea exce si (common Spruce,',
Tsuga (Abies) canadensis (Htmlock Spruce),
Picea Menziesii, Sequoia sempcrvirens (lird-ffood).
These are fast groweis, doing well in alluvial soils,
provided there is no stagnant water. Only num-
bers of, the trees plauted t 'gether in woods, or
large clumps, would have any perceptibh: frag-
rance, unless the needles are rubbed or trodden
under foot.
The Diiopping of he Second Crop of Figs. B. B.
In the absence of any information as regards tho
method of culture pursued, we can only guess t'le
cause. Perhaps the temperature was unduly low
at night, or cold water may have been applied at
the root, or you may not have made use ot bottom-
he:it. Figs iu pots, and carrying fruit, are the
better for being plunged iu a hotbed of leaves or
tan having a temperature between 65° and 70°.
ToMiTos: Dr. IV. The fruits were solid and we 1
flavoured, aud if the plants crop abundantly, the
small size of the former is no disadvantage. — T. S.
Both fruit and foliage are attacked by fungus,
though different ones. Remove aud burn the
fruits as soon as you observe any are affected,
and cut off all foliage that show any symptoms of
dis;a-e. If this does m t check its spread, remove
the whole plant as soon as attacked.
Tomatos and Artificial M \nure : II. E. T. Every
100 lb. of Tomato fruit takes from the Boil about :
nitrogen, 2 2 oz. ; phosphoric acid, 0'9 oz.; potash,
4'6 oz. The nitrogeu is equivalent to 14 oz.
nitrate of soda. The phosphoric aci 1 is equivalent
to 5 oz. of dissolved bone-black. Toe potash is
equivalent to 10 oz. of muriate of potash.
Wire Netting and Bush F«uit,s : //. Hopkins. We
do not believe that the drip will kill the bushes auy
more than would the rain. Tue drip will only occur
for a short tine after a shower. It is more likely
that by preventing the small insect-feeding biids
from approaching the bushes, the evil invited will
be far greater than that you avoid, and both bushts
and ground become infested with worms aud
insects in variety. If you put up the wire pro-
tection, the sides should be left open at such times
as the bud destroying aud fruit^eatiug birds can do
no harm to the bushes.
Communications R^c^ived.— J. II. — W. M.— J. A. E. —
M. J. K.— F. U .—J. T. R.— A Constant S ibscriber.— H. U.
—S.C. P. (i. O. I! Ai 8ms.— M. li. — K C— K. W. B.—
L 11. -H E. — la. T. K.-L 11. 1!.. othou 0 de la M.
W. C— H.N. E— Agaricus— A. P. H C.l: G.P. Allertou
-'J. W •— R. D.—J. R. B.-J. B.-J. R. L.— W. W.— T. C -
W, II. -W. Collins. -L. A. B.— J. C. il Co.— J. R.
W. T. H. J. M. J. J. L.— P. C. P.— J. J. F —Melville,
next week. — Col, B.— H. Correvon.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in th3 CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers.— The Publisher has tht satisfac-
tion, of announcing that the circulation of tha uGard
•Chronicle "hi .-, since the reduction in the "price of the <- tper,
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
Advertisers are rem'uvled that the " Chronicle " circulates <"ivn-j
Country Gentlemen", and all Classes of Gardeners
and Garden*lovbrs "' h >ntr, that it has a specially largt
FoiiaioN and Colonial Circulation', axid that it is
preetrved for rcjcrcncc in ail the principal Libraries,
{For Ma-kcts and ft'cither. set'jiago ix.)
October 9, 1897.]
THE GAB DENE EH' GHBONICLE.
245
THE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1897.
THE MANURING OF VEGE-
TABLES AND HOPS.
rPIIE members of the Permanent Nitrate
-*- Committee recently paid their annual
visit of inspection to the Market Garden Expe-
rimental Station conducted by J)r. Bernard
Dyer, under the executive stipe: vision of Mr.
P. W. E. Shrivel!, F.L.S., on the Hop-farm of
tho latter at Golden Green, near Hallow, l\>ct.
The station has now been established for four
years, under a grant made by the committee,
and tho crops under experiment include several
vaiieties of Cabbages, Brussels Sprouts, Cauli-
flowers, Broccoli, early and lato Potatos,
Spinach, summer and winter Lettuce, summer
Onions, Tripoli Onions, Leeks, Asparagus,
Beetroots, Carrots, Parsnips, Jerusalem Arti-
chokes, Globe Artichokes, Celery, Rhubarb,
Strawberries, and Hops.
The experiments were devised by Or. Oyer,
at the request of the committee, in order to
enable a satisfactory answer to be given to the
question as to how far and under what circum-
stances nitrate of soda can be best and most
profitably used as an adjunct to market
gardening and Hop-farming, and how far it
might aid in economising the dung of the farm,
or in replacing the frequently enormous
quantities of town dung purchased by market-
gardeners. Six plots are devoted to each kind
of vegetable under experiment. In every case
one plot is annually dunged with fifty loads of
London dung per a^re, without artificials ;
while a second plot receives twenty-five loads of
London dung per acre, also without artificials.
Three other plots also receive the minor
dressing (twenty-five loads per acre) of London
dung, but this in each case is supplemented by
phosphatic-manure and nitrate of soda, the
dressings of the latter varying from 1 to 4 cwt.
per acre ; one half of each plot is also treated
■with potash salts. A sixth plot receives no
dung, but is manured with phosphatic-mauure
and 4 cwt. of nitrate of soda per acre, one-half
of this plot also being manured with potash
salts. If the sub-division into potash and non-
potash plots be taken into account, we thus
have really ten experimental plots devoted
annually to each vegetable. Every plot is
annually treated similarly with regard to
manuring, but a proper rotation of cropping is
observed.
Farmyard Manore.
Dr. Dyer considers it desirable to accumulate
further experience on a subject so altogether new,
particularly as three out of the four experimental
years have been marked by prolonged drought during
a portion of the growing season, and he wishes to get
a better average of seasons before formulating
specific directions based upon the experiments.
Both be aud Mr. Shrivell, however, are emphatic in
stating that the general result of the experiments
throughout was to show that the heavy dunging
commonly practised by inarket-gardencrs is altogether
a mistake, bting far too costly in proportion to the
results obtained. They are convinced from their
i xperience that it is in every way far more profitable
to use, at most, half the quantity of dung ordinarily
used, and to supplement it by artificial fertilisers.
Indeed, in the case of the crops which have been
least inll lenced by the dry weather, the most
economical way has been found to be to dispense
with dung altogether, relying entirely upon artificials,
such as superphosphate or basic slag, and nitrate of
Boda and potash salts ia suitable combinations; aud
they repeated the opinion tbey have formeily
expressed that the only feature which renders the
use of dung economically desirable is its mechanical
action in helping the soil to hold moisture better than
where dung is not applied. This mechanical pro-
perty is of material assistance in dry weather, aud on
this account alone they consider that market
gardeners wotdd be unwise to dispense with the use
of dung, but so far as mere fertilising properties are
concerned, they repeat their opiuion expressed in
former years, that, as a mere source of plant-food,
dung is both expensive and inferior to artificial
manures. They therefore recommend that in
market-gardening tho use of dung should be greatly
reduced, and the use of artificial fertilisers largely
increased.
Nitrate of Soda.
The effect of nitrate of soda in conjunction with
phosphates his perhaps been must marked on the
various crops of tho Cabbage kind, but there are few
crops on which it has not produced remarkable and
highly remunerative results. During the past Mimmer
the use of a moderate dressing (25 loads per acre) of
dung, when supplemented by phosphatic-manure,
potash salts, and 4 cwt. of nitrate of Eoda per acre,
gave nearly 12 J tons per acre of sound, marketable
Tripoli Onions, whereas a double dressing of dung
(50 loads per acre) without artificial", produced less
than 9J tons ; 25 loads of dung per acre without
artificials produced only 8 tons peracre. While, on the
other hand, the use of the extra 25 loads of dung only
raised the yield by less than LV ton per acre, the use,
on the other hand, of irtificials in its place gave an
iucrease of more than 4 J tons of Onions per acre.
The use of a light dressing of dung in conjunction
with artificials therefore gave a better result by
3} tons per acre than was produced by heavy dunging,
while the cost of the artificials was not much more
than half that of the extra dung. Even on the plot
on which half the quantity of nitrate was used, the
yield was 1 1 tons more than was obtained by heavy
dungiug. On the plot on which chemical fertilisers
only had been used for four years in succession,
without any dung at all, the yield was, notwithstand-
ing a dry seasou, heavier than on the plot receiviug
the double dressing of dung, while the chemicals only
cost something like £Z an acre, whereas the heavy
dressing of dung cost £10.
Strawberries.
Referring to some of the other results obtained
during the current season, Dr. Dyer points out that
the best Strawberry plot gave an extraordinary yield
viz., at the rate of well over 3 tons per acre. This
produce was obtdned on the plot annually dressed
with artificials including 2 cwt. of nitrate of soda
per acre, together with pho-phatic manure (super-
pbate or basic slag) and twenty-five loads of dung
per acre. The plot dressed with twice the quantity
of dung, without artificials, gave less by nearly 1 ton
per acre, so that the artificials may be sail in this
case to have produced about 1 ton of Strawberries
per acre.
The plot on which the larger dresdng of dung was
used gave a much smaller crop than that dressed with
the smaller quantity of dung. The results of this
experiment so far seemed to show that 2 cwt. of
nitrate of soda, per acre (together with phosphatio
manure and a moderate quantity of dung) is as much
as can be advantageously given to Strawberries, the
use of a larger quantity having perhaps caused a
larger development of plant, but without producing
so large a yield of fruit. With a dressing of 2 cwt.
per acre no difference was found between the keeping-
qualities of the fruit, as compared with that grown
from mod» rate dung alone ; nor was the very large
increase obtained accompanied by any deterioration
iu flavour.
Rhubarb.
In the case of Rhubarb, the uss of chemical fer-
tilisers in conjunction with dung has, in the small or
fiue varieties of the plant, nearly doubled the crop,
as compared with that obtained by dung alone, and
even where chemical fertilisers, including 4 cwt. of
nitrate of so la were used without dung, the yield
was greater tbau that obtained by the double dre-sing
of duug without the aid of artificials. In the case of
the grosser vaiieties of Rhubarb, the proportionate
increase was not so great, but the liberal use of
chemical fertilisers raised the crop by 50 per cent,
as compared with dung alone.
Asparagus.
Tue use of nitrate of soda on Asparagus has proved
highly remunerative, particularly on those plots on
which potash salts have been used, iu addition to
phosphates. The judicious use of artificial fertiliei is,
in conjunction with dung, has doubled the weight of
produce, the advantage beiug found not only in a
very large increase iu the number of heads cut, but
also iu their size and thickness. Almost equally
interesting results have been obtained from most of
the other crops experimented upoa, and before very
long Dr. Dyer hopes to draw many practical generalisa-
tions from the experiments, not merely as to tho
utility of aitificial nitrogen and phosphates, but also
as to the effect upon the various crops, of potatdi, a
constituent with regard to which, on the same soil,
some of the crops — notably those of the Cabbage
kind — appear to be utterly indifferent, while on some
other crops the effect is extraordinarily marked.
Hops.
At this season of the year, however, the plots
which attracted most attention were the Hop plots
(then in course of beiug picked), where the plan of
manuriog is somewhat different.
An acre of Hops in one of Mr. Shrivell's Hop-
gardens has been for the last three years divided into
a number of plots, of which six have for the last
two years received no duug whatever, but merely a
mixture of artificials. In 1896, they received 8 cwt.
per acre of superphosphate aud 2 ewt. per acre of
muriate of potash, supplemented by varying quantities
of nitrate of soda ; while during the present year
they received 10 cwt. of basic slag per acre and
2 cwt. of sulphate of potash, also supplemented by
quantities of nitrate of soda varying from nothing
up to as much as half a ton peracre. A neighbouring
plot was mauured with dung only at the rate of
thirty-three loads per acre. Dr. Dyer has now fur-
nished the results of the experiments on the crop just
obtained, which are as follows : —
Plot.
Manure per Acre, 1897.
Weight of
Iviln-ary Hops
per Acre.
A.
Basic slag, 10 cwt.
Sulphate of potash, 2 cwt.
Nitrate of soda, none.
Cwt.
n
B.
Basic slag, 10 cwt.
Sulphate of potash, 2 cwt.
Nitrate of soda, 2 cwt.
84
C.
Basic slag, 10 cwt.
Sulphate of potash, 2 cwt.
Nitrate of soda, 4 cwt.
12
r>.
B isic slag 10 cwt.
Sulphate of potash, 2 cwt.
Nitrate of soda, (j cwt.
13
E.
B isic slag, 10 cwt.
hate of potash, 2 cwt.
Nitrate of soda, S cwt.
13}
F.
Basic slag, 10 cwt.
Sulphate of potash, 2 cwt.
Nitrate of soda, 10 cwt.
13
X.
S3 loads dung only.
8
246
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 9, 1897.
It will be seen that the use of nitrate of soda waa
profitable up to the extent of 8 cwt. per acre. On
Plot F. the larger dressing of 10 cwt. per acre has not
increased the yield further. It is to be noted that
this is the third year in succession in whioh thesa
plots have received similar dressings; and no doubt
many Hop-farmers will learn with some surprise that
as much as half a ton of nitrate of soda per acre can
be used on the pame ground for three years iu
succession without injuring the quality of the Hops.
Last year the general growth of Hop3 was, as
elsewhere, much more prolific, and plot A (which
received no nitrate of soda, and no nitrogenous
m inure except what survived from the dung applied
in an earlier season), yielded as much as 13.| cwt. of
Hops per acre ; and the use of nitrate of soda was
able to increase this yield only as far as ltii cwt. per
acre. This result was obtiinel by the addition of
only 2 cwt. per acre of nitrate, and any increase of
nitrate last year failed to tell further ou the weight
of the crop.
This j ear, on the contrary, w.hen the general
growth of the crop was much less free and abundant,
the increase obtained by the use of nitrate has been
progressive throughout the series. Thus the 2 cwt.
of nitrate proiuced a gaiu "f nearly 2 cwt. of Hops,
4 cwt. of nitrate a gain of 4] cwt. of Hops, 6 cwt. of
nitrate a gain of 5j of Hop*, and 8 cwt. of nitrate a
gain of 6 axt. of Hops, after deducting iu each case
the quantity produced merely by the phosphates and
potash, and by the previous dunging of the soil.
Some experiments ou the manuring of a Nut plan-
tation are also in progress.
the past summer, belongs to a genus which has been
referred to several natural orders ; Bentham and
Hooker in the Genera Planlarum place it in Rosaceje ;
there are but four species. E. pinnatifolia, also a
native of Chili, is figured in the Botanical Magazine,
t. 7067, and has also been figured iu these columns.
This latter is apparently a much hardier plant than
the subject of the present illustration (fig. 73), which
was prepared from material supplied by Messrs. Veitch
from their Coombe Wood Nursery. E. cordifolia,
however, would be likely to thrive in the southern
and western counties of Britain, &c., and is a
valuable addition to the list of ornamental
outdoor trees for such localities. In its native
habitat it attains a height of from 30 to 50 feet, and
its handsome, dark green, persistent foliage sets off
to the best advantage its showy white flowers.
Another species, E. Billardieri, from Tasmania,
flowered in Kew some years ago, and was figured in
the Botanical Magazine, t. 7200. This is by no
means hardy in the neighbourhood of London, but
would probably succeed wherever Eucalyptus glo-
bulus thrives. Like E. cordifolia, this has simple
leaves. The fourth species, like E. pinnatifolia, has
pinnate leaves ; it was discovered on the Clyde
River in New South Wales several years ago, but
has not yet been introduced to cultivation. G. iV.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
CATTLEYA SCHOFIELDIANA GIGANTEA x
= C. GRANULOSA x C. GUTTATA
LEOPOLDI (nat. hyh.).
There is a considerable number of Cattleya
Schofieldiana to be found all over the country, many
of them of the ordinary type, but the subj-ct of our
illustration (fig. 75, Supplement) with the affix
gigautea is an improvement, and one that is worth
figuring in the columns of tin Gardeners' Chronicle.
It is a natural hybrid, bearing the character of the
seed-bearing parent, C. granulosa, with the very
prominent spotting of C. guttata Leopoldi. The
form of the segments, particularly the petals, is
like the shape of the moon about the end of the
first quarter, each limb in form like a soimitar.
Measured across the petals, the flowers had a width
of 6J inches, and measured from the top of the
dorsal sepal to the end of tie lip it is 5| inches.
Length of sepal is 3.} inches, and breath lt>a iuch.
Length of petal is 3jjj inches, width 1; inch. The
whole segments are of rich ciunamon-grouud c dour
with a yellow margin. The crowds of orbicular
spots approach a cerise tint. Tin petals are
enlivened with a shade of reddish-purple, Hushing
over the cinuamin ground-colour, which contrast well
with the pale yellow edging. The leDgth oft le lip is
2Jj inches. The convolute portion is blush- white,
the blade contracts in the middle like that of Leo-
poldi, is crimson-shaded and lined, and the extremity
of the lobe is white. That part of the convex-column
seen through the orifics of the lip is yellow. The
peduncle was four 11 jwered, but the plant, when
cultivated properly, is sure to yield more flowers. It
is a vigorous grower, although that cannot bs said of
the type generally. The principal merit of the
llower consists in its aim and its vivid colouring,
excelling Cattleya Quee i Victoria (see Gardeners'
Chronicle, 1892, pp. 808, 809). which variety has no
spotting. Capt. Schofield tells me that the plaut
which II >wered in his collection, and was named after
him, got less and less every year until it disaopeared.
Samuel Gratrix, Esq., West Point, Whalley Ra'jge,
Manchester (Mr. It. MeLeod, gr.), to whom we are
indebted for this illustration, is the fortunate pos-
sessor of the plant, J. A.
Ei CKYimA cordifolia, Cavanilles.
This beautiful Chilian shrub, which we believe has
f the first time in this country during
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
YOKOHAMA.
This climate is so favourable for the cultivation of
some things, particularly Orchids, that it is proposed
to increase the collection, with the view of raising
seed and seedlings in quantity of the la'.ter. We
cin ripen seed in about half the time it takes in
England, and iu our Orchid-houses it is no uncommon
thing to see Orchid seedlings springing up of their
own accord, and without any^ attention whatever.
We shall be able, therefore, iu course of time, to
introduce Orchil seed as an article of commerce —
anyhow, we intend to try. Miyata, Skoten.
Orchids at l'Horticultjbe Intern.itiona e,
Brussel .
The blooming of the Catasetums has commenced
brilliantly ; already, at the end of September, I
noticed many fiue flowers of C. splendens and C. Bun-
gerothi, all the specimens of this beautiful genus
growing with surprising vigour. A variety of Cypri-
pedium Spicerianum, found among an importation, is
remarkable for its purplish-red standard and yellowish-
green sepals. The very rare Odontoglossum Krameri
album is also iu flower, and so are msny plants of Mil-
tonia Moreliaua, remarkable for the extra dark colour-
ing of all the divisions of the flower ; a wonderful c >1-
lection. Cattleja Varjenewskyaua is certainly very
fine ; Laelia prtcstans has twenty bloom-1, making it a
very conspicuous species ; the size and form of the
flowers, the colouring of the lip, and of the divisions
iu general, should cau-e it to be widely sought after.
Vauda amcona has a blue lip, and brownish-grey
divisions; it is a hybrid from V. irorulea and
V. Roxburgbi — it will bo figured iu Limlenia.
Vandas are now beautifully in flower. I would
al o mention Dendrobium devonianum very fioe'y
iu bloom.
I would add, while on this subject, that the
Exposition Internationale d'Orchidces, to be arranged
ou the first and last Sundays in November, will
certainly be a complete success. Ch. de B.
THE SEED TRADE.
The Foreign Grass and Clover Crops. —
Reports from the great seed-growing districts of
Darmstadt and elsewhere do not appear to point to
a general abundauce, though of some leading articles
there have been good crops ; ingeneral the expectations
entertained iu the early part of the summer have not
been realised, although the yield is almost an
average one The spring weather was most favour-
able generally to the development of the plants ; the
produce of green fodder and hay was great, but the
production of seeds has not quite fulfilled the
promise of the earlier part of the season. The two
principal Bent Grasses (Agrostis) are a very mediocre
crop, both in southern Germany and the United
States, and as little it any was left over from last
year, prices will rule high as they did then. The
quality is better than that harvested a year ago.
The turfy and waved Hair Grasses (Aira ctospitosa
and A. flexuosa) have beeu harvested iu satisfactory
and good quality. Of Meadow Foxtail Grass (Alope-
curus pratensis) there is a good crop, and the ger-
minating power is excellent, but the seeds are found to
contain what is known as the "red larvse;" and the
presence of other "impurities necessitates severe
cleaning to secure high class samples — hence prices
for these must rule high. Sweet Vernal Grass
(Anthoxanth um odoratum) has yielded a fine crop
of heavy well-matured seed, and the same can be
said of its variety Puellii.
The Tall Oat-grass (Avena elatior) also shows a
heavy yield. I ts herbage is very productive, and, it
is said, that when growing with other grasses cattle
and sheep eat it, but decline it alone, and appear to
dislike hay in which it appears in any large propor-
tion. A. flavescens, the yellow Oat-grass, has been
harvested in extremely small quantities, and prices
must be high. Cocksfoot Grass (Dactylis glomerata)
is largely grown for seed both in New Zealand and
the United States ; the former reports a medium
crop, and fine bright samples are rare, half the crop,
at least, being discoloured by rain. The crop in the
United States is better both in quantity and quality-
Created Dogstail Grass (Cynosurus) is an average
crop, the colour not so bright as could be desired,
but the germination is good.
The Fescue Grasses, and especially the Hard and
Sheep Fescues, have yielded abundant crops, though
the quality of some is not satisfactory. Seeds, light
in weight, and often greenish in colour, iu ci n-
sequerce of the great heat which prevailed during the
time the seeds were maturiog. Severe cleaning is
necessary, and as this means a considerable loss in bulk,
superfine samples will be high in price. The Narrow-
leaved Fescue has been produced in sufficient quan-
tity, and of fine quality. Owing to over production
during the last few years, the acreage of thiB grass iu
the United States was materially reduced this season ;
in consequence, prices are firmer, and a return to
normal conditions is probable. A variety of Tall
Fescue, known as arundinacea, though regarded by
growers as distinct from the tj pe, is not so accepted
by authorities. The true form of this is said to be
grown in southern Germany, and it has beeu pro-
duced in good quantity, though the seed is not,
perhaps, so heavy as last season, and to obtain h'gh-
class samples a good deal of cleaning is required.
Lolium perenne, the British perennial Darnel or
Ray Grass, is a good crop ; and so is the Italian Riy
Gra^s, L. italicum ; the latter is of excellent quality.
The United States report an excellent crop of
Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense), and prices which
were low are rising ; it is a little too early to judge
of the nature of home crops. The Meadow Grasses
(Poa), are all showing good yields, the Rough-
Stalked in particular is of excellent quality, and in
the case of this grass there was this season a reduc-
tion of acreage, owing to low prices ruling ; the
consequence is, smaller bulks and increased prices.
Clovers show varying results— some plentiful, somo
less so. Sainfoin rules high in price, and it is
expected will advance still farther. Two-cut Sainfoin
has given a fair crop this year, and prices will rule
high. Trefoil shows a heavy crop, and fino samples ;
White Clover is plentiful, but fine samples are scarce,
only medium ones having so far appeared. Reports
as to the crops of Alsike Clover, both from the
United States and Canada, are not favourable, aud
the samples received are uneven. The crop in the
Rhine country is being harvested ; the crops are not
large, but the samples are good. Trifolium incar-
natum has been harvested in large quantities, especi-
ally in France, and prices are low. The crop of
Lucerne from Provence is small, but samples are
fine and bold. A failure of crop is reported from
Italy, and the seeds are inferior in boldness and
October °, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONIGLE.
247
colour ; prices are expected to be high. As to red
Clover, it is not possible, as yet, to form an opinion,
as so much depends upon the character of the weather
up to the middle of Gv.tober. Dry weather will
produce fine seed from the Rhine country, and also
from the Palatinate, where a large acreage of plants
has been left for the production of seeds ; from u few
favoured spots have already come samples of fine
bold grains. Reports from France are favourable
in some districts, unfavourable in others ; tho
latter from the Eouth, the former from the north.
America reports there will be a good crop ; while
artificial assistance. AVhilst Chrysanthemum fanciers
take great interest in this section, so, too, do the
market-growers who furnish to the public vast quan-
tities of cut bloom ; and not one whit less interesting is
it for gardeners, who have to furnish fine lloral displays
in the autumn outdoors, and plenty of good llowers in-
doors. When I saw the collection some of the earliest
were rather over. I didnotregretthat, because I donot
care for August bloomers. Those may be correctly
classed as summer varieties, but few Chrysanthemums
are needed then. At no time of the year outdoors
are they of more value than just about Michaelmas ;
present seen, simply because nothing was known
at the time of plantiug a-< to relative heights,
tall and short are intermixed. Auother year, ot
course, that cau be remedied. Amongst whites, the
very best undoubtedly is the new Mjchett White.
16 inches in height, flowers Japanese reflexed, broad
spreading habit, distinctly beautiful. Lady Fitzwy
gram, 18 inches, is free and good, though the flowers
have too much infusion of yellow. Of course,
Madame Desgranges is there blooming freely at
■2j feet in height. Longfellow has medium-
sized, flat-petalled flowers, borne in(good clusters,
Fk;. 73.— eucrtphia cordifolia : flowers white, (see p. 2-46.)
Russia will have no seed to export this season.
Reports from Hungary, Bohemia, and Oalieia arc as
yet uncertain; but it is expected the yields wid be
abundant. Pisum.
EARLY AUTUMN CHRYSANTHE-
MUMS AT CHISWICK.
For everyone interested in these hardy and useful
plants, the extensive collection now growing on a
long broad border in the Chiswick Gardens, should
have exceeding value. These autumn bloomers are
less pot than outdoor plants, and it is one of the
admirable features of the Chiswick collection that it
is not in pots, but planted out where the'eonditious
of culture are natural, and no variety obtains any
and it was on September '24 that I saw the plants.
There were, perhaps, one-half early or September
bloomers, and generally of good, useful heights ; the
other half showed one variety of good height and of
bushy form that would not be well in bloom until the
middle of October, which is rather late, and the rest
were too tall, loose-growing, and late, and of whatever
worth Morally, quite unfitted for outdoor blooming.
None the less, all that may show good flowers
and excellent colours, would, so grown during the
summer, well repay the trouble if lifted and
blocked in boxes, or singly into large pots, and
placed under glass. Where it is desired to make
masses of these autumn varieties, either in beds or
borders, the Chiswick trial is useful in enabling the
exact heights of ea^h variety to be obtained. As at
white flushed piuk, 2 feet in height ; this is a very
nice variety. Mrs. C'ullingford is an old one, 2J feet
in height, branches freely ; the flowers are of the old
retlexed type, open white and fades off to a soft pink.
Yellows are very effective, especially Flora, old and
remarkably good ; the colour is a lovely soft golden
hue, 20 inches in height, very branching, and a first-
rate variety of the Pompon section. Golden Fleece
is early, 2 feet in height, with large Pompon flowers, in
some cases getting over ; but with later plants, very
fresh and beautiful. Mrs. Hawkins and G. Werm'g,
both 2] feet, are well known, hue the former is much
the more effective. A charming dwarf yellow-flowered
variety is Cauari, haviug a spreading habit at 15 inches
in height ; the flowers are small, but borne in exceed-
ing profusion. La Viberta also has smallish flowers
248
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 9, 1897.
borne most freely on branching plants, but
is 2J feet in height. Ivy Stark is an odd
name for a variety, 2J feet high, with flowers
of Japanese form, colour golden-buff, just open-
ing well. Samuel Barlow, 3 feet high, has flowers
of a pleasing salmon-rose, petals long and narrow ;
it is a charming variety. Very good too is
Madame Eulalie Morel, flowers having flattish petals
of a bright rosy-pink colour, height 3 feet. A great
beauty is Edith Syratt, having a Burprisingly free-
branching habit, blooming profusely, flowers of good
Bize, narrow and tasselled petals, colour bright rosy-
red ; this is one of the very best. Mrs. Selby has a
broad-branching habit, 'and blooms profusely, flowers
like those of a pink Mdlle. Marthe. White Lady,
20 inches, branching, and free, is good ; the flowers are
smallish, white-flushed pink, of good form. Mme. M.
Masse has large Japanese flowers of abright rosy colour;
Lady Selborne, 3 feet high, has floweis of good size,
colour chocolate red, but discolours with age.
Madame E. Lefort, 18 inches, has good-sized Pompon
flowers, with flat petals, having serrated edge?, is
very free, colour old gold. Strathmeath, 2 feet,
has medium-sized flowers of peach colour, makes a
good head of bloom. Toreador is very early, blooms
profusely, flowers deep golden-chocolate, but was
getting over when I saw it. A great beauty just fairly
well opening is Harvest Home, much like Tokio,
petals long, of a rich red chestnut, with golden
reverse, 2^ feet. Another good chestnut is Fred
Pele, 20 inches, very branching and free. The selec-
tion given does not exoeed two dozen, but it is of
the very best. Those who cannot visit Chiswick may
accept this list as presenting the piok of autumn-bloom-
jug Chrysanthemums. A.D.
The Rosary.
THE ROSE SEASON OF 1897.
Although we are within three months of the end
of the year, it is still possible to find good blooms,
especially among Teas and hybrids of this race of Roses.
The wood passed through last winter very satisfac-
torily, and the early spring had a promising outlook.
But we wero soon visited by frosts, excessively dry
and cold weather generally, and more than the average
number of insect pests. Weevils were most trouble-
some; so, too, was tho stem-boring saw-fly. Many
a promising shoot was completely rained by these,
and I know of more than one instance where the first
crop of bloom was a failure from their ravages.
Aphis and the green caterpillar were rather numerous
in this district (Sussex), but our worst enemy here
was the small, dark-coloured grub. It was most un-
fortunate that the lateness of the bloom caused by
the crippling of theearly growths by frost, should fin!
us compelled to alter the date— already a very early one
— of our fir3t National Rose Exhibition, but the
national rejoicings made it necessary to fix this a
week earlier still. Under these circumstances ncne
of us expected to find a really good show at Torts-
mouth, but the result was a most welcome surprise,
as although several of our largest growers, both
amateur and professional, were not even present, and
many classes could not boast of a single exhibitor, the
nett result was far beyond general expectations.
Almost immediately after this date we were
favoured with "Queen's weather," and Roses im-
proved rapidly. Sutton, Croydon, Reading, Gloucester,
and other Rose shows were even beyond their usual
degree of excellence ; while the Crystal Palace meeting
contained more blooms than at any other exhibition.
Nor have our Roses been a disappointment at any
time after the latter end of June ; and. as already
remarked, they are still much in evidence in almost all
classes or sections. Most insect pests disappeared about
the same date ; while, changeable as the season has
been, mildew was by no means so prevalent as might
well have been feared. Orange-rust, and the dark
blood-coloured sputs upon foliage that seem so inti-
mately connected with this disease, were rather more
troublesome than usual, and much of the leaf fell ;
but with better weather, copious showers, and a
warm soil, Roses soon replaced this, and wero once
more in full growth and bloom.
When making my comments upon the Rose season,
I have generally alluded briefly to those individual
blooms which secured the Sil/er Medals of the
National Rose Society at that Society's exhibitions.
It is interesting to note that both old and new
varieties were equally represented during the past
season. We have Niphetos winning at Norwich (one of
the most magnificent flowers ever staged), a Rose sent
out so Ion;,' ago as 1814 ; while a Rose only sent out
last year was successful twice. I allude to Muriel
Grahams, one of the several good sports from another
old Rose (Catherine Mermet, 1869), that frequently
comes well to the fore. Mrs. John Laing, a Rose
introduced in 1887, was also successful twice, the others
being Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Comtesse de Nadaillac,
Madame de Wattoville, Madame Cusin, Horace
Veruet, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, aud Earl of
Dufferin.
Among new Roses, Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons were
again the successful competitors for the Gold
Medal, winning it this year with H.P. Ulster, a very
large and full bloom, but which has been described
many times this season. The most remarkable Rose
of the year is Empress Alexandra of Russia, a Tea
that possesses good habit, and is free blooming. I
have seen it grand from under glass, anl to-day
(Oct. 2) I cut three good blooms from a dwarf in
the open. It was only distributed this summer,
and from such a tiny specimen as the one I received,
I have cut nine or ten blooms. It strikes one at
once as being thoroughly new and distinct.
I did not purpose mentioning many varieties, but
severalof the newer Hybrid Teas have been so good and
constant in blooming, that they really deserve naming.
These are Antoine Rivoire, Marjorie, Mrs. W. J. Grant,
Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, and Mrs. W. C. Whitney.
Tom Wood and Laurence Allen have been the best
H.P.'s of last season's introduction ; while Mrs. Pier-
point Morgan, Sylph, and Muriel Grahame from the
Teas have also been very good and consistent, espe-
cially the two last named. The rains came just in
time to secure a prolonged and successful season for
budding, and all classes of stocks have a very pro-
mising look. The hedge-Briar could not look better,
and, generally speaking, the buds have taken
well. A. P.
France.
M. LEMOINE'S NURSERY AT NANCY.
The guide-books tell us, with more or less accu-
racy, this, that, aud the other thiug about Nancy ;
but not one of them, so far as we have seen, says one
word respecting the circumstance which renders this
town specially attractive to the horticulturist. In
our turn we shall be just as eclectic. We shall pass
over, without mention, all the other attractions of
the Lorraine capital, aud ask the reader to accom-
pany us at once to the nursery of M. Lemoine.
M. Lemoine is a Veitchian medallist, having grandly
earned that distinction by the number and importance
of his experiments and introductions. We shall not
detain the reader very long here, but those who
follow our footsteps and visit the nursery should be
prepared for a long stay, as the number, variety,
and interest of the plants to be seen demand a
lengthened visit. Perhaps it is as well to say
at once that the main interest coosists in the
wholesale way in which hybridisation,
breeding, and selection have been carried out.
Consequently, whilst the horticulturist pure and
simple will be charmed with the diversity and
quality of the stock, the physiologist and the evolu-
tionist will find such a mass of detail suitable for
their purpose, that should the University found a
chair for the purpose of studying and diffusing infor-
mation concerning variation, aud the causes in-
fluencing it, here is the experimental ground ready
to baud. Such is the variety of objects, and bo
numerous the experiments, that we know not where
to begin ; whilst, as for the finish, that must be
determined more by consideration for the reader's
patience than by the subject itself.
Let us begin with the Begonias. Everyone kuows
how lar^e a share M. Lemoine has had in the deve-
lopment of the tuberous Begonias. There are large
quantities here mostly going out of bloom at the
time of our visit (September 24) ; but our attention
is drawn to a whole race of sweet-scented varieties.
The delicate perfume, which is like that of Lemons,
is evanescent, but wh ile it lasts it is unmistakable,
and not confined to flowers of one colour, but, as we
have said to numerous forms, all as we were told
derivations from B. Baumanni. Next them is a
group of crested Begonias, presenting the same out-
growth or fringe as occurs on the plants of one variety of
Cyclamen. Indeod, it is hard to say what variation
may not be expected from the Begonia. Nor is the per-
mutation confined to the tuberous section, for here
are very free-flowering semi- double varieties, crosses
from Begonia semperilorens, and others from B. Mar-
tiana and its variety grandiflora.
Pelargoniums form another of M. Lemoine's
specialties, and one of his objects at the present
time is the production of Picotee varieties (picotte'es),
the ground colour of the petals being sprinkled with
minute dots of a darker colour. Whether this is an
improvement or no must be left to individual taste
to determine, enough for us to note that M. Lemoine
having willed their production, here they are.
Heliotropes are grown as annuals, the seeds being
sown in May. As we saw them, the flower-heads
were densely compact, of different colours, powerful
fragrauce, and diverse habit. These originated from
a cross between H. incanum and a form of H.
peruviauum.
Hybrid Fuchsias abound, appealing to the taste of
the specialists ; time and space will only allow us to
note crosses in which F. myrtifolia has taken a chief
part, and others the result of a cross between F. tri-
phylla and F. splendens.
Another remarkable hybrid has been raised between
Russellia juncea and R. sarmentosa. The plants are
out baok, so as to secure an abundant formation of
new shoots, every one of which flowers at the tips.
Numerous forms of Abutilon call for notice ; but
perhaps even more striking are the endless series of
varieties of Montbretia. Often does it happen to us
to be called on to name a Montbretia for a cor-
respondent. Books are referred to, specimens
confronted, plates scrutinised, but as often as not
no definite answer can be given. The reason becomes
apparent in this nursery. The area devoted to their
oulture is very considerable, and the number of forms
apparently illimitable. There are double forms,
single forms, spotted forms, forms without spots,
forms of a pale primrose colour, others deep orange-
red, with every intermediate tint. Some have funnel-
shaped flowers, other have flat, star-shaped blooms ;
and another set has the perianth-segments reflexed,
as iu the Martagon Lily. We no longer wonder why
we find it difficult to name a Montbretia. Some of
the varieties are subject to the attacks of a fungus,
probably a Peronospora ; but the dipping the bulbs
in the Bouillie Borddaise is found sufficient to keep
the disease in check, whilst diseased plants are
destroyed, and none allowed to leave the premises.
Scarlet Salvias add their share to the brilliancy of
the garden. There are many varieties, but one
called Precoce de Chretien is found to be the best for
bedding purposes, being fifteen days earlier than the
other varieties.
Of Anemone japonica the forms are numerous.
A. elegans is still perhaps the best of the pink
varieties, though one called rosea superba has larger
flowers. Of white varieties, Lord Ardilaun is the
best. Coupe d'Argent and Couronne virginal are
dwarfer forms, with double flowers. Whirlwind,
with usually more or less deformed flowers, is less
attractive than some others. To see these plants to
advantage they require space, and to be placed, as
here, side by side, when their comparative merits
may be adjudged. It is a curiou3 thing that, whilst
some of the older varieties do not mature their seeds,
October 9, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
249
the newer ones do so freely. This is a fact of which
the student of evolution will do well to take note.
Of Gladiolus we are almost afraid to speak, so great
is their number, so truly superb their appearance,
even towards the end of September, when most of
them have passed their best. If we were to say what
we thought, or evtn transcribe what was hurriedly
jotted in our note-book, we should lay oureelves open
sort is, however, dispelled here. The two have beeu
crossed and re crossed till the distinctions are extin-
guished. M. Lemoine himself told us so, but he gave
us a hint which may be useful to others — the ten-
dency in the flowers of G. Lemoineanus is to have
the lower perianth segments blotched, whilst the
corresponding parts in the Nauceianus breeds are
sprinkled with small dots of colour. The hardihood
plants and hardy trees and skiubs absorb at least as
much of his attention. The best and most curious
are selected, and wherever possible tbey are crossed
and hybridised. A flowering-plant is not long in
M. Lemoine's possession before its capabilities iu this
way are put to the test. Of some of these trees and
flowering shrubs we must speak on another occasion.
{To be Cnntlltlh''!,)
Fig. 74. — hibiscus stASiHOT: flowers si-lputr ytLLOw, deep purple eye.
to the imputation of exaggeration. Moreover, to do
justice to these superb plants, the writer should be a
specialist. Let us simply say, the appearance of the
quarters, even at the end of September, was one of
indescribable magnificence. But oh ! these raisers ;
how they do confuse us ! Once we thought we knew
the difference between the races known as Nanceianus
and Lemoineanus. Any complacent feeling of that
is not impaired with all the change that has occurred.
Other hybrids from G. papilio and G. dracocephalus
were shown us, but to specify is impossible. For the
same reason we must pass with the mere mention
the brilliant Phloxes and the extraordinary Pentste-
mons, the biggest and finest we have seen.
It must not be supposed that florists' flowers form
the only objects of M. Lernoiue's care, greenhouse
HIBISCUS MAN1HOT.
Either this is a very variable plant, or severa'
species are confused with it. The pUnt shown by
Mr. Fulford, gardener, Moor Hall, Cookham, at th^
Drill Hall (see fig. 74) on September 7, 1897, and
Certificated by the Royal Horticultural Society,
differed widely from the plant grown in the Tern
250
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 9, 1897.
perate-house at Kew under this name. Nor is the
Kew plant annual, the example uuder notice being
about ten years old. It is cut down early in spring,
aDd by the autumn it makes »hoots 6 feet or so high,
as thick as a man's finger, and it develops terminal
and axillary racemes of fiowers in September, being
finely in flower now. The largest leaves have petioles
18 inches long, a pedately lobed blade 18 inches
across, the lobes irregularly notched or toothed. Both
petiole and blade are [thinly] clothed with soft, very
fine hairs. In habit aad leaves the plant resembles
a vigorous Castor-oil plant, save that it is of an
uniformly dark green colour. The flowers are fully
6 inches across, their colour being clear sulphur-
yellow, with a maroon eye-like blotch at the base.
The peduncle is 2^ inches long ; the calyx-lobes, of
which there are four, are over an inch long, by three-
quarters of an inch broad at the base. The flowers last
only a day or so, but they are borne in large num-
bers and in quick succession. For a large greenhouse
this plant is worth attention. It is ornamental even
when not in flower. It thrives better when planted
in a border than when grown in a pot. TV. W.
[We believe that this is a very variable plant, and it
is possible that some might consider more than one
species included under the same name. That is not
our view, nor has the inspection of the plant growing
in the temperate-house shaken our conclusion. The
species seems distributed throughout the tropics o£
the Old World, but whence it originated is not
clear. It is said to have beon introduced from
China, but the specie3 is not enumerated in Forbes' and
Hemsley's Enumeration of Chinese Plants. In the
monograph of Malvaceae, contributed to the Flora of
British India by the present writer, it is not recog-
nised as a wild Indian plant (see vol. i. 1875, p. 311).
It is not mentioned in Roxburg's Flora Indica,
nor in the Flora of Tropical Africa, nor in Mr.
Baker's Flora of Mauritius, nor in Grisebach'a Flora
of the West Indies. On the contrary, it is included
as a native plant in Franchet and Savatier's Enum.
Plant. Japon. (1875), i., p. 64, and in the flora
of Queensland (Bentham Flora Aust., i., 209).
Linnaeus, of course, could not have known of
this locality. Probably a search through some
of the pre - Linnsean books might afford some
information, and also give the explanation of the name
Mauihot, also applied to an Euphorbiaceous genus.
Evidently there are some interesting historical details
to be unearthed when time and opportunity permit.
In the meantime, we can all admire the lovelinessof the
flower, and, although it is of no use for cutting, few
things confer greater beauty on the warm green-
house. We hope Mr. Watson will contrive to fertilise
the flower, and secure perfect seed for botanical, as
well as for cultural, purposes. It has been cultivated
in this country, according to the Botanical Magazine,
since 1712, at which period it was sent to the Royal
Society as one of the fifty specimens then required
to be delivered annually to that Society by the
Society of Apothecaries. Ed.]
FRUIT CEOPS OF GREECE.
It is needless to say that all our readers are in one
way or another interested in the commercial success
of the Hellene?, and as fruit forms a large item in
products and exports, some facts in relation to this
subject mu3t prove interesting, especially when we
stite that the accompanying information may be con-
sidered to be official.
Th; fruit crop of 1897 has just been successfully
g I'hered and stored. The principal fruit, as is well
known, is Currants, and a small quantity of Sultanas
an 1 b'l^s is also pro;ured ; but referring to Currants,
the crop of this season is estimated at 130,000 tons,
a^riinst 145,000 last year, and 170,000 tons in 1895 ;
the crop of 1891 being about the same in weight. Be-
tween the two latter amounts and the previous two,
and principally to the first, there is a great difference,
an 1 this is due to a variety of reasons ; firstly, to
adverse weather during the maturing seasons ;
seemdly, to inferior cultivation, which the growers
ware obliged to give since 1S93, when, owing to large
crop', the prices fell to starvation point. The Vines,
weakened by over-cropping, soon felt the effects of
bad weather, which brought on the disease caused by
Peronospora. The third cause, was that, owing to the
non remunerative prices, now plantations have been
stopped, and the ruined trees have not been renewed.
The Currant crop previous to 1S90 did not exceed
120,000 tons, but the unexpected and continally
increasing demand, which had begun a few years
previously in the French market, induced the
owners of land to plant Currants as fast as they
could. This appears to have been a great misfortune
for Greece, for since 1890 the commercial community
had to deal with crops varying from 155,000 to
175,000 tons ; meanwhile the French market, which
took 80,000 tons, for several reasons rapidly reduced
their demands, and nowadays it seldom requires
more than 5,000 to 10,000 tons. It was indeed a
troublesome time for Greece, and one of the principal
causes of her financial failure. Previous to 1891, the
income of the country for crops of 120,000 tons
was worth about £2,500,000, and, in an indirect way,
perhaps another £500,000 from the lands which were
afterwards used, to bring the crops to 170,000 tons
the price of which fell so low that the value reached
only £1,000,000 during the years 1892 to 1896.
Since the last-named year, the position has com-
menced to improve ; the cropB are becoming smaller ;
and further, the Government, yielding to the wishes
of the growers, has passed a law by which 15 per
cent, from the quantities intended for export is
retained in the country aud stored in Government
warehouses — being gradually sold tj distillers in the
couutry at prices so low as to cover only expenses.
How the Vine disease was coped with need not
here be referred to, and we can only add the hope
that soon the revenue may be notably increased — it
will be needed. E. C.
The Week's Work.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Growar, B irford, Dorking.
CypripcdUms.—'Xha earlier-flowering varieties of
the warm-growing Cypripediums have made consider-
able growths, and such plants as C. Lawrenceanum,
C. Stonei, C. Lowii, C. Curtisii, C. Swanianumx, C.
barbatum, C. cillosum. C. ciliolare, C. Druryi, C.
Mastersianum, C. Rothschildianum, C. superciliare x,
C. Domiuianum, ke , that are iu a pot-bound condi-
tion, should ba repotted. When cultivated in a
suitable temperature, these Cypripediums thrive
luxuriantly, but many of the strong-growing varieties
are greatly injured if kept in the same pots too long.
Owing to the large quantity of water they require,
the compost quickly becomes sour. When repotting
well-rooted plants, put them in pots at least two
sizes larger than those they now occupy. The pots
must be well drained, and the compost may
consist of rough fibrous peat and clean picked
sphagnum in equal parts, adding some broken piecs
of brick or tufa rock. There is no need to elevate the
plants above the rim of the pots. The best position
for the plants is one on the Bhady side of the East
Indiau-house, where plenty of light but no direct
sunshine may reach them. Give them abundance
of water at the root throughout the year. Such
varieties as C. " T. B. Haywood " X , C. euryale x ,
C. radiosum X , C. orphanum x , C. Pollettianum x ,
C. cnno-superbions x , C. cenanthum x , and its
variety superbiens x , C. Maynardi x , C. picturatum
x , C. Harrisianum superbum x , C. Ashburtonice
ex'pansum x , C. Io grande x , C. purpuratum, and
others that are now in bloom should be repotted, or
re-surfaced, with fresh material soon after the
flowers fade. The dwarf - growing Cypripediums,
as C. niveum, C. concolor, C. bellatulum,
C. Godefroyae, and its distinct variety leucochilum,
cause many growers much trouble. Newly-imported
plants will thrive well for a time, but afterwards
they gradually deteriorate. The cause of failure is fre-
quently that of growing them in too high a tempera-
ture, at the same time giving them too much water
at the root. At this season, if the plants be kept in
the East Indiau-house, the growths frequently turn
black and decay ; and I find it better to remove them
to the Cattleya-house, to a position where the foliage
is within a foot or so of the roof, aud where they will
be but thinly shaded. During autumn aud winter
do not water the plants immediately the compost
b. comes dry, but allow them to remain dry at the
root for several days, even if the atmosphere sur-
rounding them be arid ; and if the house is naturally
moist, a week or more without water will do no
harm. Always avoid water lodging iu the ceutrc of
the growths, or in the axils of the leaves. All
hybrids from the above species are also liable to
injury if watered indiscriminately during the same
period.
The Cool-house. — Odontoglossums Rossii, O. asper-
sum, O. Humeanum, O. Galleotianum, and O. Cer-
vantesii, are now growing freely, and must be supplied
with abundant water at the root until growth is com-
pleted. The same remarks apply to the Sophronites
grandiflora, but this species should be placed at the
warmest part of the house, and instead of suspending
it from the roof as is usually done, let the plants
be put upon a side stage where air is freely admitted,
but where there is no draught. Arrange the plants
upon inverted pots to bring them a trifle above the
foliage of the Odontoglossums. Give them pleu'y <•;'
root-moisture, but do not keep them in a saturated
condition. Repot Sophronites grandiflora and tho
above-mentioned Odontoglossums immediately afte.'
the flowers fade.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Waed, Rayleigh, Essex.
Coc's Golden Drop Plum.— Fruits of this excellent
late dessert Plum still hanging upon wall-trees
will ripen better if they be picked and Bpread out oir)
fruit deep in a shallow tray, aud then p'aced on a
shelf near the glass in a late Me'on hou«e or vinery,
putting a sheet of white tissue-pape ■ over the fruits
to prevent them being disfigured by the action of the
sun. The fruits when thus covered assume a richer
golden colour, and the flavour is improved by
the warmer temperature of the house. Fruits of the
variety Reine Claude de Bavay taken from tree; on
north-west walls should be treated similarly.
Artificial Ripening of Pears. — It is many yeais
since I pointed out in the Gardeners' Chronicle the
advantage of artificially ripening some varieties of
Pears, in order to maintain a good succession of
dessert fruits. The method of procedure which I
practised, and recommended, is as follows : gather the
Pears when dry, place a little fine wood-wool or cotton-
wool in the bottom of a Peach-box, covering this with
a sheet of tissue-paper, aud on this place the Pears
closely together, one deep, covering with another
sheet of tissue, and a coating of wool sufficiently
thick to exclude light and air from the fruit when
the lid of the box is tied down. Afterwards, place
the box or boxes on tho hot-water pipes in a forcing-
house, in a melon-house, or a vinery, iu which the
fruit is approaching maturity, according to tho stage
of growth at which the Pears have arrived and the
urgency of the demand. In this way I have had
good supplies of Marie Louise Pear, fine iu quality
and colour, ripe for weeks before the fruits of the same
variety from the fruit-room shelves were fit for use,
thereby extending the supply of this delicious Pear
for several weeks. Knowing by a sorry experience
how difficult it is sometimes to maintain a good and
regular supply of dessert Pears, I consider the present
an opportune time to call attention to the matter, in
the hope that the hints thus given may prove useful.
Two or three days will sometimes be long enough
to ripen Pears treated as recommended above.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Matcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Freesias. — The earliest growth of these bulbs
will require supporting by thin sticks and neat
ties of bast or raffia, losing no time in getting this
work done before they get prostrate. Those plants
which are to flower at the eud of December should
now be afforded a warmth of 65° by day, and G0° by
night, placing them in the sunniest position possible,
and plying the syringe freely amongst them twice daily.
Clcrodendron Balfourianum. —Any potted specimens
of this handsome species of Clerodeudron may be
placed iu a part of the intermediate-house exposed
fully to the sun, in order that the wood miy be
thoroughly matured, turning the plants round once a
week.
Palms. — The Palm-house or other structure should
now be set in order for the winter, washing the roof
and side-glass, and the stages, if any. Afterwards, let
the plants be re-arranged, after cleaning each with a
sponge and some kind of insecticide. When every
plant' is cleaned and put into its place, apply the
XL All Vapour twice a week, in order to kill the
stray thrips which may have escaped the cleaning; the
advantage to be gained by freeing Palms from insects
at this season is that the latter are more readily kept
OOTOBES P, 1807.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
251
from iocreasiug in dangerous numbers during the
winter when fire heat certainly tends to further their
prop igation. Palms should not be often disturbed at
the root, but if any should reqirre new draiunge, or
new pots or tub-*, there is no barm in attending to
their requirement* at this seison, provided no more
disturbance of the roots takes place thau cm be
avoided. After such operations as re-tubbing, &c. ,
apply the syringe t.vice a day, and do not be very
lavish in admitting outside air. Soot and sheep's
mauure form a good kind of manure for such of them
as have not been disturbed, or which have only
received a top-dressing, and may be applied as
a clear liquid if mixed with water and decanted
after a few hours. Small plants of Coc.is Wed-
delliana and Geonoma gracilis should be grown in
some quantity, thee being very useful subjects for
standing in small vases on the dinner-table. They
may be placed at the warmer end of the house, and
in order to keep the leavis fresh-looking, the pots
may be plunged in cocoanut fibre refuse.
SelagineVas.—Yieces of S. deotieulata and S. densa
may be dibbled sparingly over the surface of the
Palm-tubs and pots, and given encouragement to
form a carpeting which is not accompanied, so far as
1 have noticed, by any evil results. Some growers
use Pilea muscosa for the same purpose ; it is, how-
ever, rather coarse-looking, and robs the soil too
much.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles IIkrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Evergreen Trees and Shrubs. —The planting and
transplanting of a variety of trees and shrubs may
now be taken in hand, and where planting on an
extensive scale is being carried out, it should be com-
menced at the earliest possible moment. After the
rains of the past month, this kind of work may be
carried out with the certainty that with ordinary care
fie plants will succeed, and make a certain amount
uf growth next season. The success that has attended
the planting of Conifers at Dropinore, is duo largely
to the early plauting which has been practised here
lor many years. Some of the finest trees now
standing were planted in the month of September.
In transplanting Conifers and other trees larger than
the usual size sent out by the trade, a good ball of
earth, undisturbed if possible, should be taken with
th^ roots ; and any roots extending farther thau the
sides of which should be kept intact, and wrapped in
wet straw till planted. The mass of soil should be
kept together by means of small tub staves roped
round ; or in the case of balls of only 2 to 3 feet
diameter, wrapped tightly round with mats or sacking.
The actual transferenca from one spot to another
may take place on a strong hand-barrow, a mason's
truik, or a 3-feet square sheet of iron, fitted with
rings, to which men or a horse can be attached. This
last is a very handy method, the sheet being readily
slipped under a ball after it is bound up. These
ansA-er for ordinary planting; and for the trans-
plantation of largo specimens, sp .'daily-constructed
machines have to be used.
Pinks. — Pipings struck iu frames will be ready for
planting out, and the earlier that this is done the better
established will the plants become before the winter.
If planted in beds, the ground should be dressed
with rotten manure and aspriukling of toot, and then
deeply dug. Having chosen a time when the surface
is dry, level the ground and make it firm in readiness
for the plants. Pinks look nice in the herbaceous
borders, and the positions for them should be
similarly prepared. Where the edging to such bed is
of stone or other hard materials, they may be planted
a few inches from it, and be allowed to grow over,
and partially cover it. Mrs. Sinkins and the Did
white Pink are useful varieties for this pi rpose.
Iu beds or groups of half -a dozen plants, 9 inches
apart is fir enough for plant' ng Piuks.
fhi/salis Alkekengi {Winter Cherry) and the newer
and stronger-growing P. Franeheti, are effective
subjects in the borders at the present time. If the
growths are cut whilst in good condition and dried,
similar to llelichrysums, they form useful decorative
material.
Marguerite ■ Carnations which were raised from
seeds sown in the spring aud grown in the open
during the interval, should now be full of expanded
flowers and flower-buds, which, if it te thought
desirable, may be lifted with good balls, and after
careful potting, stood iu a cold frame and kept rather
close for a week or two, finding them from bright
sunshine till parially re-e3tabl shed. Before the
wintir let th'tn he place 1 in nn 'ntermediate-'jouse.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harms, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Figs. — Indoor- Figs will mostly be over for the
sea=on, and that being so, the Fig hou-es may be
thrown wide open whenever the weather is not
frosty. Tne fuliage is very su-ceptible to frost,
and falls off piematurely if exposed to it in October,
which is not good for next var's crop of fruit.
Weak shoots may be cut cut, and the points of the
s'loots that do not touch the roof-glass may be let
alone, it being a good pr.ictico to ltt the points
turn up to the light. The Fig requires water at the
root at this season, but not to have the soil saturated,
as the Peach does. If a Fig-tree be growing strongly
in the early-house, if the leaves are falling, it may lie
root-pruned, and even lifted, and have all the soil
shaken from the roots ; and after removing the
bally-broken ones, and the toes of all the others,
plant forthwith in mellow loam broken moderately
fine, lime-rubble and sandstone. Manure is scarcely
needed if the loam be of good quality, and contains
plenty of fibre, excepting in the form of liquid or
top-dressings when a tree is carrying a heavy crop of
fruit. After re-planting, afford the soil a moderate
application of water, and sprinkle the tree overhead
for a few days, that is, till the roots enter the fresh
soil. The plants in the late Fig- houses should now
be denuded of all visible fruits, excopting those- that
are ripeuiug. At Eastnor, small Figs of good flavour
are being gatherc 1 from trees in the second or inter-
mediate Fig-house ; but gatherings must soon cease,
or the trees will be unduly exhausted.
Strawberries. — The potted plants should have all
runners pinched off, and the crowns reduced to one
or two. Arrangements must now be made for putting
the plants in frames aud pits, where they may be pro-
tected from rain and frost. Failing frames and pits,
shutters formed of tarred roufing-felt is a cheap and
handy substitute, and if given a coating of gas-tar
they will last fur several years. Refore putting the
plants into winter quarters, afford them a thorough
application of soot and lime-water which 1 as been
allowed to get clear, which will have the effect of
driving the earth-worms present in the soil to the sur-
face. Strawberry plants should be fully exposed when
there is no hard frost, snow, or he ivy rainfall, and
the pots plunged to the rims in a bed of coal- ashes
or leaves, so as to prevent I033 of pots by frost.
Tomatos. — Remove the leaves from all plants that
will soon be rooted up, iu order to allow the sun to
reach the fruits, likewise removing all side shoots
from plants that aro to fruit in the winter.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Asparagus. Seakale, <Cr. — If Asp.iragus, Seakalc,
Rhubarb, &c , have to be furnished at an early date,
special preparations should be, made whilst there is
time, so as to render the plants more eligible for being
forced, when in the ordinary course of things they
should be quiesc.mt. As regards Asparagus, which
will have to be forced in pits and dung bed frames, it
is of importance to apply speiial treatment to the
rarliest batches. For example, the plants should
not have been robbed of any of their shoots during the
current year, which will have ha:l the effect of bringing
on early maturity, and making a difference of several
weeks as compared with plants which have been fur-
nishing heads for the kitcheu. (liven strong clumps
thus prepare 1, a failure is well nigh impossible. To
force Aspara:U', a half spent Melon or Cucumber-bed
fulfils all lepiiivment'', if a small quantity of fresh
tree leaves be added tj stimula'e the warmth still
reman ng in t ie old materia's of the hotbed, care
being takeu no", to add sr much fresh material as to
cause very strong fermentation. As will be under-
stood, more he it is needed I ef ore the new year than
1 fterwards. If hot-water pipes are not available,
rec> urse must be. had to linings of tree-leaves, with
Bomi amount of stable litt jr, so as to ensure a stead}-,
g-11 al warmth for a month or six weeks. It will he
sc.reely n-cessary to give m'nute directions as to the
placing of the roots on the bed, although it may bo
well to state that the roots should be placed on a
layer of a light kind of soil or half-rotten leaves, so as
to separate them from the hotbed, and a sprinkling of
fine soil tucked in round about and over the crowns,
a heavy application of tep'd water being finally given
to settle the whole. The bed should then be finished
oft' with fine light mould, laid 3 inches thick over the
crowns.
Seakale. —In order to obtain the earliest produce,
Ssikale-roots should be tiken up and planted rather
thickly in pots or boxes, and p'a ed on bottom-heat
iu a warm, darkened shed or Mushroom house. The
roots should be divested of the remaining leaves, :.nd
left on the ground exposed to the sun tor a week or
ten dajs before being potted and placed in heat.
This sort of treatmeut, aud especially if slight f, osts
intervene, ensures a better start thau would have
been the case if transferred direct from the gr. un I
to the forcing-house. The ne* variety of Seakal 1
Lily White is superior to the old Purple for early-
forcing— at least, this is what I find it is here;
though, being less hardy, a slight covering 1 f litter
should be laid ou the crowns as soon as sharp frosts
occur.
Rhubarb. — The Apple crop being a poor one this
year, forced Rhubarb will be more than ever in
demand in the kitchen, and preparations shoul t at
once be made accordingly, i'he leaves should bo
allowed to dio down completely in a natural way
before disturbing the roots, and tUe crowns bhouldb*
cleared ot everything that has collected about them,
thus exposing them to the sun. A warmth of not less
than 60° will be required to stait Rhubirb-roots into
growth in late autumn, but no bottom-heat is required
to keep up a regular supply, and in order to meet the
demand they should be dug up at intervals of two to
three weeks; or, if forced in the open quarters, the
forcing-pots should be put over the rojts, and warm
duug and leaves placed around aud over the n its.
If the roots have to be dug up ai.d forced indoors,
it is prudent to cover the crown and the intervening
ground between the lines of plants with stable-litter
or tree-leaves to a depth of 5 or 6 inches, so as to
exclude frost ; otherwise, iu severe weather it might
not be possible to lift the roots when required.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
Feeding the Bees, .1 ■■■•. — The month of October
ought to sei- the bees fed where requisite, and all
preparations for winter attended to, such as painting
hive covers, many having been made leaky by the
continued dry weather. Chaff cushions need m iking,
and old ones repaired ; and when examiuing the hive
for the queen and the brood, winter passages may he
made, or an oblong hole cut in the quilt, over which
the cake of Cindy may bo placed later on wi'hont
disturbing the bees. Tiie apiary that is put in good
condition tlrs month, will probably come out b.st
next March. I most strongly advise that all syrup
given be medicated, whether foul brood is known to
exist in the loc-dity or not. Prevention is easier than
cure, and the cost of medicating is merely nominal.
Feeding wdl not be required to any great extent thii
yeir, yet many wdl no doubt use the " Rapid," or
box-feeder; indeed, we advise all with over half-a-
dozen stocks to do so iu preference to pottering
with small bottles ; they will greatly assist in
keeping down the tendency to rob, which is
sure to develop when feeding is carelessly done.
Besides, a good box feeder holds about half a gallon
of syrup, and requires filling once, or at the most,
twice, 10 give all tbe food needed. If set on the hive
in the evening while the weather is still warm, the
feeder wdl be emptied in a few hours, and no excite-
ment whatever caused among the bees. Our own
plan is to arrange the feeder while empty, and see
that there is no access to it, except for the bees of
the stock which is being fed. I then pour in warm
syrup, cover up, reduce the hive entrance to an inch
in width, and leave it. The following morning I
usually find the feeder empty, and the bees perfectly
quiet.
Bulbing — The great thing to be guarded against in
autumn is what Americans call the robbing "boom,"
and although much nvschief may arise if it occurs, it
is nearly always brought about by c irelessneas, there-
fore avoid everything likely to induce a beginning to
rob ; feed only in the evening, keep entrances
reduced iu width, see that no syrup is within reach
of flying bees. If hives are threatened with
special attack, smear carbolic acid round the en-
trances ; do not op3n the hive3 more frequently than
can be avoided, and tlo it in the evening if possible ;
pay special attention to weak stocks, and join two
together before feeding up ; finally feed, and feed
well ! It will pay to do so.
Queens. — Examine the hives to ascertain if all the
the young queens are right. Lose no time requeen-
ing such stock as have old and worthless ones. If
done at once, a good batch of brojd maybe raised
from the new queen during the wieks when feeding
is going on. In this cise. of cmr.-e, a s'nw stimulat-
ing fee.ler is use 1 instead of the "Bifid,"
252
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 9, 1897.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY,
MONDAY,
TUESDAY,
Oct. 12
I Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
mittees.
I National Chrysanthemum Society's
Second Show (3 days).
| Annual Dinner of the United Hor-
ticultural Provident and Benefit
Institution, at the Holborn
Kestaurant.
SALES.
Oor. 11
Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 13-
THURSDAY, Oct. 14
FR'DAY,
Bulbs, at Frotheroe & Morris*
Rooms.
Azaleas, Palms, Roses, Green-
houses, &c, at Protheroe &
(Vt 1" Morris.
wt Roses, Fruit Trees, and other Stock,
at Arches Farm, Fmmfield,
near Uckrield.by order of Messrs.
W. Paul & Son, by Protheroe &
Morris.
Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Sale of 100,000 Fruit Trees, at
Perry Hill, Cliffe, by Protheroe
& Morris.
/•Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Stove and Greenhouse Plants, &c,
) at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
' Nursery Stock at the Arboretum
Nurseries, Islev/ortb, by order of
Messrs C. Lee & Son, by Pro-
theroe & Morris.
Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Orchids at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Oct. 16
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick. — 51*4°.
Actual Temperatures:—
London. — October 0: Max., 56°; Min., 43°.
Provinces. — October 0 (0 p.m.): Max., 65* atValentia;
Min., 4s° at The Skaw.
Despite its funereal associations,
The Yew-trees an(j (.j^ fajfe colour of its lustrous
Britain. foliage, the Yew commands a
very large share of popular atten-
tion. It looks as if it might be, as it really is,
the descendant of a very long line of ancestry.
Moreover, the individual trees inherit length of
days, so much so that, setting aside the Oak,
there are few trees that can claim such an
antiquity as the Yew. The flowers are gene-
rally on different trees, males on one, females
on another ; but, as in all such cases, the
general rule admits of particular exceptions,
and we find sometimes flowers of both sexes on
one and the same branch. The plant has also
another source of interest — it is poisonous to
stock ; the question has been much discussed,
but we thiuk the outcome decidedly shows that,
under certain circumstances, the foliage and the
seed are distinctly poisonous.
The gnarled stems and twisted branches of old
specimens of Yew always attract attention, there
is something weird and uncanny about them ;
but at the same time, a fascination which
causes us to look and linger.
Tree lovers ard botanists have paid much
attention to the measurement of old Yews, and
to the investigation of the rate of growth.
De Candolle primus, many years since, and
Sir Robert Christison of later years, devoted
much patient research to these matters, and the
reader desirous of obtaining a summary of the
results obtained will find it in Dr. Lowe's
attractive volume before us.*
The Yew is in one or other of its forms dis-
tributed throughout the northern hemisphere,
barring the extreme north and the extreme
south, so that it must grow on every variety of
* The Yew-Trees of Great Britain and Ireland, by John
Lowe, M. D. (Loudon : Macmillan & Co ).
soil, albeit in this country we generally asso-
ciate it with limestone-soil, perhaps because
other trees are more particular in their tastes.
With such an antiquity, and such a distribu-
tion, it is no wonder that varieties have arisen,
and some of these are so marked, and so confined
to certain countries, that they are considered as
distinct species by some botanists, and by most
gardeners. It is, indeed, very much a case of
individual judgment, and of varying stand-
point, whether the botanist considers there is
one Yew varying very greatly in different
localities, or several species, each more or less
confined to one country. Generally we see the
Yew in the form of isolated specimens, but
here and there we come across them forming
an entire wood. The most extraordinary of
these Yew - woods that we know of is
the property of Mr. Abraham Dixon, of
Cherkley Court, Leatherhead. We reproduce
an illustration of the Globose-headed Yew-tree
at this place (see fig. , p. ). It is difficult
to exaggerate the variety of forms that may
be found here, and the extraordinary interest
they create. All these varied forms growing
together can scarcely be considered as distinct
species by the veriest " splitter." At the
same time, they may be the germs of new
species, which may, in the course of the
ages, find themselves better adapted to cer-
tain conditions than others, and be preserved
accordingly. Another remarkable Yew is that
in Buckland Churchyard, Dover. It was of
huge proportions, reft into two, one limb erect,
the other nearly prostrate. Its age who shall
tell ? Now it is a symmetrical, bush-like tree,
and it has changed its residence, and taken up
its abode 100 yards or so from its old quarters.
The history of its removal, illustrated with
soveral cuts, was given in our columns in
18K0. In some sense its removal was a
triumph for the late Mr. Barron. Eminent
foresters, gardeners, botanists, archceologists
were consulted on the subject, and we be-
lieve the verdict was unanimously against
removal, on the ground that it would be fatal
to the tree. Nevertheless, Barron was un-
shaken in his opinion to the contrary, and
having had greater personal experience in
transplanting monsters than any of his critics,
his voice was listened to, his skill and enter-
prise were rewarded with success, and for a
monument there is the tree in flourishing
condition, less picturesque than before, for
the prostrate branch was raised to its former
position, but still more like what a Yew tree
should be in an uninjured state, and apparently
likely to go on for many more years.
Dr. Lowe, desirous perhaps of not occupying
too much space, has devoted comparatively
little attention to the varieties which are to be
found in gardens. Of these the Irish Yew is
one of the most remarkable, the branches all
ascend, more or less, vertically, and form a
columnar head. Cephalotaxus pedunculata,
the Podocarpus koraiensis, or Taxus japonica
of some gardens, affords a similar illustration.
The value of the Irish Yew for certain
forms of garden decoration cannot be denied.
One of the largest of which we have a record is
at Seaford, co. Down, which at the time of
measurement a few years ago was 33 feet high
and 58 feet round at 15 feet from the ground.
The yellow-berried Yew is remarkable for the
colour of its fruit. We were indebted to
Viscount Powerscourt for some notice of the
trees of this variety at Powerscourt.
The Dovaston Yew is a tree of great beauty,
remarkable for the ends of its branches, which
are pendulous with elongated leaves. Its
history is given in Leighton's Flora of Shrop-
shire. The original tree bore both male and
female flowers, and from its seed seedlings were
produced which reproduced the habit of the
parent. As a great contrast there are the
varieties called Foxi, empetriformis and ericoides,
dwarf varieties suitable for the rock-work,
with the leaves not twisted into two ranks as
they are usually, but diverging on all sides as
they do also in the Irish Yew before mentioned.
T. adpressa is remarkable for its very short
knife-like leaves. It is said to have originated
as a sport from the common Yew, but that,
though quite possible, is perhaps open to
doubt.
The silver-variegated forms are less effective
than the golden-leaved Yews, some of which
are very brilliant, and confer a mass of colour
that lightens up the dark of a shrubbery.
Dr. Lowe, of course, alludes to the curious
fancy for clipping Yews into various shapes.
This fancy has one advantage — it shows how
well suited the Yew is to form sheltering
hedges ! Whilst we are impressed with the
oddity of topiary-work, and admit that, in
certain situations, and under special cir-
cumstances, it has a certain congruity with
architectural features, it is, on the whole, not
a practice which commends itself to the tree-
lover. If already in existence in any garden,
as at Levens, it would be vandalism to do away
with it ; but to start afresh with such freaks,
is more consistent with caprice than with good
taste.
The Royal Horticultural Society.— The
next Fruit and Floral Meeting of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society will be held on Tuesday, October 12,
in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria Street,
Westminster, 1 to 5 r.M. A lecture on "Some
Curiosities of Orchid Breeding " will be given by Mr.
C. C. Horst, at 3 r.M.
Mr. John Weathers.— The announcement of
the resignation of Mr. Weathers as Assistant-Secre-
tary of the Royal Horticultural Society will be
received with general regret. During the time he
has been employe! by the Society, and especially
during the enforced absence of the Secretary, Mr.
Weathers rendered valuable service. We hope
shortly to hear of his appointment to another post, in
which the experience he has gained at the Royal
Horticultural Society will be of service.
Devon and Exeter Gardeners' Associa-
tion.— The annual business meeting was held in the
Guildhall, Exeter, on the 30th ult, and the chair
was taken by the president of the association, Mr.
E. A. Sanders, J. P. There was a large attendance,
including His Worship, the Mayor op Exhteb. The
committee's report for the past year was read by the
hon. sec, Mr. Andrew Hope, and proved to be
generally satisfactory. The committee, however,
finding that the small subscriptions paid by members,
and the assistance from a few honorary subscribers
do not permit of the funds of the [association being
used to provide prizes, recommended the discontinu-
ance of the Hyacinth show, for a season at least.
The report was adopted. The treasurer's report
stated that the funds had been much reduced in
augmenting the prize-list of the spring show, and that
the balance in favour of the society was small. The
membership, however, remained about ninety to one
hundred. The president, hon. sec, hon. treasurer,
and committee were re-elected. The first paper of
the session will be read on the 1 3th inst. by Mr. J.
Mayne, Bicton Gardens, on "The Qualifications and
Duties of a Gardener."
Gleichenias Flourishing.— Few gardeners
succeed perfectly in the cultivation of this beautiful
genua of Ferns, and the result of this is, that from
Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle. Octocer 9 II E£ 7.
«- » * jr
. » » • • *
*
• A
*****
t'-V
■*%■■
»«
1 1
>
♦ . • J
>^ '"w^gs-
f
Fig. 7o.-cattl.eya schomeldiana, variety gigantea.
Petals ami sepals cinnainon-brown in colour, with a yellow edge, the former having a shade of reddish-purple ; lip blush-white, shaded crimson ; and extremity of lobe white ;
interior of convex column yellow. (See p. 24ij.)
October 9, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
253
many gardens the species are practically abolished ;
or, if there be any, the specimens are poor ones. This
is regretable for several reasons, but principally
because the species G. rupestris, circinata, flabel-
lata, and others, when growing well, produce most
elegant fronds, of a character eminently suited to
various types of decoration, in vases or otherwise. We
have recently been favoured with specimens of several
species and varieties of this Fern from Mr. T. East-
wood, Lane House Nursery, Luddenden, which
prove beyond doubt that at Luddenden they thrive
wonderfully. Their cultivation at that place is de-
and every endeavour must be made to prevent
sourness in the atmosphere and soil. In potting we
use only peat and plenty of rough gritty sand. The
pots are filled about one-third with drainage material.
In summer we shade only slightly, and in a cool house
when plentifully ventilated, very little is needed."
The varieties sent by our correspondent are as
follows : G. dichotoma, G. flabellata, G. rupestris
vars. gigantea and glaucescens, G. dicarpa and its
variety longipinnata, and G. circinata vars. semi-
vestita, Mendeli, and speluncse. The nomenclature
of the genus has been very unsatisfactory, many
many fruits staged for that object. Thirty new
members were elected, which makes a total member-
ship of 213. The society has sustained a serious loss
in the death of the Rev. J. Spittal, late Vicar of
Haven Street, who was a honorary member from its
commencement, and a very prominent horticulturist
in the island.
The Dundee Chrysanthemum Society is
just now engaged in putting forth efforts to secure a
record show this season. A circular inviting exhibits
has been distributed to this end, and it is hoped that
FlO, 7C, — THE CAULIFLOWER HEADED YEW AT CIIERKELEY COURT, LEAT1IERHEAD. (SEE P. 252.)
s ;ribed as most easy, for the accompanying letter stated,
" I have the plants by the hundred ; they grow like
weeds, and have done so for years. The marked frond
(G. flabellata) has been grown in a cool house ; fur
weeks in severe winter weather, the temperature of
the house has been as low as 27° F., the soil in
the pot having been frozen. The only injury is, as
you see, that the growth of the previous year is seared
and scarred, but in the Bpring each dormant bud on
every frond and rhizome, puts forth growth as strong
and beautiful as ever. The best winter temperature
I find to be from 40° F. to 50° F. The house should
contain an extremely wet, but sweet, atmosphere,
and be always kept thoroughly ventilated. Constant
root watering is essential both in summer and winter,
forms that are varieties only having been first pub-
lished as distinct species. The consequent revision
has produced an unusually long list of synonyms in a
genus that contains so few correct species.
Isle of Wight Horticultural Improve-
ment ASSOCIATION.— At the monthly meeting of
the above association held at Newport on the
2nd hist., Mr. S. Heatu.v read a paper on "Fruit
Culture in the Isle of Wight." The exhibits were
numerous aud of excellent quality. Fruit was shown
by Messrs. G. Buuyard & Co., Maidstone ; T. Collister,
Bembridge ; C. H. Snook, Shaukliu ; and many
local growers. The adjudication commit'ee awarded
several certificates for meritorious exhibits and named
a liberal response will be accorded it. The show will
be held on November 25, 26, and 27, and in addition
to a London band, other instrumental and orchestral
music has been arranged for.
GRAPE-JUICE AS INK. -There is a Vine known
as the "Teinturier" that used to be cultivated at
Chis wick, and probably is there now. The foliage is
very ornamental, being bronze-rel in colour, and the
berries are small and deeply coloured. In a letter
before us that was written by Baiuo de Soutellinho,
of Oporto, to Mr. Cannell, of Swanley, attention is
drawn to the fact that the juice of the Grape may be
used as writing-ink ; indeed the letter itself was
written by just dipping the pen into one of these
254
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 9, 189T.
Grapes. We have received some Grapes from the same
source, and from the expressed juice which we have
put iuto a small bottle, it is possible to write well
euough. The Vine is very ornamental, and we should
think easily procurable, The curious may like to try
th's. It is said that the Grapes of this particular
Viae are used to colour wine which has lo3t its
colour, or was obtained from light coloured Grapes.
Annual Outing. — The employes of Mr. W.
Colchester, Ipswich, manufacturer of " Ichthemic
Guano," made their annual pleasure excursion on the
25th ult. The place chosen was Yarmouth, and a
party of about sixty persons, which included a few
visitors, spent a very enjoyable day.
Presentation to Mr. G. A. Bishop.— This
well-known gardener, who was until lately in the
service of Alderman S. T. Mander, was recently the
recipient of a testimonial from the Wolverhampton
Horticultural Club, and friends in that town and
district, as marking the estimation in which he is
held, and in recognition of his services in placing the
Chrysanthemum Society of that town in the high
position it now holds. To Mr. Bishop's endeavours
the establishment of the Wolverhampton auxiliary
branch of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution
is likewiie due. The testimonial took the form of an
ad Jress and a gold watch.
Worm eating Slugs.— Mr. Wilfred Mark
Webb, the Assistant Biologist to the Essex County
Council, is continuing his researches on the distribu-
tion of these slugs in the British Islands, and especially
that of lestacella haliotidea, the slug with the shell
c n his back. Those who come across specimens are
requested to communicate with Mr. Webb, at Ellerie,
Brentwood, Essex.
Onion Show at Wisbech.— In response to the
offer of special prizes made by Mr. R. W. Green of
Cornhill, Wisbech, his customers have just recently
seijt in their specimens of his " Bribetaker" Onion,
and the show of bulbs was held on the 23rd ult.
The result was as follows: 1st, Mr. J. Bowerman, gr.,
Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, with six bulbs, weigh-
iug 12 lb. llf oz., the heaviest specimen being 2 1 >.
4!2 uz. ; 2nd, Mr. E. Beckett, gr., Aldenham tlouse,
with Bix bulbs weighing 9 lb. 8J oz. There were many
other fine specimens shown. It is Mr. Greens
intention to offer prizes for Onions in 1898.
"Year-book of the United States
Department of Agriculture."— This publica-
tion, dealing with the year 1896, has recently been
issued from Washington, and furnishes us with a
good idea of the patient and successful labour accom-
plished during that period. In addition to the report
ut'the Secretary of Agriculture, which occupies some
fifty pageB, the volume includes papers by well-known
specialists dealing with various agricultural matters,
une of the most impoitaut treatises is by Mr.
Herbert J. Webber, on the "Influence of Environ-
ment in the Origination of Plant Varieties." The
author treats his subject not merely from the stand-
point of a scientific observer, but notes what may be
called the practical bide of the question, and how
variation can be made use of and encouraged artifi-
cially, so as to adapt certain species for economic
purposes. His paper is illustrated, aud his observa-
tions are based and founded upon those of other
botanical writers. Other articles in thiB year-book
deal with such subjects as Potash and its function in
Agriculture, H. VV. Wiley ; Common Poisonous
Plants, V. K. Chesnut; Timothy in the Prairie
ltegiou, T. A. Williams ; Seed-production and Seed-
saviug, A. J. Pieteus ; Diseases of Shade and Orna-
mental Trees, Migration of Weeds, Improvement of
our Native Fruits, &e.
Smithsonian Report. — The Annual Report of
the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution
(Washington) is now published, dated July, 1895. It
is, as usual, a bulky tome, dealing partly with the
progress and condition of the Institution, and with
an Appendix composed of contributions from various
uaiii; vrit;.',, To qtitt) a fewoaly of the titles,
we may mention papers on " Air and Light," by Dr.
Henry de Variciny ; "Botanical Work of the British
Association," by W. T. Thiselton Dyer; "Zoology
since Darwin," by Professor Ludwig v. Graff ;
"Race and Civilisation," by Professor W. M. Flin-
ders Petrie ; "Centennial of the Institute of
France," by Jules Simon ; and articles on Huxley
and his Work, Pasteur, and Helmholtz.
HAMBUKG EXHIBITION.
Fruit at Hamburg. — The Konigliche Ungarische
Gartenbau Lehranstalt in Budapest furnished at the
Hamburg Exhibition, a special tent to contain a selec-
tion of the best fruits from Hungary, ripe at the time
of exhibition. I visited it on August 31, and saw Borne
fine fruit of Pears Beurre' Hardy, Souvenir du Congres,
Duchesse d'Angoulcme, Beurr^ Superfin, Dr. Jules
Guyot, Fondante des Bois, and Williams' Bon
Chre'tien.
Among the best Grapes I would mention : Chaseelas
Negropont, Portugais bleu, White Muscat, Chasselas,
Tokay Angevine, and Madeleine Angevine.
Among the Apples were Empereur Alexander, and
many local kinds not known in England.
The growers united in exhibiting the best varieties
of early Apples, Pears, Peaches, and Plums. The
best kinds of Apples are, for standards, a local variety ;
then Cardinal flatnme', Gravenstein, Reine des
Reiue'.tes, Calville Rouge d'Automue, and Bellefleur
Jaune.
One exhibitor, M. Julius^ Va^drheley, showed a
seedling of Bon Chretien under the name of Mar-
guerite Marillat ; M. Karl Vidovszky, dessert Urapes,
among them a variety with very long bunches called
Augustaner ; M. Julius Sigmond, Turkestan Melons;
M. Josef Pisa, an interesting collection of water and
sweet Melons, among them Fiuhe Prescott Canta-
loupe, which succeeds out-of-doors.
The whole collection furnished a good example of
the fruit culture of Hungary. The Exhibition, I hear,
had a balance of more than 300,000 francs. This sum
will be equally divided between the poor of Hamburg,
and the Societc d'Horticulture de ilamburg-Altonj,
which proposes to construct some permanent premises
for horticultural purposes.
Tiie Special Fruit Show, September 17 — 30.
This was the last of the temporary shows held during
the progress of the Hamburg Horticultural Exhibition.
The 12,000 square metres of glazed or roofed build-
ings occupied by this large and successful under-
taking, as well as two large tents rendered necessary
f.>r the autumn show, were filled with fruits of all
kinds. Of course, Apples and Pears were in the
majority, aud there were many exhibits of Grapes, but
Plums, Peaches, Greengages, Tomatos, Elderberries
Strawberries, Medlars, Melons, Pineapples, Nuts of
various kinds, Almonds, dried Plums, Chestnuts, and
Quinces were largely represented. Open-air fruit, as
well as that ripened against walls was very fine.
Every part of Germany was well represented.
This may partly be explained by the fact that last
year 500,000 barrels of Apples were imported to
Hamburg from the United States, bodiug complete
ruin to the German fruit-trade. Thd Oovernment
therefore desired all the States and Societies to take
a large part in the present congress, au appeal to
which all responded.
Besides Germany, the following nations were repre-
sented at Hamburg : Sweden, Norway (a fine exhibit),
Switzerland, Holland, interesting contributions ;
Deumaik, Tyrol, very fine; Spain, Hungary, very
remarkable ; and France, more wonderlul in quality
thau in quantity. As these exhibits came from
north, central, aud southern countries of Europe,
aid froai different quarters of these countries, the
influence of soil, climate, &c, could be noted, and
suggested most interestel and profitable subjects for
study.
The various methods of staging were also note-
worthy. Most exhibitors used dishes of various kinds,
supplied by the committee to the number of 50,000.
Others used willow-baskets, large and 3mall, round,
and rectangular ; or woolen-cases, in which the
exhibits were packed as for transit ; or barrels of
various 6izes — all carefully arranged.
I would mention among the exhibits the Vines and
Apples grown in pots.
Among the m03t conspicuous exhibits, judging
from a hasty survey, I would include those from
Holland, Schleswig Holstein, Tyrol, Mecklenburg,
aud Franco. This latter country had an exhibit of
some excellent fruit : Apples, such as Belle Dubois,
Belle fleui' jaune, Gros Api, Euapereur Alexandre,
Calville blano ; Pears Bsurre" ^d'Aremberg, Beurre'
Superfin, Doyenne; d'Hiver, Beurre Diel and Passe
Cratsane ; Peaches of great beauty, coming, with
other fruit, from Moatreuil. I would add that it wai
the Societe region de d'Horticulture de Montreuil
sous-Bois that organised this fine exhibit.
Among Pot Vines shown by MM. Qbtze and
Hamkens, I would call attention to Trentham Black,
Gros Colman, Rother Gutedel, Weisser Gutedel,
Alnwick Seedling and Lady Downe's Seedling.
HiiDgary, which had, as stated at the end of August,
sent a fine contingent of fruit, occupied on this
occasion an entire tent with exhibits. I must also
allude to M. Winter, of Bordighera, who mo-t
artistically arranged some fine fruits of Palms ; and
large and fine Crotous. The fruits were those of
Citrus sinensis nana, Bigarades, Pomum Adami,
C. decumma, C. Limouucn, and Opuntia. I m»»t
not forget the fine Grapes from M. htienoe Salo-
mon, of Thomery (France), including a hundred
choice varieties. It was the unanimous opinion of
the jury that the fruit show was the finest and most
comple'e ever held.
English Grapes.
I observed the splendid Grares from Mr. John R.
Hamilton, Waltham Cross— surely the finest in the
exhibition. I noticed Gros Colman, Cannon Hall,
Alicante, Muscat of Alexandria, Black Alicanc,
Gros Marrc, Mrs. Pioces Black Muscat, and Black
Hamburg ; all these varieties were represented by
en irmous bunches of very large fruit, well coloured.
Ch. De Bosschire.
Belgium.
ANTWERP.
In the houses of the well-known Antwerp horti.
culturist, M. Florent Pauwds, there were, in the
middle of September, many Orchids in bloom, among
them Saccolabium retusum, with a large and very
pretty raceme ; a species of Ccelia, with rose-claret
flowers, which might well be C. macrostachj a ; Miltoui i
vaginalis and M. Clowesii ; Dendrobium formosum
gig .uteuui of great size, with a splendid pure white
lip widely striped with yellow, shading iuto deep
orange-yellow at the base ; Zygopetalum Gautieri, a
magnificent variety ; Oncidium St. Legeriauuin,
fljwering for 1 10 secon 1 time on the same branch;
Odontoglossum bictonense album, with a beautiful
white lip; O. polyxmthum, well marked; Pha'se-
nopsis E .uaeralda and coruu c -lvi ; many fineCattleyas
gi^as ; Oncidium Papilio, with a Urge an 1 splenJid
lip ; Catasetu:n Bau^erothi ; Lajlia Pinelli, very
dark ; Cypripedtum Morganite, in bloom since the en I
of July ; C Dominyanum ; Pan welsh, which I have
found in flower on each of my visits ; auricularium,
with a pretty green standard ; many p!aats of
Chirlesworthi, and of Odontoglojsum Rcezli album.
The roiery of M. Pau vol's surprised me by the
vigour of the plauts included in it, aud by the number
of these covered with bliom, for iu.-tauce William
Allen Richardson, Captain Christy, Gloire de Dijou,
Celine Forestier, Madame Hoste, La France, Dr.
Grill, Abondance, and Fiirst Bismarck. Amon^
novelties coming from the firm of Soupert & Nottiog,
of Luxembourg, I would name Madame Jean Andie'
and Antoiue Riviere.
In the houses of M. Guill. De Bosscherk I noted a
very pretty variety of Odontoglossum bictonense
album, with the divisions of the flower of a dark
October 9, 1897.]
THE GAR DENE US' CHRONICLE.
255
brown hue ; and a very wide, inilk-whito lip ; a variety
of Cncidium Iuridurn, quite distinct from the typo, tho
flower a beautiful reddish-brown colour, the lip of fawn
with two wine- red tubercles, the lateral lobes instead of
being white as with the type were yellow speckled with
red; and the wings of the column rose-coloured. The
f epaleaul petals are rosy-red marbled with white in the
lower half, theotherhalf is reddish-brown bordered with
yellow. The whole appearauce of the flower is charm-
ing, ar d the variety is-named O. b. BUperbum, i'.'i.D B.
KEW NOTES.
Xanthorrhcea qoadrangulata. — A fine example
of this, the best known species of the Australian
Block Boys or Grass Gu n Trees, is now in flower in
the Succulent-house at Kew. It has a stem 6 fejt
high aid 9 inches in diimeter, bearing a head of
grey-green r jeh-like leaves a yard through, aud an
Governor of Fiji, in which island it is indigenous. The
plant posse <ses the habit of M.sapieutum, having loaves
of a glaucous green colour, and an inflorescence remark-
able for its largo size, aud the rich red-purple o dour
of its bracts. Tne same plant flowered at Key, two
yea-s ag> ; but failed theu to ripen seeds. The fruit
is said to bo six iuches long, yellow when ripe, not
very pa'atable in the raw state, but excellent when
cooked. The plant is common in the forests of
Tahiti, aud tli3 fruits are largely consumed by the
Tahitians. In the lov lands the fruits are see ilees,
but occasionally they are fertile at an altitude of
3,00u fett. It grows freely in a stove, and is worth
including among the ornamental species of Mu-a.
PlICAIRNIA FERRCGINEA.
This is one of the few Bromeliads which may be
grown in the temperature of an ordinary greenhouse,
anl it is handsome enough to merit a place in any
CV"^-
Fig. 77.— masdevallia rACHVUBA : flowers with bars and spots of red
ON A GKEEN GROl'ND.
erect spike 6 feet long, which iu form is similar to
the spike of Typha latifolia (Bulrush), the stalk por-
tion measuring 4 feet ia length, and over an inch iu
diameter, whilst the head is 2 feet long, and 2 inches
wide, of a black-green colour, the lower portion being
studded with small white star-like flowers. The same
plant flowered at Kew three years ago. It is a native
of South Australia, where it inhabits rocky hill ranges.
Eight species of Xanthorrhcea are cultivated at K'iw
and they all thrive in a warm greenhouse if planted
in peaty soil, and kept fairly moist all the year round.
Anything approaching dry treatment is injurious or
even fatal to them.
Mosa Feb i.
This interesting species is aga'u in flower in the
Palm-house at Kew. It is supposed to be identical
with M. Seemanni, of wh'ch a figure was published
in the Gardeners' Chonide, 1S90 (ii), p. 182, from a
photograph sent by the life Sir John Thurston,
large conservatory. In the Temperate-house is a
plant of it with a dozen heads, forming a mass 8 feet
high, and as much in diameter. Its leaves are more
than 1 yard long, whiti-h, with large, marginal, brown
spines, and flower-spikes ti feet in length. The flowers
aro long and loose, the calyx covered with a rusty
t omentum, aud the petals of a yellowish-white. It is the
Puya grandiflora of the Botanical Magazine, t. 5284.
According to Mr. Baker, it sometimes attains a height
of 12 feet.
SoLANDRA ORANDTFI.ORA.
The large plant of this vigorous tropical climber is
again flowering freely in the Succulent-house, where
the dryish atmosphere and liberal allowance of bright
sunshine (the house is never shaded) are conducive
to stroug growth, hanJsjme foliage, aud a plentiful
crop of large, trumpet shaped, yellowish-white flowers.
In the uioister conditions of the Palm-house it grows
freely, but does nut flower. IF. TV.
MASDEVALLIA PACHYURA.
Tins rare species was first briefly noticed by the
late Professor Reichenbach iu the Gardi u ri < 'hronii \
1S74, Vol. ii., p. 322 (seealso 1881, Vol.. ii., p. I 16
The flu. vers are of a green colour, horizontally barre I
with red. We extract tho followiug particulars from
Miss Wodward's excellent monograph of the genus : —
'■ M •sdevalli* pachyura was discov. red by Roezl iu
the mountains of Ecuador, aud was firct desctibed by
Reichenbach iu 1S74 from dried specimens. The
plant represented iu the illustration (tig. 77) was
recently imported by Consul Lehmauu for Mr. James
O'Brien, to whose kiuduess I am indebted for the
opportunity of drawing the first flowers of this species
ever seen in cultivation.
" Consul Lehmauu sends mo the followiug
note:— ' M. pachyura has a comparatively small
distribution along the western slopes of the Western
Andes of Ecuador, from the mountains of Zaruma
in 3° 30' S. latitude, to the western tl >pes of
Chimborazo iu 1° S. latitude, at an elevation of
1700 to 2300 metres (5525 to 7i7o fee'). It is
abundant in one small district only, viz., around
Cayandelet, on the road from Puente do Chimbo to
Sibambe, and above Pallatauga on the road from
Puente de Chimbo to Caj ibamba. In all other
localities it is very rare. It usually grows on tree3
in very damp thick woods, hut occasionally I have
found it growing upon walls of rock, as at Qualashay,
on the road to Guarauda. It Bowers iu March and
April, and sometimes also in November. Tin- n, au
temperature of its habitat ranges from 15 to 18
Centigrade (59 to old l'.ihr.).' "
The illustration was obligingly forward, d by Hiss
Wool \ arj.
Home Correspondence.
A TWO-FACED DAHLIA.— Calling at Dr. Patter-
son'.-, The Bridge of Allan, on Saturday, 2nd iuet., I
found the venerable Doctor in his study — his
school, as he characteristically called it, deeply
a'j.soi bed in many interesting objects, living and dead.
One of those which teemed to iuterest him much was
the most peifect two-faced Dahlia 1 had ever seen.
Tho variety was much likeonethit I knew inanv years
ajjo as Donald Beat m, and would have formed a
sparkling article for tho Cuttagt Gardener bad the Dr.
met with it, say, forty yeais ago. The two flees were
about alike perfect. There was no back, and the stem
came clown the middle between the two faci
Attempts at such monstrosities are by no moans
unknown among -Dahlias, and I havo met with some
attempts to look straight to all the cardinal points of
the compass. But I agree with the venerable ami
gifted Doctor, whom it was a great pleasure to mei t,
that this was the mo^t perfect two-faced Dahlia jet
teen. Dr. Patterson's host of friends, North and
South, will be pleased to hear that his in'erest in
nature, art, and antiquities is as lively, absorbing, and
as satisfying as ever. D. T. F.
THE CLIFTON ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, BRISTOL.
— These charming grounds and gardens, which
are under the management of Mr. G. Hani', well
repay a visit. During September the flower-beds
were very gay with tree and shrub in glorious leaf-
age, scarcely a tint of autumn being perceptible on
this elevated spot. One great object of interest to
gardeners is the long border of hardy Ferns, on which
can be seen many varying abnormal forms of Scolopen-
drium, with elegant and graceful, as well as robust
forms of other genera. On the cool, shady border
which runs for a considerable distance, these Ferns
thrive considerably, being doubtless helped by a good
top-dressing of leaf-soil afforded in the spring. Mr.
Harris has been successful iu raising seedling
Fuchsia', and can poiut with pride to several new
varieties of more than ordinary merit two of which
have received names, viz., Dr. Shaw, a tine and
striking variety, of fine form, the tube and fepals
blush, the latter with a pink reverse ; the c irolla pale
purple, with a carmine beading on the surface ; the
other, which partakes a great deal of tho Mrs. Rimdell
character, has been named Thomas Hobbs ; the tube
and sepals are of a sort of orange carmine, wit 1
slightly green-hued tips ; the corolla is of carmine,
flushed with purple, and irregular in tbape. This plant
is made a leading feature in thesegardens. '1 1 grounds
are admirably kept, aud the devotees of faui
flora alike can find much to interest them. It. D.
256
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 9, 1897.
FRUIT WALLS.— Much of our choicest fruit comes
from wall-trees, and in numerous gardens in all paits
of the country the management of the trees is well
understood, and the work is well done. In others,
we find only neglected trees, with the inevitable
result— indifferent fruits of all kinds. I have in my
mind's eye some walls in an old kitchen-garden in
the " Garden of England." These walls are partially
covered only with snaggy, worn- out tree3 that seldom
bear a fruit fit to be put on the table, which have
never been lifted or transplanted, nor any attempt
made to put the border iuto a suitable condition for
growing healthy trees aud fine fruit. Walls we find
absolutely indispensable for the perfect culture of the
trees, but the border is dug every year once or twice
up to the stems. It is true the building of good walls
costs a large sum of money, but when built they are
good for a century or two, aud if they are planted
with a choice assortment of fruit-trees of all kinds,
they have a pleasing appearance, besides affording,
with proper atteution, abundant crops of fine fruits.
Of course, garden-walls cannot be allowed to go for a
great number of years without attention in the
matter of pointing the courses, and filline up nail-
holes, mending wires if they are wired, and seeing
that the coping is kept in condition so that moisture
cannot penetrate the masonry or brickwork. It is
poor economy to build your wall and then neglect to
keep it in repair. Such a neglected, ill-conditioned
wall is that which was found alongside the ill-managed
border and snaggy treeB. And the selection of sorts
and varieties matched the wall and border in regard
to quality, lack of appearance, and every point that
make3 fruit appetising and desirable as food, or an
adjciuct to the table. II. Markham, Margate.
EARWIGS AND PEACHES.— I have been struck
this season by the singular fact that while the Nec-
tarines on a wooden fence have been severely injured
by tho-.e plagues of the gardener, the earwigs, the
Peaches have nearly escaped. Hundreds aud thou-
sands of these and other insect pests have immolated
themselves in bottles of syrup secured to the tree3,
and as many have been trapped by the hollow stalks
bo commonly employed. I have never seen any
reference to the comparative immunity from moles-
tation that the Peach appears to enjoy, and should
be glad to learn if any of your correspondents can
confirm my experience. W. T., Ipswich.
ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA AND GOLDEN-LEAVED
HOLLIES. — Probably an unique example of effective
results obtained by planting two kinds of ornamental
trees close together can be seen in the new cemetery
at Bournemouth. The avenue which leads from the
entrance-gate to the chapel is plauted with alter-
nately a pyramidal Golden Queen Holly aud Arau-
caria itnbrieata. The contrast between the dark green
of the one, and the yellow variegation of the other,
is extremely effective. The trees are growing
luxuriantly. There may be two opinions as to the
general suitability of such an arrangement, but there
cannot, I imagine, be any doubt of its suitability in
the cemetery. The Araucarias measure 15 to 20 feet
in height, and show that divergence in form so cha-
racteristic of these noble trees when raised from
seed. The idea of planting Araucarias aud golden-
leaved Hollies alternately is, I believe, duo to Mr.
Cutler, a prominent citizen of Bournemouth. It is
easy to criticise, and I would venture to make tl e
suggestion that bushes of the golden-leaved Holly
would have been more appropriate than pyramids, as
being alBO very effective in years to come, when the
branches had reached the ground all around them.
Few persons are aware of the wonderful vigour of this
variety in suitable soil, as is the case in this instance.
It may be said by some that in the course of time
the Araucarias, notwithstanding the delightful way
they clothe the ground around in early life, may
themselves become bare at the bottom and flat-
headed, and thus destroy the contrast between them.
William Earley.
LARGE PEACHES.— In your issue of the 18th ult.,
I read an interesting communication from J. Parkin,
Blaithwaite, Carlisle, upon the subject of his pro-
duction of Barrington Peaches of a large size. We
also have had immense-sized Birringtons this year.
The tree is several years old, aud produced this year
118 fruits, the largest of which weighed 15.J oz. Six
of the largest weighed 5 lb. 6 oz., an average of over
14 oz. each. The average weight of the crop was
fully 10i oz. each. The quality was also excellent in
flavour. Joseph Broome, Sunny Hill, Llandudno.
A DWARF SWEET PEA. — I have a seedling Sweet
Pea whose height, when fully grown, is about 2i feet.
This variety was raised by fertilising some blooms of
Cupid with the pollen of E uily Henderson. Its
flowers, of a pure white, are produced most abun-
dantly from the bottom to the top of the plants. The
individual blooms are quite as large and the peduncles
as long as in the pollen parent, so that it will be as
useful for cutting as the taller-growing Sweet Peas ;
while its advantages in other ways over these
varieties are many, inasmuch as it may be plauted in
flower-beds and borders where the tall ones would be
unsuitable. In the present style of mixed bedding
it should be useful, as white-flowering plants of this
height, and suitable for bedding, are few. I have no
doubt that in the course of a few years we shall have
dwarf varieties of Sweet Peas in other colours. //.
ARAUCARIA IN NORWAY.— I send you an account
of the largest Araucaria imbricata in Norway. The
tree stands on the ground of Balestrands Parsonage,
01 15'N.lat., in the west part of the country. It was
introduced from England in 1S73, and was then 0'31
metres high. ( In December 5, 1896, it had attained
a height of 7'715 metres (about 24 feet), and the stem
measured at 0'30 metres above the soil, 0 '82 metres in
girth. The tree has not been protected since 1876.
Flowers in 1896 showed it to be a male-tree. Peter
Novik, Editor, Secretary of the Norwegian Horticultural
Society. [The illustration shows a well-grown tree. Ed]
DO ORCHIDS DEGENERATE?— A good example
in support of the argument that Orchids do not
degenerate under cultivation more than other plants,
is to be seen in the Pha]amopsis-houce in Lord
Rothschild's garden at Tiing, where some of the
species have attained to great size and vigour. Many
of the largest specimens have occupied the same
w. inn centrjl division of a range of rather low houses,
which are sunk a little below the ground-level, for
upwards of twenty yeais. Occasionally after very
long, trying winters, or after very exceptionally hot
summers, Mr. E. Hill, his lordship's gardener, has
observed that some of the plants lose their leaves,
and are apparently not in such good condition
as usual, and for a few weeks there is some
anxiety felt regarding them. The plants invariably
yield, however, to the influence of better weather, no
a' tempt being made to bring about a change in the
affected plants by other than the ordin iry methods.
Sometimes during the critical period, a plant will
decline, and become a very poor specimen ; but
generally, the plant will take a turn for the
better, and in two or three years it will regain
its usual vigour and size. Many fine specimens
of Phalsenopsis Aphrodite, P. amabilis, and P.
.Schilleriaua have been in the collection for more
than twenty years ; the Tring Park specimeu of P.
intermedia, which flowers so magnificently, and is
noted in Veitch's Manual of Orchidaceous Plants, as
the finest specimen in cultivatiou, has been in England
even much longer than that ; the largest P. Stuartiana,
which has now several young plants sent forth
from its roots, was one of the first plants imported
in 1881 ; and mo3t of the others, including species
as well as hybrids, consist of the earliest which could
be procured. And yet the Phahenopsis are con-
sidered by many to Vie impossible to keep in good
condition for any length of time, aud some culti-
vators even fail altogether with them. The fact
seems to be that unless a house can be found to suit
them, it is useless to attempt their culture ; but once
such a hous; is found, they should on no account be
shifted to another. The suitable house at Tring
Park and in some other places is a comparatively
small, lean-to, or three-quarter span, which can be
kept at a regular temperature of 65° to 75° Fahr ,
and which is a middle one of a range, and conse-
quently has not a door that opens iuto the outer
air. J. OB.
LOOK TO YOUR CHRYSANTHEMUMS I— A short
time since we received some leaves of Chrysanthe-
mum under cultivation, which were diseased, and
threatened with destruction. These leaves were
examined, and exhibited on the under-surface unmis-
takeable proof that they were attacked by some
"rust," not unlike in appearance to that which
infests Thistles. Microscopical examination proved
that the fungus-disease was caused by a "rust" or
species of Uredo, probably only the Uredospores of
some kind of Puccinia, in which the teleutospores, or
final spares, are bicellular, and not one colled as in
the Uredo. This particular spe-iies appears to corre-
spond with Uredo Hieracii, but this cannot be
affirmed until the teleutospores are found. Daring
the past week we have received Chrysanthemum-
leaves from two or three correspondents, affected
with the same disease in a more aggravated form ; but
still no teleutospores have as yet been found.
The leaves are spotted on the under - surface
with powdery rust - brown spots, or pustules,
which break through the cuticle, aud conse-
quently are endophytic, or developed outwards from
within the tissues. In some cases the pustules grow
so close together that one half of the leaf seems to be
covered with a bright rusty-looking powder, which
is made uj» of myriads of elliptical spores. These,
when mature, are quite powdery, and are easily dis-
persed in all directions. Under favourable conditions,
these spores are capable of germinating, and the germ-
tube then produced may enter a healthy leaf by
means of the stomata, and, having established itself,
spread the disease indefinitely. Thus having once
become infected, there is little hope of saving the
plants from destruction, unless, when it first appears,
it is possible to pick off all the diseased leaves and
burn them. The application of sulphur in this
instance is useless, as it is inapplicable iu this class
of disease. The use of one of the copper solutions
would probably be beneficial in preventing the spread
of the pest, but it would not recover the leaves
when once infected. It has been recommended
in similar affections to syringe the leaves
with Condy's Fluid, but in doing this the
under surface of the leaves must be well
sprinkled. As far as we are aware, this is the
first year in which Chrysanthemums have been
attacked by this parasite, which is, nevertheless, not
uncommon on other composite plints. In all the
instances which have come under our notice the
infection has been most complete, and the production
of spores profuse. We should recommend careful
watching, and the syringing of all plants surrounding
those attacked with some fungicide which would
destroy the fugitive spores, or prevent their germi-
nation ; but after the plants are onco attacked by this
kind of pest, it is almost hopeless to make any
impression upon them by spraying, which will only
be useful in checking the spread of the disease.
M. C. C.
NYMPH/EAS.— I should like to say a word in
favour of these beautiful and interesting plants,
which deserve to be more extensively cultivated than
is the case at the present time. In summers like
the one we have been having, it is astonishing how
very freely they flower, and how very beautiful are
the flowerB. My employer, having a great liking for
aquatic plants, I have these last three or four years
been able to grow a good many species, and should
be glad to speak well of them. We have a
goodsized pond with a constant spring of water
rising in it, aud with the over-flow from this
pond I have made soveral others, about the size of
large flower-beds, varying in depths of water from
6 inches to 2 feet. In the shallow water, which of
course is round the edges, we place such plants as
Nynaphaaa pygnuea, Nymphsea pygmaea helvola,
Nymphrca odorata minor, Villarsia Humboldtiana,
V. reniformis, Limuocharis Humboldtiana, Alisma
nataus, these make a very pretty edging to the large
Nymphajas, which are planted in the deeper water
towards the centre of the ponds. I find 18 inches of
water with plenty of mud suits most of the large
Nymphajas best. When the water is deeper than
that they do not grow so well. The Nyinplneas are
planted in water varying in depth from 1 foot to 2 feet,
according to their habit of growth, the stronger-
growing varieties in the deeper water. I will pass
a few remarks on the ones we have grown here, aud
which have done well, viz. : Nymphasa gigantea,
is a very strong grower with a large pure white
flower standing well above the water, aud remaining
open till late in the d y. [The true gigantea has
blue flowers. Ed ] N. caroliniana is a strong
grower, flower large, of a delicate rosy-pink. N.
Candida is another robust grower, flowers white, very
large, free flowering, and very hardy. N. Marliacea
albida, a very fine Water Lily that everyone should
grow; flowers white, piuk-tinted. Nymphtea tuberosa
and N. plenissima alba are two free-flowering white
varieties. N. Marliacea carnea is a very lovely flower,
large in s'ze, of a delicate flesh colour, wonder-
fully free in flowering, and of a robust habit.
N. odorata rosea is a charming rose - coloured
flower ; free flowering, and of moderate growth.
N. o. exquisita has rose-coloured flowers, rather darker
than those of N. o. rosea, much the same in growth,
but not quite so hardy. N. o. sulpburea has large
flowers, which rise well above the water, the colour
being sulphur-yellow ; the foliage is beautifully
marbled, and the plant of a robust habit — one cannot
speak too highly of it. N. o. s. grandiflora is similar
to the last named, and same in all respects, except
October 0, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
257
that the flowers are larger and a Bhade lighter in
colour. N. Marliacea chromatella has a grand
creamy-whito flower, the foliage very robust and
marbled ; tho plant la hardy and wonderfully free-
flowering. N. Laydeekeri rosea has bright rose-
coloured flowers that shade off into almost purple as
the flower ages ; the foliage is marbled, and of
medium growth. Nymphaia Laydeekeri purpurata has
deep purple-coloured flowers ; and N. L. lilacea has, as
its name implies, lilac flowers. The last three have
much the same kind of habit of growth, and they aro
free flowering. N. flava has small, prettily mottled
leaves, and flowers of a canary-yellow colour, but it
is not free flowering. N. cyauea has done very well
with us this summer, but I cannot recommend it for
planting in outdoor ponds ; and only that we so
greatly wanted a blue-flowered Nymphaea amongst the
liarJy ones, it would not have been planted. It ia
planted in an Orchid-pan, so that I am able to remove
it to warmer quarters in the winter ; it is put into
the pond about the middle of June. W. J. Townsoid,
Sandhurst Lodge, Wokingham.
DO PIGEONS EAT SLUGS?— I have recently been
told that pigeons feed abundantly on the small slugs.
I have never looked on them as brother gardeners,
but if the information is true, I would gladly welcome
t"em as such. But is it true? H. N. EUacombe,
Bitton Viearatje, Gloucestershire.
New Invention.
I SEND you herewith a sample of my new "Ideal "
label and holder (patented). The following are the
advantages I claim for it: — It is the cheapest as well
as the neatest label (fig. 78) on the market ; and it
has this great advantage, that the label can be taken
oil' the stem to bo written upon. The stem may be
usod any number of times for different labels. The
label can be used on both sides, thus saving 50 per
cent, in labels alone. It oannot face the wrong plant,
as siDgle-stem labels are apt to do. Mr. John Pinches,
of Camberwell, is manufacturing it. The cast Acme
label can be made to fit the holder ; and I am supply-
ing a stouter zinc label with my name stamped in
at 3s. 6d. per dozen, complete. E. H. Harry,
36, Adelaide Road, BroeUey, S.E.,Scpt. 29, 1897.
Nursery Notes.
ANOTHER KKNTISH SEED FARM.
Some four years ago, that famous Scotch seed-
fiim, Messrs. Dobbie & Sous, who had previously a
farm so remote as Beaulieu in the New Forest,
resolved to get nearer London, and they therefore
secured the lease of a fine open space of ground at
Orpington in Kent, near the railway station, and right
under the shelter of the lofty South Eastern railway
embankment. The position is very open, and it is
also on a slope or hillside, affording a maximum of
sunlight and air. The soil is of the ordinary loamy
brash on chalk. On a seed-farm, the range of plants
cultivated is remarkable ; and few places to the flower-
lover or general gardener are of more interest. There
is also so much of interest in noting methods of
growing for seed-production, the extreme oare shown
in keeping the various stocks select and true, and of
not generating too luxuriant growth, lest the object in
view be discounted.
Messrs. Dobbie & Sons have a high reputation for
African and French striped Marigolds. The strains
are, as seen growing, undoubtedly of the very finest.
Of the Africans, the orange-and-lemon forms have
flowers as big rounded, massive, and of their kind as
perfect as the world produces. They are indeed
marvellous Composites, and it is interesting to com-
pare them to the singles growing beside them. When
I was in the business and growing Marigolds, I invari-
ably pulled out every single from the stocks, and
always got plenty of good seed. Mr. Fyfe, the Orping-
ton member of the firm, holds differently, for he
regards the Bingle flowers as indispensable to furnish
pollen for the doubles. I noticed that there were no
intermediate flowers anywhere, every one was either a
high class double or a real single. Each colour is
separately grown. There is an immense breadth of
the tall striped strain of French Marigolds ; none in
form of flower or of markings could be more perfect.
I have never seen better striped Frenoh growing in
bulk. Of the dwarf or compact section there is of
sells, orange, lemon, and chestnut-red, all perfect in
flower and colour ; there is aho a dwarf striped
strain, and that and the orange seem to be the most in
demand. The plants are about 10 inches in height,
bloomiug profusely, the flowers being of the finest
form.
Astera are great features at Orpington. The plants
were less strong than usual owing to the drought.
Long beds of all conceivable colours followed
one after the other, and of all the leading sections
Pseony-flowered, Victoria, Mignon, Comet, Princess
and Quilled. Of the latter alone there are twenty-
eight diverse varieties. Nearly all the Asters grown
here are of several years' home-growing, and the
quality in every case remains of the highest. Inter-
crossing with these flowers is rare even when grown
side by side. Two new ones have come from seed,
and one plant only of each. One a quilled variety
of two diverse rings of blue with a white centre,
and the other a flat-petalled Victoria of a pleasing
and distinct Heliotrope colour.
Fio. 78.-
IDEAL LABEL AND HOLDER.
Dahlias of every description, from the finest Show
to the quaint single Cactuses, are grown to produce
seed and roots, which are all later sent to Rothesay
for propagation. In the firm's northern home, as
many as 16,000 of these diverse Dahlias are grown —
really a wonderful number.
Good strains of double Hollyhocks are here for
seed, and big breadths of Violas from winter-
established plants in big clumps seed profusely. All
the best-known varieties of good robust habit are
here. Very beautiful are the Peutstemons, some of
the new or continental varieties grown in quantity
have not only very fine flowers, of which the
pencilled throats are the best, but in bulk show
remarkable fitness for bedding. Such varieties as
Emilie Deschanel, deep carmine - red ; Alphonse
Daudet, magenta ; Emilie Paladilhe, beetroot-red ;
Claude Gellee, intense red ; Mrs. Laidlaw, rosy-
pink ; and Dietz-Monnim, deep violet, are splendid,
and these will give fine seed crops, with many others.
Antirrhinums are very varied and fine. Special
attention is devoted to securing fine aelfs for bedding,
yet having large flowers. A pure white, a yellow, and
a rich crimson are first-rate for this purpose. The
pot Marigolds Orange King and Meteor, in large
breadths, make a fine show. Sweet Peas have been
harvested, and the new pink-flowered dwarf variety
Cupid is found to do better than the white variety. Of
great interest and beauty is Michauxia campanuloides,
which sends up branching stems 6 feet in height from
plants raised last year, and which have stood the winter
outdoors. The habit resembles that of a robust
Chicory plant ; the flowers are pure white, have eight
narrow petals,andbearsuperficial resemblance to those
of Passifloras. The seed-pods resemble those of the
Canterbury Bell ; the foliage is elongated, and is
aomewhit of the Acanthus character. A patch of
single striped Dwarf French Marigold shows this
plaut to be even prettier than is the popular Legion
of Honour.
Naturally the firm grows vegetable seeds very
largely also, and foremost amongst these are Onions.
Large breadths of bulba are growing to produce
stock, end these will be planted next year in big
breadths to produce seed. The firm are less con-
cerned to have many diverse names for Onions, than
to secure the best possible type of oval or globe,
round and flat, to suit customers' special require-
ments. It is obvious that Onions bear to each
other remarkable likeness, though shape, or colour,
is the chief distinguishing feature. Large breadths of
Tomatos in the open have done well. There is here a
very beautiful —indeed, perfect— strain of decorative
Parsley ; and the Victoria Kale, a splendid advance in
all respects on the tall curled Scotch, is in its best form.
The Leek is largely grown and plants in quantity in
the seeding-stage, as also Carrots of all the best stocks
were observed. Parsnips, Beets, &c, and Turnips, espe-
cially Golden Ball, recently sown in drills, will furnish
numerous bulbs for seeding next year. It is in this
way so imperfectly described, that our home seed-
firms labour so conscientiously to produce at home
for the British public the fiueat of seed stocks. A. D.
SOCIETIES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
September 30 and October 1, 2.— A full report of the
competitiva classes at the Crystal Palace Fruit Show held
as wo were passing thoough the Press, was given in our last
issue. We now append a few notes upon the non-com-
petitive collections of fruit and flowers staged on the
same occasion, many of which were grand examples of
nursery produce.
Messrs. J. Cheal& Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, made
an exhibit of some size, which included a fine lot of Apples
and Pears, and in the centre were a few Maiden Apple-trees
bearing very good crops of fruit. Prominence amongst
Apples in this exhibit was given to Bismarck, a variety that
doe3 exceedingly well in thess nurseries ; Prince Albert, Bess
Pool, Ribston Pippin, King of the Pippins, Lord Derby, a
good cooker; Cox's Orange Pippin (very fine fruits from
bushes 4 feet over) ; Jubilee, a late bloomer, and a valuable
sort ; Warner's King, and Dumelow's Seedling. Cowan's
Victoria is a pretty little Apple of some merit for dessert, but
it has never made its way though raised about fifteen years
since. Of Pears Ducliesse d'Angoulome, Pitmaston Duchess,
and General Todtleben were represented by some first-rate
specimens, a fruit of the last-named weighing 22£ oz.
Beurre Nigan and Baurre Goulblat were also noticed among
the others in the collection.
From the Handsworth Nurseries, Sheffield, Messrs. Fisher,
Son & Sibrav, exhibited a collection of Apples and Pears in
about eighty-five varieties, that though less good in appear-
ance than others from the south, were capital for that
district. Tower of Glamis and a few other good sorts for plant-
ing in the Midland and Northern Counties were shown, also
a few excellently-trained trees from the open of Apples and
Plums, of which the firm possess a very large stock.
The Horticultural College, Swanley, was represented by an
exhibit of Apples and Pears, Xu+.s, Melon*, and some good
black Alicante Grapes, as also a number of bottles of preserved
fruits.
Messrs. Peed & Sons, Roupell Park Nu'series, West Nor-
wood, made an exhibit of fruits, composed for the greater
part of Apples and Pears, but inclusive also of a few choice
Grapes. Many of the Apples and Pears were represented by
first class specimens, and the following were put up in
baskets that held a considerable number of fruits, Brunswick,
Golden Pine Pippin, Blenheim Orange, Cox's Orange Pippin,
Emperor Alexander, &c. ; and Pears, Marie Louise, Bturre"
Diel, Pitmaston Duchess, Durondeau, he.
One of the tables was laden with fruit from Her Majesty's
Gardens at Frogmore (gr., Mr. O. Thomas). It contained
fine Grapes, first-class heavy Pine-apples, a representative
display of Apples and Pears of good quality, and an abund-
ance of Tomatos ; indeed, Tomatos were the prominent
feature of the exhibit, most of the fruits being representative
258
THE GA E BE NEB S> CHI? ONI CL E.
[October 9, 1897.
of the variety Golden Jubilee, an excellent, yellow-skinned
Tomato raised at Frogmore There were Grapes of the
following varieties: Muscat of Alexandria, Lady Downes
Seedling, Raisin de Calabre, and Black Alicautc. There
were several Melons ; and the Pines, of which there were
upwards of a dozen, were splendid.
Messrs. Jas. Veitoii & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea, London, S.W , exhibited an uncommonly represen-
tative collection of Apples and Pears— Apples, on the whole,
being those best shown. Including Apples and Pears there
were something like 170 dishes. The arrangement of the
baskets and dishes of fruits, unrelieved in any way, was
in our view hardly so pleasing as it might have been, Some
of the best shown Apples were put in baskets running along
the centre from end to end of the table. In these were such
varieties as Gloria Mundi, Tyler's Kernel, Warner's King,
Blenheim Orange, Loddington Seedling, Norfolk Beaulin,
Stirling Castle, Lioe's Prince Albert, Cox's Pomona, Alfris-
ton, Sandringham, Winter Hawthornden, Lady Henniker,
Red Hollandbury, Lord Derby, Seaton House, Bismarck,
King of the Pippins, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Ribston Pippin,
and Cox's Orange Pippin, the two last-named being par-
ticularly good. The Pears of such varieties as Beurre*
Fonqueray, Marie Louise, Doyenne" du Cornice, and Pitmaston
Duchess were the best.
An exhibit from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, con-
sisted exclusively of Tomatos. They had heaps of fruits,
representing six or seven varieties, that constitute the
specialties of the firm in regard to this fruit. Sutton*s
Peachblow is of the type possessing an appearance
similar to that of a Peach, and is described as being better
than other such varieties, which we have generally found
to be rather wanting in flavour. Sutton's Al and Sutton's
Perfection are both good Tomatos, the latter being the best
for most purposes. The fruits are of the true Perfec-
tion type, solid, and of grand colour. In size it may
become larger than required, if the cultivation be too
liberal. Sutton's Pomegranate is a pretty fruit, and admirers
of yellow-skinned Tomatos may choose between Prince o\
Wales, Golden Queen, and Sunbeam.
From the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chis-
wick was shown a collection of Pears and Grapes. Some of
the bunches of Grapes, such as Gros Guillaume, from the
large vinery, were unusually large.
Small stands of fruit were exhibited by Mr. W. Horne,
Perry hill, Rochester ; and Mr. B. Wells, The Fruit Nurseries,
Crawley ; and a larger collection from Messrs. S. Spooner &
Eons, flounslow.
Messrs. Jno. Lainc & Sons, Forest Hill Nurseries, London,
contributed a table of fruits; and in a small group upon a
table some seedling Begonias from the open ground were
shown. The different colours were representedin good strains.
This firm also staged upon the floor near to the Orchestra
au admirable group of plants, inclusive of very well-coloured
Codiieum, miscellaneous stove plants of a decorative nature,
and a centre panel composed of double and single flowered
tuberous-rooted Begonias in bloom.
Roses were shown by Messrs. Paul <fc Son.s, Chcshuut ; and
Messrs. W. Pail & Son-, Walthani Cross, Herts. The first-
named firm had a group of well-flowered Roses in pots, and
supplemented these by numerous bunches of cut flowers from
hardy plants. Tho Waltham Cross firm showed cut Roses
only, and included some of the newer varieties introduced
from Walthani such as Enchantress, Sylph, Queen Mab, &c.
We shall probably sec no other such exhibit tins season.
From Messrs. Harkness&Sons, Bedale.Yorks, were shown
a number of Gladiolus sprays, and bunches of hardy blooms.
There was a pretty group of stove and miscellaneous plants
from Messrs. B. S Williams & Son, Upper Holloway,
London, N., in which we noted some brightly-coloured
Cordylines and Codif-eums, and a few greenhouse Rhodo-
dendrons in bloom.
Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nursery, Crawley, had
seven large boxes filled with Dahlia blooms.
Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, had a
fine lot of double and single Begonias, and blooms of Caclus-
flowered Dahlias.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch filled a table with plants in flower of
Nerine Fothergilli major over a carpet of Ferns. These
plants, with strong spikes and a profusion of blooms, made
a very bright picture.
The Conference.
At the first day's Conference, held in one of the Terrace -
pu-lours, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., President of the
Royal Horticultural Society, occupied the chair. Mr.
George Bunyard, of Maidstone, read a paper entitled—
Fruit Culture iu Her Majesty's Reign. 1837-97.
He said it was somewhat difficult to carry one's inind back
to the condition of fruit-culture that existed sixty years ago,
but he asked his audience to pay a visit, in imagination,
to a well-kept garden of 1S37, to inspect the style of culture
then in use, and to take note of the varieties of fruit which
were cultivated in it. Tbe writer then drew a picture of such
a garden, and incidentally quoted the Gardeners' Chronicle,
which was responsible for the statement that there were 1 30
garden Apples in 1837, of which thirty were now in
general use. All the espaliers in the garden would be
of great age, with perfect bundles of spurs on their old arms,
carefully and closely pruned as to their branches, but with
roots which had never been disturbed from the day they
were planted, probably more than half a century before. In
those days Desert Apples were smaller than they are now
As to Strawberries, in no class of fruit had greater progress
been made. Previous to 1837, Black Prince, Keen's Seedling
(1821), and Carolina were the only good varieties: and the
gardens of the period were filled will) such forgotten sorts
as Carmine, Hudson's Bay, Scarlets of several varieties
Rosebery, Cones of sorts, Glazed Pine, Bjstock, Chili, ami ;i
greater number of the Hautbois and Alpine varieties.
British Queen was in commerce in 1840, and President about
1850. The 1S4-J catalogue of the Koyal Horticultural Society
gave a list of twenty-six useful varieties, and of about
300 others of no value or synonymous with others.
Old Methods of Training.
In justice to our forefathers, it shoul 1 be mentioned that
they took intense pains and trouble to trail their trees : the
Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots were taken away from the
walls annually ; the walls washed with a dressing of soot,
lime and sulphur, and soft-soap and clay ; while the gatliered-
up boughs, carefully secured to poles away from the wall,
would be cleansed by the snows and rains of winter, and the
free current of air. After Christmas, they would be carefully
looked over and pruned ; each bough and twig would be
replaced on the wall with geometrical precisiou. Such care
would be followed by a timely finger-and-thumb practice on
the fore-right shoots in April, it being considered sacrilege to
" knife " Peaches, &c., in the early summer ; and a few leaves
would be taken away to assist the fruits to colour. Later on, a
careful thinning of the fruit, judicious lay ing-in of the thinner
shoots, and the removal of wood that had fruited, wo ild
ensure a crop for the following season. Such care was
seldom exercised on wall-fruit iu these days, the gardener
depending more on his crops from heated and cool houses.
Introducers ok Varieties of Fruits.
About this time Messrs. R. Thompson, at the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's Gardens ; Ronalds, of Brentford; Wilmot
<\i Chaundy, of Lewisham ; Thomas Rivers, of Sawbridge-
worth ; Osborn, ofFulham; Lee, of Hammersmith ; Pearst.ni,
of.Chilwell ; and Chandler, of Vau\h ill,' wore the giants iu
fruit-tree culture. Probably, also, our landed gentry had
more frequent intercourse with the continent, which led to
an awakened interest in fruit-growing, and any fruit with a
French name was then thought to be worthy ofjculture, and
Britain was flooded with varieties which time and experience
have proved to be worthless for our climate. In fact, many
were but perry and eider fruits, and probably the continental
stocks, as well as most of our British ones, were far from
correct to name. Still, some good continental varieties were
introduced, which are retained to this day. But no
doubt the national dislike" to anything foreign operated in
some degree against their general adoption in the provinces.
Meanwhile new methods had appeared on the scene.
Dwarfing Stocks and Glasshouse Culture.
The introduction of glasshouses heated by hot-water, and
the removal of tho dufy on window-glass, at once gave an
impetus to fruit-culture. At first Grapes felt the benefit of
tho change, '.and liter Peaches and Nectarines; but when
Thomas Rivers of Sawbridgeworth adopted the Conti-
nental practice of using the Quince sti ■■ l, for Pears, and the
Paradise- stock for Apples, the old saying, " plant Tears for
your heirs," was exploded, and the marvellous little pyra
midal trees, a yard high, producing fruit in abundance, and
bush-Apples with a crop that would weigh down tin trees
themselves, at once became the rage. Tnese fancy trees,
combined with Mr. Rivers' practical treatise on "Root-
pruning, Summer-pinching," &c, laid tho foandation of that
marvellous culture of garden fruit which had placed our
British produce in the foremost pusition, whether for size,
beauty, flavour, or quality, and had by degrees made what were
the luxuries of the few iu the past, the inheritance of all classes.
For example, good Grapes, once 25s. or 30s. per lb., could
now be had from Is. to 2s 6d. The abolition of the duty on
glass in 1S4J, the modification of the timber duties in 1S30,
practical application of hot water for heating purposes, dating
from 1821 ; the introduction, by Mr. Edward Weeks, of
Chelsea, of his tubular saddle boiler in 1885; the introduction,
in 1839, by Mr. John Weeks, of his upright boiler; and
the use of steam saws and planes for cutting out and shaping
suitable timber for rafters, sashes, &c, together with the
assistance of railways, steamships, and canals were all
factors which had brought about the present state of
perfection.
Root Pruning and Feeding.
In our time every good gardener had added to the regular
garden routine — root-pruning of all fruit trees that grew so
rapidly as to become void of fruit-buds. This practice had,
perhaps more than any other, helped on the culture of
garden fruits, and by maintaining a proper balance between
the anchor roots, which developed the woody growth, and
the upper or fibrous roots which were supposed to nourish
the fruit, had thereby ensured sueec3* shoull the English
spring weather prove favourable. There was no doubt that
root-pruning, combined with the summer mulching and
feeding of those trees that were carrying heavy crops, embo-
died the most conspicuous advance in fruit culture of the
Victorian period.
Fruit Suows and C'onferlsces.
The increase in the size of exhibit inn Apples and Pears h i
been wonderful, even those varietiei fi fured so recently as
1885 in the Herefordfhire Pomona wore now exhibited of double
the size. A large share of the pre eni practical store of
knowledge we possessed as to varieties, culture, and novel-
ties, must be justly said to be duo to the energy and pains-
taking reports of the horticultural press of the past lifty years,
not forgetting the publications of the Royal Horticultural
Society and its valuable work at Chiswick, where so many un-
known fruits had been grown, tried, and reported on. Among
the most valuable of the Royal Horticultural Society's many-
sided work was the awarding of Certificates to fruits,
thus stamping them with its authority, and helping to bring
to notice many ittle-known and valuable varieties. Having
alluded to the pomological literature of the period, in this
connection, he awarded the palm to the late Dr. Robert
Hogg, and referred to the excellent work done by the many
writers on the subject, he went on to say he considered that
the greatest direct benefit to fruit culture, so far as the Apple
was concerned, was derived from the 18S3 conferences held
at Chiswick by the Royal Horticultural Society ; that
conference not only brought some fine, but little known
varieties to the front, but what was of more importance, a
tabulated list of synonymous names was made, and
wholesale errors in nomenclature corrected ; and it served
as a landmark, and a starting point for much good work
done in Loudon and tbe provinces ; and the great Guildhall
Show of the Fruiterers' Company, held as it was in
the heart of the city, served to convince Londoners
that grand fruit could be and was grown in this counti'y.
Tbe other conferences, and the great fruit-shows held by the
Crystal Palace Company, accurately gauged the rate of pro-
gress. The Royal Horticultural Society's 1S94, 1895, and
1S90 Palace Shows had brought together such collections of
autumnal fruits as had never been before seen ; and it was
satisfactory- to find new exhibitors coming to the front
yearly from all parts of the kingdom. Success in growing
fruit for market could only be s:cured by bringing garden-
ing-methods to bear on farm fruit-culture. The annual
tables of the Board of Trade showed an enormous yearly
increase in land laid down to fruit ; and where this was well
done, fruit growing became a paying industry, considering
the commercial activity of the fruit-tree nurserymen of the
present time, and the desire to excel in friendly competition
in fruit exhibitions.
The Benefits Derived prom ihe Consumption ok Fruit.
The placing before the public of examples grown with skill
and care, the introduction of novelties, and the carefully
prep red catalogues of the trade had, he believed, been
beneficial factors in the general advance made [in fruit-
culture ; tending to popularise the growth of all kinds
whether for pleasure, profit, or as a hobby, to the enormous
advantage of the public in the matter of wealth and sobriety.
In fact, he would go even further, feeling convinced that in
this particular matter, that a great measure of the improved
health of dwellers in large towns was to be directly traced to
tbe cheap supplies of fruit and vegetables placed within
their reach by the commercial energy of market growtrs
and distributors.
County Council Lectures.
Still further, benefit was to be expected iu the future, as a
result of the practical lectures now given by County Council
experts i:i fruit-districts among the intelligent labouring
cl tsses, In conclusion, the writer said he felt that it
would be agreed that the rate of progress in horticulture had
been cpiite as rapid and far-reaching as in many other of the
industrial arts and sciences, aud he looked forward confi-
dently for greater progress in the future among tho many
intelligent gardener?, nurserymen, aud hybridists of our
time, who were not slow to avail themselves of the vaBt
opportunities that lay around them.
Fruits of the Last Sixer Years likely to prove
Permanent Additions.
Mr. Bunyard- had some most valuable and interesting
appendices to his paper. In these he gave a complete list of
fine fruits in cultivation in 1837, of notable fruits introduced
to commerce in 1837 to 1S97 with their dates ; and he save a
list of the best fruits noted by the Gardeners' Chronicle in
November, 1841. He also prepared the following list of
fruits of the last sixty years likely to prove permanent
additions : —
Apples. — Allingtou Pippin, Cox's Orange, Bramley's Seed-
ling, Gascoigne's Scarlet Seedling, and Grenadier.
Pears. — Beurre" Hardy, Beurre Superfin, Durondeau,
Doyenne" du Cornice, Emile d'Heyst, Fondante d'lutomne,
Marguerite Marillat, Maiie Benoist, Olivier des Serros, Pit-
maston Duchess, and Thompson's.
Plums.— Comto Atthem's Gage, Jefferson's (American**,
Pond's Seedling, Transparent Gages, Rivers' Czar, Rivers
Prolific, and Rivers' Monarch.
Cherries. — Early Rivers, Emperor Francis, Frogmore
Bigarreau, and Ludwig's Bigarreau.
Figs. — Bourjasotto Grise, Negro Largo, St. John's, and
Violette Sepor.
Grapes.— Muscat Hamburgh, Madrcsficld Court, and Mrs
Pi nee.
Damsons.— Frogmore Prolific, and King of Damsons.
Raspberries. — Baumforth's Seedling, Hornet, Norwich
Wonder, and Superlative.
Stratoberries. — Auguste Boisselot, Countes?, Hericart du
Thury, President, Royal Sovereign, Sir Joseph Paxton. and
Sir Cbarles Napier.
Nectarines. I> yden, Early Rivc:s, Humboldt, Lo d
Napier, Pine-applo, and Stanwick E'ruge.
Peaches.— Early Amsden, Early Alexander, Hale's. Early,
Watiiloo (these four are American '*, Alexander Noblest,
Dymond, Goshawk, and Gladstone.
October 9, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
259
The Discussion.
The President exprpssed the opinion that the meeting had
listened to a ve»y interesting paper. No doubt Mr. Bunvard
had taken immense trouble to prepare it, and it would have
to be read and studied before they could fully appreciate its
merits. He thought that person must be blind who could
not see that during the Queen's reign the advance in the
cultivation of fruit had been made by leaps and bounds.
He had recently been staying in a remote district in South
Wales nearly 300 miles from London. At Pembrokeshire,
the county in question, he had been able to buy most excel-
lent Muscat Grapes for Is. Qd. to 2s. per lb., and he was quite
certain that if he had wished to buy such Grapes in the
London market twenty-five or thirty years ago he would pro.
bably have had to pay 7s. 6d., 10s. 6d. or even 15s. per lb. That
state of things was, however, confined to the United
Kingdom. He happened to bo in Geneva during the
time of last year's exhibition, and while there he was
supplied by a member of the Rothschild family with some
magnificent Grapes. He was certain from the expressions
of surprise on the part of the attendants at his hotel, that
they ^had never seen Buch fruit before. As to the size of
Apples, he could not help saying that he did not attach gre^t
Importance to that. If increased size meant the sacrifice of
quality, he would prefer quality, as he cared no more for a
14-oz. Apple than he did for a 6 feet 4 inch man if the quality
suffered. He thought it but right to mention that the gar-
dener at Geneva, under whose care the Grapes sent to him
were grown, was without doubt an Englishman, his name
being John Smith.
Touching on the question of farming, he said he had
recently experienced that many people who professed to
understand farmine, did not know how to mtke butter.
Unfortunately, farming win not in the hands of people who
could learn rapidly. He believed it was greatly owing to
the exertions of the people of this country that such
great advances had been made in fruit-culture, and great
gratitude was due to gentlemen like Mr. Bunyard, who had
devoted themselves to improving the industry, and bad
brought their ability and enterprise to bear in that direction.
Mr. Campbell, of Glewston Court, Ross, Hereford, con-
sidered that farmers approached their work with too much
prejudice, and only a few men came prominently to the
front by their energy and enterprise. He agreed with the
president that much of the butter now made was quite
abominable. Alluding to the subject of " packing," he said
their watchword should be "honesty." The practice adopted
by many growers in packing, arose from the greatest care-
lessness, but in some cases it was otherwise ; and he would
impress upon everyone that honesty in packing was not only
the proper standard to adopt, but it was the best policy from
a financial point of view,
Mr. E. Poole, F.R.H.S.,The Gardens, Clere Hill, Downend,
near Bristol, said he made it a rule never to plant more than
twenty sorts of Apples ; and in packing, their maxim there
was, "No tops or bottoms, but the same quality all
through." He attached the greatest importance to grading
and he would imoress upon everyone that it took no more
room to grow good sorts than it did had ones. He also
mentioned that in his neighbourhood there were orchards
which had not been disturbed for forty years.
Mr. Pearson, Chilwell, said although his experience did
not extend over sixty years, yet it hid been considerable,
and he never knew Apples to grow well where Apples had
grown before.
Mr. Roupell, London, said he was of opinion that the
trainod trees of fifty or sixty years ago were far superior to
those of the present day. Everyone had gained onormously
through the introduction of Cox's Orange Pippin, and if they
had nothing else to boast of, that variety w.s one of which
they might always be proud. As to growing for profit, he
would only call their attention to what had been done with
the Strawberry and the Tomato. There was practically an
unlimited demand for Tomatos, and all that was essential
was that they should be sent to market in good condition.
The Tomato was not now so much used as a vegetable as a
fruit, and he scarcely sold a pound of Toma'os except for
dessert purposes or for salads. There was a great demand
for the five -to -the -lb. smooth variety, and little for the corru-
gated ones. He believed money might bo made by growing
Tomatos, but their culture should be carried on near London
so that they should not be handicapped by heavy railway
rates.
Mr. John Wright proposed a hearty vote of thanks to
Mr. Bunyard, to whom he said they were under great
obligations. He thought it only right to call to mind a fact
which Mr. Bunyard's modesty had prevented his mentioning,
and that was, that had it not been for Mr. Bunyard, the
Guildhall Show of 1800 would never have been held. Much
opposition and adverse criticism had to be encountered, but
Mr. Bunyard's foresight and determination overcame all
difficulties. That exhibition was a magnificent one, and
much good came of it. Gardeners were greatly indebted
to the nurserymen of this country for providing such excel-
lent healthy treee at such reasonable prices. In old days
people raised their own trees in various ways from seed, and
by grafting, and they filled the country with a lot of worth-
less stuff, which was a disgrace to the nation. All that had,
however, been altered by the nurserymen of England. The
vote having been heartily carried,
Mr. Bl'kvard, in response, assured the meeting that the
nurserymen were doiog their best for the industry. He
agreed with much that had been said about reducing the
number of varieties, but the requirements of the market
had, of course, to be studied.
Markets.
CO VENT GARDEN, OCTOBER 7.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed. 1
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, 12 blooms.
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, per
bunch
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Cornflowers, per
bunch
Dahlias, 12 bunches
Eui.-haris, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
Eer doz. bunches
um Harrisi, per
doz. biooms
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays ...
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunohes..
s. d. s. d.
4 0-60
3 0-60
0 4-06
0 9-16
4 0-60
0 6-26
3 0-60
0 3 —
16-40
2 0-40
10-20
6 0-18 0
•2 0-4 0
16-20
10-20
4 0-80
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, or Forget-
me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids :—
Cattleya, 12blms.
O dontoglosBum
crispum, 12 bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, 12 bu.
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Pearls),
per dozen
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— 8afrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
bunohes
StephanotiB, dozen
sprays
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
Violets, 12 bunches
. d. s. d.
2 0-40
! 0- 4 0
16-30
2 -IS 0
L 6- 0
0-4 0
4-0 6
6-2 6
6- 1 0
6-4 0
9-10
0-2 0
0-2 0
0 —
3-0 4
6-2 0
Orchid-bloom in variety.
Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Adlantum, per doz. 4
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12
— specimen, each 5
Asters, various, per
doz 2
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ... 5
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 1
Coleus, per doz. ... 2
Dracaenas, each ... 1
— various, p. doz. 12
Erica, various, per
dozen .. ... 9
d. s. d.
0-12 0
0-30 0
0-15 0
. (7. s, d.
0-9 0
6-2 6
0-4 0
0-7 6
0-24 0
0-18 0
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz....
Ficus 3lastica each
Ferns, small, doz....
— various, doz.
Foliage plants, doz. 1 2 0-36 0
Fuchsia, per doz.... 4 0-60
Heliotropes, dozen 3 0-40
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Palms, various, ea.
— specimens, ea.
6 0-24 0
10-76
10-20
5 0-12 0
D 0-12 0
6 0-90
4 0-60
2 0-10 0
10 6-84 0
Fbuit.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Apples, Dessert, in
variety.p.bush.
— Culinary, in va-
riety, per bush.
Blackberries, peck
Damsoos, ^-bushel
Figs, per doz.
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alicantes, p. lb.
— Ham burghs,
selected, per lb.
2ndquaL,lb.
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall," p. lb.
— Channel Islands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
Melons, each
Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb
Oranges, S. Austra-
lian, p. case, con-
taining 120 fruit
s. d. s. d.
6 0-10 0 :
3 6-50
16-20
7 6-80
10-20
16-20
10-16
10-13
10-16
10 —
2 0-40
0 6-09
2 0-26
0 9-13
0 6-16
IS 0-21 0
10 0-12 0
Peaches, selected
fruits, per doz.
— Medium, p. doz
— Seconds, per
dozen
Pears, various, per
bushel
small, bush.
— stewing, per
bushel
— dessert, per
bushel
— Californian, B.
Hardy, p. case,
about 4 dozen
— — D. de Co-
mice, p. cas9,
about 4 dozen
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
chael,casescon-
taining 6 to S...
— cases contain-
ing 10 to 12 ..
Plums, Bullace, p.
half- bush.
— Prune, i-bush.
Walnuts, shelled,
p. half-bush....
s. d. s. d.
10-80
6-3 0
16-20
0-10 0
0-3 0
16-40
0-10 0
6-5 0
6-2 0
6-4 0
0-7 0
8 0-90
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices.
d.
Artichokes, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, Scarlet Run-
ners, per bushel
Beetroots, p. bush.
Capsicum, Chili, p.
100
Cauliflowers, dozen
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Garlic, per lb.
Marrows, per tally
2 C- 2 6
1 6-
1 9-
1 6
2 0
2 0-
0 9-
0 2
5 6-
6 0
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb
— (Outdoor), per
lb. ...
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Sprouts, perj-bush.
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
— Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
— Channel Is-
lands, per lb....
10 —
0 4- 0 8
1 6 —
0 2 —
2 0-26
30 -
2 0-26
10-16
0 2 —
POTATOS.
The finest sample Potatos are a shade firmer, but other
descriptions show no change since last report : — Hebrons and
Snowdrops, 75s. to 955. ; Saxons 70s. to SOs. ; Giants and
Magnums, 653. to 75s. ; Blacklands, 555. to 62s. 6d.—Jokn
Built, 32 and 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
(MorlrAs carried over to p. xi.)
" NATURE." — We are requested to state that on
and after Tuesday, October 12, the editorial and pub-
lishing offices of Nature will be removed to St.
Martin's Street, London, W.C, to which address all
communications should be sent.
The Weather.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
I a
Temperature.
Accumulated.
h S
>
o
"«
CO
g ~ 3
fa '* J~*
h*\
Rainfall.
if*
is
as
o
B
Bright
Sun.
3
s,-
« .
2*3
£ 2
ffil*
P-S
5*
® Si
it —
3-
a»
53"^
a a
H3
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
lOths
Inch.
Ins.
0
2 +
62
0
+ 156
- 5
2 -
172
31 '4
22
30
1
2 +
65
0
+ 5
+ 17
4 -
157
22 1
26
33
2
1 +
76
0
+ 73
- 78
1 +
140
188
29
35
3
2 +
94
0
+ 162
- 124
7 +
137
18-8
26
39
4
2 +
SO
0
+ 96
- 116
3 +
136
21-5
31
37
5
3 +
107
0
+ 222
- 180
1 -
130
21-3
36
40
8
2 +
74
0
+ 70
- 17
5 -
167
33-0
32
33
7
1 +
82
0
+ 128
- 92
1 +
155
25-9
32
36
8
2 +
93
0
+ 220
- 138
1 +
162
331
41
40
9
2 +
80
0
+ 16
+ 8
4 -
181
30 6
29
31
Ki
2 +
8S
0
+ 126
- 58
2 -
170
32 8
31
33
*
2 +
118
0
+ 325
- 80
1 +
172
27-5
35
42
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wlieal-producing Districts —
1, Scotland. E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, £c, Districts — 6, Scotland. W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
Notices to Correspondents.
Aralia : B.&Son. The creatures which are swarming
on the leaves belong to the genus Tarsonytnus, a very
small Acarus ; but in spite of its minuteness, it is
most destructive, and is very difficult to get rid of,
because it fs a leaf-mining thing, and it is almost
impossible to reach with any chemicals any except
the few that are wandering outside. Fumiga-
tion would be useless ; the best thing to do is to
carefully burn all infected plants, and all ddbris
and 6tuff that has been near them, and to keep on
doing this. But if you are unwilling to do this, you
might try spraying upward, so as to wash the
undersides of the leaves, at frequent intervals,
either with paraffin solution or creosote solution,
without soap, so that it may penetrate as much as
possible. A Ibert D. Michael.
Books on Fruit Culture : C. F. R. If you require
manuals on the out-of-door cultivation of fruits,
you should obtain Fruit Culture for Small Holdings,
by J. Cranston (Hereford : Messrs. Jakeman &
Carver) ; or Fruit Farming for Profit, by G.
Bunyard (Maidstone : Frederick Bunyard, 29,
Week Street). For Vine culture under glass
obtain Vines and Vine Culture, by A. F. Barron,
2nd edition, to be purchased of the author, 13,
Sutton Court Road, Chiswick.
Cactus Dahlias. — Any limitation of the number of
Cactus flowered varieties must, of course, be an
arbitrary one. The old Juarezi was styled a
"Cactus Dahlia" because, in some measure, it
resembled superficially some kinds of Cactus
flowers. Owing to repeated crossings, this charac-
teristic has been communicated to many other
varieties. From the florists' point of view these
have now become so numerous that the National
Dahlia Society requires that before a Certificate
260
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 9, 1897.
is awarded to a seedling variety in the Cactus
section, the blooms must exhibit the peculiarity
referred to above in an unmistakable degree. Any
that do uot do this, and are not ' ' show "
varieties, are relegated to a section known as
"decorative" Dahlias, though they may hive
resulted from a cross in which one or eveu
both parents were known as Cactus-llowered sorts.
We see no objection to this, because in order to
introduce as much variety amongtt Dahlias as
possible, the peculiarities of each type should be
developed as much as possible. The same diffi-
culty has arisen in the case of incurved
Chrysanthemums. Of course a nurseryman may,
for his own purposes, classify a variety as he
chooses. The blooms you send of your new
Dahlia Queen Victoria are purer white than any
Dahlia we have previously seen. The stems are
long, the habit good — indeed, better than any other
white Dahlia we can call to miud ; but it may not
be sufficiently Cactus-like to be classed as such by
the florists. Fur our own part, we should describe
it as the best white flowered decora'ive Dahlia
existing.
Calvary Clover : IV. T. Medicago echinus.
Carnations : L. B. Your leaves are bally affected
with the rust-fungus (llelminthosporium echinu-
latum), see Gardeners Chronicle, August 21, 1886.
It is very likely to spread. Burn all affected
leaves immediately, and spray the healthy plants
with weak Bordeaux Mixture or weak Condy's
fluid, as a preventive.
Chrysanthemums Attacked by a Host: H. R.,
Col. B,, Constant Subscriber, and others. The same
disease as that of " A Constant Subscriber."
It is a rust, and is called Uredo Hieracii. It
is useless to apply sulphur ; but, perhaps, if the
undcr-surface of the leaves could be syringed with
Condy's Fluid, as was recommended in the Holly-
hock disease, it might be beneficial ; but we fear
that no cure has yet been found. 71/. C. (7. [See
also an article ou p. 256.]
Chrysanthemum Roots Destroyed : 0. S. The
grubs present in the soil are those of the Daddy-
longlegs. See answer to Grubs, IV. Lewis, p. 214,
in last week's Gardeners' Chronicle. You should
use s >il quite free from the grubs.
Dahlia Sports : A. B. Grow each of them another
season, aud you will be better able to estimate their
value. There are already varieties having white
petals margined with yellow. In jour flowers the
ray-florets or ligules have two supplementary
petals. This is interesting as showing the true
conformation of the floret which really consists of
five petals united, though apparently one only is
fully developed. That one is really three fold, so
that the additional two in your sp-cirnens make up
the five. If you could succeed in increasing the
size of the two additional petals, you would get a
startling novelty.
Destruction op Cabbages: H.H. Qrubs of Cock-
chafer : dig up the soil, leave it open, and encourage
rooks and starlings.
Fig Leaves Disfigured : S. 0. The Fig leaves
appear to be in a bad state, but from them we
cannot determine what ails the tree. There is
no positive fungoid disease, although the spots
resemble those caused by Uredo fici. which has nob
yet been recorded in Britain. We fear it is rather
an error in cultivation than organic disease. M. < '. C.
Fungus : Agarirus. The edible Agaricus rachodes.
Insects : Allcrton. We do not know what insect has
eaten your Rhododendron leaves. Send us the
culprit and we will endeavor to name it for you.
rish Peach- Apple : R. W. R. The tree bears at
the extremities of the shoots, and should be pruned
accordingly, and not like other Apples that bear on
short spurs for a considerable dist'iice along the
branches.
Kales Rotting : G. A. The plant of which a
part is sent is probably affected by a slime
lungus, Plasmodiophora Brassicse, the same which
is the cause of Club-root, Finger-and-Toe, &c.
The spores remain in a resting state in the
Cabbage, Turnip, &c, during the winter, and
in the spriDg they are ripe and ready for germina-
tion ; hence the necessity to get rid of every
infected plant, leaves, root, stem, and all by burn-
ing as soon as it is noticed. To leave Club-root
refuse on the ground or throw it on the duns-heap
is a certain method of propagating the disease.
You must not crop the lancf with Brassicas for at
least three years. Professor Jamieson, some
years ago, advi-ied cultivators not to use manures
containing sulphur aud chlorine ; the ono given
usually as sulpiuric acid and sulphate in dissolved
or soluble manure ; the others, in chloride, muriate
of potash, and in common salt, the fungus spores
finding sustenance in the sulphurous materials.
Do not therefore use su| erphosphate of lime. Do
not let Charlock grow about the garden, it being
also liable to attack from the same species of
fungus.
Ltgiom babvrum: IV. T. Introduced in 1696, and
probably cultivated iu the Duke of Argyll's garden
at Whittou. We have never heard of its use as
tea in modern times.
Melons : F. G. Q. There is no evidence of Bacteriosis
at present in your Melon strim, but it may be an
incipient form of that disease. We can find no
mycelium iu the discoloured tissues. The appear-
ance of the stems is very like that of the Sclei otium
disease of Potato haulms, described aud figured in
the Gardeners' Chronicle, which di ease we have
also recorded as attacking the stems of Cucumbers.
As the disease is internal, we can suggest no
remedy. M. C. C.
Mushrooms : A. M. No, certainly not a Mushroom ;
but the spec'mans were not packed with sufficient
care to enable us to determine them.
Names of Fruits.
~\* Applications to name fruits are so numerous at this ' on,
as seriously to hamper us in the exercise of our editorial duties.
They entail an expenditure of time, labour, and money, ofwhieh
our readers can have little idea. We are most desirous to oblige
our c ^respondents as far aswean, but we must request that they
will observe the rule that not more than six varieties be suit
at any one time. The specimens must be good ones, iust approach-
ing ripeness, and they should lie properly numbered, and care-
fully packed. We do not undertake to send answers through the
post, or t return fruit*. Delay in any case is unavoidable.
F. F. Ross, Finchley 2, Blenheim Orange ; 4, do. ; 21,
do. ; 3, Court of Wick ; 9 and 37, Fearn's Pippin ;
22, Landsberger Reinette ; 19, Golden Noble; 34,
King of the Pippins ; 23, 25, 27, 28, 44, Dume'ow's
Siedling; 9, Scarlet Pearmain ; 26, 50, Alfris-
t m ; 2 ', Pine apple Russet : 20, Blenheim Orange ;
51, Ribstoi: Pippin ; 47, Ecklinville ; 48, Cox's
Pomona; 49, Golden Noble; 32, Braddick Non-
pareil. Pears are both Catillacs. We only under-
take to name six varieties at any one time. You
have been inconsiderate enough to send sent
us no fewer than forty : of these we name
about one-half. Ab you have so greatly ex-
ceeded the number, and put us to so much
trouble and loss of time, the least you cau do is
to give a small amount to the Gardeners' Orphan
Fund.— M. Dixon. 1, Old English Codlin ; 2,
Frogmore Prolific; 3, Royal Somerset; 4, Lane's
Prince Albert; 5, Bess Voo\.--E. 0. 1, Lord
Grosvenor ; 2, Colonel Vaughan ; 4, Beurre
Bachelier ; 5, B. Clairgeau ; 6, Marie Louise
d'Uccle. — /. Russell. 1, Beauty of Kent ; 2, Round
Winter Nonsuch ; 4, Striped Beefing ; 5, King
Pippin. — IV. J. Bliyh. Two of the Apples are
Warner's King, but we can find no numbers to the
fruits. — M. F. Your Pears are too much over-ripe
and bruised for us to determine. — //. (J. Pleaso
send another specimen.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be so good as to consult
the following number. — Melville. Colutea arbor -
escens (Bladder Senna). — Alloa. Acer Neguudo.
— C. B. Glechoma hederacea, the variegated
variety. — 6?. P. We are not able to name
your variety, which, however, looks like the
white Clove. — C. W. 1, Berberis stenophylla x ;
Berberis empetrifolia ; Pyrus : 1, Pyrus inter-
media ; Acer : 5, is A. circiunatuni. It is not
possible to name the species of Philadelphus from
leaves only. — IV. B. 1, Ligustrum lucidum ; 2,
a species of Ash, Fraxinus, which we do not
recognise ; 3, Rhus Cotinus ; 4, Ruscus hypophyl-
lum ; 5, Euonymus europceus, common Spindle-
tree. — P.O. P. Escallouia illinita. — A. P. II. Eria
convallarioides. — J.J.J. The true Service-Tree
(Sorb.) is Pyrus Sorbus, a very different plant,
with pinnate (not simple) leaves, like those of a
Mountain Ash. Your tree is Pyrus auricularis
(P. Bollwylleriaua), a natural hybrid between the
Pear (Pyrus communis) and the White Beam
(Pyrus Aria). — J. A. We cannot name the variety
of Clematis. — Barr ifc Sons. Diospyros virginiana. — ■
Japonica. 1, Thuya orientalis variety, perhaps the
one known in nurseries as japonica ; 2, Crataegus
tauacetifolia. — C. G. II., Cape Town. Abutilou
inegapotamicum. — Jas. F. 1, Cotoneaster frigida ;
2, Platanus orientalis ; 3, Kolreuteria paniculata ;
4, Quercus Phelioi ; .">, Staphylea pinuata ; 6,
Quercus rubra. — W. If. M. 1, Polygonum ; 2,
Actinidia ; 3, Actinidia ; 4, undeterminable ; 5,
Acer Negundo ; 6, Acer rubrum ; 7, Acer rubrum ;
8, Alnus glutinosa Iaciuiata ; !>, Cimicifuga c irdi-
folia ; 10, Myrtus apiculata ; 11, Abelia uniflora ;
13, Eupatorium odoratum ; Rondeleti t speciosa,aud
a Ceanothus without numbers The specimens sent
are very poor ones, and most of them unaccompanied
with flowers. — horioood. Ruse, Madame PierreCochet.
— J. M. Poterium caudatum. — F. A , Wokingham.
Your two grand spikes of Dendrobium Phalamopsis
Schrodcrianum represent one of the best varieties
of that favourite Orchid which we have .seen.
They are also the best spikes seen this season, and
the good cultivation necessary to produce such
reflects great credit ou the grower. — 67. W. P.
Yours is Dendrobium PhaLenop-is var. delictum.
It could not be called " white." The leaf ana
flower are those of Cyrtodeira (Episcia) fulgida. —
5. L. Catasetum viridi-flavuui.
Pears Deformed : C. D., E. M. II., and others. The
true fruit of a Pear is the core ; the edible portion
is only a dilated condition of the flower-stalk. Iu
your specimens, for some reason which we do not
know, the true fruit or core is not formed, but the
thickened flower-stalk has taken on fresh growth,
aud thus arises the appearance of two Pears, ono
coming from the other. Such changes are common,,
aud have often been figured in our columns. The
term "freak of Nature" is quite inapplicable.
" Nature " is not capricious ; there is a purpose in
all her work, though we are sometimes too blind
or too ignorant to see it.
"Pipless" Fruit: G. L, We do not believe there is
any treatise on the production of pipless Oranges,
Apples, Grapes, &c. The condition arises either
f. om abortion or incomplete fertilisation.
Plum Trees : A, F. Do not prune over-much, but
get the trees into bearing by transplanting, and in
doing this, bring all roots to within from 4 to 9
inches of the surface. Remove tap-roots, and
shorten the longest horizontal ones some a hat
Afford the trees no manure, but add some good
sound fresh loam aud mortar-rubble to the staple,
and see that the border is not water-logjed.
Potato,: 11'.//. Nothing unusual.
SCOLOPENDRIUM YULOAUE VAR. OBENATUM : II. C,
Geneva. This variety frequently bears I tie spores
ou the upper surface ; the soriferous veins being
on the margins of the incisions, develop the spore
cases more or le-s ou both sides of the frond
C. T. D.
SEEDLING Figtbees; A. F. It may be many years
before your trees will bear fn.it if left iu the
ground ; better keep them in pots not exceeiing
8 to 10 inches in diameter, potting ihem firmly in
loam, cutting them back in late winter, and fru ting
them in an intermediate house.
Sparrow-Trap .- Swanley. You should enquire of
the Horticultural Sundriesmen.
Vine Foliage, Shoots, and Fruit: J. S. Tho
Vines have been over-cropped probably, and other-
wise mismanaged ; but the size of the bunches and
individual berries, and the stoutness of the foliage,
show that the Vines, under more skilful manage-
ment, with perhaps some renovatiou of the bonier
and a rich annual top dressing, wdl givo a good
account of themselves another year.
Communications Received.— Col B. — B. S. W. — Dr. Fran-
ceschi— Sania Barbara. Cal.— B. M. H.— H. N.— E. VV. B.—
A. p: it.— a. m.— j. r-j. r. j.— a. h.— w. h.— a. S.—
Dr. Williamson.— G. St. P. Harris (you should have
written eirlier).— I. R.— A. H. M.~ Stockholm — W. M. W.
— Soupert & Notting, Luxembourg. — D. T. F. — W. B. —
(' BT.— A. H.— J. R. J.— E. w. B— H. W.-E. M. II. -
A II. M .Stockholm.— D. T. F.— T. W.— J. B. D.. Calif.-
T. Simcoe. — Vine ikiudiy furnish name and addresaj. -
W Sm>tb.e.-T. B.-D. R. W.— T. H. S.— J . It.— A. B. H.
—J. It. P. & Sons. -A. D —J. R. B.— M. C— O. I! — H. O.
— H. H.~ J. J. JlSon.-E. F. T.— S. H. C. — J. C- H. C. T.
—J. F.— W. D.— J. Griffin (next week).
Photographs Received. — D. T. F.
Specimens Received. — C. X.— E. D.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
lmporta.it to Advertisers.— Tin- Publisher has 'the satisfac-
tion of announcing that the circulation of thi "Gardeners'
Chronicle" < paper,
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
Advertiser are reminded that the " Chronicle" <
Com i av Gentlemen, am. all i G .
and Garden-lovers at home, that it has a special!
Foreign and Colonial Circulation, and that it is
preserved for rejere,nce in all (he principal Ubraries,
October 16, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
261
&&&;
THE
darters' djtonkk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1897.
PLANTING FRUIT-TREES.
]\ I UCII valuable information in reference to
-*-'-*- theplantingjand culturo of fruit-trees has
appeared in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle,
but every year brings fresh readers who are
seeking instruction, and it seems only fair to
attempt making some return for useful know-
ledge gained by communicating a little from
our own experience. To review the whole
subject of fruit-planting would occupy more
space than the editor would care to devote to
one subject, however important it may be,
therefore we will glance at a few of the chief
points.
I). Iterances of opinion exist as to the best
season for planting, a few maintain that spring-
planting gives the best results ; more regard the
whole season from autumn until spring, i.e.,
October to March, as suitable when the weather
and soil conditions aro right, and a large
number aie distinctly in favour of autumn-
planting. Amongst the last-named, I must
include myself for reasons which experience
confirms more fully every season. My opinion
is founded upon observation with many
thousands of trees which havo been planted at
various times, and under diversified conditions,
and the results have been so uniform that it
may perhaps be excusable if confidence is strong
in the method adopted. Large numbers of tret s
havo been planted in different, and sometimes
unfavourable soils, and subjected to trying
weather conditions for a year or two after, with
a maximum loss not exceeding one per thou-
sand in any case, and in most instances without
a single loss. On the other hand, spring-
planting has been most uncertain, sometimes
the losses have been few or more, but,
occasionally, the results have been very
discouraging.
If planting can bo commenced in late Octo-
ber or November — as soon, in fact, as the leaves
have fallen — the roots injured in lifting heal
more readily than at any other time ; the trees
have time to partially overcomo the effects of
transplanting before the heat and drought of
spring or summer come upon them. When,
however, the planting is intentionally or un-
avoidably delayed until spring, the buds often
start before the roots are prepared to supply
their demands, exhaustion, and perhaps death,
following. Still, apart from the actual time
chosen for the work, the weather and soil-
conditions require the closest attention, for
I have no hesitation in saying that good
or bad results depend more upon these than
upon anything else. The greatest skill aud
care avajl but little if heavy sojl ig being dealt
with, and planting is attempted when it is wet
and clogs round the roots. In some clayey
soils the clods will dry into hard lumps like
pieces of half-baked brick, either encasing the
roots, or presenting an impassable barrier to
their progress. Even the holes that are dug
under such conditions have the sides cut sharp
and smooth by the spade, and will commonly
form a kind of basin, which will retaiu water
for a long period in wet weather, and is almost
as impenetrable to roots as the sides of a flower-
pot. It seems scarcely possible that so little
judgment could be exercised as to attempt
planting in this way, yet it is unquestionably
done, as several deplorable examples havo come
under my own observation. In one instance I
was called in to investigate the cause of a
number of young Apple and Pear-trees not
thriving, and a pitiable spectacle they pre-
sented. They had been planted two years, but
none had made more than an inch or two of
weakly, palo growth ; some branches were
dead, and in other cases the whole tree was
obviously dying. Upon lifting a few of them,
the chief cause was apparent, they had been
planted when the soil was wet and pasty, and
being of an adhesive character, it had set hard
round the roots, which had been quite unable to
make any progress. By carefully lifting the
whole of these trees, and well pulverising the
soil when it was sufficiently dry, incorporating
a good proportion of fertile friable soil, trim-
ming and spreading the roots, and cuttiug-in the
branches, a considerable improvement was
effected, and tho following season fair growth
was made. The stunting offect of bad treat-
ment upon young trees is not, however, very
quickly recovered from entirely ; iudeed, in
some instances and with delicate varieties the
evil effects can be traced throughout the life of
the tree. Another deplorable instance of failure
with a largo plantation of Pears came under my
observation which was undoubtedly partly due
to the same cause as the above, the other
portion of the evil effects being the result of an
unfavourable situation.
Tlie preparation of tho laud for tho reception of
fruit-trees is also an important matter too often over-
looked or imperfectly performed, and though we are
here referring more particularly to cases where
plantations to some extent are about to be formed,
yet the care advised is equally needed if only a few
trees are to be planted. The first con ideration is
the thorough breaking up of the soil, which is best
effected by means of trenching, at least for the
stations the trees are to occupy ; ordinary ploughing
is of little use, not because a great depth is required
for the roots, but because it is necessary to ensure
effectual surface drainage, to increase the air contain-
ing capacity, and consequently tbe warmth of the
soil. In a cold soil laden with stagnant moisture,
tree-roots can make but little satisfactory progress,
and the branch-growth will correspond ; indeed, it is
not recognised sufficiently how much tbe one is
dependent upon the other. Coarse roots produce
rank branches, and stunted roots result in im-
poverished stem growth. I have often when lifting
or transplanting been struck with the resemblance
between the two portions of a tree: strong downward-
going roots being associated with vigorous upward
stem-growth, while abundance of horizontal fibrous
roots commonly have a corresponding spreading
stem habit.
In the .case of all soil of a doubtful or unknown
composition, it is, however, judicious to keep eich
layer in its respective position ; in other words, to
avoid bringing the lower soil to the surface or where
the roots of the trees are to be placed. I have seen
such disastrous results follow inattention to this, that
f consider it a matter which cannot be too strongly
impressed upon learners. Wherever it is desired tp
increase the depth of surface soil, portions of the
lower layers must be brought up gradually, and then
only when the land is being croppol with strong-
growing vegetables.
As a means of preparing rough imperfectly culti-
vated soil for fruit trees, and for cleansing ground that
is infested with weeds, it is a wise precaution to crop
it with Potato? the summer before planting is intended
to be commenced. Where this is done, however, the
land should have a liberal application of stable or
artificial manure, as Potatos use up a quantity of
potash, the very constituent that is of much impor-
tance to fruit trees. Clearing the ground is a first
consideration, for it is the extremity of folly to plant
trees where the operation of hoeing or weeding will
be a most difficult one for years, particularly if
" twitch " should be present. With the latter weed,
in fact, it is essential to deal most thoroughly in the
direction of extermination prior to planting, Bell-
bine, Thistles, and Docks being scarcely less trouble-
some. Unless there are many other advantages in
its favour, I should never plant a piece of foul land
with fruit trees ; but occasionally there may bo no
choice, and the only alternative is to render the land
as clean as possible by persevering labour.
The question of distances and arrangement is an
important one, and it is not surprising there should
be some divergence of opinion respecting it. When
land is closely cropped with bush fruits or Straw-
berries, in addition to the Apples, Pears, or Plums
that form the staple, the difficulties of cultivating and
cleaning tho land are greatly increased; on the other
hand, if we do without what may be termed under-
crop-i, the producing power of the laud is materially
decreased, unless some intermediate crops can be
taken while tho trees are growing into bearing size.
Early returns have to be balanced against reduced cost
of cultivation, and where the fruit plantation is the main
source of the grower's income, the former consideration
will predominate ; but where it is only adjunct to some
other occupation, it may possibly suit the fruit-
grower to adopt the second method. It may also be
to some extent a question of means, for the capital
expenditure on a large plantation in which small
fruits are included would be more than doubled if
all the bushes, &c. have to be purchased. For
standard Apples a less distance apart than 20 feet
cannot be allowed, and then only for small-growing
varieties, while '24 to 30 feet are preferable in all
respects. I do not however advocate tenants
planting standard Apples. The owner of a piece
of land who wishes to increase its permanent
value may do well in planting standards, for the
number per acre is not large at the distances named,
but a lessee or land-holder, on more uncertain tenure,
can better secure a quick return for his outlay and
labour by planting dwarf-trees. That at least is my
experience, and that it has proved equally desirable in
many other cases I am well aware. Dwarf-trees too
can be placed at 7 to 12 feet apart according to the
habit of the variety, and the future plans of the
grower, and a large number per acre can thus be
arranged for.
As to methods of arrangement, there is none on the
score of couvenience for working aud good appearance
to rival planting at equal distances between the rows
aud between the trees, so that tho trees are in squares,
thus admitting of working the laud up the rows, and
at'ain at right angles. When accurately distanced,
this method also gives a beautiful effect as the trees
advance, for they come into lines in so many
different directions.
Whether stakes should be employed or not will
depend upon the form of trees planted, and the posi-
tion ; but perhaps more upon the latter than any-
thing. In sheltered places I have planted standards
without stakes that have made as good progress, aud
have their stems as straight as those that have been
most eirefully staked in more exposed spots ; but in
a general way the expense and trouble of staking
should always be incurred for standards. With
dwarf trees it is not always needful — indeed, it may
be said that only in exceptional cases of great exposure
is it essential.
As to the most desirable depth for planting fruit,
262
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[0C7 0BEB 16, 1897.
there cannot be> much difference of opinion, for the
slightest experience shows that in all soils of a fairly
retentive nature, planting at any depth below the
nursery-maik is productive of much mischief; where
the soil is lighf, deep, and equally good in the lower
layers, slightly deeper planting may be the means of
preventing too much exhaustion by summer droughts.
In heavy soils resting upon clay, or other unfavour-
ble sub-strata, I always place the roots as near the
surface as will admit of their being adequately
covered with soil ; indeed, in some extreme cases,
planting upon the surface and mounding over the
ro .ts, has proved preferable to the conventional
system of "digging a hole." Whatever system is
adopted, two points are essential, one being to trim
uff all jagged or injured roots with a sharp knife,
and the other is to spread the roots evenly and
horizontally. If the occasion should arise to examine
the cut-roots a year or two after planting, the ell'ects
will be seen in the thorough healing and production
of fibrous roots from the ends, a multiplication of
"feeders" most useful to the tree. With regard to
the other practice, the chief object is to prevent the
roots extending downwards, and to keep them in some
measure under control ; every interstice being filled
with pulverised soil, as great gaps between the roots
are decidtdly antagonistic to their progress.
The question of varieties has not been entered
upon in these notes, first, because it would require an
article as long as this to deal with it thoroughly ; and
secondly, because the selection for market purposes
must depend upon so many circumstances that the
intending planter has often to be guided by local
kuow ledge. Praclitumir.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
— •
LJELIA PUMILA "GATTON PARK VARIETY."
Im the Gardeners' Chronicle of January 2, 1897,
p. 11, the pure white La:lia pnmila alba, " E. Ash-
worth," was illustrated, and now there has appeared
in the gardens of Jeremiah Colman, Esq. Gatton Park,
Merstbam, Surrey (gr., Mr. King), an extraordinary
coloured variety well worthy to rank with the fir.-t
named. So thought the Orchid Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society when they awarded a
First-class Certilicate to the plant (fig. 79) at the
Drill Hall meeting on September 21 la-t.
Iu size and form, the flowers aro identical with
those of L. pumila, but it is novel iu colour, its
sepals and petals being white suffused with a decided
blue tint. The labcllum aUo is tinged with various
shades of blue, which deepen in the anterior portion
into light bluish-purple. /. o'B.
Eulophia Wendlandiana, Krd. (^ ruLcimji >. *
This is yet another discovery of the late Johannes
r.raun during his last visit to Madagascar. The
plant most resembles Eulophia pulchra, Lind., E. alis-
ruatophylla, E. megistophylla, E. sclerophylla, Kchb. f.,
aud other species, all described by Reichenbach ; but
on the other band it recalls E. euglossa, Lindley, a
* Eulophia IVenduindiana, Krzl. (§ Pulchrtr). — Tuberidiis
crassis 6cm. longis, 3 cm. diam., internodiisB — 7 compoaitis ;
foliU c tuberidio junio-e oricntibus 3 — 4, foliorum petiolia
arete plicatis 9—10 cm. longis, foliis ipsis ad 60 cm. longis.
'■', - 5 cm. latis, laneeolatis acutis acuminatisve nervis 3 v. 5
infra valde prominulis ; scipn multotles longiore ad 75 cm.
alto, catapbyllis 3 maguis longe vaginantibus inflatis acutis
ves'ito (maximo 6'5 em. longo) ; racemo longissimo (40 cm )
plurirloro distantifloro (minime panieulato) ; bracteis infirm*
Im >aribus quam ovaria subbrevioribus supremis multo
minoribus ovanis e pedicellis 3 — 3 5 cm. lougis ; sepalis tat*
linearibus acutis pallide viridibus 2 cm. longis, 3 mm. latis ;
petalis oblongis obtusis ap ce rutundatis, 1-3 cm. longis, 6 mm.
Litis, albis; Ubelli subbreviors lobis lateralibus serai-
oblongis v. semi-lunatis supra rotundatis intermedio late
oblongu antice obtuso simplice ne ,ue emarginato neque
aub-bilobo; callis basilnribus 2 inter lobos lateralea, con-
tinuis cum lamellis 2 majoribus crenulatis, addita utrinque
una multo brevioro apicem fere usque decurrentibus ;
calcari dirnidium labclli asquante complanato obtuso apice
pon didymo; labello viridi disco albido callis basilaribus
albis; lamellis disco anteriore calcari arnctliystinis ; gynos-
temio levitoi- curvato, utrinque marginato dot-so carinato ;
antljcra supra in processum earuosulum satis latum apice
ernarginatum acuta. In Madagascar (Jet et mieit tjeatus
'■IMUP.
plant of western African origin, In oolour and habit it
resembles a good-sized E. pulchra, but the middle lobe
of the lip is longer and narrower than in that species,
without the slightest trace of becoming bilobed itself,
as is the case iu all the other species of this group.
The margin of the middle lobe is slightly waved, as
are the two larger, and the adjacent two smaller
elevated lines or crests on the disc of the lip. It is
after all, a Eulophia with an affinity to E. pulchra,
with some traces of E. euglossa. The flowers are
rot of great beauty ; they are nearly lj inch in
diameter ; the petals are coloured pea-green, the
oblong, blunt petals pure white, and the lip is green
profusely tinted with amethyst. F. Kranzlin.
France.
M. LEMOINE'S NURSERY AT NANCY.
{Continued from p. 249.)
In the beginning of this note we alluded to
the wonderful collections of herbaceous plants and
bulbous plants to be met with in this nursery, and
Among other shrubs mention may be mad) of
Panax sessilifolium, with compound leaves and large
compact balls of black berries, greatly resembling
those of Ivy, but much larger. A glaucous variety
of Sambucus raeemosa is pointed out, and a feathery
Tamarisk, known as T. kasbgarica. It is very like
its congeners, but has the useful quality of flowering
even late in September. Rosa calocarpa x is a hybrid
from R. rugosa, and laden as it was with its orange-
scarlet berries, it formed a mo6t ornamental bush.
Aronia erythrocarpa is remarkable for its deeply
coloured leaves and pear-shaped black berries, and
Fraxinus rhyucophylla is noted as a fine and distinct
member of the genus.
A hybrid between Clematis Davidiana aud C.
stans shows the erect habit and the masses of tubular
lavender-coloured flowers characteristic of this section,
and is looked on with favour by M. Lemoine.
Eulalia gracillima is a very ornamental grass of the
first magnitude, with a dense profusion of elegant
linear leaves, each marked with a white stripe in the
centre.
Berberis Knighti is noted as having been nearly
lost to English gardens. B. virescens, B. Thunbergii,
with its deeply-coloured leaves and an endless series
■\
Fig. 79. — l.-elia pumila, "gatton park variety."
Sepal and pf'tals pal., mauve-blue ; labcllnin pale mauve-blue, with a deep mauve-blue lip,
beautifully bordered with a tine white line.
more especially to the extraordinary results obtained
by M. Lemoine by hybridisation, cross-breeding, and
careful selection. To go into details is impracticable,
but we may just add a few particulars relating to
trees and shrubs ; aud first we may mention that the
Lilas de Varin, or Rouen Lilac, concerning whose
origin much doubt has been expressed, and which
was at one time even supposed to be a native of
Siberia, has been proved to be a hybrid between a
semi-double form of the common Lilac, S. vulgaris,
and the out-leaved form of Persian Lilac, S. persica
laciniata. Solvitur ambulando. The hybrid has
been produced in these nurseries from the
parents just mentioned. Many of the newer Lilacs
originated in this establishment, and we saw
many more coming on, but not yet in a state for
further mention. The same remark applies to
numerous varieties of Deutzia, Ceanothus, and Phil-
adelphus, which were not in bloom at the time of
our visit.
of hybrids, were observed the characters of which
would take a long time to describe.
A hybrid Qazania between G. splendens and G.
nivea is pointed out. If some of these cross-breds
are not in appearance superior to their parents, they
may, and often do, possess qualities which enable
them to be grown under conditions and circumstances
which are unfavourable to the parents.
Dimorphotheca Ecklonis is a fine Gazanialike Com-
posite, which is kept cut back so as to secure a growth
of young shoots, many of which flower at the lips.
Diplacus tomentosus is very like the old D.
(Mimulue) glutinosus, but has pale saffron-coloured
flowers.
But mere lists of names are devoid of interest, and
we must await the return of the leaf and the receipt
of specimens to describe the many other novelties or
plants of interest here to be seen. In the mean-
time, let no plant-lover who has the chance miss the
opportunity of visiting this unique estabUshtnent.
October 16, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
263
PRIMULA TRAILLT.
On April 27 I showed at the Drill-hall a new
Primrose, Primula Trailli. I received the seed about
two years ago from a friend, a good botanist, in I he
Himal»yaa, with injunctions to he careful with it, as
the j lmt had not flo^eied in this country. He
low-growing Primroses. Primula Trailli is quite on a
different scale, as I think you will see by the illus-
tration (fig. 80). I took the measurements carefully :
breadth of plant, llj inches; height of the tallest
stem, 10 inches ; length of the leaf, 6£ inches ; ex-
panded part of this 'i inches, the width of the last,
lg inch. It had ten flower-stems. The plint was
Pig. 80. — primula trailli.
described it as P. Trailli, Walt, Himalayas, 17,001)
feet. In the note on the i-how in the Hardeners'
Chronicle, May 1, p. 292, noticing its Award
of Merit it is said, "the plant is evidently closely
related to Primula involucrata." I havo long
grown what are sold as P. involucrata and P.
Munroi, these are much alike, and are both small
grown in a cold frame, and when tho light was on,
placed close to it, so that it has not drawn. The
conclusion I came to was, that with some points of
resemblance to P. involucrata and P. Munroi. notably in
the very sweet scent, it is essentially distinct, and a new
Primrose that will be a valuable addition to the hardy
plant garden. Q. F. Wilson, Heatlterbank Weyhridge.
WALNUTS, ALMONDS, AND
CHESTNUTS.
{Continued from p. 195.)
We have now to consider the constituents of tho
ash of the various parts of the fruit of the Cali-
fornian-grown Walnut, Almond and Chestnut, with
such European ash analyses as are available.
First we will quote the average composition of the
ashes of the wood of the Walnut and Chestnut trees.
Bblectkd Constituent* in the Ashes of tiif. wood of
Waln.it and Chestnut-trees.
Constituents.
Walnut
Wood.
Chestnut
Wood.
Per cent.
Per cent.
Potash
11-3
101
Lime
S5-9
436
Magnesia
3-7
3 ?.
Phosphoric Acid
4-1
1-5
The results show that the Walnut-tree consumes
more potash in the building up of its wood than
does the Chestnut-tree ; but on the other hand, the
Chestnut-tree makes the largest demand on the con-
stituent lime, there being a difference of about 8 per
cent. Magnesia is very similar in the wood of both
trees. Phosphoric acid ia in greatest demand by the
Walnut-tree, to the extent of over 3 per cent.
It is found that the wood of the Chestnut-tree and
that of the common Oak are very similar in their
chemical composition.
But now our chief care is to look to that part of
the tree which ia taken away from the orchard — the
nut proper, the soil constituents of which must
eventually be replaced by the addition of suitable fer-
tilisers. In cases where the hulls and the leaves are
returned to the soil, it will be the composition of the
ashea of the nut alone, and not of the entire fruit,
which will be the proper gauge of the replacement
of plant-food necessary.
The following table gives the composition of the
ai-hes of Californian Walnuts, Almouds, and Chest-
nuts, in the nuts (hulled), and in parts of the entire
fruit : —
Si 1 • 11 o Con 1 1 1 1 rms [s the Ashes of Walnuts, Almonds
AND CHESTNUTS.
Tin Quantities per Cent.
.'■institucnts.
M iff- I Phns I Bui-
-' Lime, pl.uric pburic
ats"-| Acid Add.
Walnut.
Not hulled
19 96
0-v,
11-40
23-83 37-17
2 17
Kernel
12-69
0-91
1000
5-57
57 S3
1-31
Shell
28 28
082
5-29
44-SS
13 14
3-23
Hull
7; SO
0 27
1 SO
7 7:i
2 46
2 06
Almontl.
Kut— hulled
30 -G3
2 29
12-23
11-49
28 90
412
Kernel
10-90
i-S5
18-31
14 r,i
48-13
4 01
Shell
64-76
2 81
5-54
912
7-76
3 55
Hull
64-86
0-74
0-2S
4 10
5 02
1-32
Chetlnut.
Nut— hulled
45-07
1-70
9 24
8-82
23-10
10-84
Kernel
48-67
1-20
8 05
4-63
23-55
12-81
Shell
29 02
3-92
14-51
27-52
21-10
2-08
Hull
32 23
0-99
10-15
17-83
9-61
5-05
Some striking results are shown in the above table.
We find, for instance, that the potash in the ash of
the hulled Walnut comprises nearly 20 percent, of
the whole ingredients, while that of its hull alone is
nearly four times aa much, viz 77'8 per cent. It will
therefore be seen that if the hulls of the Walnut are
not returned to the soil, the dominant ingredient of
the fertiliser intended for replacement of plant-food
must be potash ; while if the bulla are left on tho
ground, tho dominant constituent by far should be
that of nitrogen.
The ashes of the various parts of the Almond and
Chestnut, on the whole, show few such wide differ-
ences in potash as that above giveD, but still they
differ much from each other.
It is an interesting f jet that the ash of the kernel
264
THE GAB BE NEE 8' CUE ONI CL E.
[October 16, 1897.
of the Walnut is, in weight, more than twice that of
the shell, while in other nuts it is more nearly equal.
Also, that in the kernel of the Walnut and Almond
the phosphoric aeid is very largely predominant over
the potash, while the reverse is true in the ashes of
the shell.
In the Walnut kernel, the phosphoric acid com-
prises nearly 58 per cent, of its ash. In the ash of
the Chestnut, the potash is by far the predominant
ingredient in both kernel and shell, and is largest in
the kernel. The same is found to be truo in the case
of the European Chestnut. The soda in European
Chestnuts is found to be considerably higher than in
the Californian fruit.
Soil Inoredients withdrawn bt Nuts.
From the foregoing data, relating to ash and
nitrogen content, we are enabled to calculate the
amount of soil-ingredients withdrawn by the growth
of Walnuts, Almonds and Chestnuts. These amounts,
expressed in pounds for each constituent per
1000 pounds of fresh nut, both hulled and not
hulled.
Soil Inoredients Extracted by Walnuts, Almonds, and
Chestnuts.
In 1000 lb. Fresh of—
Total
Ash.
Potash.
Lime.
Phos-
phoric
Acid.
Nitro-
gen.
lb.
lb.
lb.
lb.
lb.
Walnuts, hulled
7-50
1-50
1 SI
2 78
10-20
,, not hulled
12-98
sis'
1-55
1-47
5-41
Almonds, hulled
15-00
5-49
1-72
4-33
10-40
, , not hulled
17-29
9-95
1-04
2-04
7 01
Chestnuts, hulled ...
8 20
3 72
0-71
1 89
8 00
,, not hulled
9 52
3 67
1-20
1-5S
6 40
Food Value of Nuts.
All authorities agree upon the fact that Nuts are a
highly concentrated form of food. Walnuts and
Almonds possess a higher nutritive value than even
the cereal grains ; and, as compared with fruits, they
rank high in food value, being a true seed only, and
not made up of fleshy coverings,as the Apple, Pear, &c ;
they therefore have le3s water and a higher nutritive
value generally, weight for weight.
Where, in a rational dietary system, other forms of
food lack protein or albuminoids and fat, the Walnut
and the Almond will supply, in concentrated shape,
tho3e needs ; the Chestnut, with its high content of
starch, sugar, dextrin, &c, may, on the other hand,
be used as a substitute for the cereal grains or
Potatos.
Increased production will doubtless remove the
obstacle of high cost of Nuts to the consumer ; and
iu time, if demand arises, may bring the Chestnut at
least into the list of staple foods for the human family.
/. /. Willis, Harpcndcn.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
PHAL.ENOPSIS VIOLACEA ALBA.
This extremely rare albino of P. violacea is now iu
flower in Lord Rothschild's garden at Tring Park.
The sepals and petals of this plant have not the
slightest trace of the violet-purple hue of the typieil
form, but are of a clear French white. The side lobe
ami crest of the lip are tinged with yellow, and
the whole flo ver has a semi-transparent, waxy appear-
ance, rendering it very attractive apart from its
interest a3*a rare plant. /. O'B.
In the total quantity of mineral matters (ash)
withdrawn from the soil, the Almond leads with
17 lb., the Walnut comes next with nearly 13 lb ,
and the Chestnut last, with 9.J lb. in 1000 lb. of the
entire fruit. These figures become somewhat changed
when referred to the hulled nuts.
Stone fruits have been found to come much below
the above in total ash.
Potash. — The data for hulled-nuts shows that
Almonds withdraw 5-49 lb. of potash, as against
3 72 lb. for Chestnuts, and 1"6 lb. for Walnuts, in
1000 lb. of fresh nuts ; however, when these figures are
referred to the entire fruit, the Walnut and Almond
take about the same quantity — 8 to 10 lb., or nearly
three times as much as the entire Chestnut. Stone-
fruits do not, on the whole, nearly approach these
figures for equal weight of fruit.
Phosphoric Acid. — The Almond again leads in this
constituent, withdrawing 4'33 lb., the hulled nut of
the Walnut taking 278 lb.; and the Chestnut only
1'89 lb., per 1000 lb. of fresh nuts. These results are
again all materially changed when referred to the
entire fruit. For equal weights, stone-fruits appear
to be very much less exhaustive upon the ingredient
phosphoric acid than do nuts.
Nitrogen. — Again, the Almond leads with 16'4 lb.,
not nearly approached by the Walnut, with 10'2 lb.,
or the Chestnut with 8 lb. of nitrogen withdrawn per
10J0 lb. of fresh hulled nuts. These figures, while
materially altered by referring them to the entire
fruit, are still very high, and indicate a great draft
upon the soil — several times more than the Plum or
Apricot.
As nuts carry away so large an amount of nitrogen,
this constituent must necessarily b9 replaced in the
soil if paying crops of fruit are to be continuously
produced.
Thus, it appears tint wh?n nut orchards need
fertilisers, the first call will ordinarily be for those
manures rich in nitrogen. The need for phosphoric
acid will probably not be felt so soon in a Nut-
orchard as it would be in an orchard devoted to stone-
fruits.
Chestnuts do not withdraw so much potash and
phosphoric acid from the soil as do the other nuts ;
but they soem to demand that the 'soil shall co ita'-u
sulphates, which are found in surprising quantisi s in
the kernel of the nut.
ORCHID PORTRAITS.
Cvpripedidm Lawrenceanum, vat. Trieuasijm, Lindenia,
t DhXXV.
Dendr irium soavissimi-m, Lindenia, t. dlxxiv.
Mlt.TOVIA VEXILLARIA, V.ir. VITTVTA, Li,) U»i', t. DLXXVI.
SCHOMSUROKIA TIBICIXI3; L'ml'nia, t. DLXXKI.
The Rosary.
POTTED ROSES FOR FORCING.
Althouoh not so su'tab'e for turning out into
beds, or for continuous glassh -use-culture as some of
the Teis and Noisettes, many of them are much
valued for their fragrance, and for colours that are
great contrasts to the soft shades of the Tevs, such as
Catherine Mermet, Niphetos, Perle des Jardins, O
Nabonnand, and others in pots. By cultivating the
H.P.'s in pots, it is an easy matter to move them to
some sheltered spot in the opeu as soon as the pla-its
pass out of bloom ; for, although named perpetuals,
vory few afford a second bloom to merit their being
retained afterwards. Moreover, by that time more
space is being required for the free-blooming Teas
and Noisettes ; these in their turn being followed by
the Roses in sheltered spots in the open, whose
flowers are of better quality than late blooms from
pot-plants would be.
The plants already established in pots in the open
ground ready for potting may now be taken in hand,
and with as little delay as may be. The established
plants should be removed to a cold pit or frame for a
short time, as exposure to heavy rain or frost is
better avoided, and the slight protection afforded
will soon be needed if the wood is to bs ret lined in a
suitable condition for early forcing, the plant not
responding in a satisfactory manner after it has been
exposed to frost. The holes in the bottom of the
pots should be cleared of soil, worm-cats, &c, and
if this cannot be done, the plants should bs turned
out, and the crocks put in proper order, returning
the ball without further disturbance, beyond taking
otf the surface soil. This should be rt placed with
sound loam, made firm with a rammer, afterwards
affording a rich mulch or a sprinkle of some artificial
manure or Per ivian guano, decayed dovecote dung,
or blood-manure, over which a little fresh loam may
be spread to give the plants a neat appearance.
A few of the best matured plants may be pruned
at the same time, doing this a little closer and harder
than you would for the same variety if growing in
the open border. The strongest growing H.P.'s
require too much space for pot-work to suit ino«t
gardeners, as they must have the whole of the long
wood left almost intact to obtain plenty of bloom.
Rather than these I would recommend Gdneral
Jacqueminot, Fisher Holme3, A. K. Williams, Gus-
tavo Piganeau, and Captain Hayward for growing in
pots. Nor would I grow even these except for their
beautiful colours, avoiding such as Gabrielle Luiz-t,
Magna Charti, Baroness Rothschild, &c, because
much the same light shade, in better form, and with
more fragrance in the Teas, and which will produ e
treble the quantity of bloom.
So long as H.P.'s are grown on steadily from the
early stages, they are no more difficult to force than
the majority of other hardy-flowering shrubs ; it is
the unnaturally hasty excitement of top-growth that
does so much harm to this section of Roses.
After pruning, stand the plants in the pit or frame
for a month or longer, keeping them close until the
eyes are prominent, when they may be removed to a
greenhouse having a temperature of 50° to 55°, wlrc'i
should be maintained until they are fairly come
into growth, when a rise of from 5° to 10°, according
to the state of the weather, will be beneficial. From
this point a liberal use of weak liquid-manure will
assist the plants. From the very first aphides shoul I
be kept severely in check, and an occasional syringe
will do mu'h tiwards this, while a sprinkle of tepid
water upon bright mornings will maintain a genial
atmosphere in the house. The water for syringing
purposes should contain a small quantity of quassia
or tobacco-j uic*. When drops of moisture hang on
the edges of the leaves in the morning, it is a sign
th it the conditions are right, but these drops mn-t
not remain too long. As the season advances, it is
well to dimp down early in the morning, and so
induce a rather must atmosphere, and if this be
obtained from liquid manures, the ammonia con'ained
therein maintains the foliage in health.
When starting a bitch of Roses for pot-work,
choose plants that have been worked low upon the
roots of stocks, and which have a bushy habit. They
should be lifted very carefully, so that few fibrous
roots are lost. In potting, strong turfy loim should
be used, but failing that, leif-soil, loam, well-decayed
vegetable refuse and manure, with a little coaise
said, will do almost as well if it be not too rich. B i
careful to pot firmly. Let the collar of the plant bo
buried an inch or so, and use comparatively small
pots, but do not unduly cramp the roots. In the
future potting, a richer compost may be used. Half
plunge the pots in a frame or pit, and see that the
wood is sprinkled sufficiently to prevent shrivelling.
The plants with the plumpest shoots may be started
in February or March, but it is better if t<hey can be
grown on steadily the first summer, and forced during
the ensuing winter. As a general rule, Roses are
turned from the flower-house into the open too
suddenly when flowering is over, but it is better that
a gradual hardening should take place before this is
done. A. P.
VICTORIA. REGIA.
For a long time after its introduction, we knew of
but one form of this noble Water Lily. Lately, how.
ever, different varieties have made their appearaufo,
and one of these we figure in our present issue. Is
has been flowering freely all the season at Kew, and
is remarkable for the i'eep, straight, not curved r!m
to the leaves, whilst the deeply-coloured flower is
much less spiny lhan in the ordinary form. We
presume it is the variety Randi of pur American
friends, and it is figured, with others, in Mr. W.
Tiicker's Water Garden, a book we hope shortly to
notice in these columns. Some of the varieties, it
seems, will bear a lower temperature than others.
Our illustration (fig. 81) is from a photogiaph taken
by Mr. Gregory, in the Royal Gardens, Kew.
OCTOBER If!, 1897.]
Til E <!A 11 1>E S E 11 S ' CUi: ONI CLE.
205
" NITRAGIN."
The extent to which even the larger anima's aro
dependent on insignificant creatures that can only be
distiugu:sbed under the high powers of the micro-
scope is hard to realise. The looger we live the
more wo fiud out that many of these tiny organisms,
far from being the harmful parasites they were once
thought to be, are absolutely essential to the lives of
their ho&ts. In our own blood are numerous small
auimals, called white corpuscl- b, that resemble in
ev.rything but s ze the animals known as Atucebaj
that live in pond-water. These white corpuscles,
except that they cannot get out of our blood or live
anywhere else, are as independent as we are. In
diseases the destructive bacterid do not seem to be
able to work alone in many cases, but require the
assistance of other bac eria to prepare the ground for
them, as it were. Une of the moet remarkable
that leguminous plants (Peas, Beans, &c; ), had the
power of making use of the free nitrogen of the air,
and that the nodules on the rootlets were the
channels through which the nitrogen was secured.
Further investigation brought to light a very com-
plicated and interesting state of affairs in these root-
lets. In a thimbleful of soil there are many millions
of tiny organisms, with which the root- hairs of the
plant come into close contact. These organi.-ms— or,
rather, tome of them — invade the sub-tance of the
root-hairs, and stimulate the ti.-sues to form over-
grown cells, which make up the nodule* we have
spoken of above. As fa t as the cells are formed, they
are occupied by quantities of organisms, which do
not injure the cells, but seem to stimulate them to
intense action. The result of all this is that, in a
manner we do not yet understand, nitrogen is
absorbed from the air in considerable amount. When
the plant finds in the soil sufficient nitrogenous food
is similar, but all three arms are branched at the
ends. The form peculiar to Broom is that of a well-
formed comma, that of Gorse resembles a badly-
formed comma, and the organism of Lucerne remnds
us of a note of exclamation.
Our German friends, with their usual energy and
acuteness in matters scientific, have actually begun
to cultivate these organisms, and the great chemical
firm of Meister, Lucius & Briining are offering them
for sale commercially. They have chosen for them
the unfortunate namo of" nitragin," which is certain
to be ennfused with " nitrogen " in this country. In
Germany it does not matter, as their name for nitro-
gen is " stickstoff." Varieties suitable for the common
Pea and Field Pea ; for Vetches and Horse- Beans ;
for white, yellow, ami blue Lupines ; for led, nhte,
and crimson Clover, Alsjke, Trefoil, Cowgra-s, and
Lucerne; for Siinfoin, and many others, are there
cultivat' d.
NEW VICTORIA REGIA IS WATER-LILY HOUSE, KEW. (SEE P. 2G4. )
instanc)%o£ this mutual depn lence between higher
and lower orders of beings lies in the vegetable
world, and is concerned with the way certain families
of plants obtain a portion of their food. The existence
of the organisms that play a part in this particular
co-operative arrangem nt is perhaps the most im-
portant discovery that has been made for many years,
and should be of immen-e interest to agriculturists
and others -all others.
For a long time ho'anists have been puzzleel by the
outgrowths or nodules that occur on the rootlets of
plants belonging to the Bean and P< a family. Another
curious thing about these plants is that to grow a
crop of Peas. Beans, or Tares, is as good for the land
as a strong dose of, manure, and many farmers, espe-
cially on the Continent, have adopted the routine of
growing such a crop previous to sowing the land with
Wheat or other grain. The bene'it obtained by
doing so was obvious, although the reason was nut
known. Within the last few years it has been found
(nitra'es, ammonium sulphate, or farmyard manure')
to supply its needs, the noc'iiles, although they are
still formed, do not take nitiogeu from the air, so
that the organisms must have some other business
besides supplying the plant with nitrogen.
By cultivation in gelatine and selection, it has been
found possible to isolate the particular organisms that
take part in this curious root-growth. It is fouud
that each plant has its own organism, and in the
interesting lecture of Dr. J. A. Voe'cker, a' the
Society of Chenrcal Industry, a short while since,
illustrations and micro- photographs of these organises
were shown. Red and white Clover and other tri-
foliums patronise eight different forms, although it is
possible that these only represent different stages in
the growih of the same organism, the final shape
being a three-pointed star. The form peculiar to the
Broad Bean is very similar to the last, but two of
the arms are branched again. Tl e Vetch prefers a
smaller organism than the two preceding ; the shape
A large number of experiments were carried out
with these materials in England last year, and IV
Voelcker gives an interesting summary of the results
in his paper. Unfortunately the season was so
abnormally dry that the experiments were not very
conclusive, but the results on the whole were favoui-
able. On the land of Mr. Howard Rjland, Greeu
Peas, Broad Beans, and Sweet Peas (especially tb»
last), benefited by the inoculation ; French Beau,,
were doubtful. At Messrs. Sutton & Sons' neaily
the whole of the experiments gave favourable indi-
cations, especially as regards root-growth. Wheat is
being grown this year at Messrs. Sutton's on the
ground used for these experiments, and it will be
interesting to see what improvement, if any, has been
effected.
By the light of present experience, it is necessary
to take the following precautions when using the new
inoculating material : — The ground must ei her be
inoculated before sowing, or the seed jrseTf must be
266
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 16, 1897.
inoculated, and the organisms sown with the seed.
This is important, as the nodules are formed in the
early stages of the growth of the plant. As the
inoculation only assists the plant to obtain the nitro-
genous portion of its food, other manures, such as
phosphates and potash, must be supplied, jutt as in
the ordinary way. Where a particular crop — say of
Beans — is doing well, it is foolish to expect to im-
prove matters still more by introducing the new
material, as it is quite clear that the soil is already
inoculated. Further and more elaborate experiments
with "nitragin" are being conducted this year, and
we hope they will lead to definite rules of conduct
being laid down.
One of the most hopeful applications of the new
inoculating material is in connection with "Clover
sickness." It is found in practice that Clover can
only be grown for a comparatively short time on a
particular piece of land ; the soil then becomes
"Clover-sick," and about eight years must elapse
before the field can be sown again with Clover suc-
cessfully. The reason for this is unknown, but it may
be due to the exhaustion of the organisms that live
on the roots, without which the plant cannot thrive.
If this be the case, the application of fresh inocu-
lating material will enable the farmer to grow Clover
every year, if he desires it, off the same plot.
The knowledge of these organisms throws a light
on the fact that, aa every gardener knows, manure
alone, however well-proportioned, is not sufficient for
the satisfactory growth of most plants ; it is necessary
to have a large quantity of decayed vegetable-matter
present as well. An old garden that has been well
looked after produces far better crops than one
newly planted, the difference being due in all pro-
bability to the quantity of these useful organisms
present in the old vegetable soil.
Important as the discovery of root-organisms may,
and probably will, be to agriculture, the application
seems small compared to the immense possibilities
that are opened up in the region of chemical industry.
On the one hand, we have this inert nitrogen of the
air, that can only be made to combine with other
elements under the stress of the greatest force at
the command of chemistry and phyBics, viz., the
electric arc ; on the other hand, these tiny organisms
are making nitrogen enter into combination at the
ordinary temperature of the soil. When the secret of
these organisms has been mastered, we shall have
drawn much closer to the boundary that separates
gods and men. ft F. Townsend, F. O.S., in " Knowledge"
September 1, 1897.
The Herbaceous Border.
TRITOMA SULPHURATA.
On visiting Mr. Prichard's nursery at Christchurch
the other day I noticed, amongst other fine things,
the new yellow Tritoma sulphurata. The colour of
the flower is a pleasing sulphur-yellow ; the flower-
stems are from 1£ to 2 feet high, and for the size
of the plants they are freely produced. It struck one
as being pretty, and very suitable as a margin to
some of the taller-growing Tritomas. /. Baxter.
American Notes.
AMERICAN POMOLOQICAL SOCIETY,
This old and dignified Association held Its twenty-
fifth session at Columbus, Ohio, September 1 and 2,
The attendance was not very large, but a good
programme was carried out, and those present
generally enjoyed the meeting. Subjects which re-
ceived special consideration were the importations of
foreign varieties of fruits, the San Jose scale, spray-
ing, and new fruits. The old and honoured Pre-
sident of the Society, Mr. Prosper J. Berckmans of
Georgia, declined re-election. He had held the office
for ten years, during which time he had gained a wide
reputation as a wise Btudent of horticulture, and is
an enterprising nurserymaD. His successor, Mr. C.
L. Watrows of Desmoines, Iowa, is also a nurseryman
of repute, and a pomologist of ability. The old and
respected secretary, Mr. George C. Brackett, was
succeeded by Mr. William A. Taylor of the National
Department of Agriculture. It is safe to prophecy
that this selection will prove eminently agreeable to a
wide circle of American pomologists. Mr. Taylor's
very marked accomplishments in pomology, and his
exceptionally wide acquaintance with professional
and amateur fruit-growers in America and Europe,
give great promise for his usefulness in the secretary-
ship of the American Pomological Society. We may
hope, reasonably perhaps, that the Society may
hereupon achieve a stronger hold on American horti-
culturists ; for while it has been in no sense a closed
corporation, and while its leading men have always
sought the public good, the Society has for some
reason not very apparent failed to attract a large and
representative membership. It has thus not exer-
cised the widest possible influence, and its acts have
not had quite the cogency which might ,be desired.
America, without question, ought to have a strong
representative and authoritative pomological society,
and there is no insuperable reason why the present
organisation may not develop into a fairly satisfactory
fulfilment of the ideal.
Japanese Plums.
A very marked interest has been taken in the
Japanese Plums from their first introduction into
America. This interest has not at all been confined
to amateurs and experimenters, but market growers
have planted extensively of almost all the earlier
varieties. We are just now now beginning to be able
to measure the value of these Plums by the market
standards. Most of the varieties make good, healthy,
strong-growing trees, and bear at a satisfactorily
early age. The fruit of some varieties is large, fine-
looking, and of good quality. They are mostly very
prolific, and the fruit ships well. Some varieties are
desirable on account of extreme earliness. Most of
them unfortunately are cling stones. Abundance is
most widely known ; but Burbank, in spite of a very
ill-shaped tree, is the commonest favourite for size
and quality of fruit. The nomenclature of the
Japanese Plums is Badly confused, notwithstanding
their very recent introduction and the earnest efforts
of Bailey, Taylor, Price and others, to extricate the
leading varieties. F. A. JFaugh.
Foreign Correspondence.
ABERIA CAFFRA.
The Kei-apple of South Africa has ripened fruit
this month in the garden of Mr. C. H. Shinn, at
Niles, Alameda, co. California. Mr. Shinn reports
that abundance of fruit "set," but that only about
eight or ten near the centre of the bush came to
maturity. As far as I am aware, this is the first time
this shrub has ripened fruit in California. No seeds
were found in the fruits. /. Burtt Davy, Berkeley,
California, September 16.
ALDENHAM HOUSE, ELSTREE.
The great feature in Lord Aldenham's extensive
and beautiful gardens is the ornamental water which
runs through the greater part of them, sometimes as
a narrow rivulet, with neat grassy banks or rocky
edge, here and there broadening into a greater
expanse, which in the new water-garden, formed on
the site of the moat of the old hall, is of considerable
extent, and everywhere beautified by the skilful
manner in which Mr. Beckett, the gardener, has
arranged the clumps of flowering and foliage shrubs,
the masses of showy, hardy perennials ; and in
the water, the Water Lilies and other water
plants. Even the stone bridges which span
the ornamental water are made to contribute their
share of flowers by the interstices in the stoneB, and
the sides of the rocky basements being planted with
Saxifragas, Sedums, and other close-growing alpine
plants, among which the clumps of Gentians have
been giving a fine Bhow of rich dark blue flower?,
and other dwarf-growing species usually seen but-in
small tufts, have here grown into masses 3 or 4 feet
across, and flowered profusely. Glancing along the
banks, the effect of the skilful use of coloured foliaged
shrubs is very evident at this season, when their
colours are more noticeable even than in the summer,
when bright-coloured flowers are more plentiful. Of
the coloured-leaved shrubs, the golden-leaved Poplar,
which is here cut back every year, is very bright and
effective ; very telling, too, are the clumps of Golden
Privet, which are also restricted in growth according
to the position it occupies. The Copper Beech is
made to assume a pyramid or bush -form, and its dark
tints are very effective ; so also the Primus Pissardi,
Golden Yews, clumps of variegated Cornus, and a
great number of other coloured foliages. But in every
instance where one of these is used, sufficient of it is
planted together to give the desired effect, and the
same object does not occur beyond the scope allowed
to it until another view is opened up. This plan
of planting in masses of one thing, with an edging
of dwarf Privet, Hypericum, Vinca, or similar
plant, is adhered to throughout, and mixed shrub-
beries are avoided as much as possible. By this
means the feeling that any portion of the outdoor
garden is a sample of the whole, which pervades a
garden where mixed planting is the rule, is done
away with, and some beautiful and striking effects
secured, which last in the mind. As, for example,
the great masses of white and red flowered Rosa
rugosa at Aldenham, whose waning flowers are
mingled with a profusion of orange and scarlet fruits ;
the great beds of Hydrangea paniculata, and large
maBses of other showy things, which are calculated to
leave an impression on the beholder not possible
were the plants set out in mixed beds.
Of berried plants, Crataegus pyracantha is the
most brilliant, a good portion of the mansion on one
side being covered with its branches, closely set with
scarlet berries. In the grounds, and along the banks
of the stream, too, this plant is grown in dwarf
pyramids, also covered with berries, and so used it is
one of the best and brightest things of its kind. The
different species of Crataegus are also bright with
coloured fruits ; and among the Cotoneasters,
C. Roylei as Btandards bearing pendulous branches
of round leaves and purple berries, are pretty and
uncommon objects. Along the banks of the stream,
and in other parts of the garden, there is still a good
show of flowers, both annual and perennial. The
glowing yellow of the Sunflowers, the bright and
varied colours of the Dahlia3, Gladioli, and
other tall growers rise behind tho rich orange clumps
of Montbretias; the crimson, white, and purple of the
Pentstemons ; the tall spikes of scarlet Lobelia cardi-
nalis Queen Victoria, which in one place is mingled
effectively with the blue Salvia patens ; the bright
mauve tints of the Asters of the Michaelmas Daisy
class, of which there is a very great number of
varieties, oue great bed containing some hundreds of
plants, soon to be masses of purple, mauve and white
flowers ; bushes of Fuchsia Riccartoni, trained
pyramids of Eccremocarpus sciber, which like Mina
lobata and Maurandya Barclayana, makes very
effective specimens when so managed. Around the
mansion, the oblong carpet-beds, alternating with
circular beds of Fuchsias, are still bright and trimly
kept. In the bedding-plant arrangement the tuberous
Begonias certainly have the advantage, for they are
covered with rich crimson flowers ; and the large
bank of sub-tropical plants seems even more massive
than formerly, probably on account of many o the
plants having attained such vigour before being
planted out. For a view of the Hower-garden Bee
Gardeners' Chronicle, March 7, 1897, p. 297.
In the wild garden, the walks of which are made
as for gravel paths, but turfed over so as to be clean
in all weathers, are many subjects which have
assumed unusual beauty, by being allowed to grow
unrestricted. Of these, very striking are the large
patches of double-flowered Bramble, now covered with
Ooiober 16, 1897.J
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
267
clusters of small rose like blooms ; the cut-leaved
Brambles, handsome both in leaf and fruit ; the
Hydrangeas, Heaths, Climbing Roses, of which the
Crimson Rambler is the favourite ; and numbers of
other things capable of taking care of themselves,
and mingling effectively with the bracken and tall
grasses growing beneath the stately Oaks and other
large trees, which so greatly beautify this large and
beautiful estate.
The Glass-houses
are devoted principally to the growth of fruit, and
flowers for cutting, and plants for decoration.
The long ranges of vineries and Peach-houses have
heavily cropped this season, the quality of the fruits
being of the usual excellence for which Mr. Beckett
is noted, and of which beholders of his prize-winning
exhibits at the large shows has, as in former years,
had evidence. The Crotons and Dracaenas have very
brightly coloured foliage ; the Calanthes, Ccelogynes,
and Cypripediuuis promise well for bloom ; and the
immen-e number of Chrysanthemums, for which
Aldenham is noted, are in splendid condition.
The kitchen garden, with its cross-walks of showy
herbaceous perennials, is as neat and well-kept as
every other part of the garden, and good results in
everything have been obtained, though it is said with
more than usual labour on account of the peculiar
season, which has also caused the crops of out-door
fruits to be very far below the average ; Plums, of
the larger fruits, being the best. J. O'B.
THE COPPER TREATMENT OF
THE POTATO DISEASE BY THE
BORDEAUX MIXTURE.
The Gardeners Chronicle was the first journal
in which this method of preventing the ravages of
the Potato disease wab explained to the English-
speaking world ; many and frequent are the allusions
which have since been made to it in these columns.
At first, because the Mixture was not properly made
it was opposed on the ground of injury to the Potato
foliago ; but it was soon found that with a little
more time and a little more care, no injury was done
to the plant. That the method has not been more
widely adopted is simply because we have for a series
of years been exempt from tho disease to a greater or
less degree. This year, however, we are hit, and our
neighbours across the Channel even more so, and the
matter of course assumes a political phase. In one
of our leading daily papers, an article appeared
recently headed, "Is it famine?" in which a pitiful
account was given by an eye witness ot the state of the
Potato crop. He says, moreover, " the only Potatos
good for anything are those which were ' sprayed '
twice." This shows clearly enough what an eye
witness thinks of spraying. But the writer goes on
to show that it is practically useless to the very small
grower on account of the expense — mainly the cost
of hire, for purchase is out of the question — of proper
spraying machines by the very small and very poor
growers. We do not doubt that the inhabitants of
Ireland are poor, but we venture to think that where
there is a will there is a way. From France the Bor-
deaux Mixture came ; and from France, it seems, we
must learn that poverty is no bar to its successful
use. A visit to Paris and neighbourhood soon
showed us that sackfuls of sulphate of copper were
exposed for sale in the county towns — so that there
must be some demand for it. We find, as we
expected, that the French peasant does not mean to
lose his crop if he can help it. He often unites with
his neighbours, and forms a syndicate in a small way
for the purchase of a spraying-machine. But if he is
too small a grower, and too poor even for this, does
he stand still with his hauds in his pockets lamenting
over the loss of his Potatos ? Not a bit. He takes a
bundle of Heather or Ling, makes it into a little
broom, and slings the remedy by hand over his patch
of Potatos. Are the Potato plots in Ireland too
oniall for this.'— is Heather too expensive/ — or can
it be possible that it is too much trouble i William
B. Plowright, M.D., King's Lynn,
Stockholm.
— * —
THE AUTUMNAL FRUIT SHOW.
About the same time as you held your great show
of British-grown fruit, Scandinavian gardeners and
nurserymen also exhibited their products at a show
here in Stockholm. It lasted from September 23
to 30, and was the most successful Bhow of the kind
ever held in this country. The four northern coun-
tries, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland were
all represented. For plant-growiog, of course, Den-
mark is climatically the beat favoured, and Danish
nurserymen are more experienced exhibitors, and it
must be admitted that their display was tho best in
quality and arrangement. Two Norwegian nursery-
men also showed some excellently-grown plants. But
the Swedish growers seemed to compete very well,
and would have done better if the arrangement had
been better carried out. Ferns, Palms, Dracienas,
Paudauus, Crotons, Kicus, Philodendrons, Asparagus,
Myrsiphyllums, aud other decorative plants were
well represented. Some early Chrysanthemums and
some good collections of Cactus Dahlias were also
shown.
As to decorative flower arrangements, thero were
some capital exhibits, and the firm, R. Billstrom,
Stockholm, made really a grand show. There were
Orchids, dill'erent coloured Nymphaias, and many
other rare flowers in this country in great profusion
and excellently arranged.
In the vegetable department some Norwegian nur-
serymen made the best show of Cucumbers and
Melons ; and from the north of Sweden were shown
some really high-class vegetables. Globe Artichokes
could not be seen better than at thU show. Tomatos
are beginning to come into fashion in this country,
to judge by the numerous exhibits of this fruit.
Finlaud made a good show of vegetables. Several
exhibits came from far north of tho polar circle I
The fruit show was really grand, and was, as far as
Sweden is concerned, the chief part of the show. As
to the mode of arrangement, there were collective
shows from the different counties, and separate shows
from many great fruit-growers. In many of the
counties shows had been previously held for the pur-
pose of selecting the exhibits. It was astonishing,
even to many in this country, to find what a great
variety of good fruits can be grown so far north.
Some exhibitors from the southern counties, I
think, could have competed favourably anywhere.
Of course, many of the finest foreign varieties of
Apples and Pears cannot, to aDy extent, be grown in
this country ; but some of our natural varieties are of
a high-class quality. It is easy to understand that,
for those kinds of fruit that can stand our hard
winters, and do not want too long a time for their
development, our fine summers, with their long days
and bright nights, are highly favourable for giving
high colour and good flavour.
As regards the development of fruit-growing in this
country, it is going in the same direction as in other
countries. A great number of varieties are tried, but
growers are gradually fixing upon a small number for
cultivation on a large scale. Dwarf growing trees are
more and more taking tin- place of tall-growing
standards, because they are easier to protect, and
the fruit is of a higher quality. What is sorely
wanted here, as in many other places, is a better
system of sorting, packing, and marketing the fruit.
A. H. M., 31, St. Nygatan, Stockholm, Oct. 3, 1897.
Forestry.
TYPES OF BRITISH WOODLAND.
Ax easy and usually effective method of altering
the character of a wood on flat ground is that of
leaving patches of bad or boggy ground unplanted,
and allowing them to grow whatever may chance to
take root on theai. Such patches let light and air
into the wood, and the trees round their margins are
well clothed with branches, and may, if desired, be
broken up into groups, or single trees may be isolated
to relieve the general appearance of the outline.
Such patches as these are of great value to the sports-
man, as they furnish plenty of grass and low growth
for game cover, and being warm and sunny, both
ground and feathered game make them favourite
resorts. Another means of affording variety is by
introducing patohes of underwood here and there
throughout the wood, either in the shape of ordinary
coppice, or by planting low-growing or shrubby
species in place of the ordinary timber-trees. Patches
of Gorse, Broom, or even Heather all help to enliven
and change tho scene where necessory, and allow
what ground is really under timber to be treated
independently of game or ornament.
Another feature of mixed or woods of any kiud
consists in the general appearance presented from the
rides which intersect them, aud the manner in which
these latter are laid out. Rides are ostensibly formed
to facilitate the remo/al of timber, an! to allow
sportsmen and others to penetrate into all parts of
the wood without difficulty. But when judiciously
planned, they also enable the mo it picturesque parts
of a wood to be seen without leaving the beaten
track. Their course is often determined by the con-
formation of the surface, and in such cases little
pains need be taken beyond those necessary to ensure
a suitable gradient for the hills, and the avoidance
of difficult obstacles. On flat ground the question
is rather how to give them a certain amount of
intricacy without taking unnecessary curves and
turns.
The usual course is to run a ride round the margin
of the wood at a short distance from the boundary
line, and into which those from the interior run.
This idea is a very good one, but is sometimes spoilt
by following too faithfully the exict line of the
boundary at too regular and short a distance from it.
When so formed, the exterior of the wood becomes
visible as the trees get thin below, aud the view
from the ride is neither one thing nor the other. It
is better to allow it to ruu right up to the margin in
one place, and recede well back from it in another.
By this means the scene is occasionally enlivened by
the more extensive view presented to the eye, and at
the same time the idea of unbounded extent is more
effectually imparted than in the former case. The
axiom sometimes heard, that "Nature abhors a
straight line," applies with more truth to woodland
rides than to roads in general. For convenience
when shooting, it is not uncommon to find rides laid
out perfectly straight for a considerable distance, and
one or two of this kind in a large road may not be
altogether out of place. But in a general way, the
idea a woodland ride should convey is that of it
having been out or made through the trees, and not
that the rido was first formed and the trees planted
afterwards. A straight ride never conveys the former
of these ideas, unless it is narrow enough to pass
between trees 2 or 3 feet apart ; but if made with a
light curve at one or two points where a clump of
trees in close order, or a single tree of large size, are
to be found, the result is much more natural and
pleasing. The width of the ride is not without
importance also. When wider than 10 or 12 feet, it
fails to lend itself to the idea of being a roadway
through the plantation, and becomes a sort of
attenuated clearing not wide enough to call a glade,
and too broad to be styled a track. When breadth
is necessary in a ride for sporting purposes, a con-
dition only really necessary in young plantations, it
should be attained at a few places only, and the trees
allowed to stand close up to the used track as much
as possible.
The density of young plantations, which often
renders them so monotonous at first, is never
relieved by widening the ride* running through them,
as many seem to think. It is rather effected by
making short openings a few yards into the wood,
which terminate in small partial or total clearings,
the margins of which are visible from the ride. By
such means, the effect of tunlight falling on or
through the foliage, when the observer himself is in
shade, can be best seen aud appreciated. As the
trees get older and thin at the bottetu, the view
268
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 16, 1897.
beneath becomes more extensive ; and these occa-
sional openings, by retaining some of those features
common to partially -isolated trees, are still useful in
giving variety to the wood. A . C. Forbes.
(To be continued.)
Book Notice.
The Principles of Fruitgrowing.
L. H. Bailey.
This is one of the best of modern books on the
cultivation of fruits which has come under my notice,
and possibly somewhat too technical for those who
have a distaste for elaborate columns of figures and
statistics. The book, however, contains an immense
fund of sound, useful information, which ought to be
read and put into practice by every aspiring cultivator
of fruits in this country. It betokens throughout an
honest endeavour to unite the teachings of science with
knowledge gained by long years of experience. If one
would read it unbiased and unprejudiced, matters
of much importance may be discovered between
the lines that relate to the success of the orchardists
on the other Bide of the At'antie. This should at the
least be worth some amount of consideration, for it
is clear to everybody that our home fruit-growers are
bein^ beaten in our own markets with fruits which
we are quite competent to produce "if" we could
only learn better methods of cultivating, &c. This
has been demonstrated over and over again. The fact
is, our fruit farmers have much to unlearn— an un-
pleasant fact ; but the author explains to us how this
has likewise to be done iu America, for he says, " Very
many of our best fruit-farmers are men who were not
brought up entirely ou the farm, but who had
received a sound business training elsewhere. They
come into the business with trained minds, skilled
judgment, and especially without too much stereo-
typed knowledge, and therefore without prejudice.
They are willing to learn, and they quickly assimilate
new ideas. It sometimes seems as if the fruit-
farmers of the future are to come largely from other
occupations, where men are free from the bonds of
tradition."
Separate chapters are devoted to such subjects
as soils, situations, aspects, wind - breaks, shelter,
frost, drainage, climate and others, all of which
are ably dealt with. Insect-pests also receive full
attention. Information of great interest is fully
supplied upon a subject little thought of by the ordi-
nary grower, viz., the evaporation that goes on from
the twigs during dry frosts, when the sap supply is
stopped through the action of frost ; hence the
shrivelled appearance of the bark, especially in newly -
planted trees.
The benefits and injuries due to mulching
also receive explanation. On the other hand, it is
new to us Britishers to be told that "A thorough
spraying of plants at nightfall, when a frost is
feared, is one of the most efficient means of pro-
tection from light frosts." .... "An abundance} of
watery-vapour in the air probably tends to check the
radiation of the earth's heat, and the evaporation of
water has a pronounced influence in raising tlio dew
point."
Rightly or wrongly, it is the custom of the ordinary
English gardener to prevent his wall trees from
getting wet by rain or sleet showers during this
r tical period.
The kindling of fire-smoulders in the orchards, to
cause a dense smoke, is also recommended as a frost-
protector, for the author says, " Every quart of water
thus evaporated, and again condensed in the sur-
rounding air, would be sufficient to raise the tem-
perature 10° throughout a space 80 feet square and
deep.'
We do not agree with the author's statement in
regard to the tillage of young orchards, for he says
— " In young orchards it is commonly best t3 ' plow '
rather deep, say 6 or 8 iuches, in order to send the
roots down," seeing that it is always our greatest
endeavour to keep the roots of bushes, wall-trees,
&c, as near the surface as possible. We are rtminded
that trees may be made to grow too much
wood, and therefore too little fruit certainly, but
this 6 or 8-inch ploughing assuredly aggravates the
evil. This applies more particularly to the States,
where extremes of heat and cold are greater than here.
Plant-foods furnish Borne astonishing statistics,
for it is stated that, in round numbers, 5 bushels
of Apples, with the leaves of a tree large enough to
produce that quantity of Apples, assimilate 21 lb.
nitrogen, 3 lb. phosphoric acid, and 26 lb. potash,
rom the soil ; but it should in justice be stated that
the author shows how much of the above fertilisers
are restored to the earth by good tillage and
cultivation.
He also affirms "that of these means of deter-
mining the fertility of the land, one method
determines the physical constitution, and the other
the mechanical or physical condition ; chemistry
determines the amount and kind of plant-food in the
soil but it cannot tell just how useful this food may
be to the plant. This depends upon the physical
condition of the land, or upon the relation of the
soil to warmth, moisture, air and mechanical consti-
tution. The only infallible guide to the proper
treatment of the soil is experience, not mere science
or speculation ; but science explains the laws and
directs the application of them when once experience
has discovered them. Fruit farming cannot be done
by recipe."
Some excellent advice is given in the matter of
selecting young trees, and the author goes on to say : —
" The nurseryman contends that he grows the varieties
which the planter wants, those for which there is a
demand. As a matter of fact, he largely forces the
demand by magnifying the value of those varieties
which are good growers in the nursery. The nur-
seryman's business ends with the growing of the
young tree, and the tree which makes the straightest,
most rapid, and cleanest growth, is the one which
finds the readiest sale. Now it by no means follows
that the variety which is the cheapest and best for
the nurseryman to grow is the best for tho fruit-
grower, the fact being often overlooked that fruit
trees are just as distinct and different in habit of
growth as they are in kind of fruit." It being plainly
demonstrated that a thorough knowledge of these
matters, and the putting of the same into operation,
is quite as essential and important as pruning,
planting, &c.
Information on grading, packing and marketing is
also given iu detail, and of a concise and practical
character, which every home fruit - grower may
profit by.
The price of the work is 5.«., a very moderate charge
for so much useful information, and which we can
conscientiously recommend. W. C, The Macmillan
Co. New York < and Macmillan & Co. Limited,
London.
The Week's Work.
• —
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
Bv W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Laying Laic Broccotil. — Late Broccolis growing iu
the rich soil of a kitchen garden have made a rank soft
growth, aud they are sure to succumb if the frosts are
severe. To ensure greater safety to the crop, the
plants should be heeled-in with their heads towards
the north. There are gardeners who will not take
this precaution, believing it to be useless ; and in the
warmer southern and western maritime counties it
may not be necessary, but a short experience of a
locality will soon determine what course he should
take. My experience at nearly 600 feet above the
sea-level is that Broccoli cannot withstand the frosts
of an ordinary winter, although it is a southern mari-
time county. Heeling-in is a simple job, taking
but little time to perform, but that it pays for
the doing I bave repeatedly proved. For the benefit of
those who m; y not have heeled-in any Broccoli, I will
briefly descrite the process. Supposing the rows
to run N. by S., take out a spadeful of soil on
the north side of the first plant, of course starting at
the N. end uf a row or plantation, then putting the
sp;de & go )d distance under the plant tilt it over
backwards til! it is laid nearly flat, and take a spadeful
of soil from behind the next plant and place over
the stem of the one first laid, and so on with every one
iu a row. The plants may flag slightly for a day or two
if the weather be dry, but this is an advantage rather
than otherwise ; and it will not, if the operation has
been carefully performed, affect the well - being
of the plants.
Early Varieties of Broccoli and Late Ones of Cauli-
flower.— The beds of these plants should be examined
once or twice a week, and the leaves broken down
over curds as a means of protection against the light,
frost, and rain. Tire largest heads may be stored
roots aud all, in a cool shed where they will keep
fresh for a week or longer time. Frigi domo, or
thick cotton shading, may also be used to ward off
frost f< <r the few nights that autumnal frosts last.
Lifting and Storing Boots. — Beetroot and Carrots
are among the first roots to lift and put into store,
and the first-named is more tender than the second.
The roots keep well in a cool, well- ventilated cellar
or thatched shed, and the cooler the better. Lift the
roots without breaking the tap-root, and having done
that, seize the leave3 in a bunch, and twist them off
above the crown, and then pack the roots together in
damp sand or soil, the crowns pointing to the out-
side, and, if possible, to the light. If for lack of
accommodation Beetroot have to be stacked, or
planted in a border thickly in a sheltered border in
the open, the crowns must be protected by bracken
or litter, in the case of a stack, by thatching it.
Carrots may be stored in the same way, but
in the case of these roots, the tops should be cut off
close to the crown, and the roots like Potatos, enough
being reserved for a few weeks' supply, as it might
not be convenient to open the store-pits during severe
frost or heavy snowfall. Parsnips have the best
flavour and quality when left in the ground and taken
up as required, affording the ground a covering of
litter to keep out frost.
Salsafy and Scorzonera may be lifted and stored in
the same manner as Beetroot, cutting off the tops,
but not breaking the smaller roots. Only the best
roots of any kind should be stored ; malformed and
those with divided roots being reserved for present
use, or given to the pigs or cows if the crops are
sufficiently good.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris. Gardener, Eaatnor Castle, Ledbury.
Cucumber Plants. — The winter-fruiting plants
should be making bine rapidly, if they were planted
about the beginning of last month ; and later plant-
ings will be making satisfactory progress during the
present genial weather. Let the bine be thinned out
somewhat, the laterals pinched at regular intervals of
time, never taking away much growth at one opera-
tion, aud endeavour to get the trellises well covered
with sturdy foliage. If aphideB, red-spider, or mil-
dew appear, lose no time in applying a remedy, as,
for example, Richards' XL All vaporizer for the
insects, and flowers-of-sulphur for the mildew. As a
preventive of the last peBt, paint the hot-water
pipes with lime-wash containing sulphur. Afford the
hills slight dressings of fibrous loam as frequently as
the roots show at the surface, keeping the latter
friable and crumbly, and while not making the soil
very moist, see that the plants do not lack water at
the root, or red-spider will soon show itself. Old
Cucumber plants that are still useful should have the
fruits removed from the laterals for a time, so as to
allow the plants to recover their vigour, future crop-
ping being regulated with judgment, and not more
than one fruit allowed to a joint, and these distributed
all over tho trellis. Only tepid water should be
afforded Cucumber plants, and an occasional syring-
ing at closing time on fine days will still be of benefit
to them. Admit air on all favourable occasions.
Melons. — Plants with ripening and growing fruits
should have useless lateral growths pinched out, and
the temperature of the bed aud of the air will be
maintained, closing early in the afternoon, and
covering the house at night. Water will be but
sparingly required by plants with fruits nearly deve-
loped, and not any by those approaching the ripe
state. All fruits that show signs of being almost
ripe should be removed from the plants and stored
in a dry place. They will keep sound for a week.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles HERRrN, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
American Plants. — Although it may be preferable
to plant Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Andromodas, &c,
in the spring, there is at that season so much, important
work to be done, that it is difficult to spare the
October 16, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHB0N1CLE.
2ol)
requisite labour. In inauy gardens, therefore, it will
be more convenient to plant such subjects iu early
autumn, and if the work be done during the present
month, the plants will succeed well enough. If the
natural soil of the place is adapted to the growth of
these plants, there need be little labour ; but if it be
of a heavy, clayey nature, or should it contain much
chalk and limestone, the natural soil in the beds or
borders should be thrown out to a depth of 2 feet.
If necessary, artificial drainage must be provided
below this depth, and the bed afterwards made up
with peat broken up moderately fine, the rougher
parts to be placed in the bottom ; or, failing this,
rather light fibroin loam and leaf-mould in equal
parts, and well mixed together. The soil should be
moderately dry when used, and when it has been
made firm by treading, it will be in a condition to
receive the plants. The plants will need to be put at
distances apart aeon-ding to their size, good, bushy
specimens about a yard high generally requiring a
sinrlar distauco between the plants. Tread the soil
firmly round the plants, and give one watering should
the weather continue dry. Varieties are so numerous,
it is not necessary to give names of Rhododendrons,
but a fe.v of the early-dowering Nobleanum type
should hi included ; and if they are planted somewhat
in the shelter of tall deciduous trees, these will aflbrd
slight protecticn to the early flowers.
Roses un Walls and Fences. — If any planting has to
bj done, preparations should be comcuencod at once.
Roses prefer a moderately heavy and retentive soil ;
but if the staple be very wet and heavy, it may be
necessary to incorporate some rotten mauuro and
wood-ashes, and to provide drainage. The opposite
extreme —light saudy soil— however, is worse; and
should the staple be of this nature, it must be supple-
mented by soil of a much heavier nature, and some
rotten dung. Hoses may be moved at the present
time with safety, and if planted early, they will
become re-established before severe weather sets in.
For clothing open fennes or any cold position, even a
north aspect, the Polyantha Rose, Turner's Crimson
Kambler, is one of the best varieties, and it also
makes an admirable pillar Rose. Other good climbers
include Gloire de Dijon, which, for colour, con.
tinual blooming, and general hardiness, is unrivalled
Mardehal Niel should be planted against a south wall ;
the old Gloire des Rojomanes, with semi double deep
crimson flowers, is a strong grower, and continues iu
bloom into the winter months ; Ileve d'Or, Climbing
Captain Christy, Reiue Marie Heuriette, Madame
Alfred Carriere, W. H. Richardson, Cheshunt Hybrid,
and Climbing Devoniensis are desirable Rosea for
plautiug against walls or fences.
General Work. — Preparations may be made for re-
filling the flower-beds when frost has killed the plants
they now contain. If small trees of Retinosporas
and similar subjects are used, any strong growers
may be partially lifted with a fork, and the growths
cutback if necessary preparatory to their removal to
the flower-beds. If gravel walks are infested with
woeds, the present fine weather affords a favourable
opportunity for applying a weed-killer, which should
keep them free tor the next six months at least.
Being a very strong poison, this should be used with
great care, and a special can and tub be kept for
using same.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Barford, Dorking.
Milliinias. — Plants of Mdtonia vexillaria should
now be removed from the cool house to the inter-
mediate-house, choosing a position where they will
obtain plenty of fresh air and light. Plant3 that
were ro potted in August are now rooting freely, and
if the moss on the surface of the soil has failed to
grow, the dead pieces should be removed, and fresh
heads of living moss carefully pricked- in thickly over
the surface. M. Phalamopsis should also be put iu
the Cattleya or intermediate house at this season,
also the lovely rose-scented M. Roezlii. The two
latter species, if necessary, may be re-potted, but do
not use pots of too large a size. Both species are
deeper-rooting subjects than M. vexillaria, therefore
they root and grow more freely if a few crocks only
be placed over the bottom of the pot, using sphag-
num-moss only for the plant to root in, excepting a
few small pieces of crock. M. PhaUenopsis delights
in plenty of light, but M. Roezlii prefers a little
shade. M. Endresii also prefers a shady position.
The beautiful hybrid, M. Bleuana, and its distinct
variety nobilior, now in full growth, Bhould be placed
in the intermediate-house. The late- flowering
varieties of M. vexillaria, as rubella, splendida, and
the rare Leopoldi, require to be very carefully
watered until the roots are again active. AH the
other varieties mentioned require abundant supplies
of water until growth is completed. At this season
small yellow thrips are generally troublesome to the
young growths of Miltouias, and every effort must be
made to get rid of them. Other members of the
Miltonia family, which are quite distinct in appear-
ance from the preceding varieties, as M. Candida, M.
Russelliana, M. speetabilis, M. Peetersiana, and M.
virginalis are now in bloom, and the plants should be
kept rather on the dry side until growth re-com-
mences. The intermediate-house is the proper place
for them. The rare and distinct M. Lubbersiana
should be suspended close to the roof-glass in a shady
part of the Cattleya house.
Calllcya-house. — In the last-named division several
plants of the pretty Vanda Kimballiana are now
making a pleasing show. After the spikes have been
removed, little water is required at the root, as the
terete leaves are liable to become discoloured if much
moisture be afforded. Its allied species, V. Amoiaua,
is fast sending up its spikes, an I the plant should be
well watered until the flowers commence to open.
Both species should be grown at the coolest and
lightest part of the house. Plants of Ccologyne cris-
tata and its varieties may be assisted to finish up
strongly by aflording abundance of root moisture
until the bloom-spikes appear. Keep the plants
near to the roof-glass, as plenty of light at this
period is indispensable. Other Ccclogynes that are in
in full growth should be thoroughly watered each
time the plants become dry. Anguloa Ruckeri, A.
Clowesii, A. uniflora, and A. eburnea should now
receive all the sunlight possible. When the leaves
commence to change colour, the plants will require
less wator, but sufficient must be given to prevent
the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling.
In the coollio s'ethe Brazilian Oncidium varicosum,
0. Forbesii, and 0. crispu-n are producing flower-
spikes. It is v< ry easy for these plants to ovor-ilowor
themselves, and they then gradually dwindle away.
To avoid this, it is good practice, even with strong,
well-rooted plants, to remove the spikes as soon as
the flowers are open, and as regards small weakly
plants, to pinch out the spikes immediately they
appear. 0. concolor will now require less water at
the root ; its flowering season is in April and May.
The pretty Steuoglottis fimbriata appears to delight
in plenty of water at the root at all seasons. It
should be potted in a mixture of peat and coarse
silversaud,aud iu a similar manner to an ordinary
greenhouse plant.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
The Plant StOV. — The various plants in this house,
whether about to rest or those which grow more or
less during the coming season, are the better for an
examination, and some of them repotted or shifted,
notably Codiaeuras and Dracaenas, which it was
desired to increase the stock of, and were tongued in
the early part of the year with that intent, and have
been cultivated iu 60's. The pots into which these
plants may now be put should be about one size
larger. After pot'ing let them be stood in a shady
part of the house or in the stove-pit for ten days.
Allamandas and Dipladenias growing in pots should
now be placed in the sunniest part of the
house, so as to ripen the wood ere they are
pruned. Anthuriums should be watered with care at
this season, and not allowed to become quite dry at the
roots, sufficient water being given to keep the sphag-
num-moss fresh and green at the surface. Begonia
corallina is a plant which, when planted out, or
grown in tubs, should now be assisted with liquid-
manure. It is a handsome species, with long racemes
of bright coral-red llowers of considerable length, and
the latter are borne in thegreatestprofusion. The plant
looks well when trailing along overhead-wires in the
stove. The plant lasts in flower for a long time, and is
readily propagated in the spring from cuttings or
seed. It does not flower freely when young. The
temperature of the stove may be kept at this part of
the season at 65° by night, with a rise of 6° to 10°
by day, according to the weather ; and any syringing
of the inmates that may be required should be
carried on in the morning hours.
The Greenhouse Cineraria*. — The earliest raised
plants are now showing flower, and may be afforded
once a week applications of weak, clear soot-water,
and fumigated, when the leaves are dry, for the
destruction of aphides ; in fact, mild fumigation
should be done once iu ten days whether the insects
are observed or not. Grow the plants in a cool-house,
and afford them plenty of ventilation, but not so
much as will cause the leaves to flag. Succession-
plants will require to be shifted into larger pots ; and
the next to flower may be placed in the pots in which
they will flower. Let these succossi.m plants bo kept
in a cold-pit or frame, where they will be quite safe
if protected with mats, &c, on fro-ty nights ; and
where they will have the moist, cool BUrroundings
juBt suited to their needs. In such places, slugs do
a good deal of harm at times, disfiguring the leaves,
and these creatures must be trapped with slices of
Potato, bran, &c.
Ericas. — These plants may now be placed in the
greenhouse or cold pit. Ericas must never be allowed
to get dry at the root, and when water is afforded, it
should suffice to moisten the whole of the ball of soil ;
and rain water is the best to use. Correa cardinalis^
and Boronias, should be put at the warmer eud ■
Acacias, Aphelexis, Pimelias, Tetrathecas, and plants'
of a similar nature, may also go into the greenhouse.
Some of the forwardest of the Cyclamens may now
be allowed to flower, affording them a night tempera-
ture of 50°, and fumigating the house regularly for
the killing of white thrips. The flowers of late.-
batches should be removed as soon as they can be gut
hold of with the finger and thumb. Cyclamen
flowers, when required fur any purpose, should always
be pulled, and not cut, a«, in the latter ease, tho
remaiuing portion of the Btalk decays, and it carries
decay to the corm. A sowing of East Lothian Stocks
should now be made in pans placed in a cold frame,
from which frost is excluded, growiug the seedlings
cool during the winter.
THE HARDY FKUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Wird, Rayleifrh, Essex.
hruil Picking. — The weather during the present
month has so far been favourable to the ingathering
of Apples and Pears, and the ripening of the current
season's shoots. Therefore, the harvesting of the above-
mentioned fruits will be nearing completion iu most
fruit-growing districts, in which, however, the fruit
crops are unfortunately much below the average,
though individual fruits, owing to the lightness of
the crops borne by the respective trees, are fine in
size and good in quality, especially in the case of
trees growing in heavy moisture-holding soils. As
stated in previous calendars, the fruits should be
carefully handled ia taking them from the trees, and
spreading them on the shelves in the fruit-room,
blemished fruits being placed on shelves by themselves
for present use.
Fruit-room. — Admit air freely when the external
air is dry and as warm as that of the room, so as to
admit of the moisture arising from the freshly-
gathered fruits being dissipated. The fruits in
store should be looked over bi-weekly, and all
such as Bhow signs of decay removed before they
contaminate the Bound fruits. Just now, such Pears
as Beurre d'Amanlis, Doyenne' Boussoch, Pitmaston
Duchess and Louise Bonne of Jersey are particularly
liable to decay, and should be closely inspected ; and
later sorts of Pears and Apples in their season.
Destroying Seedling Weeds. — The plantations of
Strawberries and Cranberries should be hand-weeded,
and where possible the weeds cut down with the
Dutch-hoe in all parts of the bush plantation-", and
those of Raspberries.
Budded Fruit-stocks. — All of the recently-budded
stocks of Apples, Pears, Plums, &c, should have the
ties which are likely to constrict the bud by cutting
into the rind severed in one place so as to afford relief.
A little timely forethought exercised in this direc-
tion is rewarded by the production of uniformly
better and handsomer trees, the point of union
between stock and scion being scarcely visible to the
non-professional eye, a circumstance which generally
results in health and productiveness.
The Nursery and Seed Trade.— Mr. B.
W?NNE, 1, Dane's Inn, Strand, has published an
alphabetical list of the nurserymen and seedsmen of
Great Britain and Ireland, together with their postal
and their telegraphic addresses. The plan adopted is
simplicity itself, the type bold, and easily read.
There are nearly 4000 entries.
PLANT PORTRAITS.
Gladiolus Cowre ds Kercrove, Revue de I'Hort. Belgt
October 1, 1S97.
Passiflora princeps(= P. racemosa), Bull. Soc. Toscani di
OritcHtaiia, ix., 1897.
Ranunculus carpaticus, Garden, October 2.
Rhus tri^ hocakpa, Garden and Forest, September 29,
Smilax aspera, L., Gartm^orat October 1( t. 1443.
270
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 16, 18tf/.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
1
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 20
SALES.
/ Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
I Nursery Stock, at the Branch
MONDAY, Oct. 18\ Nurseiies, Heathfield, by Pro-
theroe & Morris (two days).
Bulbs, Plants, &c, at Stevens'
Rooms.
\ Bulbs, at Protheroe & Moms'
TUESDAY, 0cT- l9 ( Lilies""and Palm-seeds, at Pro-
/ thero & Morris* Rooms.
/Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morrill'
Rooms.
Roses. Plants, Shrubs, Bulbs, &c.,
at Stevens' Rooms.
Sale of Nursery Stock, at the
Northgate Nut series, Chichester,
V. by H. W. Rendell.
I Bulbs and Palms, at Protheroe &
j Morris' Rooms.
I Orchids, Palms, &c, at The Gar-
rHURSDAY, Oct. 21-J dens. Siowo House, Buckingham,
rroe & Morris.
nts, and Roots, at Mr.
' Rooms.
j Bulbs, at Protheroe ii Morris'
Rooms.
| Orchids, at Protheroe A: Morris'
Rooms.
Fruit Trees, Roses, and other
Stock, at the Cart House Lane
Nursery, Horsell, near Woking,
by Protheroe & Morris.
SATURDAY, Oct. 23-Bulbs, at Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
l-l dens. Stowe
1 by Protherc
Bulbs, Plant
v Stevens' Ro
Oct. 2i
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswiek.— 49'5°.
Ac 1 1 a i. Temperatures : —
London. — October 13 : Max., 523 ; Min., 42*.
Provinces. — October 13 (6 p.m.) : Max., 57°, at Valentia
Island ; Min., 41°— 44 J, Scotch Coast6.
In the ComytesRmdus for July 12,
The Composition & r68ults are iyen of expori.
of Orchids. = r
ments made by M. Leclerc du
Sablon regarding the constituent parts of tho
tubers of hardy Orchids. Tho author says
that: The materials stored in Orchid-tubers
are principally composed of starch and a
mucilaginous matter which is the same in
composition and has almost the same properties
as starch.
New tubers usually appear in December or
January; thoy grow rapidly, and in the follow-
ing season, in April, are of about the same size
as the old ones. Then, in May or June, when
the stem is dried up and the old tubers are
withered, the young tubers pass into a state of
latent life, and begin towards the month of
September to produce a new stem. During
winter and spring the tuber is gradually ab-
sorbed to form the stem and leaves, then the
flowers and fruit.
There are then, in the life of an Orchid-tuber,
two periods of active separated by one of latent
life. The first period of active life extends from
December to May — -this is the period of forma-
tion ; the period of latent life is from May to
September, and tho second poriod of active life
commences in September and ends in the May
of the following year — this is the period of
destruction.
In analysing the tubers at different seasons
of the year, the relation existing between
the chemical composition and the state of
development is seen. The substances ana-
lysed are : 1st. The reducing sugars or
glucose; 2nd. The non-reducing sugars or
saccharoses ; 3rd. Amylaceous matters or amy-
lase composing the starch and mucilaginous
matters soluble in water and insoluble in
alcohol at 90". M. Leclehc orj Sablon did
not separate the starches from the mucilagi-
nous matters, as all these substances play an
analogous part in the nutrition of the plant.
The analyses were made in almost every month
during the years 1896-1897. From February to
June the plants have two tubers, a young and an
old one. which were, of course, analysed
separately. The species which yielded the
materials for study is Ophrys aranifera.
ight
dry
ter.
Glucose.
Saccharose.
Starch.
Gr.
Date.
Gr.
Per
100.
Gr.
Per
100.
Gr.
Per
100.
February 4 ...
0 301
0 033
100
0041
13 0
0-09S
32
March 16
0-514
0-036
7-0
0-036
70
0-228
41
April 27
0 026
0-020
2 0
0 004
0 4
0-529
57
June 1
•-'■:;3l
0 003
o-i
0 007
0 3
1-579
67
August 0
2 960
traces
traces
2 080
70
September 10
3'198
,.
,,
2-085
65
October 15 ...
2-413
0-043
1-7
0-065
2-6
1-470
00
November 20 .
0937
0036
3-8
0 119
12-0
0561
59
December22...
2-547
0192
7 0
0 380
15 0
1-469
57
February 4 ...
0-848
0-074
8-0
0 164
19 0
0320
37
March 18
0709
0-063
90
0-125
170
0 205
29
April 27
0-372
0 070
180
0-050
13 0
0-C60
10
June 1
0-350
0-(30
SO
0 020
50
0-035
10
At each of the seasons of the yoar mentioned
in this table, were made four or five experiments
involving some twenty tubers ; the results were
not always identical, especially as regards the
amylaceous-mattors ; the numbers given are
those most nearly approaching the mean.
The figures in the table indicate the pro-
portion of glucose, saccharose, and amylose
yielded by 100 parts of analysed dried matter.
It is shown how, during the period of the for-
mation of the tuber, from February to June the
proportion of starchy-matters is constantly
increasing ; the sugars, on the contrary, which
are at first in considerable proportion, disappear
almost wholly.
During the period of repose, corresponding
nearly to the summer, the only carbo-hydrates
found in the tuber are tho amyloses, by which
the part taken by the reserve matters is clearly
shown.
Then, during the second period of active life,
which corresponds with the disappearance of
these reserve-substances, the same phenomena
are produced as during the period of formation,
but in inverse order : the proportion of amy-
laceous matters steadily decreases, while the
quantity of sugar increases ; the saccharose is,
at first, in much greater proportion than tho
glucose ; while, at the end of the vegetative
period, it is the glucose which preponderates.
The process then, to speak generally, is as if the
amyloses were transformed into saccharose, and
the saccharose into glucose.
The tubers of ( iphrys, on the one hand, fur-
nish a very clear example of the relation
existing between the chemical compositions of
the organs with their resorve matter, and
when these are developing, and of the part
taken by sugars in the formation and de-
struction of amylaceous reserve. During the
period of formation, it seems as though the
starch might be formed at the expense of tho
sugars ; during the period of repose the sugars
are lacking, and during the period of destruc-
tion the starch is digested and submitted to a
series of transformations which lead to the
saccharose condition, and then to the glucose.
It is tote noticed that with Orchids, as with
many other perennial plants, summer is a
season of rest, of apparent rest, while winter is
the period when vegetation is most active.
The Require- WE haV6 received tne following
ments of Plants very interesting and suggestive
under c'ultiva- letter from Mr. H. J. Elwes. It
relates to one plant only (Bu-
phane toxicaria), but the principles laid down
apply to any or all plants in their degree. In
considering the propriety of attempting to imitate
natural conditions, we must bear in mind not
only our inability to reproduce those conditions
in their entirety, but also the fact that plants
differ very much in their powers of accommo-
dation and pliancy ; and, moreover, that in
Nature plants have to grow where they can, or
where competition allows them to be, not
necessarily where they would do best : — ■
" I have had Buphane toxicaria for twenty years or
more, and never flowered it till this year. I have
never heard of its flowering in England except from
newly-imported bulbs, anl I think Herbert says
much the same of it. Knowiog that tbe plant was a
native of the dry Kalahari desert of South Africa,
where the rain is very scanty, the soil very sandy,
and the climate excessively dry, I had roasted and
starved the plant on a shelf in the greenhouse.
When, howevir, my gardener began to treat it in
exactly the earne way as we treat Nerines, and gave
it plenty of liquid-manure during its growing season,
the bulb swelled up, became quite hard, and the
leaves became much more luxuriant. This year it
threw up a flower-spike at the beginning of Sep-
tember. The duration of the flowers is very short,
as they were withered when I returned from Nor-
way on October 5. I mention this fact as an addi-
tional confirmation of the truth of a theory put
forward in your columns some six or eight years ago
by the Director of Kew, which led to a very in-
teresting correspondence, in which I opposed his
contention. This was briefly, if I remember right>
that the empirical knowledge of a clever cultivator
would often succeed, when attempts to imitate the
natural conditions under which plants grew in their
nati ve habitat, by persons who knew them in their
own countries failed.
' ' The longer I live the more convinced I am of the
impossibility of imitating the natural conditions of
many plants, which are often cultivated successfully
under extremely different conditions of soil, climate,
and moisture. It seems to me that the constitution
of a plant (the term being used exactly in the
same sense as it would be if applied to a human
being), is one of the most inexplicable things in
Nature, and that uutil we have tried it we can never
tell what a plant really wants under cultivation. Often
when we have tried it, we are obliged to confess that we
cannot tell, but sometimes we discover by accident
that the secret of success is something that no one,
who knew the plant in Nature, would have sus-
pected. Therefore, I hope that this note may be
considered by my friend Mr. Thiselton D?er as a
withdrawal of my opposition to his theory ; and I
must aid my congratulations to him and Messrs.
Nicholson and Watson on the extraordinary success
of their treatment of the many rare, curious, and
interesting plants which delight me whenever I go to
Kew."
ECHINOCYSTIS LOBATA.*— This is an annual
trailiug-plaiit, which will not find favour with those
who lovo brightly-coloured flowers, but the elegance
of its habit will commend it to others. It is a Cu-
curbit native to the North Eastern States of America.
The plant is nearly glabrous, with slender, angular
stems, palmately-lobed leaves, branching tendrils,
and male flowers in branching panicles, the
female flowers solitary, shortly-stalked, from the
same axil as the male flowers, and ripening into an
ovoid greenish berry, Btudded with small prickles.
For the rest, our illustration (fig. 82, p. 271) will
suflic_\ Our specimen was kindly forwarded by
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea.
* Schmicystis Uba'.a, Torrey and Gray, ei Gray, Ifanuud
ed. ri. (Id90), p. 195;
October 16, 1897.]
THE GARDENER S ' GHR ONI GL E.
271
OXFORD. — An interesting account of the her-
baria preserved in the Botanic Garden of the Univer-
sity has lately been published at the Clarendon Press.
The oldest collection of dried plant? is that made in
North Italy about 1606 by a Capuchin monk,
Gregory of Keggio. BouaRT and Morison's her-
baria come next, fulljwed by that of C. Oil Bois.
Sberard's collection is uf great historical value, and
should contain many plants of great horticultural
interest- The aim of the present Curator, Mr.
1)ruce, is to render the herbarium aB complete a
representative as possible of the flora of Europe and
of the Mediterranean basin.
The Victoria Medal. —We understand that
the very much honoured '.ones (V. M. H.) are to be
finest species of the genus, and is a native of New
Guinea. The two lower sepals are coherent into a
loug sheath like body, and are much longer than any
other part of the flower ; t. 75.57.
Agave Bouchei, Jacobi : one of the few species that
have a firm woody trunk, aud which do not die after
flowering. The leaves are finely toothed at the
margins, and the inflorescence is densely spicate.
Fl8. 82.— ECHINOCYSTIS LOBATA : HARDY A.NKUAI1. (SEE P. 270.)
the same may be said of that of Dillenius. Sib-
thokp's herbarium forms the basis fur the magnificent
Flora Grceea, and a number of unpublished water-
colour drawings by Ferdinand Bauer are still
preserved in the library. We do not find mention
made of the interesting collection of Damfif.r's
plants. The modern collections comprise the Field-
ing herbarium, bequeathed in 1852, and to which
numerous additions have been made, particularly the
herbarium of the late Wilson Saunders, which
invited to a luncheon at the next meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society on October 26, when the
Medals will be conferred on the selected recipients
present on the occasion.
The Botanical Magazine. —The October
number contains coloured illustrations and descrip-
tions of the following plants : —
Cirrhopetalain- robustum, Rolfe ; see Gardeners'
OhronkU) 1895, i., p. 771, fy. 116. This tis the
The plant is a native of Mexico, and flowered at Kew •
t. 7558.
Primula sinensis, Sabine : a coloured figure of the
wild form is here given, and a summary of its history
as recorded in these columns, and in Mr. A. Sutton's
paper in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural
Society, 1891, p. 99 ; t. 7559.
Calathea ru-fibarba, Fenzl : a Scitamineous plant of
tufted habit, with long, erect, purple-spotted, hairy
leaf-stalks articulate at the summit to the long linear
- J
272
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 16, 1897.
lanceolate leaf-blades. Flowers yellow, each about
1 inch long, in douse clusters, borne on a short stalk
rising directly from the root stock. Kew ; t. 7562.
Pterisanthcs polita, Lawson : a highly curious
tropical climber allied to the Vine, but with cordate
entire leaves. One of the branches of the tendril
becomes flattened out into a knife-like purplish blade,
bearing complete flowers sessile or sunk in little pits,
and also incomplete flowers raised on short pedicels.
Kew ; t. 7563.
The Botanic Garden, Zurich.— A hasty
run through this gardeD, founded by Conrad
Oesner in the 16th century, enabled us recently
to note that the arrangement of the plauts is
made not only according to morphological charac-
ters and .natural affinities, but also in accordance
with biological peculiarities1. There are, for instance,
plants selected in illustration of pollination by
the wind ; others are intended to exemplify the
dispersal of the seed by the same agency as in the
case of fi'uyel-friichtc, or winged seeds. Berry-beariog
plants are selected aB illustrations of the distribution
of plants by means of animals or birds. Salvia shows
how the attractions of the flower are increased by the
coloured bracts, " Erhuhunrj der o»jl alliykeit (Lurch
extra florale Schauapjtarat." The garden contains a
bust of Heer, and occupies a pictural situation on an
eminence or old fortification overlooking the town.
In one part is a rockery built of red-stone, with deep
pockets for the plants. Time, or the want of it,
forbad even the slightest examination of details, but
tho general glance we were enabled to give, sufficed
to give the impression that the collection was rich
and well cared for. Attached to the garden is an
excellent museum, of special interest to students of
Swiss botany, recent or pre-historic.
_ The Surveyors' Institution. — The first
ordinary general meeting of the session 1897-98
will be held on Monday, November 8, 1897,
when the president, Mr. Christopher Oakley,
will deliver an opening address. The chair will
be taken at 8 o'clock. Those proposing to enter
their names for the Students' Preliminary Examina-
tion, to be held on January 19 and 20 next,
must intimate their intention to the secretary before
the last day of November. It is proposed to examine
candidates from tho counties of Lancashire, Cheshire,
Yorkshire, Durham, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and
Northumberland, at Manchester. Candidates from
other counties in England and Wales will be examiued
in London. Irish candidates will be examined in
Dublin. Students eligible for the Proficiency
Examination (which will commence on March 21
next) must give notice of the sub-division (table A of
rules) in which they elect to be examined, not later
than the last day of October.
Origin of Species.— We have often referred
to the tuberous Begonia as presenting an illus-
tration of the artificial production of a species ; nay,
some have gone so fir as to constitute a new genus
under the name Lemoinea. The Streptoearpus
hybrids furnish another illustration. A new type
has been evolved by the agency of the gardener, and
this type has so far become fixed that many of the
coloured varieties, and even a pure white one, repro-
duce themselves from seed.
DRAC/ENA WARRENI, HORT.— This is one of
the narrow- leaved sectiou ; indeed, its graceful,
elegantly-curved leaves are almost linear-lanceolate,
and of a very rich crimson colour, and very effective
for decorative purposes.
Greenhouse Rhododendrons. — The many
double forms of various colours raised in Messrs.
Veitch's nurseries originated from seed taken from
the same capsule. On the contrary, seeds from these
double varieties eiunot be relied on to reproduce the
colour or form of the parent.
NERINE FOTHERGILLI MAJOR.— One of the
houses at Messrs. Veitch's is ablaze with the
brilliant reddish-crimson flowers of this variety. To
secure a plentiful production of flowers, the bulbs
require to be allowed to become pot-bound.
THE ANNU4L DINNER of the United Horticul-
tural Benefit and Provident Society on Tuesday last
was a distinct success. We arc pleased to remark this
as an additional evidence of the progress of this
useful benefit institution (see p. 278).
Meeting of the Ghent Chambre Syndi-
CALE DES HORTICULTEURS BELGES.— At the last
meeting of this society a new Chrysanthemum,
"Afsney' grown from seed obtained by M. Ernest
Fiereus, secretary of the Ghent Royal Agricultural
and Botanic Society, from M. Foukaba, of Tokio, was
distinguished by the beautiful ivory whiteness of the
flowers, which measure nearly 10 inches across ; the
florets elegantly bent back, the whole very distinct-
looking. M. Bedinghaus showed Coroniila glauca,
flowering freely. There was a good variegated Clivea
from M. Paul De Sehryver, and Dracsena australis
auroostriata from MM. Carels and Hausseus. Vriesea
hyb. nov. (Baron de Selys), from V. conferta x psit-
tacina, raised in the Liege Botanic Garden, and
shown by M. Pynaert van Geert, was noticeable for
the dark blood- red colouring of tho flower. M. Louis
De Smet-Duvivier sent an excellent set of seedling
Bertolonias, with green foliage, streaked and spotted
with clearer green, silver green, aud dark yellow.
His Begonia President Truffaut, and especially his
B. coloris nova, were very interesting, the latter
p'ant bronze-green, very curious, wiih greenish-ye How
veiniDga with a metallic lustre. Ch. De B.
LOUGHBOROUGH AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'
ASSOCIATION. — Under the auspices of this associa-
tion a fruit-show was held in the Corn Exchange,
Loughborough, on the 5th inst. During the after-
noon a lecture upon fruit culture was delivered by
Mr. A. II. Pearson, of the Chilwell Nurseries, Not-
tingham, who described the exhibition, which con-
sisted of 300 dishes of fruit, as excellent, and
representative in its character. All the fruits were
staged by members of the association. The lecture
by Mr. Pearson was considered in every respect
helpful aud iuteresting. From Mr. D. Roberts,
Prestwold Hall Gardens, aud Honorary Secretary, we
have received the report of the society for 1897, and
are pleased to congratulate the members upon its
satisfactory character, as showiug tho society's capa-
city for usefulness.
The Peoples Palace and East London
Horticultural Society. — Mr. C. E. Osborn,
F.I.S., Secretary of the above, writes as follows : " I
shall be glal if any readers of your paper will kindly
send exhibits of Chrysanthemums to our next show,
on November 11, 12 and 13. Our society numbering
about 500 members, consists mostly of working men,
who would be delighted to see blooms sent by others
living in more congenial districts than the East End."
Mr. W. SWAN. — We learn that this well-known
Orchid cultivator, and good all-round gardener, is
leaving Bjstock, Exmouth, in consequence of his
employer, J. P. Bryce, Esq., having relinquished
Bystock in favour of a London residence. Mr. Swan,
who has served in the capacity of gardener, bailiff,
and general estate manager for several years, will be
at liberty in the course of a few weeks.
The Fluckiger Medallist.— The first award
of the medal struck in honour of tho late Professor
Fuckigeh, the eminent pharmacist and collaborator
with Daniel Hanbury, has beeu made to Mr. E. M.
Holmes, the Curator of the Museum of tho Phar-
maceutical Society. Those who know the extent aud
variety of Mr. Holmes' knowledge of medicinal
plants and their products, and appreciate his industry,
willingness to oblige, and retiring modesty, will cor-
dially approve of the honour conferred on him by the
German Apotheker Verein. Mr. Holmes' tastes have
always been in the direction of horticulture and
botany as applied to pharmacy, and his garden at
Sevenoaks is also pressed into the service. Mr.
Holmes is one of our most distinguished Algologists.
LlLIUM AURATUM.— Our contemporary, the City
Press, in its issue for October 9, contains a figure of
a truss of Lilium auratum blooms taken from a plant
which, with six others, was grown in a window-box
in Cheapside by Mrs. A. A. Wood. The circumstance,
says the OUy Press, "is certainly noteworthy, and
affords further proof, if proof be needed, of the
improvement which has of late years manifested
itself in the atmospheric conditions of the City." Lilies
of all kiniti are well adapted for town gardening,
their foliage enduring for six months only, and that,
too, at a time of the year when smoke, blacks, and fog
are least prevalent. In conjunction with evergreen
shrubs, Draciena australis, Yuccas, and hardy Ferns,
Lilies form admirable balcony and window plants.
CONE-DESPOILERS. — A correspondent has lately
been going on in the Times with reference 6o the injury
which squirrels do to cones, and also to the shoots of
Coniferous plants. In the Botanical Museum at
Zurich are specimens of cones eaten by field-nrce, by
squirrels (e-ichhorncheu) and by jays (hahes), respec-
tively. The mode of attack is different in each case.
In one case the effects of the attack of all three
depredators are shown on one and the same cone.
' Catalogue of Plants at La Mortola."
— We have received the alphabetical catalogue of
Plants growiug in the open air in the famous garden
of Commeudatore Thomas Hanbury, Palazzo Orengo,
La Mortola, near Ventimiglia, Italy. This list is
compiled by Mr. K. Dinter, and comprises the namo
of the plant, tho author's name, the reference to tho
work in which the plant is described, and indications
as to its affinity, native country, and time of Howeriug.
About 4000 species are thus catalogued, a number
which will serve to give some idea of the richness of
this favoured garden.
Rock and Sun-loving Ferns. — It is a
mistake to consider all Ferns as plants requiring
shade and moisture. There are, on the contrary,
many which like full sunshine and bright light.
Without counting Cystopteris alpina and fragilis,
which grow in our walls as well in sun as in shade,
there is one class of Filices which actually l equire
sunshine. Cheilanthes from the Old World, as well
as those from the new, only do well in a sunny aspect.
I have had experience of this for some years. We
could not succeed at Geneva in cultivating Cheilas thes
odora, lanuginosa, and vestita. In spite of every
care given to them, they suffered from general weak-
ness, ending in decay. At last I one day saw Woodsia
hyperborea, that delicate and fragile plant, iu full
sun along au alpine road in Italy, and an idea
occurred to me ; and on returning I planted all my
Cheilanthes in sunshine on a south wall. The result
was good, and I recommend the plan to Fern-
growers. But it was necessary also to change the soil
in which these plants were cultivated, and we set them
in soft porous mould composed of sphagnum-moss,
peat, and sand ; good drainage and frequent watering
ensured an immediate and excellent result. Thaj.
which proved satisfactory for Cheilanthes we then
tried for Woodsia hyperborea and ilvensis (the treat
ment did not do for W. obtusa) ; then for Scolo-
pendrium hemionitis, that pretty aud curious Fern
from the South so rarely met with in gardens, where
it is considered difficult to grow. Then we subjected
to the same troatment our Nothochlena Maranta ;
and these lovely Farns, which formerly did not
do successfully with us, turned out marvellously well.
It is, then, absolutely certain that many species of
Ferns —examples could be multiplied — require sun
aud plenty of air. While on the subject of Ferns, I
wish to mention a curious case of fructification on
bjth surfaces of a Scolopendrium ; the spores are
even more numerous on the upper surface thau
underneath the frond. This phenomenon I never
observed before; it occurred in the Jardin Alpin
d'Acelimatation on] a plant raised there from pores.
II. Currevin, Genera.
FlOWKRS in SEASON. — Some glorious bunches
of early flowering Chrysanthemums reach us from
the Scots nursery of Messrs. Dobbie & Co., at
Rothesay. They are all very beautiful, aud no plea
for their cultivation need be urged when they afford
such flowers from an open field so late as October 8.
It may bo questioned if it be advisable to seek to
obtain large^flowered varieties in bloom during Sep-
tember, whilst Roses and annual Aster» are still
October 16, 1897.]
THE GAliDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
273
moderately plentiful ; but as to the small, prettily-
tiuted varieties represented by those before us, their
presence during that month is altogether desirable.
They are the forerunners, the promise of the larger,
handsome Chrysanthemum blooms that help so
greatly to enliven the month of November — naturally
the dullest in the whole year. As we look at some
of the flowers, the close resemblance in colour [to
most of the vegetation at this season is very notice-
able ; they combine a large number of exquisite
autumn tints. This section of Chrysanthemums has
this season been put upon its trial in the gardens at
Chiswick, and the judgment of the Floral Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society has been passed
upon the varieties there. There are now a fair number
of sorts that bear the recommendation of this com-
mittee, and some notes upou the best of those that
bloomed in September appeared in the Gardeners'
Chronicle of last week, p. 247. Grouping tho varieties
from Messrs. Dobbie & Co. into colours, we find we
have white flowers (or pale yellow ones that we will
class as white), including Mrs. Cullingford and M. C.
Desgrange3 ; palo pink, such a? Longfellow and Mrs.
Pitcher ; deep pink and rose-coloured varieties,
including Madame Marie Masse, Strathmeatli, Le
Poete des Chrysanthemes, and Blushing Brido ; deep
reddish-brown flowers, with various shades of bronze
and gold upon some of them, including Alice
Butcher, Scarlet Gem, Bronze Bride, &c. ; various
shades of buff and apricot, illustrated by the varieties
Piercy's Seedling and La Luxembourg ; and bright
yellows of the style of Pn'cocitii, G.Wermig, and Flora.
Some fine spikes of tho distinct Antir-
rhinum Heudersoni are sent us by Mr. Jno. Forbes,
Buccleuch Nurseries, Hawick, N.B. The ground-
colour is white, with a belt of violet-purple round
tho margin of the segment?, and across the pouch.
The variety is as old as it is distinct, but is not
frequently seen.
STOCK-TAKING: SEPTEMBER. — It is again
satisfactory to note an increase in the Revenue
receipts for the second quarter of the financial year,
as compared with the same period last year. Tho
increase is not very narked, but still it is an increase,
and helps to bring up the increase to over a million
sterling for the half year, comparod with the first
half of the financial year in 1K96. The Board of
Trade ReturnB show an improvement on the side of
imports to the tune of £2,189,547. The total amount
for the month of September was £35,195,S93,
against £33,006,346 for the same month in the pre-
ceding year. The greatest incroase is to be found in
articles of food and drink, duty free. £1,357,663 ;
als« of £343,167 on dutiable articles ; timber figures
largely in the " increase " column ; "raw materials
for sundry industries and manufactures," £921,707.
There is a decrease in " raw materials for textile
manufactures " of £577,810. The following is
extracted from the " summary " table of imports : —
Imports.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Total value
£
S3,00o,34li
£
35,195,893
£
+ 2,1S9,'.47
(A.) Articles of food
and drink — duty
free ...
11,218,701
12,576,387
+1,357,653
(B.J Articles uf food
aud drink— dutiable
2,282,855
2,026,022
+343,167
Raw materials for
textile manufac-
tured
2,576,346
1,998,536
—577,810
Raw materials for
sundry industries
and manufactures
4,541,461
6,463,16S
+ 921,707
(V.) Miscellaneous
articles
1,155,70S
1,023,037
—132,071
(13.) Parcel Post ..
102,500
76,5 2
—25,998
connected with the competition of our Teu-
tonic friends. The statistics inform us that the
United Kingdom holds the most important place in
the list of countries trading with Germany ; this,
however, applies to imports into Germany from us as
well as to Germany's exports to here. In 1896 the
value of German exports to this country showed a
nominal increase of £35, 700,000 as compared with
£33 900,000 in 1895 ; but the proportion borne
by these exports to the United Kingdom to the amount
of Germany '8 total exports shows a decline — the
figures for the last four years being, 1893, 20'7 per
cent. ; 1894, 20'8 per cent. ; 1895, 19 8 per cent. ;
1896, 19 percent. In the figures relating to German
imports from the United Kingdom, there is no cause
for alarm. Our share of tho imports into Germany
last year was 14 2 per cent., as compared with
13 6 per cent, in 1895 ; while iu regard to value, the
figures rose from £28,900,000 iu 1895 to £32,360,000
in 1 896. Coming now to the impjrts of fruit, roots,
and vegetables for the past month, we place our useful
and usual little table before the reader, as follows : —
The fall in the prices of cereals receded week by
week in our little table is in grtwt part due to
increased imports ; but there is no decline notice-
able in the price of bread. The value of the
imports for the past nine months foots up at
£329,958,835, against £316,293,512 in the previous
year— an increase of £13,665,323. It may not
be amiss to notice here the latest icliible statistics
The "differences" iu the above will bo fully appre-
ciated by all interested. It may not,be out of place
here to notice that the commission appointed to
consider tho condition of our West tudian possessions
have nearly finished thoir la'xnirs.'and the majority
are iu favour of helping the complaining islanders in
tho multiplication of baskets iu which to carry their
eggs to market — to subsidiso carrying companies iu
the way of steamers and the organisation of botanic
gardens, so as by this meaus to introduco fresh
products iu the way of fruits and vegetables for
exportation to the United States and to the Mother
Country. This may enable those now suffering from
bad sugar markets to become, to some extent, inde-
pendent of them. Our
Exports
now demand attention. The total value for last
month was £18,305,275, against £19,824,125, or a
fall amounting to £1,518,850. Under the heading,
"Articles Manufactured and Partly Manufactured,"
viz., " Yarns and Textile Fabrics," the decrease is
£1,364,580. Further we need not go. Little use
here to account, or try to account, for the falling off.
The decrease for the nine months is placed at
£4,664,624. As we all know, the social warfare con-
tinues its ruinous work — "pity 'tis, 'tis true."
New Plants (?) of the Swazi Survey.—
Novelties will never come to an end if they aro
accepted on tho representation of uuscieutifio ex-
plorers, a.s we fear they often are. A correspondent,
writing from Cape Colony recently, encloses a cutting
from the Star (South African) : —
New Plants and Birds.
" A Star (Cape Town journal) reporter hal recently the
pleasure of an interview with Mr. Von- Wkilli-.h, foruicrly
State Surveyor-General, who had just returned from Swazi-
land, where he was engaged in surveying the Verm iak
Concession, in the southern part of that interesting land.
The returned traveller was full of news, and willingly parted
with it when questioned. '"1 have some news," he began,
which will be of interest to Mr. Chamberlain, namely, that
in Swaziland, and different parts of the Transvaal, I have
encountered no less than thirty new varieties of Orchids,
which have never yet been cultivated. One of these possesses
a balb scented something like eau de cologne, and possess-
ing the largest flower I have seen amongst the South African
Orchids. In Swaziland I found at least eight new Lilies.
One of these is called by the Swazis Umfana amacetwana,
and when it is partaken of, the incautious eater froths at the
mouth and falls in convulsions, which speedily end in death.
The Lilies were pure white, with dark purple inside, yellow
with the same internal colouring, light pink, pink, and
crimson. Instead of the usual arrow-shaped leaf, two varie-
ties had trefoil and oblong elliptical leaves respectively. I
found also a Lily of the Valley in Swaziland of a beautiful
orange colour. Gladioli were in lavish abundance, including
the Green Giant, with leaves 3 inches in length. Water
Lilies of all kinds were to be found, though it was some-
times bird to secure specimens. I asked a Kaffir to go into
a certain pool for a Lily, and offered him £10 ; but he
replied that he would not go in for ten oxen. Crocodiles 1
Yes ; the place was swarming with them. A particularly
beautiful item I came across was a tree covered all over with
white Mowers bordered with red. It must be very rare.
Iluudreds of the rarest Ferns are constantly met with. For
instance, Osmunda regalis fetches about 7s. M. a piece in
Capetown ; but where I was you could take away waggon-
loads of it. Of course, there was every variety of Tree Fern.
A very striking bird is to bj found about the parts I was
eugiged in surveying. It is only heard singing when tho
sun is setting, ani then it runs clean up the diatonic scale,
beinjj answered iu the distance by its mate. Many birds of
remarkable plumage, and several ol the pigeon kind, which
I have never seen before, freiuent the groves. I was espe-
cially interestel in a variety of green pigeons. What about
game? Game ia fast disappearing, but the Pougola reserve
is still full. There are also plenty of all kinds of animals in
the dense forests of tho Lcbongo flats, which the Boers call
" stables," because the hunted boasts can run there aud be
safe."
Explorers, for the purposes of survey, oftou imagine
they are the first to see the flora of a, to them, new
country ; but-, iu tho majority of instances, the
botanical traveller or tra ler interested in plants, ha i
been before thorn, and specimens of the plants they
imagiuo to be new are often common in British
gardens, or well represented iu herbaria. Even in
the case of a positively newly - discovered country,
it by no means follows that even a small proportion
of the plants should be new, if the surrounding
country has beeu previously explored aud opened up.
That most of the so-called Orchids will not be
Orchids at all is highly probable. In the so called
new Lilies it is not difficult to recoguise Richvrdia
melanoleuca, R, Rehmanni, It. Pentlandi, R. Ellioti-
ana, or other varieties of It. hastaU ; and iu the
orange-coloured Lily of tho Valley, Saudersonia
aurautiaca. For the rest, Crinums and Valottas,
generally called Lilies, will probably supply their
proportion of the wonders.
The Welsh Vineyards.— We have received
a statement from Mr. Pettigrew, gardener at
Cardiff Castle, upon the yield of viutage-Grapes from
the vineyards of the Marquess of Bute, in several
localities in Glamorganshire. Three bunches of
Grapes, of the variety " Gammy Noir," which accom-
pany the letter, are sent as being typical of the
produce from the vineyard at Swanbridge. They
differ considerably in weight, the heaviest being
nearly double that of the smallest bunch ; together,
they weigh 23 ozs., thus averaging nearly + lb. per
bunch. The crop is described as greater than in any
previous year, and as the present writer in 1893
observed upon the same Vines an average of about a
dozen bunches per Vine, the crop should prove
this season to be about 6 lb. of Grapes per
Vine. The berries are not so sweet as in several
former years, but they appear well developed, and of
capital colour. The indifferent weather during
August aud September is blamed for the defici-
ency iu sugar. Nevertheless, Mr. Pettigkew
estitna-.es a vintage of about thirty hogsheads
of excellent wine, aud we assume a little cane sugar
will be added to compensate the deficiency of Grape-
sugar. The vintage was commenced on the 7th iust.,
and lasted four or five days. The Swanbridge Vine-
yard is close to the sea-beach, not a great distance
from the growing docks at Barry. The land slopes a
little to the south-west, and towards the sea. The
red soil is very stony, and in some places not more
than 1 foot above the rocks. At the other vineyard,
at Castell Coch, about 5 miles upon the other side of
Cardiff, aud some distance from the sea, the crop of
Grapes, which early in the season promised to be
good, has been practically ruined by mildew. There
aro 4 acres there, the Vines are a little older than
those at Swanbridge, and the site is different, the
slope being much moro acute. At the top is a
plantation of forest trees that surrounds the ancient
274
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 16, 1897.
castle. It is possible that during very dry seasons,
such as this one was until the end of July, the soil
upon the slope becomes too drj'. At any rate, trees
and hedges alike suffered from mildew two months
ago when we visited the place, and it was said that
the fungus first spread from the hedges to the Vines.
The Bordeaux Mixture has been used repeatedly,
and all measures that the continental growers
use to combat the mildew have been adopted with
little success. At Swaubridge the Vines are
not attacked by the pest at all, and this vineyard will
consequently pay very much better than that at Castell
Coch on account of the extra yield. Upon the whole,
it is satisfactory to find that the yield of Grapes for
the present year will be a decidedly remunerative
one, and the question arises, whether it would not be
worth while to attempt the cultivation of viutage
Grapes in favourable localities on the south coast,
say, in Sussex and Hampshire.
Technical Instruction in Hunts.— Mr.
Thomas Bunyard has been appointed Instructor in
Horticulture for a few weeks in this county, and gave
his first lecture on Monday at Great Gidding, the
other two centres bting Winwick and Thurning.
The audiences have been fairly good, but the
"Feasts" peculiar to this part of England at this
season keep many away, and we can hardly blame
the agricultural labourer that he prefers a good sub-
stantial dinner to going to a cold schoolroom to
listen to instruction in gardening.
Publications Received.— Loma Dovne (R. D.
Blackmobe), achcip sixpenny edition of this popular
novel (Sampson, Low, Marston & Co, Ltd. i. —
Proceedings and, Journal of the Agricultural and
Horticultural Society of India, for April to June, 1897.
Among the contents is au interesting paper by Mr. A.
M. Sawyer, contributed to the " Indian Forester" on
the subject of Tapioca Cultivation iu Travancore. —
Proceedings of the Agri - Horticultural Society of
Madras, April to June, 1807 ; contains a list of plants
in flower, and of plants received and sent out. —
Bulletin of the Botanical Department, Jamaica,
April to June. This includes notes on Satin
Wood (Fagara ilava), with two illustrative
plates; Pea-nut (Arachis hypog;ea), Oil-tree (Prioria
copaifera), Coccidie or Scale Insects, and Synoptical
List of Ferns. — Queensland. Agricultural Journal,
August. Contains articles on : the Agricultural
Possibilities of Western Queensland, Maize-growing
on Scrub lauds, the Velvet Bear. (Dolichos nrulti-
florus), Fruit Culture in Queensland, Grape Fruit,
Scale (Coccidse), Caoutchouc, and other subjects con-
nected with crops and live stock. — Fungus Diseases
of the Raspberry. Issued by the Department of
Agriculture, Victoria. A pamphlet, by Mr. D.
McAlpiue, on the Raspberry-root fungus (Hypholoma
fasciculare), and the Raspberry anthracnose or
GltOosporium venetum. Full and illustrated descrip-
tions of these pests are given, with directions for
coping with them. — The Land of Sunshine. A maga-
zine of California, edited by Chas. T. Lommis, con-
tains a paper on collecting Californian Ferns, which is
described as being " superbly illustrated," and other
articles descriptive of Los Angeles and the district.
It is the August number that is now before us. —
Erythea. A Journal of Botany, West American and
General. The August number contains Notes on
Californian Bryophjtes (contiuued) by M. A. Howe. —
Nature Notes, October.
soil, and, of course, under glass. So rapidly
do the seedlings grow, that they may be shifted
at once from the paus into small sixties, and
be placed in a close cool frame. By this
comparatively hardy treatment the pots are soon
filled with roots. A further shift into 48's is made,
and finally into 2i's. The compost consists of good
turfy loam and well-decayed leaf-soil, with a fair
infusion of sharp sand. The pots should be given
ample drainage. During the winter, the plants being
put into a greenhouse, the temperature ranges from
45° to 55°. The plants figured were in height from
30 to 36 inches, and the base leaves were 28 inches
wide and 22 inches deep. The inflorescence was
abundant, and very pleasing. A few such plants
would be capital features in a decorative group. Mr.
Home's gardener merits all praise for the specimens
of this Streptocarpus his cultivation has produced.
Home Correspondence.
STREPTOCARPUS WENDLANDI.
The illustration of this fine and very singular species
(fig. 83), represents a group grown by Mr. F. Parfitt, gr.
to E. Home, Esq., South Park, Reigate. The plants
were sent for exhibition to the local flower show on
July 31 last, and there attracted much notice, being
so novel and of such quaint appearance. The strain
is that of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, and Mr.
Home's stock was from a seedling plant kindly sent
by Mr. G. F. Wilson, of Weybridge. Mr. Parfitt's
treatment, which produces such fine plants, is to bow
seed in June iu a shallow pan, and on fine sandy
JUBILEE CARPET-BEDS. — What hope is therefor
English gardens when such a work of tasteless
ingenuity as the *' Jubilee-bed," described in your
issue of the 2nd, is considered the pride of one of the
finest gardens iu the laud ? To what end is this
carpet-bedding miuufactured ? If for the admiration
of visitors who crowd past it in hundreds, ought so
false a taste to be encouraged ? The ingenuity dis-
played is certainly praiseworthy ; but what more is
there to be said for the diamond centre and the
crowns and the monograms, and the whole arrange-
ment? When "Hampton Court" appeared in the
table of contents of the Gardeners' Chronicle of
Saturday last, I turned eagerly to the page, hoping to
find the description of something new and beautiful ;
some special arrangement of fine colours only to be
obtained on a grand scale, such as a purple mist of
Salvia (Bluebeard, or is it sylvestris') contrasted
with the yellow-gold of the old-fashioned Golden
Rod ; or a fine arrangement of Galtonias, or
the like. Alas, for the disappointment ! After the
Great Vine, which can never be uninterestiug, came
an account of the great Jubilee-bed, with its diadems
and royal cyphers. A triumph of patience and
gardeners' art, but is it a triumph of garden-craft?
And is our beloved Queen hono.ired by any such
thing so greatly, as if some other thing of equally
costly, but of exceeding beauty had been arranged in
that large oblong bod 1 Happy is the gardener who
has the power to exercise good taste and skill
on a scale so large as that of Hampton Court. We,
of the puny little private plots aud garden grounds,
where we are continually thwarted by want of space,
know only too well. E. Y. B. [Tbi3 kind of thing
has not any of our sympathy or admiration, and the
Hampton Court bed was merely instanced as afford-
ing our readers an idea of Jubilee horticultural
exuberance. Several such beds may be, or were,
found'in other Loudon parks, this year ; and they
tind plenty of admirers. Ed.]
CAMOENSIA MAXIMA. — This shy-flowering legu-
minous climber is now iu bloom in the Palm-house
here. It was planted about three years ago under
the stage, and trained to the roof. During this time
it has reached the top of the annexe, a distance of
about 20 feet. The growth was restricted to three
shoots, and it is upon the well ripened side-growths
that most of the thirteen indefinite inflorescences
have made their appearance. The number of flowers
upon each raceme varies from sixteen to eighteen.
These racemes are all axillary, and generally neir
the apex of the branches. About four months since
the plant was severely root-pruned, and several large
roots thicker than an ordinary pencil were cut.
Whethfr this has hastened its flowering I cannot say ;
certainly the growth was checked, for another plant
in the same house is now quite 30 feet high. No
Bhadiug was given at any time. A description of
these lovely flowers was given with figures in the
Gardeners' Chronicle for November 14, 1896, p. 596.
R. L. Harrow, Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.
"VENN'S BLACK MUSCAT."— Re, the bunch of
Grapes sent last week, I observe you are asking for
particulars of treatment of the same. I cannot speak
regardiag the starting of the vinery, as I took over
these gardens last March. There are several varieties
grown in the same vinery, namely, Muscat of Alex-
andria, Black Alicante, Black Hamburgh, and Venn's
Black Muscat. The Vine-border has been well-
watered once every three weeks, with water of the same
temperature as the vinery, which was kept from 60°
to 75°. After the Grapes began to colour, water was
afforded once in four weeks, air boing given at the
top and front as weather permitted. This week I
have carefully examined the border, and fail to
trace anything that would be accountable, except
that the Vine seems to be very old. Would in-
sufficient water at the commencement be the cauie ?
When I took over these gardens I found the border
in a very dry state ; the Vine has not looked healthy
all the summer. Vine. [Unless the border was
thoroughly saturated, which could only be ascer-
tained by excavating a small hole here and there
down to the drainage, or uncovering the outlet drain
and seeing if any water had recently passed along it,
the border may still be in a dry state, the water
afforded having been absorbed by the surface soil.
So much dependB upon the kind of soil, its porosity
or otherwise, depth of soil, number of drains, slopo
of the surface, width of the border, if it be inside,
outside or both. Your note affords no clue. The
Grapes were virtually converted into Raisins, but
how ! Ed.]
THE LOQUAT, OR JAPANESE MEDLAR.— I have
been interested by the correspondence between Mr.
Clarke and Mr. George Harris, of the Ducal Gardens,
Alnwick, in these pages ; and I agree with Mr. Harris
as to the character, form, size, and colour of the
Loquat. I grew the plant for years on the back wall
of a vinery. The plant generally flowers abundantly
iu November in a temperature never lower than ii°,
the flowers being greenish-white, with the odour of
the Hawthorn. The time of ripening the crop and
quality of the fruit varied considerably with the
season. The plant is a shy fruiter, considering the
prodigality of the blossoms. In some years the
quality of the fruit is excellent, and if we judge of
the flavour of the fruit by its aroma, a rather safe
comparison as a rule, we may take it that their
flavour should be good. Rats will devour the fruits
readily when on the verge of maturity ; and, pos-
sessing an aroma so powerful that it pervaded a range
of glasshouses 300 feet in length. D. T. F.
THE PICTURE OF CATTLEYA SCHOFIELDIANA
GIGANTEA. — Some of my gardening friends remind
me that I have not given the name of the artist
who painted Mr. Gratrix's flower, from which the
figure in the last issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle
was takeu. He is the son of Mr. Mitchell, who was
for twenty years gardener to the late Dr. Aiusworth,
of the Clifle, Lower Broughtou, Manchester. During
that period Mr. Mitchell, sen , raised the two famous
crosses D. Ainswortbi and D. Ainsworthi roseum,
which, along with other blood, has altered and im-
proved the character of many of the progeny now iu
commerce. Young Marshall had a good school at his
father's home in which to practice the delineation of
Orchids, aud he has done some excellent work. He
was taken in hand by the Orchid Committee of the
Manchester and North of England Society, and has
painted for that committee's Records every plant
that has received a First-class Certificate, aud upon
the whole he has done his work well. He painted
illustrations of Mr. Rapprrt's Cattleya MoBsiai Rap-
partiana, and of Mr. Gratrix's Cattleya Schofieldiana
gigantea, his best drawings, and both have been
illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle. J. A.
BOUGAINVILLEA GLABRA.— A fine plact is now
flowering in the corrrdor here, where it has a green-
house temperature, and grows vigorously, and flowers
iu the greatest profusion. I am inclined to think
with "A. D.," who in your issue of the 3rd inst.
suggests that a low temperature tends to produce
richer colourings in the bracts. This same plant has
been grown in the stove and Palm-house, and in
neither was the colour so intense as now. In t. note
by Mr. J. Benbow, Abbotsbury Castle Gardens, Dor-
setshire, in the Gardeners' Chronicle for December 9,
1893, he mentions a plant as growing outof-doors on
a south wall, and on the date of his writing it had
withstood 5° of frost without losing its foliage. It
would be interesting to know if any increase in the depth
of colour was noticed in cases of a plant grown out-of-
doors. R. L. H., Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh.
DO ORCHIDS DEGENERATE?— After many years
experience, I, for one, can answer, yes ! There are
instances on record of GV.tleyas aud other Orchids
being kept in health for a great number of years. I
October 16, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
275
may mention Vanda coerulea aa one that I have been
successful with for a lengthened period ; Saccolabium
guttatum I have seen growing in the temperature of
the Cattleya- house for twelve years, flowering it well
annually, and for some years before I was acquainted
with it. Now to name a few that do decidedly
degenerate : Cattleya Dowiana, C. superba, Fpiden-
dnim bicornutum, a beautiful Orchid when in flower
with its sweet-scented Phalamopsis-like blooms.
Hang it up to the roof-glass of a Pine-stove, and you
will be rewarded with success for a year or two, then
the gradual "growing less" follows. Bolleas and
Pescatjreas, I did well for a period of six years, and
was complimented by all who saw them. One grower
attributed my success to a tree that cast its shade
upon the bouse just outside ; however, the tree did not
save them from degenerating. Lrclia harpophylla
did well in the same hoiue. One homemade bulb
produced nine flowers upon a spike, the following
year it had seven, and there were fewer afterwards.
Uduntoglossum Londesboroughianum, another charm-
ing Orchid when in flower, refuses to grow after it
has been in this country for a few years. Oncidium
more credit to the cultivator, than 5000 with limited
apace and means. What a wretohed sight is a batch
of Odontoglossum Roezli or 0. vexillarium which arc
disfigured by thrip ! The last-named plant I grew
from a small plant into a beautiful specimen. It was
exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society's
Gardens, and awarded a .Silver Medal for good culture.
The following year all the flower-spikes were pinched
out as soon as they showed themselves, hoping to be
doubly successful with it the next year, but alas !
yellow thrip attacked it, tobacco - smoke, and dip-
ping with insecticides were resorted to, causing the
loss of a good many old leaves ; eventually the plant
was split up and repotted, but it never regained its
former health and vigour. Another cause for
degeneracy is the frying British winters we some-
times have, that of 1880 for instance, when no air
could be admitted for weeks without lowering the
temperature too much ; and through an insufficiency
of hot-water piping, a " fiery" smell is produced, which
would make a sensitive- man shudder as he entered
the house, and excliirn this is not the place for
Orchids ! He U quite right, the couditions
FlO. 83. — STREPTllCARPU*
wendland1 ix the oardf.n of e.
(see p. 274.)
HORNE, ESQ., PARES, REIGATE.
crispum and its varieties, including 0. Marahallianum,
may bs kept for years, but Btrength and vigour are
not maintained. The same remark applies to that
little gem, O. Jonesianum ; also to its giant ally, 0.
Lanceanum. I have gazed upon the latter almost
with envy when I have seen it growing vigorously
and blooming profusely. Some of the Deudrobes,
Buc'r as D. McCarthiae, D. formosum, D. Dearei, and D.
Lowianum, are unsatisfactory after a time; but D. formo-
sum rewards you for all the p uns you bestow upon it for
summer or late autumn flowering. Ask that champion
Dendrobium grower, Mr. J. Cypher, of Cheltenham,
what he thinks of it aB a useful Orchid ? I have seen
it in splendid form there — such bulbs ! aud such
trusses of bloom ! truly gigantic. Whether he con-
tinues to be successful with the other " miffy doers "
I do not know, not having seen them for the last five
years. D. Bensoni used to be grown wonderfully
well there year after year. I think that yellow thrip
has caused more degeneracy amongst Orchids than
overcrowding. How many are the collections that
have been ruined by this insect ! There are two
facts connected with this subject which are overlooked
by some people. One is, that Orchids infested with
yellow thrip are dear at any price ; moreover, 500
plants can be better looked after, and grown with
are so unnatural. Need one wonder at the
sickly-looking leaves under such conditions, more
particularly in a house of Cattleyas < The
modern-built Orchid-house, lofty and very light,
is much better adapted for preparing certain classes
of Orchids to withstand the rigours of a severe winter
than the old dwarf and darker structures. In the
former, the pseudo-bulba can be well-ripened and
hardened, and they will pass through a much lower
temperature uninjured during the resting season,
and, of course, flower much better when well-matured.
It is very pleasing to see in some of the great trade
collections house after house full of plants, with that
beautiful dark green hue indicative of health. The
question may be asked, Do they flower as well or
live as long as those grown under different conditions
in an amateur's collection '.' Since writing these
notes, I have read the excellent list of Sir Trevor
Lawrence's. It is just the place one would expect to
heir of a goodly number of good old Orchids, as well
as Borne of the newer ones being successfully culti-
vated for many years. The most remarkable
plant to my mind in the list is Vanda Lowi. As
regards Renanthera coccinea, the great difficulty with
that is to flower it (not to keep it). I think
there are plants of the original imported forty or fifty
years ago still in existence, both at Chatsworth and
Bicton. I think I have shown that some Orchids do
degenerate, but surely not to such an extent as to
deter old enthusiasts from continuing their culture,
or young oubb from continuing it. Apart from the
commercial value or speculative interest, they give
abundant pleasure to ladies and gentlemen who are
fond of seeing Nature in her most lovely and
brightest garb. Thomas Simroe, Cardiff.
PRESERVING DAHLIA ROOTS IN WINTER.— The
recent frosts have settled most of the Dahlias for
this season, and it is only in sheltered spots that they
may yet produce a few tardy bloBsoms. In the open
they are black to the roots, and the rot which follows
frost will soon pervade the stalks and branches.
There is reason to believe but comparatively little
seed will be saved this seasoo, owing to the general
late bloom, owing first to the drought, aud then the
rains which followed caused the plants to put forth
growth when they should be flowering. All plants
destroyed by the frost may be cut over, leaving a foot
to 18 inches of the main stem. As there is no know-
ing ho ,v soon sharp weather may set in, it will be
wise, as a nutter of precaution, to lift the roots with-
out delay, choosing a fine and drying day for the
purpose. It is well to spread a garden-mat on the
ground, and as the roots are dug ip, crumble away a
good deal of the soil upon them, and then turn them
upside down upon the mat, as then auy moisture
in the remains of the hollow main-stem will drain
away ; after being exposed to the sun and ;iir
for u time, more of the soil will crumble away,
aDd then the roots should ha either housed, or if
left in the open all night, carefully covered ovf r.
When finally housed, it is well not to wash the
roots, as is recommended by some, but allow what
little soil is left upon them to crumble away into
dust. Where and how the roots should be wintered
is a matter of convenience to some extent. They
will winter well on a dry shelf, in a cool, airy
place, cool, not warm, as only sufficient warmth
is needed to exclude frost. Glenny's advice is as
sound to-day as it was forty years ago: "Dahlia-
tubers should bo kept where neither heat, nor damp,
nor frost can reach them." Some Dahlia-growers
among the Lancashire operatives have been known to
hang their tubers up suspended from the walls of
their living-rooms. Some bury their tubers in sand,
or in any dry material which can be procured.
Shelves in some dry, cool, frost-proof out-house or
cellar are best. I have known roots preserved under
the plant-stage of a greenhouse, and though drip fell
upon them occasionally, they received little or no
injury. But wherever they are placed, it should be
where they can be examined at any time, as some
roots do not winter well ; there appears to exist an
inherent tendency to decay. Those who preserved
in the best manner have experience of this. No one
would think of placing under a greenhouse stage roots
of very choice and rare varieties, but if from necessity
the commoner sorts have to be placed there, they should
not be placed in a heap, but laid out singly, so that
the water, which cannot fail to fall upon them every
time it is given to the plants, may lodge about them as
little aa possible. Even the preservation of Dahlia-
roots during winter is not without its anxieties. Jl. I>.
[One of the best means we know of for preserving
the roots of Dahlias, Canuas, Salvia patens, and
Marvel of Peru is to place them on the floor of a dry
cellar in a single layer, and cover them 2 inches deep
in finely-sifted coal or wood-ashes, or the charred
refuse from the garden bonfire, or charred earth.
We have known the roots thus stored come out quite
sound after an ordeal of 4° to 0° of frost ; but they
are safer if frost do not reach them. The evaporation
of moisture from the tubers is arrested by the
covering, and they are almost as plump in February
as when stored, which is not the case with tubers
stored like Apples on dry shelves. Ed ]
STIPA TENACISSIMA, L. — Desfontaines, Flora
Atlantica, t. 30. North Africa, Spain (up to 4000 ft.)
on sand-hills and plains, also in Portugal, Greece,
"Esparto," "Atocha," "Alfa,"" Sparte," "Kawil"
(Russian), "Feje'r arva" (Hungarian). Perennial,
height, about 2i feet, leaves filiform, panicle spiked,
the beard hairy at base. This plant is supposed to
be of the same species called "Esparto" by the
ancientB, and was introduced into England in 1817. It
is very common on the arid plateau of Algeria, and has
become very important as affording a vast quantity of
material for British paper-mills. During 1870, the
import of Esparto-ropes into England was 18,500
tons, while the raw material amounted to 130,000 tons.
In 1889, Great Britain imported of Esparto and other
276
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October If!, 1897.
vegetable fibres for paper-mills 385,000 tons, repre-
senting a value of over 2,000,000 pounds sterling.
Algeria and Tunis export yearly 00,000,000 tons of
raw material. But now it is planned to build a large
paper-mill in the southern part of Tunis. As 75 per
ceut. of the English newspapers contains E-iparto as
material, this matter is of the greatest importance to
Eny;land. The plant grows in any soil, whatever it
may be ; even in the scorching heat of the Sahara it
maintains itself. Extensive culture of this grass exists
in the south of France. It is pulled once a tear in
the earlier part of summer, if. Buysman, Horlus
Plantarum Diaphoricarum, Middelbury, Holland.
Law Notes.
ASHWORTH v. MATTHEW WELLS.
Ar the Manchester County Court, Judge Parry
gave his decision in the case of Ashworth v. Matthew
Wells, which was an action to recover damages for
breach of warranty. His Honour, in giving judgment,
Bait] the facts of the case were these. In June
the plaintiff sold to the defendant an Orchid un le-
vel iped, but warranted by name to the plaintiff as
Cittleya Aclandife alba. The Orchid was sold at an
open auction, at which many Orchid-growers were
present, and fetched £21. Ultimately the Orchid
developel into a common purple Cattleya, value
7». 6(2. No one had ever grown or seen a Cattleya
Aclandise alba, but Orchid-growers were of opinion
that such a plant would, if it existed, be worth at
lea t £50, and would probably fetch a much larger
mm. The only question in dispute now was what
was the measure of damages consequent on the
breach of warranty, that the Orchid wa< "alba."
The defendant was ready to repay the money he
received for the Orchid, but the plaintiff claimed a
Bom equal to the price he might have obtained for such
an Orchid if it had proved to be "alba." Hit
Honour having quoted the authorities on the ca-e,
fluid that he could find no case in which the failure to
mikea probable profit had been evenclai'iied, much lets
all-'Wed, a* damages for breach of warranty, and inferen-
tially, the case of Randall v. Roper »howed that such
a claim would not be allowed. It seemed to him that
it should be shown that some actual loss had been
(ui^taii el, and that it was not enough that there
sh .uld be some possible loss. If the plaintiff found
out at once that the plant sold was not as warranted
he could have his money returned. If he reasonably
expended money in the development of the plant
that money ought also to bo return d. If he resold
the plant with the sime warranty, and had to settle a
claim against him, that also might be included in his
damages. But ihe failure to make an anticipated
pr ifit— in this particular case a highly spt dilutive
profit — could not in any opinion be included ia the
d.mi'gts naturally consequent on the defendant's
breach of warranty. He was further convinced that
such anticipated profits could not be recovered as
damages for breach of warranty by the judgment in
the case of Peterson v. Ayre, which was one of the
cases considered in Randall v. Roper. Under these
circumstances he th night the defendant had paid
sufficient money into court, and was therefore entitled
to judgment with costs. The plaintiff had leave to
take the money out of court on payment to defen-
dant of his taxed costs.
SOCI ETI ES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Second Davs Conference.
(Continued from p. 269.)
THE PROGRESS IN VEGETABLE CULTIVATION
DURING QUEEN VICTORIA'S RHilGN.
Octobkr 1.— P. Crowley, Esq , presided atthe second day's
conference, when Mr. Maktin J. SUTTON, ci Reading, read a
paper on the above subject: —
In sketching the outline of my papor T felt that 1 cou'd
not do bettor than take the leading vegetables, enumerating
the kinds in cultivation in 1S37, and then briefly mention
the improvements that have sibce followed. It is obvious
that unless there had been a very marked advance iu
the vegetables grown, the progress in cultivation would
have been comparatively insignificant. In saying this, I do
not for a moment suggest that the gardeners of to-day arc
not far in advance of those of 1837, but that whatever method
of culture might be adopted, no very great advance would be
possible without improved vegetables to work upon. With-
out further introduction I will proceed at once to the all-
important subject of the
Garden Pea.
Without hesitation I may say thau. the progress made
during the last sixty years in the improvement of the Garden
Pea has been fully commensurate with the position this
vegetable occupies, and which may fairly be called the Prince
of all Vegetables. I think also I am correct in saying that
this proud position has been attained solely through the
progress made in its improvement since 1S37 ; an evo'ution
truly nurvellous, as I think all will admit when we compare
the Peas of 1S97 with those of 1S37. In the thirties and for
many subsequent years the gentl man's garden— as well as
the market garden— was dependent upon such varieties as
Woodford's, Bedman's Imperial, Scimitar, Early Charlton,
Warner's Emperor, Early Slay, McCormick's Prince Albert,
and Early Warwick, the other principal sorts cultivated
being Blue Prussian. Bishop's Earl}' Dwarf, and Auvergne.
These are Peas which we, with more cultured taste and
better varieti s at our disposal, now look upon as chiefly
suitable for boiling in a dry state. Knight's Tall Greeu
Marrow, a wrinkled Pea, was certainly available at this
time, but was not so generally grown a* the round-seeded
sorts, which an oM gardener now living imforms me were
so hard and dry when cooked that they were known as
Buckshot Peas.
During the next decade, a few varieties such as Sang^ter's
No. 1, Champion of England, British Queen, and Hair's
Dwarf Mammoth, were added to the list, the first three of
which are still lirgely grown by those who have hid no
opportunity of testing better sorts; but no considerable interest
was awakened until the advent of that popnlar favourite,
" Ne Pius Ultra," which was introduced under three or four
name* in as many sucees-ive seasons. Even at the present
day, when testing year by year all the so-called novelties as
they appear, we frequently find t lat still an >ther name has
been added to the aire tdy long 1 st und ;r which " Ne Plus
Ultra " is offered. Of its class, as a tall late M nrow Pea, it
is doubtful if any later introducti m has ever shown, com-
paratively, a greater advance on previous kinds.
In passing, it may be of interest to some to know that
three of the principal P. as distributed by my house in 1S41
were Blue Prussian, Woodford's, and Scimitar, from which
we may form a fairly correct idea of the class of Peas then
grown by gardeners.
Up to lSri7 there had been introduce I Daniel O'Rourkeand
our Eirly Champion as representing improved types of
early Peas ; and Glory, Climax, Dickson's Favourite, Prize-
taker, and Epps's L >rd Raglan.
In 1S59 that popnlar Pea, Veitch's Perfection, was intro-
duced, and in the sam j year also the fi<st selections of Dr.
McLean's seedlings wore pur. on the market by Mr. Charles
Turner, including Princes-* Royal, followed a few years lat r
by Little Glmii, and these continued io 1 to favourites fur a
quarter of a century. 'I his was tne commencement of that
period of activity which his extended wir.h increased vigour
till the p -esent day,— the skilful hand of the hybridiser in
conjunction with the keen eye of the expert producing sndh
Peas as Her Majesty's gardener never dreamt of in In :7.
Here I any remark that the work of select n< is in no degree
Lss import int thin that of hy metis ng. This will be better
understood when I explain that a seedling Pea is now;
generally the result of so much inter-breeding that »ery many
distinct types will often be represented in the ultimtte cms-*.
This cross will give a pod contdning from six to ten or m re
seeds, and it is at this p..»int the work of 'he hyhrid'st ceases
and th it of the selector commences, but it is only a com-
mencement.
When sown the follow'ng year, these seeds will, in all pro-
bability, produce as many distinct seedling Peas, some
partaking of the character of the p mints and some not ; but
the difficulty increases when we tind that i-eed s ived from
each of these plants very frequently varies iu e >eh case to
buc i an extent th it ih i greatest patience is required in order
to secure any fixe 1 type at all. L *t nid make my meaning
still e'earer, if pos Me.
The fi st year we start w,th say, si<c Feeds in the one pod.
The second ye.ir we have six seedling plants.
The third year we have t-ix rows, short or long, the pro-
duce of the six plants of the preceding year, but >ve also find
in each ot these six rows Peas of all sorts and types some
till, som » dwarf; some early, others later; some large-
podded, some sin ill ; suni'-* pile green in colour, some dark ;
some curved in the pod, some straight ; some pointed at the
end, and some squire this difference alone be ng sufficient
in some cases t> distinguish tw » popular girden varieties);
and last, but not least, some may bd roun i-seeded, and some
wrinkle seeded. It is clear the selector must commeuce
ag tin, and starting from the most promising plant in each
tow, endeavour to build up a seedling Pea which will repro-
duce itself from seed without variation, a task olten extj fl-
ing over many years. In scarcely any instance known to me
has a seedling Pea been put on the market direct from the
hvliridif-t's hand.
Between 18ti» and 1SS0 many varieties raised tyMcLein
and Laxton were introduced : amongst them being Prince of
Wales, Dr. McLean, Omega, William I., and William Hurst,
all of whjch are more or less popular at the present day.
During the same period, the first results attained by the
veteran William Culverwell — whose excellent work deserves
grateful recognition from all who value Marrowfat Peas —
came to light in Telegraph, Telephone, Stratagem, and Pride
of the Market, which varieties were introduced by Messrs.
Carter. By this time, Henry Eckford was endeavouring,
and with considerable success, to infuse the blood of N j
Plus Ultra into a dwarfer race of Peas. From various sources
appeared during the next few years Autocrat, Duke of
Albany (which is certainly one of the most popular Peas of
the present day), Sharpe's Queen, Webb's Wordsley Wonder,
and others. 1 1 18SI my house introduced American Wonder,
which is still more extensively grown than any other early
dwarf wrinkled Pea.
I should have preferred rn this occision to have made no
allusion to the work of my firm in connection with the Pea,
but I think all present will agree with me that no sketch
would be complete without referring to the first early wrinkled
marrowfat sorts which have been introduced during the past
few ye irs, and in the selection of which I have person-
ally been so much interested. I allude especially to May
Queen, Al , Empress of India, Seedling, Excelsior, and
Forcing, which have attracted so much attention at recent
Temple Shows
Our aim has been to replace the sm ill, hard, round-seeded
sorts, upon which the public had been obliged to depend so
much f >r their first supply, with Peas of dwarf growth, but
equally as early, and producing pods as large as Telephone,
Duke of Albany, and Peas of that class, containing large
wrinkled Peas of Marrowfat flavour, and we have succeeded
beyond our most sanguine expectations. In Peas of a later
class wc have introduced other popular kinds, such as
Royal Jubilee, Perfection, Windsor Castle, Exhibition
Magnum Bonum, Lite Queen, and others. The eagerness
with which all these new Peas have been sought after as soon
as they have been tried, attests their value, and it is person-
ally gratifying to me to know that Her Majesty — in who^e
honour we are met to-day - allowed the collection of Peas
staged at the Temple Show in 1S96 to ba placed in the
Entrance Hal' at Windsor Castle for her personal exumina-
tiou, and that some of the Peas appeared the s«pe evening
upon the Royal table. Mr. Thomas perhaps wilT also allow
me to mention that this year Her Majesty was so pleased
with the Peas he hatl grown at Windsor that she telegraphed
for a supply to be sent daily by pose to Balmoral ; and that in
June last the Empress Frederick wished seed sent at once to
the gardens at Friediickshof, in order to have Marrowfat
Peas in the autumn.
During recent years the list of good Peas has also been
added to by such excellent sorts as Daisy, Veitch's Maincrop,
Alderman, Laxton's Gradus, and many others.
It may be as well to rem irk here that the improvement in
Peas, as well as other vegetables, has doubtless received con-
siderable impetus from the keen competition upon the exhi-
bition table— a hobby which our older gardening friends
seldom if ever indulged in. This compotith-n has likewise
had a very m irked effect upon the cultivation of Peas and
other vegetables ; so that, with the fine types now procurable,
and the improved systems adopted by growers, results are
obtained wtdch are really m irvellous.
Before leaving this section, refereuce must be made to the
careful work done in the Ohiswick Gardens in making t iali
of Peas for many years pist. The value of these trials, gr< at
as it is, would be considerably enhanc d did cirenrastancts
rendered it possible to grow a larger number of older soits
alongside the new varieties for the sake of comparison,
in iy mention th it in order to m ike our Pe.i trials corner. -
hensive enough to d termine the value of new seedlings, and
to fully te-t the older varieties offered, &c , it is necessary t>
sow trom 000 to 70Q rows annually.
Broad Beans.
In the early diys of the Queen's reign, lovers of this vege
table were relttively bettor off than those who preferred
Peas, and th re already existed such kinds as Mazagan,
Dwarf Fan Early Longpod, and the White and Green
Windsor. These have of course been greatly improved lipor,
but they all remain in uso, though it is somewhat surprising
that the Max igan should bo urown at the present time, as iu
every point it is surpassed by other greatly superior types.
The fact, however, that Beans in use sixty years ago are
still gr>wn seems to sjovthat the advance has been lead
rapid than in the case of many other vegetables. Thi
improvement that has been made is almost entirely the
result of selection, although the crossing of Seville Longpo I
and White Windsor has produced a variety sent out by my
house as Giant Windsor, which, as its name implies, is a
much larger type of the Windsor section than previously
existed.
During the fifties the Seville and the Aquadulce Longpods
(very similar sorts) were introduced from the Continent, and
on account of their earliness and length of pod have been
an I still are largely grown, although the constitution of the
plant is not nearly so vigorous as our English sorts.
Beck's Green Gem, a sport from the Dwarf White Fan, was
introduced in la .s, and some years afterwards the m.uket
gaidenersin the neigh nourhood of Harlington, Middlesex,
set to w-irk to improve the Windsor by selection, and as a
result of their efforts we have the Harlington White an
Ore n Windsors.
Painstaking selection has done much in the improvement
of the Longpod pec ion, the several strains known as Ex-
hibition being fine and profitable types, the best selections
of which both white and green-seeded sometimes contain as
many as eight or nine beans in a pod, contrastirg most
favourably with the two or three beans found in the pods of
the older Bind*. The Broad Bean is not only greatly prized
October 16, 1897.]
THE GABDENEFS' CHRONICLE.
277
in private gardens, but is also .in important article of food
with the poorer classes, and the efforts made to increase its
productiveness have been duly appreciated by all classes of
society.
Dwarf French or Kidney Beans.
There were several sorts in use when the Queen ascended
the throne, but the difference chiefly lay in the colour of the
seed, a feature of little importance except to those who keep
a collection of these diversely- coloured and pretty seeds. In
fact, they were in the main named after the colour of or
markings on the seeds ; to wit, the Zebra, Light and Dart
Dun, Red and Purple Speckled, Xegro, &c., the chief excep-
tion being Fulmer's Forcing, which was also in use in 1837.
The scope for improvement is limited to size of pod, earliness,
and productiveness, and in the former respect, Canadian
Wonder, as soon as introduced by us, becime very popular ;
while Ne Plus Ultra, an introduction of more recent date,
fairly lays claim to being a marked advance over most sort*
for earliness, and ahio productiveness. Besides these, such
excellent varietiesas Triumph, White-seede 1, Forcing, Green
Gam, Monster Xegro, have appeared, and undoubtedly it
m ty be said that they have com) to stiy. It was thought
that the crossing of this sectio i with the Scarlet Runner
might produce useful results ; but although many hybrids
combining the broad massive pods o( the Scarlet Runner,
with the habit of the Dwarf Bean, are in the hands of one or
two experts, little, if any, advance upon such favourites as
Canadian Wonder and Ne Plus Ultra has been made.
Climbing French Beans.
One of the most notable improvements mado in vegetables
during Her Majesty's reign has been the creation of an entirely
new race of French or Kidney Beans, with a climbing habit
of growth. There are several distinct types before the public,
differing essentially in the size and colour of the seed, Bh ipe
and size of pod, and in earliness also. Notable amongst these
ai ■ our Tender-ami True and Veitch's Climbing, both attain-
ing a height of 4 to 7 feet according to cultivation ; and nunc
recently introduced is our own Excelsior a He in combining
the delicacy and tenderness of the Canadian Wonder with the
vigorous growth of the Scarlet Runner.
Rl'nn»:r Be -ns
Were represented sixty years ago by the old Scarlet, the
Painted Lady, and the Large White, and although one or
two sorts of recent introduction are the result of artificial
crossing, the majority of the improved types have been
attained by selection. But even in some of these cases, it is
quite reasonable to sugges*. that they are natural crosses
resulting from inocu'ation. Scarlet Runner-* producing p >ds
1SJ inches in length would have caused almost as gr iat
surprise amongst the gardening fraternity of 1S:*7 as did the
advent of the first motor-cab in the streets of London. Th it
greater length will yet be attained, I have no douht, and with
it an improvement in quality on some of the existing larpe-
podded kinds. The homely Scarlet Runn r which. Tradescanfc
cultivated in his garden at Lambeth in the seventeenth
century for the sake of its Rowers can n >w, in its improved
form, boast of an almost unlimited number of attract i e
names— each chosen to indicate a type of greater size or
length than any previously quoted.
(To be continued.
October 12.— The ordinary fortnightly meeting of this
society at the Drill Hall on Tuesday last w.is remarkably
well attended, and the Hall was well filled wi«h exhibits.
The most conspicuous feature was that of the perennial
Asters, of which there were many good exhibits from
the trade and from amateurs. Of Dahlias there was
none, but a few Chrysanthen.:. ns took the place of these.
Orchids were present in considerable quantity. Although
the Crystal Pa'ace fruit display occurred so recently, there
was plenty of goo 1 fruit staged on this occasion, and a Gold
Medal was awarded to a collection o£ Ap desand Pears shown
by Mr. Woodward, gardener to Roosi. Leigh, Esq., of M u 1-
stone, the only Gold Me.iat that ha' been obtained by an
amateur for an exhibition of fruit for .veral years p ist.
Floral Comml bee.
Pretext: Geo. Paul, Esq., chairman; and Messrs. H. B.
May, Geo. Stevens, D. B. Crane, J. F. it^Lsol, Jas. Hudson,
Thos. Peed, C. J. Salter, J. D. Pawc, Chas. Jeffries, Herbert
J. Veitch, J. W. Birr, Jas. Walker, J. T. Bennett-PoS, C E.
Pearson, J. Fraser, Ed. Beckett, R. M. Hog;, H. Turner,
C. T. Druery, and Ed. Mawley.
Messrs. Paul & Son, Chesbunt, had an exhib t comptsel
of Rose-trees In pots, a considerable number of cut Roses,
an 1 bunches of hardy flowers, consisting chiefly of perennial
Asters and a few herbaceous Phloxes, Pernettyas in several
varieties, and Cotoneaster horizontals in b.-rry were also
noticed (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).
A large exhibit of perennial Asters was one from Mr E.
Beckett, gr. to Lord Aldjniiim, Aldanb im H nu^, E stre ■.
There were more thin eighty Urge bunches, each of them
cut with long stems, and exhibited finely. A. Novi Belgii,
versicolor, diffusus, Amellus, polyphyllus, cordifolius, sagitti-
folius, umbellatus, pauiculatus, acris, ericoides. I a* vis; aud
numerous varieties of most of th se were sho-vn, but the
varieties were so exceedingly plentiful, thit we have not
spice even to make a selection. The exhibit, however, was
worthy the study of all who desire an abundance of blooms
from tie open in October. The brightest -coloured variety in
the collection was A. N. B. Orion, a decided and bright pink,
the yellow disc being especially bright also (Silver-gilt
Banksian Medal).
Mr. W. Pottev, Cam 'en Nurseries, Cranbrook, Kent
staged a small col'ection of perennial Aste.s, in which was
included the rubra variety of Aster Amellus. This variety
is needed in every collection, as these Asters offer compara-
tively little of such colour.
Chrysanthemums shown as cut blooms by Mr. Geo. Wythes,
gr. to Lord Percy, Syon House, Brentford, were very good.
The group was composed of bunches of three good blooms
of large flowered <-arieties, and plants of Adiantum cuoeatum
were interspersed betwixt them (Silver Flora Medal).
Mr. Robert OWEN, Maidenhead, showed about two dozen
large fl >wered Chrysanthemums an 1 sprays of sjmeof the
newer varieties of Cannas.
Tint excellent winter-fl iwering Begonia Gloire de Lorraine,
w»s shown by Mr. H. B. M\v, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper
Edmonton, and Messrs. J. Peed & Sons, Roupell Park,
Norwood. The groups of plants from Mr. May presented
the variety in its best possible condition, as serviceable plants
in 5-inch pots, each abunduitly flowered, and perfect
specime s (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Peeps' plants were
smaller, some of them in 3-inch pots, but they bore num irous
flowers.
Messrs J vs Ve.tch <fc Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea, showed a out a dozen plants of Vitts Coigneti.e that
has been described many times in these columus, and some
plants of Vitis viaifera pu'-purea bearing very much smaller
foliage, coloured intensely purple. Crataegus orientalis in
fruit was shown as sprays. The exhibitalso included several
plants in flower of Caryopteris mastacanthus \Gardeneri
Chronicle, vol. xxi., 1SS4, p. 149). Messrs. Vei km had a group
of plants of their Javanieojasminiflorum hybrid Rhododen-
drons, a I the flowers being v ry attractive. The same ftrm
obt lined an Award of Merit for a ve-y protty variegated
Veronica named Silver Star, and also exhibited a flae large
plant of Divillta Chelsoni, plant" of Cornus sanguinea atro-
sangulnea with darker coloured leares than the type; a
specimen of Cedrus Deodara aurea, and Beveral plants of
Nm lint domestic*, a pretty plant with compound r.-d
le ives (Award of Merit).
An exhibit of perennial Asters by Messrs. J.wir, Veitch <fc
SONS differed from the rest, by the facfl tint the plants
hid lecently been lilted from the open ground aud put
into pots. It was therefore possible to sec the habits
presented by the entire plants, and the circumstance further
showed how suitable are perennial Asters for lifting, to be
u-ed as decorative plants indoors. The group included
about sixty plants in thirty v irieties, which hid >>e n oho ieo
to r present distinct types (Silver-gilt Rtnksim Medal),
Crotons were exhi lifad by Me srs II. S. Wn.uwn .v So*,
Upper Holloway. London, who had about fifty pants <>f
moderate height arranged upon one of the tables (Silver
Flora Medal).
Tea Roses were shown very tastefully by Mr Geo. Prince,
of the Oxford Nurseries (Silver Banksian Medal).
A group of berried plants from Messrs. W. Ci- rRMsu &
Son, Highgate, London, N., included a lot of plant* of Cia
fcegus Pyracantha Lelandi, Orangetrees in fruit ; and a hand
of plants of Skimmia japouica encircling the oth.'r pUnts
was effective.
Sir Trevor L\wkevve, Bart, B irf ir I, D irking (gr., Mr.
1! iiu , exhibite I a group of a dozen plants of tuberous Bego-
nias with fringed flo-vers, .-imdar to the one figured in the
Gardeners' Chroniett, p. "03 in present volume. An Award of
Merit was recommended to the strain.
A hybrid Sarracenia was shown by Mr. J. T. BRNNBTT-Pott,
obtained from a cross between S. fltva and S purpurea, and
raised at the Glasnevin Botanic Garden,
Mr. H. Deverili.. of the Baubury Nurseries staged a group
of perennial Aster flowers, ant several varieties of Heleninm
and Rudbeckia. The Asters included A. versicolor, a very
dwarf eroding plant, with sraUl but prettv flowers. A.
acris, W. Bo.vman, a new British var , of high co'o ir ; aud
one calkd Mad-nna, an improvement on Harjur C ewu ;
besides the pretty laevigata, diffusus, &c ; Chrysanthemum
uliginosum with its I irge white fljwers was also included.
Mr. Harris Biwdenllill H mse, Chippenham (gr. Mr W.
J. Pentoul, exhibited six^ee i bunches of Viol -t Tne Cssar.
Mr. W. Bull, 516, King's R »ad, Chelsei, showed a few
plants of the new Maranta picta, with leaves about 9 inches
long and 3} inches wide, each leaf light Pea-green and dark
velvety-green in colour, and the plants compict in habit
(A.vardof M rit).
Mr. Empson, gr. to Mrs. WixoriELD, Ampthdl House,
Ampthill, showed ha'f-a-dozen plants of a good decorative
Chrysinthem un with blush colouiei flow.rs, and nam .*d
Mrs. Wingfield (Award of Marit).
Mr. W. Wells, E irlswood Nurseries, Re 'hill, Surrey,
showed several new varieties of Chrysanthemums as pi rats,
Mr. W. J. Godfrev, Esmouth Nur-eries, Devon, exhibited
about t vo .!•'■■■ n and a half of Chrysanthemum blooms,
including several well-known varieties. An Award of Merit
was rec mi mended to the Chrrysantheuum Madame G.
Bruant, a Japanese variety of much merit, florets very long,
white towa'ds base, becoming light purple towards end,
sb iwn by Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Soxs, Chilwell, No'feing-
ham.
Mess a. Hawkins h Bennett, Twickenham, exhibited a
group of zonal Pelargonium Duke of Fife, a semi double
dark scarlet (lower produced on strong long stems.
Orchid Committee.
Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Seal, 8. Courtauld. W. H. Protberoe,
W. Cobb, E. Hill, W. H. Young, F. J. Thorno, H. Williams,'
H J. Chapmtn, De B. Crawahay, T. W. Bond, [I. M. PolleU,
and T. B. Haywood.
Messrs Jas Veitch <te Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nurseiy,
K-ug's Road, Cheh>ei, wereawarded a Silver-gilt Floia Medal
tor a magnificent group if rarj and beautiful Orchids, in
cluiing ni *ny new and rare hybrids, among which were the
fine Smralia x roseo-maerantha, a plant which is of d«arf
hibit, and possesses purpli.-h rose - coloured flowers
of large size, whose sepals and petals have a white
margin; Lailio- Cattleya x Lucilia (L.-C. elegans 9 x
C. Dowiauad). with pale rose-tinted sepals aud petals,
lip of a rich purple-crimson hue, and a yellow disc ; the new
Dendrobium taurinum amboinense, with growthsasimported,
some (i feet in length, and carrying ascending spikes of nume-
rous flowers, in form resembling those of the type, but of a
yellow colour on the reverse side of the flower, the face being
reddish-brown (Botanical Certiticite). Other line hybrids
represented were the :cirlet Epiphronitis x Vtitchi, Laalio-
Cattleya x Pallas, L -C. x Xysa. and its varieties snperha
and purpurea ; L.-C. x Eudora, L.-C. X Novelty, Cattleya x
Caloris, C. x Eros, Cypripedium x Drurio-I awrenceanum, C.
X Arete, C. x Arthurianum, C. x CEnanthuni superbum,
Tha rear plants in the group consisted of Oncidium
phymatoohilum, of very slender growth ; 0. divaricatum, O.
Forbeaii, o. pnetextum, O. varicosum, O. tigrinum ; fine
specimens of the singular looking Dendrobium stratiotcs ; [>.
Pnaajiiopfls Sehroderianum, O iontoglossum Uro-Skinneri
aplendens ; the white lipptd O. Bictoniense album; O.
graiiile, handsome varieties of Cattleya tabiata ; Vanda So.-
deri. hi i, Angnecum Chailluiamim, and A. citratnm; the
orange scarlet-coloured Dendrobium Buhclausum, Cypripe-
dium in^igne S.ndenw. and the true C. purpmatum; Com
pirettia ooccinea, lanopsis panicuhtta, and other rue Bpecies
of small growth. An example of Coelngyne Veitchi »>carinr
six sp]kes, v.irying from ihirty to thirty five of its white
flowers on each spike, was an attractive object.
R I. Mkvsi res, Ksq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell (gr ,
Mr ll. J. Cb.apm.in), was awarded a Sdver Flora Medal for
an effective group that consisted principally of forms of
Cattleya labiata, and included a plant of the reruirkabla
C, Ubiata " R. I Measures," which has charming whit.:
ri.wcrs, with a delicate pink veining on the front of the lip ;
Leho uattleya x Sallieri (L purpurata var. x C. Loddigeui)
With several very pretty light rose flowers on a spike ; fine
examples of Lielia pumila, a grand specimen of Dendronium
aurt nm , the richly-coloured Cypripedium x Chapmani ; and
other hybrid C> pripediums, th • most remarkable of which was
C. x c.dloso Mastersianum, with singularly-tinted, wax-likd
flowers, formed part of the exhibit.
Sir . kkvor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr , M .
W. H Wnite), showed a fine specimen of Cryptophoranthua
I'lyanu-, bearing a number of its singular-looking flown ,
wh eh resemble a hawk's-head tBotanical Certifl
Messrs. Booh Low & Co. Clapton, were awarded a Sih.-r
Flora Medal for an efidctive group, in which were fiu
v ineties of Cattleya labiat.i, arranged with C. Loddigesii,
C. Dowiana, good varieties of La-'i t puaaila, among which
wis L pumila, ''Low's var.,*1 withblu sh purple tinted flower,
beinng a great resemblance t-i the GattOO Park variety,
certificated at he last meeting, reoived an Award ol Merit.
The group also contained plants of the fine yellow-coloured
Cypripedium insigne Laura Kimball, and C. insigne W.
Millie D .nv ; also the h indsome C x Mrs. Tautz, C x William
Lloyd, and other hybrids; fine examples of Odontoglosaum
grande, O. erispura, Dendrobium PhaUnopsis violaceum,
Oncidium onithorhynchum album, O Lanceanum, Ac.
Messrs. B. S. Williams & S «n, Upper Holloway, staged a
prvtty group, which secu ed a Silver Banksian Medal, in
wnich wero remarked several Cattleya labiata in variety,
including gloriosa ani purpurei ; Cypripedium Xgiganteum,
Widiami' variety (Sallieri aureumx Harrisianum superbum),
C. xPitcherianum, Williams' var., C. x oinanthum, C. Cham-
berlaiuianum, Pescitorea Lehmanni, Saecolabium Blumei,
OJontoglossum eriskitum, O. Wallisii purum, O. constrictum,
Dendrobium bigibbum, L>. Phalauiopsis, Cochlioda vul-
oanica, &c.
Messrs. F. Saxdsr & Co . St. Albans, exhibited several
beautiful varieties of Cattley* labiata, including a white
form with purple blotch on the lip; C. x Mars (labiata x
Lawrenceana), Bulbjphyllutn Gjdseffianum, Cattleya Bow-
riugiana, &c.
His Grace the Duke of Westminster, E iton Hall, Chester
(gr., Mr. N. F. Barnes), sent an attractive, dark-coioured
variety of Dendrobium Pbala^nopsis Sehroderianum.
Mr. T. RocHFono, Turnford Hall Nurseries, showed a plant
of the remirkable Vanda cterulea Rochf ordiana, a variety
possessing clear white flowers, and a lip of a soft pink tint
Award of Merit).
II. T.Pitt, Esq., R^s-dyn. Stamford Rill, showed Odon-
toglossum grande Pittianuni, a fine clear yellow form, in
which the brown bars seen in the type are suppressed < Award
Of Merit).
Mr. J. W. Moore, Eldon Place Nursery, Bradford, exhibited
Vanda x Moorei, a natural hybrid between V. Kimballiau
and V. ceerulea, between which species it is intermediate in
character. The flowers were larger than V. Kimballiana, and
the lip longer and narrower; the sepa's and petals are of a
lavender-blue colour; the side lobes of the lip brown, and the
blade purple-coloured (Award of Merit).
278
TSE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 16, 1897.
Walter Cobb, Esq. Dutcote, Tuubridge Wells (gr., Mr. J.
Hnwes), sent Zygopetalum Joriaianitra (Lindenia v , t. *J3), a
pretty and floriferous species for which an Award of Merit
was made ; alao Cypripediu-n Charlesw rthi, Dvilcote variety,
in which the upper sep il is variegated with white and rose.
C L N. Ingram, Esq, Elstead Hall, Godatming (gr., Mr.
T. W. Bond), again showed th* pretty Cattleya X Eclipse
(maxima x Skinneri), for which he had previously received
kh Award of Merit; the singular looking Lwlio- Cattleya x
Firefly (L. Dormaniana x C. Bowringiana), with dull rose
flowers and elongated lip : L.-C, x illustris (L Dayana X C.
Warsoewiczii), which resembled L.-C x Epicasta ; and L.-C.
x oiorata (C. Eldorado x L. xanthina\ a neat yellowish-
white flower, with markings of rose upon the lip.
J. Bradshaw, Esq., The Grange, Southgate (gr., Mr. H.
Whiffen), showed a fine plant of Cattleya x Mantini nobilior
(Bowringiana X Dowiana aurea).
J. W. Temple, Esq., Leyswood, Gi-oombridge (gr., Mr. C.
Bristow), showed La1! io -Cattleya x Templise, of unrecorded
parent ige, which much resembled Cattleya X Minucia(Lod-
digesii x Warscewiczii). H. J. Harris, Esj., J.P., Bowden
Hill House, Chippenham (gr., Mr. J. Penton), sent a very
fine form of Odontoglossum graade. F. W. Moore, Esq.,
Royal Botinic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, sent Nanodes
Muntini (Botanical Certificate) and Maxillaria piinctato-
airiata.
Fruit Committee.
Present: Philip Crowley, Esq., Ckairmin; and Messrs.
Hugo M. Milller of Vienna, Gao. Bunyard, Jos. Cheal, G. W.
Cummins, W. Pope, A. H. Pearson, A. F. Boron, Ales.
Dean, J. W. Bates, G. Woodward, James H. Vtitch, J. Wil-
1 ir 1, J. Smith, Geo. Wythes, F. Q. Lane, G. Reynolds, W. J.
E apson, R Fife, and T. J. Saltmarsh.
The G)'d Medal of the Society was awarded to Mr. G.
Woodward, gr. to Roqer Leigh, Eiq., B irham Court, Maid-
atone, fur a mignificent display 100 dishes) of Pears and
Apples. When we say that the fruits were as fine examples
a.; it is possible togrowin this country, we are stying no more
than is undeniable. Many of the varieties wera shown by
the exhibitor at the Royal Horticultural Society's show,
h sld at the Crystal P.ilacs at the beginning of the month.
Mr. A H. Rickwood.gr. to Dowager Lady Freake, Ful-
wall Park, Twickenham, showed ninety-six dishes of Apples
and Pears of average merit, securing a Silver Binksian
Medal. Some few of the newer varieties of Pears and Apples
were noted in this collection, but old varieties formed the
greater jroportion.
The second-best collection of Apples and Poars at the
meeting was that shown by Mr. A. Offer, gr. to J. Warrek,
K-q . , Ilandcross Park, Crawley ; this comprised many fine
ix am pies of Pears, but was weak in Apples, as compared
with the Barham Court collection, although colour, as is
u-aialin Sussex Apples, was brighter than was observed in the
Kent fruit. An award of a Silver Knightian Medal was
made.
A collection of bottled fruita came from T. Gruiam
Powell, Esq., Horticultural College, Swanley. There were
i i eluded two or three varieties of Cherries ; Gooseberries,
I'.ura", and black Currants. Ordinary bottles, with sealing-
waxed corks, were used.
In the competition for flavour in Pears, the 1st prize was
given to Thomson's Pear, snowu by Colonel Brvmer, Ilsing-
ton House, Dorset (gr,, Mr. J. Powell); Hud prizi to Rev.
If Goldinq Palmer, Holm ) Park, Berks (gr. , Mr. Osborne),
for Marie Louise.
In Apples, Mr. G. Woodward, gr., Baiham Court, was 1st,
with Cox's Orange Pippin ; and Colonel BhvMER was 2nd,
with Ribston Pippin.
Messrs. G. Bi:nvard &l Co , Maidstone, receive! an
Award of Merit for Apple, J. is Grieve, an early, pleasantly
flavoured dessert fruit.
John Ester, Esq., Wakefield, showed a small collection of
Apples, chiefly culinary varieties, and of fair quality, obtain-
ing a Silver Banksian Medal ; fifteen dishes in all.
Mr. Thomas Robertson, gr.t Elsfield, Notts, showed
Runner Beans of large size, and almost straight.
Messrs. A. W. Youno & Co., nurserymen, Stevenage, showed
a pretty collection of ornamental Gourds in perhaps a score of
different species, and apparently in well ripened condition.
These are interesting plants wherewith to cover rough fences
n gardens, and are too seldom grown or shown.
Messrs. J. Carter & Co., 237 and 233, High Holborn,
showed a representative collection of agricultural and culinary
varieties of Cabbage, and among them we remarked good
examples of the Magdeburg, a drum -head variety
suitable for making sauerkraut or feeding cattle; Early
Heartwell, extra good ; Red Utrecht, an early hearting
sort; Winnigstadt, an old conical shiped Cabbage of nice
n ivour ; Hardy Green Colewort, one of the best for general
planting for winter use; All Seasons, a liDe looking Drum-
head; Wheeler's ImperUl, still one of the best when true;
Rosette Colewort, goo I for close planting in gardens, and
very hardy; Jersey Wakefield; Garfield Red, an early
hearting small variety; Nonpareil, a miniature Drumhead ;
Mammoth Beef-heart, the old well-known St. John's Day,
and others.
Lecture.
SOME CURIOSITIES IN ORCHID BREEDING.
This was the tit'c of a very long and exhaustive lectu>o
delivered in the afternoon byMr, C. C.Hurst. In commencing
the subject, Mr. Hurst said that to better understand cert tin
abnormal results attcn ling the crossing of < >rchids, it would
be well first to study the normal effects. Hybrid* of the
first generation, that is between two distinct species, were
generally exactly intermediate in character between the
parents. Such an instance was Cypripedium Lecanum X,
which was intermediate between C. insigne and C. Spiceria-
num. From such a cross the whole of the seedlings would be
C. Leeannm x, and as often as the cross was effected this
would he the result, whether or not Spicerianum or insigne
were used as the pollen -parent. There would be varieties ol
Leeannm x,bnt these would not difY<T from each other in
greater degree than varieties of a true species. It was
very necessary then that any hybrids of a certain cro^
should lie known by one specific name only, and to dis-
tinguish certain forms from others, varietal names only
should be used. It was also found that the varieties occur-
ring in such a cross were limited in number, if neither of
the parents had many varietal forms. Of C. Leeannm x
ihere were innumerable varieties, but so iher-i were of C.
insigne, one of its parents. The result of a cross would
also depend upon the varieties usei of the parent species.
C. Spicerianum crossed with C. insigne Sanderse produced
a well-known variety of C. Leeanum.
C. insigne Chantini crossed with itself produced a lot of
varieties, proving that the parent had not been fixed for any
length of time. In speaking of the " reverse" cross, it was
admitted that sometimes the varieties differed from those
obtained from the original cross ; but, as proved by Messrs
Veitcb, in the case of Cypripedium Sedeni, they are not in-
trinsically different. If the seedlings were different, then
the varieties of the species used for the parents were not the
same ; or if the same varieties have been used, then they
have had a "past."
The lecturer proceeded to describe the whole process
of pollination and fertilisation, and referred to the study and
observations of Mr. Harry Veitch into the pollination and
fertilisation of Cattleya Mossisa, the results of which were
contributed in a paper read before the Linnean Society
about ten years ago. The process of fertilisation was
described in order to show why a cross from distinct
species should be intermediate between the two parents.
The subject of nuclear sub division and of male and female
organs, and the confluence of the two, which results in the
destruction of exactly one-half of the nuclei possessed by
either, and therefore the union of an equal number of each,
is a decidedly abstruse subject, but one the study of which
by experts miy be expectid to throw light on many of the
phenomena of hybridisation and sporting.
Mr. Hurst next proceeded to cite eleven c.ses where the
seedlings from a cros^ had resembled one 'parent only, and
discussed if such could possibly be true hybrids. He
thought they were not, but had been fertilised by their own
pollen, or fertilisation had occurred without any pollen
reaching the ovule at all. The above was referred to as one
of many curiosities of hybrids of first crosses. Owing to
want of time, Mr. Hurst was obliged to treat a good deal
of ih 3 paper "As read." Referring to Odontoglossum
hybrid seedlings, the result of these in some cases had
been to determine th ; parents of natural hybrids, already
in cultivation. The influence of foreign pollen was
c msidcred, and in regard to the ripening of seel puds.
it was said tli at the nearer to midsummer the cross
was effected, the sooner did the pod ripen. Mr. Hurst
we at on to consider generic hybrids and certain
curiosities attending such crosses. Twenty six different
g ncra had been united together by fertilisation, and a
diagram was shown indicating in whit manner and to what
degree this had been done. The fertility of hybrids between
species, and other aspects of this questioti were con idered.
The sterility of hybrids was attributed to the male element
in the hybridising. The paper dealt with other matters, and
was a most elabo ate one, which can be better studied
when it has appeared in the society's Journal, Mr. II. J.
Ve tcli occupied the cba>r, and after the re iding of the paper,
Mr. R. A. Rolfe, of Kew, discussed many of the statements
that had been given, from sone of which he differed.
BEDDINGTON AND CARSHALTON
HORTICULTURAL.
October 5. —The annual general meeting was held on
the above date at Carshalton. From the report of the com-
mi- tee it was shown that the soei .-ty's exhibition was th's
season a moderate success.
The total number of entries for competition was equal to that
in previous years, and there were many honorary exhibits of
high quality. Owing to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations,
and the consequent appeal for subscriptions for other causes,
there was, as the committee expected, a slight falling off in
the subscriptions aud donations to the societ/ during the
year, but notwithstanding this there was a balance in hand
of over £.r»3. A conference was held oil gardening, at which
Mr. A. a. Smee, C.C., presided. It was a decided success,
and a large audience manifested the closest interest in the
addresses.
The balance sheet showed that the year was commenced
with a balance in hand of £35 18s. KM , subscriptions, dona-
tions, and speciil prizes amounted to £138 Ifi*. 6J., the
various receipts in connection with the show on Bank
Holiday amounted to £158 17a. ■'•<L, and the Sports Com-
mittee returned £2 2s. 2d , making the total receipts
£135 14*. 9d. There was paid in prizes £07 15s. Gd.t and a
turn of £30 18s. was voted to the Sports Committee, the total
expenses of the year amounting to £282 7*. 3'., leaving a
balance of £53 7.«. *'<d.
Mr. H. Cosmo DoQsor was elected President, and Mr. S.
Stewart a Vice-President of the Society.
Mr. G. W. Cummins was renominated for secretary, but
stated that as he had given up his appointment as gardener
at the Grange, it was with the greatest regret he had to
decline the honour and resign the position he had held from
the commencement of the society.
The chairman and others spoke of the able way i.i which
the duties of the secretary had been conducted; and a vote
nf thanks was heirtily passed, as was also a resolution that
an honorarium of ten guineas be awarded Mr. Cummins in
recognition of his services.
Mr. Cummins, in returning thanks, said that as long as he
remained in the district, the Horticultural Society should
have his hearty support.
Mr. W. T. Toooood (late assistant secretary) was then
elected secretary, and Mr. C. F. F, Hl/Ti hinc.s assistant
secretary.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
October 7. — Present: G. Sh. .Hand-Ball, E*q., in the chair
along with Messrs. Jas. Backhome, Wm. Bolton, R. John-
stone, H. Greenwood, Captain Sehofield, Wm. A. Gent, and
Jas Anderson
This was by far the best connection of good showy Orchids,
combining some sterling varieties, that has yet passed
before the Orchid Committee of the North of England.
The exhibit of Dendrobiums by Mr. R. Johnson, gr. to
Tuos. Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, Whitefield, covered with at
least 2000 blooms, worthily gained tbeawardof aSilver Medal.
The same honour was granted to Geo. Suorlanp-Baix, Esq ,
of Ashford, Wilmslow (gr., Mr. A. Hay), who had a Cypripe-
dium insigne Harefield Hall var. (F. C. C), flower very large
in all its parts, and of clean, clear captivating colour.
Other honours fell to the same exhibitor for Cypripedium
Memoria Mouisii, still the finest red Leeannm we have, and
to C. tonsum gigantcum (Award of Merit).
Alderm tn Boi.ton, Wilderspool (Mr. Cain, gr.), showed
a grant lot of plants in fine bloom; and his Cattleya
resembling C. Hardyana, and named C. Massaiana Boltoniann,
with four magnificent flowers, an outcome of natural hybridi-
sation, will long be remembered, the crimson on the lip,
and the cerise tint of the segments of the flower, making
it most attractive ; the committee awarded it a First-class
Certificate. His varieties of Cattleya Harrisianum were
choice and varied in colour. These were hybrids, either
natural or artificial, which showed how interesting cro=s-
breeding becomes in capable hands. These three varieties
received the award of a Silver Medal each, in consideration
of their beauty and the high degree of culture exhibited.
Next in importance to the above was the collection from
Hitch Low & Co., London, and nothing was better than the
Cittleya aurea, Mrs. Gratrix, which obtained a First cla'S
Certificate. Along with this plant was Cypripedium insigne,
Nellie Don (Award of Merit) Cattleya X Nys^i jq-ilcndons
(Award of Merit), had the handsomest lip we have yet seen.
By far the finest-grown plant on exhibit was the Vanda
caerulea from Ja.mrs Bvokhouse & Son, York, The plant
had nearly one hundred open flowers upon it. An Award of
Merit and Cultural Common lalion were given.
John Leeman, Esq , West B mk House, Heaton Mersey
(Mr. Edge, gr.), h id several good Cypi ipedioms ; and a form of
Cattleya Hardyana, which the committee a--ke 1 to be shn.vu
again.
O. O. Wriqley, Esq., Bury, and several othrr gentlemen
were awarded th I thanks of the Society.
UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT
AND PROVIDENT.
October 12.— The annual dinner of this society was held
on Tuesday evening last at the Holborn Restuvrai.t. Mr. II.
B. May, of the Edmonton Nurseries, presided over what was
probably a "record" attendance. On such a busy day as
Tuesday proved to be, such an attendance was a testimony to
the very lively interest taken in the welfare of the suciety ;
an interest justified by the praiseworthy aims of the institu-
tion, existing as it does for the purposes of assisting gardeners
in sickness and old age.
The chair was well supported by a goolly number of
influential representative horticulturists. When the toast
of Her Majesty the Queen had been received with musical
honours, the chairman rose to propose that of the United
Horticultural Benefit and Provident Society, which was
accompanied by a short but sensible speech.
The Chairman remarked that had those present heen un-
associated with gardening, it might have been necessary to
speak of the difficulties attending a gardener's career, the
uncertainty of employment, the ills to which they are sub-
ject from climatic chauges, and the inability which too
frequently precludes them from making provision for that
time of which Longfellow sings; —
" The common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall ;
Some days must be 'lark and dreary."
Tn the presence of gardeners this, however, was un-
necessary. The society had for its motto, " Unity is strength,"
but it was also founded upon the bisis of self-help. It
was democratic in its constitution, and the substantial
progress made was a brilliant testimony of its appreciation
by those for whose benefit U was established. It was
founded by gardeners, is conducted by gardeners, and w.s
October 16, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
279
for the welfare of gardeners ; and the advantages it offers its
members, especially its aged members, was most liberal— a
happy combination of a benefit society and a savings'- bank.
The rates of contribution and benefits were then given, and re-
ference made to the rule of the society to keep the funds of
lapsed members until they reach the age of sixty, and then
return it to them with compound interest, or, in case of death,
it is immediately given to the deceased's nominee. The con-
cluding paragraph in the actuaries' report at the quinquennial
valuation in 1S96 was read, and from this it became evident
that here had been an increase of membership in the liino
from 291 to 535, the growth of funds from £4,933 bo £9,?33,
and an increase of income from £90S to £1,376-
Tbe Chairman, after expressing his intention to become a
honorary member, appealed to others to assist the funds in a
similar manner. Alluding to tho Benevolent Fund initiated
b'y Mr. N. N. Sherwood, the Chairman justly congratulated
the members upon this feature of the Society, that helped
convalescent members at a time when help was exceedingly
useful.
In reply to this toast, Mr. J. Hudson, Hon. Treasurer to
the Society, made several satisfactory statements, in-
cluding one to the effect that it was expected the
Society would invest during the present year £1200, or £loi)
per month. He spoke of the increased number of members,
at the same time inviting more, and basing his plea upon the
economical met hoi by which the Society is managed.
Incidentally it was said that no committee meeting was held
in camera. Any member might be present at a^y meeting
he wished. The present membership was 684.
Other toasts included "The Honorary Life Members and
Visitors," responded to by Mr Geo. Bunyard and Mr. B.
Wynne, "The Chairman," "Kindred Institutions," a toast
that afforded Mr. G. Ingram an opportunity to plead the
cause of the "Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution,"
A tribute of praise is deserved for the tasteful manner in
which the room and tables were decorated, and the pro-
ceedings generally wero characterised by enthusiasm,
Mr. Geo. Bun v arm has accepted an invitation to preside on
the occasion of tho noxt annual dinner.
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
October 12, 13, 14.— "ho usual October exhibition of Chrys-
anthemums by this society, being the second held this
season, was opened on Tuesday last in the Royal Aquarium,
Westminster. In the open classes for twonty four and for
twelve blooms of Japanese flowers, there was much competi-
tion, and the quality of the blooms was good, particularly
the 1st and 2nd prize colle tions of twenty-four blooms.
Apart from ihese classes, the competition was only moderate,
and in two or three instances there wjre no entries. Pompons
were few and poor, and the exhibition was practically one of
Japanese varieties only The groups of Chrysanthemum-
plants were commendable. Tabic decorations and epergnes
of chrysanthemum blooms made much display.
There were three groups of Chrysanthemums and foliage
plants, each upon a space of 72 superficial feet. The 1st
prize was won by Mr. Norm AN Davis, Framfield Nurseries,
Sussex. In this group, the Chrysanthemums were
good; and more than that, they were freely interspei sed
with plants of an ornamental character, the intermixing
being effected with much taste. Among tho Chrysanthe-
mums, the varieties Louise, Peile Dauphinoise, Mrs. S. W.
Palmer, Elthorno Beauty, and Geo. Seward showed best.
The 2nd priz^ went to Mr. Howe, gr. to H. Tate, Esq ,
Streatham Common, S.W., who also very freely sup-
plemented the Chrysanthemum with choice foliage plants.
Sid, Mr. J. H. Witty, Nuuhead Cemetery.
In the class for twenty-four blooms, Japanese (<pen\
there were seven competitors, and the winning stand of Mr.
C. Penfolds, gr. to Sir F. Fitzwigram, Bart., Leigh Park,
Havant, contained blooms as large in size as many that are
usually staged in November. The largest blooms in this case
were put in the front row, rather than at the back. It con-
tained no absolutely new varieties, but many of last year's
novelties were shown. Thus there were Modesty, Mutual
Friend, Mdlle. Chenon de Lecbe, Edith Tabor, Madame
Gustavo Henry, International, and other4. Mr. Jas. AgatEj
nurseryman, Havant, took 2nd prize, with smaller but better
coloured flowers, than the others. For instance, Mons.
Chenon de Leehe", Ed. Molyneux, Milano, and Surprise were
capital. 3rd, Mr. Norman Davis, The Vineries, Framfield,
Sussex. There were also two extra prizes awarded.
For twelve blooms Japanese, distinct (open , Mr F. G.
Foster, Brockhampton Nurseries, Havant, beat five other
competitors, his best blooms being Edith Tabor, Mutual
Friend, and Phcebus ; 2nd, Mr. R. Jones, gr. to C. A. Shith-
Rylands, Esq., Barford Hill, Warwick; Mr. Jas. Agate
was 3rd. The flowers generally in this class were rather
weaker in quality than those in the previous one.
In the amateur's class for twelve blooms of Japanese, dis-
tinct, there were two exhibitors, the 1st prize being
tali en by Mr. It. Gladwcll, gr. to Sydney Smith, Esq.,
Wenden Hall, South Norwood. Mutual Friend, Phcebus,
and G. C. Schwabe were the best in a satisfactory dozen
blooms. This same exhibitor had 1st prize for six blooms
also, beating two other exhibitors. All of these blooms
were good. They were Phoebus, Edwin Molyneux, President
J^orel, Mrs. C. B;. Payne, Mutual Friend, and G. C. Schwabe.
The amateur class for twelve blooms in six varieties, was
won by Mr. Martin Silsbury, Shanklin, Isle of Wight ; and
Mr. Henry Love, from Sandown, also in the Isle of Wight,
was 2nd. Mr. M. Silsbury won the class for six blooms,
distinct.
The best table of bouquets, wre.ths, &c., was adjudged to
be one shown from Mr. Chard's Establishment, Stoke
Ne wing ton.
Mr. Jas. Brookes, gr. to W. T. Newmmb, Esq., Totteridge
Park, Herts, won a 1st prize for two vases furnished with
Chrysanthemum blooms, for which there were five com-
petitors; and Mr. T. Tnllett, gr. to Gr. Alexander, Fsq.,
Warley Lodge, Brentwood, had the best single vase.
The best three epergnes of Chrysanthemum flowers were
those from Mr. D. B. Crank, Archway Road, Highgate.
2nd, Mr. C B. Cole, The Vineyard, Feltham. The
epergnes from Mr. Crane were novelties. The glasses
at various heights were secured to the top of stilt wires,
the other end of the wires being let into a comparatively insig-
nificant-looking stand made of wood. The wires may be
taken out, glasses removed, and the wholo packed for travel-
ling with little trouble. If a heavier, better stand be sub-
stitutod, this form of epergne will possess many advantages.
Pompon* wore represented but badly. The 1st prizes for
twelve and for .«ix bunches were taken by Mr. E. F. BcOH,
of Maidenhead.
Non-Competitive Exhibits.
The largest noncompetitive collection of Chrysanthemum
blooms was that from Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, who
had upwards of ten dozen blooms. A dozen blooms of Vis-
countess Roger dc Chezelles, Japanese yellow, were very
fine. Many of the newer varieties were well shown, and a
few novelties. Carnation blooms in sprays made part of this
exhibit.
Mr. T. S, Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, furnished
a table with Adiantum Ferns, which' were studded with
Chrysanthemum bloom, Tritoma blooms, Nerinc varieties,
&c. From Tottenham there was also a group of hardy (lowers
for the greater part consisting of perennial Asters.
Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood Nurseries, Rcdhill, had what
would have been a circular group of Chrysanthemum
plants, but for four tables at equal distances in the circum-
ference. Upon these were placed cut blooms of Chrysan-
themums, of comparative novelties, the blooms being
capital in quality for this date in October. The group
included a plant bearing three blooms of the new Japanese
variety Madame G. Bruant described below. Altogether tho
exhibit was a showy one, and it obtained a Gold Medal
Messrs. H. Cannell & Son, Swanley, had a group of
Gladioli in bloom, and a small collection of excellent
Chrysanthemum blooms. Amongst the latter we noticed the
large yellow Japanese Soleil d'Octobre, Milano, and others
wero well shown, and the same firm had good Onions and
other vegetables.
Mr. E. F. SuCH, nurseryman, Maidenhead, showed bunches
of 1 looms of early-flowering Chrysanthemums cut from the
open.
Mr. II. J, Joni had his e: liibil arranged upon a table. It
consisted of Chrysanthemum bloomi of early and late varie-
ties interspersed with Ferns. Zonal Pelargoniums ii
n • 1 1 also included.
Mr. H. Berwick, Sidmouth Nurseries, Devon, made a dis-
play "f Apples and Pears, as did also Messrs S. Spooseb &
Boss, Hbunslow Nurseries, Middlesex. Messrs. Jno. Laing
& Sons, Forest Hill Nurseries, London, S.E., had a collection
of Apples and Pears, in addition to perennial Asters, and
other hardy Bowers, fibrous rooted Begonia plants, &c.
AWARI g TO NOVELTI]
A First-class Certificate of Merit was awarded to Japan< se
Madame G. Bruant, a large full drooping petalled flower,
with a deep suffusion of purple towards the points of the
petals. This fine variety was also thown by Mr. William
Wells, but his blooms were not so finely developed as those
of Messrs. Pearson & Sons, Chilwell, Nottingham, it being
a rule of the National Chrysanthemum Society that the
certificate should go to the best blooms. The same award
was made to a decorative variety named Ambrose Thomas,
from Mr. W. Wells, baring orange thread-liko florets, a very
free - flowering and attractive October-blooming variety.
Several other new varieties were staged, but not sufficiently
developed to ju-ige of their actual value.
Markets.
COVENT GARDEN, OCTOBER 14.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for tho week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in tho market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed. ]
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Piuues.
Arums, 12 blooms...
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, per
bunch
Carnations, pr, doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Dahlias, 12 bunches
Eueharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Gladiolus, various,
per doz, bunches
Lilium Harrisi, per
doz. biooras
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen Bprays ...
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
5. d. 8. d.
4 0-60
3 0-00
©bittiarn*
JESSE KERSEY SHARPLESS.— On September 10,
last, there died at Catawissa, iu Pennsylvania, U.S.A.,
in the Slst year of hw age, Jesse Kersey Sharpless,
an American gardener, and the raiser of the valuable
prolific-bearing Strawberry Sharplees.
Mr William Scott.— As we are goiDg to
press we hear of the death at Stirling, on the 3rd
inst., of: Mr. William Scott, Director of the Mau-
ritius Botanic Garden. In our next iesue we hope to
give some account of his career.
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Myosotis, or Forget-
0 4-00 me-Not, 12 bunch
Orchids : —
0 9- 1 6 Oattleya, per 12
4 0-00 blcomp
OdontoglosBum
0 6-26 crispum,12bm.
3 0-60 Pelargoniums, scar-
10-40 let, per 12 bun.
2 0-40 — per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, per 12
10-20 bunches
Roses, Tea, per doz.
6 0-18 0 — yellow (Pearls),
per dozen
2 0-40; — red, per dozen
I — pink, per doz.
16-20 — Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per dozen
10-20 bunches
Stephanotis, dozen
4 0-80 sprays
Tuberoses. 12 blms.
2 0-40 Violets, 12 bunches
. d. s. d.
16-30
10-30
3 0-10
0 4-06
1 6-
0 6-
1 0
16-40
0 9-10
16-26
10-20
3 0-0 0
3 0-4 0
0 3-04
16-20
Orchid-bloom in varlet
Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. 8. d. s. d. s. d.
0-12 0 Evergreen shrubs,
0-30 0 in variety, doz....
0-15 0 Ficus alastica each
Ferns, small, doz. ...
6-5 0 — various, doz,
A dlantum , per doz. 4
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12
— specimen, each 5
Asters, various, per
doz 2
Ch ry santh emums ,
p. doz. pots .
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 1
Coleus, per doz. ... 2
Dracaenas, each ... 1
— various, p. doz. 12
Erica, various, por
dozen
5 0-90
0-4 0
0-7 6
0-24 0
9 C-18 0
0-24 0
0-7 6
0-2 0
0-12 0
Foliage plants, doz. 12 0-36 0
4 0-60
3 0-40
Fuchsia, per doz.
Heliotropes, dozen
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
PalmB. various, ea.
— specimens, ea.
Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices.
8. '/. 5. d.
3 0- 6 0
2 0-26
16-20
10- 1 0
10-16
10-13
0 6-08
Apples, Dessert, in
variety.p.bush. 0 0-10 0
— Culinary, in
variety, per
bushel
Blackberries, peck
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
imdqual. ,1b.
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alkantes, p. lb.
2ndquaL,lb.
— Hamburghs,
selected, per lb.
2ndqual.,lb.
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall."p. lb. 2 0-40
— Channellslands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb... 2 0-26
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
Melons, each
Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb. ...
Oranges, 8. Austra-
lian, p. case, con-
taining 120 fruit 10 D-12 0
1 0-
0 8-
0 6-00
0 9- 1 3
0 6-16
22 6-24 0
Pears, various, per
bushel
small, bush.
— stewing, per
bushel ...
-- Calif ornian, B.
Hardy, p. case,
about 4 dozen
— B. Clargcau,
per case (S to 9
dozen)
— — Glou Mor-
ceau, per ease,
about 4 dozen..
— — D. de Co-
mice, p. cas %
about 4 dozen
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
chael.casescou-
taining6 to 8...
— eases contain-
ing 10 to 12 ..
Plums, Bullace, p.
half-bush.
— Prune, £-busb.
Walnuts, shelled,
p. half-bush....
— double shelled,
per bushel
9 0-12 0
6 0-90
4 0-60
2 0-10 0
0 6-84 0
;. d. s. d.
4 0-10 0
2 0-30
16-20
5 0
8 0-
5 0-60
.') 0-21 0
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prii i .-.
s. d. a. d.
■2 C- 2 0
2 0-26
0 9 —
16-20
2 0-30
0 9-10
02 -
Muahrooms (Indoor)
per lb
— (Outdoor), per
lb
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Sprouts, per J-bush.
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
i — Medium, do. .
j — Seconds, do. .
| — Channel Is-
lands, per 121b.
d. s. d.
Artichokes, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, Scarlet Run-
ners, per bushel
— French, Chan-
nel Islands, lb.
Beetroots, p. bush.
Capsicum, Chili, p.
100
Cauliflowers, dozen
Cucumbers, home-
grown, Belect.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Garlic, per lb.
Potatos.
We arc now getting moderate supplies from Holland and
Belgium, which tend to check any upward movement in
second class Potatos. Present quotations as follows :— Hebrons
and Snowdrops, 75s. to 100s. ; Saxons 705. to 85s. ; Maincrops,
755. to 90*. ; Giants and Magnums, 60s. to 75s. ; Blacklands,
60s. to 70s. ; Belgium Kidneys, 3s. 3f/. ; Dutch Rounds,
3a. 3d. to 3s. 6d .per bag of fifty kilos. John Bath, 32 and 34,
Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
(Markets carried over to p. ix..)
0 6- 0 8
1 6 —
0 2 —
10-20
4 0-40
3 0-36
10-16
2 6-30
280
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October lii, 1897.
The Weather.
(The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for tho period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees— a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
i S o
i -- *j
Accumulated.
3 ■
§3 8
- -
w
'.2 *,!■
n r> -
\> o c
B§
Rainfall.
^■S
+ a
>,'-
d H
33
v- ad
C -t
Brictit
Sun.
Pa
—5 ~^
2g f «
H ^
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
lOths
Inch..
Ins.
1 +
47
0
+ 153
- 8
0 aver
177
82-5
21
30
0 aver
50
2
0 aver
+ 15
6 -
160
22'2
39
33
1 -
52
0
4- 55
- 79
0 -
143
ISO
28
35
3 -
48
4
+ 133
- 121
6 -
139
189
42
39
i -
4S
10
4- 71
- 108
T _
137
21-5
49
37
3 -
57
0
+ 193
- 181
s -
131
21-3
52
40
1 +
50
o
+ 03
- 19
8 -
171
33-4
34
33
1 -
60
0
4- 116
- 93
S -
158
261
33
35
2 -
57
0
+ 199
- 139
10 -
163
33-1
42
40
0 aver
55
0
+ 6
+ V
7-
184
30 7
25
31
0 aver
60
0
+ 122
- 59
6 -
172
33 0
38
33
2 -
78
0
+ 303
- SO
9 -
173
27 6
55
43
10C
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts —
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, Englaud, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, &c. Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending October 9, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
" The weather during this week was fair and dry over the
kingdom as a whole ; rain, however, occurred frequently
over our extreme northern and north-western districts, espe-
cially at the coast-stations, and the fall extended on one or
two occasions to many other parts of the kingdom.
"The temperature waa considerably below the mean over
England; it just equalled the mean over Ireland and in
'Scotland, E.,' and slightly exceeded it in 'Scotland, PC.
and W. * Tbe highest of the maxima were registered, as a
rule, on the 3rd, and ranged from 6£»° in ' Scotland, N.,' to
65° in 'Scotland, E ,' and to 60° in 'England, N.E.," the
' Midland Counties,' and ' Scotland, W.' The lowest of the
minima were recorded about the middle part of the period,
when ihe thermometer in the screen fell to 28° in the ' Mid-
land Counties,' 30° in 'England, E./ and 31° in ' England,
S.W.,' to 35° in 'England, N.E.' and 'Ireland, 8/ 38' in
' England, N.W.,' and to 41° in the ' Channel Islands.' Over
the inland counties very sharp frost occurred on the grass.
Both at the beginning and end of the week the minimum
values were considerably higher.
" The rainfall just equalled the mean in 'Scotland, N.,' but
was much less in all other parts of tho kingdom. Over all
the eastern and southern parts of Great Britain the fall was
very slight.
"The bright sunshine varied a good deal in different parts
of these islands, but was in excess of the mean in most dis-
tricts. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from
55 in the ' Channel Islands,' 52 in ' England, S.," and 40 over
the 'Midland Counties,' to 2S in 'England, N.E.,' 25 in
'Ireland, N.,' and 21 in 'Scotland, N.'"
Notices to Correspondents.
Amaryllis Belladonna : Amateur. The fertilieing-
mo3S is scarcely adapted for Amaryllis in general,
although the so-called Guernsey Lily may flower
well in it ; but then these bulbs arrive in this
country with well - advanced flower - spikes, and
these would be produced if the bulbs were not
potted at all. A. Belladonna should be potted
or top-dressed in February with rather heavy loam,
a small quantity of sand, and finely-broken char-
coal, potting the bulbs firmly in pots not greatly
larger than the bulbs. Let one-third of the bulb
be above the level of f.he soil when the surface js
finished off. At the first, the warmth may be
about 60° by day, and 55° by night ; and as the
season advances, the heat may be increased slightly.
When growth is complete, the season has advanced
considerably, and artificial heat becomes unneces-
sary. Soon after this the leaves decay, if water be
withheld, as it should be ; and towards the end of
June root-activity begins again, and in autumn the
flowers appear, but no leaves, theBe coming later.
This species does well out-of-doors, at the foot of a
south wall, pl?nted 6 or 8 inches deep in well-
trenched soil ; and if sindy-loam can be provided
for the bulbs, so much the better.
Association : A'. Qainn. The Nursery and Seed
Trade Association, 30, Wood Street, Cheapside ;
Secretary, Mr. S. Worrell.
Books: "Cork Trees." W. J. We are also unable
to trace any notice of the book in question.
Carnation : Mrs. R. Your plants are affectod with
the Carnation-spot. Burn all the affected leaves.
Next year spray the young foliage once or twice
in the season with weak Bordeaux Mixture, or
Condy's Fluid, as a preventive.
Couos nucifep.a (Coco - nut Palm): Coco -nut.
The plants are worth about 10s. a piece if in good
condition.
Colouring of the Leaves of Berbehis, &c. :
Hortus. We know of no work on this subject in
the English language.
Correction : '•Ideal" Labd-Jioldcr. In the para-
graph accompanying the figure of this label, p. 2."i7,
second line from the bottom for " my " read "any."
Fibrocs Loam: Amateur. This consists of turfy-
loam, dug about 5 inches, or less, in thickness ;
and to be fit for potting, it should have been an
entire year in stack. The stacking ensures the
partial decay of the roots of grasses and other
plants contained in it. It should be pulled to
pieces by hand — not chopped up with a spade.
Glass House on a slope of 1 foot in 40 feet, mi
5 feet in total lengh (200 feet) of range :•
D. H. We should advisa the range being built on
the level by throwing down the soil from the upper
half of the site of the range to the bottom ; or by
sinking the upper end of the range into the ground,
so as to obtain a level or nearly level floor. With
the range built in this manner you could have the
boiler in a sunken stokehole, either at the middle
or end of the range. If the slope be not altered,
the boiler should be built in great part above
ground, with a not greater rise in the flow pipe
than 1 foot in the total length. The disadvantage
of having a boiler fixed in a sunken stokehole at
the bottom end of a range built on sharply ascending
land, consists in the more distaut sections of the
piping getting much hotter than the lower — a
serious matter — especially in hard weather.
Grapes : A. C. If, as you say, the Grapes last year
were black, there has, of course, been a sport, bvit
we prefer to think that some mistake has arisen.
Is there any graft upon the Vine .' The bunch is
not sufficiently good for us to say whether or not
it is a known variety. The tunnel you speak of
can have no effect upon the Vines whatever.
Hyacinth Bulb : A gave. It contain? myriads of
the mite, at one time thought to be peculiar to the
Kucharis, but which may be found upon almost all
bulbs, that through any cause have become decayed.
Burn all Hyacinths so attacked.
Insects : F. K. The common cockroach (Blatta
orieutalis), very destructive in an Orchid or any
other plant-house.
Lady Downes' Seedling Grapes: IV. A. F. The
want of colour and sweetness seems to point to
a lack of heat during the earlier stages, and
also at the finish, as Vines started in March
should have ripened their fruit by the end of Sep-
tember. The bunch sent is well set with fine
large berries, only they are not quite ripe, nor are
they black. Lack of colour is a not uncommon
fault with this variety. We think that your exces-
sive use of artificial manure may have had some-
thing to do with the bad colour of the berries, by
causing late growth, which would ripen badly, as
would also the fruit; and if no fire- heat was em-
ployed during the latter part of August and the
whole of September, the evil effects noticed might
occur. Assuming that the five applications of
manure amounted to 10 oz. per square yard, you
have applied it at the rate of 24 cwt. per acre —
three times more than was needed.
Names of Fruits.
'** Applications to name fruits are so numerous at this season,
as seriously to hamper us in the exercise of our editorial duties.
They entail an expenditure of time, labour, and money, of which
our readers can have little idea. We are most desirous to obh<ie
our correspondents as far as wt can, but we must request that tloy
will observe the rule that not more than six varieties be at nt
at any one time. The specimens must be tjood ones, just approach-
ing ripeness, and they should be properly numbered, and care-
fully packed. We do not undertake to send answers through lite
post, or t return fruits. Delay in any case is unavoidable.
E. F. T. Apple Eckiuville ; 1, Beurre Diel ; I,
Duchesse d'Angouleme ; 3, Passe Colmar ; 2,
Ilacou'a Incomparable. — C. Roskill. 1, Hawthorn,
den ; 2, Cox's Orange ; 3, Brabant Bclleflcur ; 4,
Not known ; ti, Golden Spire ; Pear, Conseiller do
la Cour.— //. Oakley. 1, Margil ; 2, Margil; 4.
Ribston Pippin ; 3, Golden Noble; 5, Not known-
W. Henderson. 1, decayed ; 2, Passe Colmar ; 3,
Flemish Beauty ; 4, Williams' Bon Chretien ; 5,
Gansel's Bergamut ; 6, Emille d'Heyst. — J. J. it- S.
We have not been able to identify the Apple you
send us with certainty, It resembles Emperor
Alexander in some respects, and King of the Pippins
in others. It is of considerable merit. —11. Otikcy.
7, Blenheim Orange; 8, 10, Scarlet Nonpareil ; '.I,
Braddick's Nonpareil ; 11, Wadhurst Pippin ; 12,
Dutch Codlin. — D. J. H. Apple not recognised.
G. Southern. 1, decayed ; 2, Souvenir du Congres ;
3, Comte de Lamy. — W. Davey. 1, 4, Ecklinville ;
2, not recognised ; 3, probably Ringer. — E. Smith.
1, Peasgood's Nonsuch ; 2, Ecklinville. — Fears.
1, Margil ; 3, Cat's Head ; 4, worthless. — X. X. X.
Cellini Pippin. —J. F. 1, Pitmaston Duchess; 2,
small Duchesse d'Angouli'me; 5, Alexandre
Lambre ; 3, Maiechal de la Cour; 4, Brown
Beurre' — S. Brown. 1, Yorkshire Beauty ; 2,
Duchess of Oldenburg ; 3, Emperor Alexander ;
4, Colonel Vaughau ; 5, Mank's Codlin ; G, Graveu-
stein. — D. Dixon. We cannot name such a specimen.
Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in
this issue arc requested to he so good »>■ t" consult
the following number. — Hollies. 1, Ilex aquifolia
aurantiaca ; 2, I. a. rotundifolia (probably) ; 3, 1, a.
Hendersoni ; 4, I. a. myrtifolia ; 5, I. a. serrati-
folia ; 0, I. a. Belgica (probably). — //. C. Eupa-
tonum purpureum. — E. Smith. Liquidambar
styraciflua. — H. C. Prinscp. Billbergia Portc-ana,
— Armitage Brothers. Erigeron speciosus, large
form. — L. M. C. S. Salvia azurea. — H. it Sons.
Leicester. We do not recognise the grass.
Sand, &.O.: Amateur. Unless the loam is very
tenacious, leaf-soil mixed with it in the proportion
of J to ^ will suffice to give the desired porosity
without the use of sand, but leaf mould being a
scarce commodity in amateurs' gardens, other
decayed, less suitable vegetable-matter has to be
used instead, and saud becomes a necessity. Pit-
sand if it be washed of the loam often found mixed
with it answers well enough.
The Rosary at Luton Hoo : A Subscriber. Un-
fortunately, we have no figure showing the dis-
position of the ground, but if our memory serves
us aright, the rosary is situated in a natural dell or
hollow in the grounds, and is connected with a
hardy fernery, and it has a walk running down the
centre, and at its widest part, a circular parterre
furnished with flower-beds. If this note should
catch the eye of Madame de Falbe's gardener, he
would, perhaps, kindly furnish the particulars you
desire.
Vines : A. />'. //. If the wood be woll-ripcnod, tho
Vines will fruit more abundantly next year. If
the caues were raised the same year, they were
planted, i.e., 1894, they should have borne half-a-
dozen bunches each this year. If older V ines were
plauted, the crop should have been larger. We
would advise you to obtain a manual ou Vine
culture ; the kind of knowledge required to grow
good Grapes and other fruits, &c, not coining to
any one naturally.
Communications Received.— Dr. P.— G. L. r. — Max L.—
E. P.— O. P., Zurich.— L. B.— R.H.— J. A.— D. M.— Dick-
sons & Co.— Nial.— W. S.-W. E. P.— W. R. R — H.&Son.—
J.|B.— W. K.— E. C.— G. S. B.— M. C. C— G. S. J.— D. T. V.
M. W.— A. S.— H. C— T. G. H— W. G.— R. I. L .— W. B 11.
— Cook.— W C— C. W. D.
Photographs and Specimens Receivicd.— M. M. Lcmoine. —
Dr. Schroter, Zurich. — Mr. Geo. Croucher. — Ernst B-nuy.
A. D. W.
DIED. — Willlaji A. Stiles, the Editor of
Garden and Forest, New York, U.S.A., early on
Wednesday, October 6.
Ootobee 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
281
THE
dardeittrs' djtotmk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1897.
THE HORTICULTURAL TRADE
DURING THE PAST SIXTY YEARS.
rjMIE article which appears in the Gardeners'
■*- Chronicle, p. 22o, on "The .Horticultural
Trade During the Past Sixty Years," by Mr.
Richard Dean, appears to me most excellent
and interesting. Mr. Dean must have devoted
much labour and research concerning tho
earlier years of Her Majesty's reign in pro-
ducing this valuable information.
As I was in the nursery, as well as the seed
trade sixty years ago, and had transactions
with most of the nurseryrnon and wholesale
seed firms of those days, 1 am able now, being
in my eighty-third year, to testify to the cor-
rectness of Mr. Dean's account, which not many
others in the trade now can do. There are very
ft w of tho firms mentioned in this article which
I do not well remember, and not one appears
to me to bo incorrectly named or described. I
may, however, be able to add a few remarks
concerning some of them, which may afford
additional interest to your many readers,
especially the elder of them, who are still in the
nursery and seed trade, or who have retired
from it, as I myself did with my brother Alfred
nine years ago.
Mr. J. G. Waite mentioned by Mr. Dean as
of Hatton Garden in 1837, I knew, first as a
market gardener at Camberwell, with a]public-
house conducted by some members of his
family, while he attended to his outdoor
business, which at that tiuio included growing
Lettuce and Radish soeds, which I used to buy
of him fifty or sixty years ago. From Camber-
well he removed to Hatton Garden, thence to
Holborn (New Oxford Street), continually
increasing his premises and business. He was an
uneducated man, but clever, and very energetic,
greatly annoying the older wholesale seed firms,
as ho did not join their ring or syndicate, but
gioatly undersold them, doing an enormous
business. Put his health gave way, and the
business fell into the hands principally of his
nephew, Mr. Burnell, who removed to Southwark
Street, where a highly respectable trade was
cariied on under the title of Waite, Burnell
& Co.
Flanagan & Son, Mansion House Street, as
stated by Mr. Dean, carried on principally a
retail trade, including the sale of Dahlia plants,
when Criterion, Widnall's Perfection, and other
new kinds, sold freely at 10s. 6d. each.
The firm of Noble 'ft Co., originally William
& John Noble, wa3 one of the oldest of the
wholesale houses ; but the two brothers died
almost suddenly, one of cholera; and Mr. R.
Cooper and Mr. Bolton, who had long served
them, became proprietors of the same firm,
under the title of Noble, Cooper & Bolton.
But the oldest firm which I remember was
Beck & Co., subsequently Beck, Henderson &
Child, from whom I used to purchase seeds
previous to contracting with certain farmers
and gardoners to grow specially for my firm,
trading in my father's name, as I was only six-
teen years of age. In reply to our inquiry as
to when we first dealt with them, Messrs. Beck,
Henderson & Child replied, in a letter now
before me, " On referring to our books, we find
that we first had the pleasure~of opening an
account with your house on February 15, 1831,
in the name of John Sutton ; the first altera-
tion was in 1837 to John Sutton & Son, and
subsequently to John Sutton & Sons in lsjii."
Very early in the period Mr. George Batt, a
former assistant in Beck & Co.'s business,
started trading at 412, Strand, which firm sub-
sequently became Batt & Rutley, and then Batt,
Rutley & Silverlock.
Of the firms of Gibbs & Co., I may mention
that tho original was Thomas Gibbs & Co., of
Ilalfmoon Street, Piccadilly, which firm was
subsequently carried on by Mr. Thomas Gibbs'
son, Mr. T. B. Brandreth Gibbs, who became
Sir Brandreth Gibbs, Honorary Secretary and
Director of the Smithfield Club. Besides the
original Thomas Gibbs, fathor of Sir- Brandroth
Gibbs, there was a brother of his, Mr. George
Gibbs, who carried on business at the same
time at Down Street, Piccadilly, who, dying,
left the business to his son, Thomas Gibbs, Jun.,
who died only a few years ago.
Of nurserymen, Mr. T. Rivers, Jun., of Saw-
bridgeworth, was by no means a young man
in 1837, though his father was still living, lie
was an enthusiastic and scientific botanist, as
well as a nurseryman, and he excellod, not only
in fruit trees, but also in |^Rose9, taking
periodical journeys to France for collecting
sorts of Rosos and Pears which were new to
English cultivators. I knew him intimately,
having slept several times at his house, while
on business visits. At that time he had a con-
siderable retail seed trade, 'though he devoted
his attention principally to the nursery ; while
I had a considerable nursery trade, though
interested chiefly in the seed trade. Wo
both agreed that it was impossible to really
excel as we wished while engaged in both
branches, so he determined to give up the seed
trade while I gave up the nursery trade. The
establishment, in 1841, by Sir Joseph Paxton,
Dr. Lindley, and others, of the Gardeners'
Chronicle, did great service to the trado and to
horticulture. Prior to this there had been
Glenny's Gardeners' Gazette, the first weekly
horticultural paper, which was very good in
its way, but was deficient in many important
particulars. Harrison's Floricultural Cabinet
existed as a monthly illustrated periodical. The
Gardeners' Chronicle, however, met fully the
requirements of nurserymen and seedsmen, and
was an invaluable medium of communication
between the trade and their customers, mauy
rising firms increasing their trade rapidly by
advertising freely in this paper, which soon
became extensively circulated.
Another nursery firm mentioned by Mr.
Dean is worthy of special notice, namely,
Waterer of Knap Hill. This firm has always
been the largest for American plants and
Conifers of any in the kingdom, and is now the
largest in the world. For many years at
Bagshot Mr. John Waterer had a very fine
stock of choice American plants, with an ex-
tensive retail trade ; while the Knap Hill firm
confined themselves principally to the wholesale
trade. The Knap Hill firm in 1837 was carried
on by Mr. Michael Waterer, who was succeeded
by Mr. Hosea Waterer, who was followed by
Mr. Anthony Waterer (lately deceased), and now
with continued energy and ability by his son,
the present Anthony Waterer. I remember
many years ago meeting, in the blooming season
at the Knap Hill dinner-table, a large number
of nursery men, including Chandler, of Vauxhall ;
Lee, of Hammersmith ; Kernan, of Russell
Street, Covent Garden ; and others. During
several weeks of every summer this was a
rendezvous where nurserymen were sure of
meeting each othor.
The Brothers Brown, of Slough, to whom
Mi-. Dean refers, wero three in 1837, Charles,
Thomas, and Edward. Charles was the eldest
and most experienced nurseryman, but he died
early. The remaining brothers carried on the
business at Slough energetically, with the
addition of a shop in Piccadilly for the sale of
plants and flowers, which they sout up daily for
a year or two. I remember at one of the Dahlia
shows at Salt Hill, Charles Brown and Mr.
George Glenny, editor of tho Gardeners' Gazette,
had the honour of conducting Queen Adelaide
through the show, and the Browns having ex-
hibited a tine stand of a new seedling Dahlia, it
was by permission named " Queen Adelaide," a
delicate white flower tipped with rose. A few
years later Edward Brown retired from business,
and Thomas went abroad, being succeeded by
Mr. Cutter, from America, who very soon gave
it up to Mr. Charles Turner, who excelled all
others in florists' flowers, from which time it
has been entitled the "Royal Nursery," and we
all know what an extensive business is now
carried on by his sons.
Messrs. Brown wore famous for tho finest bod
of choice Tulips in tho kingdom, which Charles
Turner continued to cultivate for some years,
but before his death ho distributed these valuable
bulbs among several of his friends. A useful
lesson for us all was taught by Mr. Turner.
Though he had an experienced foreman for each
department, he "saw to everything himself."
When a great Dahlia show was drawing nigh,
he would watch and shade the blooms selected,
and finally cut them and pack them himself,
and travel all night if the show was far distant
that he might himself make the final selection
from the boxes for the stand, in which he
would himself set them up. It was the same
with the Roses, Carnations, Pelargoniums, and
other florists' flowers. Consequently (as he
said), he always took first prizes, and rare indeed
was it to see him second at any show. When
speaking of the success we had each attained
in business, I remarked that I did not think I
could ever have excelled as a nurseryman
and florist as he had done, he replied, "Oh, yes,
you would, if you had given the same personal
attention to it that you have given to seeds."
One other among tho nurserymen of 1S37,
named by Mr. Dean, Mr. Skirving, of Liver-
pool, is worthy of more spscial notice. He
raised many thousands of the Araucaria iuibri-
ca,ta from imported seed before anyone else in
England, supplying the trade extensively ; and
as a seedsman he was distinguished by raising
and introducing the " Skirving Swede," which
he exhibited at the Smithfield Club shows when
they were still held at the Baker Street Bazaar.
This Swede produced 40 to 50 per cent, more
bulk and weight per acre than the old Purple-
top and Green-top Swedes then in cultivation,
though rather coarse compared with the Cham-
pion and other large globular Swedes since
introduced. Mr. William Noble (of Fleet
Street) remarked to me that Skirving had done
more than any man for flock-masters by intro-
282
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
ducing that Swede, and that he (Mr. Noble) had
made hundreds of pounds by selling the seed.
Another firm should be mentioned — the
Ronalds of Brentford, who were thoroughly
established as wholesale seed merchants as well
as nurserymen as early as 1S37.
In addition to the Lawson firm alluded to by
Mr. E. Dean at p. 225, mention should also be
made of the Drummonds. Concerning this gentle-
men, the following extract from a letter from
Mr. Peter Drummond, dated June 29, 1854,
affords information : —
" There are four brothers of us connected with the
seed, nursery, and implement busiuess. Since 1843
we have had a branch in Dublin, managed by one of
ruy brothers, who, with his family, resides there, with
a good staff under him. Here (at Stirling) one of my
brothers looks after the nursery department, with a
staff under him. The seed department here is now
superintended by one of my brothers, although I had
hard work at it a good many years. (Signed) Peter
Drummond, Stirling, N.B."
I think, too, that Mr. Dean would include
among the distinguished early Rose growers
Messrs. Wood & Son, of the Maresfield Nur-
series, near Uckfield, Sussex. Martin Hope
Sutton.
and C. Dowiana aurea. This was named C. Massaiana
Boltoniana, and it received a First-class Certificate at
the Manchester and North of England Orchid Society
on October 7. The spike had four grand flowers,
which have preserved their beauty and fragrance until
now. It maybe said that the name "Massaiana" is
only a gardeu term for the form of C. Hardyana with
white-mottled and veined sepals and petals. In Mr.
Bolton's variety, the base of each of the sepals is
silvery-white, the remaining portion bright rose with
some blotches and veining of white. The lip in its
gold veining, and broad crimson-purple front, is like
the best C. Dowiana aurea, and the flower is very
fragrant. A pretty feature in it is the striated
purple margin of the side lobes of the lip.
The other flower is of a charming form of C.jWarsce-
wiczii of most perfect shape. The sepals and petals
are white, 'suffused with a very slight tinge of lavender
colour, which is not perceptible at a little distance.
The lip is bright light purple, shading to lilac at the
margin, and bearing the two patches of yellow colour,
one on each side of the lip, as usually seen in the
species, but in this one much lighter than usual.
J. O'B.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
ASPIDIUM PURDLEI, Jcnm., n. sp.
Stipites stout, erect, 1 to 1J foot long, glossy,
brown, or castaneous, as are also the rachises and
ribs ; fronds erect, 1£ to 2£ feet long or more, J to
If, foot wide, pinnate, chartaceous, pellucid, glabrous,
dark green, composed of a large terminal trilobed,
or ovate-oblong and acuminate segment, a span to a
foot long, 4 to 8 inches wide, more or less deeply
lobed at the base, above sinuated or lobed, the apex
plain, and two or more pairs of sub distant, oblong,
lanceolate-acuminate, up-curved lateral pinnao, the
owest of which are petiolate to 1 or 1-i inch, I to
1 foot long, 3 to 6 inches wide, the margins sinuated or
lobed, the base deeply lobed on each side, the lobes
being acuminate, and sometimes quite free; upper
pairs sinuated or lobite, sessile or shortly stipitate,
he base often deeply lobed, and somewhat rounded ;
primary veins costate, j to J inch apart, very oblique,
connected by a very copious fine areolation, contain-
ing more or less free included veinlets ; sori very
copious, moderately small, irregularly serial on exch
side of the main veins, and more or less scattered
between ; involucre reniform, curling with age, per-
sistent ; receptacles copiously minutely scaly.
Trinidad. Collected by Purdie at Miraval. Iu
size, strength ol the vascular parts, aud conformation,
this resembles Aspidium macrophyllum, Sw., from
which it is distinguished by its copious and scattered
(not bi-serial) sori. It is a larger, stronger, and more
robust specie3 thau any of the other local species with
scattered sori. 6?. S. Jcnmo.ii, Demcrara, September 2fj.
Apera arundinacea. /looker. (Fig. 84, p. 283.)
This elegant New Zealand grass was raised from
seed sown by Messrs. Yeitch iu their nursery at
Combe Wood, near Kingston, in January, 1896 It
was shown by them iu flower at a recent meetina; of
the ltoyal Horticultural Society. Sir Joseph Hooker
describes it iu his Handbook of the New Zealand
Flora, p. 320. Up to the present time, it lias
been grown in a cool house, but it may prove hardy
in some places. It is a native of the northern island
of New Zealand, and of the eastern shores of
Australia.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
TWO FINE CATTLEYAS.
Two grand examples of large-flowered Cattleyas are
sent by Mr. Wm. Bolton, Wilderspool, Warrington,
the one serving to show the variability of Cattleya
Wa'-scewiczii. and the other representing one of the
highest forms of natural hybrid betweeu that speoies
CARDIFF PUBLIC GARDENS.
There has been a fortunate awakening in this
country to the importance of securing sites in to wns
for the formation of public parks or open spaces. It
is true that a lively interest has only been aroused
when too late, in the case of many towns, to acquire
sites close to the densely-populated areas that require
them most. Land that might have been obtained
years ago at comparatively small outlay has now
become so valuable that to obtain it for the purposes
of a public park or recreation-ground is out of the
question. The same circumstances and results have
happened in America. A circular just to hand givo3
particulars of a s >ciety founded in May last at Louis-
vdle, to be known as the " Park and Outdoor Art Asso-
ciation," and it has apparently the Bame objects as
Earl Meath's Metropolitan Public Parks Association
in London, which has done so much to preserve to
Londoners their right of commons, and to purchase
for them various sites for open spaces wherever it
has been possible. Iu a paper delivered before the
New York Historical Society by Mr. Gherardi Davis,
the condition of New York is described in much the
same terms as we should describe London ; indeed, in
respect to its opea spaces, that city is unfavourably
compared both with Paris and London. In some of the
newer and better districts there are plenty of parks ;
in the older aud more populated localities comparatively
few, and thit is the case in London. We must leave
the general subject, however, to consider more closely
what has been, and what is now being done in Cardiff,
a town that has grown during most people's remem-
brance from comparative non-importance to one of
the principal ports of the country. In the last fifteen
years whole suburb] have been added ; and even in
1891 the population was only 128,915, while today it
is estimated at over 170,000. Following the enter-
prising and far-seeing policy of the late Lord Bute in
building the docks, Cardiff developed so rapidly, that
naturally little time was given to such a subject as
this, when trade and commerce kept everyone busy.
Not until about teu years ago, was it decided that
Cardiff was to have a public park, and seven years
since the council appointed its first "superintendent
of pir'ts and opeu spaces" elocting to this office Mr.
W. \V. Pettigrew, son of the present gardener at
Cardiff Castl-.
Roatii Park
is situate about 1^ mile from the town's centre,
and consists of 10 J acres. It was opened to the
public three years ago. The site was given by the
present Lord Bute upon certain conditions, including
the making of public roads round and through the
park. The land is inconveniently narrow, aud for
somo years it will be impossible to coufiue the view
to the park. Public roads intersect it at several
poiuts, and the land is thus divided into distinct
sections, which have accordingly been laid out as
such. The pleasure-grounds are 11 acres, the
botanic garden 15 acres, the lake section 41 acres,
the wild-garden 8 acres, and the recreation-ground
23 acres. There are 2 acres known as the " oval "
yet to be laid out.
Tue work connected with the formation of this
park includes upwards of 3} miles of 40 feet wide
roads, and J mile of 30 feet roadway. The sections of
the park are surrounded by 4| miles of un;li nbable
iron-fencing. Coming to the gardener's work in the
park, it should cause the town great satisfaction. We
have already said that the site is a narrow one, and
the park therefore is of great length. Any amount of
landscape genius would fail to alter that fact, but
there has baenno opportunity neglected to minimis: it i
disadvantages. The first section of 23 acre], viz. tue
the recreation-ground, may be dismissed in a very few
words, for important though it is as a play- ground,
there is no horticulture in it. It is covered with
grass. There are surprisingly few restrictio is iu
regard to it, and it remains open day aud night.
The lake section includes but little mirgin beyond
the area of the lake itself. This is a maguificent
sheet of water, and has been obt lined by damming a
stream that runs through the park. It is not sur-
prising that such a beautiful aud large area of wa'.er
has proved a most popular resort for boating and
bathing. But now the lake is made, and it is filled
with water, all difficulties to the enjoyment of b > iting
have not been overcome. The two water weeds,
Myriophyllum vertieillatum, L., aud Potamogeton
pectiuatus, L., have given Mr. Pettigrew rather more
opportunity thau desirable for the practice of his
destroying qualities. Some of the readers of the
Gardeners' Chronicle may know of a ready means to
combat the pests, and if this be so, such news
will be very welcome to many superintendent]
of public parks. Only in the deepest water U the
lake free from their growth ; in other places they
spring from the bottom, and after passing through
the wa'er float on the surface. To rake them from
the water by means of boat3 entails very much
expense and labour ; and if allowed to beco ne
at all thick, they render boating dangerous, because
the oars are liable to become fast in their coils. Th:s
too, although the water isbedecked with several pairs
of swans, and numerous ducks, and other water-fo*).
The section known as the " Wild Garden " is kept
in a freer style than the pleas ure-grounds. The old
shrubberies have been left, and mo=t other of the
vegetation. The grass is cut once or twice a year,
but not before a host of planted bulbs have flowered,
nor until the natural wild plants have blossomed.
There are rustic bridges, a dripping water-course,
pretty glimpses through the trees, and ingeniously
disposed seats. It is altogether a place for quie'. and
natural enjoyment.
There are 11 acres reserved strictly as a pleasure
ground ; where the grass is kept closely mown and
smooth, the verges are faultless, and there are trim
flower-beds. The perfect verges themselves are
sufficient evidence that you are not allowed to run
over that grass ; no, not even to examine the lliwer-
beds. It is a pleasure-ground, the verdure isa lawn, and
it is kept as oneattached to a private residence would
be. Of couise, this miy cause a little irritation t>
some of the visitors, ; one could hardly expect all of
them to look at ths question from tho stindp >int a
gardener does, for to him an ill-used lawn is soma-
thin? past toleration. So the visitor must bd c mtent
with the uurestricted use of the recreation-ground, the
tolerable freedom he enjoys in the wild girdeu, an 1 i.i
the botanic section of which we Bliall speak pre-
sently. There is much else, however, to notice iu
the pleasure-ground beside the soft lawns and trim
flower-beds : the natural watercourse through the
ground has been widened and made pretty, the
islands iu the miniature lake presents a charmiug
appearance, and some of the species of ornament d
trees plauted are interesting and uncommon ; while
those very essential ornaments of any pleasure-
ground, the flowering-shrubs, are represented by
select species.
The climate of South Wales being fairly mild,
some of the less hardy of flowering- shrubs have been
planted, species that, like Paulownia imperialis, are
Octobbb 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
283
liable to be cut back severely in any but favourable
localities. The Paulownia has commenced well, and
ia making very robust growth ; but will it bloom ?
Near to it is the one hardy species of Clerodendron,
C. trichotomum, a Japanese bush that grows about as
high as an ordinary man, very handsome, and figured
in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 6561. But none of the
trees or shrubs have had time to develop much at
botanic garden, and whether or not in the other divi-
sions there is evidence that the designer was once at
Kew, there is sufficient here to suggest, at any rate,
the work of a " Kewite." In these 15 acres there are
large oblong beds, just as at Kew, where plants are
grouped together in their natural orders, for
the convenience of students who may visit
the park. It is an excellent practice, and indicates
Fig. 84 — apeea aruxdinacea : a grass from new Zealand, (see p. 2S2.)
present, and it would be uninteresting to enumerate
them. The plantations in some cases contain
Michaelmas Daises as Btop-gaps until more growth has
been made, and in the present month the landscape
is the better for them ; they are yielding masses of
bloom. Near to the entrance to the pleasure-ground
section has just been completed a residence for the
superintendent.
Now we come to the section which is laid out as a
that Mr. Pettigrew is doing the most he can to afford
means of education as well as recreation. By-the-way,
there appears to be a disposition on the p»rt of the
London County Council to add such a feature in a
modified form to the metropolitan parks. Anent
this, it will be worth while to remember that a
botanic garden is not requisite in every parish, and
Kew is not a great distance from any point in
London. At the same time, if the Council only
attempt the work in the largest of the parks, the
extra facilities for the study of natural specimens will
be appreciated. Some of the natural orders are even
now fairly well represented in the beds at Cardiff,
but others are less easy of acquirement, from tho fact
that whilst many of the orders comprise abundance
of hardy plnntB, others consist of exotic and tender
plants chiefly, and so the beds are not easily fur-
nished. The Sedums and Saxifragas were especially
comprehensive, and the pieces of stone studded in
the surface of the soil, appeared to suit them well.
I took a number of notes of various plants here,
and of some uncommon flowering species that had
been planted to furnish vacant spaces in these
beds for the summer, but I withhold them, for
the reason that it is desirable to refer briefly to the
other open spaces in Cardiff. At the highest point,
in a fully-exposed position in this section, where
the sun will reach the plants without obstruction, a
rockery has been made, and the process of clothing
this with a representative collection of plants is
going on. In front of it is a bog, where plants that
require such a position will find a suitable place.
Already, several rare species have been put there.
Adjoining this is a peat-border, where thoso hard-
wooded species known as American plants have been
grouped. Visitors are allowed to wander over the
grass in the Botanic Garden as they desire.
Victoria Park
has an area of 25 acres, and is in a suburb of tin;
t >wn called Canton. It was first opened to the public
a week previous to the Jubilee festivities, and accord-
ingly the name of Ely Park, by which the site was
hitherto known, was changed to "Victoria" Park.
It is provided with a small lake near the centre, and
in this is a fountain of the " Convolvulus" type. It,
throws up a beautiful volume of water in the shape
of a Convolvulus. There is a band-stand, and the
design of flower beds, paths, shrubberies, &c, is
pleasing. Incidentally, some Rose beds, the Rose-
plants in which were unusually vigorous, were noted.
Smaller Abeas.
Sites for open spices have been preserved in various
parts of the town. Canton Recreation Ground comprises
eleven acres, and a piece of land of equal sine adjoining,
ia let as a'lotments, but belongs to the town. Grange-
town Open Space covers '■); acres, and was opened
t ) the public two years ago. Like some of the other
sites, it had to be male up to its present level by
aiding 3 feet deep of town's refuse. Despeucer and
Clare Hardens at Riverside, represent a little more
than 1 acre.
In the Splotlands, an area of l.J acres is known ai
Moorland Road Gardens, and is in one of the newest
districts in the town, close to the Channel. Louden
Square, on the contrary, is in one of the oldest and
most densely populated districts. Its area is about
li acres. In Canton the Plasturton Gardens are
J acre, and in Roath the Howard Gardens are 1£ acre,
and the Roath Church Gardens £ acre. There is still
another garden of about i acre known as Adamstown
Square.
Cardiff may be considered fortunate in that some-
thing like forty years ago the late Marchioness of
Bute lent for the town's use what is now known as the
Sophia Gardens. It is a park of considerable size, and
ia not more than five minutes' walk from the centre
of the town. It has never been given to the borough,
and the cost of maintaining the grounds in condition
is not shared by the ratepayers. In the Sophia
Gardens are held the annual horticultural shows, ami
for this and similar purposes it is very suitable. The
public have also the privilege of use of another
private park 10 acres in extent belonging to Mr. Pyko
Thompson. Neither this nor the Sophia Gardens,
however, must be counted among the open spaces of the
borough . Very recently Cardiff has acquired two sites
that, though for some time to come they may not be
laid out as parks, must be mentioned here. The first
is Cathay's Park, 60 acres in extent, recently owned,
by Lord Bute, and adjoining the Castle Gardens
within a couple of minutes' walk of the town. It is
intended to build a new Town Hall upon this site,
284
THE GAJ?DENEI?S' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
but otherwise the ground must remain an open space,
in accordance with a stipulation ot Lord Bute's. The
other piece of ground is at present known as Llaudaff
Fields, in the direction of the town approaching the
village and city of Llandall', where there is an ancient
cathedral. This site was purchased for something
like £09,000.
To sum up then the parks and open spaces at
present belonging to the town, amount to something
over 250 acres, and nearly the whole of this has been
acquired very recently. The borough is evidently
awake to the importance of the subject, but it will
no doubt do more than has been commenced, and
before long. Cardiff does not possess a winter garden.
It ought to do so, either in the 1 loath Park or some-
where el'C ; and if it should be built in Cathay's
Park, it could not possibly be given a more convenient
position. R. E. Pearson.
American Notes.
THE POTATO SCAB.
(From our own Correspondent.)
Mr. II. H. Willis' recent note in the Gardeners'
Chronicle on this subject may or may not have fur-
nished novel information to European readers, but
when the Potato-scab is spoken of here, one as natu-
rally thinksof corrosive sublimate as he docs of thunder
when hesees lightning. The use of corrosive sublimate,
however, is already threatened. Thanks to our
great State experiment stations, the march is ever
onward, and in the hands of Dr. Halsted, of the
New Jersey station, ordinary flowers-of-sulphur have
Civen the most satisfactory results. This is dusted
in the rows at the rate of 200 lb. per acre. Dr.
Arthur, of Indiana, has lately investigated formaline
as a preventive, and his conclusions, as given in a
recent bulletin, are favourable. However, the value
of this can hardly be said to be fully demonstrated
as jet.
American Institute Show.
The great annual " fair," or exhibition, held under
the auspices of this body, is now in progress in New
York city. The first week's horticultural display
was made up chiefly of Dahlias, which were of remark-
ably fino quality. One ndiceable feature of tho show
was the hitherto unknowu men who came into the
competition, and altogether somo 50,000 blooms were
staged. The fact that so widespread an interest
really exists in the Dahlia was not realised by New
York, and the recent show was an education in a way
not expected by the promoters. The growing interest
in the Dahlia is very rea', and the American Dahlia
Society, with headquarters in Philadelphia, Pa., is
doing a missionary's work. The new type of large-
flowered Cactus Dahlia is very much in favour, and
far excels the show or fancy in popular estimation.
Mrs. Agnew and C. \V. Bruton, respectively fiery-
crimson and sulphur-yellow, are specially fine varie-
ties. Among new pUnts there is nothing not already
mide familiar by your own shows. One "exhibitor,
Mr. Duckham, sends a marvellous display of plants
never before exhibited in New York, embracing
Palms and Rex Begonias, all from the St. Albans
nurseries of l'\ Sander & Co.
English Tomatos.
There is quite a " boom " on these for forcing
purposes, as I have alroady mentioned ; but now
along comes another very capable gardener, and
argues for them for the general crop. Surely there is
a good chance for some wideawake seedsman.
Death of \V. A. Stilfs.
On October 0, tho horticultural circle suffered a
sad loss by the death of the popular managing editor
of Garden and Forest. In recent years Mr. Stiles
had been a visitor to Europe, and there as at
home, endeared himself to all who had to do
with him. Mr. Stiles had been laid up for
many weeks, after years of struggle against a
fatal disease, cancer ; but none the less the news
of the end was a sad shock to his many friends.
Born in 1837, he graduated from Yale in 1859, and
became a teacher in his father's school. From that
time on, he had an eventful career, and always by
his forceful personality forged his way to the front.
He was for a time engineer for the Union Pacific rail-
way, and subsequently became identified with politics.
He drifted into journalism, and became agricultural
editorofthe Philadelphia Weekly Press, and afterwards
was on the staff of the Ncio York Tribune. During the
time that he was in California, Mr. Stiles began what
afterwards became the c'lief study of his life, that of
plants and flowers, and during his long convalescence
in Sussex county, N.J., he spent much time in
roaming about his father's large farm, collecting
plants and flowers, and gaining a practical knowledge
of them and of their habits. This love of plant life
grew to bea passion, and he becamean expert iu botany.
When Professor Sargent started Garden and Fore>t
be selected Mr. Stiles for managing editor, and,
together, they made long trips on horseback through
the forests of North Carolina in order to further
their knowledge of arboriculture Everything which
the earth produces in the way of plants, trees,
flowers and shrubs possessed a vivid interest for Mr.
Stiles, and although not a practical horticulturist, he
was one of the first critics of landscape gardening iu
America. For many years before Mayor Strong
appointed him a Park Commissioner, Mr. Stiles took
a deep and practical interest in the park system of
the city, and he was always ready to defend with
his pen the recreation grounds of the people from
the encroachments of those who favoured the use of
them for all sorts of schemes for which they were
not intended. From the day he entered the Park
Board, he was a vigorous champion of expert judg-
ment on all matters pertaining to the making of
parks ; there was not one of his colleagues who did
not respect his ability, and acknowledge that he was
the best qualified man in the Board for the place of
Park Commissioner. Alone he fought the adoption
of the plans for the Botanical Gardeu in Bronx Park,
which a committee of experts had condemned, and
iu this he had the support of nearly every newspaper
in New York, as well as the Federation of Fine Arts.
A clear and forcible thinker and speaker, Mr. Stiles
was a valuable ally, and the present writer mourns
the loss of a friend. [Mr. Stiles' death was briefly
announced in our last issue. Ed.]
The New York Botanical Gardens.
At last all the skirmishing is over, and we shall g< t
a botanical garden in New York city. There has been
a tussle between the Park Board (who by the act of
Legislature had to give the ground and approve plans)
and the directors of the garden. Until the plans were
passed by the Park Board no progress could be made.
Now all is over, the necessary 500,000 dols. have been
voted, and the work should be pu-hed along.
L. Barron.
THE FEEDING OF PLANTS.
During a recent visit to Versailles, I was much
struck with some experiments in the feeding of
plants in pots which M. Georges Truffaut has been
conducting by means of artificial manures. The
novelty of these experiments lies in the method of
the application. Briefly, M. Truffaut has reasoned
thus : Theoretically, every plant requires its special
food; but practically to supply this would be im-
possible— so we must group together plants having
nearly the same wants and equal rapidity of
development.
For some six years, M. Truffaut has been working
with a view to ascertain accurately tho requirements
of each plant. 200 analyses have been made, and of
these somo thirty groups have been formed, Thero
are groups of quick-gro .ving plants which need much
food in a short time ; and slow-growing plants
requiring little food, but extended over a long period.
The right amount of properly proportioned vege-
table food brought to within 99 per cent, purity,
required for, say, six months, is weighed and then
divided into two, four, or six pills (capsules), accord-
ing to the rapidity of growth and the quantity
required. All the salts used represent the general
requirements of the group, and are perfectly dry,
pure and immediately soluble,
The capsules (or pills, as M. Truffaut prefers to call
them) have a metallic cover which prevents too rapid
diffusion and solution. The diffusion takes place
through the foldings of the metal, and the thicker the
coating the slower the diffusion. Gre.ter compres-
sion also retards tho diffusion.
As the salts dissolve and disappear they are
replaced by a core which expands until it completely
fills the pill. Tho salts havo no effect upon the
metal cover, so that the pill remains firm and hard,
and is always clean and unobjectionable iu every
way. Thus, by the three means, of metal coating
compression, and an expanding core, M. Truffaut has
been able to regulate to a few days the solubility of a
pill of immediately soluble salts, in experiments of
three weeks to six months' duration.
By this process, anyone would be able, without
danger of mistake, to give the correct amount and
ex ict requirements to each group of plants, or indeed,
practically speaking, to every plant. The waste of
nitrogen, hitherto an expensive drawback to the use
of artificial fertilisers, is obviated.
The plants, thus treated, which I saw at Versailles,
are wonderful recommendations of the value of^the
method. The chief plants were : —
Pteria tremula
„ cristata
,, serrolata
Geranium
Canna
Bouvardia
Fuchsia
Cuphea
Chrysanthemum
Adiantum
Phoenix
Coleua, treated byanaljgy
only (a failure)
Seaforthia
Pandanua otitis
Dracasna Bruanti
,, amabilis
Asparagus plumosus
,, Sprengeri
Corypha australie
Kentia Belmoretna
Ourcurligo
Latania
Areca sapida
Cocos Weddelli ilia
Acalypha Macfeeana
Davaliia macrophylla
Begonia Uex
The plants, instead of being potted-on, have been
fed in this manner, and they are large, splendidly-
coloni el plants, in pots which are one-half the usual
siz \
M. Truffaut has furnished me with details of the
an dysis, &c., of Dracasna Bruauti, as an example o
his method ; tho weights are in grammes (15 grains
= 1 gramme approximately) : —
llRU'KNA RUBRA BRUAN1I.
Leaves 67*03 per cent, of weight.
Stems 22-19 „
Hoots 2017 ,, „
One riant.
Fresh State.
Dry.
Dry Matter.
Grammes.
Grammes.
Leaves
200
57"
28 "5 per cent.
Stems
77
17-
2207 „
R >ots
70
14-
20-0
Fresh state, 347 gr. ; dry, SS' gr. ; 25 :lij mean per cent.
One hundred Parts of Dnl Mutter contain—
Constituents.
Ashes.
Nitrogen.
Leaves
5 94
1-81
Stems
S'70
•73
Roots
615
1 -39
One hundred Parts <>!' Ashe* contain—
Sili-a ...
Chloride
Sulphuric acid
Phosphoric nci
Iron oxide and
t '.'.'.
alumina
8-64
5<W
7-9S
0 48
1714
Chalk IS 62
Magnesia 3-H7
Potash 22-l'l
Soda 1-33
And some carbonates.
Percent.
Nitrate of soda ... IS 2
Chloride of ammonia... 4*5
Nitrate of potash ... 45 5
A careful calculation give the following mixture as
required for the plant : —
Percent.
Ammonia phosphate, .. 10-9
Ir..n sulphate S'l
Magnesia sulphate ... 127
Bach plant receives five pills of 2 grammes each for
eight months' growth.
The illustration shown (fig. 85) is a photograph of
one untreated plant, and one treated with its proper
fool in pill form ; the difference is apparent.
Pending the completion of his experiments, M.
Truffaut has | ateuted hi3 process in France, Eogland,
and other countries. I cannot vouch for the accu-
racy of the figures given above, as I regard this
subject entirely from the point of view of a practical
gardener ; but M. Truffaut is well known as a
trained chemist, and he has bten working in con-
jnnct'un with one of the most promising young
scientists in France. Gcorjc L-tiny Paid, ChcsUunt.
October 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
285
THE SHORT -EARED OWL
(i)ina [NiV/>] brachyotus).
The short-eared owl is different in its habit3 from
other owls found in Great Britain, which Hvo in thick
woods and plantation', or in barn", churches, and
ruins, and seldom leave their retreats during the day.
The haunts of the short-eared owl are heath and moor-
land, marshes, furzy downs, meadows, Turnip-fields, aud
open places, principally in the north of England and
Scotland, though it is found occasionally in many
English counties. It flies in the daytime, aud may
be seen hunting for mice, voles, and other vermin at
all times of the day. Prentis in his Binh of Rain-
ham (Kent), says that the short-eared owl is not
unc >mmon, and comes in the autumn It visits the
marshes, where it is safe, nearly every year. When part-
ridge shooting, sportsmen have met with the- e owls in
a normal winter migrant to theBe islands, appearing
simultaneously with the woodcock (whence it is
popularly known as the ' woodcock owl '), and usually
departing in spring. Nests in ordinary seasons are of
comparatively rare occurrence in Great Britain, but in
consequence of the vast multiplication of their
favourite food, the vole, those owls have not only
arrived in unusual numbers, but have remained and
bred freely all over the district affected, laying from
eight to thirteen eggs (though Newton in his edition
of Tamil's British Birds mentions seven as an
unusual number), and rearing more than one brood.
The shepherd on Crooked-Stone, near Crauford, has
counted fourteen nests on his ground. The smnll
wood behind the farm steading of Howpasley presented
a remarkable appearance, the ground being densely
covered with the pellets (or 'casting. ') of owls com-
posed of the fur and bones of the voles."
FlO. 85.— DRAC.ENA RUBRA BKl'ANTI : UN MANURED AND MANURED. (SEE P. 284)
Kentish Turnip-fields. On one oceision a pair nested
aud succeeded in hatching their young on an island
mar.-h, which had been ljing idle throughout the
winter and spring. But this owl, being migratory,
does not, as a rule, breed in Great Britain ; it leaves
this country at the beginning of the spiing for mmy
othor countries, so that, to use Seebohm's words,
outside our islands its rarge is almost cosmopolitan.
It is found in such different latitudes as the Sandwich
Isles and Greenland. Sometimes, however, as ornitho-
logists relate, its nest is found in this country, especially
iu districts where there has been an extraordinary
supply of its favourite food— mice, voles, or rats. In
Gloucestershire, for example, when there was a great
plague of mice in the forest of Dean, short-eared owls
were attracted there in large numbers, aud materially
assisted in destroying the intruders.
The Departmental Committee appointed in 1S92
by the Board of Agriculture to inquire into a plague
of field voles in the south of Scotland, say in their
report, "This bird (i.e., the short eared owl), which
is distributed over almost every part of the globe, is
The committee were of opinion that it would be
difficult to condemn too severely the foolish and cruel
action of those who allow or encourage the destruction
of this useful and beautiful bird, and it was with
much satisfaction that they were able to record that
many landowners and game preservers had become
convinced in late years that owls of all sorts are not
only harmless to game, but most beneficial to agricul-
turists, and had issued orders for their preservation.
Seebohm also writes strongly on this point : he says,
"Too often, however, the poor harmless owi is shot
down by thoughtless farmers or ignorant gamekeepers,
who foolishly imagine they are ridding the domain?
of a pest, although in reality they are taking the lire
of one of their most valuable friends."
The shoiteared owl is from 14 to 15 inches in
height. The female is rather larger than the male.
The head, back, and wings are lightish-brown, with
darker brown patches upon them. The wing feathers
have an edging of light buff or fawn colour, and the
under surface of the btdy is of this colour, with
blackish markings upon the breast. The legs are
pale buff, and the toes black. The beak is also black,
and the ears, as woll as the tufts of feathers on the
head, are brown. The eggs are creamy-white in
colour, and about 1 J inch long by \\ inch in breadth.
They are deposited on the ground in a nest scooped
out of the earth, and lined with a little dry grass or
moss. The nest is made generally in tufts of
Heather or Furze, or in grassy spots. Sometimes it
is found in marshy and fenny spots in reeds and
rushes. Nests have been occasionally found in the
Kentish marshes on little hillocks covered with
rushes. From four to seven eggs are generally laid,
but, as was shown by evidence before the committee
cited above, as many as thirteen eggs have been
found in a nest. Seebohm, in his Far Countries of
North America, quotes Richardson to the effect that
this species of owl lays as many as ten to twelve
eggs-
The short-eared owl is much appreciated in Ger-
many, where it is called the " moor," " feu," and
"meadow" owl. It occasionally breeds in Germany,
as in England, but generally arrives in September,
and remains till March. In France it breeds in the
Pyrenees, Charente Infdrieuro, Ildrault, Tarn, Aude,
and other Southern Departments, but not veryexten-
Bively. Board of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall Place, S.W.,
August, 1897.
si
METHODS OF PROPAGATION.
[Continued from p. 227. )
The Oleasters (Eleagnus) are easily increased by
taking cuttings of the young shoots, inserting
them in sandy loam under a bell-glass, keeping them
moist, close and warm. Some of the Japanese species
are very handsome, namely, E. reflexa aurea varie-
gata, the foliage of which is persistent in ordinary
winters, even without the protection of wall or fence.
I sea I Ionia in all its charming varieties, is readily
increased by cuttings of the matured young shoots,
but the best result is obtained by the use of a hot-
bed with a gentle and lasting bottom heat, the frame
lights or hand-lights and bell-glasses being kept close
till rooting has tiken place. The potted-off plants
uld bo placed in a cold frame, and shaded from
strong sunshine till established, when shade must be
dispensed with. Most of the species of Escallonia
are Chilian, and only withstand our winters iu the
south and weft ; while inland, and in the north
th-y require planting against warm walls or fences.
Porsylhias. These plants are shrubs that do well
in the open or on low walls, and are perfectly hardy.
Cuttings made of the matured shoots strike readily
in the open ground, but rooting requires a long period
of time. When well rooted, plant them out in spring
or early autumn in nursery line, l.( foot apart.
Icics are propagated from cuttings of the young
wood, put under bell-glassfs or hand-lights, in the
ciaa of the smaller and more delicate varieties. The
cuttings strike more readily on gentle bottom heat.
The Tree Ivies, and Ecme others enumerated under
that head, should be grafted on stocks of English Ivy.
Hedeia helix on which straight stout stems are made,
in which form the plants arc very useful decorative
material, cpeeially variegated forms, very nice for
winter bedding in the open air.
Jasmines may be raised from cuttings of ripe one-
year old shoots, which should be cut into lengths of
9 inches to 1 foot, severing them at a node, and in-
serting them in a prepared bed of soil, covered with
a close fitting hand-light, or with a bell-glass, the
early autumn being the best time to take cuttings.
These soon callus, and the following spring they
form roots.
Honeysuckles, so useful as climbing plants, and
equally desirable for the fragrance of their flowers,
are easily multiplied from cuttings made of ripened
shoots taken off in September, and inserted in the
open ground, like Carrant-cuttings ; or they may be
put into propagating-pans in a cold pit, where, by
keeping them close and shaded about mill day, they
very soon make roots. As soon as this is effected, pot
them singly and plunge in spent tan, sand, or coal-
ashes.
Shrubs which may be struck from Cuttings. —
Laurels in variety are often required in large qnan-
286
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
tities, and all are more or less easy of increase by
cuttings of the young wood taken with a heel. The
common practice in nurseries is to bed the cuttings
in close rows on a north or east border, but small
quantities may be raised by inserting similar cuttings
round the rim of an 8-inch pot, putting the cuttings
deep down that the base is about an inch off the
crocks, and after watering the pots copiously plunge
them in a cold frame in any light kind of material.
Care should be taken that the soil never gets dry, or
the youug roots will perish.
Laurustinus, in all its varieties, m»y be struck in
the same manner as Laurels, but it is advisable to
lighten the soil by adding some sifted peat and sharp
sand ; but here, covering the pots with bell-glasses
hastens rooting, although even then quite twelve
months are needed in the process.
Deciduous specie3 of Viburnum, viz., the Snowball,
V. opulus, root readily as a cutting in the open
border ; and the sub-evergreen Chinese and Japanese
species, V. plicatum and its woolly-leaved variety
lantanum, as well as the American species, are raised
from cuttings of the mature wood, where layering is
not convenient.
Aucuba japonica roots freely if the cuttings be
taken in the antumn, as soon as growth is finished,
the coarse pithy shoots being avoided, as these
scarcely ever can be got to strike ; and when this does
occur, they make gawky-looking plants.
Buxus in variety roots easily, as cuttings taken
in February and March, and inserted in soil surfaced
with sand, well watered-in with a rose water-pot, and
covered with a bell-glass. The cuttings should not
be longer than 4 inches, 2\ inches being placed
beneath the soil. The Minorca Box, Buxus Balearica,
takes so long a time to root, that it is best to layer it ;
while Buxus elegantissima, and its variegated form,
as well as the creeping Japanese Box, can be increased
by pegging down the branches, and covering them with
prepared soil so as just to leave the short laterals
showing through the surface, and shading the bed
with any convenient material, so as to keep the soil
in a uniformly moist state.
Ci/tisus, whichjmay be classed with shrubs, are
raised from seed or cuttings, while the tree-forms of
Laburnum are increased easily from seed, or by graft-
ing on the common variety. The white-flowered
species, called in nurseries White Portugal Broom,
is one of the most pretty of summer - flowering
trees, either on its own roots, or grafted standard
high, and contrasted with the Spanish Broom
(Genista juncea), or the rush-twigged Broom, makes a
very telling subject in the shrubbery. This is easily
raised by Beed, or by means of cuttings of the mature
shoots ; or the young growth may be taken and struck
under a bell-glass in a close pit. Thus treated, it is
easy to strike all the low-growing forms of Cytisus
and Genista, as elongatus, purpureus, nanus, &c, as
well as the lovely novelty lately introduced from the
Balkan Mountains, and called, from the pass where it
was found, Schipksensis. This, in its season, is
covered with beautiful large white flowers, which,
being terminably produced, makes it a fine plant for
cutting and table decoration.
Desmodiums and Coronillas, close allies of the
Brooms, may all be propagated by cuttings of the
young wood, taken just as growth is completed, either
with or without a heel, inserted in sandy soil, and
covered with a bell-glass ; and the same may be said
of the double-flowered Gorse, and the Spanish variety
(Ulex hispanica), so useful as a decorative plant, or
on the margins of Bhrubbery banks, while the doublo
form of the Dyer's Broom (Genista tinctoria) strikes
freely.
Deciduous Shrubs, as Dcttlzia, Dkrviila (Weigela),
Hydrangea, Ribes, Philadelphus, and most of the
Spirceas, can be raised in the open from cuttings of
stout, mature shoots, bedded-in close together in a
north border, and protected from frost in the winter
by cut branches of Spruce Fir, scattered over and
among them. This should be done in early autumn,
before all the foliage has fallen off, when, if the season
be mild, they will callus and root freely in the spring,
and be ready to " quarter up" in the following autumn.
St John) IVorts (Hypericum), the same may ba
said of all these, of which perhaps Moserianum and
patulum are the finest of recent introductions.
Experience.
(To be continued.)
The Herbaceous Border.
MICHAELMAS DAISY " ELLA."
At the Shrewsbury show this year I was standing
by, when an exhibitor of hardy-flowers was asked by
a visitor, "What is the best Michaelmas Daisy?"
He replied, "Robert Parker ;" and considering that
it nearly represents the best form of the original
Michaelmas Daisy, Aster Novi Belgii, he was perhaps
not far wrong. But as sponsor to Robert Parker, I
was rather pleased with the selection. It is about
twenty years since I found this plant growing iu
Robert Parker's nursery at Tooting, labelled Aster
amethystinus, and I took it home and re-named it ;
and from my garden it has found its way to nearly
every nursery in the kingdom. But about ten years
ago, I found a seedling of which Robert Parker was
evidently the seed-parent. It became Alatrc pulchrd
filui pidchrior, and I named it " Ella." This, too,
has found its way to most nurseries, and I consider it
the best of its diss. It is 6 feet high, and has much
the habit of its parent, flowering about a week later.
The flowers are better shaped, and h'ave twice as
many rays. When] it first opens, the colour is little
batter than the slate-grey of R. Parker ; but after a
few bright days, especially if the nights are frosty, a
condition favourable to the colour of nearly all the
tribe, the rays acquire a rich glow of amethystine-
purp'e, which lasts in successive flowers till severe
frost brings the season to an end. C. Wottey Dod,
Edge Hall, Malpas.
BETTESHANGER.
A pleasant journey from Ramsgate, on the Dover
road, brings the traveller to Betteshanger, the seat
of Lord Northbourne. The place is distant 5 miles
from Sandwich. After leaving Sandwich, the road
passes through extensive orchards of Damsons, Plums,
and Pears, and farming-land, carrying in some places
market-garden crops, on one farm, a 40 or 50 acre
field was remarked, which had been planted with
Potatos, with Brussel Sprouts set out in the furrows.
Plums were not generally an abundant crop in any
part this year ; but although this district had some-
what suffered from spring frosts, its contiguity to tho
sea had served to mitigate the severity of the cold,
enabling some cultivators of Plums to save half a
crop certainly, and the fact of the fruit being
scarce elsewhere, greatly enhanced the prices obtiin-
able by growers in this neighbourhood and further
a- field.
With the knowledge born of necessity, the fruit-
cultivators when they came into possession of the
land at ouoe allowed the quick-set hedges dividing
the fields, and bordering the high road, to grow
upwards to a height, in some instances, of 15 feet, but
without adding the lea3t to their width. The hedges
are rendered rigid by means of stout wire fastened to
poles, to which the shoots are secured. These tall,
thin ghosts of hedges were formed by these simple
contrivances into capital wind-breaks without much
cost.
The road for the last mile or ao rises rapidly, with
a sharp ascent into the park from the main road,
passing through young plantations of mixed timber
trees, Conifers and Oak predominating. The park
itself possesses plenty of fine old trees, including
many Oaks, which seem quite at home on the strong
loam overlying the chalk. The surface is undulated,
and most kinds of timber attains to large dimensions ;
and amongst Conifers remarked we may mention the
Lebanon Cedar, which grows here with remarkable
vigour. The Yew likewise grows with rapidity ; and
in this connection mention should be made of two
Yews planted in the churchyard by Sir Walter James,
the first Lord Northbourne, and Mr. W. E. Glad-
stone in commemoration of a visit the latter
made to the place in 1857. In the forty years
that have elapsed, the then tiny trees have reached a
height of 1 8 feet, the one with the stem diameter of
10 inches, Sir Walter's tree being slightly the bigger.
A slate slab forms a seat between the two trees,
and records the event in appropriate verse —
fitting arboreal memorials to keep evergreen the
memory of two celebrated men. The church itself
is a small structure, that stands on the foundations of
a very ancient one, and which has been rebuilt from
the ground-level at the cost of the family. It stands
on a knoll in the park at a short distance from the
mansion, and is a strikingly ornate, abundantly-
lighted building.
A tour of inspection with Mr. Salway, the head-
gardener, as guide, showed that in the matter of
flower-gardens, these were not, as is usual, confined to
one, and that near the dwelling — but there were three
or more. One of these is situated on a series of
terraces, each terrace be:ng planted differently, but
in all of which tuberous Begonias, in mixed colours
and double and single-flowered varieties, are largely
employed. To serve as dot plants there were noted
Abutilon Thomsoni variegatum and Salvia patens iu
large clumps. A draw-well, with handsome well top
and arch of ornamental hammered iron for support-
ing a pulley wherewith to hoist the bucket, is a
conspicuous object in the middle of this garden. The
intention was, of course, to furnish water for the
supply of this particular garden ; but as five men
are required to work the pulley and manipulate the
bucket, it is put aside in favour of more economical
methods. On one or two of the terraces espalier
Pear trees are planted by the sides of the grass-walks,
the object being the attainment of the bright
autumnal tints of the foliage of the Pear in union
with the colours of the flowers in the beds, an object
which is, we believe, seldom realised, the Pears per-
sisting in dying off in the usuil tints of yellow.
Hardy herbaceous perennials were found in various
parts to the exclusion of tender species, and already
ssveral borders and prominent corners are planted
with these plants. They also fill two long borders in
the kitchen-garden.
A garden of Roses is in contemplation, the
species and varieties to be planted being those of
robust growth, such as Rosa rugosa, in variety ;
Lord Penzance's hybrid Sweetbriars, Crimeon
Rambler, the Boursault, and Prairie Rambler, and
Roses of this character. A garden planted after this
kind would doubtless have a charm of its own for the
short space of time such varieties remain in bloom ;
but unless there are beds of Teas and Noisettes to
carry on the floral season till the autumn, it will, we
should say, be devoid of interest after the chief
flush of bloom has come and gone.
Most of the glasshouses are erected in and about
the kitchen garden ; a clump of houses, however,
stands in the pleasure-grounds at about 100 yards
distant from the house. This consists of a conserva-
tory, a fernery, orangery, and a storehouse for Myrtles.
The conservatory at the time of our visit was
enlivened with such annual plants as Celosia pyrami-
dalis, C. cristata Cockscombs, Coleus, Pelargoniums,
Petunias, and the like. The fernery is abundantly
planted, and every plant was vigorous and healthy,
the effect being natural and good. Rock-work is used
to face the walks and furnish spots on which Ferns
can be planted ; and a pool in which goldfish dis-
ported beneath a tiny fountain, added a little life to
the scene.
The Myrtles to which we made allusion above are
big bushes of Beveral stems, and chiefly remarkable
from the fact that they have been raised from cut-
tings made from sprigs taken from the wedding
bouquet of the present Lord Northbourne's mother.
The bushes measure 8 feet in height from the tub,
and average 6 feet in diameter of crown. Originally
there were six of them, but these, from one cause or
another, have been reduced to four. The orangery
contained a number of Orange trees of different
varieties that fruit well every year.
Wall-fruits were plentiful this year, and very fine
crops were noted of Pears, Peaches, Nectarines, and
some varieties of Plums. The trees of all kinds,
and especially the Pears, are magnificent examples of
Ootobek 23, 1897.]
TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
287
good training, and some of them are 14 feet high, and
30 feet wide. The Peach-blieter was very prevalent
here, as in many other gardens. The GooBeberry-
bushes had rendered a good account of themselves,
for the crop had been enormous, and some varieties
were still ungathered (August 25). There are several
vineries containing good crops of excellent Grapes,
and a wall case for Peaches, of which enormous fruits
of the pale-coloured Princess of Wales were remarked.
The garden is well found in pits for forcing and
plant-growing, and a few Orchids are cultivated suc-
cessfully, as Cypripediums, Calanthes, Dendrobiums,
&c. It was a pleasure to observe how well Mr.
Salway cultivates the now somewhat despised Achi-
menes, and to see capital Gloxinias so late in the year.
The Chrysanthemum receives considerable attention,
and numerous plants were remarked which were
being grown for the production of specimen blooms.
A stove was filled with a quantity of foliage-plants of
small size, and it was evident that much indoor decora
tive work was done. We came away feeling that
Betteshanger is a very charming, unconventional sort of
garden, surrounded and embellished by noble trees,
both indigenous and exotic, and ably managed by his
lordship's gardener, Mr. Salway.
5 inches of heartwood. At what age will an Oak-
wood pay for planting, cost of management, rent,
and interest ? One thing seems to be forgotten
entirely, which is, that given a certain quantity of
timber, produced per acre, the fewer the number of
trees that produce it, the greater the value of the
SECOND CROP OF OAK.
The illustration (fig. 86) represents one of a
number of examples of stooled Oaks, that not long
since existed in the Wliarncliffe Woods. I had it left
as an example where one of the railway fires had
ravaged the wood. The tree has been scorched
several times by fires, and one limb was so charred
that it had to be cut off. There were six poles on
the stool originally. I consider the tree a good
example in its way. The old stool shows that a big
tree had been cut from it, and the second (present)
crop of poles shows very well how clean and straight
they grow up in a dense wood, as was once the case,
where the tree stands. Such Oak poles are very
saleable, and fetch about 1(M. per foot standing at the
present time, and sometimes more. Such straight
clean examples rive well for spokes for wheels, and
are bought for " spoke-wood." I once saw on the
continent some hundreds of acres of such 6tooled
Oaks, but from three to four poles to a stool was the
maximum ; they were fine, however. J. Simpson,
Worthy,
Forestry.
I think that a good deal of nonsense is sometimes
talked about the management of German forests, as
if it could be generally adopted with advantage in
England. In the case oi many kinds of trees, to
grow them close togethtr would be most wasteful ;
for instance, I see Spruce Fjr quoted as a tree to be
so grown. What does anyone suppose that a wood
so grown for forty or fifty years would be worth an
acre ? I remember such a wood here, forty or fifty
acres, forty or fifty years old, that had never been
thinned, and as clean as a German forest. The great
gale of January 7, 1S39, blew the whole of them
down, not up by the roots (they might then have
been worth something, though very little), but broke
them all off in the middle, so that there was nothing
left to pay the expense of clearing the ground. But
let no one imagine that under any circumstances, or
at any age, such a wood could have paid. English-
grown Spruce is good for very little ; even Norwegian
white deals, grown in a totally different manner on
mountain-sides, are hardly fit for building-purposes ;
but the wood I mention never could possibly havo
paid a tenth-part of what it would have cost, in
planting and rent of land and interest. So again, the
Beech-forests they describe ; if such were grown in
England, they would pay nothing at all for fifty or
sixty years, whereas the Buckinghamshire Beech-
woods (which are natural forests, and managed as
such) pay, I believe, 8 or 10 per cent, an acre yearly.
Then to grow Oak unmixed is most wasteful. Young
Oaks are good fornothing— remain so until there is 4 or
different kind of tree, and every different mixture of
trees requires a different management ; but we shall
not make them pay by trying to imitate what no
doubt pays on the mountains of the Black ForeBt
ft W. Strickland.
Fig. S6.— second crop of oak.
timber produced ; besides which, I have no doubt
(although it would not be e;isy to prove it) that the
amount of timber produced by trees so close that
there is only a flat surface of foliage at tt: e top, is
considerably less than when each tree has a cone of
foliage for, say, one-third of its height, and had a bare
stem for two-thirds of its height. No doubt, most
woods iu England might be better m waged — every
Vegetables.
VEITCH'S EXTRA EARLY FORCING
CAULIFLOWER.
Or this capital variety I grew one year nearly 400
plants in 7-inch pots, sowing the seed on December 20.
The first heads were fit for cutting in the first week
of April ; and afterwards the stumps produced strong
sprouts. Those plants on which sprouting occurred
were planted out of doors, and gave four compact
Cauliflowers at the beginning of June. It is a capital
variety to withstand drought, remaining fit for use
longer than any other variety that I have growu,
excepting Autumn Giant. I have grown it extensively
for four years, it being the Cauliflower for a gentle-
man's table, the heads being quite white, close in
texture, and agreeable in flavour. IV. Davicx, Nidri
Hall Gardens, Yorkshire.
Cultural Memoranda.
ALLAMANDAS.
I find that Allamandas are plants easy to grow
when given a sunny position in a stove, and the shoots
trained thinly on a trellis. If grown in a border, this
should consist of sound fibrous loam, coarse sand
and leaf mould, about four-fifths of the first to one-
fifth of the last-named ingredient ; and, of course, the
drainage should be efficient. If the border be well
made, it may even form part of the path, and be
much trodden upon without any ill effects to the
plants. After a few seasons succeeding the planting,
when the soil is giving out, liquid-manure should he
afforded during the summer. This manure may con-
sist of fresh sheep-dung and soot, stirred together in
a barrel, and allowed to clear before beiBg used.
Any artificial manure that may be applied in the
absence of the former, should consist of very mild
doses at long intervals of time, injury to a plant soon
following excessive use of these things. Allamandas
should be kept rather dry at the root in the winter
season, but not so much so as to cause shrivelling of the
shoots. I prune our plants somewhat bard back in
the early spring. Cuttings root freely at almost any
season in a brisk bottom heat. During the early
years of an Allamanda's life, the soil used for them
may be rather lighter than is advisable in a
border or flowering-pot. When the flowers only are
used in decorations, they should be placed in
water two hours before mounting them, afterwards
securing them to bits of smooth shaven sticks, with a
little bunch of moistened cotton-wool at the base,
ami they will keep fresh for some length of time
H. Markham, Northdown, Margate.
THE FORESTRY SCHOOL
AT NANCY.
The pupils of this school, which may be called a
technical university, are recruited from the pupils of
the Institut National Agronomique of Paris. About
twelve students are admitted every year, each pupil
receiving an annual honorarium of 1,200 francs (£48).
The total number of externe pupils since the founda-
tion is 308, of whom 34 were French, 83 English, 56
Roumanians, 39 Poles and Russians. 38 Belgians, 20
Swiss, 40 Luxemburgers, and 10 Portugese. The
number of French students (internes ?) is given as
1394. The forestry museum is situate in a garden
which, though unpretending, forms a great contrast
to the adjacent botanic garden in the hue Catherine.
The museum contains minerals and other geological
specimens, illustrations of woods of many kinds, show-
ing their natural structure, the effects of various in-
288
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 18y/.
juries and fungal diseases, the modes of cutting timber
to advantage, and of utilising it in various ways,
The museum seems to be organised in au excellent
manner, and next after Kew is the best of its kind
we have seen. At one time students destined for
the forest service in India were allowed to avail
themselves of the excellent academic training given
here. The establishment of the forestry school at
Cooper's Hill has rendered this less necessary than
formerly. Not far from Nancy is a vast area of
woodland, where the practical teaching of forestry is
carried on.
The Week's Work,
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Herbaceous Calceolarias. — These beautiful plants
should now be slowly growiug in 48's and large 60's,
and be similarly treated to the Cinerarias ; both
detest 6re-heat, and should not be exposed to it unless
the weather is so severe that they can no longer be
properly ventilated and exposed to sunlight in cold-
pits. Keep them near to the glass. In the
warmer parts of the country, especially near the
coast, Calceolarias are admirably grown in low pits
and ordinary frames till such time as they show flower
after being shifted into their flowering-pots at a later
date. No stimulus to growth is needed by them
whilst small, that is, if the potting-soil be of the right
sort ; and they should not lack water at the root.
Camellias. — These plants, whether growing in pots
or planted out, should at this season be kept well
supplied with water at the roots, or the buds will
drop. The leaves may be sponged with Fir-tree oil,
mixed with rain-water in a wooden pad of the
strength recommended by the makers. This will kill
white-scale, which in some gardens is very prevalent
on these plants, and which secrete themselves about
the axils of the leaves, and round the flower-buds.
Camellias, if very thickly set with flower-buds, should
have some of them thinned oil', one or two good buds
on a shoot being sufficient. Keep the house cool,
and afford the plants nothing that will cause them to
grow.
Chrysanthemums. — Excepting in the case of thoso
which will flower the latest, the use of manure-water,
&c, should be discontinued. The side-shoots should be
removed whilst quite small, and water should be
afforded in sufficient quantity to moisten the soil
throughout. If mildew and damping-off occur, the
plants must be examined every morning, dusting the
leaves with llowers-of sulphur for the mildew, taking
care this is thoroughly done. If damping of the early
flowers is noticed, the air of the house must be kept
drier, air being admitted freely when there is no
fog or rain. When Chrysanthemums are stood on
Peach-house or vinery-borders, damp is sure to prove
troublesome. As a means of checking the evil, pots
or pans containing large lumps of unslaked limo
should be placed at intervals of 6 feet, replacing the
lime with fresh as soon as it gets slaked with
moisture.
Tuberoses. — As these bulbous plants commence to
open their flowers, all the light possible should be
afforded them, and the plants placed almost close to
the glass. The temperature of the pit or house may
be kept at 60° by night, and 65° by day, syringing
the lower leaves in fine weather, in case red-spider
s lould seize upon them.
Bulbs. — Let all sorts of Dutch bulbs be examined
about once in ten days, removing from the coal ashes
those that have made a considerable growth of roots,
placing them in a slightly shaded frame, the for-
wardeBt, if desired, being placed in a forcing-pit.
THE HARDY ERUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Selecting and Ordering Fruit Trees. — Orders should
be prepared for fruit-trees to replace unproductive
orchard, wall, or espalier trees, or to plant in new
positions. Lack of fertility in the trees may be due
to one or several causes : the trees may have become
too old, or they may have been neglected, or the soil
is impoverished, or the trees were plauted iu unsuit-
able land. In the case of aged trees, or trees that are
barren through the roots haviug reached uncongenial
soil, root them out, and plant in their stead clean,
healthy, vigorous trees of sterling varieties. Young
vigorous trees may be unproductive through neglect,
and the branches may have become infested with
lichen. In a future Calendar reference will be made
as to the best practical method by which to treat
such. In the meantime, a list of approved varieties
of the several kinds of fruit to grow may prove
helpful to many new readers of the Gardener*'
Chronicle.
Apples. — Dessert: Mr. Gladstone, July Pippin, lied
Juneating, Beauty of Bath, Lady Sudeley, Irish Peach,
Devonshire Quarrenden, Kerry Pippin, Worcester
Pearmain, Red Astrachan, Blenheim Orange, Cox's
Orange Pippin, Margil, King of the Pippins, Ribston
Pippin, Bowhill Pippin, Cockle's Pippin, Peasgood's
Nonsuch, Mannington Pearmain, Old Nonpareil,
Claygate Pearmain, Beauty of Kent, Rosemary
Russett, Fearn's Pippin, Court Pendu Plat, Sturmer
Pippin, Hormead's Pearmain, Lord Burleigh, Duke
of Devonshire, Golden Reinette, May Queen, and
Boston Russett.
Apple) : Culinary. — Whito Transparent, Early
Julieu Keswick Codlin, Duchess of Oldenburg, Lord
Suffield, Pott's Seedling, Cellini, Lord Grusvouor,
Northern Dumpling, Ecklinville Seedling, Stirling
Castle, Emperor Alexander, Frogmore Prolific, Golden
Spire, The Queen, Gascoyne's Scarlet (a grand new
Apple), Peasgood's Nonsuch, Blenheim Orange, New
Hawthornden, Lord Derby, Golden Noble, Bismarck,
Warner's King, Striped Keeping, Mere de Menage,
Royal Jubilee, Wellington, Lady Henniker, Lane's
Prince Albert, Annie Elizabeth, Hamming's Seedling,
Newton Wonder, Northern Greening, Norfolk
Beaufin, Sandringham, Hambledon Deux Ans, and
Duke of York.
Pears. — Beurrd Giil'ard, Early Benoiat, Doyenne
d'Ete, Jargonelle, Souvenir du Congri'S, Clapp's
Favourite, Williams' Bon Chre'tien, Beurrd d'Amanlis,
Eyewood, Durondeau, Marie Louise, Pitmaston
Duchess, Beurre Superfin, Conseilleur de la Cour,
Beurre Diel, Doyenne" du Cornice, Easter Beurre,
Zephirin Gregoire, Josephine de Malines, Glou Moroeau,
Le Lectier, Beurre Ranee. Stewing Pears, Catillac
and Uvedale's St. Germain.
Plums. — Rivers' Prolific, Dennison's Superb, Old
Green Gage, Orleans, Kirk's Blue, Washington,
Jefferson's, Coe's Golden Drop, Golden Transparent
(Culinary), Belgian Purple, Rivers' Czar, Grand
Duke, Prince of Wales, Victoria, Monarch, and
Pond's Seedling.
Cherries. — Bigarreau Amber Heart, Bigarrcau Frog-
more Prolific, Early Rivers, White Heart, Black
Heart, Black Tartariaa, May Duke, and Morello.
Peaches. — Early Alexander, Waterloo, Hales'
Early, Early Grosse Mignonne, Diamond, Crimson
Galande, Violette Hative, Royal George, Prince of
Wales, Princess of Wales, and Sea Eagle.
Nectarines. — Early Rivers, Lord Napier, Elruge
Pine-apple, Dryden, and Homboklt.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. PorE, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Late French Beans. — Where seed was sown iu beds
iu cold pits or frames for furnishing a late supply of
Beans, air should be admitted whenever the weather
is favourable for doing so, and in such volume as to
ensure its circulation among the plants. As long as
the present mild weather lasts there will, of course,
be no difficulty, but it is during frost that much
greater care will be required. At night, let the glass
ba covered with mats, double or single, as may be
needed ; or, failing these, with dry litter or bracken.
Plants left to ripen seed may now bo pulled up by
the root, tied in bundles, and hung in a dry, airy
shed till dry, the thrashing or shellingout the seed
being reserved for winter work. Pods left on Runner
Beans may be gathered and spread out thinly in a
warm pit or on a greonhouse stage, so as to becomo
thoroughly dry before being put into tho seed-room,
shelliug-out being done in bad weather.
Cauliflower. — Such Cauliflower plants as are not
yet forming heads may be lifted on the approach of
frost, and planted rather close together in a cold pit
or frame, and have plenty of air afforded in the day-
time, and protection at night. By such means, and
if they were lifted with a ball, useful heads may be
secured for weeks or months after the outdoor supply
has come to an end. Young Cauliflower plants
planted in hand-lights or in frames should be hardily
treated, not coddled, coveriugs being put over the
glass only in the event of very hard frosts being
experienced. Autumnal frosts do no harm, and it is
scarcely necessary to use the frame-lights or the tops
of the hand-lights if these be removeable, unless
during heavy rains. Dust quicklime, or lime and
soot, on the soil between the plants, and hunt for
slugs, and stir the surface once a fortnight.
On ions. — The autumn-sown Onions are now growing
somewhat freely, and will need thinning pretty
severely, the bed hand-weeded, and the surface
loosened with the hoe whenever it sets after a fall of
rain, a battered surface not being conducive to pro-
gress. If young Onions are often required in salads
iu winter, a pinch of Onion-seed should be sown in a
box at intervals of two or three weeks, the box being
placed in a Cucumber-pit or warm greenhouse till
germination takes place, and then removed to a shelf
near the glass iu a slightly cooler place. A good
variety for sowing is the Silver-skin, it being mild in
flavour, and nice in appearance. If exhibition bulbs
are required next year, a piece of ground should now
be selected, on which the crop may be grown. Some
soils are adapted for growing Onions with but little
preparation beyond deeply digging, aud leaving the
surface rough during the winter ; but most soils
require to be trenched two or three spades deep,
according to depth of staple, and to have incorporated
with each layer good farmyard-dung in considerable
quantity ; and should the subsoil be stiff and retentive,
coal-ashes, burnt garden-refuse, and the rougher parts
of the garden-dunghill may be put evenly into the
bottom of the trenches.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
The Pinery. — The plants, if they are not already
placed iu their winter quarters, should now be
arranged as previously advised, keeping the plants
with ripening fruit and those which will soonest
succeed them at the cooler end of the fruiting-
house ; and those iu the intermediate stage should
be put together at the warmer end. Afford the
fruiting plants water but sparingly, but let it be
sufficient to thoroughly soak the ball, as dryness in
the soil at this stage will stop the development of
the fruit, and cause premature ripening. The
plunging materials, if these consist of tree-leaves or
bark, will doubtless require partial renewal, and so
much new material as may bo considered necessary
to keep up a bottom-heat added to the old, and well
mixed with these. The top-heat may range from
80° to 85" by day, and 70° to 75° by night.
Succession-houses. — Those plauts which will be
started early in the now year should now be at rest,
and receive very little moisure at the root, but not kept
so dry as to induce premature fruiting ; the tempe-
rature of the house should be allowed to drop to
70" to 75° by day, aud 60° by night; the bottom-heat
being kept at about 75°. One damping-down daily
will suffice, and there must be no overhead syringing.
If these plants are plunged into a firmly-made hot-
bed which is nut permitted to get warmer than the
figures given, not much will remain to be done till
the time to start them arrives. Later successions
will have nearly or quite completed their growth for
the seasou, requiring much the same kind of treat-
ment as the others, always taking care that they do
not get too wet after being dry, and then excited
a little, or they will all or many of them throw up
before their time. These remarks apply particularly
to Queens. Most of the suckers will have finished
growing, and moisture and warmth may be gradually
reduced, iu order to lessen growth at the dullest part
of the year, and prevent drawing. Do not keep
suckers crowded together, but let thorn have space,
and be placed close to the glass without actually
touching it. If any variety is scarce, and strong
suckers are available, they may be potted and plunged
round the edge of the bed, iu tho fruiting division,
as elsewhere, if a bottom heat of 90° bo available.
Keep the glass as clean as possible, and put a light
covering over the roof on frosty nights, in order to
keep up the temperature, and prevent moisture con-
densing on the glass.
Strawberries. — See that all plants are plunged in
leaves or coal-ashes, as well as protected from rain.
Where very early fruit is required, a start should be
made forthwith, remembering that by introducing
plants into mild heat, more plants are required for
furnishing fruit at an early date thau later. Have
the forcing pits and houses thoroughly cleaned, and
select the best-ripened of those growiug in 43's,
washing the pots, and cleaning the surface of the
soil, aud the crowns ; afterwards dipping each plant
overhead into a mixture of water 3 gallons, soft-
soap 2 oz., and flowers-of-sulphur 2 oz. The plants
October 23, 1897.]
THE GAB DENE I? ,S" CHRONICLE.
280
may be stood ou boards placed ou a firm bed of
fresh tree-leaves to start, taking care that tho leaves
havo been woll mixed together, and space is left
under the lights for the escape of the moisture gene-
rated by the fermentation of the leaves. The
degree of warmth may not at the beginning exceed
45u by night, and by day 50°. Top-heat from hot-
water pipes will not bo nocossary at this season if a
leaf-bod be employed, and the plants may stay in this
pit till thoy show flower. Water must be very
carefully applied, for owing to tho damp surroundings,
the evaporation of water from the soil will be very
small in amount.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
The East Indian-house. — The beautiful and rare
species Bolle.i cnelestis, B. Lalandei, B. Patini,
Pescatorea ceiina, P. Roezli, P. Klabochiana, P.
Lehmanni, Batemanniana Burti, B. Colleyi, and
Huntleya nieleagris, now making growth if rcely, should
be placed at the coolest end of this division. To be suc-
cessful with these, the air around them should be kept
moistalways,aud the compost neverallowed to become
dry. At Burford tho plants are placed upon shallow
pans, and a layer of sphagnum moss about 3 inches
thick between the sides of tho pots, so that in time
a bed of living sphagnum-moss forms. Notwith-
standing moisture, thus afforded, the undersides of
the leaves become infested with red spider, which
causes tho foliage soon to turn yellow and drop off, if
not freed froui the acarus betimes. The north side of
tho house, whore plenty of light is obtained, is a good
place for these plants, for in no case may they be
exposed to direct sunshine.
Deciduous Calanthes will soon be coming into
flower, rendering it advisable to discontinue affording
the plants manure watt r, clear rain-water being aloue
afforded when water is needed. When the flowers
begin to expand, the amount of water should bo
gradually lessened, and withheld entirely by tho time
half of them are unfolded. These plauts may be
exposed to full sunshine, in order to ripen the new
pseudo-bulbs, and that tho colours of the flowers may
be clear aud distinct. As the plauts mature, tho tips
of the leaves turn brown, and although this is un-
sightly, the brown parts must not bo removed. Tho
foliage must not be so placed that it touches the roof-
glass, as chauges in the night temperature are soon
felt by the plauts, causing the foliage to turn black
aud fall prematurely. The temperature for Calanthes
should be kept at 65° till half of the flowers have
expanded, when a drop of a few degrees is beneficial.
Epidendrum bicornutum. — This pretty plant should
now be growing freely, aud occupying a place at the
warm part of the house. Avoid placing it, or
Galeaudra devoniaua, nevr the roof-glass during cold,
frosty weather.
Qrammatophyllam Ellisii. — Plants which have made
their growth may be removed from the warmest to
the coolest part of the house, and afforded just enough
water at the root to prevent shrivelling during their
rest.
Pkalienopsis. — The species P. Sehilleriaua, P. ama-
bilis, P. graudiflora, S. Stuartiaua, P. leucorrhoda,
and P. Sanderiana, being now comparatively at rest,
although still making roots freely, require careful
attention in the matter of affording water at this
season, an excess being dangerous to their health.
The sphagnum-moss should be allowed to become
crisp on the surface, and of a whitish colour before
affording water, and dipping the basket, &c. .should
now not be practised : rather sprinkle the sphagnum
and the sides of the basket with a flue rose- can,
allowing no water to get into the centre of the
growths.
Cattleya-house. — The Pleiones (or Indian Crocuses)
are now making a pretty display in this division, aud
in order to have them in good condition for as long a
time as possible, no water should be afforded at the
root, or any moisture allowed to fall on the blooms.
Pleione-flowers last longest when the plants are
used for indoor decoration, the dry air of a room
conducing likewise to the giving of tho plants a
short rest.
Vanda.— The tricolor aud suavis sections of Vauda
will soon require repottiug, &c. ; and during the
coming week it will be advisable to let the plants get
moderately dry at the root, they being in that state
less liable to receive a check, and more easily
managed.
Odontoglosswm eitrosmum. — This plant is fast form-
ing new pseudo-bulbs, and needs a place near the
roof glass of the Cattlcya or iutormediate-houso,
where there is full exposure. The more backward
plauts may be placed in a light, airy position iu the
East Indian-house. From the time the new pseudo-
bulbs begin to form, afford the plants plenty of
moisture at tho root, till growth is fully made up ;
encourage early growth, in order to ripen it properly
before tho winter commences.
laid at this season, or during tho next week or two, if
it is necessary to relieve the pressure of work which
occurs in the late spring months.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
B Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Jferbaecous Borders. — The perennial Asters, or
Michaelmas Daisies, are the chief attraction during
the present month. The flowers are attractive in a
cut state, and they are not injured by slight frosts.
These hardy plants require only a moderately good
soil aud applications of water during dry summer
months, and they are sure to give satisfactory results.
The stock may be increased by division as soon as
the plants have flowered, or if allowed to remain
until the spring, they may be readily propagated in
quantity from the young growths that are then
thrown up. While the majority of the plants are
t till in flower, examine the stuck with a view to the
selection of tho best and most distinct varieties, that
the rest may be discarded. Tho following list
includes a good selection of early, mid-season, aud
late flowering varieties : — Early : acris, dark lilac, very
free and compact, 2 feet ; Amellus major, deep violet,
one of the best, early and dwarf, 2 feet : cordifolius,
soft mauve, graceful, 2 J feet ; Novi Belgii Harpur
Crewe, good white, 4 to 5 feet ; Purity, white, 5 feet ;
larvigatus, rosy-pink, dwarf and compact, 2 feet ;
Uuvigatus Orion, a slightly deeper-coloured form than
tho preceding. Bather later are Nancy, pale blue,
very good. S.\ feet ; John Wood, white, 4 feet ; N. B.
densus, soft blue, compact head, 3 feet; hevis, deep
blue, 3,^ feet ; Arcturus, dark stems with lilac flowciv,
good, 3 feet ; vimineus, small starry white flowers,
very good, 3. J feet ; Robert Parker, soft lavender blue,
5 feet ; James, white, 4 feet ; puniceus pulcherrimus,
bludi-white, a strong grower, 5 feet ; ericoides, small,
white, 3i feet ; cordifolius Diana, a beautiful variety,
bearing graceful sprays of soft lavender flowers, 4 feet.
This variety should bo plauted where slight shade is
afforded, in summer the foliage being injured by bright
sunshine. Following these are Flora, pale rosy-lilac,
4 feet ; paniculatus, \V. J. Grant var., pale lilac,
4 feet ; diffusus horizontalis and d. pendulus,
2.} feet ; Archer Hind, soft blue, 3 feet ; and Main,
rosy-lilae, 4 feet. Latest of all are Tradescantii and
grandiflorus, the former having small white flowers and
handsome foliage, height 5 feet ; and the latter large
purple Mowers, 3 feet.
Storing Dahlias, &e. — Where it is not convenient to
lift Dahlia tubers at once, the tops may be cut away
to within 8 or 10 inches of the ground, and eventually
a fine day should be chosen to lift them. When
lifting them, all the soil should be shook away, and
the labels securely fas ened to the roots with small
tarred string or thin wire. It is good practice to
temporarily store them for two or three weeks in any
spare frames, laying them upside down to allow all
moisture to dry out of the stems ; they may be after-
wards stored in any cool place that is secure from
frost. Choice varieties should be kept in boxes,
where they may be given special attention. Failing
a better position, the general stock may be safely
stored under plant stages holding bedding Pelar-
goniums that require little water during winter,
where, if well dried before housing, they will take
no harm from the slight drip during the winter
mouths. Caunas, Hedychiums, Marvel of Peru, and
Salvia patens may be similarly stored, but the tops of
these should be only partially cut away at present.
Ge >eral Work, — Heliotropes, Coleus, or other
tender plants, that have become injured by frost,
should be cleared away. A beginning may be made
to dip and re-plant with spring-flowering or foliage-
plants to be used for winter and spring decoration.
Summer-bedding Violas should be trimmed of the
longest flower-growths, and if the plants are allowed to
remain, they will bloom freely in early spring. Where
blue or purple varieties have been used in mixture
with variegated Pelargoniums, the latter may be re-
moved, aud yellow Wallflowers or white Hyacinth
bulbs be substituted ; while Myosotis dissitiflora,
Nemophila insignia, or similar subjects, may be asso-
ciated with white-flowered Violas. All Daffodils and
early- flowering bulbs should now be put into the
ground as soon as possible. Box-edgings may be re-
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
The Feeding of Bees. — Winter is not far ahead, and
before long the sugar-candy pot will be bubbling iu
many a beekeeper's kitchen. But those of us who,
like the writer, are bound to keep their apiary
within moderate limits, must have been obliged after
this swarming summer to join up stocks, aud they will
now perhaps possess more stored combs than they
care to keep through the winter, useful as a few such
combs will be to them next spring. In that case,
candy is not wanted, seeing that as good if not better
results can be got by using the spare combs in a
manner I will now describe, mentioning however, as
a proviso, that, although the quality of the honey is
of small consequence, and the presence of pollen in
the cells in reasonable quantity is no objection, the
comb itself must be such as you would care to retaiu
in your hive brood-nest. Take two empty frames,
call them top and bottom respectively ; tack a piece
of thin board to the side bars of the top frame, so
that one face is quite or pretty nearly covered
over. Put the bottom frame flat ou a table,
then the comb frame accurately on top of it, and on
the top of that again, the top frame boarding up-
wards : twist pieces of frame-wire round the frame
ends and bottom bars, so that the frame will keep in
position. Here then is a snug honey-box with stores
in the middle and a winttr passage below, so thalt
the bees can move about or cluster as they wil .
Place it over the brood-nest, and cover with soft
quilting material of any kind available. If tho
brood-nest is very big, the houey-box cau bo placed
transversely ; but probably it will bo better to place
it so that frame-ends cover frame ends, to which there
is no practical objection if the quilting be properly
seen to. Having done this last winter, 1 left the hive
alone till the middle of March. On inspection I
found that the honey had been consumed ; while the
comb contained brood on both sides. Three snips of
a big pair of scissors set the brood-frame free, aud it
was at once lowered into place at the back of the
brood-nest, which still contained a good supply ot
stores. After-results quite justify me in recommend-
ing this method of wiuteiing to such as have combs
at their disposal.
Making Hires Secure for the Winter. — Before
packing down for the winter, scrape the tops of the
hives well, removing every irregularity iu tho shape
of brace-combs or propolis. When all is smooth and
straight, give a puff or two of smoke to drive the
bees down, and pass a band-brush rapidly over the
top bars. Any scrapings which fell down between
the combs can be cleared away when cleaning Hour-
boards, which latter job I defer till the tops have been
seen to ; and I would here urge a precaution — do not
interchange floorboards indiscriminately. We have
known disease to be spread in this way through the
operator being unaware of the presence of foul br 1
in his apiary. Destroy any quilts that have been
propolised and worn out, and arrange top coverings
of frames neatly, using some means to keep them
close down at the sides. Not fewer than three or four
layers of carpet, felt, or clean, dry sacking, should be
used when the cork-dust cannot be hacl. But a few
inches deep of the latter material iu a box with a
bottom of calico, laid on a single piece of carpet or
flannel, makes a better winter cover than several
layers of carpet only. So long as the bees continue
foraging, and prowling about hive entrances other
thau their own, in autumn, all doorways should be
contracted to less than an inch in width, but as
soon as the robbing instinct passes away, entrances
may be enlarged to 5 or 6 inches, aud kept so during
the entire winter, only reducing in cases of keen
winds and drifting snow. Nothing tends more to keep
bees in health than plenty of air in damp or muggy
weather. In conclusion we need only urge that
roofs be made watertight, stands secure against
storms, and all means to keep stocks perfectly quitt
and undisturbed during the winter months.
GlRTH OF TREES.— From the current number
of Notes and Queries we take the following: — "A
Willow near the London stone at Chertsey Lock has
lately died, after much previous injury by wind aud
flood, which I believe to have been the largest
Willow known. The stump has been measured by
Mr. Marsh, the lock-keeper, as IS feet 4 inches in
circumference. D."
290
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLI8HEB.
Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our reaiers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to brinq under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY,
Oil.
„6 ( Royal Horticultural Society's Coin.
ujittees.
MONDAY,
TUESDAY,
SALES.
I Bulbs, nt Protheroe & Munis'
Rooms.
Nursery Stock, at the Nurseries,
Suuuiiigdale, Berks, by Pro-
thcroe & Morris (three days).
/■Bulbs, at Protheroo & Murris'
. . .,..) Rooms,
"ci. -"S L'outiuental and other Plauts, at
(. Prothcroe & Morris' Rooms.
Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris
Rooms.
u-i'iiMfuruv rv,- w Nursery Stock, at the Cambridge
•WEDNESDAY, I lJ.2, . Nur8cryi Beulah Hill, Upper
Norwood, by Protheroe & Morris
(two daj s).
' Bulbs, at rrotheroe & Morris
Rooms.
Continent*! and other Plants, at
Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
Nur6ery Stock, at Hollamby's
Nurseries, Groombridge, Tun-
bridge Wells, by order of tbo
Executors of the lato Mr. Edwin
Hollarnby.by Protheroe & Morris
(two days).
(Bulbs, at Protheroe <fc Morris'
Rooms.
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
Oct. 29
S Orchids, at Protheroe & Morris'
(. Ro
Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 47°.
Actual Temperatures:—
London.— October 20 : Max., 62° ; Min., 47°.
Provinces.— October 20(6 p.m.): Max., 59°, South.we I
Ireland ; Min., 51°, Aberdeen.
Weather generally line, foggy in places.
abundantly supplied from the Redwood forests ,
and no one but a little group of men who oxpoct
to make money by this transaction has auy
interest in the success of this movement."
It is with great concern that we
Forest ^ the following passage in a
Reservation. , , ° *■ , .
recent number ot (xaraen and
Forest : — " Emboldened by the action of Con-
gress in practically revoking Mr. Cleveland's
Forest Reservation proclamations, and by the
attitude of the administration toward the whole
subject of our western forests, the lumbermen
now controlling a large block of big-tree forest
on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, in Cali-
fornia, are making a determined effort to obtain
from Congress authority to cut the Sequoia
timber in the General Grant National Park.
This particular portion of the Sierra Reservation
includes about 1,500 acres, and is covered
with an exceptionally tine growth of Sequoias
and Sugar-Pines, numbering among |its vege-
table wonders the great tree known as the
' General Grant.' .... It is unnecessary to
remind our readers that these Sierra Sequoias
are marvels of the vegetable kingdom, unsur-
passed in grandeur, and probably the oldest
living organisms on the face of the globe.
Every individual is a monumont which should
bo sacredly preserved for tbo benefit of future
generations. To cut down one of these trees is
a crime, and it should be a matter of national
humiliation that a considerable part of the
Sequoia forest has been allowed to pass from
Government control into the hands of lumber-
men. There was no excuse for this; there
would be less excuse in allowing those portions
of the Sierra forest which have already been
reserved for the benefit of the people to be
upuuod to entry. Tbo lumber, even, is not
needed by the community, which cau be
The West India Blub-books, as a rule, rarely
Royal Com- come under the cognisance of the
mission. general public, and when they
do, they do not always prove agreeable reading.
They are frequently crammed with details im-
perfectly summarised, and many of them irrele-
vant or of subsidiary importance only. Often,
too, they are filled up with formal communica-
tions recording (let us say by way of illustra-
tion) the fact that a clerk in the Circumlocution
Office has been directed by his superior to for-
ward to the superintendent of the brick and tile
department a scheme for the manufacture of
bricks without straw, and to request that the
superintendent will favour the superior with
any observations on the scheme that may occur
to him. The letter is of course acknowledged
with more forms and ceremonies, and in duo
time the superior is made acquainted with the
opinion of the superintendent. All this is no
doubt very methodical and businoss-like, but it
has no interest for the public, and it is surely a
great waste of time and money to print these
office details.
A report of the West India Royal Commission
now before us is less open to this kind of
criticism than similar productions sometimes
are. It contains an account of the issue of the
Commission, a clear statement of the work it
was desired to accomplish, and an equally lucid
report of what was done by the commissioners.
The main subject of enquiry had reference to
the condition and prospects of the Sugar In-
dustry in the West Indies. From well-known
causes, to which it is not our purposo to allude
in these columns, the growth of Sugar-cane
and the manufacture of sugar in the West
India Islands is now being carried on under
such depressing conditions, that there is reason
to fear that the cultivation of sugar will bo
abandoned, and a very large section of the
population thrown out of employment, and loft
without means of subsistence. The commis-
sioners used all diligence, but we fear it must
be said they have not told us much that was
not known before. The suggestions they make,
so far as they are of a political nature, must be
left to the consideration of politicians and
statesmen.
In these columns we are concerned chiefly
with the question as to what substitutes
for Sugar-cane can be provided, and more
especially as to what'plants can be profitably
grown in addition to the cane. There can be
no doubt that one of the principal sources of
the disastrous condition in some of the West
India islands arises from the exclusive cultiva-
tion of Sugar-cane. To use a homely phrase,
the planters have put all their eggs into one
basket, and are now suffering the consequences
of their lack of foresight. What then can be
done now to remedy this state of things ? The
answer is by no means wholly unsatisfactory,
though time will be necessary to secure the
desired ends. The remedy is to supplement
sugar cultivation by the addition of other
tropical products of which there is an abund-
ance, selecting in each case those which are
adapted for particular localities and special
requirements. Tropical fruits, Oranges, Pine-
apples, Yams, vegetables, spices, perfumes,
drugs, dyeing materials, Rice, Arrowroot, end-
less varieties of fibre -plants, Cotton, Cinchona,
Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, rubber, Lily-bulbs, Orchids,
and many other things might be tried according
to circumstances. To some extent this has
been done, and Jamaica has already a very
large fruit-trade with the United States. In
some cases trial has boen made, but from one
cause or another, the venture has not proved
profitable. Of course, the cultivation of many
of the subjects above-mentioned must be at
first experimental, and to secure the success of
experiments, experiment stations, directed by
competent men, and well provided with all the
necessary plants, must be established where
they do not already exist.
And this reminds us of the valuable services
which Kew has rendered to the colonies since it
has existed as a public institution. No sooner
was Sir William Hooker installed as Director
in 1841, than he began that series of varied
labours in the interest of the colonies, which
has been carried on by successive Directors with
ever increasing energy to the present time. Of
late years, in addition to the larger botanic
gardens in Jamaica, Trinidad, and British
Guiana, which are iii direct communication
with Kew, and which have always been centres
for the growth of economic products and sources
whence useful knowledge relating to them was
diffused, smaller botanic stations have been
established in the scattered islands. To the
further development of these we may con-
fidently look for the amelioration of the existing
state of things. These stations were estab-
lished at the recommendation of the authorities
at Kew, who devised the scheme of operations,
provided the material and furnished the super-
intendents in the shape of young gardeners
trained in the Royal Gardens. In the report
before us, the commissioners urge the forma-
tion of a special department to supervise,
concentrate, and direct into useful channels the
work of these several stations, and generally to
promote economic botany and agriculture. The
department should, according to the suggestions
of the commissioners, be directed by a compe-
tent officer to be paid by the Imperial Govern-
ment. This official might organise and supervise
oducational efforts according to the needs and
capabilities of the several islands. Whether
such an officer is really needed, it is for those
on the spot to determine. It might be thought
that one or the other of the existing superin-
tendents, with their long experience and varied
information, might suffice, and the garden
under their charge be made, to a greater extent
than at present, the headquarters of economic
botany for the islands. Owing, however, to the
distance of one island from another, and the
relatively little communication between them,
it will be necessary to multiply the stations and
increase the number of superintendents. The
commissioners estimate the annual cost for the
botanic department, scientific agricultural
education, and subsidies for steamers plying
between the islands and the United States for
the conveyance of fruit, &c, at £27,000.
A valuable analysis of the report prepared by
the secretary enables the reader to refer readily
to any special point, but the most valuable
appendix is that drawn up by Dr. Morris, the
Assistant Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew.
Dr. Morris, who is specially qualified by early
training at Kew, and subsequent experience in
Ceylon, Jamaica, Honduras, and other colonies,
accompanied the commission in the capacity of
technical adviser on botanical and agricultural
matters, and he now, within the limits of the
work of the commission, furnishes us with an
exhaustive treatise on tropical cultivation, and
sketches the work already done by Fawcett,
Hart, Jenman, and other botanists in their
October 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
291
sjveral establishments. Chemical analyses by
Professor Harrison, Messrs. D' Albuquerque,
Bovell, and others, have resulted in an in-
creased production of sugar, and at a diminished
cost, whilst seloction of canes and the raising of
seedlings — the result of comparatively recent
botanical discovery — has led to the discovery
that some varieties are richer in sugar than
others, and less subject to disease. The whole
appendix forms a valuable addition to the
the Index. Kcwcnsis under the original namo, hispida.
The general appearance of the plant is sufficiently
indicated in Mr. W. G. Smith's drawing (fig. 87) to
preclude the necessity of description. We ought,
however, to pass on the caution imparted to us, and
repeat, " This plant stings." The flowers are of a
pale yellow, of a singular form, evidently adapted to
fertilisation by some insect, presumably one that
knows how to avoid the barbed and venomous hairs
on the foliage. These latter would keep off un-
authorised intruders.
vision for heating, ventilation, and open tanks
through which the pipes paw, so that an adequate
supply of moisture is secured. The plants are sus-
pended from the roof, and there are side borders at
present utilised for Dracceuas and decorative plants.
No doubt this will form one of the most attractive, as
it is certainly one of the most iuteresting additions
Io our noble gardens. The new house adjoins the
stove-house in the T-range, and is entered from it at
the angle formed by the stove and the Victoria-
house,
FlG. 87.— LOASA HISPIDA: FLOWERS PALE YELLOW.
Some of the barbed bails are shown magnified 50 diameters, and also one of the glandular hairs of much greater size.
literature of economic botany, and redounds to
the credit of the reporter no less than to the
establishment of which he is so distinguished
an officer.
LOASA HISPIDA. — This is a beautiful annua], for
the opportunity of figuring which we are indebted to
tho courtesy of Mr. Lynch, of the Cambridge Botanic
Gardens. It was originally introduced to the Chiswick
Garden sixty or more years ago, and was figured by
Limley in the Botanical Register (1837), t. 1390,
under the name of ambrosiaefolia ; but we must own
that the reason there given for the abandonment
of Linn^us' name do not seem very cogent. We are
not surprised, therefore, to find the plant entered in
Royal Horticultural Society.— The dates
fixed for next year'B meetings are as follows : — -1898 :
January 11 ; February 8; March S, 22 ; April 12,
26; May 10; Temple Show, May 25, 26, 27;
June 14, 28 ; July 12, 26; August 9, 23 ; Septem-
ber 6, 20 ; Fruit Show, Crystal Palace, September 29,
30, October 1 ; October 11, 25 ; November 8, 22 ;
December 13. Any gentleman willing to deliver a
lecture on any of these dates would greatly oblige by
communicating at once with the Secretary, 117, Vic-
toria Street, S.W.
NEPENTHES-HOUSE.— A new house for the culti-
vation of Nepenthes has just been completed at Kew.
It is a light span-roofed structure, with ample pro-
National Chrysanthemum Society.— It is
the intention of this society to hold a special Apple
competition — open to all, in commemoration of the
sixtieth year of the reign of Her Majesty The Queen,
on the occasion of the Chrysanthemum Exhibition at
the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on November 9
and two following days. There are to be shown twenty-
four distinct dishes of Apples, five fruits of each ; and
nine varieties must be those which were in cultiva-
tion in this country ia 1837, the remaining fifteen
varieties consisting of such as have been intro-
duced during the last thirty years. Mr. R. Dean,
Ranelagh Road, Ealing, will furnish intending
exhibitors with full particulars of the competition on
application.
292
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
The Potamogetons of the British Isles.
— The object of this work is to supply a long needed
set of good aud reliable illustrations of British
Potamogetons. Both descriptions (by Mr. Alfred
Fryer) and illustrations (by Robert Morgan, F.L.S.)
will include the varying forms and states as well as
the generally recognised species. The synonymy,
though not aiming at absolute completeness, will bo
ample for all working purposes. An attempt will be
made towards a natural arrangement of the species
founded on the changes of form in their progressive
stages of growth, rather than on the comparatively
limited distinctions afforded by the fruit, illustrations
of which will form a special feature. Messrs. L.
Reeve k Co., 6, Heurietta Street, Covent Garden, are
the publishers.
Horticultural Club.— The first dinner and
conversazione for the session 1897 to 1898 took place
on Tuesday evening, October 12, and there was a good
attendance of members. Mr. Harry J. Veitch
occupied the chair, and there were present, Revs. W.
Wilks, and H. Pembertou, Messrs. Williams, Cockett,
L. Pearson, T. Francis Rivers, H. Turner, Guruey
Randall, Assbee, Gordon, Geo. Monro, M. Garcia,
and Heir Hugo Midler, President of the Pomological
Society of Vienna, who was the guest of the Club for
the evening ; his health was proposed by the chair-
man. A paper was read by Mr. T. Francis Rivers on
" Orchard-houses aud Fruit ; " an interesting dis-
cussion followed, and a cordial vote of thanks was
awarded to Mr. Rivers for his excellent paper ; this
we hope to give iu some future issue.
New Chrysanthemum.— At the meeting of
the Floral Committee of the National Chrysanthemum
Society on the 12th Lust., a First-class Certificate was
awarded to the variety, Viscomtesse Roger de
Chezelles. This is a large sized Japanese bloom,
very rich yellow in colour, with petals broad, slightly
forked, flat, and incurving. Twelve blooms were
shown finely by Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth.
Sad End of a Member of the Kew
STAFF. — Some week or two ago, the pelican, which
was a bird with a character, and popular with the
visitors, escaped from the gardens. Nothing was
heard of it till a few days since, when news reached
the gardens that some wretched gamekeeper had shot
tho bird in Sussex. A later statement tells us that
another .pelican was shot on the Thames, near Ham-
mersmith. This is more likely to have been the Kew
bird than the one shot in Sussex. It seems to be
impossible to prevent the indiscriminate slaughter
of rare birds, revolting as the practice is to those
interested in natural history.
SALIX QRACILI8TYLIS, MlQUEL.— This hand-
some Japanese Willow has attracted much attention
at Kew this season by reason of its bold, broadly lan-
ceolate, thickly-nerved leaves, and crowded prominent
buds. The catkins measure from 1| to 3 inches in
length, and are very striking. The tree was intro-
duced by Messrs. Barbier Freres, of Orleans, and
a full description of it is given by the late Professor
Miqoel, in the Awn. Mus. Bot. Lugd. Bat. (1867),
vol. iii., p. 26. Miquel speaks of it as a perdislincla
species. It occurs not only in Japan, but also in
North China.
Technical Institute, Dundee. —Mr. D. T.
Fi8H is to deliver a course of eight lectures on Fruit
Culture under the auspices of the Dundee Horticul-
tural Association. The cultivation of the Apple,
Pear, Plum, Peach, Nectarine, Gooseberry, Currant,
Raspberry, and Strawberry is to discussed.
John Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, London,
S E. — These well-known nurserymen desire us to
inform our readers that the awards jury of the Vic-
torian Era Exhibition at Earl's Court has just
awarded tneru a Diploma and a Gold Medal in recog-
nition of the meritorious manner iu which they have
planted tho numerous beds in the gardens at that
place of resort with flowering plants and shrubs.
Newcastle and District Horticultural
Mutual Improvement Society.— The monthly
meeting of this society was held at 25, Westgate
Road, Newcastle, on Tuesday, October 12. There
was a good attendance of members, presided over by
Mr. John Bullock. Mr. M. Larke, of North Dene,
Gateshead, read an excellent paper on the tuberous-
rooted Begonias, embracing their culture both for
indoor decoration aud for massing iu beds. The
paper was followed by an animated discussion in
which many took part.
STAPELI* GIGANTEA is flowering in tho •stove at
Kew. The species which was illustrated iu our
columns p. 693,voLvii., 1877,hasnotonly larger flowers
than any of its congeners, but the flowers themselves
differ in appearance from those of the ordinary type.
The Late Mr. William Scott.— In our last
issue we announced the decea=e of Mr. William
Scott, the director of the Mauritius Botanic Garden,
aud now give some details as to his career, taken from
an obituary notice in the Stirling Observer. Mr. Scott
reached Stirling from the Mauritius about a month
ago in excellent health and high spirits. About ten
days ago he made the West Highland tour, but on
ascending Ben Nevis unfortunately caught a cold,
which complicated by an attack of fever and ague,
rapidly developed into pneumonia. His parents were
highly respected parishioners of Lomnay iu Aberdeen-
shire, where Mr. Scott was born on September 21,
1859. On leaving school he entered the service as
apprentice gardenor of Colonel Russel at Adeu
House. As journeyman he wrought at Forglen
Hous?, near Turriff, and afterwards at Kippenross.
After six months' residence at the Royal Gardens at
Kew, he was selected in 1881 for the post of assistant
to Mr. Horne, who was then at the head of the
Mauritius gardens and forests. Nine years after this
Mr. Horne retired through'length of service, and Mr.
Scon was immediately appointed his successor.
Since then, till his death, he held the post of director
of the Royal Botanical Gardens and Forests, many
notices of his remarkable successes and accurate pro-
fessional knowledge having in the meantime appeared
in Government depatches, and in the local press.
Mr. Scott had three gardens in his charge, the largest
being Pamplemousses, containing 61 acres, at 228 feet
above sea-level. These gardens suffered terribly in
the hurricane of 1892, when every leaf 7was carried
away, and, in Mr. Scott's opinion, many years will be
required to secure for them their former appearance.
The second garden is at Curepeep, 1800 feet above
sea-level ; and tho third (which is not open to the
public) is situated at Redway, the Governor's
residence. In the Mauritius, Mr. Scott continued
with great zeal the policy of his predecessor in plant-
ing forests of Grevilleas, blue Gums, and Casuarinas.
The island is said to be comparatively bare of virgin
forest, only about 2500 acres of that existing.
Already Mr. Scott's labours are reaping their reward,
for the planters are getting a much improved supply of
firewood and of timber for building and fencing pur-
poses. In the interest of the Sugar and Cacao
industry Mr. Scott busied himself largely. On
leaving Mauritius for home, Mr. Scott was presented
with a sympathetic address from the officers and
labourers of the Pamplemousses Gardens.
Jubilee Dress of the Princess of Wales.
— From far-off Japan we receive the following
account: — "The Queen's dress has so often been
described and bo often pictured, that I will not speak
of it ; but the gown of the Princess of Wales was
described to me by a lady who saw it at the dress-
maker's. It was of mauve satin, the shade of a
cattleyard Orchid." We spare the reader further
details, as not suitable to our columns.
Royal Tradesmen.— Messrs. Dobbie&Co., of
Rothesay Court, Seed Growers aud Florists by
Appointment, have been permitted to make the
addition of the name of Andrew Mitchell to tho
title of the firm.
Presentation at Eastnor Castle.— Mr.
F. Harris, who is resigning the charge of Lady
Henry Somerset's garden at Eastnor Castlo, was the
subject of a presentation on the 10th inst., when
the garden staff were entertained to supper under the
old Vine in the gardens. A gold watch, bearing the
following inscription, was handed to Mr, Harris by
her ladyship's agent, Mr. W. Coleman :—" Presented
to Frank Harris by those who have been con-
nected with the Eastnor Castlo Gardens during the
nine years he has lived there, as a token of respect."
Mr. Coleman paid a tribute to the abilities of Mr.
Harris, aud spoke to the success he had achieved
as an exhibitor of fruit. Iu a few words of apprecia-
tion, Mr. Harris acknowledged the assistance he had
been given by Mr. Bauson, the foreman, and the
staff generally.
Shirley Gardeners' and Amateurs' Im-
provement ASSOCIATION. — The monthly meeting
was held at Southampton on Monday, the 18th inst.
Mr. F. J. Crook, Assistant Secretary to tho Win-
chester Gardeners' Association, gave a paper on
"Salads," and enumerated a startling variety of
vegetaliles useful for the purpose, stating that gar-
deners gave insufficient consideration to the subject.
The annual outing took place on the 2nd iust, when
about thirty members visited the fruit show at the
Crystal Palace.
Nelson and Trafalgar.— On October 21,
a double number of Navy and Arm;/ Illustrate!, con-
sisting of forty-eight pages, was published in connec-
tion with the celebration of Trafalgar Day. This
number is a pictorial record of the great Admiral,
his life, and achievements. It contains moro than
100 illustrations, representing the principal episodes
iu the groat hero's career, or portraits of his com-
panions and contemporaries.
The Requirements of Plants under
CULTIVATION. — A correspondent writes : — " Mr.
Elwes, in recording the flowering of Buphane dis-
ticha or toxicaria, in his collection, after possessing it
for twenty years or more, remarks (p. 270), ' Know-
ing that the plant was a native of the dry Kalahari
desert of South Africa, where the rain is very scanty.
the soil very sandy, aud the climate excessively dry,
I had roasted and starved the plant on a shelf in
the greenhouse. When, however, my gardener began
to treat it in exactly the same way as we treat
Nerinas, and gave it plenty of liquid-manure during
its growing season, the bulb swelled up, became quite
hard, and the leaves became much more luxuriant.
This year it threw up a flower spike at the beginning
of September.' He then goes on to draw the infer-
ence that treating the plant accordiug to natural
conditions only resulted iu failure, but the adoption
of a totally different kind of treatment proved a
uccess. If Mr. Elwes hal referred to the Flora
Capcn.sis he would have seen that this plant grows
iu four different regions in South Africa — twelve
different localities for it being mentioned — and that
it also extends to Angola, and the mountains round
Lake Nyassaand Tanganyika. Some, at least, of these
localities have a very different climate from that
described by Mr. Elwes, and it may safely be affirmed
that the conditions under which the plant grows iu a
wild state approach much more nearly to the later treat-
ment described than to the former, which was based
upon a misapprehonsion of the facts. It is perfectly
possible for a clever gardener to hit off as it were a
successful method of treatment by what is ofteu mis-
called empirical means, as iu the present instance,
but a proper appreciation of tho facts would have led
to success long ago. There is nothing novel in
adopting for this plant the treatment given to
Nerines. Nature has adopted something pretty
similar for ages, as may be seen by a comparison
of the localities in which the respective plants
grow." [Buphane disticha, the old Hremanthus
toxicarius, is described with its synonymy in the
recently-issued volume of the Flora Capcnsis, by
Mr. Baker, who, as our correspondent rightly says,
cites several widely separate and climatically different
localities (see Baker in Flura Capcnsis, ed., Dyer,
vol. vi. (1896), p. 242). The first record of its flower-
ing in this country is in Botanical Magazine, t. 1257,
where it is stated to have flowered in 1809 in the
garden of the Bishop of Durham, at Mongewell, in
Oxfordshire, for the first time, though introduced by
Masson so far back as 1771. Ed,]
October 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
293
Publications Received. — Indian Gardening, in Horticulture," L.H.Bailey; "Green Fruit Worms,"
a new weekly journal, devoted to gardening and
agriculture, edited by H. St. John Jackson, and
published at Calcutta. We wish it every BucceBS,
feeling sure that it will, as the promoters say,
"fill a want." This first number is full of pro-
M. V. Slingerland ; " The Pi6tol-case Bearer,'' M. V.
Slingerland ; " A Disease of Currant-Canes," E. J.
Durand; "Raspberry-Cane Maggot," M. V. Slin-
gerland ; " Second Account of Sweet Peas," A. P.
Wyman and M. G. Kains ; "Talk about Dahlias,"
Fig. SS. — leaf op calathea species (makanta picta, Hort. Ball).
mise, aud shows it to be intended as a high-class
journal. It contains articles on Horticulture in the
Shan States, Horticulture in Mysore, Cyperus bulbosus
or esculentus, Adiantuui Farleyense, Sibai-grass, &c.
— From the Cornell University Agricultural Experi-
ment Station, Ithaca, New York, come the following
Bulletins.—" Second Report upon Extension Work
Wilqelm Miller; "Notes upju Plums," S. D.
Willard and L. H. Bailey ; " NotdS upon Celery, '
B. M. Dugqar aud L. H. Bailet ; " Army-Worm in
New York," M. V. Slingerland; "Strawberries
under Glass," C. E. Htjnn aud L. H. Bailey;
' Forage Crops," J. P. Roberts and L. A. Clinton;
" Chrysanthemums of 1S9i5." L. H. Bailey and
AVilhei.m Miller ; " Agricultural Extension Work,
Sketch of its Origin and Progress.'' — The Botanical
Gazette (Chicago, 111.), September. — Small Holdings
and Peasant Proprietors in Southern. Germany, by
C. Tetley (London : Edward Stanford, Charing
CrosB). — European Mail (Imperial Buildings, Ludgate
Circus). — he Chrysanthimc (Lyon, 37, Rue Creuzet),
October 10. — Lc Moniteur d' Horticulture, October 10.
— Bulletin de la SoeUti Botaniquc de France, Seance
de Juin. — Bulletin de la Society Roijalc de Botanique
de Belgique, Annee 1897. — Illuslrierle Flora (Wien),
October 1. — Botanisches Centralblatt, Nr. 41.— Die
Gartenwelt, October 10. — Nuovo Giornale Botanico
Italiana, October. — Tijdsckrift voor Tuinbouw, Nos. 1
and 5. — Commercial Uses of Cord Gas, by Tnos.
Fletcher (Fletcher, Russell & Co., Warrington,
Manchester, and London). — M ittheilungcn der Gar-
tcnbau-Gcsellschaft, October 1. — The Orchid Review,
October.
CALATHEA SPECIES
(MARA.NTA PICTA, Hurt. Bull).
Tbis very beautiful stove foliage plant was shown
under the name of Maranta picta, at the last meeting
of the Royal Horticultural Society by Mr. William
Bull. It is a tufted plant, with erect, conduplicate
leaf sheathe, 4 to 5 inches long, each ending in a
short cylindrical petiole 1 to 3 inches in length. The
blade of the leaf is 9 to 12 inces long, 3 to 4 inches
broad, velvety on both surfaces, broadly lanceolate,
acuminate, deep green above, with a broad, central,
greenish-yellow band running through the centre of
the leaf, and branching on each Bide into alternate,
curved, lanceolate lobes cut at the further margin
into sharp lobules, like the pinnule of a Caryota, or
like the tail of some fishes. The under side is of a
rich claret colour.
In Regel's Garlcnflora (1879), p. 293, is an enume-
ration of the species, which are arranged in eighteen
6ub-divUions, according to the nature and form of
their variegation. Thus in some the stripes ur
markings are parallel with the margins and midrib
of the leaves. In other cases the markings are trans-
verse, sometimes linear, at other times oval ; in fact,
showing great variation. The plant before us (fig. 88)
does not correspond with any that we find described or
figured, but it would be rash to assume it to be new,
as the dried specimens in herbaria lose their charac-
teristic markings, and hence it is not easy to refer
the cultivated forms to their original types.
Home Correspondence.
ANTHRACITE COAL. — Many times you have
written recommending the employment of anthracite
coal by gardeners in the furnaces. Having moved to
the Manor House, Wallington, the landlord allowed
me to select certain fireplaces and grates, and quite
by accident I selected the slow combustion pattern,
that is say, the grate with upright bars and a pull-out
frame at the bottom, which is used when an extra
draught is required. I found that these grates, which
have stone backs, drew with such force that, although
the damper at the bottom was in quite firmly, exclud-
ing all possibility of air passing, still there
was a strong fire. 1 thought I would like to turn
this to account, and I sent into the yard and
obtained : everal Bcuttles of anthracite coal ; this I
placed on the fires, and I am very glad to be able to
say that it burnt perfectly. Now it is known to all
consumers of coal that anthracite is very cheap, not
only in its first cost, but also on account of its lasting
So very much longer on the fire, and still having a
bright glow. I obtained my anthracite coal through
Forester of Swansea, but I am not aware that it is of
any peculiar nature, neither do I know the name of
the pit that it comes from. I wrote to Mr. Forester
to tell him of my success in burning the anthracite
coal in these grates, aud he said it was quite new to
him, aud he begged me to send him drawings of the
grates, which I did. When the fire had exhausted
itself in these grates there was hardy any ash left. If
you think it of sufficient interest to publish a drawing
of these stoves and grates, I shall be very glad to obtain
drawings for you, as I consider it rather an impor-
tant discovery. Thos. Christy. [Please do so. Ed.]
294
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
THE FIRM OF J. R. PEARSON & SONS. — In tbe
rtvicw cf the horticultural trade for the past sixty
years in the issue for Octobtr'2, p. 225, Mr. Dean
appears to mention our fiiin as coming into existence
in the earlier part of Her Majesty's reign. Ihisis
scarcely correct, as our greatgrandfather was estab-
lished here in the nursery business 130 years ago.
We believe that there are only three other cases in
the trade where a family has carried on business for
the same length of time in one spot, viz., Backhouse
(York), Dicksons (Chester), and Warner (Leicester).
J. It. Pearson it' Suns, Chilwell Nurseries, Notts.
ABERIA CAFFRA, ETC.— I should like to put
it on record iu the Gardeners' Chronicle that Mr.
Thomas Hanbury frequently sends over to this
country the fruit of Aberia caffra, which he has grown
at La Mortola. (See Gardeners' Chronicle, Doe. 21,
1895, p. 737, fig. 123). I have now large plants
from seed obtained from this fruit. I have alBO had
the fruit in a very fresh state from the Cape. I look
upon your No. 561 of October 16 as a most valuable
paper. The particulars respecting the planting of
fruit-trees will be most welcome to many of jour
readers. T. Christy.
THE KENT MANURE-TRIALS— Whilst the reports
of the manure-trials conducted in Kent by Dr. Dyer
are interesting reading, they furnish no indication as
to the actual condition of the animal-manure
employed in the trials, a matter of some importance,
because it is subject to wide variation. The
food-strength — or, shall we say, fertilising-strength —
of artificial-manure may always be tested by analysis,
and the strength or weakness of the sample is as a
rule the strength or weakness of the bulk. In the
case of animal-manures, any analysis to be exact must
be of considerable bulk, and the proportion of plant-
food is not easy to determine. If applied to the soil
last spring (the soil and season being very dry rela-
tively) in a wet state, or in the condition that is com-
monly termed fat farmyard-manure, not only would the
excess probably of 70 per cent of water found in it
prove of exceeding value in moistening the dry soil, but
being in an advanced stage of decomposition, not only
would such mineral elements as it might possess be
at once available for plant-food, but the fibre found
in it would also very quickly become converted into
plant-food. All the same, it is well known that such
decomposed, moist manures are very deficient in
plant-food, and where employed in comparison with
good artificials, come out of the test in respect of
actual fertility, badly. The moisture in the
manure in a dry season has done more good
in promoting growth than has the small proportion
of mineral food found in it. But if the animal
manure is of a fresh description, and applied at
once to the soil in its raw state," whilst the
soil thus secures possession of all its plant- feeding
properties, yet plants have longer to wait ere these
elements can be utilised, both because the manure is
much drier, adding little or perhaps nothing to the
soil moisture. The dryness of the soil checks
decomposition, and thus the whole of a dry Beason
might elapse ere the animal-manure dressing was
utilised. That it will be capable of utilisation for a
succeeding crop after abundant rains have fallen there
can be no doubt ; indeed, every one knows that Buch is
the case — artificial manures are readily soluble. Soil
muBt be very dry indeed if the mineral salts found in
them do not attract from the soil and the atmos-
phere enough of moisture to produce fairly quick
solution. Thus in dry seasons, whilst excellent yet
dry animal-manure containing much fibre, which is
latent plant-food, may be in the"soil unused by crops,
because insoluble for lack of moisture, mineral-salts
quickly dissolve, and are thus steadily utilised when
wet «eather prevails. Minerals, on the olherhand, are
rapidly washed out of the soil, whilst animal or
fibre-manures are fully dissolved and utilised, and are
then of greater value than are artificials. The putting
into dry soils of so heavy a dressing as fifty loads of
animal-manure would, if dry and fibrous, only serve
to render the dryness the greater, because exposing
the soil so thoroughly to atmospheric influences. If one
half, that is the excrementitious portion, were buried,
and the long half utilised as mulch, the effect on the
crops would be greatly marked. One very grave
defect in land-culture, both in market and farm-
field culture, but especially so in tLe former case, is the
crowding of an excess of fibre manure into soil that
is very shallow-cultivated. Were the subsoil broken
up, and cue-half the manure-dressing buried,
the average crop-production would be immediately
and for a long time doubled. Manure-merchants are
thinking only of disposing of their wares, and cultiva-
tion is to them of trifling moment. Practically, the
cultivator who deepens the root-area of his ground
by trenching or subsoiling, at onco doubles the crop-
area of his land, without adding to it one single
shilling for rent or for manures. I have a lively
recollection of the manure-trials conducted during a
dry season at Reading a year or two since, and the
singularly inconsequential results that followed.
The first thing to do in employing manures, artificial
or otherwise, is to ascertain by analysis their fertilis-
ing strength. Then it is important to know some-
thing of the actual condition of the ground. At
Reading, for instance, we saw soil unmatured for two
years giving as good results as came from plots
manured for two years. No wonder if all who came
to learn went home as wise as they were when they
set out. A . D.
THE SHADING, VENTILATING. WARMING, AND
LIGHTING OF VINERIES CONTAINING MUSCAT VINE8.
— Mr. Smith, gardener at Harewood House, Colin
Deep Lane, Hendon, has some sensible, if somewhat
startling, remarks on this important subject in the
Gardeners' Chronicle for September 25, p. 219. The
most sensible part of his note is his assurance
that it is essential to good flavour that the vinery
should be carefully ventilated at this season ; for the
Grapes should be ripe at the end of the month unless
wanted for table at a very late date. This is always
admitted. The vinery should have air admitted when
its temperature rises to 70°, as a degree higher than
that might cause scorching of the foliage. If this errs
at all, it is on the side being too cool, a safer thing than
the exces.-ively high degree of warmth afforded Muscats
by some gardeners. But the shading with a double
fish-net over the glass is the most startling receipt
for the making of perfect Muscat Grapes that I have
come across. It may indeed at times prevent scorch-
ing of the foliage ; although, due care exercised in
ventilating would remove all danger from this source,
and it is the only thing necessary under our rather
watery sunshine. The removing of the fruiting
laterals of Grapes 4 or 6 inches from the glass
is also a much safer caution to take care against
the scorching of the leaves or the fruit than
the use of shading material. The fullest exposure of
the Vines to sunlight is another antidote to the
scorching of Muscats and other Vines ; plenty of light
and air combined rendering a Vine less liable to
scorching of the leaves than a moist, close method of
culture. I entirely agree with Mr. Smith as to the need
of early maturity for the production of high quality
and Bound and long keeping. Other conditions being
favourable, a rise of 5" or more to hasten maturity
need not injure the fruit when it is approaching per-
fect ripeness ; and with greater warmth in a vinery
in moderation, the more aerial movement is caused,
and that, too, without, draught. D. T. F.
BOILING PEAS (BLUE BOILERS). — Few
perhaps are aware that Peas for boiling in a
dry state are grown most extensively. Thousands
of quarters are harvested and sent to the manu-
facturing districts — to Lancashire and Yorkshire
especially, for boiling. Throughout Lincolnshire
especially, on the soils suitable for the production of
Peas, very large breadths of certain blue varieties are
sown for this purpose ; indeed, it is an important
and remunerative crop for the farmer to cultivate.
The leading varieties grown for this purpose are
Harrison's Glory and Bedman's Imperial, the latter
an old variety which has been in cultivation for
nearly or quite sixty years. These varieties are har-
vested when ripe in the usual way, thrashed out, and
sold to the merchants, who have them handpicked,
and then they are marketed, finding a ready sale in
the midlands and northern counties, and they may be
regarded as a staple article of food in the manu-
facturing districts. Those who retail theBe Peas boil
them, and then take their position in the market,
or some open place about 8 o'clock in the evening, a
bell is rung, the women crowd round with basins
purchasing them while hot for the family supper.
Probably there are many persons with scanty means
who are unaware what a valuable and satisfying, as
well as nourishing article of food boiled Peas are.
Tbey are best soaked for twenty-four hours in water,
and then they boil perfectly, and come to the table
soft and edible, finely flavoured, and by many as well
esteemed as fresh-gathered Peas. It is doubtful if
the vegetarian restaurants supply Peas in this way ;
in our ordinary eating-houBes and restaurants they
appear to be unknown. Good samples of boiling
Peis will sell at from 60s. to 8(js. per quarter; the
price depends upon the quality. It may be added,
in reference to soaking the Peas in water before
boiling, that the water should be cold, and sometimes
so Lnuoh of the water do the Peas absorb, that it is
necessary to supply more. It is usual to boll in
the second water when this is the case ; also to
allow the Peas to gently simmer for two-and-a-half
qours, and not boil too rapidly. All dry Peas will
not boil well, but remain hard. This is the reason
that the two varieties named above are bo popular for
the purpose. Those which boil well of the old stocks
left on band are available for split Peas ; those which
resist the efforts of the cook to render soft and
palatable, are useful for cattle-food. R. D.
CHRYSANTHEMUM - FUNGUS. — I enclose some
Chrysanthemum leaves infested with the fungus your
correspondent " M. C. C." so accurately described on
p. 256. I first noticed the disease early this year on
some young plants of an American variety received
from a Chrysanthemum specialist ; and being
suspicious it might develop seriously, I had all
leaves carefully removed that were affected. It con-
tinued to show itself throughout the season, but
there was no serious spread until the months of
AuguBt and September, when it appeared on almost
every plant in a collection of some 400, within a
week of Bhowing active signs of spreading. Every
means were taken to combat it by spraying and
syringing with fungicide, including Paris Green and
other copper solutions, but with little or no effect ;
and so far I have been unable to arrest its progress.
Some varieties suffer much more severely than others,
notably Modesta, New York, Pride of Exmouth, and
others of Boft growth. Whether this fungus has been
imported with American varieties or not it would be
interesting to learn, as it seems singular there Bhould
be this sudden outbreak in so many different parts of
the country in one season. Perhaps some of our
Chrysanthemum nurserymen could enlighten ub. F. H.
BORDEAUX MIXTURE AND THE POTATO
DISEASE.— Of the English or Scotch peasants, and
even myriads of gardeners and farmers how few have
employed the copper mixture as a factor in Potato
culture, how few indeed believe in it ? But in all
localities where the Potato disease largely prevails,
and of course specially bo in a humid country like
Ireland, if any efforts are to be made in the use of the
Bordeaux Mixture, the operating force must be
the local authority. I startled some Gloucestershire
farmers some time since by suggesting that to
properly grapple with the Winter moth pest, local
authorities should not only have power to enforce
the use of proper remedies, but should possess for
local use and hire all the needful appliances. It
would be only in that way that any great outbreak of
the moth-pest amongst the fruit orchards could be
stayed and overcome. We want exactly the same
sort of thing in relation to the Potato diseose. How
few can purchase the needful tubs, ingredients, or
sprayers. It is all very well to rail at the idleness
of the peasant, but let the railers put themselves in
his place. Now, were the needful requirements
locally furnished, and powers to enforce their use in
each authorities' district given, how much might be
accomplished all the country over in arresting the
spread of the fungus. The small breadths in gar-
dens and allotments oould be done by an expert
rapidly ; and in Ireland especially, the cost, neces-
sarily a trifling one to the peasant, might be repaid
several times over in the saving of the tuber crop.
In matters of example, local authorities are the most
suited to lead the way. A. D. [The Jensen system
of high moulding is better for the labourer than the
copper treatment. — Ed.]
8HRIVELLING OF VENN'S BLACK MUSCAT
GRAPE8. — In this interesting case, referred to in last
week's Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 274, no certain
cause of shrivelling is indicated. " Vine " is, how-
ever, probably on the right tack when looking for
it in the dryness at the roots, either early in
the Beason (March, as he indicates), or during the
summer, or towards the autumn or finishing of the
Grapes. Probably very few Vine-growers would
approve of watering the borders at intervals of three
weeks ; and the editorial suspicion that these mio-ht
have been chiefly or wholly absorbed by the surface-
soil, without reaching the main roots, is possibly
correct, and may have been contributory to the
shrivelling. But as you truly add, more facts are
needed as to the character and depth of soil, drainage,
fall, width, age of borders, whether outBide or in, or
both, as is more frequently the case before the causes
of the conversion of the Grapes into raisins, during
their finishing stages, are likely to be unveiled. While
waiting for such particulars, growers could hardly be
more profitably employed than in pondering the first
portion of the editorial sentence on this interesting
case, which seems as followB : — " Unless the border
waB thoroughly saturated, which could only be
ascertained by excavating a email hole here and
October 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
295
there down to the drainage," &c. Now, until quite
recently, this was the only means open to fruit-
growers for testing the growing needs and physical con-
ditions of their Vine or other fruit borders. It was so
slow, cumbrous, risky, as to be far oftener honoured
in the breach than the observance. Hence the
second and other remedies suggested of uncoverin ;
the outlets in the drains themselves, &c. But now
the mellow experience of a famous Grape grower ha*
invented a simple instrument, which I have lately
seen at work on some of our best Vine-borders, which
reduces their testing and trying to something like
the simplicity and despatch of the tasting of cheese.
In fact it is founded on similar principles. A half
circular tube of steel is thrust into the cheese or
border to any desired depth, and turned round and
withdrawn witli a section of the contents fully ex-
posed for tasting, testing, and thorough complete
examination. The soil may then be returned to the
spot whence it was withdrawn, with the utmost
dispatch, and a minimum of disturbance to roots
or border. As the result of such examination I
found a heavy crop of late Grapes being slowly
flooded with running water in October. Also that
few of our first-class Grape-growers seem to believe
in dryness at the roots at the finish as a factor in the
development of the highest flavour, or the laying on
of the densest bloom. The inventor of this new test
f jr Vines or other fruit-tree borders, or other soils, is
the well-known Scottish Grape-grower, Mr. Alex-
ander Kirk, Norwood, Alloa, where I had the pleasure
of making its acquaintance. Mr. Kirk has pro-
visionally patented it, as it is sure to have a great
future in horticulture. It is simple and strong,
made of steel, has a strong cross-bar as a handle,
weighs about 12 lb., and is 4 feet in length.
In porous borders it can be pushed in by the force
of both hands ; in Btiffer soils, a wooden mallet
sends it down to the bottom of the border with a
few blows. A sharp wrench or turn of the cross-bar
in an upward direction, and the instrument, with its
unbroken segment of soil, is under inspection. The
inventor adds : the temperature of the border can
also be ascertained by placing a ground thermometer
in the sheath of the instrument. This is especially
important in early forcing. In the circular which I
enclose, by which you will see that this instrument is
only a guinea complete, the inventor, who writes with
special authority on such subjects, truly says, " That
one of the grand secrets in plant and Grape-growing
is to know when to give water, and when to withhold
it. As a rule Vine and Peach-borders are too often
dry at the bottom when least expected ; this will
cause Grape-shanking and Peach-dropping." Never
give a Vine-border a heavy drenching of water until
you have tested the soil with this instrument. Over-
watering or under-watering will lead to bad results.
The system of watering Vine-borders every ten or
twelve days is groping in the dark, and cannot be to >
Btrongly condemned. I may add, that other famous
Grape-growers, whom I have recently seen at home,
highly approve of this handy and efficient border-
tester. D. T. Fish, 12, Feltcs Row, Edinburgh.
SOME NEW FUCHSIAS.— That veteran Fuchsia
grower and raiser, Mr. James Lye, of Market Laving-
son, Wilts, although he has left his half century
home at Clyffe Hall, and has taken up his residence
at Easterton, near the same town, is still on the war-
path in his old operations. He exhibited splendid
plants at Bath recently, and has just sent me, to show
that he is still raising new ones, bunches of half-a-
dozen that exhibit very superior form, and must be
exceedingly floriferous. Mr. Lye has never worked
to obtain the huge flowers continental growers have
ssnt us — varieties that would be useless for exhibi-
tion or travelling. He has aimed to secure stout
sturdy growth, short jointed, and carrying in profusion
bloom that is very massive, and hangs well. Capa-
bility for good travelling is a special feature of Mr.
Lye's seedlings, and it is indeed a matter of no small
importance when plants have to be carried by road
or rail some 20 or 50 miles. For all ordinary bedding
purposes, these sturdy varieties are the very best also.
Clipper is a rich red, sepals well reflexed, corolla deep
claret-red. Snowdrop has large globular buds that
open fully, and expose a long petticoat of white
petals, barrel - shaped, and slightly Btreaked
red ; Mrs. Hobhouse is a handsome white, having a
long tube and broad sepals, with rosy-red corolla ;
W. H. Mould, white tube and sepals, which are long
and well reflexed, corolla cerise-red ; Eclipse, also
white, but more massive, with rosy-carmine corolla ;
and, finest of all perhaps, Jubilee, with massive tube
and wax-white sepals, with broad, rosy-red corolla.
A.D.
YEWS. — I have been much interested in the lead-
ing article on Yews which appeared in a recent issue
of the Oardcnera' Chronicle. I have here forty
different sorts planted side by side. Among them
are several seedlings, both green and variegated,
between the common and Irish Yew. One variegated
variety is more vigorous than the common Yew,
and it wilt make a very large tree. Another
variety is a great improvement on the present varie-
gated Irish, growing broader and of beautiful form.
William Paul, Waltliam. Cross.
New Invention.
A CONTRIVANCE FOR ELEVATING ORCHID-
POTS.
An exceediugly simple stand is sent us by Mr.
Wm, Murray, the skilful Orchid-grower to Norman
Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam-on-Tyne. It con-
sists of two metal rings of different sizes, and united
by three thin rods or pillars placed triangularly. The
smaller ring, of course, is placed at the top, and
the stand has therefore much the same shape as an
inverted pot, the base being largest. It differs, how-
ever, very widely from the pot, for it affords no
check to the circulation of air among and under the
plants. In a pot the air there accumulated must
become impure from comparative stagnation, and the
present stand is recommended as preventing this.
A plant upon such a stand would be practically sus-
pended. Moreover, these stands are likely to remain
clean a long time, and they wdl not break. Of
course, they can be had in any size or height. As a
plant-elevator, we consider it a capital one, and
theoretically it should possess decided advantages
over pots, although the latter have been used so Ion »,
and given such comparative satisfaction.
E. J. BAILLIE. — It is with great regret that we
have to announce the death of Mr. E. J. Baillie, so
long connected with the firm of Dicksong, of Chester.
Mr. Baillie died on Monday last. In our next issue
we hope to publish an account of his career, wh;ch
was one not of limited, but also of general usefulness.
MR. ISAAC DaviE8.— The death of Mr. Iaaoc
Davies, senior partner in the firm of Davies & Son,
nurserymen, Brook Lane, Ormskirk, took place on
Sunday, the 10th inst., at the ripe age of eighty five
years. The deceased belonged to the old school of
nurserymen, and carried on a very lucrative business
for many years at the above place. He was the
raiser of many good Azaleas and Rhododendrons,
Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, kc. Azaleas Daviefii and
A. Avalanche were of his production, as were Rhodo-
dendrons pra?cox,multiflorum, elegantissimum, and the
beautiful and fragrant Countess of Derby, Couutess of
Sefton, Lady Skelmersdale, Duchess of Sutherland,
Miss Davies, Mrs. James Shawe, and many hardy
varieties, such as R. Lothair, Monarch, Resplendent,
and La Brilliante. lie thoroughly believed in doing
things well, and was a good all-round plantsman.
A. 0.
Rev. C. S. P. PARISH.— The death occurred on
Monday of the Rev. Charles Samuel Pollock Parish, who
passed away in his sleep at his residence, Roughmoor,
Somerset, at the age of seventy-five years. Deceased,
who was a fine scholar, and was very much interested
in botany and the doings of the Somerset Archaeo-
logical Society, took his degree of B.A., at St.
Edmund's Hall, Oxford, in 1841. In 1852 he became
Indian chaplain at Moulmein, Burmah, and held that
position until 1876. Two years later he retired, and
held no further permanent duty. Mr. Parish was an
ardent Orchidist, making large collections in Burmah,
and was the discoverer of many new species, most of
which were described in these columns by the late
Professor Reichenbach. A Vanda, a Cypripedium,
and numerous other Orchids bear his name.
MRS. ThiSELTON-Dyer.— On the 13th inst., at
118, King Henry's Road, N.W., after a long illness,
Catherine Jane Thiselton-Dyer, widow of William
George Thiselton-Dyer, M.D., of 7, Berkeley St., W.
Societies.
ROYAL, HORTICULTURAL.
Second Day's Conference.
progress in vegetable cultivation during
queen victoria's reign.
(Continued from p. 277.)
October 8. —
Asparagus.
Until quite recently, English gardeners and their em-
ployers appeared to be quite satisfied with the kinds grown
when the Queen came to the throne, such as Giant and
Battersea; but the greater facilities for reaching the Con-
tinent have resulted in the desire to cultivate the sorts which
produce the massive sticks so well grown in France. The
most popular strain of the latter is the best selection of
Argenteuil ; and when the Euglish cook has learned to
imitate more closely the methods of the French chef, we
shall doubtless find as delicate and delicious Asparagus in
London restaurants as in those of Paris.
In like manner has the increased taste for Globe Arti-
chokes been formed, a delicacy which was seldom grown
fifty to sixty years ago.
The increased use also of Sugar Peas, Waxpod or Butter
Beans, Celeriac, Chicory, Endive, Cardoons, Egg-plants,
Silver or Seakalo Beet, and other kindred subjects, may be
traced to the same cause.
We do not appreciate all the ways of railway companies,
but they have undoubtedly been the moans of introducing
us to some of the more delicate and delicious vegetables of
the Continent.
Beet.
Salads are much more popular no w than sixty years ago,
and as Beet perhaps comes next in importance to the
Cucumber and Lettuce, the natural result has been a marked
improvement in the varieties grown. In the early days of
the Queen's reign, "Dwarf Red," "Largo Red," and
" Turnip-rooted," were the sorts in use. Seeing how difficult
it is to obtain seed which will produce absolutely uniform
results in colour of leaf, 4c, it was a happy idea on the part
of the seed-seller of thoso days to protect himself by labelling
the packets with such comprehensive names as "Large Red,"
"Dwarf Red," and "Turnip-rooted." It is quite certain
that oven now the former description would be very
applicable to strains frequently seen growing. In 1841,
" Whyte's Black" was introduced, a variety almost black in
the flesh, but inclined to be coarse in texture, as well as
strong In growth, and with considerable variation in the
colour of leaf. Notwithstanding these faults, it is still to
be found in nearly all see Mists, and presumably, therefore,
has its admirers. Of late years a large number of Improved
types of this class have been seen, and those who fancy
Beets with flesh almost black have no lack of choice.
Later introductions which remain popular were "Nut-
ting's Dwarf," " Tine-Apple," and "Doll's Black-leaved."
of the first and last various selections have been made,
resulting in unilorm and excellent types.
Within recent years "Cheltenham Greentop " has also
come to the front, although I understand it has long been
grown in the neighbourhood from which it takes its name.
It is an excellent Beet, although disliked by some on account
of the colour of the leaves. The " Turnip-rooted," so useful
for shallow soils, has undergone great improvement, the flat
type, called Egyptian, being almost superseded in English
gardens by the introduction in ISO! of our Globe, which is
as perfect in form and clean in growth as a Snowball Turnip.
Many types of Globe Beet have also been introduced from
America, but generally speaking, the colour of the flesh is
not up to the English standard.
A strange development in the leaves of the Beet has lately
been observed, and we may soon see in our flower gardens a
variety which pro luces a beautifully variegated foliage in
addition to a very fine well-flavoured root. A white Beet
called B.ossano was also grown in the thirties, but it never
l>ecame very popular. In recent years efforts have been
made to popularise a yellow-fleshed kind, but although I can
vouch for the excellent flavour of this Beet, the general
public do not appreciate it.
The Brassicas. — Cabbage.
First and foremost in point of general utility comes the
Cabbage. Although our forefathers had not so long a list of
names to select from as gardeners now have, there were
Beveral good Cabbages in 1837. Chief among these were
Early Battersea, Early York, Large York, Emperor, Sugar-
loaf, &c , names which still retain a place in all seed lists, and
are certainly valuable for spring sowing. It is reasonable to
suppose that the crops of those days suffered from "bolters,"
and with none but these and similar sorts to grow the proba -
bility is that an even bed of Spring Cabbage would be the
exception, as these sorts are peculiarly liable to bolt. Of
late years much has been done to avoid this tendency, and
we now have such Cabbages as Ellam's Early, Early Offen -
ham, Imperial, and our own Flower of Spring and Early
April, which when obtained true to name may be relied upon
in any season to form solid hearts without bolting.
The improvement in the Cabbage has been entirely due to
selection. The advent of the Nonpareil was a distinct gain to
horticulture. Amongst others Shaw of Newbury, did
much to make this Cabbage popular, and as it is one of the
best for spring sowing, it will be long before it ceases to be
grown. Enfield Market is popular where a large growing
2»o
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 189".
kind is required. Almost every market-gardening distiict
bas its own particular selection, as seen in The Raioham,
Higham, Evesham, East Ham, aud Fulham varieties.
Rapid strides have been made in the improvement of early
Cabbages for summer use, and although many of the earliest
are of Continental origin, we on this side can claim no
inconsiderable amount of credit on account of the careful
selection given to them. Earliest of All, Express, and their
kindred types of Cabbages which we could not now well do
without, but on account of their tendency to bolt they must
give place for August sowing to the sorts previously named.
The Hardy Green Colewort was introduced in 1852, and a
selection from it, Rosette Colewort, appeared a few years
later. These are very important crops for consumption
towards i e end of the year, and are delicious in flavour.
Red Cabbage* have been so far improved that instead of
relying on an August sowing for heads to use the following
summer and autumn they can now be obtained in the same
year by sowing in spring.
Savoy Cabbages, on account of the limited period in which
they are required for use, have not had so much attention
devoted to them, although it is now possible by the use of
recently introduced early and later kinds to extend the
supply from August to April if required.
Brussels Sprouts
amongst Brassicas stand second only to the Cabbage,
Broccoli and Cauliflower in importance. This plant was well
known in 1837, but since that time wonders have been
accomplished in its improvement by means of selection, and
we now have dwarf, medium, and tall varieties of great
excellence. Scrymger's Giant, Dalkeith, and Reading Ex-
hibition were among the earlier improvements, while the
Dalmeny and Albort Sprouts first offered about l?58-9, had
but a short-lived reputation.
A dwarf type originating on the Continent, and covered
with close firm buttons, has of late years given grand results,
the best known strain being the Dwarf Gem. As is well
known the sporting tendency of the Brassicas is responsible
for some very peculiar forms, and it is I think, not at all
unlikely that a Brussels Sprout with red buttons may
eventually have a place amongst our favourite vegetables.
Broccoli
were represented in the earlier days by [the Cape, Grange's
Autumn, Portsmouth, Sulphur, Dwarf Russian, Purple
Sprouting, and Knight's Protecting. In 1S43, that popular
sort, Snow's Winter White, was first offered, and although
various and inferior strains have been offered under this
name, it is safe to say that in many cases the seed now sold
is altogether superior to the original type. The following
year Walcheren, which perhaps should be classed amongst
the Cauliflowers, was brought to notice, and has done good
service. After this came Adams' Early, Wilcove Late White,
Dilcock's Bride, and White Sprouting. In later years,
Broccoli with heads of closer and whiter texture have
appeared, including Leamington (still one of the best), Per-
fection, and Late Queen. Great improvements have been
made in Purple Sprouting Broccoli by selection, and it is
now possible to grow threo distinct types, the earliest of
which is available for use at Christmas, tho ordinary type
following, and lastly a late selection of more compact growth
and better coloured sprouts. The hardiness ' hese strains
is an important feature, and their popularity mu-t
c mtinuo.
In the late Broccoli it has been difficult to retain lateness
without in some decree sacrificing colour and quality, but I
am pleased to note that a late Broccoli, which continues
good in quaHty longer than any variety with wbich I am
acquainted, and with heads which are in every way equal to
an autumn Cauliflower, is already in existence, and will cer-
tainly become deservedly popular. By these lata, as well as
the extra early selection*, there is now no difficulty in having
a succession of good Broccoli and Cauliflower throughout the
year.
Cauliflowers
are scarcely to be surptssed for delicacy of flavour when
properly cooked. Three types wore grown in 1837, the Early,
Late, and Asiatic. These were followed by the Stadtholder
and Walcheren, Snowball, Erfurt, and Autumn Giant. As
Cauliflower seed can seldom be successfully grown in England,
we are, of course, indebted chiefly to our Dutch, German, and
Italian specialists for most of the improvements made ; and
with the finest types of the Dwarf Erfurt section, such as
Snowball and First Crop at one end, and the early and late
selections of the Italian Giant varieties at the other, we can
extend the supply over a very much longer period than was
possible sixty years ago. A head of Cauliflower 36 to 38 inches
in circumference of perfect quality was a thing unheard of
n 1837, but it is by no means uncommon to-day.
Kales.
The great diversity in colour and form of this section of
the Brassicas at the present day would surprise any gardener
who knew only the few sorts existing at the commencement
of the Victorian era. The hardiness of this useful vegetable
has always been its most important feature, and it is to be
hoped that the newer selections will retain this essential
characteristic.
During the fifties Mr. Turnor introduced the hardy and
most useful Cottager's Kale, and it appears to increase in
avour. Mention must also be ma-le of tho Variegated Kale,
highly ornamental plant, as well as useful for cooking-pur-
poses. In mid winter the charming colours of the leaves
ender them invaluable for decorative purposes.
The Celeries of 1337
were the Italian, Red and White Solid, and Turnip-rooted,
and although at this date there are many superior sorts,
Celeries vary so little in character that there is less scope for
great improvement than in many other garden vegetables.
Much, however, has been done in improving the solidity and
flavour, and amongst the Reds may be noted Clayworth
Prize, AT, Standard Bearer, Sulham Prize, and Leicester
Rol, with Solid White and Wright's Grove White as the best
of the white section. Probably the most distinct variety of
English origin is White Gem, a small early sort of great
value.
Attempts have been made to popularise the continental self-
blanching sorts, but although they may be useful for soups,
they are practically of no value where tender fine-flavoured
Celery is prized, for except in appearance they differ but
little from unblanched English Celeries.
Carrot.
In Carrots the progress made has been as great as in other
vegetables during the period under review. Although there
were several varieties grown in the early years of the Queen's
reign, they were either very long, such as Altrincham and
Surrey, or of the horn section. Improvements on some of
these quickly appeared, James' Scarlet Intermediate at once
meeting with approval, and for market purposes this will
doubtless long continue to be grown. Our French neigh-
bours are adepts at the improvement of the Carrot, and the
English trade is indebted to them in this respect to a larger
extent perhaps than for any other vegetable. The Frencli
Forcing Horn and Nantes have met with warm approval, the
finest types of the latter being particularly free from the
objectionable yellow core existing in most soits. It is only
necessary to refer to the magnificent specimens of New Inter-
mediate and Early Gem, and similar varieties which are so
frequently seen on the exhibition table for evidence of the
great improvement whicli has been made in this popular
vegetable.
The Cl'Comeer
was represented by numerous sorts at the time of the acces-
sion of the Queen. Chief among them being Early Frame and
White and Black Spine, besides the so-called Long Prickly and
Short Prickly Ridge Cucumbers. Snow, Cu thill, Mills, and
Constantine were amongthe earliest improvers of this popular
esculent, and by 1842 many varieties were available.
Kelway's Victory and Phenomenon, Sion House, and
Victory of Bath appeared during the fifties, and a few years
later Berkshire Champion and Manchester Prize. It was
then that Thomas Loekie took the Cucumber in hand, and
Blue Gown (and its sport Tender-and-True), Royal Windsor,
and the deservedly popular Lockie's Perfection were the lead-
ing varieties raised by him. Meanwhile other sorts, including
Telegraph and Cardiff Castle, obtained a leading place, and it
will be a long time before Telegraph is superseded tor general
cultivation.
I have not enquired from the Messrs. Rochford how many
years the Rochford Cucumber has been in their family, but
it is probably more sought after by growers for market than
any other viriety. In recent years the palm for raising im-
proved varieties must certunly be given to Mr. Mortimer,
whose wonderful exhibits at the Drill Hall and elsewhere
have been greatly admired. Sutton's Al, Peerless, Progress,
and Matchless are results of his painstaking work.
Notwithstanding the almost endless varieties now pro-
curable, it is generally admitted that none of them supply
the ideal type required for cultivation on a large scale. For
productiveness no sort equals the best strain of Telegraph,
but the somewhat p de colour, especially when the plants are
bearing a heavy crop, lessens its value for market purposes ;
and if the council of the Royal Horticultural Society should
see their way to undertake a series of trials at Chiswick, I
would gladly offer a prize of £5 5». for tho seedling
Cucumber, raised since 1895, which shall combine the pro-
ductiveness and excellent form of Telegraph, with the dark
colour of Roehford's Cucumber.
The Leek
in 1S37 was represented in this country by tho common
and Flag typos, although it is on record that in the previous
year four Scotch Leeks were produced in Edinburgh with a
circumference of 9 inches or more. A Scotch gardener now
living informs mo thit although he came to England in
1854, it was several years before he saw Leeks grown here.
The Musselburgh was one of the first improved forms, fol-
lowed by Ayton Castle and Henry's Prize. Th ■ greatest
triumph, however, is found in The. Lyon, and the better
selections of this good variety, such as Prizetaker, appear
to present as perfect a form of Leek as it is possible to obtain
or desire.
In this connection maybe mentioned the excellent work
done by the Messrs. Dobbie, who have introduced one or
two very fine selections of Leek as well as of several other
vegetables.
Lettuce.
The number of varieties, both Cos and Cabbage, has won-
derfully increased during the past twenty years, and they
embrace many types and shades of colour.
In 1837 several of the leading varieties of the present day
were in use, including, amongst the Cabbage varieties, Brown
Dutch, Brown and White Silesian, Drumhead, Grand Admiral,
H tmmer.smith, and one or two others ; and in the Cos, White-
seeded and Black-seeded Bath, Florence, Green, White, and
Spotted.
By 1842 Paris White and Green were announced, and the
various selections of this type are among the beat Cos Let-
tuces at the present time. More recently a very large kind
of great pxcellence, named by my house Mammoth Cos, Ins
appeared, and is very popular. White Heart, intermediate in
colour between Paris White and Green, deserves a place a* a
popular introduction of recent years. With regard to Cabbage-
Lettuce, the number of varieties now available is extraordi-
nary. AU-the- Year- Round was amongst the first improve*
ments, and so good is it that it has been honoured with
several distinctive names. Wheeler's Turn Thumb, Veitch's
Perfect Gem, Standwell Green, and others are excellent kirn's
largely in use ; while more recently, Commodore Nutt,
Favourite, and Daniel's Continuity are improved types of
great merit, the two latter standing longer than other sorts
without running to seed.
Recently my house has introduced the Intermediate— a
variety resulting from a cross between the Cabbage and Cos
Lettuce, which is highly prized by many.
The Melon
has advanced during the past sixty years by leaps and
bounds. Every year witnesses the advent of new varieties,
and tho Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society
can testify to the constant succession of aspirants for
honours.
In 1837, gardeners depended upon the Cantaloup, Scarlet-
fleshed, Green-fleshed, Lord Sondes, and Queen Anne's
Pocket. Tn 1S42, Windsor Prize Green, and one or two
scarlet-fleshed kinds, were distributed. Ten years later,
Beechwood, Bromham Hall, Victory of Bath, and other
standard varieties were grown, followed at short intervals by
Scarlet Gem, Blenheim Orange, Hybrid Cashmere, Imperial
Green, Hero of Lockinge, the latter still retaining the first
place as the best Melon for frames. So easy is the culture
that it has acquired the reputation of being essentially the
amateur's Melon.
In connection with improvement in Melons, much good
work has been done by Mr. Owen Thomas of the Royal
Gardens, Mr. Wythes of Sion House, Mr. Chas. Ross, besides
many others. In 18<>4 we had the pleasure of introducing a
handsome white fleshed variety, raised by Mr. Thomas,
named Royal Favourite, and other noteworthy Melons have
also emanated from the Frogmore Gardens.
were represented sixty years ago by Blood Red, Deptford
Silver-skinned Globe, James Keeping, Lisbon, White and
Brown Spanish, Portugal, and some of the Tripoli varieties.
While most of the types have undergone more or less im-
provement, special attention has been given to the Spanish
class. The Reading was a valuable selection, and it was
followed by Improved Banbury, named after a town which
has long been popular for its Onions. The late Mr. Deverill
of that place introduced many fiuo types, such as Rousham
Park, The Wroxton, Anglo-Spanish, and others. Banbury
Cross, a comparatively recent introduction of fine quality,
also hailed from the same town.
The justly celebrated Ailsa Craig (with Cranston's Excel-
sior, a very similar Onion), has caused quite a revolution in
this vegetable. One celebrated grower last season exhibited
twelve specimens weighing no less than 37£ lb., an enor-
mous weight for this country, which would havo * tart led the
growers of the olden days who had to be contont with small
specimens weighing only a few ounces each.
Until quite recently it had not been possible to obtain soed
of tho Due Spanish Onions of the grocers' shops, and although
specimens grown in this country arc not often so large as
imported bulbs, some very tine Onions can be gro vn by sow-
ing the seed in beat in January and transplanting in April.
The Parsnip
has certdnly been much improved since the Guernsoy and
Hollow Crown were the only available sorts, although no
very great increase in the number of varieties cin be reported.
As late as 1852 the only one quoted in a leading seed list
was Hollow Crown. The Student, obtained by the late
Professor Buckman, by continual selection from the wild
Parsnip, and distributed by my house first in 1800, is still
regarded as a popular variety ; and has been singularly
successful at shows. Quality in a Parsnip is almost entirely
a matter of selection, and in that way the lino typos now in
cultivatio \ have been obtained. Carter's Maltese marked a
distinct advance, an! is still widely grown. Quite recently
at the Reading Show, where tho general opinion was that so
extensive and line a collection of v. gctables was never before
staged in competition, some of the collections contained
rematkablc specimens of a new variety called Tender-and-True.
This is cert duly distinct from other kinds, and possesses
quality which has not hitherto been reached in this vegetable.
Sl'INACK.
No great advance was made in this vegetable until a few
years ago, when the Victoria and other similar strains weie
Introduced. It is true that many varieties bearing conti-
nental names have been grown, some standing rather longer
than others before running to seed, but the difference wfis
only slight. With the advent of the Victoria, however, the
duration of the crop was greatly prolonged, and still more
recently this variety has been surpassed, and we now have
both in the round and prickly-seeded sections, strains of
Spinach which remain good weeks after others have gone t6
seed.
Time will not permit of my referring to Parsley, Rhubarb,
Vegetable-Marrow, and some othor vegetables, and I must
pass on to B
.The Tomato,
which has increased in popularity to a greater extent and
more rapidly than any other vegetable referred to in thi
paper.
October 23, 1897.]
TEE GARDENERS' CERONICLE.
297
A proof that it was not much cultivated in the early
years of Her Majesty's reign is shown by the fact that in a
wholesale list published in 1852 the only Tomato mentioned
is the common Red. It is within the last quarter of a
century that such an enormous impetus has Loen given to
ihe growth of Tomatos, in consequence of the more culti-
vated taste of the masses uf the people, and it is now fuund
io almost every garden from the cottager's upwards. The
Queen's gardener, Mr. Thomas, has identified himself with
its improvement, and Frogmore Prolific is one of the best
sorts grown at the present day.
The introduction of the Perfection type was the prelude to
that of many others, and now the number is legion. New
selections are plentiful enough, as our own trials of over
200 lots this year go to show. The question which is the
best Tomato admits of a multiplicity of varying answers.
To mention in detail anything like the whole of the varie-
ties which deserve notice would take up too much time, but
for earliest outdoor use, Conqueror, Earliest of All, and Early
Kuby, arc popular kinds. Fine shapely fruit«, and plenty of
them, arc produced by IficldGcm, Eclipse, Best of All, Duke
of York, and Ham Green Favourite ; and in yellow varieties,
Golden Nugget as a small-fruited kind, and Golden <^ucen
may be relied on to ripen early and produce good crops.
Strange developments, in which the fruit [seemingly] par-
takes of the character of the Peach, are observed in certain
kinds, and the crossing of the Peach-Tomato with Peifection
has resulted in some charming types, amongst the best of
which is one introduced by my house last year uuder the
name of Peaeh-blow. Certainly no gardener in is:i7 ever
dreamt of the fruits now commonly grown.
With white, yellow, pink, ruby, and scarlet kinds, not to
mention the varying sizes and shapes, there is a wide choice
for the most fastidious, both as regards external appearance
and flavour.
Garden Turnip.
A brief reference must bo made to the garden Turnip. In
the early dajs as many yellow as white varieties were
offered, although the demand for the former has certainly
not increased in proportion to that for the white-fleshed kind*.
Amongst the many improvements may be noticed Veitch's
Red Globe, Snowball, Dobbie's Model, and Go den Ball, while
the Red and White Milans are varieties which arrive at
maturity quicker than any other Turnip. These should not
be confused with their prototypes the Red and White Strap-
leaved, which have almost had their day.
Several important sorts have been imported from the
Continent in addition to the Milans, but much selection ant
improvement has been necessary to make them wor by of .»
place in English gardens.
POTATOfl.
It will obviously be impossible for me, at the close of this
lengthy paper, to attempt to describe at all adequately tho
improvements effected in the Potato during Her Majesty's
reign, and as I have already in my paper on " Potatos," pub-
lished in vol. xix., No. 3, of tho Journal of the Royal Horti*
cultural Society, dealt somewhat fully with this subject, I
must content myself now with the fewest possible remarks.
As long ago as 1S3G, Messrs. Peter Lawson & Sons published
descriptive list of 146 varieties, and amongst some 45 of
the principal of these I only find ono which is still culti-
vated, viz., the Early Ashleaf. There are, besides these,
some familiar names, such as Early Shaw and Dons, hut tho
remainder must have passed out of cultivation at least
twenty five years ago.
In 1S62, the old Walnut-leaf Kidney, Early Oxford, Forty-
fold, and York Regent wero grown— all sorts of r^.al merit in
their day, but now seldom met with. That excellent
Potato, Paterson's Victoria, was widely cultivated up till
1SSO, but it would be difficult now to find an aero of this
variety true to name. The fact that almost all these have
disappeared from sight does not of itself necessarily prova
that they were worthless, or even inferior to others grown
at the present time; for it is generally admitted that the
majority of Potatos will not maintain their fall vigour
of growth and constitution beyond a certain time, the
limit varying with each sort. This is not to be wondered
at when we remember th it each year's growth is but the
prolongation of the life of tho plant, which apparently
had completed its work when the haulm died the prece Ling
autumn.
At the same time, I have no doubt whatever, that even if
we could reproduce such favourite varieties as the Regent
Paterson's Victoria, &e., in all their former excellence, and
plant them by the side of the best Potatos of to-day, wo
should find very great progress had been made, not merely
in productiveness and power of withstanding disease, but
also in flavour— a point in which the older sorts are often
supposed to hav excelled. Besides this, wo have in Ring-
leader, Al, Early Puritan, <fcc., first-early sorts which are
"eady for use long before the so-called early Potatos of
twenty-five years ago, and also several seeond-earlies, such
as Beauty of Hebron, Supreme, and Windsor Castle, which
certainly were not equalled by any of the older varieties in
their own section. Whether these wdl still retain their good
qualities unimpaired twenty-five or fifty years hence, no one
can say. though in all probability, as they themselves are
instances of the survival of the fittest, in so far that they
were chosen from thousands of less promising seedlings —
several of them will doubtless greatly exceed the limit of
age reached by older sorts.
In the lite and miincrop section nothing has yet
approached the Magnum Bjinun in popularity, and it is
certainly at least as good now as when introduced by my
house twenty-one years ago. There are many other very
similar varieties, but on the closest scrutiny I have failed to
detect any point in which they differ from tho Magnum
Boiuim, and I have generally fuund when any difference has
been suggested that the sorts in (Question were not grown
alongside under the same conditions, or el e that the seed
had been obtained from different sources, a change of Beet]
often producing a marked contrast in two rows of the tame
variety.
1 must not leave the subject of Potatos without mentioning
such names as tho late James Paterson, Mr. Robert Fenn,
the late James Clark, and Mr. Archibald Findlay, all of
whom have devoted many years, if not a lifetime, to the
improvement of the "noble tuber," and to whom the whole
horticultural fraternity and the community at largo are so
greatly indebted.
We have now passed in review all the leading kind* of
vegetables, and I think, imperfect as this piper has been,
we must all feel that the progress in vegetable cultivation
during Her Majesty's reign has been little less than
marvellous.
What the progress in the next fifty or sixty years may
bo no one can foretell ; but on behalf ot the seed trade I can
only express the hope that it may be accompanied by a
corresponding decline in the demand for older and inferior
sorts, for tho labour and anxiety of keeping the rapidly
increasing number of varieties true to name is such as none
but those acquainted with the details of seed growing can
for a moment conceive.
The Discussion.
Mr. Sherwood said, having boon In the wholesale seed-
trade for forty years, he had followed the reading of the
paper with great interest, and he bore testimony to the
excellent manner in which Mr. Sutton had handled his sub-
ject. It might perhaps be asking Mr. Sutton to disclose
trade secrets, but it would have been interesting to know the
difference between the volume of trade done by Mr. Sutton's
firm sixty years ago and the present time. For his own
part, he thought they would all be astounded at the extra-
ordinary demand that had sprung up for seeds during tho
past sixty years. That showed that the people nut only
wanted good vegetables, but plonty of them.
Mr. George Bunyard said he could go "one better " than
Mr. Sherwood, as he had been connected with the retail seed
trade for forty-two years. For that reason he had followed
the paper with more than ordinary interest, as he con-
sidered it astonishing that Mr. Sutton had been able to
rake up all those old varieties which had long .since
been discarded. With regard to the garden Pea, Mr. Sutton
said of the Ne Plus Ultra:— "Of its class, as a tall late
Marrow Pea, it is doubtful if any latter introduction has ever
shown, comparatively, a greater advance on previous kinds."
He would say that in the Alfred the Great they had got all
the qualities of tho No Plus Ultra, with two or three more
Peas in the pod and a more vigorous growth. Mr. Sutton
had spoken of tho difficulty of selection after Peas had
been hybridised. He (Mr. Bunyard) knew that many
gooi Peas had been utterly lost because people got tired
of following up the selection. As to the old Peas.
the increase in length of pod combined with shortness of
haulm in the Woodford Marrow, had been marvellous. Great
progress, indeed, had been made in the cultivation of all
Peas, especially in preserving them during a hot dry
summer. Ah to Runner Beans, a most remarkable thing
had happened through hybrid satlon, In many cases if
white seeds were sown, they reverted to their original form ;
and if red seeds were sown, they reverted to white,
slowing, he imagined, their hybrid character. With regard
to Red Cabbage, very few people understand how excellent
they are} when cooked. It was a most delicious vegetable.
True, its colour is somewhat objectionable, but anyone who
had once tried it would be quite willing to overlook that point ;
it, of course, required a considerable amount of cooking As
u general rule, he would discountenance things being over-
grown. The true test of a vegetable lay in the hands
of tho cook, and the smaller the vegetable the
more likely it was to get cooked right through. In dealing
with Tomatos he noticed that Mr. Sutton had omitted the
Conference Tomato, raised in connection with the Chiswiek
Conference some years back. Ho would like to bear testi-
mony to the marvellous work done by Messrs. Sutton in
regard to the Potato; but he could not help thinking that
one greit mistake had been made in sacrificing, in many
ca-es, good flavour for a big crop. The Windsor Castle
was one of Messrs. Sutton's triumphs, being one of
the finest Potatos over grown. They owed a debt of gratitude to
the Americans for introducing tho Early Rose ; but, taking
things all round, he thought there was no Potato for field or
garden culture equal to the Beauty of Hebron and tho
Puritan. Turning to another view of the question, Mr.
Bunyard spoke of the false policy of buying cheap vege*
tables, characterising it as the greatest folly that could
be perpetrated. He constantly saw vegetables adver-
tised for sale which could not be grown for the money.
Very few people had any idea of the great care and attention
necessary in making a proper selection, not after the first
or second attempts, but after a lapse of years. There was
a tendency on the part of all vegetable! to revert to some
former type, and that required the greatest watchiog. He
would, therefore, counsel people not to buy cheap seeds at
any price. In conclusion, he said that Mr. Sutton had
omitted to mention that great Potato-raiser, their frienl Mr.
Chas. Ross, of Welford Park Gardens.
Mr. Fyffo, of Messrs. Dobbie, said that many Peas wero
sent to Chiswiek without any definition, and he would sug-
5,esh that in the next year's publication of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, people should be asked to send in proper
descriptions, so that the Superintendent could have the
older varieties grown side by side with the new. That would
be only a fair test.
The chairman said there was one tendency at the present
day which ought to be cheeked, and that was allowing old
friends to appear under different names. At Chiswiek they
had some thirty varieties of Biet sent under different
names, but upon examination there were found to be only
live different sorts. As to new Melons, at leatt nineteen
out of twenty that came before them were worse than their
parents.
Mr. Sutton, in reply, said much valuable work was doi.e at
Chiswiek, but trials to be of value should be greatly extended.
It would be better to have a Pea trial once every four or five
years, and to do it exhaustively, than to but half do the work
year by year. With regard to the Conference Tomato, it was
one of the very finost types. As to the Potato, it was
necessary to have a good crop, but they should also be deter-
mined to have the finest quality possible.
Third Day's Conference,
culti vation for market during her majesty's
REIGN.
Mr. Wm. Marshall, chairrnanof the Floral Committee of the
Royal Horticultural SoJety, presided at the third day's Con-
ference, when Mr. Assbcc, superintendent of Covent Garden
Market, read a paper on ihe above subject. Mr. Assbee said
the Jubilee year had led to many interesting comparisons
between the state of things existing at the present time and
sixty years ago ; and the annual show and gathering of
the Royal Horticultural Society seemed a most suitable
opportunity for reviewing the gardener's work during that
period. He then traced the history of the growth of the
garden from the commencement of history, remarking that
originally they must suppose that every man was his own
gardener. As the world became peopled, towns sprung into
existence, and with these the market gardens, which supplied
the wants of the community. Further great changes were
brought about by the introduction of steam, which had alto-
gether altered tho conditions of life. The market gardener,
driven from his suburban holdings at Batters-ea, Chelsea,
Peekham, Deptford, and elsewhere, had to seek for fr.sh
fields. The writer then gave an interesting description of the
old-fashioned gardener, who religiously refused to depart from
the hard and fast rules laid down by his forefa'bers, and pro-
ceeded to deal with the modern aspect of affairs. Dividing
his paper into three main heads — vegetables, fruits, and
flowers -he said, with regard to vegetables, that the cultural
details of sixty years ago, with very few exceptions, remained
the standard of the present high perfection, it was in the
direction of earlier and improved varieties, and increa&e in
quantities rather than in methods of culture, that com-
parisons would most tell. The cultivation of the Asparagus
had shown the most remarkable progress. Many thousands
Of acres of this wholesome spring delicacy had been laid
down. In the Worcester district alone there were 4000acres,
each acre producing 40.000 sticks, or 400 bundles.
Celery
exhibited another example of extended cultivation; and
with regard to Peas, tho most important summer vegetable,
great strides had been made, especially in the Estex
district, which had been fostered by the Great Eastern
Railway.
Onions.
The introduction of the Spanish Onion had had a con-
siderable effec1-, on the improvement of varieties. In 1896
over f..o0it,000 bushels of Oih'olb were imported into this
country, so that it could not be considered that wc wero
oveibuidened wilh our home supply of Onions.
Potatos.
The number of acres in cultivation in Great Britain in 1S96"
was 568,741, representing 3,562,285 tons. Lincoln was the
largest Potato-growing county, possessing 57,638 acres, and
growing 400,709,tons bat year; Yorkshire had 51,495 acres,
yielding 326,849 tone. On one day last season 1100 truck-
loads of Potatos arrived at the Great Northern deprt. There
was still a very large importation of early Potatos from the
Canary Islands, Jersey, and Holland, valued at about
£1,000,000.
Broccoli and Cauliflowers.
Coming to these valuable vegetables, a large quantity of
Cauliflower was imported from Italy. Of the English
varieties, Veitch's Autumn Giant was the best, and its
popularity was largely due to its coming in at the begiuning
ol autumn.
Hm BARB.
The present system of forcing was better than the old
methods. In the season, 30 tons were brought into the
London market in a day. In the United Kingdom there
were 32,00f',COO square ft et of glass used for the forcing of
735 acres of Rhubarb, and the glasshouses, if they were 15
wide, and placed end on end, would reach 400 miles. After the
Rhubarb had been pulled, the roots could be returned to the
open ground for recuperation.
Sea kale
is largely cultivated|now ; and as |to Mushiooms, these re-
quired watchful supervision, with possibly much disappoint-
ment before success could be gained.
Salads,
except for Mustard-and-Cress, we were almost entirely in
the hands of the French producer for our early supply. He
298
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
looked forward, however, to a cheapening of glasshouse
materials and frames to enable us to compete with the
foreign and Channel Islands' producers.
Fruits.
Fruits came next, and the speaker said that Kent deserved
Its title— "The Garden of England." With respect to
Apples, the English producer was brought face to face with
the American producer, and varieties should be grown for
selling in the English market before the American fruit could
arrive. The best market Apples were, Cox's Orange and
Blenheim Orange Pippins, Lane's Prince Albert and Nor-
thern Greening. As to Pears, the best were Williams'
Bon Chretien, Pitmaston Duchess, Hessle, Louise Bonne,
Catillac, and Winter Nelis. The best Plum was appro-
priately named Victoria, and Rivers' Early was a most
valuable market variety. As to Dutch Plums, these
were not in it as to quality with the English Plum,
and the French Plum was over before ours was ready
Passing from Cherries, which were largely grown in Kent,
the writer said that the Cornish and Southampton fields had
done much to drive away the French Strawberry, aud these
were being assisted by the South Western Railway Company.
British Queen Strawberry had no equal, but its cultivation
was difficult. Sir Joseph Paxton was a good packer and a
brisk flavoured variety, Sir Charles Napier was too soft, The
President was a good old midsummer fruit, but the Royal
Sovereign was the best of the newer varieties. Currants,
both black and white, should be more largely grown. The
Raspberry, a fruit that is much grown in the fields in Kent,
acd elsewhere, was a difficult crop to handle, and more
Raspberries seemed to go into the jam factories than into
the market.
Foreign Imports.
Of small fruits which can be grown hi this country enor-
mous quantities were imported. In 1890, 6,177 l!»3 bushels
of Apples came from abroad, valued at £1, ,000, 000. Of Pears
there were imported 483,823 bushels, valued at £200 674 ;
560,246 bushels of Plums, valued at £241,782 ; 219,307 bushels
of Cherries, valued at £105,240, or a total of 18,041,871 bushels
of raw fruit, representing a value of £5,540,009, or an
Increase of £2,000,000 since 1871. He believed that if we
could depend upon our climate, or had sufficient capital to
enable us to wait on effort &o as to extend our fruit culture,
we should be amply rewarded ; but the uncertainty of our
climate was very much against extended fruit culture.
Mr. Assbee then displayed a box containing three dozen
Californian Pears, and some Califomian Plums, which he
said were excellent in quality, but he doubted whether they
could be put on ,the market at popular prices. He then
advocated more effective methods of carrying on their work
on a large scale, and alluded to the great efforts that had
been made at Worthing, where there were now 050 glass-
houses rated as agricultural land, and paying as such £8500
a year. If they took Covent Garden as a centre, a radius of
fifteen miles would include most of the glass-houses in the
country. The Lee Valley contained the most, and next came
the Thames Valley, and Finchley, and then Bexley and
Swanley in the more remote district*.
CUC'UMBKR.
The present system of cultivation has had the effect of
driving the Dutch article from the market, and if people
only understood the value of this as a vegetable as well as a
salad, its consumption would be very much greater. Mr.
Assbee next dealt with
Flowers.
He said nothing so much marked the advance of our work-
ing and middle classes in material progress, and in improve!
tnd refined taste, as their increased expenditure on flowers.
In all conditions of life, and under all circumstances, this
was seen, and flowers were now shedding their delicious per-
fume everywhere. Millions of potted flowers were sold
annually ; the trade in cut blooms was increasing enor-
mously, and in this matter the English grower stood
unrivalled. The trade in the Narcissus from the Scilly Isles
had grown tremendously since 1885, and during the season
It was not an uncommon thing to see 1000 boxes of these
flowers arrive at the London market in one day. Cut
flowers added to the pleasures of life, and their growers
might on that account alone take a high standing among
their fellow citizens.
In conclusion, Mr. Assbee aaid there was no doubt
that the industry would increase, but here he would
say a word of caution. The agricultural crisis through
which we were passing had been due not only to the
decrease in the values of produce brought about by
foreign competition, but partly to fictitious value attached
to farms through the competition of the retired mercantile
man and other capitalists, who regarded farming as a
healthy and a profitable investment for their capital. He
saw signs of a similar feeling with reference to market-
gardens and cultivation under glass ; and although there
was still room for further extension, he felt it his duty to
advise a cautious policy and a due acquaintance with the
details of the work before entering upon any rash outlay
which might lead to loss and disappointment.
The Discussion.
Mr. Roupell expressed the pleasure with which he hal
listened to the paper, and he considered its g.asp something
wonderful. It gave evidence of verygreatreseaich. Therewas,
however, one omission, and that was, the paper contained no
allusion to the invasion from the Antipodes. Tasmania, aud
the other Australasian colonies, were preparing to extend
their cultivation of fruit, and a list had already been supplied
of what the former country was able to do. He had had
from the colony of Victoria a very handsome offer, if he could
introduce to the colony a good dessert Apple, which could
be put on the London market early. He had suggested one
or two names, but our early varieties were not adapted for
keeping. The sample sent out should he a good early Apple,
and most pleasant to eat when taken from the tree. It
should therefore be an Apple with some of the character of
the King of Pippins, or the new Allington Pippin, that
should meet the want. He was convinced that the supply
of a good Apple created a demand, and that people when
they bad been accustomed to pay Ad. and 6d. a lb. for
good Australian fruit, would not hesitate to pay a better
price than they had been in the habit of paying for good
English fruit later in the season. For that reason he should
look with hope rather than despair to the prospect of our
having Australia to compete with us. He was sometimes
amused by the remarks made by amateurs and gardeners in
the horticultural press, as to the high quality of their produce.
He wished those writers ^could 'pay a visit to the establish-
ments of P. Kay, Ladds, or Rochford. Such a visit would take
the conceit out of them. He had visited the establishment
of Peter Kay, and was astonished at the Grapes, the bunches
being as big as horse's heads. He thought the Royal Horti-
cultural Society might yet do a great deal for market-
growers, by encouraging them, and giving facilities for
exhibiting their produce at the fortnightly and annual shows.
Mr. George Buuyard said, "Mr. Assbee had advised a large
increase in the plantation of Currants. Unfortunately,
during the last few years a dire calamity had seized the
black Currants, and the mite Phytopus had increased to such
an enormous extent, that large plantations had to he entirely
given up. Red Currants were, no doubt, very useful, but
the importation of a large quantity of cheap wines had almost
done away with that old English beverage, the Currant-wine.
With regard to the black Currant, the trouble was that
1 hey had not been able to find anything that would
kill the mite without killing the trees. As much young
wood as possible should be kept on the plant. Much
discredit had been cast upon this wonderful industry of
fruit-growing by amateurs and others who made grievous
mistakes in their methods of treatment, and did not forget
to air their opinions ia the gardening and daily papers.
There was no risk if people would take a wise view of
the question. A man should not put all his eggs in one
basket, and he would find his profits remunerative. A good
haul should not be expected every year. He suggested that
farmers and fruit growers should combine more than they
did for mutual protection and mutual benefit in fighting the
excessive competition on the part of continental growers.
As to Peaches, there was no doubt that the large sizes would
always produce fine prices, but they should be sent to market
In the bsst condition, and it would pay any grower better to
keep his rubbish at home rather than put it upon any
market. With regard to pot-flowers, the Jubilee had
seriously interfered with their sale. A fever of patriotism
came over the people who would only buy red, white, and
blue kinds, and he had a great number of pots on his hands,
which in other years were always sold out.
Mr. Assbee, replying to a hearty vote of thanks, said the
Australian fruit did not touch our Apples, as their seasons in
no way clashed. With reference to the Californian fruit on
the table, it was grown by Mr. A. Block. Californian Pears
could be sold in the London markets two weeks after thoy
left the trees. The cost of transit for the box before then
was 4*., and the cases of Pears (about three do«en), could
be sold for between 8s. and 125. per case.
The Chairman did not think the Pears' keeping quality
was very good. One day, when opened, they were green,
the next day they were fit to eat, and he supposed on the
following day they would be rotten,
Mr. Assbee said all Pears were liable to rapid deterioration.
The Conference then ended.
Scientific Committee.
October 12.— Present : Dr. M, T. Masters (in the chair) ;
H. J. Veitch, Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. Russell, and tin Rev. G.
Henslow, Hon. Sec.
Acorn Cups Malformed, — Mr. French of Felstead sent speci-
mens of this not uncommon phenomenon. It appears to be
due to an arrest of the flower, probably by some insect
attack, when the scales of the cup become enlarged and free,
as in the Artichoke gall.
Jlfehms Diseased. —Specimens were received from Mr. J.
Fraser Smith, of the Gardens, Cullen House, N.B., who
writes as follows ;-" The disease attacked my crop last
year, and has done so again this, in both a sudden and deadly
manner. An entire crop of twenty plants has perished in a
few days. The disease first shows a spot on the leaf, then a
part of the stem gets affected, and in two or three days the
whole plant collapses. It is only at a certain time of the
year, for the first crop in both years, which was grown in
the same house, finished without any signs of it— i.e., about
the early part of August ; while the second crop, about half-
grown on the opposite side of the path, has all gone, as
also a later batch planted on the same side as the first
ones. Out of thirteen plants ten went off in one day.
Two young Cucumber plants have also died in the
same way, after tbey were 4 feet high." The fjllowing
report has been received from Mr. Massee, of Kew : — "The
Melon disease is caused by Scolecotrichum nielophthorum,
Prill., a parasitic fungus. The disease is common in France,
but I am not aware of its having previously been observed in
Britain. Burn all diseased plants, for if they be allowed to
rot on the ground, a recurrence of the disease would be
almost cei-tain next season. Under any circumstances, it
would be advisable not to use the same ground for Melon-
growing for at least two years, as the fungus-spores are
probably abundant in the soil."
Parrot Tulips Seeding.— "Mr. Wilks brought ripe pods and
se ds of this variety, which he had crossed with the pollen
from other kinds of Tulips growing in his garden. It had
been stated by growers that the Parrot Tulip had not buen
known to bear seed at all, and Mr. Henslow observed that of
some bulbs receive! from Mr. Barr, in every case the pistil
was abortive. It is proposed to raise plants from the seed
thus obtdned.
Abies bract eat •< Cones, — Fine specimens were received from
Mr. A. Harding, The Gardens, Orton Longueville, Peter-
bo ro'. They were borne by one jf the finest specimens of
this species in England. The tree is a native of South Cali-
fornia, growing in Santa Lucia, and is in danger of becoming
extinct. The cone3 are remarkable for their long lineal
bracts.
Cedrela toon a Fasciated.— A remarkable specimen, con-
sisting of a spirally-coiled, flattened branch, two of the coils
being welded together, was exhibited by Dr. Masters. The
specimen came from Dr. Franceschi, Santa Barbara, South
California.
AbUs balsamea. — A specimen was received from Mr.
Noble of a young plant which had developed a globular
tuber-like excrescence below the soil. Similar cases had
occurred some years ago in the same grounds, but the cause
is not traceable at the present s-ate of growth, though it
may possibly be due to some injury by insects at a very
early stage.
Juniper Berries, Gymnospermous. — Dr. Masters exhibited
some berries of the common Juniper, received from Dr.
Schroter, of Zurich, remarkable for the three coherent bracts
not having become fleshy enough to close in upon the seeds,
so that the latter remained visible, free, and strictly "gym-
nospermous," as in the previous condition of the ovules.
Trapa nutans, fruit. — He also showed specimens of the
Water Chestnut from the Lago di Muxzano near Lugano,
having four knobs upon them, which do not occur on the
ordin-try form of this fruit. Specimens of another variety,
var. Verbanensis, were shown from the Lago Maggiore.
Spruce Fir-cone, var. —He also showed cones of a variety of
Picea Excelsa having smooth-rounded scales, instead of the
usual form. Dr. Schroter, who gathered it from Switzerlmd,
referred it to Picea medioxima ; but Dr. Masters observed
that this variety is a dwarf alpine or arctic species, and
regarded the specimen as a variety only of the Spruce.
Antkurivm Spathe, Monstrous. — Colonel Beddome sent a
specimen having three spathes, and the spadix commencing
to branch, exhibiting a semi-proliferous condition.
Plants Exhibited. M. Lemoine sent a spray of Tamarix
kasbgurica, interesting as being a late- flowering species,
from Central Asia ; Panax sessiliflorum, with large, dense
bunche.- of black berries, probably from Japan ; the Begonia
odorant having a delicate but very evanescent odour Of
lemon, and doable and semi-double sports of B. semper-
florens.
Galls on Roots of Oak. — Mr. Wilks brought remarkable galls,
forming a 1 irge mass on the roots of Oak or Chestnut. They
are also found on the roots of the Deodar. The galls are
polygonal and wedge-like, so firming together a globular
cluster about the root. They are produced by Cynips ap'era
(sec Gardeners' Chronicle, 184 1, p. 732, and 1874),
DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'.
< )< toher l:j. — The first paper of the present session, given
on the above date, was one on "The Qualifications and
Duties of a Gardener," the essayist being Mr. J. Mayne, gr.
to the Hon. Mark Roi.r.rc, Bicton, Devon.
To be a thoroughly qualified and competent gardener, said
the essayist, the youth who chooses this profession should
begin at the beginning. There was a desire to begin under
glass, which was a mistake, as the kitchen garden was the
proper place in which to lay a foundation of the practical
knowledge every all-round gardener should have. After two
years he might be moved into the flower garden for twelve or
eighteen months, and then to the various departments under
glass, say not less than one year with the y>\ tuts, and another in
the fruit department. His spare hours should be mostly spent
in reading gardening books and magazines to extend his know-
ledge, and in recording in a diary the operations he has been
engaged in during the day. Such a record, for purposes of
reference, would be found of great service in after years, and,
if kept up, would show the approximate dates for
doing certain kinds of garden work, as sowing seeds,
pruning, fruit-gathering, planting, transplanting, and other
duties incidental to the different seasons of the year.
His experience as a journeyman, if ho attends to his duties,
and takes an interest in his work, will soon qualify him for
a foreman's placj. As a foreman, he should mike himself
competent to take the head- gardener's place in the absence
of the latter through sickness or any other cause.
As a head -gardener, punctuality as regards hours of begin*
ning and ceasing work, unless in times of pressure, should
never be departed from. Discipline among those under him,
consideration for them, impartial treatment, full control, and
the determination to lead, rather than be led, should anim ite
every gardener who wants to be in the front ranks of the
gardening profession. The head gardener should, as far as
Ociober 23, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
299
practicable, do the thinning of fruit himself ; Grapes, of
course, excepted, in la-ge establishments, where it would be
obviously impracticable. He should do the packing, or, at
least superintend it when fruit or flowers may have to be
sent to the owner at a distance. Ho should cultivate tho
art of decoration, acquire skill in laying-out ground. He
ought to make himself acquainted with the various methods
of heating garden structures. He should make a point of
daily practice to inspect the houses to ascertain the tempe-
rature the first thing in the morning and last thing at
night during the win'er and spring.
Mr. Mayne advocated moving about to various parts of the
country when young, and he thought that two years was
long enough in one pi ice as foreman or journeyman under
ordinary circumstances, and that a change to another place
in another county was an advantage. One of the chief re-
quirements in a head gardener was to study the likes and
dislikes of his employers in what the garden produced,
studying to have abundance and succession of those things
most required and appreciated.
The paper was carefully prepared, comprehensive, and
practical ; and at the close, an interesting and useful dis-
cussion, opened by Mr. Blade, gardener to Lord Poltimoro,
followed. The usual votes of thanks closed the meeting.
FUNGUS FORAYS, 1897.
Those who remember the past in connection with these
annual excursions, cannot help, in this eventfulyear, recurring
to the period when the fungus hunters were most numerous,
and the forays at their be=t, when the Woolhope Club was
in all its glory under tbe genial influence of the late Dr. Bull,
and when the crops of fungi wore so large, that now-a-days
they would seem to be phenomenal.
For some years past there have been comparatively few
fungi, and a much reduced number of hunters. One by one
the old mycologists have departed from this to a happier
hunting-ground, and the few who remember tho "good
old times " are sad in the remembrance. This year, so far as
our experience goes, there has been evidence of a partial
return to the prodigality of the past. More fungi have
made their appearance in tho woods ; the weather has been
delightful for the forays, but the novelties hive been few or
none.
The West Kent Natural History Society held its annual
Cryptogamie Field Meeting on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 2,
passing along the old route from Orpington to Saint Paul's
Cray Common and Chislehurst. The attendance was better
than for the past year 'or two, and the number of species
collected somewhat increised, whilst the number of in-
dividuals has not been exceeded for mvny years. There were
no novelties to be recorded, but amongst those who attended,
there appeared to he a reviving interest, which was some-
what stimulated after tea by a practical demonstration,
which the writer of this notice was requested to give. From
the specimens on the table, the general structure of the
larger kinds was indicated, and the principal features requi-
si e to be borne in mind in the discrimination of species.
Unfortunately, the influence of ono hour of such teaching
once a year, is liable sojn to pass away.
The Es-ex Field Club held its annual Cryptogamie meet-
ngin Epping Forest on Saturday, October 10 ; aDd. although
*t was a fortnight later than it should h ive been to have
achieved its greatest success, it was eminently sitisfactory.
t is an unfortunate circumstance that of late y ears the Foray
of this Club has been fixed at too late a data. The Wool-
hope Club almost invariably selected the first week iu
October, and experience has proved that — one year with
another— this time is the best. On the present occasion the
greater part of the day was devoted to collecting ; but, as
the spoils did not arrive at head-quarters until dusk, and
within half-an-hour of the important functiou of tea drinking,
it will not be surprising to learn that nearly all the collec-
tions remained in the baskets, or were piled in picturesque
heaps upon the tables. Under these circumstances, no un-
happy referee could do anything towards hrran^ement, or
the discrimination of species, so that, from a scientific
aspect, the 1 ibour of the day was " love's labour lust."
The same remark applies here as was recorded above, th\t
fungi were far more numerous than they had been for years,
but there was no opportunity for ascertaining whether the
various baskets contained anything new or rare. We recog-
nised, however, Amanita nitida, which was first found at
Epping some years ago, and Boletus duriusculus, which is
rare everywhere. By favour of Mr. and Mis. Johnson, the
headquarters of this meatiug was Warren Hill, where
upwards of a hundred foragers were kindly welcomed to
" high tea." During the evening the usual meeting was
held, and the conductors were calle 1 upon to report, which,
on account of the circumstance above noted, they were
unable to do with satisfaction to themselves or the
club. Subsequently, Dr. M. C. Cooke was called
upon to read a paper on "British Mycology DuriDg
Sixty Years." This history c »mmcnced with the publica-
tion of "Berkeley's Fungi " in Hooker's Flora Supplement,
and ended with the Jubilee year. It was shown h>w the
number of recorded species hai increased, with some
attempt t> determine the causes of this increase. And, as of
more real importiuce, it was suggested how the knowledge
of structure, diffusion, and life-history had gradually in-
creased and was still increasing, so that not only a greater
number of species hid been recorded than hid ever been
recorded before, but we hai a more intimate knowledge of
the possibilities of fungoid life than was even suspected
half a century ago.
After the reading of this paper, the Chairman and
several of tho speakers thereupon alluded in laudatory and
flattering term3 to the great influence which tho writer of
tho paper had himself exerted on the progress of British
mycology. M. C. C,
EDINBURGH FIELD NATURALISTS
AND MICROSCOPICAL.
The annual fungus foray of this Society took place ou
Saturday, October 2, in Newbattle Woods, near Dalkeith,
under the leadership of the Secretary. The Marquess of
Lothian kindly granted permission to the mombers for
this purpose, and sixty-live species of the larger fungi were
collected by twenty members in less ttian two hours.
Among the Agarics collected may be mentioned A.
(Mycena) purus and galericulatus, Hygrophorus puniceus.
Marasmius pronatus, Paxillus Involutus, and giganteus.
Immense and numerous clusters of the wood parasite,
Armillarea mellea, were observed; the goiera Coprinus
Lactariua and Russula being us usual well represented.
Polyporua sulfureus and P. lentus were gathered, but not a
single Boletus was found in the woods. Specimens of Hyd-
num repandum were collected, and several species of Clavaria
and Lycoperdon ; and among the larger Pozize, P. badia was
found.
On S.iturday, October 16, a Cryptogamie excursion by the
same society was held in R osliu and Folton Glens, under the
guidance of Dr. Watson and the Secretary. The Cryptogamie
flora of thesj localities was examin ed, and among the mosses
collected were Hookeria kete-virens, Tetradou pellueida,
aud Neckera complana ta, all in fruit ; and of the less com-
mon fungi, Fistulina hepatica, Phallus impudicus, and
Cratcrcllus cornucopioides were obtained.
W$mwwv&'*ii
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Kahr. for the period
named: and this combined result is expressed in May.
decrees— a "Day-degree" signifying r continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.)
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
Six.
J- to
^3 a
?i
*3*
Accum
DLATED.
a
,3 ■
**&
ii
s. -.
1-
r.
CO
^*
=
1
u
L
r. -
-
8
5
03
Q
£ S c-
<u -
> <3
O 0)
s .
2., 33
— -
o
<
z
--' s
o
«
,-JL
s% -
^* _ at
<o g a
> S c
r = 30
* B 1
111
±l
o
Mrf
b >■
31
«-. cd
6
*
U
c
'7.
In
3
8
1 1
o -
- -
a -
i|
o
CM
o 3
O ID
a d
3.2
o
P4
Day.
Day-
Day- Day-
lOtlis
deg.
deg.
deg. deg.
Inch.
Ins.
0
i -
23
13
+ 134 0 aver
5 +
181
34-3
19
29
1
■i -
i3
L5
- 13 + 24
1 +
16.'.
23 0
31
33
2
2 _
41
6
+ SS - 75
4 +
147
20 0
38
35
3
> aver
52
0
+ 118 - 1.4
5 -
142
19-1
32
39
4
i aver
47
0
4- 55 - 113
0 aver
111
22-2
27
37
5
2 4-
n
0
+ 194 - 1S3
5 -
135
217
30
40
6
2 -
31
6
+ 43 - 16
5 +
177
35 1
33
33
7
0 aver
51
0
4- 106 - 95 4 +
164
27-4
21
35
S
2 +
72
0
+ 203 - 1411
1 -
1ft'
341
21
40
9
1 -
36
1
- 12 -(- 6
9 +
190
325
25
31
10
1 +
01
0
+ 121 - 01 n +
178
35'9
29
33
2 +
!>7
0
+ 311 - 80 2 +
1 1
178
2S7
21
42
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts—
1, Scotland. E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England. E. ;
4, Midland Counties; 5, England, including London. 8.
Principal Grazing, dc, Districts— 6, Scotland. W. •
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
Trafalgar- Day Decorations.— As we go to
press, Trafalgar Square presents a very animated
appearance, being thronged with visitors. Under the
auspices of the Navy League, Nelson's Monument
has again been decorated, rather less lavishly than
last year, but with taste and appropriateness. A
large crown girds the column at about half its
height. The crowa weighs about 8 cwt., and is 6 feet
in height. It is supported by an iron band, from
which depend four gal-lands of Laurels, each about
60 yards in length, which entwine the column,
also the lions, and thence to the ground. There
are four exceedingly largo wreaths of Laurel from
various branches of the Navy League, and about the
plinth of the monument there are festoons of ever-
greens, principally Laurel. The display of floral
wreaths is uot large, and the flowers used consist of
Chrysanthemums, Richardias, white Carnations,
Tuberoses, and little beside these. A very large
anchor presented by the proprietors of The Gentle-
woman in the namo of the daughters of England, is
pretty and rich looking. The anchor itself is com-
posed of yellow Chrysanthemum blooms of various
shades, over Oak leaves, and a wreath round the
shank of tho anchor consists of purple-coloured
foliage of Maple. Across this runs the word Nklson
formed by red-coloured Chrysanthemums. With
the exception of one other wreath, there was
little lettering on any of the devices. A combined
wreath and anchor from the Woking branch of the
Navy League is most singular. It is formed of dry,
dead loaves, surmounted by a piece of blue ribbon.
The whole was stitched on to a framework of wire-
gauze, or similar material.
Markets.
CO VENT GARDEN, OCTOBER 21.
(We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed. |
Cut Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, 12 blooms..,
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, pr. bun.
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Eueharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms ..
Gladiolus, various,
per doz. bunches
Hyacinth, Roniau,
dozen sprays
Lilium Harvisi, per
doz. biooms
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
s. d. ,
4 0-
4 0-
0 4-
0 9-
4 0-
0 6-
3 0-
3 0-
1 U-
6 0-1
u 9-
4 0-
1 6-
1 0-
4 0-
2 0
4 It
Mignonette, per
doz. bunches ...
Orchids :—
Oattleya, 12 bme.
Odontogloesum
crispum,12bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, per 12
bunches
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Pearls),
per dozen
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, perdoz. bun.
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
Violets, 12 bunches
■White Lilac, French,
per bunch
White Narciss,
French, 12 sprays
Orchid-bloom in variety
Vegetables. — Av
s. d.
Artichokes, Globe,
perdoz.
Beans, Scarlet Run-
ners, per bushel
— French, Chan-
nel Islands, lb.
Beetroots, p. bush.
Capsicum, Chili, p.
100
Cauliflowers, dozen
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Garlic, per lb.
Horseradish (Ger-
man), per bundle
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb 0
erage Wholesale Prices.
s. rf.
2 Q-
2 0-
0 0
1 6-
2 0-
0 9-
0 2
1 4-
L0-
1 6
1 0
POTATOS.
Mushrooms (Out-
door), per lb. ...
Onions (pickling),
per pocket
— — skinned.
|~bush
— Dutch, per bag
— Albanian, bag
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets ...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Sprouts, per J-bush.
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
— Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
— Channel Is-
lands, per 12 lb.
d. 8. d.
0-4 0
[-15 0
0-3 0
0-0 0
4-0 6
6-2 6
6-10
.6-40
19-10
6-2 6
0-2 0
0-6 0
0-4 0
3-0 4
6-2 0
* 0- 6 0
0-8 0
d. 8. d.
6- 0 S
0- 3 0
6-3 0
0 —
6-6 0
6 —
6- 2 0
6- S 0
0-3 6
0-16
There has been no change in prices since last report, with
the exception of an advance in Blacklands of about bs. : —
Hebrons and Snowdrops, 75s. to 100s. ; Saxons, 70s. to Sos. ;
Maincrops, 75s. to 90s. ; Giants and Magnums, 65s. to 75s. ;
Blacklands, 65s. to 70s. per ton ; Belgium Kidneys, 3s. 3d.';
Dutch Rounds, 3s. 3d. to 8s. 6d. per bag of fifty kilos
John Bath, 32 and 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C
300
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 23, 1897.
Plants in Pot;
s. d. s. d.
Adlantum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0
Aspidistras, per doz. 12 0-30 0
— specimen, each 5 0-15 0
Asters, various, per
doz 2 6-50
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ... 5 0-90
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 16-26
Coleus, per doz. ... 2 0-40
Dracaenas, each ... 10-76
— various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0
Erija, various, per
dozen
Average Wholesale Prices.
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz...,
Pious alastica each
Ferns, small, doz. ...
— various, doz.
Foliage plants, per
dozen
Heliotropes, dozen
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Palms, various, ea.
— specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0
s. d. s. d.
6 0-24 0
10-76
10-20
5 0-12 0
12 0-36 0
3 0-40
0 0-12 0
6 0-90
4 0-60
2 0-10 0
9 0-18 0
Fruit.— Average Wholesale Pmices.
d. s. d. s. d, s. d.
Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb 22 6-25 0
Pears, various, per
bushel 4 0-10 0
small, bush. 2 0-30
stewing, per
6 0-16 0
3 6-66
2 0-26
16-20
10- 1 0
Apples (Cox'
(ir.m^e).pr. bush. 14 0-1)1 0
— (Ribstons).bsh. 14 0-16 0
— Dessert, in va-
riety, per bush.
— Culinary, in
variety, per
bushel
Blackberries, peck
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
2nd qual., lb.
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Alicantes, p. lb.
2nd qual. ,1b.
— Hamburghs,
selected, per lb.
2ndqual.,lb.
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall. "p. lb.
— Chaunellslands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
Melons, each
1 0-
1 0-
0 6-
1 0-
0 8-
bushel 2 6-40
— Californian, B.
Hardy, p. case,
about 4 dozen 9 6 —
— — B. Clargeau,
per case (S to 9
dozen) 10 6
— — Glou Mor-
ceau, per case,
about 4 dozen.. 9 0- 9 it
— — D. de Co-
mice, p. cas ),
about 4 dozen SO —
2 0- 4 0 ' Pine-apples, St. Mi-
chael.oases con-
taining 0 to S... 4 6 5 0
— cases contain-
ing 10 to 12 .. 1 6-
Q unices, per bushel l'J 0-
Walnuts, shelled,
p. half-bush.... 4 0
(Markets carried over to p. is.)
0 6-09
2 0-26
0 9-
1 6-
2 0
12 0
5 0
Trade Notice.
Mr. James Williams, for the last six years
gardeuer at Foxley, Hereford, has taken the nursery
establishment of the late Hubert Lamb, Caythorpe,
Grantham.
Notices to Correspondents.
Arauoauia imbricata Seed : Araucaria. Prepare
pots (3'2's) by well crocking them and filling them
with saudy loam, and push the seed into the
surface, almost level with it to the number of
thirty per pot, placing the pointed or germ end
uppermost. If the soil be moist do not afford
water till it has become somewhat dry, and then
afford a good application. The pots should be
stood in a case or frame placed in an intermediate
house or pit, and a sharp look-out kept for mice.
The seeds do not keep long, and they should be
sown forthwith.
Azalea indica Grafting: A. M. B. The grafting
of these plants may be done during autumn,
winter and spring, if you have stocks as thick as
whe it-straw of A. pbcenicea, A. Sir Charles
Napier, or A. alba. The stocks must be estab-
lished in small pots, and grafting may be performed
as side, cleft, or splice, the end of a shoot with four
or five leaves being selected as the scion. Keep in
a case on a mild bottom-heat till taken. In order
to raise stocks, cuttings of nearly ripe wood should
be taken when almost ripe, and struck in pans of
sandy peat coated with sand in a close warm case,
or seeds of the desired varieties may be obtained
from artificially-fertilised flowers sown on the
surface of pans filled with sandy, sterilised peat,
and kept in a warm pit till germinated. Cuttings,
however, give the quickest returns.
Correction. —An error for which others are respon-
sible was made in our last issue, when we attributed
the paper on vegetables, read at the Crystal Palace,
to Mr. Martin J. Sutton, instead of t:> Mr. Arthur
W. Sutton.
Dahlias : Constant Reader. Put the old roots in a
fiat hamper or box, or on the ground in a hothouse
in early February, covering them slightly with
leaf-mould or other light soil. The roots will soon
push up a number of shoots, which may be pulled
off when 2 to 3 inches long, and without trimming,
placed to the number of six round the edges of a
small 8-sized pot, filled with sandy leal-mould and
loam, plunging the pots in a hot-bed of 75°, and be
kept moderately close for a fortnight, when they
will be found to be rooted, and must be put into a
less warm place. In a week or ten days pot them
off singly. If you have many cuttings, pots may
be dispensed with, and the striking done on a bed
in a frame. This demands that a cutting when
rooted be taken up and potted forthwith.
Dahlia Flambeau : & W. You would be likely to
obtain it from any of the Dahlia nurserymen.
Dkacbsas Diseased : S. G. H. Do not continue to
propagate from diseased plants, but burn them all,
and start with perfectly healthy plants.
Ficos elastioa : Constant Reader. Take cuttings of
ripened wood two years old, cut into 6-inch lengths,
and strike in a close case, frame, or under a bell-
glass in bottom-heat of 80° ; or notch and layer
the shoots of an old plaut.
Fkrn Fronds Discoloured : C. B. Q. We are at a
loss to account for the discoloration, which is
not uncommon this year on Polypodium and other
species. We have heard of a number of Athyria
have been similarly affected. It may be attributed
to using raw manure with the leaf mould, and
consequent development of fungus, which permeated
the fronds through the roots ; or the cause may be
drip, cold water, or cold draughts.
Grape : T. S. It appears to be an American variety,
with the name of which we are unacquainted. It
is a very nice-eating, good-looking Grape.
Ice-houses and Ice-heats : Subscriber. An enclosure
made with a fence, 5 feet high, of boards fitted
close together at the edges, will keep ice till July
and August, if the heap of it put within the wooden
enclosure is well-pounded, and there are at the
least 30 to 40 one-horse cart loads. The platform
on which the stack is formed should be rather
above the surrounding level, and slope slightly to
the outBide. If the weather remains frosty, it is a
good practice to throw scalding water over the
heap, so as, in a measure, to close the surface with
a coating of ice, and thus prevent the ingress of
air. The heap should be properly thatched to
the thickness of 1 foot with reeds or straw, and
the sides of the fence cased with sawdust, kept in
position by means of thatched hurdles or rough
boards. It is best to form ice-heaps under the
shade of trees, or ou the north side of a wood, and
whenever the heap is opened for obtaining ice, the
lured spot should be well secured from the air
I iy means of clean straw.
Insects : //. J. S. Millipedes — devourors of decay-
ing vegetation. The holes in the Carnation-stems
may have been caused by weevil-grubs.
Market Gardening: A. R. A. The town has a
brisk trade in fruit, vegetables, and flowers in the
season (July — October) ; at other times of the
year we should suppose the trade would be dull,
although the town is growing, and the resident
population has increased greatly of late years.
The climate is mild, and hard frosts rarely occur,
rs is shown by the exuberant specimens of Fig-
trees, Euonymus japonicus, Myrtles, &c, met with
in the town and inland. Hardy fruit, espec.ally
Plums, Pears, Apples, and Strawberries, come
from Sandwich, Faversham, aud other parts of the
county ; the wind-swept promontory being quite
unsuitable for orchard-planting, although with
tree-screens of Pinus maritima, P. pinaster, P.
austriaca, Willows, pyramidal Poplar, and Sycamore,
it would doubtless answer very well.
Names of Fruits.
'** Applications to nam* fruits are so numerous at this season,
as seriously to hamper vs in the exercise of our editorial duties.
They entail an expenditure of time, labour, and money, of which
our readers can have little idea. We are most desirous to oblige
our correspondents as far as we can, but joe mutt request that they
will observe the rule that not more than six varieties be et nt
at any one lime. The specimens must be good ones, just approach-
ing ripeness, and they should be properly numbered, and. care*
fully packed. We do not undertake to send answers through the
post, or to return fruits. Fruits ami plants must not be sent in
tin same box. Delay in any case is unavoidable.
IT. E. P. 1, Cox's Pomona ; 2, Hollaudbury ; 3,
Tower of Glamis ; 4, Hanwell Souring. — J. Laurc.
2, Queen Caroline ; 3, Hanwell Souring ; 4, New
Hawthoruden ; 5, Claygate Pearmain. - //'.
Thomson, 1, Beurre* Kance ; 2, Easter Beurre* ; 3,
Josephine de Malines ; 4, Gravenstein. — W. Gay,
1, not known ; 2, Granges' Pearmain ; 3, Rymer
Pippin ; 4, Dumelow's Seedling ; 5, not known,
W. R. P. Pear, King Edward.—/. E. 1, Beurre de
Capiaumout ; 2, Windsor (specimen over-ripe) ; 3,
Beurre Diel ; 4, not recognised ; Apple, Adams'
Pearmain. — Niel, Pear, Vicar of Winkfield ; 1,
Uibston Pippin ; 2, Cellini ; 3, not known, 4,
Queen Caroline; 6, Pear is evidently from the
stock, and therefore worthless. — E. Crapp. 1,
King of the Pippins ; 9, Passe Colmar ; 14, Marie
Louise d'Ucele ; 13, Beurre" Diel ; 20, Verulam. —
W. C. 1, Beauty of Kent ; 2, Hoary Morning ; 3,
Lord Suffield ; 4, Cellini ; 6, Cellini ; 5, not known.
— Roberts. 1, Marie Louise ; 2, Beurre Bance ; 3,
Beurre' Bachelier ; 4 and 6, rotten. — J. W. 1,
Mere de Menage : 2, Tower of Glamis ; 3, Striped
Beefing ; 4, Golden Noble. — B. Oahey, Preston.
13, Barchard's Seedling; 14, Gravenstein; 16,
Lord Grosveuor. — Sylvanus Fox. 1, Alfriston ; 2,
Yorkshire Greening ; 3, Beauty of Kent ; 4, Golden
Noble ; 6, Queen Caroline ; 6, Lord Derby. —
Nawton. 2, Beurre d'Amanlis ; 4, Devonshire
Quarrendeu ; 5, Duchess of Oldenburgh ; 0, Beauty
of Kent. — Sidcup, Kent. Alfriston (?).
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
this issue arc requested to be so i/ood us i" ram all.
the following number. — Wight. 5, Chrysanthemum
serotinum ; 9, Plumbago LarpeuUc ; 10, Gnapha-
lium marginatum. You had better send the Asters
to a nurseryman — Miss S. Artemisia annua, L. —
11'. G. 1, Selaginella Mertensii ; 2, S. viticulo-a ;
3, Strobilauthes Dyerianus ; 4, Nephrodium molle ;
5, Pteris tremula ; 6, Platyloma rotundifolia. —
J. P. K. The large flower is Ltelia Perrini ; the
specimen with thick foliage is Sarcanthus tereti-
folius ; tho other is a fine form of Miltonia Kus-
selliana, a very old but not common species.
— W. C. 1, Nerine sarniensis — 1). J. II. Send
your Asters to a nurseryman. — A. B. S. Probably
a species of Passion-flower ; send when in Bower. —
J. B. Abelia triflora. — C. R. 1, Pinus punderosa ;
2, Pinus contorta ; 3, Abies brachjphylla. —
J). C. H. Tropa;olum speciosum. — J. F. 1, Loni-
cera sp. ; 2, Euonymus europrcus (Spindle-tree); 3,
Cotoneaster Simonsii ; 4, Phlomis fruticosa. —
C. B. 1, Amaryllis reticulata, an almost evergreen
stove species ; 2, Hedychium coronarium. — F. E. S.
1. bulb of Amaryllis Belladona ; 2, Authericum
lineare vaiiegatum ; 3, Adiautum mundulum ; 4,
A. decorum ; 5, Pteris longifolia ; 6, P. aquilina
(bracken). — .1. W. G. 1, Liquidambar orieutale ;
2, Spiraea callosa ; 3, Symphoricarpus racemosus. —
J. <l. E. 1, Deudrobium chrysauthum ; 2 aud 3,
varieties of Oucidium varicosum. — J. il/., Paisley.
Lselia Perrini — T. M. Both the Cattleya Dow-
iana aurea aud the C. Warscewiczii (gigas) are very
fine varieties. — II'. A. S. Sternbergia lutca. — II'. P.
So far as we can judge by the specimens sent, the
berried plant is Cotoneaster frigida ; the leaves, those
of Rhus glabra lacioiata. — C. II. J. A poor specimen,
but no doubt Alyssum maritimuui variegatum. — -
//'. O. The white flower and fruit is Araujia (Physi-
anthus) sericifera ; tho rose-coloured flower Muu-
randya erubesceus. Thank you, we have seen
fruits of Stauntonia latifolia, and three specimens
were figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, Feb-
ruary 19, 1876.
Permanent Edging for Rhododf,ndron Bed :
S. IV. Of dwarf shrubs, Rhododendron ciliatum,
It. hirsutum, Azalea Davisii x , A. mollis, Berberis
I 'arwiui, Monziesia Irish Heath, in variety, Cornish
Heath Erica vagans, E. cinerea in variety, K. Tetra-
lix in variety, E. herbacea, Gaultheria procumbens,
lVrnettya mucrouata, Leptospermum prostratum ;
herbaceous plants, Aubrietia in variety, Campanula
earpatica, Heucherasauguiuea, PlumbagoLarpenta;,
Gentiana acaulis, &o.
Sonerila Bertolonia : Amateur. You will succeed
in striking these plants from leaves in the same
manner as Gloxinias are increased. You might
undertake the raising of new varieties of tliese
beautiful plants from seed, which, wl:enthe flowers
are artificially impregnated, is abundantly produce 1;
and it is better to do this than to wait tor insect-
fertilisation, which is sure to occur if the plants bo
not protected when the blooms are about to open,
the anthers being specially formed for securing
oross-fertilisation in this way.
Sulphuring a Vinery : Constant Reader. Don't ;
for even when the Vine is at rust, it m.iy bj seriously
injured by tho fumes of burning sulphur. If you
are determined to employ sulphur, you ought to
put the Vines entirely outside.
Temperature : J. B., Wilts. — Recent calendarial
articles iu these pages afford just the kind of
information of which you stand in need.
Victoria reoia : 67. D. It is commonly treated as
an annual in gardens, the seeds being sown in tho
spring in a potful of loam, suuk to the bottom, if
the water be not more than l.\ foot deep, of a warm
tank or tub.
Communications Rfceived.— M. H. S. — J. Veitch A H ins.—
D, \. It. — i' -L. B., New York — W B. H.— W. P. P. S
— T. H. Smi h.— E.P.— It. D.— A. O.-D. T. F. - W. B. II. -
W. H., Hei-sie.— E. Conner.— E. Cottam.— E. M.— 1>. M. G.
J. A.— J. T. M.— H. C. P.— A. D. & Sons.— S. It. — G. J.
—A. W. G. - T. F.-M. F.— Winsford.- S. P.- A. J.— A. C.
—J. U.-Wrn. W.-A. M.
October 30, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
301
THE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1897.
" THE SCOTS GARD'NER."
"nVTORE than one edition of this epitome of
-L'-l- gardening as it was practised in Scot-
land in the seventeenth century, has been
published, and it cannot therefore be considered
a rare work. But the first edition, " published
for the climato of Scotland by John Reid,
Gard'ner," and "printed by David Lindsay
and his partners at the foot of lleriots Bridge,
16S3" (Edinburgh), is comparatively rare.
This is a small quarto of about 150 pages and
four plates, and is very well printed, though a
curious mistake occurs in the paging, without,
however, affecting the continuity of the letter-
press. The binding is very much like that in
use in England a hundred years later, only
cardboard is not employed for stiffening, but
the same kind of whito flakj' material used in
England about the middle of the seventeenth
century.
The book is divided into two parts — the fiist,
" Treating of Contrivance ; " the second,
" Treating of the Culture of Plants." There is
also an appendix, " showing how to use the
fruits of the garden," and a very short Calendar.
While English works of a kindred nature abound
with quotations from Greek and Latin authors,
this is remarkable as containing not one classical
quotation. It is also free from references to
planetary influences and other superstitious
observances. The style is condensed, par-
ticularly in the second part, consequently a
largo amount of matter is contained iu a small
space. A few Scottish expressions are used,
such, for instance, as " Aprile," " Aple,"
"ITuine," "Turneeps," " Currans," "Mell,"
"delve," "stove'' instead of "stew," and
"sharers" instead of "slices," ail still in
general use in Scotland.
The first part is divided into eight chaptois,
of which four treat respectively of the House,
Drawing by Scale, Levelling, and Measuring.
The other four show "How to make Avonucs
and Walks ; " " How to Plant Thickets and Or-
chards ; " " How to Make the Kitchen-garden,"
and " How to Make the Pleasure-garden."
These are the more interesting, but in the
chapter devoted to the House, it is shown that
the latter was used as a centre from which the
Scots garden designer worked. The gardens all
but surrounded the house, on the east and west
sides of which were " Cherrie-gardens ; a proper
place also for ( iooseberries, Currans and Straw-
berries. . . . On the south side the house there
is the pleasuro or flower-garden, called par-
terre j at the two sides thereof kitchen-gardens ;
then another walk ending in a semi -circle,
Jeudjug out to the lawn or deer-park," Reid
notes that " the kitchen-garden is the best of
all gardens." It was currounded by a wall
with border and walks all round, and was in-
teisocted by a walk fiorn the house, and some-
times also by a cross-walk. " Tho bordures of
your kitchen-garden round by the walkes may
be boxed with Thyme, Lavender, Hysop, Rue,
&C, the next with Parsly, Strawberries, Violets,
July flowers, &c. Cherrie-gardens and physick-
gardens, with Sweet Brier, often cut, or Box
cut three times per annum, as Aprile, June,
August."
Pleasure-gardens were divided into " walkes
and plots," with a " borduro round each plot."
" Eor the orderly planting of flowers there may
be three wayes."
(1). In borders of mixed plants.
(2). Also in bordors, "but set five rowes of
oach kind cross the bordure, so as twenty-five
of each sort may stand in a geometrical squair.
As if you set a squair of Tulips, a squair of
Boar's-ears, a squair of Crocuses, a squair of
July flowers, a squair of Anemouies, and a
squair of Couslips, and so a squair of Tulips,
another of Boar's-ears, &c."
(3). " Plant every kind iu thickets by them-
selves— six rowes in the bed, the dwarfish may
be eight rowes." Of wildernesses which were
introduced into Scotland about this time, no
mention is made, but in a plan showing the
method of laying out gardens, &c., round the
house, thero is distinct evidence of French
influence iu the arrangement of avenues and
drives.
The second part contains seven chaptors, the
first of which treats of the several methods of pro-
pagation iu a manner eharac terisod by much clear-
ness and iu dotail. Tho following paragraph on
raising plants from seeds is interesting : " Abeit
I use for the most part to plant and sow every
species by themselves, yet you may sometimes
uso mixtures, as Carrots and Kadish, in one bed,
because the Radish may be gone e're the Carrots
require much room. Among new set Liquorish
sow Onyons, Radish, Lettice, and you may sow
Radish, Lettice, Parsly, Carrats, Parsneeps
together, gathering each in their season ; the
Parsneeps will stay till winter. And drop
Beet-Rave or Parsly in your Onyon beds to stay
winter after Onyons ar gone. Also Beat-Rave,
Skirrets, Beans at considerable distance ill the
intervalls of new planted Artichocks, also at a
great distance among Cabbages, or iu the edge
of the furrows of other beds." He also advises
to " Sow the strong and hardy deeper than the
small and tender, and sow ebbor at spring than
before winter, and deeper in light than a stiff
soil." Iu the same clear manner the author
treats of cutting suckers, layers, giafting,
budding, aud ringing.
The next chapter is devoted to the cul-
tivation of the soil, &c, where the "English
fashion of spades " for trenching is recom-
mended, aud tho different kinds of soils with
manures, burning, draining, watering, and
making cjmposts are full)' treated. For the
latter purpose he had a pit, into which he
laid "All kinds or sorts, with stratums of
earth, as horse, neat sheep, pigeons, and
poultrie dung, Ferns, weeds, leaves, soot, ashes,
sticks, sawdust, feathers, hair, horns, bones,
urine, scouring of pondes, ditches, blood,
pickle, brine, sea-water, the cleansing of house,
of office, &c. Let them ly by a year at least,
but not above two ; then take them out, and
their stirre, air, mingle and work them with
fresh earth, or by themselves, till they become
sweet." Of manures, it is noted that — "All
hot dungs and manures are proper foe cold,
stiff, aud moist groun ds ; so all rotten and cold
dungs and manures are pr oper for dry and hot
grounds. All manures that retaiues moisturo
are for poor, sandy, and gravelly soils." Ex-
amples are added of many kinds of mauures, aud
of " lyming," and of tho crops to be grown by
their help.
In the section treating of hot-beds, " barley-
straw, or the same mixt with bran, becauso it
keeps heat long," is recommended." Of water-
ing he observes: — "If you fear dry weather,
differre not too long, but water while your
ground is yet moist; differre not if you
mind to water at all. When you do begin,
continue it so long as you find occasion.''
Roses for watering-pots were unknown. This
is the way the Scots gard'ner watered small
seeds: — " I have often made use of a handful
of small straw or hay, drawen as thatch, tyed
in the midle, and at one end poured water with
a cup, and shaked the same that it appeared
like a gentle bedewing rather than a glutting
rain."
The third chapter treats of forest trees, their
propagation, methods of pruning, transplanting,
&c, with list of trees. Wo have a larger list
of trees now, but in practical matters we have
advanced nothing. For example, it is advised
that large trees be trenched round, the rcots
cut iD, good soil firmed round them, and the
tree left for two years, when it is in a condition
fit to transplant with success. Again, holes
are to be prepared for all kinds of trees by
taking the soil out " a year before you plant,
and in summer stirr and turne their earth,
that no weeds grow thereon." Iu planting, it is
recommended " not to plant deep, for they that
do but cheat themselves." The best season to
plant is in early autumn, as soon as they give
over growing." Regarding pruuing, full direc-
tions are given as to the best methods, and to
cut close in to the stems, the best times being
(1), October aud November, and (2), in June.
Chapter IV. is of hedges or iuclosuro -', aud
the chapter following on fruit trees is extremely
interesting, as showing the advanced state of
hardy fiuit culture in Scotland over 200 years
ago. This is what tho author remarks on
dwarfing stocks: — "To make dwarfe Aples,
graft' or bud on the Paradise or any that hath
burry-knots, Codlings, Rodstraks, &c, dwarfe
Poars on the Quince ; but no Pears holds
well on it (that I have tryed) sive red fear,
Achans, and Longavils (Longueville), but you
may regraff for varieties dwarfe Cherries on tho
Morella." A few years previous to this,
Evelyn Worlidgo aud others note that the culti-
vation of dwarf trees budded on the Paradise
for Apples and Quinces for Pears was then
a novelty, but they do not mention double
grafting. On transplanting fruit-trees it
is remarked, "Plant not deep, but tempt
the roots by baiting the surface with dungs
to make them run ebb within the reach
of the sun and shoures." Iu pruuing, hard
cutting, when young, is recommended ; also,
not to allow too tuany branches to remain, but
to rub off superfluous buds, and to thin abou t
mid-summer. To bring strong-growing barren
trees into a fruitful condition, some of the
strongest branches are to be cut clean out the
centre of the tree at mid-summer ; and root-
pruning every third year is stated to be effective
for the same purpose. Iu this chapter mention
is made of the " Frontinak " Grape when grown
against a south wall in some years ripening its
fruit.
Chapter VI. is " Of Fruits, Herbs, and Roots,
for the Kitchen," •'the tenderest whereof aro
302
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 30, 1897.
Melons, and are not worth the while ! " The
Artiohok is " a fine and lasting fruit ! " Peas
were set " in lines five rowes in the bed." Thick
sowing is discouraged : " Make the holes nimbly
by the lines with a dible H inches deep and
•1 inches distance from another." Strawberries
in like manner were planted "5 rowes in a bed,"
but each " stock " was kept separate. " Sellery
is like Parsly, grown 8 rowes in a bed." It
was also blanched in beds where it was planted
" 3 inches in the rowes," but each of these 3
feet apart. " Coleflower " it is observed " is a
fiDe very Cole," and late heads were preserved
by taking up the plants and hanging them in
a dry room. Among the " Roots," Potatos
are mentioned, and it is worthy of remark that
Chambers and others who mention this esculent
say that it was unknown in Scotland before the
eigthteenth century. Eeid cut the tubers into
pieces each with an eye, and planted in March
"5 rowes in the bed." Potatos were boiled
then peeled, then " Chop and bruise them well,
powre on butter, and set them on a coal ; and if
you ploase, strew a little cinnamon on them."
" For want of butter tako sweet milk." Some
sensible remarks on hoeing and weeding close
this chapter.
The soventh and last chapter is "Of some
Physick Herbes, Shrubs, and Mowers." Many
of the ''herbes" were common weeds, but
" Tobaco " is mentioned. The list of shrubs is
pretty full for tho period ; and, indeed, a longer
list of these and of forest troes is named than
occurs in the very rare work by the Sixth
Earl of Haddington, written fifty years later.
There is also a good list of flowers ; and the
author states that July flowers wore cultivated
both iu bods and in pots, and were propagated
from seeds and by layers, which latter method
he preferred, though he also notes, "I have
raised many double by seed of my own roaping."
Concerning Auriculas, he says: — " Bear-ears by
offsets in the spring, or when the flower is past
(viz., July) ; they affect a good natural earth
well mixt with rotton neats dung. The finer
sorts loves a little shade in summer, if in pots
or cases you may transport them to such at
pleasure."
" Great varieties may be raised from seed
sowen in pots, the soil aforesaid mixt with
willow earth in October ; take head of deep
interring bairs-ears, sow them as purslain ; set
the potts and cases with them at the south
side of a wall till Aprile, at which time they
spring, and must be now retired a little, as
is said ; transplant in July to flower next
spring, and neglect not to earth-up such as are
apt to work out of ground, namely bears-ears."
Among other flower's named are " Stock July
flowers, Hepatica, Holihocks, Constantinople
ilowers (Lychnis chalcedonica), Pinks, Sweet
Williams, Throatwort, Bell-flowers, Tulipas,
Anemonies, Eanunculose, Cyclamin, Cholci-
cums, Irise, Bulbose, Narcissus, Jacinths,
Hellibors, Crown Imperial, Lilias of several
sorts, Pionies, Cynosorches, Tuberose, Ami-
ranthus, many annuals, &c."
The appendix treats on the gathering and
storing of fruit, on making wines and cyder,
and concerning the various methods of using
vegetables a3 salads, pickles, and different ways
of cooking. The following paragraph occurs : —
" The French fruit succeeds not well with us
— in England are good Apples, but Holland for
ston-fruit, especially Peaches and Cherries, and
Scotland for Pears."
Of "Aples" he states there was in cultivation
" hundreds for both," " table and kitchen," and
of Pears "multitudes." The calendar consists
of twelve pages, a page for each month of the
year. It is apparently distinct from the rest of
the book, as it is paged separately, and follows
the conclusion. It is, however, obviously the
work of the same author.
In laying down this unique work, the reader
is at once surprised at the great practical know-
ledge its pages discover, and filled with regret
that the author did not expand some of the
chapters to a greater leDgth, and especially
those treating of the various trees, shrubs,
flowers, and vegetables in common use at the
period he wrote. R. P. Bmtherston.
CHRYSANTHEMUM GOSSIP.
Mkssrs. J. Veitch & Sons (Ltd.). — Although not
regarding themselves as specialists in Chrysanthe-
mums, like Mr. Jones, Mr. R. Owen, Mr. Godfrey,
and others whose names will readily suggest them-
selves to the admirer of the flower, the newest in
point of introduction, as well as a choice selection of
old favourites, can always be found at the Chelsea
Nursery, and these as well cultivated as it is possible,
considering the closely-packed surroundin? area, pre-
valence of fog in the autumn and winter, and the
proximity to the Thames. The chief of these evils
is fog, which glues, as it were, the florets together,
setting up "damp," and destroying the beauty of a
bloom, that falls a victim to it in a very short space
of time. No variety is immune, although some,
owing to the closeness with which the florets are
arranged, their lack of substance, and the tingled
masses of them, are more than others liable to suffer
from this cause.
Our steps were first directed to the light, dry,
narrow, span-roofed house, containing the plants
carrying specimen blooms ; and here, arranged on
temporary staging, is exhibited the collection of
novelties of this year, and those of '96 and '95. The
plants are early this year, but the flowers were lacking
size, as compared with previous years, for which the
abnormal weather of the latter half of the year may
be held accountable. Liscarde Gentils, as its name
indicates, is of continental origin, belongs to the so-
called "hairy" race of " Mums " of the Japanese
section. The florets of this variety are linear, and
the " hairs " are found on the margins and points
only, and mostly have a downward direction ; it is a
white flower. .S. C. Probin (1897) is a fine large
incurved Japanese variety, which opens of a faint
pinkish tint, which increases in depth of hue in the
basal florets ; the centre, however, is white.
In Royal Standard (Jones) wo have a reflexed
Japanese, a flower of a bright shade of chestnut, the
reflex of the florets being what is called, for lack of a
better word, old gold ; it is an introduction of 1897.
A sport from Viviand Morel has oeutral florets of
sulphur-yellow, and the basal ones tinged with
yellow ; it is new, but not considered sufficiently
distinct for general purposes. Some plants of
Modesta with largo good blooms upon them were
noted.
A seedling from Viscountess Hamilton, and named
Mr. F. Brewer (R. Owen), with a sulphur coloured
flower, having florets of considerable width, is a striking
novelty in incurved Japanese ; Elthorne Beauty, like-
wise new,1 is a nice rosy-lilac coloured, reflexed
Japanese, which is sure to find admirers. Amiral
Avellan, a profuse flowerer, was excellent as ever ;
one of the best yellows. Lady Byron (1896), we
should class among the best snow white varieties, of
regular build, an incurved Japanese ; Lord Justice
Lopes (1897) is an incurved Japanese of the palest
shade of lilac. The making of fine flower was noted
iu Mrs. A. F. Beavan, an inourved Japanese of a lilac
tint generally, and possessing a white central floret
having a flattish contour ; it is new. King of Bucks
(Owen, 1897) is a fine rich brown flower ; the Austra-
lian, C. B. Haywood, a fine bold looking white
flower with wide florets, was in very good form.
Mrs. T. Blake is another fine fl jwer, weighty, and of
excellent form ; it is said to come best from the first
crown bud. Emily Silsbury, a reflexed Japanese,
white of an opaque sort, was admirable. Another
novelty of R. Owen's raising is Duke of Wellington,
a flower of reddish-orange tint, having broad, incurved
florets, has the making, as the foreman told us, of
a fine large flower, and we are quite satisfied with his
verdict. The last true novelty of 1897 that we
mention is Oceana, of Australian origin, a plant of
which was producing some good flowers of a yellow
colour.
Of known varieties noted may be named M. Chenon
de Leche, a fawn and yellow coloured Japanese, the
outer florets showing rose-pink, and having yellow
edges ; Charles Davis, from an early bud, yellow in colour,
and from the late bud bronzy-fawn ; Mrs. Hermione
Kloss, a chestnut-brown flattish flower, of Davis's rais-
ing ; Souvenir de petite Aims' and Mutual Friend (Ame-
rican, of 1 895), the latter a fine, large, white-flowered
variety, with florets that turn inwards at the tips.
Good flowers were remarked of Madame Carnot and
White Cariiot, the latter a late flowerer, and late buds
being those selected. Some nice blooms of W.
Seward were visible ; this fine brown - coloured
variety shows a great aptitude for damping at Chelsea.
Mr. D. Ward, a hairy flower of brownish-bronze,
appeared on some of the plants in capital form, being
of remarkable fulness.
The large span-roofed house, in which in former
years the bulk of the collection used to be housed,
is now given up to bush-plants carrying numerous
small flowers, which are not so liable to be injured
by damp as were the specimen blooms. We
remarked good examples of well-furnished bushes of
John Swinton, Viviand Morel, Chas. Davis, Souvenir
de Petite Amie, W. Tricker, W. Seward, Etoile de
Lyon, W. H. Lincoln, Hamlet, and Coquette de
Castile. In the Camellia house we found equally
good bushes, far superior to anything of the kind
found here in previous years ; and amongst the best
of these were M. W. Holmes, Lady Selborne, Mabel
Douglas, Cloth of Gold, Mandarin, Mdlle. B. Piguy,
and Source d'Or. These bushes naturally grown are
of great decorative value, affording a succession of
medium-sized flowers, extending over several weeks,
and being well clothed with leaves down to the soil,
or nearly, are excellent for room decoration.
BASSET DOWN HOUSE.
This Wiltshire residenoe and manor owes its name
to a family of the name of Basset, who owned a large
part of the county in the thirteenth century. In the
year 1657 Basset Down formed part and parcel of the
demesnes of Studley Grange (which at that date was
subdivided into four portions), and which previously
to the dissolution of the monasteries, belonged to the
Cistercian Abbey of Stanley, near Chippenham. It
was consequently tithe free, as all laud belonging t)
the Cistercians was ; and it is tithe free to this day,
paying a modus instead of tithe to the Rector of
Lydiard Tregoze. The present property came by in-
heritance into the possession of Dr. Nevil Mas'selyne,
Astronomer Royal, at the end of the eightaent'i
oentury, and afterwards to his only child, Mr. Story.
The present proprietor is N. Story Maskelyne, Esq.
For many years Mr. Story occupied himself iu
beautifying the place, and in moving earth from the
south side of the house, so as to let in the suushine,
and carrying to the north side in order to make it
level. For this purpose he employed gangs of men,
who, at that date (from 1820 onwards) were sadly in
need of work during the winter seasons, the Board
of Guardians furnishing him with men who otherwise
would have been on the rates, and the pretty
glades and grass-walks on the hill were gradually
dug out during many successive winters, the labourers
going to farming and other work when the spring
returned. But it remained to the present owner to
continue and finish what his father had begun, and
bring it into a harmonious whole. He it was who
formed the rockery near the mansion, and the
interesting wall made of sarsen stones collected on
the adjacent Downs. Sutne of the shrubs planted by
Mr. Story have become of great size. Thuya occiden-
talis var. plicata, forms a fine specimen at the east
side of the house, and there are fine old specimens of
October 30, 1897.]
THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
303
the Thuya orientalis, and of Juniperus virginiana here.
Thuya plicata (Lobbi) and Cupresaus Lawaoniana,
planted about the year 1880, and of which several Gue
examples were noted, show how well the chalky marl
nf the diatricc suits them. Some fine example? of
T. sinensis var. aurea standing on the rockery and in
the flower-border, appeared as if bathed in gold at the
is Brinkworth, and by the aid of the telescope the
observer on a clear day may obtain glimpses of the
Welsh mountains and the Badminton Monument.
Bhmsden Abbey ia another conspicuous object, and the
tower of Cricklade Church is seen in the far distauce,
with I'nrton visible between the trees. Worthy of note
is an avenue about 200 or 300 yards long, consisting
Fig. 89.— cyrtaxi'iius spiralis : flowers scallet.
limoof my viait last October. In the border men-
tioned, the purple Clary (Salvia Sclarea) was a con-
spicuous object in flower, as was the dark purple-
flowered Aubrietia gnoca.
The house and grounda occupy a site on the side
of a hill, and terraces, and avenues, and serpentine-
walks, surround it, with a very pleasing effect.
At a height of about 200 feet above sea level, the
eye roams over an extensive valley ; to the left
of Limea and Mountain Ash planted about fourteen
years ago, with an undergrowth of old English Yews,
the whole being moat luxuriant in growth. Basset is
a wonderful place for Beech and Elm, and fine speci-
inena are common. The Oaks are but few, and these
were of stunted proportions, showing that the soil is
not to their tasto.
A fine specimen of a Thorn, some 10 feet high, is
interesting as having been brought from the Holy
Land. The specimens of Sequoia gigantea planted
on a slope do not look happy, the land being doubt-
less too dry for them. The Scots Fir does well in
this exposed situation, and all over the place the
common Box growa to a large size. Some old Cedars
of Lebanon — reputed to be 300 years old — are of
majestic appearance, and very fine aged Walnut trees
were met with.
In 1811, A' 100 was offered and refused by Mrs.
Maskelyne, widow of the Aatrouomer, for three trees,
as during the time of the war Walnut timber was of
great value as stocks for muskets.
In old maps of the property, an avenue of Walnuts
is shown in the " Cowleaze," leading up to the house,
which were out and sold by the widow of Edmund
Maskelyne, Esq.
The Mrs. Maskelyne of the present day ia an
admirer of all sorts of hardy flowers, which she has
planted extensively in the garden, which in the
Bummer months must provide many pleasant floral
surprises for the visitor. The old and beautiful
single Roses are much cherished here. The rockery,
too, in its season, presents an elfective feature, for it
is plentifully planted with bulbs of all kinds.
A part of Basset House dales from very old days,
but the north and north-east side are comparatively
modern, being erected in Queen Anne's reign, or
somewhat earlier, as the date 1658 occurs on an iron
fire-back, whilst the south side was rebuilt in 1882.
The usual appurtenances of a country residence are
seen —namely, a kitchen garden, an orchard, &c. ; but
excepting that these, like the rest of the grounds,
show careful management on the part of Mr. Bezzant,
the gardener, there was littlo more of general intereat
to chronicle. J. B.
CYRTANTIIUS SPIRALIS.
Although described and figured as long ago as
1816 in the Botanical Reyiater (t. 107), this remark-
able species does not yet appear to have made much
advance towards popularity. At the period referred
to, it was considered to be " an extremely rare plant,"
and after more than eighty years, the same remark
slid holds good. The most peculiar feature about
the pi int is undoubtedly the foliage, which is of a
i.l.iu:ous hue and spirally twisted, the latter fact
being appropriately indicated by the specific name.
In. Dowers are scarlet, and, as liny be seen from
t'je sketch (fi*. 80), are by no mems small. Indeed,
the/ are considerably larger than those figured in the
II I. Re;/., but this is no doubt owing to the cultural
skill of Mr. P. W. Moore, of the Uijal Botanic
Q .rdens, OUsnevin, who exhibited a specimen on
S.!,.tember 9, 1896, at the Royal Horticultural
So :iety's meeting at Westminster. The plant is a
intive of Cape Colony, where it usually flowers about
November. John Weathers London.
HORTICULTURE IN MYSORE.
The famous Lai Bagh at Bangalore has long been
known as one of the finest in India, and is under the
superintendentship of that talented horticulturist,
Mr. John Cameron, who has been there for more
than a quarter of a century, and it is due to his fos-
tering care that these beautiful gardens have reached
their present state. Mr. Cameron has issued an inte-
resting report for the past year, from which we
reproduce a few extracts on another page. It will be
noticed that Vine-culture is carried on at Bangalure
and Seringapatam most successfully. The famous
Muscat of Alexandria, which is held to be one of the
finest Grapea in cultivation in Europe, is successfully
grown in Bangalore. Indeed, table Grapes of excellent
quality, such aa the Black Hamburgh, White Fron-
tiguac, and the well-known Hubshee, or Black Grape
of Aurungabad, have been grown at Bangalore for
years, and it was, says Mr. Cameron, partly due to
this fact that the Mysore State wiahed to extend the
operations of viticulture generally in the Maharajah's
dominions.
The experiments with fodder-grasses have resulted
in the discovery of a new ornamental grass, which has
been identified as Thysanokcna agrostis. It is a
304
THE GABDENEBS' CIIBONICLE.
[October 0, 1897.
perennial grass, and grows luxuriantly in the
moist districts of the Malnad ; and would, Mr.
Cameron thinks, afford a large out-turn of forage. It
is indigenous to the subtropical Himalayas, where it
attains a height varying from 4 to 12 feet. Cattle,
he tells us, are very fond of the whole herbage, and
the culms remain green throughout the year. Mr.
Cameron is also experimenting with some new trees,
among them a new species of Zizyphus jujuba from
Mauritius, which should prove an acquisition, 'if it can
be acclimatised. Indian Gardening.
Colonial Notes.
JAMAICA.
" The Botanical Department of the island of
Jamaica is fully described by Dr. Morris. It has
done excellent service in the development of various
industries, and has no doubt helped the sugar
industry, also by attention to the best methods of
cultivation, and by endeavouring to improve the
canes. It has also imparted knowledge of cultivation
to the peasantry. These efforts should be continued,
and there seems no reason to alter the constitution of
the department or its relation to the local govern-
ment, but a competent agricultural chemist is required
to be constantly employed in conjunction with the
botanical department in analysing the soil and its
products.
" For more than 100 years valuable economic plants
have been systematically introduced and distributed
through every part of the island. For this purpose,
and for affording information regarding their culti-
vation, the island has maintained a Department of
Gardens and Plantations under capable and expe-
rienced men, who have carried on experiments, and,
while supporting the old, have encouraged the
starting of many new and promising industries. The
average expenditure for industrial purposes on the
Jamaica gardens, which are established at various
elevations from sea-level up to 5000 feet, duriDg the
last thirty years has not been less than £5000 per
annum. Further, the Government has fortunately
been administered during that period by progressive
and able Governors, who have consistently adopted a
policy whereby it whs possible to extend railways
(185 miles), establish telegraph lines (0S5 miles),
improvo c jrmnuuication by main roads (1879 miles),
and p irochial roads (3(300 miles), practically reaching
every pu-t of the islanJ. A weekly steam communi-
cation has been maintained round the island, com-
pleting the circuit in 120 hours; while the steam
comma lication with Europe and the United State?
especially the latter, is of the mo3t frequent
character, and, with one exception, carried on without
the payment of subsidies.
" The capacity for further development is undeni-
able, for only about one-fourth of the cultivable area
is actually under crops. If, as is possible under
suitable circumstances, the value of either the sugar
crops or the fruit trade was doubled, Jamaica would
then be in as prosperous a condition as regards the
money-value of its exports as it ever was in the days
of slavery. But as regards the general comfort of
the inhabitants, their social condition, and civic
efficiency, Jamaica was possibly never better situated
than at present.
''Practical demonstrations and lectures are regu-
larly delivered in certain districts by the officers of
the Botanical Department. These include such im-
portant points as the cultivation and preparation for
market of Coffee, Cacao, Oranges, Kola, and Grapes ;
the methods of dealing with various kinds of soils by
digging, draining, liming, and manuring. It is stated
that, although these demonstrations are chiefly in-
tended for small settlers, it is gratifying to find that
they are attended also by owners of estates. The
Botanical Department issues a monthly Bulletin
dealing with agricultural and horticultural subjects
of local interest, and gives hints with regard to the
treatment of insect and fungoid diseases of plants,,
an I the cultivation and curing of all a ricu'tura'.
products likely to be suited to the island. Further,
an industrial school is attached to the Hope Gardens,
where the boys attend school fur two hours daily,
and at other times receive practical instruction from
the superintendent in pruning and budding, and in
the details of the routine work of the garden. Much
good is likely to arise from this practical teaching,
and especially if arrangements are made to retain the
boys who show special aptitude as apprentices in
the gardens, after they have attained the age at which
they must leave the school. Apprentices from Lagos
were lately trained at Jamaica for service on the West
Coast of Africa. These are now engaged in agricul-
tural work in their own country." Report of the West
Indies Commission.
British Guiana.
" The gardens at Georgetown, it may be mentioned,
are amongst the most attractive and beautiful of any
in the tropic. The Superintendent'has contributed
valuable information respecting the resources of the
colony, and he has distributed numerous plants for
experimental cultivation amongst all classes of the
community. He has also taken an active part iu the
agricultural experiments carried on in conjunction
with Professor Harrison to improve the sugar-yield-
ing properties of the cane, and the application of
suitable manures. The most promising canes are
distributed from time to'time amongst planters, and
the appreciation of the work done in this direction
was prominently brought under the notice of the
Commission.
"The following table indicates the number and
value of the plauts sold from the Botanic Gardens
during the last fourteen j ears : —
The Rosary.
Year.
Plants.
Value.
Dots.
1883
11,285
824-28
1-sl
12.3M)
1,431-31
1885
10.S31
1,632 07
1SSC
No register of numbers
1,160-10
18S7
7,778
11 Wardian cases, and
13 tons Sugar-cane
743-29
1SS8
6.51S
718-17
1S3!>
0,196
res -08
1S90
7.25S
1,428 29
1891-
-•2...
5,fiS5
964-42
1S92-
-3
6,962
1,436 03
1893-
-4
4,608
1,093-10
1S94-
-5
5,424
'.'7'. 59
1895-
-ii
6,22-2
699 88
1S9C-
-7, Jan. ...
19,765
and 23 loads and 4 barrets
Sugar-canes
660-42
110,892
1 1.427 12
"The large quantities of seeds, seedlings, and cut-
tings disposed of every year are not iucluded in the
above.
" When the interior lands are in course of being
settled, it will be found desirable to establish branch-
gardens in certain districts for the purpose of supply-
ing seeds and plauts to those starting new industries,
and to furnish them with selected fruit-trees, such as
grafted Oranges, Grape-fruit, Mangoes, &c. These
would not be obtainable by any other means. The
men iu charge of such branch establishments should
be competent to advise as to the selection and treat-
ment of soils, and to afford hints in regard to the
requirements of now or little-known plants. Later
on, one or two agricultural instructors might bo
added to the statf, and these would devote themselves,
as in Jamaica, to the work of visiting and instructing
Bottlers, and giving practical demonstrations in graft-
ing and pruning Orange and other fruit-trees, Coffee
and Cacao, aud in simple and inexpensive methods of
preparing crops for market. The progress made
under the stimulating influence of such agencies
would soon repay the cost. There is ample evidence
of this in the rapid development of new industries
which has taken place in other countries." Report
afthc We't Indies Commission*
ROSES OF BRITISH ORIGIN.
This subject is already a comprehensive one, and
it is extending every year. We no longer depend
upon France for our hybrid perpetuals, hybrid
Chinas, and Teas, for the Roses we derive from our
British rosarians are quite equal to any of the conti-
nental creations or "introductions." Among the
latter, for example, it would be impossible to dis-
cover finer productions, in their own special classes,
than Mrs. Sharman Crawford or Mrs. John Laiug ;
Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Arthur, or Duke of
Albany; Muriel Grahame, Devouiensis, or Souvenir
de S. A. Frince. Neithor France nor Germany has
given us a grander Rose for garden-decoration than
Viscountess Folkestone, though doubtless Kaiserin
Augusta Victoria (which has not its fragrance or the
same marvellous facility in flowering) is more perfect
in formation. But, on the other hand, if its form is
superior, and its petals more closely compacted,
it is more exacting in its demands. It absolutely
requires, according to my experience, a dry, warm
seasoD for the revelation of its floral capabilities;
and this, at least in our somewhat trying Scottish
climate, where moisture is superabundant, and the
supply of sunlight often extremely limited, is a very
serious limitation. But where atmospheric influences
smile upon its development from bud to perfectly
expanded blossom, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria is a
glorious flower, of noble dimensions, and tenderest
Primrose-hue.
Wai.tmam Ruses.
Roses of British origin cannot adequately be dis-
cussed without some appreciative reference to those
which have been originated at Waltham Cross. It is
interesting to remember that all of the varieties
whose names are inseparably and most honourably
associated with that of the veteran rosariau, Mr.
William Paul, have been given to the world during
Victoria's reign. One of them, whose great merits I
have often emphasised, bears the name of the lamented
Duke of Albany, who may bo said to have inherited
from both of his illustrious parents his love of
horticulture. Duke of Edinburgh, which has not
yet been entirely superseded, was raised at Ches-
hunt when Mr. William Paul and his elder brother,
the late Mr. George Paul, were equal partners iu
the firm beariug their name. Of Waltham Cross
Roses, the most famous are probably the following
varieties, viz. Beauty of Waltham, sent out in 1 862,
and still much admired for its shapo and bright
complexion ; Crown Prince, a beautiful and very frag-
rant dark hybrid perpetual, which has always been a
favourite with the French ro3arians ; Duchess of
Albany, a valuable, deeper shaded derivation from La
France ; Duke of Albany, already characterised ; Ella
Gordon, a clear-complexioned modification, in all
probability, of Madame Victor Verdier ; Grand
Mogul, which has the formation of A. K. Williams,
though not so reliable ; Marchioness of Lome, a
most accommodating, and richly odorous Hose, which,
in a very cold eastern exposure, succeeds admirably
here; Pride of Waltham, Star of Waltham, White
Lady, and Medea, the finest of British yellow Teas,
of greater substance than Madame Hoste, and more
impressive iu form than Perlo des Jardins. Duchess
of Bedford and Countess of Rosebery, though intro-
duced by Mr. Paul, were not raised by him. Among
his later achievements are Sylph and Sappho, Queen
Mab, and Duke of York, Enchantress, and Empress
Alexandra of Russia, whereby his reputation is
fully sustained.
CiiivSiiu.st Roses.
The Roses raised at Che-hunt have also- been
numerous, and it may truly be affirmed that the
majority of the^e have proved of the greatest value,
either for effective exhibition or garden cultivation.
It would be almost superfluous to speak of the great
merits of such varieties as Mrs. Paul, the grandest of
the Bourbons, surpassing oven the venerable Souvenir
da la Malmaison in general elloct ; while Mr. Paul,
hi p| o ed to be derived from Madame Isaac Periere,
is a notable example of the law of variation. Duke
Ooiober 30, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
305
of Teck and Cheshunt Scarlet, both brilliant acqui-
sitions, though not, perhaps, so impressive as their
predecessor, Duke of Edinburgh ; Charles Gater
(whose name is commemorative of Mr. George Paul's
foreman), a hybrid perpetual of loveliest velvety hue ;
Glory of Cheshunt, and Duke of Connaught ; Car-
mine Pillar, a splendidiy decorative climbing Rose ;
a=d Reynolds Hole, described to me in a letter by
the Dean of Rochester as "uncertain, coy, and hard
to please, but exquisitely lovely when in good
humour."
Bennett's Roses.
Of the late Mr. Henry Bennett's creation3, the most
important are Mrs. John Laing, H P. , aud Viscountess
tivelyby Mr. J. Cranston of Hereford, and tho Messrs.
Turner of Slough, of whom the latter have been the
introducers of the Japanese Crimson Rambler, whose
success has been extraordinary. Mr. Benjamin R. Cant
has given us Prince Arthur, a great improvement on
General Jacqueminot. To Lord Penzance we are
indebted for his beautiful and fragrant Hybrid Briars,
of which the most precious are Lady Ptnzance,
Brenda, Flora Mclvor, Meg Merrilies, and Jeannie
Deans ; while from the Messrs. Cooling, and Mr.
Alexander Hill Gray, of Bath, we have received
Lawrence Allen, and that graceful, miuiature form of
William Allen Richardson, Alister S'ella Gray, which
I find more fascinating (Inn it' p^r nt NoisM tc.
Fig. 90. — vitis coigneti.e, (?) iiort. veitcu : small leaf deep rose-coloured above,
glabrous beneath.
Folkestone, H.T., to which, as invaluable varioties
for garden culture (the former being also indis-
pensable for exhibition), I have already referred ;
Princess of Wales and Princess Beatrice, very beautiful
Tea Roses, but difficult to grow adequately, and very
spuing of their blooms ; Heinrich Schultheiss, the
parent of Mrs. Harkness, obtained by the eminent
firin boariugthat name ; Captain Hay ward, a crimson
H.P., of great effectiveness in the garden, but not
very full ; and Clara Watson, which for many years
I have regarded as the grandest of the hybrid Teas
— this year I had it nearly 0 inches in diameter.
Rosfs of Various Origin.
Among other notable Rosos of English origin are the
Crimsou Bedder and Mrs. Harry Turner, raised respec-
No pure white Tea Rose with which I am acqua'Lted
has higher qualiiications than Souvenir de S. A.Piince,
which will long keep fragrant the memory of its
raiser, the Oxford rosariau. Up to the present period
tho finest Scottish Roses have been Duke and Duchess
of Fife, and Duchess of York, raised by Messrs.
Cocker, of Aberdeen.
Irish Roses.
Many Roses of distinction have come to us from the
Royal Nurseries of Messrs. Alexander Dickson &
Sons, at Newtownards. Of these, the mo^t attractive
are Mrs. Sharman Crawford, an exquisite pink Roso
of upright habit, fine form, and great floriferous-
ncss. Earl and Marchioness of Duflerin, of which
the former requires a cool season, as its petils are
easily bumod, while the latter equally demands a
warm climate, as it is dillicult of expansion by reason
of the number and close compactness of its petals.
Miss Ethel Brownlow and Mrs. James Wilson, two
admirable and highly contrasted Teas, the latter
having the habit of Catherine Mermet. Helen Keller,
of beautiful roseate hue, aud Mrs. W. J. Grant, of
which the latter is very fascinating when the flowers
are half blown, a lack of fulness being manifest when
their entire dimensions have been attained. Muriel
Grahame, introduced but not originated by the Irish
rosarians, which has been derived from Catherine
Mermet, and bears a very conspicuous resemblance to
The Bride. Marjorie, though not of strong growth or
very prolific, is one of the sweetest of modern hybrid
Teas. Marchioness of Londonderry is, by reason of its
ivory white colour and commanding dimensious,amost
impressive Rose ; it is extremely susceptible to the
influence of rain. The Marchioness, for this special
reason, is not so well adapted as her beautiful sister,
Margaret Dickson, for garden ornamentation, and
therefore is essentially an " exhibition Rose.'' David
ll. Williamson.
VITIS COIGNETI.E (?).
Oor illustration (fig. 90) shows a leaf and ten-
dril of a fine species of Vitis, useful chiefly as a
decorative plant in this country, so far as we yet
have any experience. The leaf and tendril are figured
from a plant shown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Son?, Ld.,
Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, at a meeting of the
Royal Horticultural Society on October 12 last.
The plants were growing in pots, and th<y possessed
ripeniog foliage of fair size, aud of a ruby colour.
The plant has hithcito been regarded as difficult
of propagation ; but from the following note, taken
from Muller's Deutsche Gartner Zeitung, we learn
that the Vine is quite hardy in Germany; planters
in this country need have no doubts of its hardiness.
If that bo the caBe, it is a much hardier plant than
any variety of Vitis vinifera, which the frosts of an
ordinary German winter kills to the ground, and
sometimes to the depth of 6 inches or a foot in the
absence of a heavy coating of snow, or a thick mulch
of tree-leaves, Fern, &c. In our country, it would
be a winter of remarkable severity that would injuro
unprotected shoots, if these wero well ripened. The
plant has always presented difficulties to the propa-
gator ; but according to Mr. Rettig of the Jena
Botanic Gardens, eyes of ripe wood taken early in
the new year and split in half, and placed in pans
filled with loam covered with sand, and plunged in a
hot-bed of 80°, strike without the least trouble.
It should be stated that the Vine shown by
Messrs. Veitch under this name is not the same as
that grown by Mr. Anthony Waterer, nor is it the
same as that originally introduced from Japan by
Madame Coignet ; the leaves of which latter are more
leathery, and thickly covered with fawn-coloured down
on the under surface.
AUTUMN FLOWERS AT BELVOIR.
Polygonum vaccinifolium. — We have in this
Himalayan plant one of the prettiest imaginable things
for autumn flowering. It is good for planting on the
rockery and stony banks. Although introduced in
1845, the plant is still far from common in gardens.
I had almost called it the prettiest member of the
Polygonum family, but others might disagree with
this opinion concerning a group of plants which diflVr
so much from each other ai Polygonums do. One
has only to contrast the little wiry 1". aviculare of our
fields and roadsides with tho stalely aud graceful P.cus-
pidatum, in order to realise tho great difference there
is in stature and general appearance of the various
species. P. vaccinifolium is a dwarf species, having
thin, wiry Btems which creep over the rocks, and
hang gracefully over ledges ; and the plant is now
— October 20 — covered with soiall 3-inch spikes,
bearing flowers of a bright p'nk colour. It is a
"good door," and has the additional merit of not
straying far from the spot where it is planted, and
not over-running its boundaries like P. cuspilatum
306
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 30, 1897.
Crindm Powelli x .
This bulbous plant affords a welcome variety in the
herbaceous border, both in regard to the foliage and
the flowers, and will be grown extensively when it is
better knowD. Its flowers, which are fragrant, are
freely produced in September and October in this
garden on stems 3 feet in height, with ten to fifteen
flowei's ia each corymb, and they are of a deep pink
colour outside, and pale pink within, appearing at
some distauce like a cluster of large pink Lilies,
opening in succession for several weeks. The plant is
undoubtedly hardy, it having withstood the severe
frosts of 1895 without serious injury ; but as a pre-
caution, the ground around, and the bulb itself,
should be covered early in November with a heap of
half-decayed leaves, when, if the frosts are severe, the
plant dies down only so far as the covering. Our
plants are growing in a light mixture of leaf-soil, sand,
&c., overlying a strong deep clay. "Will any of the
readers of this kindly afford me the history of this
plant ? [A cross between C. longifolium and C.
Moorei. Ed ]
PhYSOSTEGIA VlRGlNIANA SPEOI03A.
Dracocephalum of some gardens. A native of
North America, this plant glows to a height of 4 to
6 feet, and is very distinct from the other occupants
of the herbaceous border ; the stems are furnished
with numerous spikelets of flowers, which are in
colour lilac and white. It lasts in flower for several
weeks ; and if it cannot be regarded as a showy plant,
it is pretty, aud its general effectiveness is enhanced
by the crimson-purple colour of its stems.
PUYSALIS AlKEKENGI.
We find this plant affords a welcome bit of bright
colour at this season, which continues until severe
frost cuts down the plant'. It is a plant of easy
culture, reappearing regularly every spring when once
planted and left undisturbed. The patch should
have a light top-dressing annually in the spring, and
some amount of thinning of the plauts performed a
little later. For iudoor decoration, this species, and
the variety Franchetti with bigger calyces, make
capital subjects, and keep in good condition for along
time without water. P. Franchetti has not been a
success hitherto at Belvoir, for although the plant
grows freely, it does not ripen its fruit out-of-door?.
"Whether it requires more heat in summer than the
old variety is uncertain, but it appears to be quit} as
hardy, and is worthy of extra care and attention in
order to secure its fine large fruits. W. II. Divers,
Belvoir Castle Gardens, Grantham. [In the more
southerly shires, P. Franchetti ripens its fruits per-
fectly in fully exposed spots in the open, and even
when the plants are crowded together they flower
abundantly, and set well. Kd.]
GRAPE VINES AT NORWOOD,
ALLOA.
The residenco of Thomson Paton, Esq., is well
known for the public - spirited munificence of its
proprietor in all that concerns the interests of the
town and neighbourhood, such as the establishment
of public libraries, reading - room, baths, technical
institutes, &c, and the fame of its Qrape-growing,
general fruit and flower culture, aud landscape fur-
nishing under the able management of Mr. Kirk,
Mr. Paton's gardener. Having seen and heard so
much of his Grapes, the writer was naturally eager
to see them at home for himself. Hence he soon
found himself passing through the pleasure-grounds
which cover some 20 acres, en route for the kitchen
garden of about 1 acre, well stocked with fruit-
trees and vegetables, and containing the famous
vineries, two orchard-houses, two Melon-houses, Pine,
Peach, and Nectarine-houses, &c. There are four
vineries, each 24 feet long by 1 4 feet wide. These
were planted in 1888. .Each vinery is planted with
seven Vines. The early vinery was furnL-hed with
three Black Hamburghs, two Madresfield Court, one
Buckland Sweetwater, and oue Foster's Seedling.
The Grapes here were all cut except Foster's Seedling,
which were fine in bunch and berry. The leaves and
such young wood in the early house were all that the
most sanguine could desire.
The second vinery is mostly devoted to so-called
varieties of Muscats, among which were Bowood and
Tynningham Muscats, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat
Hamburgh, and one rod of Mrs. Pearson ; the major
part of the crop here was already cut, but those
that remained sufficed to bIiow the splendid
character of the Grapes and the size of bunch, and
especially of berry.
In the third vinery were fine examples of wood,
leaf, bunch and berries. It was also filled with a
most suggestive and interesting variety of sorts.
There was three Gros Colman, one black Hamburgh,
one Golden Hamburgh, one Madresfield Court and
one Trebbiano. It is interesting to note that white
and black Grapes are here interworked on each other
with the best results, without changing their colour,
or greatly modifying their character.
The new Grape Lady Hutt grafted on Colman
was finishing four bunches over 6 lb. in weight ; while
Appley Towers also on Colman were carrying bunches
5 lb. in weight and as black as sloes. The Puke of
Buccleuch grafted on Trebbiano, was carryiug fiue
bunches over 5 lb. in weight ; Mrs. Pearson grafted
on Colman was also very fine here ; while Black
Hamburgs in this vinery were models in bunch,
berry, colour, aud quality.
The fourth vinery is planted with two Lady
Downes, one Alnwick Seedling, one Alicante, one
Gros Guillaume, one Gros Maroc, and one Cooper's
Black, the last two being considered synonymous.
In density of bloom, form, and quality they are
equal. In this house is also to be seen a very pro-
mising amber-coloured Grape, Kirk's Seedling Duke,
grafted on Lady Downes ; likewise a black Duke.
Madresfield Court is a superb Grape in bunch and
berry, grafted on Lidy Downes. Muscats, Ham-
burghs, with fine bunches, and abnormally large
berries, grafted on Alicante ; Appley Towers and
Black Hamburgh are also grafted on Alnwick Seed-
ling, and are 6uperb in size and quality ; and the
Duke of Buccleuch is at its best, and a grand best
it is, on Gros Guillaume.
Two points strike visitors to the Norwood vineries.
Mr. Kirk, their skilful manager, is a fervent believer
in the mixture of Vine-blood. Nothing can be too
good or fresh in scion or stock with which to reach
perfection in bunch, berry, colour, quality, size of leaf,
strength, and hardiness of wood. The second point
is, that all his blends, crossings, and mixing of Vine-
blood seem eminently, and to the mere visitor, all
successful ; but doubtless, to Mr. Kirk each cross
has its own special message and meaning, some of
which he will probably find time to reveal to his
broth?r growers at an early date.
Meanwhile, the general lesson that seems to lie on
the surface of all these crosses, appears to be this : —
The more we cross our vines, the bigger and better
our Grapes ; though some affirm that skill and care,
rather than grafting and crossing, are the parents of
the victories reaped in vine-culture at Norwood, and
doubtless these are main factors of success here as
everywhere over the wide field of horticulture.
Others, again, affirm Kirk's manure does it all.
Having learned the Wants of his vines in the school
of long experience, and assisted by his son, a chemist
iu Londun, who more likely to make a perfect food
for his favourite viues or other plants? Hence,
Kirk's Vine food or manure has proved itself a well-
balanoed and powerful fertiliser, rich in organic
matter, ammonia, potash, and phosphites. But the
fruits of these Vines, their vigour, their produce,
and the prizes they take, are the results of skilful
culture, crossing, and feeding combined. Near the
vineries are some nice Pine-stoves, a house of fine
Tomatos (the Comet), another of a good Brown
Turkey Fig, Cucumbers, and two houses of Orchids,
oue mostly Odontoglossurns, and the other Cattleyas,
Dendrobiums, &c.
Passing from the higher to the lower gardens
through the well furnished flower-gardens, borders,
and shrubberies, we come to the lower range of glass
near the mansion. Here is an early Peach-house
24 feet long and 14 feet wide, furnished with fine
trees of Waterloo and Royal George Peaches, and the
back wall with Lord Napier Nectarine, in robust
health, and that carry fair crops every year.
The late Peach-house is 30 feet long by 26 feet
wide, the extra width furnishing space for utilising to
the ^full the front roof trellis and the entire back
wall of the house without injury or excess of undue
shade to either. The front trellis is furnished with
fine Peach-trees of the Dymond, Birrington, and
Sea Eagle Peaches, some choice fruit remaining at the
time of my visit ; the back wall beiDg clothed with
Humboldt and Pine-apple Nectarines.
Passing through a large greenhouse, well furnished
with Azaleas and other useful hard-wooded plauts, we
enter a beautiful orchard-house, 30 feet by 24 feet, aud
sufficiently lofty to give it a specially light and
elegant appearance, filled with Pears. Apples, Plums,
and other fruits, grown in 11 and 12-inch pots. The
plants were in perfect health, carrying from a dozen
to fifteen and twenty good fruits apiece.
Passing through this attractive orchard-house, we
enter the large conservatory attached to the mansion.
It contains a huge Dicksonia antarctica, said to
be the finest in Scotland, and many other choice
specimens, and was glowing with Begonias. Cannas,
and other showy flowers and plants. Near this is a
well-stocked plant-stove, crowded with choice greenery,
Palms, Ferns, variegated plauts in 6-inch pots, such
as Pandanus, Crotons, Dracaenas for house, room, and
table decoration.
But my time was exhausted, though by no
means the charms and resources of this chastely-
disposed and tastefully and profitably furnished
demesne. But having gone to Norwood primarily to
Bee the Grapes, and help others to see them so far as
possible by proxy through your pages, and having
seen them, to my great pleasure and profit, my
present duty ends with heartily thanking Mr. Kirk
for his great courtesy and kindness. D. T. Fish,
12, Fettes Row, Edinburgh.
Florists' Flowers.
THE AURICULA IN AUTUMN.
A guneral consent on the part of growers asserts
the fact that Auriculas in pots have on the whole
done remarkably well this season. Somehow or the
other, variable as was the weather, it appears to
have suited the plant. My own plants are iu full
leafage, though a few of the basal leaves are turning
yellow, showing that the time is coming when they
will enter their rest period. All through the hot dry
weather, the plants if looked after in the matter of
water, remained clean and vigorous; but very little
seed was obtained even from fertilised flowers ;
the dry hot atmosphere of even a north house in such
weather appears to have dried up the pollen. A good
growth followed upon the longest day, but few
autumn trusses, so far have put in appearance, and
there has been scarcely any boxes of plants. Some
varieties deteriorate rapidly unless potted soon after
blooming, and have every attention ; but these havo
remained in good growth, and so I am justified in
stating that the plants have done remarkably well on
the whole.
He who would be successful as a cultivator of
Auriculas must be prepared to give his plants proper
attention at all seasons of the year. Just now, while
the weather is fine and dry, water is needed ; the
pots are becoming filled with roots, and if the
drainage be good, and it should always be so, water
Boon drains away. This is an essential condition of
good health. Deficient drainage, and a water-logged
soil, injure and destroy more plants than does any-
thing else. Given clean pots, a suitable soil, healthy
plants, perfect drainage, and fresh air, and the culture
of the Auricula is by no means difficult. All that is
desired is a round of necessary attention to keep the
plants in the way they should go. It is the
usual practice to keep the decaying leaves
removed. I do it at this time of the year
in the interest of order later on. When frost sets in,
I allow the decaying leaves to remain on the surface
of the pots all the winter. I may be wrong in doing
October 30, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
307
so, but they appear to me to be a kind of natural pro-
tection, and I have seen in the case of many hardy
plants in the open how their decaying leaves afford
them protection during the winter. Then in spring,
as soon as there are signs of the beginning of the
annual forward movement, the leaves removed, the
surface soil stirred, and in some instinces replaced
with fresh, water given if necessary, and then they
seem to sail ahead majestically along the sea of promise.
A treacherous grub, which appears to suddenly put
in appearance, and which after nibbliug at a few of
the outer-leaves, mikes for the heart of the plant ami
eits it? way to the centre and devours it, needs sharp
looking after ; the mouths of September and October
appsar to bo its chief feeding times. No quarter to
this grub should be the rule of the Auricula-grower.
(Jreeu fly is active, just now particularly so. It is
astonishing how this pest increases under any relaxa-
tion of energy in keeping the plants clear of it. A
c.itnel's-hair brush can be used to disturb the
marauders, subjecting them to a forcible ejectment ;
if they make headway, a fumigation with the XL
vapour, which I have always found an excellent
insecticide, or by means of tobacco-paper or rag,
should then be applied.
A3 the plants fall away to their winter's rest,
w.iter may be gradually withheld ; but I am by no
me'iis in favour of keeping the soil about the roots
FlQ. 91. -FERTILISATION OF VANILLA
1 I ^ NIFOLIA.
a, Anther ; r, Rostellum ;
Stigma.
Bo dry as some people advocate. I do not think
anyone ever lost an Auricula through the moist
soil in the pot becoming frozen during the time it
was severe ; but I have had the fine root-fibres
destroyed by keeping the soil too dry. (Inly let
there be a porous soil aud free drainage, and there
will then be very few indeed of pots with water-
logged soil.
It is not too late to re-pot young stock, provided
that the balls of soil are not too much reduced in
making the shift. Such seedlings as need pricking-
off from seed-pans should be transplanted without
delay, so as to enable them to become active before
Christmas. At this time of the year slight shifts
should only be given, say, to a pot only one size
larger. I am in favour of two pottings — the first as
soon as possible after blooming, trimming the roots
where necessary, and transferring the plants to a
f mail-sized pot; and then early in September re-
potting to a larger size in fresh soil, without dis-
t urbing the balls of roots. They have the autumn
to make fresh roots, and by the spring are well
established in the fresh soil. H. D.
THE FRUITING OF VANILLA
PLANIFOLIA.
Many gardeuera grow, or at any rate they used to
grow, this plant commonly in the stove, but it was
lather rare to see a pcd. Exceptions, however,
-hould be made — that of the Duke of Northumber-
land's gardens at Syon House, where a succession of
gardeners have been fortunate iu securing pods in
quantity, and also at Osberton in Mr. Bennett's time.
Mr. Bennett laid stress on getting the wood well
ripened, and to ensure that, he almost parched the
plant. The failure to fruit is due in most instances
to a lack of knowledge of the method of fertilising the
stigma. In the flowers of the Vanilla, besides the petals
and sepals, there is a column to which the anther and
stigma aro attached at the summit (see fig. 91). The
anther is a dilated organ attached to the summit by
a curved process, and contains the pollen-masses
within a cavity on its lower surface. Tho anther
by means of its curved neck, is directed downwards,
and rests upon the so-called rostellum, which lies
between the anther and tho stigmatic surface, and
thus prevents all contaot between them. To effect
fertilisation, the rostellum has to be removed by meaus
of a pair of pointed forceps, which must be introduced
sideways between the anther and stigmatic surface, so
Fig, 92 ■ . ixdm i dra alba.
as to pull it away in the direction of the former. The
pollen-masses are then drawn out and pressed down
on tho latter, and the operation is completed. Doubt-
less many of our readers would be pleased to read Mr.
VVythes' methods of cultivating the plant at Syon.
Continental Nov.elties.
— « —
Mr. Ernst Benary includes among his novelties
the following, of which we condense the descriptions
from his Catalogue : —
Angclonia grandiflora alba (Benary). — The An-
gelonia grandiflora is a graceful greenhouse-plant,
of aromatic odour, and bearing lilac flowers,
which appear the same season as the seed is sown.
The first variety, which I have now obtained, is more
beautiful than the type, its numerous pure white
flowers standing out in contrast with the elegant
dark-greeu lauceolate foliage. This plant is espe-
cially adapted for room or conservatory decoration,
being a goud winter bloomer, and it also makes a
charming ornament for the table. (See fig. 92.)
Myosotis palustris Tom Thumb (Benary). — This is
quite a pigmy form of the widely-known Marsh
Forget-me-Not, the plants forming little tufts, as iu
Spergula pilifera, from whence Bprings up an
abundance of delicate sky-blue flowers. It comes
true from seed, blooms uninterruptedly from May
until frost, and is admirably adapted both for
borders and for pot-culture. (See fig. 93.)
Messrs. Haage & Schmidt, Erfurt, offer —
Campanula mirabilis (Alboff). — The most beautiful
of all Bell flowers, discovered by Mr. Alboff in
the Caucasus. Horticulture has to thank Mr.
William Barbey's generosity for the introduction of
this magnificent plant. It belongs to (he section of
C. medium, but has little resemblance to any of the
Campanulas cultivated up to the present day. Being
densely branched from the bottom, it forms a low
pyramidal bush of about 2 feet in diamtter ; each
branch, even the smallest, produces a great number
of large flowers of a pale blue or lilac colour. The
plants, when in full bloom, present a regular
flowering pyramid of at least a hundred blossoms
open at the time. The singular leaves are hard and
leathery, garnished ' with thin and sharp teeth at
their edges. The radical leaves, forming a rosette,
differ greatly iu shape of those appearing on the
stems ; the former are oval-spatulate, the lower
ones of the latter are stemless, oval-oblong, the upper
ones round-heartshaped.
Delphinium specioswn var. glabratum (Stapf). —
Handsome new hardy perennial Larkspur from the
Pig. t'3.— MvosuTie palvstris cow '"! ui
Himalaya mountains. The green leaves are radical,
palmately-lobed, the lobes toothed and cut; inflo-
rescence corymbose, 2 feet in breadth by 3 feet in
height, branches spreading ; flowers silkily hairy,
1.} to 2 inches across, and of a beautiful dark azure-
blue colour. Similar in growth of the plant, and
also in the shape of the flowers, to the Delphinium
cashmerianum, this new Larkspur differs essentially
by its larger inflorescence, and by the more opened,
star-like, and longer-spurred flowers.
Primula capitata (cashmeriana) alba. — New white-
flowering variety of this earliest-blooming Primrose,
reproducing itself true from seed. The flower-heads
are much larger than those of P. denticulata alba.
Primula floribunda grandiflora Isabdlina. — Whilo
the type of this extremely free-flowering Hamalayan
Primula produces flowers of a rich canary-yellow, our
new well-fixed variety bears flowers of a soft and
very pleasing pale sulphur, contrasting beautifully
to the green foliage. If sown in a greenhouse in
January or February, the seedlings will commence
blooming in June, and will continue so without inter-
ruption during the summer and winter months.
Splendid plant for the culture in rooms or in a cool-
house.
RudbecJcia bicolor supcrba. — This new annual
variety represents a welcome addition to the collec-
tion of these popular annual and perennial plants,
so extensively used for cut flowers at present. Grow-
ing about 2 feet in height, it forms a many-branched,
dense bush, and produces its long-stemmed flowers
308
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 30, 1897.
in the greatest abundance. The disc is brown, the
ray-florets are yellow, with large velvety-brown spots
at the base - a colouring which may be compared to
that of Obeliscaria pulcherrima, or that of the dwarf
French Marigold " Legion of Honour."
Mb. F. C. Heinemann, Ekfurt, Catalogues the
FOLLOWIHQ—
Heinemami's New Emperor Salpiglosris. — It forma
only one single leading stem, which often grows as
thick as a Anger, aud bears on its end a bouquet of
the most beautiful flowers. Every one of them is
richly veined with gold, and considerably larger than
those of the old "graudiflora" type. The throat is
wide open aud short. The edge of the flower is not
so deeply incurved as with the old variety, which
gives it a more round shape.
Sky blue, pillar shaped Forget-me-not. — A Myosotis
striking by its very unique structure. All branches
that form the plant grow perpendicularly. By this
compact growth every plant forms a regular pillar or
column. This habit makes the variety particularly
useful as a pot plant for market sale, or as edging for
flower-beds and any other decorative purpose. There
are new varieties of Gloxinia, Pansy, crested
Begonia, &c.
HORTICULTURAL EDUCATION.
We have sought, says Professor Bailey, in a recent
Bulletin, not so much for new facts as for some
way of driving home the old facts. We have
tried to set forces at work which would silently
extend themselves when wo had left them. Fortu-
nately, we have been greatly aided by the hard
timos and the multitudes of bugs and special
dilliculties. These things have driven people to
thinking aud to asking for information. The agri-
cultural communities aro thoroughly aroused, and
now is the time to teach. When one is thoroughly
prosperous in his business, thore is little chance -as,
in fact, there is generally little need— of teaching
other methods. The efforts to reach the people, in
the progress of our work, may be classified under fivo
general heads. These efforts have all been experi-
ments in methods of extension teaching as applied to
horticulture. We have tried to ascertain the value
of: (1.) The itinerant or local experiment as a means
of teaching ; (2.) The readable expository bulletin ;
(3.) The itinerant horticultural school ; (4.) Elemen-
tary instruction in the rural school ; (5.) Instruction
by means of correspondence aud reading courses.
In the local experimental work, something over 100
different experiments havo been plauued and prose-
cuted in different parts of western New York. These
comprise experiments in tilling the laud, in pruning
trees, in fertilising the soil, spraying, combating
inserts and fungi, and the like. The fundamental
purpose in these experiments is to teach by means of
object lessons and not to collect scientific facts,
although the latter often come as a very valuable
incidental result. The horticultural schools have
been about forty in number. These are meetings
which last two or more days, at which time certain
instructors take up definite lines of instruction, giving
by far the greater part of their attention to under-
lying principles and not to mere facts or methods.
The° fundamental difficulty with our agricultural
condition is that there is no attempt to instruct
the children in matters which will awaken an
interest in country life. We hive therefore con-
ceived that the place in which to begin to correct
the agricultural status is with the children and the
rural schools. For the purpose of determining just
how much could be expected from this source, many
rural and village schools were visited during the
past year, the instructors talking to the children
about any object which presented itself at the time.
The result was that all the instructors were impressed
with the readiness with which the children imbibed
the information, their keen desire for it and apprecia-
tion of it, and the almost universal interest which
teachers took in this kiud of work. We are now
convinced that the greatest good which can be
rendered to the agricultural communities is to
awaken an interest in nature study on the part of
teachers and children.
THE ONION CROP OF 1897.
The Onion crop of 1897 in the United States is far
short of a full one, aud materially smaller than that
of 1896, which in turn showed a considerable
deficiency.
Exhaustive investigations recently made by our
contemporary the American Agriculturist, in every
important Onion growing section of that country
showed the commercial crop of 1S97 to be 2,300,000
bushels, compared with what may be called a full
yield of 3,000,000 bushels, that figure being reached
in some recent years. The crop now being secured
and marketed, has turned out rather better than
seemed possible a month and more ago, yet it is by
no means a large one.
In some of the most important sections of the
Onion belt, it is little more than half a yield, but this
is partially offset elsewhere by increased acreage and
good crops. The high prices last winter and early
spring stimulated the acreage for the present crop.
The Onions secured excellent early growth as a
rule, and progressed well until midsummer, when
weather conditions turned unfavourable, checking
development which was never fully recovered. This
was notably the case in the Connecticut valley, in
Orange county, and Central New York, and in parts
of Ohio, the West being less disturbed, and yielding
fairly well from the scattered acreage.
The acreage, fiually harvested, does not differ much
from that of 1896, in spite of the tendency last
spring to increase the area under the Onion crop. A
good many fields which originally had a fair start,
later deteriorated so rapidly that growers abandoned
them or put the laud iuto other crops. As a result,
the acreage fiually harvested was considerably less
than at one time seemed probable. As a whole, the
rate of yield per acre was smiller than last year.
Occasional sections where weather conditions were
favourable, aud extra care given the crop in the way of
fertilisation, cultivation, &c, show a very good rate
of yield ; some areas give 500 to 600 bushels to the
acre as lifted, yet when the Onions aro weighed out
this figure will be greatly reduced, bringing down
the aggregate commercial crop considerably ; the
latest returns show that as a rule the Onions of 1897
possess excellent keeping qualities.
Comparing the opening of the season with that of
last year, prices paid to growers in the country show
thirty to fifty per cent, advance —this fact is nearly
universal.
The undertone in the Onion market for choice
grades is one of decided firmness. J. J. Willis,
Harpcnden. ^_
The Week's Work.
• — —
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Obarlis H«rrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Miideahsad.
Clearing and Replanting Flower-beds. — The summer
bedders being now mostly flowerless should be cleared
away, and more especially those in beds which have
to be re-plantod with others for winter and spring
decoration. As fast as the plants are cleared off, the
beds should bo deeply dug over, and if thought to be
necessary, a small quautity of decayed manure incor-
porated with the soil. At the time of writing, the
earth in some of our beds is so dry that a soaking of
water is necessary bofore re-planting, a very unusual
thing at this date. Large beds, or those which occupy
the middle area in flower-gardens of considerable
dimensions, havo a pleasing effect if thinly planted
with small Hotinosporas, such as those known in
gardens as 11. pisifera, R. p. var. aurea, R. pluuiosa
var. aurea, It. p. var. argentea, It. ericoides, R. squar-
rosa, and the forms of Cupressus Lawsoniana in
variety. The bed or btds so planted may be edged
with a broad baud of Violas or other dwarf-flowering
plants mentioned below, and a grouud-work of the same
added where the Conifers are very sparingly employed
in the beds. There are many other kinds of shrubs
that are admissible in these winter beds, such
as small plants of Rhododendron hybridum, well set
with bloom-buds ; Andromeda floribunda and A.
japonica ; Pernettya, if borried ; Mahonia aquifolia,
Berberi3 Darwini, Portugal Laurels, Phillyrea angus-
tifolia, Euonymus radicans, &c, which, if kept in
pots plunged in the soil, or annually transplanted,
remain of small size, with compact root-masses.
Wallflowers are effective spring flowers, continuing
for a considerable period of time in flower. They
should be planted somewhat thickly ; and if bushy,
they may almost touch each other in the beds. Beds or
patches of distinct colours, as tho Blood Red, Prim-
rose Dame, Belvoir Castle, yellow, look better than
mixtures. Other subjects for the spring garden are
Violas — these especially, and Pansies, Myosotis dis-
sitiflora and M. alpestris Victoria, Daisies, Pulyan-
thuses, Aubrietias, especially high-coloured varieties
like Leichtlini ; Silene pendula, rose coloured, S. p.
alba, and Saponaria ocymoides, should now be
ready for being set out as stroug plants. These
being of dwarf stature, are well suited for filling
narrow or small beds, in conjunction with Narcissus,
Hyacinths, Squills, Tulips, &c. Saponaria being late
in flowering, should, if possible, be afforded a position
where it will not toe necessary to clear the plant i
away whilst still in their flush of beauty.
Hyacinths are trustworthy spring-flowering bulbs,
aud should uow be got quickly iuto the grouud. If
large masses of colour are desired, beds may be fillei
thickly with bulbs at 6 to 8 inches asunder. For
these the soil of the beds, after digging, should bo
raked down and trodden moderately firm, and if
heavy, a good dressing of coarse sand should bo
raked into the surface to go in with the bulbs. For
planting the bulbs, a blunt-ended dibber with a cross-
bar to regulate the depth of the hole, is the handiest
tool to use. The bulbs should be put with the apex
quite 4 inches deep. The most pleasing arrange-'
ment, however, is to associate Hyacinths with Pansies,
Violas, Myosotis, &c, as then the beds have a better-
furnished appearance during the winter, and the floral
display is continued after the bulbs are over. When
this method of planting is practised, the groundwork
plants should first be got in, and the bulbs put in
about 10 inches apart between them.
Tulips. — These should be planted forthwith. Tho
remarks on mixtures applied to Hyacinths also apply
here, although beds filled entirely with Tulips from
■1 to 6 iuches apart are very effectivo when of large
size. When used in mixture with Pansies aud
Violas, Aubrietias, &c, we havo pleasing contrasts,
aud a long season of display. Tbe Van Thol section
are the earliest to bloom, aud are also dwarf, and
may bo planted thicker than the larger-flowered
varieties. Canary Bird, Kaizer Kroon, Proserpine,
Joost Van Vondel, Purple Crown, Duke of York,
and Prince of Austria, are good varieties for bedding,
the two last being the latest to flower.
Other species of Bulbs. — Daffodils in variety are
much used for spring bedding, namely, Sir Watkin,
and those of the bicolor section, as Horsficldi,
Emperor, and Empress are bold and free-flowering
varieties, but the selection may be infinitely varied.
Snowdrops, Crocuses, and Scillas should be planted
thickly uear the margins of beds and borders, and
tho early- flowering Erythronium Dens Canis are
effective plants in similar positions, its haudsome
foliage boing an additional point in its favour. The
roots of tuberous Anemoues should be in the ground
this month, giving them, if possible, a position
where they may remain undisturbed for some years.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, B irford, Dorkiag.
Orchids now in Flower. — A few years ago Orchid
blooms were very scarce during the autumn months,
but the following list of plauts now in flower will
Bhow that an advance has been made : — Cattleya
labiata, C. aurea, C. Bowringiana, C. Lord Roths-
child x , C. Mantini x , C. Wendlandiana x , C. bicolor,
Lielio-Cattleya albanensis, L;elia Perrini, L. P. uivea,
L. P. alba, L. pumila, Dendrobium Phalamopsis, D.
Dearei, D. sanguiuolentum, D. chrysauthum, Pleiouo
maculata, P. lagenaria, P. Wallichiana, Catasotum
Buugerothi, G. longifolium, Piluiuua fragraus, Ouc>
dium aurosum, O. obryzatum, Vauda Kimballiana,
Habeuaria militaris, H. carnea, II. c. nivosa, C. cenan-
thum x , C. Lawrobel x , C. concolawre x , C. barbafco-
bellum x , C. Sedeni x , C. cardinale x , C. purpura-
tum, C. insigne Sandera, Paphinia cristata, Zygo-
petaluui maxillare, and Masdevallta macrura. Some
plants of Cattleya Bowringiana are already producing
clusteis of young roots from the base of the newly-
made pseudo-bulbs, and such plants that require re-
potting, although in bloom, should be attended to at
once. If repotting be delayed until the flowers have
faded, the points of the new roots may be inj ured.
C. labiata, too, should be repotted immediately fresh
roots aro observable. When C. aurea has passed out
of flower, keep the plauts on the dry side until root-
action commences, and then afford fresh rooting
material. The same remarks apply also to the various
hybrids mentioned. Repot Laelia Perriui and its
varieties immediately they have flowered, /^ygo-
petalum maxillare thrives beat if secured to a piece
October 30, 1897.]
HIE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
30«J
of Tree Feru stem, aud kept in a warm corner of the
Odontoglossum-house, never allowing the plaut to be-
come the least dry at the root. Deudrobium Phalaj-
uopsisrccpiiresalight position in the East Indian-house,
and alter the spikes of flower have been cut, water
at the routs should be withhold. The same position
will suit them when at rest, pud their immediate
surroundings should be kept quite dry. I). 1 learoi
and the rich-coloured D. sauguiuolentum, although
iu flower, are developing new growths. Suspend the
plants on the shady side of the hottest house, and
afford copious waterings eauh time the compost
appears dry. D. chrysanthum suspended to the roof
of the intermediate-house, should be kept perfectly
dry at the root until growth recommences. Pilumua
fragrans is best in the cool-house, aud should bo
watoredwith care. Oncidium obryzatum also thrives
best with the Odoutoglossums. O. aurosmn may be
romoved to the intermediate. -house immediately cold
weather occurs.
Vandas. — The present is the best season of the
year to look to the roots of Vandas of the tricolor
and suavis section. The plants do not like strong
sunlight, and now that the sun is daily decreasing
iu strength, aud the external air is cool and moist, a
suitable atmosphere can easily be maintained in tho
house. This is a great help towards the re-establish-
ment of the plants without loss of foliage. Tore-pot
them now is also favourable to the production of
fresh roots. The old roots that will be buried in tho
new compost will quickly make numerous laterals,
aud they have plenty of time to become thoroughly
well rooted before they have to withstand the heat
of summer. It is principally those plants that have
lost a number of their lowermost leaves that will need
atteution. In removing the plants from their pots,
take care not to break or crack the large succulent
roots unnecessarily. Shako tho old compost away,
and cut the bottom of the stem oil' so far as to allow
the lower leaves, when the plaut is transferred to the
new pot, to be just on a level with the rim. Place
the plant iu its proper position, and make the
drainage secure with a few pieces of crock, and over
these a layer of sphagnum. Spread out the lower
most roots carefully, and work in amongst them
and tho remaining roots some clean-picked sphagnum-
moss, intermixing with this plenty of broken crocks.
Fill up to the rim of the pot, and surface the whole
with fresh healthy sphagnum. Press the materials
down firmly, aud tie each stem to a strong stick, to
hold the plaut in its proper position ; this is im-
portant, as any swaying about will cause tho lower
leaves to turu yellow and fall off. Plants that arc
well furnished with leaves down to the rim of the pot
should not be disturbed ; but if the sphagnum-moss has
become sour and decomposed, it may be removed,
aud fresh moss substituted. Following root-dis-
turbauce, no water should be afforded for several
days ; then the plants may be watered thoroughly,
which will be sufficient to keep the moss damp for a
considerable length of time. Each time the moss on
the surface becomes dry, it may be spriukled over to
keep it alive. Give the plants a cool intermediate
temperature, keep their surroundings moist at all
times, aud shade from strong sunshine, especially after
repotting.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Peaches and Nectarines. — If fruits are required
early in May, trees should be forthwith got in readi-
ness for starting ; to force in the firBt week of
November, and t>> have fruit to come in at the end of
May, or the commencement of June, starting may
be delayed till December 1, or a fortnight later than
that date if the tree3 have been often forced. Getting
in readiness means, that the trees be unfastened
from the trellisses and pruned, then cleaned with
Gishurst's compound, to which a small quantity of
strong tobacco-water is added, using it at the full
strength recommended by the makers, and applying
it with a scrubbing-brush for the hard branches and
shoots ; and with a paint-brush, and at half-strength,
for the soft, young shoots. See that the old ties are
removed and burnt ; be sure that the mixture is
well rubbed in, and that no branches or shoots are
missed by the operator. It is a very good plan, if the
trees have been badly infested with black aphis or
browu scale, to wash the trees twice, it being a saving
of labour at a later date to make sure that the trees are
quite clean now. As soon as the trees have got dry,
they may be tiained anew to the trellises, using
tarred string or withes in securing the largest
branches, and raffia for the weaker shoots ; or, in
ease the trees arc secured to a wall, make uso of
clean shreds and nails or studs amd raffia. lie
careful to allow sufficient slackness in each tie, to
permit full development of the shoots without
constricting the rind, and to distribute the bearing-
wood regularly ; aud leave a few young shoots to
fasten over bare branches, thereby covering the
latter with foliage, and improving the appearanco
of the trees, as well as affording protection from the
sun, the lack >>( which is sometimes the cause of loss
of branches. As soon as tho trees are trained, let
tho b< niler be cleaned up, and if the uppercrust is
found to be sodden, or it has been much trampled
upon, fork it up lightly, removing some of it, and
affording a dressing of heavy loam and lime-rubble ;
but if the trees have been root-pruned, this will not
be necessary, and a pointing of the surface where it is
trodden down will suffice. Finally afford a slight
mulch of long stable-litter, and lime-wash tho walls.
When the trees are started, afford the border a thorough
application of tepid water, and close the house. At the
commencement a temperature at night of 40° to 45°,
5° higher doing no harm if the outside temperature
is high ; by day 50° to 55° will suffice. Sprinkle the
trees in the morning, and again at half-past 2 P.M.
At this season progress is slow, but there is no need
to hurry the trees — in fact, to do so will defeat the
end in view ; but the trees may b3 pushed on rapidly
when tho days are lengthening.
Lalcv Pcacherks containing trees whose foliage still
hangs on them should be kept well ventilated, the
leaves being partially removed by drawing the hand
lightly upwards, or a new birchbroom or housemaid's
handbrusb. may bo employed in the direction that
the shoots run.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Popk, Ganleuer, HigUclero Castle, Newbury.
Winter protection. — It should be the aim of evory-
one in charge of a garden, bo it large or small, to
provide pleuty of protective material during the
autumn months, aud to have it in readiness for use
whouover it may be required to protect plants from
frost. Bracken if cut early when ripe, aud driod, and
then stored in a shed, or made into a stackand thatched
with straw, is of great use for this purpose. Bows
of Hazel or Ash may be placed over the rows of
Parsley to support garden mats, or light hurdles
thatched with straw used instead. A good thick
layer of coal-ashes should be spread over the crowns
of Parsnips, Seakale, &c, in order to keep frost out
of the soil, aud allow roots to be lifted when required.
This form of protection is a capital one for the pre-
servation of the stools of Globe Artichoke duriug tho
winter. It should be placed cone-like round each
plant, one barrow load being sufficient to cover one
stool.
Hi rbs — The border should now be cleaned up and
put in order for the winter ; beds of Mint, Tarragon,
aud such like herbaceous subjects should be weeded,
decayed shoots removed, aud a liberal dressing
of short manure applied. New beds on a fresh site
may now be made on fairly rich soil ; or if the land
be poor, some decayed manure may be dug into it
when planting the roots. Place the roots thinly
in fairly deep drills drawn 1 foot apart, and put a
mulch of short manure over all as a finish. If
the roots are not taken up for re-planting, it will
still be necessary to chop round the outside of the
clumps of Tarragon, Mint, and Marjoram, and fork
out all straggliog roots from alleys, and by the side
of paths, the roots spreading so much generally as to
become a nuisance if let alone. Shrubby herbs, as
Thyme, Sage, Hyssop, Horeround, Winter Savory,
&c , may have a dressing of short manure lightly
forked in between the rows if to be left on the same
site ; but it is a good plan to re-plant these at the
least onee in threo years, or the beds may become
patchy, aud the plants die out entirely, being
smothered by their stronger neighbours.
La is. — Although Leeks are accommodating, and the
hardiest of winter vegetables, they require attention
if blanched stems of a good length are required, and
failing which, they are only of use for flavouring
purposes. For this purpose it is customary to plant
in trenches, and treat the plants similarly to Celery ;
but for kitchen use, stems 8 inches are long enough,
and these are secured with less labour. If the Leeks
were planted as advised, namely, in deep drills, that
would be ultimately levelled by the hoe in killing
weeds, the plants may now be earthed-up by simply
drawing the soil up to them if they are planted suffi-
ciently wide apart to admit of this being done ; but
if thickly planted, the desired blanching may be
ensured by placing leaf-mould, cocoa-nut fibre, or
coal-ashes, between tho rows, care being taken not to
break the leaves in doing this.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Boumrdias. — Plants which have been flowering
since September should be allbrded weak liquid
manure-water, and if they have a stunted ap-
pearance, a sprinkling of Clay's or other safe arti-
ficial manure may likewise be given in addition. Let
them be exposed to full sunshine, and the temperature
of the house be kept at about 55° at night, and 60 by
day. The spring-struck Bouvardia, which will form
the next lot of flowering plants, should be copiously
syringed until the first flowers have opened,
when it must be discontinued. Desirable varieties
are the following: — President Cleveland, flowers
coloured scarlet ; Mrs. Robert Green, and Priory
Beauty, with pink flowers ; and Vreelaudi, with white
ones, are good for flowering till late in the winter.
Souvenir de Ui Sfahnaison Carnations. — The house
or pit iu which these plants are grown may be, for
safety's sake, fumigated with tobacco, or vaporised
with XL All for the destruction of aphides at fort-
nightly intervals. Afford air abundantly excepting
in very moist or foggy weather, and warm the hot-
water pipes somewhat at such tim-s aud admit only a
small amount of air. Tho plants will nov require
great care in affording water, aud it is safer to err on
tho dry, than the wet side through the next three
mouths.
Euphorbia JacquinceJU/ra and E, (Poinsettia) pul-
chcrrima. — These plants thrive at this season if the
warmth is maintained at 65° by day, and 00° by night,
affording liquid manure-water liberally if they are pot-
bound. The plants may be syringed on fine days,
the house being closed early ; but after colour
appears in the bracts, syringing should cease, damping
between the pots mornings and afternoons being done
instead.
Zonal Pelarqoniums. These plants should bo
afforded warmth of 50° at night, with a slight rise of
say B to 10v' by day, to such as are flowering, aud an
occasional application of clear soot water. Let tho
pots be washed and kept quite cleau, aud the decaying
flowers removed.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleish, Essex.
Wintering Put Strawberries. — Many ways of winter-
ing pot-Strawberry plants are recommended and
practised, but, in my experience, the most natural,
simple, and effective method of doing this is to
plunge the pots below the rims in sifted coal-
ashes, sawdust or leaf-mould. It is necessary
that the site selected be high enough to prevent
water accumulating about the pots at any time,
and the aspect should be south or west. For
many years I wintered pot-Strawberries in impro-
vised frames (without covers) in which I used
to grow my Wallflowers for transplanting to the
flower-beds in October, and to harden oil' summer
bedding-plants in the spring. These frames were about
7 feet wide, of varying length, and consisted of two
liinch boards — sides and ends— secured to pointed
wooden stumps driven into the ground at about
4 feet apart. Such frames are easily made, aud they
have a tidy appearance. The bottom, too, was hard, and
the situation dry. The pots Bhould be stood closely
together on coal-ashes, so as to keep worms out
of the pots, the plunging material being firmly
packed in between the pots and carried above ttie
rims to the thickness of about 1 inch. This covering
will save the pots from being cracked by frost. Thus
wintered I always obtained satisfactory results from
my forcing Strawberry plants. It is unnatural as well
as injurious to Strawberry plants to subject them
to tho " drying-off " process during the winter months,
as is actually done by stacking the pots on their sides
in rows, two or three thick in the open ; aud in pits
anel frames, seeing that the plants growing under
natural conditions out of doors are never dry at the
roots during the winter and spring.
Plantations of Strawberries should be hand-weeded,
and after that is done, the land should be coated
with short, decayed manure to the thickness of about
3 inches.
Raspberries. — Remove the superfluous canes of the
current year's growth carefully from between
the rows of fruiting-canes, laying them in by the
heels, for forming new plantations, and filling up
vacancies. If the land be dry when new plantations
are made, the plants should receive a heavy appli-
cation of water, in order to settle the earth about the
roots ; and after the holes are filled iu, and the
surface made level, a mulching of balf-rotten dung
may be placed along the row
310
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Ooiober 30, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVcRTiSEMENTSthould be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News.— Correspondents -will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or oj any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice o/ horticulturists.
APPOINTMENTS FOR NOVEMBER.
TUESDAY, Nov.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 3-j
THURSDAY, Nov.
FRIDAY, Nov.
SATURDAY, Nov.
TUESDAY, Nov.
WEDNESDAY, Nov.
THURSDAY, Nov,
FRIDAY, Nov.
TUESDAY, Nov.
WEDNESDAY, Nov.
THURSDAY, Nov.
FRIDAY, Nov.
TUESDAY, Nov.
( Chrysanthemum Shows at Croy-
J< don, Plymouth. Devizes, Brigh-
( ton, and Stratford-on-Avon.
/Chrysanthemum Shows at Ealing,
Blaekheath, Sunningdale, Lowes-
toft, Cardiff j Woking, South-
ampton, Wolverhampton, Isle of
Thanct, Teignmouth, North
Peckham, and Royal Horticul-
tural Society of Ireland.
^ / Chrysanthemum Shows at High-
ly gate and Exeter.
, ( Altrincham, Bowden, Sale and
( District Chrysanthemum Soc.
6 fSoe. Franc, d'llort. London.
I Isle of Wight Hort. Assoc, meet.
. Royal Hort. Soc. Corns.
National Chrysanthemum Society's
n / .Show at Aquarium (three days)
Chrysanthemum Shows also at
Kingston, Birmingham, Lced?,
Croydon and Farnham.
Chrysanthemum Shows at Liver-
pool, Eastbourne, Carlisle, Han-
ley (Staffs.), and Brixton,
arrison &l Son's Annual Exhi-
bition of Vegetables and Farm
Roots, at Leicester.
/"Chrysanthemum Shows at Putuey,
11 . Hammersmith, Winchester, and
\ Spalding.
J)H
fChry sail them
12 \ field, Wiln
\ Bradford
um Shows at Shef-
lmslow, Windsor, and
jg f Chrysanihem m Shows at Belfast,
'( Chester, Ipswich.
r Chrysanthemum Shows at Hull,
Hi York, South Shields, Reading,
C Buxton, Bristol.
( Scottish Horticultural Society's
18-' Chrysanthemum Show at Edin-
( burgh (;; days).
,g ( Chrysanthemum Shows at Hudders-
\ field and Stockport.
Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
mittees.
23 {
SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
( Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroo &
MONDAY, Nov. J . *I.orri8'1HS;ms/
j Bulbs and Plants at Mr. Stevons
k Rooms.
ft
TUESDAY,
Nov. 2(
1 hitch Bulbs, at Protberoe
Morris' Booms.
Annual two days' sale of Immense
quantities of nursery stock at
the Hale Farm Nuseries, Totten.
bam, by order of Mr. T. S. Ware,
by Protberoe & Morris (two
days).
f Bulbs, Plants, Rosos, Fruit Trees,
I Shrubs, &c., at Mr. Stevens'
WEDNESDAY. Nov. 3 J Rooms.
j Dutch liulbs, at Protberoe &
\ Morris* Rooms.
/Bulbs and Plants, at Mr. Stevens'
Rooms.
Dutch Bulbs at Protheroe &
Morris.
Sale of well -grown Nursoiy Stock
at tbo Burnt Ash Hill Nurseries,
Lee, by order of Messrs. B. Mai-
ler & Sons, by Protheroo &
' Morris.
f Dutch Bulbs and Orchids at Pro-
(. theroc S: Morris' Rooms.
B„. ./Bulbs and riants at Mr. Stevens'
jsov. o-^ Rooms
THURSDAY, Nov. 4
F.I I DAY,
SATURDAY,
Nov. 6
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at ChiBwick.— IS'l".
Actual Temperatures: —
London. — October 27: Max., 58°; Min., 4G°.
Provinces.— October -^7 (6 p.m.): Max., 53°, Seilly ;
Min., 45°, Ardrossan.
Weather generally dull ; foggy, mild.
The Victotla ^T ^as °ften been made a subject
Medal of of complaint that gardeners re-
Honour, ceive no public or official recog-
nition. Whether they are worse off in this
respect than the members of other professions
may be doubted ; still, the complaint shows
the necessity that is felt in this country for
establishing an "Order of Merit" for other
than political services and financial success.
What sort of honour is it that is conferred
on a professional man, an artist, a man of
science, when he is associated with men whose
only claim to distinction is measured by their
services to their political party or munici-
pality, or by the balance at their bankers ?
What honour did Tennyson derive, in
public estimation, from admission to the
House of Peers ? Can we suppose that a
Newton, a Darwin, an Owen, a Huxley, a
Lindley would have been more honoured by
being made Peers ? And yet such men were
clearly deserving of the highest honour that
could be ]iaid them, and being human, they
would not have been averse from accepting it.
The point is, that the honour should be a fitting
one. The honours conferred on military and
naval men, and on civil servants of the
Crown, are usually appropriate enough, but the
comparatively few official compliments bestowed
outside the "services" are often incongruous,
and suggestive of ridicule rather than of
respect. This arises partly from the mixed
company to which the honoured one is ushered,
partly from the fact that the compliment is
conveyed through ministers or others who can
have nothing but a hearsay acquaintance with
the merits of the recipient.
It is otherwise when the honour comes from,
or at least is suggested by, a man's associates,
who have the opportunity of knowing and of
judging the value of their colleagues' labours.
From this point of view the Victoria Medal of
Honour, instituted with the Queen's consent,
by the Royal Horticultural Society, is pecu-
liarly valuable. The Council of the Society, as
we have reason to know, sought, in confidence,
the opinion of numerous representative men in
various parts of the country as to who would be
suitable recipients of the Modal.
Having such a mass of opinion before them,
it then becamo the duty of the Council to pro-
ceed to the very difficult and delicate task of
selecting the sixty. The final selection is by
no means ideally perfect ; but, at least, it has
been arrived at after anxious care and strict
impartiality. We are proud to think a hundred
more equally worthy (with one or two exceptions)
could easily have been found, hence those on
whom the honour was conferred will, of course,
look on themselves in the light of representa-
tives of others. It is difficult to see how, on the
whole, the selection could have been better made,
and it is equally difficult to see how the list could
have been improved when many of those who,
by universal verdict, would have found a place
therein, felt themselves debarred, from one cause
or another, from being nominated.
In any case, high festival was held at the
Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday last.
The occasion was unique. It is likely to
romain so. The warm applause with which the
recipients of the medals were greeted showed
conclusively that the movement had the sym-
pathy of the audience. We can but congratu-
late the Society on the success of this novel and
hazardous venture ; and we felicitate those of
our friends and colleagues who have so richly
merited the compliment made to them.
Every effort should now be made to jealously
maintain and enhance the honour ; hence it may
be desirable to add that the use of the honour
for advertising or other commerical purposes
is entirely opposed to the whole spirit of the
scheme, and should be sternly deprecated.
There are happily some things which cannot be
estimated by a monetary standard, and this is
one of them.
The medal itself is an elegant and artistic
production, a trifle larger than a shilling,
the work of Miss Margaret Giles, and
is much admired by connoisseurs. We are a
little puzzled to know which is the obverse and
which the reverse, and we think that space
should somewhere have been found for the
addition of the recipient's name. Perhaps even
now the rim of the medal may not be found
too narrow to make this addition, failing which
a diploma of some sort should also be sent to
the medallists recording the fact of the award.
One other point — the council, as we think
judiciously, declined to allow their own names
to be put forward, though there are sevoral of
its members amply deserving of the compliment.
Probably an opportunity will occur hereafter of
adding their names as vacancies occur.
Put what applies to the council, does not
apply to the Secretary and Treasurer, still less to
the President. In our opinion these gentlemen,
and most particularly the President, should be
Victoria medallists by virtue of their office.
This is an omission that can be rectified at the
next annual meeting. As it is, the medallists
constitute a body without a head.
A detailed account of the very interesting
proceedings on Tuesday last will be found in
another column.
THE DUCHESS OF TECK— The Duchess was
so well known to horticulturists as an ardent lover of
flowers, that the announcement of her death will be
received with great regret. Residents at Kew, and
more recently those at Richmond, as well as fre-
quenters of the " Botanic " wifi miss her, and many
a charitable institution will be the poorer and the
weaker by her decease. To a former generation, as
Princess Mary, she was endeared by her geniality and
willingness to aid in all works of good fellowship and
charity. To her was dedicated Messrs. Moore &
,T ackman's volume on the Clematis, so that her name
will be associated with one of the most remarkable
triumphs of Horticulture.
SOLANUM CORNUTUM.— Many of the best of
the "subtropical" species of Solanum are exhibited
every summer in the Cambridge Botanic Garden,
and among them S. cornutum, the subject of the
illustration (fig. 91), is remarkable, not ODly for itB
beautiful foliage, but also for its effective golden-
yellow flowers. Unlike the majority of these Sola-
nums, it appears to be Btrictly annual, and while
some others, to produce the finest effect, must be
sown some time during the preceding year, this can
be sown with other annuals in spriDg. It may even
do fairly well if sown in the open, uuder favourable
conditions ; but the only safe plan is to sow in gentle
heat during March, and plant out from large 60's,
or preferably 4S-pots, early in June. The flowers are
so beautiful, and the leaves so handsome, that it is
well worth all this trouble. It provides a good bed
or group, and few would eay they had ever seen the
plant before. As grown at Cambridge, it reaches a
height of from IS inche3 to 2 feet. The stems are
branching, comparatively slender, green, and
covered with slender spines, as are all parts
of the plant, in greater or less degree, up
to the corolla. The leaves are light green,
about 4 inches long, and divided in a manner
wlich is better understood from the illus-
tration than from any descriptiou. The flowers
are produced in raceme-like cymes to the number
of nine or a doaen, aud are rather more than
an iuch in diameter. They are produced in succes-
sion, and one or two only are open at a tinio, but
the cymes are very numerous, no good leaf failing to
have one belonging to it. As the flowers wither,
numerous small fruits, covered with numberless
October SO, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
311
slender spines, are formed, and these fruits form a
very distinctive and attractive feature. This plant
has been grown for the nearly allied S. Fontane-
tianum, and seeds under that name were received
from Messrs. Haaoe & Schmidt, but by Kew deter-
mination it proves to be S. cornutum. Its native
country is Mexico [see JaCquin's Ecloijce, t. 104].
11. Irw'm Lynch, Cambridge llotanic C/ardcn.
LlNNEAN SOCIETY. —The first meeting of the
Society for the forthcoming session will be held on
Thursday, November 4, at 8 o'clock, r.M., when the
fol'owing papers will be read : — The Right Hon. Sir
John Lubbock, Bart., M.I\, F.R.S., " On the Attiac-
house & Sons, and MeaBrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co.,
Maidstone. A paper on "Hardy Fruits, their
Cultivation and Improvement," read by the Rev.
Gordon Salmon, was listened to with much interest.
JAPANESE TUSSILAQO.— The Moniteur d'Hor-
ticulture give3 an account of these plants. The
scented Tu&silago (T. fragrans) bears flowers white,
red, and shading into rose, diffusing a sweet
scent as of Heliotrope, and is sometimes called
Winter Heliotrope. Hitherto Petasites, a name
which in connected with parasol, has been looked
upon as an ornamental plant only, but now MM.
Croux & Fils of Aulnay (Seine) have introduced
October 20, Colonel Halford Thompson, the
patentee and chairman of directors, presiding. The
directors' report was of a very satisfactory character,
the year's trading having severely taxed the manu-
facturing capacity of the present plant, and made it
almost imperative that the premises be enlarged, to
cope with the fast increasing demmd. They reconi-
mended a dividend of 10 per cent, on the paid-up
capital. The Chairman, in moviug the adoption of
the report, spoke of the highly favourable reports
which had been received from the Vine-growiug
districts of France — Charente, Cognac, &c. ; of the
success of Jadoo in Tobacco-growing in Pennsylvania,
Orange trees in the West Indies, general horticulture
FlG. 91. — SOLANUM CORNUTUM : FLOWERS YELLOW. (SEE I>. 310.)
tion of Flowers for Insects." Mr. W. C. Worsdell,
" On Transfusion-tissue, its origin and function in
the leaves of Gymnospermous Plants " (communicated
by Dr. D. H. Scott, F.R.S., F.L S.). Exhibitions-
Mr. F. G. Jackson : Some Zoological and Botanical
Exhibits, collected by the Jackson- Harmsworth Polar
Expedition. Mr. Reginald Lodge : Lintem-slides
of Marsh-birds and their nests, from photographs
recently taken in Spain aud Holland.
The Ancient Society of York Florists
met on the 2:2nd inst., when a very fine exhibition of
hardy fruits was made, including collections from
the Archoishop of York, Lord Hotham, LadyDeeies,
Dr. Hingston, Rev. Gordon Salmon Messrs. Back-
from Japan a new giant variety, which is useful as
well as decorative. It is edible, the petioles can be
utilised much as is Rhubarb, and the flower-buds can
be pickled in vinegar. But the chief value of these
Petasites japonicus giganteus appears to be in rain er
sunshine. Surprised by these, it is only necessary
to gather a leaf of this Composite, and immediately
you have a sunshade or umbrella, with a handle or
leaf-stalk 6 feet long, and at the end a large rounded
leaf, forming a shelter from sun or rain ! A quaint
little Japanese sketch gives a presumably correct idea
of the leaves when used thus.
JADOO, Limited. — The second ordinary general
meeting of this company was held at Exeter on
in Natal and other parts of South Africa, in India.
Australia, and pretty well all over the world. It is
probable that manufacturing branch depots will be
set up in Natal, Philadelphia, France, and other dis-
tributing centres where Jadoo is becoming well known
and in great demand. The Chairman pointed out that
this now material might s' ill be considered as being in
an experimental stage, but that experiu ents and results
so far indicated that the company was well on the
road to be a great success. The accounts showed the
total liabilities of the company to be £8189 2s. id.,
including a sum of £630 14s. 5d. carried to the
appropriation account. The assets were : By debtors,
£1763 5a. lOd. ; stock, £1164 Is. Id. ; building,
plant, machinery, &c, £590 16s. 3d. ; patent rights,
312
THE GARDENERS' CHR ONI CLE.
[October 30, 189'.
trade-marks, &c, £2935 8s. llrf. ; French agency,
£14 1 is. 3d.; cash iu bank, £1588 8s. 9d.; in
hand, £2 17s. 3d. The accounts were audited by
Mr. P. J. Liddell, Incorporated accountant.
Dahlia, Keynes' White, in Germany.—
Quite recently, two of the leading horticultural
societies iu Germany, tho Verband der Handcls-
gartner Deutscblands and the Verein der Kuust-
und Handelsgartner, Berlin, have in each case
unanimously awarded a certificate (Werthzeuguisse)
to this new Cactus Dahlia, raised by Messrs. Keynes,
Williams & Co., of Salisbury, and which they intend
to send out for the first time next spring.
CATTLF.YA LABIATA.— The first exhibition of
flowering specimens of this beautiful Orchid will be
held at 79, Rue Wierz, Brussels, from the 7th— 9th of
next month, A very fine exhibition is anticidated.
There will be no competitive groups, but prizes of
various kinds will be allotted by the jury to deserving
exhibits.
Plants in the Houses of M. Em. Beding-
HAUS. — M. Bedingiiaus' plants (at Wondelgem,
Ghent), coming from Japan, Chili, the Cape, New
Holland, Van Diemen's Land, New Zealand, and
other countries form a most interesting collection.
Wondelgem is known iu the horticultural world
through the large establishment there owned by M.
De Ghellinck de Walle. M. Bedinuuaus' speci-
mens are all well cultivated, and richly repay a visit
even when not iu bloom. I noticed on my visit in
early October, thirty varieties of indigenous Ivies
from Russia, Algeria, Ireland, Japan, &c, of which
the most curious is Hedera helix conglomerata.
There are also Smilax maculate, Agave salmiana,
Euouymus radicans fol. var. grafted on Euonymus
japonica, and making a pretty standard ; a largo
specimen of Genista Andreana ; one of Erica arborea,
6 feet high by about 12 feet round ; and Acacia
grandis from Western Australia. Tremanda verti-
cillata is certainly a fine flowering plant ; Sollya
heterophylla, a Pittosporaceous plant, is an old
favourite ; Lapageria rosea and alba, grow here in
a conservatory facing the mid-day sun, and flower
well. I also noted Cuphea Llavea, D.C., introduced
from Mexioo in 1829 ; the old Fuchsia pulchella,
Cuphea emineus, or rather C. jorullensis, also from
Mexico. Phygelius capensis is an interesting plant,
which, like Pentstemons, should be more widely
cultivated.. In the open air, and very healthy, are
Thea Bohea, Veronica diosniajfolia and buxifolia,
pretty specimens ; and Acacia platyptera, very pecu-
liar. Correa flava is also an old plant, Borouia
viminea major and minor, and Baueroa rubioides,
introduced from New South Wales in 1793, also grow
here. Among the finest Acacias are A. lineata,
pendula, Drummoudi, verlicillata, and paradoxa ;
Adenaudra fragrans from the Cape, and Escallonia
macrantha from Chili; the former known since 1812,
the latter since 1848, deserve notice, as does also
Diosma ericoide?, introduced from South Africa iu
1756. Here are also Eutaxia myrtifolia, cultivated,
like a Chorizema, Eleagnus reflexus fol. var., 13 feet
round ; a very large Brachysema acuminatum, Chori-
zema splendens, Metrosideros, Araujia sericifera, a
curious Brazilian Asclepiad, Kennedya purpurea,
Pulteiuea striata, and Illicium religiosum or I. auisa-
tum. This brief list will give some little idea of M,
Bedinghai's' treasures. Ch. De B.
A New Use for Raffia. — Raffia does
not, at first sight, appear likely to meet with the
approval of ladies who excel in fancy work, but that
it may be thus turned to account — and to very good
account, too — has lately been seen. Some curtains
that we saw a few weeks ago in one of the quaint
streets of the old French town of Laon, claimed our
attention as a novelty, and it was with some surprise
that we found that Raffia was the material used
for their manufacture. They consisted of a number
of rosettes made, as we wore told, by an expert with
a crochet -hook and a gigantic hairpin, known to
ladies as a fourehe hook, or fork, and were finished
with a border fashioned with the same tools. For
windows, whence it is necessary to hide the outlook,
for porches, verandahs, summer-houses, and conser-
vatories, such curtains would be likely to prove both
useful and durable. No doubt the idea could be
improved upon, and there would bo little difficulty,
probably, in dyeing the bast were its natural biscuit
colour not considered sufficiently ornamental.
Forced Strawberries. — Some of the points
in the cultivation of Strawberries under glass which
appeal to as with special force are these : — 1. Very
strong plants to begin with, which have been kept in
vigorous growth, and not allowed to become pot-
bound until they have reached 6 - inch pots. 2.
Varieties which are early, or at least not later than
mid-season ; and preferably those which themselves
produce an abundance of pollen. 3. The exercise of
great care to have the plants free of fungous diseases
and insects before they are put upou the benches. 4.
The devoting of an entire house to the crop. If two or
three different crops are grown in the same house, none
of them can receive the very best treatment which
they demand ; and if there are other plants iu the
house which are infested with red-spider, the pests
will spread to the Strawberries, and it is very
difficult to dislodge them without keeping the plants
so wet that pollination is interfered with, and rot
threatened. 5. Growing the plants 'as close to the
glass as possible. 6. In the dull months, constant
and careful attention to hand pollination. 7. Liberal
applications of liquid-manure two or three times a
week after the fruits have beguu to swell. 8.
Exercise of care that the berries do not lie directly
upon the soil or upon a wet surface. Wo are by no
means confident that we have found the best methods
of forcing Strawberries. We give our experience for
what it is worth, and desire to correspond wilh
persons who can help us to better results. C. E.
Hunn, and L. H. Bailey, Cornell University Experi-
ment Station.
Webbs' Barley Competition. ^The valuable
prizes for Barley offered by Messrs. Webb & Sons of
Wordsley, Stourbridge, brought a keen competition,
and the Champion prize in Class 1, open, for £25,
fell to Mr. Nisbett, Stratford St. Andrews, Saxmund-
ham, Suffolk. In ClaBs 2, open to Salop, Stafford,
Hereford, Worcester, and "Warwick, the 1st prize,
£15, was awarded to Mr. E. Bomford, Spring Hill,
Fladbury ; 2nd, £10, Mr. W. Chick, Sutton Mad-
dock, Shifnal ; 3rd, £5, Mr. G. Coriiishley, Brickle-
hampton Court, Pcrshore, The conditions of com-
petition stipulated that tho Barley should be one of
Webbs' varieties, and grown with Webbs' Special
Barley-manure. The samples exhibited were of high
quality.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION.
In the Botanical Section of the British Association
a communication wa3 contributed, '' Upon a
Disease of Tomatos," by W. G. P. Ellis. From
diseased Tomatos received in August, 1896, from
Jersey, the associated fungi ami bacteria were
isolated and cultivated on nutrient gelatine, and the
mycelium was traced in sections of the fruits. On
removing the fruit-skin with carefully sterilised
instruments, the mycelium within the fruit formed,
in a short time, the well-known sporangiophores of
Mucor stolonifer. Though late in the season, infection
of sound plants at the University Botanic Gardens,
Cambridge, from pure cultures, caused a disease
resembling that of the fruits received in August and
September from the grower. Experiments are in
progress to determine : (1) Whether the fungi
obtained, other than Mucor stolonifer cans? disease !
and (2) The site of infection ; also a note " On
spermatozoids in Zaniia integrifolia," by H. J.
Webber. Mr. Webber gave a short account of his
recent discovery of tho existence of large multiciliate
spermatozoids in the pollen-tube of Zamia integrifolia,
a Cycad which he investigated in Florida. The facts
brought toward by the author of the paper were of
exceptional interest : he described the development
of au unusually large antherozoid from each of the
daughter- cells, formed by the division of the genera-
tive-cell in the pollen-tube, each antherozoid being
encircle! by a spirally disposed ciliate band, which
the author believes to be developed from the
fragments of a centrosomelike body. Mr. Webber
observed the discharge of the antherozoids from the
pollen-tube, and followed the passage of the motile
male-gamete into the archegouiuui. The entire
antherozoid swims into the archegouium, passing
between the ruptured neck-cells. Several anthero-
zoids commonly enter each archegouium, but only
one of them takes pait in fecundation. The method
of anthorozoid formation iu Zamia is regarded as
similar to that iu Cycas and Ginkgo.
A paper " Ou the species of Picoa occurring iu tho
north-eastern United States and Canada," by Prof. D.
P. Penhallow. Since the time of Pursh, the validity
of the rod Spruce as a distinct species has been
generally denied by systematic botanist-!. In 1887,
Dr. George Lawson maintained that the red and
black Spruces are distinct species. This view has
been sustained during the last year by Brittou, in his
illustrated Flora of North A merica. Prof. Penhallow's
studies have led him tj the conclusion that there are
abundant reasons for the separation of Picea rubra as
a distinct species. Incidentally, attention was
directed to a form of the whito Spruce characterised
by its foetid odour, and its strongly glaucous, rigid
and often cuspidate leave3, which are commonly
broadened at the base. The name of P. fcetida is
sugges'ed for this form. ,: Nature," October 21, 1897.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
CYMBIDIUM TRACE YANUM.
A flower of a very fine variety of this rare and
showy species, which was illustrated iu thoQurdeners'
Chronicle, January 31, 1891, p. 137, is sent by Mrs.
Holloud, Wonham, Bampton, Devonshire. The
flower is over 5 inches across, the sepals and petils
bright light green, profusely marked with dotted
lines of a peculiar reddish-crimson tint. The lip is
white spotted with red, and bearing on its crest twu
ridges of hair-like processes. Tho under side of the
column is striped with red, and the side-lobes of the
lip similarly striped. Viewed in any aspect it is a
charming flower, and with a strong light behind it
resembles a transparent paiuting.
Cattleya Dowiana aurea.
Three grand flowers of this beautiful and fragrant
Orchid are sent by James Fortt, Esq., Green Street,
Bath, and they are remarkable, as they exhibit greit
variation in colour, and in the gold and crimsuu
markings on the lip. The one has bright lemon-
yellow sepals and petals, and a very large crimped
labellum, the base of which is dark crinnon, with
golden-yellow lines radiating into a lighter yellow
area inside the purplish-crimson margin, the front
being ruby-crimson. Auother has lighter yellow
sepals aud petals, and rich purplish-criinsou lip, tlie
side-lobes and basal half of the front lobe of which is
closely veined with bright yellow. The third has the
sepals and petals light yellow, slightly tinged with
rose at the back, and tho yellow-veined base of the
lip is suffused with red, the front being dark rosy-
crimson.
AUTUMN TINTS.
In out variable climate it is seldom we have such
a fine autumn as the present, for with the exception
of September 29, when 'SO of au inch of rain fell,
the rainfall Bince that dafe has been very light
in Sussex. Neither have we had in this part any
frost to apeak of, and on only four occasions has tho
temperature fallen below freezing point, the coldest
morning being that of October 8, when the tempera-
ture fell to 27 '5 or 4. J degrees of frost. We have had
no high equinoctial gales such as are commonly
experienced, and all these immunities combined with
bright sunshine have ripened the wood shoots of trees
aud shrubs so much, that the tints of the foliage at
the present time, October 19, are charming to a degree
rarely seen. To give au idea of the beautiful
weather, we have only to paos along the country
October 30, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
313
Iaues and take note of the hedge-rows. Some of the
Blackberry leaves are of a glowing crimson, while
the fruit hangs in clusters such that I havo never
before seen in the mouths of August and September,
and were it not that we are reminded by the fading
foliage and the shortening of days that we are nearing
the end of the year, one might imagine that autumn
was but commencing. Here both on the 17th aud
18th the temperature reached 65° in the shade, and
did not fall below 50° at night The plantations and
the plants in the shrubberies present a lovely picture
at tho present time, which words fail adequately to
describe, or pencil to paint. The crimson leaves of
the wild Cherry stand out well amongst others in the
woods, as does that of Viburnum Opulus, the wild
Snowball j while that of the Dogwood is fast changing.
The beautiful golden of the Horse-Chestnut and the
Elms ; the broDze of the Castanea vesca, and several
others, are very conspicuous. Coming to the choicer
shrubs, we must certainly give the palm to the
foliage of the Ghent and Mollis Azaleas. Plants hero
that had grown too large, were cut down to within
2 feet of the ground three years ago, have now made
large bushes again. Tie wood being robust, the
foliage largo , the latter present a far more effective
display than did the flowers, although these were
indeed very beautiful. Maoy of the Maples, too, in
this respect, have this year put on very gorgeous
tints. L'quidambar styraciflua is more beautiful
this year than I have ever seen it before. Old trees
that are somewhat stunted having ripened their wood
thoroughly, present a picture easier imagined than
described, as they have foliage of various hues. A
large plant of Ampelopsis hoderacea, which has
climbed all over a dead tree, has covered its bare
branches with the finest mantle of crimson that it is
possible to behold. The bright foliage of tho Scarlet
Oak is uothing in comparison with this plant with its
long loose growths hanging gracefully from the dead
branchep. Tho deeply cut foliage of Rhus glabra
laciniata, aud that of Kelreuteria paniculata, havo
been very beautiful, but the slight frost we experi-
enced a short time back caused the former to wither.
The foliage of Rhamniu Frangula, Amelanchier cana-
densis, A. arbutifolia grandiflora, Pruuus Pissardi,
and some of the Berberis, have assumed tints this
season that are seldom seen. Here, then, we have a
guide as to planting, so that the most effective com-
bination of colours may be produced in the autumn.
Useful as are the evergreen shrubs for hiding ugly
buildings, or making breaks against the wiud, their
foliage can never assume those glorious tints we have
had the pleasure of beholding this autumn, neither
can they have the same graceful habits that many of
them possess. Take for example the long slender
growths of Deutzia creData, the foliage of which this
season has been a perfect picture. Many of our
deciduous-flowering shrubs are but too little known,
for nut only do their flowers in spring gladden our
eyes, but the fruit of many of them is also attractive
in the autumn, and the foliage, as has been pointed
out, is pleasing still. There are many of our wood-
land walks, carriage drives, and wayside paths, that
might be made beautiful at a little cost if only the
right materials were employed. Such work, however,
is often entrusted to those who have little taste or
knowledge how to produce effect.
Iu tho mauy miles of carriage-drives in some
places where the soil is most suitable fur growing
many of the things named, and the situations all that
could be desired, instead of their being planted,
nothing is to be found except the common Hazel-nut,
Wych Elm, or Birch, and other like coppice stuff
that can be turned into faggots. Rabbits, we know,
are fond of many of these, but not more so than of
some others ; therefore, there can be no excuse for not
planting. I have never known them tjuch any of the
Azaleas or Deutzia scabra, and we have thousands of
these planted here ; neither do they care for many of
the others, unless hard driven in the winter.
The Crab, Cherry, Prunus, and many more, such
as the Scarlet Oak, Maple, and Berberry, might be
planted in quantity along the sides of drives. This
serson many of them, too, are fruiting iu abund-
ance. The Thorn is covered with its red shining
berries ; tho Dartmouth Crab has been most con
spicuous, as also the Siberian one ; while Cratssgus
Pyracantha crenulata and Lalandi are now covered with
clusters of shining fruit. True, these last-named are
evergreen, but there are some of these that may be
employed with advantage along our woodland walks,
or wilderness gardens, for by a judicious selection aud
planting, they can be introduced in such places in
quantities as will render them most useful. As the
time is now at hand for planting, this ought to be
borne in miud, that a selection may bo made. 11. 0.
Prinscp, Buxted Park.
Home Correspondence.
SHRIVELLING OF VENN'S BLACK MUSCAT
GRAPE. — I am very pleased to see by this week's
Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 295, that Mr. D. T. Fish
passes a few remarks on the above, aud at the same
time recommends what I should consider an excel-
lent remedy for testiog Vine borders. If you think
the following few particulars would be any assistance
to unveil the mystery connected with tho Vine in
question, I am most pleased to givo^them, namely :
the depth of the border is 3 feet, and below that is a
layer of drainage of 15 inches. I cannot givo a
definite statement of the fall of the drain from the
border. I should say the fall is good, judging by
th'3 quick disappearance of the water. The width of
the border inside the vinery is 9 feet, which is on a
dead-level ; the outside border is 12 feet wido, with
a fall of 11 inches. Upon inquiry, I find the border
is 15 years olcl, and is probably older than that. I
du not suppose that excess of water il the cause of
shrivelling, as the water disappears so quickly from
the surface. I make a point of thrustiug a stick into
the border down to the drainage, to ascertain its
condition before watering. If the stick comes out
clean aud dry, I give a plentiful supply of water
during the growing season, as stated before. Vint
GROWING MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA GRAPES.
— In looking over the " Home Correspondence
column" of a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle,
I noticed this heading: "Some Hints on Growing
Muscat of Alexandria Vines." Now in order to be
able to grow this fine Grape to perfection, gardeners
are always eager for any information ; but I am afraid
tho hints given in the letter referred to will be of little
assistance, if they be not a trifle misleading. Tho writer
says, careful ventilation is necessary during this
season (September), if good flavour is to be obtained.
Most growers are of opinion that careful ventilation
is necessary during the whole summer and autumn,
aud if this is properly attended to, there will bo no
need for a double thickuess of fish-netting to prevent
scorching of the leaves. Muscats require all the sun
we can give them, aud the foliage, by timely ventila-
tion, is rendered firm and able to withstand the
hottest rays, provided the openings are large enough
to prevent the temperature risiDg above the pre-
scribed limit. Special care is necessary after dull
days which tend to soften the leaves and render
them more susceptible to injury; and if tho clouds
lift in the middle of the day, without ventilation
being at once afforded, scorching is certain to follow.
Better to anticipate the rise and prepare for it, than
wait till a certain point has been reached. All culti-
vators agree in saying that the Grapes, to keep well,
must be ripe by tho end of September, aud the
flavour is better than when the ripening process is
continued to a later date. Many more hints^ should
be forthcoming to assist us in growng this Grape to
perfection. B. W.
DO ORCHIDS DEGENERATE ?— Perusal of Mr.
Simcoe's remarks on this subject (Gardeners Chronicle,
October 16), discloses the fact that he falls into the
common error of applying the term "degenerate " to
subjects which die iu gardens from preventable causes,
and (iu the present Btage of our knowledge of tho
treatment requisite) unpreventable, and especially to
the plants which cannot be induced to thrive con-
tinuously while " infested with jelluw thrips," or
placed iu houses in which a healthy atmosphere
cannot be maintained in winter. The fact that some
or other of our Orchid -growers grow most of the plants
he enumerates satisfactorily, proves that tho decline
in them cuuiplaiued of is nut due to anything in the
nature of the plants themselves, but to the want of
knowledge regarding the proper treatment of them, or,
in by far" the greater number of instance?, to the gar-
dener in whose hands they have been placed not
having proper accommodation for them. Hence the
remark of the hopeful modern gardener, " I cannot
yot find the right place" for such aud such things ;
aud his repeated endeavours to find proper quarters
for his refractory subjects. This way of looking at
tho matter has brought countless conquests, and
more will follow if the pursuit is continued in the
same spirit. But no oue attempts to deny that a
great number of Orchids perish under cultivation,
aud that, generally speakiog, but little blame
is to be attached, iu most cases, to those
who have charge of them. Yellow thrips, as
Mr. Simcoe says, work great mischief among
Orchids, aud scarcely less harmful are the
old-fashioned fumigators which most growers have
abandoned in favour of the modern safe vaporiser.
Necessarily the cultivation of Orchids brought from
widely separated districts, and from varying altitudes,
in the same house, or set of houses, presents many
difficulties, but I am convinced that there is nothing
in the nature of Orchids to render them more diffi-
cult to grow than the other occupants of our plant-
houses. On the other hand, I am sure that a large
proportion of the species will live and flower under
conditions which would soon cause the death of
other classes of stove or greenhouse plants. James
O'Brien.
SEEDLING ORCHIDS.— One is struck with the
great interest taken in the cultivation of Orchids, and
especially in the great number of cultivators inte-
resting themselves in the raising of seedlings. It is
no strange sight to see hundreds, nay thousands, of
carefully hybridised seedlings, in all stages of
growth, from the smallest seedlings to tho flowering
stage, and the great variety of forms and colours to
be fouud among them. What a chaugo iu a very few
years ! J. Grieve.
BORDEAUX MIXTURE AND THE POTATO
DISEASE. — Lately, wheu on a visit to Dunbar, I was
greatly struck with the eflects of the spraying on
hundreds of acres of Potatos, which were as green
in the haulm as at midsummer ; while crops which
had not been sprayed on the other side of the road
were quite in a bad state. The farmers expect to
lift from 1 to 3 tons more Potatos per acre from those
sprayed, and it is gratifying to see how sharp aro tho
farmers in this part of Scotland to take advantage of
this apparent blessing. James Grieve.
BORDER TESTER. — The border tester mentioned
by Mr. Fish (p. 296), or one Bimilar, has been in
use in this country, to my knowledge, for upwards
of thirty years. My first experience of it was at
Wilton House, Salisbury. Mr. Cliallis, the present
gardener, I believe, introduced it there, aud as a
subordinate, it was my duty to test tho borders
weekly. Since then I have distributed many amongbt
my gardening friends. The original cost is only
one-sixth the price of the above-mentioned tester,
thus placing it within the reach of all, as one will
last a lifetime. S., Turks.
Your able correspondent, " D. T. Fish."
in last week's Gardcntrt Chronicle, p. 294, in
describing this instrument, says, that up till
recently there was no other mea«s of testing Vine
i r other fruit-borders than by excavating small
holes down to the drainage. Perhaps Mr. Fish
is unaware that more than twenty years ago Mr.
Sorby, then gardener to the late Mr. Russel, of May-
field, Falkirk, had an instrument such as Mr. Kiik's
then in use. Many a time I have used it on outside
Peach-borders, and also in a house where large
Camellias were planted out on raised borders.
Whether Mr. Sorby ever brought his tester before
the public I am unable to say ; but as far as 1 know
he is still residing iu Falkirk ; aud should this
meet his "eye," it would be interesting to know
whether he ever did so, or if he protected it iu
any way. James Cocker, Chestors. [Several com-
munications of the same import as the above have
been received. Ed.]
LAPAGERIAS ALBA AND ROSEA. — In a lean-to
conservatory, 21 feet in length and 15 feet wide,
facing full east, we have two very fine specimens of
Lapageria that yield upwards of 2000 blooms each
year. Planted out iu a prepared border of peat,
loam, and silver sand, with a small addition of broken
charcoal, they are given a copious supply of water
once a week. The plants cover tho whole ruof aud
end of house with excellent foliage and wax-like
bluoms, which we find very useful for iudoor deco-
rations. They last about a fortnight, if gathered
314
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 30, 1897.
with a good stem and placed in water, and the
water is changed occasionally, at same time cutting
off about half an inch of the stem. At the time of
writing thero is a fine cluster of the white variety
with twenty-nine flowers growing on 5 inches of stem,
and forming quite a bouquet in itself. I hope many
more gardeners will be induced to cultivate this
beautiful climber in the same position as ours.
J. H., Alyn Bank, Wimbledon.
GODETIA BUTTERFLY.— This beautiful hardy
annual, introduced from California in 1835, is of
easy culture, and the plant continues to flower all the
sumojer. It grows about IS iuches high, and is
suitable for mixed borders and small beds. Sow seeds
in light soil in the first week in April outof-doors.
The seedlings must be thinned-out as soon as large
enough, that each plant may become vigorous. The
flowers are white, with a crimson blotch. Wm.
Smythc, The Gardens, Basing Parle.
LOBELIA CARDINALIS VAR. QUEEN VICTORIA.
— For bright effective bels, or massing in borders,
the above is one of the very best plants for an autumn
display. It sbould be planted thinly in bold masses,
with a groundwork of either Viola Bullion or
Centaurea candidissima ; either of these make a very
pleasing combination, as even before the flower-spikes
throw up, the dark crimson foliage of the Lobelia is
very effective with either the Violas or Centaureas.
In very sheltered, warm spots this section of Lobelias
can be left outside all the winter, but it is much safer
to lift and store them iu boxes filled with leaf-mould
in a cold pit, dividing and planting out again in April,
after establishing them in pots by the aid of mild
heat. The variety Firefly has larger flowers, but its
foliage and habit are inferior compared with Queen
Victoria. W. B. 0.
DO PIGEONS EAT SLUGS?— Canon Ellacombe, in
the Gardeners' Chronicle for October 16, wanted to
know if it was true that pigeons eat slugs. There is, I
tbink, but little doubt that these birds feed on the
very small kind of slugs ; but that they feed abun-
dantly on them is another thing, and the birds are
certainly a pest in any garden that they frequent,
devouring the seeds and the leaves of plants,
especially Echeverias and Onions in the young state.
In my opinion, pigeons do a great deal'more harm
than good. A. Smith, Harewood House Gardens,
Bendon.
CARNIVOROUS SLUGS.— I notice a correspondent
asking for information of localities where Testacella
haliotidea are to be found. They are very plentiful
in the kitchen garden here. Early this spring somo
trenching operations were being carried on, when no
fewer than twenty-seven were turned up in one spade-
ful—two or three is a common occurrence — but I
have never seen so many together beforo. I placed
them before a meeting of members of the Beckenham
Horticultural Society, and numbers of practical
gardeners present, who were quite unaware of the
fact that they were carnivorous ; and although I
offered them to inyone, as stock, they were looked
upon doubtfully by some, and I brought them back
again. I am of opinion that they are very beneficial
to gardens, living entirely upon worms ; I have often
found them swallowing a worm alive — have never met
with them in my experience before in the northern or
midland counties or South Wales. I do not think
gardeners in general are well acquainted with them :
and to help some of them to distinguish this friend
from a foe, I may say they are about 3 inches long,
of a dirty yellow colour with brown specks; a small
depressed shell is on the hinder part of the back about
\ inch long. I have never found them out of the
soil. M. Webster, Kelscy Park Gardens, Beckenham.
GRAPE JUDGING— In the Gardeners' Chronicle
for September 11, p. 186, there appeared a long
letter from "Ayrshire Lad" upon the subject of
judging horticultural exhibits. There are many
interested in this matter, and anxious to find a better
method than now obtains in the distribution of awards
at flower shows. There are far too many systems
employed, each individual having one of his own,
thus providing scope for faddists and cranks, of
which not a few receive appointment as judges. If
one proper system could be adopted, there would be
less wrangling among judges, and fewer disappoint-
ments among exhibitors. I agree in the main with
the principle advocted by "Ayrshire Lad," and in
the positions of merit assigned to varieties iu the
Grape classes, and especially with the fixed ratio
between cultural and natural merits. I trust "Ayr-
shire Lad " has not forgotten the promise he made to
deal with mixed collections of fruit, which is even
more important, so far as it affects the relative value
of the different kinds. One Interested. [Is not the
Code of Rules for Judging, issued by the Royal
Horticultural Society, a great help ? Ed.]
APERA ARUNDINACEA.— I was glad to Eee a
figure and short note on this elegant plant on
p. 2S2— 3 of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Of all the
smaller-growing perennial grasses, I know of none so
distinct and graceful as is this New Zealand species.
It is, however, by no means a new introduction to
our gardens, as might be inferred from the note on
p. 282. I first saw this plant at Newry at least ten,
but more likely fifteen years ago, and obtained it
from Mr. T. Smith, who has long had it in culti-
vation at Daisy Hill and elsewhere. The prettiest
phase of the plant is shown when its purplish spikes
or inflorescence first emerge from amongst their
Bheathing-leaves, when they curve gracefully down-
wards like the tail-feathers of a Colchican pheasant ;
and in many Irish gardens " Pheasant's-tail Grass " is
now its usual name or sobriquet. Near walls, or
rockery-stones, or natural rocks, it is quite at home,
and its foliage assumes a rich fox-brown colour in late
autumn and winter that renders it very attractive,
apart from its inflorescences, which are very beautiful
for indoor-glasses and vases if cut soon after they
fully emerge, i.e., in the Pheasant's-tail phase of their
beauty. The plant as well established seeds so
freely, that but little difference is experienced in
securing a good stook. I have some recollection of
being told that this graceful Apera had been origi-
nally introduted by Herr Max Leichtlin; but I know
Mr. Smith of Newry introduced it to Irish gardens
long before it appeared in England, and it is curious
to find that no mention of such an exquisite garden-
plant is mentioned in the Dictionary of Horticulture
(Nicholson), and other works even more modorn. As
a distinctly beautiful garden-plant in all its phases,
Apera arundinacea cinnot be too well or too widely
known and utilised as a unique and desirable garden-
plant. F. W. liurbidge.
Book Notice.
The Useful Fibre Plants of the World.
Mr. Charles Richards Dodge, the "Special
Agent in charge of Fibre Investigations," in connection
with the United States Department of Agriculture, is
to be congratulated upon the production of a most
useful contribution to a subject that has occupied an
immense amount of attention for several years pa6t,
namely, the utilisation and development of vegetable-
fibres.
As a proof of the wide interest of the subject, we
need only refer to the numerous references to fibre-
plants that have been made from time to time in the
Kev> Bulle tin ; and to the fact that the Society of Arts
in 1895 considered it of sufficient commercial impor-
tance upon which to base a course of Cantor lectures,
which it will be remembered was given by Dr. Mortis.
Consider ing the large trade that is now done in
vegetable-fibres, whether for textile purposes, rope and
cordage making, or as brush materials, it is well that
such a compilation as the one before us should have
been produced, and it is also well that the work should
have been undertaken by such a competent authority
as Mr. Dodge.
As a proof of the thoroughness of the work, and as
an indication that its preparation has not been
hurried, the author tells us in his preface that the
foundation of it was laid a little over twenty years a»o,
namely, at the Philadelphia International Exhibitionof
1 876, where raw fibres, textiles and textile manufactures
were largely represented ; but the information has
been brought down to the present time by continued
study, observation and investigation, with the result
'that as many as 1018 species of fibrous plants are
enumerated, "the more important of which are fully
described and treated from the botanical, agricul-
tural, and industrial standpoints ; being described or
referred to under their scientific, commercial, common
and native names (as far as the latter could be
obtained and properly verified) ; the kind of fibre
produced, the part of the plant producing it, as well
as the position of the Bpecies in the vegetable
kingdom."
It is in the alphabetical arrangement of the book
throughout that the utility of such a work will be
found, as it appeals not only to the scientific man,
but to the commercial man equally. All the names,
whether scientific, commercial, or native, are printed
in clarendon type, but the descriptions are all given
under their scientific names, to which reference is
made from the common name, as for instance, " Aseai
Palm of Pava (Braz.), Euterpe oleracea," and by
turning up for " Euterpe oleracea " we find not only
the full account of the Palm, but also a figure of the
tree, for the book is well illustrated throughout.
Though the references to well-known fibres are
very complete, and consequently of great use to those
interested in fibres from the commercial aspect, it is
perhaps, in the less-known plants that the book will
be of extreme value to the scientific student. We
take the following paragraph haphazard as an illus-
tration of this : — * Asimina triloba. The Papaw of
Temperate United States. Exogen. Anonacese. A
tree. Abounds in eastern middle United States
from Michigan to the Gulf. Fibre. Derived from the
inner bark, but now scarcely employed for any
purpose. "The inner bark stripped from the
branches iu the early spring is still used by fishermen
on tho Ohio and other western rivers for si ringing
fish; formerly employed in making fish-nets" (C. S.
Sargent). Dr. Havard states that the inner bark has,
a tough, fibrous texture, and in former times was
commonly used by the Indians for withes, strings,
nets, &c. Savorgnan states that tho bast from the
inner bark of young Sprouts is very Btrong and
lustrous.
Besides the alphabetical descriptive catalogue of
fibres which, of course, occupies the main portion of
the book, there is also a most useful introduction,
classified under the following heads :— Definition of
Fibres ; the Ancient Uses of Fibres ; Principal Fibre
used commercially in the United States, and their
Imports; Economic Investigation; Chemical Inves-
tigation ; Micro - chemical Study of Fibres ; the
Classification of FibreB, based on Uses and Structure-
In conclusion, we can only Eay that we are sure
that there will be a very large demand for the book,
and as we understand that only a limited edition has
been issued, we hope Mr. Dodge will at once proceed
with the preparation of another ediiion ; and repeat
our thanks for what he has already given us.
©bttuarj)*
E. J. BAILLIE. — Mr. E. J. Baillie, F.L.S.,
died at his residence, Woodbine, Upton, shortly
after 10 o'clock on the 18th inst. Mr. Baillie was
only forty-six years of age, and he leaves a widow
and a family of ten to mourn their loss. Rather
more than thirty years ago he entered the firm of
Messrs. F. and A. Dickson & Sous, seed merchants
and nurserymen, Eastgate Street, Chester, and his
business oareer was most successful. He commenced
as a junior in the correspondence department, the
charge of the department eventually falling to his
care and supervision. He was next appointed cashier
and confidential adviser of the firm, and afterwards
became a partner , and subsequently managing paitner
of the business. When the two firms of Dicksons
were amalgamat ed, Mr. Baillie became deputy chair-
man and a managing director of Dicksons Limited.
Since the death of Mr. Alfred 1 lickson he had been
more intimately connected with the extensive nursery
department.
His labours on behalf of the Grosvenor Museum
will never be forgotten. For some years he had
acted as honorary secretary and treasurer to the
managing body of that institution. He was a fellow
of the Linnean Society, and the members of the
Chester Society of Natural Science were indebted
to him on several occasions for enjoyable rambles
when he conducted them, through the Nurseries
and elsewhere in the neighbourhood. For his
services to the cause of natural science he was
awarded the Kingsley Memorial Medal. He was
one of the prime movers in the formation of the
Chester Paxton Society, and, a true lover of art, he
practically initiated the Chester Guild of Arts and
Crafts. Mr. Baillie was ever striving to popularise
October 30, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
315
art, and the citizens have him very largely to thank
for the displays of pictures from time to time at the
Museum, and also for the art exhibition opened some
months ago by the Duke of AVestminster.
A personal friend and enthusiastic disciple of John
Ruskin, he had been for some years, and indeed was
at the time ot his death president of the Ruskin
Society, Liverpool. It wai through his instrumen-
tality that the exhibits at the recent conversazione in
the Museum were enhanced by several fine specimens
of Raskin's artistic wo k. Deceased was a clever
artist, having a remarkable facility for transferring
faces and striking bits of scenery to paper ; while
another accomplishment in which he shone was that
of shorthand.
A Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society,
deceased on several occasions lectured before this
body ; while articles on fruit culture frequently
appeared from his prolific pen in various publications.
As is well known, Mr. Baillie was an enthusiastic
vegetarian, being one of the Vice-Presidents of the
Vegetarian Society. He took an active part in the
Vegetarian Conference in Chester two years ago, and
it is a melancholy coincidence that the Society
celebrated its Jubilee in Manchester on the very day
of his death.
Mr. Baillie had strong spiritualistic leanings, and
lie was one of the few members in tlilo district of
the Psychical Research Society. Deceased never
interested himself in political matters. In religion
he was a Presbyterian.
MR. RAND. — We regret to hear of the decease
of Mr. Rand of Para, a gentleman much attached to
the study of Orchids, and who has been the means
of introducing many species to this country.
SOCM EJNES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
October 26. — An ordinary fortnightly meeting of the
Society's committees took place on Tuesday last in the Drill
Hall, James Street, Westminster. It was certainly a red-
letter clay among the meetings of the year, and the attend-
ance was greater than on any other occasion this season.
V. M. II. (Victoria Medals of Honour) attracted many per-
sons, including those to he honoured, and many who were
not. Of the sixty selected gentlemen, more than two thirds
wero present to receive the symbol of distinction from the
hand of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., the President of tho
Society, who distributed the medals in the presence of a very
large company — a larger company, indeed, than accommod i-
taon had been provided for. There was much enthusiasm
abjiit the proceedings, and all of the medallists appeared t"
appreciate the honour ct inferred upon them. There was much
speaking at the luncheon in the " Hotel Windsor " (elseu here
reported); but at the more public proceedings in the Drill
H ill, there was no speech made by or on the behalf of the
recipients. As there were so many present this would have
been inconvenient but, at the same time, something of the
kind seemed called for. The display in the hall was one
fitting the occasion, and exceedingly blight it was. Chrys-
anthemums in groups, and as cut flowers, were the most
prominent feature. Mr. Elwes' Nerines were pretty, and
obtained several awards. There were many pretty Orchids,
and numerous miscellaneous plants. Fruits were plentiful,
and includod largo collections of Apples and Pears. A new
Melon and a new Grape obtained awards. Vegetables in
several exhibits were good, and two awards were mide to
Turnips.
Floral Committee.
Present I W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman; and Messrs. Owen
Thomas, John Laing, Chas. T. Druery, H. B. May, R. Dean,
E. Molyneux, Geo. Stevens, Geo. Engleheart, las. Huison,
J. Fraser, J. D. Pawle, Chas. Jeffries, H. J. Cutbusb, Jaa.
Walker, C. E. Pearson, Chas. E. Shea, Geo. Gordon, Chas.
Blick, H. Turner, Geo. Paul, J. T. Bsnnett-Poc, H. Selfe
Leonard, Geo. Nicholson, and D. B. Crane.
H. J. Elwes, Esq., Colesbourne, Andoversford, Gloucester-
shire, exhibited a group of seedling Nerines in flower. The
varieties in colour and shade werj most attractive. The
following were selected for Awards of Merit : Lady Mary
Shelley, light pink ; Lady DoringtOn, light pink, with deep
rose line running through the centre of the petals ; Lady
Lucy Hicks Beach, deep crimson ; Lady Bromley, a curious
association of red and purple, the purple line running
through the centre of petals ; Lady Llewellyn, dark carmine;
Lady Ffoulke, pale rose ; Countess Bathurst, white, with a
line of deep rose ; and Lidy Lawxence, reddish -salmon.
Several species and hybrids were also shown by Mr. Elwes,
and a Silver Flora Medal was awarded the group.
Messrs. Jno. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, London, S.E.,
showed an excellent group of plants of a miscellaneous
character, inclusive of species with decorative foliage, and a
f jw flowering plants (Silver Flora Medal).
Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross Nurseries,
Herts, made yet another exhibit of cut Roses, really won-
derful in variety and attractiveness for the last week in
October. The collection was distinguished by the Award of
a Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.
A group of half-a-dozen plants of Gesnera amahilis in
flower, from Mr. P. Blair, gr. to the Duke of Sutherland,
Trentham, Staffordshire, attracted some attention, and the
plants uncommonly well portrayed its exceptionally free-
flowering habit. The flowers are white, shaded outside with
cream.
Mr. T. S. Wake, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, had
Carnations submitted for Certificates; and Miss Km mi it,
G, St. Charles Square, North Kensington, exhibited some
models of flowers in a glass ease. The exceedingly clever
manner in which Nature was imitated, and incidentally the
taste in which they were grouped, were conspicuous to every-
one present. The species mimicked were Vitis quinque-
folia, Habenaria Susannas, Carpinns amerieana, Solidago
canadensis, and Disa grandiflora (Silver Medal).
A most attractive group of Adiantums, Ferns, and Bego-
nias, was staged by Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries,
Upper Edmonton. The Adiantums included some beautiful
plants of A. Farleyeuse, and the Begonias were Gloire de
Lorraine (Silver Flora Medal).
Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate Nurseries, London,
N., had a very pretty group of plants arranged upon the
floor near the door. The background contained somo large-
flowered Chrysanthemums, fine Palms, and DraCtenas; and
tho forefront some beautifully- flowered plants of Begonia
Gloire do Lorraine, winter-flowering Carnations, Ericas, and
a few berried plants (Silver Banksian Medal).
Flowers of Sunflower Lockinge Favourite were shown by
Mr W. Fyfe, gr. to Lord Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage.
It is an exceptionally free-flowering variety, in habit between
the miniature and giant strains.
Messrs. Jas. Veit< ir A: Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's
Road, Chelsea, obtained a First-class Certificate for a new
species of Marattia M. Burkei The tripinnatifid fronds are
glossy polished green ; and the pinnate rachis light green in
e-.Ii.in-, and of much substance, causing each frond to droop.
Tin; frond as seen was about twenty-one inches Ion-, with
eight almost opposite frond'ets, seven inches Jon,,', each
bearing about nine pairs of pinna: with lanceolate slightly
toothed segments.
< irUVSANTHEMl'MS.
Tlie leading group came from Mr. W. WfiLts, Etrlswood,
liedhill, who, departing from the usual custom of arratig ng
the plants in a semicireuktr form, had his at varying levels,
and introduced some boards of blooms in the foregroun ',
Aiming the leading varieties were G. J. Warren a pale yellow
spurt from Madame Carnot, which it resembles in all respects
but colour, and it is likely to be as valuable as an exhibition
variety (Award of Merit). Oriental Topaz, a pale sulphur-
yellow incurved, of large size, in the way of Lord Alceeter ;
Dxreeteur Kiebert, a refined Madame E, Audiguier ; N r s.
Jubilee a tine incurved Japanese, in colour delicate pink,
with a silver reverse; Australie, Mr. (I. Gardener, a tosy-
tinUd Japanese Anemone of good properties, but Scarcely
sufficiently distinct; Dorothy Seward, Madame G. Bruant,
M. E Andre, William Seward, &c. (Silver ■ gilt Banksian
Medal)
A bold and s'riking group came from Messrs. J Veitch &
Sons, bid, which included capital illustrations of William
Fyfe, Madame Gustavo Henry, Simplicity, Pride of Madford
(very tine), Mrs C. Blick, Mrs s. C. Probyn (very fine),
M. Chenon dc Leche", Mrs. G. W. Palmer, Dorothy Seward.
Modesto, the new yellow Louis Boehnier, Arc
Mr. T. S. WARS, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, also
staged a grand group, alternated with other plants. Ho
had Madame Gustave Henry, Western King, Simplicity,
Madame Xavier Rey Joveris, Rena Dula (incurved). Glory uf
the Pacific, Madame E. Roger, Modestum, Duke of Wellington,
&c. (Silver Banksian Medal).
In the way of collections of cut flowers, Mr. W. J. God-
frey, nurseryman, Exmouih, took the lead, filling one side
of a table with a large number of finely-developed flowers,
novelties greatly preponderating. Awards of Merit were
made to Lady Ridgway, the large, incurving, broad -petalled
flowers having a soft lilae-purple colouring on the surface,
with an amber reverse : this is likely to prove one of the very
finest varieties of the season ; Madame Philipe Reviore, a
large, full, bro id-petalled white Japanese, of fine character ;
Ella Curtis, a large, lull, and striding flower, of the type of
Boule d'Or, but a little paler in colour ; Simplicity, a pure
white Japanese, of good shape, and long, drooping basal
florets ; Lady Byron, pure white, a large spreading, drooping
flower, of fine substance ; Modestum, a handsome large
yellow flower, of fine form ; and Suustone, pale yellow, very
pleasing in tint, and highly promising (Silver -gilt Floral
Medal).
Messrs. H. Cannell &; Sons, Swanley, in a collection of
cut Chrysanthemums, had Lady Hanhan, a sport from
Charles Davis, and like it, will be certain to prove a valuable
exhibition flower, though inclining to vary ; its true, or
rather best character should be ruby-pink, with a large,
bright golden centre (Award of Merit). Robert Powell, a
large, full, incurved Japanese, in the way of E. Molyneux,
pale chestnut, with amber reverse (Award of Merit) ; N. C. S.
Jubilee, an incurved Japanese of a soft pinkishdilac tint,
very pleasing (Award of Merit1. Also several bunches of
bright and pleasing single varieties were shown, the most
promising being King of Siim, crimson ; Rosebauk, pale
rosy-pink ; Willie Chapman, blush-pink ; and Blanche Chap-
man, soft pink (Silver Banksian Medal).
Mr. N. MoLYKKUX, The Gardens, Rookesbury Park, Fare-
ham, Hants, had bloohis of Mrs. N. Molyneux, a large, solid,
white incurved variety, like Queen of England, as shown,
but probably likely to prove its superior.
Mr. R. Owen, nurserymm. Maidenhead, had Lady Philips,
like a pale Madame E. Audiguier; Soleil d'Octobre, pale
yellow, a flower of good shape ; Comtesse de Boula ncourt,
deep yellow; Mrs. Sarah Owen, an incurved, in tho way of
R. Bahuant, bronze, tipped with orange, <tc.
Mr. George Wythes, gr. to Earl Percy, Sion House, Isle-
worth, set up several bunches of finely-developed blooms,
rising out of a bed of dwarr Ferns, with Palms at the back ;
this was a charming contribution to the meeting (Silver
Banksian Medal).
Orchid Committee.
Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair ; and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), H. Ballantine, W. H. White, F. C.
Jacomb, F. J. Thome, T. W. Bond. W. II Foimg, E Ash
worth, H.J. Chapman, H. Williams, J, Douglas, 8. Courtuuld,
De B. Crawshay, H. M. Pollett, and A. H. Smeo
At this meeting one of ihe finest shows of Orchids of the
season was made, many of the exhibitors staging very
important groups.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch <fe Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, had a r,plendid group extending a con-
siderable distance down one side of the central staging,
which secured the Award of a Silver-gilt Flora Medal.
Among the many line hybrids shown in this group were
Cattleya x Olivia (intermediao", Trianrei?), a ohaiming
delicately tinted flower of an uniform peach-blossom hue
(Award of Merit); and Cattelya x Melpomene (Mendeli o* ,
Forbesii ?), another pretty light coloured hybrid, with sepals
and petals light-rose ; lip white tinged with pink, and with
a light yellow centre (Award of Merit). Another singular
novelty was Phaio-Calanthc X liuperata(P. grandifolius y,
C. Masuca <$ ) with a spike of flowers with ovate-acuminate
sepals and petals, and broad, flat labellum, the whole
coloured rosy-mauve in several shades. The plant was
distinctly intermediate between the two parents, but
the flowers approached in form and colour much
more closuly to Calanthe Masuc i. Prominent in the
group were the showy and useful hybrids, viz.,
Lsslio - Cattleya X Lady Rothschild, L. -C. , Statteriana,
and L. - C. x Decia ; L. - C. x Pallas and its variety
superba, L.-U. Tiresias, L. - C. x Ino, L. -C. x Pisandra,
and L.-C. x Baroness Schroder (L. Jonghcana 6", C. Tria-
ntei ?), the warm rose-tinted flowers of which constitute it
one of the prettiest of its class. Of the hybrid CattleyasC. x
Wcndlandiana and C. X Mantini were very line, and richly
coloured; and in the group was a large number of hybrid
Cypripediums, C. X Leeanum varieties, C. x Anhurianum,
C. x ojnanthum superbum, and others being represented by
large specimens, bearing many flowers. Also remarkable in
the group were the now Dcndrobium taurinum amlxdnenso ;
D. stratiotcs, D. Dearei, Epidendrum Wallisii and its singular
hybrid E. x Wallisio-eiliare ; line plants of Cattleya maxima
a number of varieties of C. labiata which were very effective
grouped together in the centre; the elegant Cypor-orchis
eleg ttis ; the pretty white Cudogyne Veitehi, Vanda San-
deriana, fine examples of Cattleya Dowiana auica, and many
other showy species.
R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Cam her well (gr.
Mr. H. J. Chapman) staged a very pretty group which secured
a Silver Flora Medal. It consisted of tweuty-tive fine
and distinct varieties of Catties a labiata, the most remark-
able of which were the handsome, white C. 1. " R. I
Measures," an! the uniform light rose hued C. I. lilacina The
most remarkable new plant in the group was Ladia purpura la
Mrs. R. I. Measures, a very handsome and distinct form with
blush-white sepals and petals, the latter being distinctly
veined with close lines of rose-purple colour over tho
greater part of their surface. The lip was white at the base,
striped with fine purple lines, the front dark purple (Award
of Merit). Also in the group was a line specimen of Onci-
dium ornitnorhynchum album, with seventeen spikes ; some
good Cattleya Dowiana, Dendrobium aureum, Cattleya
Bowringiana lilacina, hybrid Cypripediums, &c
Walter C. Walker, Esq., Percy Lodge, Winchmore Hill
(gr., Mr. Geo. Cragg), was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal
for a pretty group of Cattleya labiata, together with good
examples of Oncidium Forbesii, O. prajtextum, Cattleya
Bowringiana, a fine form of Odontoglossum crispum, with
leventeen flowers on the spike ; O. Madrense, &c.
A Silver Banksian Medal was awarded to Mrs. Wingfield,
Ampthill House, Bedfordshire (gr., Mr. W. J. EmpsonJ, for
a good group of well-grown specimens of Cattleya labiata,
with which were arranged Oncidium varicosum and other
showy Orchids.
Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gr., Mr.
W. H. White), showed a fine plant of Laelia Perrini alba,
Burford variety ; a white form having a pale pink front
to the lip as in L. P. nivea (Cultural Commendation). Fred.
Hardy, Esq., Tyntesfield, AsMon-on-Mersoy (gr , Mr. T.
Stafford), showed Ladia pumila albens, a very fine white
variety, with distinct purple-crimsom markings on the front
of the lip (Award of Merit) ; and Cattleya Hardyana mag-
nifica, one of the finest and richest in colour of any of the
varieties of this variable natural hybrid (Award of Merit).
Mr. Hardy also showed tbiee fine Cattleya aurea, a Ladio-
Cattleya X Tydtea, and a pretty, dark-veined Cypripedium
Charlesworthi.
R. Brooman White, Esq., Arddarroch, Gaelochead,
Dumbartonshire, showed Odontoglossum crispum " Sun-
light," a very fine variety with large white flowers, slightly
tinged with rose, and bearing some large blotches of red-
316
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 30, 1897.
dish-brown, the petals also having numerous small purple
spots (Award of Merit).
C. K. Wild, Esq., Branicote, Weybridgc (gr., Vr. R.
PaUautX showed Cattleya Bowringiana "Wild's variety,"
bearing a very fine inflorescence of the largest and brightest
coloured flowers of any of the species yet shown (Award of
Merit and a Cultural Commendation).
Elijah Ashworth, Esq., Harefield Hall, Wilmslow,
Cheshire (gr., Mr. Holbrook), showed two plants of Cypripe-
dium x Haynaldo-ChamberlaiDi (Chamberliinianum X
Haynaldianum), the first cross of C. Chamberlainianum that
has appeared. The upper sepals were white, green at the base,
and bearing some fine purple lines ; petals green marked with
purple, lip rose-purple margined with greenish - yellow
(Award of Merit) ; and C. X Arthuriauum, var. E. Ashwortb,
a fine flower with distinct dark purplish -brown markings.
Messrs. W. L. Lewis & Co., Southgate, showed a small
group of a good type of Lrelia pumiU, the best of which was
L. pnmila magnifies, a very large and showy flower (Award
of Merit); also Uelia longipes (Botanical Certificate), a
plant known in gardens as L. Lucasiana.
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, showed a group of fine
Vanda ccerulca, with which were arranged Cypripedium x
Fascinator, C. Lceanum superbum, C. L. virescens, C. Arthuri-
anum, and other showy Orchids.
Messrs. F. Sander <fc Co., St. Albans, staged a group in
which were good varieties of Cattleya labiata, C. aurea,
Cypripedium insignc Bandera, C. insigne montanum varie-
ties, Miltonia spectabilis Moreliana, M. vexillaria, Ltelia
monophylla, L. pumila, Sophronitis grandiflora, Vanda
ccerulea, Oncidium ornithorrhyneum, O. tigrinum with
variegated foliage ; 0. Kromeri, and Habenaria carnea.
Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, HoTJoway, showed a group
consisting of Vanda tricolor insignis, Zygopetalum Klabo-
chorum, varieties of Cattleya labiata and C. Bowringiana,
Ladia Perrini, Cypripedium X Barteti, C. X Arthurianum,
C. x gigantcum, C. X Pitcheriannm, Williams' var, C.
inaigne Wallacei, Dendrobium bigibbum, Oncidium crispura,
and 0. Pbalamopsis.
Mrs. BRlOQS-BURY, B mk House, Accringtou, showed
Cattleya X Adonis, said to lie the result of across between
C. Mossiae, and C. Warscewiczii. The flower resembled a
fine light- coloured form of C. Warsccwiczii, but the yellow
colour usually seen in that species was almost entirely absent,
it being repl iceed by cream- white ; the front lobo of the
lip was marbled with clear rose-colour. Mrs. Briggs-Bury
also showed Cattleya Warscewiczii splendens, with a very
fine crimped labellum ; Cypripedium Arthurianum pulchel-
lum, Bank House variety ; and the yellow C. insigne Ballia).
J. Bradshaw, Esq., The Grange, Southgate, N., showed
eomc remarkable varieties of Cattleya labiata, among which
were C. 1. Ruby, a very finely-coloured dark form ; C. 1.
glauca, having a peculiar slate-blue tint ; and C. 1. Etona,
pure white, with bright purple front to tbe lip ; also Cypri-
pedium purpuratum.
Captain Tnos. A. Julian, Woodside, Plymouth, showed
two fine varieties of Dendrobium Fhulsnopsis, the one a
white variety with a pink-hued'lip, similar to D. P. Roths-
childia num (Gard. Chron , Dec. 3, 1SP2, p. 66S); and the
other the light rose-tinted D. P. delicatum.
Th'»s. Stattkr, Esq, Staud Kail, Whitefield, Manchester
(gr., Mr. R. Johnson), again showed the distinct Cattleya
aurea var. Johnsoni, for which he obtained a First-class
Certificate on Aug. 11, ]SS5-a good evidence of cultural
skill, and a proof thatOrchids need not necessarily degenerate
if properly tended.
C. L. N. Ingram, Esq., Elstead House, Godalming (gr.,
Mr. T. W. Bond), showed Ladio-CattleyaxDiarmid (L. Perrini
xL.-C. elegaus Turneri) ; L.-CxLady Ruthschild (L. Perrini
X C. Warscewiczi) ; L.-C. x Homere (L. , Perrini x C. Pcrci-
valiana): and Cattleya Bowringiana, Ingram's var.
Rkoinald Youno, Esq., Fiingilla, Linnet Lane, Scfton
Park, Liverpool (gr., Mr. Poyntz), sent Cattleya Dowiana
aim a, Young's var., distinguished by the distinct yellow
area on the labellum ; and Cypripedium x Clio.
E. Hockliefe, Esq., The Hall, Uppingham, Rutland (gr.,
Mr. Cant), showed Cattleya X Hardyana HockliiTe's var., a
distinct variety, tho segments of which were tinged with
lilac, and the yellow lines on the lip were very narrow, and
displayed on a peculiar reddish-purple ground.
Frank Lloyd, Esq , Coombe House, Croydon, showed
Cattleya labiata with abnormal flowers.
T. W. Swinblihne, Esq., Comdean Hall, Winchcombc,
showed Odontoglossum grande, in which two flowers had
joined.
Fran Ida Brandt, Uiesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. Schlecht),
sent Miltonia spectabilis rosea, M. s. Moreliana illustris, and
Cattleya Bowringiana; and G. W. Law-Sciiofield, Esq.,
New-Hall-Hey, Rawtcnstall (gr., Mr. Shill), sent Lrclia pur-
purata Annie Louise, with rose-veined petals, resembling
L. p Mrs. R. I. Measures, but tbe markings were not so
clearly defined.
Fruit Committee.
Present: Philip Crowley, Esq., chairman; and Messrs.
T. F. Rivers, Geo. Bunyard, Jos. Cheal, W. Crump, A. H.
Pearson, A. F. Barron, W. J. Empson, Alex. Dean, Jas. II.
Veitch, W. Farr, Geo. Wythes, H. Ealdorson, F. Q. Lane,
Jas. Smith, J. Willard, Robt. Fife, and J. Wright.
A number of disho* of both Pears and Apples were staged
iu the Veitchian competition for flavour, and the result was
that 1st prize for Apples went to Cox's Orange Pippin, from
Mr. Heriun, gr. at Dropmore. Tbe fruit was from a bush
tree on the Paradise Stock. 2nd, American Mother, from
Mr. Geo. Woodward, gr. to Rooer Leigh, Esq., Barham
Court, Maidstone. The best Pear was that excellent variety,
Doyenne du Cornice, from Col. Brvmf.r, M.P., Ilsington
House, Dorchester. The fruits were obtained from a tree on
cast wall, stock the Quince, and in a light loamy soil. 2nd,
Emile d'Heyst, from Mr. Woodward.
A new white Grape was shown by Mr. T. Bradshaw, gr. to
the Marquis of Lansdowne, Hillsborough Castle, co. Down,
Ireland. It is said to be the result of a cross between Muscat
of Alexandria, and White Gros Colman, the latter baing the
seed parent. Three bunches were shown, the largest of
which had been grown in a late house and was very unripe.
The two from an early house also differed in flavour from
each other. The best was of tolerably good flavour, pleasant
to the palate, and pretty in appearance. In habit of bunch,
the character of Gros Colman is distinctly evident. If the
variety proves to be a good late keeping Grape, it will be
valuable.
A seedling Melon, out of Beauty of Syon X .Syon House,
from Mr. Geo, Wythes, Syon House, Brentford, obtained an
Award of Merit. It is named Excelsior, has a straw-coloured
netted exterior, salmon-coloured flesh, and good flavour,
especially for the season.
Mr. A. Outram, 7, Doria Road, Fulham, exhibited a dish
of capital fruits of Royal Dutch Medlar ; and Mr. J. Crook,
g". to W. ,H. Evans, Esq., Forde Abbey, Chard, showed a
dish of Coe's Late Red Plum, and a dish of Toraatos from
the open.
Awards of Merit were recommended to Turnips Model
White, and Golden Ball both from Messrs. Dobbir &l Co.,
Rothesay and Orpington, Kent. Both of these types are
excellent in every respect. Messrs. Dorpie also showed
plants of their selected Parsley, and their Victoria Parsley,
Parsnips, &c.
Messrs. Jno. Laino & Son, Forest Hill Nurseries, London,
S.E., staged a collection of Apples and Pears. The exhibit
included about 103 dishes, and was awarded a Silver Gilt
Knightian Medal.
Another collection from Messrs. J. Cheal & S-ins, Low-
field Nurseries, Crawley, included about eighty dishes nf
fruit, nmst of them Apples, and about twenty-five dishes of
Pears ; a Silver-gilt Knightian Medal was awarded in this
case also.
A Silver gilt Knightian Medal was deservedly awarded for
a collection of Grapes exhibiting very successful culture,
shown by C. Bayer, Esq., Forest Dill (gr., Mr. Tayler).
There were two or three bunches of the following varieties :
Trebbiano, Gros Colmar, Gros Maroc (exquisite), Foster's
Seedling, Black Hamburgh, Alnwick Seedling, Mrs. Pincc,
and Muscat of Alexandria.
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, made a dis-
play with some excellent vegetables from their Eynsford
Nuiscrics. Capital Onionsof Ailsa Craig, Improved Wroxton,
and Reading Improved ; Cannell's Mammoth Leeks, thick,
and well blanched ; Cannell's First Prize and First Class
Carrots of the Intermediate type ; Best-of-All Beet, very
tine Autumn Giant Cauliflower ; and some heads of Cannell's
Defiance Cabbage, an exceedingly pretty well - shaped
Cabbage, good hearted, in which there is little waste. About
forty dishes of Potatos, representing the choicest varieties,
were also shown (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal).
Messrs. Carter & Co., High Holborn, London, wero
awarded a Bronze Knightian Medal for a collection of twenty-
two varieties of Beetroot.
Royal Horticultural Society's Victoria
Medal of Honour.
At the invitation of. ihc President and Council of the
Royal Horticultural Society, a large proportion of the sixty
pi nth men selected to receive the Victoria Medal of Honour
was present at a luncheon on Tuesday, October ?(>, at the
Horticultural Club Rooms, Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street,
Westminster, prior to the distribution of the Victoria Medals
in the Drill Hall. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bt., the President
of the Society, occupied the chair, and he was supported by
several members of the Council.
After luncheon the President gave the toast of
" The Queen, and Patron of the Society,'' which was
heartily responded to.
The President then proceeded to explain the object of that
gathering. Ho said there was a strong desire early in the
present year on the part of the Royal Horticultural Society to
do something to celebrate the long reign of Her Majesty.
The Queen had for many years been patron oi the Society,
and many members of the Royal Family were Fellows,
while they would also recollect that the late Frince Consort
was for some years their President. For the greater part of a
century the Society had presided over and in a great measure
directed the gardening interests of this country, and he
thought they woul 1 ajro with him, that the Queen being
Patron of the Society, it was only becoming that the
Society should celebrate the remarkable occasion of Her
Majesty's Sixty Years' Reign. If we wore to enter into tho
subject of tbe great a Ivanccs made in horticuH urc, and in all
branches of gardening, during that period, it would take up
too much of their time, and, besides, those subjects had been
dealt with recently by persons far abler than ho was t y deal
with the oi. He would only say that those people must bo
blind indeed who could not see the enormous strides which
gardening had made in this country during the last fifty
or sixty years. He ventured to think that the great strides
that had been made illustrated the fact— as a fact it undoubt-
edly was — that gardening was by no means one of the pleasures
of tho rich only. He remembered when he had the honour
of representing in Parliament rather a poor part of London —
Battersea and "Wandsworth— being struck by the great care
and trouble which the people took with their window-boxes,
and he was sure that as great an interest was taken in garden-
ing by the poorer people as by the rich and wealthy. Perhaps
it would be an exaggeration to say that gardening was the
mother of all the virtues ; but at the same time, he thought
they might say, with perfect truth, that there were very few
put suits and occupations with so small an admixture of evil,
when the question arose as to what the Royal Horticul-
tural Society was to do to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, he
need scarcely say that the fertile brain of their Secretary
had a suggestion to make. He did not mean to say that the
Secretary's brain was the o. ly brain that was fertile, but the
fertility of his brain produced a more sturdy plant than the
fertility of other brains. He might say that it was due to
the inspiration of the Secretary that they took into considera-
tion the proposal of the cstab ishmentof the Victorian Medal
of Horticulture.
Many projects were considered, and looked at all round,
but it became perfectly clear that the Secretary's suggestion
was by far the best of all that came before them, and he
himself as President of the Society, was instructed ti ask
Her Majesty's gracious permission to establish the Medal.
They were all aware that Her Majesty scrupulously abstained
from taking any prominent share in choosing the method of
celebrating her Jubilee, but the Queen graciously intimated
to the society her assent to their proposal, ami expressed her
opinion that there could be no possible objection to it, that
being so they decided on carrying out the suggestion of the
Secretary, and he, personally, was very glad they did.
lie was glad to see one of their lady members present that
day, and they would all feel that nothing could be more
becoming when they were celebrating the Jubilee of Her
Gracious Majesty, than that some members of her own sex
were medallists. He did not think anything could show
more conclusively than that gathering, that the council
did wisely in adopting the suggestion of their Secret. iry.
He saw around him men of the greatest eminence, and he
thanked them for their presence that day. When the question
arose as to who wcie to bo the recipients of the medals,
it was thought right that every department connected with
tho art and science of gardening should be represented. Every
possible care was token in tho selection, and if certain
names appeared on the list and others did not, it would be
understood that there were good reasons both for tho inclu-
sion and the exclusion. In the first place it would not
have been at all becoming if the Council, who had tho
selection of the names, should have distributed the medals
among its own members. 'J hen there were reasons — official
leasons— i»rivate reasons— why certain gentlemen, who were
invited to become recipients, thought it their duty to decline.
The result was, that the recipients of the Medal included
eight b itanlsts — ho took them first, as science beyond all
things was the moving-power of the world at the present
time. At the head of them they had the distinguished
botanist who sat on bis right (iir Joseph Hooker), a
man who during a long life had done more valuable work in
the science of botany than any one other mau had ever
achieved. Then they had many c Electors, and hybridisers
they had, representing the gardening trade, fourteen
nurserymen and men eng'ged in business. They had two
members who represented the market aspect of gardening,
and they had twenty-seven medallists representing practical
gardeners, fifteen of whom were amateurs, and twelve pro-
fessionals. Some people, perhaps, would think th.t the
proportion In that case should bo reversed ! Then they had
one landscape gardener, and two members of the horti-
cultural press.
He could assure them that tho greatest possible trouble
was taken in the selection in every case. No doubt
the Council had made mistakes in including names which
some might think ought to have been omitted, and in leaving
out names that others would think ouyht to have been
included ; but they had done their best to secure a thoroughly
repiesentative list of names.
lie would bore like to say that the Queen, having sanc-
tioned the establishment of the Medal, it would be very
distasteful if it wero used for purposes of advertising,
In conclusion, the President expressed his gratitude to all
those who had attended that gathering, and explained that
the design for the Medal was the work of a lady— Miss Mar-
garet Gi'es— who had carried out a very graceful conception
in a most satisfactory way.
Sir Josei'U Hooker, in responding for botanisls, thanked
the President and tho Council for the very high honour they
bad conferred upon him in placing his name among tho
recipients of tho Victorian Medal, among whom could easily
be found some whose claims to respond to the toast ranked
beyond bis own. There weie those present who repre-
sented three generations of horticulturists, and who
October 30, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
317
had introduced more new plants than ever Kew ar-
dens had— men in the front rank, the results of
whoso labours were to be seen throughout the land
alike in the gardens of prince and of the peasant.
However, he gladly accepted the proud position of responding.
The duties performed at Kew were very various— the intro-
duction of new and rare plants, their classification, identi
iication, description, and illustration, and what was of more
importance, the propagation of useful plants for the benefit
of mankind. But what good would all this be without
practical horticulture? The gardens of Kew w„uld be prac
Ik-ally wasted, and it behoved botanists to consider how
greatly they were indebted to horticulturists for some of the
most precious possessions of the botanical world. Therefore
he would impress it upon them that botany and horticulture
—practical horticulture— must go band in hand. So long as
that was the case, both botany and horticulture would
prosper
Dean Holk also responded. At the outset ho remarked
that if they were doing honour to Hor Majesty, the
one lady member who was present (Miss Jekyll) was
certainly the "Queen of Spades!" He went on to say
that in associating his name on that occasion, and in
such company, they had greatly added to the on joy men t
of a day which he should always regard as one of the
brightest of a long and happy life, so long, indeed, that he
thought he could claim the title he coveted in tho great
University of Cambridge, next t" that "i Senior Wrangler,
and style himself Senior Medallist; and a life so hippy
because it. bad been spent largely in scenes which he loved
moat, and With men like themselves, whose tastes and habits
were in such complete accord with his own. If there was
such a thing as righteous pride, and if it was justifiable to
put a little "side" on, he thought they had a right to
wear it that day, and he was not sure thai they should not
be permitted to assume the demeanour <>f that gentleman
whom Theodore Hook saw swaggering along one day and
who was asked, "Sir, arc you anybody in particular?"
For himself, he had been for some days in training and prepara-
tion for this supreme event, On Thursday it was his privilege
to entertain Her Royal Highness Princess Christian at the
Deanery, and on Saturday it was his privilege to attend the
Prince of Wales as Grand Chaplain, and now to-day he had the
dis inguished privilege of paying honour to two queens— the
Queen of Flowers— the Rose— whom gardeners loved, and
the Queen of England, whom all England revered. But it
was not pride which was uppermost in his thoughts that
day. On the contrary, it was a very humble thankfulness
that they had been permitted to add to tlu purest of human
pleasures, and that they had been allowed to see tho fruition
of their success! It was impossible f >r an old man in a
retrospect of the years that hid gone, not to have sweet
solace in the thought that he had been permitted in some
degree to help in brightening the lives of others by means of
a healthful and harmless occupation among things pleasant
to the eye, and good for food. The Society of ^jhhh Sir
Trevor Lawrence was President, with its Comicil and
its unwearying secretory, had dono excollonl wc*k for a
long time past in many places, by pronioflng tho
science of horticulture; and although, of course, ho
was prejudiced on the present occasion, lie vestured to
say that the institution of the Victorian Medal would prove a
grand encouragement in quickening the ambition and
energies of those men who would excel hereafter in botanical
science and in horticultural skill.
Mr. Sherwood, who was next called upon, said after the
excellent speeches to which they had listened with such
pleasure, they would forgive him for being brief. He would
not dwell upon the marked improvement in the seed and
nursery trade that had taken place during the last sixty
years, as during the last few weeks Mr. Bunyard and Mr.
Button had written exhaustive papers on those subjects.
He would only say that the Royal Horticultural Society
would bo heartily thanked for all it had done— a work
which would be recognised by all the gentlemen who had
been brought together that day. None of t em would easily
forget the bestowal of the Jubilee Meda's. He was glad
the President referred to the Council in this connection,
because there were many who thought that the members of
the Council should certainly have received some recognition.
He could only hope that some such recognition would follow.
Mr. Hudson (gardenor to Baron Rothschild) was the last
gentleman to respond, and he did so on behalf of gardeners
in general. He said they ought to congratulate themselves
that they steered clear of the controversies which they saw
going on in other professions, lie hid been identified with
the Royal Horticultural Soei ty for close upon thirty years,
and he had always endeavoured to carry out three principles
—to serve his employer to the best of his ability, to further
the w irk they had at heart, and to assist those of the craft
ho needed assist an ec.
Baron Schroder then rose, and said that he had been
asked In propose the " Health of tho President" and the
Council of the Royal Horticultural Society," and he
considereditagrc.it honour, among so many distinguished
gentlemen, to have been selected for that duty. He felt
that he could hardly do justice to the toast, as he was no
speaker, but he thought that, aa an old and retired
member of the Council, he had had a great deal of
experience of the troubles and anxieties connected
with the office of President of that great Society. He
therefore felt that all honour was due to those gentlemen for
the way in which they had brought the Society to its present
splendid position. He well remembered when he was called to
the Council. At that time they were located at South Kensing-
ton where they had a large and lofty conservatory, but a
wretched Council Chamber. He also remembered that at that
time the Council was very much divided. Some were for con-
tinuing in the old groove, and seeing the old Society gradua'ly
die out; but there were others, and at their head was Sir
Trevor Lawrence, who believed they would be doing right in
breaking away from the "Id traditions. That was a grave
step to take. They had many consultations together. They
had 110 money, they had hardly any friends, and the Society
was going from bad to worse ; still, they had a President,
and that President helped them In tho midst of their
troubles, and when they were considering whether they
should leave South Kensington or not, they were turned out !
That was the darkest hour for their Society. They could not
pay their rent, they had no home in London, and very few
friends, bui their President stuck to them. He was ready
f.-r the occ i ion, and under his ^ ifl * and careful management
the Society li id gradually prospered, and it was now in a
position which noother [horticultural] sociaty in the world
could boast of.
Now they were at the Drill nail and at 117, Victoria St.
They were wise to go there because they had nowhere else
to go ! He still held his old opinion that the Soeletyjought to
have a home of its own, and ho hoped that some day such
would be the c isp. lie heartily congratulated the President
on his wonderful knack in finding so good a Secretary as the
Rev. Mr. WlLKS, and he felt sure that under the guidance of
such officers as they possessed the Society would flourish.
The President, in response, said that Baron Schroder had
referred to him in far too flattering terms. He well remem-
bered the days about which the Baron had spoken, and he
was hound to say that it was owing, in a large measure, to
the Baron's hearty support that they were enabled to carry
out tho change of p ilicy to which reference had been
made. It was the duty of the Royal Horticultural
Society to stick to horticulture, and from the moment the
Council took up a position of determination to follow
that course, it had not looked back. It was impossible for
him, in responding to the toast, to give adequate utterance
to the feeling of gratitude cn'ertaiued by members of the
Council to wards the amateur and professional gardeners of
tho country for their support, as evidenced by the splendid
collection of plants brought together in the Drill Hall that
day. Tho President then quoted the following statement
from the Journal of the Society :— " The Royal Horticul-
tural Society has spent during the ninety-two years of its
existence no less than £100,000. That it has made mistakes
and wastel money its best friends will not deny; but it
may confidently be .asserted that it has done and is doing
a good work which no other society could do — a good work
of value to the community; and tho introductions of the
Society and the lessons it has taught have embellished the
land, and smile on the visitor from every park and garden in
the kingdom." He thought that fairly represented the
work of the Society, which, he believed, had the cordial
support of the horticulturists of this kingdom.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF MKDALS.
The compauy then adjourned to the Drill Hall, where a
largo number of persons had assembled to witness tho
interesting ceremony of presenting the Medals. The
President made a few opening remarks, practically going
over the ground ho cover, d at the luncheon ; and he called
upon the Secretary, the Rev. Mr. Wilks, to read out the
names of the recipients.
The medallist* present were the following : Miss Jekyll,
Messrs. J. G. Raker, F.R S., Trof. Raylcy Balfour, F 11 S ,
(Edinburgh), A. F. Barron (Chiswick), E. J. Beale, W. Boxall,
W. Bull, Geo. Bunyard, F. W. Burbidge, M.A., W. Crump
(Madreslield Court Gardens), R. Dean (Ealing), G. Dickson
(Chester), Rev. H. H. D'Ombrain, C. T. Druery, II. J.
Elwes, F. R.S., Geo. Gordon, Jno. neal (Messrs. Jos.
Veitch & Sons), Rev. Geo. Heuslow, Dean Hole (Rochester),
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, F.R.S, Rev. F. D. Horner
Jas. Hudson (Gunnershury House Gardens \ Peter
Kay, John Laing, H. E. Milner, E. Molyneuv,
Geo. Monro, F. W. Moore (Glasnevin), Dr. Morris
( Kew), Geo. Nicholson (Kew), Jas. O'Brien, G. Paul,
T. F. Rivers, Baron Sir Henry S hroder, Jno. Scdcu,
N. N. Sherwood, J. Smith (Montmore), Martin II. Smith,
\V. Speed (Penrhyn), Arthur Sutton, Owen Thomas, H.
Turner, G. P. Wilson, Jno. Wright, and Geo. \V\thes.
Those not present were Miss Wilmott, Messrs. Peter Barr
Malcolm Dunn, Rov. Canon EUacombc, Prof. Michael Foster,
J. Fraser (Woodford), H. Herbst, C. Maries, Jas. Mclndoc,
W. Paul, the Hon. Walter Rothschild, F. Sander, W. Thomp-
son, Ipswich ; David Thomson (late of Drumlanrig), and
Rev. C. Wolley Dod.
SOCIETE MYCOLOGiaUE DE FRANCE.
The autumnal meetings of this Society were held from
October 2 to 0, in Paris and its vicinity. They have acquired
so wide a reputation fo: success and good management, that
some members of the British Mycological Society determined
this year to attend them. On Saturday, October 2, a party
of four left London for Paris. It may as well be stated of
whom this party consisted, and what their special objects in
so doing were. In the first place, Mr. Rea, the secretary of the
British Society was there wit'i the avowed intention of
learning the secret of the success of the French Society, as
well as of mastering the French Russulre ; second, the writer,
to find out what hecouldaboutthe Potato-disease treatment,
for it was at the meeting of the society ten years ago that he
first head of " Bouillie Bordelaise ; " Miss Rose, of Worcester,
to punt the species found; and Miss Plowright, to do the
interpreting.
The headquarters of the Society, Ri, rue de Grenelle, at
9 \ h mii October (3, fairly enchanted tin- visitors by the
highly interesting and beautiful collection of specimens it
contained, all neatly arranged on white plates, with their
names plainly written on white, red, or green labels, as the
Bpeciea were edible, poisonous, or of botanical interest only
Wo were received by M. Boudier, looking no older than he
did ten years ago; and by M. Perrot, (he indefatigable
secretary. <>f the number present, wo saw MM. Patouillard
Bourquelot, Ro ■--, Peltcreau, Etadais,Gtfurin,Hari iy, and many
more whose r, no ■■ wedid not catch ; butbefo ethemeetings
were over they had all done their best to make our visit
enjoyable. The walls were decorated by painting* (offun<n
of course) by MM. Boudier, Peltereau a-d others, but our
a' traction was to the tables. Polysaceiim, Tulostoma granu-
Insa, Favolus curop;eus, Montagnites from the shores of the
Mediterranean ; Guepinia hclvelloides, Polypoiua melaleucus
and P. ovinus, Cortinarius Bulliardi, Agaricus corydalina, A
gcoginus, A. Eryngi, A. madidus, all of which are either absent
from, or exceedingly rare in Great Britain. The English
visitors lost no time in settling down to work, sketching
making notes, and reading up. In fact, so interested was
the British secretary that rumour siys he was so busy that
he only spoke six times during the two days the exhibition
was open ; while the writer is credited with asking 600 ques-
tion", not only through the medium of the official intcr-
pretess, but, failing her, of any unfortunate passer-by, or as
a last resource, on a half sheet of note-paper, tho backs of
old envelopes, and what not.
October 5 and 0 were spent in excursions in the forest of
Corapiegne, the necessary arrangement for sleeping, eating
driving, Ac, being made by the energetic secretory, M.
Perrot, who went down the day before for that purpose.
Here we found Inocybe maculata, Polyporus umbellatus,'
Clavaria fennlca, Tricholoma immundus. On Wednesday
we had dejeuner in a room built in the forest at Picrrefonds
for the late Empress ; there were found Tuber bituminatuni
Agaricus jun juillea, Godcyi, griseo-cana, Hvdnum amicum'
&c.
October 7 was spent in Paris, a quiet day, so as to
allow time for the study of our find--. At 2 p.m. a meeting of
the society was held at which the writer presided, having had
the honour dono him of being elected honorary president for
onextrao fUnan-e. Various specimens were exhibited,
and several communications of great interest made, piinci-
pally on fungus disease of plants, notably, one on black rot in
Grapes; and another on a disease of the roots of Chestnut
trees.
October S was spjnt in an excursion to the forest of
Herblay. No sooner had we arrived than the beautiful
Lycoperdon viUatum was gathered, and shortly after a whole
bed of Geaster hygrometricus was encountered, Helvella
pithyophila, Lactarius scrobiculatus, and the beautiful
Cortinarius rufo-olivaceus were amongst the finds ; but a
frost the previous night bad done irreparable damage to
the larger fungi. In France ladies seldom take part in such
out-door sciambles as fundus huutcrs undertake, but two
ladies accompanied this excursion. This we took to be a
delicate compliment to our English ladies, who had hitherto
been rather "out of it ' amongst so many gentlemen. Our
interchange of ideas was this day greatly facilitated by the
kindness of M Philiippe do Vilmorin.
The forestof Caruelle was to have been visited on Oetober 9,
but owing to the frost the British mycologists decided "to
leave it until next time." This much is certain (1) France
is a good country for fungi. (2) The French mycologists are
exceedinglg kind and thoughtful hosts, they made every
effort to make our visit profitable and enjoyable ; and 1 fear,
if the truth must be told, to take them all round', they know
a great deal more about fungi than we do. Charles D. Plow-
ritfkt, Ml). King's Lynn, Oct. 1G, 1S97.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
October 21.— Present : J. W. Thompson, of Walton Grange,
Staffordshire, iu the chair; along with Messrs. Geo. Shorland-
Ball (Vice-chairman), W. Stevens, A. Warburton, G. W
318
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[OotOber 30, 1897;
Law-Schofield, H. Greenwood, E. J. Sidebotham, D. B.
Rappart, K. Johnson, John Cypher, John Leemann, Sam.
Gratrix, Jas. Anderson, and W. A. Gent, Hon. Sec.
This was by far the largest show yet held, some of the
choicest varieties in cultivation being exhibited. It is
impracticable to notice the whole of the exhibits, and some
names of exhibitors and some good things must, therefore,
be passed over. There were about sixty different plants
brought up for adjudication, and out of these no fewer than
eight received awards of Fast-class Cert fieates, and fifteen
received Awards of Merit.
Undoubtedly the greatest novelty was Cattleya labiate
Pctersiana, exhibited by Albert Warrurton, Esq., Vine
House, Haslingden (Mr. Tom Lofthouse, gr.). The colours
are vivid, and of remarkable glossiness ; without the slighest
shading in either the petals, sepals, or labellum, the colour
being of a deep cardinal-red throughout. It received a First-
class Certificate. One of the members proposing a small
Gold Medal for the novelty, but this was left over for
consideration.
The next important plant, wbich was shown before the
Royal Horticultural Society in London some years ago, and
received the highest honours, was the plant and variety of
Cattleya Hardyana (First class Certificate). This consists of
a portion of the famous plant first brought to light by the
late George Hardy, and was disposed of when that collection
was dispersed. It is at the present time in the possession of
T. Statter, Esq., Stand Hall, and as sbown was a picture of
beauty. The numerous varieties of the 30-cilled Hardyana
from an orchidist's point of view, cannot compare with this
variety. The flowers are large and of great substance, well
formed, with the segments flushed; the libellum is of a
beautiful crimson, with a flushed edge ; the spots adorning
each side of the extremity of the column are white, and the
yellow surrounding the white is conspicuous, as are also the
linesof the same tint traversing the epichihum ; and thewho!c
a grand flo wer. Mr. Johnson took also a First-class Certificate
for Cattleya aurea Johnsoni, one of the most distinct of the
a urea section. It is a curious combination of colours which Mr.
Johnson fears will not remain constant, and forms another
example of how easily buyers and sellers can arrive in the
law courts.
Wm. Law-Schofield, Esq , hid two First class Certificates
for Cypripedium Lawrebel and C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum,
both acquisitions : the former hiving a staudard of sur-
passing brilliancy of either of its parents ; the other, which
bears the name of Frances Marie, is one of the b^st of this
cross, the standard being large, and the colours and lines
clear.
H. H. Bolton, Esq., Heightside, Newchurch (Mr. T.
Eastman, gr.), had a Cattleya labiata with white segments,
and a lip slightly staine 1 with puce, wh ch I desciibed in the
Gardeners' Chronicle as C. labiate Balls, and which is prac-
tically the same as C. 1. Measuresue. Both gentlemen agree
to have it named C. labiata ELsise after Mr. Bolton's
daughter. It appears likely to improve under cultivation.
Samdel Gratrix, Esq., West Point, Whalley Ringe (Mr.
McLeod, gr.), received a First-class Certificate for Cattleya
labiate Sam. Gratrix and Cypripedium insigne. var. Sander:*-.
The Cattleya is of the pure and white in regard to the petals
and sepals, of good substance ; the labellum white with a
cerise-coloured blotch, having pale flushed edging. It is a
flattish flower of fine form, and distinct. The Cypripedium
is well known and much appreciated, and this example was
as good, if not better, than the famous " Boron's variety."
John Leemann, Esq., West Bank House, Heaton-Mersey
(Mr. Edge, gr.), received a First class Certificate for Cattleya
Hardyana of quite adifferent type from the first one flowered
at Pickering Lodge. It is of deep colour, and one in which
C. gigas and the deeper tints of aurea are seen, but it is
lacking the beauty of the oth^r.
Among the Awards of Merit, Mr. S tatter had the red
Cypripedium Leeinum (Memoria Moensii), and the large and
clear C. insigne Statteriana.
Wm. Thompson, Esq., of Walton Grange (Mr, Stevens, gr.),
had Cypripedium Charlesworthi roseum and C. Juno. He
had also a fine large-flowered Vanda Kimballiana, larger and
brighter than the normal flower, for which Mr. Stevens
received a Cultural Commendation. The chairman c>f the
Society also received the 2nd honours for Odontoglossum
crispum bellissimuni, a very large flower, with heavy
blotches of sienna-brown ; along with a Cultural Commend i-
tion for a so-called Cypripedium Spicerianum magnificum
with twenty-one good flowers upon it— but it is not magnill-
cuin. G. Law-Schufield, Esq., Rawtenstall (Mr. Schill, gr.),
had 2nd honours for Lrelia purpurati Anna Louise, and for
Cattleya x Mantini.
Hcgh Low & Co., London, received awards for several
Cypripediums, the most distinct of which was C. Swanianum
virescens ; this firm also put up L^lia pnestans alba,
bearing a good flower on a small plant (Award of Merit).
Wm. C. Clarke, Esq., Sefton Park, Liverpool (Mr. Jones,
gr.), had a showy lot, but the only one which was noticed
was a finely grown, good variety of Cypripedium insigne,
c died Col. Clarke, which received a Cultural Commenda'.ion.
E. J. Sidehotham, Esq., Erlsdene, Bowdon (Mr. Shiner,
gr.), had Ltelia Perrini in fine colour and in good flower;
and Cattleya maxima, which was a remarkably distinct
species.
F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, had an Award of Merit fur an
Odontoglossum grande, called West Point— a meaningless
name. It is very dull in colour, and resembles a bad O.
Schiepperianum. Cypripedium Ernesti is too like Young-
iunuiu— it was awarded 2nd honours, however. We are
getting too many of that sort, and it might be well to pass
them by.
Mr. Leemann showed Cypripedium Harrisianum called
euperbum— a good thing ; and the pretty Epidendrum
Wallisianum, which the committee requested should be
brought up again.
The groups were exceedingly showy, but no awards were
made. They came from the chairman, Hugh Low & Co.,
and [Charlesworth & Co. The finest exhibits were incut
Howers, Mr. Johnson showing C. aurea, marked in an
abnormal manner; and Mr. Stevens a fine Litdia Perrini
alba— it was a pity that he had not brought the plant
as well.
After the awards were made, the committee resolved, pro-
posed by Mr. Ball, seconded by Mr. Schofield, and unani-
mously carried, "That in awarding First-class Certificates,
the committee shall be guided entirely by the merits of the
flower brought before them, without regard to the fact that
the sane or a similar variety may have already received a
First-class Certificate, but no member shall receive more
than one First-class Certificate for the same plant."
Also proposed by Mr. Ball, seconded by Mr. Johnson, and
unanimously earned, "That from this date no First-class
Certificate be awaided to cut blooms, except the committee
are of opinion that it would have been risky to bring the
plant from which such blooms have been taken."
Proposed by Mr. G. Shorland-Ball, seconded by Mr. Stevens,
and carried, " That rule 4 be expunged from the rules of the
society, and the following rule be inserted : — 4. The annual
subscription for gardeners shall be half a guinea, and in
all other cases one guinea." /. A.
THE ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICUL-
TURAL AT DOLPHINTON.
October S3. — By invitation of the venerable owner,
John Ord Mackenzie, Esq., W.S., about sixty members
of the Scottish Arboricultural Society visited, on the above
date, Dolphiuton, a charming place embowered in trees and
environed by hills. The train left the Waverley station at
10.15 a.m., and returned at 4.55 p.m., thus furnishing time
for the visitors to explore the sylvicultural treasures of the
woods, gleus, park, and garden.
Mr. Mackenzie met and gave his guests a hearty welcome
at the station ; Sir Jame3 Fergusson, of Spittalhaugh, joined
the party at Liaton, and was indefatigable throughout the
day iu assisting his neighbours, Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie, to
unfold the sylvan treasures, and treat of the associations of tli is
well-wooded estate. It soon became apparent that Mrs.
Mackenzie was by no means the least accomplished of these
three arboriculturists. The first halt was called at the
bridge where the water divides into two parts, one
part finding its way to the Tweed, and part to the Clyde. It
was said that salmon occasionally pass here from one river
to the other.
It miy be stated here that the parish of Dolphinton is
situated in t'ae eastern division of L inarkshire. It is
bounded on the north by the parish of Dunsore, on the west
by lialsto i, aud on the south and south eist by Kirkurd,
Liaton, and Peeblesshire. It is also intersected by th ; roa Is
from Biggar to Edinburgh, and Peebles to Linton, and
donrnited to a great extent by the Blae ( Hill of Dolphinton,
so ne 150 ) fee"; above the level of the sea, and which may be
described as one of the links of the mountain-rhatn which
binds the island froai Stobbleo Head to Ailsa Craig.
Another prominent feiture rising more like an artificial
mound than a natural mountain— the Bromil iw, so well
known in the history of our commercial supremacy on tie
Clyde, is Jalso within sight, barring fogs, of the Black Hill
of Dolphinton.
Within a short distance of the new lodge on the other side
of the house, no fewer than five parishes meet ou the estate,
viz., Kirkurd, Watton, Skillin?, Biggar, Djlphinton ; the
general elevation of the parish and estate being some S00
feet above the level of the sea. A carious record is placed on
the steps of the front door of the mansion to the effect that
this stone is o i a level with the top of Arthur's seat at
Edinburgh. But though thus highly elevated, and the soil
mostly a sandy loam, or a dry, friable eirth, yet so skilfully
has the estate been managed by the present proprietor and
his father, who began a good deil of the planting, that the
physical features of this district have been greatly softened
and improved, aud the local climate sensibly ameliorated
through the shelter and functions of the rising plantations.
The last visit of the Arboricultural Soc'ety here was in
1380; and those who were present on that occasion were
loud iu their praise of the growth and progress the trees had
made in the last seventeen years. But before the vigorous
work of reclamation and improvement began — some seventy
years since— on this estate of some .3000 acres, it was largely
a barren waste. Of course, a few of the fine old Beeches,
Elms, Ashes, Sycamores, Oaks, Limes, and Larches, that
sweep up the park to the front door, and tower away
majestically iu various directions, belong to an earlier
period, and must be more than a hundred years old. The
old Larches, too, look remarkably healthy ; while the
young ones mixed with the Sjots Firs further up the hill-
sides, are not so healthy as the Scots. The Douglas
Fir and other exotic Conifers are, however, the great featuro
of Dolphinton. Near to the houses one fine Douglas
girths over 9 feet some 3 feet from the ground. .Otheis
almost as large were found in various parts of the wood or
dell ; and a fine group planted as seeds by the M i <■
Mackenzie at Christmas, 1864, had made great progress.
Mr. Mackenzie was also specially proud of a scarlet Oak,
Quercus coccinea, which, however, had been somewhat
severely cut by frost.
After passing through the well cropped gardens, and
paying a visit to the greenhouses, &c, the visitors were
mustered by their hosts to a most sumptuous lunch.
After a hearty vote of thanks, signing their names in Mr.
Mackenzie's book, and being photographed, the journey
through the plantations was resumed. Here trees and
avenues of the Douglas Fir, Abies magnifica, A. nobilis,
Pice i Albertiani, P. nigra, P. orien talis, P. Menziesii, the
Lawson Cypress in many forms, the Japanese and the Giant
Cypress, were found ; also heaps upon heaps of Rhododen-
drons in the most robust health, Spirjea of sorts, Dog-wood
and Spindle trees, in bright foliage.
In an open place in the dell, surrounded with a prodigality
of silvan beauty, one of the most interesting functions of the
day was performed. A nice thrivingplant of the Himalayan
Spruce, Picea Moriuda, presented to the society by Mr. Fore-
man, nurseryman, Eskbank, was planted by Mrs. Mackenzie,
assisted by her husband and the head forester, who has
been on the estate for some sixty years, and the head
gardener.
With three hearty cheers, the visitors took another turn
through the old kirkyard, where a Sycamore tree with a
girth of 15 feet was found ; past a lake near a villa on the
estate, with lines of beauty and grace, said to have been
designed by Mr. Mackenzie, and so over and away through
more rising woods, and across hills flooded with sunshine 1o
the station, after one of the most profitable and pleasant
outings ever spent by the society.
The three W.'s o' Dolphinton are the woods, the water,
the walks. As to the woods, only a few more touches were
needed to bring them into line with brown October. As to
water, one lovely lake was noted, and its c zy, curling, pond
provided with welcome shelter from the blasts. A third lake
was seen in the han ging plantation above the mansion, from
whence the water is allowed to fall by gravity to storage-
tanks, whence it is distributed by means of pipes. A " water-
house," sweet and tempting, with glazed t les as a floor, .xe.
As to the walks, most of them are narrow, nicely curved, and
sheltered in such a way that they are warm even in the
coldest weather, and revealing many a peep of a lovely
landscape. D. T. F., 0:tober 25, 1SK7.
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
October 25. — A considerable number of blooms was
fitegod on this occasion, and the committee were engaged A,r
sometime in examining them. It is due to the committee
it should be stated, they set up a high standard now so many
new varieties are coming to the fore
Mr. W.J. Godfrkv sent from Exmouth a collection con:-
prising nearly twenty new varieties, and First-class Cettifi-
catcs were awarded to the following new varieties : Madan e
Phillipe Rivoire, a large white Japanese, broad petalh «"
somewhat reflexing— a very fine exhibition variety ; E 1.!
Curtis, a large, fall, bright yellow Japanese, in the way of
Boule d'Or, not quite so deep in colour— a grand exhibition
variety; and Lidy Kidgway, a very large, broad-petalled,
incurved Japanese, lilac-purple on the surface, with a pale
amber reverse, much incurved, and decidedly distinct. In
add. t ion, Mr. Godfrey had Werthcr, George Gover, and
others, of fine quality ; also, three new incurved varieties ;
King of Yellows, Topaz Orientele, pale prim rose -yd low
and Ma Perfection, a promising white.
From Mr. C. Sh.a, Foots Cray, Kent, came Elise Teich-
m mn, a white Japanese, which has been seen in finer
condition than that in which it was shown on this occasion ;
but of its value and beauty there can be no doubt.
From Messrs. II. Cannell & Son, Swanley, came Lady
Hanham, a sport from Charles Davis, which was a sport
from Viviand Morel, like its ancestor, of fine shape; the
colour delicate pink, with pale citron centre, but apparently
liable to come variegated in character (First-class Certificate).
A very delicate soft pink incurved Japanese named N. C. S
Jubilee is of a very promising character, but failed on this
occasion to secure a majority of votes for a Certificate
Bouvenlr de Molines, pale reddish chestnut and orange, but a
somewhat variable variety, is likely to prove useful.
Mr. W. Wells, Earls wood, Redhill, sent a number of new
varieties, chief among them G. J. Warren, a pale yellow sport
from Madame Carnot, which appears to possess all the gcoi
qualities of the type; and Mrs. G. Wi Palmer, a sport from
Mis. J. II. Payne, the colour ruby amaranth, with a buff
reverse, certainly a promising flower; this also came from
Messrs. Godfrey aud Norman Davis. From Mr. II. Owen,
Maidenhead, came several new varieties, chief anion £ them
refloxed J. E. Lag(r, a pale yellow variety iu the way of
Dorothy Gibson, but thought not to be so good.
Messrs. J. R Pearson &, Sons, Chilwell, Notts, send J.
Leadbctter, a sport from Madame I'dward Key, deep orange
with yellow centre, a flower which is likely to be seen
better developed.
From Mr. Norman Davjs, Framfield, camo an exquisite
incurved Japanese, Mrs. S. C. Probyn, delicate blutb-nink
deepening to soft pink, large, full, broad-petalled, and very
fine (First-class Certificate). Among some varieties lecom-
mended for market work was Pride of the Market, deep gold,
with a surface of pale reddish-brown, very bright, and
showy (First-class Certificate). Another market variety,
white, something in the way of a small Avalanche, failed to
secure this award, though very pleasing iu shaje and
appearance.
October SO, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
319
£ WE AT ^JlfiSj
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aRgre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day.
degrees — a "Day -degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
Sun.
if
rs
£ & t.
Accum
ILATED.
a
*t
JS .
1 <v
J*
u u
°<2
is
0
B
V
a
73 '~
a C
II
Cm M
oi-s
O
00
a
Ed
y
a
w
fa
O
H
u h
3 3n
t-
'-
Bi
Q
3
?■"■
>
o
t*
Si «
o
Above 42°, difference
from Mean since
January 3, 1897.
Below 42°, difference
from Mean since
January 3, 1S97.
Percentage of possible
tion for the Week
Percentage of possible
tion since Jan. 3, IS
Day.
Day.
Day-
Day-
lOths
deg.
deg.
deg.
deg.
Inch.
Ins.
0 5 +
60
0
+ 161
- 7
5 —
187
34-9
50
30
1 « +
00
0
+ 8
+ 15
4 -
167
24 0
45
33
2 6 +
77
0
+ 69
- 79
6 -
149
20 0
41
35
3 4 +
69
0
+ 135
- 129
3 -
144
195
41
39
4 5 +
69
0
+ 76
- 121
3 -
U3
22-6
38
37
5 7 +
95
0
+ 229
- 187
7 -
136
21 -S
4:;
40
«
6 +
74
0
+ 72 - 22
9 -
179
35 4
39
33
7
•r. +
75
0
+ 132 - 98
8 -
165
27-5
46
35
8 5 +
81 '
0
+ 225 - 142
7 -
171
34-5
38
40
J« +
70
0
+ 11 4- 2
6 -
192
32 s
39
31
10 4 +
74
0
+ 141 - 65
7 -
179
361
64
31
•
5 +
106
0
+ 339
8 -
180
2S-9
37
42
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wlieat -producing District g—
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, <£c, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, 8. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending October 23, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
'■ The weather was rough and unsettled in the north and
north-west at the commencement of the period, with heavy
rain at many stations, while in most other parts of the
kingdom slight falls of rain occurred. By Tuesday, how-
ever, the conditions had improved considerably, and during
the remainder of the week fine bright weather was expe-
rienced generally, although a good deal of haze or fog
prevailed on some of the nights and mornings.
'* The temperature was much above the mean for the time
of year, the excess ranging from 4° in 'England, E.,'and
' Ireland, S.,' to aa much as 7° in ' England, S.' The highest
of the maxima were recorded on the 17th, when they ranged
from 69° in tho Channel Islands, and 68° over southern,
central, and eastern England, to 68° in ' Scotland, N.' The
lowest of the minima were registered during the latter half
of the period, and ranged from 28c in ' Scotland, E. ' (at
Braemar), and from 33° over 'Scotland, N.,' and the nvdland
eoxinties, to 43° in 'England, S./ and 51° in the Channel
Islands.
" The rain/all was less than the mean, the deficit being
very considerable in nearly all districts.
"The bright sunshine was abundant, and exceeded the
mean in all parts of the kingdom. The percentage of the
possible duration ranged from 64 in ' Ireland, S.,' and from
50 in 'Scotland, N.,* to 3S in the midland counties ani
* England, S.W.,' and 37 in the Channel Islands."
"■ Open-air Studies in Botany," by R.
Lloyd Praeger. {London : Charles Griffin &
Co.) — Innumerable as are the works upon ele-
mentary botany which already exist, ifc must
need some courage to introduce yet another for
young students and beginners. ■* Open-air studies "
deals, as the title suggests, with plants as found in
their general habitat rather than as dried specimens.
This is the most fascinating side of an interesting
subject, and it must be a faulty book indeed which is
not successfully inspired by it. Mr. Praeger may
be" congratulated on having produced a volume of
reliable information presented in a form which is
bound to please. His subjects are plants found in
Ireland, but almost all the varieties are uf wide dis-
tribution, so that the book has not merely a local
value. The author treats of plants as living beings,
with a past, a present, and a future. The past sup-
plies the history of their conformation, and illustrates
their affinities ; the present shows the machinery in
full activity ; the future will show the results of al[
this action and interaction. The drawings made by
Miss Praeger clearly illustrate her brother's text,
while the plates, which are from photographs,
give a pretty idea of the various groups
and little landscapes uf flowers. We like
them all the better for not displaying exceptional
scenes, but merely those beautiful natural effects
which a sheet of Daisies or field of Loosestrife and,
Meadowsweet (for instance) so often afford. The
book could be used for private tuition, indoors or
out, if accompanied by fresh specimens of some of
the plants described. Wo do not feet *so grattful as
perhaps we ought to be for being reminded that
Boretta cantabiica is the proper name for St. Dabeoc's
Heath. This is one of those cases where a strict
adherence to the claims of priority is productive of
more harm than good. In these matters commercial
and horticultural interests have, at least, some claim
to consideration. What nurseryman would be able
to supply Boretta cantabrica ? or if he did, imagine
the delight of the recipient when he found he had
St. Dabeoc's Heath.
Markets.
COVENT GARDEN, OCTOBER *JS.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for tho subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averagos for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of tho samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed.]
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Paiges.
Arums, 12 blooms..
Astora, 12 bunches
Bouvardias, pr. bun.
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Eucharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Hyacinth, Roman,
dozen sprays ...
Lilac, French, per
bunch
L ilium Harvisi, per
doz. biooms
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
M aidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
s. d. s. d.
4 0-60
4 0-60
0 4-06
0 9-20
4 0-60
0 6-26
3 0-60
3 0-50
2 0- 3 0
0 9-16
5 0-6 0
4 0-60
16-20
10-20
4 0-80
2 0-40
Mignonette, dz, bn.
Orchids :—
Cattloya, 12 bins.
Odontoglossum
crispum, 12 bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, per 12
bunches
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Pearls),
per do2en
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, perdoz. bun.
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
Violets, 12 bunches
— Parme, French
White Lilac, French,
per bunch
White Narciss,
French, 12 sprays
. d. s. d.
J 0- 4 0
i 0 12 0
I 6- 3 U
0-6 0
4-0 6
6-2 6
6- 1 0
6- 4 0
9-10
6-2 6
0-2 0
0-6 0
0-4 0
3- n 4
6-2 0
0- 2 rt
0-6 0
C-8 0
Orchid-bloom in variety
Plants in Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices.
Adlantum, per doz. 4
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12
— specimen, each 5
Asters, various, per
doz.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ... 5
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 1
Coleus, per doz. ... 2
Dracaenas, each ... 1
— various, p. doz. 12
Erica, various, per
dozen
d. s. d.
0-12 0
0-30 0
0-15 0
2 6-50
6-2 6
0-4 0
0-7 6
0-24 0
9 0-18 0
s. d.
d.
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz....
Ficus 3lastica each
Ferns, small, doz. ...
— various, doz.
Foliage plants, per
dozen 12 0-36 0
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz.
Mignonette, p. doz.
Palms, various, ea.
— specimens, ea.
6 0-24 0
10-76
10-20
5 0-12 0
9 0-12 o
6 0-90
4 0-60
2 0-10 n
10 6-84 0
Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices.
Artichokes, Globe,
perdoz.
Beans, Scarlet Run-
ners, per bushel
— French, Chan-
nel Islands, lb.
Beetroots, p. bush.
Capsicum, Chili, p.
100
Cauliflowers, per
tally (5 doz.)
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Garlic, per lb.
Horseradish (Ger-
man), per bundle
s. d. s. d.
2 0-26
. d. 8. d.
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb 1 0- 1 6
Oniona (pickling),
2 0-26 per pocket ... 20-30
— — skinned,
0 9 — J-bush 2 6-30
13-16 — Dutch, per bag 30 —
, — Albanian, bag 0 6-60
1 6 — : Salad, small, per
doz. punnets... 16 —
3 0—: Shallots, per lb. ... 02 —
I Sprouts, per^-bush. 10-13
Tomatos, selected,
2 0-30! perdoz. lb. ... 46-50
0 9-101 — Medium, do. . 30-36
02 - j — Seconds, do. . 10-16
| — Channel Is-
14-16 lands, per 12 lb. 26-30
Frdit.-
Apples (Cox's
Orange), pr. bush.
— (Ribstons). bsh.
— Dessert, in va-
riety, per bush.
— Culinary, in
variety, per
bushel
Blackberries, peck
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
2ndqual.,lb.
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— AUcantes, p. lb.
2ndquaL,lb.
— Ham burghs,
selected, per lb.
2ndqual. ,1b.
— Muscats, "Can-
non Hall. "p. lb.
— Channellslauds
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
Average Wholesale Prices.
i. d. s. d.
Grapes,Muscats2nd
quality, per lb.
Melons, each
Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb
Pears, various, per
bushel .
14 0-10 0
14 0-10 0
6 0-16 0
3 6-66
2 0-26
16-20
s- 10
10-16
10-13
0 6-
0 S
1 0-
0 8-
9-13
6-2 0
0-10 0
0-3 0
0 6-09
small, bush.
— stewing, per
bushel 2 6-40
— — B. Clargeau,
per case (8 to 9
dozen) 10 G —
— — Glou Mor-
ceau, per case,
about 4 dozen.. 10 u-10 6
— — D. do Co-
mice, p. cas°,
about l dozen 12 0 —
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
chael/ ases con-
taining 6 to 8... 4 6-50
— cases contain-
ing 1ft to 12 .. 16-20
Quinces, per bushel 10 0-12 o
Potatos.
Prices have advanced a shade all round since last report,
supplies of both English and foreign being light at thu pre-
sent time: — Hebrons and Snowdrops, 80s. to 105s. ; Saxons
and Maiucrops, 75*. to 90s. ; Giants and Magnums, 70s. to
80s. ; Blacklands, 70s. to 75s. por ton. Belgium Kidneys,
3s, 3 d. ; Dutch Rounds, 3s. 3d. to 8s. Sd. per bag of 50 kilos
John Bath, 32 and 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
SEEDS.
London : October 27. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maze Pond, Borough, London, S. E.,
write that to-day's seed market presented no special feature,
either of interest or importance. For new American Clover-
seed, the speculative demand has fallen off ; the advance
asked on the other side having naturally discouraged further
purchases ; meantime, Alsyke, white, and Trefoil are also
neglected. Winter Tares have been bought for holding over.
Rye keeps steady. For Canary seed the demand is slow ;
Peas and Haricots showno alteration. Whito Runners this
season come cheap. French Buckwheat offers on attractive
terms. Mustard and Rapeseed are strong. Linseed strong.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.
Glasgow: October 28. — The following are tho avorages o
the prices at this market during the past week :— Pears, 3d
to 8(2. per lb. ; Apples, 2d. to Ad. do. ; Tomatos, Guernsey,
\L to Gci. do. ; do., Scotch, 5d. to 8d. do. ; Grapes, home,
Is. 6d. to 2s. do. ; do., foreign, 6d. to 3d, do. ; Cab-
bages, Scotch, Sd. per dozen ; Cauliflowers, Scotch, 6d.
to Is. per bunch ; do., Is. 6d. per dozen ; Parsnip*,
4s. Orf. per cwt. ; Herbs, assorted, lrf. to 2d. per bunch ;
Leeks, 2». to 3s. 6<Z. per dozen bunches; Mint, green,
0 /. per bunch ; Onions, Dutch, 2s. 6i/. per bag ; do. , Portugal,
5s. to 0s. 6d. per case ; Parsley, 9d. to Is. per stone ;fPotatof,
best, Id. to 8(2, por stone ; Carrots, 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6rf. per bag ;
Artichokes, 5s. per sieve ; Cucumbers, 3s. <Sd. to 4s. 6d. per
doz.; Lettuces, round, 6d. to Sd. do. ; do., Cos, 6d. to Od. do. ;
Radishes, 8d. to 9d. per dozen bunches ; Horseradish, Is. 9*'.
to 2s. 6(/> per bundle; do., French, 4s. 6d. per stone; Mush-
rooms, Is. 6d. per lb. ; Beetroot, 4c/. per bunch ; Brussels
Sprouts, 2s. per stone ; Spinich 2s. per stone ; Rhubarb,
2s. per cwt. ; Turnips, Swede, Is. 3(2, per bag; Celery, Scotch.
Is. per bundle ; do., English, 25. do. ; Marrows, 43. to 6s. per
dozen; Cabbage, red, 2s. do. ; Savoys, 1*. '.id. to Is, 0<i. do. ;
late Cabbage, Is. 3d. to Is. 6d. do.
Liverpool ; October 27. — Average of tho prices at under-
noted markets:— St. John's: Potatos, 10(2. to Is. 2d. per peck ;
Cucumbers, 6d. to Sd. each ; Grapes, English, Is. to 2s. 6d.
do. ; Pine apples, English, 4s. 6d. to 7s. each ; Mushrooms.
SV. to 10(2. per lb. Birkenhead: Potatos, lOd. to Is. per
peck ; Cucumbers, 3d. to 6d. each ; Grapes, English,
Is. 6d. to 2s. 6(2. per lb.; do., foreign, 4d. to 6d. do.;
Pineapples, English, 4s. to 7s. each ; Mushrooms,
1 1 1(2. to Is. per lb. North Hay : Potatos, per
cwt., Giants, 3s. 3d. to 3s. 9d. ; Main Crop, lis. I'd. to 4?. 3d. ;
Bruces, 3s. 6d. to 4s. ; Turnips, 6d. to 8(2. per dozen
bunches ; do. Swedes, Is. to Is. 4-7. per cwt. ; Carrots.
6d. to Sd. per dozen bunches ; Onions, English 4s. to 5s.
per cwt. ; do., foreign, 2s. 6d. to 3s. do.; Parsley, 4d. per
dozen bunches ; Cauliflowers, 6d. to Is. dozen ; Cabbages,
6d. to Is. do. ; Celery, Sd. to Is. 9d. do.
CORN.
Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the
week ending October 23, and for the corresponding period
of 1S96, together with the difference in the quotations. These
tigures are based on the Official Weekly Return : —
Description.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Wheat
>. d.
28 11
«. d.
32 2
>. d.
+ 33
Barley
28 6
27 b
- 1 1
Oats
16 0
16 2
+ 02
320
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[October 30, 1897.
Abies bracteata : 5. The tree at Orton Longueville,
near Peterborough, from which Mr. Harding sent
cones lately, is 60 feet in height. It was partly
blown over iu March, 1 S05, but replaced by means
of ropes and pulleys. It is supposed that the root-
pruning may have induced it to cone so freely.
Lord Ducie's tree at Tortworth was planted
between 1858 and 1862, and has a height of
52 feet with a spread of branches of 36 feet. The
specimen at Eastnor Castle was 40 feet high in
18S9. See Gardeners' Chronicle, February 23, 1889,
f. 14, and May 31, 1890, f. 112. Douglas's manu-
script Lame was Pinus venusta, but the tree is
clearly Dot a Pinus, hence the name bracteata is
adopted a. the oldest name in the correct ge. us.
Authorities, however much they differ on points of
nomenclature, are unanimous in calling this the
most beautiful of all the Firs. It is hardy in this
country.
Black Poplar : C. A . If you do not let the growth?,
which it will soon make after beheading, remain in
part to utilise the sap and make new wood, the
roots and bole will decay rapidly, and be quite
unfit to carry the platform erected upon it after,
say, halt a dozen years.
Carnation Disease : B. The translucent yellow
spots on the leaves have been attributed to some
fungus in the early part of its career, or to
bacteria. Latterly, however, the bacteria, although
present, have been acquitted, and the mischief
attributed to thrips or aphides. You will judge
from this that nothing certain is known, but the
importance of isolation, destruction of affected
leaves, and scrupulous cleanliness, is enhauced
rather than otherwise.
Correction : Cultivation for Market since
1837. — In the report of Mr. Assbee's lecture on
this subject which appeared on p. 297 of our
last issue, occurs the statement that there are
32,000,000 sq. feet of glass used for the forcing of
Khubarb ! This, of course, is an error of the
reporter ; there is no glass necessary in the produc-
tion of forcing Rhubarb. Mr. Assbee's statement
was to the effect that at present there are about
32,000,000 sq. feet of glass used for market cultiva-
tion of all descriptions.
Gardeners' Association: Constant Reader. You
do not say what gardeners' association you mean.
If it is a benefit society, we suspect you refer to
the United Horticultural Provident and Benefit
Society. Apply to the Secretary, Mr. W. Collins,
9, Martindale Road, Balham, S. W. Membership
iu this association is an excellent investment.
Herbaceous Perennial Border : Stoneleigk. The
width (5 feet) is rather small, and if it be partly
overshadowed by trees and has a margin of Ivy,
whose roots are drawing nourishment from tho soil,
it is not the best imaginable place in which to grow
any but the coarsest and strongest species of
perennials. In any case, the Ivy should be done
away with, and means taken to prevent the roots of
the trees entering the border. The best subjects
for the spring display would consist of Dutch
Bulbs, Pansies, Violas, some few Lilies, as L. dauii-
cum ; Daffodils, Fritillaria imperialis, Scillas,
Chionodoxa in variety, Early-flowering Gladiolus,
Riinunculus in variety, Anemone hortensis, St.
Bridged's Anemone, A. stellata, and others ;
Hepaticas, single and double-flowered varieties ;
Primulas in great choice, both single and double-
flowered ; Polyanthus and the cross-bred Poly-
anthus Primulas, and many others. Plants which
are usually treated as tiieunials, would find a place
in such a border, viz., Wallflowers, Antirrhinums,
Stocks, Canterbury Bells in several colours, and
Honesty might be employed in quantity. For the
autumn display, there are Asters in great variety,
tall and short ; Stenactis speciosa, Phloxes of the
shrubby order ; Anemone japoniea, red and rose-
coloured, double and single ; Pentstemons,
Tritomas (Red-hot pokers), Lilies that flower late,
as L. croceum, and many others ; Geum coccineum,
Coreopsis lanceolata, Early -flowering Chrysanthe-
mums, the smaller Sunflowers — Helianthus, both
single and double-flowered ; Harpahum rigidum,
China, Noisette and Tea Hoses ; Hollyhocks, Dahlias
of several forms ; Fuchsifts, especially F. Kiecartoni;
(Seedlipg Carnations wou)d be useful, also the nevy
Marguerite Cirnations. Let the border be trenched
and well manured before it is planted, doing this
early, so that the bulbs may be got into the
grou nd before the wiuter.
Indoor Decorations : Decorator. We kuow of no
work in recent years ; and Miss A. Hassard's is long
out of print. Try Mr. Upcott Gill, 170, Strand.
He publishes nnuuals on all sorts of subjects.
Malformed Pear : H. K. A common occurrence ;
and probably due to some climatic change at a
critical period. The present state of the Pear is
due to the flower- bud having assumed some of tho
characters of a leaf-bud.
Malmaison Carnation : T. H. It is not possible to
tell what has directly been the cause of the plant
dying, although a little decay in the stem near tho
roots would Euggest too much root moisture. If
any plant in a pot be given too much water it is
liable t) suffer injury through suffocation, because
the soil if constantly saturated, can hold no air,
and without air the roots cannot be healthy. Mal-
maison Carnatious, particularly, require tho most
careful watering, and it is far easier to injure
them by excessive waterings than by giving
them too little. In the winter season it is
best to allow them to become quite dust dry
before watering them. The treatment of layers
after lifting is very simple. When they have
been potted give them a thorough soaking with
water, but afterwards, until the pots contain a fair
number of roots, the greatest eare is necessary that
too much be not given. If this happens, then the
soil becomes sour and the layers perish.
Names of Fruits.
%* Applications to name fruits are so numerous at this season,
as seriously to hamper us in the exercise of our editorial duties.
They entail an expenditure of time, labour, and money, of which
our readers can have little idea. We are most desirous to oblige
our correspondents as for asw.can, but we must request that they
will observe the rule that not more than six varieties be sent
at any one lime. The specimens must be good ones, just approach-
ing ripeness, and they should be properly numbered, and care-
fully packed. We do not undertake to send answers through the
post, or to return fruits. Fruits and plants must nol be sent in
the same box. Delay in any case is unavoidable.
A C, co. Cork. 1, Tom Putt ; 2, Pomme de
Neige ; 3, Dumelow's Seedling ; 4, Gravenstein ;
5. Cellini ; 6, Nonsuch.— A. Bykcrlcy. 1, Claygate
Pearmain ; 2, Old Nonpareil ; 3, Quite decayed. —
W. Dodge. 1 , Pitmaston Duchess ; 2. Specimen
badly bruised ; 3, Belle de Bruxelles ; 4, Beurre'
Ranee ; 5, Wykeu Pippin ; 6, Manks Codlin .' —
H. T. M. 1, Not determinable ; 2, Barcelona
Pearmain ; 8, Blenheim Orange ; 4, Hanwell
Souring ; 5, New Hawthornden ; 6, Cat's-head.
— S. P. 1, Fearn's Pippin ; 2, Empress of Russia;
3, Not known ; 4, King Harry, 5, Chau-
moutelle. — M. F. Pears : 1, Marie Louise ; 2,
Decayed. — A. D. <fc Son. Pear: Doyennd Bous-
soch. — S. Brown. 1 , Warn> r's King; 2, Keswick
Codlin ; 3, Cellini ; 1, Not recognised ; 5, Cox's
Orange Pippin; 6, Gypsy King. — G.J. King of
■ the Pippins. — A. fundi/, Brcamore. 1, Beurre'
Clairgeau ; 2, Gausel's Bergamot ; 3, Marechal de
la Cour ; 4, dec >yed ; 5, Bella de Bruxelles ; 6,
Doyenne Blanc. — A. II'. t! 1. Cellini; 2, Cox's
Orange Pippin : 3, Golden Noble. — Winaford. 1,
Alfriston ; 2, 1 Himelow's Seedling; 3, Rymer; 4,
Stunner Pippin ; 5, Cai.'s-head ; 6, Adams' Pear-
main.— T. P. 1, Beurre d'Amanlis ; 2, Jersey
Gratioli ; 3, Doyenne" du ( Jomice ; 1, Beurre Clair-
geau ; 5, Marie Louise; 6, Foudinte o'Automue.
— M.H.B. A large specimen of Peasgood's Nonsuch.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
tl< is issue are requested to he so good as to consult
the following number. — West Mcath. CataDanche
ccerulea. — Geo. Smith. Rhus Toxicodendron. —
T. H. B. Brassia maculata var. guttata ; often
called B. guttata — Win.. W. Oucidtum unguicu-
latum ; regarded by botauists as a variety of O.
tigrinum. The Cattleya Warscewiczii (gigas)
flower is a good form, but not dark enough for
the variety you name. — /. C. 1 , probably Brag-
reanus ; 2, Nimrod ; 3, Nobilis ; 4, Williamsii ;
5, Etna; 6, Archibaldi.— Rowland. Euonymus
europjeus. — C. S. How can you expect us to be
able to name such scraps, especially after they have
been subjected to the rough handling of the Post-
office officials .' 3, Fittonia argyroneura ; 5, Pel-
licula pulchra ; 6, Jasminum gr.indiflorum ; the
others quite undeterminable — T. T. B., S. Wales,
All varieties of Cattleya labiata. — /. P. 1, Dracfona
rubra ; 2, Dracama Guilfoylei ; 3, Draerena
Australia : I , Sericographis Ghiosbreghti ; 5, Salvia
species; 6, Dracaena ooncinna ; 7, Abelia rupestris.
— />'. l/f. I). Abelia rupestris. — W, L, Pellionja,
pulchra. — /. C. II. 1, Retinospora pisifera of
gardens ; 2, Libocearus decurrens ; 3, Retinospora
obtusa of gardens ; 4, Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 5,
Thuya dolabrata ; 6, Picea ericoides of gardens. —
P. G. M. 2, Lunaria biennis, Honesty. Send
better specimens.
Potass : Lanci, Liverpool, Potash may be added to
the soil by affording dressings of fresh wood ashes
which contain among other constituents, 4 to 8 per
cent, of potash. The best ashes are thoso of h ird
woods, and the best of these consists of that
derived from the twigs and small branches. It is
good practice to use the ashes mixed with bone-
meal in the proportion of eight of the former to
six of the latter. For pasture land apply wood
ashes alone, at the rate of 25 to 100 bushels per
acre, and if the larger quantity be used, it need not
be repeated for eight years. Sulphate of potash
would be best for your clay soil, and it may be
applied at the rate of 100 to 250 lb. per acre.
Potato and Cauliflower : T. II. S. The numbers
of the Gardeners' Chronicle containing the history
of tho Potato (Potato Conference at Royal
Aquarium) are out of print. You may, however,
find all that you require iu The Vegetable Garden of
MM. Vilmorin-Audrieux. English edition by
Mr. W. Robinson ; published by J. Murray, Albe-
marle Street, Piccadilly. An account of the Cauli-
flower in all its varieties, and of the best methods of
culture is to be found in the same work.
Rhododendron Leaves Disfigured : M., Allerton.
The leaves appear to have been damaged by thu
lartas of some kind of moth. There are webs under
which the larva; lived, and cast skins of the pupa;,
but no signs of the insect itself, and without this
we cannot hazard a name. R. McL.
Son. for a Vinery Border : II. Urquharl. Tho
be;t soil is that obtained from the turf of an old
pasture, used without waiting till it is decayed
and putting it solidly together annually, a portion,
say 2 to 3 feet wide, and as long as the vinery.
You may add broken bones, lime rubbish, charcoal,
even saud, if the loam is stiff. Make it not deeper
than 21 feet, and place good drainage underneath,
and an out-fall drain at the low side before tilling
in any of the soil. The ingredients need not bj
mixed, but may be deposited iu thin Dyers between
the sods, which may be packed together like bricks
in a wall. It may take five to six years to alike
the border of its full width, therefore spreading
the expense over that period of time.
Sparrow Trap : Sicanlei/. These we are told by
a correspondent are to be obtained of Messrs.
Gilbertston & Page, Hertford.
TwiN-FLOWERED STALK OF CYPRIPEDIUM INSIJNE :
E. P. Not an uncommon occurreuce on vigorous
plant*.
Vanda Liaf : J. C. The fungus present is one that
only takes possession of diseased plant-tissue?.
G. M.
Communications Received.— M. II. S. — E. J. B. — Mitchell
Henry.-M, i; -E. W. B.— L. L.— J. H. V.— Dr. Ilanscr,
Cnpenhagoa. — \V. D., Berlin telegram, your wish sh ill he
complied with.— W. G. S., Leeds —Col. T.-A. 1).— I''. It.—
M. Boppe, Nancy.— F. W. P. E H. A. -Crosland Bros —
Major.— C. E W.-W. Y.— G. P.— H. C— A. J. L - U. W.
T. M -C. R — R J.— D. R. W.— W. II., Hereford -A. D.
—A. Worsley.— W. Swau.— T. D.—G. H. ME. Benary.—
Macmilhm & Co.— E. W. G.-W. W.— C. T. D.— J. M.
\ E. P.— J. C. & Co.— J. G,— J. C. Schmidt. -G. I'. - 11. M.
— E. C.-W. B. H.— A. L). W.— G. S. J.— C. H., Stockholm.
— W. It.— Wild Rose— 8. M.— A. P.
Photographs Received with Thanks.— T. F„ your photo
presents an example of intelligent grouping.— C. Riobcliu,
Bangkok.— G. P., Wrest Park.
DIED.— On the 21st iust., at 267, Fulham Road,
after a short illness, Eliza Demaurice Miller, wife
of F. Miller, florist, seed and bulb grower, &c.
Mrs. A.mys, wife of the much-respected gar-
dener and bailiff at Hamble Cliff, Netley. Mrs.
Amys lost her sight fifteen years ago, a sad trial
to the family, but which she bore with fortitude
and patience.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
oftha "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers The Publisher has tin
lionofann mncing that the circulation of the "Gard
Ohrcrn icle has. since the reduction in the price of tin
ICORE THAN DOCTBIi-ED,
and thi. it continues to increase •weekly.
Advertiser's n. > reminded tint tin' " Chroniclt " cU tlati ■ among
CODKTTH !!eS TLFIMF.N, AND ALL CLASSES OF GaHI'LNEKS
and C. \t i en-luvku-> at I. mil, that it has a .
FnaELjx and Colonial Ciboulatiok, "ml that it is
jrr'sp.rv9d or reference in all the principal hibrai U .
"••
KOVEMBEK 6, 1897.]
THE GARDENER 8 ' GHR 0 NI CL E.
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THE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1897.
ALDABRA ISLAND.*
A LDABRA Island, or Islands, for it is an
-^*- atoll divided into three by narrow chan-
nels connecting the central lagoon with tho
open sea, is one of the very numerous insular
dependencies of Mauritius. It is situated about
240 miles north-west (not north-east, as quoted
by Dr. Schinz) of the northernmost point of
Madagascar, in 9 30' N. latitude. It is of
cor.il formation, and some 20 miles in its greatest
diamoter. The girdle of land enclosing tho
shallow lagoon varies fiom 1 to 2 nautical miles
in width, aud averages only a few feot above
high-water mark, though hero and there sand-
banks exist, which are from 40 to 50 feet high.
Until 1894 nothing definite was known con-
cerning the vegetation, when Dr. Abbott, an
American gentleman, presented Kew with a
collection of dried plants made in the island by
himself. An account of this collection was
drawn up by Mr. J. G. Baker, and it was pub-
lished in the Kew Bulletin for that year. As on
most other coral islands, the vegetation is some-
what scanty, and composed of few species.
Mr. Abbott's collection consisted of fifty-two
species of lloworing plants, including nine
species that were not identified with any of their
genera previously described, though it is pos-
sible that some or all of them may yet be found
in Madagascar, or some of the neighbouring
islands. This is more than probable, because
endemic plants are almost unknown in small
coral islands. So far, no Pern has been dis-
covered in Aldabra, where the dry climate
and salt breezes probably prevent them from
growing, though we may well assume that
spores reach the island. The new plants
described by Mr. Baker are Grewia aldabron-
sis, Bavetta trichantha, Tricalysia cuneifolia,
Myrsine cryptophlebia, Solanum aldabrense,
Hypoestos aldabrensis, Clorodendron rninuti-
florum. Euphorbia Abbotti, and Ficus alda-
brensis.
Returning to Dr. Schinz's contribution to
our knowledge of the llora of Aldabra, which is
based on a collection made by a Dr. Voeltzkow,
and also includes Dr. Abbott's plants, we find
the total number raised to seventy-one species,
including one new one, namely, Grewia saliei-
folia. This number includes at least a dozen
that we may safely assume have been inten-
tionally or unintentionally introduced by man.
In neither of the accounts of the vegeta-
tion to which I have referred is there any men-
tion of the existence of the Coco-nut Balm, and
Dr. Abbott states that the only trees now in the
island are Casuarinas and Mangroves, though
formerly the Porcher, Thespesia populnea,
grew there. The Coco-nut Balm is so general
* Z\tr A'tvM.. ; der Flora der Aldabra-Inscln. Von Hana
Schinz. tnnderabdntck aus den Abhandlungen der Sencken-
btrytschen Naturfortch'nflen Ge&lUchaft, Band xxi., 1S97.
and so abundant in ^he islands of the Indian
Ocean that its absence from Aldabra would be
a remarkable and instructive fact. It is
possiblo, however, that the writer has not
regarded it as a true tree, because a Screw-
Bine of arboreous habit exists in quantity
on the seashore, and this is not mentioned ; or
because its presence was regarded as a fact
that called for no remark. The bulk of
the vegetation consists of plants common
to coral islands and tropical sea-coasts in the
most distant parts of the] world, such, for
example, as Bortulaca quadrifida, Abrus pre-
catorius, Tribulus cistoides, Suriana maritima,
Bemphis acidula, Rhizophora mucronata.
Ipomcea Bes-caprte, Tournefortia argantea.Cor-
dia subcordata, and Scwvola Kcenigi. But the
flora of Aldabra is remarkable among coral
island floras for the presence of plants belong-
ing to a totally different type and category
from those enumerated, affording evidence
that the island must be of considerable age. I
refer to'plant-types that are regional and some-
what rare andllocal, and such as one would not
expect to find in a remote island, especially when
such species as are not found in other islands
nearer what 'may bo regarded as the centre of
their area. Lomatophyllum borbonicum is an
example of this kind. It is a plant of the Aloe
tribe, having a stem 0 to 8 feet high, and
flowers exactly like thoso of an Aloe ; but the
fruit is fleshy instead of dry, as in Aloo. Bre-
viously it had only been recorded from Mauritius
and Bourbon, where it is rare at the prosent
time. In Aldabra, we are informed, it is one
of the most conspicuous plants. It is not
unknown in cultivation, having been introduced
as long ago as 1 760. There is a figure of it in
the Botanical Magazine, plate 1585, under the
name of Bhylloma aloiflorum. The drawiug
was made in 1813, from a plant grown in the
Apothecaries' Garden at Chelsea, where, it is
stated, it often ripened fruit, which is de-
scribed as being the size and shape of a Bullace
Blum. It is further stated that the largest plant
at Chelsea, at that date, had a stem 8 feet high.
I give these particulars, because I havo never
seen plants of that size, and I have never seen
one in flower, to say nothing of fruit.
There are two species of Fig in Aldabra,
namely, Ficus nautarum, which is also a
native of Seychelles, where " very durable
canoes are made from its wood ; " and F. alda-
brensis, an endemic species, Terrainalia Fatnea
aud Blumbago aphylla, are also at home, as
well as ;u Madagascar, where the former is
common. The latter is a curious, leafless
plant, rare in Madagascar, but, according to
Speke, covering Europa Island, which lies mid-
way between Madagascar and the mainland of
Africa. On the authority of Dr. Abbott, the
Mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata, which is
common on the inner, or lagoon coast, some-
times attains a height of 50 to 60 feet, with a
trunk as much as IS inches in diameter. This
is indeed a large size, and Dr. Abbott adds that
they were the largest he had ever seen.
Mr. T. Risely Griffith, while he was Adminis-
trator of Seychelles, visited Aldabra in 1892,
and his report to the Governor of Mauritius was
printed in the Kew Bulletin for 1893. Among
other things of interest, he mentions that Mr.
Spurs, to whom the islands were leased, esti-
mated that there were not less than 1000 indi-
viduals of the big tortoise (Testudo elephantina)
in Aldabra alone, and that no fewer than 12,000
to 15,000 edible turtles could be turned in one
year. The market price in Mahe, one of the
Seychelles group, of a turtle weighing from 300
to 450 lb. was from 18 to 30 rupees, according
to the supply. But, he adds people who
judge turtle from well-made turtle soup, find
turtle itself anything rather than an agreeable
kind of food in the absence of the expensive
ingredients, which renders the soup so palatable.
He also says that there are several small
detached islets of coral in Aldabra, which by
process of time, sea, and tide, have become
exactly like enormous Mushrooms in appear-
ance ; some of them being probably 50 feet in
diameter.
As Dr. Schinz's enumeration appeared in a
publication accessible to few persons in this
country, I append the additions to Mr. Abbott's
collection. Casuarina equisetifolia, Bandanus
Vandermeeschii, Dactylotenium ;ogyptiacum,
Bennisetum polystachyum, Bauicum maximum,
Apodytes mauritiana, Moringa pterygosperma,
Cassia occidentalis, Tribulus cistoides, Ricinus
coccineus, Gouania tilisefolia, Grewia salicifolia,
Abutilon asiaticum, Gossypium barbadense,
Ipomroa Bes-caprio, Solanum nodiflorum,
Horpestis Monnieria, Tournefortia argentea,
and Guettarda speciosa.
The foregoing list consists almost entirely of
common littoral plants, and plants introduced
by man. Casuarina was not represented by a
specimen in either of the collections under
consideration, but both collectors mention it —
Abbott as being ono of the two kinds of tree
observed in the islands, and Voeltzkow as the
common tree on the outer or sea-side of the
belt of land encircling the lagoon. W. Batting
Hi initUy.
DR. HOGG'S LIBRARY.
The dismantling of a private library is always more
or less an act of sacrilege ; but, unfortunately, the
exigencies of modern life, and executors, do not
recognise sentiment as an available asset. The
iutellectual character of every man is plainly indicated
by his library ; and the fact that the literary tastes
of no two men are identical somewhat reconciles us
to these ever-recurriog dispersals of private libraries.
Moreover, the Eale of each collection of books is
tantamount to the addition of fresh bricks, so to speak,
in the structure of other libraries. The late Dr. Robert
Hogg's library, which was sold by Messrs. Sotheby,
Wilkinson & Hodge, of Wellington Street, London,
on Thursday, November 4, as this Journal was
going to press, was essentially a very interesting
one, and it included a good many books, which
are among the desiderata of collectors. The books
are primarily botanical or on subjects relating directly
or indirectly to horticulture ; but Dr. Hogg's reading
was clearly not confined to the business of his life, for
lus selection was exceedingly catholic — from Rabelais
to Johnson's Typographia, and from Chaffers on Marks
and Monograms on Pottery and Porcelain to Addison's
Law of Torts. Poetry there was in abundance, and, as
became a loyal Scotsman, Burns taking the lead with
several editions. It must be admitted that Scotch
poetry and border minstrelsy, loom largely in the
doctor's library, but there is an occasional conces-
sion to writers whose greatest misfortune it has been to
have first seen light on this side of the Tweed, e.g.,
Ebenezer Elliott's Corn Law Rhymes, kc.
Of course, to readers of these pages Dr. Hogg's
botanical and horticultural books are of the principal
concern, and it must be admitted that they form by far
the most important portion. From a commercial and
bibliographical point of view of the doctor's library,
many of the older books are very scarce, and some
only occur in the market over long and irregular
intervals, although, when they do occur, they may
have no sensational value. There were in all 230 lots,
representing probably over 2,000 volumes A few of
the more interesting were as follows : A Bet of thirteen
volumes of accounts of Gooseberry-shows held in
Lancashire, Cheshire, and elsewhere, from 181fi to 1S69,
the first edition of Ray's Collection </ English Words,
322
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 6, 1897.
with catalogues of English Birch, See., 1675 ; Thomas
Hill's Profitable Arte of Gardening. 1568, the third
edition, and als<t the subsequent editions of the same
work, dated 1593, 1608, and 1652 ; Askam's ourious
Little Herbal/ nf the Properties of Herbes, 1550, unfor-
tunately wauting the title, and with several defective
leaves. Culpepper, of oiurse, was here, and in several
editions. Sir Hugh Plat's Garden of Eden, in two parts,
1675 ; L. Meagre's Mystery of Husbandry, 1697 ; Chas.
Cotton — the "cheer}' Mr. Cotton" of Charle3 Lamb,
and the great friend of Izaak Walton — was represented
by the Planter's Manuale, 1673 ; R. Sharrock by a
copy of the 1672 edition, printed at Oxford, of his
Propagation and Improvement of Vegetables. The
preceding books were all octavo size, or smaller.
The quarto volumes included The Flower Garden
Displayed, in above 400 representations of the most
beautiful flowers, 1732, with fine coloured plates (a
copy of this book realised A' 13 15s. in May last) ;
Stephen Blake, The C'ompleat Gardeners' Practice,
with plates, 1664. Several works by that early seven-
teenth century writer on country life, Leonard Mas-
call ; the rarest of his works was A Booke of the Art
and Mancr, home to Plante ami Graffe all Sortes of
Trees, &c, translated from the work of " one of the
abbey of St. Vincent in France," and printed by
H. Byuneman, but without date. There were three
editions of William Lawson's popular work on A New
Orchard and Garden, all illustrated, and dated 1623,
1638, and 1653 respectively ; a copy of R. Church's
An Olde Thrift Newly Revived, wherein is declared the
manner of Planting, Preserving and Husbanding
Young Trees, &c, 1612 ; two copies of Barnaby
Googe's odition of Heresbachius, The whole. Art and
Trade of Husbandry, 1614 ; the same number of
Samuel Hartib's Legacy, or an Enlargement of the
Discourse of Husbandry used in Brabant and Flanders,
1652 and 1655 ; t>ud also two copies of Austen's
Treatise of Fruit Trees, printed at Oxford in 1657,
There were several works by Gervase Markham, notably
Cheap and Good Husbandry, 1631 ; and the first and
third editions of Walter Blith's The English Improver,
or a new Survey of Husbandry, 1649, 1653. Perhaps
the rarest among the folio section was the volume
which contains Turner's New Herbal!, " wherein are
conteyned the names of heroes in Greeke, Latin,
Englysch, Duch, French, &c, 1561 — 1568," in three
parts, of which each is of the first edition. There was
also the first edition of Dodoen's A Nieice Herball,
translated from the French by Henry Lyte, 1578 ; a
copy of Weinmannus, Phytanthoza Iconographia,
printed at Rit'sbon, 1737 — 45, the text in Latin and
German, and with over 1000 beautifully coloured plates
of plants, fruits, &c., in eight volumes. There were very
mauy other scarce and desirable books in Dr. Hogg's
library ; many others might be mentioned if spaco
permitted, but I thiuk that it will be seen from the
foregoing that Dr. Hogg's books were of an unusually
interesting character ; and doubtless many of our
old colleague's friends may have been very glad of the
opportunity to po-sess a memento of a very able and
interesting man in the shape of some of his books.
W. Roberts.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
ORCHIDACEARUM GENERA ET SPECIES.
Dr. Kranzlin's descriptive Enumeration of all
known Orchids, published at Berlin by Mayer &
MiAller, is proceeding rapidly. Already we have the
third part before us completing the species of Orchis
thirty-three in number, with five species of Serapias,
as many of Aceras, one of Anacamptis and Neotinea,
and twenty species of Habenaria, of which genus,
including Bonate.i, there are no fewer than thirty-two
sections. Our Lizard Orchis is entered under Lindley's
name of Aceras hircina ; (). militiris is reduced to
O. Siniia. The Lizard Orchis is said to appear in
many years in abundance, and then to disappear for
many seasons. But this is not a peculiarity of this
particular Orchid, as it occurs more or less in all the
tub rous-rooted species, being dependent on their
mode of grovth. The author adopts a curious
system of punctuation, concluding the description of
the vegetative orgiiis with a full-pjint, and starting
that of the floral parts with a capital, although the
description forms really but one sentence. Hybrids,
or supposed hybrids, are desn-'.bed at full length
under the names proposed by the original author.
The author remarks, " Es schien mir nicht empfehlens-
wert den Ballast der Synonyme zu Vermehren," in
which indisposition t> add to the synonymy every
student will agree.
" Lindenia."
We understand Hut the English edition of this
valuable publication will be discontinued. The plates
happily appeal to Orchid lovers of all nationalities.
M. Cogniaux's "Dictionary off Plates."
The following species and varieties aro figured in
M. Cogniaux's excellent and useful Dictionnaire
Iconographique des Orchidia. With the September
number, the first yearly series ends, and tho plates
already issued can forthwith be inserted in the special
covers allotted to them.
Cattleya bicolor, Lindley, Cattleya, t. X\
Cattleya Forbk-ii, Lindley, Cattleya, t. 11.
CATrLEYA Warneri, Moore, Cattleya, t. 12.
Cypripsdium ElliottiAHOM, O Brien, Cypripedium, t. 8.
L^lia Ltndi.eyana, Hort., Lfetia, t. 10.
L-clio-Cattleya callistoqlossa, Rolfe, Lwlio-Cattleya,
t. 8.
L.ELIO Cattleya Pallas, Veitch, L;eUu-Cattleya, t. it.
ODoKfocLossuM maxillare, Lindley, Odontoglossum, t. 10.
Oncidujm Marshallianum, Rchb. f , Oncidium, t. 8.
Oncididh splendidum; A. Richard, Oncidium, t. 7 (64),
to replace that issued under O. tigrinum.
Vanda Amesiana, Rchb. f. , Vanda. t. 1.
Vanda Bensoki, Batemm, Vanda, t. 2.
Vanda insigms, Blume, Vanda, t. 3.
Vanda suavjs, Lindley, Vanda, t. 4.
Sweden.
STOCKHOLM.
It is hardly realised in Greit Britain that travellers
and plant-lovers can have the pleasure of seeing
really well-kept public gardens and fine collections of
decorative plants as cin be found in Sweden, so far
north, but in a beautifully-situated city. One example
will perhaps illustrate the fact : A great monument
to Carl von Linne, "the king of flowers," is placed
in one of the parks in the " Humlegaarden " (that is,
the hop-garden), which is surrounded by some extremely
well-kept groups and beds of tropical and sub-tropical
foliage and flowering- plants One round bed filled with
Cactuses measures about 8 yards across, and is alto-
gether filled with the best species of Echinopsis,
Echinocactus, Melocaotu?, Mammillaria, &c. , and is
surrounded by carpet-bedding of white and brown
speoies of Sempervivum. Such a bed, I believe, is
hardly to be seei in any other public city garden.
But that is not all ; some hundreds of hot-house and
stove plants decorate the surrounding beds. There
are dozens of Musas, Phcenix, Chamterops, Pincenec-
titia, Agaves, and the like ornamental plants, all well
developed and some gigantic specimens. Tall
Dracaenas, 24 to 36 feet high, and as well-grown and
very fine Yuccas make the gardens still more beau-
tiful, so as to strike every traveller, whenee-soever he
may come.
The city of Stockholm has a grand display also of
different flowering plants, and I was told that in some
cases the groups and beds are replanted four or five
times during the season, and many different plants are
thus tried to test their decorative value. Strobilanthes
Dyerianus thus has already been tested in the grounds
on the fine green lawns of the Stockholm parks, and
many other striking features are to be seen there.
Stockholm has — like the London parks, and like the
La Muette-gardens of Paris, and the Humboldtbain of
Berlin — a special nursery and propagating - garden,
with trial grounds for decorative plants and large
glasshouses ; a very well-kept establishment. Here is
the residence of the skilful and experienced director,
Mediu. He has had much difficult work to perform,
and there is still much to be done in the way of
laying out some singular gardens, especially some
rock and cliff-gardens. One park, that by-and-by
will be very fine, is the " Vanadislund," where all, to
commence with was mountain-rock, destined to be
the base of the basin of a city reservoir. But there
has been another use made of it. Tauks and hollows
have been excavated, good soil has been placed on
the stones, trees and shrubs are planted, an 1 a large
rook-work covered with fine Alpine plants, &c , will
presently make this beautifully- situated garden one
of the largest of its kind existing.
All this, and much more, is interesting, aud testifies
that every year good garden-work is done in the city
of Stockholm, and that the citizens are proud of their
promenades and gardens. C. H., Copenhagen.
Forestry.
STOOLED OAK.
I think that the picture of the six Oak poles is a
fairly good illustration of what I mean by good
management of plantations. If the wood had been
so managed that the whole space occupied by the bix
poles was occupied by one tree, with a clear stem as
high as those of the poles, and spreading over a space
equal to what they spread over, the one tree wo ild
be making at least as much wood yearly as the six
poles would be making. Mr. Simpson does not tell
us how long the poles have been growing, nor the
height aud size of them ; but a very large proportion
of them must bo aapwood, which is good for very
little. If Mr. Simpson can find customers who will
give anything like lOrf. a foot for sap of Oak, he is
very fortunate. Here, where much Oak is grown, it
certainly would not be worth a third of that. Heart
of Oak is worth at least three times as much as sap.
The one tree would certainly be making a much
larger proportion of heartwood yearly than the six
poles, and would, therefore, be paying a much bt Iter
rent for the ground occupied. Some of the woojs ..
Castle Howard have been planted with Oak exclu-
sively. One wood, for which Government offered
£200,000 as it stood at the beginning of the century,
has been cut down since, and leplanted with Oiks,
which, having been carefully thinned, are in a fair
way for becoming in time equal to the old wood ; but
growing Oaks by themselves is very wasteful and
uneconomical, because for thirty or forty years the
thinnings being chiefly sapwood are worth very little.
Other trees, such as Larch aud Spruce Fir, would
have produced much more,
By-the-by, there is a little error in the account of
the Beech woods of Buckinghamshire. I meant to
say, that I believe they pay 8s. or 10s. an acre per
annum. C. W. Strickland.
FORDE ABBEY, CHAED,
THE SEAT OP W. H. EVANS, Esq.
This ancient, noble, and picturesque building is
one of those fortunate structures in which, so far
from suffering from modernising, the architecture has
been most admirably preserved in its original aspects ;
and although from the time of its early foundation
many additions have been made, these were in har-
mony with the earlier erection, so that even now, after
the lapse of several centuries, we see in the fine Abbey
just what it may have represented in much earlier ages,
though in a less degree, of course, the beautiful garden
aspects by which it is now surrounded. Placed like
ancient abbeys generally, in a fertile valley, here the
valley of the Axe, the fine pile of buildings neces-
sarily loses much when seen from the higher ground
by the lowness of its site. On the other hand, the
site and all the surroundings seem to be in complete
harmony with the building, aud it may to some
extent account for its admirable condition of pre-
servation that the position is one comparatively
sheltered rather than exposed. The Axe, what-
ever it may have been in the middle ages, is now
but a stream forming the dividing line between
Dorset, in which Forde Abbey is situate, and
Somerset, which county is but a stone's throw away.
The little post town of Chard is also in the latter
county, and is some four miles distant, whilst the
November 6, 1897.
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
323
South-Western station of Chard Junction may be
reached within a mile and a half.
The fine front of the Abbey is just 100 yards long.
It has on its northern side the chapel, with the
monks' dormitories, well preserved, behind. Next
the chapel come the cloisters, with the old refectory
tapestry, copies of the famous cartoons of Raphael,
representing ancient historical and biblical scenes.
It is reputed that a former owner, Mr. Francis Gwyn,
refused the offer of £30,000 from Empress Catherine
of Russia for these grand masterpieces. The original
founders of the Abbey were the Cistercian Order of
Various persons possessed the Abbey, including Mr.
Francis Qwyn, a distinguished man of his day, whose
son, John Francis Qwyn, was even more so, and it is
stated that in 1S15 he let the Abbey to the famous
Jeremy Bentham, who there wrote Borne of i h'u
famous philosophical works, and duriDg whose res -
Fig. 9o. — the cloisters, fokde abbey, ch»bd. (sik r. o 2.)
benind. This fine room, which originally ran to
the full height of the Abbey, is now divided by
a floor, but the old features have been religiously
preserved. Beyond the cloisters come the noblo
entrance-porch and hall, and beyond the living rooms.
Within, apart from many most interesting monastic
and archaeological features, are some grand pieces of
Monks, and the date early in the twelfth century.
In 1539, on the dissolution of the monasteries, the
Abbey became the property of King Henry VIII.,
who leased it and the adjoining lands to Richard
Pollard, at the rent of £49 6s. 6<l. This figure shows
something of the relative values of estates now, and
what they were at the time of the Reformation.
dence Was visited, amongst] others, by Sir Samuel
Romilly, who wrote a glowing description of the
"magnificent and beautiful palace" in which he
found his friend the philosopher residing. In 1846
it passed out of the possession of G. F. W. Mills,
Esq., of Bristol, into that of Mrs. Bertram Evans,
and in now the property of her son, Mr. W. H. Eva"s,
324
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 6, 1897
who happily shows himself to be a liberal as well as
an enthusiastic admirer and protector of his charming
and ancient home.
In embellishing the Abbey, the art of the gardener
has been lovingly utilised, and beautiful climbers on
the walls, flowers, and lawns, with broad terrace-
walks, exteneive hardy (lower-borders, broad, grassy
expanses of smooth lawn, noble trees, and wide-
spreading shrubberies, enrich the southern or park
side of the Abbey ; whilst behind are the kitchen
gardens and glass-houses. Mr. J. Crook, a very able,
energetic— indeed, an enthusiastic gardener — is here
the presiding spirit, and well does he seek to asso-
ciate all that is decorative with the building, which
forms so interesting a central figure. Whilst there
is ample evidence of ability in cropping and in pro-
duction, there is an absence of that primness that
may be all very well in association with newness, but
would be sadly out of keeping with so ancient a place.
The very utmost is made of good trees and shrubs,
of glades and walks, of foliage and flowers, in all
directions ; but there is no aping of the modern
styles one sees elsewhere to repletion. Vegetables
and fruits are well and abundantly grown , and every
inch of space in an all too limited area is fully
utilised. Almost the only attempt at modernising
anything is found here and there in the pleasure-
grounds, where — and most excusably— effort has been
made to introduce coloration, especially in foliage,
but still so toned as in no sense to seem offensive.
Where it was possible to introduce a nice foliage or
flowering tree or shrub that would in due season give
some special coloration, especially as a rather distant
object, that has been done — and very acceptably
too, where there had so long been so great a wealth
of green foliage and herbage as here. Of floweriDg
and foliage materia], Pyrus Malus floribunda
and spectabilis, Robinia Decaisneana, Bessoniana,
hispida, and semperflorens, Aralia spiuosa, Dimor-
phanthus mandshuricus, Pavia macrostachya, various
coloured double and single thorns, the Scotch Broom,
Spiraeas arisefolia, Lindleyana, and callosa, Berberis
vulgaris and Darwini, Catalpa syringeefolia, Pawlunia
imperalis, Philadelphus grandiflorus, Red Ilorse-
Chestnut, Prunus l'issardi, Acer Negundo variegatum,
numerous Japanese Maples, the pretty fern-leaf Beech,
also the purple ditto, and purple Hazel, cut-leaved
Alder, golden Alder, RhuB Cotinus, Liquidambar, with
berried Pyruses, and many other similar thiogs, flower-
ing and foliage, tell of the efforts made to give colour
in respective seasons. The bridge leading over the
moat to the gardens still exists, the balustrades being
covered with Ivy, and on that grows luxuriantly such
old climbing - Roses as Felicite - Perp^tue and the
Dundee Rambler. Altogether, the place is full of
interest. The pictures of the Abbey-front and the
cloisters (figs. 95, 98), are from photographs taken
by Mr. Higgins, of Chard. A. D,
Trees and Shrubs.
THE WEEPING SILVER FIR (ABIES
PECTINATA PENDULA).
This rare variety of our common Silver Fir
is at onoe the most remarkable of the several
forms of this well-known tree. Neither in the Kew
Hand-list of Conifers, nor in the Pinetum Danicum
(where varieties have received special attention) is
the Weeping Silver Fir referred to. [It is in
Masters' List of Conifers, in Gordon's, and in
Bussner's Enumeration.] Gordon, in his Pine-
turn, says that P. pectinata pendula (Godefroy)
is of French origin, with the branches and twigs
drooping. Whether or not this is the particular
variety at present under notice, matters little ; one
thing is certain, that the specimen which furnished
material for this note, is not only well worthy of the
name, but is, in all probability, the largest tree of its
kind (if, indeed, there be any others, which I have
not heard of) in the British Isles. It is growing in
rather an obscure position hard by the lawn at
Erametts, a beautifully situated property on Ida
Hill, at Sevenoaks, and in company with giant speci-
mens of Thuia gigantea, hort., Abies nobilis, and hosts
of other Conifers. The tree is 4 2 ft. high, the branches
being so pendulous that no part of their spread
exceeds 4 feet in diameter, while they hang down
parallel to the main stem for from 3 to 5 feet in
length. The leaves are much shorter than tho30 of
the species, rarely exceeding from I to J of an inch
long, but are characterised by the same silvery bands
on the under and deep green on the upper surfaces.
Curious to say, the tree does not appear to be a
grafted specimen — at least, I could discover no traces
of grafting. A . D. Webster.
THE MANGOSTEEN.
(See figs. 96, 97.)
Thanks to the courtesy of the authorities at
Kew, we have been enabled to taste a ripe fruit
of the Mangosteen grown in Trinidad, and sent
home by Mr. Hart. The fruit is of the size of a
small Orange, leathery, purple, with a thick green
four to five leaved calyx at the base, and a sessile four
to five lobed stigma at the top, the stigmatic lobes
long club-shaped, flattened. Each seed is enveloped
in a white or pinkish juicy pulp, which has a very
delicate and agreeable flivour, though it does not
here bear out the eulogistic verdict of travellers. The
thick leathery rind offers ample protection, so that its
importation should be easy. In 1875, similar fruits
were sent us by Mr. Prestoe, also from Trinidad.
The first time the tree fruited in this country was at
Sion (see our volume for 1855, and the plate iu the
Botanical Magazine, t. 4847).
The Rosary.
ROSES, WHAT TO PLANT, AND HOW
TO DO IT.
The all-absorbing'question amongst Rose growers is
now — How am I to re-arrange my Rose-garden? The
answer to this involves so many questions. " On
what Btocks do you wish to have your plants grow-
ing?" "Do you intend to grow for exhibition, or
for the home adornment of your garden ? " "Have
you walls or trellises on which you can grow climbing-
Roses?" And perhaps, most important of all,
" What is the character of your soil and climate ? "
One would think that now-a-days there was no longer
room for mis-statement or incorrectness in classifying
Roses, yet more than once lately I have seen such
incorrectness as that of classing Souvenir de la Mal-
maison amongst Teas. Surely writers ought to be a
little more carefid, and avoid such mistakes as
this. Perhaps one of the most important questions
for a Rose-grower is, On what stocks am I to have
my Roses ? " Oh ! have nothing to say to stocks,"
someone says ; " grow Roses on their own roots, and
you will be on the right way to success." In connec-
tion with this, I read the other day a remarkable state-
ment, apparently coming from authority, saying there
was great difficulty about obtaining them, because
nurserymen were more anxious to get rid of
their standards than to take J the trouble of
striking Roses. Now, I know most] of the large
Rose nurseries, and my opinion is, that the standards
form a very small portion of their stock, and that
there is always a sufficient demand for them, and
that quarters where they are grown are almost empty
as the autumn advances ; while another writer would
sweep out of existence altogether except for maiden
blooms, the Manetti stock, which has done more to
advanoe the culture of the Rose than any other,'and
which, notwithstanding the denunciation to which I
have alluded, is likely to survive for many a long day.
There are three stocks which are most largely used
now — the Manetti, the seedling Briar, and the Briir
cutting. The manner in which Roses are budded
adds another element of success iu their growing,
namely, that of budding them very low down, so that
after a while there is a double source of strength, the
stock and the scion, which has now made routs for
itself, and which accepting the services of its foster
mother, starts also on its own account. One argu-
ment put forward in favour of Roses on their roots
is, that they are so much longer lived — this is, I think,
very questionable. I have, for instance, two plants
budded on the Manetti in my garden which are
between forty and fifty years old, and which give me
a good crop of blooms every autumn ; they are that
flue old favourite, Souvenir de la Malmaison. I have
also plants of climbing Roses, such as Rove d'Or and
Madame Berard, budded on the seedling Briar, which
are between twenty and thirty years old. When
people advocate the abolition of the Manetti stock,
they seem to forget how easily it is struck and
worked. The seedling Briar is very often a difficult
matter for the budder, as the stem is so small ; and
this is probably one of the reasons that has led of
late years to the introduction of the Briar cutting ;
and with th ese three stocks I think growers may be
very well content — unless, indeed, they are exhibitors,
amongst whom there remains a strong persuasion
that there is no stock from which you can get such
good Tea Roses for exhibition as on the standard or
half-standard woodland Briar. It is strange that it
should be so, for every severe winter makes Bad
havoc amongst them, not only here but in Frauce ;
for it should be borne in mind that the northern dis-
tricts of France suffer severely from cold. I suppose
that Brie Comte Robert, which was the nursery for
Roses not only for France but for foreign countries, has
never recovered the disastrous winter of 1870. when
every standard Rose in the district was killed — and
there is no remedy for such a disaster j you can
mulch and otherwise protect your dwarf Roses, and,
however they seem to be cut down, they will spring
up from the underground stems, but the Briar-Rose,
when the top is killed, has no power of recovery.
It is recorded of a well-known amateur who was just
beginning his Rose-growing, that he once went to see
the garden of the president of the National Rose
Society in the midland counties, and came away with
the conviction which he published to the world that
the Roses were all dead ; he was told, however, if he
came again in the following spring, he would have a
different tale to tell. Moreover, Roses are not so
easily struck from cuttings. There are some kinds
which seem positively to reject the plan ; besides, if a
Rose has a delicate constitution, it is much more
likely to succumb on its own roots than when it is
budded on a moderately strong stock which may help
it. On the whole, then, I do not think that Rose-
growers need trouble themselves about having own-root
Roses. I would therefore recommend that all hybrid
perpetuals of strong and vigorous growth, such as
Etienne Levet, Margaret Dickson, and Magna Charta
should be obtained on the Manetti, while all Tea-
Bcented Roses and Noisettes should be procured on
either a seedling Briar, or a Briar cutting. There
are, it is true, some Tea-scented Roses of very
vigorous growth, such as Mario Van Houtte, which
do not object to the Manetti stock, but I think it
would be Bafest to have all Tea-Roses as I
have said on Briar. With regard to the so-called
Hybrid Teas, there are some which approach very
closely to the Teas, such as Kaiserin Augusta Victoria,
aud these I think should be grown upon the Briar,
either seedling or cutting ; while others, such as Clara
Watson, which approach more nearly to the H.P's,
may be grown on the Manetti— but while saying
this, I readily acknowledge that all Roses take
to the Briar very kindly, and probably in course of
time it will be the most generally used stock.
There are two points on which rosarians generally,
I think, ought to put down their foot; one is, to have
no Rose which is described in catalogues as moderate
or difficult to grow. I know that this will exclude
some very beautiful Roses, but as long as we are con-
tent to keep on growing these almost as annuals, we
shall not find Rose-growers anxious to supply us with
better growing kinds ; and what is the use of growing
a Rose that will give you a few blooms in the fir^t
season and then dwindle away ? "What, then," it may
be said, "am I to give up growing Horace Vernet?"
' ' Yes, unquestionably, unless you are an exhibitor."
NovembeI: 6, 1897. J
THE GAB DENE BS' CI1B0NICLE.
325
It is heartbreaking to see the after-history of this
grand Rose. There are now in almost every variety
of colour Roses of good constitution and habit, so
that we may dispense with these weakly and uncer-
tain growers. The other point is a somewhat more
difficult one, namely, that we ought to avoid all
scentless Roses, Since Victor Verdier was sent out,
there has been a series of Roses without perfume
owing their origin to this Rose, some of which are
very beautiful, and which Rose-growers would be
very unwilling to give up. There is no greater
favourite than Barones3 Rothschild, yet it has not a
trace of perfume, and so many of the lighter-coloured
variety in the same series are very disappointing in
this respect ; nor do we require what I may
call a deteriorated tea-scent or the faint per-
fume of the Bourbons. What we really do want is,
Roses with the true attar of Rose scent, or the
delightful perfume of the old Provence Rose, and I
would go so far in this direction as not to award any
honour to Roses deficient in perfume. This, perhaps,
may lead raisers of seedling Rose* to endeavour to
give us eome more brilliant colours, because, I think
perfume and colour go very much together. The
idea of a scentless R"S9 never occurred to our old
persons will welcome it on that account. Another
flower which has increased in favour the last year or
two H Clio, sent out by Messrs. William Paul & Son ;
it is of flesh colour, shaded with rosy pink in
the centre, and is another valuable kind for pot
culture. Wild Hose.
(To be continued.)
Cultural Memoranda.
CLERODENDUON FALLAX.
Tins species is one of the very finest of the genus,
and is unsurpassed for the decoration of the plant-
Btoves or warm conservatories. A native of Java, it
produces large cordate-ovate leaves of a dark green
colour. The flowers, bright scarlet, are borne on
erect panicles, thrown up well above the foliage.
Clerodendrons delight in a moist humid atmosphere
during growth, but need to be rested when they have
ceased to flower in the autumn, by exposing the
plants to the sun and air, and gradually lessening the
am mnt of water given them until the leaves are quite
ripe an! fall off, the wood wi'l become perfectly
ripened. The plants may then be placed under tin
nately with clear water. Clerodeudron fallax may
be propagated cither from cuttings or seed. Cut-
ings should be made from pieces of the old wood,
and these may be inserted round the sides of a 48-size
pot in sandy soil, and plunged in the propagatingpit
up to the rim ; or the young shoots may be taken off
with a heel of the old wood attached, and treated in
the same way.
To raise plants from seeds, sow in February, and
plunge the pots or pans into a strong bottom-heat.
When the seedlings are large enough, pot them off,
and keep them growing freely. Such plants may be
bloomed in quite small pots, and they are then very
effective for house and table decoration. H. T. M.,
Stoneleigh.
The Week's Work.
THE HARDY ERUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. WiRD, Rayloigh, Essex.
Pruning and Training Wall Trees. — In the present
mouth, the pruning and training of wall-trees may
be begun, the Morello Cherry being the first taken,
and the last the Peach and Nectarine in January and
February. Tbe Morello Ch-erry requires merely to
'
Fu: CO.- THE M.lXGCSTJiES (GAKCUJ1A MANe.05TA.N A . [SLK V. oJI.J
w liters, whether in poetry or prose, and certainly
with the great improvement that has taken place in
other respects in the flower, we ought to look, I will
not say to improvement, for that perhaps may be
difficult, but to maintaining these most desirable
qualities in our modern flowers ; and I do think that,
where the blood of the old Damask enters into our
Roses, there we have a good perfume. In deciding
upon what Roses shall be added to our collec-
tions, I deal mostly with those of recent in-
troduction. I will not say absolutely new, bit
comparatively so.
In the Hybrid Perpetual class of exhibition Roses
there are but few novelties. The most brill;ant
coloured flower is the last of Mr. Bennett's Roses,
Captain Haywood : it was not looked upon with
much favour when first shown, being considered too
thin, but it has considerably improved since then;
it is admirably adapted for pot culture and forcing.
The flower as shown by Mr. George Mount, at the
Drill Hall, in the earlier part of the year, testifies to its
usefulness in this respect. Mrs. Sharman Crawford
and Helen Keller, two of Messrs. Dicksons' latest
additions, are very beautifully pink-coloured flowers,
and may safely be added to any collection. Messrs.
Paul & Sons' Rose, Alan Cheales, is a fine flower,
bearing a good name ; its colour is novel, and many
stage in the stove, in such a position that they will
receive no drip, and yet where they arc prevented
from remaining excessively dry.
Early in the month of March shake the plants out
from the old soil, and at the same time shoitening the
strongest roots. Then prune the plants back to
within two or three buds of the old wood, and pot
them into as small pots as they can be conveniently
put into. For a pottiDg compost, use fibroin loam two
parts, peat one part, and dry cow-manure one part,
with an addition of crushed bones, charcoal, and
silver-sand.
When potted, plunge the plants in a bed of fer-
menting material, the temperature of which should
range from 75° to 80°. Water with care until such
times as the roots have got well into the new soil,
and then more copiously. Moisten the paths and
stages frequently by sprinkling. As the plants pro-
gress in growth, maintain a temperature of from 65°
to 70°, ventilating freely on all favourable occasions,
and as the plants require it shift them into larger pots.
When they have become well established in these
larger pots, afford them liquid-manure freely, which
may be prepared by placing in a sack some sheep or
cow-dung, with soot added, and immersing it in a tub
of rain-water. Allow it to remain for a week before
using, when it may be applied to the plants alter-
have it-i shoots thinned out, eo thit they may be
trained-in about 2 to 4 inches apart, leaving as many
young ones as will make a well-balanced tree ; cutting
back the old, bare, and fruitless shoots to their base,
and fore right shoots to one wood-bud. Strong
growths likely, if left, to starve others, should be
removed, or where it can be done, bent downwards
for a season or two. The only permissible form for
the Morello as a wall-tree is the fan, in which, as is
well known to gardeners, the main branches radiate
from the centre, like spokes in a wheel, the
minor Bhoots following in the same direction.
In the case of young trees of last year's planting
which have made uniformly strong growths, bend
the unpruned shoots towards tho ground, and secure
them to the wall with nails and shreds in that
position, the bend in the shoots starting from the
point at which the lowest of the new shoots are
required, say, 4 or 5 inches from the base. The
check thus given to the flow of the sap will cause a
sufficient number of wood-buds to push from the
bent shoots as to form a fan-shaped head in the
second year after planting. These remarks are
equally applicable to other kinds of wall-
trees, including trees planted during the present
season. As soon as the buds nearest the base of
the shoots bent down have pushed into growth,
the naih must be drawn, the main shoots spread out
at the proper distances apart and secured thereto,
the young shouts being trained regularly over the
intervening spaces. In pruning Plums, Pears, and
326
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
[November 6, 1S97.
sweet Cherries, the summer growth should be cut
back to a wood-bud close to the base of the shoots,
and the older fruiting spurs where standing very
clo3e should be thinned out, as crowding of the fruit-
spurs and shoots on any fruit-tree or bush is an evil
t) be avoided. A space of from 6 to 8 inches should
be given to the maiu branches of Plums and Cherries,
and 9 to 12 inches to those of the Pear, unless fan-
trained, when they will be further apart at the ends.
Insect Attacks. — Every sort of fruit-tree being sub-
ject to the attacks by iusects of some kind, the culti-
vator must carefully examine each tree when pruning
it, and those which are infested in ever so small degree
with white or brown- scale or thrips, should be dressed
with a mixture, consisting of about 6 oz. of soft-soap
dissolved in a gallon of water, adding to this a wine-
glassful of petroleum, a 3 inch potful of flowers of-
sulphur, and a like quantity of fresh soot, and
sufficient clay to give the mixture the consistency
of thick paint, stirring this well before applying it to
the infested trees with a stiff 'brush. The mixture
should be dabbed into every crevice, and especially
about the fruit-spurs, taking care to coat over every
shoot and branch — especially on the wall-side of the
branches. Afterwards securo the branches loosely
together, and suspend them at a distance from the
face of the wall for a week or two before training
them to the wall. In preparing this dressing, it is
a Ivisable to make enough at one time to meet alt re-
quirements, out-of-doors as well as under glass. Now
is the time to prevent by means of grease bands the
ascent of the winter moth.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Peas for Autumn Sowing. — The sowing of Peas in
the open for early cropping should take place in the
first or, at the latest, the second week in this month.
The varieties to sow are (he round-seeded early
podders ; and as in the early summer a few days
sooner or later in obtaining a dish of Peas is usually
deemed by gardeners a matter of importance, a
little more trouble taken in the matter of sowing, &c,
will not be thrown away. The situation of the
ground to be sown should face the south, and be
sheltered by walls or tall hedges on the north and
east. The soil should be light rather than heavy ; and
should the staple be tenacious, oharred garden refuse,
old potting soil, and the decayed refuse of the garden
which has been once or twice turned and once heavily
limed, may be trenched into the soil. Some light
soil should be provided for coveting the seed to the
depth of 2 inches. The seed should be in larger
quantities than is c died for in spring sowings, and
the drdls should be drawn with the hoe of a width of
4 inches at the bottom, the seed being sown thinly, as
nothiug is gained by putting in the seed close
together. The total amount of soil covering the seed
need not exceed 3 inches. The rows may be from
3 to 5 feet apart, according to the height to which the
haulm grows. When the tops of the plants appear,
nets should be stretched across the lard to
keep away sparrows and other bird'. Slugs and
mice must be guarded against, the latter from
the moment the seed is put into the ground.
The sail a'ong the rows Bhould ba occasionally
stirred, and dressings of soot and lime given to deter
slugs from approaching the plants. Coal-a«hes, with
the fine dust taken out, and of the size that will pass
through a quarter-inch mesh, is capital for defending
the rows from the ravages of slugs, if it be laid down
to a width of 6 inches on each side of a row.
Broad Beans may also be sown at the same time
as the Peas, but beiug hardier plants, and less 1 able
to suffer from birds or slugs, they require less care in
the preparation of the land. Mice and rats, however,
eat the seed, and these must be trapped. The best
crops of Bsaus are grown on a heavy soil if it be
drained, and if I here is any difference in the kitchen
garden as regards the quality of the soil, that which is
heavy should be chosen to carry the Bean-crop. Early
Longpod is still one of the best for sowing now, and the
seed should be dibbled in 4 inches deep and 3 inches
apart, the rows being 2j feet asunder. In very heavy
laud the dibble-holes, or drills if that method be
adopted, may be partially or wholly filled with light
soil, as recommended in the case of Peas.
Cabbage. — The various plantations of Cabbage are
making too rapid progress, aud the earlier sowings
are almost fit for cutting ; and in the case of Cabbages
intended for spring consumption, they are mueh too
forward. The secand sowing or main crop Cabbages
are strong and promising, which all tends to show
how prudent it is to make two or more sowings in
late summer and early autumn. The Cabbage grub
has given some trouMo in our garden, attacking also
the late Lettuces. Whilst the weather remains open,
all vacancies in the rows should be made good, and
a little of the soil drawn up to the stems in order to
steady and protect them.
Brussels Sprouts should be cleared of decaying
leaves, which if left on the stems engender decay in
the Sprouts; preserving, however, the green leaves and
the heads of the plants, these providing some amount
of protection to the Sprouts, besides, their reten-
tion keeps the latter from becoming loose and large.
When taking the Sprouts, it is advisable to remove
them with a knife at a short distance from the stem.
Rhubarb. — To force Rhubarb properly at this date, a
decided check to growth is first needed, which follows
from lifting the stools that are required, and leaving
them exposed to night-frosts, and sun and wind, for
one or two weeks, previous to placing them in heat.
Of course, bottom-heat is not really necessary for
forcing Rhubarb, although it helps the quick develop-
ment of the stalks, and the best sort of heat is that
derived from stable-manure one-third, and fresh
tree-leaves two-thirds, thrown together in a heap for
a week, and then turned, and well mixed together
twice, when it will be fit for use. Having made the
hot-bed in a pit, or frame, or dark cellar, and trodden
all firmly together, wait a few days in order to ascer-
tain if it is safe to place the roots upon it, which it
will be if it do not rise above 80°. First place
a layer of light soil, leaf -soil, or other, 4 inches
thick, then proceed to pack the Rhubarb crowns
close together on this, putting soil between and a
few inches above them. A ''dug-out" may be
formed in the absence of other m°ans, aud ^the hot-
bed made therein, covering it with hoops and mats,
and above these with bracken or long litter.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. LI irris, Gardener, Hastnor Oastle. Ledbury.
Pot Vines. — Vines not as yet Btarted should be
g)t in readiness forthwith, cleaning the house or pit
in which they will be grown, whitewashing the walls,
and making the glass clear and bright, and seeing that
the panes are sound, and there is no drip. A mass of
fermenting leaves and manure should theu be placed
in the pit, and the Vines stood on pedestals of loose
bricks, and plunged to the rims of the pots when
the heat stands stsady at 70°. The .canes may
be fastened to stakes temporarily close over the
bad. Air in small quantities should be admitted
night and day for a time ; otherwise the moisture
given off by the hot-bed will be too great, and in
bright weather the canes may be sprinkled if they
seem to ba dry. A night temperature of 00° to 55° at
the start, rising to 65° by day, will suffice. Close the
vinery early after damping down.
Eirly Permanent Vinery. — The Vines from which
rips Grapes are required in May, should now be started
after having thoroughly cleaned the Vines and the
house. If mealy-bug be present on the Vines, remove
the loose outer bark only, and wash the rods with
soap-suds, then apply a thick coating of smooth clay
two parts, coal-tar one part, and water sufficient to
make it fluid ; boil this in a saucepan till the ingre-
dients aro thoroughly incorporated, allow it to cool
somewhat, and then apply it to every part of the old
wood, especially about the cracks aud holes around
the spurs. When the Vines break, if a sharp
examination be made daily of ■ he rods, mealy-bug
may be entirely er idicated in two seasons. To ensure
this, however, hot-water pipes must be scrubbed
clean ; also woodwork, walls, glass, &c, and the crust
of the border cleared out and replace 1 with new
loam, &c. If mealy-bug be absent, it will suffice to
wash the Vines with Qishurst-soap, at the full
strength, reco mended by the makers, adding to it a
small quantity of flowersof sulohur. [We would
advise caution with the use of Gishurst at the full
strength, as injury to the buds has followed its use at
this strength. En.] Apply warm with a brush. When
the rods are dried, secure them to the rafters if they
have often been forced early, but if they are young,
secure them temporarily aloug the front of the
vinery in a horizontal po-ition to insure a regular
break. The border should then be dug over lightly
with a fork, and afterwards raked smooth, loosening it
afterwards whenever it gets caked, taking care not to
break any of the roots that may be running near the
surface. Afford it a sprinkling of crushed bones and
Thomson's or other vine mauure, and over all a layer
of turfy loam, to which soot, and lime-rubble in a
small state are added, beating it with the back of a dig-
ging fork, and mulching lightly with stable-litter. The
border, if dry, should have a heavy application of
water at a temperature of S53. Afford the Vines a
night temperature of 50", rising to CO by day, and if
a heap of stable dung and leaves be placed on a plat-
form erected on the border, fire-heat may be spared
at the beginning ; and, moreover, the hot bed will be
useful for the forcing of Dutch - bulbs, Azaleas,
Deutzias, &c. I would never have a plant in a
vinery, but there are few places where the gardener
is fortunate enough to be able to do this. As the
foliage on succession Vines falls, pruning can be pushed
ou with, taking care to dress Muscats with styptic or
kuotting as soon as they are pruned ; and on very aged
Vines to lay in young canes wherever it is practicable.
The repairs of all fruit-houses may now be undertaken.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orohid Growar, B trford, Dorking.
Mormodes, Catasetums, and Cycnoehes. — -Many of
these plants are showing flower-spikes, and although
the new pseudo-bulbs at this time appear to have
ceased to grow, the plants must not be removed to
resting quarters before the leaves fdl. Gardeners
know that great numbers of the^e plants have been
imported which, after blooming once or a few
times, have, in many cises, dwindled away. The
chief cause of this is traceable to the incomplete
ripening of the pseudo-bulbs. In order to preserve
such species, get them well ripened, anJ keep them
in good condition year after year, the gardener
should proceed as follows. As the plants go out of
bloom, or have expanded the terminal leaf at the
extremity of the pseudo-bulb without flowering,
they should be removed from the East Indian to
the Mexican-house, and afforded all the sunlight
possible. Here they must be afforded plenty of
water ; and whilo the weather is bright, they will
take water at the root almost every day, providing
the potting-material dries quickly, and in dull weather
they should be kept on the dry side. As the leaves
commence to turn yellow, water must be gradually
diminished, aud if the pseudo-bulbs are well matured,
no more will be needed by them for several months.
If through lack of sunshine the pseudo-bulbs do not
ripen, water will be needed occasionally during the
resting season. After the leaves fall, the plants
should be placed in a dry house, where the winter
temperature is about 55°. If room can be found, the
following species are well worth including in a general
collection of Orchids: — Catasetum tibulare, C. longi-
folium, C. barbatum, C. b. spinosum, C. scurra,
C. macrocarpum, C. saccatum, C. tridentatum,
C. Christyanum, C. Bungerothi and its several
beautifully distinct forms, as Lindeni imperiale,
aureum, punctatissimum and mirabile ; Cycnoehes
Egertonianum, <J. versicolor, C. peruvianum, C. pen-
tadactylon, C. chlorochilon, C. maculatum, Mor-
modes luxatum eburneum, M. buccinator and its
several distinct varieties, also M. pardinum, M. p.
unicolor, and M. Rolfei. Strong plants of these
species, after producing their first flower-spike, will
sometimes send out others, but it is advisable to
pinch them off, otherwise the new pseudo-bulb may
shrivel and fail to mature.
Dendrobiums. — All of the deciduous and semi-
deciduous species of Dandrobiums now resting
should be placed in a moderately dry cool-house,
exposed to full sunshine, and well ventilated on warm
days. It is advisable to look over the plants once
or twice a week, affording water only to those which
exhibit tha least shrivelling. Such varieties as D.
Beusouue, D. Parishi, D. crepidatum, D. cretaceum,
D. primulinum, D. superbum, D. Pierardi, D. Dal-
housieanum, D. fimbriatum, D. calceolus, D. clava-
tum, D. albosanguineum should not be removed to
the cool resting house when growth is completed,
but be placad at the coolest end of the East
Indian or warmer part of the Cattleya house during
their period of rest. D. Parishi, D. Bensonije, and
D, albo-sanguiueum should be kept quite dry whilst
at rest, but the other varieties mentioned above must
have water whenever the slightest shrivelling of the
pseudo-bulbs is remarked. All Deudrobiums that
are in full growth should be encouraged to make
strong flowering stems. D. Brymerianura should be
kept in the Cattleya-house at all seasons, as when
grown in strou; heat the plant deteriorates. The
closely allied species, D. Harveyanum, thrives best in
the cooler pari, of the stove. Plants of D. thyrsiflorum,
D. densidorum, B. Schroderi, D. Griffithianum, D.
suavissimum, D. chrysotoxum, and D. Farmeri,
which are practically evergreen, have finished their
growth, and should be removed to a light position in
the intermediate house, but not dried off like the
deciduous species, but afforded water occasionally so
as to keep the foliage green and the pseudo-bulbs
plump. D, sulcatum, D. macrophyllum Richardi,
aud I), m. Veitchianum, should be kept in an inter-
mediate-house all the year.
November 6, 1897.]
THE GAB DEN EES- CHRONICLE.
327
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
The Propagation of the Tree-Carnation. — The autumn
propagation of these varieties of Carnations results in
plants of good size being obtained within a year from
the time the cuttings are taken, and consequently an
abundance of flowers. Many gardeners, myself
included, strike Tree- Carnations from cuttings taken
in the spring, and obtain plants of a useful size in
this way, which usually have got into 5-inch pots by
the end of the summer. These small plants aro
excellent for filling vase3, and in other kinds of room
decoration ; but larger plants, and those which will
give a lot of flowers for cutting, are raised from
autumn-struck cuttings. These plants receive their
final shift into 7 and even Sinch pots. The cuttings
should consist of growths that are of a moderate degree
of firmness, with a heel ; or if at this date the shoots
or growths are wiry and hard, cut them at a joint,
and place them round the edges of a number of 6u's
or small 48's, in a mixture of half leaf-mould and
half sand, affording a thorough application of tepid
water, and afterwards applying water with great
caution. After the water has drained away, plunge the
potfuls of cuttings in a frame having a bottom-heat
of 65°, potting the cuttings singly as soon as
they have as many roots as will support them.
The cuttings should be turned out of the pots about
eix weeks from the time of placing them in the
at the roots, which will have the effect of resting
them, and enabling a good start to be made in
January. A temperature of 45" by night, and
50° by day, is high enough for the Cliveia in the
winter.
Schizanthus sinuatus and S. relusus. — These plants
should be placed on a shelf, near to the glass in the
greenhouse, and the stems secured loosely to neat
stakes. Afford the plants no manure ; but means
should be taken to let them have plenty of ventilation,
or damping will occur.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Oharles Hkrrin, Gardener, Dropmore. Maidenhead.
Gladiolus gandarensis, Nanecianus, Lcmoinei, <fcc. —
The leaves of these plants having matured, the corms
may be lifted and laid out in a shed for a few weeks,
until the tops part readily from the corms, when the
latter should be stored out of the reach of frost in
bags or drawers until the spring, or they may be hung
up by the btenis without removing the adherent soil.
Some varieties, as the Colvillei, Byzantinus, and the
old lirenchleyensis, may be left in the ground if this
bo convenient, as they withstand the frosts of an
ordinary winter unharmed, if they are planted not
less than 4 inches deep ; in the event of frosts of
more than ordinary severity, some litter or coal-
ashes spread over the ground beneath which they are
lying, afford sufficient protection.
Fig, 97. — the hangosteen : section ok frcit. (see p. 32-1.)
frame, when most of them will be found with plenty
of roots for potting, and those which are not rooted
should be dibbled into fresh pots, filled with the
same sort of soil, made warm to receive them.
The chief danger to guard against in striking Carna-
tions in hot-bed frames at the winter season is damp ;
but losses from this cause may be averted by main-
taining sufficient top-heat (65°) by means of linings
or hot-water pipes, and affording a trilling amount of
air day and night ; it will anon be seen how much
the cuttings will bear without flagging. If the sun
should shine, a good deal may be afforded for a
quarter of an hour. A damped cutting should be
removed as soon as noticed, or it will very soon
cause decay in others.
Cannas. — All of those which were potted last
spring, and have ceased to throw up flowering-
spikes, should be afforded less water, for, although
Cannas will continue to bloom if liberally treated for
some time still to come, it is advisable not to prolong
the flowering season too much. After the foliage has
fallen, sufficient water is needed to keep the
rhizomes plump. The plants should be afforded the
protection of a greenhouse or a greenhouse-pit during
the winter.
Seedling Cyclamens. — As soon as the plants have
made one true leaf, and can be handled, they should
be pricked off into shall .w pans, and placed in a pit
or house having a warmth of 55°, and near the roof-
glass. On warm days spray the plants with tepid-
water.
Imantophyllum, (Cliveia) minialum. — The foliage
should be cleaned by the use of sponge and warm
water, and the pots and soil kept freo from con-
ferva. At this season much less water will be needed
Tuberous Begonias should be lifted with some of
the soil attached, and laid close together in boxes,
storing these under a greenho ise-stage or other cool
situation, but protecting them from drip.
Half-hardy Plants. — The specimens of Fuchsia,
Cassia corymbosa, Hedychium, Abutilon, Aloysia
citriodora, and other plants used in sub-tropical
gardening, should now be taken up aud potted, and
afterwards placed under glass. Hedychiums that are
still throwiug up spikes of bloom may be placed in a
warm greenhouse, to unfold their agreeably fragrant
flowers.
Propagation of Own-root Roses. — A simple means of
increasing Roses in this form may hi practised at this
season. Choose a border with preferably the west
aspect, and a soil that is moderately light and well
worked. If good strong cuttings of ripened shoots,
1 foot to 9 inches, and taken off with a heel, be
inserted, a goodly percentage will form roots by the
spring. It will suffice if two eyes or buds range
above-ground, and all should remain and not be cut
out as in making Gooseberry cuttings. The heel of
old wood should be thinned down, not put in just as
stripped from the plant. Having dug the soil and
trodden it firm, and raked it level, proceed to open a
trench at one end, cutting this with an almost per-
pendicular side ; and in this strew a small quantity of
sand or sandy soil, and proceed to lay in the cuttings
against the soil at 6 inches apart, pressing the sand,
&c, around the cuttings, aud over this putting a
little of the soil, and making this firm also. Then
fill in the trench with the spade, tread gently along
the row, level the surface, and pass on to the next
row, and so on till the cuttings are inserted. The
rows should not bo closer together than 12 iuches— a
distance that permits of some amount of growth beiug
made next summer without undue crowding, and of a
man trampling the soil firm when loosened by frosts.
Many varieties of H.P. strike readily in this manner,
as do most of the climbing Roses, as Boursault Prairie,
Ayrshire, Polyantha, Madame Despres, Crimson Ram-
bler, Innocente, Felicite', Perpetue', and many others.
Hose Planting. — The present month affords a good
time, if it be open, for planting any kind of Hose,
and preparation for this kind of work should be
made forthwith. Where existing beds of Roses have
become impoverished, let the plants be lifted and
laid in by the heels elsewhere ; then, having cleared
the beds, afford them a heavy dressing of rich
manure aud new loam if it be handy, and trench the
soil two to three spits deep. Having done this, let it
settle for a week, then trample it evenly all over,
and proceed to plant, re-arranging the Roses, always
affording ample space for development, and not
plantiug them deeper than they were before. Before
planting, trim the roots somewhat; remove all brood
visible on the roots of worked Roses, and be sure that
the roots are not crammed into holes too small to
hold them. Make the ground firm about the roots,
drawiog a little of it conewise round the stem. New
Rose-beds must be treated similarly, but loam in good
quantity should be used if the soil be light, and the
more clayey the loam is the better, removing some uf
the staple to make space for it. If the drainage be good,
it rarely happens that a heavy soil requires making
lighter ; but if it be very tenacious, burnt earth, leaf-
soil, and mad sand are capital substances wherewith
to lighten it. Although planting may be carried out
at any time in the winter when there is no frost in
the ground aud the weather is mild, the present
month aud March are the best soasons. All Rose-
beds that have been replanted, and new beds, should be
mulched before the frost has had time to enter the soil .
A'selection of varieties will be given in my next Calendar.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
Food for Bees. — The following is a recipe for soft
candy : (1). Use preferably a brass jelly or preserve-
pan, otherwise an euamelled-iron or plain-iron one.
(2). Put in 10 lb. of white granulated sugar at 2d. or
'2{d. per lb., 2 imperial pints of cold water, and half
a teaspoonful of cream -of- tartar ; (3). Set on, or
hang over a brisk fire, and stir up gently now and
then till the sugar is all melted ; this should require
about fifteen minutes. (4). Almost* Immediately
afterwards the whole will reach the boiling point, at
first throwing up a deal of froth. The fire may be
moderated or the pan withdrawn a little at this stage,
when the foamy boil will settle down to a clear crack-
ling one ; this boiling should only occupy about
two minutes. (5). Now let a drop fall on a cold
surface, withdrawing the pan from the fire in the
meantime. If the drop at once begins to set, so that
in a few minutes it will draw out as a thread
when touched with the finger, the ma9s is
cooked enough. If not, boil a few seconds longer,
and try again. (6). Remove the pan from the fire,
and set it in a trough of cold water. It may be left
there for a few minutes, wtnle the moulds (flat or
soup plates will do) are bi ing set, ready, each with a
thin sheet of paper rather larger than the mould
laid in. Returning to the pan, commence and con-
tinue to stir briskly, until the mass begins, first to
get dim in colour from incipient granulation, aud
then to thicken to the consistency of thin porridge.
Then pour into the moulds, warming the remainder
slightly to get it to leave the pans. This cooling
and stirring process should take about fifteen
minutes more. (7). Thus, in about thirty-two
minutes, we finish the whole process, with the result
that we have 12 lb. of candy from 10 lb. of sugar.
The cakes should set within an hour, so as to be
safely turned out of the moulds. When quite cold
they should still be soft enough to be easily
scratched with the fingernail, and to melt in the
mouth with a soft grain. (8). Bees never hiber-
nate in the full sense of the term. They
will be found even in the most severe frost, ready
to move as soon as sunlight is shed on them. All
stocks need preparing for the winter without delay,
because bees that are packed in early autumn, gene-
rally speaking, commence breeding earlier and come
out stronger in the spring than those that are
disturbed late in the year, by feeding and packing.
See that all hives have a good number of bees in
them, and a young queen at the head of the colony,
together with an abundauce of food. These items
secured and the bees housed in a hive that is water-
proof, the bee-keeper will have but little to do or think
of in relation to his apiary for the next four months
328
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Novembee 6, 1S97.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
AbVERl fSEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News — Correspondents "will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
ihould be written on one side only of the paper,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
keptas a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement
Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees,
dc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY, Nov. 9
Royal Hort. Soc. Corns.
National Chrysanthemum Society's
Show at Aquarium (three davs)
Chrysanthemum Shows at Leeds,
Kingston, Birmingham, Croydon,
Bromley, and Farnham.
(Chrysanthemum Shows at Liver-
pool. Eastbourne, Carlisle, Han-
ley (Staffs.). Brixton, Great Yar.
' l mouth, and Bournemouth.
I Harrison & Son's Show of Vegetables
\ and Farm Roots, at Leicester.
/"Chrysanthemum Shows at Putney,
Nov. 11 < Hammersmith, Spalding, Tun-
I. bridge Wells, and Winchester.
f Chrysanthemum Shows at Shef-
field, Wilmslow, Windsor, and
Bradford.
SALES.
/"Bulbs, at Protheroe & Moms'
Nov t} Rooms.
j Bulbs and PlaHts, at Stevens'
V. Rooms.
[ Bulbs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
SDAY Nov 10 Lilies, &c., at Protheroe & Morris'
Bulbs and Plants, at Stevens'
Rooms.
■
Protheroe & Morris
and Plants, at Mr. Stevens'
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
MOMMY,
THURSDAY
t Bulbs at
Nov 11 } R«""8-
IN0V- U<\ Bulbs and
(. Rooms.
Nov i<>(Bulbs ana Oichids. at Protheroe
(. & Morris' Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 43'3°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London. — Norimber 3 : Max., 52° ; Min., 46°.
Provinces. — November 3 (6 p.m.) : Max., 5(T, South-west
Ireland; Min., 45*, East Counties.
The subject of digging will be
Autumn .vow, ■ th ; d f horticul-
Spnng D.ggmg. J
turists at the present time, and
the younger members of the " fraternity " will
do well to study the respective advantages of
performing this operation in autumn and
spring. It is a more important matter than
appears at first sight, because modern investi-
gation has thrown a frosh light upon much
connected with the soil and the conservation of
its properties. It is always unpleasant to be
compelled to recognise mistakes, but when a
practice is proved to be erroneous or wasteful,
it is wise to alter our course, as a good deal of
success in life depends upon the readiness with
which new ideas can be assimilated in regard
to our work or duties.
For a large number of cultivated plants, the
supply of nitrogen is of the utmost importance,
and this is obtained chiefly from the nitric
acid of soluble nitrates derived either from
applied manures or from decomposing sub-
stances already in the soil. During the summer
months, and with a due amount of moisture
present, the production of these sources of
nitrogen procoeds continuously and at a much
greater proportionate rate of increase than in
the winter. The constant stirring of the sur-
face by means of hoes or other instruments in
the warm months considerably accelerates the
formation of the compounds named, by the
admission of air that aids in the work of break-
ing up insoluble substances. Thus, if a piece
of ground is unoccupied by a crop during the
summer, and it is attended to in the surface-
stirring mentioned, there is by the time autumn
arrives a material increase in fertility. Even
if it be occupied by a crop, unless it be a very
exhausting one, or close planting is adopted,
there may be some accumulation if the land
has been previously well manured. At any
rate, the actual loss by drainage will have been
small, because the roots of the plants will have
appropriated all within their reach.
In the autumn and winter, however, the con-
dition of affairs is reversed ; so long as the soil
continues warm, and not over- saturated with
water, the nitric acid formations will continue,
though in a lessening degree, until in the
winter very little indeed is produced. Then,
too, we have the greatest waste going on, par-
ticularly in a wet season ; the compounds
formed during the summer are rapidly washed
away if the soil is not occupied with a crop,
and we have to make up this loss by the addi-
tion of costly manure, or the land becomes
impoverished.
Regarded, therefore, solely from the point of
view of naturally increasing the fortility of the
soil, we know that in digging ground in spring
or summer we are certain to gain, while the
same operation in autumn or winter will as
certainly lead to some loss of the constituents,
and perhaps in a great degree if the winter prove
to be wet. In both cases this is assuming the
ground to be unoccupied — but in few gardens
can ground be allowed to lie fallow for several
months ; therefore it only occurs when a crop
is removed in the autumn too late to put any-
thing else on it. Then if it has to wait for a
crop until spring it would be economical to
defer the digging until spring. Appearances
must, however, be studied in a garden, and a
■well-dug piece of ground looks much better
than a bare plot. Beyond this, an ordinary
rich garden soil that has been in cultivation for
many years contains such a superabundance of
humus that the winter loss is not a very serious
matter, as it is soon made up by decomposition.
The mechanical advantage of autumn digging
when dealing with rough and heavy ground
cannot be questioned, as whatever loss may be
sustained by drainage is more than compen-
sated by improved workable condition of the
soil, while the more ready escape of water in-
creases the warmth of the soil. Heavy ground
that has not been under good cultivation, dug
roughly in autumn, and exposed to winter
frosts, will be in a better state for planting in
the spring than three times the labour could
effect at that time. The rough exposure of
ground to the frosts also has a tendency in a
severe winter to greatly reduce the insect-pests
which find shelter in the soil. Therefore, as in
everything connected with horticultural work,
a considerable amount of judgment is neces-
sary, and a balancing up of advantages and
disadvantages.
The subject has, however, a wider bearing
than garden culture, for it ail'ects the larger
areas of land devoted to fruit plantations,
and in these the pecuniary aspect is a serious
matter. If a permanent plantation be formed
with considerable spaces botween the lines of
trees not occupied with bush-fruits or Straw-
berries, the continual cultivation of such spaces
without cropping must result without manurial
addition in gradually impoverishing the soil
into which the roots of the trees are advancing.
That this loss is increased by autumn digging
there is no doubt, and against it we have to set
two advantages, namely, the amelioration of
he ivy soil by exposure to weathering, and the
fact that there is not the same demand for labour
in other ways in autumn and early winter as in
spring. There is an alternative method, and
that is to crop the ground throughout the
winter, the roots of the plants grown will then
appropriate the soluble nitrates accumulated
during the summer, or at least materially
diminish the loss of drainage. A growing crop
will further aid in drying the soil, as the
evaporation from vegetation, even during the
winter months, is greater than might be
imagined. If a crop can be so grown that is
saleable, if it will only pay for the labour and
manure required, it will be a gain to the culti-
vator because it is keeping the land in good
heart, and no crop can be grown without
adding something in the form of humus to the
soil. In districts or seasons when the interme-
diate crops cannot be sold, the course adopted
by large growers and advocated by great
authorities in America is to dig or plough them
into the land. It is even contended that it is
more economical to allow the land to become
covered with weeds and dig these in early in
the year than to dig the land in autumn, and
leave it bare for winter. This is carrying a
principle too far, for many of the smaller weeds
will, during a mild winter, continue bearing
so ids, and are thus laying up a store of work
and trouble that only those can properly esti-
mate who have had to deal with weedy and
neglected land.
The storage of humus in soil is an important
matter beyond all doubt, but it only gradually
restores to land what the crops have absorbed.
Sir John L.vwes says: — "Humus (in which
term I include all vegetable matter in a state
of decay) is very insoluble in water ; but
sooner or later it assumes the form of nitric
acid, which combines with lime or other alka-
line substances in the soil, and then becomes
very soluble in water. These compounds rise
and fall with the water in the soil, coming to
the surface in dry weather, and passing into
the drain, in the absence of growing vegetation,
in wet weather. When a crop is in the full
vigour of growth, the soil-water may contain
more or less nitrate. Being soluble in water,
and entering into no combination with the
soil, nitrate cannot accumulate. Each year
fresh nitrates are formed from the decompo-
sition of the humus, the fertility of the land
depending largely upon the amount of nitric
acid liberated every year. What we call con-
dition is so much added to the stock of organic
matter which in the course of a few years is
decomposed, yielding nitric acid and mineral
substances.
Such cropping as is here referred to is,
however, only applicable to fruit planta-
tions where the spaces around the tree-stems
and over the roots is kept entirely free from
vegetation. Growing vegetation of any kind
close up to the stems of trees can only
result in injury, because the vegetables appro-
priate what is available for the trees ; it is
not possible to dig the surface-crop in, and it
must be left there to yield, iu very slow degrees,
what was already at the service of the trees.
Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," November 6, 1897.
November 6, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
329
Summarising the whole matter briefly, it will
be seen that autumn digging should always,
where possible, be followed immediately by a
crop of some kind. Without that there is a
certain, though variable, loss of nitrogen-
yielding and othor compounds during winter.
In gardens and in improving heavy soils, this loss
is counterbalanced by other advantages, but in
larger areas of land, such as fruit plantations,
it is more economical either to crop the land or
to leave the digging until spring.
Royal Horticultural Society.— The next
Fruit and Floral meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society will be held on Tuesday, November 9, in the
Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 to 4 p.m. A
lecture ou " P.oots " will be given at 3 o'clock, by
Prof. F. W. Oliver, D.Sc.
The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund.—
At the first meeting of the Committee of the Royal
Gardeners' Orphan Fund since the recess, hold on the
29 th ult. at the Hotel Windsor, Mr. W. Marshall
presiding, I he receipt of a bequest was anuouuced
from J. W. Thomson, late nurseryman, Hayward's
Heath, .£'457 5s. Wil , which is to be known as the
J. \V, Thomson bequest, to be forthwith invested,
and the proceeds to be devoted to the purposes set
forth in the will of the testator. Also the following
donations, for which the special thanks of the
Committee were accorded: — ■
Rev. A. Lowe, Kangemore, Burtonou-Tieiit, £ s. d.
proceeds of collection at harvest festival ... li 1 6
Sandringham Cottage Garden Society 5 5 (l
Wimbledon Horticultural Society, sale of flowers 5 0 0
Uckfield Chrysanthemum Society ,, 3 3 0
J. Selway, Betteshanger 3 0 0
Per J. Roberts, Local Secretary, Ramsgate ... 'J 1 0
Forest Hill Horticultural Society 1 10 0
Hcssle and District Horticultural Society ... 1 4 3
Bradford Paxton Society 12 1}
C. Herrin, Maidenhead 10 0
G. Carpenter, Byfleet 0 10 0
J. Duukin, Warwick o 10 0
Iff. Kneller, Basingstoko 0 S 0
It was decided to hold the annual meetiDg at
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street, early in February,
when the election of children to receive the benefits
of this fund will take place. Some other details of
business having been gone through, the meeting con-
cluded with the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman.
The necessary nomination forms may be receive! on
application to the Secretary.
THE LlNDLEY MEDAL.— This medal was insti-
tuted in commemoration of the invaluable services
rendered to horticulture in general, and to the Royal
Horticultural Society in particular by the late Dr.
LlNDLEY. It was to be given preferentially for
excellence in cultivation. If we are right, there have
only been two gardeners thought worthy of this dis-
tinction since the medal was first instituted, viz., the
late Mr. T. Baines and Mr. James Anderson. Can it
be possible that no cultivators of equal rank have
come to the front during the last thirty years ? or has
the Society forgotten its functions ?
The Late Prof. Babinqton.— We have to
announce the publication by Messrs. Macmillan &
Bowes, of Cambridge, of the Memorials, Journal,
and Botanical Correspondence of Charles Cardale
Bnbinrjton, formerly Professor of Botany in the
University. We shall take an early opportunity of
adverting to this important book.
Horticultural Club.— The usual monthly
dinner and conversazione will take place on Tuesday,
November 9, at 6 p.m. The subject for discussion
will be " Lilies and Lily-diseases," to be opened by
Mr. G. Massee, President of the Mycological Society,
Sir Rutherford Alcock.— The death of this
distinguished servant of the Crown removes from us
one who added a love of botany to his other qualifica-
tions as a doctor, a military man, a diplomatist, and a
governor. Horticulture and botany are under great
obligations to him for the discovery aud introduction
of plants from Japan and other countries The
researches of John Gould Veitch were much facili-
tated by Sir Rutherford at a time when travelling
in Japan was not so easy as it is now. Picea
Alcockiana and other plants will serve to perpetuate
his momory.
A Gardener's Brave Son.— It may interest
our readers to learn that the brave piper, Patrick
Milne, of the Gordon] Highlanders, who sat up on
his haunches, and continued playing his pipes after
being shot through both legs, and amid a perfect hail
of bullets, is the son of Mr. William Milne, gar-
dener, Waterside, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. Mr.
Milnb is now well advanced in years, but still bears
evidence of having been a man of powerful frame
and athletic build.
The LlNDLEY LIBRARY.— It is interesting and
decidedly satisfactory to see wiiat are the books that
have been in most frequent demand at the Lindley
Library during the last year or two. Foster-
Melliar's Book of the Rose heads the list, closely
followed by Miss Amherst's History of Gardening.
Next come Mr. Barron's Vines and Vine-Culture,
Canon Ellacombe's Plant Lure of Shakespeare,
Mr. McDonald's Sweet -Scented Flowers and Leaves,
and various works on Fruit Culture and Vegetable
Physiology, Books that cannot readily be replaced
are not lent, but it seems desirable in the iuteiest of
students and young gardeners that duplicates of text
books and books in common demand Bhould be
added to the library, and it is very desirable that the
funds at the disposal of the Trustees should be
augmented largely.
Norfolk County Council. — We are informed
by Mr. G. W. Clarkson, of the Clarkson Nurseries,
Wisbech, that he has been appointed lecturer on
horticulture by the Norfolk County Council.
Gardeners and Workmen at the Royal
BOTANIC— We learn that the working hours of the
gardeners and others employed in the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Regent's Park, have, owing to the endeavours
of Mr. J. B. Sowerby, the secretary of the Society,
been assimilated to those current in the parks under
the control of the London County Council and the
Royal parks.
THE PRESENT SEASON has been remarkable
up to the present for its mild weather. Pelargo-
niums, Dahlias, and other plants are still in bloom in
many localities, being uncut by severe frost. We
have received evidence from numerous correspondents
to this effect, and before us is a box of flowers
received from W. H. Maxwell, Esq., Munches, Dal-
beattie, Kirkcudbrightshire. The6e were gathered on
October 30, at Bergairn, in the same neighbourhood,
and about 2 miles from the sea, on the north shore
of the Solway Firth. The box includes fresh
flowers of Dahlias, Anemone japonica, Caloeolarias,
Begonias, Myosotis, Papaver orientate, Tropaolum
peregrinum, Clematis, Veronica salicifolia, and other
species. The circumstance is certainly noteworthy.
Messrs. Dobbie & Co. had also Dahlias and French
Marigolds in full beauty at Orpington on November 1.
CONTINUITY OF PROTOPLASM.— In days rot
long gone by, students used to be taught that the cells
of which plants are composed were closed bags, and
that if any transfer of fluid from one to another took
place, it was from osmotic action, or from a sort of
oozing through the wall of one cell, and permeation
through another. Mr. Walter Gardiner, of Clare
College, Cambridge, however, demonstrated the fact
that there is in many cases an actual passage of
extremely fine threads of protoplasm of one cell into
the cavity of another, as occurs in the so-called sieve-
tubes. Thus, the whole plant forms one whole
instead of being made up of independent cells. Mr.
Gardiner's observations were oonfirmed and extended
by others, so that the notion of the continuity of the
protoplasm is now generally accepted. The bearing
of these observations on the phenomena of variation,
"sporting," graft-hybridisation, &c, is obvious. Mr.
Gardiner, in a recent number of the Proceedings of
the Royal Society, published ou October 29, 1S97,
extends his former observations, and tells us that, in
the case of the pitted-cells, which are so common in
the structure of plants, the membrane which closes
the pits is invariably traversed by threads of proto-
plasm. Other threads traverse the cell-wallB, where
there are no pits. These threads, it may be pre-
sumed, fulfil two purposes — the transmission of
btimuli or influences (as in the case of the nerves of
auimals), and the conduction of food.
Mr. BULL'S NURSERY.— It will be seen from
our advertising columns that Mr. Boll has sold for
building purposes the land occupied by his branch
establishment at Ashburnham Road, Chelsea. The
consequence is that a very large and very interesting
collection of Orchids and other plants will be offered
for sale by auction. Mr. Bull proposes in future to
devote his attention exclusively to his old establish-
ment for the introduction of new plants, &c, in the
King's Road, Chelsea.
" The Fern Bulletin."— No sooner does any
plant or group of plants become popular, than one
of two things happens, or generally both. The one
is tlie publication of a special journal, the other is
the formation of a special society. Specialism is one
of the characteristics of the time. It has its objec-
tionable features, no doubt ; but it has become a
necessity, and we must make the best of it. One
way of doing this is by securing, as far as possible, a
good general all-round knowledge before diverging
into a specialty. The Fern Bulletin, edited by Mr.
Willaud N. Clute, and published at Binghatnton,
New York, would not be so good as it is, were it con-
ducted along the narrow groove of specialism without
looking over the boundaries to the great world
beyond.
LYCORIS AUREA. — From Mr. E. H. Woodall
we have received a fine truss of this old Amaryllid.
The individual flowers were about 3 inches long, the
perianth segments rather broad and reflexed, and of a
rich golden-yellow colour, with projecting stamens
and style. It is said to be a native of China, and was
introduced so long ago as 1777, though it is not often
seen in gardens. Lycoris, as a genus, differs from
Hippeastrum, by having only a small number of seeds
in each compartment of the ovary.
Paris Exhibition, 1900. — Already the com-
mittees for the Exhibition are constituted. Group VIII.,
m we learn from the Moniteur d' Horticulture, com-
prises Class 43, devoted to horticultural material and
practices ; ('lass 44, kitchen-garden; Class 45, fruit
and fruit-trees ; Class 46, trees, shrubs, flowers, and
decorative - plants ; Class 47, stove - plants ; and
Class 48, seeds. The interests of each of these
classes are to be served by a committee containing
many distinguished horticulturists well known and
appreciated on this side of the Channel.
M. DE PANNEMAEKER. —The well-known
ootanical artist of Ghent was recently entertained by
his colleagues and friends on the occasion of the
twenty-fifth anniversary of his entry as teacher of
drawing at the Ghent School of Horticulture. An
album containing portraits of his colleagues and
pupils was presented to him, whilst the Government
recognised his services by conferring on the artist the
Civic Medal of the First-class.
Temperate-house, Royal Gardens, Kew.
—We are informed by Messrs. Mackenzie &
Moncur, Ltd., that they have been entrusted by
H. M.'s Board of Works with the completion of the
Temperate - house in the Royal Botanical Gardens,
Kew, by the erection of the North Wing. The house
is to be constructed with irongirders, and teak-wood
window - easbes and sash-bars. It is expected the
work will be completed in twelve months.
PATENTS.— The Patent Laws of this country
make no provision for an official search as regards
novelty, and all patents are taken out at the risk of
the inventors. It is, therefore, incumbent on any
person desiring to obtain a valid patent for an inven-
tion either to cause a search to be made, or himself
to make a search, as to the novelty of his invention.
330
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 6, 1897.
By omitting such a search, many a patentee has found,
after paying his fees, that his treasured patent is
worthless, because it has been anticipated. Of
course, in this [case the first applicant or patentee
possesses all the patent rights, and the second one
has absolutely no rights at all. A complete and
exhaustive search through published specifications of
patents is a task of considerable difficulty, even for
the trained expert, with all the resourcoa of the
Patent Office Library, for at this moment the number
of printed specifications of patents is well over a
quarter of a million. A series of indexes and
abridgments has beeu published by the Patent Office
as a guide to the specifications themselves, and is
freely distributed to the principal public libraries in
this country. The abridgments give a general
description of the nature of every invention
patented, and the object of their publication is
to enable the would-be patentee to carry out, at
any rate in some cases, what may be termed a
" fireside search." By the study of these abridgments
he will generally be able to select certain inventions
which have already been patented, and which re-
semble his own invention sufficiently to render it
desirable for him to examine their specifications in
detail. A printed copy of any specification can be
obtained at an inclusive price of 8rf., through any
post-office, by a special post-card (Patents Form C).
The abridgments are published in volumes, each
volume dealing with one particular class of inven-
tions, such as '• Steam-engines," " Cooking and
Kitchen-appliances," &c, for a period of some years.
The volumes up to 1877 are not illustrated, and all the
subjects have not yet been dealt with ; but from 1877
onwards a systematic series, very fully illustrated, is
now in course of publication at a uniform price of Is.
per volume (including inland postage). The volumes
from the periods from 1877 to 1883, and from 1884
to 1888, have been completed; those for the periods
from 1889 to 1892, and from 1S93 to 1896, are in
active preparation, and later volumes will follow in
due course. For the purposes of the abridgments
the whole field of invention has been divided into
116 " Abridgment Classes," and the list of these
classes in itself shows what an enormous field this is,
and how greatly its products vary. Every triumph of
applied science, such as the locomotive, the telegraph,
and the dynamo, is to be found here, aud every one of
our great national manufactures and industries finds
its appointed place. Each volume contains abridged
descriptions of the inventions falling under one of the
146 classes during the period of which it treats (illus-
trated by diagrams or drawings wherever possible), a
detailed index to the inventions according to their
subject-matter, aud an index to the names of
patentees or applicants. For the use of those who
desire to make a careful study of patents, the Patent
Office also publishes an "Abridgment class and index
key" (price Is., parcel postage 5d.), which show in
detail how inventions aro classified, abridged, aud
iudexed throughout its publications.
Presentation to Mr. D. Brough.— At the
" Kirkhouse Inn," Strathblane, N.B., on the evening
of the 2nd inst., Mr. Brough, who has for the past
five years had charge of the gardens and grounds
of Sir Archibald Edmonstone, Bart., at Duntreath
Castle, and who is now about to resign the charge
there, was made the recipient of a handsome dining-
room clock by the committee of the Strathblane
Horticultural Society, the garden staff at Duntreath,
and a few friends and well-wishers. Mr. Love, in
making the presentation, paid Mr. Brough a high
tribute for the manner in which he threw himself
into the work of the Strathblane Horticultural Society,
his attention to duty, and his straightforwardness.
During these five years the finances of the Society
had about doubled themselves ; that again was due
in a measure to his energy. He had much pleasure
in asking Mr. Brough to accept this small token of
the respect and esteem with which he was held by a
very wide circle of friends. Mr. Brough, in a few
suitable words, thanked those present for their beau-
tiful gift presented to him, and for their good wishes
and kind sentiments.
Home Correspondence.
PHYSALIS FRANCHETTI. — Seeing in your issue a
note respecting the uon- ripening of Physali-sFranchetti,
and having grown a large number successfully, perhaps
a description of my methods would be acceptable to
your readers, for it is a plant that may be grown
by everyone. First, snails are very fond of it, and
care should be taken to prevent it being eaten by
these creatures when just coming up ; it requires a
good deep, rich soil ; and towards July it should
have some of the shoots thinned out, also some
leaves removed thus exposing the calyces to the
Bun. By carrying out these directions I feel sure
that these will ripen well almost anywhere in Britain.
I send a calyx to show the size to which they grow
with me, and to the number of eight to ten on a stem.
It is quite dwarf as P. Alkekengi. — J. P., The Ericas,
King's Norton.
THE R.H.S. AWARDS OF MERIT.— Would it not
bo well for the Royal Horticultural Society to make
a change in the system by which the Awards of Merit
are frequently made ? I am referring to a case where
two or more growers exhibit the same variety of plant
or flower, and each share the honour. Would it not
be better that the award be made to the best speci-
men? I will illustrate a case. On October 28 I
placed before the Floral Committee of the National
Chrysanthemum Society blooms of the Chrysanthemum
Lady Ridgway, to which a F.C.C. was awarded. Some
one connected with another firm of growers gather-
ing that these same blooms would be placed the next
day before the Floral Committee of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, also sent blooms of the same variety,
and although these said blooms would undoubtedly
have been passed by the committee, they being only
one-third of the size of those I exhibited, the firm
share equal honours with myself, who really won the
Award of Merit. W. J. Godfrey, E.rmouth. [.Surely
one certificate is enough, the repetition of them is
bscomiug ridiculous. Ed.]
BLACK CURRANTS. — The Black Currant will
grow in almost any kind of soil, but that which is
deeply worked and well enriched with rotten manure
suits them best. If the bushes were planted carefully
at about 4 to 5 feet apart, they should be kept within
reasonable bounds by the free use of the knife. I
like to go over the bushes soon after the fruits have
been gathered, and (where unduly thick) give the
branches a good thinning out. Only a short time
since, I observed Black Currant bushes, that were
pruned on the spur method, like Red and White
Currants. The yearly addition of plenty of strong
young shoots should be the aim of the cultivator of
Black Currants. In the case of old buBhes, I have seen
the entire cutting down of the heads practised, and
with very satisfactory results, numerous shoots spring-
ing up from the base, which fruited abundantly for
some years afterwards. Still, the best practice is to
plant fresh bushes to take the place of those that aro
worn out. Baldwin's Black is a very heavy cropping
variety, and a favourite with many ; Black Naples is
also an excellent one. H. Marjcham.
GARDENERS' SUPPLANTERS. -Jud^iug by what
one hears from time to time, there must be many
imitators of the biblical supplanter Jacob amongst the
gardening fraternity. Personally, I can enjoy a fair
contest on any principle or poiut of gardeningpractico
without feeling the least ill-will agaiust my opponent
if I am worsted. No doubt some of the numerous
readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle will understand
my point. I allude to the covetousness of those
who, by unfair means, try to supplant a fellow-
gardener who may seem to them to be in difficulties.
Most of us are well aware of the necessity for prompt
and energetic action on the part of anyone seeking a
situation. To say the least, however, it show3 bad
taste when an applicant for a situation neglects to find
out the truth of the matter before applying, as it
may happen that it is not vacant. I fear it will have but
little effect on these persons to know that situations
gained by such means often bring misery in their train.
These thoughts have been uppermost in my mind for
some time, and to-night's post brought mo two letters
from distant friends, both telling me of a case bear-
ing on this subj • ct, which has occurred quite recently.
The gardener whose post was likely to become
vacant, is practically a stranger to me. Some evil-
minded person started a report that he was danger-
ously ill ; and in a short space of time, his employer
received numerous applications for the situation.
One of my correspondents met this gardener last week
looking round a well known garden in the vicinity of
London. He was then some 200 miles from his home,
which is in Wales, and he seemed well and strong for
his age. It may be mentioned that he ha3 held his
present post for over thirty years, and I am assured
that he enjoys the full confidence and sympathy of
his employer. Orerhanded , October 30.
PLUM COE'S GOLDEN DROP.— I consider no wall
devoted to the culture of Plums complete without
the above most useful variety. The young trees
perhaps do not fruit so freely as some kinds do, but
when once they begin to bear, we have a Plum of
great excellence. It has a property apart from its
pleasing golden colour and high quality, which is
not to be found in many of our juicy fruits, namely,
the length of time it will keep in good condition
after it has been gathered, if taken from the trees
ripe aud rolled up in thin tissue-paper, and placed on
shelves iu a dry fruit-room. A good west aspect
invariably suits this variety, and if planted in good
soil and well taken care of, the trees grow with great
freedom. In fact, like most Plums, they are very
apt to make too gross wood when in a young state.
Many young trees aro very frequently to be met with
comparatively ruined, through not being kept checked
by root-lifting, &c, in their early stages of growth.
It might be argued that almost any soil will suit the
Plum, but for walls I have always found it tho better
plan by far to prepare good soil for the roots, and this
rammed firm ; and should the trees break away into
rank growth, check them by root-pruning. 1 often
think the knife is wrongly used ; instead of hard
cutting the branches and shoots yearly, it would be
better to cut the roots, and the latter I would strongly
urge to be doue at once where the trees are growing
too strong to be fruitful. H. Markham, Margate.
MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA GRAPES.— In the
Gardeners' Chronicle, October 30, p. 313, your corre-
spondent, " B. W.," remarked that my letter was a
trifle misleading. I should be very pleased if the
writer would publish 'his experience in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, I doing the same, then readers would be
able to decide the matter. Airing is not only
required in the summer and autumn, but from the
time they are started, which, as a rule, is about the
latter end of February or beginning of March. The
Grapes about which I wrote took the 1st prize at
Birmingham aud Rugby shows, and I think that judges
do not give 1st prizos to the worst exhibits. I cannot
agree with ' ' B. W." in saying that a double thickness of
fish-net is not required if the airing is properly seen
to. The way this letter reads is out of the treatment
altogether, for to advise the putting on of a lot of
air the first thing iu the day is certainly misleading
The writer believes that Muscat of Alexandria can
Btand the hottest rayB without shading. I am sure
that the foliage of this variety flags sooner from
strong sunshine than any other variety. It is not iu
the middle of the day that the foliage gets scorched,
but the first thing in tho morning when the sun is
bright. If they are once neglected at this time, the
damage is already done. Early closing is another
practice that I do not hold with, aud also syringing
the Vines, because if the berries are wetted and the
sun strikes them, the fruit gets scalded. And with
early closing there is always the liability to scald.
Therefore if " B.W." will publish bis experiences, I
will do likewise. A. Smith, Harcwood House Gardens,
Hendon.
THE QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE. — It has
occurred to me that it would be an interesting
incident in this memorable year, to plant a
group of sixty sapling Oaks in a suitable position
in Hyde Park. [These trees do not succeed in
London. Ed.]. A group of Oaks would be a living
monument of the auspicious occasion, and the group
to be called the " Diamond Oaks." This suggestion
is respectfully offered for the consideration of the
Loudon County Council, or the Park authorities ;
and were it adopted, I venture to assert that such a
clump of these trees would be admired. On many
estates, great and small, in this country, single trees
in variety have been planted this year to commemo-
rate the national event, but to plant sixty in one
group in one of the London parks would, I think, be
unique in character and appearance. This year of
special interest, 1897, to the English people and the
Empire, is now drawing to a close ; still, there is
ample time to carry out my humble suggestion, should
it meet with the approbation of the authorities that
be. J. Gardner, Elsham Hall Gardens, Lincoln. [It
might be done at Windsor. Ed.]
A LAWN SWEEPING MACHINE.— When on a visit
to I'etworth the other day, I saw one of Messrs.
Sutton & Pull's lawn-sweeping machines at work, and
NiiVEMBKi: u', 1897.J
THE GAR DENE US' CHRONICLE.
331
was much struck with its simplicity and the efficient
manner it performed its work. Although there was
a good lot of leaves, and many Chestnuts, the machine
deposited them all in the collecting - box. It w«
being easily worked by two men, and the quantity of
ground that they had swept with it proved what a
boon it is to gardeners who have extensive lawns to
keep tidy, as six men could scarcely have done the
same amount of work with brooms in the time. Not
only is it labour-saving, but the lawn, I thought, looked
fresher than when swept with the broom. //., Hereford.
THE USE OF FLORAL LEAVES.— One has often
heard the question put, " What is the object in
Nature of the green leaves which we sometimes see
developed at the base of the flower-cluster, at the
upper end of the flower-stalks, of certain plants.'"
I have never heard any cogent or satisfactory answer
given to the question, so I experimented on an out-
growth of that kind which manifested itself on the
flower-stalks of some plants of Primula fariuosa in
my borders this summer. I pegged these flower-
stalks down, on the method of pegging-down Straw-
berry-runners, and to-day I have taken them up as
well-rooted offsets. This seems to prove that out-
growths of this kind constitute really a supplemen-
tary mode of propagation provided by Nature. By
the way, I may observe that Primula farinosa with
me proves to be a charming border-flowor, blooming
over a prolonged period, and affording a charming
display of exquisite floral gems. It loves a magnesian
limestone soil. (?. Paul, 10, St. Marjfs Avenue,
Harrogate.
YORKSHIRE APPLES.— I have read with interest
Mr. Bunyard's paper on fruit-culture during Her
Majesty's Reign; also the notes upon the non-com-
petitive collections of fruit and flowers staged at the
Royal Horticultural Meeting, October 1 and 2, which
has led me to send samples of Apples that I have
found to do well here for the last three years. Most
of the trees from which these were taken were root-
pruned in the autumn of 1893, and some of th-ui
slightly raised above the level of the surrounding
ground ; and they have siuce received an annual mulch
of partly-decayed manure, and occasional waterings in
hot, dry weather, and have twice been sprayed with
sulphate of copper and lime in calm and mild
weather in winter ; 1 lb. of sulphite of copper and
1 peck of lime to 30 gallons of water. The trees of
Warner's King, Bramley's Seedling, Tower of Glamis,
Fearn's Pippin, KiDg of the Pippins, Kcklinville, aud
Lord Grosvenor (of the two last-named I have no
samples left), have borne regular aud good crops. t!io
trees having been planted four ytars ago. Small's
Admirable, Stirling Castle, Domino, and Nelson's
Glory promise well, and have given a good return
for the last two seasons. Peasgood's Nonsuch,
Blenheim Orange, and Annie Elizabeth, have borne
regular but thm crops. The variety No. 10 has
done well this year, it was grafted on an old
stock of Golden Noble, and Cox's Pomona has borne
well this year for the first time, being planted four
years. Of Dumelow's Seedliug I have only one tree,
winch is very shy, but generally it gives us a
few useful late fruits. All the above are worth
giving a trial in Northern gardens ; the best for
cooking being Lord Grosvenor, Domino, Nelson's
Glory, Tower of Glamis, and Bramley's Seedling,
which would give a supply of Apples from
August till the end of April. Bramley's Seed-
liug keeps sound and free from spotting, which is a
common blemish in southern fruit of this variety.
The best dessert Apples are Beauty of Bath and Irish
Peach coming into use early, and Fearu's Pippin and
King of the Pippins to follow. I am sorry not to
be able to grow Cox's Orange Pippin. We want one
as good that will finish its fruits well ; can any
reader recommend one, our garden being in the
East Riding, 2J miles from the sea-coast ? I find
several varieties of Apple shrivel here, and are
useless, although left on the trees till very late.
The ones numbered 13 for instance, I have left
until the middle of November, but it never finishes
fit for use. Thomas Down, Was3and Ball, Hull.
[Cox's Pomona is a very fine fruit, although neces-
sarily not of so high a colour as it comes in the
south. Warner's King was 5 inches in width, and
3.J; inches in height, a very fine specimen — of a weight
of 19 ozs. Tower of Glamis was 4 inches in height
and 4} in width, an unblemished fruit — of this
variety our correspondent informs us that he has
fruits weighing as much as 1 lb. each. Annie
Elizabeth was a perfect example, 3:| inches in height,
and 4| inches in width, of a weight of 10{ oz*.
The fruit of Bramley's Seedling was 3.V inches high and
i\ inches wide, and of a weight of 15J ozs. Blen-
heim Orange was a fine, high-coloured fruit, approach-
ing ripeness ; as was likewise Peasgood's Nonsuch, a
fruit measuring 3.^ inches in height, weighing 12.V ozs.
Nelson's Glory was a nice-looking fruit of full size ; as
was also Norfolk Beaufin. King of the Pipping and
Fearn's Pippin were of fair Bize, and nice-looking fruits.
Our correspondent does not volunteer the infor-
mation, but we take it that the trees from which the
fruits were taken were espaliers or bushes. In any
ease, they show in a very striking manner what excel-
lent Apples can be grown in Yorkshire with the
proper degree of atteution in regard to shelter and
providing suitable stocks, to root-pruning, thinning,
and surface-feeding. In the matter of development,
these fruits leave nothing to be desired. Ed.].
NEW PLANTS FROM THE SWAZI SURVEY.—
The conclusions arrived at in the article on p. 273 of
the Gardeners' Chronicle may be correct in a general
sense but are scarcely so in the present case. It is
pardonable for an amateur to mistake a quaint-
looking Iris for a terrestrial Orchid, or even a
Sindersonia for an orange Lily of the Valley. As to
the Orchids, it is not stated whether they are
epiphytal or terrestrial, but most likely terrestri d
ones ard meant ; and is it not possible that a large
number of these are still unknown ? Mr. Von Weilligh
has a good knowledge of South African flowers, and
besides, he has a discerning eye for their peculiarities;
this I conclude from his excellent and exact drawings
and specimens which are before me, and I may safely
predict that most of his finds will prove them to be
new to cultivation, or even to science. The Gladiolus,
" Green Giant, " has leaves not 3 inches but 3 feet
long ; the so called Lilies are Arum Lilies or Aroids,
among which is a beautiful Pothos ! In any case,
honour is due to Mr. Von Weilligh for having selected
these remarkable plants which will soon reach
Europe, and then will be seen for themselves. Max
Lekhtlin, Baden-Baden,
THE FINE AUTUMN —A walk round the flower-
beds and borders at Bystock, Exmouth, on October 27,
revealed a wedth of beauty such as is seldom seen at
this seasoa. On the terrace walk there are some
thirty large vases filled with Pelargoniums in variety.
Each vase having a separate coloured variety ; large
plaits saved from last year were put out in the spring,
and all through the season have been full of flower,
and they are still very showy with Ivy-leif Pelar-
goniums and Lobelias, full of brightness aud beauty.
The flower garden, though much past its be-t, has
still some beauty ; the beds of tuberous Begonias are
a mass of colour, the Coleus Verschafivlti is past its
best, but Iresine Linden i, Ageratums, Mesembryanthe-
mums, bronze and tricolor-leaved Pelargoniums, be-
sides one named Verona, are bright, gay, an i attractive.
In other trees and borders we have Dahlias in quan-
tity, the colours of the blooms being unusually clear
and bright ; Sweet Peas, Fuchsias, Salvias, Michaelmas
Daisies, in variety and quantity ; Cosmos bipinnatus,
Chelone barbata, Rudbeckias, Helianthus, herbaceous
Puloxes, fino rows of Coreopsis, Scabious, Loptosyne,
Cannas, still bright ; Marguerites, Stocks, Violets,
Carnations, Schizostylis coccinea, Nicotiana affinis,
&c. ; beside Azalea amoena, just about opening ;
Roses in quantity, aud Gladiolus still gay. Turning
from these outside, the Chrysanthemums are now well
advanced under glass, the blooms of fine size, fresh-
ness, and form. /('. Swan, Bystock.
VANILLA PLANIFOLIA.— Seeing your note on
the fertilisation of Vanilla blossoms, perhaps it may be
of interest to know how this was managed successfully,
during the time I had charge of these plants, wheu at
Osberton iu 1831-83 as first fruit journeyman, under
the late Mr. S. A. Wood. The Vanill is were grown
in pots in the succession Pine-stoves, which bad
three-quarter-span roofs, the pots being plunged in
the tan over the rim?, the stems trained up the iron
columns that supported the roof, and covered with
sphagnum-moss, which became in a short time a
network of roots. The plants were syringed every
morning and afternoon in the summer, and the
house was kept moist except during the flowering
and ripening period, when the air was kept
on the dry side. Lead wire was used to secure
the growths, and the sphagnum-moss ; and the roots
travelled over the whole bed. The glass in the roof
was thick rolled plate, which prevented the scorching
of the leaves, and we had no difficulty whatever iu
fruiting them. I have had as many as thirteen
pods on one spike, and most of them 6 to 8 inches
long, and perfectly straight. The '' Squire," as the
owner was called, never failed to have a peep at them
when on his way through the garden. E. Young,
Orange Garden, Kingston Hill.
CHRYSANTHEMUM GOSSIP.
Chrysanthemums in Surrey. — At this season of
the year, when the great flower of autumn is in such
superb bloom, and Chrysanthemum excitement runs
high, it is but natural that those interested in the
flower should wish to see the best collections. I have
done so within the past few days in my own county
of Surrey, and have been for the trouble taken
rewarded by seeing remarkably fine specimens. It
was on the occasion of paying the visits difficult to
reconcile the really splendid June weather with the
Chrysanthemum in full bloom, but so it was.
Downside, Leatherhead.
It is not remarkable that great interest attaches to
the general condition of the collection at this place,
for was not Mr. Tate's able gardener, Mr. Mease,
practically the champion grower of last year? What
position he may occupy this year has to bo shown ;
but if he does not occupy the same high place, it will
not be for lack of plants and blooms, or for want of
trying. He would, indeed, be a wonderful grower
who could command the highest position for many
years in succession, especially in face of the strong
competition and the able growers found on every side.
The Downside collection is chiefly housed in two
large spans, and stands on centre beds, so that the
blooms come near the glass. That the blooms
like such a position is evident, as colour and form
both attest. The more light they get, evidently
the better they like it. Still, the formation of the
houses, whilst giving ample light, yet to some extent
breaks th-s force of strong sunshiue, and that is better
than is the employment of shading, which should
ouly be resorted to when unavoidable. When blooms
are finely developed all too early, it is wise to
remove them to a cool place entirely rather than to
employ shading for all the plants in the house. Mr.
Mease has a high reputation for doing ineurveds
well, and that he will show these le:s easy-to-finish
flowers iu fine condition this season there can be no
doubt. Whilst many of them were not so forward,
re'atively, as the huge Japanese, yet the grower knows
so well how to time his blooms, that his judgment may
bo relied upon to have them at their best when wanted.
Amongst fine flowers were M. P. Martignac, pale
yellow, very deep ; Globe d'Or, Baron Hirsoh, Brook-
leigh Gem, Austin Cannell, reddish-maroon, very
fine massive petal, fine form, a beat-out Refulgence ;
It. A. Bihuant, Madame Darier, Jeanne d'Arc, D.
B. Crane, fiue golden hue ; Major llonaffon, Charles
II. Curtis, both grand yellows ; Noel Pragnell, the
slriped variety ; R. C. Kingston, J. Lambert, Violet
T molin, Princess of Wales, Robert Petficld, Robert
C mnell, Lucy Kendall, and many others. These,
and in every case fine blooms, serve to show some-thing
of the Woodside ineurveds.
Japanese are legion. White i and yellows are
not only in rich profusion, but in new varieties they
dominate largely. Here there are in grand form
Viviand Morel, C. A. Davis, and the newer and beau-
tiful sport, Lady Hanham ; then Edwin Molyneux,
still finest of all the crimsons, is Biiperb and
numerous. How grand amongst yellows is Phoebus,
and even the good old Sunflower is excellent. Aus-
tralian Gold is very fine, and Lidy Byron is a fine
white. Mutual Friend, another good white, is there,
so, too, are Mrs. Weeks, and the beautiful Madame
Carnot. M. Hoste is a large flower, pale pink in
colour, and has loag ribbon-like petals ; whilst M.
Marius Ricoud is magenta-coloured, and a charming
flower. Modestum is a grand incurved yellow
Japanese. Mrs. C. Blick has very solid blooms.
A. H. Wood, the yellow sport from Primrose
League, gives superb flowers ; so also doe3 Simplicity,
a remarkably fine white. Another nobie white
is Mrs. J. Lewis. Of fine incurved form is Lady
Isabel, somewhat lavender-shaded ; but perhaps
the noblest of this type of flower is N. C. S.
Jubilee, very massive petal, broad, and cdour mauve
shaded blue. This seems to be the bluest yet put
to commerce. How fine here, as everywhere, is
M. Chenon de Leche, the great flower of last year.
John Neville, rich chestnut ; Ethel Addison, Robert
332
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[NoVkmber 6, 1897.
Powell, Colonel W. B. Smith, Pride of Madford,
Beauty of Exmouth, Biron Tait, Lady Ridgway,
Pallanzi, Edith Tabor, Miss Dorothy Foster, a very
fine variety ; Australie, and others, suffice to tell of
the great variety grown here. A. D.
At Wood -Hatch.
The superb show of Chrysanthemums annually
made for Mr. T. B. Haywood at this charming place by
Mr. C. J. Salter, lacks nothing in beauty, or interest, or
quality, this season. The plants are housed in two
long and none too high lean-to's, where intermixed they
make a beautiful show. The houses, as well as the posi-
tion, are warm, and the blooms seem rather advanced ;
but it is better to be a little forward than too late.
In every case the blooms seem to be of the finest
form, and the plants are in perfect condition.
Amongst Japanese, very fine indeed, apparently
almost unbeatable, were Lady Ridgway, everywhere
good ; Madame Oustave Henry, a beautiful white ;
Pride of Exmouth, Mrs. Harman Payne, Lady Byron,
Mdlle. L. Zede, lilac ; H. Jacotot fils, very fine ;
Mrs. J. Lewis, the superb new white ; Thos. Wilkins,
in fine form ; Col. W. B. Smith, Surprise, rich rosy-
magenta ; C. A. Davis, Lady Hanham, Viviand Morel,
Pride of Madford, Mrs. C. Blick, Louise, Mutual
Friend, Australian Gold, Miss Elsie Teichmann, broad
petals, white, flushed lilac ; Phoebus, in great form ;
A. H. Wood, much superior to G. J. Warren; Edith
Taber, A. H. Fewkes, Lady Isabel, Mrs. C. Orchard,
Australie, Thos. Wilkins, Col. Chase, a lovely flower ;
Madame Rosarie, Modestum, here with the Viviand
Morels, on 3 feet plants, in 32's, carrying grand
flowers ; and many more. Then of incurveds, very
fine indeed were C. H. Curtis, Princess of Wales,
D. B. Crane, Major Bonaffon, Empress of India,
Globe d'Or, Mrs. Norman Davis, Violet Tomlin,
Lord Alcester, J. Lambert, Queen of England,
Madame Darier, Prince Alfred, and others too
numerous to mention in detail. Beyond these, the
collection is very strong in reflexed an! Anemones —
indeed, of these latter, there is a fine representation ;
and in another house are singularly perfect and
beautiful Pompons in great variety. Many growers
may have more large-flowered forms, but this collec-
tion is so rich in variety, and is essentially represen-
tative. The entire group is one which any gentleman
may well be proud to possess, for it indicates on the
part of the gardener very high capacity ; still, whe'her
in Orchids or Roses, or in anything else, all is
admirably done.
Bramlet Park, Guildford.
Lower down the county is the fine collection which
Mr. Henry Paddon has grown for Colonel Ricardo at
this place. The Chrysanthemums here have not
been noticed appreciably in the past, but judged
by what was seen the other day, the merits
are not a bit behind those of the very best.
Generally, the blooms as found on the plants
in the warmest lean-to's, were forward, but they
were in grand firm. Were Mr. Paddon to enter the
lists with some of the big growers he could hold his
own well. In the Guildford district he is rarely
beaten, but being of very modest deportment, he does
not fly at high game. In referring to his Japanese
flowers, names already becoming familiar have to be
repeated. Those very fine were : Mrs. Weeks, John
Neville, Modestum, intense yellow ; Pallanza, here
remarkably good ; Madame Carnot, Pride of Ex-
mouth, M. Chenon de LecluS, A. H. Wood, La
Moucherette, Phoebus, Pride of Madford, Australian
Gold, Dorothy Seward. Boule. d'Or, Simplicity, here a
grand white j Australie, Mrs. J. Lewis, General
Roberts, Graphic, Viviand Morel, Lady Hanham,
Oceana, a Bplendid yellow ; Mutual Friend, Colonel
W. B. Smith, H. L. Sunderbruch, Madame Gustave
Henry. Lady Ridgway, Lady Byron, Miss Elsie
Teichmann, Ueuil de Jules Ferry, with others, serjeto
show that the collection is well up-to-date. Then of
incurveds, these generally being very strong, were
C. H. Curtis, Golden Empress, D. B. Crane, Lord
Alcester, Queen of England, Mrs. R. C. Kingston,
Globe d'Or, Lady Kendall, Violet Tomlin, Miss Aggas,
Robert Cannell, with many more. These three
collections alone place Surrey in a very high position
as a Chrysanthemum county. A. D.
Chrysanthemums at Elmhcrst, Reading.
A large display of well-developed Japanese Chrys-
anthemums may be seen at Elmhurst, Reading, the
reiidence of G. W. Palmer, Esq. As large and hand-
some (lowers are preferred by his employers, Mr. B.
Dockerill, the gardener, produces them of fine
quality, and the plants, from their vigorous and
healthy foliage and sturdy habit, show him to be an
adept in cultivation. The] variety, Amos Perry, a
beautiful golden-yellow-hued incurving Japanese, was
observed in Buperb character ; it is rather tall in
growth. W. H. Lincoln is also very fine, with a
richness in the colouring not always seen. Pallanza
and other yellows were furnished with fine blossoms.
There were some remarkably good blooms of Colonel
W. B. Smith, also somewhat tall in growth ; and
others of Charles Davis, Viviand Morel, Charles
Shrimpton, Edwin Molyneux, Etoile de Lyon, John
Shrimpton, Madame Ad. Chatin, M. Chenon de
Leehe", Phoebus, W. G. Hewitt, and others, are in the
collection. Mr. Doekerilljgrows Souvenir d'une Petite
Amie, a dwarf and vigorous pure white variety,
somewhat largely ; the plants carry five or six
blossoms, forming a bold head, and invaluable for
decorative purposes.
It was at Elmhurst that Mrs. G. W. Palmer, the
distinct sport from Mrs. C. Harman Payne, arose,
which just failed to obtain a Certificate of Merit at
the last meeting of the National Chrysanthemum
Society's Floral Committee. This sport furnishes a
very interesting illustration of bud- variation, for I
was informed by Mr. Dockerill that he took out all
the buds of the shoot which produced Mrs. G. W.
Palmer, but divided them and struck them sepa-
rately, after dividing them into top buds and bottom
buds. The top buds all produced Mrs. G. W. Palmer,
the lower ones another distinct sport, and of a better
and more symmetrical build than the parent ; the
flowers have a lilac surface, with a silvery -lilac reverse,
pale and delicate, but distinctly of a deeper tint than
those of Mrs C. H. Payne. Mr. Dockerill has
twenty plants of this sport, and they are all quite
uniform in character.
Early varieties are also grovn, and some for their
freedom of bloom for cutting, such as Ryecroft Glory
and Source d'Or. Fair Maid of Guernsey is one of
the chief varieties grown for late bloomin;. Elm-
hurst is a compict place with Vineries, Peach and
plant-bouses, propagating pits, cold framos, &e.
Much cut-bloom is required, an 1 small foliaged
plants for a variety of decorative purpose1. Cycla-
mens, Chinese Primroses, and other spring floweriug-
plants are coming on for blooming at that period of
the year. Some fine tuberous-rooted Begonias are
just going out of bloom. Bushes of Euonymus are
grown in pot3 for use in the flower garden. The
condition of everything reflects great credit on Mr.
Dockerill. R. D.
Finsburt Park.
It is no meagre prais9 to the Finsbury collection to
say that it is as good as usual. Eich year Mr.
Melville has had a display that could only be accu-
rately described in the superlative degree, and there
is always a ueatness and finish about the plants that
is exception d. They are arranged this season in the
old span-roofed house, in one sloping bank, with
undulations, anl serpentine face. There is but one
path through the house, and this is a narrow one —far
too narrow to be quite convenient ; for although
our visit was made upon an ordinary afterno in
there was a block of visitors for some distance outside
the eutr-ince door. Apirt from this very consider-
able drawback, the house is a most suitable one for
the plants. Abundance of side ventilation, and a
warm-water pipe running round the sides, the
atmosphere appeared exceptionally pure and buoyant.
I: such circumstances the blooms last the loogeit
time possible. The exhibition was opened on Qa*. 9,
and there are something like 2000 plants on show.
Some of the varieties that appeared best done were
the following :— Beauty of Teignmouth, about which
there has been so much dispute as to its correct name ;
Hairy Wonder, a variety popular in all the parks as
being an eisy doer, and one of the beBt representa-
tives of the hirsute class; Mia3 Elsie Teichmann, a
large white Japanese incurved with lemon tint ; the
eirly- flowering and distinct incurved Japanese
Louise; C ilonel Conway, a very fine white flower ;
Avalanche, and the beautifully s>ft yellow Phoebus,
Western King appeared to be the greatest novelty ;
and we noticed good blooms of Cullingfordi, G. W.
Childs, Duke of York, Dennis Smith Rylands, and
Madame Isaac, a large smooth-petalled Japanese
flower just passing. The iron pillars in the centre of
the bouse were hidden by tall plants of the beautiful
variety Margot and its freely-produced pale rosy-
lilac flowers. A few Chrysanthemums are inter-
mixed with the Palms and other plants in the newer
house, which is used as a winter garden. Both of
these buildings are close to the Manor House
entrance to the park.
Victoria Park.
One characteristic of the collection at Victoria is
repeated year after year. Certain varieties such as
Gloire du Rocher and Val d'Andorre, are obtained in
unusually good colour. As Mr. Moorman, the
superintendent there, is a recognised " Mum " man,
and a member of the Floral Committee of the
National Chrysanthemum Society, it is not surprising
that the plants are grown well, or that the display
in this park is one of the best. Nothing novel in
the Jway of presenting them to the public eye has
been attempted, though in such a large and compara-
tively wide house there would seem to be opportunity
to do so. No doubt all the collections in the parks
suffer in arrangement from the coisideration that
has to be given to securing a free passage through
the house for the public, and one that presents the
least excuse for dawdling. In the present case there
is a good wide path through the centre, and the
Chrysanthemums are arranged in banks from either
hand. We noticed fine blooms of the following
varieties : — Bouquet de Dames, H. L. Sunderbruch,
Mrs. E. S. Trafford (Japanese incurved, palest rose
and lemon— very pretty) ; Amiral Avellan, Val d'An-
dorre, Beauty ef Teignmouth, the new Ideality,
a white - flo vered incurved ; Lady Byron, the
richly golden Molestum, Emily Silsbury, with
large pure white flower, ; Mrs. A. Gardiner, a
purple-flo verel Anemone; and Mrs. Caterer, a
white II > vered Anemone; Mrs. E. S. Trafford, the
sport from W. Trieker, has done well ; and there are
fairly representative b'.ooms of Edith Tabor, the huge
Australie, Intern itional, A. II. Fewkes, Oceana, Mr.
Bunn, C. H. Curtis, and others. The Victoria Park
display has been on view since October 1-4, and will
be in good condition for some time yet.
Socthwark Park.
The arrangement of the Chrysanthemums at
Southwark has always differed from that in the
rest of the parks, and has been less stereo-
typed. To obtain local change, however, this
season, the collection does not afford this novelty
in the same degree. The plants are displayed
in an irregular T-shaped house, and the plants
are grouped on either side of a central path, that
passes up the stem of the T, and out at one of the
elbows, the other being blocked by tall Chrys-
anthemums. This is another concession to the
" move on " system. The display was opened to the
public on October 7, and has since been visited by
very large numbers of people. At most of the
parks there is a tendency to obtain an. exhibition at
too early a dito, beginning wi'.h the first week in
October, and becoming very much less attractive at
the beginning of November, when we think it should
only be a^ lroachiug its be it. This is the case at
Soatj. /j.i-1, j.-i i the recent fogs have helped greatly to
hurrythe blooms past. There his been a good show,
anil a large number of varieties are grown, amongst
which the hirsute section is well to the fore in more
than a dozen sorts. A few of the best grown varieties
when these notes were taken were Mrs. Chas. Blick,
Lord Alcester, Hairy Wouder, M. 0. Molin, the large
yellow Margery Kinder, Mrs. J. Shrimpton, Mrs. G.
November 6, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
333
Gofer (a very fine colour for this distinct variety),
Sunllower, Duchess of Wellington, and Emily Silsbury .
The Superintendent is Mr. It. Curie, who used to be
at Waterlow Park, and formerly^ at Sefton Park,
Liverpool,
Battersea Park.
The visitors to this south-western park, upon entering
the Chrysanthemum-house, are not slow to appreciate
the one characteristic that claims the attention of the
connoisseur. The house ia span-roofed, with the plant*
arranged in one group, with sloping face, and there is a
pith down one of the Bides ; the rest of the house has
been decorated with Pompon and other varieties in
quite a captivating fashion. Above Dne's head as jcu
pats down the house, the roof is covered for a good
part of its height with long-stemnied decorative and
Pompon varieties, from which hang bunches of the
prettiest blooms in much profusion. Even the ends
of the house have been treated similarly, and there. -
fore the effect upon entering is just that described
in the frequent exclamations we heard, " Wha' a
picture ! " Ic may be worth while reminding some
of us who are prone to be carried away with
enthusiasm for large blooms, thit to most visiters
at Battersea, this feature we have alluded to seems
to be most admired. Mr. Coppin and his grower,
Mr. Wheeler, are to be congratulated. The general
collection is good, but has suffered much from tie
fog prevalent during the last week, and it is fortunate
that there is a number of plants in reserve to take
the places of some that will soon have passed. Mrs.
O. Gover, M. Chenon de Llche, Edith Tabar, Inter-
national, Suullower, Laely Byron, (jueen of England,
Madame Carnot, Griphic, and Hairy Wonder are a
few varieties that appeired in best form.
Waterlow Park.
Since October 10 the show at this park has been
open to the inspection of the public. The conserva-
tory and greenhouses are filled with a very well-
grown collection of plants, and the Highgate people
have no cause to complain of the display their
caterers have provided them with. Naturally the
atmospheric conditions here and at South wark or
Bittersea are very different, and it is easy to observe
the ell'ect of these upon many varieties in the collec-
tion. At no park have we Been this season b.-tter
blooms of Viviand Morel and its sport, Cnas 1'ivis,
than Mr. Pallett has at Waterlow, the size and co'our
of the blooms being both very good. Though this
is one of the 8mallersiz:d parka, the Chrysanthe-
mums arc kept well up to date, as is proved by the
presence of such nivelties as Western King, a Urge
white ; Modestum, M. Chenon de Lsohe" (one of
Calvat's prettiest varieties), Kentish White, an
incurved Japanese, and others. Western King had
not quite developed its flowers when we saw
them, but they promised well ; and equally gool
were buds of Midatne Carnot that were just
upon opening. Three good blooms upon a plant
well displayed the beauty of Phoebus; and there
were not wanting fine examples of Hairy Wonder,
"W. Seward, and Lady Byron — a good white
variety neceBsary to any collection. The mostnotic:-
able of incurveds were Mr. Bunn and White Beverley,
but others will be better later. Waterlow is a
charming 1 ttle park.
Continental Novelties,
Mr. Ernst Benary includes among his novelties —
Citpltca miniala compaeta (Benary). — This novelty,
growing about 8 inches high, forma the first
departure from the type of the valuable Cuphea
miniata. Its flowera are produced in great num-
bers in viriaus shades of carmine, scarlet,
crimson, and purple, and form a pleasing con-
trast with the fresh green foliage. The bushy
ittle plant* are certainly a valuable addition to our
dwarf-growing annuals, the more so as they bloom
until late in the autumn. They will be found useful
for bedding, and still more so as pot-plants, being the
first annual Cuphea suitable for this purp»8«.
Leplosyne St illmani( Asa Gray).— This beautiful Cali-
fornian annual (fig. 99) comes from the Sierra Nevada,
where it grows at a height of 5000 to 6000 feet. With
graceful, thinly-cut foliage, and growing about 1 foot
high, the habit of the plant is bushy and compact,
and each of the numerous flower-stems is crowned
with a golden-yellow blossom of over 1J inch in
diameter, which remains five to six weeks in full
beauty. In addition to the rapid germination of
the seeils, a prominent characteristic of this Lepto-
syne is that it blooms within four to five weeks after
sowing, surpassing in this respect almost every other
annual. It is best to sow in the open air in sanely
ground in a sunny situation.
Mr. Frederick Roemer, Quedlinboro, Germany,
announces —
Hflianthus annuas, Qoldleaf. — Single Sunflower,
with golden-yellow variegated leaves.
Myosotis alpestris Triumph. — This novelty is
another variety of the early-flowering class, ami is
FlG. 90.- LEPT03YNE STIL'.MANI (ueiltT. BENARY),
likely to prove the beet variety for blooming in
winter, and principally for cutting. It is a sport from
Myosotis alpestris robusta grandillora (the Hen and
chickens Forget-me-Not) ; the plants are of a vigorous
habit, grow about 12 to 15 inches high, and they
bloom like their parent, having the same large bright
azure-blue-coloured flowers borne on long stems, with
the characteristic central double bloom.
RAMIE FIBRE.
As most readers know, the reducing to economic
value of Ramie fibre has engaged the attention of t e
Indian Government from time to time during tho
past half-century. Premiums have been offered for
the production of machinery capable of solving the
problem of £ s. d., and much inventive talent anel
many thousands of pounels have be«n enlisted in the
solution of the problem : and it is only now
that we find a German firm actually placing on
the market very fine Bamples of spun Hamie, and
showing samples of fine lace work (all fibre), and
quite a lot of other things, either mixtures of the
flore with cotton or wool, or fibre backed with either
cott an or wool. The miteiial is readily receptive of
dyes, which in many cases appear to add to the silken
sheen. The durability is probably the same as that
of ot'ier vegetable fibres under like conditions, Vut of
(his we have no information. Glazed cotton and jute,
not to mention other substances, have at pre ent a
strong hold e>n the market for hangings, cords,
trimmings, and other upholstering adjuncts; but
eloultless Ramie will have a gooel turn when it can
compete on the same terms. E. C. [The samples of
lace and thread point to many uses the fibre of
Ramie can be put. Ed. |
Plant Notes.
HYMENOCALLIS MORITZIANA VAU. MAJOIt.
I imported abo.it a dozen bulbs in February, 1895,
from Venezuela, of which only this one survived,
and has since furnished both offsets and seedlitgs.
It differs from the type described in Ilandbmk ti
the Amaryllideie, J. G. Baker; (1), in the leave,
which in the variety narrow abruptly to the stalks ;
(2), the valves of the spathe are not reflexed (at any
rate, at first) ; (3), the tube is loDger ; (4), ttie seg-
ments lanceolate ; and (5), the style shorter.
This plant would therefore take a position inter-
mediate between H. Moritziana and H. undulata
(Herbert, non Hoit.), and, in general, is remark-
able for the gigantic growth of its noble, deep green,
shining euchaiis-shaped leaves. It is also rematkable
for the great size of its spathe, and for the deve-
lopment of wide bracts at the base of every one of
its flowers.
Individually, these resemble the finer forms of H.
speciosa, but the cup is smaller, and the flowers,
instead of opening within a period of about three
days, expand successively over a period of about a
fortnight.
Description.
t^Bulb— 3 to -1 inches in diameter, with short,
distinct neck.
Leaves— a dozen mature leaves at floweting time,
strictly distichous, glabrous, on long channeled stalks,
winged at the base to clasp the stem, persistent
eucharia shaped, but not waved, with Btnall acute
tip. Very deep green in colour. Regular in shap->,
measuring 15 to 19 inches long in the blaele, by 9
inches or more in maximum width, nan owed
suddenly to the Btalks, which are from 1 te> nearly
2 inches wide by up to 1 foot in length.
Scape— central, stout, glaucous, nearly 2 fe.it high,
and bearing an umbel of about twenty erect, sessile,
flowers expanding successively.
Spathe— remarkably developed, the outer pair e.f
valves being C inches long by 2 wide, and large sub-
sidiary valves (or wide bracts) at the base of each
flovrer (some 4 inches by 1 inch).
Flowers— erect, on erect tubes from 0 to 7 inches
long. Very fragrant ; span 8 to 9 inches.
Segments— lanceolate, recurved, more than 5 inches
hang by jj inch maximum width.
Slamenal Cup— small, distinctly toothed, about an
inch long, by |-inch diameter.
Filaments — spreading, bright green in the liee
ends, which are more than 1J inch long.
Anthers — J-inch long ; pollen orange coloured.
Style — horizontal, blight green, an inch shoiter
than the segments. Stigma capitate.
Seals — produced single (or, as in Eliaena, rarely
two in a pod), ripening in one month, irregular, light
green in colour, less than an inch long by more than
half inch wide. A Worsley, hleviorlh.
[The photograph of the plant kindly sent in the
spring of the present year was unfortunately unsuited
for reproduction. Ed ]
Variorum.
Whortleberries. — What the Cloud-berry is
to the Norwegians, the Whortleberry is to the people
of the West. The " Whorts " grow plentifully on
the borders of Exmoor. Their half-acrid, half-
aromatic, flavour make the Plum-like fruit just the
proper thing to eat with Devonshire-cream. Like
many other wild fruits, they are the joy of childhood,
and are not to be despiseel when that happy period
has altogether fled. Western Mercury.
334
THE GAfiDENEltS' CIIBONICLE.
[November 6, 1897.
SOCIETIES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.
October 2(5. — Present: Dr. M. T. Masters, in the chair;
Mr. McLachlan, Mr. Veitch, Mr. Douglas, Prof. A. H. Church,
Mr. Shea, Rev. W. Wilks, and Rev. G. Henslow, Hon. Sec.
Gaits on Oak Roots. — With reference to the specimens
exhibited at the last meeting, Mr. McLachlan observed
that the name of the insect was now Biorhiza aptera, and
that only one sex (the female) was known as occurring in
the root-galls. As soon as it was hatched, the insect climbed to
the terminal shoots and laid its eggs in the buds. The result
was the common spongy gall, known as the Oak-apple. In
this, both male and female insects were produced, and were
formerly thought to be a distinct genus, under the name of
Teras terminalis. The females fall down to the foot of the
Oak and lay their eggs in the roots under ground, and so
reproduce the root-galls. This dimorphism is characteristic
of other gall-in* ects on the Oak.
Sub-pelorian Cattle y as.— -Mr. Veitch exhibited two sprajfl,
carrying several flowers of Cattleya labiata autumnalis,
having the two front sepals assuming the form of lips. He
observed that the same plant hud repeated the peculiarity
both last year and this, but the lip-markings are now more
pronounced. The specimens were received from Mr. F. R.
Lloyd, of Coombe House, Croydon.
Carnation leaves, Malformed. — Mr. Douglas exhibited
leaves with peculiar horn-like excrescences on the margins.
It was suggested that they might be caused by acari. They
were forwarded to Dr. Michael for investigation. Dr.
Masters observed that a Yucca in the Botanic Gardens,
Dublin, produced very eimi'ar structures every year.
Malformed Cauliflower. —Mr. Henslow exhibited a stalk
bearing a cluster of short Asparagus-like shoots, the leaves
being reduced to a bracteate form, suggestive of the name of
Broccoli— viz., Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis asparagoides.
Dr. Masters observed that it bore a very unisual appearance,
really intermediate between a Cauliflower and a wild
Cabbage.
DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'.
October 27.— "How a Knowledge of Botany is a Help to
Gardening," was the title of a paper read at a meeting on the
above date, by Mr. R. Hodder, gr. to Mrs. Trevor Barclay,
Ponsonby, Torquay.
A knowledge of the physiology of plants, or the various
phases of plant generation, growth, and development, was,
said the essayist, a great help to a gardener. A knowledge
of structural botany, in tolling a gardener the reason
for, and the legitimate use of the different organs of
a plant, enabled him to guide its development, and
treat it with greater benefit to tho plant, and with
much less labour to himself. A botanist has a great
advantage in fertilising and hybridising over a gardener
who is wholly ignorant of the science. Indeed, some
knowledge of the science was essential to anyone who aspired
to success as a hybridiser. Gardeners, he thought, ought all
to learn botany. The paper was illustrated with living
spscimens of plants, roots, underground stems, leaves,
(lowers, &c. Referring to cross fertilisation, I he lecturer
showed that while certain crosses were bound to result in
failure, and thus proved an impassable barrier known to the
botanist, there was a wide field in other directions to the
scientific hybridiser.
The chair was occupied by Mr. H Stonfman, late Teacher of
Botany at the Exeter Museum. The Secretary (Mr. HopeI,
exhibited a branch of Cedrus Libani from a tree growing in
a clergyman's garden, the tree having been raised from a
h*eed of a cone picked from one of the remaining specimens of
the ancient Forest of Lebanon. A. H.
TORaUAY DISTRICT GARDENERS'.
October 27.— This society held a most successful exhibi-
tion on the above date. The chief feature consisted of a
large number of table decorations, which occupied the whole
of one end of the hall. Mr. F. Peacock, gr. to P. W. Boshbv,
Esq., was awarded 1st prize for a very light and graceful
arrangement ; Mr. Davis, gr. to Lady Macoreoor, being 2nd.
A very striking exhibit was that of Mrs. Wilson, composed
of Gloriosa superba blooms and grasses. The groups of
Chrysanthemums were grand, Mr. C. R. Prowse, gr. to
Dr. W. Ford Edgelow, being l&t with a splendidly arranged
bank of blooms (this group obtained a National Chrysanthe-
mum Society's Silver Medal).
In the cut- bloom classes, Mr. J. Bill, gr. to the Rev. H
Hutching, won the premier honours. There was a small but
attractive display of fruit. Mr. W. J. Godfrev, of Exmouth,
staged some grand cut blooms of Chrysanthemums, including
many new varieties; and Mi*. Wells of Earlswood, and Mr.
Gee, of Teignmouth, also exhibited. Mr. W. B. Smale was
represented by a fine bank of blooms, prominent among
which was Mrs. H. W»eks, generally remarked upon as being
the best bloom in the show. Messrs. Curtis, Sankord, &
Co. (Ltd.), Horn & Sons, W. Burr]dqe& Sons, \V. Allward,
Beach ey & Co., W. Ti-plin & Sons, and R. Veitch & Son
were the other trade exhibitors. The attendance was very
great, the receipts largely exceeding those of any previous
show.
EXMOUTH MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.
October 28, 29. —The twelfth annual exhibition of Chrys-
anthemums, fruits, and vegetables, was held in the Market
Hall on the above dates and was in every way most
successful.
For thirty-six cut blooms of Japanese Chrysanthemums,
Mr. Foster, gr. to H. Hammond Spencer, Esq., Teignmouth,
was 1st, after keen competition. The uniform size, depth,
and freshness of the flowers in this stand were noticeable.
Among his best blooms were Edith Tabor, Graphic, M.
Chenon de Leche, Australie, Phoebus, Ch. Davies, Colonel
Chase, and Australian Gold ; Mr. J. Lloyd, gr. to E. Stucky,
was 2nd, only just a few points behind.
Mr. Foster was 1st for twelve Japanese blooms, showing
finely ; and for twelve incurved, with good flowers of J.
Agate, Brookleigh Gem, Jeanne d'Arc, and Barbara, among
his best blooms.
The groups of plants were scarcely so good as formerly,
but the circular one from General Rocke was well deserving
the 1st prize awarded it; Mr. Kingscote, gr. to Mrs. Creps-
well, was 2nd.
Other 1st prizes to groups were secured by Mr. Hart, gr.
to Mrs. II. Stewart; and Mr. Churchill, gr. to Mrs. Hume
Long.
The Grapes were more numerous than on previous
occasions, and some tine exhibits were made.
A number of special prizes were offered, among them
being a class for table decoration, to be judged by ladies.
For the best arranged basket of Chrysanthemum blooms
with Ferns, Miss Schneber was successful. A Diamond
Jubilee prize, offered by the Society for the best twelve
blooms arranged in vase, was won by Mr. R. Pike. A fine
group o! plants and cut blooms were staged by Mr. W. J.
Godfrey, who had many choice varieties and novelties in
excellent form. 6.
A FUNGUS FORAY AT CASSIOBURY.
October 30— By the permission of the Earl of Essex and
£ir Matthew White Ridley, the annual fungus foray of tho
H ertfordshire Natural History Society took place on Saturday,
in the Swiss Cottage Woods, Cassiobury Park, and the wood-
walks adjoining Cassiubm-y House. The foray was under
the direction of Mr. Honkinson, and the fungi were identified
by Mr. George Massce, of Kew.
In the morning, a party of eight crossed the park to tho
grounds of the Swiss Cottage, finding about twenty species
in the park, and increasing the number to nearly a hundred,
besides several species not identified at the time, in the damp
woods on the opposite side ol the River Gade to tho Swiss
Cottage, which proved to bo a prolific hunting-ground, espe-
cially for mi3roscopic forms. In the afternoon, the party, in-
creased to upwards of twenty, entered the Cassiobury Wood-
walks, and strolled along the old high road which passes through
them. The number of species found in the morning was nearly
equalled in the afternoon, thus almost doubling the record,
and there was again a much larger proportion of microscopic
fungi than has been found at previous forays. Tho great
find of the day was that of Agaricus (Clitocybe) Sadleri,
discovered by Miss Buchanan. The species was first found
growing on a tub in the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow, and
tbere is no previous record of its occurrence in England. It
has now been added to English species by a young lady
whose native place is the same as that whence came tho
fungus, or at least our knowledge of its existence as a
species. After a brief visit to the gardens of Cassiobury
House, tho wood-walks were left, and the members were
kindly entertained to tea by the Society's Librarian, Mr.
Daniel Hill, at his residence, " Herga." Altogether, an inte-
resting and enjoyable day was spent, and with the satisfac-
tory result of beating any previous record in the number of
species of fungi found.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL OF
ABERDEEN.
October 30.— The annual meeting of the members of this
Society was held on the above date. Mr. James Murray, of
Glenburnie Park, presided.
The report by the directors stated that one exhibition was
held during the year, in the grounds of Gordon's College,
Aberdeen. From a horticultural point of view the show was
fully up to the average; but, altho igh ihe expenses were
reduced by the sum of £110, the financial results were very
unsatisfactory, owing to the unfavourable weather. The
Directors, however, had pleasure in reporting that there is a
free balance of over £190 to carry forward to next year's
accounts.
NATIONAL, CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 1. — A number of very fine blooms came before
the Floral Committee at the meeting held at the Royal
Aquarium on Monday last] and though the members of tho
committee were fewer than is usual owing to the occurrence
of numerous exhibitions, tho awards were made with great
circumspection.
From Mr. N. MoL'YNECS, gr., Rookesbury Park. Farehani,
came Japanese, Mary Molynenx, a flower having a palfl
purple ground colour, with silvery reverse a line incurved
variety that received a First-class Certificate. And his new
white incurved, Mrs. N. Molyneuv, a grand flower in the
style of Empress of India, but considered to be sufficiently
distinct to merit a First-class Certificate of Merit. Japanese
Princess Charles of Denmark, the committee wished to see
again, it being a very promising flower; its colour, buff with
a centre of orange-yellow hue.
From Mr. B. Dockerill, gr. to G. W. Palmer, Esq., Elm-
hurst, Reading, came Mrs. G. W. Palmer, the rich bronzy
and buff-coloured sport from Mrs. C. H. Payne, in much
better form than it has hitherto been seen. It was unani-
mously awarded a First-class Certiticate of Merit. From the
same place came Miss Kittie Barratt, which came on the same
shoot as Mrs. G. W. Palmer, six blooms being shown ; but
the committee regarded this as the true original form of
Mrs. C. H. Payne, this variety of late having developed a
rough and pale character.
Mr. H. Weeks, gr., Thrimpton Hall, Derby, sent some
seedlings of his own raising, and one of these, W. Cursbam, a
very promisingvariety, dull red, with umber reverse, the com-
mittee wished to see again. This was said to have been a
seedling from G. C. Schwabe crossed with R. Owen. Two
others have pretentions to character, and will no doubt be
seen in better condition another season.
Mr. William Wells, Earlswood, Redhill, sent several
Japanese and incurved varieties, am ung them G. J. Warren
(First-class Certificate), a pale yellow-sport from Madame
Carnot, which showed a greater depth of colour than has
been before observed. N. C. S. Jubilee, a flower of a very
pleasing delicate tint of mauve-lilac shade, with an ivory
reverse, is very promising and was Commended. Directeur
Liebert, amaranth, with soft shade of silvery-pink on the
reverse of the florets, was in better character than we have
previously seen it. Some new incurved were also shown by
Mr. Wells, the most promising being Topaz Orieutale, a
large pale-yellow bloom, loose in the centre as shown ; and
Lady Isabel, a flower of delicate purple shade, silvery-white
on the reverse of the florets. From Mr. W. J. Godfsey,
nurseryman, Exmouth, came a batch of new varieties,
and First-class Certificates were awarded to the following
Japanese varieties : — Mrs. F. A. Bevan, very soft pink with a
silvery reverse — a full and beautiful ii. curved Japanese ;
George Foster, a grand incurved Japanese of excellent
shape, with broad florets of a soft yet bright yellow colour ;
and Mrs. Charles Birch, incurved , white, the broad basal
florets of a soft shade of bright lilac colour ; Admiial Ito,
pale yellow ; President Norim, rich bright buff, distinct, and
pleasing in colour — the bl ooms being rather small, the com-
mittee wished to see it again ; and Mrs. Hunter Little, soft
yellow hue.
Mr. J. Ollerhead, Wimble dun House, Wimbledon, sent
Japanese Lemawee, one of Messrs. Nathan Smith & Son's
raising, Adrian, U.S.A., the colour blush-white, the long basal
florets of a delicate pink huo — a very pleasing sort of flower,
of good quality. It was awarded a First-class Certificate.
M. Alfred Chaxtriek, Bayonne, France, sends some
seedling incurved flowers, but they were not sufficiently
matured to enable the committee to judge accurately of their
merits.
From Mr. R. Owen, nurseryman, Maidenhead, came
several now varieties, chiefly of incurved varieties, one of
which, Thomas Lockie, white, with slight lilac base to the
florets, the committee wished to see again. Thomas Single-
ton, white with deep pink base, fino in shapo, was also of a
decidedly promising character. Japanese Royal Standard
was very fine in colour, but somewhat loose in texture, and
was remarkable for its rich tint.
Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryecroft Nursery. Lo(visham,sent several
Japanese, the most striking of which was Mrs. P. R. Bunn,
a new one, flowered white with primrose cushion, which the
committee wished to see again. Incurved Lady Gormaston,
a white variety, somewhat resembles C. H. Curtis in build
CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW AT
DEVIZES.
November 2.— The a-mul Chrysanthemum Show, held in
connection with the Devizes Benevolent Society, took place
in the Corn Exchange on the above date, and proved, as it
usually does, a decided success. A bazaar is held also, and
the proceeds, after paying expenses, are expended in bene-
volent objects among the poor during the winter months.
Mr. Thomas Kino, who has had charge of the gardens of
Devizes Castle for many years past, carries out all the staging
arrangements in a highly creditable manner, and judging is
alwa] s commenced at the hour named.
Ihe stalls forming the bazaar occupied one half of the
Exchange, the remainder being devoted to the purposes of
the flower show. The groups, occupying a space of 60 feet,
were arranged in circles down the centre, the best coming
from Mr. Clack, gr. to Lieut. -Colonel C. E. Colston, M. P.,
Roundway Park, Devizes, who has taken the 1st prizu
for a group of plants for six years past, had plants trained
to two or three stems bearing finely developed blooms ,
forming a bold and striking mass, chief among them wero
C. H. Curtis and Lord Wolseley as representing the incurved
section, and such fine Japanese as Vi viand Morel, E Molyneux,
Pride of Maiford, Mrs. C. H. Payne, Madame Carnot, and
Etoilede Lyon. Mr. J. Ilaldinc, gr. to the Marquess de
Lavali.ette, Manor House, Market Lavington, was 2nd, the
plants carrying some very fine blooms.
The best nine plants not disbudded came also from Mr.
i'i ick, admirable decorative specimens nicely grown, and
having wellfurnished heads of bloom.
November 6, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
335
Cut Blooms.— The leading classes for cut blooms included
that for twenty-four incurved, distinct, the 1st prize going
to Mr. C. J. Salter, gr. to T. B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch,
Reigate, who set up some excellent blooms, including Mrs.
J. Koarns, M. P. Maitigoac, Queen of England, Robert Pet-
field, Violet Tomlin, Princess of Wales, Mrs. Heale, Mrs. R.
C. Kingston, Mrs. Coleman, Lord Wolseley, Madame Darier,
C. H. Curtis, and Golden Empress. 2nd, Mr. W. G. Adams,
SO, Clarendon Road, Southsea.
With twelve blooms of incurved, Mr. Salter was again 1st.
With twenty-four blooms of Japanese, the 1st prize being
a handsome Silver Cup, given by the Mayor of Devizes, Mr,
Salter was again to the fore, .staging fine blooms of Mrs. J.
Lewis, Charles Davis, A. H. Wood, Mons. C. Molin, Mrs. C.
Blick, Mrs. C. Orchard, Madame A. D. Chatiu, Madame
Chenon de Leche, E. Molyneux, Thomas Wilkins, Viviand
Morel, Australian Gold, Phoebus; Mr. T. S. Vallis, Brom-
ham, was 2nd.
Mr. Salter was again 1st fur twelve blooms of Japanese
incurved, having iu fine character Lady Ridgway, Mrs. C. H.
Payne, A. H. Fewkes, M. H. Jacotot fils, Lady Isabel, Djku
of York, Madame Zeide, Australian Gold, Australie. &<_■ ; 2nd,
Mr. T. Robinson, who had Lady Ridgway, Oceana, L dy
Isabel, Lady Byron, Ernest Cannell, &c.
There was a class for twelve blooms of Japanese, the com
petition confined to the county of Wilts, and here Mr. W.
Robinson came in 1st with tine examples of Madame Carnot,
Australie, Charles Davis, Eiith Tabor, Mrs. J. Lowis, Beauty
of Teignm mth, and M. Chenon de Leche".
There was also a class for twelve blooms oi Anemone-
flowered varieties, not fewer than six varieties, and here Mr.
Salter agAin took the 1st prize, having chirming blooms of
Mr. W. Astor, Owen's Perfection, Mrs. Judge Benedict,
Descartes, Minnie Chatcr, A*c, ; Mr. W. Robinson was 2nd. D.
THE SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL
ASSOCIATION.
NmhMbLK j. Another very successful meeting was
held nn Tuesday last ; Mr. Todd, the president, in tho
chair. Twenty-rive new members were admitted. Mr.
Harrow, of the Royal Botanic Gardens, was called upon to
proceed with his papor on " Pot Cultivation versus Planting-
Out." The general purport of the lecture may bo said to
have reversed the title; the lecture being in the main an
able exposition of the superior merits of the system i >t plantuig-
out. Mr. Harrow has, within the last two years, ;is cultivator
in chief under glaos or sub curator, revolutionised the old
pot systems so far, Bnd as fast as may be, in the direction of
planting-out ; and in the fine ranges of new houses now being
erected, ample provision is being made for the further exten-
sion of the system.
The exhibits included a fine spray of a superior strain of
Lapageria rosea, from Mr. Fenton, Clermiston, Corstorphine.
Fine vases of the big Magnus Daisy, choice Mignonette, and
a lovely bunch of General Jacqueminot Foses gathered on
November 2 from Mr. Todd's open garden, Stonybanlr, Mus-
selburgh, is to the Roses, it was stated that since the
early October frosts, no fewer than 300 blooms had been cut ;
and up to October 25, and after a dressing of nitrate of
soda, no fewer than 200 to 500 bunches of Mignonette had
been gathered. A poor sample of out-of-door Grapes was
shown from Putney in the far South.
Mr. Comfort, of Broomfield, Davidsons Mains, had an in-
teresting exhibit of twenty-one different kinds of flowers
from the open garden, forcibly illustrating the mildness of
the season. D. T. F.
BRIGHTON AND SUSSEX CHRYSAN-
THEMUM.
November 2, 3.— This was a most successful show. Groups
of plants wore good, also specimen plants and cut flowers.
Mr. G. Miles, Dyke Road Nursery, Brighton, won for a
large and for a small circular group of plants ; each group
was arranged very tastefully, and in the premier class a
happy combination was made of small but high-coloured
Dracaenas, Crotons, and Caladiums, placed at the base. Mr.
W. E. Anderson, gr. to B. Parish, Esq., Melodia, Presl >n
Park, also won for a well-arranged group.
Mr. J. Hill, gr. to W. Clarkson Wallis, Esq., Springfield,
Withdean, was a close 2nd in two classes of groups, but was
most successful in the specimen plants competition, winning
for four standards, four Pompons, four dwarfs, and for a
specimen pyramid and standard.
Mr. T. Fairs, gr. to R. Cloves, Esq., Horsham, won for
four pyramids.
A good amateur's group came from Mr. C. F. Gill ah,
73, Waldegrave Road, Preston, and secured one of the
Society's Medals.
Cut Ftoirers. — Twelve competed for thirty-six singles of
Japanese varieties, Mr. J. R. Heasman winning with a gr^nd
lot, the best of which were Madame Carnot, Modestum,
Western King, G. J. Warren, Phoebus, and Mr. C. Keyser.
Mr. J. Stredwick, Silver Hill Park, St. Leonard's-on-Sea,
wai just beaten by Mr. T. Danct, gr. at St. Leonard's
Forest, Horsham, for 2nd place.
Mr. Wallis, gr. to Mrs. Mews, Harttield, was 1st for twenty-
four Japanese, Mr. Dancy again following.
Mr. Harris, gr. to Lieut. -Col. C. P. Hentv, won for twelve
Japanese and for six incurved, while Mr. Dancy, Horsham,
won for six Anemone-flowered, and for six reflexed varieties.
Fruit.— For three bunches of white Grapes, Mr. W. Taylor,
gr. to C. W. Baveb, Esq., Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill,
won with Muscat of Alexandria, also for three bunche? of
black Grapes with Alicante and for three bunches of Gros
Maroc ; Mr. J. Gore, Polegate, winning for threo of any
black Grape, with good Gros Colmar.
For four dishes of dessert Pears, and for two of culinary
ditto, Mr. G. Goldsmith, gr. to Sir E. G. Loder, Bart.,
Horsham, won in a strong class; aud was also first against
seventeen competitors for four dishes of dessert Apples.
The Weather.
COVENTRY CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 2, 3. — The third anual exhibition took p'ace
on the above dates. There were 115 entries. The show was
opened by John Gulson, Esq., who, though Si years of
age, gave a most interesting and charming address on the
nature of the Chrysanthemum, and its cultivation. The chief
prizes for Chrysanthemums were taken by Sir Run. Uoox,
G. Singer, Esq., J. K. Starlev, Esq., T. Broweti, Esq.,
S. Loder, Esq., A. Smith Ryland, Esq., W. Herbert, Esq.,
W. F. Wyi.ey, Esq., and others.
Messrs. B. S. Williams A: Sons, London, showed i magnifi-
cent stand of Orchids and Begonias; Lord LEIOB showed a
very fine collection of fruit and vegetables (not for competi-
tion), and these were artistically arranged by Mr. Martin, his
lordship's gardener. Sir Rich. Moon also showed a line
collection of fruit ; and the secretary of the show, Mr. F.
Curtis, had a stand of horticultural sundries. The exhibi-
tion was a great success.
Open Class.
The 1st prize for a group of Chrysanthemums (open was
won by a group from Sir Rich. Mown; G. SlNOKH, Esq ,
being 2nd.
The best group of foliage plants was also from Sir
Rn M. Hook.
A. James, Esq., took 1st prize for twenty-four bloma of
Chrysanthemums, Japanese ; and W. Herbert, Esq., \>
The best collection of twenty four blooms, incurvid. was
shown by S. Loder, Esq.; and \ Smith Ryland, Esq.,
was 2nd.
BRIXTON AND STREATHAM
CHRYSANTHEMUM.
\u\ cmher 3, 4. — This old established society has again
held its aunual exhibition early in the season. The quality
of tho plants, notably the groups, was remarkably good.
The cut blooms of the Japanese section wore shown in hotter
form than those of the incurved.
Plant*.— Tho class for groups was well contested, the
premier award going to a grand exhibit by Mr. Howe, gr, to
Henry Tate, Esq., Park Hill, Streatham, each bloom being
of full exhibition quality, whilst the plants were unusually
dwarf, and well-clothed with dark, leathery foliage ; nearly all
of the plants being in Ti-inch pots. The dwarf varieties em-
ployed were, Souv. d'une Petite Amie, Viviand Morel, Phoebus,
Chas. Davis. Mrs. Weeks, and Wm. Seward. The 2nd prize
was awarded to Mr. Mursell, gr. to Mrs. Burton, Leigham
Court Road, for an effective group, comprising many fine
Sowers,
The 1st prize for six specimen plants was awarded to Mr.
.1. Weston, gr. to D. Martixeau, Esq., Clapham Park.
The 1st prize for three plants went to Mr. F. Gilks, gr. to
A. Morris, Esq., Leigham Court Road, for a fine trio, the
variety Col. W. B. Smith being about the best of these.
Cut blooms. — The 1st prize for twenty-four Japanese was
awarded to Mr. Mursell for a very even lot of flowers of
bright colours. The best were Sunstone (new), a soft prim-
rose-yellow ; Mrs. Weeks, a fine broad-petalled white ; Hdlle.
Therese Key, Thos. Wilkins, Phcebus. and Graphic ; 2nd, Mr.
Poulton, gr. to C. T. Cayley, Esq , Leigham Court Road.
Mr. Howe was easily 1st for twenty-four incurved blooms,
well-finished and tresh, the best being Globe d'Or, Chas. H.
Curtis, Princess of Wales, J. Agate, and Mrs. R. C. Kingston.
The best twelve of Anemone-flowered came from Mr. R.
Case, gr. to E. Pocock, Esq., Clapham ; the beat-known1 old
varieties being shown well.
Mr. Morsellwos 1st for twelve and also six varieties of
Japanese, distinct, in a strong class.
Mr. Mursell won again with six coloured varieties, his
choice being Modestum, very fine ; Mr. Howe was 2nd with
remarkable blooms of Viviand Morel.
The best basket of Chrysanthemums arranged for effect
was exhibited by Mrs. Struoneix, Brixton Hill, consistiug
of yellow forms of Japanese in light and dark shades, with
suitable foliage, and produced a pleasing effect.
At the annual dinner, held on the evening of November 3,
N. N. Sherwood, Esq., presided. He was supported by the
Hon. T. Mackenzie of New Zealand, Mr. J. A. Laing of
Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Mr. J. Peed of Messrs. J. Peed &
Sons, and Mr. Jas. H. Veitch of Messrs. J. Veiteh & Sons,
Ltd., with W. Roupell, Esq., the Hon. Sec., and Mr. N. N.
Sherwood, the Society's Treasurer. J. If.
SWAINSONIA ALBA AS A BEDDER.— We read
in the Florists' Exchange of the above plant being
employed as a bedding-out plant in Washington. The
first experiment was made with plants which were
lifted from the greenhouse benches, where they had
furnished flowers for cutting during the winter.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours. 1
is
||=
■a 5 5
si
Temperature.
Accumulated.
«*
I £ t-
i -J en
• a so
- O H
— ha
Rainfall.
~~ Si
is
o
a
5 +
3 +
3 +
3 +
3 +
8 +
5 +
4 +
817 +
9 1 +
10 1 +
• 5 +
Day.
deg.
Day-
deg.
19
1
43
9
46
0
>5
6
47
4
78
0
57
0
62
0
S5
0
72
0
85
0
100
0
Day-
deg.
+ 180
+ 18
+ 78
+ 145
+ 82
+ 257
+ 91
+ 152
+ 259
+ 41
+ 177
+ 368
Day- lOths
deg. I Inch.
- 16 11 -
+ 12 6 -
S5 6 -
- 130 6 -
- 127 6 -
- 192 8 -
- 3011 -
- 103 9 -
- 14510 -
- 3 6-
- 70 5 -
- 80 5 -
Ins.
3.5-0
24 1
20 0
19 6
22 5
21
355
27-5
34-6
83-1
30 5
29-3
Bright
Sun.
: 5 a
© <D
■= 2
tsD.n
.3 '33
a d
£.2
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts —
1, Scotland. E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, £c, Districts — 6, Scotland. W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
tho British Islands for the week ending October 30, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
" The weather during this period was fair and dry as a
whole, but much fog or mist was experienced at times,
especially over England. The fog which prevailed In the
Metropolis and its neighbourhood on Thursday was unusually
dense.
"The temperature was again above the mean, the excess
ranging from 7° in ' England, S.W.' and over Ireland, to 3°
over the eastern and central parts of Great Britain. Tho
highest of the maxima were registered towards the end of
the period, and ranged from 66° in the ' Midland Counties '
and 'Englaud, S. and S.W.,' to 62° in 'Scotland, W.' The
lowest of the minima, which were recorded on rather irregular
dates, ranged from 24° in ' Scotland, E.,' to 38° in ' England,
S.' and ' Ireland, S.,' to 41° in ' England, S.W..' and 49° in
the ' Channel Islands. '
" The rainfall was again much less than the mean. Over
the greater part of England there was an almost entire
absence of rain, but small amounts of moisture were deposited
in the gauge by the wet fogs and dews which prevailed during
the latter half of the week.
"The bright sunshine varied considerably in the different
parts of the kingdom, but was, as a rule, more prevalent in
the east and south than in the west. Tho percentage of the
possible duration ranged from 53 in 'England, S.,' 50 iu
'Scotland, N-' and 'England. E.,' aud 41 in the ' Channel
Islands,' to 26 in ' Scotland, E.,' 23 in ' Ireland, S.,' and IS in
' Ireland, NV '
Markets,
CO VENT GARDEN, NOVEMBER 4.
Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Pri
Bfl
Adlantum, per doz.
4 0-12 0
Evergreen shrubs,
,.
Aspidistra s, perdoz.
12 0-30 0
in variety, doz....
6
— specimen, each
5 0-15 0
Ficus alastica each
1
Asters, various, per
Ferns, small, doz. ...
1
doz
2 6-50
— various, doz.
5
Chrysanthemums,
Foliage plants, per
p. doz. pots ...
5 0-90
dozen
12
— specimen, or
Liliums, various,
large plants, ea.
16-26
per dozen
9
Coleus, per doz. ...
2 0-40
Marguerites, p. doz.
6
Dracaenas, each ...
10-76
Mignonette, p. doz.
4
— various, p. doz.
12 0-24 0
Palms, various, ea.
2
Erica, various, per
— specimens, ea.
LU
dozen
9 0-18 0
d. s. d.
0-24 0
0-7 6
0-2 0
0-12 0
0-36 0
0-12 o
; o- 9 o
0-6 0
0-10 0
> 6-84 0
336
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 6, 1897.
Cut Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices,
Arums, 1 2 blooms .. .
Asters, 12 bunches
Bouvardiaa, pr. bun.
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
— per doz. bun.
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Eucharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Hyacinth, Roman,
dozen sprays
Lilac, French, per
bunch
L'.lium tfamsl, per
doz. biooros
— Lancifuliuni,
per doz. blooms
LU^of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches ...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
s. d. s. d.
4 0-60
4 0--S-0
U4-06
0 9-20
4 0-60
0 6-26
3 0-60
3 0-50
2 0-30
0 9-16
0 0-6 0
10-60
1 <i- 2 0
1 0- 2 0
4 0-80
2 0-40
Mignonette, dz. bn.
Orchids : —
Cattleya, 12 bms.
Odontoglossum
crispum,12bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun.
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrothrums, per 12
bunches
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Pearls),
per dozen
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, per doz. bun.
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
Violets, 12 bunches
— Parme, French
White Lilac, French,
per bunch
Wliito Narciss,
French, 12 sprays
Orchid-bloom in variety.
Fruit.— Average Wholesale Pkices.
16-26
0 6-10
16-40
0 9-10
16-26
10-20
10-60
S 0-4 0
0 3-0 4
16-20
2 0- 2 b"
5 0-60
3 0- S 0
s. d. s. d.
Apples (Cox's
Orange), pr. bush. 14 0-16 0
— (Ribstons).bsh. 14 0-16 0
— (Blenheim
Orange), se-
lected, p. bush. 9 0-10 0
— (Wellingtons),
selected, bush. 9 0-10 0
— common vara.,
per bushel ... 2 6 —
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ... 16-20
2ndqual.,lb. S- 10
— Gros Maroc, lb. 10-16
— Alicantes, p. lb. 10-13
2ndquaL,lb. 0 6- 0 S
— Hamburghs,
selected, per lb. 10-16
— - 2ndqual.,lb. 0 8-09
Grapes, Muscats,
"Cannon Hall,'
per lb
— Channellslands
per lb
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
quality, per lb.
Melons, each
Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb
Pears, small, bush.
— stewing, bush.
Pine-apples, 8t. Mi-
chael, (*ases con-
taining 6 to 8...
— eases contain*
ing 10 to 12
s. d. s. d.
0 6-00
0 9-13
16-20
22 6-25 0
2 0-30
4 0- S 0
4 6-50
16-20
•Quinces, per bushel 10 0-12 0
Vegetables. —Average Wholesale Prices.
Artie hokeB, Globe,
per doz.
Beans, Scarlet Run-
ners, per bushel
— French, Chan-
nel Islands, lb.
Beetroots, p. bush.
Capsicum, Chili, p.
100
Cauliflowers, per
tally (5 doz.)
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
— 2nds, per dozen
Garlic, per lb.
Horseradish (Ger-
man), per bundle
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per lb
s. fl. s. d.
3 0-36
2 6-30
0 9
1 3-
1 6
Onions (pickling),
per pocket
skinned.
s. d. s. d.
2 0-
3-bush .
Du
2 0-30
0 9-10
02 -
1 4-
0 9-
1 6
1 0
utch, per bag
— Albanian, per
bag
Balad, small, per
doz. punnets...
Shallots, per lb. ...
Sprouts, per^-bush.
Tomatos, selected,
per doz. lb. ...
— Medium, do. .
— Seconds, do. .
— Channel Is-
lands, per 12 lb.
— Canary Islands,
per case, 12 11-.
3 0
3 0
5 6-60
1 6 —
0 2 —
10-13
5 0-6 0
3 6-40
10-16
2 6-30
3 6-50
Potatos.
Trade h firm fur finest quality and standard cjJlour, but a
stinlv weaker fur other descriptions, owing to the continental
supply. Hebrons and Snowdrops, sn«. to 105s. ; Saxons
and Maincrops 75s. to 100«. ; Giants and Magnums, 75s. to
* >s. ; Blacklands, G5s. to 72?. 6rf. per ton. Belgium and
Dutch Ware, 3s. to 3s. 6rf. per bag of 50 kilos. John Bath, 32
and 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
SEEDS.
London : November :',.— Messrs. Juhn Shaw. & Sous, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maze Pond, Borough, London, S.E.,
write that there were but few buyers at to-day's market,
with scarcely auy transactions passing. All kinds of Clover-
needs arc Just now neglected. The prohibitively high prices
a*ked fur foreign Tares cause Kuglish-grown samples to be
regarded with greater favour. Full r.tes are asked for Blue
Peas and Haricot Beans. For Bird seeds the demand is
meagre. New Scarlet Runner and Longpod Beans offer very
reasonably. Mustard, Rape, and Linseed keep firm.
CORN,
Averaoe Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the
week ending October 30, and for the corresponding period
of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These
figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :—
Description.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Wheat
I. d.
30 9
t. d.
32 10
». d.
+ 2 1
Barley
is 3
27 b
- II in
Oate
17 3
lb 0
-13'
orrupondUnU
{Markets carried over to p. xii.)
Books : R. Joyce. The Art and Practice of Landscape
Gardening, by H. E. Milner (published by Simpkin,
Marshall, Hamilton, Kent, & Co., Stationers' Hali
Court, London) ; How to Lai/ Out a Garden, by E.
Kemp (published by Bradbury, Agnew, & Co., Ltd.,
10, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street, E.C.)— G. A.
Webster's Practical Forestry (Rider & Sou); Qrtgor's
Arboriculture (Edmonston & Douglas). There are
othor more elaborate works on the subject. —
C. /. N. The Orchid Manual, by B. S. Williams,
Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway,
would be of service, there being numerous illustra-
tions in its pages.
Carnation : J. Gachclin. The plant is a prey to the
fungus, Helminthosporiumechiuulatum. See answer
to Malmaison.
Chrysanthemums: W. B. The leaves are mined by
the larvse of a minute fly. On the first appeamnce
of the mines in the leaves, the grubs should be
nipped with the thumbnail : any neglect to do
I his being followed by the disfigurement, and even-
tually the loss of the leaves. Syringing with
Quassia- water during the warm weather, might
prevent the flies depositing their eggs on the
leaves.
Chrysanthemum Leaves injured : A. B. The
injury has been caused by syringing with some
ciustic liquid.
Correction. — Ou p. 369, of vol. xxi of your paper,
under the caption "The Testing of New Varieties,"
there are erroneously attributed to Dr. Liebscher
certain statements for which he is not responsible.
The article referred to was originally printed as an
editorial in Experiment Station Record, vol. vii.,
p. 903, and was based upon compiled records of
experiments made at the Agricultural Experiment
Station of Illinois. The Experiment Station Record
is published by the Office of Experiment Stations
of this department, and not in Illinois. A . C. True,
Director, Office of Experiment Stations, Washington,
[The article referred to was taken from the Revue
Siientifique.]
Double-fluweued Primui.a : /. Gachelin. When
the plants cease to flower, place them in a frame ou
a spent hot-bed— couche sourde — plunged to the
rims of the pots, ami fill up between, and close
round the plants with sphagnum-moss and sharp-
sand, and keep moist, and somewhat close. Roots
will soon push into the moss in great numbors
from the stems ; the growths should then be
detached, and potted in thumbs and small Ou's,
and treated similarly to Primula seedlings.
Double Lapageria. Flower : Orossland Bros. Not
perfectly double, but nearly so. By layering from
the joint whence these were produced, it might be
possible to obtain a plant that would produce
double blooms.
Magnolia Leaf : E. B. Of more thau ordinary size-
Malmaison Carnations Diseased : Malmaison-
The plauts sent are suffering from au attack of
the fungus Helminthosporiumechiuulatum. There
i.s no known cure, the disease commencing in I he
tissues, and your best course is to pull up the
entire plant or plants, and forthwith destroy by
burning.
Mushroom Dung : R. S. G. Let this remain in a flat,
wide mass on the floor of a shed, after removing the
long litter, and well mixing the droppings and
short litter together. If it be about \\ feet deep,
it will generate a strong heat regularly all over in
a few days, which it should be allowed to do
for two days, and then be turned and mixed,
and again spread out to heat. This should be
repeated twice or thrice, as may be found necessary
to get rid of the rank smell, and the tendency in
the dung to get very hot, which, if it occurred in
the Mushroom-bed would kill the spawn, and end
in the drying of the materials of the bed aud its
consequent rapid cooling. A Mushroom-bed
should be made about 2 feet thick, and the spawn
inserted when the warmth is at blood heat, and
it is not likely to get warmer.
Names op Fruits.
*.* Applications to name fruits aye so numerous at this season,
as seriously to hamper us In the exercise of our editorial duties.
They entail an expenditure of time, labour, and money, of which
our readers can have Utile idea. Wc are most desirous to oblige
our correspondents as far o.s 20* can, but we must request that they
will observe the rule that not more than six varieties be sent
at any one time. The specimens must be good ones, just approach-
ing ripeness, and they should be properly numbered, and core-
fully packed. We do not undertake to send answers through the
post, or to return fruit.'. Frtofs and plants must not be sent in
the sauie box. Belay in any ense is unavoidable.
A. Fyirley. 1, Annie Elizabeth ; 2, Grange's Pear-
main'.— B. J. Wheeler. Tyler's Kernel.— E. J. 1,
Lord Grosveuor ; 2, Nonsuch ; 3, Court of Wick.
— /. Down. Apple Dumelow's Seedling, fine
specimen. — T. M. 1, Blenheim Orange ; 2, Beauty
of Kent ; 3, King of the Pippins. — B. C. Blenheim
Orange. — Major C. E. Wood. Cat'shead. — O. P.
1, Emperor Alexander ; 2, Duke of Devonshire ; 3,
not sure of. — W. Young. 1, probably from the
stock, of no merit ; 2, King of the Pippins ; 3,
Tom Putt ; 4, specimen over-ripe. — C. R. 1,
Cellini ; 2, Ecklinville SeedliDg ; 3, Golden
Reinette ; 4, Cox's Orange Pippin ; 5, Beurre de
Capiaumont ; 6, Calebasse Bosc. — M. W. 1 , Cox's
Orange Pippin; 4, Warner's King; 5, Cox's
Pomona ; 6, Royal Codlin ; others not recognised.
— A, J. Long. 1, Knight's Monarch ; 2, Franc
Real.— John Bolam <fc Sons. 1, Old Winter Pear-
main ; 2, Scarlet Nou pared ; 3, Hambledon Deux-
ans ; 4, Gloria Mundi.
Names of Plants: Correspondents not ansioered in
this issue are requested to be so good ccs to consult
the following number. — G. B. M. Euphorbia pilosa,
Ruscus racemosus (Alexandrian Laurel). — G. P.
Aster novi Belgiic. We cannot tell the variety.
1, Chrysanthemum serotinum. — ft. If. G. 1, Mikauia
scaudens ; 2, Pellionia pulchra; 4, Passiflora,
cannot say without seeing flowers ; 5, Clematis
indivisa. — B., Liverpool. Euonymus europaeus. —
S. D. It is very difficult to uame such scraps ; 1,
probably Cupressus macrocarpa; 2, Juniperus ex-
celsa, probably ; 3, Picea orientalis ; 4, with cone,
Picea Glehni ; 5, variety of Yew. — W. O. W. We
suspect that the plants you sent us a month ago were
not named owing to the specimens being poor ones.
Several of those before us are also in; ufficient for
determination. 2, Epiphyllum truncatum ; 3,
Abutilon vexillarium ; 5, Acacia species. — W . H. D.
1. Euphorbia pilosa; 2, Polygonum sps., not a
fair specimen ; 6, Carex japonica variegata. The
Asters should be sent to a nurseryman who grows
these plants largely.
Orchid Flowers Damping: Paisley. In town3,
fogs cause Orchid blooms \o wither ; and even in
the country they go in tho same way during
continued sunless weather.
Victoria Medal : J. If. No doubt there are very
many deserving gardeners and others, but we
cauuot undertake to discuss the qualifications either
of actual or of possible medallists.
Vines and Mealy Bug : R. S. G. See our calendar
for " Fruits under Glass " iu present issue. You
might use the XL All Vaporiser during the winter
of good strength, and during the summer of less
strength. Clear out the upper crust of the border,
replacing it with new loam, crushed bones, lime
rubbish, charcoal, making it quite firm by tramp-
ling, then apply a mulch of dryish manure from
the stables. Afford a good application of water if
the border ou examination is found to be dry.
Besides carrying out the above operations, you
should limewash the walls, do auy necessary
painting of the woodwork, or failiug the need for
this, scrub it with soap and water, doing the same
to the hot-water pipes, about which mealy bugs are
sure to harbour.
White Cape Ericas for Flowering at this
Season ; B. B. W. There is no pure white,
flowered Cape Erioas flowering in the winter-
E. hyemalis flowers in early winter, and E. Wil-
moreana in late winter and spring. Neither is
quite white.
COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.— D. 'T. P.— C. B. P.— C. A. —
II. K (next week)— T. C.—V. and C.-Prof. Sargent-W. T.
-D. T. P.-K. D. Machab— Great Namaland - J. H. K.—
T. H , I, i Mortola.— H. M.— R. N.— O. Stapf— J. J. W.— .
W. C, Penally.— W. M.-T. S. W.— T. T.— S. H. B.-i
W. Harman.— J. W.— A. S. L.~ J. B.— M. R. S.-R. K.
PnoTnr.xM-us Specimens, etc., Received. —P. M., Olasnevin.
Novembkk 13, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
337
THE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1897.
THE PINE-APPLE IN QUEENS-
LAND.
rpiIE constitution of the Pine-apple in this
-•*• colony is very different to what it is under
artificial cultivation in the old country, and
affords an instance of how a plant may become
tender when cultivated under glass, and with
artificial heat. The heat of the ground and the
atmosphere in Queensland is, throughout a
good part of the year, as high as is found in
Pine-stoves in England ; but it is during the
months June, July, and August, which are
considorod the winter season, that tho difference
is greatest, fur during July wo sometimes see
slight hour frost for two or three mornings —
indeed, to give a comparison, wo have had
sufficient to blacken the leaves of Vegetable-
Marrows and sweet Potatos, but it did not seem
to affect the Pine-apple plants in the least
degree. During the winter they (the plants)
assume a reddish tiut. We cut fruit almost
every day, and, as far as I can see, we shall not
be out of fruit this winter, for they are in
various stages at the present time (July 9),
some ripening, and some showing ; but it is in
December and January that there is a glut of
Queens, the smooth Cayenno following these.
The foliage is firmer and harder than that of
house-grown plants, and as evidence that this
is so, the crowns may lie kicking about on the
ground, with the sun shining on them at 160
or 170 ', aud then grow if stuck in the ground.
Here the plants never have the fine appearance
they have under glass, for the ploughman, with
his horse-plough or scarifier, often breaks the
leaves and twists the plants about. Even
around Brisbane, which is f>25 miles further
south, they do very well; but before winter the
farmers go through the fields and put a wisp of
hay over the fruit, to keep the frost off them,
for although frost does not destroy the leaves, it
spoils the fruit.
It is not muoh over thirty years since the
town consisted of the dilapidated tent of the
pioneer. Mr. McKay, who was the discoverer of
the river, and after whom the town was named ;
but it was not long after that whon Pines began
to be grown by another of the pioneers, who
is now dead, and if an old country grower could
drop down on the spot, and see the soil, it would
be a bit of surprise for him, for the land con-
sists entirely of sand, apparently as pure and
clean as the sea-beach at Brighton, aud but a
few feet above the level of the sea, and often-
times Hooded by salt-water. lie grows them in
rows 13 feet apart, and I have heard it said
that he had Pine-apples 13 lb. in weight, but I
have not seen any of a greater weight than
9 lb. ; but then they had been cultivated on tho
same land for several years. The first time I
visited his grounds, after I came out here, he
pointed to the fruit of what was the third crop ;
he said I always get two crops, but this is the
first time I have taken a third. I have seen
the third suckers fruiting. It might be sup-
posed that planted at 13 feet between the rows
was a waste of land ; but as it did not cost him
anything, and for a good many years after-
wards was not worth more than 2s. 6rf. an acre,
with six years in which to pay that sum, he
could afford to be liberal in the uso of it, but he
told me he had tried them at various distances,
and had found that he got the greatest weight
of fruit under a wide-line system. No manure
was applied, for the very sufficient reason that
there was not any to apply. This grower got
a good price for his Pines at Sydney ; and as
time went on the town grew in populousness,
and he got good sale for them at Mackay, which
induced other persons to cultivate the fruit,
with the result that there was soon a glut, and
prices went so low that it was not worth while
to cart them into the town. A gentleman who
went into it largely about 16 miles out on the
sea coast (sand again), saw that ho had over-
done it, so he got as many pigs as he could to
eat them — still then thousands of the fruits
rotted on the fields. It was proposed to raise a
company to can the fruit in the neighbourhood,
this grower contracting to sell his Pines at
Id. each, and it would* have paid him at that
price, but the scheme fell through. The Trinidad
Pine attains the largest size with me (N lb. the
heaviest), but Reine Pomare (a Queen) is by
far the finest flavoured variety. Certainly the
flavour is richer here when well ripened on the
plant than it is in the old country, but the
intense sunshine and dry atmosphere for a good
part of tho year may account for this.
No doubt many of your readers will consider
that frost and clear sand are conditions not
very favourable to Pine-growing ; the sug-
gestion that the sand contains disintegrated
coral which abounds on the coast may have
something to do with the growth ; it is a sup-
position Oily, and may or may not have any-
thing to do with our sue ess but the frost we
can understand, and might come to the conclu-
sion that it was impossible to grow Pines under
such conditions. Although we have not seen
any hoar inside the nursery, it has been seen on
the grass alongside the Lagoon and in the horse
paddock this wintor, and yet the Pines are in
all stages of growth and fruiting ; one cannot
help coming to the conclusion that artificial cul-
tivation renders plants tender. The Vegetable-
Marrow, I think, is an illustration ; it grows and
bears well till killed by frost in England, and
yet it is evident that when the Pine-apple and
it are grown under the same conditions, the
Pine is the hardier of the two. It is very seldom
that the temperature here in summer rises
above 100°, it has not douo so for the past
five years, 913° to 9S° is about the highest,
so the Pine and the Pumpkin have the same
chance.
I noticed in the Gurdeners1 Chronicle, May 15,
1897, in "Notices to Correspondents," some re-
marks on the Papaw, and I see its fruiting is
not very frequent, and that is rather surprising
to me, seeing the enormous weight of fruit they
bear here in a season, would make them worth
cultivating in England, and as the fruits ripen,
one, two, or three at a time, a tree would con-
tinue in bearing for a long time ; but I expect
the quality of the fruit would not be esteemed.
Many people here are fond of them, aud the
rising generation devour them ; it is only by
using a little tartaric acid and sugar with them
that I can eat them. I plant them out in a
row 3 feet apart, and at this distance they will
flower when about 3 feet high ; the males and
females can then be distinguished, the males
that are not wanted being then cut out, and
the females thinned out to 15 feet apart ; the
plants fruit well for two years. The variety
that I grow is called the New Papaw, it is dis-
tinct from Papaya, in being dwarfer and branch-
ing, and as the plants are all grown from seed,
they differ a good deal in sweetness and
flavour. D. Buchanan, State Nurseries, Mackay,
Queensland.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
ACANTHOPANAX SESSILIFLOKUM.*
Although, as the references show, this cannot be
considered a new plant even in gardens, yet it is
comparatively little known. We met with it in fruit
lately in the nursery of M. Lemoiue at Nancy, and
with the predatory instinct of the botanist, secured a
specimen for the benefit of the readers of the Gar-
deners' Chronicle (fig. 100, p. 339). It is a handsome
shrub, presumably perfectly hardy, with long stalked,
palmately three-lobed leaves, the lobes leathery, dark
green, broadly lanceolate, and tapering at each end,
finely serrate at tho margins. The flowers, which we
did not see, are in globose heads, and are succeeded
by black berries, each the size of a small Pea, and
reminding one of Privet-berries, or still more of Ivy-
berries. The shrub is a native of the Anioor region,
of the coast of Manchuria, and of North China.
.1/. T. M.
Tamarix hispida vab. kashoahka.
We met with this shrub flowering freely at the
end of September in the nursery of M. Lemoine at
Nancy. It is much more glabrous than the true
hispida, of which there is a good figure in the Revue
Horlicole (1894), 353, but the structure of the flower
is the same. The Tamarisks as described are rather
numerous, but the distinctions are difficult to see.
Naturally they grow in dry, rocky localities, or on
ground impregnated with salt. It is on this account
that the common Tamarisk does so well by the
seaside.
Two Nkw Nepenthes.
N. Jardinti, Bailey, u. sp. (after Frank L. Jardine)
Stems several, rather stout, arising from a hard,
knotty rhizome, 2 to 3 or more feet high ; not
climbiug, sometimes branched, clothed with leaves
mostly bearing pitchers ; the young growth more
or less clothed with soft hairs, the shorter ones ot
which are usually stellate, the longer ones frequently
simple. Leaves decurrent, aDd slightly stem-
clasping ; petiole 2 inches long, winged ; lamina
8 inches long, and from 2 to nearly 3 inches broad in
the middle, taperiog towards each end ; midrib at
first purplish-red, longitudinal nerves on each side of
midrib usually six ; the narrow portion of stalk of
pitcher about 6 inches, without the loop of N.
Kennedyi (F. v. M.) ; pitcher 5 to 7 inches long,
If inch diameter near the top, enlarging in the lower
half to about 2J inches, with numerous prominent
longitudinal nerves and reticulations ; anterior ribs
with narrow red wings ; orifice wide, and arising
towards the spur ; peristome narrow, about 1 line
broad, with numerous transverse veins ; posterior
spur recurved ; operculum elliptical, abjut 2 inches
long, withnumerous various sized circular glands on the
inner surface ; inside of pitcher more or less spotted
or stained purplish-red. Racemes dense, 1 to 8 inches
long in the males, but shorter in the female racemes ;
male perianth of four oval segments, about 3 lines
long, reflexed upon the pedicel, united, and forming a
cup at the base ; staminal column about the length
of the pHrianth segments, head of anthers about 1 line
- Acanthopanax Kssilijtontm, Seemann in Jov.rn. Botanv, v.
(Is67\ ■_'!» ; syn. Panax sessilitlorum, Ruprecht and Maximo.
wicz, 18o7, and Maximowicz, Primit. PLor. Amur. 13] : Kegel,
Garten Plorti [1862), t. 369, p. 23S; Panax sessilifoUum, C.
Koch, Dendrob.. i. , 67r/.
338
THE GAB DE NEBS' CHBONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
diameter ; female perianth like the male, stigma
sessile ; capsule coriaceous, J inch long, four-valved,
each valve crowned by a lobe of the stigma, Hab.,
Somerset, Cape York Peninsula, Frank L. Jardine.
N. Fowanw, Bfiley, n. sp. (after Mrs. Rowan, a
painter of Australian flowers). Pitchers, when fresh,
beautifully marked with reddish-purple, about
6 inches long, shortly and abruptly curved at the
base, from which it widens upwards, attaining a
width at the top of about 3 inches, prominently
marked on the outside by oblique parallel nerves and
reticulate veins ; anterior ribs hard, scarcely winged,
much nearer together than in N. Jardinei ; orifice very
wide, posterior spur flat, tomentose ; peristome 3 or 4
lines broad, with close transverse veins ; operculum
nearly orbicular, about 2f, inches in diameter, with
numerous circular glands on the inner face. Hab. :
Somerset, Cape York Peninsula, Frank L. Jardine
(Bailey, in Queensland Agricultural Journal, Sept.,
1897.)
suitable for Peas, very large breadths of blue Peas
are grown for boiling purposes, it having become a
very important farm crop ; the leading sorts are Be 1-
man's Imperial and Harrison's Glory, R. D,
MARKET- GARDENING IN
LINCOLNSHIRE.
Boston and its district is famous for its market-
gardening : a very extensive acreage of the best
land is now principally employed for the growth of
market produce ; the farmer class is taking to it, and
cultivating crops of ordinary vegetables in place of
low-priced cereals. Tbis practice appears to be in-
creasing throughout the Midland districts, where the
soil is suitable, and an outlet is found for a great deal
of the produce in the markets of Yorkshire, New-
castle-on-Tyne, &c. Occasionally, when there is a
scarcity in the London markets, great quantities are
sent there. The deep fertile loams about Boston,
lighter in some places than others, are found very suit-
able for the culture of early Potatos, especially the
Ashleaf, and from one railway-station near to Boston
enormous quantities are sent away soon after mid-
summer. It is the practice with many to plant
three rows of Potatos, leaving space for a line of
Celery, the Clay worth Prize Pink being that principally
grown ; the plants are put out early, and as soon as
the crop of Potatos is lifted, earthing-up commences.
The Celery plants are put out during the month of
May. Other growers plant between each row of
Potatos some description of Winter Greens, such as
Brussels Sprouts, Savoy Cabbages, or Veitch's Autumn
Giant Cauliflower, and sometimes the Early Drum-
head, or one of the garden varieties of Cabbage.
Spring Cabbages are another staple vegetable, a
very large acreage of land being devoted to them ;
the leading sorts are Early Rainham, Early Offenham ;
and occasionally selections from the Nonpareil type,
with Kllam's Early, or a kindred form, are grown in
small breadths on lighter warm land somewhat shel-
tered. Seeds are sown from the middle to the end
of July, to the first week in August. The land,
having been manured for Cabbages, is planted with
Potatos for a late crop, or with Veitch's Autumn Giant
Cauliflower as soon as the Cabbage crop is cleared.
Carrots are also largely grown, the intermediate
types mainly ; ami there are moderate breadths of Beet
and Parsnips ; but it would appear that the Jeru-
salem Artichoke is becoming increasingly popular
and there is a decided extension of its culture — the
white-skinned variety in particular. As in Bedford-
shire, so at Boston, Cucumbers and Melons are grown
between the rows of early frame Potatos, and as soon
as the Potato crop is cleared, the bine is allowed to
extend.
A considerable acreage is given up to Peas for
picking for market ; the leading varieties are Earliest
of All, Improved Sangster's, William Hurst, English
Wonder, American Wonder, Prince of Wales, Prize-
taker, Telegraph, Fortyfold, an improved stock of
Gladiator, Veitch's Perfection, and Duke of Albany.
Good remunerative prices are obtained for the early
and second early varieties. Broad Beans are also a
leading crop ; the leading varieties being the white
and green Harlington Windsor, theEe appearing to be
most in demand in the markets.
Throughout Lincolnshire, on the soils found most
BOTANISING IN SOUTH-WEST
AFRICA.
There is no letter-box here " round the corner,"
but we have to ride on horseback about thirty-five
hours as far as Keetmanshoop to post or to fetch
letters. In Swakopmund, though we landed there
goods during twelve days, I was so busy botanising
in the Swakopbed, with paper-drying, changing,
labelling, and such work, that I did not find time to
pay my visits to all the store-keepers and officials.
But my working there was very successful. I col-
lected about 140 plants in flower or fruit, among
them, I believe, some are new as you will see
when Professor Schinz publishes them in the Journal
of Botany. 1 went in the Swakopbed with a soldier
to a distance of 16 kilometres up, as I wished to see
the Ana-tree, a kind of Acacia. In very swampy
places in the said river-bed grew in quantities an
Apium, which may be our common European Celery.
Four or five hours' voyage brought us to Walfisoh-bay,
a very sheltered, but very sandy natural harbour.
The settlement is placed in a still more desolate land-
scape than Swakopmund. I walked to Sandfontein,
where I found the very curious Cucurbitacea Acan-
thosicyos horrida, a bright-green, leafless, but exces-
sivelyspiny plant, with upright branches4it. high, just
with buds, flowers, and fruits, in all stages of develop-
ment, the largest as big as a head, and covered with
short, thick, fleshy Bpines. It is a perennial, growing in
the poorest sands, and luxuriating with a little dew.
I found nothing else in Walfisch-bay except the
common weed, Nicotiana glauca, and in what quan-
tities ! In the Swakopmouth, too ; thirty-five hours
more travelling, and we were at Luderitsbucht.
Apparently only brown barren rocks, without any
vegetation ; at least, a mile away from the shore.
On shore I was quite astonished to find iu every
cleft of the granitic rock the most interesting
forms of the vegetable kingdom, which kept me
in that place for ten days. All the rocks around
Luderitsbucht form together an enormous natural
" succulent rockery." There are three kinds of very
nice- flowered I'elargonia, about ten species of Mesem-
bryanthemum, two Crassulas, one Septas, one Sarco-
canlon (Schinz says in his excellent book S. Bur-
manni, but it is a perfectly different one), one
Euphorbia, half-a-dozen Zygophyllaeeae, one frutescent
Umbellifer, three yellow-flowering Composites,
with quite white woolly and fleshy loaves ; and a
very small succulent grass, AristiJa subacaulis,
besides a host of most interesting plants whose rela-
tionship I do not yet know. I have some reason to
think the Septas a very curious minute Mesembryan
themum ; and a precious Stapeliacea, perfectly new
plants, as they are so wonderfully accommodated to
the surrounding stones, that only one with very prac-
tised eyes could discover them.
The travel by oxen -waggon from Luderitsbucht
to Inachab in sixteen days was for me a travel
through Paradise (for other more reasonable people
through a desert !). I must admit that the first
three or four days through the endless sands are to
most people horrifying, but then the country and the
vegetation becomes surprisingly rich and varying. I
collected not half of the flowering plants which I
saw. I have more than 200 species together,
and we are now in the middle of winter. The
first few dozens of Aloe dichotoma, the most stately
plant of the whole genus, I found first in the
neighbourhood of the Tschirubpass. It is a tree as
much as 15 to 20 feet, with a stem often 2 feet
diameter at the base, and more than 1 foot thiok in
the height of the branching.
In Gubub, at a height of about 1100 meters, how
great was my joy ! as I found Sutherlandia frutescens
and Aloe striata, and two other Aloes which I did not
know ; one possibly new Crassula, growing only iu places
where the suu never penetrates ! two Seneciones of
the Kleinia seotion, Cotyledon orbiculare, and C. sp.
a very curious species, with leaves similar to those of
a Kleinia, and growing on wet rocks. Around
Gubub I noticed about sixty frutescent Composites,
each worthy to be introduced into S. European
gardens. Under overhanging rocks the small leaves
(flat, adpressei to the soil) of a Massonia, the large
leaves of Haemanthus, a single flowering specimen of
a fine Antholyza (quite like A. Sohweinfurthi), two
species of Stapelia (which I oultivate here until I have
seen them in flower).
In Zachanebas there were enormous specimens of
Aitonia capensis, tree-like bushes, with stems 18 inches
thick at the base, and here in Inachab I have
four specimens of this plant directly in front of
my windows. In the Ugam valley I found the largest
specimen of this perhaps finest of all S. African
shrubs ; this specimen carried at least seven full
grown Misletos,- a plant much like Viscum album,
but in all parts smaller, and the berries yellow, not
whitish. Thousands of the small berries, which had
fallen off, stuck on the bark of the lower branches,
where I could see them in all phases of germination,
without the aid of birds. I found also number of
berries germinating on the green stem of the mother
Misleto itself. Two very fine species of Loranthus
are very common upon Acacia detinens (the Wait-a-
bit), horrida, Parkinsoniie species, and other Bhrubs.
Tho flowers much resemble those of a red flowered
Lonicera ; and some A. horrida, were so full of those
parasites, that they had broken down.
The Acacia horrida, growing in great quantity, i3
suffering much from the larva) of a goat-moth. I
found stems 1J foot thick converted, from the base
up to the finger-thick branches, into sawdust. The
beautiful " Kamuldooru " (Acaeia GiraflVe) does not
seem to have such dangerous enemies a* the
" Doornboorn," at least, not to the same extent.
Its pods are of such a curious construction, that I
cannot compare them with any other species of
Acacia. The very large seeds are embedded irre-
gularly in a very thick mealy substanoe. The oxen
are very fond of these pods, and the consequence is,
that on garden-land, where ox-duug is used, thousands
of young Acacia Giraffae spring up, as hore at Inachab.
The Ebony-tree (Euclea pseudebenum), a beautiful
tree, with gracefully hanging thin branchlets, and black
berries in the axils of the leaves, is very comtron
here on the borders of the river-beds, and its per-
fectly black and very hard inner-wood may one day
become an article of export, provided we get the long-
promised railway from Liideritzbucht to Keetmanus-
hoop. Many square miles of land round Inachab are
literally covered with an Euphorbia sp. (belonging to
the same group as E. Schimperi and E. rhipsaloides),
which look like enormous brooms. The green bark
of these nasty plants is covered with a kind of vege-
table-wax, which can easily be collected. Tins might
also become a source of revenue to the intelligeLt
farmer.
The Eriobotrya japouica seeds, which I collected
shortly before leaving La Mortola, are germinating
now. I saw a considerable quantity of Ailanthm
glandulosa, which may be used as a shade-tree,
for timber, and the leaves if possible as fodder
for oxen. A little later on I will write you about
my experiments with Vine-seed, and other dis-
coveries which I shall make tho next few months.
Dintcr, Inachab, near Keetmanshoop, Qnat Nama-
land.
HOLMEWOOD, CHESHUNT.
The interesting garden of J. T. Bennett-Poo, Esq,
contains a large number of rare and pretty plauts,
each of which is specially tended, and various devices
and shifts are resorted to for the benefit of reputed
difficult subjects, whose interests are allowed to
encroach on the primness usually affected in gardens
of moderate size.
Orchids.
The comfortable span-roofed Orchid-houses con-
tain a very fine show of flowers of the very best
quality, borne op plants in vigorous health, all indi-
November 13, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
339
eating the skilful treatment of Mr. Downes, the
gardener at Holmewood, and the interest taken in
them, one and all, by their owner. In the first warm
house are a number of well-bloomed plants of Cypri-
pedium Spicerianum, and a grand lot of Dendrobium
Phalamopsis Schroderianum, chiefiy of the light-
lip, which in the different specimens varies from
chrome-yellow to orange. Also in bloom are Vanda
Sanderiana, Ccelogyne Micholitzii, Oncidium [rapilio,
Miltonia Roezlii alba, Aeridjs Lawrences, Calantln
x Clivo, Cypripedium x Perseus, C. x cardimle,
Vanda Benson!, CypripediumTjVicfcom Mariae,
il
orange scarlet flowers ; Authurium Andreanum and
A. Scherzerianum display their dark scarlet spathes ;
and some of the Nepenthes are well-furnished with
"pitchers."
In the nest house the most prominent plants ia
flower are Vanda coerulca, a pretty group of Plcionei
Wallichiana, macutata, and lagenaria ; some very fine
Ltelia Dayana, Cattleya Dowiana aurea, Dendrobium
aureum, blooming profusely on the current year's
growths; Ccelogyne oce.llata maxima, Zygopetdum
intermedium, Lycaste Deppei, and a singular blush-
white L. Skinneri ; Cypripedium Arthuriauum ; and
at the end of the home two very fine Sobralia
xantholeuca, and one of S. macrantha alba promise
well for bloom.
In the third house is a good show of Odontoglossura
grande, and a few other species, and here are a
quantity of splendid plants of Cattleya citrina, which
b'.ooni so profusely at Holmewood. I luring the heit
of the summer, and until a fortnight ago, the plants
were suspended from the sides of the stagin?, aud
hangover the Bhadei walk, a position which suits
them admirably. Daring the winter they are sus-
pended near the glass of the roof. In this house is a
tine specimen of Nerine x Maaselli, with ten spikes
of its sho .vy carmine crimson flowers ; the pretty N.
Novelty, and other Nerines ; also Cyrtinthus lutes-
cens, C. McKennii, C. parviflorns, and other Amaryl-
lids ; and the richly-coloured Begonia Froebeliincom-
parabilis illustrated from these gardens in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle, Decemher 7, 1895, p. 681.
Also in bloom i-s a very fine batch of the best
form of Liclia pumila, Epidendrum x O'Brienianum,
Trichosma suavis, Cypripedium Charlesworthi, Onci-
dium Forbesii, Cypripedium x Leeanum ; a fine
bitch of varieties of C. insigne, of which the C. i.
violaceo-punc'atum, Chantini, and nitens are especially
good.
The other plant-houses have numerous pretty
species not generally met with in gardens. Indeed,
it it tnwir.U these rather than towards the ordinary
run "f showy flowers that Mr. Poi's fancy Ieitis. lu
one house the Lapageria rosea, Nash Court varitty,
and the L. alba, are well in bloom ; Campanula
Vidali, and other uncommon plants are in flower, and
a ba*.ch of Disi granditlora flourishing.
\XjLu oneof the vineries are eome sturdy Dondrobi am?
at rjst, som ) of them hiving been ten years in cul-
tivation. Here, al-o aro iu flower Centrum auraubia-
cum, Swaiusona galegicfo'.ia alba, Calceolaria liar-
bidgei, C. alba, and the pretty Myrtle-like E igenia
australis, covered with pretty white flowers.
In another house are several kinds of Nerines in
Po fer, Qerbera Jamesoni in bud, Toxicophlcc i spee-
tabilis, and other flowering shrubs, and in the open
garden beside the plant-houses are huge mioses of
Crinum Poweli, C. P. album, and many other fine
plants, which in their season have given a great show
of blooms.
Fig. 100. — acanthopanax sessiliflorum : beeries lustrous black, (see p, 337-3
coloured type, some of them having nearly white
1 ' pals and petals. Here, too, the Calanthes are
finely grown, and are sending up numerous spikes
to continue the display throughout the winter. Sus-
pended overhead are several splendid specimens of
Dendrobium formosum giganteum, with their large
snow-white floweis, beariug a jellow bMch on the
plant of Cypripedium Clumberlain'.anum, which, as
an importel plant, opened its first bloom in April,
1895, and produced the twenty-seventh flower on the
same scape in October, 1897, having been con-
tinuously iu flower for thirty-one months. Of plants
other than Orchids in this house, several fine plants
of Costus igileus have a brilliant display of dazzling
CANADA IN COVENT GARDEN.
Yoo ask me to state briefly what is being done
by tho Canadian Government in assisting to develop
Canadian trade with Great Britain in agricultural
produc'.s. I will endeavour to give you some of the
general details and the outlines of our methods.
As you know, we have in Canada in connectionwith
the Federal Government a Minister of Agriculture.
The Hon. Sidney Fisher, who holds the position, is a
practical farmer. He is thoroughly interested in
everything which tends to promote the success and
prosperity of tho tillers of the fruitful soils of Canadi,
and realises that the corner-stone of our national
wealth rests largely upon agriculture iu its various
branches. Associated with him in the department
is Professor J. VV. Robertson, Agricultural and Dairy
Commissioner, who has done as much as or more
than any man iu Canida by his earnest efforts and
faithful service for maDy years iu the work of the
department.
As the result of the interest taken by the Govern-
mentof Canada along this Hue, we have ouragricultural
colleges, our experimental farms scattered here and
there over our vast dominion, our dairy schools, our
340
TEE GARDENERS' CERONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
travelling dairies, our farmers' institutes, our fruit and
dairy associations— all of them educational in their
character, and disseminating knowledge, gained by
scientific and practical means, among our people.
Canada, with its rich agricultural fields, its boundless
prairies, its orchards and vineyards, its vast forests,
and great mineral wealth still unexplored, is capable
of supporting many millions of people ; and, with its
varied soils and climate, can produce everything
essential to the wants of mankind — and of a very
choice quality.
In consequence of our situation alongside of a
nation with unfriendly and ungenerous tariffs, the
Government have realised the importance of aiding
in some tangible way the placing of Canada's surplus
productions upon the market of Great Britain in the
best possible condition. With this purpose in view,
State aid has been granted in the way of a thorough
cold-storage system for food products — such as
poultry, eggs, creamery butter, meats, and fruits —
conveying them from the points of production until
they are placed upon the markets of this country.
The Government are aiding and encouraging the build-
ing of cold-storage warehouses, the running of cold-
storage cars to the steamships, and have subsidised
this season some seventeen steamers running from
I 'anada to the ports of Great Britain, in order that
Canadian productions— which have hitherto been
considered of a perishable nature because of the
want of these transit advantages — may be placed
upon the tables of the consumers of this country in
a fresh and sweet condition, fully equal to the pro-
ductions of any country.
The Canadian Government is also this season
making some experimental shipments of Tears,
Peaches, Plums, Grapes, and Tomatos. The first
shipments to reach Eugland were not altogether
satisfactory, the result very largely of our inex-
perience ; but I am pleased to say that the shipments
now arriving are in fine condition, and will ultimately
prove a grand success. The consignments by the
steamship Ocrona are being sold at Covent Garden
Market by Messrs. Garcia, Jacobs k Co., who aie acting
for the Government in London.
In conclusion, let me say that I trust that the
people of the grand old motherland will give her
colony a preference, if no more, in our exports to this
country, all things being equal. This much we as
Canadians do claim, and look forward to in the near
future, that the consuming millions of this great
country should be supplied by the people and from
the soils of the colonies, instead of buying their food
from foreign nations that are hostile to England, not
only in tariffs, but in sentiment and sympathy.
W. T. Crandall, Agent, Canadian Department of
Agriculture, in "Canadian Gazette," Oct. 23, 1897.
must be sunk to half their depth in a pail of water,
and the water allowed to penetrate the soil almost up
to the surface, water applied at this stage with a
can causing damping. The seedlings may be pricked-
off when two true leaves are made into larger pans
or thumb-pots, using a compost of loam three-
quarters and leaf-mould and rotten cow-dung, with a
dash of silver-sand, placing a layer of dried cow-dung
over the crocks. In the course of a month the plants
will be ready for potting, using good yellow loam and
cow-dung only, with silver-sand in the same propor-
tion as before, but in a coarser condition. Over-potting
mnst be avoided, small shifts and often being the best
practice, the time and labour in doing this being
amply repaid ; pot firmly, keeping the bottom pair
of leaves well down on the soil.
I have grown the plants for some time now in a
large hip-roofed pit, fixing the stage so as to allow
the plants to be within 6 inches of the glass, thus
securing dwarf, sturdy growth. Under the stage is a
large water-tank, and the moisture arising from this
body of water seems to benefit the plants greatly. A
cool, shady house with plenty of moisture, and an
occasional dewing overhead with the syringe, is what
is required by the Calceolaria during the growing
season, never allowing the soil to become dry, and
affording air whenever the weather is mild enough to
permit this to be done. Fire-heat should be avoided
as much as possible, merely warming the pipes so as
t ) keep out the frost in severe weather. Sunshine
iu the early spring strengthens the plants, but as it
increases in power shading must be used. A good
size of pot for flowering the plants in is a large 32, a
useful size if the plants are used for in-door deco-
ration. The plant can be grown of large size in 24'a,
but then stopping is required. As the flower-spikes
begin to throw up, the plants should be removed from
the pit to the greenhouse. The flower-shoots should
be neatly staked out, otherwise they fall over the
sides of the pots, having an untidy appearance.
Weak applications of manure may be given as soon
as the flowering-pots become filled with roots, and as
the flowtrs open, the application of water should be
very carefully carried out, too much water causing
the flowers to become spotted, and damp-off. The
plants must be fumigated once a fortnight, whether
&reen -fly be observed or not. R. JV.
Florists' Flowers.
THE HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIA.
Very seldom do we see well-grown plants of the
above in private gardens, though few if any
flowering-plants make a finer show, and last such a
length of time as the Calceolaria. One batch alone
I have had in flower for fully six weeks. Where there
ire large conservatories, the Calceolaria is as indis-
pensable a plant in the spring months as the Chrys-
anthemum in the autumn, not for cutting purposes
certainly, but for a display in the pots, and iu this
respect it has no equal at that season.
I generally sow the seed (which should be secured
from a trustworthy source) about the end of July,
in shallow pans filled with light sandy soil, thoroughly
soaking the soil with water before sowing the seed.
The seed must be carefully distributed thinly over
the surface, and barely covered with a sprinkling of
silver-sand, a sheet of glass, and a covering of brown
paper, or a tile put over each pan, and they are put
into a cold frame. In the course of three or four days
the plants appear, and the pans should be placed
near to the glass, removing the paper, but allow-
ing the glass to remain over the pans for a few days
longer, Should the soil require water, the pans
CHRYSANTHEMUM GOSSIP.
{Continued from p. 333.)
Mr. H. J. Jones'.— There is always much interest
afforded by an inspection of the Ryecroft collection
of Chrysanthemums, for all of the plants in it repre-
sent new varieties. We use the term in the com-
parative sense, and do not mean that they are all this
or last season's novelties. Old sorts-, however, that
do not need to l>o further "tried" find no place in
the show-house, and such, for instance, as Sunflower
are only grown for stock purposes. When so many
novelties are grown, a few of which are good, and
others good for nothing, it must prejudicially affect
the general display ; yet there is a capital show of
blooms. Mr. Jones tells us incidentally that on
Sunday, November 1, about 1000 persons inspected
the plants — a fact that was turned to account in
favour of the Gardeners' Orphan Fund. In the
principal house one is soon attracted by a few of the
novelties already partially known, such as Western
King, which was sent out last year jointly by Mr.
Jones and Mr. Davis, of the Framtield Nurseries.
Like Simplicity, it is of American origin, and both
are white, slightly incurved Japanese varieties. The
differences between the two are not very great, but
Simplicity is a purer white, and its petals are
less broad. Western King does capitally at Rye-
croft, in every conceivable manner, late struck
cuttings, as well as the more cared-for specimens,
bearing plenty of good blooms. Mrs. Richard Jones,
another white Japanese of much depth, and one of
Mr. Jones' seedlings, is better known. Then there is
H. J. Cutbush, a fine deep chestnut-coloured flower ;
Pride of Exmoutli, one of the very best of Exmouth-
rai*ed Chrysanthemums ; and Mrs. " Oporto " Tait, a
good yellow Japanese incurved of Messrs. Cannells'.
After examining a few such recruits that have
entered the ranks, but have stiU to prove them-
selves, we are attracted by numerous seedlings and
continental novelties not hitherto observed. The
capital market variety, Niveum, has sported, and
there, under the name of Pride of Ryecroft, is dis-
p'aying yellow blooms that deepen in colour as they
age, and, apart from col >ur, are of the same character
as Phcebus. If it proves as remunerative to market
caterers as Phcebus has done, it will be very valuable.
Croxn of Gold (Shea), sent out last spring, is very
pietty ; the name describes the flower, which in
colour is true golden-yellow, while the centre of the
flower, which is distinct in appearance, suggests a
crown. Miss Shea (1897) is a yellow Japanese with
slight green shade, as we saw it, and in shape and
build reminds one of Avalanche. N. C. S. Jubilee
(Calvat) is a fine incurved Japanese of faint rosy-
lilac colour ; the apex of each floret is toothed, and
some of the florets are very slightly hirsute. One of
the most distinct flowers we saw was that of Mrs.
H. Garrat Cumines (Jones). The florets ai'e rather
long, narrow, quilled at extreme base, and in those
earliest produced, twisted also iu various directions. It
is rose-coloured, and though not an exhibition flower,
is very pretty.
A pure Japanese is Frau Agathea Hesson (Jones),
remarkable for being a bright, clear rose colour, and
the flower of good size. Then there are two French
laisel varieties in Emile Nonum, and President
Nonum. The colour of the first named is suggestive
of G. C. Childs, with bronzy-buff reverse, and the
latter is a true buff Japanese incurved of considerable
sizo and value. Madame Bruant has been certificated
this sea: on already, and described several times. It
has a dis iuct and most beautiful appearance, the
base being pure white, and the wide florets mauve-
coloured towards apex. Viviand Morel has increased
its reputation for sporting by producing a variety
about midway in colour between the type and Charles
Davis. This is named Lady Hanham, and different
persons see in its colour tints of yellow, mauve, pink
and lilac— it is really very pretty. While speaking
of sports, we may mention the name that Mrs. Har-
miu Payne's variation is known by, viz., Mrs. G. W.
Palmer — it is a more pleasing tint of colour than the
tjpe. Master H. Tucker, a Japanese incurved of
deep brown crimson and chestnut reverse, is
already in some collections. The ladies may
have another green flowered novelty in Madame
EJmond Rogers, and if a pale green flower is
ever to become popular, this one is' likely
to do so, for the flower and florets are good. There
are many other novelties in the Japanese ss ction to be
seen at Ryecroft, which we must pass on this occasion ;
but a seedling of the present year calls for the last
word. There is but one plant of this variety, R. H.
Pearson, with three blooms upon it, and it promi es
to be a first-class buttercup-yellow Japanese, deeper
in colour than Edith Tabor, or any yet sent out.
Of incurveda there seems to be more novelties than
for several years past. Mons. Desblanc, a reddish-
rose flower, was seen last season occasional.y ; but in
Chrysanthemum Bruant we have a novelty that pro-
mises to become a first class back row flower that will
neid very little preparation for the exhibition-board.
The plant is apparently rather tall, and the large
flowers are bronze coloured. " Mum."
At Earlswood.
There is probably no fiuer or more extensive trade
collection in the country thau Mr. W. Wells has at
Earlswood. Certainly few growers are more enter-
prising, or strive to secure a more varied collection
of the novelties, home and foreign. The greater
portion of the huge collection is housed in a big
span 100 feet by 30 feet, thus giving ample room
and an abundance of light and air. Out of so many
new ones there is a large number that, wh'Ist very
beautiful, are not likely to make show-flowers ; but
there are some of much excellence. Then there are
many late-struck plants blooming finely, and these
furnish an admiral ilo object-lesson in securing desir-
able dwarfness. Quite new of Japanese is Madame
Tarlat, pure wh'te, flowers very deep and massive
Novemmt. 13, 189".]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
341
So, too, is Directeur Liebert, pearly-mauve, a great
advance on M. Clemenee Audiguier. Papa Viellard,
rosy-carmine, with silver reverse, petals loosely long,
a lovely flower. Madame Desblanc is a big massive
incurved, white, flushed lilac. Mrs. W. Butters is a
charming white, the petals deeply laciuiated or
horned— not a show flower, but if a good grower,
then a wonderfully beautiful variety for cutting.
Here, too, Mons. Chenon de Leche is in superb form ;
and very fine is G. J. Warren. N. C. S. Jubilee
shows very massive, indeed superb blooms, the blue
shading being very prominent. Quite new is Madame
and excellent is Edith Tabor. Another new ono is
Madame Kosseau, like Viviand Morel, but has broader
petals, and is a charming variety. Another beautiful
white is Madame Phillipe Rivoire. A grand semi-in-
curved, having broad petals of a bright yellow colour, is
Georgina Pitcher, evidently an improvement on Edith
Tabor. One other new variety is Mrs. W. H. Fowler,
of a blush-pink hue, and very promising.
These must suffice to indicate the varied nature of
the Earlswood collection of Japanese. There are also
incurved, reflexed, Anemone, Pompon, and single varie-
ties, the latter being very largely grown. Theollection
has to furnish with plants and flowers. To this
end also it has always been thought desirable to
keep the collection up to date by the inclusion of the
most distinct aud valuable novelties.
This season the plants have done uncommonly
well, and never have they produced finer blooms.
When we saw the collection recently it was staged in
several of the lean-to vineries there, and a capital
display it presented. One of the gems was Edith
Tabor, represented in true character by largedeeply-
coloured yellow flowers, with long, drooping petals,
recurved at the tips. Mdlle. The'iese Rey, that
Fig. 101. — the grounds at gattox pabk, as sees from the south, (.see p. 342.)
Charles Krastz, rosycarmine, with golden reverse— a
very beautiful bloom. Of new white3,the finest without
doubt is Mdlle. Lucie Faure ; this gives grand blooms,
that excel in dimensions those of Mutual Friend —
indeed, it promises to be the finest white in com-
merce. Very brilliant in colour is Modestum, and
so abundant ; Lady Isabel, clear lavender-Mush,
though a Japanese, bids fair to make a first-rate
incurved variety ; Mrs. C. Blick, Pride of Exmouth,
aud Ma Perfection, are first-rate. There is seen a very
fine seedling from Australia, build of Pride of
Madfonl, that well deserves a name ; La Moucherette,
Australie, Australian Gold, Thos. Wilkins, Sim-
plicity, Lady Hanham, all show splendid flowers.
That fine new white, Mrs. F. Lewis, has noble blooms ;
is here practically open to ally one to look in upon,
differing in this respect from private ones. The
houses are close to Earlswood fctition, and, indeed, are
but a mile from Redhill, which is a very accessible
station.
At Dover Hoose, Roehampton.
Of the many private establishments near London,
where a large collection of Chrysanthemums is
grown with great care and a deal of enthusiasm,
the garden belonging lb J. P. Morgan, Esq., is not
the least noteworthy. Hitherto such cultivation
has been given the plmts with no view to exhibiting
the blooms, but in order to obtain a plentiful supply
of really first-rate flowers, to be usrd for decorative
purposes in severjl town h us s that Mr. McLeol
excellent white Japanese, was very good too ; eo also
were Lord Brooke, Colonel Smith, Viviand Morel,
Charles Davis, Surprise, Eva Knowles, and especially
Duchess of Wellington ; Colonel Bourne, too, bore
some fine blooms of the rich colour characteristic of
the variety.
Several of the hirsute-flo wered section were noticed,
including Hairy Wonder, Esau, aud Dr. Ward. JThe
last named is less common than the other, but is well
worth a place amongst the best of these. Incurved
were developing well, and Mr. MeLeod was evidently
pleased with them. At the time, the varieties Lord
Wolseley, Jardin des Plantes, Mr. Brunlees. and C.
II. Curtis, were most noteworthy, but there were
many more to develop. "Mum."
342
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November -13, 1897.
GATTON PARK, SURREY.
The magnificent estate purchased by Jeremiah
Colman, Esq., of Lord Oxenbridge in 188S, possesses
natural features which aid and also simplify the
labours of the landscape gardener. With a view of
improving these features, " Capability " Brown under-
took the landscape work with more or less success.
Coming to recent times, Mr. Colman, who has a keen
artibtic eye, soon found, on his acquisition of the
estate, that much more remained to be done before
the gardens and pleasure-grounds attained that stage
of perfection which he was determined they should
reach.
About 1893 Mr. H. E. Milner was engaged to
remodel the gardens, and well and artistically lias
he done his work within the 550 acres or so which
are included in the gardens, pleasure-grounds, and
park. Some charming views which had previously
been shut in by trees were opened out ; and, so far,
the gardens seem now to be all that could be desired,
but the indomitable energy and desire for improve-
ment which generally affects the British merchant-
prince, accompanies him also to his home, and
consequently Mr. Colman has not stayed his hand
or closed his purse so that many improvements
which suggest themselves have been made, and others
await their turn to be carried out.
He is in consultation with Mr. Milner at the
present time, and work on a large scale, chiefly on
the outlying portion of the estate, is in contemplation.
Much of the beauty of Qatton Park lies in the fact
that its owners have for generations been lovers of
gardening, and evidences of their work are found on
every hand. For example, in the kitchen garden are
fruit-trees of great age, one trained Pear, a Uvedale's
St. Germain, bearing fruit abundantly, has branches
that extend for 100 feet. In the pleasure-grounds,
antique Yews, Cidars of Lebanon, Beeches, Oak?,
and Chestnuts aro common objects ; oneigrand old
giant Chestnut arching its branches around the quaint
little Town Hall of Gatton forms, as it were, a link with,
bygone times ; the building is now, as formerly, a part
of the estate, although the uses pertaining to it have
lapsed. Our illustration (fig. 101) gives a view across
the gardens from the south ; the mansion, and
lesideitthe spire of Gatton Church, appear in the
distance. The trees are principally Elms and Yews,
with some of the compact growing Conifers on the
margins of the clump, beds of Iris being on the ltft
of the walk, and of Rhododendrons and Azaleas on
the right.
The view (fig. 102) is taken from a point looking
across the upper fishpond, and shows the bridge over
which runs the carriage-drive to the West Lodge
the pheasant-preserves appearing in the distance.
From the bridge, water comes all down the valley,
passing from the upper to the lower fish-pond, arrd
then turns off in the distance, everywhere imparting
a pleasing effect to the snrroundiDg scenery. A small
island appears in the upper portion, and the sur-
rounding trees are chiefly Chestnuts and Elms.
The view (fig. 103) shows Reigate Hills in tie
distance. In the foreground are various flowering
Bhrubs, behind which are Yews, AVillows, Elms, and
Oaks, on the right of the walk in the foreground is a
large bed of Magnolias.
Mr. Colman's aim is to make his gardens and
pleasure-grounds beautiful all the year round. For
spring, summer, and autumn flowers, Irises, Phloxes,
Pentstemons, and other herbaceous perennials are
employe', and but little use made of what are
usually called "bedding-plants."
Colonial Notes.
TRINIDAD.
"The Botanic Garden? in Trinidad were s'arted
early in the century, and are amongst the most
efficient of any in the colonies. Mr. Hart, the
Superintendent, is an energetic, capable officer, who
is devoted to his work. Between the years 1887 and
1896 there were distributed 285,31 7 economic and other
plan*-,ind 123,731 packets o'se ds. Alargec rr spon-
ilence — about 2000 letters annually— is carried on with
regard to the cultivation of these plants, and a valu-
able Bulletin is regularly issued containing informa-
tion of a practical character relating to agricultural
subjects. Latterly, the free distribution of economic
plants by the Government railway has been resumed.
The Botanic Gardens in this and other ways have for
years encouraged the development of local industries,
and if their scope were enlarged in the direction
here indicated, there is no doubt they would be
capable of rendering still greater services to the
island. At present it is evident that too much of the
time of the superintendent is occupied in the culti-
vation and distribution of plants merely of an orna-
mental character, and in maintaining flower-beds and
borders around Government House. In consequence,
he is unable to take so large a share as is desirable in
the more important and urgent dut:es of promoting
the agricultural interests of the colony. Further,
the area of the present garden is too small, and the
soil generally too poor for experimental cultivation of
economic plants. It is recommended, therefore, that
land be obtained elsewhere for a purely experimental
station, where economic plants could be cultivated on
a larger scale, and where young men could be trained
in agricultural pursuits. At this station also the
trial plots of new varieties of Sugar-cane could be
established, and a systematic investigation be
instituted into their merits, as is done in British
Guiana and Barbados." Report of the West Indies
Commission.
Santa Lucia.
" The botanic station of Santa Lucia was started
at Castries in 1887. The site was formerly an un-
healthy swamp, which was filled up and ultimately
converted into a beautiful garden. The station is too
small for experimental cultivation, but it has done
excellent service in raising seedlings, and distributing
them all over the island. The total cost of the
station, including the salary of the Curator in 1896,
was £358 ; the amount received for 16,705 plants,
sold at nominal prices, was £39. About 4000 plants
were given, free of charge, to purchasers of Crown
Hands. The estimated number of economic plants
sjhl from 1889 to 1895 was 60,000.
" It is desirable that a larger and more Luitable piece
of land bo provided for experimental "cultivation,
either in the neighbourhood of Castries or Sonfriere.
If it were possible to work such an experimental
station by means of labour supplied by a reformatory
or industrial school, as in Barbados, there would
ari»e the double advantage of training the boys in
agricultural pursuits, and of raising crops of value
to the island. New and improved canes might also
bd introduced aud cultivated for distribution to the
sugar estates.
" What is suggested, is not an expensive Government
farm, but a simple and practical institution, who e
economic plants could be experimentally cultivate 1
on a larger scale than is possible at the present botanic
station, and where the produce could be cured in
such a way as to serve as object lessons to the peasant
cultivators." Report of Ike West Indies Commission.
THE POTATO CROP OF 1897.
Probably the principal food product of most
highly civilised nations is the Potato— a full world's
proluction of Potatos i3 about 4000 million bushels ;
while of Wheat, it is 2500 million bushels ; of maize,
about the same quantity ; of Rye, about 1300 million
bushels ; and of Barley, rrot quite 750 million bushels.
According to statistics, furnished by the American
Agriculturist, Europe produces rrearly two and a half
times as many bushels of Potatos in a full year as she
does Wbeit. Of late years, about 30 million acres
on the average have been reported as being devoted
to Pota'os yearly throughout the world, of which
Europe, including the United Kingdom, has about 26
million acres, and the United States about 3 million
acres.
Fotato culture is said by the American Ayricul-
twist to be more carefully conducted in Europe than
American Notes.
DEATH OF MR. STILES.
In the death of William Augustus Stiles, editor of
Garden and Forest (see ante, p. 284), the entire horti-
cultural world has suffered a loss, which it is }et too
early for us to appreciate. Mr. Stiles' work was of that
peculiar quality which insures that it will last to com-
ing generations, so that it will appear with proportion-
ately greater and greater prominence, as it gains the
perspective of passing years. Many of the things
in the United States ; their average for five good
years being only eighty two bushels per acre, against
179 bushels in Europe. Not since 1892 has the
Potato crop of the United States proved so nearly a
failure as the preserrt year, the aggregate yield beirg
the smallest in the pist five years. Compared with
the liberal crop of 1896, there is an apparent falling
off of nearly 30 per cent, in quantity, arrd the
qua'ity as a whole is greatly deficient. The low
prices of last autumn and winter, which attended
the full crop of 1896, did not tend to stimulate Potato
planning. Yet Potatos form such a staple food in
almost every State in America, as well as in Europe,
that after all a fairly full acreage was put iu the
ground last spring. The final estimates from statistics
collected by the American Agriculturist place the
yield of Potatos for the present year in the United
States at 174,200,000 bushels, against 245 milli in
bushels last year, 286 millions in 1895, 185 millions
in 1894, and only 155 million bushels in the shirt
crop of 1892.
The reasons given for disaster to the United States
Potato crop of 1897 are about as varied as a multi-
plicity of unfavourable causes could make them.
Standing out with more prominence than any other
two factors are blight and rot, as a result of extremes
of weather conditions. Excessive rainfall here and
there, failure of sets, serious drought, rust, scab,
insect injury, &c , have all been prominently in evi-
dence, though complaints of this character are lets
general than of the two first-named. Thus it is that
while the jield in bushels is small, the quality is
inferior. This is true of most, but not all the States.
In briefly localising the situation, excesive rot-
disease following bad weather conditions, largely
caused the eastern shortage, and positive drought
in such portions of the west as show a falling off in
rate of yield. Taking the United States at large, the
crop is best in the North-western parts of the
country, in rate of yield, quality, and freedom from
disease.
The foreign Potato crop of 1897 has not yet been
finally reported upon, but all official data point to a
heavy reduction iu the output. Europe's yield, in-
cluding that of the United Kingdom, in the three
years of full production, 1896, 1895, and 1893,
averaged about 3500 million bushels. In 1831 the
officially-reported Potato crop of Europe was only
2652 million bus'iels. This was about 1100 millions
less than tho returns of the 1893 crop, or a decline
of over 30 per cent.
The information collected by the American Agri-
culturist, and published August 28, 1897, indicated,
at that date, a shortage of this year's European crop
of 25 per cent, below the bumper yield. The weather
since has been favourable in some parts, but bad in
others. In Ireland, France, and the Low Countries,
Potatos have turned out below early estimates, but
it is now a question whether this decrease is not
offset by a somewhat better yield in Germany than
seemed possible in August. Still, the German crop
is undeniably short, but to exactly what extent
cannot yet be stated.
Whether it will pay Canada to ship Potatos to
England or Europe, in preferenoe to paying the
25 cents per bushel duty to get into the United
States, is a question of freight rates. Quite likely, the
West Indies and South America will afford better
returns for limited shipments. It is reported that
Potatos wero 2 dol. a bushel in Venezuela a few weeks
ago. /. J. Willi-i, J/arpenden.
NovicMiiKii 13, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
343
which now seem more important, will most surely fade
from sight and be forgotton long before Mr. Stiles'
work (of which the volumes of Garden and Forest
are only examples) ceases to have a wide and cogent
usefulness. Mr. Stiles was a leader and a teacher in
horticulture ; he was such by reason of his broad
culture, his thorough training, and his lively
sympathy with living plants aud growing fruits, and
all animate nature. There is an unfortunate tendency
in certain places in this country, and I suppose in
every other country, to measure the value of a horti-
Lily Diseases.
Lily diseases are often quite troublesome in
nurseries, gardens, and greenhouses in this country.
Certain fungi (among which certain Botrytis are con-
spicuous) attack many species, and often make very
serious work of it. The common Meadow Lily, L.
canadense, is sometimes found very much disfigured
with large dead blotches on the foliage. L. candidum
is so badly attacked, in this immediate neighbourhood
at least, that its garden culture is a business of great
uncertainty. The same spi cies often suffers severely
Soil Inoculation for Leguminous Crops.
The cultivation of leguminous crops for the
atmospheric nitrogen which they gather and add to
the soil, is a subject full of lively interest for all pro-
gressive American cultivators. The special use of
such crops for soil-cover in orchards has been referred
to before. One of the interesting points which
investigation has developed is, that most leguminous
species are able to forage mo3t successfully for atmos-
pheric nitrogen only when grown on ground previously
occupied by the sam^ species. Thus, in some experi-
I'lr, 102. — THE I'l'PEl! F1SH-PONI', GATT03 PAKE, (SEE r. 3-W )
t.icullui.1 leader by the quantity of his so-called
' practical expe ieoce ; " aud the application of this
very erroneous standard is likely, I fear, to disparage
our lamented friend and teacher in the eyes of those
very ones who mest needed his kind of inspiration.
He was a U ader by virtue of a much better title than
could be given by any number of years' work in
shearing Culet.s beds or squirting tobacco- juice at
noxiuus little insects. And so it is for the larger
qualities of hs mind, for all those delicate refine-
ments of taste, and for that something more than
r.cadeniic polish, that we shall feel the vacancy he has
left ; and it is also for these things that his momory
must Ijng be u pait of our better ideals.
also in the nursery. Tue most marked immuuity
from disea.se beloi gs to L. tigrinum and L. LTeorti.
Mr. Albert F, Woods, of the United States Djpjrt-
ment of Agiiculture, has been studying the Bermuda
Lily disease, which he finds to be due to a combina-
tion of causes, aitiog chielly, however, by weakening
the vegetative vigour of the plant. Improper
selection aid propagation, mites, fungi and bacteria,
all come in for a share of the blame. This suggests
that any preventive measures must look to invigora-
ting methods of culture with such treatment as shall
keep the plants freo from insects and fungi. The use
of chemical fertilisers in place of solutions of horse,
cow, or sheep mxnure. is also recommended.
ments made by Mr. .1. F. Duggar, in Alabama, Hairy
Vetch grown without fertiliser on land whtre this
plaut had been repeatedly cultivated, yielded
17,705 lb. of green forage, and 4174 lb. of hay to the
acre ; while on a field where Hairy Vttcb. bad never
been grown, and where the fertilisers applied con-
tained phosphoric acid and potash, bu'. n ■ nitrogen,
the yield was only 235 lb. of hay to the acre. On
another plot adjoining the latter, aud similarly
treated, except that the seed was inoculated with soil
from an old Vetch field, the yield of hay wai
11540 lb., or an increase of 995 percout. The use of the
Germau preparation, "nitragin," also greatly increased
the yield of various leguminous plants, F. A. Waugh
344
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
The Park and Outdoor Art Association.
The Park aud Out-door Art Association was
organised at a convention of Park Commissioners
and others interested in the development and design
of public parks, in the improvement of villages and
home grounds, and in the preservation of natural
scenery, which was held at Louisville, Ky., May 20
and 21, 1897. Mr. Charles Eliot suggested shortly
before his death that "a general association, to bo
made up of all who desire the advancement of art
out of doors, including amateurs, landowners, writers,
park commissioners and officers, village improvement
societies, foresters, gardeners and others interested.
An organisation corresponding somewhat to the
American Association for the Advancement of
Science," and it was on these lines that the association
was formed.
Papers of much interest were read, and the
enthusiasm manifested by all present was very en-
couraging.
The next meeting of the Association will be held
at Minneapolis, Minn., June 22, 18118, when the
Constitution and Bye-Laws will be submitted for
approval, aud an interesting programme will be
presented.
The Publication Committee is now preparing to
print the papers read, together with the proceedings
of the Convention, a copy of which will be sent to
each member. It is also the purpose of this Com-
mittee to print the namos and addresses of all tho
members with the report.
The membership fee is two dollars, payable
annually in advance. Warren II. Manning, Secretary
and Treasurer, Tremont Buildings, Boston, Mass.
The Week's Work.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Birford, Dorking.
Lyeaslc Skinneri. and Others. — The new growths on
L. Skinneri and L. S. alba being now mature, will
soon begin to show the flower-spikes, these emerging
fr.im the base of the pseudo-bulbs. Lycastes gene-
rally take water iu abundance whilst growing, aud
rather less from the time the flower spikes appear,
avoiding, however, the other extreme of causing the
pseudo-bulbs to shrivel. This rather drier treatment
has the effect of causing the flowers to come alto-
gether, instead of in two's and three's. The tempera-
ture should not fall below 50°, or rise much above
60°. The leaves of these plants sometimes have
a yellowish hue, the cause being a mite, which
infests the under-side of them. The best method of
averting the mischief is to keep the air around them
moist whilst they are growing, and well shading them
from strong lights. Should the mites still appear on
the leaves, a piece of sponge dipped in a safe kind of
insecticide mutt be employed. Water should be
afforded less often to plants of La;lia aromatica,
L. crvienta, aud L. Deppei. Ltelias Barringtoni, cos-
tata, and lanipes flower during early winter, and the
last-named has nearly pure white, pleasantly fragrant
flowers.
Epidendrum prismatocarpitm, — A pretty Orchid
that sometimes does not flower satisfactorily, is
making its growth at this season, and any plant that
seems to require a larger po« may now be repotted.
The plant grows freely in a mixture of sphagnum-
moss and peat, and in rather big pots, taking care
to have these well crocked. As with others, when
disturbed at the root, water should be afforded less
plentifully till the roots are seen to be traversing the
sphagnum-moss, and growth is complete, when as
much as will prevent excessive shrivelliug should be
afforded. A slight shrivelling of the pseudo-bulbs
does no harm. The supply of water should be
increased when the flower-spikes commence to develop,
as they do at the top of the pseudo-bulbs. The new
growths are best matured by exposing the plants to
the light, and affording air. It is advisable that a
decided rest be afforded Epidendrum prismatocarpum,
or it may fail to flower freely. A light spot at the
cool end of the Cattleya house will suit it best.
.Other species of Epidendrum, viz., E. brassavola,
RceptruoQ, glumaceum, fragrans, variegatum, Jurgen-
Beni, radiatum, Stamfordianum, varicosum, iuversum
cochleatum, ciliare, .datum, and Lauchianum require
similar sort of treatment. The rare Dendrobium
Crelogyne, owing to its scandent habit, will not do in
pots, but is at home in long, narrow Teak- wood
baskets, if afforded a thin layer, consisting of peat one-
quarter, and sphagnum-moss three-quarters. Let the
basket be hung close to the roof, and afford it plenty
of moisture at the root whilst growing, and keep it
somewhat drier after it has flowered, till growth begins
anew. The intermediate-house is a suitable place
for this plant. The singular looking Dendrobium
cymbidioides now showing flower is amenable to the
same kind of treatment as the foregoing, but a
slightly higher degree of heat should be given it.
Dendrobium Hilli, now showing signs of growing,
will enjoy a sunny part of the Cattleya-house.
Cool or Odont'jglossum houses. — Oncidium olivaceum
Lawreuceauum, a lovely species, grown at Burford
close to the roof, is pushing up flower-spikes quickly,
and must be removed to a greater distance from the
glass now that the nights are cold. Plants of Onci-
dium Phahenopsls, 0, cucullatum, and 0. nubigeuum,
are in flower. They are all of small growth, and
purely cool-house plants, doing best in a light, damp
part of the house, and needing copious applications
of water at all seasons. Like those of many other
species of Oncidium, the flowers remain fresh-looking
for several weeks, but it is better to remove them
from the plants, in order to spare the plant. Odon-
toglossum Uro- Skinneri, O. Bictonense, and O. B.
album should have fresh potting materia1 now that
they have begun to grow ; and it is essential to their
well-being that it consist of a porous mass of peat
and sphagnum-moss, the roots decaying in a clo3e,
compact mixture. These three species should have
a place at the drier and warmer end of the house,
and only a very moderate quantity of water till
properly re-established, but afterwards they may bo
afforded water in plenty.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Hbrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Rose. Planting. — In planting beds of Roses, a hard-
and-fast line cannot be laid down as to tho distance
apart they should be planted, as some varieties differ
in habit and vigour of growth. Where beds of mixed
varieties are planted, a suitable distance apart to
plant is from 2 feet to 3 feet, whereas iu beds of
one variety the distance may be greater or less,
according to the strength or habit of growth of the
variety. Upright growing Hoses, as Baroness Roths-
child, Captain Christy, and others like them, may be
planted 1 \ to 2 feet apart ; while strong sorts, such as
La France and vigorous varieties of Tea Roses should
be set out from 2J to 3 feet apart. In selecting
varieties for the garden, those which generally grow
and flower freely should be taken rather than mere
exhibition varieties, although many of the former
when severely disbudded produce flowers fit for
exhibition. Hybrid perpetual varieties in red, crimson,
or other dark shades may consist of A. K. Williams,
Countess of Oxford, Dupuy Jamain, Alfred
Colomb, Duke of Edinburgh, Ulrich Brunner,
General Jacqueminot, Charles Lefebvre, Gustave
Piganeau, Anna Alexieff, Suzanne M. Rodocanachi,
Henrich Schultheiss, Marquis deCastellane, Alphonse
Soupert, Victor Verdier, Beauty of Waltham,
J. Stuart Mill, Madame Victor Verdier, Charles
Darwin. II.P.'s, white, or blush coloured : Madame
Augustine Guiuoisseau, a white sport from
L;i France, is a decided acquisition among garden
Roses ; very free, and like La France, it is one of the
best autumn-flowering varieties. Others of this
colour are Merveillo de Lyon, Violette Bouyer, aud
Margaret Dickson. Of pink or peach shades of
colour, choice may be made of Captain Christy,
Mis. John Laiug, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Mdlle.
Gabrielle Luizet, La France, and Abel Grand.
Tea Bosfs.— The following eighteen varieties com-
prise those that are of free growth, distinct, and may
be termed perpetual-flowering : Marie Van Houtte,
coppery-yellow ; Catherine Mermet, flesh-coloured,
very good ; Anna Olivier, orange, shaded rose ;
Comte-se Riza du Pare, bright salmon rose ;
Devoniensis, creamy - white ; Francesca Kruger,
coppery-yellow shaded pink, very free ; Ionoceute
Pirola, creamy-white ; Hon. Edith j Gifford, white
tinted rose, free ; Jean Ducher, yellow-shaded pink ;
Madame de Watteville, white, shaded pink, with
edge of petals a deeper colour; Madame Pernet
Ducher, canary -yellow ; Madame Lauibard, bright
rose, very free ; Niphetos, white ; The Bride, very
fine white ; Ma Capucino, coppery-orange, a fine bud
Rose ; Suuset, apricot-yellow ; Souvenir de S. A.
Piiuce, a wiiite sport from the woll kuown Souvenir
d'uu Ami, a flue bright rose-coloured variety ; Perlo
des Jardins, straw colour ; and Princesse de Sagan,
velvety-crimson, fine and free.
Monthly or China Hoses are well adapted for mass-
ing in beds and borders, being mostly of dwarf
growth, and also generally bloom freely. Ducher,
creamy - white, free ; Cramoisi Supe'rieur, dark
crimson ; Duke of York, rosy-pink, free, and distinct ;
common or blush China, free flowering pink ; Louise
Phillipe, rosy-crimson ; Red Pet, dark crimson, dwarf.
Perpetual Moss Roses. — Blanche Moreau, large pure
white ; Madame Moreau, bright pink ; Perpetual
White, white, free, aud vigorous ; Crimson Globe,
deep crimson ; Common Moss, pale pink ; Soupert et
Notting, large, bright rose.
Hybrid Sweet Briars are also well adaptod for
planting in pleasure-grounds, and as isolated speci-
mens are effective when well established, growing
from (I feet to 12 feet in height. Anne of Geirstein,
dark crimson, very good ; Lady Penzanco, softly-
tinted copper, base of petals a bright yellow ; Meg
Merrilies, beautiful crimson, one of the best ; Amy
Robsart, deep rose ; Lucy Ashton, white, pink edge ;
Rose Bradwardine, clear rose colour.
Other good Roses are the Bourbon Souvenir de la
Malmaison, pale He3h colour, a fine autumn Rose ;
the very fragrant Cabbage or Provence Rose, Gloire
des Rosomanes, Mrs. Bosanquet, Madame Desprez for
covering an arch or arbour ; and the small Fairy
Roses for elgings.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Hatooce, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
The Rose-House. — The present affords a convenient
season for making a thorough examination of the
Rose-house, its beds, borders and trellises. If the
house has been a considerable length of time
planted, or it is long since thorough operations were
carried out, the soil will be much impoverished, and
iu need of being replacsd with fresh materials. In that
case the plants must be dug up and laid in somewhere
so that a beginning may be made. It is not necessary
that the entire house be renovated in one season, but
the work may be oxtended over a period of three to
four years. My experience is, that planted-out Roses
are injured if frequently disturbed at the roots ;
therefore, take out only somo of them each year, aud
re- make the border, aud there will be no noticoable
loss of flowers the following spring, a great con-
sideration in privato gardens. When doing this, put
the drainage iu proper order, aud make the outlet
drain clear. The new soil may consist of good friable
loam three-quarters, charred soil one quarter, with a
moderate quantity of stable and pig-manure in a
decayed state. When a portion of a border is filled
and well consolidated, the Roses may be planted,
after carefully trimming the roots. Let these be
spread out at several levels, making the soil firm
about them, and finally afford the border a soaking
of water, leaving the pruuing of the bushes, &c, till
a start is made. The beds and borders that are not
renovated may have the exhausted upper-crust
replaced with heavy loam, charred soil, and manure,
making the new materials quite firm, and affording
water copiously to borders that are dry. The
climbers may be unfastened where that is possible,
and be pruned and trained anew. This will afford
an opportunity to clean or paint the wood or iron-
work,the trellises and pillars. If green-fly be present,
let the house receive successional fumigation till
these are got rid of.
Ferns and the Fernery. — If the stock of any species
of Fern iu common use in decoration iu the mansion
or the glass-houses be fouud to be short of require-
ments, no time should be lost in getting up a stock of
the plauts. It frequently happens that large numbers
of young Ferns spring up uuder the stages and on
damp walls feoiu spores dropped by the old plants ;
and these if taken up with some degree of care and
pricked off into shallow pans filled with sterilised
peat and loam will make immediate progress, and in
the month of February they may be potted singly in
60's, and in the course of a year or two make plants
of a useful size. It is, therefore, better practice to
raise Ferns annually in considerable numbers than to
keep a lot of shabby, unhealthy plants.
Crocuses, Snowdrops, and Iris reticulata having
developed a little activity at the root, will soon show
flowers after beiug introduced to a varmth of 60° by
night, and 65° to 70" by day, and will be found of
much uso where cut bloom is greatly in request.
The various bulbs, plunged in coal-ashes aud other
sorts' of protective material, should be examined
Novemdei; 13, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
345
every ten days, bringing into the light those which
have developed abundance of roots. These include
Lilies, Roman and other Hyacinths, Narcissus, Tulips,
Freesias, and Lachenalias.
Miscellaneous Subjects. — Roman Hyacinths are
pretty flowers for very early flowering, and beiug
very cheap, they should be grown iu large numbers
by those who need flowers about Christmas and
onwards. A good batch, either iu boxes for affording
cut bloom, or iu small pots for other use, may now
be placed in the forcing-house, if they were potted
and have plenty of roots. Narcissus Paper-white is
soother useful early bulb that may be put into heat.
Those who require early flowirs of Lily of the V alley
had better rely upon roots that have been kept in
cool chambers, such coming into bloom in a fortnight
after being placed in heat. The practice of retarding
does away with the need of the hard forcing always
necessary to get early bloom of freshly-imported
crowns. No attempt must, however, be made to retard
these once they aro takeu from the ice, or dampiug-
off will ruin them. On receiving them from the
nurseryman, place them iu pots or boxes iu cocoanut-
fibre refuse, and keep thorn shaded in a warm-house
for a few days, afterwards gradually accustom them
to the light, but still keeping them in a warmth of
65° to 70°.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By P. Hirris, Gardener, Eistnor Castle, Ledbury.
Late Vineries. — Those Vines on which Grapes are
hanging require much attention at this 6easoD, or
they will lose their plumpness ; and ventilation is a
very important matter. Let a geuial warmth circulate
in the heating apparatus, affording free ventilation
only when the weather is bright and dry, and very
little, and that only by the top ventilators when it is
damp. Close the ventilators early in the afternoon,
before outer air becomes charged with humidity, and
keep a night temperature of 50° to 55°. If the
berries shrivel in the least degree it is a sign that the
moisture in the borders has given out, and they
should be examined, aud if really found to be dry,
watershould be appliedon a bright morning, heat baing
turned on, and all the ventilation possible afforded
to dry up the surface moisture before closing time.
When the leaves fall, it is better to cut the bunches
aud bottle them, and in this way afford the Vines a
long period of rest, and save the Grapes from loss.
Means to shade the bunches of Muscat Grapes must
be taken, or they will get browned by the sun, which
soon occurs after the foliage has partially fallen and
the weather is still sunny. A thin piece of tiffany
drawn over the roof on bright days will avert this
evil. Before putting Grapes into the Grape-room,
let the bottles be cleaned and dried outside, and
afterwards re61l them with clean rain-water, to
which a few pieces of charcoal may be added, or, rather,
put the charcoal into the bottles first. Choose a fine
day for bottling, and let the bunches be carried
so that no shaking takes place, an important matter
with Muscat Grapes, as they are easily discoloured.
Having arranged the bottles, with the bunches hang-
ing clear of them, keep the room dry, cool, and dark,
and twice or thrice a week examine each bunch, cut-
ting out decayed berries. The bunches absorb water
freely during the first few days, so that it is necessary
to fill up the bottles in three or four days after bot-
tling. If these instructions be carried out the Grapi s
will remain plump and in good condition till new
Grapes are ripe in May.
Earb/ hiy-hoMe. — Where ripe fruit is required in
April and May, no time should be lost in getting the
early-house started, if that be not already done. If
the trees were clean and healthy last season, a copious
syringing with soft soap or Gishurst-soap and rain-
water after pruning, before the trees are untied, will
be all that is needed. The soap may be used at the
rate of S oz. to the gallon of water. Old ties, shreds,
&e, should be burnt if the trees are infested with
mealy-bug or scale ; they should be similarly treated
to Vines as indicate! in my last week's calendar.
Trees in pots may be pluoged in a bed of warm
leaves with a temperature of 753, and doing this will
be of great assistance in getting them to make an
early start. The night temperature at the start
should not exceed 50° at night and 60° by day.
Syringe the trees twice or three times a day. Examine
the borders where planted- out trees are growing,
affording the soil plenty of water if found at all dry
at So3. Later Figs should be kept cool, but not
exposed to hard frost, or the points of the shoots will
suffer. Resting Figs in borders aud pots should be
kept on the dry side.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Mushrooms. — Indoor Mushrooms will now bo plen-
tiful in most gardens, and be the more appreciated
since the supplies from meadowland arc exhausted.
The gardener should endeavour, so far as his means
will allow, to make up fresh beds at fortnightly
intervals. Nothing is better for the cultivation of
the Mushroom than a dry underground cellar, where
the temperature varies but a few degrees at any
season. In artificially heated houses, great care is
needful iu order not to let the temperature get
higher than 60°, or the air becomes parched. The
beds should be examined ouce a week, in order to
ascertain if an application of water be needed ; the
beds often being dust dry below whilst tho surface is
moist. Let tepid water then bo used, aud if the beds have
been for some length of timo iu bearing, one handful
of common salt to three or four gallons will bo
beneficial, or weak manure water may be afforded iu
place of clear water. Outdoor beds should be matted
over, aud other covering put over the mats to pro-
tect them agaiust frost, snow, and rain. Thatched
hurdles answer very well if litter be first placed on
the bed.
Chicory, <£c. — Where Chicory and Dandelion aro
used in salads, a good supply of the roots of these
plants should be lifted aud laid in a frost-proof
place iu readiness for forcing as may bo required.
It is a good practice to iutroduce a batch of roots
into heat every week in order to keep up a succession
of lcavis, as the heads do not remain long in fine
coudition after they become fit for table. A
warm, darkened shed with a warmth of 60°,
or the Mushroom-house, will answer for forcing
and blanching the heads ; or a dozen roots may
be put in light mould, in an 11-inch pot, first cutting
away the top leaves at 1 inch above the root.
Having packed them iu the soil with the tops just
protruding, afford a good watering, which will be
sufficient till the crop of leaves is gathered. Roots
once forced are no longer of any use, and should be
thrown away.
Celcnj. — The finishing touches should now be put
tothelate Celery ridges, and even those already finished
may have "a little more earth added, or a layer of
coal-fishes, as an extra protection against frost. The
latter is less liable, owing to its porosity, to caase
rotting of the tops. An advantage that the dwarfer
varieties of Celery, such as Sutton's Al among
led, and the Incomparable among white one', is that
much less earthing-up is required than is necessary
with the tall varieties, which is, of course, a saving of
labour, as, after all, 12 inches of nicely-blanched
stalk is all that is really necessary, and the long green
tops are so much waste.
While Turnips, d-c. — These if of full size may
now be taken up and stored for use, either putting them
iu heaps outside, covering with some dry litter, and
afterwards banking-up with soil, or into a cool yet
frost proof shed, where they will keep in good con-
dition for many weeks. Such hardy sorts as Chirk
Castle, Red Globe, and the yellow-fleshed varieties,
are able to withstand the frosts of an ordinary
winter, more especially if they are not of full size
when cold weather stops their growth. A supply of
Jerusalem Artichoke tubers may also be lifted and got
under cover, as although these are perfectly hardy,
they are difficult to get when the ground is frozen hard,
or it lies deep under snow.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
A Suitable Site for an Orchard. — A new orchard
should be made, if possible, on land which is fairly
sheltered from the north, eist, and south-west winds,
the sjil of which would grow go id Wheat, and is
heavy rather than light, as well as being either
naturally or artificially drained.
Excavating llvles. — For two-year-old trees, the
holes in which the trees will be planted may be
IS inches wide aud deep, the bottom being broken-up,
but left in its place ; some of the top spit may then
be returned into the hole, and should the staple be
imfoverished, a small quantity of rotten manure
may be mixed with the soil. Let the trees be rather
higher in the soil than before ; shake in an upright
direction when planting, so that the soil may find its
way among the roots ; fill iu about one half, and then
make the soil firm by treading it slightly, and fill in
the hole, mounding it slightly round the stem. Of course,
before planting any tree, the longest roots should be
shortened, and damaged ones cut away. The distance
between the trees may range from 15 to 20 feet.
Half-standards (that is, trees having clean stems from
3 to 4 feet long) and pyramids are the best forms of trees
to grow, and these should be on the paradise-stock.
If the soil be wet when the trees arrive, lay them iu
till it becomes fit to trample upon without injury.
In planting, always spread out the roots in every
direction ; and if tho bottom of the hole be a bee-
hive-like mound, so much the better. In planting
grazing orchards, standards with 6-feet high stems
should be employed. If the land bo low-lying, the
trees should bo planted on mounds 12 feet in
diameter, aud 1 to 1J foot above the level. All trees
should be secured to stakes as soon as planted, doing
this loosely, and putting a cushion between stake
aud tree, in order to prevent injury to the bark. A
good watering may be afforded at the roots if the land
be dry. The turf in grass-orchards may ba returned
t> the soil provisionally, and in the early spring the
holes may be filled iu finally, the soil levelled, and
the turf replaced and beaten flat. It will be well to
place rabbit-proof wire round the trees without loss
of time.
Winter-Moth. — As statel in last week's "Calendar''
(p. 326), this is the time to take precautionary
measures against the Winter-Moth, by placing Home's
grease-bands round the stems of the trees at 3 feet
from the ground, more or less according to length of
stem ; this being the most simple and effective way
of pi eventing the attacks of these pests, by capturing
the female-moth, which is obliged to climb the tree
to deposit her eggs.
Variorum.
Japanese Mushrooms. — Mr. Robert P. Porter,
who has been conducting investigations into the
industries of Japan, states that one of the most
interesting studies in that country is the growing of
Mushrooms in tho Shikoku Island, where most of the
camphor is produced. This is au important article of
export, mostly to China, and during the year 1895,
the last year for which the returns are available, the
quantity of Mushrooms exported froaa Japan to all
countries amouuted to 1,780,597 lb. Of the numerous
species of edible Mushrooms, the one callel Shiitake
i s the most important, being abundantly exported
abroad, and also used for many culinary purposes at
home. Logs which arej used for cultivating this
Mushroom are various species of Oak. The principal
districts where this Mushroom is produced are the
provinces forming Shikoku, Kiushiu, Wakayama, and
Shiozuka prefecture". [Oak-trees twenty -five to
thirty-three years old are felled in the autumu, and
incisions made with axes at intervals of 3 or 4 inches,
the incisions generally reaching the woody layer. The
trees are then cut into logs of 1 to 5 feet in length,
and left in dark, secluded parts of the forest. After
the third year, Mushrooms make their appearance in
the incised portions. When the growth lessens they
are replaced by new logs. The Mushroom grows at
each season of the year, winter, spring, summer, and
autumu ; but the growth in winter and spring is the
result of artificial stimulus. The logs are steeped iu
water for a number of honr.s, according to the dryness
of locality, and then struck with pommels or axes to
prepare the beds for facilitating the growth of the
Mushroams. The autumn crop is the most abun-
dant. After beiug collected, Mushrooms are dried
either by the sun or by artificial heat. Journal of
the Society of Arts.
Unseasonable Flowers.— As showing the
unusual mildness of the weather generally in this
country, a quantity of flowers in great variety and
giod coudition, have been sent us from the gardens
of Stokesay Court, Shropshire ; amongst them being
Tea, H.P., and China Roses, Crocosmia aurea, Tro-
pfeolum penegrinum, Kniphofia, Malva, Sweet
William, Carnation, Mignonette, Fuchsia, Anemone
japonica, Sweet Peas, French and African Marigold,
Aster dumosus, Pentstemon, Tagetes pumila, and
many others which in most cases are usually laid low
by the first nip of frost.
34G
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
MONDAY,
Nov. 15 {
Ttin^rnv n„„ ik/ Chrysanthemum Shows at Belfast,
TUESDAY, Nov. li, -( cllustol% IpswiL.b| lt Manchester.
( Chrysanthemum Shows at Hull,
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 17 ■] York, South Shields, Readme,
(_ Buxton, and Bristol.
(Scottish Horticultural Society's
I Show, at Edinburgh (3 days).
1 "1 Bury St. Edmund's Cbrysanthc
mum Show (2 days).
v 1Q f Chrysanthemum ShowsatHudders-
MOV. l»t field and Stockport.
SALES.
'Stove and Greenhouse Plants, Or-
chids, <fcc, at the Ashburnhain
Park Nursery, Chelsea, by order
of Mr. Wm. Bull, by Protheroe cfc
Morris (five d<rys).
Bulbs at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
, Bulbs and Plants, Stevens* Rooms.
Clearance Sale of Outdoor Nursery
Stock, at The Nurseries, Spring
Road, Sholing, near Southamp-
ton, by Protheroe & Morrie.
Bulhs, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
120,000 Fruit Trees at Perry Hill
Nurseries, Cliffe, near Rochester,
by Protheroe & M orris -
Bulhs, at Protheroe & Morns'
Rooms.
Bulbs, Roses, Fruit Trees, Border
Plants. Palms, Azaleas, Shrubs,
&c , at Stevens' Rooms.
I Bulbs, at Protheroe A' Monio'
Rooms.
Twenty seven ea-es of < irebids, also
j Bulbs and Plants, at Stevens'
[ Rooms.
Bulbs' at Protheroe & Korris*
Rooms.
Orchids at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Fruit Trees, Ash, &a., at The
Nurseries, Toddiri^'tuu. Winch-
combe, Gloucestershire, by Pro-
\ theroe & Morris.
TUESDAY, Nov. 16
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 17 (
THURSDAY, Nov 1^
FRIDAY',
Nov. IS
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswiek.— 42°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London. — Nvvanbcr 10 : Max.,525; Miir., 44°.
Provinces. — Nowmhcr 10 (G p.m.): Max., 55% North
Wales; Min., »9°, Norfolk.
The attractions of the Chiysan-:
Roots. theniuro, no doubt, diew off a
good many who would have
otherwise attended at the lecture which Prof.
F. W. Oliver delivered at. tho Royal Horti-
cultural Society on Tuesday last. It was
an attractive subject, and the Professor men-
tioned mauy points which we are sure are new
to the majority of cultivators, but which are of
great importance to them.
Proiessor F. W. Oliveh's paper related to the
faculty possessed by many roots of contracting
or shortening, the effect of which is to bury (he
seed, or the bulb, or the offset to a convenient
depth. This contraction, which is often asso-
ciated with tho storage of water or of reserve
food, and a consequent thickening, takes place,
especially in the middle cortical layers of the
root, and as the outer layers are dry, and for
the most part dead, they can offer no resistance,
but crack. The peculiar fleshy roots of Crocus
and Scilla, the " droppers " of Tulips and
other plants, were mentioned in illustration of
the faculty which some plants have of burying
their bulbs to a certain depth, out of the reach
of frost, and where they may in time accumu-
late a sufficient reserve of nutritive matter to
enable them to flower later on. In this way
may be explained tho disappearance, sometimes
for years, of tuberous and bulbous plants, and
their subsequent re-appearance. In the wild
Auricula, tho thick stems bear a tuft of leaves
which decay in autumn, and a new tuft is
formed. It might be supposed that after a
timo the new tufts would be considerable
above the level of the original tuft owing to
the growth of the stem, and such indeed
is sometimes the case with Auriculas on
rockeries, but in tho Alps it is found that the
tufts ate always at about the same level, and
this is accounted for by the circumstance that
the roots by their contraction draw the tuft
down into tho crevices every year, in a degree
proportionate to tho upper lengthening of tho
stem. Tho end of tho stem also dies off, and
thus permits this downward tendency. In
rocky clefts, says Kerner, which are not well
adapted to this process, the Primulas grow
badly, and their stems project above the edges
of the crevice ; ultimately the entire plant falls
into a alow decline, aud no longer blossoms, but
perishes in a few years. Our Primulas, though
planted for several years, have not yet reached
that stage ; but we take it, they ought to do so
before long. In any case, the phenomena
alluded to by Professor Oliver are of great
importance to cultivators, and we await the
publication of his paper in the Journal of the
Royal Horticultural Society with much interest,
and hope it will be adequately illustrated.
The closing years of this century
The Chi vsanthe- -,« , ■ . " ,- e ,
mum Show wlU be interesting to a futute
generation of gardeners, as a
period that witnessed an extraordinary develop-
ment of the Chrysanthemum. Its popularisa-
tion also, as an universal garden plant in the
largest establishments, and in those of least
pretensions, is hardly less noteworthy. It seems
but a few years since the first really good
exhibitions were held, or since the attempts of
the florists to produce varieties bearing larger
and more attractive flowers met with sub-
stantial success. But the work went on apace,
the strides were rapid, and everyone wa*
astonished at the result.
Societies were formed to encourage better
cultivation of the plants, and shows were hold
in various parts of the country. Put this was
only the commencement of the popularity
destined to the plant. The National Chrysan-
themum Society has continued to increase in
strength and influence ; and the societies iu the
provinces have beon doubled and trebled until,
at the present time, there is one in almost overy
town in the country. When even the National
Rose Society is, on the authority of Mr.
D'Ombrain, merely holding its own, this in-
creased position and strength of the Chrysan-
themum Society has been obtained.
Whou the incurved section a short time since
failed to maintain the interest it had formerly
eDJoj'ed, there came the devtdopment iu the
Japanese varieties that has continued, and is
being continued to the present moment. This
has been the impetus that has increased in a
wonderful measure the popular appreciation of
Chrysanthemums, and interest in their cultiva-
tion. So long as progress can be reported,
there will be no lack of enthusiasm, no wane
in the " Chrysanthemum Boom." Does the
exhibition held this week show that ad-
vance is still to be expected ? We think
so, and in several respects, as in refine-
ment of bloom, and in depth, brightness, and
purity of colour, in addition to increased
dwarfness in tho habit of the plants.
Against mere sizj of bloom we can hardly
speak too often, but if this characteristic be
associated with other indispensable qualities,
it will lose much of its objection. The magni-
ficent blooms of M.idame Carnot and Western
King, shown by Mr. N. Davis, were better
white-floweiiug Japanese Chrysanthemums
thau have ever been exhibited previously
But it would be easy to give a list of namo3 of
varieties, that would prove conclusively that
mxny of the latest novelties are improvements
upon all preceding ones of similar type.
To the increasing interest in the Japanese
varieties may be attributed the partial neglect
that Pompons, Single- flowered varieties and
Reflexed types, suffer from. Anemones were
exhibited in considerable numbers, and most of
the collections were very good. Incurveds, too,
include rather more novelties than the section
has boasted for some time, and the frequency
with which the variety 0. H. Curtis was
exhibited, generally iu capital form, is remark-
able. Mr. Jones of the Ryecroft Nurseiies
has reason to be proud of the seedling he raised
a year or two ago. Pompons and singles were
represented by good exhibits, but not numerous
ones.
The show was a very fine one. Perhaps there
were fewer first-rate blooms in the leading
classes, but the best collections were as good or
better than ever. Many were surprised to find
that Mr. Lees, the clever grower for F. A.
Bevan, Esq., had no exhibit; and to this fact
was due the disparity that was observed between
the 1st and 2nd prize exhibits in the class for
forty-eight Japanese blooms,
Mr. Mease again secured the honour of
winning the two most important classes in the
schedule.
In some of the classes — that for twelve Japa-
nese blooms, for instance — there was much
competition.
Tho specimen plants from Mr. Donald we
can only speak of in the highost terms. There
was meagre competition in these classes, but the
art of training the plants is still possessed by a
few growers, whose present - day products
have never been excelled. Mr. Donald has
shown us something new in trained plants,
if only in the choice of varieties. We are
no longer certain of the varieties such plants
will consist of before we have seen them,
as was formerly the case. Extra good were
John Shrimpton, John Lightfoot, Eva Knowles,
Col. W. Smith, and Gloriosum. A plant of
Madame Carnot had also been successfully
trained.
In grouping Chrysanthemum plants there
was little new to record. The competitive
groups were arranged upon a circular space,
aud faced all ways, exactly as last year. Two
trade exhibits adjoining each other, and staged
on the ground-floor, under the organ, had a
magnificent effect as seen from the galleries.
One was composed of plants, and belonged to
Mr. Jones ; the other consisted of marvellously-
good cut blooms from Mr. N. Davis, tastefully
displayed in silver cups and vases amid Feins.
Country florists had ample means of extend-
ing their ideas, for the exhibits of table decora-
tions of bouquets, aud othor designs, some of
them very novel ones, were a feature of the
show.
A few special classes woro added to com-
memorate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.
A class open to tho trade only, that called for
thirty-six blooms of Chrysanthemums, distinct
novelties introduced since 1895, and the Turner
Memorial Challenge Cup competition class were
interauting. The exhibits in the latter class
were very fine. Altogether tho show was a
good one, for the season has not been advorse to
the cultivation of the plants, and Chrysanthe-
mum admirers visited the Aquarium in as great
or greater numbers than ever. A detailed report
of the exhibition may be found on p. tJjO et seq.
November 13, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
347
THE LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— This society held its
opening meeting of the session at Burlington House
on the 4th inst., Dr. A. Gunther, the president, being
in the chair, Au interesting collection of zoological
and botanical exhibits collected bytheJackson-Harms-
woith expedition was shown by Mr. F. 0. Jackson,
tho leader, and Mr. Fisher, the botanist of the ex-
pedition, the former also exhibiting upon a screen a
number of photographs of animals and birds which
inhabit the Arctic regions. Some lantern-slides of
marsh-birds and their nesis from photographs recently
taken in Spain and Holland wore shown by Mr,
had the present shapes and outlines, brilliant colours,
the sweet scent and the honey of flowers been
gradually developed through the unconscious selec-
tion exercised by insects, but this applied even to
minor points, such as tho arrangement of lines and
the different shades of colour. Professor Plateau
records a series of experiments on the Dahlia, in
which he shows that bees come to these flowers even
when the i ay-florets have been removed ; and, dis-
cussing this point, Sir J. Lubbock said it was some-
what singular that he should have selected as proving
that injects are entirely attracted by scent a flower .
V
Professor Plateau do not in any way weaken the
conclusions which have been drawn by Sprengel,
Darwin, and othors, and that it is still clear that the
colours of flowers do serve to guide inaects to the
honey, and in this way secure cros--fertilisition. A
paper by Mr. W. C. Worsdell on " Transfusion
Tissue " was afterwards read.
— At the evening meeting to be held on Thurs-
day, November 18, at 8 p.m., the papers to be read
are : — 1, "On Pontobolboj Manaarensis," by Prof. A.
Dendy, F.L.S., &c. ; and 2, " On Haddonia, a new gemis
of Foramcnifera," by F. Cuafman, A.L.S, &e.
FlG. 103.— VIEW AT GATTON TARK, SHOWING REBATE LULLS I.N T11E BACKGROUND. (hEE P. 312 )
Reginald Lodge. Following the discussion upon
these exhibits, Sir John Lubbock, M.P., read a paper
on " The Attraction of Flowers for Insects," in reply
to three Memoirs recently published by Piofc=sor
Plateau. The Professor attempted ti show that the
colours of flowers do not serve to attract insects ; but
on the contrary, that this is effected entirely by the
sense of smell. Sir John Lubbock explained that
his view was, like that of Spbengel and Darwin, that
we owe to insects the beauty of our gardens and the
sweetness of our fields. To them, lie said, flowers
were entitled for their scent and colour. Not only
which Lad, so far as we knew, no scent at all [?].
He gave several reasons for disputing the conclusions
drawn by Professor Plateau from his experimeuts,
and recorded various experiments made by himself to
refute them. He had experimented upon species in
which the seent U in one part of the flower and the
coloured leaves in another, as, for instance, the
Eryngium amtthystinuin. The flower is surrounded
by brilliaLt blue bracts, and he found that if the two
were sepaiafced the bees came much more often to the
bracts than they did t > the flowers themselves. He
maintained, therefore, that the new observations by
The Ghent Quinquennial.— Ekcu jwjaas!
Next April we shall once m )re have thi.3 imposing
ceremonial to record. The covered space allotted to
exhibitors covers more than S000 s piare metres.
Pleasing prospect for the reporters ! A special
stamp has been prepared, a specimeu of which is
given in the current number of the Jtcoue de I' Horti-
culture Beige.
Dr. Hogg's Library. — The total amount
realised, remarks " W. It.," by the sale at Messra.
Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodges, on Thursday last, of
348
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
Dr. Hogg's library, was about £372, the number of
lots being 232. The following list includes the
highest prices :— J. C. Loudon, A rboret um et Frnti-
cetiim, Britannicnm, 1838, the numerous plates cle-
verly coloured by hand, £7 15s. ; The Flower Garden
Displayed, 1732, with many fine coloured plates, very
rare, £5 5s. ; LeonirJ Mascall's The Countryman's
Recreation: or, lite Art of Planting, Grafting, and
Qxrdening, 1010, £5 12s. 6d. ; Mascall's Booke of the
A rt & Mancr, home to Plante tb Graff e all sortcs of
trees, die, by one of the Abbey of S. Vincent in
France, with woodcuts, printed by H. Bynneuiau,
without date, £15; Thomas Hill, The Profitable Arte
of Gardening, 1593, £7 ; Dr. R. Hogg, Herefordshire
Pomona, 1878 — 85, with seventy-six finely-coloured
plates, £6 17s. 6il ; It. Dodoens, A Niewe Hcrball,
1578, £17 10s. ; J. Parkinson, Paradisi in Sole, 1629,
£10 5s. ; and Wylliam Turner, A New Hcrball, 1561,
and other works bound up in the same volume
£15 15s. All the foregoing were purchased by Mr.
Bernard Quaritch.
"Botanical Magazine. "^The plants figured
in the November number are : —
Mammea americana, Linn. — A West Indian tree,
producing a globular fruit of the size of an Orange,
the pulp of which has a sweet, slightly aromatic
flavour, elsewhere likened to a Turnip. The tree,
with its brilliant green leaves and deliciously scented
white tlower, is so handsome an object that de Tussac
eulogises it as " la Sirene Vegdtale." There is a
tree in the Economic-house at Kew which flowered
in 1896; t. 5562.
Tainia penangiana, Hook. fil. — An Orchid having
much the appearance of a Coelogyne, with small fawn-
coloured, stellate flowers, with a white lip, the fore-
lobe of which is ovate acute, with a central yellow
ridge. It was discovered by Mr. Curtis on damp
rocks at Penang ; t. J 563.
Cynorchis grandijlora, Ridley. — A native of Mada-
gascar, with long linear-lanceolate green leaves,
spotted with brown, as also are the sepals ; the
flowers are about li inch broad, flat, spreading;
petals white; lip violet-purple, with two retuse
lateral lobes, and the anterior lobe dividing into two
linear spreading sub-divisions ; t. 756 I.
Drimil Colece, Baker. — A new species of Drimia,
found in the Golis range in Somaliland by Miss
Ediih Cole, and flowered by her iu October last
year. It is a bulbous plant, with broad, Btrap shaped,
fleshy leaves of a pale-green colour, but thickly spotted
with darker green spots ; flowers each about three-
quarters of an iuch long, in terminal many-flowered
tacemes, segments six, linear recurved, whitish,
stamens pink ; t. 7565.
Scoliopus Bigclovii, Torrey. — See Gard. Chron.,
1894, vol. i , p. 267, fig. 8.
Banquet to MM. Lubbers and De
MlDDELEER. — On November 21 a banquet will be
offered to Mr. Lubbers, the Curator of the Brussels
Botanic Garden, on the occasion of his promotion to
the grade of Officer of the Order of Leopold. At tho
siuie time M. de Meddeleer, who has been on the
Council of the Linnean Society for upwards of
twenty-five years, and President since 1S87, is to
receive a similar compliment.
MR. DlNTER, formerly curator of Commander
Hanbury's garden at La Mortola, has transferred his
services to Mr. Gessert at Inachab, near Keetmans-
hoop, Great Namaland, German South West Africa.
Mr. Dinter will be oc mpied with the afforestation of
the district, and proposes to investigat-s the flora of
Southern Great Namaland. He will prepare dried
specimens and distribute them in " centuries." The
plants will be determined by Professor Schinz
of Zurich. We are glad to say that Mr. Dinter will
contribute to our columns notes on the botany
of the district, and on the introduction of useful
plants into the colony. His first contribution, which
is very interesting, will be found on p. 328.
Stock-taking : October.— It is not to be
supposed that with a trade-war actually raging, and
;iuother ready lo start, we cau look for any improve-
ment in trade — for an increase in the volume or
value of either imports or exports. The Board of
Trade returns for October place before us a series of
facts which it would be well that all parties con-
cerned in the present condition of things should
carefully study, and, where possible, promptly end.
So far as it goes, our table of extracts from the
monthly " summary "speaks for itself — a few statistics
added from the mass of figures will assist in better
defining the position : —
Imports.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Total value
£
39,574,890
£
38,943,763
£
—631,127
(A..) Articles of food
and drink — duty
free
13,630,015
13,(131,059
— 59S.956
(B) Articles of food
and drink— dutiable
3,295,672
3,106,814
— 128.S58
Raw materials for
textile manufac-
tures
5.107,994
4,517, 431
—650,513
Raw materials for
sundry industries
and manufactures
4,513,1191
5,841,185
+ 693,094
(A.) Miscellaneous
articles
1,385,402
1,214,130
- 141,272
(13.) Parcel Pnst ..
93,510
S',16)
—7,380
The decrease in the values of imported food and
drink is in great part due to a fall in prices of
cereals, &c, owing to increased supplies — something,
perhaps, to a lowering of the demand. But, by tho
way, the rise in the value of "animals, living, for
food" has been increased by £57,653. Of the
principal " minus " items in the record before us, we
may note the following : — Tobacco, £120,486;
chemicals (!), £75,100 ; raw material for textile
manufactures, £650,513 ; miscellaneous articles,
£141,272. In the " plus " column, we note metals,
£144,567 ; oils, £26,675 ; rav materials for sundry
industries and manufactures, £693,094 ; manu-
factured articles, £169,549. The total imports
for the past ten months foot up £368,786,726,
against £355,850,402— a difference of £12,936,321.
Our little fruit, &c, table has all its normal iuterest,
though it cannot always be taken as an index to
price*, so much depending on the homo stock and
the condition of imported fruits and vegetables. At
present, the market seems to be well supplied all
round, and London youngsters revel iu all sorts of
Nuts, in good foreign Grapes, in Bananas, Pears,
and Pomegranates. The figures are as follows : —
In the matter of —
Exports
a downward tendency has, of course, still to be
noted. The total for last month was £19,283,052,
against £20,683,457— a decrease of £1,400,105.
Amongst the " minus" records are yarns and textile
fabrics, £859,910 ; metals and articles manufactured
therefrom, except machinery, £85,562 ; machinery
and millwork, £465,041 ; apparel and articles of per-
sonal use, £62,637 ; other articles, either manufac-
tured or partly manufactured, £256,958 — a heavy
list. Of the "plus" recorded are the following : —
Articles of food and drinks, £51,492 ; raw material,
£164,918 ; chemical and medical preparations,
£57,284; parcel post, £35,382; live-stock, MiOfil".
We may add that the decrease for the ten months is
given at £6,065,029 — the figures for 1897 being
£195,274,228; for 1896, £201,339,257. Added to
the unsatisfactory state of things at homo, there is
the still unfavourable aspect of affairs abroad,
concerning all of which the reader is doubtless
thoroughly well informed ; and we cau only hope for
an improvement in the two months yet to be placed
on the year's record.
The Weather at Frogmore in the Month
or October Last.— Mr. O. Thomas, of the Royal
Gardens, Frogmore, contributes the following obser-
vations on the weather during the month of October.
The month was very mild and most enjoyable, beiug
sunny, warm, and dry, with a total absence of the
storms that usually prevail at this season. The mean
temperature was higher than usual, aud although
there occurred frequently slight hoar-frosts, only once
was vegetation injured by night frost, viz., on tho
6th, when 7° of frost were registered, blackening
Dahlias, &c. After the 20th easterly winds prev died,
and dense fog during the last week of the mouth.
The maximum temperature in the suu was SO"
on the 1st of the month, and in the shade it was 66°
on the 17th. The minimum, 25°, was reached on
the 6th. The total rainfall for the mouth was "91 of
an inch, whereas in the same month of 1896 it was
2'22 inches. Tho average at Windsor being
3'00 inches. The rainfall for the month is the lowest
recorded at Frogmore for the last twenty-three
years.
A MILD AUTUMN.— At the Exmouth Chrysan-
themum show held on October 28 and 29, several
collections of vegetables contained good and fresh
samples of green Peas, Scarlet Runner Beans, and
Tom>tos. A good show was also made of single and
Cactus-flowered Dahlias, Sweet Peas, and some
other plants. At the Exeter show, held a week later,
on November 4 and 5, a good show of these flowers
was again made by Mr. W. J. Godfrey, of Exmouth.
All were cut from plants growiug in the open air,
which hal not received the least protection.
The Chiswick Muscat Grape.— Should tho
very interesting Muscat of Alexandria sport, which
for the second seison has presented itself on a long
rod of one of the Vines in the great vinery at Chis
wick, eventually provo to be distinct, it should un-
doubtedly have the appellation which heads this not.'.
A sport in gardens so well known merits complete
association with the place of its origin. Last year the
bud sporting threw a weak lateral, and but a sin ill
buueh. The berries, however, were so fine that spe-
cial atleution was given to the bud this year. Tho
growth last season was too small to furnish eyes. This
year the lateral is, oddly, even stouter than are other
natural laterals, and there will be no difficulty in
securing many good eyes. The leaves, whilst of the
Muscit of Alexandria shape, are yet much more deeply
serrated. That is a marked feiture of the whole of
them on the lateral. The bunch this season, though
again not large, carried very fine berries, fully double
the size of those on the other bunches, and both
seasons setting, though not in the least artificially
assisted, was of the very best. The berries s>
closely resemble those of the well known Cannon
Hall Muscat in size, form and colour that there is
niturally some possibility that the Cannon Hall sport
has after many years been repeated here at Chiswick ;
but whilst that variety is far from being a free setter,
the Chiswick sport seems to be a good one. OE
ourse, a better test will be furnished in 1899, by
which time it should be possible to have strong fruit-
ing rods in pots, aud others planted out in a house,
capable of carrying at least a couple of good buuehes
each. If a Muscat of the fine form of the Cannon
Hall, and as easy to grow and set as Black Ham-
burgh or Alicante could be obtained, without doubt it
would be a grand addition to our white Grape*.
The big vinery at Chiswick, it should be remem.
bered, is far from being au ideal Muscat-house.
Home Correspondence.
CARNIVOROUS SLUGS. — I notice that Mr.
Webster in the Gardeners' Chronicle for October 30
says that he has not found them out of the soil.
Now my experience is exactly the reverse of his, for
I have only found them when they have been
November 13, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
349
crawling on the gravel-walks, or in the houses. I
first saw them in the gardens at Qledstone Hall,
Skiptou, Yorkshire, about 1870, aud there I saw one
devouring a worm, and they were fairly plentiful
there. I found one here last year in the plant-
stove, and afterwards several outside on the walks.
D. It. Dixon, Stourbridge.
Testacella haliotidea is found in my garden
at Bishopsteignton, Devon, generally at a few
inches below the surface, but on a few occasions
it has been found neatly covered by dead leaves
at the edges of beds, &c. I also noticed it in
a garden at Plymouth, and I believe this species to
be commonly distributed in the south-west of Eng-
land. I was offered one some years ago by a post-
man at Marstou, near Oxford, who had found it in
his garden. Your correspondent, M. Webster, must
be mistaken about the Testacella swallowing worms.
His many-toothed tODgue, a lingual ribbon, is fre-
quently set as a microscopic specimen, and a very
curious and beautiful object it is. The object of the
shell on its tail is said to be to protect the creature
from the attack of another of the same species fol-
lowing it down a worm's burrow. S. H. Boyle.
Though we cannot come up to your corre-
spondent, M. Webster, as to numbers, we have a
fairly large stock of the worm-eating slug, Testacella
haliotidea, at Middleton. They, however, certainly
do not remain in or under the soil, but can frequently
be seen on the gravel walks after a mild damp night ;
and last week I found a large one in a small puddlo
of water, into which it had apparently crawled and
got drowned. Even in the daytime, in fairly dry
weather, we can generally find them by turniug up a
board or slate that might be lying on the ground,
sometimes with their last meal iu the shape of a
brandling worm hanging out of their mouths. Like
your correspondent, I have found gardeners who
eyed them very suspiciously ; one especially, who
destroyed all he could, with the idea that he was
Bure to be right in killing a slug. T. Trollope,
Middleton Park Gardens, Oxfordshire.
THE LINDLEY MEDAL. —As public attentiou
has at last been directed to the Liudley Medal, by
your paragraph in last week's Gardeners' Chronicle,
may I be permitted to respectfully state that,
I, also, was awarded the L'adley Medal for an
exhibit of three Phalajoopsis Sehilleriana at the
Royal Horticultural Society's meeting at South
Kensington, on March 5, 1867; but though thirty
years have passed, the medal has never come into
my possession. In April, 1867, Mr. G. Eyles wrote
me that the medal was awarded to me, and was in
course of preparation, and that I might expect it iu a
fortnight or so ; but the fortnight passed, and many,
many more, till, in answer to my enquiry, C<>1. Daven-
port, in 1874, obligingly replied, " that when the distri-
bution of Lindley Medals took place I should not be
overlooked,'' a promise repeated in August, 1875, but
" Hope deferred rnaketh the heart sick," and I have
long given up any hope that may have lingered
through many years, that the promises of the
society's secretaries will be redeemed. Still, I
may be pardoned in desiring to know whether
others actually received the medals ? Not for its in-
trinsic value did I covet this prize, but in winning
a medal specially given in memory of one of our
greatest horticulturists, and bestowed on such rare
occasions, there was to mi an honoursble distinction,
which the society, by withholding the modal, has
never recognised. Philip Parkcs. [Our statement last
week was inaccurate. Mr. Anderson appears never
to have beeu awarded a medal, whilst Messrs.
Yeitch, Bull, Parkes, Taplin, Goode, May, Needle,
and Denning were each honoured in this way (see
Gardeners' Chronicle, December 12, 1874). Has it
been awarded since ? Ed.]
KIRKE'S SOIL-TESTER.— This useful implement
seems about to have the usual run of most useful
inventions. New ideas, discoveries, may sleep for
years, or centuries, but no sooner does some one
a-head of, or more sensible thau his fellows, give to
his fellows something new or better, than hosts of
discoverers rush to the front to assure us that they
knew all about it twenty, thirty, forty, fifty or
more years before. Well, what if they did ?
Who was the better, the richer, or who had
the burdens of their labour lightened through
their discoveries ? You, Mr. Editor, have had
several communications to that effect, 60 have I ;
the pity of it is that they were not chronicled at the
time they were made, and the invention described
and exhibited, and advertised. The labour and the
worry of these Grapes and other fruits; the capital that
might have been thus saved, who can calculate ! to
say nothing of the honours that could have been so
honourably and nobly won. But the inventors of
soil-testers tied their talents eo closely up in napkins
that none of us heard a whisper of their existence
until a few of the merits of Mr. Kirk's border-testers
were truly chronicled. Mr. Sorley, of Falkirk, has
courteously written to me of his invention, and his
mention of it in a local lecture s ,me twenty years
ago. He also consulted Mr. Harry Veltch, who gave
him the Bound advice to protect it and bring it out.
However, he tells me ho did neither. Ami slme
writing to you I have heard that there may havo
been several others in the field, neither of them from
all 1 have heard being the same as the one described
iu the Gardeners' Chronicle, and seen at work at Alloa
aud on other Vine-borders. Neither am I aware th it
Mr. Kirk makes any particular claim to originality.
With him the border or soil-tester has been
an evolution rather than a Budden inspiration.
The origin and progress of such useful inventions
interest only a few. Their practical efficiency and
every-day usefulness are a boon to all, and I consider
credit is due to Mr. Kirk, who has done what
iu him lay to render his great revealer of soil
aud border Becrets as indispensable in every garden
as knives or spades, D. T. Fish.
MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA.— My attentiou was
called to an article in your paper of Sept. 25,
respecting tho .Muscit of Alexandria Grapes grown
in these gardens. Your correspondent credits me
with having tho finest houso of this Grape iir England.
This encomium I am not vain enough to believe.
His meagre hints on my method of cultivation will,
I fear, be misleading to many who read them, as he
does not correctly describe them. The vineries arc
lean-to's, of very light coustruction, with large panes
of glass, so that in a hot smmner (not in spring) I
find it imperative to shade the Vines lightly, that is,
I use one or two thicknesses of fishing-net to obviate
any danger from the powerful rays of the sun, and
not because ventilation is neglected, as that is a
point about which I am very particular. W. Harnuin,
Xewnham Paddoz Gardens, Lutterworth.
GARDENERS' SUPPLANTERS.— Tho rebuko ad-
ministered by " Overhanded " in last week's Gar-
deners' Chronicle, under the above heading, was not
altogether uncalled for. But he should have taken
more troublo to differentiate errors against good taste,
or even common decency, from downright mean and
despicable conduct. Tho case iu particular to which
"Overhanded" refers, is scarcely veiled, and it
amounts to this, that certain gardeners, upon hearing
that another gardener was very daugorously ill, were
ill-advised enough to apply to that gardener's em-
ployer for the position that it was thought the gardener
would not require longer. But fortunately this skilful
and respected gentleman has recovered Now, no
gardener is warranted in seeking a situation held by
another, until he is certain that such a mistake is not
possible ; and in the case of a dangerous illness, this
can only be known after actual decease. Any direct
action previous to this is condemnable. At the same
time, there is no indication exhibited in such a case
of a desire to supplant a gardener in a position ho is
known to still require. There is another practice
(and we are thankful to say an uncommon one amongst
gardeners) of a widely different nature, where a
person, by the most despicable means, slyly attempts
to oust another person who has no intention or
necessity to vacate the position he holds. Had
" Overhanded ' referred to such an action, he would
have been better justified in using the terms " Sup-
planters," "Jacob's," "Covetousness," &e, H. P.
YORKSHIRE APPLES.— I was greatly interested
in the note from Mr. Down of Wassand Hall, re the
above, and the editorial remarks appended thereto, in
the Gardeners' Chronicle of Nov. 6, p. 331. When
we consider the situation of Wassand aud its proximity
to the sea coast, the results attained must be pro-
nounced as decidedly good. Your correspondent asks
for a rt commendation of a substitute for Cox's Orange
Pippin, as it does not finish its fruits well with him.
My own experience of this variety may be of service
to him, this experience, I may add, being gained near
Hull, on the banks of the Humber at Brough. Grafted
on the Crab stock and grown in the rich alluvial
deposits of the Humber Basin, Cox's Orange Pippin
grew very vigorously, producing such a large amount
of gross wood, but very little fruit, these finishing
very badly, being principally produced in the centre
of the tree, and vtry few on the outside branches ;
thus they were deprived of sunshine aud air, the two
essentials for high colour aud good flavour. Grown
Bide by side with several recognised rampant
growers the Orange Pippin proved the worst ex-
ample in this respect. The trees had received
an annual mulching of farmyard manure ; this was
discontinued, a heavy dressing of lime was substi-
tuteJ, together with severe root-pruning. In after
years, the branches were well thinned, and the fruit
was greatly improved in quantity and quality. I
have no doubt tho geological formation has a great
influence on this question, as I have seen capital
trees of this variety nearer Hull, when we approach
tho chalk ; also from where I now write, on the mag-
nesiau limestone. Cox's Orange Pippin gives as good
result as do most other varieties under ordinary
treatment. Th re is no novelty about the above ;
probably vour correspondent has already tried it, if
so, as a subs itute the well-known Kibstou Pippin
may be i commended along with the-:c others, which,
generally sp akiug, do well in the East Riding of
Yorkshire — Gascoyue's Scarlet, Gravenstein, and
Stunner Pippin. Itibston Pippin is not always com-
mended for its regularity of cropping, but there is no
doubt about its value if it can be induced to flourish.
With me this year it has surpassed all others, and
the reports from the V idlands point to the same fact.
F. Ui.con, Elmcroft Ga, 'ens, Ripon.
In reply t-. Vr. Thomas Down, Hull, as
to the variety near .-•„ in flavour to Cox's Orauge
Pippin, I advise .in to plant Margil, which,
although not rip n'ng any earlier, does well on tho
Paradise stock, an 1 is best as an espalier. As for
districts more to tho north of the kingdom, earlier-
ripenirg sorts are a clear advantage — I mean Kerry
Pippin, a variety ready in September. It is of the
richest flavour, and, although small, it is pretty, and
is prolific on the Paradise stock. Another very
pretty but small variety of delicious flavour is Beuoni
(American), to eat from the tree in September. Also
Lady Sudeley, introduced some twelve years ago by
Mr. Bunyard, should be in every garden, ripening its
fruit in August and September — juicy and rich, as
well as very productive and handsome ; it bears on
the points of the branches, like Irish Peach, and is
best eaten from the tree. Mother (American) is also
to be recommended ; it has a rich soft flesh, and
ripens in October. A bolder variety, and extremely
handsome, is Gravenstein, which forms a largo
pyramid ; the fruit is high-flavoured, although sub-
acid. The heavy supplies America sends us annually
of this originally German variety are surpassed iu
flavour by the home grown article, ripening in Sep-
tember and October. The sugary Grand Sultan or
Transparent is a p'easing earliest Apple. Iu con-
clusion, I will only name Devonshire (juarrendeu
and Worcester Pearmain, as probably too well known
already to require describing and recommending. A
little Sussex Apple. Colonel Yaughau, is the prettiest
sight to see a crop of on a pyramid, in this respect
similar to Worcester Pearmain. H.H. II., Forest Hi/1.
AUTUMN v. SPRING DIGGING.— Your able and
instructive article on " Autumn v. Spring-digging" in
the last isBue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, will doubt-
less be read with pleasure by many thinking and
experienced cultivators of the soil. May be many
persons have experienced some corroboration of the
soundness of the methods advocated. In reading the
article in question, the thought occurred to me that
it might be worth my while to mention what was
communicated to me only a few weeks ago by a
friend in South Norfolk, but in his case it was
autumn v. spring-ploughiog ; but practically, from a
cultivator's point of view, it is one and the same
thing. When I visited him he was busy drilling Wheat,
and our conversation turned on the cultivation of the
soil, aud agricultural crops and prospects. Eventually
he told me of his experience this year of autumn
and winter ploughing, and the resulting crops.
Neglect of autumn ploughing was a case of necessity
with him ; so he claimed no credit for the method or
the results therefrom. His soil is a sandy loam reBting
on sand and red gravel. Last autumn two portions
of different fields were left unploughed, and subjected
to a deal of trampling and carting throughout the
winter. A certain amount of annual vegetation had
likewise taken possession of the unploughed ground.
Early this spring the two fields were ploughed over,
and one was at once sown with Barley, and the other
planted with Potatos. During the summer the
crops on the spring ploughed portions of
the fields, become noticeable, having darker and
more vigorous growth, and all through the
summer they maintained it, and finally gave
a much better yield of grain and tubers than the
autumn ploughed poitious. This so favourably im-
350
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
pressed him, that immediately afler harvest this year,
he sowed his Btubhies with Vetches and Mustard,
" not mixed," and is now feeding them off with sheep,
and intends letting the greater portion of it remain
unploughed until seed-time next spring, but for the
6ake of another experiment, he will autumn-plough
a small portion to note the results azain, and if satis-
factory, he says he will give up autumn ploughing for
crops that are sown in the spring. What is true on a
large scale is equally so of a small area. In gardens
where one has a clayey loam to contend with, autumn
digging becomes almost a necessity, for it would bo
nearly impossible to obtain satisfactory seed-beds with-
out the ameliorating influences of winter frosts ; but
it is not so with sandy soils. If the above facts can bo
yearly relied on, what a saving of labour could be
effected in the cultivation of light soils, besides the
retention of so valuable a manure as the element
nitrogen, one of the most expensive and lea%t
abiding. /. Easter, Nostell Priory Gardens.
FLOWERS IN SEASON AT PENZANCE.— Hoping
it may interest the readers of your paper, I Fend a
few facts relative to plants in bloom at this season of
seasons. First and foremost have been the Chrysan-
themum shows at Penzance, Truro, and elsewhere ;
but going into the first and last nursery in England,
at Penzanc, I find that Mr. Hedley Fox has still
some plants of Lobelia cardinalis var. Queen Victoria,
which are showing splendid blooms ; also of
Kniphofia grandis, Dahlias, and all in vigorous
health ; and lastly, Chrysanthemums. Has our mild
and equable climate at Penance all to do with the
happy state of things of our floral friends, to-day ?
A. Benwood Teac/ue, PL S. [Judging from our
correspondence, Cornwall has just now no monopoly
in this matter. Ed.]
a noteworthy exhibit of seedling Cattleyas raised by himself.
M. Gibez obtained a Diploma of Honour for a hybrid
Cyjuipedium Argus x C. villosuin ; tuid tbe Marquis d'Ap.
plainecouit a Botanical Certificate for a tine group of Cym-
bidium or Cyperprchis clcgans. Ch. De Sosschtre.
Belgium.
■ ♦
SPECIAL EXHIBITION OF CATTLEYA LABIATA AT
BRUSSELS.
An exhibition of Cattleya labiata (Warocqueana) was organ-
ised by the Brussels Orchideenne, and held on November 7, 8,
and 9. On this occasion the large hall of L'Horticulture Inter-
nationale looked very beautiful with the Orchids, Chrys-
anthemums, Palms. Tree Ferns, and other foliage-plants,
displayed in it. The exhibition, in fact, was in every way
successful.
The jury (M. Kegeljan of Nimur, President) awarded : —
Objet d'Art, 1st class ,to L'Horticulture Internationale (M.M.
Linden) This exhibit occupied a stage 65 feet long, and
included some fine species and hybrids, among them good
specimens of Cattleya labiata, a number uf fine varieties,
^ldudiug John Schultz, with a wonderful depth of co!our-
'ug ; Marmorea, as curious as it is interesting and beautiful
Melusiue, of a charming wiue red colour, with a yellow
lip ; also C. gigas, with six fine large flowers, rare
at this season ; Oncidium Marshallianum, with a large
cluster of forty Hewers, with wide divisions, and of
brilliant colouring ; Odontoglossum crispum in variety,
one plant showing an unusual number of spots and
markings; another, we'1-shapsl, white, with cream and
fawn shadings ; Cypripedium bellatulum x Boxalli, a pretty
hybrid ; Oncidium ornithorhyu:huui album, always rather
rare ; Cattleya maxima, som.3 vartat ies very beautiful ; Odon-
toglossum njbulosum, with all the parts speckled with
Uttle rose-coloured dots ; Onciilium St. Legerianum, Cat-
tleya aurea, with a largo flower and well-coloured lip ; and
Miltonia Blunti [,ubber*iaua, remarkable for size and
colouring. There were also numerous Vauda ccerulea ; V.
Sanderiana, an excellent variety; Cypripedium inugne var.
Lucianum, one of the best of the insigne group known ; C.
Lebrunianum, L;el:o-G'attleya x illmniniti (C. Warneri x
Lvelia purpurata). a fine flower in size and colouring; Cypri-
pedium insigni Lindeni, much admired; and SobrallaLin-
deni from Peru, new, snow-white, the lip handsomely orna-
mented with purple radiating Bfcripes, These Orchids were
tastefully grouped with Palms, Ferns, Maranta, Dieffen-
bachia, Phyllotsenium, Leea, Heliconia, Alocasia, aud Dra-
caena, and with flowering Chrysanthemums, which produced
a curious effect.
One group in th? centra of the hall included a fine Cocos
iu the centre, with a baso of Palms, Ferns, Aspidistra, and
Dracaena; on this background, the Cattleyas and Chrysan-
themums showed up well.
MM. Lucieu Linden & Cie., covered a staged with 300
specimens of Cattleya labiata, which secured them an Objct
d'Art, 2nd das*. There wore certainly 31)00 blooms, many
exccl'ent varieties being represented. The Marquis de
Wargny, aud Mdlle. Trieu de Teridonek, each obtained a
3rd class award for Cattleya labiata ; a Bronze Medal was
awarded to M. Kicrstem of Bjrdcaux, also for specimens of
this plant.
A 1st class Diploma of Honour was allotted for an interest-
ing specimen of Odontoglossum Rossi var. De Bosscherianum,
to M. Guill. de Bossehere ; the sepals are yellow ; tho sepals
amply spotted on a yellow ground ; a very curious variety.
M. Georges Mantin, of the Chateau 'd'Olivet, obtained a
Diploma of^Honour with the congratulations of thejjury for
SOCIETIES.
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 9, 10, and 11.
(Sec also p. 346.)
^HRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS at the
Royal Aquarium, Westminster,
Kingston, Birmingham, und many
other places on Tuesday last, coupled
with the ordinary fortnightly meet-
ing of the Committees of tho Royal
Horticultural Society at the Drill
Hall, ensured a busy day for horti-
culturists. Wo do not remember to have experienced
a more busy day for some years past. But we are not all
journalists, and probably some gardeners were not at all
sorry to be able to visit the annual Exhibition of the National
Chrysanthemum Society upon a day when the business of
the Royal Horticultural Society Committees compelled them
to come to town.
COMPETITION BETWEEN AFFILIATED SOCIETIES.
There were three Societies in contest this year for the
honour of obtaining the Challenge Shield in the First Class.
It is for an exhibit of forty-eight bloomp, in equal numbers
of Japanese and incurved varieties. £10 accompanies the
Shield, and the other prizes are considerable. One or more
members of each competing society may contribute blooms.
The laurels on this occasion were taken by the Bromley and
District Chrysanthemum Society, and they were won by an
exhibit worthy the class. Japanese and incurveds were almost
equally good. The Sittiugbourne and Milton Gardeners' and
Amateurs' Association was 2nd, and the Highbridge Horti-
cultural Society 3rd.
OPEN CLASSES.
Thirty-six Incurved blooms distinct.— The Holmes Chal-
lenge Cup and 1st prize was won by Mr. W. Mease,
gr. to A. Tate, Esq , Downside, Leatherhead. His blooms
were— Back Row — Duchess of Fife, Violet Foster, J. Agate,
Dorothy Foster, Major Bonaffun, Mrs. R. C. Kingston
(very good), William Tunnington, Lord Alcester, Lady
Isabel, a very large b it rather flat blocm ; Robert Petfield,
C. H. Curtis, capital bloom ; and Ma Perfection. Centre
Row — Robert Cannell, Jeanne d'Arc, Globe d'Or, one of the
weakest flowers in the stand ; Golden Empress, Lord Rose-
bery, Jao. Lambert, Violet Tomlin, Q teen of England, M. P.
Martiguac, Lucy Kendall, Empress of India, and Jno.
Doughty, a bloom with very poor centre. Front Row—
Princess of Wales, very neat and pretty, Brookleigh Gem,
Empress Eugenie, George Haigh, Bonnie Dundee, Noel
Pragnell, very fine ; Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Hepper, Alfred
S liter, Mrs. Heal, C. B. Whitnall, and a very nice bloom of
Miss Hasjgas. Though the two best collections of incurveds
required little judging as between one and the other, at the
same time the exhibit from Mr. W. Hii<gs, gr. to J. B.
Hankey, Esq., Fetcham Park, Leatherhead, was one de-
serving of great commendation. He had a good number of
fine flowers, of which the following may be mentioned—
Duchess of Fife, Major Bonnaffon, J. Agate, Chas. Curtis,
Empress of" India, Prines Alfred, Jjanne d'Arc, Mrs. 8. Cole-
man, and Bonnie Dun lee. Tho better of the other two
exhibitors was Mr. H . Butcher, gr. to C. J. Bess, Esq., Lod^e
House, Smooth, Ashford, Kent.
Tt>-i'U>/-fotir In -tire: I blooms, distinct —Of four competitors
in this class, the 1st prize wis won by Mr. F. G. Fostek,
Brockhampton Nurseries. H iv.mt. Some of the best blooni*
in thU collection were J. Agits, Mrs. R. C. Kingston, Ma
Perfection, Duchess of Fife, Miss Violet Foster, Mr. J.
K-^arn, and M ijor Bonnaffon. The 2nd prize was taken by
Mr. H. Batcher, gr. to C. J. Buss, Esq , and the 3rd by Mr.
C. W Kn iwl^s, gr. to Mrs. C. Egehton, Solna, Roehampton.
Twilve Incurved blooms Inhibitors in the preceding diss
could not enter in this one. Therj were eight collections
staged, and the winner of the 1st prize prove! to be Mr. J.
W. Barks, gr. to P. Ralli, Esq., Alderbrook, Cranleigh.
All of the blooms in this stand were of first-rate merit, hein
of good sizo, neat, and well-built blooms ; they were Empress
of India, Lord Wolseley, J. Agate, Golden Empress, Lord
Alcester, Princess of Wales, Miss M. A. Haggas, Mrs. R. C.
Kingston, Violet Tomlin, Mrs. S. Coleman, Mrs. Heal, and
Lucy Kendal. The 2nd prize exhibit cont lined some large,
fine blooms, and some inferior ones. It was stiged by Mr, F.
King, gr. to Mrs. Mi.Intdsh, Havering Park, Romford. The
best flower was a very fine one of C. H. Curtis. The 3rd
prize was taken by Mr. A. J. Driver, gr. to the Misses
Davies, Bridgend House, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.
Six incurved blooms, one variety. — There were eleven
exhibits, and the only varieties staged were C. H. Curtis,
Empress of India, and Queen of England. All the prizas
were obtained by the variety C. H. Curtis. The best lot
were from Mr. W. Teboy, gr. to Mrs. Rvcroft. Everlands,
Sevenoaks, being the best blooms of this variety that we have
yet noticed ; Mr. F. King, gr. to Mrs. McIntosh, Htvering
Park, Romford, was 3rd.
Forty-ciohl Japanese blooms, distinct. — It was an extra-
ordinarily fine collection that obtained the Holmes Memorial
Challenge Cup and 1st prize for Mr. W, Mease in this class.
To prevent, we presume, the usual flat appearance of the
exhibits, Mr. Mease raised the centre flowers higbesr, and
then gradually fell to either end. Back row. — Madame
Camot, Etoile de Lyon, Mrs. W. H. Lees, M. de la
Rochetiers, Baron Ad. Rothschild, a bloom of pleasing
distinctness to all of the other* in the exhibit ; J. Brookes,
Mrs. C. H. Payne, Viviand Morel (very large), Mous. >'an-
koucke, Eva Knowlos, Pride of Exmouth, A. H. Wood, the
sport from Primrose League ; Lady Hauharo, the new and
charming sport from Viviand Morel ; Simplicity, Australie,
and a Premier bloom of.the yellow sport from Madame Carnot.
Centre row— Lady Ridgway, Mons. Hoste, Edith Tabor, Mons.
Grayes, Mrs. J. Lewis, E. Molyneux, very fine in colour; Aus-
tralian Gold, M. Chenon de Lcchc, Mrs. Chas. Blick, Chas.
Davis, Mdlle. M, Hoste, Mrs.G. Carpenter, Mutual Friend, Julio
Scaraminga, Mrs. Dewar, and Plxebus. Front row— Mrs.
Weeks, a beautiful flower when done well ; Mons. C. Molin,
Col. Chase, Sunstone, Mdlle. M. A. de Galbert, Modestum,
Madame M. Ricoud, Baron Tait, Niveum, Mrs. Briscoe
Ironside, Madame Gustave Henri, N. C. S. Jubilee, Miss 10
Teichmann, Robt. Powell, Robt. Owen, Viscountess Hamble-
don. This excellent collection was followed in the prize list
by one from Mr. H. Perkins, gr. to the Hon. F. W. D.
Smith, M.P., Greenlands, HeDley-on-Tharaes. Mr Perkins'
flowers were of less size, and generally they were v*ry even
in point of merit with each other. Australian Gold, Edith
Tabor and a few others were, however, the best. For
3rd place. P. Waterer, Esq., Fawkham, Kent, just beat
Mr. J. F. McLeod, Dover House Gardens, Roehampton.
1'hirty-six blooms of White, Yellow, and Crimson Japanest . —
These blooms were to be shown in twelve varieties, three
blooms of each, on ordinary show boards, and six inches of
clear stem to be above the boards, Chrysanthemum foliage of
any variety might be shown as a separate stem attiched to
e=>ch bloom. The contest lay between Mr. N. Davis, and Mr.
W. G. Godfrey, Exmouth Nurseries, Devon, and the advan-
tage lay with the first-named. Each collection presented a
commendable appearance, and should encourage the Society
to again solicit this and similar less comm n methods of
displaying the blooms. Mr. Davis alternated his trebles
thus, White, Crimson, Yellow, throughout the length of the
board. His varieties were. Whites, Madame Carnot, Mrs.
Weeks, Mdlle. TherfeseRey, Western King, Oimscns, Beauty of
Castlewood, Dorothy Shea, R. Dean, and Jno. Neville, Yellows,
Phcebus, A. H. Wood, Edith Tabor, and Modestum ; all of
the flowers shown wore fine, those of Western King being
particularly so. Mr. Godfrey had all his blooms of one colour
together, an arrangement we should be sorry to condemn,
because the differences in the similarly coloured vari.ties ai e
by this method the better demonstrated. The 1st prize of
£lwas accompanied with a handsome Memorial Challenge
Cup, presented by th.s Trustees of the Turner Memorial
Fund.
Tirenty-four Japanese bloom", distinct. — Mr. W. Messenger
gr. to C. H. Berners, Esq., Woolverstone Park, Ipswich
beat five other exhibitors in this class, with a most praise*
worthy lot of blooms, good in size, colour, and finish. To
specify a few of the best we may mention Madame Carnot,
Etoile de Lyon, Edith Tabor, Australie, Modestum, Mdlle. Ad.
Moulin, PLuebus, capital in colour ; C. Davis, Rose Wynne,
and M. Chenon de Leche. It was a collection of blo^nis of
very tine merit also that won 2nd prize for Mr. R. Kenyon,
gr. to A F. Hills, Esq., Monkhams,. Woodford Green, E-;sex,
very even in size and merit, the varieties staged call lor no
special mention. Mr. H. Botchkr was 3rd.
Twelve Japanese b!<>"i»^ distinct.— This class accounted for
a prodigious lot of first-class blooms ; there w-_re upwards * f
twenty collections staged in competition, aud we should
suppose the judging of sueh a class was not an easy matter.
However, it had to be done, and eventually a collection if
blooms from Mr. W. Messenger whs placed 1st. His blooms
were Madame Carnot, E. Molyneux, Modestum, Aus ralh',
Madame G. Henry, lute uationale, Australian Gold, Mr-.
C. H. Payne, Phoebus, Miss E. Teichmann, M. E. Andri.and
Edith Tabor. The blooms were all goud, and that of Inter-
nationale was very fine in point of colour, as was E. Molyneux
The 2ndprizo was obtained by Mr. H. Shoesmith, Cl..reino: t
Nursery, Woking, for a very remarkable lot of bl .oms tb;it
lacked coloured varieties, there being too many whites and
ycdlows ; had it not been for this the collection would havu
been very hard to excel. The 3rd prize went to Mr. I!.
Kenyon, gr. to A. F. Hills, Esq.
Six Japanese blooms, any colour except white.— There wis
much competition in t is class, and the 1st prize was
awarded to six excellent specimens of Phtebus, shown by
Mr. J. McKenzie, gr. to F. S. CORKWALLIS, Esq., Linton,
Maidstone; 2nd, Mr. T. H. Lodge, gr. to Mrs. Mere't,
Hockorill, Bishop's Stortford, for six blooms of Edith Tab »r.
Six Japantse bin-,,,,*, hairy-pttalUd varieties, <Ustmct.—'Mr.
Jno Justice, gr. to Sir R. Temple, The Nash, Kcmpsey, was
1st, and showed the well known Hairy Wondor and Mrs. Dr.
Ward ; also Mrs. W. J. Godfrey and White Swan, both white
flowers ; Princess Ena, mauve-coloured, very good ; and
Vaucanson, pink, but not very hirsute. The 2nd prize went
to Mr. W. Batchelor, gr. to C. Billyarq' Teake, Esq., Hare-
field Park, Uxbridge.
Six Japanis>: Blooma, one variety, white, — The best blooms in
this class were those of Madame Carnot, six very fine speci.
mens of which were shown by Mr. Norman Davis. Thcro
were eight other collections, and with the variety Mrs. Chas
Blkk, the 2nd prize was won by Mr. T. H, Lodga, gr. to
Mrs Mknet, Bishops Stortford. The variety Mdll?. M. A.
de Galbert, obtained the 3rd place.
November 13, 1897.]
THE GAR DENE It 8' CHRONICLE.
351
Sir Japanese Incurved Blooms, distinct. — There was not so
much competition in this class as might have heen expected.
The 1st prize was won by Mr. W. Robinson, who showed
Oceana, Australia, Western King, Duke of Wellingron., Pride
of Madfo.'d, and Lady Ridgway.
Ttr.clve large flowered Hefiexed blooms?— These varieties rarely
find many exhibitors in these days. On the occasion under
notice ihere were two in this class, and the 1st prize was
taken by Mr. W. Robinson, gr. to the Right Hon. Lord
l.i M >w, Heywood, Westbury, Wilts. There appeared to be
nothing new in the varieties staged, and the 2nd prize was
awarded to the other exhibitor, Mr. G. W. Forbes, gr. to
Madame Nk'ols, Regent House, Surbiton.
Twenty-Jour {urge-flowered Anemone blooms distinct. — There
were six contributors in this el iss, and the best proved to be
Mr. Jno. Justice, gr. to the Right Bon. Sir R. Temple, Bart ,
The N^sh, Kempsey. His varieties were W. W. Ast r,
Madame Lawton, Caledonia, Bouche Lyonnaise, Jno. Bunyan,
Mdlle. Cabrol, Mr. H. Gardner, and Sir W. Raleigh.— Robin
Adair, Queen Elizabeth, Enterprise, Dame Blanche, Nelson,
Owen's I';rfection, Delaware.— Junon, Mrs. J. Benedict,
Cladys Spaulding, Lady Margaret, La Deuil, Fleur de Marie,
Miss A. Lowe, aDd Empress. This stand presented a very
pretty show, and most of the llowers were well staged. The
2nd prize was taken by Mr. W. Skeggs, gr. to A. Moseley,
E*q., West Lodge, Barnct ; and the 3rd by Mr. A. Ives, gr. to
E. C. Jukes, Esq., Hadley Lodge, Barnet.
Twelve large Anemone bt'><>„<<, Japanese excluded. — There
were again six competitors, and the 1st prize was won by
Mr. J. Ji'sthe with an elegant collection of blooms, in-
cluding Junou, Delaware, Gladys Spaulding, Mdlle. N. Brum,
Mrs. J. Benedict, Acquisition, Miss A. Lowe, Lady Margiret,
M. C. Leboscqz, Cincinnati, Fleur de Marie, and Gluck. The
2nd and 3rd prizes were taken by Mr. A. Ives, and Mr. W.
Ring, gr. to Jas. Warren, Esq., Caple House, Waltham
Cross.
Tw.lve Japanese A nemo n* bloomt, distinct. —Mr. Justice
again took premier honours with good blooms ol Mr.?. Hugh
Gudiner, Sir W. Raleigh, Robin Adair, Mdlle. Cabrol, Queen
Elizabeth, Nelson, Caledonia, Rout he Lyonnaise, Owen's
Perfection, Jno. Bunyan, W. W. Astor, and Enterprise. Mr.
W. SkeqgS was 2nd, and Mr. Rin ; 3rd.
Tw lot Pompom, distinct. — The Pompons are usually shown
in sprays of three, with foliage attached. There were three
exhibitors in this clas?, and Mr. T. Caryer, gr. to A. G.
Meissser, Esq., Aldenholme, Weybridge, was adjudged best
of these. He staged the following varieties: Rubro-perfectum,
Prince of Orange, W. West ake, Perle des Beautcs, Osiris
Mr. Holmes, Mdlle. Marthc, President, Mdlle. E. Dordan, La
Vognc, Pygmalion, and Toassaint Marizot. It was a first-
rate collection of well-grown blooms, and the 2nd exhibit
was little inferior. It came from Mr. W. Aldridge, gr. to G,
L\cev, Esq , Springfield House, P.iliner's Green.
Singl Flowers. - There were five contestants in the class for
twelve sprays of single flowers, thrcj blooms I" eacb spray
These flowers made a glorious display and are worth much
more attention than is given them. The beat came from Mr.
W Aldiidge, gr. to G LAORVj Esq . who bad very fine ones
indeed. The varieties were Lady C archill, Gwan Cameron,
Sprinafijld Beauty, Orange Beauty, Purity, Mi*s Brown,
Miss May Braithwaitc, Miss A. Mumford, Rose Pink, Lizzie
Mainwaring, Kate Williams, and Rev. E. W. Renfrey. The
whole of these are worth getting by those who do not pos?os9
them. The 2nd prize collection was very close to the one
just n iticad in point of quality, and was staged by Mr. G. W.
Forbes. Mr Fieldgatc, gr. to tlio Duchess of Wellington,
Burhill, 3rd.
TRADE CLASS.
Thirty-six Blooms including twenty-four Japanese and tw>!re
I,n -a, ,'7.-The 1st prize was taken by Mr. W. Wells, Earls-
wood Nurseries, Redhill, Surrey. In this collection one of
the best blooms was Mme. Ferlat, a beautiful white or pale
lemon incurved bloom of fine sizo and build: Mrs. J. W.
Barks, a very fine sport from Edith Tabor; G. J. Warren,
Ella Curtis, Lady Hanham, Georgina Pitcher, with others,
were interesting and good. The only other exhibit was one
from Mr. Norman Davis, Framfield Nurseries, Sussex ;
President Nonin, Framfield Gem, and a few other novelties
were staged in this collection,
Plants.
The best group of Chrysanthemums in pots mingled with
foliage plants, and arranged for effect in a circle of 12 ft.
in diameter, was adjudged to be one shown by Mr. J, Spink.
Summit Road Nursery, Walthamstow. It was a perfect
sugar loaf in shape, and at the summit was a plant of Kentia
Forsteriana. The plants were well grown, the blooms large,
and there was little fault in the disposition of the plants,
except in so much as the method is not the best. T he 2nd
prize, was taken by Mr. W. Howe, g.*. to H. Tate, Esq., Park
Hill, ^reatbam, and the 3rd to Mr. Ed. Dove, gr. to H. R.
Fry, Esq., Bickley Hall, Kent.
Trained specimens.— The 1st prize exhibit in the class for
six trained specimens of large (lowered varieties was down-
right excellent, 'lhe varieties were Florence Percy, John
Shrimpton, John Lightfoot, Col. Smith, Gloriosum, and W.
Tricker. Those of Col. Smith, Jno. Lightfoot and Jno.
Shrimpton were the best.
The best collection of four trained plants was from Mr. F.
Gilks, gr. to A. Morris, Esq., Court Green, Streatham Hill.
The varieties were Emily Silsbury, Col. W. Smith, Viviand
Morel, and Mrs. E. S. Trafford. Mr. W. Davey, gr. to C. C.
Paine, Esq , was 2nd.
The liost six standard trained Chrysanthemums were from
Mr. D. Donald. He had Eva Kuowlea, Cleopatra, Col. Smith,
Chinaman, W. Tricker, and Miss Alice Luckman,
The best standard trained plants in a collection of four
were from Mr. W. Davey, gr. to C. C. Paine, Esq., Hildfield,
Haverstock Hill, N.W., and he showed Col. Smith, Stanstead
Surprise, Cleopatra, and W. Tricker.
The best six trained Pompon plants were also from Mr. D.
Donald, who had Black Douglas, W. Westlake, Scaur
Melanie, Yellow Martha, W. Kennedy, and Antonius. All
of these were first rate.
The best specimon Chrysanthemum plant, any type, pyra-
midal trained, was a fine plant of Col. W. Smith, shown by
D. Dona'd, gr. to J. G. Barclay, Esq., Knoll Green, Leyton.
AMATEURS.
Cut Blooms —Division I.
Twenty four Japanese, d ^n-7.— Only two collections were
staged, and the better one was from Mr. L. Gooch, gr. to J.
Whkii \m Jones, Esq., Trocester Lodge, South Norwood.
The varieties Miss Dorothy Shea, M. Cbenon de Leche, and
Matthew Hodgson were best shown; Mr. Jas. Stredwick
was 2nd.
EigJUei >i Incurved, distinct. — Of three collections, that from
Mr. C. E. Wilkins, Wellington, Swanley Junction, was best,
but the quality throughout the ilass was not, remarkab e ;
Bonnie Dundee anl Princess of Wales were the best blooms
in the 1st prize exhibit.
Twelve Japanese blooins, distinct. — Thisdass was the subjtct
of a keen competition, and a very commendable lot from
Mr. Ja^. Stredwick took 1st prize. In this stand the
varieties T. Wilkins. Eva Knowles, A. H. Wood, Madame
Carnot, and Phoebus were the best. The 2nd prize went to
Mr. J. Acock, gr. to Mrs. Bacon, Stoneleigh, Sutton, also a
very good exhibit.
Six Japanese blooms, distinct.— Mr. W. Perrin, gr. to C. W.
Richardson, Esq., Sawbridgworth, Herts, was 1st, who had
really fine blooms of Madame Caruot, G. C. Schwabe,
Madame Gustave Henry, Australie, G. J. Warren, and
Etoile de Lyon; 2nd, Mr. Jas. Strehwh k. The best six
blooms of Japanese one variety were some good specimens of
Phoebus shown by Ed. Smith, Esq., Ingleside, Chatham; and
with Viviand Morel, Mr. J. Stri: dwick, Silver Hill, St. Leon-
ards, was 2 d.
Twelve Incurved blooms, distinct.— OF four exhibitors the best
was Mr C. E. Wilkins, who had a very even lot < f blooms
of medium size and finish. Mr. Wilkins also won in the
class for six blooms. Toe 2nd prize for twelve went to Mr. C.
Goddard, gr. to W. II. Fkam is, E*q.. Broomfield, Sutton.
Six Incurved bloonu <>>■• variety. — The 1st prize was awarded
to the variety Mr.-. R C. king-ton, shown by Mr. WlLKINS.
Division II
Eighteen Japanese, distinct -Mr. Henry Live, l. Melvill -
Terrace, Sandown, Isle of Wight, hid a st:m<i of verj
bloims, including some varieties not. frequently staged iu
exhibition. Mr. J. Love was the onlj other exhibitor.
1 ■ ■ !" > "a i, Bloims Mr. ii km. v Lovi again led bere
followed by Mr. a It. Khiobt, 63, Hardin Road Ishford,
Kent.
' Mr IT A. Nil .ii. shoved well
in this class, staging tho following varieties Cbas, Davte,
Misj Elsie Teicbn i ann, K lith Tabor, Ma-1 im ■ Carnot, Pboab is,
and M. Chenon de Leche. 2nd, Mr. W. B. Rebyk, Lynd-
hurst, Maybury Road, Woking.
The best si\ blooms of Japanese of one variety was an
exnlbit of Mdlle. Th. Key, from Mr. W. E. Rbevb, Lynd hurst,
Maybury Road, Woking.
/,.,<,,. I Blooms —The class for twelve blooms distinct was
won by Mr. A. R. Knight, who include 1 a nice specimen of
Mrs. It. C. Kingston.
MAIDEN GROWERS.
There were a few classes for subscribers who have never
won a prize previously at the National Chrysanthomum
Society's Show.-*. For sis Japanese blooms distinct, Mr. R.
Chamberlain won 1st priae; and for three blooms distinct
the 1st prize was taken by W, T. Neal, Esq., Chesalon,
Woking. Mr. S. Ely, gr..to H. H. Gardner, Es.j , bad the
best three bunches of Pompons.
SPECIAL PRIZES.
For the special prizes offered by Mr. H. J. Jones for six
vases of Japanese Chrysanthemum blooms with twelve inches
of stems above the boa-ds, Mr. T. H. Lodoe was the best
exhibitor, showing varieties with stiff stems that needed no
supports.
The class for which special prices were olTcrci by P.
Waterer, Esq., for a specimen Chrysanthemum plant grafted
with not fewer than three varieties, was won by Mr. D
Donald, who had a plant bearing the following varieties;
John Liglitfoot, Chas. Davis, and Viviand Morel. Another
exhibitor had a plant with four varieties engrafted, but
exhibiting less goo I culture.
The special prize offered by Mr. J. T. Simpson, for the
premier bloom of Japanese Chrysanthemum selected from
the entire exhibition, was won by a magnificent bloom of
Yellow Madame Carnot in the winning stand of 4S Japanese
blooms, shown by Mr Mease.
The prizes offered by Mr. W. WelLi for six sprays of single
flowered Chrysanthemums did not bring such satisfactory
exhibits as they should have done.
TABLE DECORATIONS, BOUQUETS, Etc.
The best exhibit in an open class for a tabic of Bouquet
Wreaths, &c.t was won by Miss Nellie Erlebach, Stoke
Newington, followed by Messrs. Harwood Bros., Balham.
There was extraordinary competition in a class for threo
Epergnes of Chrysanthemum blooms, suitable for table
decoration, there being about fifteen exhibits staged. Of
these a trio from Mr. D. B. Crane, 4, Woodview Terrace,
Archway Road, Highgate, were adjudged the best ; and Mife
C. B. Cole, The Vineyards, Feltham, also showed admirably.
The best two Vases of Chrysanthemums were shown by
Mr. Mark Webster, gr. to E. J. Preston, Esq., Kekcy Park,
Beckenbam. Mr. Mark Webster had also the beet pair of
hand bouquets or posies of Chrysanthemums.
The 1st prize tor a hand-basket of Chrysanthemums in a
class limited to ladies was won by Miss Easterbrook,
Fawkham, Kent, from more than half a dozen competitors.
The blooms used were exclusively of a variety that reminded
us of Princess Clothilda, with a few Asparagus sprsyi
Mr. J. Brooke, gr. to W. J. Newman, Esq , Totteridgc I n I
Herts, had the best vase of six blooms of Japanese Chrysan-
themums, showing M.i dame Carnot.
The remaining class in this section was for a hand-basket
of natural autumn foliage and berries, and a very pretty
arrangement obtained the 1st prize for Miss E. Wadmorb,
Brook House, Basingstoke.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.
Although the Society lias no titular connection with fiuit
or vegetables, there is generally some very goad produce
exhibited at the November show. One of the Special prizes
this year was fur a collection of Apples, to consist partly of
varieties in cultivati on previous to Is:;?, anl of others intro-
duced during the p:iat thirty years. The 1st prizj was won
by Mr. McKenzie, gr. to F. S. Cornwallis, Esq , Linton
Park, Maidstone. The best exhibitors of Grapes were Mr
W. Howe, gr. to H. Tate, Esq , Park Hill, Streatham ; Mr.
W. Igguldes, Frome, So merset : and Mr. W. Tidy, gr. to
H. D'Arcv, Esq , Stanuiore Hall, N.W.
Mr. A. J. Thomas, Bargains Hill. Rodmersham, and Mr. G.
Goldsmith, gr. to Sir E. G. Loder, Bt., Leonardslee, vere
successful exhibitors of Pears and Apples,
Potatos were shown well by Mr. Silas Cole, gr. t- Eail
Spencer, Althrop Park, Northampton ; and Mr. E. Bi ckett,
gr.^ to Lord Alhenuam, Aldcnh mi House, Elstree, bad 1st
prize for a tine collection of vegetables.
Messrs Sutton As Sons, Web . ,v Sons, and Kr. Dorerill and
Others offered special prizes for vegetables.
NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS.
Messrs. B. S. Williams k Son. Upper FTolloway, staged a
pretty group of stove plants, including a fine lot of Orcbid.-
in flower, and also well flowen d p] inta ol Begonia Oloire do
Lorraine, and several species of Kr c >. Some of bhcCrotoiis
were very fine.
Hes i- Jno. Laihg &Sons, Forest Hill Nurseries, L [on,
s E., h.i i .i ■■■ii ection of Apples and Pears, and a few pi mt -
of BouvardiaS] Be r°nias, &c, in Ho vei .
Mr. II. .1 Josm, Ryecrofl Nursery, Hither Green,
Lowi*bam, furnished one of tin1 cross tables with tin.'
hmiMin blooms, plentifully relieved with Ferns and
pretty foliago plants. Many novelties and ■ seedling j
were s' own, the 1 »t of which are noticed on p 840 Al ■-, :X
pretty group of Chrysanthemums in pots, staged in tasttful
manner under the] irgo organ ; and ndjorning thU was a record
st^ind of Chrys iiithemum blooms frutn Mr. .Woman Dam ,
Framfield Nurseries, fVeatern Kiog wa.s capitally shown in
about a doeen blooms in this exhibit, and there wire extra
Large 1 1 x>ms of Ma lame Carnot and many nov< It i_ -.
Another table was occupied by an exhibit from Mr. Tuns.
S Waul, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, which consisted
of Chrysanthemum blooms and Ferns. Some Chrysanthe-
mum blooms and winter-flowering Carnations came from
Mr. E. G. Reid, nurseryman, Beckenhmi Hill.
Messrs Sctton & Sons, Reading, exhibited heaps of flue
Potato tubers of varieties which the firm believe to be best
adapted to resist disease. Nearly forty distinct varieties were
shown, including Sutton's Seedling, Windsor Castle, Nonsuch,
Satisfaction, Reliance, and others equally good. The tubers
were of the best appearance possible.
A nice collection of Apples and a few Pears were noticed
from Messrs. S Sfooskb A: Sons, Hounslow Nurseries; and a
collection of hardy fruits, Violets, &c, from Messrs. W. & J.
Biuiws-, Stamford, Peterborough and Grantham.
Mr. H. Deverill, of Banbury, exhibited some of bis fc
markable Onions; also Leeks, Celery, Parsnip3, Carrots, and
other vegetables. Mr. H. Berwick, Sid mouth Nurserie.s,
D ran, exhibited some very highly coloured Apples and a
few Pears.
Messrs. H. C anneli. & Soss, Swanley, Kent, made an
exhibit of sprays of Zonal Pelargoniums as bright and
charming as e ver, always very attractive when the fog days
have commenc ed. They bad also a rare lot of Chrysanthe-
mum blooms tastefully set up over a groundwork if Ferns.
Amongst these were many novelties, including some of the
Continental sorts. Tbenewgreeu flowered Japanese, Madame
Edmond Rogers, was represented by three good speci
A bank of Cannas in m iny varieties compl-ted the exhibit.
Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood Nurseries, Redhill, Surrey, bad
a most commendable group of Chrysanthemum plant i in
flower, remarkable for the size and freshness of the blooms.
This was one of the linest exhibits on the ground floor, and
displayed a considerable number of novelties, which have
been noticed on p. 340.
Mr. B. Ladhams, Shirley Nurseries, Southampton, showed
a fine lot of blooms of a new decorative Chrysanthemum
named Gold Elsie; also Gaillardia blooms, and a few other
hardy flowers.
Mr. Robt. Ovvkn's Chrysanthemum flowers from Maiden-
head furnished a good-sized tible, and in my novelties were
well shown in this exhibit. Some winter-flowering Carna*
tions in pots from Messrs. Crane A; Clarke, Hillside Nursery,
352
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
March, Cambridgeshire, were scarcely in full flower, but tbc
culture of the plants had been good.
Messrs. W. Cvtbosh & Son, Highgate Nurseries, London,
made an extensive exhibit in the gallery composed of Chry-
santhemums in pots, also a fine lot of Begonias, Gloire de
Lorraine, Ericas, Oranges, &c.
Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nuis lies, Devon, displayed
a fine lot of Chrysanthemum blooms, each cut with good
stout stem, and most of them representative of new varieties,
also winter flowering Carnations.
Mr. Jso. Russell, nurseryman, Richmond, had a group
of Ivies in pots, exhibiting many diverse varieties. Other
stands represented several of the horticultural sundriesmen,
various horticultural manures, patent watering-cans, garden
labels, &c.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
November 5.— A meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable
Committee was held on tbia dato at the Royal Horticultural
Society's Gardens, Chi s wick.
Present : Mr. H. Balderson, in the chair ; the Rev. W.
Wilks, Secretary ; and Messrs. J. Wright, W Bates, J. Smith,
A. F. Barron, R. Fyfc, W. Fan-, and A. Dean.
Four late varieties of Fotatos, tubers of which were seen
lifted at a previous meeting, having been cooked, were tasted.
Of these Sutton's Supreme and Vert's Diamond Jubilee, both
cooking well, but not of high flavour, were awarded two
marks. Deficiency in flavour largely characterises modern
Potatos, especially heavy croppers. The best-flavoured
variety tasted at Chiswick this season was one sent for trial
from the Canary Islands, having much of the Ashleaf cha-
racter. An extensive collection of Kales, two long rows of
each being grown, were next -seen. In connection with
these, it was noticeable, and the matter merits the fullest
scientific enquiry, that all the Breda or Asparagus section,
including Ragged Jack, Lapland, and Delaware, in all
some ten lots, had almost disappeared, having been eaten
up by a fungus [probably a slime-fungus. Ed.] This pest,
however, did not affect all the curled Kale section, nor vet
the Chou de Milan, or Cottagers' Kale.
The group comprised forty-six stocks, and largely diverse,
of these the following received three marks, or High Com-
mendation : Cuthbertson's famous strain of tall Scotch
Curled, very dark leaved; Brydon's Selected Green Curled
(Kent & Brydon), a capital strain of the tall Scotch, but of
lighter hue ; Dobbie &. Co.'s Victoria Kale, a splendid and
solid form of the till Scotch, one of the very best. Jas.
Veitch & Sun's capital strain of variegated Kale, heads to be
seen at the Drill Hall later on. Cottagers' Kale, a good
and even stock (C. Turner)'; Chou de Milan, a first-rate
stock of this tine late hard sprouting Kale, from Wat-
kins & Si npson. Culzean Castle, another extra strong-
growing stock of the tall curled Scotch (Hurst & Son) ;
and Late Hearting, a dwarf and compact hearting of
a semi Savoy type (Hurst & Son), Two Marks, or Com-
mended, were given to Dobbie & Co.; Dwarf Purple
Curled, and to Barr's exquisite Purple Curled. These, how-
ever, arc identical, and are the same as the Purple Arctic or
Librador Kale, well known in commerce.
Three varieties of Beets were seen, but were, whilst clean
and even stocks, not of high-class root quality, and inferior
to well-known established varieties.
A bed of Parsley also was seen, but the stock was a poor
one. A trial of Parsloy next year may be worthy con-
sideration.
A large trial of Onions has, so far, been conducted, thit
several dozen rows of plants, ;i feet apart, ard well up ; and
it is purposed to sow a row of each variety beside these in
the spring, and also to transplant one row besides from each
autumn sown variety. A few stocks of Brussels Sprouts
were also seen, but tbey were coarse in growth, and very
uneven in quality— much inferior, in fact, to what may
be seen in the market-fields. Perhaps the Chiswick soil is
too rich and porous ; butit is the case that firm, well-trodden
soil, not too highly enriched, usually give the cleanest stems,
and the best Sprouts.
A trial of Celeries is to be determined at the O. ill Hall
when blanching is complete, and the winter has tested
endurance.
November 9.— General Meeting.— This meeting, owing
partly to the late period of the year, and to the great amount of
interest centered in the Show of the National Chrysanthemum
Society in a neighbouring building, w.ts a small one, and
especially as regarded the number of Orchids and Chrysan-
themums staged. The fog and darkness prevailing, made an
examination of the various objects very difficult at times.
Floral Committee.
Present: W. Bain, Esq., in the Chair, and Messrs. J. D.
Pawle, J. W. Bennett-Poo, C. E. Pearson, J. F. McLeod,
J. Jennings, C. J. Salter, J. H. Fitt, Chas. Jeff.ries, E.
Mawley, and R. M. Hogg.
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush .Hill, Enfield, and CUp-
ton, showed Carnation Mathew's Winter Red, said to bo an
improvement ou the well known Winter Cheer, In that it
is a better winter flowerer ; but it is of no use for summer
blooming. About fifty plants in 48's were shown. The habit
is compact and short, and foliage is freely produced. The
flower is of good form, with cupped petals, and the colour a
bright scarlet. E. F. Thompson, Esq. fgr., Mr. T. Mann),
fchowed a collection of Pentstemon Seedlings of average merit.
Messrs. CKiNB & Clarke, March, Cambridgeshire, exhi-
bited a few plants of Tree Carnation Queen Victoria, with
flowers of a shade of pink, double, habit of the plant tall,
evidently a free bloomer. They also showed plants of the
tall-growing white-flowered Bouvardia Humboldti grandi-
flora, a striking variety, with large blooms, receiving for thi*
an Award of Merit.
Mr. R. Gulzow, Melbourne Nurseries, Bexley Heath, Kent,
showed a group placed on the floor, consisting in the main
of varieties of Dracaena, including D. Sanderiana, a magnifi-
cent plant, with sixteen stems 6 feet high, and several
smaller ones ; D. albo-lineata, a narrow-leafed variety, with
white and green leaves, and graceful in habit (Award of
Merit); D. indivisa Burtoni, resembling the type in all re-
spects but colour, which is bronzy-green, with a suspicion of
red in it (Award of Merit). The group consisted of the best
of modern varieties. Two 6-feet high examples of D.
Douceti, furnished with leaves down to the pots ; several
Crotons with pendent foliage, a few Palms and Cycads,
complete the list of the plants (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).
A group of Chrysanthemums, including Japanese, incurved,
si ogle- flowered and rcilexed varieties, came from Mr. G.
Wythes, gr. to E irl Percy, Siou House, Brentford. Many of
the Japanese and incurved flowers were above ordinary form.
The group was nicely relieved with Maidenhair Ferns in
small puts ; and the flowers were placed in two's an i three's
in bottles, and were mostly fresh-looking specimens (a Silver
Banksian Medal).
Mr John Russell, nurseryman, Richmond, Surrey, placed
a group of Tree Ivies of diverse species upon the floor
of the Hall, some of the examples reached a height of
6 ftet to 7 feet ; several of them were loaded with fruits.
The silver and the yellow variegated forms were very telling
objects. One tall silver variegated example had its stem
surrounded with a framework that supported a mass of
neatly trained shoots of the common Ivy, and some others
of dwarf stature were similarly treated (Silver Banksian
Medal).
Spra s of Vitis heteiophylla humulifulia in fruit came from
A. Kinossiill, Esq , Harrow Weald. The buuehes are short,
iu som * cases very short, and grow axillary on the current
year's shoots, and the sky-blue fruits, of the sizi of Red
Currants, are thinly set on the stalks. The leaves are small,
with three and five laps. It was grown outside, in front of
a glass corridor.
W. W. Mann, Esq., Rivenswood, Bexley (gr., Mr. J.
Strnond), Bhowed Japanese Chrysanthemum Cyril C.Mann,
a white sport from the orange-coloured Col. W. H. Smith.
The flower is a creirny-white, an increase of colour being
percptible towards the centre.
Sir Trevor Lawrexce, Burford Lodge, Dorking (gr., Mr.
Bain), showed Sonerila longifolia Lady Burton, a bronzy leaf
densely spotted with white, and pitches of the same (Award
of Merit). The Phesioent of the Society showed an incurved
variety of Chrysanthemum named Bruant, of a deep orange
colour, a massive flower ; also C. Mrs. J. Gardiner, a bright
yellow variety belonging to the same section.
Mrs. G. Lane, Highfield, Engleheld Green, showed in
curved Chrysanthemum, Geo. Lane, a massive bloom (three
on the plant) of a pale violet tint.
Messrs. J. VeitCH A: Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited Wallflower Parisian Early, a
brownish-yellow flowered variety with densely flowered,
short, compact spikes ; the flowers as large as a florin. The
exhibitors received an Award of Merit for the strain. From
the same nursery came Aster grandiflorus (Vote of Thanks).
Messrs. W. Balchin & Sons, Hassocks Nurseries, Sussex,
sbowed Diplacus glutinosus Jubilee, a bright orange coloured
flower, and D. g. rub'u, one of a deep orange colour.
Mr. Godfrey, Exmouth, Devon, showed Japanese Chrys-
anthemum Beauty of Adelaide, a \ ale lilac variety ; also
Japanese incurved Mri. Chas. Keyser, a beautiful bright
j ellow, o* fine foi m ; Japanese Mrs M. Grant, orange-
coloured, with twisted narrow florets; Japanese Mrs tieorge
Gove-, red Uata lilac, confuse I, braadbh revested flu e's ;
Japanese dmiral Ito, bright yellow, and stiff, voluted,
narrow florets (this got n Award of Merit) ; Japanese Lady
Nortl cote, white in the centre, florets which acquire a
lilac tinge with ag • ; it has mueh-reflexed narrow florets,
of great length. Japanese Wilfred F. Godfrey is a floser
that is orange-coloured in the centre, with buff outer florets,
incurved, yet with an open centre.
Mr. C. Caddrll, gr., Camfield, Herts, showed Chrysanthe-
mum Lady Ellen Clark, a pyramidal flower, with narrow,
con used florets, white.
Chrysanthemums were also shown by Mr. T. Gee, Mr. C.
F. Thompson, and Mr. Owen, of Castle Hill Nursery, Maiden-
head.
Flowers of Cyrtanthen <1 rysostephana were exhibited by
F. W. Moore, E3q., Royal Botanic Garden, Glasuev.n ; the
fliwers are tubular, of orange and red colour, growing
terminally on the shoots— a useful plant at this season of
the year.
Orchid Committee.
Present : H.rry J. Veitch, Esq , in the Chair ; and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), Da B. Crawshay, II. J. Chapman,
S. Cmrtauld, W. Thompson, J. Jacque*, C. Winn, Major
Mason, F. J. Thorno, T. W. Bond, W. H. Young, and G.
Shor land- Ball.
The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, Highbury, Moor
Green, Birmingham (gr., Mr. Smith), sent six grand ex-
umples of Cattleyas and Lielio-Cattleyas, prominent among
which were Cattleya Fabia (labiata ?, Dowiana aurea 6").
The original was raised by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons,
and shown in 1894. The plant now shown had large flowers,
the sepals and petals of which wee light rose, with a
slight trace of yellow ; lip broad, and of rich dark
purple colour, with some distinct orange lines at the
base (First class Certificate) ; Cattleya Miss Endicott
(maxima x Loddigesii), with very pretty flowers, somewhat
resembling those of C. maxima, but of tirmer texture.
Flowers bright, light rose ; lip white, with a tinge of rose,
and with distinct purple veining in the centre ; Lselio-Catt-
leya Semiramis (Perrini X Gaskelliana), L -C. Sallieri (L.
purpurata X C. Loddigesii), Cattleya x Massiliensis (Triansei
X aurea?), and a very large and finely-coloured Cattleya
labiata. The group secured a Silver Binksian Medal.
A Silver Banksian Medal was also awarded to G. Shor-
land-Ball, Esq., Ashford, Wilmslow, Cheshire (gr.,Mr. Alex.
Hay) for a neat group of excellently grown Orchids, among
which were two tine plants of the famo ;s Cypripedium
insigne Sandera;. the larger, which seemed to bo rather
broader and more yellow than the original, though the
difference was infinitesimal and such as might occur very
readily on growths from the same plant, having six fine
flowers (Cultural Commendation). Another flue plant was
Cypripedium x Leeanum magnificum, resembling the best
form of C. x Leeanum giganteum, but with darker- coloured
flowers and shorter flower-stalks (Award of Merit). Mr.
Bull also showed a nice plmt of the white Dendrobium
Pl]al;i_-nopsis album, a good example of Lycaste microbulbi
(Maxillaria macrobulba of Botanical Mag nine, t. \11S) also
known in gardens as L. Youngi ; a splendid form of Cypri-
pedium Alfred Hollington, the yellow C. insigne Bullkv, and
the missive C. i. Haretield Hall variety; C. X Meraoria
Moensii, C. X Niobe, two fine plants of Masdevallia
Veitchiana, &c.
Messrs. Jar. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chclsei, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for
a group of rare hybrids, among which were L:elio Cattleya
Daphne (L.-C. x Schilleriaua (L. elegans alba) 6", C.
Mossi:« 9 ). with flowers equal in size to email C. Mossi;c j
sepals and petals blush-white, the latter bearing within the
margin a pretty veining of purple colour ; lip white, with
chrome yellow disc, and purple front ; Cypripedium Actens
(Leeanum 9, insigne Saudera- 6"), resembling C. X Leeanum,
but of a yellower tint ; L -C. Pallas, L.-C. Lady Rothschild,
L.-C, Decia, L.-C. St itteriana, L. ('. Novelty', Cattleya
Enrydice (AckUndiD x labUta?j, C, Portia (Bo wringiana ?,
Labiata S ), Cypripedium Niobe, C. Emyadus, C. Tityus, &a.
Messrs. P. Sandbk & Co., St. Albans, secured a Silver
Banksian Medal for a bright group of varieties of Cattleya
labiata, with which were Cypripedium insigne S indera?,
Lycaste Skinneri.the pretty Calanthe X bella, L;«lio-Cattleya
Bioomfieldiensis, Laslia autumualis delieata, Miltonia vexil-
1 nit Lsopoldi, Cattleya aurea, and a finely flowered pan of
Sophrouitis grandiflora.
Messrs. W. L. Lewis & Co., Southgate, showed a group o
fifty of their fine importation of Ladia pumila, the best o
which were L. p. conspicua, L. p. albo-marginata, L. p. gran-
diflora, and L. p. magnifica. The finest plant in the group
was Cattleya labiata Lewisii, with sepals and petals pure
white, the front of the lip being soft violet-purple, margined
with white (Award of Merit). Also in the group were goo 1
Odontoglossum Rossii majus, Momodes pardinum, and its
yellow variety, citriuum (unicolor).
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, staged a group of
Vanda coarulea, Ac, with which were the fine white
Cil nthe X Veitchi alba (First-class Certificate); the pure
white Cypripedium bcllatulum album, C. X Leeanum, C. X
Niobo, &c.
W. Vanner, Est, Camden Wood, Chislehurst (gr., Mr.
W. U. Rjbbins), showed a staniof cut Orchids, including
Cypripadium insiguo Sandorianum, C. Stonji, C. X Io, C.
Charles worthi, C. X Niobe, C. X Harrisianuin superbum,
C. x Pitcherianum, C. x Schrodera?, <fcc. ; also plants of tho
line spotted Odontoglossum cri^pum Dirmaivanum, Cypri-
pedium x Eyermanuiauum superbum, and C x Va -in era?
(superbiens x aelligrum rubrum).
J. T. BENNKrr-Poi:, E^q , nolmewood, Che^bunt (gr., Mr.
Djwnes), showed Cypripedium x Phoenix, of unknown
parentage, with flower somewhat resembling C. x Cht-
Canham ; also Vanda Sanderiana, Holmswood variety, with
flowers noarly circular in form, the segments also bein^
round and good in colour.
C. L. N. Inoram, Esq, Elstead House, Godalming (gr.,
Mr. T. W. Bond), showed Cattleya x Comfrey (Lawronceana
X Warscewiczi), a neat, light-coloured flower.
Henry Tatk, Esq., Allerton Beeches, Liverpool, sent
Cypripedium Allertoncnsc (villosum X bcllatulum) and C.
insigno bisepalum, a very singular and constant form in which
tho lower sepals are larger than the upper, and similarly
tipped with white.
Mrs. S. Wood, Moorfield, Glossop, showed Cypripedium X
Alcides var. (insigne Maulei x hirsutissumum).
Fruit and Vegetable Committee.
P esent: Phillip Crowle}', Esq., in the chair ; and Messrs.
G. Bnnyard, G. W. Cummins, A. H. Pearson, A. Dean,
W. Iggulden, C. Herrin, F. Q. Line, J. Smith, Rob. Fyfe,
G. Norman, J. Wright, J. Wdlard, J. Cheal, and J. n.
Veitch.
The Apple and Pear flavour competition brought twenty
dishes of these fruits of a meritorious description, not a?
blemished example being remarked among them. The 1st
prize for Apples was secured by Mr. Turton, gr., Maiden
Krlegh, Reading, with Cox's Orange Pippin, fine fruits, above
medium si/.e ; the 2nd prize was awarded Mr. G. Woodward,
gr., Barham Court, Maidstone, for Ribston Pippins, the fiuit
also abovo average siz>, and with a very fine appearance.
Messrs. Hartland & Son, The Lough Nurseries, Cork,
*?*
November 13, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
353
showed Moreton Pippin, a crimson skinned fruit of conical
form and {arge size. Several dishes of Rlbston and Cox's
Orange were shown, also of Kiug of the Pippins, King Henry,
Cockle, Fearns, &c, by other persons.
Mr. Woodward, of Barham Court Gardens, was 1st for
Pears, with Doyenne du Cornice ; and the Rev. H. Goldinq
Palmer, Reading, was 2nd with Glout Morceau, small
examples, with unblemished skin. Other varieties shown
were Marie Louise, Zepherine Gregoire, Winter Nelia, Emile
d'Heyst, Browu Beurre", &c.
From the garden of the Duke of Rutland, Bslvoir Castle
(gr., Mr. W. H. Divers), came a small collection of Pears
(thirty-two dishes), of apparently excellent quality. We
remarked of Pears, samples of Beurre du Buisson, Doyenne
du Cornice, Beurre Jean Van Geert, very high in colour, like
Flemish Beauty ; Beurre Ranee, Marie Louise, Huyshe's
Prince Consort, Madame Millet, Easter Beurre, Olivier do
Serres, Doyenne d'Alcneon, and Beurre Diel (Silver Bank-
aian Medal).
Mr. W. Ioqulden, Fromc, Somersetshire, showed four
basketfuls of Gros Colman Grapes, 4S lb. in all. The fruit was
extremely fine in every point and was awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal. It exhibited a good way of showing Grapes
in competition or for display in the shops.
Mr. O. Thomas, of the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, sent a
box filled with twenty fine symmetrical fruits of Frogmore
All the Year Round Cucumber. The fruits were iu all cases
20 inches long, slightly ribbed, short-necked, and without
spines. It is a variety that develops fully in the dull season,
and was stated to be a cross between Rochfords Market and
Dickson's All the Year Round.
Mr. G. Wythe?, Sion House, showed Wythes' St. Martin's
Cabbage, a firm-hearted variety.
Messrs. Harrison & Son?, Market Place, Le;cester, showed
a very large collection of varieties of Beetroot, and were
awarded a Bronze Banksian Medal. It seemei to compiise
all the best known varieties of garden Beet.
SOUTHAMPTON CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November -'.—The Victoria Hall was again the site chosen
for holding the exhibition of Chrysanthemum?.
Groups of Chrysanthemum plants were a distinct feature,
bo well were they represented. The 1st prize was taken by
Mr. C. Hosey, gr. to J. C. E d'EStbrre, Ejq., Elmfield Hid,
Southampton, with plants less than 8 feet high, thoroughly
well cluthed with foliage, and carrying fully developed
blooms of leading Japanese varieties.
Mr. H. G. Holloway, gr. to A. Brown, Esq , II ill Farm
Dairy, Southampton, staged the best specimen Chrysanthe-
mum plants, averaging fully 3 feet in diameter, and carrying
good blooms.
Cut blooms were thoroughly well shown. In the class for
eighteen Japanese distinct there were no fewer than nine
competitors. To Messrs. Elcombe <fc Son, Romsey, was
adjudged the premier position for excellent examples of lead-
ing varieties. Mr. G. Nobbs, gr. to Her Majesty The QosLur,
Oiborne, I.W., was 2nd with a moderately good exhibit.
From Mr. F. G. Foster, Brockhamptou Nursery, Havant,
c uno the best incurved blooms iu the principal class for
oighte^n varieties; and Mr. J. Advte, The Nuibcr.es,
Havant, was 2nd.
Messrs. Elcombe & Son were again successful in the el iss
fur twelve Japanese.
Mr. Woodfine, gr. to Major BOTD, Emsworth, was 1st for
twelve incurved varieties.
Vi viand Morel was adjudged the premier bloom in the
J.ip.tncse section, and was staged by Mr. H. M. MORS?,
Belmont Nursery, Sholing.
Mr. H. H. Lees was the most successful competitor in the
amateur classes.
Fruit was a feature of the show ; excellent were the
Grapes staged by Mr. Mitchell, gr. to J. W. Flkmino, Esq.,
( hilworth, Romsey.
Mr. G. Goodwin, Canterbury, contributed the premier
A p| ilcs iueaeh of the classes set apart for this fruit
Mr. N. Molyneux, gr. to J. C. Garnikr, Esq., Ruokesbury
P.irk, Wickham, Fareham, staged seedling Chrysanthemums
of his own raising, to each was awarded a First class Certi-
ficate, viz. :— Mary Molyneux, Japauese, a full sized broad
petalled, loosely incurving variety uf a soft piuk colour.
Japa ese, Princess Charles of Denmark, bronze-yellow ; and
to Mrs. N. Molyneux, an immense ivory-white incurved
variety.
HEREFORDSHIRE FRUIT AND
CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 2, 3.— This Society held its annual exhibition in
the Shire Hall on the above dates. The display of Apples
and Pears was, as usual, a very conspicuous feature, and
that of Grapes and collections of fruits and vegetables was
likewise a very good one ; and although competition in the
c'.assei devoted to Chrysanthemums was in some cases
less keen than usual, the excellence of the flowers was
noteworthy.
Fbcit.
Apples, fifty dishes, distinct.— Iu this class, Mr. BashaH,
Fair Oak Nurseries, Newport, was deservedly placed 1st,
with fruits of high quality, and had amongst his best dishes
Mere de Menage, Bramley's Seedl ng, Lord Derby, Sandring-
ham, Bismarck, Newton Wonder, Lane's Prince Albert,
King of the Pippins, Cox's Orange, and Adams' Pcarmain ;
2nd, Mr. Pitt, Abergavenny.
Apples, thirty dishes distinct.— Here C. Lee Campbell,
Esq. (gr., Mr. Bayford), took the lead, with a tine collection,
his bet.t being Tyler's Kernel, Gloria Mundi, Winter Nonsuch,
Bismarck, Warner's King, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Ribston and
King of the Pippins, and American Mother; und, Messrs.
Pewtress Brothers, Pillington.
Pears, twenty-four dishes, distinct.— In th's class, Mr.
Watkins, Pomona Farm, Hereford, was 1st, with a fine
lot of fruit, his best dishes being Pitmaston Duchess, Beum*
Baltet Pere, Doyenne Boussoch, Napuleon, Beurre" Diel, and
Doyenne" du Cornice ; 2nd, Mr. Pitt.
Pears, twelve dishes, distinct.— 1st, Lady Emily Foley,
Stoke Elith, Hereford (gr., Mr. Ward), having fine fruits of
Easter Beurre, IMtmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Cornice,
Marie Louise, &c.
Apples, twenty-four dishes, twelve culinary and twelve
dessert (open only to amateurs in Herefordshire).— Is', Sir J.
PULLEY, Lower Eaton (gr., Mr. Wdliams), with good dishes
of Tyler s Kernel, Alexander, Worcester Pearmain, Cox's
Orange, King of the Pippins, Blenheim Orange, &c. ; 2nd
Mr. Blashill, Bridge Sollare.
Amongst non-competitive exhibiis, Messrs. Cranston «fe
Co., King's Acre, Hereford, had seventy dishes of Apples of
considerable merit, those noted being Stirling Castle, Beau-
maun's Red Reinette, King of the Pippins, Grenadier,
Schoolmaster, and Golden Noble.
Chrysanthemums.
Group of plants 12 feet by 7 feet —The 1st prize in this
claas was a Silver Cup, which was won by Mr. Williams, gr.
to Sir J. Puli.ev, Lower Eaton, with a brightly-coloured and
nicely-arranged group ; he was closely followed, however, by
Mr. Grindrod, gr. to P. S. Phillips, Esq, Whitlield ; 3rd,
Messrs. Pewtress Brothers.
Cat Blooms. — Thirty -six blooms, twenty -four Japanese,
twelve incurved (open).— 1st, J. C. Hanbi'rv, Esq., Polity
pool Park (gr., Mr. Lnckyer), with grand blooms of Amiral
Avellan, Chas. Davis, C. Hhrimpton, Mutual Friend, Edwin
Molyneux, Commandant Blu&set, &c. There was only one
exhibitor in this class.
Twelve blooms, Japaneso (open). —1st, A. S. WHIOHT, Esq ,
Linton (gr., W. H. havis), with good Mowers of Australian
Gold, Commandant Blusset, Aldrie'i Linden, C. Davies, Ac
2nd, R. C. B. Cave, Esq., Colwell (gr., Mr. C. Smith).
Twelve blooms, incurved (open). — 1st, J. <..'. II anui rv,
Esq. (gr , Mr. Lockyer), with a finely finished lot, those noted
buin,^ Charles Curtis, Mid unc Darier, and Brookleigb G mu ;
2ml, A. G. Wright, Esq.
A Gold Medal was olfered for eighteen blooms, and was
won by Mr. Lockyes with a good even lot.
In classes open to Herefordshire only, Mr. Grindrod and
Mr. Bayford were prominent prizewinners.
WATFORD CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 2, 3.— The Watford Chrysanthemum Society
held their twelfth annual show on the above date, in tho
Clarendon Hall, Watford. The exhibition was most suc-
cessful, the entries outnumbering those of last year, whilst
the high standard of the exhibits was fully maintained. The
groups were well varied in treatment, and the cut blooms
were choice, and the exhibits of fruit and vegetables were
slightly above the average of former years.
In Division I., open, the prizes for the best miscellaneous
groups, and groups of Chrysanthemums, went to Lord
Ali'Lnham, gr., Mr. Beckett, and Mr. W. K. D'Aucv, the
latter exhibitor being the winner of the Silver Cup offered
for the best group. For cut blooms the main awards fell to
Lord Aldenham's gardener, the Rev. H. Birouell Herne,
Mr. V. M. Martin, Hon. A. Holland Hibb^rt, and Mr.
T. F. Black well. In the open classes for bouquets, wreaths,
and crosses, tho choicely - airanged exhibits of Messrs,
N< ut\ ENER & Co. again easily carried off all the 1st prizes,
Mr. Kettle taking throe 2nds.
The special prize for the best incurved bloom in the show-
was carried off by L>rd Aldrnham for a fine large " Charles
Curtis," whilst his lordship's " < Oceania '' captured the special
for the best Japanese bloom shown.
S"iue splendid clusters of Grapes in the miscellaneous
class secured premier honours for Mr. W. K. Ii'Arcy and
Hon. A Holland Hibbert ; similar awards fur vegetables
and Mushroom* going to Lord Aldeniiam and J. C. Jour-
dain, G.C.M.G., respectively.
In the member's classes, keen competition ruled in the
cut bloom classes, and it must suffice if we name the chief
prizewinners. These were Mr. T. P. Blackwell, Mr. Skil-
beck, Mr. A. C. Rowi ands, and Mrs. Fart ; whilst the chief
winners in the group-classes were Viscount Esher, Mr.
Jourdain, Mr. Martin, and Mr. H. S. Skerry. Prizes for
table-plants, Primulas and Cyclamens, were gained by Mr.
S. T. Holland, Lord Aldesham, Mrs. Part, and Mr. Blath-
ways ; and the winners in the fruit and vegetable classes
were T. F. Halsev, M.P., Lord Aldenham, Mr. W. F. D.
Schuieber, Rev. H. F. IT. Burchell Herne, Mr. R. Henty,
Mr. Kentish, Mrs. Humbert, and W. Judge.
The cottagers1 exhibits were numerous and very well
arranged.
The division for ladies only included awards for table
decorations, which were taken by Miss Mead and Miss M.
1). Smith, with some tastefully arranged flowers ; whilst the
same ladies took honours for a single stand of cut flowers.
Miss Belorove obtained two lsts for six buttonhole*
bouquets (gents), and three buttonholes (ladies) ; whilst
Miss Smith won the '2nds.
ISLE OF WIGHT.
November 2, 3.— A successful show of Chrysanthemums
was held at Ryde on the above dates. On this occasion a
successful exhibitor, Mr. T. W. Butler, gr. to 8. Bird, Esq.,
Slatwoods, East Cowes, won the Challenge Cup for the
second time, it becoming therefore his property.
The Isle of Wight Chrysanthemum Society held their
thirteenth annual exhibition at Newport on Thursday and
Friday 4th and 5th inst.
The exhibits were less numerous than last year, but no
falling off was observed iu their quality. Specimen plants
formed a special feature of the show ; a plant by Mr. W.
Scott of S.eur Dorothee Seville, being 20 feet in circum-
ference, and possessing upwards of 200 blooms. Mr. J. J.
Liminqton had a huge plant of W. Tricker, and Mr. E. W.
Shkpard, a magnificient plant of E. S. Trafford.
The ShanRlin Chrysanthemum Society held its show on
Thursday and Friday, November 4 and !,. Here it was
noticeable that exhibits were more numerous and of better
quality than last year.
Mr. H. Love secured the Isle of Wight Horticultural
Improvement Association Certificate for Cultural Merit;
whilst Mr. M. SlLSBOBY received the association's Award of
Merit for seedling Chrysanthemum blooms uf Nina Dabbi.
Themonthly meeting of the Isi.e of WianT Horticultural
[mi -k..\ i best Association was held on Saturday, 6th inst. at
Newport. Dr. J. Groves, II. A , J P., presiding over a large
attendance of members ; and M i . .1. liarkham gave a discourso
on the cultivation of Curj santheiimms by amateurs, dealing
lucidly with every stage in the cultivation or the plants. A
profitable discussion arose on the Wood Leopard Moth
Caterpillar, a member having sent a specimen with the chips
worked out of the burrow or tunnel ; and on the worm-
eating slug Testacclla ballotidea, a member hiving observed
the babils of this gardener's friend. Several new members
were elected.
WOLVERHAMPTON CHRYSAN-
THEMUM.
November 3 -This exhibition was opened at the Drill
Hall, Wolverhampton, on tho above dale, by the Mayoress of
Wolverhampton, a large npany being present. The quan-
tity was largo, and the quality of the exhibits excellent on
this occasion ; tho Japanese section claiming deservedly (lie
greater amount of uttention from tho visitors, while fruits
and vegetables were numerous and of go .d quality for the
time of year. In the competitive classes, the competition
was keen; and among exhibitors of Japan.se varieties
especially, many fine blooms in fresh condition being
exhibited in almost every stand.
Mr. C. T. Mandl-r, The Mount (gr., Mr. G. F. Simpson),
was 1st for a group of Chrysanthemums, in which very fine
blooms of Madame Carnot, Sunflower, Edwin Molyneux,
Commandant Blusset, J. Agate, C. Curtis, were remarked.
The 2nd prize fell to W. P. Baker, Esq., Avenue House,
Tettenhall (gr., S. Whitohousc).
Another ki d of group consisted of Chrysanthemum,
plants and foliage-plants intermingled, ani here Miss PtrnY,
The Wergs, Wolverhampton (gr., G. Bradely), was the
winner, the flowers being pleasingly set off by Eulalias,
Bamboos, well coloured Crotons, &c. ; Mr. Sander, The
Terrace, Oaken (gr., G. Minton), was 2nd.
The I'.arl of Harriniiton (gr., Mr. Goodacre), was 1st in the
twenty-four incurved bloom class, showing extra good
Sowers of Mrs. It. King, Madame Darier, Lord Alcester,
0. H. Curtis, John Doughty, Qoeen of England, Empress of
India, &c. Messrs. J. R. Pearson k Sons, Chilwell Nurseries,
Nottingham, being the 2nd.
In the competition for the best twenty four Japanese,
H. T. Hayburst, E q. (gr., W. Bremmell),waslst; his blooms
being Amiral Avellan, Edith Tabor, Commandant Blussett
were fine ; and Mr. G. Phillips, Shrewsbury, was 2nd.
Among non-compotitive exhibitors, W. Hatton, Esq., Hill
Grove, Kidderminster (gr., Mr. T. Pole), staged a number
fine bunches of Gros Maroc, Gros Colman. and Unseal of
Alexandria Grapes ; Messrs. Dobbs & Co., Wolverhamp-
ton, ornamental shrubs and a collection of vegetables ; Mr.
R. Lowe, nurseryman, Wolverhampton, a group ot Chrysan-
themums, Palms, &C. ; Messrs. Jones & Sons, Shrewsbury,
bouquets of Cactus Dahlias, and stands of Pompon Dahlias
arranged with autumn foliage ; Mr. James Hughes, Tetten-
hall, of Ferns and Chrysanthemums.
In the class for six table plants. Earl Spencer, Althorpe,
Northampton (gr., Mr. S. Cole), was the most successful
exhibitor.
A few Orchids wore well shown by Alderman Geo. Thomp-
son, Dudley, and F, Sander, Esq., Oaken.
EALING HORTICULTURAL.
November 3. — The Victoria Hall was well filled on
this occasion, handsome groups HniDg the side walls. The
tables running the length of the hall were well filled with
fruit and flowers of a high quality ; while vegetables were a
very meritorious feature, especially from the allotment
holders.
The best of the large groups came from Mr. C. Edwards,
gr. to H. Peal, Esq., Ealing, who had well-grown plants and
fine heads of bloom; Mr. John Hay, gr. to T. Lille v, Esq.,
a
354
TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
was 2nd. But one group of smaller sizs was shown, that
from Mr. G. Brock well, gr. to J. Shepherd, Esq., Ealing ;
some rather formal groups of miscellaneous plants were
staged in another class. Plants shown as specimens were
decidedly weak ; they should he better grown in such a
favourable locality.
Mr. Eiiwards had the best twelve blooms of incurved
varieties, a highly creditable lot. J. Agate, C. H. Curtis,
Violet Tomlin, Alfred Lyne, Mrs. R. C. Kingston ; C. H.
Curtis and Major Bonnaffbn were the newest. Mr. C. Long,
gr. to E. P. Oakshott, Esq., Ealing, was 2nd. Mr. Edwards
had the best three well-finished examples. lie also took the
1st prize with a dozen very fine Japanese, chief among them
being Duke of York, Simplicity, Oceana, Edith Tabor, a very
fine broad-petilled yellow; Hairy Wonder, &c. 2nd, Mr. C.
Long, also with some good blooms. Mr. C. Edwards had the
bestsix blooms of any one variety, staging Mrs. C, Blickinfiue
character, one of these being selected as the premier Japa-
nese; Mr. M. Wickenden, gr. to R. Dawes, Esq., Ealing,
came 2nd, with the broad-petalled incurved Louise. Stands
of six varieties were we 11 shown by "single-handed "gardeners,
Messrs. Back and Freeburt taking the leading prizes.
Reflexel blooms were not represented. Messrs. Edwards
and Long had some pretty Anemone-flowered varieties, and
also charming Pompo ; Mr. C. Long taking the leading
prizes.
Table decorations cousisted of stands and vases; and a
table of highly artistic designs with Chrysanthemums and
other flowers were staged by Mrs. H. B. Smith, a local Court
florist of considerable renown.
Some Grapes were shown, and also collections of Apples in
six dishes, both dessert and culinary, excellent specimens
being staged, and there were excellent collections of Vege-
tables, very line quality preponderating, while the produce
from the Ealing Allotment Gardens was really very good all
round.
A very fine group of Chrysanthemums and other plants
was staged by Mr. G. Cannos, St. John's Nursery ; also of
fruit. Apples and Pears very fine from Messrs. C. Lee &
Sons, nurserymen, Ealing ; a select collection of Apples and
Pears from Mr. J. Hudson-, The Gardens, Gunnersbury
House ; and from Mr. Cooper, The Gardens, Hanger Hill
House, Ealing— all of which were highly commended.
PORTSMOUTH CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 3, 4. — Under new management, this once
famous Chrysanthemum Society held its second annual
autumn exhibition in the Victoria Hall, and it was but-
priainKly good.
Cut blooms were numerous, and of excellent quality. The
principal class was that for forty-eight blooms, composed
equally of incurved and Japanese varieties. Mr. Penfold,
gr. to Sir T. FitzWygram, Leigh Park, Hav.int, easily
secured the leading award, with grandly-developed blooms
in both sections. Mr. J. Aoate, The Nurseries, Havant,
was 2nd.
Mr. Penfold was also the most successful exhibitor in
the class for twenty four Japanese, being closely followed by
Mr. Aoate.
Several classes were reserved to growers in Portsea Island.
In the Japanese section for twenty-four, and also for incurved
varieties, Mr. W. G. Adams secured the leading award, with
distinctly creditable examples.
Amateurs were well represented in the cut-bloom classes
by Mr. C. White, St. Vincent Road, Portsea, and by
Mr. Nance.
Groups of Chrysanthemums were not numerous, but those
present were creditable to the cultivators and ornamental to
the hall, arranged, as they were, in conjunction with foliage
plants. Mr. W. West, 29, Hercules Street, Landport, secured
the 1st prize.
Mr. J. Burridge, North Ead Nursery, won 1st prize in tho
class for a group of miscellaneous plants arranged for effect.
Frtiit and vegetables were contributed freely, and of good
quality. Mr. Penfold staged the best Grapes; and Mr.
W. Cheator, gr. to Sir W. Tink, Shrovor Hall, Cosham, tho
best vegetables.
KENT COUNTY CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 3, 4.— Among suburban societies this takes a
high place, and it is a charming exhibition. The exhibits
were arrangod as usual in the Rink at Blackheath ; enough
space and a good light being available.
Some open classes attracted tho leading local growers.
The best group, which came from Mr. A. Holland, Lee Park
Nursery, contained well-grown plants and fine blooms ; and
Mr. E. Dove, gr. to E. Frv, Esq., Berckley Hall, was a
good 2nd.
The open class for eighteen incurved and eighteen Japanese
brought several stands. The 1st prize falling to Mr. T.
Robinson, gr. to W. Lawrence, Esq., Hollingbournc, who
had very fine Japanese and well-finished incurved, among the
former a splendid bloom of Eva Knowles— selocted as the
premier Japanese, Madame Carnot, Thomas Wilkins ; and
among his incurved the most noticeable were C. H. Curtis, a
very fine bloom, was selected as- the premier incurved ; Mr. W.
Harvey, gr. to R. B. Martin, Esq., Chis'ehurst, was a good
2nd. Mr. Harvey had the best twelve incurved.
With twenty-four Japanese blooms, Mr. J. Blackburn, gr.
to J. Scott, Chislehurst, though the only exhibitor, was
most deservedly awarded the 1st prize.
^Mr. R. Leadbetter, gr. to A. G. Hubbuck, Esq., Chiso •
hurst, had the best twelve reflexed ; and Mr. J. Lyne was a
close 2nd. Mr. Buckbcrn also was 1st with twelve excel-
lent Japanese; the 2nd prize going^to Mr. C. Dann, gr. to R. J.
Balston, Esq., Matston. Some very nicely finished and
atti active anemone-flowered varieties were shown by Mr. E.
Russell, gr. to T. Pim, Esq., Crayford, who was 1st, and by
Mr. Lyne. There were classes also for gentlemen's gardeners,
in which some good blooms were shown, and the amateurs
also.
Epergnei, hand-bouquets, and baskets of Chrysanthemums
supplied table decorations, and there were a few dishes of
very creditable fruit. We were also pleased to see prizes
offerei for the Rundle family of incurved Chrysanthemums—
these pretty incurved varieties should ba encouraged for
their exquisite quality.
LEWES CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 3, 4.— Considering that the above clashed with
a show in the neighbouring town of Brighton, it was an
excellent show. Some of the best exhibits were six untrained
plants from Mr. Smith, gr. to G. R. Kemp, Esq., Lewes;
and a similar number of large-flowered plants from Mr. J.
Carley, gr. to It. H. Powell, Esq., Lewes.
A splendid group came from Mr. Stroud, gr to F.
Verral, Esq , Southover, which also secured the Society's
Certificate of Merit.
Cut blooms were especially goo 1. The best twenty-four
Japanese came from Mr, J. Coles, gr. to F. H. Walker. Esq.,
Balcombe ; and the winning twenty-four incurved from Mr.
M. Tourle.gr. to F. Barciurd, Esq , Little Horsted, who
was also ahead for twelve incurved, and for a specimen
bloom of each class.
Mr. C. Watkins, gr. to W. L. Christie, Esq , Glynebourne,
won for three bunches of Grapes ; and Mr. F. Thomas, Wan-
nock, Polegate, was successful among a strong lot of dessert
and culinary Apples. Otherexhibits richly deserve mention,
but space prohibits.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL OF
IRELAND.
November 3, 4.— The winter exhibition of the Society was
held in the buildings of the Koyal Dublin Society on the above
dates. These buildings are well suited for horticultural dis-
plays ; and on this occasion the Chrysanthemums and other
exhibits were seen to great advantage.
The entries in the Chrysanthemum classes were numerous,
and competition keen ; the cut blooms in the chief classes
were very meritorious. Several Silver Cups were offered, and
the possession contest for these w.s keenly awaited.
Non-competitive exhibits formed a varied addition to the
show, and we may mention here the collections of fruit grown
in Ireland, which were very good.
Mr. Jones, of Lewisham, Ksnt, had a small number of cut
blooms comprising many novelties.
The line groups <-f miscellaneous plants sent by Messrs.
Ramsey & Son and Mr. Jameson were very interesting.
Messrs. Ramsey's group showed a light hand in arrangement,
and both groups contained similar plants. There wore well-
grown specim-n Palm? and other foliage plants, Cattleyas,
Balvias, Lilies, Ericas, Begonias, and Chrysanthemums.
Judging was conducted under ths Royal Horticultural
Society's Code of ls*n>.
Groupt of Ckrosaaik muidi. -A fine group arranged with
Palms and siutible foliage intermixed, obtained 1st prize
for Mr. Gjff, gr. to Mrs. McCans, Dublin ; Mr. McKknzie,
taking 2nd.
Lord Ardilaun's Silver Cup, presented for thirty-six
plants, was taken by Mr. Goff, with good plants
furnished with well developed blooms ; this as a class was
less effective than the preceding owing to the absence of
foliage plants.
Cut bloom*.— The competition in these classes resulted in
last year's principal exhibitor and prizewinner being several
times beaten. In the class for thirty-six blooms in twenty-
four varieties, half incurved, and to be half Japanese, Mr. J.
McKellar, gr. to Lord Ashhrook, was a good 1st ; and Mr.
Crawford, gr. to Lady Pembroke, 2nd.
The best blooms in Mr. McKellar's stand were Japanese
Viviand Morel, Chae. Davis, Australian Gold, Edith Tabor,
and Mons. Hoste ; and of incurved varieties, Chas. H. Curtis
(premier incurved), J. A;ate, Queen of England, John
Lambert, Empress of India, Joanne d'Arc, G'obe d'Or, and
Baron Hirsch.
Twenty-four Japanese distinct, for which a Silver Tea-service
was given by the gardeners of Ireland, the society adding
money prizes.— Thisbrought out a fine set, and the best flowers
were shown by Mr. Mitchison, gr. to the Hon. Col. Criohton;
very line flowers were observed of Mrs. W. H. L?es,
(prjmier Japanese bloom), Viviand Morel, Ed. Molyneux,
Pride of Exmouth, Edith Tabor, Pride of Madford, W. G.
Newitt, Lady Ridgway, Pluebus, G. C Schwabe, Madame
Ad. Moulin, M. Chonon de Leche, Mrs. E. G. Hill, L'lsere,
Van den Heede, Miss Rita Sehrieter/Australie, Mons. Hoste,
Graphic, Madame Ad. Chatin, Col. Smith, Souv. d'une Petite
Ami, Modestum, and Madame Cirnot ; Mr. McKellar was
2nd.
Forty-eight distinct Japanese.— Here the 1st prize fell to
Mr. Crawford, who had evidently concentrated his strength
in the class. There were four other exhibits, and each was
good. Mr. Crawford's best blooms were Mrs. W. H. Lees,
Pride of Madford (grand), Phoebus, Australie, Dorothy
Seward, G. C. Schwabe, Mutual Fr'end, Mode-turn, Milano,
and E. Tabor ; Mr. Mitchisok was 2nd.
For twenty-four incurved blooms, Mr. McKenna w^s 1st,
and Mr. Crawford 2nd, good blooms leiug staged in both
instances.
In the smaller competitions, of which the c were many
new exhibitors, the blooms shown were mostly of high
quality. One especially interesting class was that for blooms
on long stems with foliage, to be shown in vases. These
made a fine and effective display. Mr. McKellar was 1st,
and Mr. Maker 2nd.
Fruit wis abundantly shown, and the quality was good.
Vegelables were also largely shown, and made an effective
addition to the show. W. H. L.
SEVENOAKS CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 2, 3.— Ever since its inauguration, some thir-
teen years ago, the Sevenoaks and West Kent Chrysanthemum
Society has had a very successful career. Two yeu-s ago the
committee decided to encourage growers by offering a hand-
some twenty guinea Challenge Cup, to be held by the winner
from year to year, and to become the absolute property of
the gardener fortunate enough to secure it for three yeors.
This produced a spirited competitiou in 1893, when Mr. A.
I Luton, of the Quarry Gardens, won it by a superb group.
Last year he was beaten by Mr. W. Tebay (Everlands Gar-
dens), although the relative merits of the two groups were
almost equal. It was expected, therefore, that at the annual
show held on Tuesday and Wednesday last, all the competi-
tors would make a determined effort to secure the trophy.
This expectation was fully realise}, and in addition to the
all-importaut class in question, the various other depart-
ments of the show were well represented.
In the group class, the judges awarded the 1st prize to
Mr. A. Hatton, who thus for the second time becomes its
temporary possessor. The other competitors also deserve
the highest praise, their groups reflecting the utmost
credit on their skill and taste. Mr. W. Tebay, last year's
winner, who this year was placed 2nd, had a fine group, but
many of the blooms were stale, and the effect was spoiled by
a deep fringe of Mary Anderson Chrysanthemums. Mr. S.
Cooke, the winner of the 3rd prne, ran the others very
closely, the blooms being good and fresh, but the arrange-
ment was not symmetrical.
It may be mentioned that Mr. J. Dixon, the president of
the society, very kindly added £1 to each of the prizes in
this class, and 10s. to each prize in the corresponding class
of Division II. In the latter the groups were very fine, whilst
in the classes for cut blooms some excellent exhibits were
staged. The fruit was of high quality ; and in the vegetable
department, although the competition was not particularly
keen, the products were of a good standard.
Among other objects of inttrest in the show was a remark-
able group of Poinsettia, which secured the 1st prue for
Mr. Haito*.
A table was set apart for the sale of floral tiilles. This was
arranged by Mrs. Fox and Miss Ethel Cooke, the proceeds uf
the sale being devoted to the Maidstone Relief Fu d. The
flowers, &c. weie supplied by members of the soeie y, by the
kind permission and co-operation of their employers. The
total realized was £5 15«. 9d.
MANCHESTER & NORTH OF ENGLAND
ORCHID.
November 4. — Present ; Wm. Thomson, Esq., Walton
Grange, in the Chair, supported by the vice- chair nun, G. S.
Ball, Ashford, along with Wm. Stevens, A. Warburton, H.
Greenwood, E. J. Sidobotham, P. Weathers, R, Johnson,
Thos. Stattor, Wm. Bolton, Sim. Gratrix, Jas. Anderson.
John Leemann, and W. A. Gent. Hon. Sec.
There were several marked plants submitted for adjudica-
tion, the most prominent of which was Cypripedium i signe
Sandera' — also shown at the Royal Horticultural meeting.
In addition to a First-class Certificate the Committee
unanimously voted, a Cultural Commendation. Another
received the highest award in C. Alfred Hollington
The same gentleman was awarded First-class Certificate
for a white Dcndrobium Phalienopsis Schillerianum with a
tlight tint in the extremity of the lip. It is a fine novelty,
and the flower of more than average size, set on longish
pedicels, six in all being in course of dovelopment. One of
the best Cypripedium Leeanum magnificum yec submitted
came from the same collection ; the size, substance, and
colouring of this flnwar were good. Lycaste Youngiana
has fragrant flowers of a ycllow-grouud colour throughout,
with carmine-spotting, distinct in all particulars.
S. Gratrix, Esq , West Point, Whalley Range (Mr.
David McL^o -, gr.), had a finely-developed example of
Cypripedium x triumphans, of a brilliancy of colour and dis-
tinctness of lines that will place it in the front rank (First-
class Certificate). The same award was made to Cypriped um
insigne Sandera-, with only one flower, of great excellence in
torm and colour. There were several Cypripediums of more
than average quality, notably, C. insigne Ballra, and
Echlurianum ; also C. insigne giganteum, which secured
second honours.
Wm. Thomson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (Mr. Wm. Ste-
vens, gr.), had Cypripedium Charles worthi, which received
an Award of Merit; and a plant of Cypripedium Arthur-
ianum, which received a Cultural Commeniation.
November 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
355
A. Warburton, Esq., Viue House, Haslingden (Mr. T.
Lofthouse, gr.), presented the hybrid Cattleya, The Czar,
which resembles C. x Victoria Regina, but is much superior
to it, in having very large flowers, with thick segmonts, and
a large lip of good colour (First-class Certificate).
J. Leemann, Esq., West Bank Houee, Heaton-Mersey (Mr.
Edge, gr.\ showed one of the best forms of Van da ccerulea,
bearing 40 flowers, of much substance and general merit. It
received a First-class Certificate.
The same grower had a fine variety of Cypripedium cecan
th'im superbum, a finely-grown plant of Cymbidium Tracey-
anura, which received a Cultural Commendation : and
another one, the better of the two as regards condition, which
received an Award of Merit. Other good things were
presented by Mr. Leemann.
Thos. Statter. Esq., Staud Hall (Mr. R. Johnson, gr.),
had a very good lot, the best being a very largo plant of
Cypripedium L?eanuni Albcrti, which received an Award of
Merit ; and the same honour was given to the revorse cross
of Cypripedium x Ph«ebe, a large flower.
O. O. Wri«:lev, Esq., Bury (E. Rogers, gr.), showed a large
lot of cross-bred Cypripcdiums, but none of thorn received
a recognition.
K. .]. SiDEBOTHAM, Esq. (Mr. Shiner, gr.), had an Aw.ird of
Merit for a bright flowered Cattleya labiata.
George Rowe, Esq., Clarence Drive, Timperloy, had a Kood
healthy plant of the so-called Cattleya Hardyana, but there
have been so many of this plaut shuwn that this one was
passed without honours.
An Awtrd of Merit was voted to cut flowers of a good
Cattleya Do wian^, but there was a good bit of grumbling
over this, soeing that so many of tho choicest gems of tho
Orchid-houses were passed by.
W. Gent, Esq., had Cattleya x Mantini and one or two
other plants. Mr. James Anderson had a fine, pale variety
of Lrelia grandis tcneb-osa, and several Cattleya-*. Mr. Di CK
worth, of Shaw Hall, Flixton (Mr. H. Twedalo gr.), had a
good plant of Cattleya X Masdevallia nobilior, II. Worth-
ington, Esq., Abbey Lawn, Wnilloy Range, had the rare
Catasetum splondcus Wurthingtonianum— tho best of the
family; it received an Award of Merit. Wu. THOMSON, Esq.,
the chairman, had a nice showy lit of miscellaneous Orchids,
which recoived an unanimous Vote of Thanks. The committee
do not sit again till the 25th of tho month.
DEVON AND EXETE I CHRYSAN-
THEMUM AND FRUIT.
November 4, 5. — While showing little evidence of advance,
the lsiith exhibition of the society was moderately
satisfactory. Tho groups wore hardly so fine as they have
sometimos been, and those classes lacked competition, thero
being a prize for oach entry in the leading classes. In tho
cut blooms and in the fruit classes the contost was in many
instances, fairly keen.
Groups. — For a group of Chrysanthemums in pots, not
fewer than eighteen varieties, arranged in a circle of lo feet
diameter, the 1st prize; went to Mr. W*. limit k, Parkers well
(gr., W. Rowland); and a close 2nd to Mr. W. Pring, St.
Davids* Hill (gr., H. Stocker), Mr. Rowland's group winning
through superior finish and arrangement, rather than for
quality of bloom. For the first appearanco in the show
hall, Mr. Stock ebb's exhibit was more than creditable.
In a smaller group, another new Chrysanthemum exhi-
bitor came to the front in Lady Duckworth, Knightleys
(gr., W. R. Baker).
A 1st prize for a miscellaneous collection of plants,
including Chrysanthemums, went to Mr. Brock, who was
an easy 1st.
Cut Bloom*. — The Silver Cup for the best collection of
thirty-six Japanese, distinct, was keenly contested for, the
judges eventually awarding it to Mr. H. Hammond Spencer,
Teignmonth (gr. , G. Foster) ; and the 2nd prize to Mr. V.
Stuckev, Laugport (gr. , Mr. Lloyd). Mr. Foster's blooms
showed greater depth and body, but Mr. Lloyd's were
fresher, and ran the 1st collection very close indeed. To
the winning board was awarded the National Chrysanthe-
mum Society's Certificate. Among the best blooms wore
Australie, Mr. G. W. Palmer, Viscount Hambledon, Mutual
Friend, Mr. H. Payne, and Mons. C. de Leche*.
In tho class for eighteen Japanese blooms, Mr. Ham-
mond Spencer and Mr. Stupkev were again 1st and 2nd
respectively.
In the six white Japanese, one variety, the Rev. H,
Hutchins, Teignniouth(gr., F. Hill), was 1st, with M. Carnot.
The 1st prize for the best six blooms of a yellow Japane-o
went to Mr. H. Spencer, for very fine blooms of Pb<ebus.
Single-flowered varieties were few in number, but good,
Mr. M. Farrant winning with a fresh and meritorious lot.
In the Anemone flowered, Mr. W. Macadam Smith,
Wiveliscombe (gr., C. Cooper), was 1st, his Owen's Perfection
being very good.
Incurved varieties were not shown numerously or
remarkably well.
Fruit.— Grapes were much better thau usual, and the
classes were well contested. The 1st prize for three bunches
any other kind than Black Alicante and Muscat of Alexan-
dria, went to Mr. F. M. Cann (gr., W. Kingdon), who staged
excellent bunches of Lady Downes1 Seedling.
The 1st prize for three bunchns of any variety brought out
the old Trebbiano Grape in good form. Mr. V. Stocked
was 1st.
The premier prize for Black Alicante was won by Mr.
G. W. Matthew, Exniouth, an amateur who showed very
fine fruit.
In Muscat of Alexandria, the Rev. A. H. Hamilton Cell
(gr , Mr. Barnes), was 1st.
In the premier class for Apples in thirty varieties, Sir
Thos. D. Acland, Bart., was 1st, with a splendid collection.
In the twelve varieties class, Sir Dudley DacKwoRTii
King, Bart, (gr., J. MeCormaek), won premier honours with
an excellent lot.
The first for flavour went, as usual, to Cox's Orange Pippin,
which was shown by Mr. F. Hearn, Alphington (gr., F.
Anning), the same exhibitor staging one of the finest dishes
of Cornish Gillifl >Wor ever seen at this or any othershow.
Pears were not good or numerous. The honours in dessert
Pears for flavour went, of course, to Doyenne du Cornice,
which was particularly well shown in several instances.
Trade exhibits included collections from Robert Veitcu <fc
Son, Exeter; W. J. Godfrey, Extmuth; W. B. Smale,
Torquay ; The Fxeter Nursery Co., Jarman & Co., Chard ;
Bush L Co., Exeter ; C G. Slater, Heavitreo ; Bunyard &
Co., Maidstone ; Foote & Co., Sherborne.
LEYTON AND DISTRICT
CHRYSANTHEMUM
November 4, 5. — This was the first exhibition of a new
society whose sphere of operations extends over south Essex ;
and it must be admitted they started remarkably wel', the
spacious Town Hall being filled to overflowing with exhibits
generally of a high order of merit. Tho veteran Mr. D.
Donald bsing the chairman of the committee, refrained from
oxhibiting ; but ho placed a group on tho platform, flanked
on either side by ono of his superb specimen plants.
Groups arranged for effect were wonderfully good in that
class opcn-to-all. Mr. J. Spink, nurserymin, Walthamstow,
staged superbly-grown and flowered (specimens on single
stems; Mr. C Bartlott, gr. to Mrs. Jone.1;, Walthamstow,
was 2nd. In tho diss for a group arranged for effect, with
foliage, Mr. Spink was again 1st; and Mr, W. Cade, Wan-
stead, 2nd.
In the amateur's division for a group, Mr. W. C* [Dl
YValthamstow, was 1st ; and Mr. K J, Petheh, Waltham-
stow, 2nd.
The three best dwarf-trained specimens were from Mr. G.
Whitohorne, gr. to S. Nicholls, Esq., Whipps Cros*, who
was also 1st with tbreo standard-trained specimens, li oly
grown and flowered, the varieties being W. Seward, W.
Tricker, and John Shiimpton.
Mr. Spink had tho best four bush-trained specimens, all
Japanese, admirably grown and lloworod ; Mr. Wjiitehorne,
a good 2nd.
Cut blooms were remarkably goo-1, especially tho twenty-
four from Mr. It. Kcnyon, gr. to F. Hills, Esq., Monk-
hams, which were very tine throughout in such new v.irk'tios
;is Mrs. C. Bliek, Mutual Friend, Pha'bus, Lady Hanham,
Edith Tabor, Lady Byron, and Australian Gold. A grand
bloom of Mons. Pankoucke was very striking. Mr. R. H.
Broun, Walthamstow, had the best twelve varieties, and
Mr. W. H. Lockyer tho best six of one variety.
Mr. W. J. Simmons, Wanstead, had the best tvvulvo
incurved, chief among them R. Cannoll, Princess of Wales,
Major iiunnan'on, Mrs. Jas. Murray, C. H. Curtis, &c. ; Mr.
J. Mallett was 2nd. Mr. Simmons had the best six
varieties.
Several classes were set apart for amateurs, Messrs. W.
CABSEDT and T. Smith being the leading winners of prizes in
the cat blooms ; and there were several classes for table
decorations, in which ladies competed. In the open class for
a dinner Uible Mr. L. H. Calcutt, Stoke Newington, was
awarded the 1st prize.
ASCOT AND DISTRICT CHRYSAN-
THEMUM.
November 4, -r>. — The above Society held its Chrysanthe-
mum, Fruit and Vegetable Show in the Grand Stand. The
open class for twonty-four distinct Japanese blooms brought
ten competitors, and there were nine collections staged in
the class for twenty-four incurved distinct groups of Chrys-
anthemums, which worenever better. The 1st prize exhibit
of Mr. Lane, gr. to Miss During Smith, King's Ride,
Ascot, was composed of very dwarf, well-foliaged plants,
carrying heavy blooms. Messrs. J. Lung & Son, Forest
Hill, sent about fifty dishes of superb Apples and Pears.
Messrs. Isaao House & Sons, Coombe Nurseries, Westbury-
on-Trym, Bristol, had a good group of Violets, Princess of
Wales, California, Ac
Cut-dowers (Open), twenty-four Japanese, distinct. — T. B.
Heywood, Esq. (gr., Mr. C. J. Salter), Woodhatch, Reigato,
was a good 1st with solid, fresh -coloured blooms ; Sir George
Russell, Bart., M.P. (gr., F. Cole), SwaUowfield Park, Read-
ing, was a good 2nd.
For twenty-four incurved blooms, distinct, F. W. Flight,
Esq., Twyford (gr., W. Neville), was 1st with clean, neat, but
rather small and flat flowers ; 2nd, T. B. Heywood, Esq., with
larger flowers, but less fresh,
For thirty-six blooms, eighteen incurved and eighteen
Japanese distinct, confined to the society's district, only two
competed, and tho Silver Cup was easily won by Mr. W.
Lane, gr. to Miss D. Smith, King's Ride, Ascot. This is the
third consecutive time Mr. Lane has taken this Cup, and it
now becomes his property.
For twelve incurved blooms distinct, R. C. Christie, Esq.
(Mr. W. Wilson, gr.) was 1st with nice oven blooms, but a
close 2nd was Lady Isabelle Reana (Mr. Fred Heremau,
gr.), Rose Mount, Sunninghill.
The best twelve Japanese blooms distinct : Mr. W. Wilson
was agaia 1st with grand flowers of Modestum, and Mons.
Pankoucko.
There were distinct classes for miscellaneous plants, and
for fruits and vegetables.
The Bardfield or True Oxlip.— In the
last issued number of the Journal of the Linnean
Society, Mr. Miller Christy has a valuable paper on
the common Primrose, P. acaulls ; the Cowslip, P.
veris ; and the true Oxlip, P. elatior. The, common
or hybrid Oxlip is a cross between the Cowslip and
the Pnmro3e. Jlr. Christy sketches the character-
istic points of distinction and the geographical dis-
tribution of the several species, and especially of the
true Oxlip, which is rigidly coufined to the boulder-
clay, or rather t o a restricted p. .rtion of that formation.
The common Primrose, P. acaulis, is absent from the
Oxlip area, but the Cowslip, P. veris, h abundant in
it. Hybrids occur between elatior and acaulis very
commonly, especially along the line where the areas
of distribution of each species meet. Hybrids
between the Cowslip and the true Oxlip are rare.
2#ev^ftil5a
| ^a\;-
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees— a "Day -degree" signifying P continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
SUM.
S3 2
a
%■*■*
o »
■ant.
ij > a>
,a ^ &
sj§
a> a
> rt
O V
Accumulated.
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23
+ °
is
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a
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00
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a
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« = §
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<
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a p t-
fc. G r>
'■5 =»;
£.*« >•
s = 3
leg
2%
° s
o £
-.■■3
§1
a
V
g a
O '.
a a
S.2
CM
Day.
deg.
Day.
deg.
Day.
deg.
Day-
deg.
lOths
Inch.
Ins.
0
i +
32
10
+ 187
- 16
13 -
189
349
40
30
1
2 +
25
7
+ 14
+ 4
7 -
170
24 2
17
32
2
3 +
36
0
+ 82
- 93
6 —
151
20 1
7
34
3
0 aver
29
6
+ 135
- 134
6 —
146
19 7
23
39
4
1 +
25
4
+ 70
- 135
6 -
144
22-5
20
36
5
1 +
36
0
+ 24 8
- 198
8 -
137
21 -S
37
40
6
3 +
36
0
+ 94
- "
12 -
181
35-0
27
33
7
2 +
39
0
+ 154
- 109
9 -
166
27-5
38
36
8
1 +
41
0
+ 251
- 148
10 -
172
34-6
31
39
9
4 +
46
0
+ 48
- 10
9 -
194
381
29
30
10
3 +
52
0
+ 184
- 76
9 -
183
36 '5
42
34
*
2 +
69
0
+ 371
- 80
9 -
184
29-3
39
42
The districts indicated by number in tho first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principcd Wheat-producing Districts—
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, &c, Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending November 6, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
" The weather during this period continued very dry
generally, the only rain experienced having fallen at some of
our south-western stations on October 31, and in the east and
south-east of England on November 6. Local fogs and mists
prevailed during the earlier part of the week, and a good
deal of cloud and gloom later on.
"The temperature was rather above the mean almost every-
where, but only just equalled it in ' England, E." The highest
of the maxima were registered during the earlier part of the
week, when they varied from 63° in ' England, N.W.,' and
62° in several other districts, to 53° in * Scotland, N.' The
356
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 13, 1897.
lowest of the minima, which occurred towards the end of the
week, ranged from 23° in ' Scotland, N.,' 26° in ' Scotland, E.,
and '2)° in ' England, S.W.,' to 39° in ' England, N.W.,' and
to 41° in the ' Channel Islands.'
" The ram/all was much less than the mean in all districts.
In many parts of the kingdom there was a complete absence
of rain ; but at most of the central and eastern stations
measurable amounts of water were deposited in the gauge by
wet fogs and heavy dews.
"The bright sunshine varied greatly in different parts of
the kingdom, in some cases being considerably below the
mean value, and in others above it. The percentage of the
possible duration ranged from 42 in ' Ireland, S.,' and 40 in
'Scotland N.,' to 20 in the ( Midland Counties,' 17 in 'Scot-
aud, E.,' and 7 in 'England. N.E.'"
Obituary
Charles Anderson Dana.— Horticulture, by
the death of Charles A. Dana, which occurred at his
country home, Dosoris, Glen Cove, N.Y., on Oct. 17,
has lost an ardent admirer and warm supporter. Mr.
Dana's love for the natural and beautiful was lif elong,
and at his country home, his good taste for noble trees,
fine landscape effects, and flowers, was exemplified.
Here were collected the choicest subjects, both native
and exotic, the rarest and best of everything, and
Dosoris, which became the Mecca of horticulture in
America, seemed more like a museum of living plants
than a gentleman's private garden. Its owner, too,
knew his trees and loved them as he did children.
He was familiar with their botanical as well as thtir
common names, and he knew their geography, history,
and use. He also was a connoisseur in the matter of
fine fruits. His enthusiasm and knowledge brought
him into contact with most of the progressive horti-
culturists, for he travelled extensively, visitiug tho
public parks, arboretums, and botanical gardens of
different parts of the world, and ho never failed to
enrich his collections from these sources. There
were two gardens in Kurope of which Mr. Dana never
tired speaking ; these were Fota island in Ireland and
Castle Kennedy in Scotland, both remarkable for
their magnificent collections of coniferous trees.
Once a year the deceased editor entertained the
prominent botanists and horticulturists of the country
at his Long Island home. Condensed from the " Florists
Exchange."
Markets.
COV EN T GARDEN, NOVEMBER 11.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed.]
Plants in Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. d.
Adlantum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0
— specimen, each 5 0-15 0
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ... 5 0-90
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 16-26
Dracaenas, each ... 10-76
— various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0
Erica, various, per
dozen 9 0-18 0
Ficus alastica each 10-76
s. d. s. d.
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0
Ferns, small, doz. ... 10-20
— various, doz. 5 0-12 0
Foliage plants, per
dozen 12 0-36 0
Liliums, various,
per dozen ... 9 0-12 o
Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-90
Mignonette, p. doz. 4 0-6
Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 0
— specimens, ea. 10 6-S4 0
FttUIT.-
Apples (Cox's
Orange), pr. bush.
— (Rinstons). bsh.
- (Blenheim
Orange), se-
lected, p. bush.
— (Wellingtons),
selected, bush.
— common vara.,
per bushel
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
2ndqual. ,1b.
— Gros Maroc, lb.
— Ahcantes, p. lb.
2ndqu:il ,1b.
— Hamburghs,
selected, per lb.
2ndqual.,lb.
Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. tl
Grapes, Muscats,
" Cannon Hall,"
11 0 16 o
14 0-16 u
9 0-10 0
9 0-10 0
2 6-40
16-20
S- 10
1 6
1 0
1 0-
0 G-
1 0-
II s
per lb.
— Muscats, se-
lected, per lb...
— Muscats, 2nd
qualitv, per lb.
Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb
Pears, small, bush.
— stewing, bush.
— CaJifornian, va-
rious, per case
— D du Cornice,
per case
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
chael,casescon-
taining 6 to S...
— cases contain-
ing 10 to 12 „
d. s. d.
10-40
! 0- 2 6
19-13
! 6-25 0
0-4 0
; 0- S 0
' 0-16 0
; 0 —
6-5 0
6-2 0
Cut Flowers.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Arums, 12 blooms...
Bouvardias, pr. bun.
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Eucharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Hyacinth, Roman,
dozen sprays
Lilac, French,
bunch
Lilium daniai,
doz. biooms
— Lancifolium,
per doz. blooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
s. d. s. d, I
4 0-
0 4-
0 9-20
per
, per
0 6-
3 0-
3 0-
2 0-
0 9-
3 0-
4 0-
1 6-
1 0-
4 0-
2 0-
Mignonette, dz. bn.
Orchids :—
Cattleya, 12 bms.
OdontoglosBum
crispum, 12 bm.
Pelargoniums, scar-
let, per 12 bun,
— per 12 sprays...
Pyrethrums, per 12
bunches
Roses, Tea, per doz.
— yellow (Pearls),
per dozen
— red, per dozen
— pink, per doz.
— Safrano, p. doz.
Roses, perdoz. buu.
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
Violets, 12 bunches
— Parme, French
White Narciss,
French, 12 bun ...
. d. s. d.
J 0- 4 0
6 0-90
0-6 0
4-0 6
6-2 6
6- 1 0
6-4 0
9- 1 n
6-2 6
0- 2 0
0-6 0
0-4 0
3-0 4
6- 2 0
0-2 6
Orchid-bloom in variety
Vegetables.—
s.
Artichokes, Globe,
perdoz. ... 3
— Chinese (Sta-
chys tuberifera),
per lb... .. 0
Beans (Madeira),
per box (about
61b.) 1
— French, Chan-
nel Islands, lb. 0
Beetroots, p. bush. 1
Capsicum, Chili, p.
100 1
Cauliflowers, per
tally (5 doz.) 0
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz. ... 2
— 2nds, per dozen 0
Garlic, per lb. ... 0
Horseradish (Ger-
man), per bundle 1
Mushrooms i Induor)
per lb o
Average Wholesale Prices.
d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
Oniona (pick ing),
0-3 6 per pocket ... 2 0-30
— — skinned,
£-bush 2 6-30
— Dutch, per big 3 0 —
— Albanian, per
3 —
0- 1 6
S —
3-16
0-6 0
0-3 0
4 6-46
Radish (long scar-
let), Channei
Islands, per 12
bunches ... 0 Li- 0 s
Salad, small, per
doz. punnuts... 16 —
Shallots, per lb. ... 0 2 —
Sprouts, per £ -
bushel 1 0- 1 :j
Tomatos, selected,
perdoz. lb. ... 3 0-40
9- 1 0 I — Medium, doz.
2 - lb 2 0-30
— Seconds, do. . 10-16
— Canary Islands,
per case, 12 lb. 3 6-50
4-16
9- 1 o
Potatos.
Arrivals from the Continent have been heavier the last few
days, and prices have declined for such. Good samples,
home grown, meet with a fair trade. Hebrons and Snow-
drops, 80s. to 105s. ; Saxons and Maincrops, 80s. to 100s. ;
Giants and Magnums, 75s. to 85s. ; Blacklands, 65s. to 75s.;
per ton. Belgium aud Dutch Ware, 2s. 9d. to 3s. 3d. ; German
Ware, 3s. to 3s. 9d. per bag of 50 kilos. John Bath, 32 and 34,
Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
(Markets carried over to p. x.)
Enquiry.
" Be that questionelh much shall learn much." — Bacon.
Varieties op Apples foi a High Situation. —
Wouldsome readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle kindly
furnish the names of varieties of Apples likely to suc-
ceed aud give the best return at an elevation of from
tiOO to 700 feet on the side of a hill in Gloucester-
shire (near Coleford), facing S.W., the hill rising over
100 feet above it on the NE ; the soil is a good
sandy marl, on the sandstone formation, mixed with
loose rough stones, naturally drained. There are
thriving orchards in the neighbourhood epiite as high,
but these consist mostly of cider fruit I purpose
making a plantation of three or four acres, standards,
with bush trees on Paradise between. I should also
be glad to be informed of the best kinds of trees to
plant round the orchard for shelter. Pomona.
Mr
orredfoordent
*»* Owing to the pressure on oar space, several reports
of Chrysanthemum shows are held orer till oar
rial issue.
Ash Canker : George Abbey. The result of the
attack of a fungus, probably Nectria ditissimi, the
spores of which probably obtained access through
a wound caused by au insect, frost, &c.
Chrysalis : The larvie of the Stag-beetle.
Chrysanthemum : C. B. W. <£,- Co. A species of rust
like that attacking the leaves of the Rose. Another
year, try as remedies flowers-of-sulphur, or the
mildew-destroyer sold by florists. Collect all
leaves affected like the one sent, and burn them.
Damping : J. L. It is caused by a minute fungus,
which readily propagates itself in the case of seed-
lings and cuttings. The damping of the flowers of
< -hrvsanthemums is, we think, caused by moist air.
Donation : R. G. 0. F. We thankfully acknowledge
receiving the sum of one guinea from Mr. A. G.
Meinerzhagen on behalf of the Royal GarJcnirs'
Orphan Fund.
Encephalartos Ghellincki Lemaire, Hamburgh.
Must. Horticolc, xvl. Misc., p. SO (18137) ; figured
in the snme periodical (1868), p 79, t. 567. South
Africa. M. Verscbaffelt and Mr. W. Bull.
Floral Designs, Bouquets, &o. J. L. So far as we
know, there is no manual in the English lan-
guage on these matters.
Names of Fruits : P. & Sun. Vicar of Winkfiold. —
M. R. S. 1, Catshead ; 2, Kentish Fillbasket ; 3,
Wyken Pippin ; 4, Golden Spire ; 5, not recognised ;
6, Mere de Menage. — J. B. 2, Striped Beefing ; 3,
Waltham Abbey Seedling ; 4, Pear, Vicar of Wiuk-
field; 5 and 6, Beurre Diel. — Dr. King. Pear,
Urbaniste. — A. G. L. 1, Rymer ; 2, Wareham
Russet ; 3, New Hawthorndeu ; 4, Lucombe's
Pine ; 5, Reinette du Canada. — John Wood. Beauty
of Kent.
Names op Plants: Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be so good as to consult
the following number. — A. S. You send wretched
scraps without numbers ; a hardy shrub is Vibur-
num Tinus, the Laurustine. Another hardy shrub
is Poteutilla fruticosa ; a third is Ruscus racemosus.
The variegated Pelargonium we do not know. —
B. E. Cestrum aurautiacum ; the other we do not
recognise. — /. W.L. Richardia albo-maculata.
Scale on Fruit-trees : J. R. A. Lima-wash the
trees, putting milk in the wash to make it adhere.
It can be washed off the trees with tho garden-
engine after floweriug is passed. Syringing the
trees during hard frost has fatal effects on ininy
kinds of insects, including scale.
Tree-roots : J. W. if. Nothing will prevent the
roots extending, excepting you build a wall of con-
crete, say, 1 foot thick and 5 feet deep. It is
easily and cheaply done by enclosing a space of
these dimensions, and filling it with concrete up to
nearly the ground-level.
Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer: Pupil. These
may be used not only to determine the degree of
moisture in the atmosphere, but also to indicate
the temperature at which moisture will be precipi-
tated from the atmosphere, this degree of tempera-
ture being the "dew point." You may ascertain
it by subtracting the reading of the wet-bulb
thermometer from that of the dry-bulb. Suppose
the dry-bulb registers 50° aud the wet-bulb 45°,
the difference is obviously 5°. Now turn to the
Glashier tables, and see what figure is in a line
with 5 ■> on the vertical row of figures on the left
side, and with 5 in the horizontal line. This will
be seen to be 38. The dew point thus indicates
that no frost is likely to occur so long as such con-
ditions prevail.
Communications Received.— It. K., Hamburgh— \V. A. S. -
T. B.— C. C, Manila- J. A.—W. T.— A. F. B.— W. It.—
H. K. w., Stuttgart, next week.-E. V. M.— L. B.--New
York— P. W. Burlington— M. D.— H. W W.— Prof. Balfour
— H. H. D'O.— J. E. H.— Prof. Sargent, Boston-T. C—
C. B. Bangkok— 0. H. Copenhagen.— J. 1). O.— C. H.—
C. R., Clontarf, next week— A. D.— F. Foote— W.Struguell—
W. (!. B.— Tj. B., Now York— C. H.— F. H.— C. Shenton—
w. A. Sheroock— W. Kelly - J. C, Leeds— J. H.-D. Havter
— F. A. W. -T. G. T.— D.— D. T. P.— A. S., Hendon.—
W. H.D.— E. C— W.W.— A. C. F.— A. P.— A. T. B. I'll
.Lot. (frail decayed).— P. A. W.-E. J. Lowe.— Q. R. -
J. Lawde.— E. M.— U. J. R.— A. G.-J. D. G.
Photographs, Specimens, etc., Received. — G F. — U. D. —
F. W. B.- E. 8. -R.A.— F. Sander & Co.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers. — The Publisher has the sati$faO-
Hon of announcing that the aire ulat inn of the " CorJi/iars'
Chro licit ' /((•.', since the reduction in the price of tin: }>"j>it,
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and thac it continues to increase weekly.
A'ii:erfis< ■■:-■ a 'i reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates amofig
Cou try Gentlemen, and all, Classes of Gardeners
and Gauden-lovers at home, that it has a specially large
Forci3n and Colonial Circulation, and that it is
presi r ml 'or rejerence in all the principal Libraries.
November 20, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
357
1taJ§
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fXM^9^jS%
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THE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1897.
A STREATHAM GARDEN.
" T^HE Rookery" stands upon the brow of
-*- Streatham Common, and is the present
residence of Lady Key. The house was built
long before an ever-expanding London had en-
croached to Streatham Common, when, indeed,
for most practical purposes, the locality had as
little pretension to urban life as the New
Forest possesses to-day. A water-supply, a
railway-station, gas, and other modern neces-
saries did not enter in those days into the every-
day life of the Streatham Common district.
It seems to be pretty clearly known that the
building was erected by a smuggler, who used
to convey his ill-gotten goods from the South
Coast to cellars ho had made below this
residence, the transference, of course, being
deputed to armed gangs of men. In those
days the great North Wood was cropped with
forest trees, but it has departed long since, and
its only influence that can be observed to-day
is in the fact that it succeeded in per-
petuating its name in the district by which
it was supplanted — Norwood. As one sees
the number of omnibuses that arrive at Streat-
ham Common every few minutes from the
City, a good many of the historical asso-
ciations of The Rookery that one learns
from Mr. W. G. Turner, who has been
gardsuer at the place for about forty-five years,
appear incredible, and would bu so had circum-
stances not afforded us similar experience ia
other districts that have fallen before the " for-
ward " growth of the metropolis. The present
Lady Key has resided here for fifty-six years,
and it is of interest to speculate what will be-
come of The Rookery when she ceases to need its
tenancy ? It may be re-let, and it may not, the
probability is that bricks and mortar will invade
the grounds ; and it is whispered that even now
such action has been determined upon.
Before the end comes, these few notes may
be interesting, for it is a place where, years
ago, gardening was practised successfully, if
not extensively ; and Mr. Turner has won
many prizes for fruit in the old "Regent's
Park days," about which the most venerable
of present-day gardeners are always eloquent.
On reference to fig. 105, p. 359, a partial view
of the front of the house may be seen. It
is beautifully covered with Magnolias, Myr-
tles, and Ampelopsis. At the end may
be noticed a fine Cedar of Lebanon, not aged,
but of excellent proportions. There are two
other good specimens of the same species in
front of the house, and a poor tree of Araucaria
iuibricata. Concerning this species, Mr.
Turner says : " I bought it about thirty years
ago from Mr. Jno. Waterer, and it was then
10 to 12 feet high. It grew splendidly, and
every two or three years I removed a larger
o rele of the clay soil from around the roots,
and gave it a more agreeable compost. But at
last it failed to grow, and a handsome specimen
became a poor-looking cripple in a very short
time.''
From the terrace, shown ia the photograph, it
was once possible to obtain an unbroken view to
Addingtou, but trees have beeu planted on neigh-
bouring property, and they have grown high, until
now the view from The Rookery is shut in dis-
agreeably. But on a clear day you may see Epsom
grand-staud — a poor compensation for Time's depre-
ciating effect upon the place. The ground Blopes
steeply from the front of the house, where the lawn
is kept very beautifully : and mark how " little "
matters have been attended to in the beautifying of the
terrace. Baskets and vases are filled with flowering
plants, and Retiuosporas, and even the skoleton lamp-
posts have been utilised for planting Ivy-leaved
Pelargoniums, which certainly help to screen the
stiff, unpleasantdooking objects during the summer.
We next walk to the bottom of the lawn, and
among some shrubs notice a pretty shelter — part
of an arched walk 80 feet long, over which Roses are
trained. The shelter is supported by eight iron
pillars, each covered with a small leafed Ivy, and the
roof with a Banksian Rose. The old ice-well, 35 feet
in the ground, has not been used siuce the common
has beeu frequented by Londonors, and the ice is
required by them for skating upon. There is a little
house with a number of fine old Camellias in it. The
walls are clothed by them, and a centre bed is filled
by them. All of these have been planted about
thirty years, and each of them cost a £10-note, most of
them having come from Messrs. Lee's old nursery at
Hammersmith. Some carpet ■ bedding is noticed, a
fine lot of border Carnations, Sweet-Briar hedges
looking very bright with numerous haws, and an
old-fashioned kitchen garden, that suggests in its
Peach and Apricot walls that it has nearly run its
course. There is a good-sized Walnut-tree, and one
i-i reminded of what can be done in a period of forty
years, when Mr. Turner assures us that he once had
the same specimen in a 6-inch pot.
In the kitchen garden is a locked-up place that
looks not unlike a fruit or store-room, but upon
entering it, one finds it is a covered bath in a mineral
well, where the late Jas. Coster, Esq., then owner of
the property, used to have daily dips. (This Mr. Coster
was one of the exhibitors of plants in the days when
the late Dr. Lindley was at Chiswick. ) The water in
the locality cout tins considerable mineral matter, is
aperient, and is even injurious to many plants. In front
of the covered well is an old sun dial, but its capacity
for usefulness was ruined one night by a policeman
who was " on patrol," for it is said he had no person
to arrest, and consequently arrested the brass fittings.
The fruit-gardeu affords much interest in its
present condition. One can easily see that it was well
done "ouce," but for years the garden has stood still,
except in the matters of tending and keeping. There
have been few renewals. Some of the old espalier, bush,
and pyramidal trees are the most quaint objects possi-
ble (see fig. 105, p. 359). Numbers of them, too, have
been trained according to a system once common in
the case of Pear-trees, when they looked like Weeping
Willows, and stones were attached to the tips of the
shoots to bring them into a drooping position. The
espaliers have grown out of all bounds, and some of
them are twisted and crooked very curiously, being con-
siderably over a hundred years old. One of the bush
specimen Apple-trees is shown by fig. 106, p. 361, and
is probably the variety Yorkshire Greening. Said Mr.
Turner, " Some of the younger of the fruit-trees I
grafted or budded in Penge Wood about forty-two
years ago. I worked them in the spring of one
year, and the next, such as had taken were removed
to the garden here. But, in spite of little planting
during late years, there have been good crops of
Apples even this year, and some varieties are
exceedingly plentiful in a good season, Ribston and
Blenheim Orange Pippins particularly so." Mr.
Turner is an intelligent gardener ; and though cir-
cumstances do not warrant the planting of young
fruit trees and such like, he does his best to obtain
crops from the old ones, and is successful. R.H.P.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
CEROPEGIA. WOODI.*
This is a very interesting and beautiful plant,
discovered in Natal by our old correspondent, Mr.
Medley Wood, and introduced by Mr. William Bull.
It is a trailer with very slender branches, bearing
cordate suborbicular fleshy leaves, variegated with
silver markings on the upper surface, and producing
in the axils of some of the leaves small, globose,
deshy tubers, emitting roots by which the plant can
easily be propagated. The flowers are about 1 inch
long, pinkish or violet, with a slender tube distended
at the base, and expanding above into a five-lobed
limb, the five lobes dark purple, and united at tho
tips, so as to resemble a crown archiug over tho
mouth of the tube (fig. 104, p. 358).
It will form an excellent basket plant in a warm-
house, and is suitable for rockeries or other
decorative purposes.
CHRYSANTHEMUM GOSSIP.
{Continued from p. 341.)
Leighton Hoo.se. — During the several years in
which Mr. Mann has had charge of tho gardens of
Leighton House, Westbury, the residence of W. H.
Laverton, Esq., Chrysanthemums have been made a
specialty ; and although exhibiting has for the past
two or three seasons been discontinued, the show of
blooms this year eclipses any preceding year. The
gardener is one who appreciates the merits of older
varieties, and produces splendid flowers from those
which others discard in favour of novelties. Not
that new varieties are absent from the collection, for
they are there in strong evidence. It is pleasing to
compare the old aud the nov standing side by side.
For the conservatory or house decoration, plants with
a few large flowers are much liked, and also for
cutting. For prolonging the season of" Mums," early-
flowering varieties are cultivated, and these produce
fine specimens early in the month of October, the
display continuing into December, by selecting the
buds of the varieties of, mostly, the Japanese sections.
At the time of my visit, the following varieties, the
best in point of size, colour, and finish, were such as
would be prominent in any open competition at pro-
vincial shows, viz., Lady Rid»way, Australia, and
Eva Knowles, with enormous flowers : Duchess of
Wellington, Pride of Exmouth, Ethel Addison, Edith
Tabor, Mrs. C. H. Payne, M. Chenon de Loch/', and
Beauty of Teignmouth ; Duke of Wellington. Phoebus,
M. Hoste, Helen Owen, Australian Gold, Modestum,
Graphic, Le Moucherotte, Souvenir de Petite Ami,
Vicomte Roger de Chezelles, Pride of Maidenhead,
Oceana, Simplicity, Deuil de Jules Ferry, Miss Mary
Godfrey, Balle Mauve, Indiana, Pallanza, General
Roberts, Madame R. Houles, Amiral Avellan, Colonel
W. Smith, Octoroon, Mutual Friend, Swanley White,
Sunstone, and Mrs. W. J. Godfrey,
The incurved Chrysanthemums, not grown to the
same extent as formerly, had Borne extra good blooms.
The plants grown for the production of specimen
blooms numbered several hundreds, including early
mid-season, and late varieties, and all were in tho
best of health, and freely flowered. Much credit is
due to Mr. Mann for the excellence of the Chrysan-
themums, and his general good management of the
gardens. Visitor.
* Ceropegut IVooiti, Schlechter, in Bngler. Botan. Jahrbiichi r,
vol. xviii ; Beibkitt, No- 45, p. 31 (1S94). — Glaburrima
decumbens ramosa ; ramis fUiformibus remote foliatis ad
50 cm. longis ; foliiserectis graeiliter petiolatis curdato-ovatis
acutis vel reniformi coelestis breviter acuminatis carnosis
0-5 — 1*3 cm. longis, supra basin 0*5 — 2 cm. Litis: petiolo
0*4 — 0'S cm. longo ; floribus singulis extra axillaribus alter-
nantibus; pedicellissuberectispetiolorumlongitudine; calyces
segmentis lineari lanceolatis acutis glabris intus ima basi
utrinque glandula vel squarnella parvula douatis 0"2 cm.
longis; corolla urceolari 1-6 cm. long.: tubo basi inflato
subgloboso 0'3 cm. diamctro ; deinde subito contracto cylin-
drico, 0"2cm. diametiens; lobieerectisovato-lanceolatisobtusis
oiliatis marginibos reflexis in columnam tubo a gustiorem
conniventibus ; apice cohierentibus, 0 4 cm. longis; coroDse
phyllis exterioribus in cupulam bievem apice 5-lobam
connatis ; lobis ovahbus obtuais dorso sutcatis ; foliolis
interioribus exteriora multa excedeatibus erectis lineari-
lanceolatis apice acuto reflexis, basi angustatis ; polliniis
oblique ovalibus obtusie paulo compressis caudieulis brevibus
glandulie oblonga? obtuss basi insertis. In rupibus montis
Gru:nberg, alt. 600 m. Feb., 1881. J. M. Wood, n. 1317.
358
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 1897.
THE BOTANICAL HISTORY OF
THE UVA, PAMPAS GRASS AND
THEIR ALLIES.
The genus Gynerium is best known by the two
species G. argenteuui, Nees, the "Pampas-grass"
of our gardens and parks ; and G. saccharoides,
Humb. and Bonpl , the " Uva," the panicles of
which, along with those of the first-named species,
are sold for decorative purposes. G. argenteum
is perfectly hardy in our climate, whilst G. sac-
charoides is a hot-house plant which is very seldom
cultivated, and is only known to most people
from its beautiful plumes, which are imported
from America. This latter species, the Gynerium
saccharoides of Humboldt and Bonpland, is the
original species of the genus. The authors disco-
vered it near Cumana, in Venezuela, and they
described and figured it in their Plan tee ,£quinocliales>
ii., 112, t. 115 (1809). It was, however, already
known to G. Marcgraf, a German doctor, who
travelled more than 250 years ago in North-
eastern Brazil between Pernambuco and Rio Grande
do Nord. He described it, very accurately for his
time, in his Uhtoria rcrum Natural ium Brasilia?,
p. 4 (1648), as Arundo sagittaria, the name referiing
to the use of the tops of the stems for arrow-shafts.
Aublet, who explored French Guiana from 1762 to
1764, knew also the grass, and he called it Saccharum
sagittatum {Plantcs dc la Quiane, i., 50 ; 1775). The
affinity with Arundo as well as with Saccharum was
suggested by a certain superficial resemblance with
the common Spanish cane, or with the Sugar-cane.
Humboldt and Bonpland were the first to point out
the true structure of the spikelets, and the ditcciem
and the sexual dimorphism of the grass— characters
which have since been recognised as constituting the
"differentia generica" of Gynerium and Arundo. The
consequence was that all the spec'ieB which would
otherwise have been referred to Arundo, but which
were found to be dioecious, and more or less dimor-
phous were included in Gynerium. Nees applied
this principle first to a species which was till then
known as Arundo dicoca, Spreng. ; or A. Selloana,
Schult. ; and it became now Gynerium argenteum,
Nees, our well known "Pampas grass." Ho described
also several new species of Gynerium, some of which
were, however, reduced by him in a later publi-
cation. Steudel, Philippi, Doell, &c, added several
more, so that the authors of the Km Index.
have enumerated fourteen specific names under
Gynerium. Adding four other names which they
omitted,* and two further species which have
been described siuce 1885 ; they are in chronological
order as follows : —
1S09 : saccharoides, Humb and Bonpl., 1. c.
1S12 : Fagittatum and procerum, Eeauv., Agrost , 13S and
164 respectively.
1829 : argenteum and parviflorum, Nee", Jgiost. Bras.,
402, 403.
1S34 : Neesii, pygmreum, Nees, and speciosum, Nees (name
only), in Meyen lieise. u. d. Erdc, i„ 380, 407, 484.
1S43 : Quila and speciosum (described) Nees, in Nov. Act.
Nat. Car., xix., S^pl. i., 153.
1854 : zeelandicum, Steud., Syn. Gram., 198.
1804 : atacamense, Phil., in Linneea, xxxiii., 289.
1866 : purpureum, Carr., in Rev. Hort., xxxvii., 419.
1873 : dioicum, Dalliere, PI. Ornam., i., t. 42.
1875 : roseuni Rendatleri, The Garden, viii., 105.
1876 : Levyi, Fourn , in 1U. Hort., xxiii., 137.
ls;s : modestum, Doell, in Mart. Ff. Bras., II., iii , 270.
jubatum, Lemoine ox Carr., in Rev. Hoit., xlix , 449.
i i : ;iiLuato-nebulosum, Carr., 1. c, lvi., 200.
1889 : triaristatum and Wolfii, Bodiro, in Ann. Univ.
Quito.
Of these, the following may be dismissed at once :—
1, sagittatum ( = G. saccharoides), a mere resuscita-
tion of Aublet's specific name (under Arundo) ; '2,
procerum, which name appears in the index, pro-
bably by error ; 3, Neesii ; and 4, pygmaeum, as
" nomina uuda," and as synonyms of G. Quila,
according to the author himself ; 5, Levyi, reduced
by the author to G. saccharoides in his Mexicanarum
Ptantarum Enumcratio ; 6, dioicum, which i8 G.
* No doubt with good reason, as the descriptions were
utterly insufficient and untechnical. As thej', however,
have been taken up in various journals on horticulture, they
will have to be accounted for in this place.
argenteum, re-christened after its oldest synonym,
Arundo dioeca.
Before I enter, however, on the somewhat difficult
question of the validity of the remaining fourteen
species, I must point out that they represent two very
differences more conspicuous, I put the description
of the essential characters of both grasses alongside
in two parallel columns —
Fig. 104.-
-CEROPEOIA WOODI :
r I OW1 MS \ I'M I I .
LEAVES FLESHY M\ RULED,
(see p. 357.)
G. SAfCHAROIDES.
Growing gregariously in
more or less extensive reed-
beds.
Rhizome — creeping.
Innovation shoots — extrava-
ginal, viz., piercing the sub-
tending sheath at the base,
and growing up outside, and
more or less remote from it ;
hence, the shoots coming up
singly from the ground.
Culms — perennial; 12 to 30
feet high, to 2J to 3 inches
thnk at the base, solid, woody
below ; internodes 40 to 60
and more, sub-equal, about
4 inches long (except the very
lowest, which are much
shorter, and the very long ex-
6erted peduncle), each with a
bud at the base, which often
grows out into an extrava-
ginal branch ; the lowest
branches (to 10) recurved,
rooting, transformed into
stilts, the upper leafy,
Leaves— pretty evenly dis-
tributed over the culm, those
near the base gradually
withering away, leaving the
stem naked to 4-14 feet above
the ground.
Shraths — sub-equal (except
the lowest), about 6 inches
long, slightly longer than the
internodes, very tightly clasp-
ing fcde culm, the lower gradu-
ally withering away at length.
liyulcs— very short, mem-
branous, ciliolate, at length
breaking up into minute
fibres.
Blades — an much as 12 feet
by 3 inches, stiff in the lower
part.spreadingatrigbtanglep,
then bent or recurved with
drooping tips.
Peduncle— long exserted.
Sexual dimorphism— ot the
spikelets very conspicuous.
~Sj>ikrklg — strictly two-
flowered ; florets equal ;
rbachilla not produced beyond
the upper floret.
6* : Glumes— sub-equal, ob-
long, acute, 1-nerved.
Valves— ovato-oblong, acute
or shortly acuminate, 3-1-
nerved, glabrous.
Stamina, 2.
" ? : Glumes— unequal, the
lower as in the male, the
upper twice the length or
more, linear oblong, subulate-
caudate, slightly recurved, 3-
nerved, firmer.
Valves — ovate, finely and
long acuminate, 3-nerved.
i Staminodes, 2.
— O. Stapf, Kew.
(Tc be continued,)
G. ARGENTEUM (PAMPAB).
Growing in individualised
large thick tussocks.
Rhizome — very short.
Inno vation shoot s — intra va-
ginal, viz., growing up within
the subtending sheath; hence
the shoots bunched with the
mother shoot.
Culms — bienuial; very short
(1 to U inch) in the first
year, far overtopped by the
sheath ; when flowering to 3 —
6 feet high (exclusive the pani-
cle), of the thickness of the
little-finger, solid, internodes
to about 18, the lower very
short, the following gradually
longer, from 1 inch to 2 to 2J
feet (the peduncle), only tho
very lowest with buds (inno-
vation buds) ; culms lienco
simple.
Leavts — mostly crowded at
the base.
Sheaths — increasing in
length from tho base upwards,
from 2 inches to 2J feet, seve-
ral to many times iongci-
than the internodes (tho
uppermost at length almost
cquallod, or oven exceeded by
the peduncle), the lower
rather loose in the upper part,
the others tightly clasping
each other.
Ligules — a denso line of fine
silky hairs.
Blades— bb much as b (rarely
6) feet by^-A-incb, very flexi-
ble, sub-erect, then long re-
curved, turned 180° near the
curvature, so that the upper
and under sides are reversed.
Peduncle — enclosed or
shortly exserted.
Sexual dimorphism— of the
spikelets slight (apart from
the genitalia).
Spikelets — 3-6-flowered ; the
uppermost florets more or
less reduced or rudimentary.
o*: Glumes— sub-equal, very
narrow, linear, long tapering
1-nerved.
Valves — lanceolate, pro-
duced into a very long and fino
acumen, 3-ncrved, very scan-
tily hairy, or quite glabrous.
Stamina, 3.
9 : Glumes~~a,8 in tho male.
Valves— as in the male,' but
always more copiously lmry.
Staminodes. 3.
"Manuel des Cultures Speciales."— Dr.
Paul de Vdyst has issued, through M. Octave
Doin, 8, Place de l'Odeon. an excellent manual on the
cultivation of Potatos, Carrots, Beetroots, Chicory,
various cereal and forage plants, Flax, Hops, Tobacco,
&c, together with essays on rotations. We gather
that the work has been translated from the Flemish.
In any case, from the manner in which the teachings
of eciencehavo been brought to bear on practice, this
seems to us one of the best handbooks of its kind.
distinct types, which differ iu their mode of growth, as
well as in their floral structure. One type is represented
by G. saccharoides, while the Pampas-grass may be
considered as representative of the other group. In
order to facilitate comparison, and to render the
SPECIES OF SOLANUM.
In the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for
October 30, a figure of Solarium comutum grown in
the Cambridge Botanic garden was given. Other
Bubtropical Solanums cultivated this year in the same
garden are the following : —
S. aculcatisswium. — According to some visitors this
is the most beautiful of all. It grows about i feet high,
and branches freely, producing a wealth of lovely pa!e
green leaves protected thinly with violet-coloured
spines. They are broadly ovate in outline, prettily
waved, and cut into short segments. The branches
are spreading, violet-coloured on the sunny side, and
thickly covered with spines. The flowers are white,
November 20, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
359
numerous, and pretty, but not conspicuous, and are
(succeeded by attractive fruit, mottled with pale and
dark green. The young leaves, under a summer sun,
are tinged with violet, and this colour, in combina-
tion with the pure cool green of the older leaves, is
particularly charming. Its habitat appears to be
unknown.
S. atropurpureum. — This ia certaiuly one of the
most remarkable and striking. It grows about
4 J feet high, and branching thinly, exposes freely to
view its dark purple stems, which are covered thickly
with long stout spines of the same colour, all as sharp
as needles, and pointing slightly downwards. The
leaves, too, are thinly provided with these spines,
more than an inch long on the upper side, and rather
less on the lower. The finer leaves are nearly a foot
long, and all are deeply cut into narrow lobes ; the
upper surface is dark green in colour, with mid-ribs
on the upper side, and become dark green with silvery
margin, then exposing the pale green or nearly
white midribs. They are broadly ovate, with cordate
base, and sinuately-lobe margin. The flowers are
white, about the size of a Potato-flower, aud they are
succeeded, after an exceptionally hot summer, by
yellowish fruit. This species requires to be sown the
year before it ia planted out, and if the young plants
have been starved in pots it appears to matter little,
for when shifted on in the spring, good growth soon
follows. It is a native of Abyssinia.
S. robuatu.ni. — There is perhaps no other so stately
and handsome as this well-known species. It grows
in an ordinary season about 4 feet high, and produces
leaves nearly 2 feet long and about 16 inches broad,
furnished on both sides with broad brown spines.
They are elliptic-ovate in outline, boldly sinutted and
strongly decurrent. The entire plant is moie or less
the best. It attains a height of about 4 feet, with single
stem, bearing dark green leaves nearly 2 feet long ;
they are broady ovate, cordate at the base, and
divided, about half-way to the midrib, into bold
segments, five or six on each side. The spines are
not a feature, but numerous short ones are borne on
the petioles and midribs. Its habitat ia not recorded.
In the Cambridge Botanic Garden these Solanums
form a very ornamental feature. Tbey are culti-
vated in a large bed, about 16 feet across, in groups
of about five of each species, and usually some other
subjects of interest and beauty are introduced, partly
for the purpose of occupying the ground until the
Solanums themselves can utilise it all. They must
have plenty of room ; rich toil is essential at all
Btages, and with the exception of S. marginatum,
S. robiutum, and for sifety's sake, S. Warscewiczii,
all may be raisel from seed sown early in March.
FlO 105. — THE TERRACE AT "THE ROOKERY," STREATIIAM COMMON. (SEE P. 357.)
ivory white. The flowers are greenish and rather
inconspicuous, producing small green fruits, with
lines of darker colour. It ia a native of Brazil.
S. laciniatum. — This is the strongest-growing of all,
attaining a height of 6 feet, and producing several
branches. It is quite spineless and entirely glabrous,
the Btems blackish and foliage dark green. The
leaves are above 9 inches long, and are divided into
from three to Beven narrow divisions, with unbroken
margin and tapering to a point. The flowers are
large, purple in colour, and somewhat ornamental,
succeeded by egg-shaped green fruit. Under the
above name there is a figure in the Botanical Maga-
zine, t. 349. It is properly called S. aviculare, and is
known as the Kangaroo Apple. It is indigenous to
Australia and New Zealand.
ft. marginatum.— 01 all the species, this is one of
the best known, it being a common sub-tropical in
gardens, in the London parks and elsewhere. It grows
about 3^ feet high, and ia remarkable for the snowy-
white tomentam with which the stems and leaves are
covered. The older leaves lose much of this covering
covered with ferrugineous tomentum, which gives it
a very characteristic appearance, and colours the
young leaves with bright reddish-brown. The sterna
are perfectly erect, and begin to branch only at the
end of the season, when a few white flowers are pro-
duced, never in our climate succeeded by fruit.
Seeds must be sown the preceding year. It is a
nitive of Brazil.
S. sisymbrifolium. — This is distinct in character,
differing from all other species, and is a plant well
worth growing. The stems branch freely and spread,
with a general height of about 4 feet. They are
covered with orange spines, and bear leaves of
moderate size, deeply pinnatifid, with divisions
wavy aud lobed, almost Fern-like in effect. The
flowers 1.4 inch in diameter, vary in colour from
violet to white, and add considerably to the beauty of
the plant. The fruit of a globoso shape, and bright
red in colour, is attractive. This plant is known in
gardens as S. Balbisii, and seeds are received under
various names. It is a native of Brazil.
S. Warscewiczii. — For its fine foliage this ia one of
The treatment of the plants should be so baloulati d
that they can be planted out from 48-sized pots ea 1/
in the month of June. S. giganteum, and one or tw >
other species, have been grown, but none do so wjll
as the above. R. Irwin Lynch.
RAYLEIGH VICARAGE.
Situate at the top of the main street of the little
Essex town of Rayleigh — itself in an inviting position
— the picturesque vicarage enjoys an enviable site.
Embowered amidst trees, it embraces from pirts of its
old-fashioned garden a prospect extending over mauy
miles of the peninsula lying between the rivers Crouch
and Thames. The land by the rivers is flat and
rather monotonous, but there are visible hills in the
distance. Afar off in a south-westerly direction may
be descried D.inbury Palace, the former residence of
the Bishop of St. A'bana ; and in another direction
the wooda everhanging Billericay. At a greater
elevation than the vicarage are the remaina of earth-
works known locally as The Mound, and ascibed to
360
THE GAB DENE BS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 1897.
Sweyne, the owner of the place at the time of the
compilation of Domesday Booh. Altogether, the
surroundings of the place have numerous attractive
features.
On the occasion of my visit, the hospitable vicar
(Rev. R C. M. Kouse, MA.) was my guide, aud he
had mauy noteworthy features to point out in his
garden. Although the vicarage, with its velvety
lawns opposite north and east fronts and adjacent
garden, is situate only a short distance from the
highway, it is completely shut out from public view
by large, handsome trees, and only becomes visible on
the visitor reaching a bend in the drive leading to the
front doors. Among the trees referred to above may
be mentioned a grand specimen of Platanus orientalis,
having a straight, clean stem for about 20 feet, aud a
girth of 10 or 12 feet, and a large, uniformly-shaped
head; Norway Maple and Sweet Chestnuts are also
noticeable trees. The other fine specimens consist of
Deodar Cedar, double flowered Cherry, and a double-
flowered pink Hawthorn, with a thin stem but an
enormous crown ; a good example of Araucaria
iinbricata, about 55 feet high, having a main stem
about 3 feet in circumference close to the ground, and
healthy branches brushing the closely-shaven lawn on
every side but the south-west, the only exposed point.
The light loamy soil resting on clay is just suited
to the requirements of this species, and the tree bears
cones of a size similar to those I observed on a tree
in the grounds of Alderbury Vicarage, Salisbury,
a few years ago, a fact that was noticed in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle at the time, both fine specimens, and
growing under like condition? as regards situation
and soil. Furthermore, I may mention that I have
seen several good specimens of this tree in robu-t
health growing in the peaty soil of Branksome Dean
(Lord Wimborne's place near Bournemouth), and in
the midst of Pine-trees, as showing that some trees
flourish up to a certain age in soils of quite an
opposite description, so long as the neelful shelter is
all'orded them, and that they only exhibit signs of
distress when the roots have ceaRed to extract
nourishment from the soil, and the top-growth ven-
tures to push above the shelter hiherto afforded by
neighbouring trees and shrubs.
The finest specimens of the tree Paeony (Paeonia
moutan) which I have hitherto seen were going out
of flower at the time of my visit (May). These are
growing in a flower-bower ; and they are about 6 feet
high, and as much through, the individual fle,h-
coloured flowers being some 7 or 8 inches in diameter
— full solid blooms. The kitchen garden was well-
cropped with seasonable vegetable) ; aud the gardens
and glasshouses reflected much credit on the " vicar's
gardener." II. )V. Ward.
METHODS OF PROPAGATION.
{Continued from p, 286.)
Hardy Shrubs, &c, from Cottinqs. — The genus
Ligustrum (Privets), among which L. ovalifolium is
pre-eminently the most useful, may be struck from
cuttings taken at any time when the sip is not in
active circulation, but the best time is during Sep-
tember and October, aud the piece? may be put
closely in rows in a shady border, from which they
will need to be lifted and transplanted in the following
autumn.
Millions are used in London and other towns, as
all the varieties resist the deleterious action of coal-
smoke. It has, however, a rival in the Japanese
Euonymus, especially near the sea, where the broad-
leavod Japanese Spiudle-tree grows with such vigour
that it quickly forms bright green hedges, even within
the spray of the bci. This Euonymus, of course its
variegated forms, may be raised from cuttings at any
period of the year, but the best result is procured
by taking the cuttings aud bedding then in the
autumn. There is no shrub that likes the sea-shore
better than this, except the Tamarisk (Tamarix Qal-
lica), which will grow right down to the tide-line,
and seems to revel in the salt spray. A very singular
fact may be noted, that when this plant is growing
miles from the Bea, if one puts the tongue to a grow-
ing ghoot it tastes of salt, aud on s'irriug a weak
solution of silver nitrate with a bunch of the foliage-
covered twigs, a turbidity is caused in the liepiid,
showing the formation of silver chloride, through the
presence of minute quantities of common salt.
While speaking of plants of the seaside, I must not
forget the New Zealand Speedwells anil their varie-
ties, V. Audersoni and V. Travercii, which in the
south and west districts flourish exceedingly, and
yield their blue aud white spikes of flower most
freely in spring aul autumn. All are easily increased
by cuttings of the young wood, planted in the open
border, or under handlights.
A pretty little evergreen shrub of late introduction,
the Olearia Haafcti, which yields its minute compo-
site white (levers iu such profusion iu May and June.
It may be easily propagated by cuttings of the young
wood taken with a heel. There are still among ever-
greens the Mahonias, Skimmias, aud hardy Heaths ;
and among deciduous shrub?, the Elders in variety,
and Lilac?, all of which can be increased by cuttings
of the ripe wood taken in the early autumn, and
bedded-in in light soil unler handlights, where they
will root quickly and make plints fit to plant out in
the following auturnu.
Fruit-stocks. — Iu addition to trees and shrubs,
there are s)rae very important fruit stocks raised
from cuttings that are in constant request in
nurseries, while Oooseberry and Currant bushes of
all kinds aro thus obtained. First, the Paradise
stock, so useful in budding and grafting Apples to
form early fruiting, and fertile pyramiils niiy be
increased as follows : —Take a straight piece of ripe
wood about a foot long, and cut it square at the
thick end aud diagonally at the point. Such catting?
may be inserted in rows in moist, fresh soil, an 1
should be trodden in firmly. Should this be
done in early autumn, before a'l the leaves
have being shed, the young stocks will have rootel
freely, aud be ready to plant out the following
autumn, and if well cultivated, should be ready for
budding by the following July ; bat it is advisable t.i
give them at least two years before commencing to
work them. The other stock is the common Quince,
used to work Pears upon, in order to induce a
greater production of fruitiug-spurs.
The cutting? should be made iu tin sime way a? the
Paradi?e stock, bat need not be quite so long, and
they should be beilded in some spot where the soil is
rather moist, sueh as the banks of a stream, or the
tide of a dit.-b, as the Quince loves moisture.
Experience.
(To he continued.)
Forestry.
PLANTING AND THINNING SPRUCE
FIR WOODS.
I think a great deal of nonseuse is often written
about the German system. For instance, an example
of the poor results of imiutiog the German methi 's
was quoted in the column on forestry a few weeks
back. Toe writer de-cribel a plantation of S ,ruee
which had never been thinned for fifty years, and
imagined it an exact model of the fine forests of tho
Black Forest. He was surprised when they were
blown down, and eleridel all other systems bat the
extremely wasteful one of open woods.
The sylvicultural system most c nnmon iu Germany
is the " clear cutting system," anel the species
cjmmonly grown is the Spruce. The Spruce is
grown in nurseries, and planted out in the forest, at
about three to five years of age, at a distance
generally of 3 by 3 feet apart. Naturally, the
straggle for existence commences at a very eaily
age, and then the forester steps iu aud makes the
first Cunning, or rather clearing. By the time the
Spruco is fifty years it will have been thinned several
times. Thinning is a process which needs consider-
able experieuc.' auel practical kuowledge. The
object of the German foresters is to obtain tall trees
with well-developed crowns, fair girth, and above all,
no large branches below the crown. The proper
density is reached when the shade is just sufficient to
kill the lower branches and any undergrowth of weeds.
If there i? au undergrowth of weeds it will suck out
moistu-e and silt? necessary for plant absorption,
and greatly impoverish the soil. The other extreme,
namely, insufficient thinning, is even more disastrous,
and was the mistake made in t1 e Spruce wood
referred to above. The crown becomes cramped and
small, so that the trees cannot assimilate sufficient
carbon dioxide from the air, and lose all vigour.
Also in the struggle for existence, the trees mutually
draw one anolher up in height in their efforts to
obtain more light, and the thin, brittle, wand like
poles that result are at the mercy of the first gale of
wind. I very much doubt also if the species was suited
to the locality. It is well known that Spruce has
very superficial roots, and unless it has plenty of
moisture, it is not likely to thrive ; and for various
other reasons, Spruce does not appear to be suited to
the greater part of this country.
1 should like to aeld a word in favour of properly
stocking a wood. If a wood is over-thinned, as is
generally the case in England, the trees are able to
increase considerably laterally, as well as in height
growth ; and since the assimilating surface is far
greater than in a less open wood, the result is a
greater increase of volume. On the other hand, in a
wood that is properly stocked, the number of trees
per acre is far greater, and nearly all the timber is
in the stem, aud not in the branches. The trees
also are more even grained, cylindrical, and freer
f i om knot? in the wooel. Besides the quality of the
wool, the great defect of open woods is that an
uudergrowth of weeds can spring up. This sucks uj
moisture and salts necessary for plant nutrition
from the substratum of the soil, and prevents dew
reaching the soil. In any other country less suitable
t j the production)of timber, this would be absolutely
fatal.
If, however, the reason for opeu woods is that
qsiick returns are required for the capital invested,
1 think "the coppice with st vnel ird " system could
bealopted with far greater succes?. H. 0. W.
VINES AT AIRTHllEY CASTLE,
NEAR THIS BRIDGE OP ALLAN.
Ai tTdBisr h is long been famous for its noble lake,
expansive puk, fine Sycimores, Beech, Oaks, Chest-
nuts, ani other timber tree? ; its thriving plantati >n?
the choice Conifers around the mansion, aud gran I
clumps and masses of Rhododendr ns and Azdea*.
Situated between the mansion and the kitchen gardens
there are so oe immense misses of Kalmia latifolia,
1'os ibly the finest in Britain, from 6 feet high an 1
upward, which bloom in great profusion every year.
The kitchen garJen is warm, sheltered by the
bottunis of the rising woods, and is thus specia'ly
well sheltereel on two or three siies. It is enc'osed
by walls well clothed with fruit trees, which wero
rather thinned of their fruits this year, through tho
snaps of cold that are so often felt in the valleys in
blossoming time. The standards and bushes fringiDg
the main walk, however, mostly escaped the spring
frosts, and bore good crops this year. The kitchen
and fruit garden was enriched by some six or seven
well-furnished, skilfully-plauted borders of herbaceo, s
perennial plants and annuals. Among these Holly-
hocks, Dahlias, Phloxes, Delphiniums, and immense
clumps of the pure white Anemone jiponiea were
specially prominent. A fine border of Roses was also
a notable feature of the kitchen garden.
Passing rapielly through it, the ranges of fruit-
houses wa? reached. This consiots of six divisions —
the first, a Peach-house furnished with two Sue fruit-
ful old trees of Stirliug Cistle, and Koyal George
Peaches. The next to this was a vinery, planted iu
May of this year, with Appley Towers, L idy Hutt,
Mrs, Pears, n. Cooper's Black, and MalresQeld Couit
Vines, and here, leaf and " timber" — the litter is the
light word — were all that ouM be desire 1.
The thirel house is a'so a vinery, planted with
Hamburgh, the Vines iu their fourth ycir, and
studdel with the finest, b'ackest bunches that 1 have
seen. It is a common failing of this fine Grape to
lose its dark colour as it increases in sweetness duriog
NoVfiMnEi: 20, 1897.]
TltE GAliDENEliS' CHRONICLE.
361
the late autumn and winter. This deterioration is
sometimes attributed to a lack of ventilation and of
water at the roots. ; iu some cases the colour is lost
by the exposure of the bunches to the occasional
strong rays of the autumn sun, and pos-ibly this is
in p irt what Mr. Rutherford suspects is the case here.
Certain it is, however, that the fact that most of his
finest bunche3 were papered at the time of my visit
showed this. One hardly knew which to admire the
most, the size and substance of the foliage, the cinna-
mon-brown tint of the young shoots (which had
almo3t the ring of metal when tapped), or the jet
blackness and fine bloom of tho berries.
The fourth vinery contained Mucats of Alexandria
n their sixth year, which were carrying crops, fine
in bunch, bony, and finish.
The fifth vinery entered is a mixed one of late
varieties in their second year, each carrying a test
bunch or two to prove, were proof necessary, their
reserve of vitality in the present, and their ample
and abiding performance in tho future. A cool
regimen from start to finish is the surest receipt for
keeping Mrs. Pince Mack Muscat as black as Bloes.
I travelled many years since from London to Exc ter
to learn this lesson. I found the original Vine grow-
ing almost in an open ehed in fine colour, and have
never forgotten the lesson, nor known the cool treat-
ment to fail. Hamburgh treatment rather than Muscat
or Alicantes colour Mrs. Pincc and Muscat Hamburgbs
the best. The sixth house was filled with Royal George
Poaches and Elruge Nectarines.
Behind this chief range of glass are the usual sheds,
pottingbenches, stoves, and a Mushroom house white
with "buttons," Melon and Tomato-houses being
filled with a fine lot of Chrysanthemums for winter
work. Greenhouses and plant-stoves for decora' ive
purposes, cut flowers, &c. Near here, too, is a
thriving collection of alpine and herbaceous plants on
picturesque masses of rockwork, and on the gardener's
cottage close by a magnificent plant of the Wistaria
sinensis, which clothes it with beauty every year.
Vine growers and showers of the present and tho
future will have to reckon with those youthful
Vines at Airthrey, as in Mr. Rutherford's able
hands, and with many factors of soil and site to back
up his undoubted skill, th>se Vines are bound to
beat all their past records. D. T. F.
The Rosary.
ROSES, WHAT TO PLANT, AND UuW TO
TLANT THEM.
(Continued from p. 32l>.)
In the Tea-scented class thoro have b^en a fe.v
good additions ; probably, the most generally popular
Ruse is Manian Cochet — but as it was sent out in 1893,
and as it is very generally grown and known, there is
no need to say anything about it. Sylphe, sent out
by Messrs. W. Paul & Son in 1893, is a Rose which
all lovers of Teas ought to be anxious to obtain ; it
is a very vigorous and free-flowiriug variety, and
although the form is globular, and no", pointed as
Tei3 I think ought to be, it is sure to find favour.
Muriel Grahame, which is a sport from Catherine
Mermet, obtained by Mr. Brown, of Reigale, and put
into commerce by Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, New-
townards, has received such distinguished honours
that it is Bure to be in great dem ind : it retains
all the good properties of the Rose from whic'i it
sported, which it resembles in colour (except that it
has a pinkish centre) ; but when a Rose has obtained
the Gold Medal of tho Nation il Rose Society, and has
twice been awarded a Silver Medal as the best Tea
Rose in the exhibition, it needs no further recommen-
dation. Some have indeed doubted whether the sport
will be constant, but judging from the analogy of
other Tea Hoses, I think we may fairly conclude that
this will remain true.
Empress Alexandra of Rust-ia, a fine high coloured
Tea sent out by the Waltham Cross firm, and has
been much admired during the past season ; the colour
is rich lake-reil, shaded with orange, a peculiar com-
bination but very striking. Theie are Beveral other
Tea-roses which I find recommended in various ca'a-
logue3, but they have not been brought forward so
that one can judge safely concerning them, and now
that there is such a large number of fiue varieties of
eviry colour, it is wiser to wait a little before adding
them to collections : such are Emile Oonin raised
by Quillot, Madame Louise Gravier raised by Giuion,
Souvenir de Jeanne Cabaud by Guillot. As two of
these are from the celebrated Lyons firm, which has
given us so many gooi Teas, we may hope that they
may be valuable additions to our collecti n3.
With regard to hybrid Teas, there has been a con-
s:derable addition during the past t*o jears ; the cry
has gone forth that they are the Roses of the future,
and that for all decorative purposes, and for con-
tinuous blooming, they are to be preferred before all
other classes. I have always contended that it was a
mistake to make a separate class of them, and with
(he obstinacy which I suppose belou -s to old age, I
still cling to my opinion. Tho confusion which I
thought would be likely to arisj seems to increase
1
UBS- ^p*v* .
- . - V, T- -t ■
1 ' %~S*£f*
Fio. 10
AN IOED IPPI B-TREE, M " I Hi HO >« D ■
STREATIIW! COMMON (SEE P. 357.)
da:Iy; thus, I saw that a very well known am deur
has, iu a cvute nporary, started the n>tion that Mrs.
John Laiug ou;;ht to be adJed to this c'ass — at least,
the writer says it has Tea Mod 1 in it, therefore it is a
hybrid Tea. Oje of our largest growers of Roses Slid
to me the other day that La France, which was 6eut
out aa an H.P., and was then transferred to
the H.T. class, is really a hybrid frooa a China Roso
and not a Tea Rose; while a wiiter iu one of your
contemporaries last week says he cannot understand
why Kaiseriu Augusta Victoria should be ranked as
a hybrid Tea, evidently agreeing with the late Mr.
Geo. Prince and others, who regarded .t as a pure Tea.
In fact, I see in one of our most accurate Rose
catalogues that it is classe 1 amongst the hybrid Ti a',
and the following remarks are given in the same
catalogue on tho whole section : — "In some cases the
hybrid perpetual p rcentagj is so marked, that they
should rather be class id as hybrid perpetuals."
Exactly so; theu why should they hive been sepa-
rated ■ Some of these, too, are single, like Bardou Job,
or semi-double, like Gustavo Regis. Amongst the
newer varietiui which, under whatever class they may
be placed, are deserving a place in our gardens from
their freedom of flowering an 1 bea'ity of colouring,
may be classed —
Madame Peinet Ducher, a Rose which has some-
times been overlooked. It is de.-cribed as a canary
yellow, with a light tint of cream on it.
Marquise Litta (Pernet Ducher, 1893) is a bril-
liantly-coloured Rose, of good constitution, and very
free-flowering. Two other Roses, which no one will
regret adding to their collections, are Madame Pierre-
Cochet(N.) and George Nabonnand (T.), the former
very s'riking iu its colour, which is deep orange-
yellow, somewhat in the stylo of William Allen
Richardson. The latter, while very beautiful for the
garden, is also found often availablo for the exhibition
stand ; it is a pale flesh, shaded with rose, of a good
form and substance, and an excellent grower. There
are two other Teas which I think promise well —
Franc >is Dabreuil, one of the darkest of tho red
Tea Roses, full and of good form, but I fear it has
got a touch of that violet shade, which turns badly
when it is a little past.
Princess de Venosa, which I do not finl in many
catalogues. It is said to be fawn-yellow, shided with
gold and violet. I had a nice bloom of it the other
day (November 11), but I am glad t> say I did not
discover any traces of \ioltt.
There is another class of Roses to which attention
has been drawn of late years, viz., the China or
Bengal Roses, the old monthly Rose, whether in its
common form in the dark variety. The latest
additions to this class have baen —
Laurette Messimy, a rose shaded with yellow, very
protty and distinct.
Duke of York, rosy pink and white, in outdoor
cultivation the pink becomiug crimson.
Irene Watts, a white Rose, tinted with salmon-
pink ; acd above all.
Queen Mab, which has been exhibited at the
Drill Hall by Messrs. W. Paul & Son, and has
leen much admired. It is well suited for pot
culture, as the plants are covered with beautiful
blooms of a colour an apricot shaded with orarigo
and rose. These will form admirable plants for the
front of Rose beds, and are also well adapted for pot-
culture. Wild Rose.
(To be continued.)
ROSE : CLOTH OF GOLD.
This much- lauded Rose is sometimes called Chro-
matella, and was sent out in 1 34:5. Until Mareehal
Nit-1 appeared in 1864, everyone raved about it as
being the best ydlow Rose we had.
During the summer of 1893 I saw a grand old
plant, the main stem covered with lichen, 1 5 inches
in diameter ['], in full flower. Since then, only a
few stray flowers have appeared. Last July, I saw
an old plant, of the same gro.ving, upon a mill-house
in mid-Su.ssex. The aspect is north east, and sheltered
by a belt of high trees and shrubs. The plant was
Biinply covered with pale sulphur-yellow blossoms.
Ten or twelve years ago, we had several maid, n
standards Itft over from tho previous season's work-
ing. Almost without excap'.ion these flowered He
following summer, but most were killed before pass-
ing through a second winter. In state of these two
grand old specimens in this neighbourhood, I should
b. very chary about recomoaending Cloth of Gold for
any but an exceptionally warm and sheltered position.
The knife should never touch it, except t) cut away
frost-bitten wood.
A seedlii g from this, named Comtesse de Beau-
metz, was introduced by Nabonnand in 1870, but is
not sufficiently distinct. It is rather singular that
such an authority as Mr. William Paul should class
this with the Noisettes, and yet put Mare"cbal Niel
among the Teas. He also has Bouquet d'Or as a
Noisette, but Gloire de Dijon as a Tea; but if we
venture into comparing and distinguishing these two
classes, we sooa get into a hope'ess muddle, and the
blending of them under the title of Teas and
Noisettes by the National Rose Society was a good
thing. A. P.
ORCHIDS AT "THE DELL,"
EGIIAAL
The fine show of summer flowering Caltleyas, and
the gorgeous display of summer and autumn flowers
ing Denlrobiumo iu Baron Schroler'a fan.ed colli c-
362
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 189?.
tion having parsed away, the display is continued by
the varieties of Cattleya labiata, C. aurea, and C.
Bowringimi, which with a few hybrid Cattleyas and
Lrelio-Cattleyas (among which L.-C. x Statteriana is
very noteworthy), which brighten the large house
devoted to Cattleyas and LaeUas. Among the speci-
mens, several were noted of more than general
interest by reason of their being old inmates of our
Orchid-houses. Of these perhaps the most interest-
ing is the plant of the original Cattleya labiati,
and which was probably obtained from division
of a plant which has been in this country for
upwards of half a century. Many similar examples
of the success of good cultivation could be found in
The Dell collection, where plants obtained from
Rucker's and from Day's collections are still growing
with unabated vigour, two large pans of Sophronitis
grandiflora originally belonging to the latter now
sending forth some twenty or more flowers each.
Similar experience was noted among the varieties of
Ccelogyne cristata. In a house devoted to these
plants there are huge plants of C. cristata alba, and
the Chatsworth and other varieties, s jme of which
have been grown up from small plants, with but
three or four pseudo-bulbs, and some of which now
take four men to move them about conveniently.
The Odontoglossum-houses contain most of the
valuable and beautiful varieties which have appeared,
such as 0. crispum Schroderianum, 0. c. Ballautinei,
0. c. apiitum, 0. c. Stevensii, O. Pes;atorei Schro-
deriauuin, O. P. Veitchianum, kc. It is a thing almost
unknown to lose any of these grand varieties, and
although propagation is very alow, still duplicates of
many of them have been secured by division, and
that, too, without interfering with the flowering of
the plants, most of which are again sending up very
stout spikes. Only a few are in llower at this season,
but the varieties of 0. Rossii majus, 0. Cervantesii,
and some others of the sualler species still bear
flowers.
In the Masdevallia-house were observed in flower
some good plants of the showy M. macrura, the
small and neat M. Wagneri, the pretty pale yellow
hybrid M. x Hincksiana, and the blush-white M. x
McVittice, as well as the singular M. (Scaphosepalum)
pulvimris, and others of botanical interest. Here too
instances of sustaine 1 good condition and vigour
wera some large panfnls of M. raiemosi (Crossii),
which for rniuy years us >d to baffle the endeavours
of importers and cultivators ; and several dense
plants of Cryptophoranthus Dayanus, all propagated
from an original bit of moderate sizo. Mr. H.
Ballantiue, the gardener at The Dell, has a happy
method of finding out the right quarters for his
plants, and a no less praiseworthy plau of 'letting
well alone" when they are thriving satisfa :torily ;
and the Baron himself often makes a suggestion for
the improvement of the condition of a plant, whioh
generally has the desired effoct. In one of the
houses a good show of Vanda coerulea, some of the
varieties having very large flowers of a charming tint
of blue, was noted ; and some plants of Vanda
Sanderiana. The varieties of Vanda tricolor and V.
suavis are in fine condition, promising well for
bloom. In the snail intermediate houses were
remarked many large-flowered varieties of Lselia
pumila, and some L. Dayana, several varieties of
Lycaste Skinneri, L. cruenta, Oncidium Forbesii, 0.
pnetextum, 0. varicosum, and other Oncidiums, &c.
In the large stove, the centre of which is occupied
by gigantic plants of Authuriums and other foliage-
plants, is the remnant of a splendid show uf Den lro-
bium Phalaonopsis Schroderianum, including a very
pretty clear white variety. Many grades of colouring
are represented, but in size or colour none equals tho
original plant, which was in The Dell collection for
some years before the sp2cies began to be imported
in quantity. Also, very finely in bloom were good
specimens of the large white Dendrobium formosum
giganteum, the fragrant D. aureum, &c.
Among the Cypripediums in flower, C. iusigne
Sindenc is a splendid example, its soft yellow and
white flowers baing far superior to other yellow
varieties beside it ; or, indeed, to all of the other
Cypripedium3 at present in bloom at The Dell.
The winter- flowering Calauthes vestita, Veitchi, and
the still finer hybrids rused at The Dell, the
best of which is C. x Baron Schroder, have formed
gigaDtic, healthy - looking pseudo-bulbs, and are
sending up a profusion of stout spikes ; the two
immense plants of the yellow Sobralia xantholeuca
are also well set with bu Is ; the collection of
Phalsenopsis, whic'i in times pist has been the least
satisfactory of the subjects grown, are at last affording
good results; the house of Lielia anceps will in due
time be a grand sight ; and the other fine things
grown here are well up to their usuil standard of
excellence.
The large house of Chrysanthemums is filled from
end to end with a splendid show of very fine b'ooms,
and most of the best new kinds are represented.
Nursery Notes.
TURNFORD HALL NURSERIES, NEAR
CHESHUNT.
Placed end to end it is calculated that the glass-
houses on Mr. T. Rochford's vast establishment
would extend over ten miles, and both the struc-
tures and the plants grown in them are kept in
such perfect condition that they would put most of
our best private establishments to sham s in the matter
of order, cleanliuess, and good culture, qualities which
Mr. Rochford holds are as much a necessity as a
virtue to the grower of market plants on a large
scale. Orchids have of late years been extensively
a Ided to the number of plants grown for sale, and
for supplying cut flowers, and remarkably well has
the culture of this class of plants been giasoed So
much is this so, that the large quantities of showy
species here grown compare favourably with the
remainder of the excellent stcc't. Two or three of
the long and comfortably-heated houses arc filled
with Cattleya labiata, whose brightly coloured flowers
make a fine display. As they approach maturity they
are cut and sent to market, where they find a ready
Bale. A house of Cattleya Warscewicz'i has many
very richly-coloured flowers. Theso command even a
higher price than C. labiata, but as the plants are loss
productive they would not be so profitable. Cattleya
aurea is a favourite in the market, its large yellow and
purplish crimson fragrant flowers are liked by everyone,
but owing to difficulties in the way of its importation,
some thousand or so plants are all that have been
stocked as yet. These are growing splendidly, and
many are in flower. Cattleya Gaskelliana, C. Mendeli,
and C. Mossiao are also grown in quantity ; and a
batch of C. Trianaoi are establishing, to furnish
flowers in the dull season.
Several houses are devoted to Cypripedium-, of
which the varieties of C. inngne take the lead
because they can be supplied in quantity, and they
aie among the best fur the purposes of cut flowers on
account of their durability. A large quaut'.ty of
white an J coloured varieties of Lajliaanoeps is grown,
up to their best, and the plants are plentifully fur-
nished with flower-spikes ; a quantity of Odontoglos-
sum Rossii majus give a good show of bloom ; and a
large batch of Ljelia pumila, of the very best type,
has many large aud richly-coloured flowers upon the
pUnts. This importation produced one pure white
variety of great beauty, and another now in bloom
promised in the bud to be equally good, but on
opening it has developed colour.
For market purposes, Mr. Rochford finds the old
species, which have always been favourites in gardens,
still hold their own. Hence, he grows Dendrobium
nobile largely, and the reoent importations have
contained many fine varieties. Of these the most
remarkable is the pure white form, in which the
colour seen on the labellum in other white forms is
entirely obliterated, the plant being the first true
albino furnished by the species. In one of the
houses a batch of Vanda coorulea, giving a good Bhow
of light-blue flowers, was remarked, and among them
the charming V. ccerulea Rochfordiana, a pure white
form with a pink lip, which secured an Award at a
recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Other showy species that are grown in quantity,
and are doing well, and in many instances contri-
buting a good show of flowers, are Odontoglossum
grande, Oncidiuin tigrinum, 0. Papilio, Cypripe-
dium Liwrenceanum, Lailia Dorniiniana, Dendro-
bium formosum giganteum, D. Phalaenopsis, Miltonia
spsctibilis, and in lesser quantity many other good
spec'.es. Several houses are used for Odontoglos-
sum crispum, which it is intended to grow largely,
and with a view to that object fresh plants are being
imported.
Palms and Ferns.
These useful decorative subjects fill numerous
houses, there being many thousands of Kentias, from
the small plant up to the large specimen reaching up
to the ridge of the large Palm-house, and all are alike
perfect in foliage, fresh, and spotlessly clean. Latania
borbonica occupies a leading place among Palms, and
one long house is filled with a new variety of it with
bright, light yellow-coloured foliage— a charming
novelty. Cocos Weddelliana is grown in quantity ;
also Corypha australis, Seaforthia elegans, and
all the other species, which are of quick growth and
neat habit. One warm house has a number of beau-
tiful specimens of the rare L'cuala grandis, and here
and there are other rare species, which are cultivated
for the sake of variety.
The Ferns, of which hundreds of thousinds are
grown, are principally of the known market sorts,
such as Pteris S3rrulata, P. trenula, P. cretica,
aud the many fine hybrids which the growers of
market Ferns have been instrumental in raising ;
also Polypodium aureum aud Adiautums, among
which A. cuneatum takes the lead.
Of other foliage plants, Pandanus Veitchi fills a
large house with very pretty white and green varie-
gated plants. Some houses of Crotons and Dracamas
are brilliantly coloured. Of the latter, in spite of the
many new varieties, imported or raised of late years,
D. terminalis and D. t. stricta form the bulk of the
kinds grown.
One house is filled with Cycas revoluta, the foliage
of wh'ch is used for cutting, and the supply seldom
equals the demand. Asparagus plumosus is also
grown extensively for cutting. One house is brilliant
with the scarlet spathes of AnthuriumScherzerianum,
several others are white from end to end with fragrant
sprays of Lily of the Valley, a supply of which in
flower may be foaud at Turnford Hall every day in
the year. The crops, which cannot be got by forcing,
are secured by retarding immense quantities in
freezing c'lambjrs, established by Mr. Rochford at
great cost, but which he considers among his best
business transactions. In thesj chambers the Lilies
are kept at about 5° under freezing- point, Fahr., and
with snow on the wall of the chambers, even in the
height of summer, and here they can be retarded for
any reasonable time without injury to thoir flowering
properties, and so taken out and placed in warmth
for flowering as required. It is intended to uso
this system of retarding flowers more extensively
in other subjects, as well as Lily of the Valley,
anl experiments will doubtless furnish some inte-
resting facts.
The houses which have been used for Tomatos are
now filled with excellently-flowered Chrysanthemums,
their blooms out with a good length of stalk daily,
being taken over to the well-appointed buildings
where the market flowers are packed, and where in
a few minutes, in the hands of those skilled in the
Work, they are put up in bunches, which, though
seemingly carelessly done, it would be difficult to
improve on, no matter how long a time was spent on
the work. Still in the open ground or under slight
protection, are many thousands of Lilium candidum,
L. Harrisii, and other Lilies, and several large vineries
are heavily cropped with Black Alicante, Gros Colman,
and other Grapes.
One of the most pleasant things about the vast and
still growing establishment, which finds employment
for a great number of men, is the evidence to be seen in
many things of the care whioh Mr. Rochford takes in
studying the comfort and well-being of his men, and
the good understanding which apparently exists
between employer and employi.
November 20, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
363
Chrysanthemums at Mr. C. Turner's.
During the past few weeks the Chrysanthemum
display at Mr. C. Turner's, Royal Nursery, has
been open to the inspection of the public, many
of whom have taken the opportunity of onjoying
the floral treat provided. The display is concen-
trated in four large houses, and besides embracing
those grown for the production of largo blooms, it
includes imnaense numbers of decorative bush plants,
and those for affording quantities of cut blooms
for supplying the large demand for white and
coloured flowers at the Christmas season and later, for
which there is a large and increasing demand.
Amoug the best of the large Japanese flowers Phoebus
was conspicuous among the yellows, and is un-
doubtedly one of the best exhibition varieties
Modestum is auother flue incurving yellow seen in.
good form. T. Wilkins, a fine bronze coloured flower,
was noted in fine condition ; this variety has
been seen in first rate condition this season in many
an exhibition stand. Australian Gold, Beauty of
Teigomouth, Graphic, Mrs. C. B. Shea, Mrs. Dr. Ward,
Richard Dean, Rose Wynne, Niveum, H. L. Sunder-
bruck, and Mrs. A. Hartshorn, among many others
were remarked in good condition, carrying largo
flowers. I also noted blooms of the old variety
Japouais of exhibition sizi, it is not often seen now.
Two remarkably dwarf growing varieties, carrying
large Bowers, were note! in Souvenir d'une Petite
Ami, white, and Comte F. Lurani, striking
rose-colour, the edge of the petals lined almost
white. The old Val d' Andorra is grown in quantity
as a dwarf decorative variety; also Putney George
and Cullingfordi. Late-flowering Japanese are grown
in large numbers for cut flowers, the favourite
variety beiog L. Canning, which had just been dis-
budded, nice bushy plants, about 2J feet high,
carrying eijht or ten good flower- buds, many of
which will be fully open at their best about the end
of the month of December. Others were Princess
Victoria, W. H. Lincoln, and Christinas Gold.
Good incurved blooms of C. H. Curtis, Globe d'Or,
Ami Hoste, Barbaran, and Jardin des Plantes, were
noted among many others as being particularly fine.
Other houses contain hundreds of plants of Bouvardias
and Tree Carnations coming into llower, the first-named
looking likely to furnish immense quantities of
flowers. The principal varieties of Bouvardiis grown
are Alfred Neuuer, President Garfield, President
Cleveland, Hogarth, Priory Beauty, and a variety that
originated here, named intermedia. It may be men-
tioned that the whole of the Chrysanthemums are iu
a very clean and healthy state, and the grower may
be congratulated on their appearance and immunity
from " rust " and all other diseases. B.
Continental Novelties.
M. Lemoiue, op Nanct, offers —
Deutzia corymbifiora. — A new shrub, found in Sse-
Tchuen (China) by the Abbe1 Farges, and introduced
into France by M. Maurice de Vilmorin. It is a
plant with rather slender branches, the new stems
erect, round, the bark lenticellate, internodes rather
long; leives large, almost sessile, or the petiole not
more than a fifth of an inch long, oboval, lanceolate,
pointed, very finely dentate, wrinkled on b:>th sur-
faces, with very fine hairs above, the upper surface
deep green, the lower clear greeu. The stems of the
preceding year bear in every axil composite pmicles,
nearly corymbiform, each containing from fiftsen to
forty flowers. The pedicels are very short and very
slender, the cilyx cupuliform, clear green, bevrs five
little dark green teeth. The five petals, well open,
wide at the base, pointed at the tip, are fully spreading.
Tiie stamens, five large and five small, have a very
wide wiuged filament on which the clear yellow
anther is directly inserted ; the three styles are very
short, the height of the small stamens, and concealed
by them. The filaments of the stamens form a close
and firm column, persistent during the flowering.
The appearance of the flowers is a little like that of
Solanum jasmiuoides. The u*ual flowering season
is during the first fortnight in June ; tho shrub is
then covered with a profusion of little snow-white
flowers ; the now stems often tipped in August and
September by freBh blooms.
Deutzia Lemoinei eompaata. — .Deutzia Lemoinei is
now established as an outdoor plant, and for forcing.
This variety has the same origin, is much more dwarf,
and tufted naturally ; the flowers are the purest
white, and nicely expanded ; the spikes so numerous
as to form a thicket of bloom. The plant altogether
lighter, more elegant in blooming, is to be recom-
mended for pot-culture and market uses.
Diervil/a (ll'eitjela) Middendorfiana. — Wiigela
with large yellow flowers is not a novelty, as it is
described and figured with a coloured plate in the
Flore de Van Houtte in 1850, but it has been almost
entirely lost in Western European cultivation. The
PlG. 1H7.— 3ALPIOLOSBJ3 VARIABILIS
SUFERBISSIMA "EMPEROR."
species appears to come from the cold or elevated
districts of Mong ilia or Siberia, whence it was
brought to us through Russian horticulturists. Its
hibit and foliigj resemble those of D. rosea; the
flowers, axillary, groupe I in three or four, are as
large as thos3 of the preceding species, and of a
beautiful saffrjn-yellow colour, dotted in different
shades, which graduate according to the extent of
expansion of the corolla.
Hypericum ijalioides. — A woody spacies from North
America, forming a little hardy thicket furnished
with long linear leaves, grouped like those of Galium,
and very decorative ; the small flowers, which are
clear yellow, with very numerous stamens, and
arranged in successive rows, cover the shrub profusely
during all July and August.
Philadelplius FalconerL— This plant, the origin of
which is uncertain, must have been introduced from
China or Japan to the Unite! States. It is a hardy
shrub, growing neirly 10 feet high, with fino and
sleuder branches, iutei nodei long, leaves rather small,
lanceolate, h-irdly dentate ; flowers in small panicles
at the tip of the axillary branches, formed of four
pointed, pure white petals, and rather resembling
those of Clematis montaua. We received this shrnb
from Professor Sargent.
Mr. F. C. Heinemann, Erfurt.
Salpir/lossis variabilis superbissima "Emperor." —
This variety of Salpiglossis variabilis, for the name of
which we happily are not responsible, is an introduc-
tion of the Erfurt firm of Mr. F. C. Heinemann. The
plant is distinct in habit, as well as in the flowers ;
it forms only one stem, which often grows as thick as
one's finger, bearing on its end a bouquet of flowers
veined with gold, and larger than those of the S.
graudiflora type. The edge of the flower, as will be
seen from the illustration (fig. 107), is not so deeply
incurved as iu this variety, which gives it a more
rounded appearance.
Colonial Notes.
ST. VINCENT.
"At St. Vincent, Coffee and spices are being
grown. The value of the spices, chiefly Nutmegs and
Mace, exported in 1895, was A'1812.
" In the development of these and other industries
(including that of sugar), valuable services have been
rendered to the island by the botanic station
established in the neighbourhood of Kingston. The
plants distributed have included 34,335 Arabian
Coffee, 3164 of Liberiau Coffee, 5343 Cacao,
1183 Nutmeg, 2390 new and improved Sugar-
canes, and 1108 Limes. The total plants distributed
have amounted to 53,224. Large 6tocks of plants are
still available for distribution. The Curator visits
various parts of the island whenever his duties allow,
and gives assistance to all engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Bulletins with agricultural information are
issued, and gardeners are trained in horticultural
methods. The present curator, Mr. Henry Powell, is
devoted to his duties, and his services are widely
appreciated amongst all classes of the community.
If the stringent measures of economy necessitated by
the poverty of the colony aro carried out, it is feared
the usefulness of the station will be destroyed."
Report of West Indies Commission.
Dominica.
" The botanic station at Dominica was started in
1890, in a charming spot immediately behind the
town of Roseau. Mr. C. A. Barber, late Superinten-
dent of Agriculture in the Leeward Islands, states in
a recent report : — ' The founding of the bolanic station
in Dominica will probably, in future years, be referred
to as one of the greatest Btiidts in the progress of that
island during the present period.' There are large
nurseries of economic plants and experimental plots
for Cacao, Coffee, Kola, Rubber-trees, spices, and
fibre-plants. The station, which may be regarded as
one of the most successful in the West Indies, has
distributed 165,000 economic plants during the las
six years, or an average of 29,000 per annum. Tho
present curator, Mr. Joseph Jones, is described as
having rendered 'great services universally acknow-
ledged by the planters of the island.' The cost of
the Btation in 1896 was £400, while the net receipts
from the sale of plants were £99. It is proposed in
the 'Additional Note ' at the end of this report, to
extend the work of this station, employ agricultural
instructors, and establish an industrial school in con-
nection with it." Report of ITest Indies Commission.
MONr3ERRAT.
"A bjtanic station, with a gmlener in charge,
wis staited at Montserrat in 1890, on a small plot ot
land to the S mthwest of the town of Plymouth.
The space available was utilised for the cultivation of
a selected nuaiber of economic plants : large numbers
of these were raised and distributed during the last
six years. Amongst them were 8000 plants of Blue
Mountain Coffee from Jamaica, 1800 Cacao, 2000 Nut
meg. Pine apple Backers, Grape Vines, 800 suckers of
the Jamiica Binana, L'berian Cotfee. Kola, &■;. The
gardener also gave information in regard to the culti-
vation and treatment of new plants. The principal
recipients were estate proprietors, and not sma'l
cultivators. The latter had evidently not been
induced to start new cultivations, as, owing to the
absence of shipping facilities, there was no prospect of
being able to find a market for the produoe. Owing
to the straitened circumstancos of the island, the
botanic station has now been abolished, and the
services of the girdener diverted to other du''es.
364
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 1897.
The work done at this station, with the limited means
at its command, was of a distinctly promising charac-
ter. It was the only organisation existing in the
island for improving and extending the cultivation of
industrial plants, and its abolition destroyed the hope
of immediately benefiting the agricultural interests
of the island." Report of Weal Indies Commission.
The Week's Work.
— • —
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Bush-fruit.— Brief lists of select varieties of Apples,
Pears, Plums, Cherries, Peaches, and Nectarines,
were given in the Gardeners' Chronicle for October 23,
(p. 288). We supplement these lists by giving
similar ones of Gooseberries, Currants, Rasp-
berries, &c.
Gooseberries.— Green : Greengage, Green Hedgehog,
Keepsake, and Rosebery ; Red : Whinham's Indus-
try (the earliest Gooseberry in cultivation) Crown
Bob, Ironmonger, Lancashire Lad, Red Champagne,
Rifleman, Warrington ; White: Cheshire Lass, White-
smith, and White Swan; Yellow: Golden Drop,
Golden Lion, Yellow Champagne, and Yellow Ball.
Currants. — Red : Raby Castle, Knight's Early,
Reine Victoria, Prince Albert, Fay's Prolific ; White:
White Dutch. White Transparent, and Shilling's
Queen ; Black . Baldwin's Champion (an immense
cropper, the largest, sweetest, and best for market),
Lee's Prolific, and Carter's Champion, an excellent
variety, almost, if not quite, identical with Baldwin's
Champion.
Raspberries.— Superlative, the largest and heaviest
cropping Paspberry in cultivation, producing im-
mense conical-shaped fruit of excellent quality. Next
to this in point of size, cropping, and other good
qualities, comes Hornet ; Carter's Prolific, and Baum-
forth's Seedling, also first-rate varieties. The Antwerp
and Magnum Bonum are good white varieties. Belle
de Fontenay is the best autumn-bearing Raspberry
that I am acquainted with.
Figs, _ White Marseilles, Brown Turkey, Castle
Kennedy, and Brunswick are trustworthy varieties for
out-door culture, and they come into bearing and
ripen their fruit in the order in which the names
appear. The trees should be planted against walls
having a south aspect.
Winter Trcatmint of Figs.— The old-fashionei aud
erroneous way of treating Fig-trees during the
winter and early-spring months, with a view to
securing a crop of fruit the following summer and
autumn, fiuds but few followers now-a-days. I refer
to the practice of uunailing the branches on the
approach of winter, aud bundling them up together
on either side the centre of each tree and half-
wax di>wn th« wall, i-ecuring them there' o with
trj m ,n' t a ■ v rt g the brano i s thu-
u d togelhei - it', a g I 'h ekuess of t.ra.ck.-u. woiih
..as generally allowed to n-QMin rouud th" branches
till the end ol Mar.h or eary iu April, on the
as-mwption that pro ect:on of the kin! indicated was
necessary to secure a crop of fruit the following year.
This practice thwarted the object in view, by
renderiug the trees so treated somewhat tender, and
at the same time causing them to push into growth
before their proper time, and subjecting them to
check by exposing them to spring frosts when the
covtring of Fern was taken off, with the consequent
failure of crops. It is about twenty-three years
since I first condemned the above-mentioned prac-
tice in the Gardeners' Chronicle, and recommended one
which I have practised with very satisfactory results
during ihe interval between 1871 to 1896 — namely,
to leave the branches of the Fi-trees undisturbed
and unprotected during the winter and Bpring months
that is, to afford them no protection of any kind in
southern and western counties iu England, Wales,
and Ireland, and the southern counties of Scotland.
In exceptionally severe winters, following a wet
autumn, the unripened terminal shoots will be cut
up pretty much from the effects of frost ; but this
may not happen once in ten years ; moreover, the
trees thus cut back recover the following summer,
and bear a fair crop of fruit as well — such at any rate
is my experience.
Planting Fig-trees.— A space of from 15 to 20 feet
BhoulJ be allowed between the holes in planting Fig-
trees in their permanent positions on walls, planting
young Peach, Nectarine, or Apricot-trees temporarily
between them. In planting young Fig-trees, the
holes should be made about 2 feet deep, and extend
2.} feet from the wall, and 1 ^ foot on either side the
central position marked thereon for each tree. Break
up the soil in bottom of the holes, and place
therein a t! inch layer of brickbats or clinkers, broken
somewhat fine on the top, covering this with turves,
grass-side down, or long litter, so as to ensure good
drainage. And plant the trees in a mixture con-
sisting of about four parts good sandy loam and one of
old mortar-rubble, working this well in among and
around the roots in planting, shortening straggling
roots, and cutting-back damaged ones, before
covering them with the compost indicated. The
planting of all kinds of wall-trees may be done in the
manner described above ; and the sooner the work is
done the better. If the border in front of the Fig-
trees is manured for vegetables, it will be necessary
frequently to 1 f t.the points of the roots to the surface ;
and iu cases of gross development of shoots and loss
of fmitfulnesB, partial transplanting will have to be
resorted to, and a mixture of the materials given
above substituted for the rich soil thrown out from
among the roots. Apples and Pears being still in full
leaf, will not be ready for lifting and sending away
from fruit-tree nurs ries much before December.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
Bv- W. Pope, Girdaner, Higholere Castle, Newbury.
Manuring and Digging Ltnd — The manuring aud
digging of vacant plots of land may now begin,
trenching it if that operation has not beeu done for
three or four years, and bastard-trenching or plain
digging one spit deep that which has been more
recently trenched, and leaving the surface in all cases
in a rough state, or ridging it. Ridging is always
preferable with stiff clayey soils, and never does harm
to medium ones ; but it rendei s light, porous soils un-
duly dry, and not fitted for inducing seeds to germinate
freely ; and these light soils are really better flat dug
or trenched in late winter or spring. If wireworm be
troublesome, spread pas-lime at the rate of 20 bushels
per acre before digging ; or drees the land with it
after digging at the rate of 30 to 35 bushels, and
leave it on the top till the spring, at which season
it may be forked in. Stiff soils are, as a rule,
benefited by trenching once in four years. If there
is much undecayed vegetable matter iu the soil, as will
sometimes be the case in old gardens, unslaked lime
should be incorporated with it, aud in trenched
soil some of it should be stirrel into each layer of spits,
no manure or other dressing being applied that year.
For the benefit of those who may not have practised
ridging and trenching, it may not be amiss to explain
the process, simple though it be. After spreading
the manure evonly over the ground, if the piece be of
15 to 20 yards wide, stretch the line down the middle
of it, and cut a little furrow along it with the spade,
then proceed to open a trench at whatever depth the
land is to be trenched or dug, at the end of one half,
a'd wheel the soil on to the alley close to where the
last trench wid be of the o her h4f. This is a great
saving in lab ur, and it is applicable to nearly all
wide areas. The trenches may be 2 feet to 2 J feet
wide. In the case of heavy soils the trenches should
run north and south in order that the sun may shine
on both sides of the ridges, and there may be no wet
furrows. Sometimes Potatos are plauted in the
trenches after making the soil of fine tilth with the
hoe, but the early crops of tubers should not be so
planted, rather the land should first be levelled, and
then planted with the tubers.
Early-forced Potato*.— Where very early Potatos
are required, the sets should now be placed eye end
uppermost in boxes of leaf-mould or cocoa-nut tibre
refuse, and forced in gentle heat. Veitch'a Early
Ashleaf and Sharpe's Victor are general favourites for
early forcing. Sutton's Al is a first-class variety for
quick returns and good quality, and should be given
a trial by these who are unacquainted with it. Where
ordinary dung-pits are used for forcing Potatos, they
should now be filled with fresh tree leaves, three
parts consisting preferably of those of Oak or Beech,
mixed with fresh stable-manure one part. Those who
have no leaves to make use of, must employ
stable-manure, which will require almost as much
preparation as if it was going to be used in making
Mushroom-beds. The heap of leaves and litter must
remain till fermentation has taken place, and be
turned twice or thrice afterwards, letting it ferment
anew after each turning over. It will then be in a
fit state for making up a Potato-bed. If a bed is
built on the ground, it will have to be 5 feet high at
the back, and 1 feet at the front, and a foot bigger all
round than the frame which is to be put on it.
In all cases the materials must bo put together com-
pactly, and more straw must be used at the outsides of
the free-standing bed than is recommended above, or
it will not be kept together. When the heat has
reached 75° to 80°, put into the pit or frame rich
light soil to the depth of a foot, planting the Bets
when this mass of soil has got warm throughout.
Hot-beds built on the ground should be surrounded
with litter or straw-hurdles. Even if very early
forcing be not practised, a large heap of tree-leaves
and manure, prepared for use, will become necessary
Bhortly for a variety of purposes.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, late Gardener, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Strawberries. — The earliest plants standing on hot-
beds consisting of tree-leaves, or in mild heat without
these useful aids to forcing, will be thrusting up their
flower-stalks, and in order to get the Btalks as long
and strong as possible at this season, when they
are naturally slow of development, and grow in
length but little, and nestle in the crowns, the
plants must be removed to a light position in a
forcing-house, where they can be afforded a day
warmth of 60°, and by night of 50°. Nothing higher
than this should be afforded for a week or ten days,
and then there may be an increase of 1° or there-
abouts, and so on till the maximum is reached , any undue
hurrying being always followed by disaster. When
the flowers begin to expand, the air should be rather
dry than moist, which can be done by omitting to
damp down, not by the use of a greater degree of
artificial heat ; and air must be admitted in moderate
amount in favourable weather, and if it can be admitted
night and day without causing draughts, or im-
pinging on the plants direct, it will strengthen them.
Artificial fertilisation must be practised with all the
earlier batches, distributing the pollen by passing a
rabbit's tail over the blooms in the middle hours of
the day. Having obtained a fair set, thin the fruits
as soon as it can be seen which are going to develop
properly, leaving four or five on a plant, later suc-
cessions carrying more. Introduce successional plants
at fortnightly intervals, regulating the number and
the interval by the demand, fifty plants being regarded
as an average number of plants to place in heat at
one time. Ascertain the state of the stock of plants
as regards moisture at the roots if they are under
glass, dryness being very prejudicial to them. If
frames are not available for the protection of the
plants, some other kind of covering should be at
hand, to use iu the event of heavy rain or snow
falling, or severe frost occurring. The pots should
in any case be plunged in coal ashes or tree leaves.
Tumatos. — The plants for affording fruit should be
divested of all lateral shoots and superfluous foliage,
not however stripping the latter to an iujurious
extent, but thinning it out here and there. Tomatos
should be gathered when fully coloured, and the
ripening carried out in a warm, dry houae. To make
sure of the flowers setting, pollination should be
artificially carried out. Young plants raised from
seed in the autumn for fruiting in the early spring,
must be kept near to the glass in a warm pit or
house, and wide apart, to avoid spindling. Each will
require a neat stake to which to secure it, for should
a stem be twisted or bent, the plant never does so
well afterwards. Seeds may yet be sown of free-
setting varieties, sowing thinly, and covering lightly,
and standing the seed-pots on mild bottom-heat, and
removing them when germination has taken place, to
a shelf iu the stove or other warm-house. When a
few leaves are made, prick-off the seedlings into
small pots.
Cucumbers. — From the present time till the
middle of January is a bad interval of time for the
Cucumber-plants, and every effort must be made to
keep them clean, healthy, and progressing. Let the
beds be afforded tepid-water ; decaying leaves and
deformed fruit removed, and the surface slightly
stirred— if no roots are injured thereby. Top-
dressings will also be required from time to time,
which may consist of fresh horse-droppings alone > :
mixed with loam. Destroy aphis and thrips before
they increase much. Use the Byringe overhead very
sparingly ; and maintain a bottom-heat of S0°, and
top-heat by day of 70° to 75°, and 65° at night.
Damp the walls, paths, and borders once or twice a day.
Do not allow fruits to remain on the Vine after they
have become of useable size, aud thus will the re-
sources of the plants be husbanded to the utter-
most.
November 20, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
305
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charl.cs Hsrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Deciduous Trees and Shrubs. — Any contemplated
new planting, transplanting, or alteration sin shrub-
beries or elsewhere may now be carried out
whilst open weather, which is favourable to opera-
tions of those kinds, continues. It may happen that
the soil is in a dry state, especially in proximity to
large trees and shrubs, or on slopes, and application
of water may be necessary a day or two before trans-
plantation is begun. In the case of new planta-
tions on heavy or very moist land, it may be
that the drainage mutt be attended to first if
the plants are to make satisfactory progress.
It is always safest in woodland, or on lawns or in
shrubberies, to put in drains at a depth of 3 to 4 feet,
and 20 feet apart ; and instead of using the common
drain-pipe or tile, to fill in a V-shaped water-course
with clean road metal, flints, granite, or brickbats, and
over these to place an inch or two of hogget, or
faggot-wood, or sods 2 to 3 inches thick ; even the
outlet drain may be constructed in the same manner.
Such drains will remain unchoked with tree and shrub
roots, whereas drains of the other kind soon get
choked and useless for the purpose they were put in.
If Azalea pontica, A. mollis are going to be planted,
and peat of fair quality, consisting of the upper
layer cut at about 6 inches thick, if possible, is obtain-
able at small cost, this may be used in a roughly
broken-tip condition, with or without an addition of
coarse sand, as may be determined by the presence or
absence of sand iu the peat. Failing peat, light turfy-
loam mixed with leaf-mould, sand, decayed manure
should be employed. Plauts that do not come under
the category of peat loving may be afforded new
pasture-loam and charred earth and manure. Trees
and shrubs should be chosen which fall in with the
general effect, and are not incongruous in growth and
colour with the surroundings ; and if they are such as
have beautifully coloured foliage in tho autumn, so
much the richer and pleasing will tho garden or
pleasure ground look at that season. The hardy
Azaleas are among the prettiest of these,
and where there is no lime in the staple, these
should be freely planted. The common yellow and
orange-flowered varieties grow quickly. Some of the
Japanese Acers form interesting shrubs of moderate
size, and are useful for planting in shrubberies,
the finely cut foliage of various hues being very
decorative. I may mention A. palmatum of a
variety of shades of greyish green ; A. p. linearilo-
biutu with long, narrow leaves, shoots of a reddish
tinge ; A. sanguineus with deep crimson-coloured
foliage ; A. p. septemloburu elegans that becomes a
greyish -green early in the season, changing to a deep
red shade at a later period ; A. p. atropurpureum with
leafage of a coppery purple tint, a bright-coloured
form ; and A. ampelopsifolium with foliage assuming
the coloration of the Virginian Creeper. Stronger
growing are Acer pla'anoides, the Norway Maple, of
which there are several varieties which have beautiful
autumn foliage. Csesalpinia japonica, a hardy shrub
growi ng 8 to 10 feet in height, aud of a spreading
habit of growth, produces loDg racemes of yellow
flowers ; Eucryphia pinnatifolia is another hand-
some plant with large white flowers that come
in July aud August. The early-flowering Almonds,
the earliest among spring - flowering shrubs,
should not be omitted ; the crimson and rose
double-flowered varieties of Amygdalus persica
(Peach) ; Calyeanthus florid ub, or American
Allspice, with brownish-purple, fragrant flowers ;
Magnolias in variety, both the early-flower-
ing M. couspicua and later M. purpurea ; M. Soulan-
geana, M. S. x Lennei, M. tripetala, aud M. Thomp-
soniana, to form a succession ; Cerasus in variety,
including the drooping-habited Bird-cherry, C. Padus ;
the Judas tree, Cercis siliquastrum ; white and
yellow-flowered Brooms Laburnum vulgare C.
Adami, and others ; Liquidambar styraciflui, the
foliage of which assumes rich tints in the autumn ;
Philadelphus coronarius, P. microphyllu", and P.
grandiflorus ; Prunus myrobalana, fl.-pl, and P.
Pissardi, with its hmdsome purple foliage, with P.
triloba, all of which flower in the Bpring months;
Rhus Cotinus, which dies off of bright golden tint ;
Sambucus nigra aurea, with its yellow variegated
leafage, is haudsome throughout the summer months,
as are Beveral others of the same species. Spiraeas
(shrubby) offer great variety, in which the following
are desirable : — S. ariasfolia (one of the handsomest),
S. Bumalda, S. Douglasii, S. Lindleyana, S. prunifolia,
fl.-pl., a low shrub, whose leaves are very handsome
in their autumn tints ; Crataegus of the Hawthorn
section in variety of colour, both single aud double-
flowered ; Syringa (Lilac), iuoluding S. Josikea, and
some of the newer varieties, as Souvenir de L. Spiitb,
Marie Legraye, Leon Simon, and Virginitc", not for-
getting the fleriferous Persian, Lilacs, the Guoldres
Hose, Viburnum Opulus, V. lantana, Deutzias in
variety, Kolreuteria paniculata, &c.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford. Dorking.
Aeridcs, Saccolabiums, d-c. — In the East Indian-
house, such species as these, the warm-growing
Vandas and Rhyneostylis, will need special atten-
tion, as many of them have almost ceased to
grow. These evergreen epiphytes should be rested
for a shorter space of time than deciduous species,
although the greater length of time they are in an
inactive state the stronger will be the new growth.
For the present let the amount of water at the roots
be gradually lessened, and it will be noticed that
when the roots cease to grow in length, the tips
gradually turn from green to white, the only indi-
cation that tho season of rest his come. Only
enough water should then be afforded as will keep
the leaves fresh and green till the roots again
begin to make growth. Sometimes these plants
suffer from "spot" during the winter, aud
when this appears, let all the sphaguum - moss
between the roots be removed, and the inter-
stices filled up with clean crocks. By this method tho
plants may be kept sufficiently moist by pouring
water through the crocks once or twice a week, and
the danger of over-watering is n>t rid of. These plants
are apt to lose their lowermost leaves in the winter,
the cause of which is an excess of artificial heat in
very cold weather, too much moisture iu the air
of the house, aud drip. For several weeks past the
terrestrial species, Habeuaria militaris, PI Susanna;,
H. carnea and its pure white variety, nivoaa, have
been in bloom ; and now that the flowers are begiuniug
to fade, the leaves and stems will soon turn brown,
and if allowed to remain these will in time fall away
naturally. The plauts while iu this stage should be
placed near the roof, in order to get the new tubers
ripened. Care mu9t be taken to gradually withhold
water when the leaves begin to chaDge colour, and the
stems have deciyed ; a little wati-r may be afforded
only when the surface-soil is dust dry, by which
means the tubers remain plump during the entire
season of rest. It is not advisable to withhold water
altogether, as excess of dryness will cause the tubers
to shrivel, aud make weakly growths in the spring.
The Cattleya house. — Plants of Odontoglossum
citrosmum having ceased to grow, the watur afforded
may be gradually diminished and discontinued by tho
middle of next month, and keep the plants near the
light. O. Reichenheimi, having also ceased to grow,
should be removed to the driest part of the cool-
house, and be afforded water iu sufficient quantity
to keep the roots and pseudo-bulbs plump
Plants of Miltonia vexillaria, now in full
growth, should also be examined occasionally,
slitting the sheath around the leading breaks,
so that the young roots may escape and enter the
compost. The slitting should be carefully done in
several places, and the outer covering pulled off in
small pieces. At this period, too, the young leaves
stick to each other, and must be separated carefully.
The tips of the young leaves frequently turn of a
brown colour and damp off at this season ; and to avoid
this, keep the plants drier at the root for a few days,
and do not moisten the sides of the pots. M. Rcezli
and M. Phahenopsis are species that make their growth
at this season ; place them, therefore, in the warmest
part of the house, and let them have abundant root-
moisture. Plants of Odontoglossum pulchellum wi 1
now have made up the new pseudo-bulbs, and as it is
a plant apt to lose its roots if the compost be kept
very moist, put the plauts iu a light position in
the cool house. The same remarks as regards water
ing applies to the rare 0. Londesborougbianum,
which should be placed in a rather dry part of the
Mexican or intermediate house.
a prominent bee-keeper and writer for our bee papers.
He used and advocated a long hive to be used ou the
principle of spreading frames out horizontally instead
of tier ing one hive above the other, claiming that
thereby a colony of bees could be kept in a
normal condition, and while in that condition, no
swarming would occur. This he termed the long
Adair hive. Being always ready to test all new
ideas, I made two hives, each 4 feet long, duriu
the next winter. One of these I worked and extracted,
and the other for comb honey on the Adair plans.
The ones worked for comb honey swarmed, either
because the idoa was faulty or because I did not know
how to fully manage such a hive, or for both reasons ;
bo aftor repeated trials to keep them at work in the
4-foot hive, I let them have their own way, when
they had swarmed after being returned the fourth
time. The one worked for extracted honey did
splendidly, but another worked on the tieriug-up plan
did nearly or quite as well, and by practical know-
ledge I learned that I could work a two or three-storey
hive much more easily than I could this long one. To
take the frames out, the person's back must be bent
just enough to make it the hardest kind of work;
and the bees which were shaken off the combs, would
crawl all over the sides of top of the hive in such
numbers as to make it almost impossible to close it again
without taking up much valuable time. With the two-
storied hive the bees can be shaken ou to the top of the
frames in the lower hive, with but very few taking
wing, when the bulk of them will crawl below till the
bive is closed, and the operator can Btand erect, or
nearly bo, while doing the work. But the worst thing
about it was that I lost both colonies during the next
winter, and during every succeeding winter that I tried
to whiter bees in them. So far a9 I could see, they
were prepared to pass the winter, as well as any
of the other hives, which came through the winter
iu good condition. I used these hives for honey
making during several years, putting colonies from
other hives into them in the spring as often as those
in them died, but with no better success than at first ;
and finally becoming disgusted with them, I tore them
to pieces, and made the materials into other hives. I
know of nothing better than the ordinary hives two or
three storeys high, according to the populousness of
the colony which is being worked.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
Long Hives v. Tiering-up. — Why do not those who
work for extracted honey use a long hive, holding the
same number of frames that they wish to use in one
story, instead of tieriug-up several hives one on top of
the other, as is advised in our bee papers, and quite
generally practised? This brings to my mind what
happened years ago, and as it will serve to answer tho
above, I will give it here. Some twenty or twenty-five
years ago, Mr. D. L. Adair, of Kentucky, was quite
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By Q. H. Mayoock, Gardener, Luton Hoo^Park, Luton.
The Store. — Now that winter days with greatly
reduced sunlight have arrived, the gardener should
rearrange the plauts, placing those that are not sightl
and are at rest iu the less sunny and inconspicuous
places in the house, and those plants with persisten
foliage and abundant flowers in the more promineu
parts of the house. It is always difficult at this
season to avoid crowding the plants, but this should
be avoided as much as possible, affording the plants
as a whole all the sunlight practicable. Plants of
Allamanda, Clerodendrou Balfourianum, Dipladenia
Stephanotis, Cissus discolor, &c, trained on overhead
wires and rods should be taken down aud the shoots
twined around three stakes, keeping the soil dry,
previously to pruning them at the end of the present
month. Doing this will economise space, and afford
such plants as Codiaeums, Ixoras, and others, room
for display, especially if these can be elevated hero
and there on flower-pots or other contrivances. These
plauts should be rested, turning them round twice a
week. Gloriosa superba is another plant that may be
similarly dealt with ; and Pandanus Veitchi will also
be the better for having le.-s water afforded. Any
Pandanus that have grown too ltrge for ordinary
purposes should be thrown away ; or, after removing
all the leives, the old stem may be reserved for pro-
pagation purposes in the early spring, Medinella mag-
nifica may also be kept drier at the root, but not so
much so as to cause the wood to shrivel. This is a
glorious plant, and worth haviog in every place where
large specimen-plants are liked.
Caladiums. — The tubers must be wintered in the
stove, or in stove temperature, either keeping them
in the pots in which they grew, or turning them ou'.
into silver-sand. A few of the earlier-re3ted tubers
of C. agyrites may now be shaken out, and placed in
60's, standing them on a side stage ; but the strong-
growing varieties should be kept in their winter
quarters till the turn of the year. Let the lights of
the house be cleaned of conferva; and i irt, stopping
all faulty places in the putty, and mat ing it, as fur
as possible, weather-proof, cleaning stages, &c, and
lime-washing the brick-work. For the present a tern
perature of 65'' by night and 70° by day will suffice.
366
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADV iRTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News Correspondents mill greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or 0/ any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY, Nov. 23 { ^S^"*^ S°dety'S C°m'
Nov.
SALES.
ro ( Bulbs, at
' i Room".
Protheroe & Morris'
TUESDAY,
WEDNESDAY, Nov.
Bulbs, Plants and Roses, at Pro-
theroe & MorriV Rooms.
Sale of the Glass Erections, Plants,
Fruit Trees, &e. at The Gardens,
Stone Grove, EdKwr.ro, by Pro
Iheroe & Morris.
at Protberoe & Munis'
24 I Bulb
( Rooms.
THURSDAY, Nov, 2.5
FRIDAY,
Nov.
Side of .Specimen Shrubs and Coni-
fers, at the Feltham Nurseries.
Feltham, by Messrs. Protberoe &
Morris.
Plants and Roses, at Protberoe &
Morris' Rooms.
f Bulbs, at Protberoe & Morris'
I Rooms.
I Orchids, at Protberoe & Morris'
[ R >omc.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 41*6°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London.— November 17 : Max., oV; Min., 49*.
Provinces. — November 17 (C> p.m.): Max., 56", Scilly,
York; Min., 47', Storuoway.
Weather generally mild, dull, and damp.
A fondness for dabbling iu the
Water-plants, water seems to be a general
characteristic of the human race,
especially in its youthful stages. As age in-
creases, the " dabbling" is replaced by admira-
tion and curiosity, and ultimately often by study
of the water and of the creatures in it. Certainly,
for many of us, there is no more attractive part
of the garden than the lake, or the pond. Even
the backyard may be furnished with its tub,
and that tub made resplendent with the lovely
hues of hardy Water-lilies and yellow Villarsia,
with purple Sarraconia as an edging. We write
of what we have seen and known both in the City
of London and at the AVest End ! A book treat-
ing on the formation aud management of such
a " garden," or on the utilisation of humbler
opportunities, is therefore — has been rather— a
desideratum. The want has boen supplied in
large measure by the elegant volume before
us.* It is not given to everyone to be able to
grow the Victoria in the open air in a heated
pond, still less to accommodate its noble foliage
and stately flower under glass. But hardy
Water-lilies, including many other " aquatics,"
may be grown by those whose means and
opportunities are but scanty. The introduction
of the beautiful series of hardy Water-lilies by
M. Marliac, has given an impetus to the cul-
tivation of these plants, which not even the cult
of Roses, Orchids, and Chrysanthemums can
quench, and for those who have the command of
waste-steam, the possibilities are greater still.
In the present volume, the author gives in-
structions as to the formation and maintenance
of ponds and lakes, and has some judicious
observations on the planting of the margins of
the pond or lake. These are too often left
formal and rigid ; or, when something more
natural and appropriate is attempted, then the
tendency is to indulge in curvatures too
numerous and too abrupt, meaningless "wiggle-
' The Water -Garden By William Tricker.
Now Y rk: A. T. Delamare.)
waggles," which irritate rather than please,
and are destructive of all sense of grace or
restfulness.
Beauty of appropriateness here as elsewhere
is a matter of cardinal importance. We have
in mind two town-gardens, both placed in the
midst of formal architectural surroundings, the
ornamental water in the centre in each case,
encircled by or associated with groups of plants.
In the one case, the plants are such as possess
bold , st ately foliage, such as Musa E nsete, A rundo
Donax, Palms, Aralias, Phormiums, Agaves,
Cannas, Paulownias kept cut back, Colocasias,
&c. ; in the other, there are the Sedges, the
elegant grasses, the Bur-reeds, the giant Docks,
the Osmunda, the Yellow-flag, and other plants
we are so delighted to meet along the margins
of a stream, or in a dell in the midst of the
woods, but which look weedy and out of place
iu a town-square. Some of the plates in this
volume afford illustrations of our meaning,
whilst Erianthus, Eulalia, Papyrus, and orna-
mental grasses are fully in harmony with the
arborescent vegotation around, the foliage of
the Musa Ensete seems out of place. Compare,
for instance, the plate at p. 38, showing a piece of
water edged with Typha andjornamontal grasses,
with tint on p, 42, where the harmonious
nature of the margin is broken up by tho intru-
sive foliage of the Musa Ensete. Sj, too, the
plate at p. 50, shows the formal leaves of the
Victoria associated with native N. American
plants, such as Golden Bod, Achillea, &c.,when
Musas and " sub- tropicals " would be more in
place. But those are matters of taste in which
there is room for very wide differences of
opinion.
Details concerning the method aud time of
planting are given, as well as hints on
hybridising and propagation.
A descriptive list of the specie3 and varieties
of Nymphoea and Nelumbium is giveo, with
cultural memoranda suitable for those grown in
the open or under glass. A similar enumera-
tion is furnished of the miscellaneous aquatic
plants, Ferns, hardy perennials, &c, which
may be grown in association with or separate
from tho truo Water-lilies.
Tho book is plentifully illustrated with photo-
graphs in which the contrasts of light and
shadow are sometimes crude and abrupt, but
which are characteristic and really illustrative
of the text. Mr. Leonard Barron is respon-
sible for the editing of the manuscript and for
its supervision whilst passing through the
press. He has done his part well, but he would
have done it better had he given us an index
as well as the table of contents. Wo strongly
recommend those who are interested in this
charming phase of gardening, to become the
possessors of this book as the practical experi-
ence of the author is a guarantee for the excel-
lence of his teaching.
Begonia Mrs W. B. Hartland. — The fine
variety of tuberous- rooted Begonia delineated io tig. 1 OS,
p. 367, was raised by Mr. W. Baylor Hartland,
nurseryman, at Ard Cairn and Patrick Streot, Cork,
aud is named after his wife. The flowers are pure white,
double, and held erect on stout stdks ; aud the plant
is free-bloomiug, well suited therefore for bedding,
and equally suited for cultivation in pots for con-
servatory decoration. We are indebted to Mr. Hart-
land's kindness for the use of the woodcut.
Royal Horticultural Society.— The next
Fruit and Floral Meeting will be held on Tuesday,
November 23, in the Drill Hall, James Street, West-
minster, 1 to 4 P.M. At 3 o'clock a lecture on
" Horticultural Exhibit ionB, Schedules, &c," will be
given by Mr. John Wright, V.M.H.
Scottish Horticultural Society.— The
struggle which took place in the Waverley Market,
Edinburgh, on Thursday last, was an exciting one, the
money prizes in some of the principal classes being
of exceptional value. In another column of this
issue we publish a telegraphic account of the principal
features of the exhibition, which, in most reBpects
appears to have been a very successful one.
See p. 375.
The New Flora Britannica —In preparing
the catalogue of the Lindley Library, this book was
lighted on. It is noteworthy as not being entered in
PritzeVs Jcones. In the Thesaurus, indeed, it is in-
cluded under "Edwards'' with the title "The
New Botanic Garden," but in the Jcones, so far as
we can fiud, it is not cited. This is the more
remarkable, as the engravings seem to be ex-
cellent and the text trustworthy. It is a book
whfeb. the plant lover will treasure. Its title runs as
follows : —
THE NEW
FLORA BRITANNICA,
ILLUSTRATED WITH
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-THREE
PLANTS.
Engraved by Sanson,
FROM THE ORIGINAL PICTURES,
AND
Coloured with the. Greatest Exactness,
FROM
Drawings by Sydenham Edwards.
IN TWO VOLUME".
Vol. I.
London: Printed for John Stock dale, Piccidilly,
by T. Bexsley, Bolt Court, Fleet Street.
1812.
Baillie Memorial Fund. — The Duke of
Westminster as President, has issued an appeal to
Mr. Baillie's friends for the purpose of instituting
a permanent memorial of Mr. Baillie's services, and
iu promoting the education and advancement of the
large family of children he has left behind.
MR. Walter SlEHE, the eastern traveller, to
whom European gardeners already owe so much for
many plantB of new introduction, has returned to Mer-
sina from the expedition he made this year to the Cili-
cian Taurus and Cappadocia. His collections of now
species, and of such as are valuable to horticulture,
are more important than they have been in previous
years. Mr. Siebe now intends to cultivate the plants
he has brought home in a garden at Mersina, specially
devoted to them, and will then be able to supply
well-establisbed specimens whose growth may be
depended upon. In this " hortus orientalis," as Mr.
Siehe calls it, he has already a large number of Alpine
plants from the Cilician Taurus, besides about 10,000
examples of Asphodelinaj of different species, such as
A. taurica, A. Balansa?, A. imperialis, n. sp., A.
Dammeri, n. sp., A. Basili, n. sp., and others ; and
about 10,000 plants of Qalanthus cilicicus, Baker. He
has also planted large quantities of Iris pereica,
I. Funonia, Colchicum cilicicum, C. bulbocodiodes,
Eranthis cilicicus, Eremurus caucasicus, Muscari
alpinum, Bellevalia Heldreichi, Tulipa pulchella,
Fritillaria Bornmiilleri, and maDy more.
Manuscripts of Gilbert White. — On
April 26, 1895, Messrs. Sotheby, Wilkinson &
Hodoe sold by auction the author's original auto-
graph MS. of Gilbert White's famous work on the
Natural History of Selborne for the sum of £294,
The same auctioneers will offer for sale on Nov. 25
a still more interesting batch of MSS. of the same
author, and of the same work. These MSS. are the
original letters which were Bent by post by Gilbert
White to Thomas Tennant between August 10, 1767,
and July 8, 1773. These letters were returned to
Gilbert White when he first conceived the idea of
writing his famous natural history, and from them
was drawn up the autograph MS. sold in 1895. The
letters are all holograph but four, which are in the
hand of an amanuensis, signed by Gilrert White,
and all but three occupy four pages folio. They
are additionally interesting and valuable from the
November 20, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
367
fact that many of the details recorded in them were never been out of the possession of the family. The form of a consecutive diary, recording the writer's
altered, omitted, or augmented in the published second lot of the Gilbert White MS 5. is A Garden almost daily operations on his own laud, and notes of
work. They passed after the writer's dexth into the l\cdcndar, dating from 1751 to 1767. It is the tlie results of experiments tried by hiin in forcing
flUi vat!*,,,,
mm ill
FlG. 10S. — TUBEROUS- ROOTED BEGOXIA "MBS. W. B. HARTLAXH." (SEE P. 366.)
possession of his brother Benjamin, who was a book- authors holograph manuscript, and occupies 424 and hothouse work. This MS. also has been con-
seller and publisher in Fleet Street, and who issued pages. This has never been published, excepting the tinuously in the possession of the Wmi'E family, and
the first edition of the Natural History, and they have portion May 1 to November 16,1759; it is in the is very little known. Times.
368
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 1897.
CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS are evidently ex-
tremely popular with the sight-seeing public. At
Birmingham (on the authority of Mr. HuiaiES, the
Hon. Secretary), as mauy as 3'2,.r>53 persons were
admitted t> the show, and over £600 was taken in
cash at the doors. Our report of this exhibition,
which was squeezed out of last week's issue, appears
on p. 371.
The Mildness of the Season.— Further
evidences of the exceptional character of the present
autumn, continue to reach us from many parts
of the country. Iu one case Mr. R. H. Bath,
of Wisbech, sends us sprays of fruits from Rasp-
berry, Baumforth's Seedling. They aro abundant,
and certainly very remirkable.
Remedy for Damp Feet.— All who possess a
garden — all amateurs, professional gardeners, and
dwellers in country districts, realise the importance
to health of keeping the feet diy and warm, which
with the best-made boots and shoe3 is only possible
in snowy and very wet weather when the soles and
uppers are coated witu dubbing. One of the best of
dubbiogs we are acquaiuted with is undoubtedly
" Gishurstine, " a preparation sold by Price's Patent
Candle Company, Ltd., Belmjnt Works, Bittersea,
S.W., and made, we believe, from a recipe of the
well-known horticulturist, Mr. G. F. Wilson of Wey-
bridge, the inventor of "Giehurst's Soap," itself
another boon to gardeners anl horticulturists
generally.
RATING. — An important case in which a nursery-
man has succeeded in gaining an abatement of his
assessment has been determined at the West Kent
Quarter Sessions. The justices, h ewever, have agreed
to state a case for the opinion of the High Court as
to whether or not market and nursery gardens with
glasshouses aro entitled to receive the allowance of
50 per cent, off the rates in accordance with the
provisions of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1895. The
case is reported in the Estate* Gazette, and we shall
publish a fuller report next week.
Grapes for Maidstone— In view of the
fearful calamity which has overtaken our county
town, I am endeavouring (says Mr. Wright) to
arrange for a supply of Grapes for the sufferers.
Nearly 2000 cases of typhoid fever have been recorded,
and the distress is terrible. The struggle towards
convalescence after attacks of this fever is always
a long aud weary one. The Mayor tells me that
Grapes are needed, aud any one having some to spare,
if only a bunch or two, would be performing a good
act by sending them. Bjxes sent to the Mayor,
marked "Maidstone Grape Fund," will be forwarded
to the proper quarter, and both railways, S.E R. an 1
L.C.D R, deliver such gifts free. I would gladly
send printed labels to any one on the receipt of a
postcard. I may add that kind promises of assist-
ance have already been made by several well-known
horticulturists, notably Mr. Chapman, gardener to
Capt. Halford, Westonbirt ; Mr. W. H. Divers, Mr.
J. Hudson, Mr. Martin, gardener to Lord Leigh ;
Mr. W. Taylor, gardener to C. Bayes, Esq , Forest
Hill ; Mr. Summers, gardener to Lord Scarborough ;
and " A Friend." Others will be gratefully receive!.
W. P. Wright, Willeshwowjh, Ashford, Kent. [The
greatest care must be tiken that the patient docs not
swallow any of the seeds, or even the skins. Ed. ]
"The Amateur's Flower Garden," by
Shirley Hibberd : new edition, revised by T. W.
Sanders (W. H. & L. Collingridoe, Aldersgate
Street, E.C.). The practicil utility of this book has
been proved by the long time that it has enjoyed
public favour. It is not so technical as to scare the
ignorant, nor so simple as to offend them. It is a
concise epitome of decorative plants, and directions
for cultivating them, both in and out-of-doors. The
numerous illustrations are an addi*ional attraction.
The volume nov before us has been brought up-to-
date, aud revised ; and though it is difficult for one
writer to thoroughly enter into the spirit of another,
all must agree that iu horticultural matters it is
especially necessary to keep up with the times.
Those who knew and liked the old edition will,
therefore, welcome this modern one.
" Glimpses into Plant-Life," by Mrs. Bright-
wen (T. Fisher Unwin, Paternoster Squire). The
sub-title to this book is An easy Guide to the Study of
Botany, and it might well be thought at first that
there are already countless volumes of a similar
scope and nature. But Mrs. Brightwen has the
advantages over nnny of her rivals of being truly in
love with her subject, and able to deal with it iu an
attractive manner. Her easy pleasant style of
writing must be familiar to many of our readers who
are acqusinted with former books from her pen.
The present volume is partly compc-sed of articles
which hive alrealy app3ared iu The Girl's Oivn
Paper, and, in our opinion, the author has hit the
happy medium, and is neither so techuical as to
bewilder, nor so simple as to irritate her young
reiders. Her subject-matter is farther elucidated by
illustrations by herself and by TnEo. Carreras, and
is arranged in chapters dealing with the following
topics: — "Adaptation, floats. Tree stems, Leaves,
Buds, Flowers, Pollination, Fertilisation, Fruit, Dis-
persion of Fruits aud Seels, Geruiiuition, Physiology
of Plants, Iusoctivjrous Plants, and Habit of Growth
in Plants." Mrs. Bbightwen's botanical kuowledge
having been glemod from the highest authorities,
leaves no doubt as to the reliableness of her infor-
mation, which will, as here preseuted, not merely
please but interest her readers, and lead them
on to more ambitious works for the study of which
she eudeavouis to prepare them.
Bermuda Lily Disease.— Mr. Albert F.
Woods contributes a paper on the " Bermuda Lily
D scase," as a preliminary report of investigations
undertaken for the United States Department of
Agriculture, and which forms Bu'letin No. 14 of the
Division of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology. In
his summary he says that: — 1. The Lily disease is
characterised by the spotting aud distortion of the
leive3 and flowers, and usually the stunting of the
plaut. 2. The disease is quite serious on Lilium
longidorum aud L. Harrisii, aud also attacks L.
auratum and L. cmdidum. It is very prevalent iu
Bermuda ; and in the United State), where the bulbs
are fore ed, it destroys from 20 to 60 per cent, of the
crop. It also doubtless occurs in Japan, Franco, aud
the Netherlands. 3. There are many theories as to the
cause of the Lily disease, the principal ones being
worn out soil, premature removal of flowers and flower-
stems, premature harvesting of the bulbs, carelessness
in the selection of stock for propagating purposes, bad
treatment during forciog, and the work of insects.
4. The work done shows that the disease is due to a
combination of causes. In the first place the bulbs
have become weakened through improper selection
Rod improper propagation, ani this weakening is
further increase! by the attacks of mites and certain
fungi and bacteria. Bulbs which have been weakened
in this way might regain thoir strength if the mites
aud fungi could be kopt down, but those which are
naturally weak cauuot be made strong. During tho
time plants are being forced, they may also be
weakened by over-watering, and censequent asphyxia-
tion of the roots, or by allowing the roots to become
too dry, and then over-watering. The foliage of such
plants may be free from spots and distortions, but
usually the leaves are badly diseased. 5. The
spotting and distortion of the foliago is often due to
the direct attacks of several genera and species of
aphides, and of the youug of the bulb mite, to the
injection of water into the young leaves in watering or
syringing, and to the preseace of water between the
young leaves of plants having soft foliage. The injuries
fro n the attacks of organises are always more severe
on tho susceptible or naturally - weakened bulbs.
6. The disease cauuot be cured, or even prevented,
by adopting any single course of treatment. The fact
that the bulbs have become more or less weakened
by improper cultivation, selection, and propagition,
shows the importance of adopting rigid measures to
improve the stock. Ouly the strong aud vigorous
plants should be used for propagation. Crop-rotation
should \>3 practised, iu order to prevent the increase
of mitos and injurious fungi. Leave the stems on
the bulb« until ripe, and in all cases avoid premature
digging. The floiist who forces tho bulbs should
exercise care in planting. Throw out all injured
bulbs, and plant iu well-drained, well-ai;rated soil.
Endeavour to keep down aphides and mites from tht,
start, and exercise care in watering and ventilating.
Avoid feeding with solutions of horse, cow, and sheep
manures, and use chemical fertilisers instead. '
Publications Received. — The Carnation
Manual, edited and issued by the National Carnation
and Piotee Society (southern section) (Cassell &
Co., London, Paris, and Melbourne). A new edition
of a work which should prove valuable both to the
professional and amateur grower. " In it will be
found papers from some of the most successful
growers of the day, detailing the methods pursued by
them, from the first impregnation of the seed to
the final staging of the flowers upon the exhibition-
tables." Needless t> say, the present edition is
brought up to date.— Praetkil Hints on the Cidlure
of Caeti, by H. G. Bourne. This is No. 4 of Biggs
& Son's (Salisbury Court, E.C.) " Handy Series of
fruits, flowers, and vegetables," and well worth
perusal by all who have a faucy for Cacti. It is
illustrated, and costs only lit. — British Astronomical
Weather Almanack and Chart. This is, we under-
stand, the eighth annual issue of this little book by
Mr. B. G. Jenkins. The weather forecasts included
time only will test ; but there is also plenty of mis-
cellaneous information given. — Random Shots at Birds
and Men, by "Jim Crow" (Roxburghe Press, 3,
Victoria Street, Westminster). A humorous account
of some birds and their characters, as compared with
those of human beings. — Di'ctionnairc Pratique d' Hor-
ticulture. The sixty fourth livraison of this work is
now ready, and completes the fourth volume, the
title - pages and reference - tables for which are
included in this issue. — Orchide'es el Fougeres Rustique
sous le Climat de Geneve. This is an illustrated cata-
logue compiled by M. H. Correvon, and issued from
the Jardin Alpin d'Acclimatation, Geneva. — Liste des
Plantcs de Montagues et Pluntes Vivaces and Liste
Suppldmeniaire des Plant's A Ipincs, These two publi-
cations are of a similar character to the last oue
mentioned, aud are also written by aud obtainable
from M. H. Coirevom. — Botanisches Ccntralblalt,
No. 44. — General Index, from vol. i. to lx., edited by
Dr. F. Sohaumburg, No. 1.
THE WEEPING SPRUCE.
Of all our cimmon Conifers, the Spruce, Picei
excelsa, is most prolific in variations. Some of these
are of extraordinary character, some elegant, others
ugly. Of pendulous varieties there are several, but
none more retmr'inble than the one figured iu our
illustration at fig 109, from a photograph kindly for-
warded to us by Mr. A. D. Webster, the Superiuten
deit of Greenwich Park. The tree, which measures
30 feet in height, is growing at Ide Hill, Sevenoaks,
Kent.
Home Correspondence.
THE LINDLEY MEDAL. — Although I did not get
the Lindley Medal, it was certainly intended to give
me one for two grand examples of Odontoglossum
grande, which I call giganteum, and which were entered
iu the Royal Horticultural Society's records. I was not
so particular in those days, else I would have had a
correct measurement taken of the flowers, and it
would have been useful now for reference. It is quite
thirty ye*rs ago Bince I sent up from Meadow Bank
to Mr. A. F. Barron two eximples, both with branched
panie'es of extraordinary sized flowers, half as big
again as toe best we see now, for one of the fortnightly
meetings, held then in the Kensington corridors. The
one panicle had sixteen flowers, and the other fifteen
flowers, and the substance, the groundcolour, and the
blotching were such as had never been seen before
nor since up to this day. The Council sitting at the
time were unanimous iu expressing that such a
marked example of cultural developmeut was worthy
of the coveted " Lindley Medal." Mr. Barron has
November 20, 1897.]
THE GARDENER 8' CHRONICLE.
369
several times einee told me that no such example of
Orchid culture had ever been submitted iu London,
and it must have becu an oversight on the part of the
Council to pass it by. I was striving at the time
for the coveted Bateman Challenge Gold Medal
awarded to the grower and exhibitor who should
in two successive years total up the highest
number of marks. It was open to all comers,
home and foreign, barring the winner of the only
Ckron. iu 1869, p. 447. But it has not all been plain-
sailing with mo. About twenty years ago, the
Council for the awarding of the Neil Prize in Edin-
burgh, which every three years selects a most distin-
guished horticulturist, dividing the honours between
a botanist of distinction, the one three years, and a
gardener who has distinguished himself the alternate
three years. I lost it by the casting vote of the
chairman. It was awarded to my old and
Fir 100 -a wkei'im: srarcE. (see p. S6S.)
Medal, working on the same lines as in 1S66-67. The
winner was Mr. Veitch, and he had to stand back in a
subsequent competition, when the writer obtained by
a considerable majority of votes, the only other Bate-
man Gold Medal ever offered. It was impossible to
go wrong when it was a question of the totalling of
votes every fortnight, and it was a proud day for me
when Mr. Bateman, at a full meeting of the Council,
hung the Medal round my neck— a full report of the
proceedings appeared in the columns of the Gard.
respected friend, the late Andrew Turnbull, of
Bothwell Cattle ; the Chairman remarking that I was
a young man, and could wait a little longer. That
was a substantial prize, carrying with in a Silver
Salver with a suitable inscription, and generally from
£60 to €70 in cash. The happy day for me has not
yet come, the Council evidently passing me over
because I left gardening and went into bu^ine s. It
is fifty-two years since I left Hugh Low & Co.'s
nurseries to enter upon the forming of what was
generally recognised, both at home and abroad, as
the standing Orchid collection in the whole
country. My distinguished friend, the late Hugh
Low, did not, when I was in his nurseries, grow a
single Orchid. His son sent from Borneo many
plants, but they were genfrally sold in Stevens'
Rooms; and not till after I had gone to Meadow
Bank, did the firm grow these plants — and now
what a grand lot they are passing year after year
through business channels ! Th'S is a series of
" grumbles," and I would not have been drawn into
it, but for the discussion of the Lindley Medal,
which I think, ought not to be lost among horticul-
cultural honours. James Anderson, Wallace Avenue,
Manchester.
PRIVATE CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS. — There
are certain gentlemen in the county of Surrey who
generously and thoughtfully throw open their private
Chrysanthemum displays to the public on certain
Sundays iu November. Amongst these, and
residing in the Cranleigh district, are Sir Richard
W.bster, M.P., the attorney - general, Sir Henry
Doulton, Mr. Pandelli Ralli, Mr. W. Webb of
Amhurst, Sir R. Carbutt, and others. The attend-
ances reach about 500 at each place, the public
coming with eagerness from long distances to see
these gratuitous shows. Une gardener, remarking
to me on the general conduct of the visitors,
said that — "formerly they came to admire, now
they come to ciiticise." That is a tribute to
the growing interest in Chrysanthemums and their
culture which marks the age generally. In such
rural districts as these mentioned, where there
are few people having leisure, aud many are busily
engaged on week-days, the opportunity thus offered
to persons otherwise debarred from seeing the flowers
is regarded as a great boon. That it is so largely
availed of, shows how widely it is appreciated.
TheBe generous and liberal-minded gentlemen are but
doing in their respective localities what the London
County Council do so admirably in their parks and
gardens. It is also Borne recognition, doubtless, of
the principle that property has its duties as well as
its rights ; and whilst amongst its rights may be the
closing of beautiful parks and gardens absolutely
against the public, happily, as seen in this case, there
are some owners who think differently aud act
accordingly. A. D.
FROGMORE ALL-THE-YEAR-ROUND CUCUMBER.
— The handsome fruits of this all too-long-namcd
Cucumber, shown to the Fruit Committee at the
Drill Hall on tho 9th by Mr. O. Thomas, of the Royal
Gardens, Frogmore, were of so taking an appear-
ance, that some natural surprise was expressed that
they received no award. But the committee, having
some time since made it a condition that in futuro
no awards should be mado to new or presumably
new Cucumbers until the varieties had been tried
under cultivation at the Royal Horticultural Society's
gardens at Chiswick, they were compelled to be con-
sistent, and refrain in this case from making an
award. Had any been made, a pretty hubbub would
have been raised by other Cucumber growers aud
raisers, especially seeing that the fruits came from
the Royal gardens. Auy suggestion of unfairness
would be unjuBt. Mr. Thomas generally places
before the committee only first-rate things, and his
success in obtaining awards is due to that circum-
stance alone. In this case the committee unani-
mously agreed that the fruits were beautiful ones,
and, but lor the conditions referred to, they would
have obtained an award. As the variety is termed
"All the Year Round," it seems but fitting that its
merits as an " all-round " variety should be tested
by asking to see samples iu February. Still tho
variety, a crossed seedling from Rochford's famous
variety, is, for market purposes, too smooth and
pale [?]. A deep green colour is an essential, and
even spines are favourably regarded by some persons.
An authoritative statement on the part of the Council
having now been made that it is impossible to carry
out a satisfactory trial of Cucumbers at Chiswick,
it has been resolved by the Fruit Committee to with-
draw the conditions as to a trial there at the close of
the year, and to deal with Cucumbers at the Drill
Hall on their exhibited merits. A. D.
THE DUTIES OF A SUPERINTENDENT OF A
CEMETERY. — A public body advertised in the
Gard. Chron. for candidates for the appointment of
superintendent. I made an application for a form and a
summary of the duties required. These are as uearly
as possible as follows : — Gardener, caretaker, cashier,
accountant, supervisor of head-stones ; to clean aud
heat all chapels ; to disinfect and clean mortuary,
370
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 1897.
and receive all bodies ; to attend all funerals, and act
as sexton ; to receive certificates, and attach the
same to weekly returns ; to attend upon the officiating
clergymen for the purpose of filling up and signing a
book giving all the particulars of a funeral ; to attend
at coroner's inque&ts, also at all committee meetings ;
and the supervision of grave-digging, and the grounds
generally ; and this all for the muuificent sum of
£80 yearly. If the salary had been £'200 instead of
hardly one, tho requirements could not have been
more onerous ; aud it shows unmistakably what a
lamentable pass public gardening appointments have
come to. G. D. J.
COST OF GROUND WORK. — A few days ago
whilst in conversation with a gentleman about the
excavating and removing of soil to make a lawn-
tennis court, I found that he had accepted the
figures in au old Horticultural Directory as a true
and complete moans of calculating the cost, and
I think it is a pity that any book containing such an
amount of good useful information should in any
part of it have such erroneous figures. Those to which
I more particularly apply these words are : No. 1,
Excavating in common soils not exceeding one throw
or 6 feet in depth per cubic yard, 6d. No. 2. Filling
barrow and wheeling for the first 20 yards, 3d. No. 3.
Wheeling every additional ruu of 20 yards beyond, 2d.
The price No. 1 is not far wrong provided the
workman can continue to remove the soil to
the desired depth with the spade, but as it
more frequently happens that after a depth of
from 2 to 3 feet has been reached he has either to
make me of the pick, or else a very much increased
force with his foot, aud therefore takes more time to
loosen a given quantity, the 6'/. cannot be accepted
as a sufficient price to excavate a cubic yard of soil,
which, I understand, weighs about 30 cwt. [Not so
much. Ed.]; and from experience I know that men
would rather dig and cast clay in the brick-yard at
6d. per cubic yard than run the risk of meeting with
impediments in the removal of the soil to any depth
where the subsoil is not easily tested. The price
quoted (No. 2) for filling aud wheeling 20 yards is
such that I have never been able to find men who
would do it for the money ; and little wonder, for I
have found that if a contract is made with three
men to remove a given quantity, one of them who is
most probably known amongst themselves as the best
spadesman usually digs and fills the barrows, the
others dividing the distance to wheel between tbem,
each being satisfied that in this way the labour is
fairly divided ; a common price for men to ask being
Is. per cubic yard for excavating and removing
20 yards, Is. 6d. for 40 yards, and so on for every
additional 20 yards which barrow runs. Calculating
men's wages at 3s. 6rf. per day, if three men
must earn that sum at the price given in the
Horticultural Director;/, they would have to dig
aud remove a distance of 40 yards, no less a quan-
tity than 114 cubic yards, or about sixteen ordi-
nary cart loads ; but it is seldom men can be met
with willing to exeit themselves sufficiently to accom-
plish such an amount of work for the money ; and
thus, in my opinion, the figures referred to are
misleading. Henri/ Huhc.
SITUATIONS VACANT. — The above heading will,
I have no doubt, attract the eye of a large number
of readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle. My aim is not
to catch the eye of the cmployi, but to attract the
notice of the employers, especially of those who use
the advertising columns to fill vacancies that occur
in the various departments of their establishments.
How frequently we see adveitisements for gardeners
and other employes finishing witb. the objectionable
phrase, "state wages." Now, in my opinion, this
is a very difficult point. Most men want as much in
wage as they can obtain, and if gentlemen want a good
practical man, they ought not to object to pay a good
wage, such as would cause him to consider tha"; he was
settled, and make him take an in'erest in his em-
ployer's place and property. In " stating wages "
when answering an advertisement, a person does not,
in nineteen cases out of twenty, know what salary
has previously been paid for the same duties, which
everyona knows varies much ; he naturally does not
wish to ask less than has been paid, and at the same
time he is afraid of losing the place by asking too
much, for well he knows that many employers seleot
the cheapest man, aud think they oan get a good
experienced gardener or other servant for a small
wage ; for many good men are driven to accept what
they can get — but will they stay if anything better
turns up ? It would, to say the least, certainly be a
great saving iu disappointments on the part of those
seeking situations, also unnecessary trouble in letter
writing and interviewing to ladies and gentlemen, head
gardeners, and others if they would kindly state fuller
particulars in their advertisements, and above all to
specify the amount of wages offered. Persons answer-
ing advertisements whero wages are stated should be
prepared to accept such terms ; whereas, when wages
are not stated, many answer them, and possibly get
chosen from the numbers applying who, after the
trouble aud probable inconvenience of interviewing,
have to say, " No, thank you," simply because the
terms are too low. A. G. L.
corresponded with the atom-structure of the Potato, in
which the cortex was a starch-reservoir as it is in trees while
tho deeper layers correspond with the phloem or proteid-
holding sicve-tubos.
SOCIETI ES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.
November 9.— Present : Dr. M. T. Masters (in the chair) ;
Mr. Michael, Rev. W. Wilks, Dr. Midler, Prof. Church, and
Rev. G. Hemluw (Hon See ).
Cattteya labiata, sport. — Dr. Masters observed that sports
similu- to those produced at the last meeting, in which two
sepals were more or less resembling the libellum, had been
sent to him from numerous localities this year. The species
was introduccii some fifty years ago, and sub-equontly lost ;
but it had been I itely re-discovered in and introduced from
Pernambuco.
Cor ho 'ion Leavs with Hor/i-Uki Mirginal O.Uyioioths.—'Wr.
Michael reportel that no trace of acuri could be seen,
as suggested as a possible cui.se. D \ Muller observed that a
plant of Solinum ja^minoides was coverel all over with
horn-like excrescences. Dr. Mastert suggested that they
were probably spongy outgrowths from the epidermis.
Stocks, d-c., Attached by Ii:etles. — Mr. Michael observed
that Stock*, Virginii Stocks, and Nasturtiums in bis garden
were attacked aud utterly spoilt ia a fortnight by thousands
of beetles eating the flowers of the two former plants, but
the leaves as well of the last-named. They do not entirely
kill the plants, which renew both leaves and flowers after the
beetles have disipp?aivd, A partial remedy was found in
shaking the plants over a basin of hot water. It appears to
be Phyllotreta atr.i. mie of the numerous " flea-beetles. "
Miss Ormerod, to whom they were sent, suggests " trying a
mixture of equal parts of fresh gas-lime and quicklime, with
a much smaller proportion of soot, aud about half as
much sulphur as of soot. These should be powdered up
together very finely, we'l mixed, and dusted on to the
foliage when the dew is on it, morning or evening. Just a
sprinkling is enough. It usually acts well if applied as above
po as to adhere to the beetles and foliage." She was under
the impression, however, " that lime similarlyapplied would
do equally well."
Jvy attacked by Dodder. —~Slr. Chas. Herrin of Dropmore sent
specimens of Ivy badly attacked by a Cnscuta europa^a. He
remarks, " This parasite has established itself on tho west
wall of our church, destroying tho Ivy with which it ia
covered. It his been thoroughly destroyed, Ivy and all
oace, a few y ars ago ; but now that the Ivy has begun to
grow nicely again, h ilf covering the wall, it has again
appeared, and is destroying it." As the seeds must germi-
nate in the ground, or perhaps in the chinks in the wall as
well, the aim must be tj kill them beforo germinating. If
the ground by tho wall received a good dressing of slaked
lime, such might pruvo elective.
Cox's OraiDjr Apple Striped, — Mr. G. Svvailos, of Beverley,
sent an Apple, mostly red, but striped with green on one
side, the latter colour being on the most exposed side. The
cause was unknown. Dr. Masters suggestei thu possibility
of accidental crossing having been the cmse, for Darwin had
described similar results in an Orange pollinated by a
Lemon (An, and PL under Dom.t i., p. 399). Mr. Wilks men-
tioned that a Beurre d'Amanlis Pear in his gai'.Ien had thrown
out a green striped sport, also a bough bearing golden
foliage.
Gatt on Jessamine.— Mr. Henslow exhibited a large globular
gall which he had taken from the stem of this plant. As no
fungus was present, it was sent to Mi-. McLachlan for
examination.
Couipoxitiuu oj Potat-is. — Professor Church gave some
account <-i the recent researches of M M. Coudon and Buss ird
oo the distribution o£ the constituents in Fotatos. They
found that a slice of a Potito revealed three zones. The
external one beneath the epidermis contained 73 per cent, of
water, the central holding about SO to 81 per cent. ; that the
central part contained the greater amount of nitrogen, the
exterior the greater quantity of starch. This accounted for
the "bursting" in a floury Potato, wlrch is relatively more
free from albuminoid matters. The cause of the interior
portion being more consistent is that the starch cells though
bursting are held together by the cur iling of the albuminoid
matters during cooking. The same peculiarities appear in
the thiity - four varieties examined. The intermediate
zone was also of an intermediate character with regard to
its structure and cell-contents. It was to be regretled tint
the authors did not distinguish between the true albuminoids
and the amides in estimating their percentage of nitrogenous
matter. As a rule, the former amount to 1 3 in Potatos, but
they had estimated them from the total nitrogen as from
1*8 to 2'5. Dr. Ma-ters remarked that these observations
CARDIFF CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 3, 4.— The eleventh annual exhibition was held
in the Park Hall on these dates. Although exhibits were
rather fewer than usual, tho attendance was large on both
days.
The Ilncst flower in the show was shown by R. A. Bowbing,
Esq. (gr.,Mr. H. A. Joy), a magnificent specimen of Phoebus.
He won also the 2nd prize in the open large class.
The twenty-four incurved class consisted of a remarkably
excellent, even lot of blooms. The prizewinners were Sir
C. Phillips (gr., Mr. Dumble), and R TV. D. Habley, Esq.
(gr., Mr. J. Robinson).
The groups were well arranged, but they were weak in
foils, viz., foliage plants. The best was set up by Mr. W.
Treseder, and the next best by Mr. J. Gdnn. Mr. W.
Tb':seder was likewise winner of the Society's Gold Medal
for the highest aggregate number of points.
The best group, consisting solely of Chrysanthemums, was
Mr. E. Jenkins', the good quality and freshness of the plants
and flowers leaving little to bo desired.
Mr. II. A. Allen, Pen rth, showed the finest stand of
twenty-four blooms of Japanesa ; and in a similar class,
but unrestricted as regards varieties, Sir C. Phillips had the
finest blooms, and Mr. R.W. Hablev had the 2nd best stand.
The Challenge Cup, value 5 guineas, falls therefore to Mr.
Dumble, Sir Charles' gr., who has worked hard to win it.
For twenty four blooms of Japanese, ia twelve varieties,
conlined to exhibitors living within a radius of twelve miles,
a Cup of the valui of 5 guineas went to Messrs. Case
Br .ther->, Cardiff ; Mr. R. A. Bowrinq coming 2nd.
The special prize for twelve Japanese, distinct, introduced
in 1S9S and later, shown by those who have not taken a
prize for Chrysanthemums at Cardiff, was taken by Mr.
H. A. Alle*, Mr. J. Gunn coming next in older of merit.
Non-competing exhibits were those of Mr. W. Treseder,
who had Roses and Cactus Dahlias ; and of Messrs. Clibban,
of Manchester, who had miscellaneous cut blooms and fruit.
There were, in addition to tho " Mums," fruits in collections,
vegetables, &o., in competition, and cottagers' exhibits.
SWANSEA CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 4, 5. — The sixth annual exhibition of Chrysan-
themums, Fruit, &c, organised by a Committee of the
Working Men's Institute, took place on the above dates, and
was without doubt the finest and most successful evjr held
in Swansea. Since the last show, the Society has become
affiliated with the National Chrysanthemum Society, and
this year offered a Silver Medal for best group, and Certificates
for best specimen plants.
Ia the open class of twenty four Chrysanthcmun blooms,
incurved, 1st honours were taken by Mrs. Turberville,
Hendrywilan House (gr., Mr. Hawkins) ; closely followed by
tho Earl of Lisburne, Crosswood Park, Aberystwith (gr.,
Mr. R. C. Williams).
In the twenty-four Japinese, Mrs. Llewelyn, Raglan Hall
(gr., Mr. Gilbert), was 1st.
The best collection of twelve Japanese was from Mrs.
Llewelyn ; Mrs. Turberville was 2nd.
For a group of Chrysanthemums, the 1st prize and a Silver
Medal of tho National Chrysanthemum Society was won by
Jtws Dveb, Esq. (gr., Mr. Gill); 2nd, Mr. J. C. Gobvin.
The prize for tho Ch impion bloom of the show wa> secured
by Mrs. Turberville, with a grand bloom of Australian Gold.
NORTH OF SCOTLAND AUTUMN
ROOT SHOW.
Novembeb 6. — The annual show was held at Inverurie,
N.B. There was a splendid display of the various kinds of
Turnips, and the principal features in this section was the
closeness of the competition, and the uniformity of the
exhibits, ratherthan the excellence of a few leading entries.
Toe most successful competitors in the classes ror field Turnips
wore, Mr. Wilt i\m Tool, Glenlogie (green top Swede*) ; Mr.
William Bmitu, Cordieatone (purplo-t^p Swedes); Mr.
William Lawson, Scot-mill (green-top yellows); and Mr.
Jas Murray, Fauchfaulds (purple-top yellows); while Sir
George Macpherson Grant, Birt.,of BUlindatloch, was 1st
for a collection of twenty-four Turnips, open tj the larger
cultivators.
Mr. Gardiner, Kenniy, was 1st and 2nd for round
white Potato?, with tubers of excellent quality, shape, and
colour of the Standard a id Jemuie Deans varieties ; and in
the round coloured class, Mr. J. Osston, Bourtie, showed
the two leading dishes which were much admired.
The white section was monopolize! by the Snowdrop, and
tbe leading dish belonging to Mr. G. Paterson, which was
a feature of the show, carried off the special prize, for the
second year in succession.
Mr. Gardiner was awarded 1st honours for long ctloured
varieties with a good simple of the Prizetaker, the other
chief varietios being the Reading Ruby and Bountiful. This
gentleman also won tho prize for the best cjlle^tion of forty-
eight Potitos, in which he showed soma of tho fiuest speci'
mens ever shown at Inverurie.
Novemiier '20, 1897. J
THE
GARDENERS' CHRONIGLE.
371
lu the "any other variety " class, Mr. Gardiner was lbt
with Up-to-Date Potatos (Mr. Findlay's), and it is worth
mentioning that the first three prizes ail fell to the same
variety. Mr. Milne, Ctuny Castle, secured the 1st prize for
Greualier, a round white variety of good appearance, and
not unlike the old Victoria Potato.
A special prize was awarded by Messrs. Sutton & Sons,
Reading, for the best four dishes of specified varieties. Mr.
J. Ogs.ton, Bourtie, took leading honours with a most meri-
torious entry, comprising Satisfaction, Reading Russet,
Sutton's Seedling, and Windsor Castle. There wasa splendid
display of field grown Potatos.
For collections of thirty-six Potatos, Mr. Gerrard, Upper
Ingliston, secured for the fifth time in succession 1st honours
with a grand exhibit.
Fruit and Vegetables.— There was an interesting disp'ay of
fruit, although some of the classes wore not so large as they
have been generally seen at Inverurie.
It would have been difficult to surpass the show of vege-
ables, which were exceptionally fine, some f the entries by
Mr. J, Oqston, Fourtie, being highly commended.
ISLE OF WIGHT.
November 9, lu — The Ventnor Chrysanthemum SocLty
hel 1 their Beeo d annual exhibition on the above dates. The
principal prize winners were Mr. W. H. Jobling, gr. to Lady
Harpur-Crewe, for cut blooms in the open classes ; Mr. F.
Woods, Steep-Hill Castle, for groups; Mr. W. W. She.vth,
for black and white Grapes; Mr. W. Gee, for specimen-
] lauts ; Mr, Day, for Apples ; Mr. W. Sheath, for Pears ;
Mr. H. Drover, for Primulas; and Mr. G. Wiiittv, for
vegetables. Messrs. H. Drover & Son staged fruits, flowers,
and plants, for exhibition only. Messrs. J. Ciikal & Sons,
Crawley, also staged a non competitive exhibition of Apples.
BIRMINGHAM CHBYSANTHE jIUM.
November '.», l < ». — Birmingham is to be congratulated upon
the very successful exhibition opened on the l.'th inst. at
Bhiyley Hall. Competition is always very keen at Bir-
mingham, and this year was certainly no exception to the
rule. The exhibition still retains its reputation for trained
plints, and some of the specimens that were exhibited were
very fiae indeed, especially varieties with incurved
flowers. Among trained Japanese, the varieties W. H.
Lincoln and Viviand Morel were conspicuous
The out bloom classes were contested more keenly than the
plants, especially in the cases of twenty-tour incurved and
twenty-four Japanese, the Utter bringing sixteen collections
of fine merit. Prioiulia, Cyelam; is, floral and table decora-
tions, fruit and vegetables, we e shown in praiseworthy
condition, in considerable quanti y ; and the non-competitive
stands were tastefully arranged.
Groups and Plants.
For the bsat group of Carys urthmium? and foUa*e pi i it-*
arranged in a spice of 10 fe^t in diameter, there were seven
competitors. Owing to the small space it was perhaps un-
avoidable that the arrangements were a trifle stiff, but the
majority of the exhibits ware good, and the blooms fine.
The 1st prize including the society's Victorian Jubilee Gold
Med.il was won by Mrs. Whitfield, of Mosely (gr., W.
Thomson); Mr. R. Cadburv, Mosely (gr., Mr. G. Menzies),
was a capitil 2nd.
For a s:n liter group of aimiUr character, Mr. T. Clavtox,
Mrs. SCARP, and Mrs. Arm FIELD were the principal winners.
For nine large- flowering specinun plants of incurved varie-
tias, Liiy M\RnN*EAU,of Edgb.istou (gr., Mr. O. iCongtn) was
1st, with soma grand specimens, probably the best that ha/e
ever been staged at Birmingham, the winning collection
consisting of Baron Hirsch, Golden Empress, Lord Alcester,
Queen of England, Prince Alfred, Lord Wolseley, John Lun-
bjrt, Jardin dos Plantes, and Empress of India; the 2nd
honours wero secured by J. A. Kenrick, Esq.
Lady Martineau again secured 1st place for six trained
specimens of iucurveds ; Mr. J. Cadbi*ry was a good 2nd.
Lady Martineau's excellent collection of six plants of
Japanese exhibited the varieties Chas. Davis, W. H. Lincoln,
Viviand Morel (very fine), Florence Davis, Wra. Seward, and
Col. W. B. Smith.
In the olass for twelve Chinese Primulas, single varieties,
Mr. Thomson was 1st, and Mr. PorE 2nd, and this anl all
similar classes were well contested and good.
For a display of floral arrangements, any design admis-
sible, there were four entrios, the winner taking the Bir-
minghim Silver Cup, value .£'5. Messrs. Perkins, of Bir-
minghim, werj an easy 1st, and the excellent exhibit well
deserved the honour.
Mr. Crook, of Birmingham, also staged a very fino exhibit.
Ct)r Blooms.
For honours in the class for twenty four incurved
varieties there were nine entries, and eventually the 1st
prize was awarded to the Eirl of Harrington, Elvaston
Cistle, Darby (gr., Mr. Goodacre). The bask r w consisted
of Duchess of Fife, Miss Violet Foster, John Lambert, Chas.
Curtis (tine in form and colour), John Doughty, Q lean of
England, Globe d'Or, and Mr. Johu Murray ; 2nd row ; Mons.
Westblaue, Mrs. Ribinson King, Robert Petfield, Gildsn
Empress of India, Miss Foster, and Lo -d Alcest -r ; Srd row :
Miss Tomlin, Gao. Haigh, Mrs. G. C llemiu, Jcame d'Arc,
Princess of Wales, Madame Darier, Miss Higgas, and D. B
Crane. Possibly the colours might have shown to better
advantage had they b en differently di-jpjsed. But the
quality of the blooms could hardly hive been better, and the
winner deservedly won the 1st prize of £10 and the Victorian
Gold Medal. The 2nd prize was secured by Lady Hiniuji-,
Warwick tgr., Chas. Crook). In this stand Robfc. Petfield,
J. Agate, and Chas. Curtis were staged very finely.
For eighteen blooms of incurved, five competitors engaged,
and the 1st prize was won by the Dowager Lady Hindlip,
Warwick (gr., Chas. Crook). The competition in this class
was very keen ; in the winning stand good blooms were
staged of Major Bonnaffon, Queen of Eogland, J. Agate,
Empress of India, Lord Alcester, Miss Haggas, and others.
W. Robert, Esq , Standbridge (gr., J. Parkes), won 2nd
honours; in this stand a very fine bkoni of Duchess of Fife
was noticed.
The best collection of twenty. four blooms of Japanese from
sixteen entries, was staged by Mr. Glkeson of Stanmoro,
who, after a very keen fight, was awarded the 1st prize. He
hid a m irvellous collection of blooms in point of size, colour,
and fresh appearance. His back row consisted of Mine. Carnot,
Duke of York, A. H. Wood, Chas. Davis (very fine), M. Pan-
koucke, Australie, Eva Knowlcs, and Simplicity ; 2nd row :
International, Australian Gold, Mr. Geo. Palmer, Etoile de
Lyon (one of the finest blooms that was staged of this
variety). Mutual Friend, M. Chen«»n de Lech-/, Phoebus, and
Viviand Morel; 3rd row: Hodeatum (a very good yellow),
Viscountess Hambledon (an extraordinary bloom of this
variety), Sunstone, Mr. U. Payne, Ocean i, J. Bidencope,
Edith Tabor, and Mr. G.J. Hill. Mr. Mease, Leatherhead,
took 2nd place in this competition, and he hid yellow
Madame Carnot, A. H. Wood, Simplicity, and Mrs. W. H.
Lees iu extra good character. There were three other prizes
in this class.
For eighteen blooms of Japanese, Mrs. Smith Rylands
(gr., R. Jones), was 1st, with International, Thomas Wilkina,
Simplicity, Lady Hanhani, Gcncr.il Roberts, Mrs. W. H.
Lees, Mrs. Smith Rylands, Silver King, M. Pankoucke, J.
Seward, J. Bidencope, M. Guatave Henry, 0. II. Payne, Mr*.
3, Servls, Dorothy Seward, rdith Tabor, and Mutual Friend.
The "2nd place was filled by Mr. FosTEtc, Havant, who staged
that very fine white variety, Mrs. J. Lewis, and in this stand
there were some goo 1 blooms of Mrs. II. Long and Mr.
Chas. Bllck.
For six blooms of one variety white Japanese, Mrs. Smith
Rylands wai again 1st with good blooms of Thercse Rey.
In the class for twelve specimen blooms, arranged on
long atoms with Ferns, Palms, and oilier foliage artistically
displayed, Mr. F. Da Vis was placed 1st, and Right Hon.
Joseph Chamberlain 2nl. Mr. Davis aUo took 1st prize
for a collection of six bio .mis of a yellow-flowered Japanese.
The best collection of twelve Anemine flowers were from
Mrs. Smith Rylands with somj good blooms of Sir Walter
Rile-gh, John Benj imiu Webster, Lady Benedict, and
Descartes.
Fltt'IT.
In the class for a collection «>f British grown fruit, Mr.
Go idacbb was a goad l*t, and took (he Gardeners of Bir-
mingham Victorian Diamond Jubtles Silver Cup, value £15.
In Mr. Goodacre's collection was a background of G apes,
black and white, fine in berry and colour; and in fiont
Pines, Melons, Apples, Pears, &c , the whole occupying a
space of 50 square feet. The exhibit was of an all-round
gojd quality, and well fitted to illustrate the beauty of welt-
grown British produce ; Messrs. Geo. Bjnyard A Co ,
Maidstone, were 2nd wich a nice even collection, but
evidently many points behind Mr, Goodacre.
Grapes were shown in quantity, and the principal prize-
winners were Mr. H. P. Havhi k i, Mr. Goodacre, Lo.d
Povvis, Earl of Denbigh, and Lord BAGOr.
The local classes for Grape?, and Apples and Pears,
brought forward some specimen-? of fruit, good in size,
shape, and colour.
Vegetables.
The vegetables cxlubite I were m irvellous in quantity and
quality, and better thin have been shown at Birmingham
previously. Liberal prises were offered by Messrs. Thomson
Aj Sons, Messrs. Pops & Sons, Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Messrs.
VVeb'j & Sjm, Sfesars. Simpion & Son, and Mr. Robert
Sydenham. The principal prize-winners were Lord Car-
narvon, Laly Thbod^r^ Gcest, the Dowager Lidy Hind-
lip, Right Hon. Joskph Chamberlain, aad several others,
mjre or less local.
No.s Competitive Exhibits.
A great miny firms sent exhibit* not for competition,
amongst whom may hi mentioned, Messrs. Cltbush & Co.
Higbgate. who had Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, Adiantum
Farleyense, and Palms : Mr. Stevens, Birmingham Arcade,
staged a collection of floral designs and dried foreign grasses,
very bright, but rather artificial in appearance ; Messrs.
Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, bad well-grown Onions, &c. :
M. J. MorT, Esq., staged a collection of fruits; and Mr.
W. B. Row, Barbary Nurseries, Worcester, had a stand of
cut flowers and fruit: The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain
staged a collection of Chrysanthemums shown with thei
natural foliage, a very striking exhibit : a collection of Cacti
from Mr. J. A. Walton, of Handsworth, which attracted a
deal of attention ; Messrs. Thomson staged a beautiful lot o
Primulas : Mr. Wells, of Earlswood Nurseries, sent a box of
thirty six Japanese Chrysanthemums, which were much
admired: and Messrs. H. Cannell &Sons, of Swanley, staged
a collection of vegetables to illustrate the field culture.
One of the best honorary exhibits was a collection of
vegetables that was staged by Mr. Empsm, r to Mrs.
Wingfield, of Ampthill, Beds. The Carrots, Leeks, Caull-
flowers, &c., were greatly admired, and some very compli-
mentary remarks were made to Mr. Erapson respecting this
exhibit.
The duties of judging were undertaken by Mr. Owen
Thomas, Mr. A. F. Barron, Mr. W. Kfpps, Mr. Parkes, Mr.
Downes, and Mr. A. Coombes ; and much praise cannot
be given to Mr. Hughes, secretary, and his colleagues for the
energy and diligence that resulted in so fine a show.
LEEDS PAXTON.
November 9, 10. — The ninth annual Chrysanthemum
exhibition of this Society was held in the Town Hall. The
exhibition may be placed in the front rank amongst the
Chrysanthoraum shows of the North of England. The entries
were more numerous than on any previous occasion, being
between 500 and 630. The quality of the exhibits was better
than formerly, especially that of the Chrysanthemum groups,
and the cut blooms in the local classes.
Tbe specimen and foliage plants were tastefully arranged
on the orchestra, and the Chrysanthemum groups on one side
of the hall. Miscellaneous groups occupied the other side,
and the cut flowers, table plants, and fruit wero staged on
tables running across the hall. The bouquets, sprays, and
button-bolus were arranged on tables in frontof the orchestra,
on each side of an artistic design of fruit, flowers, and
autumn-tinted leaves, arranged by Mr. Grix, gr. to Sir J.
Kitson, Bart., and Mr. A. Walker of Messrs. Shaw Bros.,
florists, Leeds, and frozen in a large block of ice by Mr.
Thomson, of the Leeds Ice Storage Co.
In the groups of Chrysanthemums, the addition of six
foliage plants and Ferns relieved the effect considerably.
The 1st prize was justly awarded to Mrs. Bo WRING, Allerton
Hall, Gledhow, Leedsfgr., Mr. W. Moore); J. Rih.ipf: , Esq ,
Potternewton House, Leeda (gr., Mr. R. Mison), was 2nd
with a well arranged group, but the plants were of less good
quality.
The miscellaneous groups in the local class showed good
culture, but the arrangement might have been freer. The
1st prize group was much the best, and was exhibited by M.
Kin REN, Es}., Elles Close, Roundhay (gr., Mr. Gamble).
In the open class for miscellaneous groups there was only
one exhibitor, E. B. Faber, Esq., J. P., Belvoiere, Harrogate
(gr., Mr. Townsend), who set up a magnificent group.
Cut Blooms.
In the opon class for twenty-four Japaneso blooms, Mr. B.A
Bowrino, The Heath, Cardiff, took 1st honours with most
magnilicient blooms. The following varieties were remark-
able : Simplicity, a superb bloom, which gained the special
prize for the best Japanese in the exhibition ; Etoile de Lyon,
Chas. Davis, Viviand Morel, John Saward, Duko of York,
Phoebus, Australian Gold, W. Seward, Miss Tele niiann, and
Mrs. W. Weeks. A. Wilson, Esq , Tranby Croft (gr., Mr.
Leadbetter), was 2nd with a good stand.
In the open class fur eighteen incurveds, the Rt. Hon.
the Eirl of Harrisqton (gr., Mr. Goilacre), exhibited a
splendid collection, with which hj won the society's
Challenge Cup. Hiving won the Cup in this class for the
second time in succession, the Cup now becomes Mr. Good-
icre's own property. A. Wilson, Esq., again showed well
for 2nd place.
In the open diss for twelve bloom;, distinct, A. Wilson1,
Esq., was 1st; Mr^. Whitaker, Cliff House, Hessle, near
Hull. 2nd.
In the local clashes for cut blooms there was noticeable
marked improvement, and some of them would have scored
wdl in the open classes, especially the twelve incurved, and
the twelve Japanese, distinct, exhibited by Mrs. Bo wring's gr.,
Mr. Moore, with which he won the two Challenge Cups. The
Cup offered in the incurved class becomes Mr. Moore's pro-
perty. Sir J. Kitson was a good 2nd in both classes.
There was a fine display of bouquets, sprays, and button-
holes. Vegetables were extensively shown, but the exhibits
of fruit wore nit so numerous, nor were they of suoh good
quality as formorly.
The judges were Mr. Jeliooe, Liverpool ; Mr. Wilson,
S-vanl.nl Manor, Hull; Mr. Folkard, Sand Hutton Hall,
York ; and Mr. Daniels, Dewsbury.
KINGSTON-ON-THAMES CHRYSAN-
THEMUM.
November i), 10.— Held as usuil in the large Drill Hall,
the show was of fair quality, but stdl seems shorn of some
of its older fea'ures, groups being reduced to one class, and
the large trailed plants having disappeared. The group
now is of a composite nature, Chrysanthemum plants, foliage
and other flowering plants being combined. The effects
obtained arc varied, and in no case were they as go 3d as
they might have been.
Mr. Pokthirv, Ripou House Gardens, Putney, was 1st,
his Chrysanthemums being aided by Eucharis, Bouvardias,
Palms, &c. Mr. D. Gibson, gr. to ,1. B. Johnstone, Esq.,
Kingston Hill, was 2nd, having two-thirds Chrysanthemums,
but rather stiffly group d.
For four natural bush Japanese Chrysanthemum plants,
Mr. Mileham, gr. to A. F. Miller, Esq., Leatherhead,
was 1st, his specimens, some 3 feet in height, being finely
bloomed. They comprised Viviand Morel, Mons. henon de
Leche, Col. W, B. Smith, and Charles Davis. Mr. prinq-
372
THE GARbEtiEk& ClMOllIOLE.
tMoVEMBRr. -JO, 189°.
Thorpe was 2nd with a single specimen. The latter was a
good 1st, having a fine Boule d'Or.
Berried plants were capital, with six neat 2 feet, very
handsome, pyramidal scarlet fruited Capsicums. Mr. J. Lex,
gr. to T. W. Disney, Esq., Kingston, was 1st : Mr. Watkins,
gr, to It. W. Monro, Esq., Coombewarren, was 2nd.
Mr. S. Pead, gr. to R. 8. Bond, Esq., Surbiton, hid the
best six Bouvardias ; and Mr. P. King, gr. to A. F. Perkins,
Esq., Holmwood, Dorking, the best nine table plants ; Mr.
Mileham having the best six plants, and also tho best six
double Primulas, capitally bloomed. These are always well
done in the Leatherhead district.
Cut Ftoiccrt.— The Challenge Vase class for twenty four
Japanese and twenty four incurved flowers brought five
competitors, the winner this time teing Mr. F. Kino, who
takes the Vase to Holmwood for the year. He had of
Japanese, Australie (the champion bloom of the show), M
Chenon de Leche, Mrs. J. Lewis, Modestum, Mdlle. Theicse
Rey, Phoebus, Edwin Molyneux, Viscountess Hambledon,
Edith Tabor, Viviaud Morel, Mrs. A. J. Hnbbuck. Australian
Gold, Simplicity, Madame Carnot, Pride of Exmouth,
Mutual Friend, M. Maurice Ricoud, and others: and of in-
curveds Duchess of Fife, Charles Curtis (tho premier
bloom), W. Tunnington, Lord Alcester, Bonnie Dundee.
Robert Petfield, Major Bonnaffon, C. B. Whitnall, Lord
Rosebei v, Brookleigh Gem, with others. Mr. G. Hunt,
gr. to Pantia Ralli, Esq.. Ashstead Park, was -2nd this
year, having been last year's "inner. His Japanes) were
very good, but his incurveds were rather weak. Mr. Jinks,
gr. to Edoar Bruce, Esq , Walton-on-Thames, was 3rd,
having the second best champion Japanese bloom in his
stand, a fine golden Madame C imot.
With thirty-six Japanese, Mr. W. Higgs, gr. to J. B.
Hinkev, Esq., Lcat'ierhead. was 1st, the blooms being
of rather moderate quality. The best were Madame Carnot,
Mdlle. Gustave He ry, Viviand Morel, A. H. Wood, Mrs. H.
Weeks, Australia, II liry Wonder, M. Pankoncke, M. de la
Roeheterre, &c. Mr. Hunt was a very close 2nd. Throughout
this class many blooms had suffered from damp.
Mr. D. Gibson had the best twelve Japanese in one diss,
Mr. Springt horpe being 2nd.
In a further class for twelve blooms, Mr. Gibson was aga;n
1st, and Mr. Springthorpe 2nd ; Mr. H. Squelch, of Dorking,
coming 3rd.
In the class for six white Japanese blooms, Mr. G. W.
Forbes, gr. to M tdame Nichols, Surbiton, had grand ones of
Madame Carnot, coming an easy 1st; Mr. Pead being 2nd
with the same variety. In a further class for six, any colour,
Mr. Forbfs was again 1st, with good Viiand Morel; Mr.
Gibs in being 2nd, with the ycllov Phoebus ; and in a third
class for six blooms Mr. Bioas was pit 1st with rat her weak
Madame C.ruot; Mr. Bprinothorpe having really better
blooms of PhosbuS for the same place.
Incurved flowers now play a small part in these shows. In
the class for twenty four blooms, Mr. F. Kino wis 1st, with
lair specimens. Globe d'Or, I. ml Itosebery, C. B. Whitnall,
Robert Petfield, Brook'eigh Gem, Mrs. It. King, Ch is.
Curtis, and Ma Perfection bein-; of the best; Mr. G. Hi r
was 2nd, an 1 Mr. Hioos 3rd.
Mr. J. French, gr. to Mrs Barclay, Wimbled. n, had the
best twelve blooms, Mr. Siringthokpe being 2ud.
With six of one variety, Mr. G. Hrarwaswell 1st, with
very fine Duchess of Fife, good C. H. Curtis coming 2nd
from Mr. F. Kino.
Reltexed blooms were small, Mr. C. J. Cooke, gr. to J. 8.
Sassoon, E-iq., Walton, being 1st, and Mr. Pead 2nd. Mr.
Jinks had the best twelve Anemones, really good blooms.
Mr. F. Caryer, gr. to A. G. Mlissner, Es |., Weybridge, had
the best twelve trebles of Pompons, and Mr. A. Nagi.e,
Kingston, the best Anomono Pompons. With six b'ooms
each of Mrs. G. Bundle, Mr. Glenny, and Mrs. Dixon, Mr.
Forbes was well 1st, as he was also for twelve singles in
trebles, a beautiful lot of flowers.
A class for twelve Japanese blooms on long stems, set up
in baskets, brought a capital competition. The 1st prize was
given to Mr. G. Elliott, gr. to Captain Macdonald. Wt*t
Molesey, for a broad, flat basket, the blooms well disposed,
being mixed with foliage plants and grasses ; Mr. Brett, gr.
to Wm. Campbell, Esq., Coombe Bridge, coming 2nd.
Fruit.— The collections of four dishes wee very poor, the
1st prize lot from Mr. W. Taylor, gr. to C. Bayer. Esq ,
Forest Hill. Wilh Black Grapes in three bunches, Mr. Taylor
was 1st, having good Gros Colman ; Mr. G. Smith coming 2nd
wiih the same variety; and Mr. Turner was 3rd with
Alnwick Seedling.
Mr. J. Bury, By tie t, had some capital Alicantes that, on
tho second day in better light showed a 1. ng w .y better than
tho 3rd prize bunches. Some adveise criticisms were passed
on the judging of the Grapes.
Mr. Atkins had the best six dUhes of Appksin Ribston,
Blenheim, and Kiug Pippins, Mere de Menage, Ladv llenni-
ker, and Wellington; Mr. Turner coming 2nd. Mr. Hicks
had the best four varie'ies of Pears, moderate samples.
Mr C. J. Waite, gr. to Mr. Patrick Talbot, Esher, sent a
arge basket ol twelve diverse vegetables not for competition.
There were numerous bouquets, table stands, sprays,
buttonholes, and similar decorations set up by Lady-
amateurs, but these have only local interest.
Smith Dorrif.n, Earl BrownloW, Lady ChesiiaM, Mr. T.
Goocll, Mr. E. F. I iddbrdale,,. Mr. W. Gillilan. Mr.
Strachan, and others in tho bigger classes ; Mrs Lionel
Li CAS, Mr •! La K'.ni aink. Mr. GmSTWOOD, and Mr. Clare
in the minor ones. As a speaker remarked at the dinner,
the show once was filled with quantity, now it was filled
with quality, and there was scarcely a weak class.
DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'.
November 10.— The subject treated of on the occasion was
" Pruning and the Management of Fruit Trees," a paper
by Mr. T. H. Slade, gr. to Lord Poltimore, at Poltimore
Park.
It was important in planting Apple trees, said the lecturer,
to b:ar in mind the kind of stock Apples were grafted on,
as if on Paradise, S to 12 feet apart would be sufficiently
wide, but 12 to 20 feet was necessary for Apples on the Crab
stock. Where spice w.is limited, tiie Paradi e stock should
be preferred.
When the soil was very good, he recommended planting
near the surface; and in pruning the roots, he advised
pruning Ihem so as to induce the new roots to strike upwards,
and thus get the benefit of the sun's action on the soil.
Fears that the roots of Apple trees mi^ht be injured by
frost w re groundless. Where a tree continued to make
about 9 inches of good solid growth annually, it was
not iu iietd of root pruning; but when this treatment was
necessary owing to ex esssive growth of wuo I, there should
be a fair balance aimed at between the ramifications of the
roots, and the spread of tho top branches.
Orchard Apple trees which were planted 30 feet apart,
required little, if any, root pruning, as they would in time
reach a bearing condition, and that alone would check any
tendency to make wood at the expense of bloom.
Where orchard trees were planted in the aut imn, pruning
should be practiced in the spring. An orchard standard
tree should have a stout, clean stem, an I about six m lin
shoots. It was eisy to multiply the shoots by shortening
existing ones to 3 or 4 inches, and it wa-i a mistikoto give
the tree too much work to do, by allowing shoots to remain
at their full length during the early years of the life of
a tree.
With regard to Pear trees, the crowns should be kept thin,
and only someof the branches pruned back. In pruning Pear
trees some recommended pruning the top first, and then, at an
interval uf a week or a fortnight, the lower part of the tree,
but he did not think tins was necessary.
In pruning espaliers, the leaders or principal shoots
should be left unshortened in order to induce the formation
of fruit-buds in a natural manner. The greatest c ire should
be taken, in choosing trees, on the right kind ol stock. He had
seen Pears grafted on Thorns, but, of co u-se. s ich tic is were
w.irihless. As to summer pinching, the grower dm I be
guided by tho season, but, in any en-, it was well to leave it
as late as possible iu the summer.
If Cherries made t ouch wood, a salutary check would
be administered by mixing rubble wilh the soil. As to
the blistering of the leaves of Poaches, he thought it was
caused hy cold win is in spring, and not, as some supposed,
through dryness at the roots. Mil lew and otuer pests should
be sharply looked after, and taken in hand in time. Ho
Btrongly advocated the autumn grease band remedy for
fruit-trees, prevention being Infinitely preferable to cure in
tins case. Mr Slade illu tratc 1 his lecture by pi icin ; sev- ral
fruit-trees before bis audience, and pointing out the results
of bad grafting, and the effects of different kinds of treat-
ment. With the usual vote of thanks, after a rather Epirited
discussion, the meeting terminated.
GREAT BERKHAMSTED SHOW.
November 9, IP.— The Chrysanthemum Society of this
place held its tenth annual show on the above dates.
There were twelve more entries than last year, viz , 115,
and in all classes advancement was obvious, except in that
uf GrapeB. Chrysanthemums wore well shown by Mrs.
MONMOUTH CHRYSANTHEMUM.
Noyemb r 1", 11.— After a lapse of six years, this Society
held a show with very satisfactory results in the Rolls Hall,
Monmouth, on the above d .tos.
Cut Moons.— There were s..ven exhibitors in the class for
twenty-f-air Japanese, and the 1st prize was taken by Mr.
Lockyer, gr to J. C. Hanbury, Esq., Pontypoul Park, with
wonderful blooms of Amiral Avellan, Lmko of York, Mrs. C.
Blick, vadaine de Molin, M. Chenon de Leche. Eiwin
Molyneux, &c. ; Mr. Davis, gr. to A. W. 8. Wright, Esq,
Quarry House, Linton, who was a close 2nd, had Australian
Gold, Oceana, Edith Tabor, .' untlower, Madame Carnot,
Simplicity, &c , in grand form.
In the class Tor twelve Japanese. Mr. B lyford, gr. lo C. Lee
Campbell, Esq , Glewstcn Court, Ross, wis an easy 1st,
with superb blooms of M. Chenon de Leche, Phoebus, Intcr-
nationil, Pride of Mad ford, Elsie Teichmann Mdlle. de M.
Galbert, M. Gruyor, &c. : 2ul, Captain Hopoood, Mount
Craig.
Here again Mr. Lockyer had the post of honour for
tventy-four incurreds, the blooms luge and well finished, of
Miss Haggis, C. Curtis. E-npra s of India, Duchess of Fyfe,
Madame Darier, <(;.-. ; 2nd, Mr Pin. Abergavenny, who also
had agood stand, including a magnificent bloom of C. Curtis.
A. Knowi es, Esq,, Newent Court, 01ou<ester, who was
placed 1st for twelve incurveds, had well-finished dowers of
M.jor Bonnaffon, J. Agate, &c ; Mr, Biyford being a
good 2nd.
Groups of Chrysanl'umitm'.— In point of merit, the groups
were not the equal of the stands of cut blooms, although the
best of them, one arranged by Mr. Phillips, gr. to J. M.
Binnerman, Esq , Wyastono Leys, was particularly good;
C. M. Crompton Robjhts, Esq., Drybridge. Monmouth, fol-
lowed closely with plants having bolter flowers, but less
satisfactorily arranged,
Wreaths, bouquets, Apples, Pears, and vegetables were
oxhibited in excellent examples ; while not the least attrac-
tive features wore some non-competitive exhibits, viz., a
largo collection of Apples from Mr. Basham, Fair Oak
Nursery, Newport, similar to that he staged at Hereford last
week ; and a large group of plants from Lord Llangattock,
The Hendre, which consisted of Eucharis grandiflora, Cat-
tleyas, Cypripedtums, Chrysanthemums, Palms, Ferns, &c.
T. C. '■
NORTHAMPTON CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 10, 11. —This successful Society held its twenty-
sixth annual exhibition in the Corn Exchange, and the dis-
play was a be'ter one than the Society had previously made.
The groups contained b.tter blooms than in former years.
Primulas are always good at this show, and efforts were
made this season to win the prize from the champion
grower of the last two years, but without success. Mr. A.
Batcman, gr. to R. Lee Bevan, Esq., Brixworth Hall, was
again 1st, although some of his competitors staged the same
variety.
Cut blooms of Chrysanthemums were very good in quality.
We remarked two bloom* of Mrs. J. Lewis and Simplicity
that were better than we have previously seen these varie-
ties. A strong spirit of rivalry exists between the amateurs
of the Noithampton district, and some of the blooms staged
by them this year would have beeu creditable to the open
classes.
Groups and Plants.
For the best group of Chrysanthemum plants there were
three competitors, and the winner was found in Mr. Reeve,
gr. to Mrs. Coulson, Cliftonvil'e, Northampton, whoso
arrangement of well cultivated plants was very s itisfactory ;
Mr. Soden, gr. to Mr. F. G. AoNlTr, Northampton, was placed
in i with a fairly good group.
For six Japanese, distinct varitties, Mr. Reeve was again
placed 1st, am -ngst them being a very well gtown plant of
Vivimd Morel, and also Wm. Trickor ; Mr. Sopen was 2nd.
In the amateurs' classes for groups, Mr. Barkaway, Lower
Thrift Street, was 1st, with a splendid group.
Cur Blooms.
For eighteen incurved varieties, Lord Spencer, Althorp
Park, was a good 1st out of live entries, having some very
line blooms of C. H. Curtis, John Lambert, Ma Perfeeti, u,
W. T inniugton, and Major Bi nniffon. Mr. Copson was 2nd
with goad Baron Hirsch and Duke of Fife, the last name I
bloom was not quite developed.
s Mr. Reeve took the premier honour for twelve incurveds,
having very fine blooms of J. Agate and Empress of hid. a.
Iu the class for eighteen Japanese (distinct*, fro u ei^ut
entries. Mr. PeaRCE was placed 1st, wli > h.l'l good blooms ol
Mrs. J. Lewi-t, Viviand Mori-1, and Simplicity.
For twelve Japanese, introduced siue ■ 1st::, Mr. Pearcs
was again st with fine specimens of Mrs. J. Lewis, Mons.
Gruyer, Phoebus, Madame fa-mot, International, Simpliciij\
Chas. Davis, and G. Hubbuck, Pride of K\:rnoutb. (a gran I
bloom), Lady Ridgway, and Australian G ild. Mr. Copson was
2nd with a very fine Mrs. J. Lewis iu the stand.
For six Japmese introduced in the spring of lS9i and 1S.<7,
Mr. OoP.iON was 1st with six beautiful blooms of Mr*. J.
Lewis, Australian GoM, Miss Gosehen, Lady Byron, Boon
A. Oe Rothschild, and C. W. Richardson.
The rest of the cut bloom classes were well contested.
Miscellaneous.
Mr. Woods was 1st in table decoration ; and for table plants
Mr. Hayes secured the principal honour. Mr. Hayes wai
also 1st for bouquet and wreath.
Fruit and veget ibles were well shown, Mr. Cole, gr. to Earl
Spence i, being 1st for vegetables ; and Mr. Batem in for
Grapes.
Two very pretty stan Is of miscellaneous fruits and plants
were shown by Mesbrs. John Perkins & Son ; also Messr .
Thoh. Perkins & Soys, both of Northampton.
Tue judging was und rtikcn by Mr. W. Drover, of Fare-
h.un. Hints; Mr. G. Glover, Eshor ; Mr. F. Perkin",
Northampton ; and Mr. Collins, Berry Wood.
CHELTENHAM, &c, "WINTER FLOWER
EXHIBITION.
November 10, 11. — At this annual exhibition which has
been continued for a period of twenty-seven years, Iho
farmer and the gardener join hinds ; the former stages roots
of various kinds of ponderous proportions, and enormous
Cow cabbages, with grain of various kinds ; and the gardener
supplies Chrysanthemums, fruit, an 1 vegetables. The largest
of the assembly rooms is given up to the gvrdener; but
he has to put his vegetables in an ither for lack of space,
while other rooms lave farm pro luce in great variety.
It is an exhibition somewhat unique of its kind, and tho
Mayor of the to .vn occupies the chair at a luncheon after
the awards are made.
Chrysanthtmumt. — There were several classes for plants,
most of them trained specimens, but with few exceptions
they were wanting in foliage. Messrs. Smith & Sons, St.
Gjorge's Road, had the six best incurved specimens ; Mr.
James Pilgrim, Pitville Nursery, the best six Japanese.
In the class for a group of plants, a remarkably fine exhibit
was made by Mr. G. W. Marsh, gr. to T. B. Butt, Esq., Arte
Court, Every plant was characterised by fine growth, and
November 2n, 1897.]
THE GAHDENEH& CHRONICLE.
373
carried splendid blooms. Mr. W. Lusty, gr. to Colonel
Rooers, Battledown Court, was a good '2nd, having fino
blooms.
Some excellent cut blooms were staged, and there was a
close competition in most of tho classes. The best eighteen
varieties of incurved Chrysanthemums came from Mr. G. W.
Marsh; Mr. W. Lusty was a very close 2nd indeed. The
blooms in the latter had ize and evenness, and those in the
former rather more refinement.
Mr. Lusty was an easy 1st with eighteen blooms of fine
character; Mr. W. Hillier, gr. to Lady Northwick, was '2nd.
With twelve incurved, Mr. W. Child, gr. to the Earl of
Coventry, Severn Stoke, was 1st, having in excellent
character Mrs. J. Kcarns, C. II. Curtis, and Jeanne d'Arc ;
Mr. J. Mullins, gr. to Cot Arbuihnot, Gloucester, was 2nd.
Japanese Chrysanthemums were finely shown; ihe best
thirty-six blooms, which were well ahead of anything el=e,
came from Mr. J. Martin, k*". to T. \V. Swinbi-rne, Esq,
Corndean Hall, who had very line bl na of Madame Carnot,
Phoebus, Edith Tabor, A. G. Hubbuck, Hairy Wonder,
Beauty of Teignmouth, Mrs. It. Jones, Ethel Addison, and
Robert Owen; Mr. G. W. Marsh was a good 2nd.
Mr. W. Hillier was 1st witli eighteen blooms, showing
some very good ones ; Mr. M akmi was '2nd.
With twelve blooms, Mr. J. L. Borobss was 1st ; and with
six blooms, Mr. J. Haddocks, gr. to J. HAgLieK, Esq ,
Cowley Manor.
Button-holes, sprays, bouqueU, and vases of Chrysanthe-
mum blooms were shown in several classes.
Table plants, Cyclamens, Mignonette, and Chinese Prim-
roses were also shown.
Fruit and VegetabIes.~~CnUia.etxy and dessert Apples were
in fine character, and brilliantly coloured. The best collec-
tion ( f twelve dishes of culinary, which included well-known
sorts, came from Mr. A. James, gr. to Viscount DeerkuRSTi
Mr. J. Mullins had the best four dishes.
The best twelve dishes of dessert Apples came from Mr.
A. James, a very good selection ; Mr. Child whs again 2od.
The 1st prize for four dishes of dessert Apples, distinct,
was won by Mr. G. Clifk. Single dishes of culinary and
dessert Apples were also shown. Mr. A. James also took the
1st prizj with 12 dishes of Pears, showing good fruits.
Mr. A. James had the lest two bunches of Black Grapes,
showing well finished Alicante ; and he was also first with
White Grapes, having well-coloured Muscat of Alexandria.
Vegetables were in good character generally. Mr. ALFRED
Cook had the best eight di lies; Mr. Child took Messrs,
Sutton A: Sons' 1st prize for six varieties; Mr. Alfred C (
was 1st with six dishes, the prize offered by Messrs. G P.
W. fates. The arrangements were excellent in the hands
of Mr. S. Sharpe, the Hon. Secretary.
DONCASTER CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 10, 11.— The principal features at this charming
show wore the superb groups, and the general arrangements
reflected great credit on the powers that be.
Mr. Alderman gained the specUl urt*e for the pre nier
bloom in the show, and the sime gjutleaaan was 1st for
twelve Jap 'tieae, twelve incurv. d (nine distinct), and twelve
incurved (eight distinct). Mr. Key wood, gr. to W. H. U.
Wriohtson, Esq., C us worth Hall, showed superb bl oms of
Madame Darier, Jemne d'Arc, and Golden Empress, in bis
3rd prize board in the class for nine distinct bloonia
There were but three competitors in the class fo» a group
arranged for effect, Mr. H. Butcher, gr. to W. Chad wick,
Esq., Arksey Hall, being 1st with some fine Woeins that
might, however, have been more happily blended in regard
to their colours ; Mr. Key wood came 2nd.
For miscellaneous groups Mr. Hill, who has but lately
taken over the charge of Mr. Mortis' gardens at Beechfield,
was well 1st.
In the district class, Mr. Butcher was 1st for six incurved
blooms dissimilar, closely followed, however, by Mr. West,
gr. to Sir Wm. Cooke, Wheatley Park. In the sis dissimilar
reflex class, Mr. Butch kit, Mr. West, and Mr. Key WOOD, were
placed in the order named.
For twelve Japanese (nine dissimilar), Mr. Key wood, C. W.
Blagden, Esq., and Mr. West, were respectively placed in
the position of their name?.
Fruit, d'c— The best white Grapes were shown by Mr.
Butcher, whilst Mr. Alderman secured the 1st prize for black
Aliotmtes,
Mr. Kevwood secured 1st place for cooking Apples, witli
Warner's King; whilst Mr. Brown, gr. to It. 8. Schofield,
Esq., was 1st in the dessert class.
Pot plants made a poor show, but everything else was
excellent, and reflected great credit on the secretary and
committee.
tjxbridge and district
chrysanthemum.
November 10, 11.— This Society held its second annual
show of Chrysanthemums, fruit, and vegetables in the
Town Hall.
Mr. W. Batchelor, gr. to C. B. LeiKE, Esq , Haretield Park,
was 1st for a group of Chrysanthemums, in which were
some fine blooms of Mrs. Weeks, Edith Tabor, Mutual
Friend, and Phoebus.
In a class fur "single handed gardeners," Mr Taylor, gr. to
G. Wills, Esq , Dileford Manor, was 1st for a group of Chrys-
anthemums ; and Mr. G. Bull gr. to A. M. TAhLETON, Esq.
lire .kspear3, was 1st for a group of inUcellanoou|i plants.
Mr. Daley, gr. to C. M. Wakefield, Esq., had the test
specimen plants.
In the open class for twenty-four Japanese blooms, Mr. S.
Mblbeck was 1st ; and for twenty-four incurved blooms,
Mr. Watson, gr. to F. Cox, Esq., was the winner.
Most of the remaining classes were reserved to members.
nere was good competition in the classes for fruit and
egetables.
MAINDEE AND DISTRICT CHRYS
ANTHEMTJM.
November U.— The eleventh annual show took place in tho
Gymnasium, Newport, Mon., a spacious hall well adapted for
a flower show. The attendance was most encouraging, and
the exhibits on the whole were good, the groups being
especially fine.
The best group of Chrysanthemums (open) was staged by
Mr. G. Stedman, Mainilee Nursery, who had a well arranged
group with blooms of the finest quality ; the best were
Edith Tabor, Cbas. I>avis, Etoile de Lyon, M. Chenon de
Leche, and Phoebus.
S. Dean, Esq, (gr , Mr. 11 Giddings), hid the best four
dwarf-trained Chrysanthemum plaits, and the be*t three
pyrami 1- trained Chrysanthemum plants.
Col. J. llANUiutv, Pontyp >ol 1'ark (gr., Mr. J. Lockyer),
won the ass for twelve Japanese blooms distinct. The
following were well staged : Duke of fork, UutuaJ Friend,
Mr-. C. Bliek, Vauden Heele, and G. C. Schwabs, Col. J. C.
Hanbury bad also the best collection of six cut blooms
incurved.
The best group of Chrysanthemums in the Gardeners'
Class was from S. Dean, Esq. (gr., Mr. B. Giddings). The
plants were well foliaged, the blooms were fresh and of good
size, the colours being well blen led.
The best group of miscellane us plants was from C. H.
Bailey, Esq. (Kr., Mr. Shark vt). This was the finest exhibit
in the show, and most tastefully arranged.
Trade Exhibits included one from Mr. William Trksei-ek,
Cardiff, comprising Cactus and siugle Dahlias, Roses, Chrys-
anthemums and bouquets.
Mr. John Basiiam of Fair Oak Nurseries, Bassaleg, Mon.,
staged an immense collection of Apples.
for three standard trained plants. This is the eighth conse-
cutive year Mr. Masters has hold this position.
There was a fino displayof cut blooms, and the competition
was very keen. For twenty-four Japanese Sir H. Beauchamp
was awarded the 1st prize for a very even lot ; N. Bacon*,
Esq., Raveningham Hall, was a close 2nd.
The best collection of twelve Japanese was from F. Penn,
Esq., Benacre Hall.
There was a fair show of incurved varieties. The best
twelve were staged by Mr. A. Bishop, Westley Hall, Bury St.
Edmund's; and best six by Mr. J. C. Sharpin, B.-ccles.
The classes for amateurs were well filled, Mr. W. Aldous,
Beccles, taking the principal honours hot i for planti in pots
and for cut blooms.
Fruit and vegetables were of good quality. N Bacon
Esj, exhibited the best collection of fruic, and Sir It
Hi:hi stamp the best basket of vegetable*— si< dishes ; also
the best basket of salad. There was also the usual die play of
spergnes and hand bou inets.
WINCHESTER.
Novt-MiiEK 11, 13. — An excellent exhibition in every respect
was that held in the Guildhall, Winchester, on the above
dates; and Mr. C. Shentou, the hon. secretary of tho
society, in ly be heartily congratulited upon the mkvcns that
has atten led his efforts.
In the cut bloom el i*ses Mr. W. G. Adam*, 89, Clarendon
Road. Southsea, won the premier award for forty eight, half
of which were Japanese and half incurved varieties; and
especially meritorious were the blooms of the latter. Mr.
W. Neville, gr. to F. W. Flight, Esq., Twyfo d, Winchester,
was 2nd, his strength lying in the Japanese section.
Mr. J. llaweimin, gr to C. Hoark, Esq , Hackwood Park,
Basingstoke, took the 1st prize for twenty-four J ipanese
varieties, the blo.»ms shown being highly coloured, and of a
size almost too large to allow of their being properly seen
upon he show-board. Mr. P. West, gr. to H. J. Wn.R.M, Esq ,
Northlands, S lisbury, was 2nd.
In the classes for twelve and for six incurved varn ties,
Mr. Adams was 1st in each ; Mr. NEVILLE being awardtd the
2nd place in each. The latter exhibitor was the winner in
the twelve (lower diss for white Japanese in four varieties,
with capital blooms of nicely chosen varieties; and Mr.
BowfKMAK secured a similar award for the same number
of yellow or bronzy-flowered varieties.
Mr. Best, gr. to F. D. Leyland, Esq., The Vine, Basing-
stoke, was 1st for twelve bloo us of any other colour; but he
was very closely followed by Mr. Bowerm in.
Groups of Chrysanthemums were shown in the best
manner by Mr. Street, gr. to the Rev. Dr. FeaRun, Win-
chester College, with plants and blooms of the finest quality ;
Mr. G. Newman, gr. to Captain Gaus-sbn, Twyford Lodge,
Winchester, coming in really good '-!nd.
Plants to show for conservatory decoration and specimens
were capital, especially those sent by Mr. G. Adams, gr. to
CoL F. A. Dickins, Blackbridge ; an! by Mr. Holloway, gr.
to Mr. A. Brown Hill, 'lhe Farm Dairy, Southampton, who
were awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in the order of their
names.
Mr. A. Taylor, 3, Hillside Terrace, Winchester, had tho
best specimen trained plant in Golden Christine
Mr. E. Can, gr. to N. A. O.lleit, Esq , Fair Oak Lodge,
Bi=hoj >-toke, won the leading award for a group of mis-
cellaneous plants arranged fur effect, and in WLich some
Orchids in flower formed a prominent feature. Primulas,
Cyclamens, and table plants, fruits, an t vegetables were
creditably shown.
Mr. E. Molyneux.gr. to W. II. Mveus, Esq , M.P.,Swa more
Park, Bishop's Waltham, sent a pleasing exhibit of cut
Chrysanthemums, contistiogof Japanese, incurved, Pomcon,
and siDgle flowered varittics.
BECCLES CHRYSANTHEMUM AND
FLORICULTOBAL.
November 11, 1-— The eighth annual show of the above
society was held in the Town Hall, Beccles. In the open
classes for plants in pota the en'ries were not so numerous as
in previous years, but the falling off in this respect was more
than compensated by the excellence of tho exhibits.
For three Chrysanthemums in pots, E. Masters, Esq.,
Beccles, again took premier honours In the classes for
Japanese, incurvod, roflexed, and Pompon varieties, alto
PUTNEY, WANDSWORTH, &c,
CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 11, 12.— There has been much new life infused
into t'da Society during the past s.ason or tvo A good de.il
of work has been done which is likely to result in u aking
the exhibition of some importance outside the immediate
locality, hitherto its only sphere ,f influence. The sho;v
held in the Cromwell Hall was the twentieth held at
Putney, and as will bo seen below, home of the txhibits wcr
very fine.
Since the last year's exhibition was held, there has been
subscribed a sum of money for the provision of a Challenge
Cup, value cy>, and this wis awarded in the Tradesmen's
Commemoration Class for sixty cut blooms. The Cup (which
is exceedingly hamisomc) wilt become the property of the
exhibitor that shall flrat win it in competition on two occa-
sions, not neces-arilv consecutive ones ; and conditions have
been made in favour of exhibitors to prev,ntthe Cup remain-
ing the property of the Society for a lengthened period. Tins
class was deci edly the mo^t interesting one at the show
just held, and the rest were generally satisfactory. The
arrangements weie in the hands of Mr. J. F. McLeod, Hon.
Beeietary, and were capital.
The groups of Chrysanthemum pi i ta were only pei mittt d
40 feet superficial spice each, but not fewer than twenty
varieties were to be represented by the pUnts, Such a
small space admits of but one meth id of arrangement ; an t
an exhibit horn Mr. W. Bedwell, gr. to LambekT, Ifisq ,
North Av-nue, was good, bis 1>I .oms beinj very comuienit-
The da** tor groups of itisceHaneOns plants
able
arranged for effect brought rive exhibits, several of which
were vl-iv pretty, the best came from Mr. A Methven, gr.
to w, Keith, Esq, Pernwood, Wimbledon I'ark, closely
followed by Mr. \. Nev 11, sir Ed. Saunders' gr. at Fair-
Uwn, W imbledon Common.
.Se erul classes for trained plants of Cbiysanthemums w^ie
moderately eontested. The nior. satisfactory were twelve
plants of Chrysanthemums on single plants of Japanese
Varieties, in ti-inch. pots, for a special prize offered by Mr
frcLeod. They were shown by Mr. John French, gr. to
Mrs. Barclay, Ambleside, Wimbledon Park.
Cut Blooms. — In the comment natio.i class for sixty cut
blooms, distinct, inclusive of thirty- six Japanese, twelve
incurveds, and tweWo Japanese incurveds, there were thiee
exhibitors; and the Challenge Cup and £4 was won by Mr.
G. Hunt, gr. to Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashsteai Park, Epsom,
whose exhibit was not only the best ever sta el at Putney,
but was remarkable for a really exceptional bloom of Mis.
It. Jones, which bore a very gieat resemblance to Mis.
lllick. This bloom was awarded the prize offered for the
premier Japanese flower in the show. Other first class
blooms wore those of J. Bidencope, Duchess of Wellington,
Yicomtesse R. de Chezelles, Wettirn King, Nyanzi, Oceana,
Madame Carnot, Simplicity, A. H. Wood, and M. Chenon de
Lecbe". Of incurveds, the best were Golden Empress, Duchess
of File, C. H. Curtis, Lady Dorothy, and Hero of Stoke
NewiDgton. Mr. J. French was a good 2nd, atid Mr.
Chas. Smith, gr. to W. Adi>ison, Esq., Norb ton Place,
Kingston, 3rd.
The best exhibitor of twenty-four blooms of Japanese
varieties was Mr. Jas. Poriburv, Ripon House Gardens,
Putney Heath; followed by Mr. J. Dark, gr. to J. Noakes,
Esq., Lomo.d House, Putney; Mr. Jas. Port uurv again
winning for twelve Japanese blooms, distinct. Generally the
Japanese blooms were fine in quality, and superior to those
of incurveds.
Mr. Jas. Portbury won the classes for twenty four blooms
and for twelve blooms of incurveds.
Mr J. Wright.gr. to H. A. Tl'kfnell, Esq., The Grove,
Wimbledon Park, n on forsix blooms of incurveds, six blooms
of Anemone-flo*vered, six blooms of retloxed varieties, and
for twelve bunches of Pompons.
The best single flowers were from Mr. E. Pearce, gr. to
W. S. Page, Esq., The Limes, Putne;.
There were minor classes for Chrysanthemums, and for
Ferns, table plants, Primulas, berried plants Cyclamen, and
florists arrangements. A moderate amount of good fruit
was staged in competition, anl the vegetables were satis-
factory.
Miscellaneous. — Of non-competitive exhibits, n largo group
ol choice plants from Messrs. Jas. Veitch & So.xa, Ltd.,
Chelsea, was the best. 0 here were others from Mr. R. Neal,
Trinity Road Nurseries, Wandsworth; Mr. Geo. Sti;ve.n>>
florist, Putney, &o.
374
THE OABDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November '20, 1897.
PEOPLE'S PALACE HORTICULTURAL.
November 11, 12, 13.— The Chrysanthemum show was
held in the spacious Queen's Hall, am] the entries were very
numerous, showing there is a considerable extension of
Chrysanthemum culture in the E.ist ot London, while the
quality of ni my uf the plants aud bloom* was rem.\rkable.
In what is known as tbe open districts— which embrace
the less crowded parts, there were ten entries for six
plants, and ten for two plants, eleven entries for twelve
blooms of Japanese, and the same number for six blooms
and ten for four. Incurved flowers were not so nume-
rous, but excellent blooms were staged. Pompons are
grown in the East, for there were eight entries of six
bunches. Groups of 18 and 12 feet were also well shown.
Not less satisfactory was the entries from the congested
districts. There were ten entries of three plants, and eleven
for two, ten of six. blooms of Japanese, nine of four, fifteen
of two whit-, fourteen of two yellow, and twenty of two
of any other colour. The groups were placed round the
sides of the hall ; the cut blooms on long tables, the plants
filling up the centre of the hall. It is satisfactory to note
that the society is strong enough to make an exhibition
without the help of much in the way of outside con
tributions.
Mr. J. H. WiTTi', Nuuhead Cemetery, had a fine group of
plants, to which the Silver gilt Medal of the society was
awarded; and in the evening Mr. Witty addressed the
members on the culture of the Chrysanthemum. A group
of plants came also from Mr. Kenyon, gr. to T. C. Hill, Esq.,
Monkhams, to which a Silver Medal was awarded. Collec-
tions of very fine cut bloom i came from Mr. W. Baxter,
Woking Village; Mr. G- Reynolds, gr. to the Messrs. de
Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park; and Mr. J. B. Riding,
nurseryman, Cuingford.
For twelve Japanese, Mr. Shepherd was 1st, also for twelve
white Japanese.
Messrs. H. R. &. W. Lack, of Wellingboro rgh, showed the
best Primulas. Mr. Haves had the beat bouquet; and Mr.
Douglas the finest wreath.
Apples, Grapes, aud Pears were shown, the chief wiouers
being Messrs. Clwton & Sons, Mr. HAVE3, Messrs. Lick .V
Co., and Mr. Douglas.
Mr. Hayes also had the best veget ibles.
The Society is in a nourishing condition, and subscriptions
have been forthcoming very freely this year.
WINDSOR CHRYSANTHEMUM
November 12.— A capital exhibition was held on the above
date in the Albert Institute. The entries much exceeded
those of last year, while the exhibits themselves showed
marked improvement.
Groups of Chrysanthemums in the open class numbered
five, and there was a like number in the class devoted to
amateurs. In the former, Mr. Wm. Cole, gr. to Mrs. E. B.
Foster, Olewer Manor, was ahead of his opponents, with
plants well suited for the purpose, beiug dwarf in growth,
and carrying exceedingly fine blooms. The arrangement
was satisfactory and free from crowding ; Mr. Bunce, gr. to
Winkley Smith, Esq., was a good 2nd.
In the amiteurs* division, a similar award was made in
favour of Mr. Edwards ; the 2ud position being occupied by
Dr. Wyborn, both staging really excellent plants and blooms.
Specimen trained Chrysanthemums were best staged by
Mr. W. Cole also, who had good fre dy-flowered plants.
In a special class for one untrained plant, Mr. F. J. Paul,
gr. to Mrs. Browning, staged one of C. H. Curtis fully 7 feet
in diameter, wonderfully blossomed.
Cut blooms were stagel numerously and well. The prin-
cipal class was for thirty -six, half of them incurved aud half
Japanese. Mr. Stent, Round Oak, was a somewhat easy
1st, with full, ha dsome blooms in the Japanese, and fairly
good ones in the incurved sections. Mr. Line, gr. to Miss
A. G. Ridoe, Ascot, was a good 2nd.
Mr. Stent was again successful in the class for twelve in-
curved, and a like number ot Japanese blooms, exhibiting
well in both sections ; Mr. Lane was again 2nd.
The best twelve incurved blooms were stage J by Mr. F J.
Paul: they were not large, but of good quality; Mr. J.
Williams, gr. to F. Ricardo, Esq , 2nd.
Mr. Stent staged exceedingly fine blossmis of C. II,
Curtis in the class for six incurved blooms ot any one
variety.
Japanese blooms, twelve varieties, were best sho ;vn by Mr
J. Williams.
Anemone flowered varieties made a capital display. Mr.
W. Cole staged handsome examples of these interesting
flowers ; Mr. J. Williams was a close 2nd.
Two interesting classes were provided for Chrysanthemums
in vases, associated with other foliage. The principal class
was that for twelve blooms with stems not less than 12 in.
long. Mr. Wood won the leading award with good blooms,
agreeably Intermixed with suitable foliage.
A basket or vase of cut Chrysanthemum blooms, suitable
for table decoration, open only to ladies, was won by Mrs.
Young, with a capital basket of suitable blooms.
Fruit and vegetables made a good display. Mr. Titt had
an interesting exhibit of wreaths, cro3Ses, and other floral
decorations.
WELLINGBOROUGH CHRYSAN-
THEMUM.
November 12, 13. -Wellingborough held its thirte nth
annual exhibition ou the above dates. The exhibits in cut
blooms and groups were considerably more numerous than
at any previous show held here. The society is to be con-
gratulated for this enterprise.
For the bost group of Chrysanthemums, Mr, Ward was
placed 1st ; and Mr. Li'ton 2nd. Mr. Ward also had the
best exhibit of six plants, and the finest specimen plant
In the class for tweuty-four cut blooms, Mr. J. Fulford,
gr. to Mr. Stopford Sxckville, Drayton House, was 1st;
and Mr. Kirbv, 2nd. Mr. Kirby had the best twelve in-
Curved blooms ; and Mr, Hayes took 2nd prize.
SHIRLEY AND SURROUNDING DIS-
TRICTS GARDENERS' AND AMA-
TEURS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION.
November 13.— The monthly meeting of the above society
was held at the parish room, Shirley, Southampton, on the
above date. There was a very good attendance, presided over
by Mr. B. Ladhams, F.R.H.S. Mr. Shrivf.ll, F.L.S., Ton-
bridge, gave a lecture on chemical manures for the garden,
and his rem irks were the result of four years' experiments
cirried on at Tonbridge, by himself and Dr. Bernard Dyer.
The conclusion arrived at seems to point out that the most
economical use of manures is a combination of chemical and
stable manure, in proportims and kinds suitable to the crop
to be grown. A large number of questions were put to Mr.
Shrivell on the important subject, and at the close of the
discussion, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him.
There was a large display of Chrysanthemums made by the
members.
IPSWICH CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 16. —The Ipswich Chrysanthemum Society is to
be congratulated on the great improvement in all depart-
ments, for plants, cut blooms, fruit and vegetables were
shown of the highest quality.
Cat Blooms.— Thirty-six Japanese, distinct, 1st, Mr. Mes-
senger, gr. to C. H. Berners, Esq., Woolverstone Park,
Ipswich, stiging fine frem blooms of— Back row: Madame
Cirnot, Phoebus, Australie, Simplicity, E. M.ilyneux,
Modestum, Mrs. H. Payne, Madame Moulin, International,
C. Davis, Saowdon, Silver King. Middle row : M. Chenon
de Leche", L'tsore, Etoile de Lyon, M. Pankuiicke, Graphic,
H. H. Spenser, Madame G. Henry, Duke of York, Amiral
Avellan, Western King, G. C. Schwabo, John Seward.
Front row: T. Wilkins, Madame E. Capitant, Mrs. C. Blick,
Mons. Gruyer, Triomphe do St. Laurent, Mutual Friend,
Viviand Morel, Salim, Mrs. H. Weeks, Mrs. F. Bevan,
J. Brookes, Rose Wynn\ 2nd, Mr. R. C. Notcutr, Broughton
Road Nursery, Ipswich, amongst his best blooms beiug
Australie, Silver Kin;, Mous. Chenon de Leche", Mrs. C. H.
Payne, Matthew Hodgson, Mid una G. Henry, Mis.i E.
Teichmann.
Twenty-four Japanese, distinct.— The competition in this
class was exceedingly keen, chief honours falling to Mr. W.
Allen, gr. to Lord Suffielo, Gun ton Park, Norwich, who
fetaged a capital lot of blooms, the best of them being
Phoebus, Stanstead White, J. Machir, Viviand Morel, Mons.
Chenon de Leche, Afodestum, Mous. Gruyer nn I Prjfet Robert ;
closely followed by Mr. Rogers, gr. to Lord Rendlesu \\i,
Rendlesham Park, Wiekhaui Market, who had fine blooms
of Phoebus, Miss E. Teichmann, Mutual Friend, Viviand
Morel.
Twelve Japanese distinct, Mr. Allen followed up his
success in the twenty-four, winning with an excellent stand
of bright fresh blooms ; Mr. T. King, gr. to J. a. Burn ess,
Esq., Melton Lodge, Woodbridge, a good 2nd.
Twelve Japanese distinct, amiteurs —Mr. W. J. Catch-
tmlk was a good 1st with clean, fresh blooms; 2nd, Rev A.
C. Johnson,
Groups of plants were a strong feature of the Show. The
principal prize-takers being as follows : — Messrs. G. Giluert,
R. C. Notcott, and W. J. CaTohpolg, Esq.
Collection of cut Chrysanthemums arranged with foliage
and plants. —1st. Mr. W. Messenger, with a tastefully
arranged exhibit ; 2nd, Mr. G. Gilbert,
Fruit was finely represented, the chief honours falling to
Messrs. W. Me:9ENoer, Rogers, and Allen.
Grapos, Apples, and Pears were extensively shown, of good
size and colour.
Vegetables rmd3 a grand feature, of excellent quality, fresh
and clean, Messrs. Rooerh and Kino being 1st and 2nd
rcspsctively ; nine collections were staged.
In the fruit classes, Apples were spleniidly shown by Mr.
Cooper, The Moor, who gained four lsts, his Peasgood'a
Nonsuch being particularly noticeable.
Mr. II. Collins, gr. to H. S. Ashbee, Esq., Fowler's Park,
Ha wkh i irst, took the lead for dessert Pears. Grapes
were poor.
Vegetables are always a feature at the Hawkhurst shows,
and they are staged well. In this instance, the quality was
exceptionally good, the 1st prize in the professional class
going to Mr. J. Knapp, gr. to T. Hall, Esq., Cranescroft,
Hawkhurst.
MANCHESTER CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 1G, 17. — This was, in all respects, an excellent
show. The cut flowers of this popular autumn flower and
the plants were excellent, although we have seen more
spirited competition.
An additional attraction was the group of varieties of
Cotton plants which Mr. P. Weathers put up on the area
beneath the orchestra, which, in a centre of cotton commerce,
was keenly scanned. The Orchitis, too, were a choice
lot, and included the best of golden Cypripediums, Mr.
Ball taking a Gold Medal for the six flowered plants
tliat he showed at the Orchid meeting at the Coal Exchange,
and again at the Drill Hall in London. In so far as Orchids
were concerned, it was remarkable for a choice display.
Chrysanthemums
were limited in number as regards pot plants, but the quality
of the blooms was very marked. Mr. J. H. Gaddvm, Dids-
bury ; Mr. T. Harker, Fallowfield ; Mr. Behrens. Mr.
Goodac're, Elvaston ; Mr. Watts, Cheadle ; and Mr. J.
Stannino, Leyland, were principal exhibitors
The cut flowers were very good, especially those in the
stands of Mr. Behrens, Mr. Pennington, Mr. Greenhaloh',
Bolton Dene ; Mr. Statter, Miss Lord, and Mr. W. B. Edmond
son. The exhibitors were not so numerous, but the quality
of the exhibits stood out prominently.
ORCHID3.
Some excellent mountain-grown Cypripedium insigne came
from Mr. Lewis, and a rather striking seedling of Ca'anthe
vestita alba, large flower, and an albino. Mr. Cypher had
lots of good things which we cannot, with tho limited space
at disposal, enumerate.
The attendance was in all respects satisfactory, and the
tecond day promises a bumper gathering. Great credit is
due to the indefatigable Curator, Mr. Weathers; and such
elforts put forth are sure to tell for tho future finances
of the Royal Botanic Garden.
HAWKHURST CHRYSANTHEMUM.
Novemuer 16, 17. — The annual meeting of this Society
was held in the Victoria Hall, Hawkhurst, and the com-
mittee may be congratulated on the general high character
of the exhibits.
The chief prize-winners In the cut-bloom section were Mr.
C. Ensole, gr. to Colonel Prevost, Elfords, who took 1st
places for twenty-four Japanese, twenty-four incurved,
twelve Japanese, twelve incurved, twelve Anemone, and
twelve Pompons — a highly creditable performance. Mr. A.
Feiver, gr. to R. Neve, Esq., Ashlawn, Benenden, Kent, and
Mr. H. Fincham, Hartley House, Cranbrook, were also prize-
takers in this section.
For a group of Chrysanthemums in pots, Mr. C. Ensole
also took the lead ; while lor a miscellaneous group, arranged
or effect, Mr. W. Crump, gr. to the Misses Golpsmio,
Tongswood, Hawkhurst, was 1st.
The North Peckham Amateur Chrysan-
themum SOCIETY. — Our readers may well ask, iu
dubious tones, " Is tlie Chrysanthemum craze really
coming to an end ? " after perusing the following
letter, sent by the enthusiastic secretary of the
North Peckham Amateur Chrysanthemum Society,
Mr. William Nichols: — " We had a grand show this
year, over 200 entries, splendid blooms, and more than
4000 visitors ; the value of the prizes wa9 about £100,
Messrs. W. Early and Mease were the judges.
I have for next year, now on view in the High
Street, Peckham, three large and valuable marble
clocks, also cheques to the value of £8 where-
with to purchase the objects of art to be offered
as prizes in 1898 for plants grown with a special
manure. I can assure you, I intend, if it be at all
possible, to make it next to the National Chrys-
anthemum Society. I was an old member of that
society for many years ; and a friend of the late W.
Holmes. You can see what our prizes were by the
enclosed prize-list. [Most miscellaneous, forty in
all. Ed.]. We have altogether 200 members — not
bad in three years ; and when we extend it, of
course, there will be many more. The radius of our
operations is only about three-quarters of a mile ; it is
therefore not wise to commence in a large way at first."
National Chrysanthemum.— At a meeting
of the Floral Committee on the 15th inst., First-class
Certificates of Merit were awarded to Mdlle. Lucie
Faure, a large white incurved, full deep, highly
prornisiug, from Mr. W. J. Godfcy, Exniouth. To
incurved Japanese Mdlle. Lawreace Zede, pale lilac-
pink with light centre, of the build of Mrs. C. H.
Payne, large an 1 full ; and EarUwood Beauty, a
large white single variety with somewhat drooping
tubular petals, from Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood,
Redhill. To Japanese Mrs. CI. Carpenter, pale bright
lilac-purple with silvery reverse, and long curling
basal petals, a fine exhibition variety, from Mr. Q.
Carpenter, West Hill, Byfleet. To incurved Ernest
Cabnell, a fine full flowerofasoft buttery-cream colour,
excellent in build and petal, from Mr. It. Leadbetter,
Elmstead Lodge, ChiBlehurst, To Japanese Master
November 20, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
375
H. Tucker, a very fine flower, bright golden amyrauth
on the surface, with bronzy-gold reverse, from Mr.
H. Shoesmith, nurseryman, Woking. Commenda-
tions were given to incurved Madame Ferlat, a large
white, much in the way of Mdlle. Lucie Faure, from
Mr. W. Wells ; also to Japanese G- neral Roberts, in
the way of Eva Knowles, not so good as shown, but
yet promising, from Mr. J. Ollerhead, WimbledoD.
Several very promising varieties the Committee
wished to see again. A small Silver Medal was
awarded to Mr. William Wells for a collection of
new Chrysanthemums.
SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL.
November 18, 1!>, 20. — The annual Chrysanthemum exhi-
bition held by this Society of three days' duration, was
opened on Thursday, November 18, in the Wavorley Market,
Edinburgh. This year's exhibition is undoubtedly thu
largest of its kind over hold in Scotland, and this may be
accounted for by the special efforts of the Council to com-
memorate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty's Reign, the
incentive to a large exhibition, and strong competition being
offerod by the Society in prizes of large value ; especially is
this the case iu the Diamond Jubilee prizes, open to all gar-
deners and amateurs. This has brought, eleven entries, the
competition being exceedingly keen.
Other prizes, both ordinary and special, have also brought
forward strong competition, in some classes in the cut flower
section the entries number over thirty ; while among
vegetables, always splendidly shown, at Edinburgh over
fifty names are entered.
Over twelve hundred and fifty entries are made for tho
en tiro show, and so hard have the council been proasod for
space by intonduig exhibitors, that even in such a splendidly
adapted and spacious structure as tho Wavorley Market
many nurserymen exhibitors have been unavoidably declined
space.
This speaks for Itself in regard to the success of the Show,
for on usual occasions the Don- competitive exhibits staged
by nurserymen have been needed to give tho market a fur-
nished appearance. Since tho installation of tho electric
light, the light thrown over the whole of this large building
has been greatly improved, and a good view is everywhere
obtainable. The market, as usual, is tastefully draped and
decorated by Messrs. Cranston & Elliot. The Council and dif-
ferent sectional committees have been severely taxed, but their
arrangements have been satisfactorily carried out, while the
efforts of the Treasurer, Mr. A. Mackenzie, and the energetic
Secretary, Mr. R Laird, have been considerable. The
opening ceremony was suitably performed by Sir Thomas
Gibson Carmichael, and presided over by the Right Hon.
Mitchell Thomson, Lord Provost of Edinburgh. As the
surplus proceeds from the exhibition are to be devoted to
local and horticultural charities, it is hoped those will be as
generous as the objects merit.
Twotity vases of Chrysanthemums in twenty varieties,
throe blooms of each Chrysanthemum foliage only to be used.
The Grand Victoria Jubiloo Tr'\y.- of £50 in cash and Victorian
Gold Medal, was won by Mr. A. Haggart, BX. to Hon. LuciffS
O'Brien, Moor Park, Ludlow, with a grand lot of the follow-
ing varieties. Western King, Chas. Davis, Graphic, M. Grayer,
Simplicity, J-»s. Bidencope. M. Pankoucke. M. D., A. D.
Chatin, Mrs. H. Cross, Edith Tabor, Lady Ridgway, Etoile
de Lyon, Niveum, Mrs. W. H. Lees. M. Chenon de Leche,
M. Tabordier, Australian Gold. Mrs. H. Weeks, Viviand
Morel, and Richard Dein ; the 2nd prize of £'30 and Victorian
Silver Medal was won by Mr. W H. Lees, gr. to W. Bevan,
Esq., Trent Park, with a very fine and bright fresh lot, but
not quite so heavy as the 1st prize lot ; 3rd prize of £15
Mr. McHattie, Strathfieldsaye. Hants ; the 4th prize of
£10, Mr. P. Waterbr, Pawkham. Kent ; .r)th prize, £S, Mr.
P. Br.AiR, gr.,TrenthamPark; 6th prizeof £7, Mr. W. Divers,
gr., Belvoir Castle.
City of Edinburgh prize of £25, for forty-eight cut blooms,
Japanese, distinct ; Mr Haggard was again 1st, with Mrs.
Maling Grant. Mr. W. H Lees, Dorotbv Seward. Mr. H. C.
Pavne, Miss Mageie Blinkiron, M Rieoud, Madame A.
Molin. H. L. Sunderbruck, Pride of Vadford, Simplicity,
M. Chas. Molin. John Seward, A. H. Ward Phrebus. M.
TheYesc Rey, Chas. Davis, Niveum, Duke of York, Moor
Park, Australian Gold, Etoile de Lyon, Lady Ridgway,
Mr. H. Weeks, M. A. de Galbert, Chenon de Leche", Western
King, G. C. Schwabe, Hermann Kloss, M. Ad. Chatin,
Richard Dean, Australie, Mr. F. A. Bevan, C. Mely, J.
Bidencope, Dorothy Shea. C. W. Richardson, Madame Csrnot,
Oceana. M. Montigny, Internati nal, Modestum, Van den
Heede, Viviand Morel, Rose Wynne, Monx. Pankoucke, Mr.
B. Ironsides, Edith Tabor, and Mutual Friend. -2nd, Mr.
Be is ant, gr.. Castle Huntly, Longforgan. 3rd, Mr. J.
Forpvce, Bonalli Tower, Colinton. 4th, Mr. D. Nktioll,
Rossie, Forgandenny. 5tb, Mr. R. Addison, Black House,
Skelmorlie. There were ten entries in this class.
Seventy-two Vases Japanese Blooms in as many varieties. —
Gold Victorian Medal offered by the Scottish Horticultural
Association and five pounds in money, was won by Mr. R. W.
E. Murray. Blackford nouse, Edinburgh ; 2nd, Mr. D.
Nicbol, gr. to J. W. Brll, Esq., Rossie; 3rd, Mr. J. Foster,
Wellwood Park, Selkirk.
Twenty-four Incurved. — 1st, Mr. J. Martin, Corndeau Hall,
Winchcombo ; 2nd, Mr. J. McHattie ; 3rd, Mr. P. Blair.
Twelve Incurved.— 1st, Mr. W. H. Lees, with a neat stand ;
2nd, Mr. J. Martin.
Plants. — The number of spocimeu plants was far In
excess of previous yoars, huge well-flowered specimens
being generally shown. The judges for this section of the
show were Mr. Fraser Smith, Cullen House, Cullen, and
Mr. George Hay, Garvald House, Dolphinton.
In the class for six pot-plants, distinct varieties, Mr. D.
Cavanagh, St. Edward's, Murrayfield, was 1st, with a
finely-flowered, even collection of plants ; 2nd, Mr. Joseph
Holmes, Wiuton Castle, Pencaitland.
For six Pompons, Mr. P. Hunt, Coltbridgo Hall, Murray-
field, secured 1st place for huge speeimcus generally ; tho
varieties Nellie Rainford and Rosinante were particularly
good. Mr. W. Pulman, Holly Wood, Colinton Road, was
2nd with smaller specimens.
Mr. D. C a van ag u also secured 1st for six Japanese
varieties, among eight ontries, with superb plants; 2nd, Mr.
W. Bennett, Hanley Gogar.
For two distinct pot plants, Mr. J. Holmes was again 1st.
Tho best single orange- coloured Chrysanthemum came from
Mr. Cavannagh, the variety being President Lincoln. The
same exhibitor secured 1st places iu the classes for both
bronze and crimson-flowered varieties. Mr. Abbot, with a
good specimen of Madame de Senn, was 1st for a single speci-
men of a purple-flowered vari'ty, The Pompon from Mr. J.
Waldie, Dollarbeg, Dollar, was capital, and 1st among tho
eight competitors.
The 1st prize in the class for the best pot pUnt competi-
tion limited to gardeners and amateurs, was awarded to Mr.
D CavAKAOR, for a grand specimen of Viviand Morel. The
best plant of Pompon Rosinante was sent by Mr. P. Hunt,
Coltbridge Hall.
In the amateurs' class, tho prize for the best plant was
gaiued by Mr. A. Hogg, No .v town, Pencaitland. and was
awarded a Silver Medal. Mr. Hogg was also 1st for tho
host white -flowered Chrysanthemum, the variety being
Avalanche.
Throo groups wore arranged for effect, tho successful
1st prize group having been arranged by Mr. G. Wood, gr. to
Mr. Bi'cuanan, Oswald House, Edinburgh ; 2nd, Mr. Jar-
dine, gr. to Miss Murray, Gaitshoro, Ravelston ; :;rd, Mr.
P. HUNT, Coltbridgo Hall.
In tho class for Palms confined to Nurserymen, Messrs.
R. B. Laird & Sons were the winners of the 1st prize, for
six plants in pots of 9-inch diameter, and for four plants
in tubs.
For right plants in 16-inch puts or tubs, Messrs. Downie
were 1st. In the class for eight decorative plants Mr.
M \' k \v, Kingston Grange, Liberton, took leading honours.
Fruits.
I hrapeswere well exhibited ; the bunches and berries being
large and well coloured. The best four distinct varieties
came 'from Mr. D. Airdrif, Larbert House, Larbert, the
Muscats and Gros Marocs deserving special note ; 2nd, Mr. G.
Paterson, Benochil Park, Kirkcaldy. For two bunches Mr. T.
Lunt, Keir House/Dunblane, was 1st ; 2nd, Mr. J. Macneill,
Priorsford, Peebles. Mi. T. Lunt also secured 1st prize for
Muscat of Alexandria with excellent bunches of well ripened
fruit. In tho class for AUcantes, Mr. J. Leslie. Pitcullen
House, Perth, was 1st,
The best collection of Eight Dishes of fruit was from Mr.
Mi Intyke, The Glen, Innerleithen, with specially good Grapes,
Fears, Apple*, and Melons. For two Smooth Cayenne Pines this
exhibitor was also 1st. Mr. W. Lainos, Wellfield, Gateside,
was 1st for sis Pears grown in Scotland. For six varieties of
Pears, Mr. T. Thomson, Cherry Trees, Kelso, was 1st. For
six dessert Apples, Mr. J. Day, Galloway House, Garlieston,
was 1st ; Mr. J. Cairns, Coldstream, 2nd. Mr. J. Day was
also 1st in the class for eighteen varieties of Apples, and Mr.
J. Cairns was 2nd.
Vegetables.
The best collection of vegetables, consisting of ten distinct
kinds were from Mr. W. Harper, Tulliebelton House. Perth.
His was a splendid lot ; and Mr. A. C. Cameron, Binroek,
Dundee, was 2nd ; and Mr. J. Waldie, Dollarbeg, Dollar, 3rd,
among twelve competitors.
For a collection of six kinds, the 1st prize was won by Mr.
A. C Cameron ; 2nd, Mr. A. Dixon, Glenormiston, Inner-
leithen ; and 3rd, Mr. J. Waldif.
Leeks, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflowers, and Tomatos, were
very strongly contested. Several dishos of Peas were notice-
able in the collection.
NURSERYMENS' EXHIBITS.
Mr. Jones, Ryecroft Nursery, Lewisham, staged a lot of
Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, which were models of good cul-
ture, and formed one of the principal features of the show ;
many superb varieties of Chrysanthemums ; and finishing
off a grand exhibition stand of blooms of Chrysanthemum
Western King that were specially fine.
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, had a number of varieties
of Chrysanthemums and Potatos, a new variety named The
Crofter, a late round form of clean appearance being amongst
them.
Messrs. Thompson & Sons showed Grapes, Tomatos, and
Plants.
A stall in aid of the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, to which we
wish every success, was a feature of the show.
Trade Notice.
MR. H. A. BURBERRY.
It will be interesting to many to learn that Mr. H.
A. Burberry, for many years chief Orchid grower to
the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, and author of
The Amateur Orchid-cultivator's Ouide-book, has
resigned his post, and commenced business as a
consulting expert on all matters pertaining to
Orchids. Seeing that some or other of the plants in
a large proportion of uur Orchid collections are often
ailing, and considering tho value of many of the sub-
jects so affected, it should be a reliof both to their
owners and their growers to have a man of such
experience and skill to call in and advise with
them. Apart from any question of superior skill, it is
a known fact that an experienced man called in for
the occasion, often detects the cause of failure,
which, iu consequence of daily familiarity with the
surroundings, had not been evident to those in
charge. VVe wish Mr. Burberry every success.
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day.
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1" continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
Sum.
is
Tl
WO
ACCOM
JLATED.
ja .
1 »
■
s
3
CO
a
rt
9 lf>
B
3
£ 1 ®
si
fl-"
S £ ®
u
b
S-92 S-SS
«5
d
55
a>
Is
_
°5 g
> rt
O a>
"?4
>
o
<
o
n
© a 3 ' > s 3
> o fl S 3 fl
14 U
3*
o
S
.a
3
o
H
a
S d
S.S
04
Day.
Day-
Day-
Day-
lOths
deg.
deg.
deg.
deg.
Inch.
Ins.
0
7 +
48
0
+ 212
- 27
1 +
194
36-3
e
30
1
8 +
48
0
+ 38
- 13
1 -
175
24 9
6
32
2
5 +
46
0
+ 100
- 103
4 -
155
20'4
1
34
3
4 +
39
0
+ 140
- 146
5 -
149
19-9
2
38
4
5 +
43
0
+ S3
- 149
3 -
148
22-9
4
36
5
5 +
55
0
+ 264
- 205
5 -
140
22'0
10
40
6
7 +
58
0
+ 123
- 51
11 +
167
37 9
6
32
7
6 +
62
0
+ 184
- 116
1 +
170
28-5
10
35
8
6 +
70
0
+ 281
- 152
1 +
177
357
S
39
9
7 +
62
0
+ 79
- 19
0 aver
200
341
15
30
10
7 +
7S
0
+ 222
- 83
16 +
189
390
22
33
*
5 +
89
0
+ 399
- 80
2 -
188
301
21
42
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts —
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, &c.t Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending November 13, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
"The weather during this period became very unsettled,
with frequent and heavy rain in the western and north-
western districts. In the east aud south-east, however, the
conditions were comparatively dry. although slight rain
occurred during the early days of the week. Fog was expe-
rienced from time to time over England, and much cloud
prevailed.
" The temperature was much above the mean, the excess
ranging from A"1 in ' England, E.,' to 6" or 7s in all the
western districts, and in 'Scotland, N.', and to S° in
' Scotland, E.\ The highest of the maxima were re-
corded during the latter half of the week, and varied
from 63° in ' England, N.W.', and 61° or 60° in most
other districts, to 58° in ' Scotland, N.', and 67° in
376
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 20, 1897.
'Scotland, W.' The minimi were, as a rule, very high for
the time of year, but were relatively low in many places
both at the commencement and towards the end of th
period. The absolute minima ranged from 20° in ' England,
E.\ 31° in the 'Midland Counties,' and Zl° in 'England,
S.W.', to 40" over Ireland, aud to 43° in the ' Channel
Islands.'
"The rain/alt was again less than the mean in all the
Wheat-producing districts, and in the Channel Islands. In
the western and extreme northern parts of the kingdom,
however, there was an excess, that in ' Scotland, W.', and in
* Ireland, S .,' being very large.
"The bright sunshine was much below the normal, espe-
cially over Great Britain. The percentage of the possible
duration ranged from 22 in 'Ireland, S.', and 21 in the
* Channel Islands/ to 6 over ' Scotland,' to 2 in ' Englan ', E.',
and to 1 in ' England, N.E.' "
Markets.
— ■ ■ ♦
CO VENT GARDEN, NOVEMBER 18.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed. 1
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d.
s. d.
s.d.
s. d.
Arums, 1 2 blooms . . .
4 0-60
Mignonette, dz. bu.
2 0-
1 0
Bouvardias, pr. bun.
0 4-
0 6
Orchids :—
Carnations, pr. doz.
Cattleya, 12 bins.
6 0-
9 l)
blooms
1 0-
3 0
Odontoglossum
Chrysanthemums,
crispum, 12 bm.
1 6-
3 0
p. doz. blooms .
0 6-
2 6
Pelargoniums, scar-
— p. doz. bunches
3 0-
6 0
let, per 12 bun.
4 0-
6 0
Eui;harie, per dozen
4 0-
6 0
— per 12 sprays...
0 4-
0 6
Gardenias, per doz.
Pyrethrums, per 12
blooms
2 0-
3 0
bunches
1 6-
2 6
Hyacinth, Roman,
Roses, Tea, per doz.
0 6-
1 0
dozen sprays
0 9-
1 6
— yellow (Pearls),
Lilac, French, per
per dozen
2 0-
4 0
bunch
8 0-
4 0
— red, per dozen
1 0-
2 0
Lilium Harrial, per
— pink, per doz.
1 6-
2 6
doz. blooms
1 0-
6 0
— Safrano, p. doz.
1 0-
2 0
— Lancifolium,
Roses, per doz. buu.
4 0-
6 0
per doz. blooms
1 6-
2 0
Stephanotis, dozen
Lily of the Valley,
sprays
3 0-
4 0
dozen sprays
1 0-
2 0
Tuberoses. 12 blms.
0 3-
0 4
Maidenhair Fern,
Violets, 12 bunches
1 6-
2 0
per 12 bunches...
4 0-
8 0
— Parme, French
2 0-
2 6
Marguerites, per 12
White Narciss,
bunches
2 0-
4 0
French, 12bun. ...
2 0-
4 0
Orchid-bloo
m in variety
Fruit.—
iVERAGE '
Viiolesale Prices.
s. d.
s. d.
s. d.
s. d.
Apples (Cox's
Grapes, Muscats,
Orange), pr. bush.
14 0-16
" Cannon Hall,"
— (Ribstons). bsh.
14 0-
16 0
per lb
2 0-
4 0
- (Blenheim
— Muscats, se-
Orange), se-
lected, per lb...
2 0-
2 6
lected, p. bush.
0 0-
10 0
— Muscats, 2nd
— (Wellingtons),
quality, per lb.
0 9-
1 3
selected, bush.
9 0-
10 0
Nuts, Cobs, per
— common vars.,
100 lb
22 6-
25 0
per bushel
2 6-
4 0
Pears, small, bush.
3 0-
4 0
Grapes, Gros Col-
— stewing, bush.
4 0-
8 0
mar, per lb. ...
1 6-
2 0
— Californian, va
2ndqu;ll.,lb.
8-
10
rious, per case
7 0-
16 0
— Gros Maroc, lb.
1 0-
1 6
— D du Cornice,
— Alicantes, p. lb.
1 0-
1 3
per case
23 l)
—
2nd qual. , lb.
0 6-
0 8
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
— Hamburghs,
chael.oases con-
selected, per lb.
1 0-
1 6
taining 6 to 8...
4 6-
5 0
2nd qual. ,1b.
0 8-
0 9
— cases contain-
ing 10 to 12 ..
1 6-
2 0
Vegetables
. — AVERAG
e Wholesale Prices.
s. d.
s. d.
s. it.
s. d.
Artichokes, Globe,
Onions (pickling),
per doz.
3 0-
3 6
per pocket
2 0-
3 0
— Chinese (Sta-
— — skinned,
chys tuberifera)
|-bush
— Dutch, per big
2 6-
3 0
per lb...
0 3
—
3 0
Beans (Madeira),
— Albanian, per
perbask..(about
bag
4 6-
4 6
6 1b.)
1 II-
1 6
Radish (long sear-
— French, Chan-
let), Channei
nel Islands, lb.
0 S
—
Islands, per 12
Beetroots, p. bush.
1 3-
1 6
bunches
0 6-
0 S
Capsicum, Chili, p.
Salad, small, per
100
1 6
—
doz. punnets...
1 6
__
Cauliflowers, per
Shallots, per lb. ...
0 2
tally (5 doz.)
5 0-
6 0
Sprouts, per $ -
Cucumbers, home-
bushel
1 0-
1 3
grown, select.,
Tomatos, selected,
per doz.
3 0-
3 6
per doz. lb. ...
3 0-
4 0
Garlic, per lb.
0 2
—
— Medium, doz.
Horseradish (Ger-
lb
2 0-
3 0
man), per bundle
1 4-
1 6
— Seconds, do. .
1 0-
1 6
Mushrooms l Indoor)
— Canary Islands,
per lb
II s
0 10
per case, 36 lb.
8 n-
9 0
POTATOS.
Seeon i- class Potatos have weakened a shade owing to larger
arrivals of foreign. Snowdrops, 80*. to HOs. ; Up-to-dates,
85<j. to 110*. ; Maincrops, Si's, to luus. ; Saxons and-Bruce|
80s. to 955. ; Blacklands, 70s. to 75s. ; per ton . Belgium
and Dutch Ware, 'is. to 3*. 3d. ; German Ware, 6s. 3d. to is.
per bag of 50 kilos. John Bath, 32 and 34, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, W.C.
Plants in Pots.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Adlantum , per doz. 4
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12
— specimen, each 5
Chrysanthe mums,
p. doz. pots ... 5
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 1
Dracaenas, each ... 1
— various, p. doz. 12
Erica, various, per
dozen .. ... 9
Ficus 3lastlc each 1
d. s. d.
0-12 0
0-30 0
0-15 0
6-2 6
0-7 6
0-24 0
0-18 0
0-7 6
s. d. s. d
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz....
Ferns, small, doz. ...
— various, doz.
Foliage plants, per
dozen
Liliums, various,
per dozen
Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-90
Mignonette, p. doz. 4 0-60
Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 ^
— specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0
6 0-24 0
10-20
5 0-12 0
12 0-36 0
0-12 o
SEEDS.
London: November 17. — Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maze Pond, Borough, London, S.E. .
report an inactive and uninteresting market. Business in
Clover-seeds is, for the time of year, unusually meagre.
Winter Tares, owing to the continued speculative demand,
and ihe attractively low price, are getting into narrow com-
pass. Rye keeps steady. Full values are asked for Mus-
tard aid Rape seed. The Linseed trade is quiet. Blue Peas
aud Haricot Beans command [late rates. As regards bird
seeds, transactions arc at present limi ed, both in number
and extent. The Board of Trade Returns give the im-
ports of Clover and grass seeds into the United Kingdom
for the ten months ending October 31, 1897, as 220,051 cwt.,
value £432,91S, as against 317,708 cwt., value £690,350, for
the corresponding period of 1896.
CORN.
Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the
week ending November 13, and for the corresponding period
of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These
figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :—
Description.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Wheat
>. d.
31 9
a. d.
34 0
8. d.
+ 2 3
Barley
27 3
26 3
- 1 0
Oats
17 7
16 3
- 1 4
(Markets carried over to p. ix.)
Enquiry.
In< hrves.
C. H. Curtis
Globe d'Or
J. Agate
Lord Alcester
Queen of England
Robert Cannell
John Lambert
Mrs. Robinson King
Baron Hirsch
Mrs. W. Shipman
Mrs. G. Rundle
" He that questioncth much shall learn much." — Bacon.
Will some Chrysanthemum specialist or reader
of Gardeners' Chronicle kindly advise me as to Ihe
best time to stop the following varieties to secure
the buds at the right time to produce first-class
blooms from three to six on a plant, and also if any
of them need specially potting, and also the time to
put in cuttings in cold greenhouse —
Japanese.
Mine. Carnot
G. C. Scliwabe
Viviand Morel
Charles Davis
Green Chrysanthemum
Duchess of Wellington
Silver Cloud
Val de * ndorre
Annie Clibran
Koees d'Or
Mnns. C. Molin
Louisa
International
J P. Kendall
Mme. The"s. Rey
Tbos. Wilkins
Mme. Marie Hoste
White Louis Bcehmer
J. K. A.
An authority on the cultivation of Chrysanthemums,
replies as follows: — "At the outset, I would say no
method of treatment will enable a cultivator to pro-
duce first-class blooms of some of the varieties named
on the list referred to, at least, if exhibiting is
a point of consideration. Varieties like Mrs. Q. Run-
dle in the incurved section, Val d'Audorre, Annie
Clibran, aud White Louis Bcehmer in the Japanese,
are now much too small to take even a third rate
position in strong competition. It is wise to have
more than one plant of a sort, manage one on the
topping principle, the other on what is known as the
natural method of cultivation, viz. : Allow the latter
to grow away uninterruptedly until the first natural
break occurs in March, April, or May, as the case may
be. In both methods of culture, insert the cuttings
early in December, which enables the plants to grow
away slowly, so that the growth has ample time to
mature ; without maturity, it is useless to expect
blooms of high quality. As to topping the plants,
the first or second week in April is the most suitable
period. Topping, however, so much depends upon
the state of the plants that it is difficult to advise.
If_they are weakly, they of course are not so amen-
able to treatment of a special nature as those of
stronger growth. Another point : six blooms on a
plant is rather too many to produce blooms equal to
what is obtained when three are grow on a plant,
especially of the large growing varieties."
0/rmfm
Air
rrupondenfa
*.* Owing to the pressure on unr space, several reports
of Chrysanthemum and other shows are held over
till our next issue.
Bouvardia Disease : C. B. W. Too well known in
its results, but, we are sorry to say, the cause aud
cure are alike doubtful.
Chrysanthemum FONGCS : Jas. C. The worce case
we have yet seen of "rust," due to a species of
fungus, Uredo. This pest threatens to become a
most troublesome one, many of our correspondents
having lately favoured us with affected specimens.
If you will refer to Gardeners' Chronicle, Oct. 9,
p. 256, and Oct. 23, p. 294, you will find the pest
described, aud the possible measures of prevention
discussed.
Chrysanthemums, New: Anxious. You should seud
a specimen to the meeting of the Floral ( Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society, or of the
National Chrysanthemum Society. Meetings of
the latter body will be held on November 22 and
29, and December 7 and 13 at the Royal Aquarium,
Westminster.
Citrus TBI foliata: Westwood. This plant may be ob-
tained at Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons' nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, Loudon, S.W.
Cyfiupedium : H. J. It. The hybrid Cypripedium
sent seems to be a variety of C. x Alcides (.hirsutis-
simum x iusigne) described in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, January 10, 1891, p. 40 A plant of it
was shown at the Royal Horticultural Society's
meeting on November 9.
Foreign Fruit— Cacquin, or Caijuine: Cacquine.
We know of no fruit under this name, although
etymologically the name given is similar to the
French Coignassicr— -Quince.
Names ok Fruits : P. A. W. 1, Northern Greening ;
2, Warner's King ; 3, Golden Noble ; 1, Shepherd's
Newingtou; 5, By son Wood Russet; 6, Adams'
Pearmaiu.— J. Lawrie. 1, Tower of Glamis; 0,
Bess Pool ; 7, Heinette du Canada. — Q. R. Tower
of Glamis — C. R. 1, Beauty of Kent ; 3, Rosemary
Russet ; 4, Dutch Mignonne. From the other three
fruits the labels had become detlched. — Judo.
Your specimens of Pears are much too overripe.
Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be t>o yood as to consult
the following number. — /. <fj Co. Saintpaulia iouau-
tha. — P. C. P. 1, Berberis Darwini ; 2, Veronica
variegata ; 3, V. Traversii ; 4, Diosma ericoides ;
5, Elseaguus puugens. — /. Nat. 1, Pteris tremula;
2, Cyperus alternifolius ; 3, Adiautum capilhis-
veneris ; 4, Asparagus decumbens of gardens ; 5,
Adiautum cuneatumgrandiceps ; (i, Drac;ena inter-
media.
Patents: Z. A. Make personal application at the
Patent Office to register your patent, which you
will be allowed to do if it has not been anticipated.
SlNOLB Chrysanthemum : A', M. It is a very pretty
white bloom, but hardly frejh. It is curious
as a sport from the variety you name, a circum-
stance we should never have guessed.
Communications Received.— G. F.— o. S.— G. II. — B. D. J.
—0. T. D.— H. H. D'O., too late for this week.— M. H. S.—
W. P.— W. T. T.— P. Sander & Co.— W. G. 8.— Root.
Veitch & >S >n. — P. & M., too late for tbis week's issue. — P.
Rivoire. — It. N. H., next week.— C J. L., we have no such
illustratioi s as you wish— H. R. H.— E. J. L-— J. H. W. —
G. W.— R. 11. W.-F. &..-R. M. R.— A. W.-W. J.— W. M.
— H. M.— ]). T. F.-W. B. -A. C. F.— W. H. D— A. T. B ,
U.S.A.-W. R— W. T.-H. II. R.— R. C. H.— O. S. -Wil 1
Rose. -A. D.— C. W. -Hugh Dixou.— G. R.— E. F. G.
Photograph s, Specimens, etc., Received. — F. W. B. —
The Ijul. i p.-F. A, W, Burlington.— Q. M., Romsey.
November 27, If
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
377
TUB
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1897.
THE HYACINTH IN 1768.
'VToW that the planting of this ever-popular
spring llowor is in full forco, attention
may, not inappropriately, be called to one of
the most curious and exhaustive treatises on
the subject ever published. I refer to D< i
Jacintes, de lewr Anatomie, Reproduction, et
Culture, which appeared in French at Amster-
dam in 1768. Tho name of tho author is not
given in the work ; but from other sources we
loaru that it was writton by the Marquis M. U.
do Saint Simon. Tho book extonds to Hi I pages
quarto, iu addition to ten beautifully-engraved
full-page plates, and several lists of varieties at
that time under cultivation. The compilation
was clearly a work of lovo on the part of tho
author, for, within its proper limits, no phase
down even to the minutest dotail is omittod.
'Hie Hyacinth, ho tells us, is of all llowers
that which proseuts the most agreeable diversity
in all its aspects; its form, its hoight, its
colours, and even its odour more or less varies
in all its forms, of which, at the time of writing,
there wore noarly '-'Olio cultivated at Haarlem.
Tho author speaks in a somewhat suppressed
style of enthusiasm of the extreme beauty of
Haarlem when these llowers are in their full
beauty — " I'imagination no so forme qu'un
tableau tres-imparfait des graces et do la varii h
de ce brillaut email." This effect is not
attained without groat forethought and con-
sideration, for their successful culture involves
special and uninterrupted attention, constant
work, and tho display of much taste, all of
which are, of course, greatly aided by tho
congenial soil and climato of Haarlem.
Nothing is known for certain of either the
colour or the origin of the first Hyacinth. It
is, like its name, probably of oriental extrac-
tion. Some authors trace its earliest montion to
the Book of Exodus. "Wo may conveniently
leave the savants to fight out amongst them-
selves tho history of the. Hyacinth, so far as
regards the references, real or imaginary, to it
in the ancient classics. In connection with tho
luminal colour, there is a very general agree-
ment that this was blue, as this colour is
found indigenous to most of the European
woods, the form having red flowers being com-
paratively rare. The Marquis de Saint Simon
is of opinion, however, that the red is the type
from which all tho thousands of varieties have
spiling, and he advances many excellent reasons
and authorities for such a theory. The author
does not waste much space in discussing points
which are, after all, of very little consequence
from a practical point of viow. It is of far
greater importance to know tho physiology of
tho bulb itself, and it is into this phaso of the
subject that tho author enters with a minute-
ness almost bewildering. An entire chapter is
dovoted to the outward "signs and tokons ''
of good, sound, and healthy bulbs.
The next chapter, a long ouo of ton pages,
deals with the " racines " of the Hyacinth,
that is, tho roots thrown out by the bulb. Tho
author comes to tho conclusion, after micros-
copic and othor investigation, that these
" racines "are " vaisseaux excrctoiros et non des
pompes aspirantos" Ho points out that in
many instances the bulbs have been found to
1 lower without these racines, citing in par-
ticular one of tho earliest, and perhaps ouo of
the poorost in quality, tho varioty " do Jan-
vier," which throws out its llowers without tho
aid of either earth or water. The " raciues" of
tho Hyacinth do not resemble any other analo-
gous organs iu plants or trees. In tho pursuit
of his investigations, tho author placed a
number of bulbs in glass's with wator adul-
terated with carmine, gum, prepared verdigris,
indigo, Prussian blue, cochineal, Indian ink,
madder, and oil, and yot for tho most part tho
roots wore duly found on tho flower deve-
loped ; whilst iu other eases tho roots havo
beon thrown out whilst tho ilowor itsolf has
1 n manifestly injured. A good deal of spaco
is dovoted to those very interesting experi-
ments, into which it is scarcely uocossary in this
place to enter fully. A single chapter is
devoted to a consideration of tho scalos or
outer covering which preserves and nourishes
the rudimentary llowor ; another to the suckers
or offshoots, and another to tho seeds of the
Hyacinth.
Tho latter chapter contains a few interesting
facts about the double-floworod Hyacinth. A
century ago (i.e., a century bofore tho year
17US) the double form was neither cultivated
nor known. Swertius, in his Vlorileqium,
printed at Aruheim iu 1620, gives figures of
about forty varieties or specios of Hyacinth, all
of which are single. The first double variety
was a seedling which appeared in the gardens
of I'etor Voorhelm (whose business was still
carried ou at the same placo by his grandson ,
i i-eorga Voorhelm, when Saint Simon wroto his
book), at Haarlem. At that time, tho exact
date is not cortain, but it was probably towards
the latter part of the seventeenth century, all
the bulb growers waged incessant warfare
against all Hyacinths raised from seeds or off-
shoots bearing flowors which iu any way did
not conform to tho conventional notions of a
perfect flower. The idea of a double variety
does not appear to havo entered even into tho
dreams of the Dutch florists. But (and tho story
reads almost like a page out of Dumas) Peter
Voorhelm was taken ill, and could give no atten-
tion to his plants, and was unable to examine
them until the Hyacinths were beginning to die
off. A flower of unusual form arrested his atten-
tion, and examination proved it to be a double
Hyacinth ; it was very small, but he cultivated
and multiplied it, and was soon able to place it on
the market, whilst numerous amateur growers
were found willing to pay high prices for the
new bulb. The editio prince~ps, if it may be so
termed, of the first double Hyacinth hail a
comparatively short life, for it was lost long
before 170S. Tho two second double varieties
discovered subsequently wore named, respec-
tively, Mario and the Eoi do la Grando Bretagne,
tho latter obviously iu honour of Dutch William
Tho latter was raised about 1698, and was
infinitely the finest of the first three varieties,
and over a thousand florins was paid for
a single bulb. It thrived exceedingly in
climates warmer than that of Haarlem ; in colour
it was white mixed with red.
Tho consideration of the anatomy and genera-
tion of the Hyacinth forms perhaps the most
important chapter in the book ; cortainly, it is
tho longest, and extends to over seventy pages.
Tho Marquis of Saint Simon, not contont with
recording his own exceedingly elaborate and
careful researches, completely digosts all that had
been previously written on the subject, English
as well as foreign ; oven that rather shallow
philosopher (whom the Marquis describes as one
of the " plus sublime des Philosopher Anglois ")
Alexander Pope, is dragged into the matter 1
Indeed, the chapter itself might vory woll have
boon publishod as an indopondont treatise
on tho generation of plants, it is so all-embrac-
ing. The concluding chapter, which oxtouds to
thirty pages, deals with tho cultivation of the
Hyacinth, and mention is made, inter alia,
of tho " singularity " of tho different varieties
at that time under cultivation. Hero also our
authiir's passion for thoroughness is manifest,
and his extensive inquiries and reading equally
obvious.
We need not, however, stay to analyse this
chapter; but he quotes a very interesting para-
graph from the work of George Voorhelm, on
tho ' 'nil ure des Jacintes, in which that eminently
practical grower insists that amateurs may grow
the Hyacinth with as great a success as the
Dutch growers, if they take the same amount of
trouble. Moreover, "Je finis en souhaitant
qu'il se trouve encore quelqu' Amateur dont les
conuoissancos soiout plus graudes que les
miennes, et s'il en est un, jo lo prie pour les
vrais Curieux et pour moi do mettro la main a
la plume."
The penultimate paragraph doals with the
experiences of our old friend " lo celebre
Philippe Mullor," otherwise Philip Miller, who
states, in the article on tho Hyacinth iu his
" Dictionary," that the bulbs sent from Holland
in 1730, not only flowered beautifully in his
garden, but that he was as successful in their
cultivation as the Dutch growers.
Included, apparently as an after-thought, for
the pagination is independent of the text of the
book, is a most interesting catalogue of tho
Hyacinths known iu 1767. About 1,670 varie-
ties, double and single, are here enumerated,
audit would be very interesting to know if auyof
them are still iu cultivation. Probably not ;
although many of the names are familiar, it is
more than likely that they are applied to new
forms. Following this catalogue, comes a very
interesting analysis of George Voorhelm's
Hyacinth-bed in nine rows, five of which con-
tained thirty- eight, and four of thirty-seven
Hyacinths each, or a total of 338. A Hyacinth-
bed of J. Kreps in six rows of forty-one bulbs
each ; and, fiually, a bed formed by an amateur
(Mr. Cock), in seven rows of thirty-seven
bulbs, conclude this exhaustive monograph,
which will well repay perusal by those who
make tho Hyacinth a special study. W. Robert*
378
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 27, 1897.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
SELAGINELLA CRUGERI, Jenm., n. sp.
Fronds sub - prostrate, overlapping iu growth,
rooted at the base, and leafy thereto, dark-greeu,
membranous, 1 to 1.J inch long, with alternate branches
\ to A inch long ; rachises straujineouB, slonder,
hardly Hexuoso, angled when dry , branches about 1 line
wide over the leaves, the primary and secondary
being of nearly equal width ; major leaves spreading
horizontally, apart, or the outer ones contiguous, im-
bricating at the ends of the branches, oblong- lanceo-
late, h line long, \ broad, acute, imequilateral, the
upper base rounded and cordate, but not con-
spicuously expanded ; copiously ciliate round the
auricle, which overlaps the rachis ; minor leaves
apart on the primary rachis, but close on the outer
one, slightly imequilateral and subeordate, narrowly
lanceolate, spinuloso-pointed, [ line long ; spikes flat-
tened, li line long, and nearly or quite as wide ; bracts
resupinate, lax, erocto-spreadiug, slight-ciliate-edged.
Trinidad ; No. 194, Herb. Tritl. : near S. Ottonis
of Cuba. Iu form of frond and loaf it resembles
albonitens, from which, however, it is readily dis-
tinguished by the short, ilat spikes, long bracts, and
freely ciliated leaves. The bracts which follow on
the plane of the minor leaves are much enlarged,
but those which follow the major leaves are not
much reduced. Endemic. G. S. Jcnman, Dcmerara,
October, 1897.
THE BOTANICAL HISTOKY OF
THE UVA, PAMPAS GRASS AND
THEIR ALLIES.
(Continued from p. 358.)
Thus we have iu G. saccharoides and G. argeuteum,
two grasses, quite distinct in their mode of growth,
and in their floral structure ; one with a very marked,
the other with a slightly indicated sexual dimorphism ;
one with a definite number of florets in each spikelet,
and with a rhachilla terminating abruptly with the
second floret, the other with an indefinite number
of florets, and with a rhachilla gradually ex-
hausting itself ; one with two stameus, or
staminodes, in each flower, the other with three.
There may be further differences iu the fruit ; but I
have not been able to find a single mature grain of G.
saccharoides, as all those which I have seen proved
imperfect on examination. However that may be, the
differences as we know them, are certainly much
more conspicuous, and much better defined, than
those which separate, for instance, the allied genera
Phragmites, Arundo, and Neyraudia. Gynerium, as
represented by G. saccharoides, is, indeed, one of the
best characterised and most natural genera of grasses,
whilst it becomes at once vague and artificial if we
allow G. argenteum and the other members of the
group of which it is representative to remain in it.
I propose, therefore, to retain the name Gynerium
for the original species, aud to exclude G. argenteum
and its immediate allies.
The next question then is, which of the remaining
Bpecies, described under the name of Gynerium, if
any, have to go with G. saccharoides '! The only species
which come into consideration are G. parviflorum
(Nees), and G. arcuato-nebulosum (( 'arr.). G. parvi-
florum was described by Nees from incomplete speci-
mens collected by Martius and Prince Neuwied in
Brazil. I have not seen them ; but Doell, who
examined the very material from which Nees drew
his description, refers to it some specimens gathered
by Gardner in Brazil, and by Sieber in Martinique.
These were at my disposal. Yet I have been unable
to find any difference between them and typical
G. saccharoides. It is quite evident that'Nees was
misled by the imperfect state of the material, and
that G. parviflorum is specifically identical with
G. saccharoides, an opinion to which also Doell
inclines. The other species, G. arcuato-nebulosum
(Carr.), was described aud figured from some panicles
which had been sold in Paris for decoration ; but
neither the figure nor the description is sufficient to
enable the reader to recognise the genus or even the
tribe. Some panicles, however, which M. Ed. Andre",
of Paris, communicated to Kew as representing
Carriero's G. arcuato-nebulosum, provedj to bo G.
saccharoides. Gynerium is therefore, so far as we
know, a monotypic gonus ; and I may add that — as the
very copious material which I have seen shows — it
exhibits also, throughout the largo area inhabited by
it, a remarkable uniformity so far as varietal differen-
tation is concerned. Without going into details with
respect to distribution, it may suffice to remark that
Gynerium saccharoides is a tropical plant, ranging
from Southern Mexico to Paraguay and Southern
Brazil, whilst the other so-called Gyneriums are con-
fined to subtropical and temperate South America, or
to the temperate regions of the mountains of tropical
South America.
By confining the gonus Gynerium to G. saccharoidos,
and omitting the ti priori synonyms mentioned above,
there remain still eleven species of our list for which
we have to account. Two of them, G. triaristatum
and G. Wolfii, Sodiro, are unknown to me ; I must,
therefore pass them over at present. Of the others,
G. argenteum, Quila, speciosum, atacamense, pur-
pureum, roseum Rendatleri, and jubatum are so
closely allied, that botanists taking a very broad view
of the species would perhaps not hesitate to refer
them to one species only. I will call them briefly
the Cortaderas, " Cortadera " being the name by
which they are generally known with the Spanish-
speaking South Americans. G. modestum and G.
zeelandicum, on the other baud, are doubtlessly
distinct from each other, as well as from the
Cortaderas. I intend, however, to confine myself iu
this article to the true Cortaderas, and reseive my
observations on the two last-mentioued grasses for
another paper.
The question is now, do the remainiug specios of
Gynerium constitute a new genus by themselves, or
are they referable to auother already-kuowu genus?
Gynerium argenteum was originally described as
Arundo diceca (Spreng., Syst. I. 861, non Lour.),
and A. Selloaua (Schult. Mant. 60")) ; yet, as the
definition of Arundo was then extremely vague, in-
cluding grasses of very different structure, such as
species of Deyeuxia, Calamagrostis, Phragmites,
Ampelodesmos, Stipa, Gastridium, &c, this is perhaps
of little importance, except iu so far as it shows that
there is a certain resemblance of Gynerium with
Arundo, But what is Arundo in the modem sense,
aud in which relation do G. argeuteum and its con-
geners stand to it ? Arundo, in the sense of Ben-
thatn h Hooker's Genera Plantariun — a conception
which has been adopted by Hackel in Engler and
Prantl's Natiirlicltc Pflanzenfamil ien, and by Baillon
in his Ilistoire des Plaatcs — comprises four geographi-
cally distinct groups namely, (as), oue to three essen-
tially Mediterranean species ; (b), one species, ranging
from India and the Malayan Archipelago to Mada-
gascar aud South Africa ; (c), one or two species from
New Zealand ; and (<Z), a few specios from South
America.
The first group consists of Arundo Donax, with A.
Pliniana (Turra) aud A. Mauritauica (Desf.), forms
which may be considered as specifically identical with
Arundo Donax. This is the nucleus of the genus.
The species referred to under (b), is A. Reynaudiana
tlvuuth), a very tall reed which Sir Joseph Hooker
has shown to constitute a new genus, Neyraudia.
The New Zealand species are A. conspicua (Forst.) and
A. Kakao (Steudel) — probably synonymous with A.
fulva (Buchanan) — which is very closely allied to
A. conspicua, and may, in any case, be taken as
identical with it for the purposes of this paper. We
have seen that A. conspicua has been described as
Gynerium zeelandicum by Steudel, and it agrees,
indeed, in all essential points with G. argenteum,
except that it is hermaphrodite. Apart from this
sexual condition, it stands therefore in the same
relation to Arundo Donax, as G. argenteum. Finally,
the South American species, which the authors of
the Genera Plantarum had in view, were A. pilosa
(Urv.), A. uitida (H. B. K.), aud probably some
undescribed species in the Kew Herbarium. All
these specie3 are, however, dioecious, and should
therefore have been referred to Gynerium, in the
sense of the Genera Plantarum. It may suffice to
mention here that these South American grasses
possess the same mode of growth which is charac-
teristic of the Pampas-grass, although some of them
are very much smaller, and that they differ chiefly in
the structure of their valves, which are five- to seven-
nerved, usually shortly acuminate, and distinctly
awned, rarely mucronate.
Thus, nothing is left of the modern concep-
tion of Arundo, as the original nucleus, the
familiar A. Donax, L., or the Spanish Reed ; and the
decision whether G. argenteum and its congeners are
to be sunk in Arundo, or to be made into a new
genus, depends solely on the comparison with Arundo
Donax (in the broad sense). Taking Gyuerium argen-
teum as representative of the Cortaderas, I will, as
I did above, place the description of the essential
characters of both grasses alongside, in two parallel
columus ; but as the vegetative characters of Arundo
Donax are, on the whole, the same as those of Gyne-
rium saccharoido3 (save the hollow culms, the
smaller dimensions, aud the absence of stilt branches
in Arundo), I may refer the reader, with respect to
them, to tho comparative descriptions of G. saccha-
roides and G. argenteum, and confine myself, iu this
place, to the differences of the reproductive put* —
GVNEKIUM ARGENTECM. ARUNDO DoNAX.
Dioecious — spikelets dimor- Hermaphrodite — spikelets
phous ; dimorphism slight. all alike.
S/rikcUtB— 3- to 6-flowcred, Spikelets — 2- to 7-flowored ;
the uppermost florets more the uppermost florets more
or less reduced, exceeding or less reduced, not exceed-
the glumes. ing the glumes.
Rhachdla-joints and callus Rhachilla-joints and callus
— long. — shore.
Glumes — subequal, very Glumes — equal, broadly-Ian-
narrow, linear, long, taper- ceolate, shortly acuminate,
ing. 1-nerved. 3- to 5-nerved.
Valves — lanceolate, pro- Valves — ovate to lanceotate-
duced into a very long and fine ovate, acuminate, finely and
acumen, 3-nerved, very scan- shortly bifid, rarely entire,
tily long-hairy, or glabrous long-hairy near tho base,
in o" , copiously hairy iu ?. with 3 excurrent primary,
and usually witli -J to 4 short
additional nerves near tho
base, tho middle nerve often
produeod into a fine short
awn.
Pale— equalling * to i of the Pale -exceeding J of tho
valve. valve.
Lodicules — ciliate. Lodicules— glabrous.
Stamens or staminodes 3. Stamens — :;.
Grain — linear oblong ; Gram — obovoid - oblong,
hilum linear, equalling about broad, hilum basal, puneu-
A of the grain, embryo equal- form, embryo occupying
Hug J to j of the grain. almost wholly one side of
the grain.
It will not bo denied that the differences in the
mode of growth, in the sexual conditions, aud in the
structure of the spikelets and the fruits, are quite
equivalent to those differences on which the defi-
nitions of our generally reoognised genera of grasses
rest. The Cortaderas must therefore be considered
as the representatives of a sepirato genus, for which
I propose the name Cortaderia. 0. Stapf, Kew.
(To be continued.)
Vegetables,
CAULIFLOWERS AND BROCCOLI.
Although there are numerous varieties of both
Cauliflowers and Broccoli, and varieties which
I should not care to be without, I am doubtful
if we have moro useful kinds thau Early Erfurt,
Walcheron, Autumn Giant, Self Protecting (Veitch),
Snow's Superb Winter White, Penzance, Knight's
Self Protecting, Ledsham Latest, Late Queen,
and Methven's June. The abovo I have inva-
riably found amongst the bosc I have as yet
grown, and they serve to keep up a continuous
supply. At the present time I am cutting firm heads
of Autumn Giant, and Veitch's Solf Protecting is
beginning to turn-in, which it will do very rapidly.
It is one of the host, for with care it is an easy
matter to have this varietv in good condition up to
the end of the month of January, and occasionally
still later ; after which Snow's Winter White
follows. It is a matter of importance to go over the
beds of those varieties about to turn in, and dig up
the plants when the beads are about the size of
cricket- balls, and lay them in thickly together on a
snug border, protecting the heads in severe weather.
November 27, 1897.)
Til E GA BDENERS' GHB 0 NI GL E.
379
As yet we have had no frost, and vegetation has not
been checked, and many of the young Broccoli
plants for next year's supply have grown to a size
larger than I like, but with smaller plants iu store,
we shall be safe iu that direction.
Plants growing under hand-lights and iu frames
should bo kept abundantly aired — in fact, the lights
should be kept off them night and day so long as it is
heads on those plants that are raised from seed sown
in September and wintered in frames. The heads
are fit for cutting at the end of May, and for this
reason I should not like to discard this old method.
Other matters which must not be overlooked
are heavy manuring and deep culture, which
always tell on light, shallow soils and dry seasons
like those experienced of late years. The chie
n firm, moderately-enriched soil. I would no
manure specially for this crop, but let it follow one
that has been afforded a heavy dressing. If widely
planted, this checks legginess, as does the compara-
tive lack of manure in the soil ; and if, in conjunction
with these measures, the plants are heeled over to
the north in the colder parts of the country, they
will go through an ordinary winter without loss
H. Markka m, Northdovm, Man/ate.
Fig. 110.— sequoia (wellingtonia) gigantea at wkesi park :
height 74 feet 3 inches.
safe, a few degrees of frost at this season doing no
harm to Walcheren, Early London, &c, two
varieties I have always found excellent for
wintering under glass. Many gardeners dispense
with the September sowing of Cauliflower seed,
preferring to raise plants of the Erfurt type under
glass in February, and, with care and attention in
hardening- off previously to planting them out, good
results are obtained. But I have fewer buttoned
part of the kitchen garden at this" place eo-sis's of
light loam resting upon the chalk. The Broccoli and
Cauliflower quarters will be heavily manured, and,
if possible, trenched several spits deep, and by
planting-time the land will have settled, and
require no other attention than to pass the draw-hoes
over it, and take out rather deep drills at a distance
of 2 feet apart.
Broccolis succeed in an open position, and planted
SEQUOIA GIGANTEA.
This gigantic and elegant tree requires little com-
ment, being now so well known and extensively
grown in the British Isles; and so much admired
by all lovers of arboriculture. A very fine speci-
men growing iu the arboretum at Wrest Park,
the beautiful Bedfordshire seat of Earl Cowper, has
made rapid growth since the time it was planted.
It was purchased from the late firm of E. P. Francis
& Co., nurserymen, of Hertford, soon after the intro-
duction of the plant into this country. It was theu
in a 3-inch flower-pot, and was afterwards shifted
into one of a larger size. It was for a time used in
house and conservatory-decoration. The late Mr.
Snow, then gardener to the Earl de Grey, at Wrest,
Park, had it planted in the arboretum in the autumn
of ISM.
Mr. Ford, late gardener at Wrest (who is shown as
soated in the foreground of this maguificent and orna-
mental tree at fig. 110), at that time foreman-gardener
uuder his uncle, tho late Mr. Snow, at various times
carried the plant from the gardens to the mansion, and
, /< v versA . and assisted in planting it in the arboretum.
This tree has now a height of 74 feet 3 inches, with a
girth at the ground- level of 21 feet 3 inches ; and at
3 feet from the ground, of 15 feet 3 inches. The
branches extend from north to south 36 feet, and
from east to west 35 feet. The soil is a sandy-loam,
resting on a subsoil of strong clay, which to all
appearances is very well suited to its requirements,
as it is still making luxuriant growth, and remains
feathered to the ground. George Mackinlay, Wrat
Park.
Colonial Notes.
S^AXTIGUA
" A BOTANIC station was established at Antigu in
1889, and a Superintendent of Agriculture was
appointed to act as secretary of the Agricultural
Society, and supervise the four botanic stations in
the Leeward Islands. The superintendent was a
nighly- trained scientific man, who devoted himself
with great earnestness to his duties, and who care-
fully investigated and suggested means for developing
the agricultural resource* of the islands. Numerous
ep.nts were prepared for general information, and
7500 pamphlets printed by government were distri-
buted all over tbe C-dony. These covered questions
coi cted with the domains of botany, agriculture,
geology, entomolojy. veterinary science, and allied
branches. Investigations were alsi made into the
diseases altecting Sugar-canes, and into the tick-
disease iu cattle. Experimental plots were started
for the cultivation of new varieties of cane, and for
testing the > fleets of mauures in increasing the yield
of Sugar. Numerous plants were propagated for
distribution amongst all classes of the community,
and detailed information furnished respecting their
suitable cultivation. After a brief interval, the whole
of this activity was suddenly stopped by the refusal
of some of the members of the Legislative Council to
pass the vote for the superintendent's Ealary, on the
ground that the Colony could not afford it. The
botanic station, in a crippled condition, has, it is true,
been continued, but in an agricultural community
requiring special scientific aid in these days of com-
petition, and of disease affecting staple industries, tho
action taken by the Legislative Council was most
unfortunate and inopportune, and it has tended to
retard development in every branch of industry.'
Report of West Indies Commission.
380
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,
[November 27, 1897.
St. Kitts.
" A botanic station was started at St. Kitts, close
to the town of Basseterre, in 1890. The Bite was
the best that could be obtained for the purpose, and
as a well laid-out ornamental garden, and a place of
resort for the congested population of Basseterre, it
has not been unsuccessful. It haj been the means
of raising and distributing many economic plaut«,
such as 20,000 Arabian Coffee, 5000 Liberian Coffee,
and 1000 Cacao plants, while latterly some valuable
new varieties of Sugar-cane have also been distributed
The cost of maintaining this station is exceptionally
small, in fact less thaa that of any other station in
the West Indies. It is desirable that iron gites
should be placed at the principal entrances, and that
the station, for the present, at least, be entirely under
the control of the Administrator, and not under a
board. On land almost adjoining the station, an
experimental station for Sugircines was started ; but
as already mentioned, owing to the removal of the
sup3rintendeut of agriculture, nothing has yet been
accomplished of a practical eh iracter.'' Report of West
Indies Commission.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Ceylon.
The newly-appointed Director, Mr. J. C. Willis,
intends to publish every six or eight weeks a series of
s_aall circulars dealing with agricultural, horticultural,
and botanical topics, with special reference to the work
carried on in the Royal Botanic Gardens. One such
circular deals with the Cacao canker, which is
practically confined to one variety, the old red Cacao
of Ceylon.
Botanic Gardens, Saiiarunpore and Missoorie.
The Annual Report for the year ending March 31,
1897, has been published. Mr. Gollon does not
report favourably on the Arabian Date Palm, and
speaks more decidedly against the Sacaline (Polygonum
sacalinense), which it appears is a failure as a forage
plant in this garden. Eucalypts and Sisal Hemp do
well. ('ox's Orange Pippen and the Moor Park
Apricot do well in the hills ; and the American Dew-
berry is well spoken of.
Weeds.
The following is the preamble of a Bill to be. pre-
sented to the Legislative Assembly of New Soutli
Wales : — " A Bill to provide for the eradication and
destruction, and fur preventing the growth of noxious
weeds, and to prohibit and regulate the importation
of noxious weeds, and of articles which might spread
their growth." It is recommended that the Govern-
ment " olfer a reward for the discovery of a cheap and
efficient means of eradicating noxious growths."
Queensland.
I send you two photographs, one representing a
Tea bash, a row of which is growing alongside of
a quarter of Sugar-cano, a New Guinea variety called
McLean; the other shows sprays of Cotfee in berry, and
Tea placed upon three sticks of the same cane. As the
cine to the tip of the leaf is about 12 feet long, a
portion is cut from the base, and the top is neces-arily
above the "back ground." The Tea grows very
well, but there is no chance of its becoming a com-
mercial success, as the expense of picking makes that
uoxt to an impossibility ; but I have no doubt
Coffee cultivation will bicoms a larg) item in the
Sugar-cane farmer's programme. My trees have borne
a great crop of "Cherry" this season, and are not
all gathered yet ; but notwithstanding the crop, it
has not been equal to the demand for seed, and
before twelve months are past, there will be a good
many hundreds of acres planted in this district.
The manager of a company that has started a planta-
tion about 23 miles from here came in one day ; he
told me he had not seen such a crop in Ceylon.
There was an idea among the farmers that a great ileal
of scientific knowledge was required to succeed in
Coffee-growing, but by writing, and by teaching those
thit have called for instruction, and to see for them-
selves, I think the fear has about died out. Cane-
growing and cutting is laborious wurk compared to
which Coffee cultivati'm is play. For several years a
pony (such as can be bought here for 7s. Qd.) and a
light scarifier, can nearly do the keeping clean, very
little hoe-work being required. The cano farmer has to
work hard for from twelve to fifteen months before
he can bring his cane to the mill or railway-siding,
perhaps from 2 to i miles, and then he gets from 10s.
to 14s. per ton for it ; but the coffee-grower's ton of
Coffee in the parchment will bring him an average of
a hundred pounds. Thirteen years ago, when I first
came to the colony, and occasionally saw an isolated
Coffee-bush growing, very healthy, and bearing great
crops, I was convinced that the Mackay district was
well adapted for Coffee-growing. It was evident
that both soil and climate were right. The one
drawback is, that there must be some capital to keep
a man going for three years, when half a crop is
generally got ; but when cane and Coffee-growing are
started together, the cane returns money in from
twelve to fifteen months, and enables the farmer to
tide over the waiting time — but where capital is in
hand, the Coffee grower may go f>0 miles away from
market, where he can get land for 2s. 6»/. per acre,
and five years to pay it in. Two to four days' journey
with his team will bring his year's produce to market ;
and unless some unforeseen calamity overtakes the
industry, Mackay is likely to become in a few years
a large Coffee exporting place. D. Buchanan, Slate
Nursery, Mackay.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
ORCHID PORTRAITS.
CaTTLEYA TRIAN.EI VARS. YVONNE, RETA, and PRINCEPS.—
Lindenia, t. dlxxxiii.
CtELoovNE asperata, Lindlej', Borneo. — Liudenia, t.
DLXXXII.
Cvmbidium eburneo X Lowianum, Hort. Veitoh. — Flowera
white, anterior lobe of lip with a purplish bund within the
white margin. Lindenio, t. dlxxviii.
CvNORcms grandiflora, Ridley, see Bot. May., t. 7564.
Oypripedium [N8IGNE VAR. ciTRiNiM. — A variety with the
standard white at the upper half, yellow and brown spotted
beneath, the other parts of the Bower are Dearly self yellow.
Revue Horticole, October l.
MlLTONIA YEXILLAKIA VARIETIES.— Liwhnin, tt. DLXXIX ,
I>L-\\X.
Odonti lar.ossi >i cbispum var. Moori ebeekibnsis. — A
magnificiontly .spotted variety. Lindenia, t. DLXXXi,
ODoNTo^LOSNIM LUTEO-PURPURBUM VAR. CORNU I I M. —
lindenia, t. dlx kxiv,
OnCUHUM SARC'iiDES VAH. I'UNCTUTATl M. L ltei.ll petlla
chocolate brown, with a yellow margin ; anterior lobe of lip
broad, yellow, sprinkled with brown spots. Lindenia,
t. DLXXV1I.
Tainea pexangiana, Hook, f., see Bot. May., t. 7503.
Trichopilia suavis. — Revue dc {'Horticulture Bebje,
November.
OLEARIA FORSTERL
The shrub or small tree of which we give an illus-
tration (fig. Ill, p. 381), is a native of the northern and
middle islands of New Zealand. When seen out of
floAerit has much resemblance to some Ehcagnus,
with its coriaceous, undulate, reticulate leaves, thickly
covered with pinkish or cream-coloured down on the
under surface. The slender cyliudric heads are
fasciclod, and, what is singular, they mostly contaiu
but a single floret (rarely two), so that the term com-
posite is not strictly applicable. They have a
delicious perfume, so that the plant may be com-
mended to the notice of connoisseurs, especially to
those resident in the southern and western counties—
especially near the sea. Our specimen was grown in
the garden of G. V. Hart, Esq., Q.C., Woodside,
Howtu, Dublin, and was kiodly forwarded to us by
Mr, Burbidge. We have no personal experience to
offer, but the evidence before us justifies us in re-
commending this plant as likely to be valuable by
the seaside. The plant is figured and fully
described in Mr. Kirk's excellent Forest Flora of
New Zealand (1SS9), t. 137. In New Zealand it is
much infested with a dipterous insect which forms
leafy galls iu the buds, with the result that the flower
panicles are enlarged whilst the foliage is reduced in
size.
* OUaria Forsteri, ./. D. Hooker. Handbook of the New
Zealand Flora (186"), p. 127.
EDEN HALL.
The Cumberland residence of Sir Richard G.
Musgrave, Bart., is pleasantly situated in the fertile
valley of the Eden, some 3.V miles from the pic-
turesque little market town of Penrith on the London
& North-Western Railway, and 1 mile only from
Langwathby on the Midland route. Sheltered here
mid the Cumberland Hills, the Musgraves have, we
believe, found a home since the time of William the
Conqueror, during which long period the property
has passed in direct male succession.
The hall itself occupies a position immediately
inside a park of about 300 acres extent, and com-
mands a magnificent view of both mouutain and
woodland scenery. Approaching the hall from the
l'enrith side we pass through the lodge-gates, and pro-
ceed along a broad, winding avenue substantially
Hanked on each side with stately timber, Oaks and
Chestnuts being conspicuous for their size. A
narrow walk on the right brings into our view somo
fine Larch-trees. B.^ech and Limes are also well
represented, but the most remarkable objects aro
two giant Cedars of Lebauou (fig. 112 on supplementary
sheet) growing side by side, uear to what is called the
French gardon (fig. 113 on supplementary sheet), a
geometrical arrangement of flower-beds, immediately
under the west front of the hall. We are unable to
record the ageof these twin-trees, but judging by their
noble dimensions and aged appearance, they must
have braved the storms of more than a century, and,
who knows they did not spring up in the days when
the good fairies, coming to drink to "The Luck of
Eden Hall," lost their cup in the little well myste-
riously hidden in the clumps of Boxwood to be
observed on the left of the flower-garden under the
terrace, and which is now preserved with religious
care ; for —
" If this cup should break or fall,
There goes the luck of Eden Hall."
Flower-gardening is carried out extensively here,
and iu a style completely iu harmony with the sur-
roundings. The French garden already alluded to is
laid out on gravel, the beds being edged with stoni-
work, and at the time of our visit, furnished with a
rich assortment of suitable subjects, noticeable
amongst them being a pretty variety of Begonia
semperflorens, named Fairy nueen, a compact-grower,
with bronzy-coloured foliage, and carmiue-red flowers,
similar in form to the type. Tuberous rooted varie-
ties of Begonia were also well represented, and we
were especially pleased to see our old favourite Cal-
ceolaria (amplexicaulis) holding its own, and pre-
senting a striking contrast to a splendid dark
Heliotrope growing alongside.
What pleased us most here, however, was the
manner iu which Mr. Smith, the gardener, had tided the
centre and other beds conspicuous in the desigu ; and
some idea of the effect may be realised when we say that
they were occupied by splendid examples of such
noble plauts as Lavatera arborea variegata, Zea
japonica variegata, Hyacinthus (Galtonia) candicans —
a noble subject for massing, Eucalyptus globulus,
Lobelia Queen Victoria, Carnation Raby Castle,
Scarlet Pentstemons, Veronica AudersoDi, Sedum
spectabilo, Dactylis elegantissima, etc., all arranged
with a view to preventing a flat and uninteresting
appearance, and to form a connecting link, so to
speak, with the general surroundings. AloDg the
top of the terrace, in front of the hall, a series of
oblong beds, similarly filled, occupy positions at
regular distances on the grass, and a spacious raistd
border immediately under the terrace wall, itself
clothed with Ivy, was a maguificeut arrangement of
tall Sunflowers, Dahlias, Tobaccos (Nicotiaua), Pent;-
temons, Chilian Beet, Calceolarias, Violas, &c. Some
beds of large size below the hall, until recently, were
filled with evergreens, and, considering their dimen-
sions, it was a great undertaking, with the facilities
at command, to furnish them with such plants as
those already named, supplemented with clumps of
Coreopsis, Marigolds, Scarlet Gladioli, and the like.
The Plant-hodses.
Leaving the flower gardens, and parsing under a
row of veteran Limes which effectually hides from
November 2", 1897.
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
381
view a walled-in garden of something like 1 J acre, in
which is situated the bulk of the glass, we enter a
runge of plant-houses replete with a miscellaneous
collection of plants, consisting largely of decorative
subjects, both flowering and foliage. This depart-
ment really consists of three separate ranges, the
larger being filled with specimen plants, a considerable
number of which are always required for the
embellishment of the dwelling-rooms. Small plants
are practically useless for this purpose here, and
consequently specimen Palms of large size are nume-
rous, Kentias predominating. Bamboos are also
tensively used, and of these there were some noble
superba that literally festooned the roof of one of the
stoves. Never have we seen this magnificent
"trailer " in better condition than here. Orchids are
not extensively grown, but Calanthes, because of
their winter value, form an exception. We must not
fail to mention the collection of about 1000 Chrysan-
themums, and the winter-flowering Begonias. Violets
are specially well done here ; those we saw, indeed,
wtre perfect examples of good -heilth, and full of
promise for a generous harvest of bloom. Marie
Louise and Neapolitan are the varieties chiefly grown
at present. Zonal Pelargoniums in the semi-double
class are prepared in large numbers for winter
the time we saw them, were exceedingly fine, both in
respect of size of bunch and berry, as well as finish
A start has been made to renew the Vines, and a
young lot of canes planted twelve months ago lookel
very promising. A houseful of young Figs about the
same age were also looking well ; and Bananas were
exceptionally promising — one plant in particular
cirried a wonderful cluster of fine fruit.
Melons are given a special share of attention. The
varieties Model, Best of All, and a cross of Mr.
Smith's own raising named Sir Richard, are the
favourites. The latter, a green - flesh variety,
combines with exquisite quality a beautifully netted
FlG. 111.— OLEARIA FORSTERI : HARDY SHRUB. (.SEE P. 380.
specimens of aurea, violacea, and gracilis coloured
Dracsenas also find favour for the same purpose, as
do Acalyphas. Caladiums are an imported feature
during the summer season. Crotons are represented
by clean, well-coloured plants of such varieties as
Queen Victoria, Prince of Wales, Weismanni, Aigbur-
thensis, &c.
Amongst flowering subjects, good plants of Anthu-
rium Andreanum were conspicuous objects with their
handsome epathes; Eucharis grandiflora, nnd Pancra-
tiums of sorts are grown in large numbers, aud in
healthy condition. Allamandas Hendersoni and
Williamsii were also full of bloom ; and ero we forget,
we must pay a tribute to the glorious Gloriosa
flower, aud a small house full of Gardenias bristling
with short-jointed, sturdy shoots gave promise of a
fine quantity of bloom. Forcing plants, such as
Lily of the Valley, Lilacs, Spirceas, bulbs of sorts, &c,
are also extensively used, and a batch of the niaximus
variety of Helleborus showed that its value is also
known.
The Fruit-houses.
Making for the fruit department, we passed into a
lean-to range of considerable dimensions, three of
which houses are devoted tc Grapes. The Ham-
burghs were all but finished, though there was suffi-
cient evidence of a heavy crop left, and very credit-
able they were. Muscat of Alexandria, hardly ripe at
appearance, and what is of] e'ill more importance, a
constitution so vigorous that as many as a dozen fruits
of good size may be obtained from one piant, each
ripening off in its turn, a very unusual characteristic
in a Melon so far as our experience goes. Something
like 2000 Strawberries are grown in pots. Consider-
able alterations are contemplated in the hardy fruit
department, more especially amongst the wall-trees.
Some young cordon Pears planted a year ago indeed
have already made a good start.
With a large establishment to cater for, vegetable
culture necessitates a great deal of attention ; and
the area devoted to these, with fruit- trees interspersed,
amounts to about 3 acres. Though space compels us to
382
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
[November 27, 1897.
be brief in our remarks on this department, we should
be remiss did we omit o acknowledge the thoroughly
practical methods adopted to secure a good supply ;
ample evidence we recognised in the total absence
of vacant ground, large breadths beiDg devoted to
winter Brassicas of various sorts in successional
stages. It maybe worthy nf remark that Stachjs
tuberifera is much esteemed as a winter vegetable
here, and is consequently grown in considerable
quantity. A Correspondent.
The Rosary.
ROSES, WHAT TO PLANT, AND HOW TO
PLANT THEM.
(Concluded from p. 3B1.)
I put at the bead of this article, how to plant
them, but I hardly know how to go on with this
subject. I have before me the little brochure
issued by the National Rose Society, "Hints on
Plan'ing Roses, " where the whole subject is entered
upon wuh such miuuteness of detail, that I think the
veriest tyro could not well make a mistake about
them. Tbere are two points on which beginners may
make a mistake, viz , the depth ar. which they are to
be pUnted — I allude to dwarf Rose*. I would not
recommend any beginner to try standards. Care
should be taken tint the point of junction
should be buried about an inch beneati the «oil,
so as to give the Hose a double chance. Another
point is, firm planting. When the Rose-plant is
placed in the hole prepared for it, some soil should be
put in, and then firmly trodden down, of course
takmg care that the roots are not injured. These
are the two main points to be attended to in the
pUn'ing of Roses; but again I would say to every
one who wants information on the subject, consult
the 1 i i tie book above alluded to. To those who have
space for it, the grouping of Rosea, that is, the
putting a large number of one kind into a separate
bed, has a most pleasing effect ; but then, of course,
space is required fur this, and those for whom these
remarks are intended are not likely to have much at
their disposal. They cannot do much for effect, but
I think it is well to vary the colours aB much as
po-sible in the beds — not to have all reds in one
place and all whites in another, but to disperse the
colours up and down the beds. The present autumn
is one of the mo-t remarkable I can recollect since I
began to grow Roses. Generally at planting time our
beds are saturated with moisture ; but in this part
of the country (East KeDt) the ground is so dry one
has to water, and it is so bard that I am told the
shrubs and fruit trees can only be got out of the
ground by usin< a pickaxe. How it will fare with
our poor Roses I know not. We have had a splendid
time for ripening the wood ; but if, as some imagine,
this spell of dry weather and high temperature by
night and day is to be followed by severe cold, it is
likely that they will suffer much. But we must hope
on, and do all we can, if the severe weather comes,
by mulching and protection to save our pets from
injury. Wild Ron.
Book Notice.
Hardy Perennials and Old-fashioned Gar-
den FLOWERS. By John Wood (Upcott Gill,
pp. 330).
The object of this book is to furnish the names
and de-criptiona of really useful and reliable hardy
and perennial plants, together with cultural hints
on each plant, for, says the author, " to be able to
grow a plant well is of the highest importance, and
the first step towards a full enjoyment of it." We
endorse the first proposition entirely ; and though we
think the facts might have been differently expressed,
we shall not quarrel with the author's intention in
the second. Perhaps the author is too exclusive in
his taste when he condemns the bulk of the Michael-
mas Daisies, and has not a good word fur A. acris or
" Robert Parker." Surely Mr. Wood cannot have
availed himself of the report of the trials of these
plants conducted at Chiswick. So with Campanulas,
only five or six are named, whilbt C. isophylla, C.
carpatica, C. turbinata, and many others are not
mentioned. Only one Chionodoxa is alluded to.
Mr. Wood, like many others, is successful with the
lovely Geniiana acaulis ; but we know of gardens
where, in every possible variety of soil and aspect,
the plant cannot be .induced to produce its flowers.
Mr. Wood's cultural notes are very serviceable, and
his book is sure to be useful to amateurs. Mis-
prints, such as Orygalis for Orgyalis suggest that in
a future edition the proofs should be read by a com-
petent botanist.
Florists' Flowers.
"MRS. R. JONES" CHRYSANTHEMUM.
Last spring I bought in some new Chrysanthe-
mum**, aud one of them was Mrn. R. Jones. A plant of
this vatietyat tbe present lime, although growing
in an 8-inch pot. has three splendid blooms, tbe
largest being fully 9 iuch.es in diameter, and 5^ inches
deep. 1 prefer the vaiit-ty to any other wbi'e that I
have grown, and am rather surprised n<>t to have t-een
it more frmjuenth among winning stands at shows
this year. 1 have also plants of Western King which
have tfery good blooms, buc it is rather too compact
t'» please even one, In Mrs. R. Jones the medium
between great looseness and compactness is found.
A. J.Lomj. Wyfidd Gardens.
The Week's Work.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Hehrin, Gardener, Dropmiiru. Maidenhead.
Herbaceous Borders. — During the continuance of mild
dry weather, the rearrangement of the occupants of
these borders, as may be called for by the clumps
having become much too large or o- tgrown their
allotted space, may be carried out. The better
method is to lift all of the plants in the border, laying
them meanwhile temporarily, and trench and mauure
it. After allowing the soil time to settle, make it
firm by trampling it evenly and regularly ; and then
in dry weather proceed to arrange and set out the
various plants or convenient sized pieces of the saine,
preferably the outer portions of Buch clumps. New
borders may be in He and planted at this season if put
in hand forthwith, wher»as if left until the spring the
ordinary routine work will often prevent the perform-
ance of the work. If the work be carried out at the
present seaBon, and the border atthe finish be mulched
with leaf-mould or Vlushioom-bedding, the plan's will
make some degree of progress underground, starting
strongly in the spring ; whereas spring-planting
always involves late starting into growth, and to
a certain extent late flowering. Moreover, the spring
is too late for bulb planting or bulb removal.
Rose Borders. — The treatment of impoverished
borders was dealt with in a former Calendar, but
where it is not necessary to take radical measures, a
heavy dressing of half rotted manure will suffice,
this dres-ing acting also as a protection against frosts,
if allowed to lay on the surface till the spring, when
it may be pricked in, or covered with fresh soil.
Although the pruning of Roses should be performed
in March and April, strong growths should be
shortened back at this season so as to avoid having
them broken off by wind or Bnow, causing the
loosening of the plants in the soil.
Lobelia cardinalis. — These plants may be left to
winter in the beds if they are afforded a light cover-
ing of bracken or litter in frosty weather. This is
the simplest means of wintering them ; but if an
increase of the stock of plants is desired, it is better
to lift the entire stock and store them in a greenhouse-
pit, dividing and potting them in early spring. The
same holds good if, owing to the position of the bed,
they cannot be afforded protection where they grow.
Window-boxes. <£c. — Owing to the mild weather,
and the protection afforded by the window, the
summer occupants of the boxes have continued in a
fairly bright condition up to date of writing ; but it
is quite time, notwithstanding this, to replace them
with the winter shrubs, bulbs, &c. The shrubs may
consist of the varieties enumerated for filling winter
bedding, the other plants being Wallflowers, Myosotis
in variety, variegated and green Vincas. ic.
Bulbous Irises. — The planting of these beautiful
species should not be longer delayed, the bulbs
deteriorating if kept out of the ground after this
date. These varieties of the Spauish and English
Irises, whose usual season of flowering is June and
July, should always be grown if a succession of Iris
is desired ; their handsome colours and quaint
shapes vieing with those of Orchids. These species
like a rather light and friable soil, and a warm
sunny position : and if the soil be impoverished,
a good dressing of rotted stable-dung, or
failing that, one of leaf-mould, should be afforded,
and the ground dug 1 foot deep. If the bulbs as is
most likely to be the case, are planted in little
colonies in a border of herbaceous perennials, these
directions should still be carried out. Let the
ground be consolidated by trampling it, and proceed
to plant the bulbs, which may be put 4 inches deep,
■and 1 or 2 inches apart if planted in patches of a
dozeu or more bulbs. The Spanish Iris (1. xiphium)
naturally staits rather the earlier into growth, and
flowers a week or two before the so-called English
Iris (I. xiphioides), and for furnishing cut flowers the
former is, perhaps, the more desirable. The prevail-
ing tints aie blue, purple, and violet, but there are
pure white and yellow varieties; the variety Gold
Cup being a very distinct one, with rich bronzy-
purple tints ; Lady Blanche and La Vestale are pure
white; Jupiter and Canary Bird are of shades of
yellow, aud Celestial has light blue fluwers. The
bulbs may be bought in mixture of colours at a reason-
able price The English Irises partake somewhat of
the character of the others, but they are of slightly
d*aifer growth, aH well as a little later in blooming,
and can therefore be grown S'> as to make a succession
to the Spanish varieties. The same method- of cul-
ture apply to each. The floweis possess great varie'y
of colour, aud contain pure white, lilac, blue, and
purple tints as Belfs, or variously mottled. Collec-
tions of bulbs in distinct C"lours may be purchased
for a few shillings, and mixed colours are even
cheaper. In tbe event of frost making it inconve-
nient to plant iu the npen, these bulbs may be
potted to the number of five in a 6-inch pot. and
stood in cold frames, or plunged out-of-doors in
co -oanut fibre refuse, or coal-ashes, till the spring, at
which season the bulbs may be transferred without
disturbance to the borders.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orohid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Pleiones. — Few of the smaller-growing Orchids are
more beautiful than the Pleiones, familiarly known
as Indian Crocuses, and more correctly as Calanthes.
They are not only valuable decorative plants, but
they are very useful for furnishing cut flowers; and
if amateur Orchid-cultivators knew better tbe eaBe
with which the plants may be grown, doubtless many
more gentlemen would grow them. The following
varieties are worth places in any collection : —
Pleione lagenaria, P. concolor, P. Wallichiana or
prsecox, P. maculata, and its variety alba. The plants
are now passing out of bloom, aud it may be noticed
that the part enclosing the flower-stem is the growth
which will be formed iuto plump bulbs, aud this
time next year carry flowers. When the flowers
fade, these youug green shoots commence to push
out from their base a number of small white roots,
and no time should be lost before re-potting the
plants. Turn them out of their pots or pans, re-
moving most of the old soil, and cut off all dead
roots, pulling out the old decayed bulbs. Instead of
dividing tbe pseudo-bulbs, and bedding them out, as
is often practised, repot them in dumps just aa they
are. At no time during the past eight years have
Pleiones been divided here at Burford, aud at each
flowering season, when tbe varieties are grouped
together, they have always been a picture of loveli-
ness. My method is to grow them in 6-inch pots,
with the bulbs almost touching each other ; and
when repotting, I take away those bulbs which may
have grown beyond the main clump, and make up
another potful in the same way as the older ex-
amples. It. is immaterial whether pots or shallow
pans are used, excepting that pans are best where
stage-room is limited, as they may be suspended
from the roof. Whichever be used, ample drainage
must be given to carry oil the large supplies of water
these plants require when in full growth. Over the
crocks it is necessary to place a layer of sphagnum-
moss, or a thin turf of loam, with the grass-Bide
downward, so that the compost may be kept
moist, and the drainage unclogged by s»il. Then
fill nearly up to the rim of the pot with tbe
following compost : equal parts of fibrous
November 27, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
383
loam, peat, and sphagnum-moss, with a mode-
rate quantity of coarse silver-sand. Upon this soil
the base of the clump should rest, filling up
firmly around the bulbs with the compost. Should
there be any bare spaces between the bulbs, it
should be filled in with the roughest of the potting
material, giving preference to the sphagnum-moss as
being retertive of moisture. When repotting is
finished, place the plant-" near the ronf -glass in an
intermediate-house, but give scarcely any water until
the plants start to grow vigorously. As the roots
and foliage develop, so must the quantity of water
afforded be increased, and when thoroughly esab-
lished, the plants require almost unlimited supplies ;
and in addition to the ordinary watering, an applica-
tion of weak liquid-manure water about once a week
is very bene6cial to them. In the spring and summer
months, the plants will be greatly benefited, and red-
spider may be checked, by syringing overhead and
underneath the foliage two or three times a day.
Pieione Hookeriana and P. humilis coming from a
high alpine region, at elevations ranging from 7000
to 10,000 feet, should at all times be grown in the
cool-house with the Odontoglossums. Both species
have now completed their growth, and may be sus-
pended close to the glass. During their period of
rest, water them often enough to prevent the bulbs
from shrivelling. The flowering season is January
and February. P. humilis has sepals and petals of a
delicate lilac colour, the lip is margined with white,
and exquisitely fringed with long white hairs. Pieione
flowers are easily gathered by giving them a gentle
pull, when the stem will readily part from the base of
the growth. When in bloom, the plants should be
placed in a dry atmosphere, and the flowers will
remain fresh for a considerable time.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris. Gardener, late of Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
The Pine-stove. — In the fruiting-house some of the
older Smooth Cayenne Pines will now be g'tting
ripe, and in order that they may ripen satisfactorily and
be of good flavour, water must be very sparingly applied
to them, and not any excepting the soil is very
dry. Let the air be kept rather di ier, with a steady
warmth of 70° at night, and 80° by day, with sunshine.
Afford the plants very little air, then only on fine
days for an hour or so about noon. Other fruits that
may be swelling may have a litde guano or other ferti-
liser sprinkled on the soil before affording water, or it
may be dissolved in the water used. Be careful in
affording water to any of the plants at this season,
when there is but little loss of moisture from the
soil. Let the walls, &c. be moistened with weak
liquid-manure occasionally, and with clean water
once or twice daily ; and secure the fruits with broad
strips of matting in order to have erect crowns.
Successions and Suckers should now be resting,
and beyond an occasional examination to see that
they do not become very dry at the root, they will
not require much attention. Let the night tempera-
ture be kept at about 60° ; 5" lower will not harm
them, Bhould very cold weather set in. If the
garden is near a smoky town, the glass should be
washed occasionally. Frigi-domo or canvas blinds
are very useful in economising fire-heat, but they must
not be let down till nightfall, and should be rolled
up by daylight, or half their usefulness will be
counteracted and lost.
Pot Vines. — Where these were started at a very
early date, the buds will be commencing to break,
and if they are doing this in a regular manner, the
canes may be shifted from the horizontal position,
and slung up to the rafters for a few days, about 2 feet
from the glass, and then secured to the trellis in the
proper manner. By proceeding thus, the risk of
checking growth is much reduced. Canes that break
irregularly may have the terminal buds rubbed off,
so as to divert ihe sap into the backward buds. Ab the
Vines grow, more water at the root will be required ;
but root-action being Bluggish as yet, care must be
laken that the Vines do not suffer from excess
of mois'ure, neither must they lack moisture.
Maintain the hot-bed at a steady degree of warmth,
affording fiesh warm material as often as required.
The syringing of the rods may be suspended for a
time when they commence to break, as the points of
the shoots are liable to damp at this time of year,
which means, of course, that the bunch therein will
be spoiled. A moist, genial atmosphere may be kept
instead by damping down twice or thrice daily.
Whenever the Vines have to be aff irded water, it
should be in sufficient quantities to moisten the
entire mass of soil, and have a warmth of 85°. The
night temperature may now be raiFed to 60°, and by
day to 70°, the temperature and the degree of moisture
being governed to a great extent by outside con-
ditions, a rule which, if m^re generally adhered to,
would tend to reduce the red-spider pest so common
on early-forced plants.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Mavcock. Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Richardias. — There should now be plenty of
spathes on such of these as were kept in pots all the
summer, and the pots being filled with roots, it will
be safe to afford them weak farmyard manure water
once in three or four days. The Richardias that were
planted out in the open with the idea of fun ishing
spatbes late io the winter, will have begun t>> fill the
pots with roots, and establish themselves, and they
should be placed in a greenhouse, and fumigated at
regular interva s for the destruction of greenfly, with
which they are nearly always liable to be infested.
When spathes in quantity are wanted at the Christmas
season, the more forward of these should be placed
in a house having a slightly higher degree of warmth,
say 50° to 55° by night, and 60J by day.
Hydrangea hortensis. — Thf plants should now have
the protection of a cold frame, and the pots be plunged
to the rims in fine coal-ashes or new tree- leaves,
leaving space for the air to circulate freely among
them.
Fuchsias. — Those plants which have been em-
ployed in the conservatory, and have passed out of
flower, should be stood close together in a frost-
proof glasshouse or well-lighted shed for the winter,
water being withheld all the while.
Chrysanthemums. — The season is almost here when
the propagation of the plants must begin ; and while
there is yet a little time, an effort should be made to
ascertain if every plant is correctly named. Tho-e which
are pushing up many shoots should have the latter
thinned somewhat, in order to strengthen the plant,
and the Bhoots which are to serve as cuttings. Any
varieties that appear unlikely to develop shoots
should be cut down to within 1 foot of the soil
forthwith, the surlace slightly stirred, the exposed
roots covered with soil, and the plants stood near to
the glass in a greenhouse, and afforded water only
when the soil has become dryish.
Violets. — Thus far the season has been favourable
to Violets in frames, and flowers are now abundant.
Such of the beds as were top dressed with Cocoa-nut-
fibre refuse may not be found to require water,
but unmulched beds may be found to require it.
This should be applied without the rose on the can,
so as to avoid wetting the leaves. Continue to venti-
late the frames freely, pushing the lights back for
an hour or two each day, or until it is seen that the
underside of the glass is quite dry. Remove decaying
leaves as 60on as remarked, and place protecting
material in readiness to cover the mats if sharp frost
is impending.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. H. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Manuring Land and the Rutation of Crops. —
Advantage Bhould be taken of dry weather to wheel
manure on to the kitchen-garden quarters and borders ;
but, before doing this, it is necessary to prepare a plan
of the cropping for, at the least, one year in advance.
For instance, plants of the Brassica tribe should not
be grown on the same soil for two years running. Peas
and Beans should also have change of ground ; and
by arranging the different crops to follow each other,
better results may be looked for, not only by hus-
banding the resources of the soil, but by more economy
in working it, than by following the opposite method.
After a root crop, the ground should bo well manured,
and dug deeply at an early part of the year, the sur-
face being left as roughly as possible, or thrown up
into ridges. The exposure of so much of the soil in
this manner will cause the destruction of numerous
larva; and cbrysalida of insects, &c, injurious to
crops. The early Celery- crop may be fallowed by the
main-crop of OnionB, the ground being ridged or
roughly dug as fast as it is cleared ; the mid-season
and later Celery-ground being reserved for Beetroots,
Parsnips, Carrots, &c, no other manure being added
beyond a dressing of soot in the spring. Late
varieties of Potatos may be succeeded by Kales,
and Coleworts for spring-cutting, the plants, of
course, being prepared in a measure by having
been lifted from the seed-beds, and pricked out
thinly to keep them sturdy. Of course, there
are different subjects, as summer Spinach, Lettuce,
Radishes, and many others for which it will not
be necessary to manure the land in an especial
manner. Spinach for instance may be sown between
rows of Peas, or as an edging close to the paths ; it
i- an evanescent crop, never occupying the ground in
the summer for more than six or seven weeks.
Marly Broccoli.— \i the rows of Peas are placed
20 to 30 feet apart, early Broccoli may be planted in
the spaces between the lows, the removal of the Peas
letting more air and light into the quarters. If Peas are
given 6 feet between therows.twiTowsof plants may be
put in each space, and if the ground be trodden hard
so much the better for the Broccoli. The ground
occupied by late Broccoli not falling vacant till the end
of May, should be reserved for the Scarlet and other
Runner Beans and for Celery, the rows of the former
being 10 to 12 feet apart ; and between them the mid-
season and late Celery may be planted, the rows run-
ning north and south ; or Turnips, Dwarf Beans, &c,
may be grown there, Wide and deep trenches should
be provided for the Beans, and plenty of rotten manure
mixed in the staple, with some fine soil put on the top,
before sowing the seed. Lettuce is best provided for
during the Bunimer months by planting or sowiDg a
batch at short intervals on the Celery-ridges, as also
early Endive, Radishes, or other quick- growing
subjects.
Vegetable Refuse, etc.— In all gardens there is a
heap of decaying vegetable refuse and other rubbish,
the accumulations of the summer months. This
ought now to be turned, the decayed portion thrown
into a heap by itBelf, the rougher materials being
burnt, and the resulting ashes added to the heap,
then add a sixth part of quick-lime, and well mix all
together. Thus treated, it forms a valuable fertiliser,
and will be found useful for many purposes during
the spring and early summer.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Manuring Strawberry Plantations. — Advantage
should be taken whenever the ground is hnrd and
dry to wheel manure on to the Strawberry-beds, and
to spread it between the rows and close up to the
plants. The manurial ingredients in this dressing,
which may be about 2 inches thick, are carried down
to the roots of the plants by snow and rain, benefiting
them without the attendant loss of roots that follows
the common practice of forking the manure into the
spaces between the rows. Weeds that may have
sprung up in the beds should be pulled up before
applying the dressing.
Pruninq Currant-bushes. — The established bushes
of Red and White Currants may now be pruned, cut-
ting moBt of the lateral shoots within an inch of the
old wood, but leaving the leading and secondary lead-
ing shoots of branches about 6 to 9 inches in length,
according to position. This conveys the general idea
of the pruning of these bushes, but the pruner must
also have in his mind's eye the symmetry of each,
leaving shoots of varying length, or removing some
entirely, where it may seem to be called for. All
crowding of the shoots or main branches should be
avoided or remedied. Old bushes in a crowded con-
dition may be turned into profitable ones by thinning
out the older and worst-placed branches, and shorten-
in the fruit-spurs if these are of great length. If
the branches are lichen-covered, scrape them with a
hard-wood scraper.and strew quick-limeover theothers
whilst damp. This dressing is useful in other ways,
injurious insects and the larva; often concealed in the
lichen being likewise destroyed by it. Black Currants
require that some of the older branches be removed
annually, and an equal number of shoots of the
current year, of unifoim strength, left to take their
places ; weak wood, unless needed to increase the
size of the bushes, being removed. This done, and
the prunings removed to the fire-heap, a good dressing
of short manure should be forked iDto the ground,
between and around the bushes. Gooseberries are
pruned in the manner advised for black Currants,
having the centre of the bushes well opened out.
Where bullfinches are troublesome, the pruning of
the Gooseberry bushes should be delayed until growth
begins, by which time the birds will have done their
worst, and the pruner will then have buds on the
shoots from which to select. When pruning bushes
of any sort, any of the shoots which are likely, when
in leaf and fruit, to droop too near to the ground,
should be shortened or removed.
Wall- Trees.— The pruning and training of wall-
trees should be pushed on with during open weather,
in accordance with the advice that I gave on this
subject on November 6, p. 325.
384
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 27, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS thould be sent to the PUBLI8HER.
Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be
of interest to our readers, or oj any matters which it i3
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
should be written on one side only of the paper,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay /or any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees,
&c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
APPOINTMENTS FOR DECEMBER.
SATURDAY,
TUESDAY,
TUESDAY,
SATURDAY,
CSoci
, J L.
°- 4 | We
( M
( Nation a
0. 7-[ Wint<
Society Francaise d' Horticulture,
London
j Isle of Wight Horticultural Society,
\ Meeting.
National Chrysanthemum Society's
Winter r*how m the R >al
rium, Westminster (3 days).
n 1(l Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
L,L0- l*\ niittees.
Dec. 25 — Christmas Day.
SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
-»»i^xt™*v xr ,. on f Dutch Bulhs, at Protheroe &
MONDAY, Nov. 29 \ UunU, Ro^
'Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe &
Morris' Rooms.
Japanese Lilies, Palm ' eeds, &c ,
at P otheroe & Morns' Rooms.
Fruit. Trees, Evergreen i, and Coni-
TUESDAY, Nov. 30 lera. at Lee's Nurseiy, High
Road, Ealm^ Dean, by order of
Messrs. Chas. Lee & Son, by
Protheroe -v Moriis (two days).
Bui's and Plants, at Mr. Stevens'
\ Rooms.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe &
Morri-' Rooms.
Roses, Fruit Trees, Border Plants,
and Bulbs, at Mr. Stevens'
Rooms.
Trotheroe &
WEDNESDAY, Deo. 1
THURSDAY, DEO. 2
/■Dutch Bulbs at
I Morris' Rooms.
Bulbs. Plants, Shrubs, Palms, ifcc ,
| Bulbs. Ph
(. at Mr. t
Stevens' Rooms.
Dutch Bulbs, at Protheroe Ar
FBI HAY,
Dec. 3
i uuicn Bines, ;
) Morris' Rooms.
\ Imported and fcst
( at Protheroe &
KBtablished Orchids
Morris' Rooms.
Avehaoe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-tliree years, at Chiswick.— 41'3°.
Actual Temperatures; —
London. — November 2i (li p.m.): Max., 47°; Min., 87°.
Provinces. — November 24 (6 p.m.): Max., 52°, south,
west Ireland ; Min., 3V)°, north-east Scotland.
Weather dull, foggy, and mild.
Horticultural A paper at the Royal Horticul-
Exhibitions and tural Society from Mr. John
their schedules. Weight of the Journal 0f Horti.
culture, who is not only an experienced judge,
but a member of the press, which is the great
Court of Appeal, is of great interest to those
concerned in the preparation of schedules.
No doubt Mr. Wright's experience is like
our own. We find that most of the difficulties
and disputes which arise, and which are
referred to us, depend either upon faulty
drafting of the schedule, or upon a misappre-
hension of its meaning. Incompetence on the
part of a judge scarcely ever occurs, though,
of course, equally competent judges may some-
times come to different conclusions. Wilful
misjudging has never come under our notice.
In continental shows a bias has, in our experi-
ence, sometimes been observable ; but then it
has been a bias of an amiable character, and
one that has not inflicted injury on anyone.
The rules of judging formulated by the
Royal Horticultural Society furnish valuable
assistance to the framers of schedules, and it
is to be wished that those rules were made the
universal standard, as they can be revised each
year, and modified if change be considered
necessary.
The point system is excellent in all doubtful
cases, but as to the value to be given to 1st,
2nd, or 3rd prizes, as the case may be, that
is a question that the judges have nothing
to do with. The maintenance of a regular
proportion between the classes may be desirable
in most cases, but it is possible there may some-
times be local reasons which induce a com-
mittee to act otherwise.
Competition for the mere sake of getting
money-prizes is despicable, little if any better
than gambling, and leads to such deplorable
results that many employers forbid their gar-
deners to exhibit. The higher the aim, the
less personal the object, the better is the show,
and the better the ultimate results to all parties
concerned. It may be difficult to realise this
at the time, but experience shows it to be true
in the long run. It would be interesting to
trace the causes that led to the abandonment
of some societies. For our own part, we feel
convinced that one cause of the want of success
of such societies is to be found in the fact that
tli9 supporters thought more of personal interests
and of prize-giving and prize-winning than of
the progress of gardening. At any rate, it is
incontestable that the most successful societies
are those which place the interests of gardening
foremost, and the benefit of its members or of
exhibitors in a subordinate position.
Commencing with an unqualified testimony
to the good effect of horticultural exhibitions,
Mr. Wright referred to the features of suc-
cessful and unsuccessful societies, afterwards
giving hints upon the management of a society.
Rifeience was made to the composition of
committees, the importance of establishing a
reserve fund, the formation and compilation
of schedules, the amateur question, the duties
of exhibitors, of secretary, committee, judges,
&c, and many other incidents in connection
with the exhibition of horticultural produce.
One of Mr. WRlGm's principal references
was that to a system of judging exhibits known
as "the point value" method, and which has
been practised at the Carshalton Society's Show
for some years. Briefly, under this system a
sum of money would be apportioned to each
class, and it would be awarded to 1st, 2nd, or
3rd prize exhibitors, according to the number
of points awarded each collection by the judges.
The amount of disparity between each prize in
a class would be exactly proportionate to the
difference between the value of the several
exhibits. Occasionally, therefore, there would
be little difference even between the 3rd prize
and the 1st prize.
Linnean SOCIETY. — An evening meeting will
be held on Thursday, December 2, 1897, at 8 P M.,
when the following papers will be read, viz., 1, "On
the Anatomy of Caudina coriacea," by Professor
Arthur Dendy, DSc, F.L.S, &c. ; 2, " Un some
Desmids from the United States," by Messrs. W.
West, F.L.S., and G. S. West. Exhibitions :— 1,
Specimens of Galls of Cecidomya, by ProfeBsor
J. B. Farmer, F.L.S., &c. ; 2, An Egg of Echidna,
by Mr. Martin Woodward.
Ramie Fibre. — Messrs. MacDonald, Boyle &
Co., of 39, Victoria Street, S VV., write in reference
to a note on " Ramie Fibre," that appeared in these
pages recently, that we mu-t have been misinformed.
The Midlands Spinning Co., of Long Eaton, have
been working Ramie under their process f >r the past
four years, and tons of the yarn have been turned
into lace and other materials.
Chrysanthemum Pennsylvania.— A bloom
of this variety of incurved Japanese Chrysanthemum
has been shown us by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., who
obtained it from the raiser, Hugh Graham, Esq.,
U.S A. It is bright yellow in colour, has ribbed,
rather broad florets that incurve, and are slightly
tnrned to one side. The bl"Oui is 4 J inches deep,
and 5.1 inches in width, and has a full and rather
dense centre. The flowers appeared rather rough,
but having been cut so long, it would be difficult to
estimate it corrtctly.
Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. — The
numerous occasions on which this beautiful fibrous-
rooted Begonia has been exhibited recently, have
proved it to be one of the mo«t valuable of autumn-
fl iwenng plants. It responds to goo I cultivation
by producing pretty, well-shaped plant*, that are
literally covered with abundant rosy-pink flowers.
The collection of plants, shown from a private estab-
lishment, aod referred to in our report on p. 386, of
theRjal Horticultural Society's Show on Tuesday
last, was a must noteworthy one.
HONINGTON CHURCHYARD.— On Monday, Oc-
tober 18, the Bishop of Coventry consecrated a
handsome h ch-gate and a new burial-ground at
Honington Church, the gift of F. Townsend, Esq.,
of Honingtm Hall. The ceremony was rendered
the more touching by the fact that a funeral was
about to take plucn on the new burial-ground of the
only son, aaed five years, of Mr. Gar, the head-
gardener at Honington Hall.
Heavy Bunches of Gros Guillaume
Grape. — Under the more common but erroneous
name of Black Biroaeo-isa, Mr. Nelson', gardener to
Mr. Barnes, a gentleman residing at Chesterfield,
exhibited three bunches of this fine-looking Grape at
the recent Birmingham Chrysaaihemum show, the
heaviest of which weighed 9 lb,, and the others
nearly as much. Tue bunches and berries were
perfect in every point. It is a variety of a very
uncertain character, cropping well in some places,
and scarcely at all in others ; and when a tew bunches
only happen to grow on a vigorous, large Vine, they
usually come of prodigious dimensions. Mr. Barron,
in his Vines an I Vine Culture, says that the Vine
does best on the long rod method of pruning. Mr.
Roberts, gardener, of Charleville Forest, Ireland,
exhibited in 1877 a buuch of Gros Guillaume
weighing 23 lb. 5 oz. ; and Mr. McKenna, gardener
at Phoenix Park, Dublin, showed a bunch of 20 lb.
weight ; see Gardeners' Chronicle, 1886, Feb. 6, p. 168
British Enterprise?— At this season of the
year, particularly, we receive very numerous English
business catalogues, and a large number of Conti-
nental and American lists. The Continental lists,
especially the German and the Dutch, are either
wholly written in English, or a translation of the
vernacular is given, so that a young gardener desirous
of improving his knowledge of foreign languages
might do worse thau take these catalogues as a useful
aid. This, of course, is not the primary object of
these lists. Their main aim is to convey informa-
tion to potential purchasers, and so the compilers
adopt means to bring the descriptions of what they
have to offer for sale under the notice of their cus-
tomers in the easiest way, without inflicting on them
the trouble and loss of time involved in translating.
In many cases our Continental frieuds take the
trouble (which must be great to them) of making
use, for our beuefit, of our senseless system of weights
and measures, and our incoherent money tables.
No doubt the foreign merchants find it remunera-
tive to take all this trouble, and it is really very
Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," Novem3er 27, 1897.
FlG. 112.— CEDARS AT EDEN HALL, CUMBERLAND. (SEE P. 380.)
Fig. 113. —flower-garden at eden hall, Cumberland, (see p. 380.)
November 27, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
385
kind of them to do it for us. What surprises
us is that our business men so rarely do the
same ; indeed, we do not lemember to have
seen a seed or plant catalogue from a British firm
in any other language than English, nor one in
which the prices and quantities were expres-ed
in terms that would be readily intelligible outside
this country from one end of Europe to the other
without the trouble of translating or calculating.
The Effects of Earthquake on Trees.—
Two or three correspondents of Indian Gardening
say that since the earthquake in June the fruits on
their Papaw-trees have not increased in size nor
ripened, but remain in the same state as before the
earthquake. New growth, however, and a fresh crop
of fruit has been produced since the catastrophe,
leaving the previously-formed fruit arrested.
SALPICHROA RHOMBOIDEUM. — Under the
name of Muguet des Pampas (Lily of the Valley of
the Pampas), M. Gerard, in the Revue Bortieole,
speaks of a Solauaceous plant called under the above
name, and erroneously under that ol Withania origani-
folia. .VI. Godefroy-Lebeuf writes of it as a highly
ornamental hardy climber, 6t for covering trellises
and the like, suitable for towus, for the country, for
the seaside, for a 11 descriptions of soil, and for all
aspects. Tne berri es are about au inch loDg, oblong
obtu-e, and of a whitish coljur — whence the popular
but paradoxical name " (Eufs de Coq" (Cock's eggs).
Acreage of Crops in the United Ki^g-
DO'.i. — Accordiug to the Returns of the Board of
Agriculture, ttie following is the total acreage of the
United Kingdom, iucluding the Isle of Man and
Chmnel Islands, and of the crops therein cultivated
duriug ttie present year, 1897 : —
Acres.
77, tin, 319 ... Total area of land and water.
47,8138,503 ... Total acreage uud r all kinds of crops, bare
fallow and grass.
8,890,092 ... Corn crops.
4,3*7,568 ... Qreea crops (including 1,194,194 Potatos).
6, 15.', 798 ... Clover, Saiufoin, and grasses under rotation.
27,924,710 ... Perm tnent p.isture or grass, not broken up
in rotation.
46,995 ... Flax
50,sli3 .. Hops.
7 ,245 ... Small-fruit.
405,282 ... Bare faUow.
Algeria. — We take the following from a letter
in a receut number of the Times:— " What is the
condition of Algeria? The Sugarcane has no sugar,
it is iuferior Bamboo. The Coff- e-berry is empty.
The cotton is too short for spinniug. The cocoi-
Palm is incapable of bearing fruit. The Iudigo plant
comes to nothing. The Pine-apple does not ripen.
A hothouse is necessary for the Vanilla. Of spices
we had better not speak ; there is nothing here to
compare with Brazil or India. And for European
products it is still worse. Corn becomes hard in the
third year; a mealy Potato is a myth. Oxen in the
fourth generation dwindle from 300 kilogrammes'
weight to 150 lb. Fowls are poor; fruit wormy,
even the Banaua being pasty. True, there are a few
good Oranges ; but the wine is harsh and rough, the
sugar of the Grape not being capable of being entirely
converted into alcohol and carbonic acid. In short,
there is a rebuff all along the line." This unfortunate
condition of affairs is at tributed by the writer to the
temperature, which is always too cold or too warm,
or not cold enough and not warm enough.
Mr. JaMES SIMPSON, late of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick, has received
from Mr. T. MoMeek in, Falkland Park, South Nor-
wood, an appointment on his tea plantations in
Assam. Mr. Simpson entered the service of Messrs.
James Cockek & Sons, nurserymen, Aberdeen, as
an apprentice, and during his apprenticeship he (in
1893) received the Royal Horticultural Society's
Certificate for Examination in Horticulture. During
his stay in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens,
he was for more thau two years Honorary Secretary
.nd Treasurer of the Chiswick Gardeners' Mutual
Improvement Association, and held the South Ken-
sington Science and Art Certificates in Mathematics,
Drawing, and Botany. Mr. Simpson left for Assam
on the 12th inat.
Public Parks of New York. — A brochure by
Gherardi Davis, containing information read before
the New York Historical Society last April, con-
cerning the establishment of public parks in the city
of New York, is of considerable interest as a record
of progress. Formerly, the need for open spaces as
recreaton-grounds in the centre of large towns, was
scarcely thought of; of late years it has received
much attention. The foundation of the bowling-
green, of Battery Park, City Hall Park, Madison
Square, and the other open-spaces in New York, as
well as the development of these pleasure-grounds,
are dealt with in the little book before us. To quote
from it, lt New York may well be proud of the work
done by the Park Department during the past twenty
yenrs, for the care which the commissioners of that
department have bestowed upon our park system."
Greenhouse Heating. -" One cubic foot of gas
per hour will maintain a rise of 1° Fahr. for every
450 Square feet of glass on a calm day with no wind,
but at least double this power must be provided for
windy weather. The average working practice is
1 cubic foot of gas per hour for every 300 square feet
of glass, and one-third of this extra for exposed out-
side walls. Greenhouses heated by gas are frequently
worked so as to be very unneces-arily expensive.
It may be taken, as a rule, that no plant-house heated
by gas should be kept at a liigner minimum than
45° Fahr. If this is strictly observed, the time during
which the heat is required will not average, in the
Midlands, more than a total of six to eight weeks
per annum. If a higher temperature is kept, the
extra gasrequued for the same period is not a serious
matter, but the time duriog which the heat is
required is enormously increased ; a minimum of 55°
would extend the titn-i to nearly six months, and a
minimum of 70° would mean hard firing, day and
night, fur almost the whole of the year. Inattention
to this important piiut means excessive cost, and
consequent dis.rardiug of what, uoder rea-onable
conditions, would be found a great pleasure and
convenience. The Commercial Uses of Goal Gas."
Wolmer Forest »s a Sanctuary.— Mr.
Thomas Whithorn, President of the Guildford
Natural History and Micro-copical Society, writes
from 36, High Street, Guildford, under date Nov. 4 :
— " Owing greatly to the approval of the Press, the
question of the preservation of Wolmer as a sanctuary
for birds is assuming national importance, and it may
perhaps interest your readers to know that the
petition, numerously signed by influential residents
here, including some distinguished military officers
familiar with the Wolmer disrict. will shortly be
submitted to the heads of tho Department of Woods
and Forests for their consideration. A uong tho-e
whom I have interviewed on the subject is the
renowned and venerable artist, G. F. Watts, R A.
On a visit which I paid him on Wednesday after-
noon at his house, known as Limner's Lease, which
he has erected some 3 miles from Guildford, near the
village of Compton, he expressed warm sympathy
with the movement, and said that it gave him great
pleasure to sign the petition. He also, as indicating
his thorough appreciation of the aims of the Guild-
ford society, has allowed his name to be connected
with it in the same manner as that of Mr. Glad-
stone— namely, as hou. member. Thus the Guild-
ford Natural History Society can boast of the rare
distinction that two of the most eminent men of the
century have signified their emphatic approval of its
endeavours, and given it the valuable prestige of their
support." Times.
Victoria Medalists.— The last issue of the
Gardeners' Magazine contains a double-page plate
containing the portraits of all the Victoria Medalists.
The likenesses are so geuerally good, that we con-
gratulate our contemporary on its enterprise.
PLANT PORTRAITS.
Cunila Mariana, Linn., Medians" Monthly, November.
Rosa calocarpa, Garden, November 13.
Rosa hltmilis. Garden, November 13.
Rose Mrs. Sharman Crawford, H. P. (Dicksons), Rosen-
zeitung, October.
Rose Victoria Melita, Roscnzeitung, October ; bybrid
Tea ; pale primrose (Lambert).
Home Correspondence.
the WELLINGTONIA IN CO. WICKLOW— The
County of Wicklow is noted for the numerous fine
specimens of the newer Coniferce, which find a home
on the sunny slopes, or in the sheltered glens of its
mountain nnges. In the mild and menial climate of
Ireland they seem to thrive about as well as they do
in their natural habitats, on the Pacific slope of
North America, and on the richly-wooded hills of
far-away Japan. Fine examples of the Wellingtonia
are met with in almost every domain around the
numerous country seats, from Coollatrin in the south,
to Powerscourt in the north, both ol which are famed
for their fine collections of exotic Conifers. The
older and best-grown trees have in many instances
reached a height, of over 70 feet, with straight mas-
sive stems, often girthing, at 5 feet up, 10 to 11 feet.
Two remarkably fine specimens, perhaps the finest in
the county, are growing on the lawn at Fassaroe, the
Beat ot Richard M. Barrington, Esq.. about 2 miles
from Rray, in the extreme north of the county, and
at an al itude nf some ISO feet above the level of the
Irish Sea. The soil is a friable 1 am, of good
depth, resting on an open sub-soil, and the spot is
fail ly well sheltered. The trees arc in Bpl. ndid
health, straiuht and shapely, and richly clothed with
branches from top to bottom, where they sweep the
greensward. These fin- trees were accurately
measured this autumn, and their dimensions were
found to be as follows :— No. 1, planted in 1867,
height, 77 feet; girth of the stem at 5 feet up,
6 feet 3j inches ; at 3 feet up, 1 0 feet 2 inches ; at
the base, 14 feet 10 indies. No. 2 stands near to
No 1, and was planted in 1859. Its height is 73 feet,
girth of the -tern at 5 teet uo, 11 feet 4 inches ; at
3 feet up, 12 feet 7 inches ; aud at the base, 16 feet
9 inc'ies. Two noble trees for anv lawn, and few
finer specimens are seen in any part of Britain. D. (See
p. 379.)
AGARICUS PROCERUS. — In these days of fungus
forays, can any of your correspondents tell me if
they have seen of late years many of the Agaricus
procerus, lt used lo be tolerably abundmt in a
rough pasture here, but it has been very scarce
of late, and this year has not appeared. Its cha-
racteristic form, aud the peculiarity of its ring,
make it a very distinct species ; and in delicacy
of flavour and substance, it, to my mind, far sur-
passes the common Mushroom, A. campe-tris, of
which we have fewer than usu-d this lear, but what
we have had were extraoroinarily large — Hoise-
Mushrooms, as the country people often call them.
R. Milne Redhead, Cliiheroe.
EARLY NESTING OF A ROBIN— It may be of
interest to your readers this week to note that in a
stable adjoining the gardens here a robiu has recently
built a nest, aud deposited five eegs — a most unusual
occurrence. H. Warren, Aston Clinton, Aylesbury.
ROSES. — When provoked by the absence of refer-
ence to fragrance in your publication on the subject
of Roses, I wrote (as published in your issue
of July 3) about fragrance in Roses deserving,
or rather requiring, separate sections in nursery-
mea's catalogues, for varieties possessing this attri-
bute, on account of the great preponderance of
numbers of modest admirers that would primarily
look for fragrance as the first attribute. I had hoped
that, on their behalf, the discussion would have
been extended. But I presume your journal has
numbers of subscribers who are exhibitors of Roses,
aud that their number far exceeds that of the more
modest class [?], so that nothing came of it at the time.
I am therefore doubly pleased to have such a valiant
ally in the least expected quarter, viz., " Wild Rose,"
in your last week's number, outstripping, at a bound,
my comparatively humble suggestion by seriou-ly
proposing that non-fragrant Roses be suppres-ed.
Certainly! whole measures are best. I make bold there-
fore to suggest also that Roses of the graceless S'iffness
of the Baroness Rothschild class should by our
hybridisers be sought to be replaced by grace in
habit, so that with fragrance combined we may strive
to arrive at perfection for the whole class. I well
remember a severe rebuke received from one of the
first Rose-growers of the realm on my ordering, some
fifteen years ago, a lresh selection of new Roses, if
his firm would only send such as 'were severely
fragrant — the reply being to the effect that they had
no time for Buch" triviality 1 Why should not the
National Rose Society agree to offer special prizes for
collections of the greatest fragrance, and as " Wild
Roae " proposes, not aviard any honours to Roses
386
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
[November 27, 1897.
deficient in perfume. Surely fragrance is the poetry
of the Rose, as " Wild Rose " aptly suggests.
H. H. ft, Forest Hill.
CARNIVOROUS SLUGS. — Would it not be better to
call these " worm eating slugs ? " Testacella halio'idea
(to which my experience in confined, for no one has
asked me to name T. Maugei) may be proved
to be worm eating by immeising them in weak
salt and water. Dr. Ball records that " by putting
them into spirts tbey disgorged more of these animals
than I thought they could possibly have con-
tained ; each worm was cut, but not nivided. at
regular interval*." I fancied this cutting had been done
by the horny jaw in the upper part of the mouth,
which most Limaces have. But Mr. Ralph Tate
asserts that this and other predaceous pulmoniferse
"do not possess horny jaws." This wants investiga-
tion. Mr Tate also says that, "The food of the
young T. hiliotidea consists of small worms, and the
white t-l^nder vermiform animals which live upon
putrefying vegetables." W. T., Bishop's Teignton.
THE IRISH HEATH, which the older botanists
know as Menziesia pohfolia, was, according to Mr.
W. J. Bean, changed in 1834 to Daboeeia polifolia,
because the plant was known in the west of Ireland
as St. Dabeoc's Heath. Surely the generic name
ought rather to have been Dab^ocia, not Dabcecia !
W. T., Bishop's Teignton. [The Index Kewensis retains
the original but incorrect spelling. It does not adopt
the anterior name Borretta (1790), which has lately
been revived. In our opinion, it is best to take the
Kew Judex as the standard, and to leave to mono-
graphers the onus of changing nomenclature, even if
we know it to be incorrect. Ed.]
THE MILD AUTUMN.— It is interesting to read
the reports from different parts of the country on
the mildness of the weather. Things are much the
same here in south Worcestershire. We have
been up to this date picking well-ripened Tomatos
from plants growing on the garden walls. Kidney
Beans, Vegetable-Marrows, Dahlias, Gladiolus, and
many tender annuals are beautifully in flower in the
borders ; and there are Strawberries of good size on
some of the early varieties, but these fruits are not
likely to ripen, the air being very humid. The mean
temperature of October was 50 '3°, which is 4° above
the mean for that monih here. The mean of the
maximum readings was 58'0°, and that of the mini-
mum 42-7°. The highest day reading was 657° on
the 17th, and the lowest night reading 33"0° on the
6th, the lowest registered here this autumn. These
readings are from the screen and Kew-tested ther-
mometers. The rainfall was 1'33° inches, which is
below the average. The day temperature of the
present month has ranged between 44 9° and 60 '9°,
and the nights from 37 2° to 53'3 up to the 15th inst.
The lawn grass is still growing, and will need mow-
ing if the weather should continue mild. Since the
above was written, we have registered 1° of frost.
W. Burgess, Bredons Norton.
■ Plants in bloom at Shirenewton Ball,
Chepstow. — Plumbago LarpenteE, Rudbeckia sub-
tomentosa and speciosa; Asters Thomsoni, bessa-
rabicus, horizontalis, and Mrs. Thi»elton Dyer;
Geranium striatum, Endresii, Rubertianum, R. album,
Chrysanthemum latifolium Duchess of Abercorn,
segetum, and leucanthemum ; Hypericum olympi-
cum, Campanula isophylla, Celsia arcturus, Erigeron
mucronatum, Tritoma Uvaria grandis, Choisya ter-
nata, Althaea Baldwinensis, Hydrangea japonica,
Anemone japonica pallida, Tradescantia virginica,
Bidens tripinnata and granrtiflora alba; Tagetes
pumila erecta, T. patula, Jasminum nudiflorum,
Lobelia erinus, Salvia coccinea and patens, Ligustrum
japouicum, Arbutus Unedo, Spiraea Bumalda, Agros-
temma coronaria, Cheiranthus Harpur Crewe, Godetia
The Bride, Mignonette Victoria, Golden Queen, and
Meconopsis cambrica ; Gynerium argenteum, Achillea
Millefolium, Kuta graveolens variegata, Primula
vulgaris (both yellow and white), Lavandula spica
(Glasnevin form), Borago officinalis ; also Roses,
Antirrhinums, Calceolarias, Cornflower, Helichry-
Bums, Ten- week Stocks, Carnations, garden Peas,
Polyanthus, Violas, Violets, Fuchsias, Laurustiuus
(single and double), Daisies, and Dahlias Cshow, fancy,
single, Cactus, and hybrids). I have never recorded
so many as late as November 22. We have had no
frost severe enough to cut Dahlias. E. J. Lowe.
FLOWER8 STILL BLOOMING IN THE PE*K.—
Shirley Poppies, Cornflowers, Mignonette, Candy-
tuft, dwarf and tall Antirrhinum, Dahlias, Helichry-
Bum monBtrosum, Lavatera rosea splendens, French
Marigolds (dwarf and tall, in abundance), Tagetes
pumila, Godetias, Nasturtiums, Convolvulus minor,
Viscaria, Eschscholtzia, yellow Marguerites, Anemone
japonica, Hollyhocks, Gladiolus Brenchleyen»is,
Chrysanthemums, Pentstemons, Carnations, Pansies,
Violas, and Kosesinprofusion. I may add, the gardenB
here are about 90o feet above sea-level, and most of
the flower borders are facing east. Many of the
above species of flowers I am still cutting for decorative
purposes. 0. B., Eyam, Derbyshire, Nov. 22.
Law Notes.
RATING OF HORTICULTURAL PROPERTIES.
The case of Ayers v. The Dartford Union Assessment
Committee was heard recently at the West Kent Quarter
Sessions.
Mr. Castle said the points upon which the appeal was made
were based mainly upoa the interpretation ot' the Agricul-
tural Rates Act, 1S90, and the question for the Court to
determine was, whether, under the recent Agricultural
Rates Act, appellant was not entitled to be assessed for his
greenhouse property at Sutton-at Hone, at a lower rate than
the Assessment Committee had seen fit to impose. The
property in question existed on certain land in the parish of
Suttou-at Hone, and comprised fifty-nine glasshouses belong-
ing to the appellant, Mr. Ayers. Now, the question was, what
was the amount to put on the property at a valuation such
as would represent a proper value ? The figures put on were
£291 and £191, and these sums it was c mten led should be
reduced to £201 lis. gross, and £140 net ; off that other sums
should bo taken, and that, on the groun is of the appeal,
should reduce the totals to £193 gross and £132 net. The
real question now with regard to the glasshouses was,
whether the rating should be on the basis of 0 per cent, and
4 per cent., or 7j per cent, and 5 per cent.
Mr. James Benjamin Slade, F.S.I. , a member of the firm of
Protheroe & Morris, auctioneers, &c, 67 and 6S, Cheap-
side, E.C., was first called. He said he had had a long
experience in valuing, selling, and letting horticultural
properties, extending over a period of twenty years. Dealing
with property of the kind in question was a special feature
of the firm's business. He had made a survey of Mr. Ayers'
property, aud had checked the plan showing how the houses
were laid out. He had made a careful inspection of all the
houses, with a view to arriving at the value of the property.
To get at the structural value, he adopted the principles and
custom of his firm. Ho produced a statement showing the
details. The structural value of the glass-houses he set down
at £2998 lis., or in round figures £^000. 'lhe actual ground
covered was 94,8S9 square feet. He made allowance for
pathways between the houses, and thus brought the total
ground covered to nearly 34 acres. His valuation he brought
out at £193 gross, and £132 nett. In making his calcula-
tions he looked rather more at the nett than the gross. He
had come to the conclusion that it would be an impossibility
to let tne nursery at more than 4 per cent, net on their
structural v.due, the tenant doing the repairs. That would
work out at £132, and that, in his opinion, was the best rent
that co ild be obtained ; and if Mr. Ayres wanted to let, the
probability is that he would have to wait a considerable time
before he got a tenant. It would not be possible to get more
rent than that.
Mr. Dickens : Would it not be possible to get £185?
Mr. Slade: No. It would be absolutely impossible. The
keenness of the competition has much to do with the valua-
tion. It is common knowledge that the Channel Islands
have considerably forced the hands of the British horticul-
turist. Grapes are being sold now 66 per cent, less than they
were ten years ago. It comes to this, that market gardeners
will have to bring themselves to sell their Grapes at Is per
lb. before long, or else give up the business of growing them
altogether. Difficulties are increasing ev^ry way ; there are
great difficulties with regard to railway transit, although in
the district under notice the London, Chatham & Dover
Railway do their best. It hds been proved to be cheaper to
bring goods from France to Loudon than from Swanley to
Loudon.
Cross-examined by Mr. Dickens : Witness said there were
fifty-nine glasshouses; the last was built in 1891, and the
first in 1886. A landlord would have to be satisfied, if he
wished to let, with 4 per cent, on his outlay for greenhouses.
A glasshouse was of no real value to anyone excepting those
who had a proper use for it. There was more risk attaching
to such a thing than to a house or factory.
Mr. Dickens : Then that being so, a man would expect a
higher percentage to make up for the risk ?
Mr. Slade: Well, he would not get it. Continuing his
evidence, witness said he had put the structural value of the
greenhouses in round figures at £3000. Whatever way the
same pi operty might have been valued by others, he claimed
that the manner in which he had carried out his valuation
was the correct one.
Re-examined by Mr. Castle : Witness said he adhered to
his statement that it would be very difficult to get more than
4 per cent. His figures wero supported by his estimate, and
he was corroborated in the neighbourhood as to what had
taken place. He could refer to property belonging to Mr.
Nash. In his opinion £140 would be the full letting value of
the property in question if it was in the market. He had
had ample experience in that direction. Four years ago he
valued the whole of the nurseries in the Bromley Union,
comprising seventeen ptrishes, and this year he had been
engaged on twenty cases in Brentford.
Mr. William George Cooke, A.R.I.B.A., P.A.S.I., of 35,Wal-
brook, a surveyor under appointment of the Board of Trade,
said he had inspected the property forming the subject of
th tt appeal. He m ide his tot*l value £3200. He worked on
the 6 per cent, scale to get the gross annual value. Th« total
gross value he put down at £2 1, aud the total net value at
£13 1. There was a cottage in connection with the property,
but that was assessed separately.
Mr. Avers, the appellant, wis called. He produced the
accounts for the last seven houses he built. The amount
came to £ 80 8t. 8d.
For the respondents it was submitted that the assessment
by the Dartford Union Assessment Committee was a fair and
just one.
Mr. William Eve, F.S.I. (W. Eve & Son, 10, Union Court,
Old Broad Street, E C), stated that he had been thirty-nine
years in practice. He had gone carefully into the matter in
detail, *nd had measurement staken o' the various buildings,
and plans prepared showing sections of t >e greenhouses. He
estimated the rateable value of i he glass erections and trade
buildings, with U acres of land, £209 10s., as follows —
69 Greenhou-es £190 0
Well. Wind Motor, Reservoir, and Pipes, £110 ... 5 10
Packing Shed, Wagon, and Empty Shed and
Stable, £70 3 10
Land, 3h acres 10 10
£209 10
He considered that 5 per cent, on the structural value was
the proper way to estimate the net rateable value.
The Court, after a brief deliberation, allowed the appeal
with costs, and reduced the assessment to £235 gross and
£159 net. The Justices agreed to state a case for the opinion
of the High Court on the question as to whether or not
market or nursery-gardens, with glasshouses erected on
them, are to receive the allowance of 50 per cent, off the
rates in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural
Rates Act, 1896. Condensed from the " Estates Gazette."
DENDROBIUM CCELOGYNE.
This remarkable species was described by Reichen-
bach in the Gardeners' Chronicle, February 4, 1871,
p. 136, and from that time to this, probably not
twenty colle ctions can boast of having had a plant of
it. A specimen was exhibited by Messrs. Hugh
Low & Co., of Upper Clapton, at the Royal Horti-
cultural Society on Oct. 23, 1894, and this served as a
model for the accompanying wood-cut (fig. 114), which
shows the somewhat awkward habit of the plant.
The flowers, which seem to be produced singly from
the apex of the pseudo-bulb, are by no means small
for a Dendrobium, although they present a different
aspect from most of the larger-flowered kinds. They
are greenish-yellow in colour, the inner surface being
decorated with rows of deep purple lines and blotches.
The large three-lobed lip is marked in the same
way, but is of a conspicuous satiny brownish-black
colour, and the column, which is shown between the
two narrow projecting petals, is streaked with purple.
One of the chief peculiarities of this species consists
in its creeping rhizome, on which the old angular
bulbs are about 2 inches apart. The plant is a
native of Moulmeiu, and, like so many other Orchids
of that region, was discovered by the Rev. C. Parish.
John Weathers.
SOCIETIES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
November 23.— An ordinary meet ing of the committees of
this Society took place at the Drill Hall, James Street,
Westminster, on Tuesday last, in most unpleasant weather.
The atmosphere was laden with fog throughout the day,
varying in degree a little at different periods. The hall was
only imperfectly illuminated by gas, and the colours of the
flowers, as described in the report below, are as nearly
correct as we could estimate them in such circumstances.
The display upon entering might easily have been mistaken
for a Chrysanthemum show, exhibits of this popular flower
absorbing so much of the space occupied. Of thesis Awards
of Merit granted by the Floral Committee, five were to
Chrysanthemums. Orchids, however, are ever present,
and this Com mittee were not without subjects presented for
examination. Beyond these there were groups of Begonias and
Euphorbias, each of which were exhibits of excellent culture.
Two collections of Apples, and one of large Onions, a new
Apple, and a new Gra pe, were the principal exhibits before
the members of the Fruit Committee.
Floral Committee.
Present : W. Marshall, Esq., chairman ; and Messrs. C. T.
Druery, H. B. May, R. Dean, Geo. Stevens, .las. Hudson,
Thos. Peed, R. B. Lowe, H. J. Cutbush, J. D. Pawle, Jas.
Walker, C. E. Shea, Charles Blick, Hy. Turner, R. M. Hogg,
and Chas. Jefferies.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
Chelsea, exhibited a few plants of Begonia Mrs. Heal, a figure
of which may be seen on reference to the Gardeners'
Chronicle, p. 585, vol. xviii., 1895. The variety was ob-
tained from a cross between B. socotrana and a tuberous-
rooted variety. B. Mrs. Heal commences to grow about
July, and flowers until Christmas, in an intermediate-
house. The plants shown afforded evidence of its deco-
NOVEMBEH 27, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
387
rative value at this season. The flowers are scarlet, or
rosy-scarlet. Messrs. Veitch also showed a new Begonia
named Julius, obtained from a similar cross : in this
case the tuberous parent was a rose-coloured variety.
B. Julius has double, bright rosy-pink flowers, very pretty
iu bud, and adaptable for button-hole adornment. It is free
flowering, and has deep green foliage (Award of Merit).
Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgato, London, had a
group of Palms, and a number of seedling varieties of
Pernettya mueronata (Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton and Bush Hill Park
Tunbridge Wells, who had an exhibit of fifty plants or more.
These were in 5-inch pots, anl varied from 1 to 2 feet in
height had retained their foliage well, and carried very
large bright coloured bracts. This group was encircled with
a few dwarf decorative plants (Silver Banksian Medal).
Mr. A. Tullet, Swanley, showed sprays of a serai double
scarlet-flowering zonal Pelargonium, described as a sport from
Raspail Improved. It is brighter in colour, and the flowers
are larger than those of that well known variety.
Bunches of a white-flowered single Chrysanthemum were
shown by Mr. H. Becker, Jersey. The flowers had suffered
FlG. 114.— DENDR0B1UM CCELOGYNE. (SEE P. 3S6.)
(Fl jwets greenish-yellow ; lip brownish -black ; and the column streaked with purple.
Nurseries, exhibited a group of flowering-plants, composed
of the winter-flowering, fibrous-rooted Begonia Gloire de
Lorraine, and some plants of a new scarlet, winter- flowering
Carnation.
An exceedingly commendable exhibit of Begonia Gloire do
Lorraine was made by Mr. F. Cubberley, gr. to J. W.
Templk, Esq., Leyswood Gardens, Groombridge. This
included about forty plants in 5 aod 6-inch pots, well grown,
and abundantly ttoweredj and the flowers were of capital
colour. These excellent decorative-plants were interspersed
with a few Palms and Ferns (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).
An object-lesson in the culture of Euphorbia (Poinsettia)
puloherrima was furnished by Messrs. T. CriH's & Sonb,
considerably, but beyond a very free blooming habit, the
variety may not be exceptional.
From Messrs. VIlmohis, Andrikux & Co., Paris, came a
few plants of Primula obconica, scarcely so well flowered as
they are usually seen here.
Chrysanthemums.
Five bunches of Chrysanthemums, in as many varieties,
were sent by Mons. Akatole LVrdonnier, Bayonne,
France. The committee passed a Vote of Thanks lor them,
the varieties being of ordinary merit, so far as could be
judged from the specimens.
An Award of Merit was granted to white Japanese Chrys-
anthemum Mrs. H. Folkes, shown by Mr. H. Folkes, gr. to
C. E. Strachan, Esq., Hemel Hempstead. It is a large,
rather flat flower, pure white, with stout stems that require
no support.
Twelve blooms of incurved Chrysanthemum Mrs. W. C.
Egan were shown wiih others from Mr. R. Owen, Maiden-
head. Tbe flowers are pale-coloured with white centre
(Bronze Banksian Medal'.
Mr. N, Molyneux, gr. to J. C. Garnish, Esq., Rookesbury
Park, Fareham, obtained the Society's Award of Merit for his
seedling Japanese variety, Mary Molyneux. This lias been
described frequently. The three blooms exhibited on this
occasion were very large, but inclined to be rough.
Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, Devon, showed severa
Chrysanthemum novelties, including Lady Northcote,
white Japanese, assuming colour with age ; Mrs. Peabody,
an incurved; Mrs. Moling Grant, leminding one of M.
Chcnon de Leehe, but ditto entin colour, being pale reddish.
Mr. Godfrey al o showed several varieties of winter- flower-
ing Carnations, and some cut blooms fiom Sweet Pea, var.
Celestial, cut from a plant growing in a very exposed
situation.
Mr. H. J. Jones, of the Ryecroft Nursery, Lewisharn, made
a must tasteful exhibit of cut Chrysanthemums, appro-
priating for this purpose one of the long central tables in the
Hall. There was a great number of flowers in this exhibit,
but no mass of colour. Some of them were displayed in
handsome vases, others in stands and similar deuces. The
boxe*. however, wbic not obtrusive, owing to a skilful
disposition of pretty Palms— Cocos Weddelliana, and Ferns,
which also served to break up and relieve th*- mass of
flowers. Some of Ihe varieti- s shown were tbe following,
and it will be ween that many of them were novelties : Mons.
Deablanc (incurved), Western King (represented in several
dozens of good blooms), Mrs. G. W. Palmer, Mrs. R. JoneB,
Yellow Madame Carnot. Australic, N. C. S. Jubilee, Mis. A. H.
Wood, W. Wright [a very line dozen.), Ma Perfection, and
huchc s of Kite (both incur vedsj, and many unnamed Seed-
lings (Silver-gilt Flora Medal;.
Another large exhibit of Chrysanthemums was one from
Mr. W. Wells, E.trlswo<»d Nurseries, Redhill, Surrey. This
exhibit wis a mi «t representative one, and included varieties
o! every type. Three Awards of Merit were also made to
varieties in Mr. Wells' colltction. These were to Georgina
Pitcher, Japanese, extra wide florets, slightly incurved,
occasionally twisted, and pleasing shade of yellow. To Sca-
ramanga, a large and very deep Japanese flower, pale reddish
colour and buff; and to Mrs. F. A. Bevan, one ot th- most
delicately coloured Japanese Chrysanthemum flowers,
medium size, of good depth, florets very smooth, and
flowers generally of a refined appearance.
Some late-struck plants of the variety Scaramanga in ti inch
pots were also shown, bearing blooms almost large enough
for exhibition. Amongst a number of other varieties in this
collection, the two mo«t deserving of comment are Earlswuod
Beauty, a white, single-flowered variety, of first-class value,
and Madame Fer'ot, a very fine white incurved flower iSilver-
gilt Bmksian Medal).
A collection inclusive of about forty bunches of Chrysan*
themums, was shown by Mr. A. H. Rickwood, gr. to the
Dowager Lady Freake, Fulwell Park, Twickenham, and a
Silver Banksian Medal was deservedly awarded.
An exuibit of floral arrangements suitable for the embel-
lishment of the dinner taole, made by Mr. L. H. Calclitt,
Fernbaok Nursery, Fairholt Road, Stoke Newinyton, X.. was
warded a Silver Medal. The display w*s intended to illus-
trate certain flower stands made of gold-coloured, twisted
wire in the lorm of arches and other devices, some simple,
others more elaborate. Generally, they were light and
pietty, the simpler stands especially.
Orchid Committee.
Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs.
Jas. O'brien (Hon Sec), De B. Crawshay, S. Courtauld,
T. Statter, H. Ballantine, F. Sander, H. M. Pollett, A. H.
Smee, W. H. Young, H. J. Chapman, and E. Hill.
Messrs. J as. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal
for a very pretty group composed chiefly of rare hybrids.
Of the^e, making their appearance for the first time, were
Cattleya X Empress Frederick var. Leonat;o (Mosaiae ?\
Dowiana<J), a very handsomely -coloured form of the hybrid
shown by Messrs. Veitcu in 1S02, and which had whitesepals
and petals. The present fine variety somewhat resembles C.
xHardyana, but has a broad circular fronted lip; sepals
bright rose ; petals dark ro^e, changing to light lilac towards
the much crimped margin ; lip yellow at the base with dark
crimson lines, the fron^ being rosy-crimson ; flower very
fragrant (Award of Merit). L«lia X Olivia (xanthina X
crispa), a neat and novel flower with yellow sepals, and petals
slightly tinged with red; lp yellow at the base, soft rose
with some obscure yellow veining in front (Award of Merit).
Cypripedium x Alonzo (Spicerianum x Arthurianum pul-
chehum), in which the upper sepal was white marked with
purple, the remainder of the flower resembling some forms
of C. x Leeanum. Also in the group were La lio-Cattleya x
Statteriaua, L.-C. X Decia, L.-C. X Semiramis, L.-C. X Pallas,
L.-C. x Tiresias, Cattleya X Mantini, Cypripedium x Lee-
auum varieties; C. xActarus, C. xProspero, C. X Euryades, C.
x Roberti, C. x Niobe, J. x Pheres, C. X Io grande, C. X
GSnone, Zygopetalum Mackayi, Epidendrum Wallisii, &c.
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, secured a Silver Flora
Medal for a very bright group, in the centre of which was
Vanda ccerulea, and around it a dozen fine and distinct
varieties of Cattloya labiata, also a form of Cypripedium
m
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 27, 189?
X Conco-laure, the massive C. X Prewetti, of unknown
parentage, but with evidence of C. villosum as one of the
parents ; C. x Sallieri Hyeanum, C. X cenanthumsuperbum,
varieties of G. x Leeanum, C. X Knfieldiense, sonie good Odon-
toglossum crispum, Oncidium Forbeaii, O. prtetextum, and
a pretty lilac-coloured Cattleya Bowringiana.
The Kigbt Hon. Joskph Chamberlain, Highbury, Moor
Green, Birmingham (gr., Mr. Smith), was awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal for a smalt stand of excellently grown
hybrid Orchids, viz., Lalio-Cattley.* x Clive (C. DowUna ?
L. pumila pra?stans 6"), a grand hybrid raised by Norman
C. Cookson, Esq. In the present high state of cultivation, it
showed its distinctness from L.-C. x Ingrami (L. Dayana x
C. Dowiana aurea) very plainly, especially in its larger size
and brighter colouring ; L.-C. Gottoiana (C. labiata x L.
teuebrosa), a grand flower, partaking much of L. tenebrosa
in form, but of a clear, soft rose-colouring, the front of the
lip being rose-purple; L.-C. x Ophelia(0. Bowringiana x L.-C.
elegaus;, sepals and petals blush-white, front of the lip
purple ; Cattleya x Miss Williams (Harrisoniana x Gaskell-
iana) ; La^lio Cattleya albanensis, and L. C. X Corbeillensis.
Messrs. F. Sander &l Co., St. Albans, staged an effective
group, in which were Maxillaria elegantula, Rolfe, n. sp., a
pretty species, near to M. fucata, illustrated in the Gardeners*
Chronicle, November 17, 1SS8, p. 577 ; its flowers were white,
tinged with yellow on the outer hilves, and spotted with
chocolate colour (Botanical Certificate); Phaio-Calanthe X
Arnoldiio, with pretty pink-tinted flowers ; Phaius X
Ashwoithiauus, with yellow flowers, the lip of which was
marked with dark purple ; Calanthe X Florence and C. X
bella ; Chondrorhyncha Chestertoni, Cymbidium X Winnia-
num; varieties of Cypripedium x Leeanum, and other
Cypripediums ; Dendrobium Johnsouiie, and Habeaaria
caruea (Silver Banksian Medal).
Baron Sir H Schroder, The Dell, Egham (gr., Mr. H.
Ballantine), showed Odontoglossum Dayanum, said to have
been so named by Professor Reichenbach, with fine large
cream-whito flowers profusely spotted with cinnamon-
brown. It very closely resembled O. prcestans, figured in
the Lindenia, voL vii., p. 71 (Award of Merit).
"W. P. BurKinshaw, Esq., West Hill, Hessle, near Hull
(gr., Mr. J. Barker), showed Cattleya labiata White Queen,
a pure white variety, with a very faint trace of pink on the
lip (Award of Merit).
Messrs. Linden, l'Horticulture Internationale, Pare
Leopold, Brussels, showed Cypripedium x Beekmani
(Boxalli superbum x bellatulum), the largest and most
beautiful of its section. Its massive flower thad tho dorsal
sepal of a bright emerald green, profusely spotted with
black, and edged with white ; petals very broad, chestnut-
red, margined with yellow, and with some purple spots on
a light ground at the base ; lip chestnut-red margined with
yellow — the whole flower having a highly polished-
looking surface. As with the fine C.xLucienianum, which
somewhat approaches it in form, the use of C. bellatulum as
one of the parents was doubted by most of the members of
the committee. In any case, it is a grand flower (Award of
Merit). Messrs. Linden also showed the clear yellow and
white C. insigne Luciani.
R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Flodden Road,
Camberwell (gr., Mr. J. H. Chapman), showed the singular
Cirrhopetalum refractum (oft n called the Windmill Orchid),
with a nodding raceme of golden yellow flowers, the dorsal
sepals of which formed the conspicuous part. The flowers
were arranged round the spike, so as to be sensitive to the
slightest current ol air, and formed an attractive curiosity
(Botanical Certificate). Mr. Measures also showed Cypri-
pedium x Saron (niveum x ('/) venustum Mcasuresianum),
with white flowers tinged with emerald green, and profusely
spotted with purple.
W. B. Latham, Esq., Botanic Gardens, Etigbaston, Bir-
mingham, sent Cypripedium X Deedmaniauum (Spicer-
ianum$, Chamberlainianum o" ), a pretty hybrid having the
upper sepal white, with a green base, and a median line of
purple, on each side of which were some lighter purple
spots; petals yellow tinged with purple; lip rose with
yellow margin. The flower so closely resembled the C. X
Haynaldo-Chamberlaini, shown at the last meeting, as to
raise doubt as to the record of that hybrid being correct ;
otherwise it may be that the individuality of C. Chamber -
lanianum is bo pronounced as to allow of but little variation
in the progeny, even when widely separated species are
employed.
The Hon. P. Allsopp, Battcnhall Mount, Worcester (gr.,
Mr. Fox), sent a fine plant of Cypripedium insigne Vigor-
niense, a peculiar variety in which the spotting usually seen
in the spei ies was wanting.
Philip Crowley, Esq., Waddon House, Croydon (gr., Mr.
Harris), showed a good form of Cattleya labiata and C. 1.
rosea, the latter with very brightly-coloured flowers, the
front of the lip bearing an irregular blotch of crimson.
W. H. Lumsden, Esq., Balmedie, Aberdeen (gr., Mr.
Roberts), sent varieties of Cypripedium insigne niontanum,
including one clear yellow form, near to C. i. Bailie.
Captain Holford, Westonblrt, Tetburyfgr., Mr. Chapman),
sent cut Orchids, including Odontoglossum Andersonianum,
Zygopetalum criniturn, Cypripedium x Leeanum gigantuum,
and varieties of C. insigne.
Fruit Committee.
Present: P. Crowley, Esq., chairman ; and Messrs. Jos.
Cheal, A. F. Barron, A. H. Pearson, P. 0. M. Veitch, Alex.
Dean, J. W. Bates, G. T. Miles, C. Herrin, G. Reynolds, F. Q.
Lane, Jas. Smith, S. Norman, J. AVillard, and Robt. Fife.
Messrs. T. Riverb & Sons, Nurseries, Saw bridge worth,
Herts, exhibited six baskotfuls of Apples taken from trees
cultivated in pots under glass, the varietios being Ribston
Pippin, beautifully coloured, and for the variety large fruits ;
Cox's Orange Pippin, equally fine and good ; Buckingham,
a showy fruit of oblate shape, with deep basin round the
eye, and skia of a rosy-red on tbe sunny side, and pale yellow
elsewhere ; Peasgood's Nonsuch, of extraordinary high
colour, and above the average in size ; King of Tomkins
County, a fine hUh-coloured form of this favourite American
Apple, with the colouring dispssei more in streaks thin as
broad patches; Bijou, a small, pretty, smooth-skinned,
crimson skinned fruit (Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. Rivers showed black Grape Directeur Tisserand,
an apparently long-keepiag variety, of nice flavour, oval in
form of berry, a moderately thick skin, with plenty of
bloom upon it. We believe ir has been shown several
times at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings (an
Award of Merit). Another Grape shown by them was Gra-
diska, a Hungarian variety of no part cular merit, with oval
white berries.
Thirty dishes of very excellent Apples, in as many
varieties, came from the gardens of C. Lee Campbell, Esq.,
Glewston Court, Ross, Herefordshire (gr., Mr. Bay ford).
These consisted of popular varieties of mostly more than
average size, of high colour generally, and clear of skin— a
very nice collection. Especially fine were Fearo's Winter
Nonsuch, Gl >ria Mundi, Besspool, Emperor Alexander,
Golden Noble, and Cox's Pomona (Silver Banksian Medal).
Mr. E. Beckett, gr. to Lord Aldenham, Aldenham Park,
Elstree, Herts, showed seven heaps of Onions, of very
large size, viz., Ailsa Craig, Anglo- White Spanish, Gieen's
Prizetaker, Cranston's Excelsior, Cocoanut, Sutton's Alf
and Baraet Hero (Silver Banksian Medal).
The Apple Competition, resulted in Mr. Woodward, gr. to
Roger Leioh, Esq., Barham Court, Maidstone, taking 1st for
Cockle Pippin ; and Mr. Bayford, gr. to C. Lee Campbell,
Esq., Glewston Court, the 2nd, with Cox's Orange Pippin.
The Pear Competition was decided in favour of Mr. J. Crook,
gr. to W. H. Evans, Esq., Forde Abbey, Chard, with Whiter
Nelis ; Mr. Woodward being 2nd, with Nouvelle Fulvie.
The number of dishes shown on this occasion was very
Bmull,
Mr. Chambers, Beech Farm, Mereworth, Maidstone,
received an Award of Merit for a seedling Apple named Lady
Falmouth, the fruit resembling in general appearanco
Devonshire Quarrenden. As regards its flavour, we are
unable to speak.
Mr. Batchelor, gr. to Lieut.«Col. Vernon, Harefield Park,
Uxbridge, showed a dishful ot the Cape Gooseberry (Phy-
salis peruviana), and received a Vote of Thanks.
Apple Reinette Superiin was shown by Messrs. J. Jef-
feries & Son, Nurseries, Cirencester, a large-ribbed, some-
what conical-shaped fruit of a crimson colour on the sunny
side. It was unnoticed by the committee.
dition until the following spring, when they produce
conidia, which fiud their way on to the leaves or flowers of
Lilies, and the disease commences its life-cycle anew. From
what has been said, it is scarcely necessary to indicate the
importance of not allowing leaves and stems of diseased
plants co decay on the ground ; all such should be collected
and burned. All bulb-scales showing the minute black
sclerotia imbedded in their tissue should be removed before
the bulbs are planted. The conidial form of this fungus is
calls! Botrytis ; it is probably a stage in the life-cycle of a
higher form called Sclerotinia, but this has not yet been
definitely proved.
A second disease, caused by a fungus called Phyllosticta
liliicola causes the app earance of reddish patches on the
stems and leaves of Lilies, followed by a bronzing of the
leaves ; the flowers of such plants are usually distorted, or
not unfre quently fall in the bud stages. Promptitude in
spraying on the first appearance ot the disease would check
its spread, and the burning of all diseased stems and leaves
would tend to prevent a recurrence of the disease.
A third disease, which has during the past two years
proved most disastrous to the bulb industry in Japan, is
known as Rhizopus necans. To the naked eye this fungus
presents the appearance of numerous miniature pins, with
round black heads springin from a white down felt of
mycelium. The minute black heads contain numerous
conidia, and such of these as alight on any injured portion
of a bulb, germinate at once, enter the tissues, and eventually
kill the bulb. In addition to conidia, a second form of
fruit is formed by the fungus in the tissues of the decaying
bulb ; these remain in a resting condition until the follow-
ing spring, when they produce conidia, by which the crop
of bulbs is again infected. The fungus cannot enter the
unbroken tissues of a bulb, but gains access through some
wound, Ubually broken root-fibres.
It has been sho «n that bulbs are much more susceptible to
the disease when lifted before they are quite mature.
Furthermore, such bulbs arc usually packed for exportation
before they are dry, consequently sweiting takes place
during the journey, and all the conditions tend to favour ihe
development and spread of the disease.
A full account of this disease, along with illustrations, is
given in the Keio Bulletin^ February — March, 1879.
HORTICULTURAL CLUB.
November 9.— The usual monthly dinner and conversazione
took place at the rooms of the Club, Hotel Windsor, on the
above date. The chair was occupied by the Rev. W. Wilks,
and notwithstanding the attractions of the Chrysanthemum,
there was a good attendance of members, amongst whom
were Messrs. Shea, Selfe Leonard, C. E. Pearsoo, A. H.
Pearson, G. Bunyard, George Nicholson, G. Massee, James
H. Veitch, and the Secretary.
The discussion was opened by Mr. G. Massee, President
of the Mycological Society, who gave a very interesting
address on " Lilies and their Diseases," and a very instructive
aud practical conversation followed, in which most of tho
members presmt joined. A cordial Vote of Thanks was
accorded to Mr. Massee for his valuable address. We give
an outline of it, which, however, only gives a faint idea of
its value.
Among the various fungous diseases to which Lilies are
subject, three kinds require special notice, on account of the
wholesale destruction caused by their presence. One of
these, unfortunately too well known in this country, espe-
cially during damp seasons, first appears under the form of
small, yellowish spots on the leaves and flower-buds ; these
spots soon change to a dark olive-green colour, and if a
fragment of the fungus taken from one of these spots is
examined under the microscope, it is seen to consist of a
number of dark coloured threads, each bearing two or three
clusters of spores or " conidia" near the tip. These couidia
are produced in rapid succession during the summer months,
and are capable of germination the moment they are ripe.
The conidia are readily distributed by wind, insects, or rain,
whichcarries them from diseased to healthy leaves. All conidia
alighting on the damp surface of a Lily leaf or flower germin ite
at once, enter the tissues of the plant, and form new centres
of disease, which quickly produce fresh conidia. From the
above acoount, it will be readily understood how easy, and
also certain, it is for the disease to spread rapidly after it has
once gained a foothold in a bed of Lilies. At this stage
spraying w.th a fungicide is of great servioe in preventing
the spread of the disease, as all germinating conidia
are destroyed. A solution of potassi.im sulphide, in
the proportion of 1 oz. of the sulphide, dissolved in
3 gallons of water, serves the purpose. During tbe summer
the mycelium of the fungus becomes aggregated into
numerous minute, compact, black lumps, or sclerotia, in
the tissues of the leaves, stem, and often also in the
outermost bulb scales. As the leaves and stems decay
during the winter, the sclerotia are liberated and lio on the
ground, where they remain in an unchanged con-
HAMMERSMITH HORTICULTURAL.
November 11.— The thirteenth Chrysanthemum show held
In the newly-opened Hammersmith Town Hall was the best
of the series of exhibitions that this society has as yet held.
The removal of the show to a more central spot, and where
sufficient space was obtained to display the exhibits to
advantage, was quite a step in the right direction. The
society has only to make itself better known, not a difficult
operation in these days, and offer sufficiently good prizes in
the future, in order to induce more spirited competition, the
life f such gatherings.
In the gardeners' class for a group arranged for effect,
the 1st prize was obtained by Mr. Lloyd, Merton
Lodge, Chiswick, with a pretty contribution ; 2nd, Mr. F.
Hoodless, Chiswick.
In the amateurs' division for a similar group, the principal
prize-winners were Messrs. Thompson, Clarke, and Wood-
house.
Cut blooms.— In this section, the most noteworthy exhibit
was comprised in the fine Japanese and incurved flowers
exhibited by Mr. P. Bosanquet, gr., Pontfield, Herts, which
easily secured the special prize in the open class.
Quite the feature of the show was a very fine group of
foliage and flowering plants sent (not for competition) by
Messrs. Wills & Segar, South Kensington. Mr. J. J.
Hillier, Hammersmith, sent a good collection of Apples.
CHESTER PAXTON.
November 1G. — The seventh show of Chrysanthemums and
fruits was held in the Town Hall. The Assembly Room,
in which the exhibition was held, presented a very pleasing
appearance, the Chrysanthemums and fruits having been
arranged with taste.
Among the exhibits in the fruit section was one from the
Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall (Mr. Barnes, gr.), who sent
a meritorious collection of sixty dishes of Pears and Apples.
Next to this the most conspicuous collec ion was that trom
Mr. John Watkins, Pomona Farm, Withinyton, Hereford,
who was represented by fifty dishes of Apples, the colour of
some of which was excellent. Mr. LyleSmvth, Barrowmore
(Mr. Morris, gr.), and Mr. E. Paul, Graysfield, Barrow (Mr.
1' letcher, gr. >, were local competitors showing in this class.
Messrs. Dicksons, Limited, again occupied the whole length
of the lower end of the room, with an imposing aud mis-
cellaneous exhibit of flowers and fruit. The exhibit con*
ta ued excellently grown specimens of Chrysanthemums,
Cyclamens. Carnations, and Palms, the front being finished
off by luscious- looking fruits from the Upton and Newton
Nurseries. Section A was open to professional gardeners,
and the classes for dessert Apples were noticeable. In the
single variety class, the Rev. L. Garnett, an old and
successful exhibitor was 1st; Mr. Saunderson. of Bodnant,
who showed a capital dish of Ribston Pippins having to be
content with 2nd place.
Uaiss Humberston, Newton Hall (gr. , Mr. Wakefield), took
premier award for Cox's Orange Pippin. Other successful ex
hibitora in these classes included Mrs. Potts, Hoole Hall (Mr.
November 27, 1897.]
THE GARDE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
389
J. Taylor, gr.) ; tbo Hon. C. T. Parker, Eccleston ; Mr. B. C
Roberts, and Mr. T. R. Fleming, Rowton Grange. Tho
kitchen Apples also made a capital show.
Turning to Section B, Mr. John Wynne, Wavertun, secured
1st honour; for Ribston Pippins ; while in the Cox's Orange
Pippin class, Mr. .1, .Jetferson, Peel Hall, was 1st. Mr.
\\mi. ..i k, Handbridge, and Mr. Joseph Such, Davenham,
Mr. Thomas Hatfield, and Mr. Jekeerson also carried off
several awards in the classes for Apples and Pears.
A new departure was made in the arrangemont of tho
Chrysanthemum classes, the groups of plants being in the
centre of the room instead of at the sides. The alteration
added greatly to the general attractiveness of the exhibitio \
The entries were made in this class by the same live exhi-
bitors as last year, when Mr. J. Wynne Ffoklkes, Old
Northgate House, took 1st prize. Mr. Wynne Ffoulkes
repeated his suceess this season, tho other four groups, how-
ever, being also of excellent merit.
A new feature in the Chrysanthemum classes was that for
an epergne lilled with such of those flowers as are suitable
lor table decoration. Nine competitors entered in this class,
and although Mr. Edge, of Hoole Bank, is not perhaps so
advantageously placed as the others, he managed to carry off
the 1st prize in the face of strong opposition.
The class for (he .six bust specimen plants of Japanese
varieties did not obtain so many entries as could have been
wished, but the quality was very good, the 1st prize blooms
from Mollington Hall (Mr. Wohker) being almost perfect.
WIMBLEDON HORTICULTURAL.
November 16, L7. Chrysanthemum shows evidently have
their seasons of flux and efflux, and the one under notice is a
c t-e in point, as last year the exhibit ion wasoi srery mo I rate
character ; whereas, this year it showed great improvement.
It also had the benefit of being held in the roomy Drill Hall.
There was, however, room for greater competition, and this
fact points to the conclusion that such shows are far too
numerous.
Cti'-blooii^.— There were but two competitors in the chief
class for thirty-six blooms, half Japanese, halt" incurved,
Messrs. Hunt, gr. to Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtcad Park, and
Mr. Gibson, gr. toJ.WoRMALD, Esq., Morden Park. The prizes
went in this order, Mr. Hint's blooms being excellent in both
sections. The same competitors were in the same order in
the class for twelve Japanese, repeats of flowers previously
seen largely.
lu 8 similar class for Japanese, Mr. .1. French, p to Mi .
Barclay, Wimbledon, was 1st, with very good bl a '^<
Skeggs, gr. to Mrs. Dunn, Wimbledon, 2nd. With twelve
incurved blooms, Mr. French was again 1st, but Mr vldej
MAN was 2nd. in the class for six Japanese, Mr. II A.
Needs, Woking, was 1st with capital blooms; ami with six
incurved blooms, Mr. Fren< h was 1st.
Plaid Groups, .i '.— The best miscellai ip, very
bright and pleasingly arranged, came bom Mr. NeWELI .
Mi. Chandler, gr. to the Rev. Canon Havoakth, being ad
With Chrysantbemum groups, very much "f the usual
semicircular and flat-faced order, Mr. 1> Gibson, gr. to J. li
Johnstone, Esq., Kingston Hill, was 1st, the front view of
the plants being anything but pleasing.
/•>«(/, —Competition in Grapes was limited, the Whites
being presented by Messrs. Alderman and by Mr. Methven,
gr. to W. Keillkr, Esq., Wimbledon Park, both being
moderate exhibitors of Muscats of Alexandria With Blacks
the position was reversed, both having creditable Alieantes,
but Mr. Methven had the finest berries.
Mr. Alderman put up a long and very elegantly-arranged
collection of hardy fruits, with tablc-plmts and cut flowers
interspersed, producing a most pleasing effect.
Friend, Edwin Molyneux, Souvenir d'uno Petite Ainu
Niveum, and T. Wilkins,
With twelve incurved. Mr. Bl niii-it was again 1st, having
in very line character Duchess of Fife, Bonnie Dundee,
Violet Tomlin, Jobn Lambert, D. B Crane, Triompho d'Evc,
and C. H. Curtis; Mr. Todd was again '2nd, laving a fine
bloom of Harold Wells in his lot.
The best twenty-four blooms (open only to gardeners'
societies in Kent), was won bythat of Ashford, Mr. Butcher
contributing some very fine Japanese and Incurveds ; Mr.
T ' was placed 2nd. There were several other classes for
cut blooms, but the foregoing were the leading ones.
The culture of specimen plants is not well carried out at
Folkestone ; in most of them could be seen somewhat, po r
blooms on indifferently-grown plants. Groups of Chrysan-
themums arranged for effect resulted in the judges haviny
to put plants carrying the finest blooms last, growth and
grouping alike being defective.
The best group of miscellaneous plants came from Mr.
Geo. Mount, of Canterbury and Folkestone, seasonable
flowering and foliage plants of good quality being inter-
mingled. Mr. G. l*i Li in n, nurseryman, Folkestone,
w is 2nd.
In tho centre of the main ball was a very line group of
plants from Mr. Geo. Mount. Mr. H. Cannell, Swsnley,
had a very attractive tabic of cut blooms of Chrysanthe-
mums, zonal Pelargoniums, Violets, &c. ; and Mr. A.
Wilson, decorative llotist, Folkestone, a large table of
Moral decorations.
Vegetables were numerously shown, and altogether the
results wore decidedly satisfactory,
tables, presided over by ladies, the proceeds of which will bo
given to the Gardeners' Orphan Fund. Last year a balance,
of over £ii was sent to the Fund.
FOLKESTONE AND DISTRICT
CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 16, 17.— This show took place, as usual, in the
Palice Gardens Theatre, the large ante-room being filled with
plants, and an inner room with a large number)ol' out flowers
and vegetables. The quality of the cut flowers was much in
advance oi that of last year, and in all the leading cut flower
classes there was spirited competition. Several wei
classes, and some of the leading growers in the southern
district entered for competition.
The leading class was for twenty-four blooms, twelve
Japanese and twelve incurved, some good stands competing,
the best coming from Mr. A. Butcher, gr. to C. J. Buss, Esq ,
Smeeth. His leading Japanese were J. Seward, Madame
Rngain, Madame Car not, Oceana, Edith Tabor. Mutual
Friend ; and bis more prominent incurved, Lord Rosebery,
Bonnie I >undee. Miss Phyllis Fowler, Alfred Salter, Empress
of India, Mrs. R. C. Kingston, and C. H. Curtis. 2nd, Mr.
W. Frost, gr. to G. Asnev Todd, Esq., Ashford, whose best in-
curved were Lord Alcester, Bonnie Dundee, Jas. Agate, Violet
Tomlin, Mrs. R. C. Kingston, Triomphe d'Evc, C. II. Curtis,
and Lyne, Jr. There were some very fine Japanese also.
Mr. II. Shoesmith, nurseryman, Woking, had the best
twelve Japanese, a very fine lot, the leading flowers Mrs, J.
Lewis, Australia, Oceana, Mutual Friend, Mdlle. Lawrence,
Zede, Mrs H. Weeks, Lady E. Saunders, Australian Gold,
&c. ; Mr. T. Cotterell, gr. to Sir W. Geary, Bt., Tonbridge,
was 2nd, having also some very tine blooms, chief among
then Mrs. C. Bliok, International, M. Paukoucke, Mutual
LICHFIELD CHRYSANTHEMUM.
Nu\ ember 17, Is. -Tin Fourth annual exhibition was held
in tbe St. .lames' Mall, Lichfield, on the above dates, the
opening ceremooy being performed by J. Courtney Wahnek,
M.P. The show in all departments was an excellent one.
Amongst the non-competitive exhibitors were J. Courtney
\V\R\ik, M. I'., who -nl i collection of orchid and other
flowers ; Mr. T. Wai.usley, City Seed Stores, Lichfield, who
contributed cut [lowers, and fruil and vegetables; Mr. F.
Uaiii'. \m k, a C'tihvtion of Cbrysantbemums and other plants ;
Mr. T. w. Brooks, cut flowers and table-plants; Mr. W.
la i i i.i , cut flowers ; Mrs. Chad wick, Hints Hall, table- plants
and Chrysanthemum blooms. Messrs, Perkins &
Coventry, a fine displa ol bouquet and other floral d< [gn
Mr. W. F. Gordon, Stowe, had the best group of Chrysan-
themums, and the besl group of miscellaneous plants.
The finest dozen blooms ol Japanese Chrysanthemum ■■
were shown by Mrs, < haowick, Hints Hall ; tin- next in point
(1f mei it being thosi from sir Cuables Poster's garden.
Mi', i; p. Cooper, Shenstone Court, had tbe finest ball
dozen cu( blooms ol Japanese ; and the Gnesl dox i
ineurvedi . il o tin fim si half d< ■ ■ n, came from Mn Chad.
wick's gari Ion
Mrs, Bagot Lane, Kings Bromley Hall, bad the bi si b df-
dozen of Anemone flowered blooms.
Tho table decoration of < Ihrysanthomums, pet up by Miss
SwiNTON, of Lichfield, were adjudged to be the finest, and
in the besl taste.
A few plants of Chrysanthemums in competition, and
small quantities of fruits and vegetables, made up the
exhibition.
RUGBY CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 17, L8, -This Society held a very successful
show, in which the classes were well contested, especially
tU'.se for cut blooms.
For a group ol ibrysantheruums in a space of 50 squari
feet, <■ A ScoTT, Esq., The Lawn, Rugby (Mr. Maunse, gr.),
was it with a well-arranged group of finely-grown plants
In the class lor four trained specimen plants, Mr. Cald-
. ,,\s was 1st, and bis best blooms were Chas. Davis and
Viviand Morel.
Mr. CALDSi uw was 1st for one -single plant Oi Mrs. Wil-
liam Holmes.
For t wenty-four cut blooms, the 1st prize and N.C.S. Cer-
tificitewere won by A. .James, Esq., Coton Hou.se, Rugby
(gr., Mr. A. Chandler] ; he had twenty-four first-class blooms
of tho following varieties :— Madame Carnot. Oceana (very
fine in colour), Silver King, Mutual Friend, Hairy Wonder.
M. 1' uikouekc, John Seward, M. Chenon de Leehe (one of
the best blooms in the show), Simplicity, Richard Dean (fine
in colour). Modestum, Duke of York, Ac. A. Montz, Esq.,
Duns more, Rugby (gr., Mr. -T. Blakenby), was 2nd, who bad
Madame Carnot. very good.
Foreighteen Japanese blooms, Mr. James was again 1st,
A. Muntz, Esq., 2nd.
Mr. Feakce, Weedon, was 1st for twelve Japanese blooms,
and for twelve incurved blooms
/.,,,/.— For two bunches of Grapes, Earl Dknbigh was 1st,
with well finished bunches of Muscat ol Alexandria ; the
Earl Ferrers was 2nd.
Apples and Peari were very good, considering the season,
the principal prize-winners being Farl Denbigh and Mr
Corny, the best specimens of Pears being Beum? Bachelier
and Beurre Diel.
Vegetables were a marked feature in this show.
Table decorations, bouquets, and baskets of Chrysanthe-
mums were numerous, and Mr. Robinson, of Rugby, was the
chief winner in these classes.
A stui I was provided for surplus flowers, fruits, and vege-
HULL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 17, 18.— For many years Hull hi- held a Chrys-
anthemum show of the very first rank. To this Society
beloDgs the credit of introducing the system of displaying
the plants in groups, interspersed with foliage plantB ; and
the groups at the Hull shows have always held a foremost
position. Man}* societies have since adopted the practice, or
endeavoured to improve upon it, but even now there are
nowhere such groups to be seen as those at Hull. Cut
blooms, tou, are exhibited at Hull in as fine quality as at any
other place in the United Kingdom. The management is
excellent, and tbe Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. Dixon and Har-
land, arc the very men for the position. The show is held
annually in tho Artillery Barracks; and although the
building, with its three side rooms, affords much space, its
limits are taxed to the utmost by tbe exhibits.
Groups being a most noteworthy feature, deserve a prior
notice. A Silver Challenge Vase, valued at 25 guineas, along
with a cash-prize of £6, was offered for a group of Chrysan-
themum plants interspersed with foliage plants and ar-
ranged lor effect in a spaeo of 100 square feet. This year
there were four competitors, ami arranged as they were, at
the sides of the principal ball, a grand display was made.
The judges awarded the 1st prize to the exhibit belonging
to the Hull Corporation, and as this body could not accept a
prize, the award fell to the next in point of merit — that
arranged by Mr. G. Wilson, gr. to Sir J. Rei kiit, Swan-
landManor, Broogh, which was only a trifle inferior to that
previously named. The group arranged by Mr, Wilson
was composed of fairly good Chrysanthemums, associated
with magnificent Crotons, Palms, and other foliage plants,
notably a variety of Marantas, all of which, being set on a
green base, could be distinctly seen. The back of tho group,
which waa sotni- circular in form, with two abutting aemi-
■ ircles in front, was fully ten feet high; and taken as a
whole, it was a magnificent display. Mr. G. Jarvis, gr. to
Mrs. Wiin iaki it, chit House, IIcs.sk-, was a good 2nd, with
finely 1 1 owned I hrysauthemums and good foliage plants,
bul they were too closely placed at the front. Prizes were
offered also for a group of miscellaneous plants arranged for
, ffect In a : p.n < ul 100 square feet : hen Mr. G. Wilson was
buccessful, winning the premier award with a really good
arrangement of suitable plants. Mr. i \k\ is was 2nd. For a
1. 1 orated drawing-room mirror or panel group o( Chrysanthe-
mum plant--, Interspersed with foliaged plants arranged for
effeel in a space of 9 square feet, Mr. Leadbetteb took
premier position, with a bold, effective group of well-
fjoweredt IhryBanthemums, Dracaenas, Ac.
Specimen Chrysanthemums made a bold display, being
Dumi rou sly staged. For six trained plants, Mr. II. Thompson,
gr. tot J. RtNGROSE, Esq., The Grange, Cottiugham, was
an easy winner, with good plants. Mr. Thompson also won
premier award for three standard-, all of the Rundle type.
Bush-grown yet not formally-trained plants were well
represented by Mr. \Y I ionium.!., M, Trinity Street, Hull.
An interesting class was that fur " cut-back " Chrysanthe-
mums, six plants, to be judged by tbeir quality of bloom,
with dwarfness of growth, ani good foliage. Mr. V. Water-
house, gr. to U. T. O w bBI rn:;E, Esq. , Cherrygarth ,
Cotiiugham, won with plants well developed in bloom and
foliage ; Mr. E. We^t. The Nurserie*. Cottiugham, was 2nd.
Plants in the amateur classes were best shown by Mr.
Robert Thibsk, Giovehill Road, Beveriey, and in all classes
thev were meritorious.
Cl.TBLOO.MS.
For twenty-four incurved, there were six competitors,
the 1st place being taken by Mr. C. J. Salter, gr. to J. B.
Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch, Reigate, with medium-sized,
well-finished blooms of loading varieties. Mr. Leadbetteb.
was a good 2nd ; and W. Mease, gr. to A. Tate, Esq., Down-
side, Icatherhead, 3rd.
For twenty-four Japanese distinct, Mr. Mi;a^e won easily
with grandly developed blooms of the best varieties ; Mr.
Salter being :2nd.
The best six blooms of one variety (Japanese) were staged
by Mr. Salter, the variety M. Chenon de Leche" being shown
in grand condition.
Anemone-flowered varieties were well represented. Tbe
dozen blooms shown by Mr. Salter were quite of the best
class, as also were tbe reilexed and Pompon varieties.
Chrysanthemums in baskets or vases were well shown by
Mr. G. Wilson and Mr. F. Mason, gr. to A. Smith, Esq.,
Woodlcigh, Hessle. The former had exceedingly fine
examples of both incurved and Japanese in separate baskets.
The latter staged all Japanese ; both were good exhibits, and
won premier award in their respective classes.
Single-flowered varieties made a bright display, and were
much admired. Mr. Waterhouse won, with a grand stand
of blooms.
Table decorations at this show are very fine. These,
arranged in a room under artificial light, made an attractive
display.
Mrs. F. S. Wheeler,' " Chepstow," Prince's Avenue, Hull,
won tbe Challenge Plate, value ten guis., for a dessert-table,
s feet by 4 feet, with a pleasing arrangement of bronze
and yellow Cbrysanthemums, lightly arranged with Ferns,
grasses, &>•.
Mrs. F. ToPHAM, Hotham Hill, Brough, won the premier
award for a similar table with a tasteful arraugement .
390
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 27, 1897.
BRISTOL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 17, 18.— This Society held its thirty- fourth
exhibition in the Colston Hall, and it was a remarkably
successful one, the number of exhibits being considerably
larger than was the case last year, and the quality was gene-
rally of high excellence.
The class for a group of Chrysanthemums was won by
J. Dole, Esq. (gr., Mr. .T. Marshall), with plants having
large blossoms and good foliage, all Japanese varieties ;
S. C. Godwin, Esq. (gr., Mr. McCollock), who was a close 2nd,
had some incurveds among his plants.
In a class for groups of Chrysanthemums arranged with
Ferns and ornamental foliage plants, the competition was
very keen, and E. S. George, Esq. (gr., Mr. Ross), won 1st
prize.
For a bank of miscellaneous plants, 10 feet by 5 feet,
Chrysanthemums excluded, J. Sanders, Esq., was an easy
1st, with a beautiful arrangement.
Trained plants, both standards and dwarfs, exhibited
skilled culture, Mrs. Gibson (gr., Mr. Ayres), Major Gen.
Daunt, and E. P. Martin, Esq., being the leading prize-
winners.
In certain classes devoted to them, Orchids were shown
well, and they were one of the most brilliant features of the
show.
Cut-bloo>.)$. — Ten exhibitors stagedin the class for thirty-six
Japanese blooms. Lady Theodokv Guest (gr., Mr. Wilkins)
taking premier honours with grand and fresh flowers; Mr.
Drake of Cardiff, was good in 2nd place.
For thirty blooms, incurved, Sir C. Phillics, Picton Castle
(gr., Mr. Durable), was 1st with large and well-finished
flowers; W. M. Baker, Esq. (gr., Mr. Aplin), was placed 2nd
with equally well-liuished but somewhat smaller blooms.
For twelve blooms, Japanese. — 1st, R. A. Boweing, Esq.
(gr., Mr. H. A. Joy); and for twe.ve Japanese incurved,
Mrs. H, Smith secured a similar position. There were eight
collections of good blooms in the latter class.
Floral wreaths, bouquets, sprays, <fec., were shown in great
numbers. Mr. Winstoxe, Miss Bash, C. Dodsun, C. Low,
Mr. W, Treseoeu, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Coles being the
chief prize-winners.
Specimen Ferns were shown best by Mr. Bannister, who
was 1st for six plants.
Miscellaneous.
Mr. Godfrey, Kxmouth Nurseries, exhibited fourteen
dozen Chrysanthemum blooms in splendid condition, includ-
ing most of the new varieties for which he has taken certili-
cates at the National Chrysanthemum Society's exhibitions.
He also showed eighteen varieties of Carnations, one named
Exmouth Scarlet, being a line full flower of good substauce.
Messrs. Jas. Carter. & Co., London, staged a large collec-
tion of vegetables.
YORK FLORISTS'
Novemuek 17,18, Hi.— The above Society held its eighteenth
Chrysanthemum and fruit show in the Fine Art Exhibition.
Although the eutrics were mure numerous tbau last yen,
the tables'did not appear 80 well filled, especially in the
hardy fruit section, but the quality of the fruit and vegetables
was good.
In the class for a group of t Ihrysanthemums, interspersed
with foliage plants, there were three entries, the 1st prize of
£10 and a Gold Medal being won jointly by Mr. R. Mcintosh,
gr. to J. T. Him. row, l. i , fork, and Mr. G. Cott.am, who
were declared equal. Mr. Mcintosh's was a very light
arrangement, but rather lUt ; while Mr. Cottam trying,
apparently, to guard against this evil, obtained a result that
was rather top-heavy.
Foragroupof Chrysanthemums arranged fur effect, Mr. D,
Dickinson, gr. to W. B. Richardson, Esq., was 1st, his
plants being very clean and fresh looking; Mr. E. Everard,
gr. to Mrs. Gun n. was 2nd.
For thirty six cut blooms, inclusive of eighteen incurved
and eighteen Japanese, Mr. J. Folkard, gr. to Sir James R.
Walkeh, was 1st, his incurveds being particularly fine;
amongst the Japanese, Madame Carnot, Mdlle. Huste, and
E. Mulyneux were best. To this prize of d£lu is added the
Citizen's Challenge Prize, value £20. Mr, Goodacrc, gr. to
the Earl of Harrington, was 2nd, his Japanese blooms l icing
very good.
Mr. Folkard was again 1st for eighteen incurved blooms,
and for twelve incurveds. In the former class, Mr. (i,
Anderson, gr. to A. Miinethori'e, Esq., was 2nd.
Mr. Williams, gr. to the Earl of Faversiiau, was 1st for
eighteen Japanese bluoms, and for twelve Japanese ; Sir.
Picker, gr. to F. R. Pevse, being 2nd in each instance.
For six white Japanese, Mr. Folkard was 1st; and Mr.
Williams was 1st for six blooms of any variety not white,
with Viviand Morel. In this stand was saown the premier
Japanese bloom.
For six golden-yellow Japanese blooms, Mr Williams was
1st with Thos. Wilkins.
For the most tastefully arranged epergne for dinner-table,
Messrs. R. Simi'sun & Suns were 1st; and Mr. W. Bonsall
was 1st for a hand-bouquet of Chrysanthemums.
The best basket of Chrysanthemums was one from Messrs.
R. Simpson & Sons.
There were numerous entries fora vase of Chrysanthemums
and foliage, arranged for drawing-room decoratiun, and
Mr. A. Lund, gr. to Lord Herries won.
Fruit,— In the class or six bunches of Grapes, Mr. J. Allsop,
gr. to Lord Hotham, was 1st with Mrs. Pearson, Alicante,
and Muscat of Alexandria. Wo are accustomed to seeing
good Grapes from this exhibitor, but never previously has
be staged better fruit than his bunches of Black Alicante on
this occasion. Mr. J. Tullet, gr. to Lord Barnard, was 2nd.
For two bunches of black and two of white Grapes, Mr.
Aia-soi' was again 1st.
In the class for a collection of dessert fruits, six varieties,
Mr. Allsop was 1st with Black Alicante and Mrs. Pearson
Grapes, Ribston Pippin and King of the Pippin Apples,
Duchess and Doyenn6 du Cornice Pears. In this class Mr.
Allsop beat Mr. J. Tullet, and Mr. J. Melndoe, gr. to sir J.
W. Pease, Ilutton Hall, Guisborough, who wero 2nd and
3rd respectively.
Vegetables wore never better shown, and the prizes offered
for collections by Messrs. Sutton & Sons and Messrs. Jame3
Carter &. Co. wero well fought for.
MANCHESTER ROYAL BOTANIC.
November is, 19, 20. -In the hurried report published in
our last issue of the Chrysanthemum Show held under the
auspices of this society, notes upon the following non com-
petitive exhibits were inadvertently omitted. The exhibition
was a very line one.
Messrs. Dickson, Brown & Ta.it and Messrs. Dickson &
lb uuns< in, both Manchester firms, staged collections of
remarkably well-grown Cyclamens of good strain.
Messrs. W. <fc J. Birkenhead, Sale Nurseries, put up a
large collection of choice varieties of Ferns.
Mr. Joseph Bkoume, of Llandudno, sent a large collection
of cut flowers obtained from the open ; also some cut speci-
mens of Arbutus (Strawberry-tree) bearing numerous hand-
some fruits.
Messrs. Hogii Low & Co. staged a valuable and distinct
collection of hybrid Cypripcdiums, amongst which were C. X
Mrs. Fred Hardy (First-class Certificate), andCalanthc Ycitehi
alba (Award of Merit).
Messrs. W. L. Lewis & Co. showed about thirty magnifi-
cient forms of Lsalia pumila, var. pnestaus, representing
very valuable forms and colouring, several being worthy of
varietal names. Cattleya labiata Lewisii, recently shown in
London, was also an attractive plant.
Mr. Fred Hardy, of Tyntestield, put up a group of choice
Cyprqedium hybrids, various forms of insigno, all of which
were meritorious.
Mr. W. Owes, Northwich, also exhibited Cypripcdiums,
principally the montana form of iusigne, some of which wero
very distinct.
NORFOLK AND NORWICH HORTI-
CULTURAL.
November is, pi, 20.— This Society was established in
is 21 1, and it hulds two or three exhibitions each year. The
Society has a reserve-fund of nearly £l'60, and it is the Chrys-
anthemum show especially which helps to make the Society
so financially prosperous. On this occasion, despite the
gloom outside, St. Andrew's Hall was aglow with brilliant
tiuts. The fruit an 1 some miscellaneous plants filled a Large
ante-room, and a large tent erected outside tho hall con-
tained the vegetables, for the whole space of St. Andrew's
Hall was required for the Chrysanthemums.
Spec men plants were a gr.-.-it improvement upon those of
list year, and much better than anything we paw at Hull ;
they were bush grown, with excellent foil ige, and line he ids
of bloom.
Mr. J. G S.i Mi.. , Norwich, was 1st, and Mr. Will-am
Bib KB Ei k, Thorpe, 2nd, with six Japanese.
Mr. Snelling was 1st for siv incurveds, also with refl
and with three Pomp n being the only exhibitor ; but all
were decidedly good. Mr. P. Randell was awarded a l_'h<i
pri/e for six Pompons.
Other plants included Cyclamens, Chinese rrimruses, zonal
Pelargoniums, .vc, and there were effective gro ps of plants
in two or three classes,
borne very line collections of forty-eit-ht bluoms uf Japanese
were shown, the best coming from Mr. Hanson. L"". to Sir 8.
Crosslev, Hut., Ml'., Sumerlcytun Hall. Sou" -Ik. Among
tlr) newer varieties were G J. Warren, Phcabu*, Edith
Tabor, Madame Carnot, Mrs. C. Blick, General Huberts, Eva
Knowlos, Duchess uf York, and others : depth, freshness, ami
colour were seen in this collection. Mr. Musk, gr. tu Lord
de lt\Ms\v, Haveringham Hall, was a good 2nd.
Thebost thirty-six blooms, eighteen incurved and eighteen
Japanese, came from Mr. C, II. WATTS, the former of which
were verygooi, including C. II. Curtis, Major Bmnafion,
limine Dundee, Porto Dauphinoise, and others. Mr. B. E.
Fletcher was -nil also with good incurved.
Mr. John Jeffrey, gr. to Sir R. P. Beauchamp, Bart., was
1st with twenty-four Japanese, there being a very keen com-
petition. Mr. Peike, Westwiek House, being a close 2nd.
The class for thirty-six blooms, three each of twelve
varieties, brought some very fine blooms from Mr. H. Oclee,
gr. to tho Marchioness of Lothian, but they were staged low,
and largely light in tint. Mr. Petre was ind. Most uf the
exhibiturs ranged their blooms in diagonal lines, which we
thought imparted to the stands a confused appearance.
There was a good competition in the class for six blooms of
Japanese. The best White shown in sixes was Madame
Carnot, some very fine flowers were staged ; the best six of
any other colour was Ph< ebus. Mr. Hanson had the best stand
of twelve varieties introduced since 1S93, Phcebus, G. J. War-
ren, Madame Carnot, Edith Tabor, and others of recent in-
troduction being in good character.
Mr. Hansom had the best twenty-four incurveds, winning
easily ; Mr. W. Hai-thorpe, Cambridge, had tho best twelve ;
while there was a brisk competition with six blooms. The
best six uf any one variety of incurved was C. H. Curtis,
from Mr. Hanson.
Some very good anemone-flowered varieties were shown by
Mr, J. A. Kendiiow and Col. Rous in twelves ; Mr. W. H.u-
thorpe biking the 1st prize with six. Col. Rous had a
collection of Pompou varieties, tho best we have seen this
season, not only taking the 1st prize for twelve bunches,
but securing also one of the Certificates of the National
Chrysanthemum Society as a special award. Reflexcd
blooms were also seen in good condition.
Fruit was somewhat sparingly shown. Mr. B. E. Fletcher
had tho best collection of six varieties.
The display of vegetables was very extensive, and remark-
ably guod. Messrs. Sutton & fous, Reading: Daniels Bros.,
uf Norwich, and others, offered prizes for their specialties,
and they were numerously shown.
Miscellaneous collections of cut flowers were staged,
especially by Mr. J. Green, Norfolk Nursery, Dereham, who
had many fine novelties. Messrs. Daniels Bros, had two
effective stauds, fone of plants and flowers, and another of
fruits and vegetables.
STOCKPORT CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 19, 20.— The tenth show uf fruit and flowers
was held on the above date in the Voluuteer Armoury. The
exhibition was the best that the Society has yet had, and
therefore a very fine one. The groups of plants this year
were circular, and they were placed along the conti'e uf the
hall.
For the best group of plants a Silver Cup was offered, and
tikis was won by Captain T. H. Svkes (Mr. J. Roderick, gr.),
Chiugle House, Cheadle. His group was well arranged; a
graceful Kentia Palm formed tho centre plant, then the
Chrysanthemums, fiuished oft' with Ferns and small foliage-
plants ; Abel Buckley, Esq., was 2nd (Mr. W. Hough, gr.).
In the group of miscellaneous plants arranged for effect,
also placed in the centre of the hall, tho same exhibitors
held the same positions.
of specimen plants of Chrysanthemums, the chief exhi-
bitor was G. H. Gaodum, Esq. (Mr. Bradburn, gr.), who
shewed splendid plants uf Chas. Davies, Viviand Morel,
Marie Boste, and others, with fifteen or sixteen tine flowers,
almost equal to exhibition quality.
There were five competitors for six table plants, and all
were good, the 1st prize being won by G. II. Gaddlm, Bsq.
The chief interest lay in the cut-bloom competitions. A
Silver Cup was oftered for the best twelve incurveds and
twelve Japanese, aud was taken by R. W. Hartley, Esq.,
Hampton Bryan Hall, Hereford (gr., Mr. J. Robinson), who
had line blooms of many noveltios ; Capt. T. H. Sykbs
was 2nd.
Amongst local exhibits, Jas. Wvrrs, Esp (gr., II. Mac
keller), Abney Hall, Cheadle, obtained three 1st prizes,
which included a Silver Cup and a Silver Medal. Hie bef-t
bloom was Madame Gustavo Henry, which was selected by
the judges as the finest bloom in the exhibition.
There were other less important classes lor Chrysmthe-
luuni blooms, and Beveral competitions iu fruits and
vegetables.
Mr. Rm-.-Ri Hollister is the Hon. Secret iry, an 1 to his
offer's was largely duo the very successful exhibition.
NATIONAL caRYSANTHEMUM.
Novesibhb ii. -A meetin; of the Floral Committee was
held at the Royal Aquarium on the above date.
From Mr H. Weeks, The Gardens, Thrumpton Hall, Derby,
.line blooms of Joiepb Chamberlain, tdnruUrly bright in
colour, oE a brillimt chestnut with a bronzy-gold reverse ;
large, full, and lively t> b; most useful as an exhibition
variety, supplying a e 'lour much uesde J in st.nds (First-
clas< Certificate of Merit).
From Mr. William Wklls, The Nurseries, Eirlswood, K id
Hill, came incurved Madame Forlat. a large compaef white
flower of the shape, si/,L-, and build of C. II. CurtlB (First,
ola-s Certificate) ; and Julia Scwamanga is a large, deep, and
somewhat conical Japanese uf the same shape uf Madame
Carnot; the colour pale reddish orange an I brown, l.ng
drooping llorets at biso, quite distinct and novel (First-el iss
Certificate).
Japanese l) >n dela Madone, a medium-sized white variel v
with narrow llorets, forming a denso ball-liko mass, from
M. Anatole Cordonnikr, Bayuune, Franoe, was w)\l
mended.
Incurved Mrs. A. E. Feaver, dark bronze, base paling I"
wards the centre, the reverse bright gold, a very promising
variety, from Mr. A. Fewer, The Gardens, Ash Lawn,
Benenden, the Committee wished to see again.
Japanese Surpasse Amlral, soft yellow in tint, the large
iii3urviug llorets very broad, from Mr. W. Wei.ls, is highly
promising.
The monthly meeting of the committee took place at
Anderton's Hotel on the '22ud inst., Mr. T. W. Sanders pre-
siding. The Secretary reported that the December exhibi-
tion on the 7th proximo would be held in the Western
Gallery of the Aquarium, the whole space of which would
be given up for the purpose. Complaints were received as
to the defective li^htin^ of the building, and also as to the
names uf many of the flowers being written in pencil, ren-
dering the deciphering^ the names very (difficult. The
November 27, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
391
Secretary laid upon the tablo a specimen of a small Gold
Medal, which it is tho intention of the Society to offer, and
the same was approved. It was unanimously resolved that
the dates of the meetings of the General Committee in 1S98-9
be:— Aug. 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 28, and Dec. 19, 1898;
and Jan. 16, 1899. That the meetings of the Floral Committee
be held at tho Royal Aquarium on Tuesday, September 6,
October 11, and December 6, these being show-days : and on
Mondays. September 20, October 21, October 31, Novem-
ber 14, November 21, November 2.S, and December 12, the
meeting-hour to be 1 o'clock on &11 occasions. It was
resolved that the Classification Committee be instructed to
meet and consider the classification of tho new incurved and
other Chrysanthemums, and that Mr. W. Higgs be appointed
a member of the committee in the place of Mr. R. Owen,
deceased. It was also resolved that this committee under-
take the drawing up a list for publication, as a guide to
exhibitors, of Chrysanthemums which arc too much alike
or may be regarded as synonymous. A motion to theeffectthat
the November exhibition be continued for four days, with a
competition on the first and third days, was defeated by a
largo majority. Two Fellows and sixteen ordinary members
were elected, bringing the number of the latter up to 100 as
elected during the present year. A vote of thinks was
passed to the Chairman for presiding.
THE ANNUAL DINNER.
The members and a few friends of this society mot on
Wednesday evening last, at Anderfcon'a Hotel, Fleet Street,
to celebrate the principal social event of the year. Chrysan-
themum growers have abundant enthusiasm, and the pro-
ceedings at the annual dinner were characterised by this
desirable clement. Beyond this, however, there were other
circumstances that made the event this year a most pleasant
one, and members who had been present at the two last
dinners, were agreeably impressed in favour of the one just
held.
Mr. T. W. Sanders .chairman of tho general com-
mittee), made a capital president, genial, but firm,
in pushing through the rather long programme. He
was supported by many of the best known officials
and members of the aociety, and for the rest, the
room was as full of guests as desirable. None tho less,
regrets were sincere that Sir E. Saunders, the president,
and Mr. J. K. Starling, who has been treasurer fur so many
years, were unable to be present. Immediately grace
had been said, and the loyal toasts given, tho chairman
rose to propose that of -'The Glorious Chrysanthemum
and its Devotees," and in doing so, Mr. Sanders delivered
a speech, in which he most eloquently pleaded the claims,
virtues, and " glory " of the flower, coupling with this toast
the National Chrysanthemum Society. The chairman had
recently visited growers in the East End of London, and
there, in the dingiest alleys, were seen plants that were
giien extraordinary care and attention. There, was evidence
of the Chrysanthemum appealing to a class that, but for this
plant, would probably have no connection with horticulture
whatever.
In the suburban greenhouse, in the conservatories of the
rich, and in the nurseries of the trade, when few other
flowers were obtainable, and there was little sun, but much
fog, were these handsome displays of chrysanthemums.
East, west, north, and south the flower hud knit together
every class more perfectly than any other. The National
Chrysanthemum Society had contributed very largely to
effect this, not only by holding exhibitions, but by dissemi-
nating useful literature upon tin subject, and by affiliating
societies in many parts of the globe that carried out in those
parts work similar to that done here. There were now 14$
affiliated societies and ten had been aided since January 1
1897.
"The Donors of Special Prizes" was appreciatively pro-
posed by Mr. Geo. Gordon, and responded toby Mr. P. Waterer
and Mr. H. .T. Jones. Mr. Waterer complained of the great
noise, and of the abseuee of light and ventilation at the
Royal Aquarium, and hoped ere long the Society would be in
a position to exhibit its display in a hall more titted to the
purpose.
Referring to the great Edinburgh show, Mr. Waterer said
he had gone there in preference to concentrating his efforts
in London, because at Edinburgh was " the biggest thing to
go for;" and he hoped that the National Chrysanthemum
Society would take care that the best reward for the
exhibition of Chrysanthemums offered in the United
Kingdom should in future ba offered in London, and by the
National Society.
An interesting incident was the presentation of The Chal-
lenge Trophy, Cups and Medals, that had been won. The
National Challenge Trophy was handed to J. Scott, Jun.,
Esq., Vice-President of the Bromley Society, who proudly
accepted it for this Kentish Society, which has now won it for
the second time. The blooms were contributed by ten of its
members. Mr. W. Mease was greeted with cheers as he was
given both the Holmes' Memorial Cups. Mr. C. Davis
received the Turner Memorial Cup for his father, Mr. N.
Davis of Framfield. Gold Medals were presented to Mr. H.
J. Jones, Messrs. Cutbush .S; Sons, Mr. W. Wells, and others ;
and Silver Meda's to various exhibitors. Mr. Mease, who
had the best Japanese bloom in the show, in a bloom of a
yellow variety of Madame Carnot, was presented with a
painting of the flowei, being a special prize by Mr. J. C.
Simpson.
The officers of the Societv were toasted by Mr. J. W.
Wilkinson (Royal Aquarium), ;ind Mr. R. BaUantine, and
Mr. Harman Payne responded. Other toasts included "The
Chairman," "Tho Secretary" (Mr. R. Dean), "The Visitors,"
and "The Press."
In replying to " The Secretary," Mr. Dean took occasion
to refer to tho exceeding amount of work there was now
associated with the Secretaryship, and he felt that in the near
future ho should have to ask tho committoo to relievo him of
some of this. Tho toasts wo ro interspersed with vocal and
instrumental music.
A Workman's Institute at Turnford
HALL. — Au institute and hall for tho use of the
employes of Mr. T. Kochford, at the Turnford Hall
Nurseries, was fortnaly opened on Saturday, Novem-
ber 20. The building consists of a dining, concert,
library and reading, and committee- rooms, together
with sleeping accommodation, kitchen, and lavatories,
aud was erected by Mr. Rochford to furnish a long-
felt want. About seventy persons sat down to
dinner, and at the termination of which Mr. \V. Long,
onjbehalf of the members of the institution, presented
Mr. Rochford with an illuminated Address in com-
memoration of the opening of the building.
£ wetvtv
[The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42J Fahx. for the period
named: and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees— a " Day -degree " signifying 1 ' continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of horns.]
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
Sun.
*3 a
Accumulated.
a
©
i-
a
3
i-
ra
a
■ .:
■r. 3)
>»«
CO
U
Q»
tfl
<X> ' V
-'
%P
J3
C © r- a « r-
IS
a
r :>
S*"
»*J
u
u
S (3 ao g C oo
e "» rH s= « *"*
•- 1
o a
O £1
~
*f !
^M
0 ■*
3 g CO 1 3 g CO
t- <-
£
o y
tag
>
o
3
i*
o
m
Above 42°,
from Me
January
'Below 42°,
from Me
January
4-d
3
CO-5
6
S3
o
H
5.1
o
0-.
tc.2
a a
9
0*
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts—
1, Scotland. E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, dkc., Distrit t.< 6, Scotland, W. ;
7. England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, 8. ; * Channel Islands.
Day.
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day- Day-
deg. I deg.
lOtlis
Inch.
Ins
i ^-
21!
14
4- 217 - 2S 1 -
200
37-4
8
29
4 +
;■!
IS
+ 52 - 17 1 -
178
25 5
20
32
4 +
36
7
+ 111 - 10s 2 +
159
212
20
34
4 +
43
11)
+ 151 - 150 3 -
152
20-2
33
3S
3 +
3S
10
+ 92 - 155 2 -
1 ,1
23-3
23
3S
5 +
IS
0
+ 275 - 213 4 -
113
22 ■
21
40
4 +
30
2
4- 131 - i;l 1 -
192
39 (
20
32
3 +
::i
0
+ lsp _ 125 3 +
17:!
29-6
22
35
3 +
43
0
+ 581- 157
7 —
180
3ii'l
22
39
3 +
30
3
+ SS - 27
6 -
2114
34 1
17
30
2 +
37
:;
1 J - SS
6 +
192
40'5
25
33
5 +
.:>
0
+ 4J1 - SI 7 -
192
30-3
24
42
THE FAST WEEK.
The following summary record of tho weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending November 20, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
"The weather was in an unsettled condition during the
earlier half of the period, with considerable falls of snow and
sleet in the north and north-west, and a good deal of rain
elsewhere. Later in the week the weather became fair and
dry generally, but with local fo?s and mists over England.
"The temperature soon after the commencement of the
week became temporarily low in Scotland, and the change
subsequently spread southwards to England and Ireland.
By the 17th, however, the thermometer had risen again, and
the average values of the week were above the mean in all
districts, the excess ranging from 1° in ' Scotland, N.,' to
4° in ' Scotland, E., and W.,' and ' England, N.E., and E.,'
to 5° in 'England, S.,' and the 'Channel Islands.' The
highest of the maxima were recorded on rather irregular
dates, and ranged from 61° in 'England, N.W., E., S.,' and the
* Channel Islands," to 55° in ' Ireland, N.' The lowest of the
minima were registered either on tho 16th or 19th, and ranged
from 12° in ' Scotland, B.' (at Braemar), and from 20° in
'Scotland, N.,' to 34° in 'England, 8.,' and to 40° in the
' Channel Islands.*
'• The rainfall exceeded tho mean in ' England, N.E., and
N.W.,' and also in Ireland. S,/ but was less than the
normal in all other districts. Heavy rain occurred on
Tuesday or Wednesday in thu south and south-west of
Ireland, and at Holyhead.
" The bright sunshine was less than 'the moan in nearly all
districts, but exceeded it in ' England, E.' The percentage
of the possible duration ranged from 83 in 'England, E.,' to
25 in ' Ireland, S ,' and 21 in the ' Channel Islands,' to 17 in
' lr- land, X ,' and to 8 in ' Scotland, N.' "
Markets.
COVENT GARDEN, NOVEMBER 25.
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. d.
s.d.
s. d.
Arums , 1 2 blooms . . ,
4 0-60
Orchids : —
Bouvardias, pr. bun.
0 4-00
Cattlcya, 12 bms.
G 0-
9 0
Carnations, pr. doz.
Odontoglossum
blooms
1 0- 3 0
crispum, 12 bm.
1 6-
3 0
Chrysanthemums,
Polargoniums, scar-
p. doz. blooms .
0 6-26
let, per 12 bun.
4 0-
6 n
— p. doz. bunches
3 0-60
— per 12 sprays...
0 5-
0 S
Eucharis, per dozen
4 0- 6 0
Pyrethrums, per 12
Gardenias, per doz.
bunches
1 6-
2 6
blooms
2 0-30
Roses, Tea, per doz.
0 6-
1 0
Hyacinth, Roman,
— yellow (Pearls),
dozen sprays
0 i>- 1 6
per dozen
2 0-
4 0
Lilac, French, per
— red, per dozen
1 0-
2 0
bunch
3 0-40
— pink, per doz.
1 6-
2 6
Lilium Harrisi, per
— Saf rano, p. doz.
1 0-
2 0
doz. biooms
4 0-60
Roses, perdoz. bun.
4 0-
6 0
Lily of the Valley,
Stephanotis, dozen
dozen sprays
10-20
sprays
3 0-
4 0
Maidenhair Fern,
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
0 3-
0 4
per 12 bunches ...
4 0-80
Violets, 12 bunches
1 6-
2 0
Marguerites, per 12
— Parme, French
2 0-
2 6
bunches
2 0-40
White Narciss,
Mignonette, dz. bn.
2 0-40
French, 12 bun....
9 0-
1 6
Orchid-bloom in variety.
Plants in Puts.— Average Wholesale Prices.
8. (/. S, '/.
s. d.
S, d.
Adlantum, per doz.
4 0-12 0
Evergreen shrubs,
Aspidistras, perdoz.
12 0-30 0
in variety, doz....
6 0-
24
— specimen, each
5 0-15 0
Forns, small, doz. ...
1 0-
2 0
Chrysanthemums,
— various, doz.
5 0-12
p. doz. pots ...
5 0-90
Foliage plants, per
— specimen, or
dozen
12 0-
36 0
large plants, ea.
16-20
Liliums, various,
Dracaenas, each ...
10-76
per dozen
12 0-
is 0
— various, p. doz.
12 0-24 0
Marguerites, p. doz.
6 0-
9 0
Erica, various, per
Mignonette, p. doz.
4 0-
6 0
dozen
0 0-1S 0
Palms, various, ea.
2 0-
10 "
Ficus alastic each
10-76
— specimens, ea.
10 6-
84 0
Fruit.—
Vveraob Wholesale Pkices.
j. d. s. d,
s. d.
i". d
Apples (Blenheim
Grapes, Muscats,
Orange), se-
" Cannon Hall,*
lected, pe r
per lb
2 6-
5 0
bushel
■, 0-10 0
— Muscats, se-
— (Wellingtons),
lected, per lb...
3 0-
6
selected, bush.
0- 9 0
— Muscats, 2nd
— common vars, ,
qualitv, per lb.
1 6-
2 0
per bushel
! 6 10
Nuts, Cobs, per
- ordinary quaL,
100 lb
21 0-
22 6
per bushel
6 0- 0 6
Pears, Btewing, per
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
4 0-
6 0
16-20
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
2ndqual.,lb.
1 0 —
chael.rases con-
— Alicantes, p. lb.
16-19
taining 6 to S...
3 6-
4 6
2nd quality
— cases contain-
0 10 1 0
ing 10 to 12 ..
1 3-
1 9
Vegetables
— AVERAG
f. Wholesale Prices.
s. d, s. d.
s. d.
S. d.
A rtichokes, Globe,
Onions (pickling).
perdoz.
1 C- t 6
per pocKet
2 0-
3 0
— Chinese (Sta-
— Dutch, per bag
; .i
—
chys tuberifera)
— Albanian, per
per lb. .
0 ;- ii i
bag
4 6-
5 0
Beans (Madeira ),
Radish (long scar-
per bask (about
let), i li iimel
Gib.)
1 n- 1 6
Islands, por 12
— French, Chan-
bunches
0 6
0 S
nel Islands, lb.
0 8-10
Salad, small, per
Beetroots, p. bush.
1 3- 1 (i
doz. punnets...
1 6
—
Capsicum, Chili, p.
Seakale, per punnet
100
16 —
(33 to 41b.)
1 3-
1 6
Cauliflowers, per
Shallots, per lb. ...
0 2
—
tally (5 doz.)
5 0-60
Sprouts, per J -
Cucumbers, home-
bushel
0 9-
1 0
grown, select..
Tomatos, selected,
per doz.
4 0- 5 0
per doz. lb. ...
6 0-
7 0
Garlic, per lb.
0 2 —
— Medium, do/.
Horseradish (Ger-
lb
3 0-
4 0
man), per bundle
1 f- 1 3
— Seconds, do. .
1 6-
2 0
Mushrooms [Indoor)
— Canary Islands,
per lb
u 8-0 in
per case, 36 lb.
s 0-
9 6
POTATOS.
No material alteration in Potato trade since last report,
prices ruling as follows :— Snowdrops, Sjs. to 110s. ; Up-to-
dates, 85s. to 115«. ; Maincrops, 80*. to 100*. ; Saxons and
Bruce, 80s. to 95s. ; Blacklands, 705. to 75s. ; Belgian and
Dutch Ware, 3s. to Zs. 6d. ; German Ware, 3s. 3d. to 4s.
John Bath, 32 and 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
(Remainder of Markets carried forward to p. viii.)
392
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[November 27, 1897.
Enquiry.
" He that qilcstioncth much shall learn much." — Bacon.
Chrysanthemum Madame Carnot. — I for one,
says Alex. Morton, a north-couutry contributor,
should bo obliged if some successful cultivator
would instruct Chrysanthemum growers the best
times to strike, stop, and take the bud of the variety
Madame Carnot, so that it may be be in full flower by
November 15. I have five plants that were treated
in different ways, but they are all flowering too late.
The plant No. 1 was struck from cuttings, put in
November ], 1S96, grown straight on, and the crown-
buds taken August 14 ; it is still ia bud. The
cuttings of No. 2 were put in November 8, pinched
May 1, and the second buds taken September 1 ;
this one has half-opened blooms, and promises well.
The cuttings of No. 3 were put in November 8, the
crown-buds taken August 1-1 ; this one is still in
bud. The cuttings of No. 4 were put iu November S,
pinched May 1, the second buds taken August 28 ;
this one is about one-fourth expanded. The plant
No. 5 was cut hard-back in the first week of May,
and the first buds taken. The blooms are also very
kite, as there is as yet no sign, of any colour. I may
state that this garden is in the north of Perthshire.
Will auy reader kindly afford /. ./. a hint as to
the cultivation and fruiting of the Custard -apple,
Anona reticulata, described iu the Botanical Magazine
as a stove evergreen shrub '.
US" A Subscriber — Midlands,' would be glad to know
what are the duties of a nursery clerk, the kind of
books he has to keep, and the best work to study
on the subject of book-keepiDg '.
Qmwm >s
oTr&j/jondmt-j]M^
Almanack : /. C. Most of the gardening journals
publish an almanack with their first issue of the
New Year : but we think that what you mean is
the Garden A mi mil, or Horticultural Directory. The
first is published at the Garden office, Zl , South-
ampton Street, AV.C. ; and the other at that of the
Journal of Horticulture, 171, Fleet Street, E.C.
Books: R. />'. Inexpensive books upon the culture
of the Chrysanthemum have been published by
Mr. Ed. Molyneux. Messrs. \V. & G. Drover, Fare-
ham ; Mr. W. Wells, Karlswood Nurseries, Redhill,
and others.
Broken Flower-pot: li. M. We note the neat
manner in which the riot, is meuded ; and, doubt-
less, many gardeners would be pleased to kuow
what is the kind of cement used to juiu the pieces
together, and if the cement is unaffee'ed by
moisture.
Camellia Floweii-bud3 falling: D.J. This may
be due to a natural effort of the plant to get rid of a
portion of the flower-buds when these have set very
thickly ; also to proximity to the heating apparatus,
although this happens only during hard weather,
when the hot-water pipes havs to be made very
hot ; and it may bo brought about by keeping the
soil too moist at this season. .The happy medium
has to be struck between dryness and wetness. If
the drainage be not in good order, the soddening of
the soil with only moderate applications of water
will soon be brought about ; and in the ease of
large plants in tuba, it is not ea^y to ascertain the
condition of the soil without turning the plants
out of the tubs. The re-tubbing, surfacing, and
other operations of that kind should be undertaken
in early spring, or early in August after growth of
the wood has ceased.
Camellia Seeds : Market Study. Sow the seeds now,
in well-drained puts filled with a mixture of finely
sifted loam two-thirds, peat or leaf-mould oue-
third, and sand sufficient to make it porous. Sow
thinly, say 1 inch apart, cover with half an inch
of soil, water with a fine rose can, and staud the
pots in a cold pit to which the frost has not access.
The soil should be kept from getting dry, and this
is best done by standing the pots on the floor.
Cardiff Show : A Correction. It was stated in
our repiit that the Cup, value 4 guineas, was won
by Messrs. Case l:!ro3. These nurserymen were the
givers of the Cup, aud the winner \va, Mr. .loy, gr.
to R. A. Bjwring, Esq.
I Iarnation : B. 0. M. It does not strike us as being
very valuable, but as you state thai it is not a
representative bloom, the seedling may be worth
preserving.
Chrysanthemum Goon Gracious: B.I'. This is a
" weak-necked " variety, and the flowers usually
droop. In the case you mention, perhaps the
bloom is rather less heavy than usual in propor-
tion to the strength of stem. Wo suppose tho
plaut has not " spurted '.' "
Common Broom: Broom. Tho plants may be cut
down at auy time from now till April.
Flowers of Cymbidium Lowianum falling: Ik J.
Flowers of Orchitis fall from a variety of causes, and
in winter the fog aud damp are the more common
ones. Very low temperature will cause the flowers
to drop in the case of Orchids from tropical
regions.
Insects: E. F., Wilts. The insects workiug-up iu
" small heaps," between the bricks on the floor of
the Mushroom-house, belong to the order Collem-
bola, or "spring-tails," and tu the genus Lipura
(which is not spring-tailed) ; the species is probably
B. fimetania, but there are several very closely
allied. They live under boards, iu damp earth, and
in manure. Their food is humus aud decaying
re -> table-matter, and it is doubtful if they cau
ever be considered injurious; but a Mushroom-
bed is just the position in which a suspicion of
being noxious might reasonably exist. If repeated
applications of petroleum will uot stop them, try
strong solutions of carbolic acid in boiling water,
or cover the bricks with cement. These insects are
extraordinarily prolific. R. Mel..
Latin Names : C. W. If you are uot conversant
with Latin, or the rules of botanical nomenclature,
it is not surprising that you find some anomalies
and much difficulty. Berberis Aquifolium is
right ; the spelling of the specific name with
a capital letter denotes to a botanist the fact
that aquifolium was once a goiieric aame.
Undulatum and nauum are correct iu the ease
you mention, but if the word varietas or the
abbreviation var. be used, then you must use the
feminine undulata, nana, &c, because varietas is
feminine. Spicata is preferable to spca, but it is
generally better to retain an old name than to give a
new one, hence Cupressus Lawsuniaua albo-spica is
in common use. Oeanothus and Rul>us are mascu-
line. Maerophyllus is applied to a plaut with Large
leaves. Haudsworthiensis implies that the plant
was raiseei at or distributed from Handsworth.
Primus triloba is correct, P. biferum is incorrect ;
it should be P. bifera.
Mixed Hybrids of Gladiolus Gandavensis in
America: if. Marfcc. The American gardening
papers doubtless mention these plants, but wo
have no recollection of having seen auy notes on
them.
Mushroom Beds ; R. S. The spawn, after ruuuiug,
was checked iu development by the dryue-s of
the beds, aud if it remains iu the same condition
after you have afforded water, we should imagine
that your best course would be to afford a snaking
of warm water, with a handful of salt to a 3-gal.
watercan, well dissolved, and then applied. If
this, together with a thicker covering of litter
under the mats, does not ind ice Mushrooms to
appear, nothing else will, as not only will the spawn
be dead, b;it there will be no more heat lett iu the
material. The sandy soil used is not of the right
kind.
Names of Fruits: A.M. Grapes: Mrs. Pinco'd
Black Muscat.—/. Jf. IV. Apples : Egg or White
Paradise. — Kimbell, Apple : Hambledon I )eux-ans.
The name you give, Old Deuson, is evidently a
corruption of Deux-ana (of the French).
Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in
this issue arc requested to lie to good as t" consult
the following number. - V. A'. Cymbidium Mas-
tersii, also known as ( lyperorchis Masteraii. — H. C.P.
A very fine variety of Cattlcya labiata, but scarcely
worthy of a distinguishing name iu view of the
many fine varieties of it which have already
appeared. — G. T. Poiusettia pulcherrima (ihe
scarlet), aud Fittouia argyroueura. — Constant
Render. You could not do better than procure
the work on Roses you name. The silvery-leaved
hardy plaut is Stachys lauata. — R. B. Iris pseud-
acorus. — A. B. Euonymus europeeus (Spiudle-
tree) ; 2, Cedrus atlautica, or Libani, we cannot
tell which from the specimen ; 3, Abies uobiiis ;
4, Juniperus virginiana ; 5, Cryptomeria japonioa ;
6, Abies Pinsapo. — li. R. Celtis occidentalis, perhaps
Acer palmatum var. Specimens inadequate, and
badly packed. — H. G. Cotoueaster frigida.
Roman Hyacinths : Market Study. Like other
Dutch bulbs for flowering early, they must be pro-
curer! and potted as soon as they cau be obtained,
and they must then be kept in the dark till the
soil is filled with their roots, and the crown of
leaves containing tho flower has pusheel up some
2 inches or more. The bulbs may be grown
thickly together in pots, jardinieres, boxes, &e.
To have them iu flower early, it is necessary to put
them into a warm house of 60° to 70°, on
shelves near the light, first pushing them on iu a
hot-bed having a warmth of 75°, if you have it ;
but they do fairly well without this help. Do
not stand them on the ground as you suggest,
unless the ground is but a short distance from the
glass, and no plants are grown overhead. Of
course, if you arc growing them wholesale for cut-
ting for market, a little drawing of the flower
stem is no elisadvantage.
Sick Benefit Society : Stolen. The United Horti-
cultural Benefit anel Provident Society undoubtedly
oilers a better investment to young gardeners tbau
any such society you name. For reason., that have
been frequently stated in these columns, wc would
strongly ael vise you, or auy other young gardener, to
chooso tho one special to tho profession. Send
ui application for particulars to tho Secretary,
W. Collins, 9, Martiudale Road, Ralham, S.W.
Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations: ,/. A'-
Wc must suppose that the cultivators of these
varieties of tho Carnation have nothing further to
add to what has already appeared in the girdeniug
journals. These Caruatious do not seem to be
" everybody's " plants ; whilst the ordiuary Tree,
or perpetual Carnation, auyone with a cold pit or
greenhouse can succeed iu growing satisfactorily.
Growers of '" Malmaisons'' please note.
SWEET Peas: J. B. & Sons. It is to be expected
that some varieties should be sterile. There is
every degree of fertility among the variations, and
you have unfortunately got hold of a sterile
form. Next seasou try artificial fertilisation.
Tennis Lawn : A. li. If it has uot been mown
since August, the grass will be long, and will
require mowing with a scythe. Iu doing this, cut
pretty close, rake i iff the mowings with a wooden
rake, then sweep it with a half-worn-out broom ;
finally giving it a thorough rolling. It may need
re-turfing in places that are worn, or sunk below the
proper level. A dressing of sifted loam aud stable-
manure, or this kind of manure aloue, may be useel
during the winter, raking oil' what has not sunk into
the turf in March. — Tennis Player. If the grass has
come up thinly, you might strew finely-sifted loam
three-quarters, woodashes quarter, over the lawn
during the winter so as to partially hide the grass.
It i., now rather late to sow grass seed ; moreover,
owing to the seed lying long before germinating, the
seeel-eatiug birds might devour a large proportion
of them, and it will be better to wait till April before
Slaving the following grasses, Poa trivialis, Alopecurus
pratensis, and Festuca duriuscula, together with
a little (one-eighth of the whole bulk) of Trifolium
minus. These seeds may be scratcheel in with a
tine-toothed rake, or be very lightly covered with
loam aud woodashes. The clover (Trifolium) had
better be sown first, evenly and thinly. It will
die out in about three years, leaving a thick mat
of grass. The frequent use of the roller is a matter
of importance, and it is of great use in consolidating
the surface, and causing the outwarel growth of
the grasses. The extirpation of weeds aud coarse
grasses must receive atteutiou from the first, and
tho scythe should be employed iu preference to
the mowing machine for the first two years.
Victoria Medal : B. Yes ; we qui to concur that
the two horticulturists you name have as great,
or greater, right to the honour than most of
those who are included ; but there is no getting
over the numerical limitation. Should Her
Majesty's life be prolonged for another ten years,
then will be the time for the conferment of seventy
additional medals ! and then something may be
done to remedy the defects of the present list. We
cmnot euter into personal details.
Communications Received.— F. C. Heinemann.— P. W.—
E. C — E. J. L.— H. Low <fc Co. -J. 0. B., Haarlem.—
.1. F. H. - H. K.— G. F.— C. If.— M. D.-F. W. B.— T. E. H.
— T. C.— J. J. W.— Q. W. S.— J. Lazenby.— Leirion.— T. P.
W. L. Y.-D. E. W.— A. D — W. F. U.— J. Knell. -D. T. F.
— C. S.-A. J. S.— H. J. Jf.— H. W.— G. H. H.— R. Hallister.
J. i.'ampbell.— B. H. W MoC. (we should think not).—
F. Warr.-E. M. P.
December 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
393
THE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1897.
CHARLES C. BAP.INGTON.*
TT is not possible to do otherwise thau receive
-*- with the greatest respect and sympathy a
work dedioated by his widow in such touching
terms to the memory of Professor Charles Cardale
Babington. Anything like criticism seems out
of place, and yet it is difficult to suppress a
feeling of disappointment at the picture here
presented to us. Professor Babington's name
was not only a household word to successive
generations of British botanists, but he was a
resident in Cambridge for nearly seventy years,
and a University Professor for more than thirty.
During that time how vast and far-reaching has
been the progress and the change in scientific
thought, how great the difference in Cam-
bridge itself! We find in the pages of the
volume before us but faint indications of
changes so great as to be almost revolu-
tionary.
What we have is a sympathetic memoir of
a patient, thoughtful, accurate, fair-minded,
eminently religious man, deservedly beloved by
those who were brought into personal contact
with him. With strong convictions, he was yet
averse from controversy ; with a well-defined
religious creed, he was yet not only tolerant,
but, as far as possible, sympathetic with others
who held different views. Our disappointment,
if we can call it such, resides in the fact that in
the present volume we find so feeble an echo of
scientific and University progress — matters in
which Babington could have had no mean
share. We hear indeed of them, but, as it
were, at a distance, and we learn but little of
the part that Babington himself took in
them.
The book opens with a well-written memoir
by Professor Mayor, followed by a series of
"Reminiscences" from personal friends, but
few from botanists (excepting one from Mr.
Britten) competent to give a general view of his
botanical work, and yet no one exercised a
greater influence in his own sphere than did
Babington. His work in bringiug the descrip-
tive history of British plants in a line with that
of the European Continent was an important
step in advance. His careful and conscientious
study of Brambles from 1846 to the end of his
career, revealed an amount of variation which
if not unsuspected was not previously fully
* Memorials, Journal, and Botanical Correspondence of
Charles Cardale Babington, .... (Cambridge: Macmillan &
Bowes.)
realised. There seem to be so many intermediate
forms that it is hopeless to expect agreement
as to their identity and nomenclature among
students of the genus. A similar remark
applies to the Hawkweeds, and to the Water-
buttercups, also favourite objects of Babing-
ton's study. The Professor himself was very
cautious in drawing any inferences or in-
ductions from the eiiormous mass of observa-
tions made by him in the field, in the herbarium,
or in the garden, for a quarter of the Botanic
garden was devoted to the cultivation of
species of Bramble ! Babington's tendency
was to consider as of specific rank forms
which others, belonging to a differont school,
treated as mere variations, not j'et sufficiently
fixed to warrant them being estimated as
species. Thus, to give one illustration only,
whilst Babington considered Cuscuta '[trifolii
to be a species. Hooker does not even think it
worthy of sub-specific rank, but makes it a
variety of C. epithymum.
It is of very little consequence whether Pro-
fessor A. considers a particular form as a
" species," while Professor B. looks on it as a
" variety." What is of consequence is, to ascer-
tain the precise differences [that exist, to
endeavour to find out the reason for those
differences, their significance, and the precise
relation they bear to other forms. Professor
Babington's works, and his collections at
Cambridge, though he himself paid relatively
little attention to such matters, will bo
of great value to naturalists in search of
evidence, and desirous of estimating its relative
importance.
Reverting to the work before us, wo find
after the Reminiscences a reprint of his Journal
from 1S17, or thereabouts, to 1891. Bibing-
ton's life was not a very eventful ono, and a
large proportion of the extracts might havo
beou omitted, as adding nothing to the por-
traiture of the man, nothing to tho history of
botany, and as of no interest to the botanist or
to the general reader. Of what use is it to
print such entries (of which there are many)
as "October 6, Cambridge;" "December 18,
Cambridge;" "January 19, Linnean," etc.
One entry we have found may interest our
readers. It bears date July 6', 1817, the period
when Prince Albert, as he then was, was
installed as Chancellor of the University : —
" Horticultural show ii Downing grounds. Went
there at 11 A.M. to judge the •specimen-plants in
pots.' A great crowd of people in the afternoon. Be-
tween 9000 and 10,000 tickets sold, and many people
got in without, either over the fences or through the
gates, which were forced open by the presi, and
obliged to remain so for some time. The Queen went
there. Wo dined together ;in the tent after it was ill
over."
Following the Journal, come extracts from
his botanical correspondence, dating from 1834
to 1894, to which the same remirks apply as to
the Journal, but to a much less degree. The
letters, indeel, atford ample evidence of his
patience and williugness to give assistance, and
will be read by botanists with great interest as
they contain so many notes on critical plants.
The work is carefully printed, has an excellent
index, and an admirable portrait, so that it will
form an acceptable memorial to the friends of
the late Professor, and an interesting record to
the historian of British botany.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
PASSIFLORA PRUINOSA, Mast, sp. n.*
Tins is a beautiful and distinct Passion-flower (see
fig. 117, p. 401), lately discovered by Mr. Irn Thurn,
and introduced from British Guiana by Messrs. Sander
& Co. The leaves are glabrous, paluiately three-
lobed, subpeltate, green above, glaucous beneath,
with the veins of a violet colour ; the petioles
are loog. and provided with four to six oup-shaped
glands. The stipules are a remarkable feature of
the plant, being very large (2 inches long, J inch
wide), leafy, cordate, obliquely - oblong. The
flowers are solitary on long axillary stalks, with
three leafy oblong bracts near the top. The flower
measures about 3 iuehes across when fully expanded ;
the tube 6hort, fleshy, lobed, intruded at the base.
Sepals oblong obtuse, aristate, glaucous-greeu exter-
nally, pearly within; petals rather shorter thau the
sepals, pale violet. Faucial corona of very numerous
threads, the outermost rows almost as long as the
petals ; deep violet at the base, in the centre
yellowish, and curly at the apex ; the succeeding
rows are about half the length, thread-like, capitate,
whitish or yellowish ; median corona white, mem-
branous, at first bent downwards, afterwards turning
upwards and dividing iuto numerous erect threads,
each hooked at the base. The other parts of the corona
are relatively inconspicuous, and being described in
tho foot note, need not be further mentioned here.
The species belongs to the Granadilla section, the
soction which includes the groatest number of showy
species, aud among the Granadillas it may bo rele-
gated to a small subsection, in which the membrauous
or median corona is doflexed, aud afterwards assurgent.
In the size of the stipules it somewhat resembles tho
figure of P. stipu'ata, Aublet, but the form of the
stipule, and especially of the leaf, is quite different,
Maxwell T. Master*.
Miltonia. BtNon, Gogn., n, sp.f
A plant recalling some forms of M. Candida, the
pseudo-bulbs, the leaves, the size and form of the
flowers are nearly identical with those of the latter
plant. The sepal and petals are cinnamon-brown,
with the apex, a narrow margin, and one or two imper-
fect transverse bars of pale greenish-yellow. The lip,
scarcely shorter than the lateral sepals, is broadly
obovate, bright violet-purple veined with darker
* Passijlora pruinosa. Mast., sp. n., (§ Granadilla Dettexa-).—
Fruticosa scandens ; ramie herbaceis teretibus fistulosisglabris
rubro-lineatis ; fohis remotis, petiolis 10—12 cent, long., tere
tibus glandulis cupulatis 4 — 1> dissitis munitis ; stipulis 5
cent, long., 2 cent, lat., foliaceia oblique cordatis falcato.
oblongis margine parum glanduloais, laminis 18 cent, long.,
23 cent, lat., foliaceis, superne laste viridibus subtus glaucis,
nervia violascentibus, subpeltatis basi rotundatis ad medium
tri-lobatis, sinuous latis, lobis uvergentibus obioDgo-lanceo-
latis, mrrgine parura glandulosis, lobo medio longiore ;
pedunculo axillari 1 floro ; bracteis tlon approximates verti-
ci latis foliicois cordato-o 4ongis ; floribus diametro S cent.,
t'ibo brevi ventricoao longitudinaliter sulcato basi intruso ;
sepalis herbaceis circa 4 cent, long., oblongis cucullatis aris-
tulatis dorso viridibus intus lacteis ; petalis parum breviori.
bus pallide lilacinis ; corona fauciali plurisseriali filamen-
tosa, filis extimis petala subrequantibus basi intense violaceis
ad apices capillaceos curvatis albido - navescentibus, filis
intimis numerosissimis exterioribus dimidio brevioribus
lilaceis capitatis albidis ; corona media basi tubulata mem-
branacea albida dericxa dein assurgente et in filis ascenden-
tibus basi uncitis dividente ; corona infra mediana carnosula
annulari deflexa angusta ; corona basilari membranacea
cupuliformi gynophori basin cingonte ; gynophoro tereti
glabro-maculato ; ovario oblongo glauco, stylis clavatia ;
fructu — semiuibua oblongis obtusis.
Guian. Brit , Im Thurn.
t Miltonia Binoti, Cogn.— Pseudobulbia elongato-oblongia,
valde compressis, l«vibus, apice diphyllia ; foliis elongatis,
lineari-ligulalis, acutis, basi conduplicatia, laete viridibus ;
pedunculo communi erecto gracili. teretiusculo, plurifloro,
foliis breviore ; bracteis lineari-Ianceolatis, acuminatis.
pedicellia brevioribua ; floribua 7 cm. latis ; sepalis petalisque
sioiillimis, pitulis, anguste blongis acuminatia, margine
leviter undulatis; labello sepalis lateralibus vix breviore,
pitulo, usque ad basin libero, satis concavo sed non con-
voluto, late obovato, apice rotundato-subtruncato et apicu-
lato, margine lateraliter undulaco et obscure 2 — 3-lobatu,
disco inferne 5-eristato, cristis mediants exterioribusque
brevioribus; coluruna longiuscula, recta, subsemi-eylm Inr i.
alis angustis, margine undulato deuticulatis, apice acumi-
natis ; clinaudrio margine augustissioio non membranaceo.
Greaeit in Brasilia.
394
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 4, 1897.
lines, not curliDg like a horn round the column as in
M. Candida, but merely rather concave. The column,
a centimetre long, is whitish tinged with lilac, the
wings are narrow, the edges undulate-denticulate,
eudiug at the top in a Btout triangular acuminate
tooth ; the edges of the clinandrium are very narrow,
and not furnished with a wide membranous border
such as is the continuation of the anterior wings in
M. Candida.
It may be seen from these characteristic! how M.
Binoti [principally differs from M. Candida in the lip
and the column, which organs much resemble, on the
contrary, those of M. Regnelli, and especially those
of its variety purpurea. We are disposed to consider
this as a natural hybrid between those two species.
M. Binoti was sent from Brazil by M. Binot, of
Petropolis, to M. A. A. Peeters, of St. Gilles,
Brussels, and at the request of the latter we have
named it after the introducer. M. Peeters tells us
that the first plant flowered November 21 last.
A. Cogniaux.
Vanda cojrulea VAB. Peetebsiana, Cogn., n. var.
This fine variety, remarkable for the complete
absence of blue in the flowers, was shown in an
importation from the Khasia Mountains, in November,
1896, by M. A. A. Peeters, horticulturist, of St. Gilles,
Brussels. These are the characteristics of the plant :
— Flowers very large, sepals and petals very pale
lilacy-rose, rather brighter at the edges, and par-
ticularly towards the tip ; lip rose, rather bright
lilac towards the tip, shading insensibly to white
towards the base, which is pur3 white, as is the spur,
with a small spot of orange-yellow at the base of the
disc ; column white. The specimen which M.
Peeters bloomed last November bore nine flowers.
A, Cogniaux.
Dendhobidm babbatum, Cogn. n. sp*
This species, which seems to us to be allied to
D. ciliatum, comes from Upper Burmah, where it
grows iu company with D. Brymerianum, It was
introduced by M. De Lairesse, a Liege grower, with
whom it bloomed last June.
The stem, a rather yellowish green, is about 1 dec.
high ; it bears six or seven lanceolate linear, clear
green leaves about two inches long. Racemes terminal,
short, beaiing four or five flowers almost wholly
pure white. Sepals about a centimetre long, the
lateral ones rather larger and lightly tinged with
rose at the t >p, while the rather long and obtuse
nientum is yellowixhgreen. Petals erect, narrow ; lip
erect, trih»bed, with very obtuse lobes, edged with
long flexuous hairs ; intermediary lobe larger than
the others, yellow ; the rest white. A few specimens
of this species were introduced ; one of them is in
Sir Trevor Lawrence's collection, another was offered
by M. De Lairesse to the Royal Gardens, Kew.
A, Cor/niavx.
AUTUMN FLOWERS.
Plumbago Larpent2B. — This little Chinese plant
blooms ho late in 'he season out-of-doors that it often
fails to open its flowers unless the position of the
bed is warm and sheltered, precautions especially
necessary in the Midlands and the North. It is not
a showy plant when observed at a distance, but a close
inspection discloses flowers of a beautiful Gentian-
like-blue colour, which is very pleasing ; and the
foliage and stems are also prettily tinted with red.
* DendroHum barbatwm, Cogn.(9ect. Stachpobiu.ru). — Caulibua
brevibus, profunde sulcata, iuferne satis gracilibua vaginia
2— 'i vestitis, superne i.icrasaatia plurifoliatia ; foliis distiehia,
snbcoriaceis, lineari-lanceolatis, acutis, basi breviter vaginan-
tibus ; racemu dubterminali, nutante, paucifloro, foliis
bre^iore ; bracteis niombranaceis, anguste ovatis, obtusis,
trinerviis, pedicellis paulo brevioribus ; floribus satis parvis,
submerabranacois, breviusculc pedicellatis ; sepalo doraali
late lancoolato, acuto, interne erocto, superne rertexo ; sepalis
lateralibua paulo mijoribua, triangulari-lanceolatia, acumi-
natia, erectis apice levitor recurvis ; petalis erectis, lanceo-
lato-rhomboideia, acutiusculia, sepalo doraali sequilongis ;
mento longiusculo, oblongo, obtuao ; labello erecto, sepalis
laterilibus jnqnilongo, ambitu obwato-cuneato, distinct©
trilobatn, lubis ovato-rotundatis, margine integerrimia et pilia
elongatia itexuosis denaiuscule ciliatia marginatisque, lobo
tevmtnali paulo majore intns puberulo, diaco puberulo ten-
uiter bicostato ; eolumna brevi, obtuse bidentata. Crescit in
Birnfa'nia.
It may easily be increased by division of the root-
stock in the spring ; and as it does not grow more than
1£ foot in height, and has small flowers, it should
not be placed mi re than 3 feet from the edge of the
path.
Sternbergia lutea. — This pretty little Amaryllid is a
native of Central and Southern Europe, and has been
considered by some to be the " Lily of the field "
spoken of in the Scriptures. Others suppose a species
of Anemone to be the plant so designated, and,
certainly, these are more " gloriously arrayed."
The Sternbergia is perfectly hardy as far north as this,
but it requires a warm position in order to flower it
well, such an one as the front of a forcing-house, or
border facing south, with a background of evergreens,
suits it, and in such positions it throws up its yellow
Crocus-like flowers at the end of October, and in
November. Although by no means a plant that
makes a striking mass of colour, it is very interesting
to see its clear yellow flowers nestling among the
green leaves when other out-door flowers are scarce,
and it is often mistaken for a species of Crocus.
Phlox amcena. — Although this plant makes its
finest display in May, it also affords a number of
blooms in late autumn ; and at the present time,
November 6, it is the gayest of all the outside flowers,
commanding attention at once when seen in a mass.
The present season is favourable to it, for the reason
that severe frost has not occurred. It iforms a use-
ful permanent edging to beds and borders as oae that
is easily kept within bounds, and the leaves grow
closely together. The best season at which to
propagate the plant is the middle of the month of
May, when it ceases to flower. The plants, or a
sufficient number of them, should be dug up and
pulled into small pieces, which soon make good plants
if planted firmly, and afforded water until growth
commences. It seldom exceeds 6 inches in height,
and the blooms are of a pleasing rosy-pink colour.
W. 3. Divers, Belvoir Castle Gardens, Grantham.
KEW NOTES.
Rcbus biflorus. — For producing an autumn and
winter effect there is nothing of its kind more strik-
ing than this Rubus. Several of the Brambles are
noted for their white, or blue-white, bark in winter.
R. leucodermis, noglectus, and lasiostylus, are among
the number, but none of them, so far as my experi-
ence goes, equals this Himalayan R. biflorus. It is
not inferior even to the beautiful Willows, Salix
daphnoides, and its variety, acutifolia, which make
so fine a feature in the Knap Hill Nursery every
winter. There is a group of plants near the Flagstaff
at Kew, which anyone interested in winter effects of
vegetation, 'and to whom this Rubus is not known,
ought to see. The thicket of white stems, 6 feet or
S feet high, is conspicuous at a great distance, and
even on dull days, but this afternoon (November 29)
I happened to see the group with the low, almost
level rays of the sun lighting up the stems, and this
added greatly to the effect. Away from the smoke
and black fogs of big towns it would doubtless show
to greater advantage than it does near London, but
here it is especially valuable because it thrives better
than any of these white-barked shrubs. Owing
probably to climatic disadvantages, the two Willows
mentioned above, for instance, never at Kew put on
the beautiful glaucous covering one sees in the
country. The Rubus is a vigorous, quick-growing
shrub, and should be planted in rich, loamy soil. The
Kew plants are about three years old, and were
raised from seed, which ripens occasionally during
our hottest summers.
The Goldem Osier (Salix vitellina).
There is not so much, perhaps, made of hardy
shrubs with brightly-coloured bark as might be, yet
if all of them were brought together, they would make
quite a respectable list, and it is upon such plants to
a very great extent that we have to depend for
colour out of-doors during midwinter. I have
already in a previous note mentioned several of those
with white stems, aud among those of a different
colour it may bo worth while tb draw attention to
this Willow, for although a native of our own country
its beauty in winter and spring, when given special
cultivation, is either not known or is not sufficiently
made use of. It belongs to Boirer's section Alba)
of the genus Salix, and is, indeed, to nearly allied
to S. alba that some authorities make it a variety
of that species. At Kew it is represented by two
forms, one with yellow, the other with red bark. Both
are grown on the island of the Lake together in
mixed groups, and from now onwards till spring they
give one of the brightest of outdoor effects. During
sunshine especially they attract the eye, for, grow-
ing on the edge of the water, their beauty is
doubled by reflection. In order to show this Willow
at its best, it is necessary that it should be cut hard
back each spring. If let alone it will eventually
grow into a tree 30 feet or more high, but it is not
short twiggy shoots that are wanted, for as a garden
plant its full beauty can only be brought out by
making it produce each year a crowd of long thick
wands. This is done by giving it a moist place,
a fairly rich soil, and by pruning back the previous
season's shoots to a few buds every February or
March. W. J. B.
Florists' Flowers.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS.
I DO not ever recollect so fine a display of bloom
iu the open air in November as we are enjoying
at the present time. The air in this part of
the country has been dry and warm, with much
of bright sunshine, which accounts for the wealth
of bloom to be seen here, and in almost every
cottager's garden as well. Plants grown in pots
for furnishing large blooms require great atten-
tion, but where large quantities of cut-flowers
are looked for, a large number of Chrysanthe-
mums should be planted on a well-prepared piece of
ground, and made very firm. If planted out at the
end of April or early in May, with very little after
care, these plants will lift well after the buds are set.
We have had a very fine lot, and it is needless to
remark have found them very useful for cutting from.
Several of these were cut down to within 3 to
6 inches of the ground-level in the middle of the
month of June, others stopped once at the end of the
month of May ; all of which have done well, although
the flowers are not so large as those grown on plants
in pots. The flowers are more useful when removed
with long stems. I have found the following
varieties good to plant out : Stanstead White (one of
the best), Major Bonnaffon, Lady E. Saunders, Elaine,
Mrs. G. Rundle, Mrs. Dixon, William Seward, and
Mrs. G. Gleuny. Before lifting the plants at the
end of September, or later if the season is mild, the
roots should be thoroughly moistened some hours
previously with water ; dig up the plants carefully,
and have the pots prepared, potting them where they
are lifted, and carrying them to some shaded spot,
keeping them from flagging by frequent overhead
syringings, with plenty of water to the roots,
&e. They should be staked just sufficiently to keep
the shoots from breaking. H. Markham, Nortfidown,
Margate.
Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnation.
From the frequent inquiries observed in the
Qardeners' Chronicle, it is apparent that there are
cultivators of this plant who do not meet with
success. The worst foe to the plant is the fungus
named Helminthosporium echinulatum, whose pre-
sence in the leaves is not suspected till spots occur on
the outside, when it is always too late to use
romedies. The cultivator is in no wise to blame
for this state of things — that is to say, cultivators of
experience, and intelligence ; for it is th-> experience
of many that they have cultivated these plants to
perfection in one locality, and lailod utterly in
another. And provided the plan's are not over-fed,
or kept too warm or close, there is little for which
the cultivator can reasonably be blamed. If enquiry
were made of those who still grow the plants success-
fully, it would bo found q\iifo a simple methdd
December 4, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
395
differing culturally but little from that given in other
gardens where failures are the order of the day. Good
fibrous loam three-fourths, and equally good fibrous
peat one-fourth, should form the chief part of the com-
post in which the varieties of this Dianthus are to
grow. Plenty of sharp sand, some burnt clay, a
shovelful of bone-meal, and twice as much charcoal
of horse-bean siz", should be added to each barrowful
of soil ; no manure — that is to s*y, not any of the
usually prescribed "Mushroom-bed manure" that
appears, perhaps too freely, to find its way into
most mixtures of soils. The plant is a groBs
grower naturally, and the aim should be, so far as this
situated in low-lying districts, or are near a large
river or other considerable body of water. Along
the Thames valley I could give the names of a dozen
growers in a large way who. after a year or two of
trying and failing, threw their stock of plants to the
rubbish-fire. These men were not cultivating a few
plants, but some of them had several thousands, and
ihe leading varieties, which half-a-dozen years ago
fetched good prices. Some of my neighbours, who
formerly had house after house 100 feet long by
21 feet wide filled with these phnts, were compelled
to clear out the entire stock. In my own case, some
3000 plants went the same way, aftir all the trouble
within the cuticle of the leaf from vegetatiog at the
proper time, but so far as I can at present determine,
it arrests and destroys its vitality. One rather badly
affected plant on which I experimented, using the
sulphur with a small camel-hair peocil, and collecting
all I possibly could of the spores, I cleansed the
pencil in sulphured water. By careful watching, I
was aMe to drop some sulphur on the spot, which
pri ir to bursting is of an ash-grey tint, and in this
way the spores were more or less ruined. I noto also
that the spores on dressed plants are of a different
brown tone to those on undressed plants, and I have
hope th it this is a sign of diminished vitality.
Fig. 115. — view of ivy arch, and curiously -pruned irish yews, in sir c. isham's garden, Lamport hall.
(Die " Eagle " Walk is 840 yards long, and by its borders there are 106 specimens of Irish Yew, all primed differently. They were described in our issue for Sept. 25, p. 209.)
is likely to be controlled by soils and such like, on
the side of imparting Bolidity to the tissues rather
than the reverse, and preserving intact the waxy
bloom on the grass, which in itself is a protection
against the inroads of fungi and insects. Potting
should be done firmly, light loams being rammed,
and water should be not abundantly afforded. A
cool and well-ventilated house affords a suitable place
forthem. A perfect drainage is an essential condition of
success. In gardens where the plant is grown well, it is
an easy matter to make them susceptible to disease
by a little careless treatment — as for instance,
frequent repotting, and over-large pots. The growers
who mostly fail entirely are those whose gardens are
of layering, potting, &c. To attempt any cure by
picking off the affected parts net only skeletonises
the plants, but is in effect as disastrous as the disease,
no root-action going on without leaves.
Nor is it only Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnation
that is affected by this fungus, it being abundant on
Tree or Perpetual Carnations, Mdlle. Carle, Winter
Cheer, &c. Others, again, of the small-leived kinds,
such as Mies Joliffe, the fungus does not affect.
Although I have long since dispensed with Malmaisons,
I have the fungus still, and this year I have been
trying to annihilate it by ByringiDg the Carnations
with a solution of sulphur mixed with soft-soap.
This, of course, doeB not prevent the fungus already
It is very curious to note the districts where this
pest is most felt. Invariably all low-lying places
are much the worst. In some districts the affected
plants become free, and to some extent at least I
believe this is so around Chelsea, owing to the atmos-
phere being charged with noxious sulphurous from
the gas works there.
Usually in hilly districts there is perfect immunity
from, attacks of the fungus, and the plants with
ordinary care are quite a success. Perhaps the most
perplexing thing is the inability to grapple with the
pest. So far as I know, preventive dressings with the
abovi -named mixture is the only means even of
minimising an attack. J.
396
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 4, 1897.
THE BOTANICAL HISTORY OF
THE UVA, PAMPAS GRASS AND
THEIR ALLIES.
[Concluded from p. 37S.)
Cortaderia. — The species constituting this genua
are closely allied, and their distinction is consequently
difficult. This difficulty is, moreover, increased by
the circumstance that the spikelets are more or leas,
though slightly, heteromorphous, according to the
sex, and that it is not always possible to ascertain
beyond doubt from herbarium specimens whether
two spacimens representing different sexes actually
belong to the same specieB. Besides, the Cortaderias
being tall, long-leafed grasses, and rather unwieldy
for herbarium specimens, the number of individuals
found in the collections is neither great, nor are they
always complete, and selected so that they fairly
represent the average type of the species. Here the aid
of field observation, and of note3 made on the spot, ia
very much desired. I have seen only (Jortaderi;i
argentea alive (in cultivation). The descriptions of
the other species are exclusively bised on the speci-
mens in the herbarium at Kew, and in that of the
Natural History Museum in London, and on fragments
of panicles from the herbarium in Berlin, which Pro-
fessor Engler and Professor Urban were good enough
to communicate to me.
SVNOPSIS OF THE GENUS CORTADERTA.
Cortaderia, Stapf.— Spikeletsdicecious, loosely 3 to7-flowered,
rhachilla glabrous, disarticulating above the glumes and
between the valves, apex tabescent. Glumes hyaline, very
narrow, 1-nerved, sub-equal. Valves sub-hyaline or hyaline,
lanceolate or ovat^ at the base, acuminate, 3-nerved, awnless,
mucronate or finely aristulate, glabrous or scantily hairy in
the 3, copiously hairy towards the baBe in the ?, callus
slender, hairy. Pales 3 to 0 times shorter than the valves,
hyaline, 2 -keeled, minutely 2-toothei or obtuse. Lodicules
nerved, ciliate. Stamens 3 in the <$ , reduced to as many
minute staminodes in the 5. Ovary glabrous, rudimentary
in the 6* ; styles short, distinct : stigmas slender, plumose,
laterally exserted. Grain narrow, oblong, embraced by its
valve and pale, free, sub -terete, or slightly compressed
from the back ; hilum linear, equalling about one-half of the
grain; embryo shorter than the hilum. Perennial grasses,
forming large tussocks ; rhizome very short ; shoots intra-
vaginal ; culms biennial, simple. Leaves mainly crowded
at the base, sheaths increasing in length from the base to
the top, imbricate ; ligules reduced to a dense line of silky
hairs ; blades very narrow, caudate-attenuated, very long
ani flexible. Panicle ample, dense, o- rather loose, shining
or plumose.
Species 5 :— South America, almost confined to the extra-
tropical region, and the Andes as far as Ecuador.
Glumes G to 8A liues km?, very narrow, linear, produced into
a very long and fi oe acumen ; valves 6 to S lines long, lanceo-
late, long acuminate.
Panicle subsecund, 1 to 2 feet by 4 to 6 inches
(lowest branches to 9 inches), rather distinct in the
o* and 9 ; valves of <$ glabrout.or almost so ; middle
aiervescarcelyexcurrent; hairs3to4lineslong. 1. argentea
Panicle symmetrically oblong, f to 1} foot by
*2 to 2i inches (lowest branches to 5 inches), almost
alike in the 6* and 9 ; valves of 6 hairy, middle
nerve excurreut into a bristle 3 to 5 lines long ; hairs
-2 line3 long. 2. araucana
Glumes 4 to 5 lines long, narrowly lanceolate to linear-
lanceolate, acuminate, tips usually minutely truncate or two.
toothed ; valves 4 to G lines, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate,
acuminate.
Panicle very dense ; glumes 4 to 4} lines long ; valves
4 to 5 nes long.
Panicle rather stiff, 1 to 1] foot long by 2 to 2£ inches,
■symmetrically oblong, very softly siUy, shining;
valve-tips very fine, often shortly aristulate; stami-
nodes with slender filaments £ to \ line long. 3. speciosa
Pauicle more or less nodding or secund, often
lobed, l'f to 1} foot by 4 to 5 inches, coarsely silky,
.scarcely shining ; valves caudate-acuminate, tips
rather rigid, carved, staminodes T*0- line long.
4. rudiuscula
Panicle rather lax, 1 to 2 feet by 3 to 6 inches, lowest
branches to l£ foot long ; brauchlets very slender ;
glumes and valves very delicate, 5 to 5£ lines and G lines
long respectively; filaments of staminodes very slender,
often with clavate tips, to £ line long. 5. Quila
1. Cortaderia argentea, Stapf., " the Pampas-grass of
gardens."— Flowering culms, 6 to S feet high (excl. panicle),
elongated interoodes t,i e. , those which are longer than 1 inch),
about ten to twelve, the uppermost (peduncle) 2 to 2\ feet
long, the preceding 4 or 5 to 10 inches long. Upper sheaths
to 2 feet long ; blades to 6 feet by 3 to 5 lines. Panicles broad-
oblong, 1 to 2 feet by 4 to G inches, the lowest branches to 9
inche-i long, often with a purple, rarely with a greenish-brown
tin *e ■ those of the 6* laxer, with the branches more
nodding, and more or less secund, silvery ; of the 9 silky,
feathery. Spikelets 3 to 6-flowered 5 lines long ; glumes very
narrow, linear, produced into a very long and fine acumen, the
lower about 6 lines by ^ line, the upper « to 8 lines by 5 line ;
valves lanceolate, long acuminate, 6 to 8 lines long, of the <$
glabrous, or very scantily hairy ; of the 9 densely hairy ;
hairs 3 to 4 lines, middle nerve scarcely excurrent. Stami-
nodes very minute, cyltndric or linear, ,',7 to Tlj line long, with
hardly any trace of an anther ; grain 1 line. Arundo dioaca,
Spreng., Sy*&, i. 36 (non Lour.) ; A. Selloana, Schult., Mont.,
605. Gynerium argenteum, Nees, Agrost. Bi-as., 462 ; G.
dioicum, Dalliere, PL Ornam., i., t. 42 ; G. purpureum, Carr.,
in Rev. Hort., xxxvii., 419.
Distrib.— Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, without locality,
<J Fox; very common in the Campos of Alegrete, $ Glaziou,
1 1,635. Paraguay, Rio Pilcomayo, <$ , Morong, 950. Uruguay,
without locality, 6", Gibert, "plentiful in all parts of Banda
oriental; o" , Tweedie ; Montevideo, o* , Sellow. Argentine,
"Marshes of La Plata," ?, Tweedie; Buenos Ayres, 6",
Tweedie ; southern parts of the State, to the south of
Laguna Quentre, and Fuerte Lavalle, 9, Lorentz. Bahia
Blanca, 9, Claraz, 23 ; $, Tweedie.
I have confined myself to the enumeration of those
specimens which I have actually examined. According
to this list of localities, the area of C. argentea, the
Pampas-gra33, extends from Southern Brazil to Nor-
thern Patagonia, and it nowhere crosses the Andes.
Doell records it also from Minas Geraes, Rio Janeiro,
and S. Paul ; but as Peckolt states thsat the grass is
grown as an ornameutal plant in gardens in Brazil,
the spontaneity of the specimen referred to by Doell
is somewhat doubtful — at least, so far as the environs
of Rio Janeiro are concerned.* There are frequent
references to C. argentea in various papers dealing
with the vegetation of the Argentine and Chile ; and
it is indicated for Chile by Gay in his Flora Chilensis^
and for the western provinces of the Argentine (Cata-
marca and Salta) by Grisebach, in his Symbotce Florce
A rgentituz. These statements may, however, partly be
proved to be erroneous, on the evidence of the speci-
mens quoted ; whilst in other cases, where there is
no material for examination forthcoming, they must
be taken at present as yet unverified, and as being in
contradiction to what we actually know ; and it is
most likely that in those cases a confusion of C.
argentea with C. rudiuscala and perhaps with C.
speciosa has taken place.
A few words concerning the popular name of C.
argentea, namely, " Pampas-grass," may be in place.
The name appears, I believe, for the first time in
Paxton's Flower Garden, i. (1850 — 51), p. 175, where
the plaut is first mentioned also as a new intro-
duction into horticulture, the merit for which is due
to Mr. Moore, of Gla^nevin, Dublin. [A figure and
a description from D. Dalkeith appeared in our
issue for November 29, 1851 ] There is, however,
no reason given for this name, or the origin of
the name, but a few years later we read in the Gar-
deners Chronicle, 1S54, p. 708, " We are unable to
say with certainty where the species grows wild.
The Prussian botanist, Sello, ia reported by Nees v.
Esenbeck to have found it at Monte Video, and we
know that vast tracts (pampas) near that city, and in
all the adjoining countries, are covered with what is
familiarly called " Pampas Grass," but we have no
certainty that the name is applied to one large grass
only, and that our Gynerium is that one." Now,
however, common C. argentea may be in certaiu
localities, all the evidence tends to show that it is con-
fined to the neighbourhood of watercourses, and to
depressions where there is a constaut and sufficient
supply of underground- water, and that it is absent
from the greatest part of those vast grassy plains
which we generally call " Pampas." The grasses
which form so prominent a part of the pampas vege-
tation, belong rather to very different genera.
Niederlein, a good authority on the Argentine vegeta-
tion, says, indeed, that the occurrence of C. argentea
in the pampas, is by no means so general as to justify
* After the manuscript had gone to press, 1 received,
through the kindness of M. Cr6pin and M. Durand, a branch
of the specimen quoted by Doell as having been collected
near Caldas, in the state of Minas Geraes. It was taken
from a 6" pauicle of C. argentea. Caldas is situated in the
extreme south-west of Minas Geraes, within the basin of the
Parana1, and in the dry region of the campos. Thus, it seems
that C. argentea extends along the Parana and its tributaries
into the southern parts of tropical Brazil. On the other
hand, I have received, through Professor Urban, a communi-
cation from M. Glaziou, according to which this species
occurs in Rio Janeiro only ia the cultivated steie.
the name "Pampas-grass," and the less so as the
Cortadena is much more common in the Andes,
ascending there to high altitudes.
2. C araucana, Stapf.— Culms rather slender and short,
elongated internodes few, the uppermost over 1 foot long
Blades to 4 feet by 3 lines. Panicles oblong, erect, very
dense, \ to 1} foot by 2 to 2i lines, the lowest branches, to
5 inches long; straw to light bronze coloured, lustrous, those
of the 9 more silky, otherwise like the 6"- Spikelets four-
to seven-flowered, to 10 lines (exclusive awns), glumes very
narrow, linear, produced into a very fine and long acumen, the
lower 7 to 8 lines by & line, the upper 8 to &h lines by | line ;
valves lanceolate, long acuminate, 7 to S lines, hairy in both
sexes, but more in the 9 , hairs 2 lines, middle-nerves excur-
rent into a bristle 3 to 5 lines long, staminodes with short
thick filaments, about T'j line long, and minute rudimentary
anthers.
Distr., Chile. Valdivia, 5 Lechler, 013; ? Philippi; Chiloe,
6\ King.
A very fine species with rather narrow, dense, and
exquisitely lustrous panicles.
3. C. speciosa, Stapf. — Flowering culms rather stout, upper-
most internode over H foot long. Blades over Ik foot by
3k lines. Panicles oblong, very dense, or the 6* laxer, strict,
1 to lj foot by 2 to 2k inches, elegantly lustrous and silky.
Spikelets three- to four-fio wered, to 5 lines long ; glumes very
narrow, linear -lanceolate, acuminate, subequal, of the <?
4& to 5k lines, of the 9 4 to 4A lines, by J line ; tips minutely
lwo toothed ; valves lanceolate in the 9 , from an ovate base
setaceously acuminate, in the <$ 5 to Sk lines, in the 9 4 to
5 lines long, and silky, hairs 2 to 2$ lines long ; staminodes,
with very fine filaments to \ Hue long, and miuute but distinct
rudimentary anthers; grain k line. Gynerium speciosum,
Nees, in Meyen, Reise, i., 407 (nomen), and in Nov. Act, Nat.
Cur., xix., Suppl. L (1S43), 153.
Distr., Chile, without locality, Gay; Bio Bio, Antuco, 6",
Poeppig; Sautiago, Rancagua, ?, Bertero. Valparaiso,
Cuming, $ , 3S0 ; seaside swamps near Concon, <$ , Poeppig ;
Copiapo" River, 9 , Meyen. Atacama, Borchers and Philippi.
4. C. rudiuscula, Stapf. — Smaller and more sleuder than C.
argentea. Culms with few elongated internodes, the upper-
most to 2 feet long ; blades to 4 feet long, and to 6 lines broad ;
panicles oblong, more or less nodding, very dense, often
slightly lobed, If to 1£ foot by 4 to 5 inches, the lowest
branches to 9 inches long, those of the <J somewhat laser,
scarcely shining, of the 9 rather coarsely silky. Spikelets
three- to five-flowered, 5 to 7 lines long ; glumes very narrow,
lanceolate, sub-equal, 4 to 4A lines long by g to k line ; tips
nearly always minutely 2-toothed, valves lanceolate from an
ovate base, rigidly caudate-acuminate, about 4 lines long,
minutely mucronate, scantily and shortly hairy in the 6* ,
copiously hairy in the 9 , hairs 3 to 4 lines, epreadiug,
x-ather stiff; staminodes very small, filaments thick, -Jj to
5o lines, rudimentary anthers hardly distinct.
Distr. — Argentine, Tucuman, Serra Aconquija, 8D00 feet,
6*, ?, Lorentz and Hieronymus, 732; Salta, Nevado del
Castillo, ? , Lorentz and Hieronymus, 7S. Chile, Santiago 9 ,
Philippi; Santa Rosa de los Andes 9. Ball.
Philippi's Gynerium atacamense, which I know only from
the description, is perhaps referable to C. rudiuscula, and I
suppose that this is also * e case with the "Gynerium
argenteum " of F. Kurtz, of which this author says that it
is common alung the watercourses of the Cordilleras of Men-
doz i, covering near the Rio Salado vast tracts of moorland,
the so-called " Cortaderales," and ascending to high altitudes,
where it is very much dwarfed.
5. C. Quila, Stapf. — Culms stout, uppermost internodes
more than 1 foot long. Blades to 4 lines broad (I have not
seen auy intact blades from the lower leaves). Panicles
large, oblong, rather lax, erect or slightly nodding, 1 to 2 feet
long, the lower branches to lj foot long, very slender,
erect, or flexuous and nodding, loosely ramulous, those
of the 6* very lustrous, of the $ silky. Spikelets 3 to
5-flowered, 5 to 7 lines long ; glomes very narrow, linear-
lanceolate, acuminate, acute or minutely 2-toothed, sub-
equal, 5 to 6^ lines, by scarcely A line, nerve evanescent
below the tip ; valves lanceolate, long and finely acuminate
in the 6% broader below in the 9. 6 lines long, glabrous
or very scantily hairy in the 6*. copiously hairy in the ? ;
hairs 2 to 21 lines, htaminodes J line long, filaments very
fine or clavate at the tips ; rudimentary anthers very minute
or hardly any. G. Quila, Nees, in Nov. Act. Nat. Cur., xix.,
Suppl. i., 153. Gynerium jubatum, Lemoine ex Carr. in
Jiev, Hort. xlix., 449. G. roseum Rendatleri, The Garden,
viii. 166 (name only). [? Gynerium argenteum carminatum
Rendatleri, Flore des Serra, t. 2075 ; ex Gard. Vhron., Oct. 3,
1874, p. 419.]
Distr.— Bolivia, Condurpati, Cochipata, &c, near Sorata,
in wet places amongst cliffs, 9000 to 12,500 fe^t 9, Mandon,
1322; common iu damp gullies on banks of streams about
La Paz, ? Pearce, 9 Rang, 20. Peru, Cuzco, 11,380 feet,
9, Pentland; Arequipa, 9f Meyen; near Like Titicaca, 9i
Meyen. Ecuador, Chimborazo, ?, i, Roezl ; Andes of Quito,
in ravines, 10,000 feet, 9 , Hall.
This species is common (according to M. Andre*, in Rev,
Hort., 1886, 520) between 9000 and 11,000 feet on Imbabura,
Guallabamba, Cotopaxi, Corazone, and Chimborazo.
The male spikelets are described from a cultivated plant,
said to have been raised from seeds sent by Mr. Roezl. The
glumes and valves are extremely delicate in this specimen,
and suffused with the most delicate purple hue. This tinge
is mainly due to the colouring of the nerves, and t-ometiuies
also of the callus. It occurs also in most of the female speci-
mens, where the ripening grain is often deep purple.
Specimens named Gynerium roseum Rendatleri in the Kew
Herbarium are identical with Roezi's male examples of C.
Quila 0 Stapf, Kew.
December 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
397
PLANTS ON WALLS.
Old walls when left undisturbed often afford
striking examples of the artist'c effects produced
by Nature. Nothing is more beautiful than old
walls covered with flowers growing from the
already spoken of the wall flower-beds of SI.
Edmond Boissier of Valley res (Vaud), and of the
number of species which he thus cultivates. The
very rare Saxifraga florulenta has bloomed there
for more than a quarter of a century, and the rarest
Campanulas and Androsaces arc quite at home.
FlG. 110. — ASPHODELINE IMl'ERIALJS : FLOWERS REDDISH-WHITE.
top and 6ides ; these plants of rocks and walls
being often very lovely Centranthus, Corydalis,
Saxifrages, Antirrhinums, Cheiianthus, Campanulas,
Linaria, and so on. But besides its arti-tie side, rock-
culture has the advantage of protecting the most
delicate plants, and enabling those spee'es to develop
with which it is most difficult to steeled. I have
I allude here to a sustaining wall which supports a
tsrrace, and which consequently is generally cool. But
the stone itself is always cool, and in all cases the
rock exercises a marvellous hygroscopic influence on
the plants. It is a regulator, a controller, which
absorbs moisture when abundant, and transmits it to
the roots in proportion to their need of it. That is
why certain delicate Kerns. Asplenium Seelosii for
instance, only grow in crevices of the rocks, and
always perish in other situations. This is also why
Phyteuma cotnosum, Silene Elisabeths, Campanula
Raiueri, Eritrichium nanum, Androsace Charpentieri,
pubescens, glacialis, argentea, cylindrica, pyrenaica,
helvetica, and many other of these delicate plants
which require sun, but which invariably die in
our temperature, that is why I say again these plants
succeed only under those conditions. They require
no soil, not even sand, nothing but a little moss to
hold them into the chink in the wall and keep them
cool. This method of cultivation cannot be too
strongly recommended for England for all plants
which are considered difficult to grow in a damp
climate. In the wall they have constant moisture
tempered by the heat of the sun, and which cannot
even soak the plants because they are in a horizontal
position, and they cauuot stagnate. Further, the
absence of humus deleterious to xerophytic plants
is certainly a great advantage. The plants find
sufficient nourishment in the fissures of the wall
in the water they absorb, and the air that they
breathe. //. G'orrevon.
ASPHODELINE IMPERIALIS,
SlEHE, SP. N.
This is a splendid example of Asphodeline, taken-
at Thyana, Cappadocia. The flowers are large, of a
reddish-white colour, the fruits of angular shape.
The stem is furnished with leaf-scales, which are
wanting in A. Balansce, A. istmocarpa, and A.
Damtneriana. The magnificent rosette of leaves is
somewhat prolonged up the stem, and not all of
them springing from one base. The plant reaches a
height of S feet, and is the largest of all the Aspbo-
delinae. The stem appears to be about to branch
(ramify). As our illustration (fig. 110) shows,
Asphodeline imperialis is an effective, strong-growing,
herbaceous perennial. U. Z>., Berlin.
THE PROPAGATION OF ORCHIDS.
Many consider it useless to attempt the propaga-
tion of Orchids in India, as they do not appear to be
at all successful in growing them. The following
notes will show that many Orchids can be successfully
treated in this manner, even without the aid of a
glass-house, but that great care must be taken of the
plants.
Dendrobiums are easily increased by dividing the
clumps, or, in some cases, cutting off the young
growths that appear on the stems. When the
clumps are divided, it should be seen that each piece
thus treated has roots attached, and care must be
tiken that the roots are not injured when the knife
is applied to the clump. When the clumps have
been divided, the pieces Bhould be placed in a cool
shady situation, and very little water given until the
roots appear to be increasing in length and strength.
If it is desirable to propagate from the young growths
on the stems, a little moss should be worked in
among the roots of the growth, and more added,
until the new growth has a good show of these roots ;
it may then be severed from the parent stem and
potted.
The following Orchids may also be divided, and
some can b9 increased considerably in this manner,
viz, Acanthoj hippium, Acin»ta, Acropera, Ada,
.lEranthus, Ancectocbilus, Ansellia, Arundina, Blctia,
Brassavola, Broughtonia, Calanthe, Catasetum,
Cattleya, Cirrhopetalum, Coclogyne, Coryanthes,
Cymbidium, Cypripedium, Epidendruin, Eulophio,
•jongora, Qoodyera, Habenaria, Laelia, Lycaste,
I ) lontoglossum, Oncidium, Phaius, Stanhopea,
.Erides, Angraecum, Vanda, Saccolabium, Renan-
thera. and Phalaenopsis, may be propagated by
cutting off the top just below the first couple of
roots, or by takit)g off the young growths front the
base of the stock. Phalaenopsis often throw out
young growths on the old flowering-stems.
Thunia stems can be cut kup and laid on moss,
occasionally watered, and youDg growths will appear
in a short time.
398
THE GAB DE NEBS' CHRONICLE.
[December 4, 1897.
Arundina bambussefolia stems, if cut into lengths
of six inches and inserted in sand and leaf-mould,
often commence growing nice little plants.
The PRODacnox of Back Growth.
In this minaer some Orchids, that go on growing
year after year and only produce one flowering stem,
anay be treited. Williams gives the following direc-
tions for this operation : " Take a plant that has back
pseudo-bulbs, some four or fiye it may be, and cut
the rhizome in two between the bulbs, not otherwise
disturbing it, bu'. allowing the bulbs to remain in the
same place. The best time to cut these Orchids is
during their season of rest, or just as they are begin-
ning to grow. Any other Orchids that have pseudo-
bulbs may be treated thus, but it must be remem-
bered that no Orchid should be cut except when in
vigorous health, and not then except to produce
back growth. The resting season is the best for this
operation, as when in vigorous growth they often
produce two growths from the same pseudo-bulb, and
continue doing so year after year, increasing rapidly in
size, and forming exc silent specimens. When this is
the case, if it is required to increase the stock of a
particular plant, take off a piece just as it is starting
into growth ; the plant taken off can be potted at
once, and phced in shade, until it shows signs of
growth, when bring it to the light. Often such
growths are sold as original plants, even when in
flower, and great care is necessary in looking after
-them. " Cannn," Indian Gardening.
Forestry.
DEGREES OF THINNING.
Although thinning is an operation, concerning
which no two individuals appear to entertain the
same ideas, it is difficult to see why so much diver-
gence of opinion exists on what after all is a very
simple piece of business when once it3 principles are
understood. In this country, the term '" thinning "
is applied to almost any operation which reduces the
number of trees in a plantation without actually
leaving the ground bare. The presence of a few dead
branches is generally considered indicative of an
unnatural condition of affiirs which requires an in-
crease of air and light to put it right ; the idea being,
of course, that each tree should have ample spice for
the development of its branches, and the rapid
thickening of the bole resulting therefrom. It is
unnecessary to state the various objections advanced
against this arboricultural system of thinning, as a
slight acquaintance with the literature of modern
forestry render them familiar to anyone. But it is
evident from the occasional expressions of opinion which
appear in the Gardeners' Chronicle and elsewhere, that a
great deal of misunderstanding exists over the defi-
nition of the term itself, as represented by its three
degrees of light, moderate, and free thinnings.
The old-fashioned forester, who has usually been
taught his business in a north country district, where
Larch and Scots Fir form the chief bulk of the plan-
tations, invariably sticks to the rule of keeping; a
space between his trees equal to one third of their
height, or as near that distance as possible. He
religiously applies this rule to auv and every species
he may have to deal with, and does not hesitate to
place any plantation not so thiuned amongst the
numerous instances of bad management, which
result from the lack of a north country training.
There are others again who go to the opposite
extreme, and contend that any form of thinning is
not only unnecessary, but positively detrimental to
the production of good timber, and point, in support
of their arguments, to the high quality of timber
grown in natural forests which have never been
thinned by artificial measures. Both of these
opposing arguments have their weak points, although
better results usually follow the adoption of the "no
thinning" system than that of the free thinning
principle of the old school. etus endeavour to sum
up the points for and] ag hut these two systems
severally.
The chief objects in view in the management of
most British plantations are, we may assume, proa't
and ornament. How does the freely-thinued planta-
tion fulfil these objects ? As regards profit, the
advocates of this system usually c intend that the
trees in their plantations arrive at a given or market-
able size quicker thin the trees ot an unthinned
wood. This is undoubtedly the case, and if quality
be no consideration, then the freely-thinned wood
will probibly prove the more profitable of the
two. But can quality be ignored in the produce of a
plantation which is intended to show a profit ? By
quality, we mean its most prominent features of straight-
ness of grain, and freedom from defects and coarse knots,
and the greatest possible proportion of stem or bole to
branches. As is well known, the chances of securing
timber of high qudity diminish as the distance
between the trees at an early age increases, and this
fact at once ondeuans free thiuuing. But to decide
whether quality may be ignored or not we must see
what the chief uses of British-grown timber are.
Practicilly speaking, all timber is either used on the
estate on which it is grown, or it finds its way into
the timber-yards of provincial timber merchants. In
the former ca<e, its chief use is found in toe erection
of fencing, out-buildings of farms and cottages,
manufacture of gates, estate implements, &c, accord-
ing to the species of tree, and its adaptation for those
purposes. For fencing, Larch and Oak are chiefly
used, and the quality of the wood of the former
depends more upon the sod on which it is grown than
upon its sylvicultural treatment. In an ordinary planta-
tion, healthy trees willalwass produce sufficiently good
timber for fencing purposes, or for rougher kinds of
estate work, even when thinned freely at all stages,
owing to the tendency it has of losing its lower
branches without great crowding. This tree theie-
fore often gives best results when freely thinned.
A. C. Forbes.
(To be continued.)
United State
THE APPLE CROP OF 1897.
It is but natural, says the American Agriculturist,
that after the very pronounced over-production of
old-established commercial Apple-orchards last year,
and consequent weakened condition of trees, there
should follow a reaction and rest-period, such as the
season of 1897 now shows. The contrast in the dis-
tribution of the crop of winter fruit, so far as surplus
Apples are concerned, is most market. The districts
which last year produced the heaviest, swelling the
crop to the greatest on record, now show a most pro-
nounced shortage ; while other and new sections,
coming into increasing prominence every year, have
turned off a product liberal in the aggregate, though
deficient compared with a full year. The commercial
Apple crop of the Unite 1 Stat- s is about two-thirds
of an average, taking a series of years, and rather less
than half the enormous record-breaking yield of
189b', with the quality likewise greatly deficient,
taking the country as a waole.
The total crop of Apples of 1897 for the United
States is estimated at 37,436,000 bushels, against
nearly 70,000,000 bushels representing the crop of
1896. The crop of 1895 approximated 61,000,000
bushels, 1894 about 58,000,000; and in 1SS9, the
United States census year, 57,000,000 bushels.
The distribution of the crop of winter Apples
available for the American markets and for export is
this year little less than unique. Not in years has
there been such a uniformity of shortage and indif-
ference in quality in the long recognised commercial
Apple-belt of the middle and eastern States. Occa-
sional counties here and (here show brilliant excep-
tions in the way of really good crops and of fine
quality.
In the central, west, and south-western State?, an
excellent promise early iu the year gave way in
August and September, through extensive and exces-
sive heat and drought, to serious loss, but still leaving
a quantity of Apples for market liberal in the aggre-
gate. An important part of this western crop, how-
*ever, is rather poor to common in quality. Summer
and autumn fruit iu the southern States has long
since passed out of sight, although quite recently Vir-
ginia has been marketing some choice table varieties
at high prices in the n rthern cities. Thus the Apple
crop is greatly deficient in the east, irregular in the
middle west, fair to good in the west.
As long ago as early last spring it was a genenlly
accepted fact that nothing like the 1S96 crop of Apples
could be expected, this being the " off year," as
orchards bore so heavily twelve months ago. In the
northern and eastern Apple-belt, orchards failed to
bloom freely, yet many counties had a good show of
blossoms, and a fair set of fruit. Unusual weather,
however, with excessive rainfall, proved injurious,
making the condition suitable for the rapid
development of insect-pests, which were particularly
prevalent nearly everywhere. Owing to the big crop
a year ago, and possibly in part to low prices, very
many orchards were neglected, spraying was in-
sufficient or improperly done, and insects held full
sway. Such fruit as remained on the tree3 through
the summer was in a very great number of instances
imperfectly formed, gnarled and wormy, particularly
in the older pirt of the commercial Apple-belt. Late
summer and autumn weather conditions were fairly
favourable for the final development of the fruit,
with the exception of the central and soath-weste.ru
States, where excessive heat caused Apples to ripen
prematurely or shrivelled on the trees, enormous
quantities dropping to the ground scircely suitable
for cider purposes. The quality of New England's
short crop is poor, as a whole; in the older central
and middle States only fair to decidedly poor ; in the
west not high, other States are showing satisfactory
quality. A good many young orchards are coming
into bearing in the south-west. Owing to damage
wrought by the recent drought, large quantities of
this fruit have been sent to evaporators, thus dis-
appearing from available supplies. J. J. Willis.
(To be continued.)
The Week's Work.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Propagating Gooseberries and Currants. — The
present is a good time to put in cuttings of Goose-
berries and Currants, selecting for this purpose strong
shoots, taking them off close to the bramh. The
cuttings should measure 1 foot in length, the lower
part of a shoot being chosen, and all the buds on the
lower half should be removed clean with a knife, so as
to ensure a stem without suckers. The cutting-bed
should have been recently manured, and the cuttings
may be placed upright, at 6 inches apart, in trenches
cut out as the ground is being dug, at 1 foot apart
treading, the sod firmly on either side of the rows.
Let each variety be securely labelled with its name,
the labels being stout ones, capable of lasting two or
three years.
Transplanting Last Year's Cuttings. — Plants raised
from cuttings last year may be transplanted at any
open time during the winter into preparatory or
nurse beds at 15 inches apart, first affording the
ground a dressing of short manure, and planting in
the same manure as cuttings, so as to avoid trampliug
the land. Eich plaut should have its main roots
shortened a little, and have the soil made firm about
the roots. A mulch may be applied forthwith as a
protection against frost.
Plantations of Raspberries, — -New plantations may
still be made of strong canes, putting them in rows
from 4 to 5 feet apart, on well-manured, trenched
ground, allowing a space of from 6 to 12 inches
between the canes if they are strong. The varieties
Superlative, Hornet, and Carter's Prolific are every-
thing that can be desired for summer-bearing, being
robust of growth, of great cropping capabilities, and
the fruits of large size, solid, and of good flavour. I
need hardly state that the weight, size, and quality
of a crop, like that of any other kind of fruit, are
nearly always proportionate to the depth, texture,
richness, and retentive character of the soil. If a
plantation is well managed, the crops obtained in the
generality of years are very remunerative.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Mavcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
The Greenhouse, or Shoic-house. — The plants in this
building should be re-arranged as regards the flower-
ing subjects once a fortnight, turning plants round
that are likely to spoil by becoming drawn to one side
more than another, washing conferva? from the pots,
and stirring slightly the surface of the soil of pots,
tubs, and borders, and clearing away everything that
savours of decay, or is likely unduly to harbour
damp. Afford water to those plants that need any
early in the moruing, mopping up what is spilled on
the floor staging, &e. Great care must be tikeu that
none of the plants is water-logged, this being a
serious matter at this season. No plant should be
placed in this house unless it is quite clean and free
from injuious iosects, and moreover is properly
trained when that is necessary.
Ericas and Epacris.—Soms of these will now be
coming into bloom, and in order to keep them
presentable for as long a period of time as possible,
December 4, 1897. j
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
309
the bulk of them should be placed at the cooler part
of the house, and a close watch kept for mildew on
the Ericas, applying flowers-of-sulphur on its
appearance. Dapbne indica, greenhouse Rhododen-
drons, Boronias, Phcenocomas, and other hard wooded
plants, and Epiphyllum truncatum, should be raised
above the general level or placed on shelves, so that
air may reach every part, otherwise for lack of air and
light the lower shoots of some of them may die, and
the beauty of the plants be destroyed. Let the
decaying leaves be removed from roof-creeper*, and
from Camellias Becured to pi liars and walls ; and on
days when the men cannot be employed out of doors,
endeavour to get the leaves of Camellias, India-
rubber, Orange-trees, Palms, Aspidistras, &e. , freed
from dust, black- fuDgus, scale, &c., in some cases by
dry rubbing, and in others by the use of soap and
water, or an insecticide of some kind, or simply by
using clean water and the syringe. The temperature
may now range in the intermediate-house from 50°
at night, and 55° to tiO° by day, and in the cool-
house from 42° to 45° at night, and 50° to 55° by day.
Creeping and Climbing Plants. — The time has
arrived when plants of Allamanda of species, Stepba-
notis floribunda, &c, may receive their anoual
pruning. In the case of the latter, a partial thinning-
out of the weaker shoots will suffice, the shorter
laterals and spurs being left to produce flowers, these
being tied-in loosely, or left untouched, as may
appear best suited to the position the plants occupy.
ClerodeDdron Bnlfourianum and L'ipladenias should be
treated similarly. Allamandas, Bougainvilleas, and
Coditeums (Crotons) should be pruned hard, assuming
that the soil at the roots is dry, and they have
been prepared as was advised previously. In the
case of the Ixoras, these should have the weakest
shoots cut back, leaving the others unpruned.
operations in all the later houses, keeping the trees
as quiet as possible. To this end, tender plants
should be excluded from late Peach-houses, as a
thorough rest for the trees is imperative if first-
class fruit is required.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, late of E-istnor Castle, Ledbury.
Early Vinery. — If permanent Vines have to supply
the earliest fruit for cutting in the spring, they are
probably already subjected to a forcing atmo-phere,
and will need to be treated as advised in last week's
Calendar for pot- Vines. Should, however, the Grapes
be not required before the end of May or beginning
of June, the early part of December is quite early
enough to start the Vines. At the same time, it is
good policy to commence esrly enough in all cases,
so as to render unnecessary aoy hard forcing later on ;
and especially is this desirable in the esse of late
Grapes. Lack of colour in such Grapes as Gros Colmar
is more often due to the Vine having insufficient
time to perfect the berries. It the house be kept
close, and have a night temperature of 45° to 50°,
this is sufficiently high at first ; and if fermenting
materials are used, very little fire-heat is required
during the first few weeks. When the Vines show
signs of growth, the temperature may be increased
5° at a time. A good soaking of warm water of a
temperature of 85° to 90° is very needful, especially
if the borders are shallow. Syringe the rods
thoroughly three times each day, till the buis have
burst. In succession-houses the work of cleaning
and painting should ba pushed on as fast as
possible. Houses containing late varieties with
fruit still hangiug will require careful firing
and vtntilation, aud a regular teruperature of 5uJ
to 55° at night, with a rise of 5° by day. If good
facilities are possessed for bottling and keeping
Grapes, I should not hesitate to cut and bottle the
bunches without delay. A still, fine day should be
chosen for this work, and the greatest care ustd
in handling the bunches, especially Muscats. If the
Grapes can be bottled, the houses may be thrown
open for a longer period than if the Grapes are kept
hanging on the Viues till the new year. When these
late Vines are pruned, it is essential to secure a good
plump eye, even if it should result in having longer
spurs than one would wish. In the case of Muscats,
do not omit to touch the wounds with styptic, as once
a Vine commences to bleed in the spring, it is a very
difficult matter to stop the bleeding, especially when
the Viue is young and vigorous.
Early Peach-house. — If this ho'ise was started early
in November, the buds will be now swelling fast, and
should the weather be mild the temperature may be
increased a little. As soon as the flower-buds commence
to show colour, syringing must be done much more
lightly ; and it is a good preventive of green-fly to give
the trees at thiB stage a good fumigating with strong
tobacco-paper. By the same means, black-Cy (should
it be present) may be kept down till the setting period
is well past. Give air on all favourable occasions, if
only for a short time. Continue pruning and cleaning
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Lalia pumila, L. p. Dayana, and L. p. prastans. —
These dwarf-growing Orchids are charming when in
flower, and, being now imported freely, they are easily
procured. At the present time, the plants generally
will be goiDg out of flower, and any which require
fresh rooting material may forthwith be attended to,
roots from the current season's growth soon entering
the fresh pot ting- materials. Small shallow pans are
more suitable than pots or baskets, and these should
be three parts filled with drainage, and only a small
quantity of peat and moss put in for the plants to
root into. Alter affording fresh compost, suspend the
plants near to the roof in the coolest part of the
Cattleya or Intermediate-house, where, during winter,
they may receive the maximum of light. While the
plants continue to make roots, the compost should be
kept fairly moist, but when at rest very little water
is needed, only so much as will prevent the pseudo-
bulbs from shrivelling.
Cltysis Chclsoni, C. Sedeni. C. bractescens, C.
Limminghri, and C. lozris. — Those plants whose
pseudo-bulbs have attained their full size should now
bo suspended in a light part of the Cattleya-house,
and from the present time until the leaves turn
yellow and fall off, the quantity of water afforded
them should be gradually diminished ; and after the
leaves have fallen, and the new pseudo-bulbs have
been properly matured, scarcely any water will be
needed duriug the period of rest. In order to bloom
these plants satisfactorily, they require a long period
of decided rest.
Trichopilia fragrans. — This is oneof the best, white-
flowered, fragrant Orchids now flowering, and it is
generally known in gardens as Pilumna nobilis. The
plnnt should be kept at the warmest part of the
Odontoglossum-house, or in any moist house where
the winter temperature does not fall below 50°. It
requires a light position, but if exposed to bright
sunshine, its naturally dark green leaves quickly
become of a yellowish hue. Enough water should
be afforded as will keep the compost moist when the
plant is in bloom: and during the growing period it
should be treated in the matter of water like the
Odontoglossums. Re-potting may be performed at
almost any time during the winter months. A well-
drained pot is more suitable than a basket, and as a
strong healthy plant will produce a great number of
roois, the pot should be of considerable size. In
potting keep the plant wtll raised, so that it can
easily be watered without danger of water lodging
in the young breaks, as these quickly turn black and
decay when this happens. T. laxa, coming from
the same locality as T. fragrans, will also do well
under the same kind of treatment. T. suavis, T. s.
alba, T. marginata (crispa), T. tortile, T. Galleot-
tiaua, and T. coccinea all require a few degrees more
heat. The majority of these species have now com-
pleted their growth, and care must be taken not to
over-water them, or their leaves will become spotted.
Those plants that are still growing should be placed
in the East Indian house until the pseudo-bulbs are
made up. The resting plants are better for being
suspended or stood near to the roof of the intermediate
house.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
Bv Oharles Hsrrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Dahlia tubers that have been placed in frames or
sheds in order to let the sap dry out of the stems,
should be stored in a place that is out of the reach of
frost, but not excessively dry.
Jlelleborus niger. — If this plant is throwing up its
flowers, afford it the protection of a band-glass, or
where it is growing in masses that of a frame. Oak
branches to which the leaves are still adhering stuck
in the ground and bent over them protect the blos-
soms somewhat, cause the flower-stalks to grow
longer, and the blooms to come of a purer white
than is the case when glass is used.
General Work. — A good deal of labour must neces-
sarily be devoted to the clearing-up of fallen leaves
at this season ; the leaves on walks and the out-
skirts of Bhrubbery borders, in the garden and
pleasure-grounds, and on the lawns being raked up,
and carted away without much delay, failure to
perform the latter often leading to a repetition of
the work. After this is done, the broom must be
employed to complete the job. All Beech, Oak, and
Sweet Chestnut leaves should be put into a heap by
themselves to be used in hotbeds, &c, and also for
rotiing for the production of pure leaf-mould. Other
leaves will, of course, make mould, but it is not so
good for potting purposes, although very suitable
as a dressing for flower-beds, shrubbery borders and
other rougher uses. After the clearing-up is finished,
walks and lawns, and verges should be rolled, rolling
being repeated at fortnightly intervals during open
weather. If the lawn grows much moss, which is
almost always the case if tree-shaded or ill-drained,
it should be scratched up with a small fine toothed
rake, aud having cleared it away, a top-dressing
of fine loamy soil, wood-ashes, soot, and lime
should be applied, the last three amounting to
one-fifth of the whole, and with which they should
be well mixed. Let the dressing be spread thinly,
and then brushed in with new brooms. A very wet
lawn is never pleasant to walk upon, and the finer
kinds of grasses do not succeed en it, and it is gene-
rally worth the while to drain it with pipes or rubble
drains, this kind of work being carried out in the
winter season. If the turf requires to be made level,
it may now be taken off, cutting the turves of 3 feet
by 1 foot, or of 1 foot square — of the latter size if it be
a light sandy soil, and the turf is lacking in toughness.
Let the turves be stacked close by the part that is
being dealt with. Having rrmoved the turf, prick
up the surface, adding fresh soil where found neces-
sary, and rake it level, then trample it firmly, and
carefully relay the turf, beating it down ^r-'.'.j.
The re-gravelling or turning of dirty wait: '••-?" be
undertaken now, first breaking up the grave* "i^"'
digging-forks or picks. Although this kind of wo. k
is best carried out in the spring mouths, it. may bt
undertaken at this season in dry weather.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. H. Tofe, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Asparagus, Dressing for (he Wintir, Forcing, <fec. — If
the clearing of Asparagus-beds has been neglected
to this date, there should be no further delay. After
clearing away the decaying tops and all weeds, aud
drawing some of the soil into the alleys, afford the beds
a heavy dressing of rich manure ; and then, with the
spade and line, chop down the sides of the beds, aud
spread a little of the soil thus thrown into the alleys
over the manure. This will give a tidy look to the
beds, and prevent the manure from being disturbed
by the birds. The alleys may then be dug. If
Asparagus is grown in isolated rows on the level, the
manure cannot well be covered with earth ; but
after clearing of the tops, &c, as in the other case,
a dressing should be afforded on both sides of the
rows for a distance of 2 feet, any rough portions
remaining after the winter being raked off in Match
or April.
Forcing Asparagus. — Another lot of roots may now
be got into the forcing-pit, which will probably enable
the supply to extend to the New Year. Asparagus
is readily forced at this season, and when the roots
have been well prepared, good produce may be
expected. The best roots are those that have been
well grown from seed, are four or five years old, and
have not been weakened by spring cutting. To do
this involves the sowing or planting the required
number of roots annually. To keep up a regular
supply, fre-h roots should be put into heat soon
after the heads from the previous batch are fit for
consumption. The best and most economical method
is to have beds which, by means of hot-water pipes
or fermenting materials, can be forced on the ground
with shutters, the sides being supported by brick-
work and the top of the beds.
Seakalc. — Maintain the supply of Seakale by the
introductiou of freih roots at short intervals, and
although forcing is easier now than earlier, it is
scarcely possible to have Seakale Ct for table iu less
than four weeks. One manner of forcing is to select
strong crowns, and dibble them rather thickly into
10 or 12-inch pots, plunging these up to the rim iu a
gentle hotbed, affording tepid water to settle and
moisten the soil. A few pots thus forwarded iu heat,
weekly, will keep up a regular supply ; but the roots
must be kept moist, or the produce will be tough,
and total darkness is essential for blanching.
Forced Chicory. — Chicory-roots may now be placed
in warmth for the production of blanched leaves, the
same methods being followed as with Seakale. After
the new year, Chicory forces well without bottom-
heat in a temoerature of 55° to 60°.
400
THE GABDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[December 4, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to b;
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Illustrations. — The Editor wiU thankfully receive and seltct
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees,
dtc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
Letters for Publication, as weU as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
ihould be written on onb side only of the paper,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
TUESDAY,
MONDAY,
TUESDAY,
('National Chrysanthemum Society's
Dec. 7-^ Winter Show, in the R.jal
1 Aqu.a-ium, Westminster (3 days).
SALES.
./"Dutch Bulbs. Roses, &c, at Pro-
' I theroe & Morris' Rooms.
Dec.
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 8
) Continental Plants, Dutch Bulbs,
Herbaceous Plants, <fcc., at Pro-
theroe & Morris' Rooms.
^Japanese Lilies, Continental
Plants, Palm Seeds, Roses, Gla-
dioli, Ac, at Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms.
Unreserved Clearance Sale of Fruit
Trees and Plants in pots, at tho
Manor House, Southfleet, by
order of Mr. W. Chambers, by
Protheroe <fe Morris.
Roses and Fruit Trees, Border
Plants, Palms, Bulbs, Shrubs,
&c, at Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
THURSDAY, i Dec. 9
Great Unreserved Clearance Sile
i >f Nursery Stock, at the Bam Elm
Nursery, Lower Richmond Itoad,
Putney, by order of Mr. Holmes,
by Protheroe & Morris.
FRIDAY,
Dec 10 * lmPortedand Established Orchids,
} at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
Average Tesiperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick. — 41°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London.— December 1 (d p.m.): Max., 47°; Min., :i9°.
Provinces.— December 1 (6 p.m.): Max., 4il>, Valentia ;
Min., 37°, Aberdeen and York.
Wind, colder ; snow in the Lothians and in the Mid-
lands
" On November 27, at his resi-
Batkman. dence, Spring Bank, Victoria
Boad, Worthing, James Bate-
man, M.A., F.R.S., aged 87." It is thus that
in the fewest words is dismissed; in the columns
of the Times, one of the most remarkable men
in the horticultural world that the century has
seen. Early imbued with a taste for plants,
he, even when a gentleman-commoner at Mag-
dalen (we doubt if there is such a thing now),
showed the bent of bis mind. Daubeny was
not even at that time Professor of Botany, or
he might have overlooked the venial delinquen-
cies of the undergraduate. At this early date,
too, Bateman made the acquaintance of Lind-
ley, and his tendencies towards Orchid lore
and Orchid culture must have been materially
strengthened by the intimacy. At this time
as we have heard, Bateman was a dandy, and,
as such, would not have been looked on
with much favour by Lintjley ; but perhaps
the love for Orchids was considered a " forte''
sufficiently important to compensate for the
foible. In later years, Bateman took much
interest in church matters, espousing warmly
the Evangelical cause, and at one time, if we
mistake not, serving as editor of the Bock.
It is not with such details, however, that
we have to concern ourselves ; we have to
remember him as one of the very first and
most enthusiastic cultivators of Orchids, the
creator of two of the most remarkable gardens
in the kingdom, one at Knypersley, the
other on a much smaller scale at Worthing.
Both these were described in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, so that we need not refei to them
again. The older Fellows of the Boyal Horti-
cultural Society will not forget Mr. Bate-
men's pleasant little discourses at the Society's
meetings, when he succeeded in giving an
amusing and interesting description of the
plants exhibited. Mr. Bateman has also the
credit of having produced the largest book in ex-
istence, or at any rate the largest botanical book.
This is his Orchidacect: of Mexico and Guatemala,
superbly illustrated with coloured plates, and
with numerous humorous woodcuts by Cruik-
shank. This splendid volume is in the Lindley
library, and is the biggest book in the collection,
as we believe it is also in the library at Kew. It
is needless to add that this is one of the books
which the trustees of the Lindley library would
not feel themselves at liberty to lend out !
AVe do not know that we can do better than
repeat what we said in 1871 respecting Mr.
Bateman's career, and present the portrait of
him in his prime on p. 403. Of late years
increasing infirmities prevented him from being
much among us, but many will remember the
occasion when, a year or two ago, he received
at a meeting of the lloyal Horticultural Society
the Veitchian Medal. Surely no one earned that
distinction more fully.
Mr. Bateman has now for many years been known
as an ardent and enthusiastic horticulturist — not so
exclusively devoted to Urcluds as might be supposed
from some of his utterances, though truly they have
been to him, so far as plants are concerned, the master
passion of his life. They were not, however, his first
love, for while still a very young man he took great
interest in the cultivation of tropical fruits, and amongst
other things succeeded in fruiting, at Knypersley,
for the first time in England, the Carambola, Aver-
rhoa Carambola, of which a coloured plate appeared
in the " Transactions of the (Horticultural Society."
Now and then there have been symptoms of a
return to his first love, as happened a year or two
since, when the Wampee, Cookia punctata, was exhi-
bited at one of the meetings of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society ; indeed, it rarely happens that a tropical
fruit of any kind is shown but that Mr. Bateman is
stimulated by his old zeal to communicate the know-
ledge he possesses as to its history and cultivation.
The allusion to this circumstance at once leads us to
make mention of those pleasant lectures — lecturets,
as Prof. Henslow would have called them — which
Mr. Bateman has been in the habit of giving at the
Royal Horticultural Society from time to time for
some years past, and in which he contrives to convey
a great deal of valuable and interesting information
in a pleasant gossiping style.
Now and then autobiographical details are inter-
spersed in the most natural way with the remarks on
plants and how to grow them. Thus many who read
these lines must have heard how the exhibition of a
coloured plate of Renauthera coccinea to Mr. Bateman
awoke the latent passion for Orchids, and how the fir^t
Orchid was purchased — a plant of Renanthera — of
Fairbaikn, a nurseryman at Oxford, who had formerly
been in the service of Sir Joseph Banks ; aad how,
still doting over the glories of the Renanthera, Mr.
Bateman, then a gentleman-commoner of Magdalen
College, Oxford, incurred the wrath of the Vice-Presi-
dent of the College— no less a person than Dr. Dau-
beny, who subsequently became Professor of Botany
in the University. The wrath of the Vice-President
was occ isioned by the fact that the rules which those
in statu pupillari are bound to obey had been in-
fringed by Mr. Bateman, as the charms of Renanthera
proved a stronger attraction even than the architectu-
ral beauty of Magdalen, and detained the undergra-
duate beyond the prescribed period. The punishment
awarded for this misdemeanor was not, as might have
been expected, the compulsory eulogium in the choicest
Greek iambics of the syren Renanthera, but took the
shape of a command to write out half the Psalms,
wherein, so far as we remember, no special allusion is
made to any of the Orchid family.
Botany was at a very low ebb at that time in the
University. Dr. Daubeny, who afterwards did so
much for that and other sciences, had not then
acquired the position and influence which subse-
quently he exercised with so much power and dis-
cretion to advance the cause of natural science.
But although Mr. Bateman's botanical proclivities
met with little encouragement on the part of his
alma mater, they were more favourably regarded by
others. Encouraged by his father's support and
assistance, Mr. Bateman despatched a botanical collec-
tor, the late Mr. Colley, to Demerara and Berbice.
An account of this expedition — one of the first of
Mr. Bateman's contributions to horticultural
literature — was published in '"Loudon's Gardeners'
Magazine." The results, however, of this journey
were not remarkable, the Orchids obtained were few
in number, and of no special beauty or interest. The
novelties obtained were not numerous ; to one of
them, one of the ugliest a? it happen*. Dr. Lindley
affixed the names of BatemauuiaColleyi, thusassociat-
ing the names of employer aud collector. A short
time afterwards Mr. Bateman made the acquaintance
of the late Mr. G. Ure Skinner, then resident in
Guatemala, and the friendship then inaugurated proved
of the greatest service to the two persons most con-
cerned, and promoted in no ordinary degree the
knowledge of Orchids, aud their diffusion among the
cultivators of Europe. Thanks to the energy, of
Mr. Skinner, numerous Orchids were collected and
introduced to our stoves, aud abundant material
placed at Mr. Bateman's disposal for use in his work
on the '• Orchidacea? of Mexico and Guatemala," atlas
folio, 1S37— 41. This work, in some respects the
most remarkable series of plates ever published,
demands a few words of notice at our hands, inas-
much as from its costliness and size, and the limited
number of impressions struck off, it is not readily
accessible to the majority of horticulturists.
It consists of a series of coloured illustrations, of
life size, of a great number of species of Orchids
accompanied with descriptive details and cultural
hints. It is worth while recording some of Mr.
Bateman's axioms on this latter point. The plants,
says he, can scarcely have too much light or too little
sun. Take care of the roots. Biware of noxious
insects. Give the plants a rest. Attend to the con-
dition of the air ; let it have on the average a
temperature of 60° in winter, a id of 75° in summer.
Do not over-water. These directions were written
before the days of cool Orchid culture, to which,
however, Mr. Bateman subsequently became a con-
vert and zealous proselyte, as witness his lecture on
cool Orchids before the Royal Horticultural Society
in 1S64. But to return to Mr. Bateman's mega
biblion. The illustrations are accompanied not only
with suitable descriptions and hints for culture, but
with little scraps of gossip, if we may so call them —
literary, scientific, archajjlogicai, or ethnological
gossip, as the case may be, but in any case note-
worthy for its elegant piquancy of style, and for the
singularly felicitous choice of classical quotations.
The humorous sketches aud tail-pieces of Georcje
Croik-jHANK also lend a zjst to this, in many
respects, unique publication.
During the progress of this work Mr. Bateman
married, aud by hippy good fortune Mrs. Bateman
shared her husband's love of plants, and zeal in their
culture. But while Orchids were the chief subjects of
Mr. Bateman's regards, hardy plants o.-eupied the first
place in the regards of his spouse. Hence arose those
gardens at Biddulph Grange an 1 Knypersley, which
have attracted so much attention from their artistic
disposition, and the vast number of beautiful and
interesting plants which they contained. Were we to
tell of all the noteworthy feitures of the gardens at
Biddulph Grange, we should require several numbers
of the Qjtrdcnerx' Chronicle. Those who would know
of the Chinese garden -a realisation in the garden
December 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
401
of the Willow-pattern plate— the Egyptian Court,
the Wellingtonia Avenue, the Grove of Sikkim Rho-
dodendrons, the Bulb Garden, the Dahlia Garden,
the Rose Garden, the Pinetum, the Stumpery, the
Tree Pseonies, the Orchids, of course, and a host of
other things, — we would refer to the lengthened
notices given in these columns in 1856, and 1862, by
Mr. Kemp and Mr. Anderson. Suffice it here to say,
advantage of affording endless variety at all seasons.
Moreover, it enabled Mr. Bateman, as a true lover ef
plants, to place each plant, so to speak, in the place
and under the conditions most suitable to its require-
ments. It would not be fair to infer that the art of
the landscape gardener was entirely subordinated to
the solicitude of the cultivator ; rather let us say
that the landscape gardener, in this case, did what
as, in addition to his own good taste and feeling for
the appropriate, he was aided by [the late] Mr. E. W.
Cooke, the eminent painter, and, we may also write,
plant-lover.
The partiality for the quaint, we may incidentally
mention, shows itself in the " Orchidacea; of Mexico
and Guatemala," where many a " quaint conceit,"
will be found, both literary and illustrative.
FlQ. 117.— PASSIFLORA PRUISOSA, N. SP. : SEPALS WHPIISH, PETALS FLUSHED WITH BLUE ; THREADS DEEP BLUE.
Seccionjjf the flower to^the left— 3, sepal ; e, petal ; R, outer rays of corona. (See p. 303.)
in general terms, that by skilf ul'Jarrangement ] of
artificial hill and dale, a wonderful diversity of
surface was obtained, and a number of distinct sec-
tions parcelled out, each devoted to a particular
purpose, as may be gathered from what has been
already said. If this multiplication of parts inter-
fered with the breadth and repose one looks for in
a garden of such pretensions, it had the compensating
landscape gardeners do not always do, study the
welfarejof the plant as much as the effect it produces.
Some of the effects, from a landscape gardener's point
of view, were strikingly beautiful, many quaint and
grotesque. Had these latter been carried out by a
person .of less natural taste than Mr. Bateman, they
would have degenerated into the cockney style. In
Mr. Bateman's case, there was the less risk of this
Unfortunately, however, the ungenial climate of
North Staffordshire was as unfavourable to the health
of Mrs. Bateman as it was unsuitable for gardening
pursuits. Quitting then a spot which will always
hold a very high place in the annals of horticulture,
Mr. Bateman came some few years since to reside
principally in Kensington, in close proximity to the
Royal Horticultural Society, in whose fortunes he has
402
THE GAEDENEES' CHRONICLE.
[December 4, 1897.
always taken so great an interest, and in whose cause
he has spared neither time, labour, nor expense. At
the time of his removal from Staffordshire he gave
proof of his attachment to the Society by presenting
it with a portion of his collection of Orchids, which
forms one of the most attractive features in the
western approach to the Society's garden. Mr. Bate-
man has also for many years rendered material aid to
the editors of the Gardeners' Chronicle — an assistance
they are pleased to have this opportunity of gratefully
acknowledging.
OUR ALMANAC— According to previous prac-
tice, wo shall issue a Gardener*' Chronicle Almanac
with our first issue in the New Year. In order to
make it as useful as possible for reference, we shall
be obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural. Botanical
and allied Societies or any of our correspondents,
will send us immediate intimation of all fixtures for
1S98.
Kew BULLETIN —" Appendix III.," 1897, con-
tains a complete list of the members of the staff of
the Royal Gardens, Kew, as well as of the several
Government Botanical Departments in India and the
colonies. "Appendix I.," I8^S, is devoted to a list
of seeds of hardy herbaceous annual and perennial
plants, and hardy trees and shrubs available for
exchange at Kew. The list is a very full one, occu-
pying no fewer than seventy-two columns.
The Royal Horticultural Society Fruit
COMMITTEE'S AWARDS.— "It has been for a long
time obvious," says a correspondent, " that the pre-
sent method of granting Awards of Merit or Cer-
tificates, and perhaps of Medals also, has been in con-
nection with this committee unsatisfactory. Possibly
the same difficulty applies to other committees [cer-
tainly, it does] ; and if it does, then it seems to
indicate on the part of some members either indiffer-
ence to the subjects brought before them, or else
insufficient acquaintance with their business. That
should not be the case with anyone who accepts the
responsible position of membership, and it is most
important that in all matters brought before the
committee every member should realise his respon-
sibility, and vote for or against. It sometimes happens
that a mere numerical majority of those voting, pos-
sibly not more than one-half of those present in all,
grant an award, yet perhaps not more than one-third
of the whole committee. That is, of course, very
unsatisfactory, and awards so made are practicilly
worthless. The Fruit Committee have for some time
felt this procedure, or rather abnegation of duty, by
many members was wrong. Thus, in a case recently,
where some sixteen members were present, an Award
of Merit was granted by six votes to four votes
against, six members not voting. At a recent meeting
of that committee a resolution was proposed that the
Council of the Royal Horticultural Society be invited
to frame a rule that, so far as the Fruit Committee is
concerned, no Awards shall be made to exhibits un-
less carried by a majority of two-thirds of the mem-
bers present. It need hardly be said that if such rule
be framed, then not only must every member vote,
but no Award will be given except carried by a
substantial majority. Such a rule would, of course,
render it all the more incumbent on the Council to
see that members have a good general knowledge of
fruit and vegetables, that their votes be backed with
A uthority.
The Alexandria Horticultural Society's
AUTUMN SHOW.— The first Chrysanthemum exhi-
bition, under the auspices of the Alexandria Horti-
cultural Association, was held in the grand hall of
the Toussoun Bourse on November 13 and 14, and,
judging from the quality, though the quantity may
have been limited, it was a success. The cultivation
in Egypt of these beautiful and popular flowers,
indigenous to China and Japan, must be carried on
under many difficulties, says the Egyptian Gazette,
but the specimens brought forward go far to show
what success can be attained even in this country,
and the interest displayed in the culture by those
who came forward with collections of plants and
blooms augurs well for the success of the show in the
future. It would be invidious to take the various
sections in detail, but a reference! may be made to
the table sent from the Barrage, where exceptionally
fine blooms are at present to be seen. This collec-
tion, which added greatly to the effect of the exhi-
bition, was o ne of a hundred blooms of thirty-two
varieties, all tastefully arranged by Mr. Draper, who
had also included in his collection a fine healthy
specimen of the Pelican-plant (Aristolochiagigas var. ?)
The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund .—
We are pleased to announce that Mr. Peter C. M.
Veitch, of the Nurseries, Exeter, will preside at the
friendly dinner of the committee of the Royal Gar-
deners' Orphan Fund, at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet
Street, on February 18 next.
Wonderful i But true?— a correspondent
sends us the following advertisement, which appeared
in a contemporary. For obvious reasons we have
deleted the name of the advertiser of such novelties.
It is a question whether the Council should not call on
the advertiser for an exp'anation. The vendor has
F.R.H.S. appended to his name in the advertisement.
WONDERFUL, BUT TRUE !
CURIOUS and RARE ROSES— a Rose with perfectly
green flowers, a Rose whose flowers are 2 ft. in circum-
ference, a nearly Blue Rose ; the 3 free 5s., with a new one
extra ! white Mareshall Neil, in large pots, 5*. and 7*. 6(Z. ;
smaller, *-'s. Of?. ; white Perpetual Moss "The Ghost," Is. ed.
each. A plant with white flowers as large as a cart-wheel —
stem 12 ft. high, grand foliage; leaves 4 ft. across; hardy,
flowers in open, from June till August. Plant now for next
year's display. Large Bulbs, Is. 6<t. each ; 2 for Is. fid. ; 0 for
5s. Monster Fuchsias, flowers large as tea cup ; white, blue,
and yellow, the three for 2s.
The Surveyors' Institution.— At the ordi-
nary general meeting, held on Monday, Nov. 22,
1897, the President, Mr. Christopher Oaklet, in
the Chair, a paper was read by Mr. J. D. Wallh
(Fellow), entitled "The Manchester Ship Canal Com-
pensation Cases." A discussion followed, and was
concluded, and a vote of thanks was unanimously
passed to Mr. Wallis for his paper. The next
ordinary general meeting will be held on Monday,
December 6, 1897, when a paper will be read by
Mr. F. Punchard (Fellow), on the " Royal Commis-
sioners' Suggested Amendments to the Agricultural
Holdings Act, 1SS3." The Chair will be taken at
8 o'Clock.
" Laboratory Practice for Beginners in
BOTANY."— The object of this little book (written by
William H. Setchell, Professor of Botany in the
University of California, and published by Macmillan
& Co.), is to enable the pupil to "cultivate the
ability to draw correct inferences from exact obser-
vations. We must think of the plant," says the
author, " as a living, working, struggling being, with
a single object in life, viz., to reproduce its kind ;
and evary variation in structure, be it great or little
is to be examined to determine, if possible, its use
and history." The book is intended for school
teachers, and will form a much better introduction
to botany than some of the modern so-called elemen-
tary books which, so to speak, endeavour to teach
the young idei how to shoot before he is able to
carry a gun.
Floral Decoration.— At the Ghent School of
Horticulture, instruction in the selection of proper
subjects for bouquets, the decoration of apartments,
dinner-tables, &c, is now given. M. L. Van Houte
is to give a course of thirty lectures and demonstra-
tions on this subject.
Fertilisation of Zamia and Ginkgo.— In
the current number of the Botanical Gaxettc, pub-
lished by the University of Chicago, is an account of
the fecundation- of Zamia by Mr. Herbert J.
Webber. The details are too technical for this
journal ; it must suffice to say that the presence of
a " canal cell " in thearchegonium of Xiuiia is shown,
thus confirming a statement of tho Japanese botanist
Ikeno. A similar confirmation is given of the very
important discovery of antherozoids in Cycas and
Ginkgo, by two Japanese botanists. In the case of
Zamia, according to Mr. Webber, several anthero-
zoids enter each archegonium, but only one is con-
cerned in fecundation. This antherozoid is provided
in the first instance with a band spirally wound
round the nucleus, here known as the male nucleus,
and provided with numerous cilia. Having entered
into the cavity of the archegonium, it swims about in
the protoplasm for a time, and then' divests itBelf of
the band with its cilia, so that nothing remains but
the male nucleus. After a time, the male nucleus, a
mere speck of protoplasm, is seen to come in contact
with the oosphere, which it indents, and probably
penetrates. A mingling of the contents of the two
nuclei takes place, resulting ultimately in the develop-
ment of the egg-cell into the embryo plant. In
addition, details are given as to the existence of
certain organs called " blepharoplasts," which occur
also in Ferns and Equiseta, thus forming another
link between the Gymnosperms and the higher
Cryptogams.
" Pastures and Pasture Plants."-t Mr.
William Toogood has published through Messrs.
Macmillan & Co. a useful treatise on pasture grasses.
The first chapter is devoted to preparatory cultural
details; then follow descriptive notes of the best
pasture grasses, illustrated by woodcuts which are
too small to be of much use, and which, moreover,
have already seen much service. The following
chapters are devoted to practical details of great
service to the agriculturist. The assistance of Mr.
Carruthers, [Sir John Lawes, Dr. Stebleu, and
others has beeD secured, but the author seems to-
have overlooked the Rothamsted paper on the mixed
herbage and permanent meadow- land published in
the Philosophical Transactions, but which contains a
mine of information on the subject dealt with in Mr.
Toogood's volume. We strongly recommend this
little publication to the attention of agriculturists
as containing within small compass a large and varied
amount of trustworthy information.
Surrey County Council.— The twenty-
eighth report of the Horticultural Section of the
Technical Education Committee of the Surrey County
Council is a satisfactory document. Real progress is
being made in practical gardening, as shown in the
school gardens aud allotments reported on by Mr.
John Wright and Mr. Alexander Dean. In some
groups of gardens there is a genera level of excel-
lence, in others there are full crops, half crops,
quarter crops, and crops not worthy of the name ;
yet the land in each case is the same, the manure and
seed provided for all are identical, and all the plots
subjected to the same climatal influences. Two
things, and two alone, say the reporters, account for
the differencs, viz., sound diligent work, with know-
ledge, on the one hand ; negligence or slipshod work,
on the other.
English Products in the U.S.A.— Gros
Colman Grapes from England are now selling in the
New York markets, according to Garden and Forest,
at 1 dol. 75 c. per pound. It is to be regretted that
this inferior Grape should be sent as a sample of what
we can do in the way of Grapes. English Cob-nuts.
are in their way fairer representatives.
ARCH/EOLOGICAL "FIND." — A remarkable dis-
covery of between thirty aud forty Romano- British
pewter vessels has been made at Appleshaw, near
Andover, by the vicar, the Rev. G. L. Engleheart,
while diggiug a trial trench on the supposed site of a
Roman villa. The deposit consists of large circular
dishes, bowls of various forms and sizes, cups, jugs,
&c. Most of the dishes have incised central orna-
ments, which are strongly suggestive of the designs of
late Mosaic pavements. The whole find was exhi-
bited to the Society of _ Antiquaries at their meeting,
on November 25. Athenaeum, November 27, 1S97.
National Dahlia Society. — The annual
general meeting of the society will be held by per-
mission of the Horticultural Club, at their Rooms in
the Hotel Windsor, on Tuesday, December 14, at
2 P.M.
BUCKWHEAT. — According to some analyses pub-
lished in the Comptes Rcndus for November 15,
Buckwheat contains from 13 to 15 per cent, of water,
9 to 11 per cent, of nitrogenous matter, 1 to 2 of
fatty matter, and 58 to 63 of sugary and starchy
December 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
403
matters. We have cited the figure3~approximately.
but they are sufficient to show whit a valuible plant
Buckwheat is when cereals_fail.
Open Spaces in [London.— It'may be worth
while to make a note of the following, from a report
just 'issued by^the Parks {Committee of the London
County Council. The open spaees^churchyards, &c„
iu_the county of less than 10 acres in area, which are
at present kept up for^the enjoyment of the public,
cumber 203, having an aggregate area of 366J acres.
that the girth of the tree, No. 1, mentioned at
p. 385, is 9 feet 3J inches, instead of 0 feet 3k inches.
Baron Sir Ferdinand von Mueller. —It
is with much satisfaction that we announce the in-
tention of the executors of the late Sir Ferdinand
von Mueller to erect a monument in the St. Kilda
Cemetery, Melbourne, to the memory of the great
botanist. The Baron's services were by no means
confined to his adopted country. Not a country in
the civilised world but benefited by his labours ;
Portrait of the Late Mr. JAMES BATEMAN, F.R.S., taken in 1871.
(See p. 400.)
Of these, 122 J acres are maintained by the'council,
42i by vicars, rectors, or churchwardens, 27J by the
government, and 16j by the vestry of St. Pancrae.
THE WELLINGTONS.— A letter from a corre-
spondent last week contained an erroneous date,
which we are sorry to say we overlooked. It has
brought us a shoal of communications, which we are
in one sense very glad to receive, as it shows that
great interest is taken in such matters ; and, more-
over, that our readers are neither few nor indiscrimi-
nating. The Wellingtonia (Sequoia gigantea) was
discovered and introduced by William Lobb in 1S53,
so that it could not have been planted iu 1816, as
stated by our correspondent. We should also state
scarcely a botanist in the world but was in communi-
cation with him. The Rev. W. Potter " von
Mueller," Arnold Street, South Yarra, Victoria,
should have no difficulty in getting the sum he
requires many times over.
LEO. GRINDON. — The friends of this genial and
hardworking botanist are taking steps to celebrate
his eightieth birthday with fitting compliment and
celebration. Mr. Grindon has done excellent work
for Manchester, and for botany generally.
National Rose Society.— The twenty-first
annual general meeting of the National Rose Society
will take place at the Rooms of the Horticultural
Club, Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, Westminster,
on Thursday, December 9, at 3.30 P.M., to receive
the report of the committee, to pass the accounts, to
elect the committee and officers for the ensuing year,
and for the transaction of other general business : —
PROPOSED ALTERATIONS OF THE BY-LAWS AND
REGULATIONS.
1. To alter By-law o so as to read — '■ Notice of any proposed
alteration of these By-laws must be given in writing to
one of the Secretaries at least two we>-ks before a
general meeting, and no bylaw nor regulation shall be
altered except at a general meeting of the society. A
special general meeting of the society may be called at
any time on a requisition, signed by not less than
twenty members, being delivered to one of the Secre
taries at least fourteen days prior to the date of the
proposed meeting. The requisition must specify the
business for which the meeting is called, and no other
business shall be transacted thereat."
2. To alta- By-lair 7 so as to read — "That the Committee
shall, at its first Meeting, appoint a Sub-Committee (to
be styled the General Purposes Committee) not ex-
ceeding ten in number, for the purpose of considering
and reporting upon any matters connected with the
society which may be biought before the tub-Com-
mittee, by notice to the Secretaries of the society, and
that the functions of that Sub-Committee shall endure
until the next Annual General Meeting of the society
The Sub-Committee to have no executive power
whatever."
To alter Regulation 8 so as to reotl—" All Roses must be
exhibited as cut from the plants. Artificial aid of any
and every kind is strictly prohibited, with the excep-
tion of wire or other supports, which are only to be
used to keep the blooms erect. A bloom left tied will
not be counted by the judges. Dressing Roses so as
to alter their character is prohibited. A bloom so
dressed will be counted as a bad bloom. The insertion
of any additional foliage will disqualify the stand.
All Roses should be correctly named."
AVh- Regulation {transferred from authorised Rules for
Judging at Rose Slioics). — Exhibition stan s should be
of the regulation size, viz., 4 inches high in front and
18 inches wide, and be set out with moss or other
suitable material. They should also be of a uniform
length, viz. : —
For 24 blooms, not less than 3 ft., or more than 3 ft. 6 in.
,, 12 „ „ 1ft. 6 io. „ 2 ft.
,, 6 or 9 ,, „ 1 tt. ,, 1ft. 6 in.
3.
Home Correspondence.
MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA GRAPES. — The
matter in dispute between Mr. Smith and the writer
on certain points connected with the culture of this
Grape has brought forth a challenge which I would
fain accept. But I am afraid the editor would not
open these pages to a contest which would not be
edifying generally, and only instructive in one sens;.
I may say, however, my interest and experience in
Grape growing extend over thirty years, and I can
also claim a fair amount of success on the exhibition-
table during most of that time. Besides, my experi-
ence in this line has been before the public for a
decade, and I see no need to change the views I
previously entertained and expressed on the points
at issue. And it is just because these views
do not exactly agree with those expressed by Mr.
Smith, that I ventured to criticise his remarks. In
his first letter he directed our attention to the
necessity of careful ventilation in autumn to secure
good flavour, giving one to believe that this was the
time most careful ventilation was needed ; but in the
letter now before me he is for ventilation — I presume
" careful "—all the year round. Well, we may now
agree on this point ; but Mr. Smith has misrepresented
me by saying I advised the putting on of a " lot " of
air the first thing in the morning. I spoke of timely
ventilation in the morning, and also preparing for a
sudden outburst of sun in the middle of the day after a
dull forenoon ; but I never advocated a lot of air being
put on at one time. This operation must be gradual
as the temperature rises. The most serious difference
between us is in regard to shading. I have never been at
Hendon, where Mr. Smith labours, or near theplace, and
if the sun has more power there than it has in Scotland,
he may be justified in recommending a shade for
Mu«cats. He must, however, have been aware that
we read the Qurdeners' Chronicle north here, there-
fore his instructions should have been localised. I
may say we never require to shade in Scotland when
the heating is properly seen to, and the airing as
recommended in my last letter. Early closing and
syringing are outside the question under discussion,
poiuts, however, upon which we seem to agree. I
would now ask Mr. Smith to give us the experience
upon which he prides himself, and I will undertake
404
THE GARDE NEB S' CHE ONI GL E.
[December 4, 1897
to kick holes in it if I find the least opening. I
would give my name and address for publication if
this was a general rule, meantime, I give my initials,
W. W. [We have our correspondent's name and
address. Ed.]
FRUIT JUDGING— There is frequently a rule in
schedules stating that all fruit in certain classes
must be ripe and fit for use, but we seldom see
Grapes in this condition at early autumn shows,
unless it be Hamburgh and other early sorts. Under
these circumstances, unripe Grapes are not dis-
qualified, and ripeness becomes a matter of degree.
A notable judge was once heard to say, when judging
Grapes, that ''ripeness was his first consideration."
This doctrine, however, is often carried too far, and
1st prizes are awarded to varieties fully ripe, but
without any cultural merit, while other well-culti-
vated Grapes are passed because not fully ripe.
Such varieties as Alicante, Gros Maroc, and others
that colour well, and acquire bloom long before
ripe, have an advantage against white sorts just as
ripe, especially Muscat of Alexandria, which is often
in better condition for the table, though not finished,
than well-coloured black varieties. It would be
best if all Grapes were ripe when exhibited, but as
this condition is not enforced, superior varieties
would in competition be placed on more equal
terms were the points for relative value allowed as
described in my last letter, because it is invariably
the best varieties, excluding the Hamburgh,
which take longest time to colour well. In
regard to mixed collections of fruit, there is more
difference of opinion on the relative merit of kinds
than in classes represented by distinct varieties only.
When the same varieties of the kinds are opposed in
collections, which is rarely the case, a judge some-
times places the merits of the one against the other,
on the ground that a good dish of small fruits, such
as Cherries or Plums, is equal in value to a good dish
of large fruits, such as Grapes or Peaches. Suppose
two collections requiring to be pointed are composed
of the usual kinds, and it is agreed to allow five
points as a maximum for good dishes. The Pines, we
will suppose, are equal, but there is a difference of
two points in the Grapes ; there is then give-and-take
down to the last dish (Cherries), where a difference
occurs again of two points. The points gained there-
fore by superior Grapes are lost by inferior Cherries.
The collections show equal totals, but it is a result
which would not be received with favour generally.
To obviate the chances of an occurrence of this kind,
a graduated scale is needed, similar to the one
recommended for the different varieties of Grapes
in the Qardeners' Chronicle for September 11, p. 1S6.
In answer to the Editor's question on p. 314, re
the code of rules issued by the Royal Horticultural
Society, it would have been a serious waste of time
had not some help been derived from the code, which
was the subject of a whole year's consideration by
some of the most eminent horticulturists. Fruit,
however, was very sparingly dealt with, and a system
of judging collections wa? entirely omitted, a fact that
was the subject of comment in these columns after
the rules were published. The excuse given by one
of the members of committee was, that the code
should not be accepted as a final settlement, but that
the next issue would rectify everything. The new
rules have not yet seen the light (so far as I know),
and the above hints are given in the hope that they
may be useful when the matter is again under con-
sideration. Ayrshire Lad.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S MEDALS.
— Presumably, the Hndley medal, of which we have
been of late reading, is one of the lapsed honours of
horticulture that once constituted something worth
having, because rarely bestowed. When that medal
was granted, it is hardly probable that it was awarded
to all and sundry at the rate of sixty at a time.
Evidently, it was given only for highly meritorious
cultivation, and seldom, that made it an honour
worth possessing. vVhy it has been allowed to lapse
probably the council of the Royal Horticultural
Society knows best. Possibly, the society's honorary
gold medal has taken its place, a medal, apparently
like the Lindley, awarded and not given. It would
perhaps be just as well if the same course were
adopted in regard to medals of lesser value, that are
given now far too freely, and which seem to be sought
for with an avidity that may be regarded almost
as avariciousnesB. Honour derived from exhibiting
good produce of any description from time to time
seems to be almost swamped by the desire to
secure the medal ; but when got, of what value
s it? There must be some exhibitors at the
society's meetings who could very well cover their
rooms with these medals, and yet they are not
content. Give them a bronze one, they rage ; give a
Banksian silver, they whine for a Knightian ; and give
a Knightian,,they cry aloud for a silver-gilt, and even
for a gold medal. All this seems to be very pitiful,
and degrades horticulture. I am not sure whether it
would not be good policy on the part of the Royal
Horticultural Society to suspend medal - awarding
absolutelv, and thus strangle grumbling ere it is
heard. K.
A SUCCESSFUL AMATEUR CULTIVATOR.— One
has the pleasure occasionally of falling in with a
genuine and enthusiastic amateur gardener, who finds
in the cultivation of his flowers, fruit-trees, and vege-
tables the height of enjoyment. From an inspection
of the garden of the true amateur horticulturist much
may be learned. I recently made the acquaintance of
a genial amateur, in Mr. Crowne, of the P>ox Trees,
Long Ditton, whose favourite flower is the Chrys-
anthemum. His garden is not a large one, but is well
filled, and in the summer when the Chrysanthemum-
plants are standing outside, every nook and corner
is utilised. The collection numbered some 300
plants, and it is no exaggeration to say that not a bad
plant could be found among them. The varieties
embrace the newest and best, and for a collection of
its size, the salection of varieties would admit of
little improvement. At the time of my visit to Mr.
Crowne's garden the plants were in full splendour,
and are arranged in two greenhouses, and forming a
sight well worth going far to see. Many of the
plants were represented by blooms of exhibition
standard. Mr. Crowne has rendered a good account
of himself at some of the exhibitions of recent years,
having been awarded a Silver Medal by the National
Chrysanthemum Society at their show of Novem-
ber 5, 1895, for an exhibit in the incurved section ;
the Silver Cup of the Ditton Chrysanthemum
Society also found its way to the Box Trees on
November 12, 1896 ; and but for just one or two
little failings in the incurved stand, it would have
brought the same result this year. At Kingston and
Ditton he has been very successful with Chrys-
anthemums. F. S. B. S.
YORKSHIRE APPLES.— I thank Mr. Dixon, of
Elmcroft, Ripon. and H. H. R , Forest Hill, for
their reply to mv note, re the above. I will try
dressings of fresh lime, as recommended by Mr.
Dixon, for Cox's Orange Pippin. I have tried lime-rubble
and stick-ash freely mixed with the soil when root-
pruning and planting, and in due time I hope to be
able to report upon it. I will nlso try Ribston
Pippin. I have Margil, which generally gives us a few
useful fruits of excellent flavour. T. Down, Wassand.
THE GROWTH OF THE STEM OF AURICULAS.
— I read with much interest the article about the
lecture of Prof. F. W. Oliver in the Qardeners' Chronicle
of November 13. I can confirm the observations
made by you about tho growth of the stem of
Auriculas. In April of this year I received a fine lot
of Primula elatior, which grows wild in this country
in some limited spots. I received the plants with a
large clump of roots, to which the clayey soil still
adhered. I put some of them into the open border,
the others in pots only sufficiently large to contain
the clumps. The growth was a little checked, but
they soon recovered, bore some flowers, made a fair
tuft of leaves, which decayed rather early. This and
also the mild autumn weather is the reason that they
are already showing their tufts of small, new leaves,
and now all the plants in the open border are at the
same level, while those in the pots project consider-
ably above the margin. I suppose the situation of
these latter may be compared with that of the
Primulas growing in rocky clefts, and projecting their
stems about the edges of the crevice. When planting
these plants in pots, which, however, will seldom
occur, it will be necessary to take this into account.
/. C. Bosch, Bcrvcrwijk, Haarlem, Nov. 17.
TESTACELLA HALIOTHDEA.— Having been a close
observer of these slugs for many years at Oxford,
where they are fairly plentiful, perhaps the following
notes may be acceptable. I have frequently seen
them in the act of eating a worm. They Beize them,
not by the extreme end, but at about a third of their
length, and at this point a wound is inflicted, and the
worm is drawn in doubled up. It is a very long por-
cesB, lasting sometimes for hours. I used to look for
them on the lawna at night by lamplight, when I
found them crawling on the grass, and altogether
different from the "sluggish" contracted creatures
which were dug up. I found them mostly in rich
loose earth at varying depths down to 18 inches.
They could also be found in the daytime by turning
up planks or bricks. The weight tint 'hey could
support was astonishing. I kept many of them in a
flower-pot covered with a paving-tile, and often found
that they had succeeded in raising it sufficiently to-
escape, and have also watched them doing so. Geo.
Parish, Ealing, W.
PERFECT SPECIMEN CHRY8ANTHEMUMS. —
Permit me a few lines to congratulate my old friend,
Mr. Donald, of Short's Green, on his latest triumphs
with specimen Chrysanthemums with from fifty to a
hundred good blooms upon each, the plants from
1 to 2 yards across. Amid all the changes of fashion,
Mr. Donald has pursued this art, and moulded many
varieties into superb specimen plants for his big con-
servatory. His complete success has doubtless been
his most pleasing and richest reward. But others,
equally or more pleasant, are in store for him in
the near future. These are the hearty approval of
many of his practical brethren ; and the higaest com-
pliment they can pay to his energy and perseverance,
viz., imitation. Surely the one-bloom theory and
practice on stems somewhere in mid-air, far above
the sight lines of ordinary mortals, has well nigh
had its day, and growers who desire their plants
to be decorative ones, can hardly do better than
grow such plants as does Mr. Donald. His troop of
friends everywhere hope he may yet be long spared
to win many other victories as those he has s»
honourably won. To those who tell us that specimen
Chrysanthemums are not natural, I reply they are
far more so than the one-stem single-bloom monsters
mounted on bamboos in mid-air, and which we have
to mount on ladders, steps, or stages to see, touch,
cut, or enjoy. D. T. Fish, 12, Fettes Row, Edinburgh.
[Mr. Donald's plants are magnificent specimens for
exhibition, and are very high-class examples of the
traiaer's art. For the decoration of rooms, however,
they are less adapted thau well-grown bush-plants
with a dozen stems upon each, and every stem bear-
ing one moderately-sized bloom. Such plants can be
associated with otber decorative subjects to much
better effect. Further, other points being equal, the
cost of production in each case may be fairly con-
sidered, and in the case of trained Bpecimen plants
this must be a serious matter. Our correspondent,
too, when speaking of Chrysanthemums in "mid-
air," that can only be seen by first mounting a ladder,
appears not to bear in mind there has taken place a
great improvement in the habit of Chrysanthe-
mum plants, and many of the newer varieties grow
little taller (under proper culture) than Buch as
Avalanche — say, 3 to 4 feet; Mr. FiBh, of course, is
speaking of plants grown exclusively for the pro-
duction of large exhibition blooms ; but even in such
cases, many growers obtain three flowers per plant,
unless from exceptional varieties. Ed.]
NERINE CR1SPA. — I was much impressed with the
beauty and apparent usefulness of a nice batch of
plants grown under the name of Nerine crispa, in one
of Sir C. W. Strickland's houses at Hildenley, a short
time ago. There were about twelve bulbs in each of
the 5-inch pots, and each bulb had produced a flower-
spike about 15 inches long, and each spike bore ten
or a dozen flowers. The sepals were long and narrow,
and either twisted or turned up at the ends, and of a
pale pink colour. The leaves were narrow and grass-
like, and the whole formed beautiful and graceful
subjects for dinner-table work, or the adornment of
the drawing-room. Mr. Smith, Sir Charles' indoor
gardener, told me that they were most easy to cul-
tivate, and under ordinary treatment would grow
and flower freely. Several representatives of the
large-flowered kinds were present, but although the
colour, form, and substance of their blossoms were
all that could be desired, yet they lacked the de-
lightfully light, graceful habit, and delicate tint of
crispa. Where there is much table-work, this variety
would be found a decidedly valuable addition to the
subjects for that purpose, and one not requiring an
exceptionally high temperature, or much skill in its
cultivation. R. C. H.
ROSES. — The mildness of the season enabled
me to gather 100 blossoms on November 20, and
some of which were very fine, amongst those flower-
ing freely may be mentioned Souvenir de la Mal-
maison, Homere, Madame Falcot, Celine Forestier,
Gloire de Dijon, and many of the China varieties; the
buds of the latter being very useful in decorative
designs. The making of cuttings may still be carried
on. This matter was touched upon in a recent
" Calendar," by Mr. Herrin, and I will merely add,
December 4, 1897.]
THE GABDENEBS' CHBONICLE.
405
that in cold soils it aids the rooting if the base of
the cutting rest on sand. It is very necessary to
make the soil firm about the cuttings, and to make it
so when frost has loosened the ground. H. M.
'■THE NEW FLORA BRITANNICA."— You are quite
right in saying that this rare work is one " which
" Syd. T. Edwards, del." appears on plate 129
(Amaryllis vittata), with that of " W. Darton & Co.,
Sc." as engravers ; and on t. 135 (Gladiolus car-
dinal), we get " Syd. T. Edwards, del. et eculpt,'7
apparentlyfor the first time ; the date Augustl,1790.
The next plate has "Syd. T. Edwards, fecit,"
November 11, 1790. So much for the Botanical
subjects or Bpecies being represented on each page.
In turning over the plates, a strong familv-Iikeness to
those of the early volumes of the Botanical Magazine
is very evident ; still, on comparing them, they are
rarely, if ever, quite alike, though it seems probable
that the same original drawing has often served
for botli series of plates. As an instance of what
Fig. 119.— chrysanthemum mrs. chas. birch: pcre white, (see p. 406.)
plant-lovers will treasure " — if they can get it!— and
I hope that our good friend W. B. Hemsley, of Kew,
will, at his leisure, tell us somewhat of its authorship
and history. Sydenham T. Edwards, whose drawings
are represented in its pages, as engraved on copper by
Sin6om, succeeded J. Sowerby, as the botanical
artist of the Botanical Magazine, and his signature
Magazine. My own copy of The New Flora Britannica
is a handsome large quarto, beautifully bound in
crushed green morocco, with handsomely-embossed
borders, and rich gilt tooling. The edges are also
richly gilt, and fine in colour — real old gold ; not the
thin yellow Dutch -metal now so common. The
plates are bold and faithful in colour, two or three
I mean — one of many. If we turn to the plate of
Strelitzia Reginse, Bot. Mag., t. 119 (dated May 1,
179H), and compare it with plate S3 of the 2nd
volume of Flora Britannica (1812). we shall perceive
that a leaf has been add.d behind the flower,
and th^re are some minor modifications in the
inflorescence itself; still, no one could doubt but
406
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 4 1897.
that the same original sketch had served for both
plates, and we find this close resemblance, but rarely,
if ever, an absolute likeness in many of the other
plates in the book, as on plate 6. Amaryllis for-
mosissima, the leaf of which is differently arranged
as compared with Bot. Mag., plate t. 47, and
the colour of the flower is more crude and darker,
or the crimson-red has become discoloured. This
again is a striking feature, viz., that the colours of
the Flora Britannica are not so pure and clear and
lasting as those of the earlier volume of the But.
Mag. ; as an instance of this, compare plate Bot. Mag.
t. 52 with that in Flora Britannica, xxvi. (Qentiana
acaulis), the blue of the older plate, 1788, being
far more pure and clear than that of 1812. This
Flora Britannica may probably have been an outcome
of Edwards' secession as artist of the Bot. Mag.
It is curious that both Pritzel in his Thesaurus
Bot. Lit., and Daydon Jackson in his Guide to
the. Literature of Botany, both cite this Flora
Biitannica under Edwards' name as New Botanic
Garden, although on the title pages of the work
itself, The New Flora Britannica is clearly and
unmistakably given. Is it possible that the
same plates have been issued under that or some
other Bimilar title ? I have seen a good many book
and sale catalogues, but only once saw a copy cited,
which was the one now in my library. The work is
well printed on good sound paper, and as you observe
in your note in Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 366, the text
is singularly exact and trustworthy, although no
author's name is given. Could it have been edited
by Mr. J. BellendenKer, or was it compiled by
Edwards himself 1 TheBe are queries upon which Mr.
Hemsley may possibly be able to throw some light,
and I hope that a note thereon may be added to the
entry of this and other rare works in the forthcoming
Catalogue of the Lindley Library, for the appearance
of which we are anxiously waiting. F. W. Burbidge.
CHEYSANTHEMUM MRS. CHAS.
BIRCH.
This new variety is a seedling raised by Mr. God-
frey at the Exmouth Nurseries. It is very distinct
in general form, and in the shape and arrangement
of the petals, the latter being almost entirely tubular,
and not flattened or spatulate, and the curling is
irregular, the result being a very solid bloom of great
dentil (see fig. 119, p. 405). The colour is usually
pure white, but sometimes the base of bloom is
shaded with lavender. Mrs. C. Birch was awarded a
First-class Certificate by the National Chrysanthemum
Society on Nov. 1, last.
©bftuarg*
HORACE BlLLlNGTON.— The death of Horace
Billington (chief Curator at the Government Bota-
nical Gardens at Old Calabar), news of which, from
neuritis [?], has just been received at the Foreign Office,
occasions a loss to the country, and certainly to the
West African Protectorate, that it is difficult to
estimate. He was the youngest son of the Rev.
G. H. Billington, rector of Chalbury, Dorset, in which
remote village he was brought up, acquiring that
sympathy with Nature and the love of observation
of plants, birds, and beasts which stood him in such
good stead in the later years of his all too short life.
Mr. Billington came to London about eleven years
ago, and he not only entered the office of Mr. Thomas
Christy, in the City, but resided at his house at
Sydenham, where he had the opportunity of watching
the propagation of the plants and seeds, and learnt
especially the habits of different African products.
When in the City he attended the sales, and watched
the produce coming from abroad. By this means
he was enabled to estimate the proper plan
of packing and selection. In the course of
time he was offered an appointment by the
Royal Niger Co. Soon after his arrival the
managers of the different estates found that they had
in Horace Billington a man far above the ordinary
level of trained assistants sent out to the colonies,
and a competition sprang up between these men as
to who should have his services, because the small
estates entrusted to his care answered remarkably
well. He took advantage of the information he had
received from planters and travellers, and when he
arrived in face of the work, he knew what to do, and
how to s lect his land; and instead of attempting to
make the water run up hill in pipes he found
streams at higher levels, and conducted these through
his plantations. Sir Claude MacDonald, who is well
known for his thoroughness in all that he does, made
enquiries, and found that there was at the Niger a
man of the name of Billington ; he traced out his
connections in England, and obtained the promise
of an interview as soon as he arrived home for his holi-
day. It was not long before he entered into arrange-
ments through the Foreign Office with him to go out
for the Government and open a botanical garden at
Old Calabar. Mr. Billington .knew exactly what was
required, and although at home recruiting his health,
he worked up his collection of books and also supplies
of seeds, tools, and other requisites, so that when the
time came for his return to the Niger he was able to
open his garden and go to work at once.
It was unfortunate that the expenses were so
critically examined that Mr. Billington was very
cramped in his requirements for cash, otherwise he
could have made many excursions into the interior
and have obtained much more quickly the valuable
information in his possession at the time of his
death. It is also very unfortunate that a good
man was not put with him to assist in detail
in the trying climate of Old.Calabar. Further, such
a man would have learnt very much from Mr. Bil-
lington's experience, and the Government would
have had some one now to rely upon to continue the
valuable work started by Mr. Billington.
Another singular trait in Mr. Billington's character
was the way in which he watched and chronicled
information regarding health in the dangerous climate
of the Niger. He said in his letters how much he
regretted that the young men came out with un-
suitable clothing — for instance, caps instead of pith
or felt helmets, because^no one had cautioned them
as to their manner of living. When a bright sun
was not shining, they believed that a cap was quite
sufficient protection for the nape of the neck ; the
consequence was that they died one after another.
Mr. Billington, when in the service of the Royal
Niger Co., was appointed to attend to the hospitals,
to prevent the jealousy of the different estate-owners.
This gave him an insight into the diseases which
existed, and their mode of treatment.
At the time of Mr. Billington's last sojourn in this
country, he arrived looking and feeling very ill ; but
the air which he found in his native village in Dorset-
shire picked him up, and when he was about to
return, his friends all congratulated him upon his
robust appearance, while kthe official medical exami-
nation before returning was completely satisfactory.
Sir Claude MacDonald asked him on one occasion
how he accounted for his healthy looks, when other
people, on coming from the Niger, looked so sickly ?
He said that perhaps it was owing to his being so
tall, his mouth being higher than that of others from
the ground ! and that his abstemious habits, which
he had practised from boyhood, had served him a
good turn.
The brief telegram to the Government, announcing
his death, furnishes no particulars. The last letters
received from him said how well he was in health.
The reports made to the Government on the plants
to be found in the Niger district surprise botanists in
this country, for to each was allotted its value for
commercial purposes or otherwise. This was a line
that no other foreign botanical garden had ventured
on. During his visit to this country he was able to
set at rest many doubtful subjects of the source and
origin of drugs, and the trees that yielded the
supplies.
Trade Notice.
We understand that Mr. J. H. Nieman, who was
some years ago " decorator " at Mr. John Wills'
establishment, South Kensington, has been appointed
manager of the Floral and Horticultural Bureau, 371,
Oxford Street, W.
Societies.
EOYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific I Committee.
Novemrer'23.— Present: Dr. M. T. Masters (in the chair) ;
Mr. Douglas, Rev. W. Wilks, and Rev. G. Henslow (Hon.
Sec).
Gail on Jasmine. — With reference to the specimen brought
by the secretary to the last meeting, Mr. MacLacMan
reports that it is quite impossible to. fix on anything in
particular in the way of a cause, but the puncture of a
Phytoptus is the most probable.
PhyU'itreta on Crucifera*. — He also observes, witb regard to
he beetles show by Mr. Michael as destructive to Stocks, <&e.,
tbat " the genus is the one to which the ' Turnip-flea ' belongs.
There are about a dozen species in this country, all being
much alike. They all frequent the Cruciferae, and the fact
that this one was also found on Tropfeolum only intensifies
the fact that most things whioh feed on the former will also-
feed oq the latter, as — e.o,t the larveB of ' Cab >a<e whites,'
the interpretation being, thatjboth contain the same chemical
vegetable products."
Dahlia, Hybrid (?). — Flowers were received from E. J.
Lowe, Esq., of Shirencwtou Hall, Chepstow, supposed to be
the result of crossing a Dahlia with the pollen of a duuflower.
The appearance was that of a Dahlia, the disc alone being
rather larger. Dr. Masters undertook, to examine them
more minutely.
Moiistroii.i Cypripe&ium. — Mr. Veitoh sent a plant of
C. Sitius bearing a single flower. It had no Up, but two
columns. It was referred to Dr. Masters for further
investigation.
The Copper-plant.— Dr. Masters exhibited an illustration of
Polycarpsei spirostylis, E. von Mueller. It has the above
name, as it is said on y to grow where copper is to be f'ounl,
and that its presence is an indication to miners of the exist-
ence of that metal in the neighbourhood. It is found by the
mines of Watsonville, &c, N. Queensland.
rrolifcrous Chrysanthemum. — A specimen bearing three
flowers was received from B. Greaves, Esq., of Broome Hall,
Dorking. They were remarkable for consisting of a dense
mass of minute heads instead of distinct florets. Some of
the show Dahlias, Dr. Masters observed, consisted of this
peculiarity, the separate heads combining to make a single
large "flower." The peculiarity is characteristic of thegenus
Echinops, only the individual heads contain but a single
flower each.
DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS.
November 24.— The subject treated of at this meeting
was "Herbs : their Cultivation and Uses," the essayist being
Mr. W. Andrews, gr. at Elmfield, Exeter.
After mentioning the ordinary pot-herbs that everyone i3
acquainted with, the old-fashioned medicinal herbs, such as
Camomile »and Peppermint, Horehound, Hyssop, Thyme,
good as an ointment for gouty and sciatic pains, were
alluded to, and their economic uses in the household,
especially in rural districts, was enlarged upon. The lecturer
pointed out the value of Borage, Marjoram, and Thyme as
honey- yielding herbs that everyone who kept bees ought to
grow largely. The lecture, of considerable length, was
eminently practical and suggestive, and contained much
useful information.
ELGIN CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 24. — The second annual exhibition of Chrys-
anthemums, fruit, and vegetables, under the auspices of the
Elgin Chrysanthemum Show Committee, was held on the
above date. The arrangements were carried out in admi-
rable order and efficieacy by the energetic honorary
Secretary, Mr. J. Thompson, assisted by a willing co umitteo.
There were about 300 entries. A handsome Challenge Oup,
valued >t ten guineas, presented by Mr. Thompson, the
Secretary, for eighteen Japanese blooms, brought some
splendid collections, and the trophy was deservedly awarded
to Mr. Barbour, gr. to Mr. Gregory, MaryhiU, who had an
exceptionally fine collection, the blooms being marked for
their freshuess, colour, and size. Among the finest of them
were Charles Davis, Mrs. E. W. Clarke, Van den Heede, and
M. Chenon de Leche. The collection shown by Mr.
McDonald, ^Palmercross, came in a good 2nd.
In incurved blooms, the prize for the best was awarded to
Mr. Smith, Innes House, for a William Tunnington.
There were only two entries for wreaths, Mr. BEATriE,
florist, obtaining 1st prize.
There was a splendid display of hand and table bouquets
of Chrysanthemums. In the amateur section, Mr. Thomp-
son, Bishopmill, carried off the 1st prize for nine blooms in
six varieties, one of them being "Hairy Wonder," and au-
other a " Charles Davis," the latter gaining him also a prize
for the best Japanese bloom shown in the amateur classes.
Mr. Royan, Forres, was awarded the first plice for his
collection of incurved blooms. He showed a lovely bloom of
"Jeanne de Arc," which won the prize for the beBt incurved
among amateurs' exhibits.
A new feature was a competition confined to lsdies for
baskets of Chrysanthemums and foliag1, and in the seven
entries forward, there was a pretty and attractive display,
the various baskets being arranged with great taste.
December 4, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
407
There was a good average display of pot plants, though
these had not the attractive appearance of the cut flowers.
The special prize for the best specimens was awarded to Mr.
M< Donald, Palruercross.
Fruit and vegetables made a splendid show, the vegetables
especially being greatly admired. In a class for a collection
of vegetables, which attracted considerable notice, Mr.
Smart, Lesmurdie, carried off the Medal.
Mr. Beattie, florist, had a tastefully laid-out stand for
exhibition only, containing some rare blooms of Chrysanthe-
mums and Narcissus, as also numerous simples of Apples,
including the Ecklinvillo and Lord Suffield.
Mr. W. Wells, the Earls wuod Nurseries, Ltd-, also sent
fur exhibition a number of famous blooms ; while Mr.
Wiseman, seedsman, kindly sent a number of Palms and
other pot plants to decorate the hall.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
November 2b. — Present : G. S. Ball, Esq., of Ashford,
Wilmslow, in the chair; and Messrs. A. Warburton, Wm.
Stevens, Geo. Law Scholleld, S. Gratrix, J. Leemann, H.
Greenfield, P. Weathers, R. Johnson, Wm. A. Gent, and
. Anderson.
There were seven Medals forthcoming that had been pre-
sented at a former meeting, together with a beautiful
Medallion of the late'Charles Darwin ; and the Chairman,
Mr. Bill, indicated that he meant to bear the expense of the
die of the Silver Medal presented. The design is in every
way appropriate, the name of the winner being on the
obverse.
By far the lirger number of plants brought before the
committee were passed over; thore were, however, three
plants submitted which received First-class Certificates, viz.,
Odontoglossum x Gratrixianum (O. Halli x O elegans), a
combination of yellow and bronzy colours, which will
improve under cultivation, and be regarded as a desir-
able acquisition. One of the others was a beautiful
and a distinct seedling Cypripedium x Veitcbii X niveum,
a fine variety, with the characteristics of both parents,
and showing the blending of the softer tints in an exquisite
manner. The owner would do well to bring it before the
committee when better established. It was shown without
a name, but that omission will be amended in the Society's
records. The third one, Cypripedium insigne Sanderianum,
was in fine flower, the colours clear, without spots, and
altogether uncommon. This came from Mr. Gkatrix.
Of Awards of Merit there were no fewer than twenty, which,
taken in the order in which the plants were dealt with,
were Cypripedium x Minosa x C. Spicerianum and C Ar-
thurianum, C. insigne Dorothy, of the C. Sander* type ; a
beautiful C. x Beckayni and C. Boxalli, splendidly spotted,
which will require another year to fully prove it ; C. Alliani
X C. Spicerianum and C. Curtisi ; C. X Ceres, C hirsutis-
simum and Spicerianum, a grand flowor, which will improve
in cultivation; and C. nutans superbum, a magnificent
flower ; C. Belletianum and C. Fascinator, as well as the pretty
C. Minos, were honoured with 2nd place. C. Leeanum
giganteum was shown in fine style.
Cattleya labiata Eugenie, a beautiful, clean, clear coloured
example, was similarly honoured.
The fineBt form ever seen of Oncidium Forbesii was shown
by Mr. Andkrson under the name of O. F. splendidissimum,
which, in regard to colour and form, is unmatched, and well
deserved the Award of Merit unanimously given.
Other plants were a seedling Cdttleya from Mr. Leemann,
called Rosa, and Dendrobium splendidissimum grandiflorum,
with a pendent raceme of grandly coloured blooms, equally
in every point a flower of the spring.
These plants came mainly from members sitting as experts,
although the strict rule of non-voting was observed by all
tho^e whose exhibits came up for an opinion.
Mr. J. Robson, nurseryman, Bowden, showed a varied
group, and was awarded a Silver Medal for his pains.
This is his first exhibit of importance, and it may be a
means of inducing others to ad i their quota to future
meetings of the North of England Orchid Society.
LEAMINGTON CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 25.— The annual show of the Leamington, War-
wick, and District Chrysanthemum Society, was held in the
Winter Hall, Leamington, and was visited by laige numbers
of people.
The more attractive portion of the exhibits was shown in
the Pump Room, including a beautiful display by Mr. F.
Pfkkins, of Leamington, who was awarded a special Silver
Medal Some of the designs in Chrysanthemums and other
flowers were very artistic, and not only tasteful in form, but
also in the arranging and blinding of colour.
Mr. J- Kitley, of the Castle Nurseries, Warwick, exhibited
some of the choicest plants from his houses, many of them
well-grown specimens ; and other displays were made by
honorary exhibitors, including Messrs. Hinton Bros. (War-
wick), Cubkas & Sons (Manchester), and Irwin & Raper
(Leamington).
The competition in the various classes was keen. In the
open classes for Chrys nthemum plants, Mr. R. Green-
field, jun., of Leamington, swept the board with a collec-
tion of magnificent specimens. He obtained lsts for single
plants ; three dissimilar varieties ; a group arrarige"d for
effect ; arfd a special for the beVt six plants.
Cut blooms were in abundance, and the highest excellence
was attained by many of the exhibitors. The competition
for Mr. C. A. Smith Ryland's special prizes was close, and
the premier award fell to Mr. Albert Chandler, of Coton
House, Rugby, who was followed in order of merit by Mr.
R. Greenfield, jun.
Mr. Smith-Rvland himself won two firsts for incurved
blooms, and the 1st for blooms of the Japanese variety.
Premier awards in other cut bloom classes were also secured
by Messrs. A. Chandler, W. Pearce (Weedon), R. Green-
field, jun., and Finch & Co. (Milvertou).
A special prize given by Mr. W. M. Low, of Wellesbournc
for the best collection of fruit, was secured by Mr. H. Linev,
Wellcsbourne House. Another special prize, by Messrs.
Thomson and Sons, Clovenfords, for black Grapes, went to
Mr. W. R. Mann, of Leamington. The table decorations,
bouquets, and various other designs by lady amateurs were
extremely tasteful.
In the fruit and vegetable classes, and the competitions
for table devices, the merit was remarkably even. In the
latter the first prue was secured by Messrs. Finch and Co.,
who had a most elaborately adorned table. Second honours
fell to Mr. W. Vause, Leamington. Birmingham Daily Mail.
DUNDEE CHRYSANTHEMUM
CARNIVAL.
November 2J.— This event took place in the Drill Hall,
Dundee, on the above date, and a grand and imposing exhi-
bition it was. The various competitions were well contested,
the quality of the plants and flowers was good ; never before
has Dundee enjoyed so fine a spectacle as on this occasion.
The president of the society is W. S. Melville, Esq., the
secretary W. P. Laird, and Mr. David Croll as treasurer*
these able officials being assisted by an excellent
executive committee. Everyihing passed off satisfactorily,
and it is to be hoped that the financial results will afford
encouragement for the future. The show was opened by
Sir William Hakcourt, who was accompanied by the Lord
Provost and the members of the corporation. Sir William
Harcourt, in a humorous spee h, declared the show opened.
The chief feature of the show was the competition for
the Challenge Cup, which was of a very splendid character.
The blooms shown in this contest were very fine and fresh
looking.
Cit Flowers (Open to All).
Thirty-six Blooms, Jap nese, not fewer than four varieties,
1st (Challenge Cup, presented by Mr. J. M. White, Balrud-
dery, and £3 10s.), James Besant, gr. to Mrs. Georce Armis-
tbad, Castle Huntly ; 2nd, A. McDonald, gr. to Mrs.
Stephen, Helenslea, Broughty Ferry,
Twenty-four Blooms, Japanese, not fewer than twelve
varieties, 1st (Challenge Cup, presented by Mr. J. J. Watson,
llallinard), John Bell, gr. to ex-Sheriff Robertson, Burnside,
Forfar ; 2nd, D. Nicoll, gr. to Mr. J. W. Bell, Rossie,
Forgaudenny.
Six Vases Japanese Chrysanthemum Blooms, six varieties,
three blooms of each, 1st (Challenge Cup, presented by Mr.
J M. Smeaton, Broughty Ferry, and 30s ), David Nicoll, gr.
to Mr. J. W. Bell, Rossie ; 2nd, D. Keillor.
Six Vases Chrysanthemums, distinct (not disbudded), any
foliage, 1st (flower-vases, presented by Mr. McBurney, china
merchant, and 10s.), James Beats; 2nd, A. Duncan, gr. to
Captain Clayhills Henderson, Invergowrie.
Open to Amateurs Only.
Twelve Blooms, Japanese, not less than six varieties, 1st
(Challenge Cup, presented by Mr. J. B. Lawson, and 12*.),
Emil Dohnert, Monifieth ; 2nd, John .Clark, Strathmartine
Road.
Three Vases, Japanese Chrysanthemum Blooms, three
varieties, three blooms of each, 1st, James Davidson ; 2nd,
Walker Melville.
Plants (Open).
Four Pots Chrysanthemums, disbudded, distinct, 1st, D.
Keillor; 2nd, James Joss.
Best Japanese Bloom in Show (gardeners' class), Mr. D.
Nicoll, Rossie.
Best Japanese Bloom in Show (amateurs), Emil Dohnert,
Monifieth.
The six medals of the Society were awarded as follows : —
Gold Medal for Chrysanthemums, Norman Davis, Franifield,
Sussex ; Gold Medal for Collection of Plants and Fruit,
Messrs. John Laino & Sons, Forest Hill, London ; Gold
Medal for Octagonal Group, Mr. William Colchester,
Ipswich; Silver Medal for Zonal Pelargonium, &c, Messrs.
Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent ; Silver Medal for Collection
of Chrysanthemums, Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay.
The competition in the specimen-plant classes was dis-
appointing, as was that in most of the fruit and vegetable
classes, although those who were awarded the higher prizes
showed produce of fine quality, and especially good were
Grapes, Apples, and Pears.
Honorary exhibits were numorous, and those from the
south were very creditable, Mr. Norman Davis, of Framfield
Nuisery, Sussex, showing a grand collection of cut flowers,
similar to that which attracted so much attention at the
National Chrysanthemum Society's Show at the Royal
Aquarium.
Messrs. LATNO & Sons, of Forest Hill, showed an int- rest-
ing collection of miscellaneous plants, cut flowers, and hardy
fruit. .
The Icthe'mic Guano Company set up a fine group of plants.
Messrs. Cannell & Son exhibited cut blooms of zona]
Pelargoniums, of new varieties of Cannas, and some fine
bulbs of Onions.
Messrs. Dobbie, of Rothesay, had a group of mixed plants,
as well as a stand of cut flowers.
Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, showed a very fine
collection of Apples, which met with a good deal of au mira-
tion from the visitors, and which was one of the chief features
of the show.
Messrs. Laird & Sinclair, nurserymen, Dundee, con-
tributed a good, interesting, and extensive group of hardy
and greenhouse plants and cut flowers, the whole making a
pleasing exhibit.
Messrs. D. Croll & Son, Messrs. Hurley & Sons, and
Messrs. STOhRiE & Storrie also contributed groupB of a
miscellaneous character, varied in style, and as regarded
their composition. A. 0.
ABERDEEN CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 26, 27.— This newly-formed Society held an
exhibition on the above dates in the Art Gallery, Aberdeen.
The idea of instituting such an exhibition was first venti-
lated at the annual meeting of the Royai Horticultural
Society of Aberdeen last ye-r, but as the funds of that
Society were not sufficient to render such a project prac-
ticable, the matter was dropped for the time being. How-
ever, as there was a general desire that an exhibition of the
kind should be held, a number of gentlemen who had spe-
cially interested themselves in the matter shortly after-
wards formed themselves into a Eociety for the purpose.
The second exhibition of the Society showed a marked
superiority over the one held last year. The quality was
greatly superior, and the entries (400) were nearly double.
'\ he dowers shown by Mr. James Grant, gr. to Lady Car-
negie, Crimonmogate, were specially meritorious, ■ and he
worthily carried off the prizes for the finest single Japanese
incurved bloom, as well as the finest incurved in the show.
In the amateur .'ection the specimens were very good,
notably those sho^n by Mr. George Stephen, Cuparstone
Lodge. The Chrysanthemums in pots a' tracted much atten-
tion by reason of their beauty of colour and grouping. A
feature of the exhibition was the superb collection of fruits
and vegetables.
The following are the names of the gentlemen who carried
off the principal special prizes presented for competition : —
Twenty-four Japanese, Mr. J. Grant, Crimonmogate ;
twelve Japanese, Mr. Fraser, Crathes Castle; six Japanese,
Mr. D. Chapman, Aden House : twelve incurved Chrysan-
themums, Mr. J. Grant, Crimonmogate ; twelve varieties of
Chrysanthemums, not disbudded, Mr. Macdonald,
Balgowrie.
Considerable attention was devoted to several stands sent
for exhibition only. Messrs. Cannell & Sons, nurserymen,
Swanley, Kent, had a beautiful display of winter- flow ering
Pelargoniums, and some Chrysanthemum novelties. Another,
notable collection was that fnni Me&sis. ^mhh & Sons
Aberdeen. Brilliant Chrysanthemum blooms were worked
into wreaths, crosses, and other devices, resulting in a most
dazzling display. There was al o an exhibit from Mr. W.
Wells, Earlswood Nurseries, Surrey, showing numerous and
beautiful specimens of the newest Chrysanthemums. Messrs,
Ben Rejd <fc Co., Aberdeen, had a fine table of Conifers.
ROYAL BOTANIC.
November 27. — A meeting of the Fellows of the Royal
Botanic Society was held on the above date in the Society's
gardens at Regent's Park, Dr. Boxall presiding. Lord Suf-
field, Lord John Cecil, and eight others were elected Fel
lows, and six were elected members. There are two nomi-
nations for Fellowship at the next mee ing.
The Chairman observed that there were on exhibition in
the gardens some very fine specimens of the Cypripedium
insigne.
Mr. Sowerby, the Secretary, called attention to some Kola
plants grown in the gardens, and said that the tree, which
was a native of the West coast of Africa, between Sierra Leone
and the Con^o, belonged to thenatural order Sterculiaceae. The
seeds, several of which were contained in a fleshy fruit, 4 in.
to 6 in. long, were the well-known Kola nuts of West Africa,
where they hadbeeuusedas farbackas it was possible to trace.
It was estimated that Kola paste is five times more sustain-
ing than Cocoa; it contained over 2 per cent, oi pure caffeine,
and, compared with Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa, the Kola prepara-
tions were far more nutritious and did not create biliousness,
as did Cocoa and Coffee, nor nervous excitability, as in the
case of Tea, so that the problem of '* What may we drink ? ' '
might probably be solved. A number ot these plants were
propagated at Kew in 1880, and distriouted to Calcutta,
Ceylon, Zanzibar, Demerara, Dominica, Sydney, Mauritius,
Java, Singapore, and Toronto, where the Nuts were now pro-
duced- It had been reported from Jamaica that if a demand
should arise for them in this country, the Nuts could be
shipped thence to the extent of many tons per year. Not-
withstanding its important properties, it is only lately that
any great demand has arisen for the production. As
medicinal ag*eut, it is specially valuable as a powerful rierve-
stinftilarit.
408
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 4, 1897.
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
November 29.— A meeting of the Floral Committee took
place at the Royal Aquarium on the above date, and though
at the end of November, a few interesting flowers, were
staged.
First class Certificates of Merit were awarded to Japaneac
Mrs. J. R. Tranter, shown and raised from seed sent from
America, by Mr. J. R. Tranter, Henley-on-Thames, a reflexed
flower, having tbe build of Madame Carnot. The basal petals
deep lilac pink, with, a white centre ; cut blooms, and a
plant, the blooms above medium size, full, and symmetrical
in ebape, being exhibited; and to Japanese Violaceum, a flower
very like Viviand Morel in colour (with perhaps more purple
in it) and buil I, and not t> be distinguished from some of the
characters the former occasionally assumes— from Mr. E.
Beckett, Aldenbam House, Elstree (First-class Certificate),
but only by a bare majority of the committee voting for the
award.
Mr. William Wells, Earlswood, sent one or two market
varieties— a somewhat vague term— one of them named
Setting fcSun, in the way of Golden Gate, but with more
bronzo in its colour ; very bright and pleasing.
Two very pretty feathery-flowered varieties were Com-
mended for late cutting purposes, viz., Sam Creswcll, soft
lilac pink, with pleasing feathery blossoms— very pretty ;
and Mrs. W. Butters, small white feathery petals— very
attractive indeed, and very promising.
Mr. A. Haggart, tbe Gardens, Moor Park, Ludlow, sent
Moor Park, pale bright crimson, with golden-amber reverse,
in the way of Col. W. B. Smith, but not large enough for
show purposes as shown.
From Mr. G. W. Forbes, Regent House, Surbiton, came
a number of seedling single-floworod varieties, all more or
less coloured, which he stated he had raised from the single-
ftowered white variety Purity.
The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature,
53
Accumulated.
(H on
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a a
Day.
deg.
Day-
deg.
0
s +
IS
4
1
4 +
2!
8
2
3 +
27
8
3
i-
15
32
4
1 +
16
26
5
1 +
26
8
6
5 +
26
0
7
3 +
2S
3
8
2 +
30
1
9
3 +
27
2
10
3 +
34
0
"
1 +
48
0
Day-
deg.
+ 218
+ 56
+ 116
+ 144
+ 84
+ 268
+ 135
+ 192
+ 277
+ 88!
+ 223
+ 416
Day- lOths
deg. | Inch.
- 40!
- 31
- 115
- 135
-148
- 214|
- 74
- 1320 aver
- 162 1
- 37
- 97
- 82
0 aver
7
Ins
38-8
25 7
21 -S
20-6
23-7
22
39 8
30-4
87 1
35 4
414
30-5
4
15
13
10
11
13
11
11
5
18
19
26
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts —
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, £c, Districts — 6, Scotland. W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; 'Channel Islands.
Enquiry.
" Be that questionelh much shall learn much."— Bacon.
Skeleton Leaves. — Can one of the correspondents
of the Gardeners' Chronicle kindly tell "Leirion"
how to make skeleton leaves (Oak, Chestnut, &c.)
to as to leave small devices, letters and figures still
gre»n and undisturbed on the network of veins.
Notices to Correspondents.
Abalia Veitcjhi : Header. Graft on A. Guilfoylei in
a close case, doing so either by approach or detached
scion, the fomer, of course, the Burer method in the
hands of a novice.
Ataccia viridis : H. R. If you sought Ataccia in
the Dictionary of Gardening, you would not find all
thespeciis uLder that name, but some of them under
Tacca — the Malay name. A. or T. viridis does not
occur. The plants do well in a mixture of loam,
peat, and sand, and being natives of Burmah,
Malaya, Madagascar, and other warm region", they
must be cultivated in the stove. The plants re-
quire but little water when at rest. Propagation is
by division of the roots.
Books: G. H. H. Vines' Students' Text- Booh cf
Botany (Swan, Sonnenschein : 1895) ; Handbook of
Systematic Botany (Warming), edited by Prof.
Potter ; same publishers. These are works of a
general character. If you require books for a
particular purpose, we will endeavour to assist you.
— Books. No. 1. We are unacquainted with the one
that you name. My Gardener, by H. W. Ward, is a
very good work by a professional gardener, quite
up to date. It is published by Eyre & Spottis-
woode, East Harding Street, London, E.C. No. 2.
This is one of the best of its kind, and a useful
book. No. 3. Not sufficiently useful. Nicholson's
Encyclopaedia of Gardening, four vols., is a much
more suitable present. It is published by Upcott
Gill, 171, Strand, Loudon, W.C.
Carnation : (?. IV, The usual Carnation fungus,
Uredo dianthi, for which we can suggest no
eifective remedy. All diseased plants should be
burnt. M. C. O.
Carnations : W. L. Carnation-rust, Uredo Dianthi.
Chrysanthemum Sport : C. G. The bloom is an
uncommonly weak one, but the colour bright and
pretty. Give it careful culture next season. A
bright yellow-flowered Viviand Morel should be
valuable.
Crown Bod in Chrysanthemum Plants : B. P.
What is meant by the "crown" bud was fully
explained by cut and text in Gardeners' Chronicle,
August 29, 1S96, p. 249. The "first" break
usually occurs between the middle of April and
the end of Juno, and the accompanying bud is
not "taken." The second, or "crown" bud,
generally forms in August. This, however, must
not be read as applying to " tops " struck late,
and flowered in srnill pots.
CUCUMBER-HOUSE, 200 FEET LONG, AND 14 FEET
Wide : W. J. B. The wire-netting would, as you
suggest, answer sufficiently well, provided you
made it sloping, and nearly parallel to the roof,
which is easily done by having the central row of
posts taller than those at the sides. But we are
not sure from your words that it is a trellis that
you want, or merely something wherewith to
confine the sods (soil) at the sides of the bed. If
the latter, the plan proposed would doubtless
answer, but it would not be so good as a wall of
boards — rough slabs, such as the sawyers take off
in squaring timber ; or of bricks, or concrete ; the
evaporation of moisture from the bed, and the
consequent necessity of affording large quantities
of water and manure-water to the soil at frequent
iotervals, being a constant source of expense. You
are quite right in wanting to raise the Cucumber-
plants up to the light ; a 2 to 3 feet of stem is as
long as it ought to be. ¥"ou will find good varie-
ties in Covent Garden Favourite, Cardiff Castle,
Lockie's Perfection, Sion House, and Tender-and-
True. Any nursery or seedsman in a large way of
business would furnish seed of the varieties named.
We cannot recommend any particular house.
Diseased Pears : E. F. W. Too rotten to deter-
mine the variety. There is no apparent fungus,
except what results from decay. From the
decayed fruit the cause cannot be determined, as
there is no apparent difference from ordinary rot.
M. C. C.
Disfigured Leaves op Orchids : R. N. B. Any-
thing that gives a sudden check to growth, as cold
draughts from ventilators or door, or the effect of
cold on removal from the culture-house to some
other place, impure air, or air impregnated with
gas, &s.
Grapes in Tomato-house : W. J. B. Owing to the
length of time required to perfectly ripen Gros
Colman Grapes, we could not advise you to plant
this variety. Some early-ripening variety, lite
Black Hamburgh, Alicante, Alnwick Seedling ; as
white Grapes, you might successfully grow Chas-
selas Vibert, and Diamant, an oval Sweetwater,
ripening without artificial heat ; flesh firm, sweet,
and pleasant eating. If you plant so many as four
rows of Vines up the middle of the house, and one
row in each side-bed, it is only a small part of the
beds that will be available in a few years for
Tomato culture ; so that the two kinds of crops
cannot go on for long iu the same house. Better
divide the house with a partition, cultivating
Tomatos and Vines separately, and this, too, with-
out waste of space.
Names of Fruits : F. W. Apples : 1, Hambledon
Deux-ans ; 2, Royal Russet. — E. M. P. Apple,
Tibbett's Pearmain.
Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in
this issue arc requested to be so good as to consult
llic following number. — /. A. Lselia anceps San-
deriana, a close ally of L. anceps Dawsoni — J. B.
Cymbidium Mastersii and Miltonia Clowesii. —
T. D. 1, Retinospora squarrosa ; 2, Echinops Ritro.
— Japonica. Origanum majorana, the common
Marjoram.
Phaius . A . G. The black spots arise from any
injury to the plant, or from the application of
water at a lower temperature than that of I he
house.
Raspberries for Marketing : \V. T. A list of
varieties is given in our " Hardy Fruit Garden "
(see p. 398, of the present issue).
Rll'UABDIA Spathescominj with Grken Streaks :
Reader. Usually the result of extra vigour, induced
by over-manuring at some period of the growth of
the plants. When that is the case, the exhaustion
of the soil in the pots will bring about improve-
ment. You can do nothing now to prevent the
green streaks appearing.
Tomato-house 30 feet Wide : IV. J. B. In order
not to waste the area available for planting, the
walks should not be more than 2i feet wide, and if
they are made to surround the central bed, this
would give a width of 9 feet to that, and a bed on
each side of 8 feet iu width. If the plants are to
bo grown erect, with a single stem, they may bo
planted in rows 2 feet apart, running north by
south, and H foot apart in the rows. We have
seen Tomato plants put out much closer thau this
that bore extraordinarily heavy crops of fruit. Of
course, close attention must be paid to the removal
of laterals, and that the growth be sturdy, yet
excessive water should not be extravagantly
afforded, and air should be given whenever the
weather admits of it being done safely — night and
day in the summer, and in sufficient volume to
prevent drawing of the stems and foliage. Once
a good crop is set, good pickings of ripe fruit aro
continuous in a large house, of 200 feet in length ,
such as yours, over several months. For winter
fruiting, we should prefer more space between the
plants — say in each direction 2} feet.
Tomatos : IV. J. B. The best soil is the pasture
loam of which your holding consists ; but as the
turves will not have decayed much by planting-
time, the bed, although chiefly put together of
these, should contain available plant-food iu the
form of garden-mould, or something like it, with
some decayed stablemauure added to it. Good va-
rieties of Tomatos for indoor cropping are Frognore
Selected, Duke of Yoik, Acme, Young's Eclip e,an I
Polegate. These are early fruiters, and very
prolific. We should suppose that the cheapest
method of training would be to have sticks of Ash
or Chestnut smaller than Hop-poles. Horizontal
wires would be more economical in the end, but
they would greatly interfere with the performance
of the work among the plants.
Communications Received.— W. M., Auckland, New Zea-
land.—T. W. B.— C. Strauss, Washington (next wtek).—
H. Correvon, Geneva.— F. H". Knowlton, Washington.—
L. Hii-hrner & Co., Yokohama.— W. J. G.— C. W. C. should
have addressed the Publisher.— B. S. (letter handed to the
Publisher).— P. B. (many thanks).- G. H— H. W. W.—
D. h.— T. C. (be,t thanks).— W. M.-H. C, Geneva.—
J. E. T., Soilly.-Sir W. B.— G. P.-U. D., Berlin.—
Dr. Bonavia.— E. C— J. H. K.— C. L., Erfurt— F. W. B.—
It. L. H.— Expert.— J. B. C. R. D.— Wild Rose.— C. H.—
H. H. U.— E. C— J. McGlennon.— J. W., Capron. -T.
Brothel's,
Photoorapbs, Specimens, etc, Received. — F. W. B.
{For Market} see p. i.)
December 11, 1897.]
THE GA RDENEB >S" GHB ONI (JL E.
409
EeEMBER
THE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1897.
THE GREENHOUSE IN THE
WINTER.
WHAT a variety of conceptions arise in the
mind in speaking of this familiar
structure, anil how few stop to consider that it
is a very modern adjunct to tho garden. Sixty
vears ago tho greenhouse existed mostly in
the gardens of the aristocracy and in botanic
gardens. Public parks had them not, for
the simple reason that, with tho exception of
the Royal parks, which boasted of no glass-
houses, no others were in existence to which
the public had admission at all times. The
modern greenhouse came in with cheap loco-
motion, cheap glass, cheap wood, and iron, and
with the general increase of comfort and
the pleasures of life that followed on the intro-
duction of free trade, and tho remission of taxes
after the great European wars of tho early part
of the century, with the introduction of steam-
ships and railways, and what is understood by
the word Progress. With the cheapening of
glass, tho old fashion of glazing with small
panes of glass disappeared ; greenhouses were
no longer the halt-lighted, leaky structures
they had been, and it was now possible to
cultivate plants in them with success ;
and the maintenance of a fairly uniform
temperature was possible even in times
of severe frost. This was formerly an impos-
sibility, owing to the almost innumerable
laps that allowed of the escape of the warmth
of the interior from roof and sides. Similarly
nearly all glass-houses were, for this reason,
constructed as lean-to's, with sheds erected
at the back, so as to minimiso some of the
evils of the necessarily faulty construction.
An isolated glass-house was in former days
almost unhoird of. At about the time of the
repeal of the duty on glass, hot water began
to make its way as a means of heating, and
many were the crude and unsatisfactory
methods adopted before our present system
of hot water heating was perfected. But before
hot water, camohotair, "The Pol maise system."
It must suffice to mention its name, for although
it made a great stir in the world of horticulture
early in the '40's, it really n9ver had any great
de°ree of popularity, and its adoption was
limited to a few large gardens. The trade
we believe never took it up seriously, and tho
few market gardeners who practised the little-
known art of forcing flowers and fruits stuck
with pertinacity to the simple method of heating
by means of flues, as did tho nurserymen.
By degrees we advanced slowly from the open
hot- water trough, which was really a modifica-
tion of the smoke-flue, and attached to either a
fixed or free-standing small boiler by means of a
short length of lead or iron pipe. This method
was not bad in its way, but it was extravagant
in practice, as each pit or house had its special
boiler, and the coal bill was increased accord-
ingly. We recollect seeing a greenhouse in a
nobleman's garden, near to, and now incor-
porated in London, which had an ordinary
washing-copper sunk in the floor, and heated
by a furnace fixed in the back wall ; a couplo
of siphons connected this with tho hot-water
pipes. It afforded a handy supply of heated
water for use in the greenhouse, and at times a
good deal moro humidity than tho plants
required ; moreover, the air that got into the
pipes, and accumulated at the bonds stopped the
circulation of the water, and it had to be re-
moved by a specially-contrived air-pump. Gone
are the old methods, and we have now as perfect
a method of heating as we could desire, and
instead of one house one furnace or boiler, we
have boilers capable of warming at various
dogrees fifty to a hundred houses and pits, and
needing merely a duplicate boiler attached to
the main flow and return-pipes for use in case
of very hard weather, or of the failure of one of
them ; and tho necessary valves on tho branch
flow and return pipes. As with the structure
and its heating apparatus, so with the plants
grown thereiu.
Tho purely cold greenhouse with its stock of
hard-wooded plants— the backbone of tho con-
tents— the Camellias, Orange and Shaddock
trees, Rhododendron arboreum, Indian Azaleas,
Acacias, Banksia (but few of these now), Poly-
galas, Myrtles, Eugenias, Clianthus, Neriums,
and other plants, still find, as they deserve, a place
in most gardens ; but the structure is going, its
place being taken by that modern invention,
the show-house, conservatory or intermediate-
house, as it is indifferently called. This change
was inevitable from the immensely greater
number of species now callod into our sorvice
as compared with fifty years ago. Bosides, we
force a far larger number of species and varieties
than wo did then; and these plants, in order
that they may continue to open their flowers
for some time after comiug out from the forcing-
pit, require to be accommodatod in houses
furnished with rather more warmth than is
desirable in the winter season for those plants
above-mentioned, which are then mostly in a
state of repose. The part of the year when the
warm greenhouse is moro particularly grateful
is from the beginning of October onwards, as
hitherto the temperature has been sufficiently
high out-of-doors to render artificial heat
scarcely a necessity, and cool and intermediate
greenhouse are then interchangeable terms.
After that date they are so no longer.
The Chrysanthemum in October becomes the
season's flower, and retains its pre-eminence
till the fading days of December, reigning,
therefore, undisputed queen for two and a half
months. Formerly, after the flush of the
Chrysanthemums, and these solely consisting
of incurved, Pompon, and reflexed varieties,
most of which we retain to this day, there was
little to enliven the glass-houses, if we except
Salvia splendens, and the later S. gesneriflora,
till the earlier Dutch bulbs came in. The Roman
Hyacinth was either unknown, or did not exist.
Lilium lougiflorum var. Harrisii was not ;
Freesia refracta alba was not much known in
gardens before 1878, the year it was Certifi-
cated by the Royal Horticultural Society;
Begonia Mrs. Heal, B. Adonis (Veitch, 1887),
B. Gloire de Lorraine were unheard of. True,
we had B. Frosbelli from Ecuador in 1872.
B. incana, a species with panicles of small
white flowers, introduced in 1840 ; B. incarnata
in 1822, B. manicata 1842, and B. nitida, one
of the best of the winter-flowering species, intro-
duced so longago as 1777. These, with the garden
hybrid, B. Weltoniensis (circa 18C8), composed
all that wo had of winter-flowering species in
gardens fifty years ago. How great has been the
advance in Begonias since J. Veitch, J. Laing,
Henderson, H. Cannell, Messrs. Sutton, those
who aro acquainted with modern horticulture
know full well ; still, the advanco is not so
marked in winter as summer flowers. Nar-
cissus are made to yield their quota to the
flowers of winter to au extent not dreamt of in
our young days.
The common Lent-Lily, or Daffodil — Nar-
cissus Pseudo - Narcissus — a variable plant,
and truly indigenous, is one that may be grown
in pots and boxes for flowering early, but a
few dozen roots should suffice. The true
double form of this species, onco thought to be
lost, and which was re-discovered by Mr. P.
Barr, may be preferred by some, but it has
less gracefulness than the type. This must not
be confused with the common large-flowered
double Daffodil, which is of much larger
growth, and has great Rose-like blossoms,
which botanically is N. Telamonius plenus, and
not exactly fitted for indoors-gardening.
The Triandrus section of Narcissus afford
some nice forcing varieties in the type in
N. incomparabilis, N. odorus, and N. Macleai.
We do not mention the varieties of these,
because they are too scarce and dear as yet to
be used for forcing.
Narcissus Tazetta in variety, belonging to
the Parvi-coronate, or small-cupped section,
should be included among winter bulbs, espe-
cially jonquilla. N. jonquilla, the Jonquil or
Rush Daffodil, should not be forgotten ; and
for other desirable species for forcing into
bloom in tho winter, wo must ask our readers
to consult the nurserymen's bulb-lists.
We can now hardly imagine the show-house
without its tree Carnations ; and yet how new
they aro, for there were but few varieties before
1880, and these were Alegatiere, still accounted
of some worth, sent out by C. Turner in 1877,
Empress of Germany 1872, Gueldres Rose 1877,
Maiden's Blush 1870, probably not grown at
this date ; Miss Joliffe, sent out by Masters in
1871, Rose Perfection, The Queen, White Nun,
and a few more. How large a proportion of
our present day tree Carnations are quite of
recent origin 1 Cinerarias, in recent times,
have greatly altered in character, having
become of dwarfer stature, broader in the
corymb, larger in tho individual flowers,
with richer and moro intense colours, and
scarcely recognisable as belonging to the same
species as the lanky, small flowored specimens
of fifty years ago, that gardeners gave names to
and propagated from offsets. Now, the seed of
the Cineraria can be obtained so true and so
good in every way, that the finest varieties can
be obtained with much less trouble than was once
demanded in the culture of the plants. The only
Cinerarias which we now distinguish by name
are the double-flowered varieties ; the earliest
of which, in point of time, was Duke of Cam-
bridge, sent out by C. Turner, about I860.
Cyclamens are indispensable in late winter,
and, unfortuuately for other species, it is only
the giganteum varieties of C. persicum that
meet with the greatest favour, tho earliest
raised of which was Edinond's giganteum,
which has given tho name to the strain. This
was certificated in 1870, and the next by the
same raiser was roseum compactum in 1882,
410
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 11, 1897.
since which time bo great a number of C. p.
giganteum have issued from various nurseries
that the maintenance of the names has become
a burden ; and these, as in the case of the Cine-
raria, Gloxinia, and Streptocarpus, will in time
disappear. The Amaryllis furnish many beau-
tiful varieties for the winter flora, the bulbs,
with special kind of treatment, affording blooms
in late January and onwards ; and some, like
General Garfield and Exquisite, which originated
at the Holloway nurseries of Mr. B. S. Williams,
are true winter bloomers. Kalanchoe carnea,
a Crassulaceous plant, likely to become a
favourite flower naturally at this season; it
was first seen about teu years ago. Lachenalias
are favourite winter subjects, good for planting
in pots or baskets, through the sides of which
they can be made to show their flowers and
foliage. L. Nelsoni is one of the earliest to
flower. And we must not forget Primula
sinensis fimbriata in all its beautiful varieties
of crimson, white, pink, red, light blue, or
rather lavender, the spotted, and striped. The
old doable-flowered Primula still remains one
of the best of its class.
Bouvardias are to be found in finer varieties
than formerly; and the plants still form indis-
pensable warm greenhouse subjects during late
autumn and winter.
Manettia micans should be grown in the
winter-flower house. It has a neat habit and
pretty flowers ; and the Libonias ought not to
be forgotten, being also of neat compact growth,
evergreen, and the flowers of a lively scarlet.
The brightest of all flowers of comparatively
recent introduction are the zonal Pelargoniums,
the large brilliant coloured blossoms in mag-
nificent trusses imparting a glow to the house
to a degree not found in any other plant of the
seasonifwe except the Indian Azaleas. Ourfinest
zonals go back but little more than twenty
years ; Pearson's Lady Belper, 1876 ; Constance
Grosvenor (Fleming) is older, 1863; but the
best of them are much more recent. These
zonals 'are new creations, and our fathers knew
them not — at least, in their present state of
development.
On this occasion it remains for us to mention
but the following as true winter subjects, or
which may bo forced into bloom at this season.
The beautiful, if somewhat formal, Camellia, a
plant that is relegated too much to the rear,
considering its great merits and the ease with
which it can be cultivated and flowered ; early-
flowering Gladiolus, as The Bride, and Colvillei ;
and various hardwood plants, as Epacris, in
variety, Ericas, like Wilmoreana, E. hyemalis,
Indian Azaleas, A. mollis, A. rustica, and the
Ghent varieties ; Rhododendron hybridum,
Kalmias ; and amongdeciduous subjects, Lilacs,
Prunus triloba, Spirsea astilboides, S. japonica,
S. confusa, Deutzia gracilis, Staphylea colchica,
&c.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
■ •
IPOMCEA PERRINGIANA, Dammer, nov. spec.
Tins new Ipomoea, was introduced from the Came-
roons by the late Johannes Braun, son of Alexander
Braun, and a plant of it flowered the first time last
summer in the Victoria-house of the Berlin Botanic
Garden. It is a large climber, with slender stems, only
one line in diameter, and covered with stellate hairs.
The discoloured leaves are disposed at intervals of
4 to 5 inches, petiolate, broadly ovate, three to five
lobed at the base, cuneate ; the lobes are obtuse
mucronate. Length of the petiole 2k inches ; the
lamina is 4 to 5 inches long, 4| to 6£ inches broad.
The inflorescence is pedunculated, peduncle 6 inches
long, cymose, bracts linear, deciduous, 1^ line
long, J to 4 a line broad ; pedicels J inch long
thickened at the upper end, shining. Stems, leaves,
and peduncle beset with stellate hairs. Of the
obovate obtuse calyx leaves, the outer ones (4 lines
long) only have some stellate hairs, the inner ones
5 lines long, 2\ lines broad, are glabrous. The
violet-rosa hypocrateriform corolla is over 3 inches
long ; the corolla-tube is contracted at the base, red
on the interior surface, 2 inches long, and \ inch in
diameter ; the five - lobed limbus is 2 inches in
diameter, the lobes are roundish, somewhat crenate-
toothed ; the five inaequilong stamens are inserted in
the corolla .J inch over the base, which is here
thickened. From the white, at the base, hairy
filaments, one is 1 inch, one -i inch long, the three
others are still 2 lines shorter ; anthers 2} lines long,
sagittate, white exteriors ; disc very short, five-
toothed ; ovary conic, 1 line high ; style filiform,
1 inch long ; stigmata globular, confluent. The
plant flowered from August till the middle of
October. U. D.
COCHLIODA STRICTA, C'oijn , It. sp*
We have seen this species at Liege, in the collec-
tion of M. De Lairesse, nurseryman, with whom it
bloomed last August. It was sent from Columbia by
M. Lehmann, mixed with Odontoglossum cirro-
sum, which its pseudo-bulbs much resemble. In
its beautiful rose-coloured flowers it is analogous to
C. rosea, but differs much, chiefly in the following
particulars : — Its pseudo-bulbs, of a bronzy-green,
are thicker, the angles obtuse, only becoming acute
towards the summit ; the leaves, still very imper-
fectly developed, seem narrower and sharper ; the
common peduncle instead of being curved, is stiff
and erect ; the flowers are rather smaller, and more
attractive, quite erect, and distinct, with much
longer pedicels ; the 6epals and petals are shorter,
broader, and less pointed ; the lateral ones attached
between them at least for two-thirds of their length,
and not merely near their base ; the lip is more fully
joined to the column, shorter and broader, less dis-
tinctly lobed, the terminal lobe broadly triangular-
ovate and spreading, instead of being oblong and
bent back. A. Coyniaux.
JAMES BATEMAN.
Your just tribute to the memory of the dear old
horticultural enthusiast, the late Mr. Jas. Bateman,
calls to my mind many pleasant remembrances of
that remarkable man. I paid him a visit at his
pretty home at Worthing in 1894, and although
his garden there consisted principally of natural-
looking rockeries, formed chiefly by his own hands,
and in which were planted a great number of rare
plants, the day seemed too short to admit^of even a
tithe of its interesting subjects being inspected, so
much had their loving owner to say about each.
Naturally, the subject of Orchids was touched upon,
and on my saying that a brief note of his first attempts
at Orchid importing, happening, as it did, at a very
important period iu Orchid culture, would be inte-
resting to many, Mr. Bateman promised to send me
some notes on the subject, and strangely enough I
turned to his letter again just before I heard of
his death.
As I had Mr. Batemau's authority to make what
use I liked of his letter, I here give it : — <; It has been
a great pleasure to me to revive memories of my first
experience in Orchid importing. About the beginning
of 1832 I sent (with my father's permission)
' Cochliodi stricta, Cogn. — Pseudobulbis late ovatis, satis
compressis, angulissupernencutis ceteris obtusis; foliisaugus-
tis, acutissimis ; pedunculo commuui erecto, stricto, gracili,
fere usque ad basin laxe multifloro ; bracteis tenuiter mem-
branaceis, basi vaginantibus, deinde triangularibus, acumi-
natis, arete adpressis ; floribus erectis, disticbis, longe pedi-
cellatis, pedicellis strictis ; sepalis a^quilongis, carnosulis,
obovatia, apice subrotundatis apiculatisque, dorsali erecto
apice leviter recurvo, Iateralibus patulis usque ad $
inter se coalitie ; petalis erectis, obovato-ellipticis, abrupte
acutis, basi cimi columna breviter coalitis, sopalo dorsali
Eequilongis ; labello caruoso, patentissimo, sepalis Iateralibus
satis breviore, late ovato, acuto, leviter vet obscure trilobato,
disco basi tuberculis 2 crassis lateraliter valde compressis
munito ; columna breviuscula, fere usque ad apicem cum
labello eormata, clinandrio margine antice utrinque anguste
unidentato. Crescit in Columbia.
a man of the name of Colley to collect Orchids
in Demerara. He was under the protection
of the two great Liverpool merchants, Moss
and Horsfall, on whom he was authorised to draw up
to the extent of £200 or £300. Colley did his best,
and found abundance of Orchids, i.e., of Catasetums
and yellow-flowered Oucidiums, which then were not
worth their freight. The only new plant worthy of
cultivation was a species of Rodriguezia or Burling-
tonia, with large white flowers, which flowered beau-
tifully and then died. There is a beautiful white
Catasetum in the Demerara woods, but Colley wai
not fortunate enough to meet with it ; indeed, it has
not been found until a very recent period. All this
reads like a very poor speculation, but that was
not the case. You have heard, no doubt, of
Oucidiutn Laneeanutn, which Lance discovered
in Surinam, a year or two before Colley went to
Demerara. He (Lance) ouly sent over two or three
plants to England, which nude Orchid collectors
mad. It had never beeu found in Demerara, but
Colley stumbled upon a solitary tree (about five daya'
sail up the Demerara river) covered from head to
foot with this Oncidium. He immediately set to
work and stripped the tree, determined not to give
others the chance ! Nor, so far as I know, has the
species ever been found, before or since, in that
colony. Any how, it retrieved the fortunes of my
expedition, for when a large healthy cargo was known
to have arrived, everyone (save the fortunate holders
of Mr. Lince's specimens) were prepired to go down
on their knees for a bit, offering their greatest
treasures in exchange. In thii way (without any
money passing) I became possessed of bits of all the
then-known specie* which I cired to have.
"But for this unexpected 'find.' my expedition
would have beeu a totil loss and bitter vexation.
"We did not then know that good Orchids are, as
a rule, very rarely met with on the beautiful, tidal,
tropical rivers, but must be sought on the neirest
mountains at an elevation of 3000 to 6000 feet.
" One treasure I should like to see again, viz.,
' Cassaripe,' genuine, and compounded by the
Indians from Cassava. It was delicious, and the
half-a-dozen bottles which Colley brought lastel
several years. You may buy stufl' here by the same
name, but it is uiaiuly made up of treacle."
From this interesting letter we get a glimpse of the
enthusiast a* he was iu his declining days, but still
retaining his fine intellect, and that pleavant way of
putting things, which formed a great feature in his
lectures at the Royal Horticultural Society.
With regard to Oncidium Lauceaoum, it may be
said that Mr. Jenman and others have since found it
it British Guiana. I am pleased to be able to add,
that through the kindness of Everard F. Im Thurn,
Esq., of British Guiana, I was enabled to forward the
wished-for supply of genuine Cassaripe, which gave
great satisfaction. James O'Brien.
Plant Notes.
»
PINGUICULA CAUDATA.
DuBlNf; the month of November this beautiful
Mexican species was to be seen in fine character iu
Mr. James Cypher's nursery, Queen's Road, Chelten-
ham. Quite a large batch of plants was observed
in 3^-inch pots, blooming freely. One blossom at the
termination of each long scape ; in colour bright
deep rosy-carmine or crimson. The leaves are formed
in dense rosettes, long, uarrowish, and of a pale yel-
lowish-green colour. An individual plant produces a
large number of flowers, thrown well above the foliage,
and they appear to be somewhat lasting iu character.
So attractive are they from their peculiar colour, that
they at once attract attention ou entering the house.
P. caudata, which is a greenhouse evergreen peren-
nial, is potted into a compost of peat, sand, and
sphagnum moss in equal parts ; the potting process
is lightly done, the time of potting is after the plants
have bloomed and been rested for a period, during
which they require little water. As soon as they begin
to show signs of growth they require more water,
and then comes the time to divide. They do well in
a temperature suitable for cool Orchids — about 45° to
December 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
411
50° by night during winter, and it is necessary tbere
be plenty of moisture in the atmosphere both winter
and summer. In addition to increasing by division,
plants can also be raised from leaves (similar to the
Gloxinia), and they are found to strike freely in the
same compost as that recommended for growing
plants. Plants can also be raised from seeds. Could
a batch of the finely-grown and bloomed plants seen
at Cheltenham have been sent up to one of the
meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society during
the autumn, they would have been certain to have
aroused a great deal of interest. The species was
introduced from Mexico io 1881. R. D.
Trees and Shrubs.
— « —
CASTANOPSIS CHRYSOPHYLLA.
In December, 1882, a notice of Catauopsis ehryso-
phylla, planted at Tortworth, was sent to the Gard.
Chron. Since that date, the tree then alluded to
has grown considerably. As it is far from common
(fig. 120), and as it is sometimes supposed to be not
hardy, a description of its present condition may be
of interest to some of your readers. This plant was
procured from Messrs. Veitch about 1854 — 56. On
applying lately to them for a precise date, they were
and many healthy plants have been reared in spite of
a considerable mortality during the first three years
after germination. Several healthy specimens over
6 feet high have been planted out in the neighbour-
hood of the parent tree, or have been distributed
among friends. One of these in the grounds of Sir
Joseph Hooker at Sunningdale is now 10 feet high.
The experience of forty years has shown that
Castanea chrysophylla is hardy here. It stands on a
hill-side of old red sandstone on a southern slope of
sand and loam, sheltered from the north and east by
rising ground, and protected against the prevailing
south-west wind by a grove of larger trees.
Fig. 120. — castanopsis chrysophylla — hardy tree : flowers a>d fruits.
(From a specimen sent by the Earl of Ducie.)
Cycas bevoluta.
At Northdown House there is a large plant of
Cycas revoluta bearing a cone. The same plant
some eight or ten years ago produced a cone.
It may not be unusual for the Cycas to bear
fruit, but there are many who have never had
an opportunity of seeing one, and to those it might
be of interest to know that tho plant produces a
large tuft ; the one I am referring to measures
46 inches round and 28 inches over, in the centre of
the crown of leaves surmounting tho stem. This
tuft consists of woolly, pinnately-cleft leaves, studded
with red fruits abnutthesizeof small nuts on eitherside
of the edges, which are in the notchep. The exact age of
this plant is not known, but I should imagine it is
quite forty years old. B. Markham, Northdown, Margate.
unable to trace it ; they think, however, that their
collector, Lobb, may have sent its seeds to them
about 1853. In the winter of 1S79 it was 20 feet
high, with a girth of 17 inches at 3 feet from the
ground. At the present moment it is 27 feet high,
with a girth of 36J inches at 3 feet from the
ground. The increase in diameter at this poiut
is, therefore, about one-third of an inch annually.
The first branch is at 0 feet from the ground. The
tree is in perfect health, and seems to be free from
all insect enemies. Up to 1882 it bore sterile
" burrs," miniatures of those of Castanea vesca ; but
since that date it has produced good seed. About
half a pint of these small Chestnuts, each no bigger
than a small Pea, has been collected every autumn,
Before the publication of vol. ix. of The North
American Sylva, by Professor Sargent in 1896, the
references to this tree in botanical works were meagre
and incomplete. Professor Sargent describes it as
follows: — "A tree from 100 to 150 feet in height,
with a massive trunk from 5 to 1 0 feet in diameter, and
frequently free of branches for SO feet above-ground.
... A small tree in Oregon and on the Califoraian
sierras, and usually shrubby at high elevations and
on the Californian coast ranges south of the Bay of
San Francisco. The Golden leaved Chestnut attains
its greatest size and beauty in the humid climate of
the coast valleys of Northern California, where,
scattered among coniferous trees, it is one of the
nobleBt and most beautiful inhabitants of the
412
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 11, 1897.
forest, with its fluted columuar trunk and brilliant
leaves, bright green and lustrous on the upper
surface, and golden-yellow on the lower."
This golden-yellow colour on the lower-side of the
leaves becomes very conspicuous when the branches
are move! by the wind. Although the Tortworth
specimen is never likely to attain the size recorded
by Professor Sargent, its present healthy condition and
uuinterrputed growth seem to promise a tree of the
fourth or fifth magnitude in the course of the next
half-century.
In his description of the genus, Professor Sargent
writes: — "Of Castanopsis, whioh is intermediate in
its character between the Oak and the Chestnut,
about twenty -five species ara now recognised ; one
inhabits the forests of Pacific North America, and the
others South Eastern Asia, where they are distributed
from Southern China through Malaya to the Eastern
Himalaya*." In all the Bpecies the leaves are per-
sistent. It is a pleasure to me to have found a
record of Dr. Asa Gray having examined my tree
when on a visit here, January 11, 1881. Duck,
Tortioorth, Gloucestershire, November 12.
CuTONEASTEK PANNOSA.
In the October number of the Journal de la
Socittt Rationale d' Horticulture, M. Maxime Cornu
is reported to have shown before the Society a speci-
men of this shrub, discovered by the Abbe Delavay
in Yunnan. The leaves are small, and covered on
the under-surfaco with a whitish down ; whilst the
berries are globose, of the sizs of Peas, an! produce
a good decorative effect.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
L.ELIA PUMILA PR/ESTANS.
Some collections of Orchids have been embellished
during the past seis n with the best varieties of Lselia
pumila hitherto ob-erved, which are of recent impor-
tation. The name " pnestans " is generally admitted
to be untenable as that of a species, though the
original form of L. pumila described as L. prsestans
had some distinct features wh;ch are well set forth
by Messrs. Veitch in their Manual of Orchidaceous
Plants : ' ' Lip trumpet-shaped and not straight as in
the type, convolute side-lobes overlapping at the
margin, very stiff in texture, so that they cannot be
spread out without splitting ; Hues of the disc almost
obsolete, disc orange-yellow." A flower exactly
answering to this description, and differing from the
bulk of L. pumila observed in gardens, is sent by
G. F. Moore, Esq , Bourton-on-the- Water.
L.ELIA X JUVENILIS (PERRINII X PUMILA).
All of the hybrids of L;elia Perrini are desirable on
account of their showy flnvers, appearing chiefly in
the autumn and winter ; and in the present instance,
the beauty of the flower is enhanced by its being
produced on a neat, compact-growing plant. A good
example is sent by Messrs. J. Charlesworth & Co.,
Heaton, Bradford, with the remark that they regard
it as one of the handsomest dwarf hybrid Laelias
flowering at this season. The flower, which is about
51 inches in width, has bright purplish-rose coloured
sepals and petals, which are silvery-white at the base.
The lip is blush-white at the base, and maroon-purple
in front, the margiu being slightly crimped.
Cypripedium Godefroy.e leucochilum.
A good variety of this rare Cypripcdium was illus-
trated from the collection of R. I. Measures, Esq.,
in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 30, 1894, the
flower having a cream-white ground colour, heavily
blotched with purple, its general appearance being
nearer to C. bellatulum than to C. Godefroyre, from
both of which it is distinguished by its unspotted
lip. A handsome and novel form is now sent by
G. F. Moore, Esq., Chardwar, Bourton-on the-AVater,
in which the ground colour of the flower is pale
yellow. It is a very large flower, and the heavy
claret-purple markings contrast strikingly with the
large labellum, which is unspotted on the exterior,
but beautifully marked with purple dots inside.
Odontoolossum Duvivierianum x .
This remarkable and pretty natural hybrid, which
is generally regarded as the progeny of 0. nebulosum
and 0. maculatum, was first flowered by M. De Stnet-
Duvivier, Ghent, who sent it to Reichenbach in 1888.
In his description, the Profes or sums up by remark-
ing, " It is a beauty ; " and the expression regarding
it has doubtless been often repeated by others — not
that it is so showy as some of the other Odontogloa-
sums, but it is pretty in form, and novel in colouring.
The ground of the flower is white, as in 0. nebulo-
sum, which it much resembles in the form of the lip ;
the sepals and petals have a lemon-yellow tinge, and
bright cinnamon-brown blotches on the inner halves.
The lip is whit', with cinnamon-brown base and
marginal spots. It was well figured in the Lindcnia,
v., p. 55, and a plant is now in flower with Messrs. J.
Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford, Yorks.
L.ELIA rubescens, syn. L. acuminata.
This is a plant of small growth, not much seen in
collections, although at this season it? flowers are
very attractive. It is said to be somewhat scarce in
Mexico and Guatemala, from which it was introduced
in 1840. The pseudo-bulbs are ovoid, and have a
shining appearance, with a short leathery leaf at the
apex. The flowers are borne on slender sc ipes about
1 foot long, which spring from the apex of the pseudo-
bulb. At Edinburgh the flowers are almost white,
with a blotch of maroon colour in the throat of the
lip. The colour of the eepa's arid petals is said to
vary. The plant does best under Cattley i-liouse
conditions, if. L. H.
ORCHID PORTRAITS.
Catasetum Bi noerotbi, N. E. Br., and var. aurantiacuni,
Cogniaux, Diet. Icon. Orchid., Catasetum ; var. imperiale,
Cogniaux, 1. e. t. 1.
Cattleva Mendeli var. Kegel.jani, Lindcnia, t. dlxxxix.
A pure white form, with a sh*de of yellow near the base of
the lip.
CfELOr.vNB fultginosa, Lindley, Co^iuux, Diet. Icon.
Orchid., Cielogyne, t. 2.
Cvhbioium okjanteu.m, Wallieh, Cogniaux, Did. Icon.
Orchid., Cymbidium, t. 3.
Dendrobium Dalbocsieandm, Wallich, Cogniaux, Did.
Icon. Orch'd., Dendrubium, t. 7.
EriDENDRUH PSKUD-EPtDENDRUM, Rc'lb. f., CognilUX, Dirt.
Icon. Orchid.. Epidendrum, t. 4.
Ewphkonitis Veitcbii x, Cogniaux, Diet, Icon. Orchid.,
Kpiphronitis, t. 1. Epidendrum raoicans <j x .Shpuronitis
coooiNEA 9 . Botanical characters, those of Epiddndrum.
L.ELTO-CATTLEYA Hippolvta, Lindcnia., t Dxrn. A hybrid
between LteUa cinnabarina and Cattloya Mossi<e.
Ij.«i,ia crispa, Rchb. f., Cognitux, Die'. Iron. Crchid.,
Lftilia, t. 11.
LvcASTE tricolor, Klotzscb, Cogniaux, Did , Lycaste, t. 5.
Masdevallia Veitchiana and var. crandiflora, Cog-
niaux, Diet. Iron Orchid, Masdevallia, t. 4.
Miltonia Blonti, Rchb. f , Cogniaux, Did. Icon. Orchid.,
Miltonia, hybrid, t. 2.
Miltonia vkxili.aria var. Kirstem.e, Lindmii,
t. DLXXXVin,
Odoktoglossuji Adrian.^ x, L. Lind., hind nia, t. dxc.
A hybrid between O. crispum and O. Hunnewellianum ;
segments broad, whitish, thickly spotted with purple; lip
oblong, pointed.
Odontoolossum del Tecto X, L. Linden, Lindenm,
t. dlxxxvl A supposed hybrid between u. crispum and
O. cirrosum or O. Ruckeriauum. Flowers stella'e, flat ;
segments narrow, rosy with deep crimson spots ; lip
whitish, anterior lobe narrow. Nime in compliment to
M Paul du Toict.
Odontoolossum H<rrvanuh, Rchb. f., Cogniaux, Did.
Icon. Orchid., Odontoglossum, t. 11.
Oscini'iM zebrinum, Rchb. f., C 'gDiaux, Did. Icon.
Orchid., Oucidium, t. 9.
Sobralia Lindeni, Lindcnia, t. dlxxxv. ; Gard. Chron.,
1895, p. 360. Sepals and petils white ; lip white with radia-
ting crimson lines, fringed at the margin.
Vanda amcena x, O'Brien. A cross probably betwoen
V. Rnxburghiand V. ccerulea ; Lindcnia, t. dxoi.
Vanda buavis maonificess, Lindcnia, t. dlxxxvh.
DISEASE IN JAPANESE LILIES.
"Lovers of the beautiful Japan Lily have, pro-
bably, been alarmed by the new3 that its existence
was threatened by a novel and destructive disease, a
description of which is given in the current number
of the Kcw Bulletin. Fortunately, however, siys an
Exchange, with the account of the bane, comes the
discovery of an autidote.
" The disease appears to have developed with
astonishing rapidity. It was practically unknown
two years ago ; but the crop of bulbs raised last year
in Japan for exportation to Europe was almost
cnthely ruined by it. The attention of the authori-
ties at Kew was drawn to the matter by a Loudon
firm, who forwarded to them, for examination, a
large number of the diseased bulbs. Out of 73,000
bulbs of Lilium speciosum sent to them from Japan,
only 250 were fit for sale when they arrived in
England. Nor was this all, for out of a consignment
of Lilium auratum received at a later date, amount-
ing to nearly 40,000, only about one-tenth was
unspoiled. The disease is a peculiar form of fun»us.
The experts have found that short immersion in a
1 per cent, solution of corrosive sublimite, or of
salicylic acid, is fatal to Rhizopus necans, as this pest
is called. The growers of these beautiful flowers in
Japan will do well to abandon the infected grounds,
and to adopt this simple precaution. From the
1 Daily Adrcrtiscr,' Yokohama, Japan'*
My attention having been drawn to the above cited
article, I should like to fay a few words regarding
this fungus, Rhizopus necans, based simply on expe-
riments and experiences gone through during the
time that I have been connected with the firm of
L Boehmer & Co. in Yokohami, the oldest nursery
firm as exporters of Jaian Lilies in this country.
It ha; happaned not only lately, but as long as Lily
bulbs have been exported, that the results have been
sometimes very disheartening for the consignees as
well as for the shippers, but of losses like tho:e in the
article above referred to I have never heard. I
imagine that the great loss is probably the result of
some Japanese or other speculators, who, in ordir to
obtain the best prices, have shipped the bulbs at the
wrong season.
The climate of Japan is such, thatduringaud after the
hot and sultry summer months— July, August, and
September, during which we have a temperature of
from 85° to 95" Fahr., the rainy season sets in, which
produces a real hothouse temperature, the air being
saturated with moisture, which is splendid for
growing, but not for harvesting field products,
i'he moisture is so great that not only out-of-door
things get affected by fungus formations, but even
in our houses clothes, boots, shoes, &c , in short,
everything which is not in daily use becomes covered
with mould.
It is, therjfore, easily imaginable that during such
a season, bulbs takon out of the field not perfec ly
ripened, packed into boxes, shipped through the
tropics to Europe, may be affected by fungus forma-
tions which have, during a two months' voyage on
board a steamer, sometimes close to the boilers or
some heat-producing cargo, sufficient time to do
their deadly work. The danger would not be so
great if the bulbs could be brought direct from the
fields into the boxes. This seems, howeve,-, impos-
sible. Even with the greatest care, with such tender
articles, a few bruises, and a little injury to their scales
are unavoidable. These generally favour the growth
of the fungus formations, which very soou tike hold
of the whole bulb. Aftor this sultry weather, the
autumn season sets in during October, with fine, dry
days, warm during day-time, but brisk and refreshing
during the night.
The earth gets dried, and the season for harvesting
arrives. The Lily bulbs are now perfectly ripe, in a
dormant state, and in a proper stage for export. The
weather being then dry and cool, any bruises the bulbs
may receive during the handling will dry off and heal
quickly and satisfactorily. There are also a few very
tender varieties, which even the most careful treat-
ment will not protect against the hardships of a long
voyage through such different climates as the route
by India, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal offer.
I recommend the following remedy:— 1st, place
your order with some respectable firm, which kuows
its business ; 2nd, do not give instructions, if possible,
regarding the time for shipment, but leave this to
the shippers, who will know the best time the bulbs
are ripe, and the best time for packing and shipping ;
3rd, try to induce the steamship owners on the
Eastern lines to provide a few steamers during the
principal export season with cold storage arrange-
ments, to get the shipments through the trials of
change of climate. A. Unger (L. Boehmer cb Co.),
5 and 28, Bluff, Yokohama.
December 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
413
N.EGELIA AMABILIS.
Some short time since, Mr. P. Blair, of Trentham,
exhibited a fine batch of these plants at the Royal
Horticultural Society, from one of which our illustra-
tion (fig. 121) was taken. The plant was originally
in April and May, in a temperature of 65°. Whei^the
pots are filled with roots, shift them into 5 and
G-inch pots, in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, and
sand, in equal parts ; a little peat may also be added.
After the plants get well established, have them put
into an intermediate-house ; shade from the sun, and
Berlin.
FlC. 121. — N.EGELIA AMABILIS : FLOWERS CREAMY -WHITE.
(Seduced On^hatf.)
ENGLISH PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA
AT BERLIN.
It may be an interesting fact to the readers of the
Qardatcrs' Chronicle to learn that the large- (lowered
varieties of Primula sinensis fimbriata are finding
their way more and more into the Berlin nurseries.
They fetch prices three to four times higher than
the common German varieties, viz., 6s. to 7s. 6d. the
dozen, against Is. 6(2. to 2s. 6d. Mr. Kretschmann,
Pankow, Berlin, is a specialist in Primulas, who raises
yearly 300,000 to 500,000 seedlings, and he says,
that still the demand is greater than he can meet. It
is quite true that these fine varieties are as easily
cultivated as the common ones, an d they will in time
oust them out of cultivation. Contrariwise to the
English fashion, these large-flowered varieties have
no names, they Tare only designated by terms, as white,
large white, red, rose, blue, &c. Dr. Da.mm.er, Gross
Lichtrrfcldc, Berlin.
Ananas nervosa maxima.
This is a Pine-apple of enormous size, and very
fine flavour. At a recent meeting of the Berlin
Horticultural Society, Heir Gartenbau-director
Hampel Koppitz exhibited a fruit which had a weight
of 4 kilogrammes l'J5 grammes, or a little more
than 9 lb.
Chrysanthemums at Berlin.
On the occasion of the last meeting of the Berlin
Horticultural Society, Herr Garten-inspector Weber,
Spindlersfeld, Berlin, exhibited a collection of twenty-
figured by Decaisne iu the Flore des Sen-es, xii., p. 21
(lo57), and afterwards in the Bot. Mag., t. 5083,
under the name N. multiflora. The plants lately
exhibited were bo beautiful, and so well cultivated,
that we asked Mr. Blair to furnish us with some
particulars, which he has had the kindness to do : —
" The corms are started in batches in 3-inch pots
air freely on fine days, but avoid draughts. When
the flower-spikes appear, a little stimulant can be
given ; they cimmsaee to bloom early in September,
and continue until the end of November, many of the
plants carrying from tweuty to thirty spikes of flower.
After flowering is over, they can be stored away in a
warm dry place until Btarted again in spring. P. B."
Fig. 1"22.— flower of n.egelia amabilis
(Natural Size.)
six Chrysanthemums, which showed that the culti-
vation of these plants is now well understood at
Berlin. The fiuest variety was the white Taugarita,
seeds of which were imported directly from Japan by
Hofmarschall von Saint-Paul. This is indeed a very
noble flower, of fine build, and of tha purest white.
I am astonished not to find this variety amongst
those exhibited at the National Chrysanthemum
Society's Show ia the Royal Aquarium. Oe tainly it
is a variety that would make its way in England.
Medium-sized flowers are 8 inches in diameter, but
some of the flowers exceed 9 inches. It would be
interesting to learn of what dimensions this variety
could be grown by English specialists. The other
varieties which Mr. Weber exbibit-d are well known
in England, a good many having been exhibited at
the Royal Aquarium. The varieties were— Le
Colosse grenoblois, Hairy Wonder, Melusine, Beauty
of Truro, M. Ch. Molin, James Bidencope, Directeur
Tisserand, Madame Carnot, Arona, Australian Gold,
Th. Denis, Charles H. Curtis, Mrs. H. Kloss, Le
Drac, Bellem, Niveum, Waban, John Sewa'd, Sonne
von Blankenburg (a very fine golden-yell..w, very
large variety), George W. Childs, Good Grucious,
F. W. McHattie, Hallow E'en, John Machar, Mrs.
H. Weeks. Only two of these reached the dimen-
sions of Tangarita, namely, Sonne von Blaukenburg
and Hallow E'en. Dr. Dammcr, Gross Lkhterfddc,
Berlin.
414
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 11, IS
ASCLEPIAS CUKASSAVICA.
In '.Vis species of Asclepias we have a really
beautiful "Swallow-wort," and one that deserves a
place iu any collection of hothouse plants. It can
also be used in the conservatory during the summer
months, its whorls of bright orange scarlet flowers
standing out boldly yet withal gracefully during a long
period of time — indeed, it is soaccommodatingasubject
that it may be had in bloom for at least nine months
out of the year if managed in the following manner.
Seeds may be sown in heat in the month of February,
scattering them thinly on the surface of a well-
drained panful of soil, and slightly covering them
with fine soil, and after affording a gentle application
of water, cover with a sheet of glass. So soon as the
plants appear let the glass be removed, and prick
them off into thumbs when large enough to handle,
placing these on a shelf near the roof of a house
having about 60° to 65° of warmth. When the
plants have filled the Boil with roots, repot them, this
time into large 60's, and finally give them a shift
into 32's, in which sized pot they ought to be
flowered. When the plants begin to bloom, gradu-
ally enure them to more air, and finally transfer
them to the conservatory, in which structure they
will continue to flower profusely till late in
the autumn. By sowing seeds of this plant at
intervals of two or three weeks, the season of
blooming can be prolonged, provided the tem-
perature does not fall below 45°. The soil that
suits them is one that consists of equal parts of
loam, peat, cow-manure, and a liberal quantity of
silver-sand. Whilst growing fast, the points of the
shoots should be stopped, to cause them to branch,
the plant having a tendency to grow away with one
leader and few lateral shoots.
Another method I have practised with good results
is, to start the old plants into growth early in the
season, and when the new shoots are several inches
long to take them off with a heel, strip off a few of the
lower leaves, and insert them to the number of three
in small pots, plunging these in the propagating-pit
or hotbed, such as is often employed in the raising of
Melon plants, < annas, &c. They quickly take root,
and may then be potted and kept growing freely by
repeated shifts until they come into the size of pot it
is intended they should flower.
Large specimens are most effective in large houses,
and my practice is to put three or five of the previous
year's seedling plants into a 12-inch pot, deferring to
do this till growth begins naturally in the spring.
This method entails a good deal of care in affording
water till the roots have permeated the soil, after
which copious supplies, with an occasional application
of manure-water, are necessary.
The flowers are of use for table decoration where
tracery on the cloth is practised, disposing of them
gracefully amongst the foliage employed in the
tracery. H. T. At., Stoneleigh.
The Week's Work.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. H. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
Garden - paths, <tc. — Kitchen garden - paths that
may, owing to the admixture of soil with the gravel
or other material with which they are coated, or
from being mossy, or excessively weedy, mav be
dealt with at tliis season. Sometimes it will be
found that such walks are not drained as they should
be with 2-inch pipes laid juBt below the foundation
on either side, and lead into a main drain. If the
soil is heavy, this matter will need attention. If a
walk is not very dirty or weedy, it will generally
suffice to turn the gravel with a digging-fork, and
then, making it level, afford it a coating of fresh
gravel. But walks of sea-gravel and shell should, if
very dirty, be cleared of the surface material before
new is added ; the same applies to very dirty
materials, or those which have been once turned.
Walks of binding gravel require to be well rolled after
frost and heavy rain, in order to maintain the
surface in a good condition. Sea-gravel and pebbles,
and finely broken granite, do nit require to be rolled.
Grass Paths that are still a feature in many old
gardens should also have attention, levelling where
necessary, renewing bare patches with fresh, tough
turves, and cutting all edges straight and true.
Afford all walks a certain amount of convexity si>
that the rain may rapidly reach the 6ides and not
penetrate the materials to any great extant, rendering
the turf soft and unpleasant to tread upon.
Kidney Beans. — Sue, essional sowings shojld be
made twice or thi'lcj a u oath, in order to keep up a
constant and sufficient supply of pods. The plants
raised from a sowing made at the present time will,
under favourable conditions, begin to pod about the
end of January and beginning of February. Keep the
temperature at 75° to 80°, and afford the plants suf-
ficient moisture at the roots at all times, but
avoiding excess of humidity in the house at this
season, when air can be given but seldom. In
sowing at this season, use pots in preference to
beds of soil ; the simplest method being to dab
five or six seeds into an 8-inch pot three-quarters
filled with a rich, light mixture of soil, covering them
with soil to the depth of 1 inch ; and as soon aa the
plants come into flower filling up the pot with warm
soil, making it firm. As fast as the plants cease to
bear throw them away forthwith.
Autumn-sown Peas and Beans. — The seeds sown
early in the month of November will be pushing
through the soil, demanding constant watching in
order to protect them from the sparrows, pigeons,
and chaffinches, keeping the traps baited for mice
and rats, which may still prey upon the seed.
Use fresh slaked lime or soot on the leaves when
moist, and afford each row of plants further protec-
tion from finely-sifted coal-ashes. These may occupy
a width of 6 or 8 inches, and will tend to keep slugs
at a distance, and the surface of the ashes should be
stirred occasionally to ensure roughness of the sur-
face. If the sowing of Peas and Broad Beans has
been omitted, it is not too late to sow. Choose a
warm yet not too much sheltered a situation — a rich
soil for the former, and one leBS so for the latter ;
and sow round-seeded varieties of Peas and Mazagan,
or Long-pod Broad Beans. The Peas which are being
forwarded under glass must be afforded plenty of
air whenever there is no frost.
Leltu.ec and Endire. — The framesshould be well aired
daily in mild weather to reduce the loss from damp
and maintain healthy conditions, removing decaying
leaves, and covering the glass when the weather is
frosty at night. A surfacing with dry coal-ashes has
a good effect in making the air less humid.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Herein, Gardener, Diopmore, Ma denl ead.
Herbaceous Perennial Plant Borders. — The beds
and borders should now be made tidy for the winter,
scarcely any plant being now in flower during the
present month, excepting Helleborus niger. Where
a bed or border is so situated as not to appear un-
sightly when dressed with rotten manure, this may
be done, leaving it till the bulbs peep through the soil
before forking it into the soil. Those plants that
require protection in ordinary winters, as Montbretias,
Dielytras, Gypsophila pauiculata, Cannas, Lippia
( Aloysia) citriodora, and others should now be afforded
a mulching of coal-ashes, cocoa-nut fibre refuse, or
half-rotted tree-leaves. Chrysanthemums, after the
tops are removed, should also be similarly treated,
and it will also be advisable to lift a plant or two of
each variety, and either place them in boxes or pots,
standing them in a greenhouse or cold frame, with some
protection in the latter from hard frost. These roots
will furnish earlier cuttings and rooted pieces than
plants left in the open.
Herbaceous Pceonies are strong-rooting subjects
that require much rich food to enable them to flower
well ; and large clumps impoverish the soil very
greatly, with the result that the bloomB become
few and. smaller. To avoid this occurring, a dressing
of rich manure should be applied now, also some
liquid-manure once or twice in the winter months,
and during growth as well. If a clump of Paeonies
has become unduly large, it nivybe dug up at this
season, and divided and replanted elsewhere in
trenched well-manured stations. Small peces have
little decorative value, and a clump should not be
divided or duturbed unless it has bee me necessary
to do this, as a year or two elapses ere the divisions
become re-established. In planting PceDnies, large
or small, the earth should be thrown out to the depth
of 2 feet, and rotten manure of a rich nature incor-
porated with the staple, especially that at the bottom.
After the hole is partially refilled, the root should
be put into position, that is, about 4 inches below
the ground-level, and the soil returned to the
hole, mixing the manure with it meanwhile, and
making it firm round about tne root. When
the hole is filled in, and mounded just a little
over the point where the crown lies, afford a mulch of
manure, and the job is finished. The following are
good, although somewhat old varieties of Piony : —
alba sulphurea, creamy-white ; Bossaet, deep purple-
rose ; Charles Binder, rose, large and fine ; delic ms-
sima, light carmine; Decandolle, deep purple-rose;
Madame Lemoine. delicate pink ; Lady Carriugton
a newer variety, of a satiuv-white colour, is also a
desirable one to plant, and this may be remarked of
many of the Messrs. Kelway's introductions of recent
years. All the above-mentioned have double flowers.
Calceolarias, Violas, Antirrhinums, and similar sub-
jects autumn-struck from cuttings, and being ^wintered
in cold-frames, should be aired whenever the weather
allows, and be kept free from decaying leaves, &c.
The sides of the frames should be banked up
with earth or stable-litter, and the lights covered with
mats or litter at night, and by day also if the weather
be frosty.
Violets in Frames require a kind of treatment
similar to the above. If damp persists in putting in
an appearance, sprinkle some powdered charcoal or
lime around the affected parts, and afford air at all
times excepting when frosty.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Buiford. Dorking.
The Cool Orchid House. — A nice plant which accom-
modates itself to cool-house conditions is Cochlioda
vulcanica (Mesospimdium vulcanicum), and whose
graceful spikes of rose-coloured flowers show with
good effect when the plants are huog above Masde-
vallias and Odontoglcssums, with dark green leaves.
The plants, or some of them, may need repotting, and
this operation m ay take place when growth begins again.
Let them be placed rather high up in well-drained
pots partly filled with peat and sphagnum-moss ;
afford them a light position, and abundance of water
at the root at all seasons. C. sanguinea, a very
pretty species, is even more graceful when in flower
than C. vulcanica, and does well under the like treat-
ment, as does also C. rosea, better known as Odon-
toglossum roseum.
Fog and severe weather. — The recent heavy fogs
have caused the destruction of a great number of
flowers. Phalrenopsis Schilleriana, P. amabilis (Aphro-
dite) in many cases have had their undeveloped
flower-buds turn yellow from this cause. To some
extent this may be compensated for by allowing the
spikes to remain on the plants till they have attained
the proper length, then, by pinching off the top of
each, young lateral shoots will branch out from the
bare flower-stem ; these laterals will grow quickly,
and produce flowers in the early spring months.
If the plants are not strong and vigorous, this
method would undoubtedly have an exhausting effecj
upon them, but it may be modified by cutting off
the spike immediately the terminal bud has opened.
At the time of writing (December 3) we have hail
11° of frost during the night, and it may be of some
help to many of your readers to know the tempera-
tures of our Orchid-houses at 6 a.m. : — East Indian-
house, 62° ; Cattleya-house, 56° ; intermediate-house,
52° ; Mexican-house, 54° ; Masdeva'lia-house, 50° ;
and the cool or Odontoglossum-house 47°.
General Work. — There being now but little re-pot-
ting necessary to be done, take the opportunity to
thoroughly wash the houses both inside and out. As
much light as is possible during winter is indispens-
able to the plants. While such work is in progress,
it will be convenient to the grower to thoroughly
overhaul the entire collection, and to clean and re-
a riange the plants. Clear the remains of old flower-
spikes from each plant , and wash from it all insects
and dirt. Wa-?h the pots, stages, &c, and keep
everything about tb.9 plants clean and tidy. When
re-arrangiog the plants, bear in mind that room and
plenty of light for each individual plant must be
given. It is useless to expect small plants to progress
satisfactorily when overshadowed by large pots and
big specimen plants. Newly imported Orchids are,
as a rule, unsightly, and do not improve the general
effect of the arranged groups of plant', and for this
reason tbey are Eometimes placed out of sight and
neglected. It is better to arrange them with others
of similar species. Under generous treatment
they will quickly make new growths. See that
no plant is placed too near the roof -glass, or
it may be permanently injured. In the cool-house
carefully examine each plant for slugs that may have
been introduced into the house with the sphagnum-
moss used for potting. It is advisable also to dili-
gently search for them at night, with the aid of a
lantern, and no trouble should be spared to get rid of
them. Baits of young Lettuce-leaves, shallow pans
filled with bran, or sUces of Potato, may be used
if placed on the stages and moss, and examined each'
night and morning.
Odo. tojlcs urns are now growing freely, and many
flo ,ve: -3pikes are obvioi-. Jf slugs are present, wrap
around the base of tire sp ies a piece of rough
December 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
Alb
wadding, over which these pests can seldom pass. In
consequence of the need of increased artificial
heat in the warmer divisions, the voracious
cockroach will become more troublesome. After
cleaning the houses, and the plants are put straight,
it will be necessary to remove any accumulation of
rubbish from under the stages, empty pots, &c, or
these insects will avail themselves of the protection
afforded. All dry corners in the houses should
be kept thoroughly moist, as in such places they
congregate and multiply. Cockroaches are particu-
larly fond of the roots of Aerides, Vandas, Sacco-
labiums, Phahenopsis, Lselias, Cattleyas, also the
young leaves of some Dendrobiums ; therefore these
particular species should be examined with more than
ordinary vigilance. Make use of beetle poisons, of
which two or three excellent kinds are to be obtained :
but it is not advisable to lay down the same kind of
poison on each consecutive night, but occasionally to
substitute one kind for another.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, late of Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
The Fig-house. — The trees, if started early last
month, will now be pushing their buds, and should
be afforded a slightly higher degree of warmth, say,
55° at night, with a corresponding increase by day.
If the Fig-trees are grown in pots or tubs, let the
heat of the bed they are plunged in be kept steady at
78°, adding prepared fermentiDg leaves and stable-
litter if the heat be declining. As the buds develop,
the amount of the syringing may be lessened. The
state of the soil as regards moisture must have close
attention, enough being afforded to the trees in pots
and borders as will maintain healthy growth ; the
borders, more especially, if made of proper materials,
taking large quantities of water. Any neglect in
this particular will be very apt to cause the young
Figs to drop off at a later date. The water employed
should be of 80° to 85° of warmth.
Intermediate and Late-houses. — In the succes-
sion Fig-house pruning and clearing should now
be finished. The chief points to be observed
in pruning are to remove all of the weakest
shoots, the injured or immature pointB, and to
reserve only such shoots as possess strong, well-
ripened points, and when securing the trees to the
trellis, to take care that these bearing shoots are
evenly distributed, otherwise much foliage will
appear in some places and only bare patches in others.
Keep the late Fig-house cool, short of admitting
frost, and do not let the borders get excessively dry,
which is apt to occur when a border is shallow or
small, for although the Fig when resting requires to
be kept dryer than any other kind of fruit,
dryness should not be carried to extremes.
Should any tree be making very gross shoots,
if it be a young one, dig up the roots carefully, and
replant it in the same or another place, first looking
to the drainage of the border and ascertaining that
no means of escape for the roots exist, as these will
get through the smallest crack, causing a lot of
trouble in remedying the mischief caused by roots
obtaining access to rich soil beyond the border. Let
the drainage materials be topped with turves, grassy
side downwards, on which place some of the com-
post, consisting of friable loam three-quarters, and
one-quarter of old mortar, brick-bats, or pieces of
sandstone. Having placed the tree in its right posi-
tion, proceed to spread out the roots in a suitable
manner, at two or three different levels, covering
them up as the work proceeds, and when the hole is
filled, afford a mulch of long litter, and in a
few days a moderate amount of water to settle
the whole. In the case of old trees, which it would
scarcely be advisable to treat in the above described
manner, simple root-pruning must be resorted to,
proceeding in the usual manner of root-pruning
at some distance from the stem, and working towards
it as close as may be advisable, and if possible
cutting through all downward trending roots under
the centre of the tree. Having laid all the roots
bare up to a certain point, shorten the stronger ones
and those that are damaged, and replant in new
compost, and mulch and afford water as in the other
case. No manure should be mixed in the soil ; but
the trees should receive liquid-manure when carrying
heavy crops, the chief difficulty with young treesbeing
to check the strong wood that is usually produced.
that have been rested for the longest period of time.
The temperature to which the bulbs may be subjected
may range from 50° by night to 55° by day, which
will be found suitable for the first month. The bulbs
should be lightly syringed once daily in the forenoon,
and but little water afforded the soil before the flower-
scape commences to grow. Bottom-heat of 75° will
help the growth considerably, but it is not essential.
Cyclamens. — Much care is demanded in affording
water to these plants, especially in moist weather,
and rather more warmth is required than that of the
cold greenhouse. The pots should be stood upon a
layer of fine gravel or spar, and if this be covered
with wood - moss it will have a nice effect. If
hot- water pipes exist under the staging, some amount
of damping of the gravel and moss will be necessary at
times, the moss serving the purpose of maintaining
moisture-laden air about the plants, which is very
favourable to their well-being.
Bmvardias. — Some of the earliest to flower having
now ceased to be of decorative value, may be removed
from the flower-house, being replaced with others of the
same genus, or with diverse subjects. The Bouvardias
that are removed should be kept rather dry at the
root for ten days, and at the expiration of that time
they may have the shoots that have flowered cut
back for two-thirds of their length, and be fumigated
or vapourised should aphides be present on the
shoots, which is almost sure to be the case.
General IVorl: — Any plants of herbaceous Cal-
ceolarias that still remain in 60's should be repotted
into pots of 5 or 6 inches in diameter, and
then removed from the pit or frame in which
they may hitherto have been standing to a green-
house. Green-fly being very apt to infest these
plants, a sharp outlook must be kept for them, as it
is impossible to kill the insects if present in large
numbers on the crinkled undersides of the hairy
leaves. Brugmansia sanguinea should be removed to
some little-used greenhouse, and be cut hard back
when the soil at the roots has become dry. This
applies to plants in tubs and pots, but those that are
growing in the borders of the conservatory being
probably still green and fresh-looking, may wait a
little loDger before they are similarly pruned.
Although I have named sanguinea, the single and
double-flowered white Brugmansias require the same
kind of treatment.
Liliuin longijiorum Harrisii. — The first batch of
these bulbs will be benefited by weak doses of farm-
yard manure water, and by being frequently fumi-
gated. When any of the roots appear at the
surface, as will generally occur, a top-dressing should
be afforded of loam, peat, and rotten manure in a
lumpy, rough condition, end any later surfacing may
be done with common wood-moss. Any plants of
Eucharis which may be passing out of bloom should
be sponged and cleaned and placed in a house having
a temperature at night of 65° till they cease to grow,
supplying them occasionally with liquid-manure for
a period of about six weeks.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS
By G. H. Maycock. Gardener, Luton Hoo Park. Luton.
Jlippeastrums. — Where early flowering is desirable,
a number of bulbs may now be started, a selection
being made of the best matured oneB, that is those
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
ByH. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Pruning Standard, Pyramid, and Bush Tre< s 'if
Apples and Pears. — Upon the manner in which this
simple though important operation is carried out
depends almost entirely the building up of fruitful,
and consequently profitable specimens, whether they
be standards, pyramids, bushes, or espaliers. How-
ever, it would be better to let the trees go unpruned
than to trust an unskilful man with the prun-
ing— that is, to allow a man having no clear
object in view in operating on young, or maiden
trees. The formation of large fruit-bearing trees,
of whatever kind, in as short a time as possible, is
the wish of all who possess fruit-trees ; therefore,
the young leading shoots of standard, pyramid trees
and bushes should be pruned back to within from 5 to
9 inches, each of these pruned- back shoots will pro-
duce from three to five growths next spring. These
— assuming that we have last year's cut-back maiden-
trees to deal with now — where likely to become
crowded, or to cross each other in growth, should be
cut back to within 2 inches of last year's wood ; cutting
back the leading shoots to from IS inches to 20 inches
of last year's growth. This will result in the formation
of fruit-buds, in addition to promoting asymmetrical
shape in the individual trees. Once young trees of this
description have borne a fair crop of fruit, they will
require very little annual pruning beyond the cutting
out of a branch here and there where likely to cross
each other, repeating the operation more or less every
year as may be called for, until the trees acquire the
desired size.
Pruning and Cleaning Established Orchard trees.
— Where the trees have become crowded together
in the orchard, and but little, if any, pruning
has been carried out, they are very apt to be
coated with moss or lichen, more especially in
humid loealitk's; and a severe thinning-out
of the branches and of the worst of the trees
is the only remedy for this state of things. The
branches that cross each other, or which are too
abundant, should be removed entirely, in order to
let the air and light into the crown. When
the pruniugs are faggoted and removed, scrape the
moss and lichen oil' the worst affected main-stems
and branches within easy reach, with a bevelled strip
of board or a strong label, and then syringe the entire
crown with a wash made with fresh limeandafewhand-
fuls of fresh soot and water, the liquid being passed
through a fine-meshed sieve before using it, and choose
a calm day for doing the work. A garden engine is
preferable to an ordinary syringe, especially for
applying the wash to full-sized trees. This dress-
ing will not only effectually rid the tree3 of the
parasitic growths, but it will also destroy any larvae
that may be in the moss. Hundreds of thousands of
fruit trees are ruined annually in this country that by
the exercise of timely attention in the direction
mentioned above, might be rendered fruitful and
remunerative.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
The Feeding ofEees.—Tkeu there is another argu-
ment against feeding back (see p. 327 ante), which is .that,
from Borne reason or other, this fed back honey iB far
more likely to become hard or to candy in the comb
than is that which is put in the comb at the time it is
gathered from the fields. When first taken from the
hives it looks very nice and attractive, but when cool
weather comes on in the autumn, it assumes a dull,
unattractive appearance, showing that the honey has
hardened in the cells, while comb-honey produced in
the ordinary way is still liquid, and will keep so for
from one to three months after the fed-back article
has become almost unsaleable.
Comls of Honey for next Season.— Question : I
have on my hives about 200 combs very full of honey,
which I wish to use for next year's increase. I am
at a Iobs to know what to do, so aBk if it would be
advisable to throw the honey out with the extractor
and use the empty combs, or would it be best to use
the full combs of honey ? I expect to make my
increase by natural swarming.
Answer.— If extracted honey brings a good price
in your market, and the honey in the 200 combs is
of good quality, then my advice would be to extract
the honey and sell it, for the old saying "A bird in
hand is worth two in the bush," is generally correct.
If, on the other hand, extracted honey drags heavily
at a price hardly above the cost of production, or the
honey in the combs is of a quality not fit for the
market, then I would store the combs of honey away
till spring (allowing the bees to protect them till
there was no feir of damage from the larvsc of the
wax moth), when I would use these combs for build-
ing up colonics in the spring, by exchanging them
with the colonies for combs, that they might have
which were empty or nearly so. In this way. you will
get this honey converted into brood, which brood,
when hatched iito bees, will store for you large
quantities of honey. If the colonies in the spring
had no need for this honey, then I would use the
combs of honey something as you suppose, hiving
new swarms on them. If the combs are only from
one-third to one-half full of honey, then you may
procure the best results by hiving your swarms on
the full number of frames, and putting the sections
on at the time of hiving. But it completely full
from bottom to top. it will be better to use only
from four to six comb3 to the hive when hiving the
swarms, for if given a full hive of full combs of
h>ney, the bees may not carry much of the honey to
the sections, as they generally will do with the wholo
where only a few are used. If the bee3 do not imme-
diately start to carrying the honey from these full
combs, the result will be little or no honey in the
sections, and little brood and few bees in the hive in
the fall. But should the honey in the 200 combs be
of inferior quality, or of dark colour, or both, then
the only thing to do with it is to extract, or use it
for spring feeding, for if such inferior honey is given
at swarming time, more or less of it will find its way
into the sections, thus injuring the sale of the borie^,
and giving yourself a bad reputation. " Gleanings
(American).
416
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 11, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS thould be sent to the PUBLI8HER.
Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to b \
of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is
desirable to brinq under the notice oj horticulturists.
Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs then f^isJi the Editor to see.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
Should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLT OK THE PAPER,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay Jor any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, jlowers, trees,
&c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
.'Royal Horticultural Society's Com-
mittees.
Deo. 14-i Annual Meeting of the National
Dahlia Society, at the Hotel
I Windsor, at 2 p.m.
SALES.
„ ., /Bulbs, Shrubs, Lilies, Border
l>e< . la | plants, &c, at Stevens' Rooms.
. Japanese Lilies, Continental
TUESDAY, Dec. 14-J Plants, Roses, Begonias, &c,
( at Protheroe & Morris' Rooms.
fRose and Fruit Trees, Border
WEDNESDAY. Dec. 15-^ Plants, Palms, Shrubs, Ac, at
I Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
f Dutch Bulbs, Roses, &c, at Tro-
theroe <fc Morris' Rooms.
TUESDAY,
MONDAY,
THURSDAY, Dec. 16
Border Plants, Bulbs, &c, at Mr.
I1
J, Stevens' Rooms.
nnrniv t»„„ .-/ Imported and Established Orchids
r K l u A l , i>EC. J , | at p,.othel.oe £ Morris' Rooms. ,
Averaoe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty-three years, at Chiswick.— 40.5°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London.— December 9 (6 p.m.) : Max., 55°; Min., .19°.
Provinces. — December 9 (6 p.m.): Max., 48°, Scilly ;
Min., 35°, Aberdeen.
Weather stormy, mild ; light frosts.
In the year 1855, Dr. Hooker,
JriHshlnduf aS he then Was' Publisne(i in con-
junction with the late Dr. Thom-
son, the first and only volume of the Flora
Indica. This was but a fragment, though a
magnificent one. The introductory essay is a most
important contribution to botanical geography,
and to the history of botany in India, whilst
the notes represent the highest level of bota-
nical morphology at that period. The plan
was too vast to be carried out as it was
begun, and so, to the great loss of British
science, it was abandoned. But the idea of
producing a complete Flora of British India
was not lost sight of, and seventeen years after,
the first part of the Flora of British India
appeared.
With the issue of the twenty-third and
twenty-fourth parts containing the index, this
Flora has now been brought to a close. The
first part was issued in 1S72. The work thus
has taken a quarter of a century to complete.
In the earlier years of this period Sir Joseph
Hooker was laden heavily with official func-
tions as Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew,
together with endless duties arising out of his
distinguished position as a traveller, a naturalist,
and a botanist. At this time, therefore, the
author availed himself of the co-operation of
various botanists, and utilised the joint
work of himself and Dr. Thomas Thomson
as published in the fragmentary Flora Indica,
or in various monographs published in the
Journal of the Linnean Society. Released from
the cares of the Royal Gardens, and his
labours lightened by the completion of the
Genera Plantar um, Sir Joseph set himself
to work with his customary energy to com-
plete the Flora of British India. In this task
he had the assistance of Mr. C. B. Clarke,
Dr. Stapf, and the members of the Kew staff ;
but when all allowance is made for material help
thus afforded, the amount of original investiga-
tion and research, and the mass of literature
dealt with and assessed by Sir Joseph Hooker
alone, can only be called prodigious. Horticul-
turists in particular have reason to be grateful
for his elaboration of the Orchids of India —
itself a remarkable effort.
During the twenty-five years that have
elapsed between the beginning and the end of
this book, great changes have taken place.
Not only have the collections of plants and
literary material been augmented, but British
India itself has largely extended her borders.
Hence it comes that the later volumes are more
complete than the earlier ones. At any rate,
we have now a solid and substantial basis for
any work that may be hereafter undertaken.
From the whole extent of the Himalayas to
Ceylon, from Beluchistan to Birma and the
Malay peninsula, we have now a descriptive
census of plants as complete as it is possible to
make it — a work of the utmost value to
botanists, and one as honourable to its author
as it is a subject of pride to his countrymen.
Taking into account the work done at Calcutta
by Dr. King and his assistants, the results of
which are published by the government, that
effected in the north - west by Watt and
Duthie, by Ridley and Curtis at Singa-
pore, and by many others, we need not fear
comparison with any other country in this
matter at least.
The two parts just issued comprise the index
to the seven volumes, this index alone occupy-
ing 417 pages in double columns ! It is
satisfactory to know that this index has been
collated with the Index Kewensis, and that in
consequence there will be less room for
confusion of nomenclature and difference of
usage.
ALBERTA MAGNA was raised from seeds sent to
Kew in the summer of 1889 by Mr. Medley Wood,
Curator of the Botanic Gardens at Durban, Natal.
It is now an erect woody shrub 4 feet high w'th ever-
green leaves like those of the couimou Laurel, and
terminal panicles, 6 inche3 long and wide, of bright
crimson tubular flowers. This plant has been in
flower fully three months, and it is now ripening
seeds. A larger plant, 7 feet high, was grown in
the winter garden, but it died after being trans-
planted into the new Mexican-house, where the plant
under notice now is. Smaller plants have flowered in
pots in the Cape-house, from one of which the figure
in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7451, was prepared.
Mr. Boll included Alberta magna among his new
plantB offered in 1S91. The first account in this
country of this shrub was published in the Gardeners'
Chronicle in December, 18S8, p. 741. Our illustration
(fig. 123) takeo from a specimen obligingly forwarded
from Kew, does not show the " accrescent " calyx,
which it will be remembered occur3 in Mussrenda and
other near allies of Alberta.
Royal Horticultural Society.— The last
meeting this year of the Royal Horticultural Society
will take place next Tuesday, the 14th inst. , in the
Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, when the
Fruit, Floral, and Orchid Committees will meet as
usual at 12 o'clock. A lecture on " Sporting in
Chrysanthemums " will be given at 3 o'clock by the
Rev. Geo. Henslow, M.A., &c.
OUR ALMANAC— According to previous prac-
tice, we shall issue a Gardeners' Chronicle Almanac
with our first issue in the New Year. In order to
make it as useful as possible for reference, we shall
be obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural, Botanical
and allied Societies, or any of our correspondents,
will send us immediate intimation of all fixtures for
1898.
LINNEAN SOCIETY.— At the evening meeting to
be held on Thursday, December 16, at 8 p.m., the
following papers will be read : 1, " On the Affinities
of the Madreporarian Genus Alveopora," by Mr.
H. M. Bernard, M.A., F.L.S. ; 2, " On West-
Indian Characea; collected by Mr. T. B. Blow, F.L.S.,"
by Messrs. H. and J. Groves, F.L.S , &c.
" Botanical Magazine." — The December
number closes the fifty-third volume of the third
series, or the 122nd of the whole work. The volume
is dedicated to Mr. A. B. Freeman-Mitford, C.B.,
the historian of the hardy Bamboos. The plants
figured are : —
Agave Schottii, Engelmann, t. 7567. — A species
resembling A. filifera in having fibrous edges to the
leaves, but it has a lax one-sided inflorescence bearing
numerous yellow flowers, each about 2 inches long.
Quillaja saponaria, Molina, t. 7568. — An interest-
ing plant furnishing the Quillaya-bark used instead of
soap. The specimen figured flowered in Mr. Han-
bort's garden at La Mortola.
Odontoglossum retusum, Lindley, t. 7569. — A
species with panicles of orange -scarlet flowers. It is
a native of Peru. The specimen figured came from
the garden of E. H. Woodall, Esq., Scarborough.
Kniphofia brerijlora, Harvey, t. 7570 (by error
7571). — One of the smallest of known species, with
bright yellow flowers. It is a native of Natal. Kew.
Babenaria rhodocheila, Hance, t. 7571 (by error
7570). — A Chinese terrestrial Orchid with small
green, hooded sepals and petals, and a relatively large
four-lobed scarlet lip with a long spur at the base.
Kew.
Presentation to Mr. F. Q. Lane, J. P.— At the
annual meeting at the King's Arms Hotel, on
Saturday, of the Berkhamsted Chrysanthemum
Society, of which Mr. F. Q. Lane is tho Vice-
president, and Earl Brownlow the President, Mr.
Lane (of The Nurseries) was presented with a silver
cigar-box, bearing the inscription : " Presented by the
Committee of the Berkhamsted Chrysanthemum
Society, 1886-1897," on one lid, and on the other
"F. Q. L." Mr. A. Prudames, M.R.C.V.S., made
the presentation. Mr. Lane, who was taken by
surprise, expressed his thanks for the kindness shown
him.
Mushroom Culture. — M. Ch. Repin con-
tributes to the Rerue General: del Sciences for Sep-
tember 15 a long paper on the cultivation of the
Mushroom in the underground quarries of Paris, and
points out the obscurities which still exist as to the
mode of nutrition of these fungi. He speaks of the
desire of growers to obtain pure Mushroom-
spawn, and of their difficulties in this respect. It is
now said that by collecting on paper the ripened
spores as they fall, Mushrooms of the desired kind
can be raised on any nutritive material, such as is
used in bacteriology, though not so easily or abun-
dantly as can the inferior sorts. The dung is arranged
in layers of equal thickness between overlapping
plates of steel, and the whole is subjected to heavy
pressure of about 50 kilos, to the square centimetre.
When released from this, the dung is found com-
pacted into blocks about a centimetre thick, nearly
as hard as wood, and consequently easily handled.
These blocks are seeded, then placed under conditions
the most favourable to the development of the spawn,
care being specially takeu to avoid any rise in tem-
perature. The growth of the spawn is thus retarded,
but its vigour and activity, when transported to the
warm atmosphere of the Mushroom-caves, is sur-
prisingly accentuated. When the blocks of soil are
thoroughly stocked by the spawn, they arc cut into
bricks S centimetres (3 inches) long. This operation
Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," Ceoemser 11, 1897.
Fig, 123.— alberta magna: greeshou.se shrub, leaves evergreen-; ilo\ver< crimson,
(see p. 416.)
December 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
417
■is effected very rapidly by means of a special cutting-
machine. This compensates for the extra hand-work
necessitated in making the blocks, and the final result
is a more economic and convenient product to use
than the spawn-bricks of the Mushroom-growers. It
is needless to revert to the beneficial influence this
innovation cannot fail to exercise on the Mushroom
industry. Not merely is the problem of re stocking
with pure spawn — a problem always recurring — now
solved once for all, but the Mushroom -grower hence-
forth can choose the variety which will best succeed
in his beds, this being as the spawn exactly preserves
the smallest morphological and physiological pecu-
liarities of the original kind. Finally, this spawn is
exempt from disease, a consideration which is also of
value.
The Beet-Sugar Industry. — Many years
have passed since Mr. Duncan, of Mincing Lane,
London, proved, by extensive and exhaustive expe-
riment in the vicinity of St. Albans, that the Beet-
Sugar industry was not suited to our agriculturists.
Possibly, experiments made since then have given
better results : we would gladly notice them — the
subject being one of interest to us all. The industry,
as practised on the Continent, constantly in-
terests, not only dwellers at home, but very
many of our colonial friends. That the crop is
of considerable value to bounty-paid growers
in Germany, France, &c, may be gleaned from
the following figures, collected by the Statistical
Association for the Beet Sugar Interest at Magdeburg,
who quite recently published the following com-
parative statement : " The amount of crop for the
current year is estimated at 1,790,000 tons, as against
1,821,000 for last year-; Austria-Hungary, this year.
822,000 tons; last year, 927,000 tons ; France, this
year, 751,000;tons, as against 703,400 in 1896." It
will be seen that there is an estimated decline of
nearly 90,000 tons ; the actual turn-out may alter and
improve these figures. Continental agriculturists
would seem to be of the class "specially favoured,' ' for
not only is their Beet crop protected by an export pre-
mium, but the farm crops of other countries are
handicapped by import duties.
Chrysanthemum Culture.— After admiring
the magnificent specimens lately exhibited, many a
gardener and mauy an amateur will be disposed to
try his hand at the cultivation of the autumn Queen.
He will find his trouble lightened by the perusal of
an excellent little book just issued by Mr. Geoi:ge
Garner under the title Modern Chrysanthemum
Culture for the Million, and published by Blake &
Mackenzie of Liverpool. We cordially recommend
the little work, as the directions given are simple
and trustworthy. We notice the buds are said to
be "secured" instead of taken. Perhaps selected
would be better still. A list of some of the best
flowers in each section is given, with the treatment
appropriate to each.
Chrysanthemum Afsne. — This is a new
white Japanese variety, raised at Afsne, the country
residence of M. Fierens, the secretary of the Royal
Society of Agriculture and Botany at Ghent. The
plant is of dwarf habit, producing ivory-white
flowers 6 to 7 inches across, and is figured in the
current number of the Heme de V Horticulture Belqc.
The Commercial Uses of Coal-gas.— We
have already incidentally alluded to this little book by
Mr. Thomas Fletcher, and published by Fletcher,
Russell & Co., of Warrington, but do so again on
account of the practical importance of the subject.
The reader will find just the information he requires
as to the economical and efficient use of gas for
various purposes, and within a hundred pages will
find details for which he might have otherwise to
wade through many volumes.
A HYBRID DOMBEYA.— Our excellent confrere,
M. Ed. Andre, describes and figures in the Revue
Horticole a hybrid out of Dombeya Mastersii, Bot.
Hag., t. 5639, by pollen of D.*Wallichii, better
{mown as Astraprea Wallichii, a fine plant, rarely
seen outside of botanic gariens. The hybrid
flowered in the garden of the Botanic Garden at
Lisbon, where it was raised by M. Cayeux, hence the
name Dombeya Cayeuxiix .given to it by M. Andre.
It has large cordate, dentate leaves, and large trusses
of rose-pink flowers, each about 30 mill, across. It
is hardy at Lisbon, and may probably prove so along
the Riviera. In this country it would form a noble
inmate of a warm conservatory.
Hybrids. — M. Martin Cahuzac has sent to the
editor of the Semaine Horticole six flowers said to be
the result of a cross between a Chrysanthemum and a
Dahlia. The evidence of hybridisation does not
appear to have been very marked. A week or two
ago, Mr. E. J. Lowe sent us flowers of a cross
between a Sunflower and a Dahlia ; the flowers were
those of a Dahlia, but the central disc was proportion-
ately larger and deeper. Improbable as such crosses
appear, it would be rash to assert that they are not
possible. Very often the application of the foreign
pollen seems to induce enhanced growth of the seedling
without actual change of form having taken place.
Hybrid between a Pheasant and a Black
GROUSE. — Mr. Harting exhibited at a recent meeting
of the Linnean Society a bird from Shropshire,
precisely resembling a similar hybrid figured in
early editions of White's Sclborne.
Produce of Wheat, Barley, and Oats.—
Preliminary statement showing the estimated total
produce and yield per acre of Wheat, Barley, and
Oats in Great Britain in the year 1897, with compa-
rative sta'emeuts for the year 1896, and for the
average of the ten years 18S7-96 : —
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Board of Agricultur
December -1, 1S97.
i, Whitehall Place, S.W..
Portuguese Flora.— The last issued part of
the Boletim da Sociedade Broteriana, edited by
Professor Henriqdes, contains an article in French
by M. J. Daveau, on the littoral flora of Portugal.
The district north of the Tagus corresponds roughly
to the region of Pinus maritima (Pinaster), and of
deciduous Oaks ; that to the south of Tagus
answers to the Pinus Pinea, and of Evergreen
Oaks. The former has many relations to the flora of
North-western Europe ; the latter is distinguished
by the number of endemic species, the frequency of
Iberian forms, and the appearance of Algerian and
Maroccan types. Mediterranean species are the mos
numerous, but not everywhere predominant. Each
of the two great districts divided by the Tagus has
its littoral, its region of the plains, its mountainous
and its sub-alpine regions. In the present communi-
cation, M. Daveau treats solely of the littoral region.
The "littoral landes " possess no analogy with the
littoral flora of North Europe, and possess a specia
local and Iberian flora.
The Copper Plant.— Mr. S. B. Skertohlv in
the Geological Survey of Queensland gives a descrip-
tion in a figure (tab. xviii. ) of a Caryophyllaceous
plant, which is, it is said, always associated with copper
lodes. The plant in question is Polycarpiea spirostylis
of Ferd. v. Mielle R, and it occurs all over the copper
region of Queensland, but always on or close to the
copper deposits, or along watercourses charged with
copper in solution. So abundant and so characteristic
is it, that the presence of the copper is readily detected
by the miner from an inspection of the plant. The .
Government analyst, Mr. Brownlie Henderson, has
analysed the plant and its asheB, and has discovered
in them distinct traces of copper. The quantity found
is larger than a mere accidental absorption would
account for. Some birds it is known contain in their
feathers a red pigment known as turacin, and which
contains as much as five per cent, of copper,
ROSA BERBERIDIFOLIA.— Some years since the
flowering of t his plant with the Rev. Mr. Ewbank
afforded us th 5 opportunity, thanks to the kindness
of that gentleman, of studying the peculiarities of
this plant. Some writers consider it so different
from a Rose that they place it in another genus ;
but we observe that M. Paul Parmentier, in the
Comptes Kendus of the Bulletin of the Royal Eotanica
Society of Belgium, 1897, p. 25, relying on anatomical
data, shows that this plant has all the distinguishing
characteristics of tho genus Rosa: — " The structure
of the petiole is practically the same as that of Rosa,
and, according to Masters, these stipules exist in a
latent state, or rather, the petiole has potentially
the faculty of dev eloping them under the influence
of suitable cultivation." He quotes, in support of
this theory, Fraxinus, Fragraria, and Gleditschia,
which, under cultivation, bear 1 -foliate leaves. M.
Parmentier does not believe that such a transfor-
mation could ever be induced in a leaf of Rosa, or
that R. berberifolia, with composite leaves, could
be produced. Pallas' Rose is a plant from arid
desert soil, which has acquired great structural fixity,
and which has lost the power of varying just because
it has lived for a considerable time under conditions
very different from the usual surroundings of vegeta-
tion, and themselves varying but little. It has
admirably adapted itself to this unusual position ;
the transpiratory functions are in abeyance, the
assimilatory power increased. The lateral leaflets
have disappeared, and only the terminal one is a real
leaf ; the stomata, in compensation, are developed
on the upper epidermia, but in sinking their ostiole
in this epidermis at the same time, all the layers of
the mesophyle are transformed into palisade cells.
For figures, see Gardeners' Chronicle, July 20, 1889,
p. 78.
The New Flora Britannica.— The discovery
in the Lindley Library of this volume (see ante, p. 405)
has served to reveal the fact that the same book was
published under different titles, and at different
dates. In our last issue, Mr. Benxett-Poe narrated
how he got his first stimulus from this book ; and we
now learn that the title of this particular edition is
the Complete Dictionary of Practical Gardening, by
Alex. Macdonald, original drawings by Sydenham
Edwards. It is in two volumes, and contains sixty
coloured plates, and bears date 1807. The total
number of flowers figured is 134.
National Carnation and Picotee So-
ciety.— The annual geneial meeting of the above
Societies will be held in the Room of the Horticul-
tural Club, Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, West-
minster, on Wednesday, December 15, at 7 p.m.
418
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 11, 1897.
Horticultural Club.— The monthly dinner
and conversazione will take place on Tuesday,
December 14, at 6 P.M. The subject for discussion
will be " The Development of the Foreign Fruit
Trade," to be opened by Mr. M. J. Garcia.
"Side" Exhibits at the Islington Cattle
Show. — The annual Cattle Show of the Smithfield
Club held during the present week may be taken as
evidence that Christmas is approaching. One never
sees such fat beasts and monstrosities of various
descriptions as have just been gathered at Islington,
except when Englishmen are going to celebrate their
greatest feast of the year. There is nothing very
.beautiful in the appearance of an Islington beast, yet
the show is a most popular one, and many thousands of
persons visit it, probably because there are so many
other attractions in the "side" exhibits. For our-
selves, we soon dismissed the beasts after looking at
Mr. Wortlet's famous ox, that has been declared the
best beast in the shows at Birmingham, Norwich, and
Islington ; the Aberdeen heifer, that obtained for Mr.
Fletcher the Queen's Gold Medal, and the fine
heifer shown by Lord Rosebert. Just as gigantic
in their way as the beasts downstairs, are the
huge Mangolds, Swedes, and other roots that the
seedsmen exhibit in the gallery. Messrs. Webb &
Sons, Stourbridge, with their Golden King and
Yellow-fleshed Tankard Mangolds, their Swedes,
Potatos, Cauliflower and grain made an imposing
show. The exhibit from Messrs. Sutton & Sons,
Reading, was as fine as usual, and their Golden
Tankard and Mammoth Mangolds, and their Magnum
Bonuni Swedes bigger than ever. Horticulturists
would probably be most interested in their
Potato tubers, designed to represent some of
the firm's best and most robust habited varieties.
Turnip3, grasses and grain were included in
the Reading exhibit. Messrs. Carter & Co.,
High Holborn, London, had plenty of huge
roots of Mangolds and Swedes, and in addition a
number of vegetables such as Carrots, Parsnips,
Potatos, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, Onions, Cauli-
flowers, &c, probably from field-culture. Another
prominent exhibit was from Messrs. Harrisc.n &
Sons, Leicester, who had Swedes, Turnips, Carrots,
Beet, Parsnips, Onions, and other produce. Mr. J.
K. King, and Messrs. E. W. King & Co., both of
Coggeshall, Essex ; The Surrey Seed Co., Redhill ;
Messrs. W. and J. Brown, Stamford ; Messrs.
Jarman & Co., Chard (who had Apples in addition
to the other products), and Mr. A. Blatchford,
Coventry, had displays of their specialties in
roots and grains. Potatos were more extensively
shown by Messrs. Fidler k Sons, Reading, and Mr.
A. Findlay, Markinch, N. I>., both of whom displayed
some first-class tubers. Mr. B. Wells of Crawley,
and Mr. W. Home of Perry Hill, Cliffe, Rochester,
had small stands of Apples; and good, wholesome,
English-made cyder was exhibited by Mr. Jno.
Watkins, Pomona Farm, Hereford, and Messrs.
Gaymer and Sons, Attleborough, Norfolk. There
are so many specialties exhibited at Islington
that we cannot specify the whole of them. Chemical
foods and chemical manures were present in great
quantities ; then, too, agricultural, and in less degree,
horticultural implements formed an exceedingly im-
portant and interesting feature of the show — one
worthy the greatest attention of all engaged in land-
culture, that they be not handicapped by the use of
obsolete tools. Messrs. Ransomes, Sims k Jeffries
of Ipswich, a firm well known to our readers, had a
large stand in this section.
Stock-taking : November.— As with us last
month so to-day, lock-outs and threatened strikes are
to a considerable extent paralysing certain branches of
industry and affecting all to a greater or less extent,
for as all members of the body suffer when one limb
or section is affected, so in manufactures and com-
merce ; even horticulture is made to suffer, when
social war aids foreign competition, and the state
of things in Eastern Europe are not of a very re-
assuring aspect. It will not, under all these con-
ditions be a matter of surprise that the imports for
the past month show a decrease of £1,330,498, as
compared with November, 1S96. Annexed is our
usual extract from the "summary" taken from the
Board of Trade Returns for November: —
Imports.
1S96.
1897.
Difference.
Total value
£
42,492,309
£
41,161,871
£
—1,330,498
(A.) Articles of food
and drink — duty
free
14,075,616
14.312.S33
+237,217
(B.) Articles of food
and drink — dutiable
2,870,932
2,819,912
—51,020
Raw materials for
textile manufac-
tured
9,S10,24S
7.S29.327
—1,980,921
Raw materials for
sundry industries
aad manufactures
3,914,0S5
4.073.SS9
+159.S04
(A.) Miscellaneous
articles
1,466,020
1,491,941
+ 25,921
(B.) Parcel Post ..
110,863
106,957
+3,906
The items of decrease are briefly as follows : — Articles
of food and drink dutiable, £51,020 ; chemicals, &c,
£1,768; oils, £162,712; raw materials for textile
manufacturers, £1,980,921 ; parcel post, £3,906.
The great decrease in textile materials is due to the
fact that we have been on the brink of a war between
employer and employed in the cotton districts, in
which the New Year may find this vast industrial
population engaged. Competition by America and
India is now a great factor in our national book-
keeping, and the better the relations existing between
employers and employed, the better for all of us.
The figures relating to the imports of fruits, roots,
and vegetables are this month of far more than ordi-
nary interest, as will be found by perusing the
following table : —
Imports.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Fruits, raw : —
Apples
...bush.
1,406,570
783,300
—623,270
Cherries ...
•• >»
Plums
... »i
15
SS4
+ 869
Pears
,,
14,331
40,674
+32,343
Grapes
,,
5:5,226
122,341
+60,115
Unenumerated
,,
66,361
63,670
—2,691
Onions
... „
714,749
4S5.530
—279,219
Potatos
... cwt.
40,707
834,005
+793,298
Vegetables, raw,
unenu-
merated ...
...value
£71,691
£69,041
—£2,650
To render this of still more interest, the song of the
grocer — the Christmas grocer — being now heard in
the land, we note that last month Oranges to the
amount of 621,475 bushels were imported against
620,510 bushels in 1896 — a difference (increase) of
only 965 bushels! Of Lemons we had fll6,16S
bushels against 92,956 in November of last year —
an increase of 23,212 bushels ! We had been
endeavouring to obtain a record of the output of
fruit in the various British colonies and possessions,
but unavailingly ; the last endeavour was made on the
Cape Secretary for Agriculture, who has just confessed
to us that he has no means at his command with
which to meet our inquiries. This is to be regretted,
as in the mere matter of trade such figures as we
publish each year in relation to our crops at home
are carefully analysed by grower, vendor, and
consumer alike. We pass now to a necessarily brief
note relating to our —
Exports,
and these show an increase of £1,202,717. The total
for the month is £19,773,594 against £18,570,S77.
The only decrease noted is £207,953 in machinery
and mill-work. The increases are briefly as follows :
—Animals, living, £17,489 ; articles of food and
drink, £153,265 ; raw materials, £278,456 ; yarns
and textile fabrics, £207,914 ; metals and articles
manufactured therefrom, excepting machinery,
£315,983 ; apparel and articles of personal use,
£74,019; chemicals, &c, £161,842; all other
articles, £165,775 ; parcel-post, £35,927. Whatever
may be the amount of speculative business repre-
sented by these figures, the healthiness of our trade,
even under repressive conditions, is shown by our
quotations ; and as the year draws to its close, we
assert with confidence our belief that, with peace at
home, and a cessation of war abroad, plenty would
reign all over the land.
Rhododendron Harrisii (arboreum x Thorn
soni). This, writes Mr. Watson, is a new addition to
hybrid Rhododendrons which has been raised in the .
gardens of Lord Swansea at Singleton by Mr. James
Harris, who was for many years gardener there, and
is now a nurseryman at Blackpill. near Swansea. It
forms a compact sturdy bush ; the leaves are oblong
ovate ; petiole 1 inch, blade 5 by 2 inches long, smooth
dark green above, pale green below with closely
interlacing veins as in R. Thomsoni. The flowers
are borne in a compact dense head as in R. arboreum ;
they are deep rose-crimson, with a few dark
spots on the upper segments ; in size they are equal
to the flowers of a good form of R. arboreum ; the
calyx is a cup J inch deep, and is distinctly lobed.
Mr. Harris writes " It has been a mass of flower this
autumn, probably owing to unusually early spring
growth. This is its first time of flowering, but I have
more plants which show promise of flower in spring.
Nothing could be better in habit, and it seems very
hardy." So far as we know, this is the first cross-
raised between R. arboreum and R. Thomsoni. It
promises to be a first-rate addition to early-flowering
Rhododendrons.
Publications Received. — Bulletin of the
Botanical Department, Jama ica (for July to
September), contains papers on Grape Industry,
Coccidaj, How to Gather Logwood-seed, and other
appropriate subjects. — From the U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture : Revision of the Tachinidcs of
America North of Mexico, by D. W. Coquillett. A
careful treatise on a family of parasitic two-winged
insects. — Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Meeting of
the Association of Economic Entomologists, includes
papers on the Present and Future of Applied Ento-
mology in America, F. M. Webster ; Notes on
certain Coleoptera that attack useful Plants, F. H.
Chittenden ; Status of the San Jose Scale in Michi-
gan, W. B. Barrows ; Notes on the Cape of Good
Hope Insects, C. P. Lounsbury, he— The Soy Bean
as a Forage Crop, T. A. Williams ; with appendix on
Soy Beans as Food for Man, by C. F. Langworthy,
Ph.D. The plant hero treated, Glycine hispida, is
brought forward, not for the first time, as being of
considerable value as food, easy of cultivation, and
requiring the same temperature as Maize. As food
for man, it has been used in Japan, China, and neigh-
bouring countries from the earliest times. In more
recent years it has been cultivated for this purpose in
Europe. Since Soy Beans contain no Btarch, they
have been recommended as food for persons suffering
from diabetes. A Soy Bean-bread is manufactured
for this purpose in Taris. — West Australian Settler's
Guide and Farmer's Handbook, part i. A handbook
professedly setting forth a "plain unvarnished tale,
and yet in such language as to make it interesting."
It contains : " Descriptive Notes on the Agricultural
Areas and Crown Lands open for selection, with an
enumeration of the productive possibilities of the
Golden West." There are some excellent illustra-
tions of timber and other crops ; and maps of the
districts. It may be imagined that the subj ect is a large
one, and by no means to be completely treated in this
one volume. — Annual Report on the Gardens of his
Highness Maharana Fatah Singhji of Oodeypore, for
the year 1896-7. Very satisfactory, despite occasional
ravages from wild pigs who "have no fear for the
watchmen whatever, and just simply charge them ;
they having to bolt for their lives, or take refuge
upon a tree ! " — Bulletin of the Louisiana Agrieid-
tural Experiment Station, No. 48, being the Report o£
the Entomologist on : The cotton-mite, a new Peach
insect (Artace punctistriga), Fig borer, harlequin bug
pecan caterpillar, &c. — Notes on the Grasses and
Forage Plants of Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado.hy
L. H. Pam.mel : being a Bulletin from the United
States Department of Agriculture ; useful and well
illustrated. — Annalen des K. K. Naturhistorischcn
Hof museums, Vienna.— The English Tulip (Barr &
Sons, Covent Garden). This useful booklet gives the
history of this popular plant, with notes on its culture
and raising of new Beedlings.
December 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
419
DUCHESSE D'ANGOULEME PEAR.
The finest and heaviest specimen of Duchesse
d'Angouleine Pear that I had hitherto seen came
under my notice a short time ago. The fruit, one
of thirty-four growing on a young tree on a wall
having a south-west aspect (see fig. 124), measured
12£ inches round near the top, 7£ inches near the
stem, 15J inches in circumference lengthwise, and
turned the scale at 1.J lb. This handsome fruit was
well coloured and of fine flavour. It was grown in
the gardens of Stradey Castle, Llauelly. by Mr. T.
Lucas, an old pupil of the writer's, who has made
many improvements in the gardens during the six or
seven years that he has had the management of
these gardens. Mr. Lucas writes in reference to
this fine specimen fruit: "I am proud to think
that I have grown the finest specimen of the Duchesse
d'Angoulenie Pear that has come under your notice,
certainly the one iu question was the heaviest of
the thirty-four fruits gathered from the tree ; twelve
other fruits weighed nearly \\ lb. each, and the
smallest was a trifle over h lb. I must tell you that
this tree did not bear a single fruit in 1896, neither
did a tree of Marie Louise on the same wall have any
fruit. Consequently, last autumn I dug out a trench
round each tree, and thoroughly root-pruned both
trees, aud filled the trenches with a mixture of good
loam and lime-rubble in the proportion of four parts
of the former to one of the latter ; makiDg due allow-
ance for the soil settling down a few inches in as many
weeks, finishing off with a top-dressing of manure and a
heavy application of water at the time, and as often
as I could do so during the summer and early
autumn, with the result that the foliage of both trees
was almost black in summer as compared with that
of other Pear-trees on the same wall — so much so that
everyone visiting the gardens observed the difference
in passing. I gathered more than 2 bushels of excel-
lent fruit from the Marie Louise, the fruits being
very clean and clear in the skin, of extra size, and
fine in flavour. There are several trees of Duchesse
d'Angoulenie Pear in these gardens besides the one
under notice, and I have treated all of them this
autumn in the manner indicated."
Previous to seeing the Stradey Castle specimen of
the Duchesse d'Angouleme Pear, the finest examples
of this variety which had come under my notice were
staged (not for competition), at the Bournemouth and
District Horticultural Society's autumn show, by the
President, Dr. Hitchcock, who is himself a keen pomo-
logist. The size, evenness, and high quality of the
fruits then exhibited were commented on in the
report of the show published in the Gardeners'
UJironicle at the time. I enclose a photograph of the
Stradey Castle tree in fruit, and Mr. Lucas examining
them. H. IT. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex. [The heaviest
Pear of this variety of which we have any note
weighed lib. 10 oz. See Qardeneri' Chronicle, Oct. 1,
1859. It was grown by Mr. Symons, Carclew. Ed.]
NOTES ON NEW CHRYSAN-
THEMUMS.
No sooner has the last of the exhibitions been
held, than cultivators are engaged in the revision of the
lists of varieties to be cultivated for the succeeding
year. Exhibitors know well the advantages to be
gamed by the inclusion iu their collections of new
varieties that are improvements upon older ones.
Take, for instance, the two white-flonered varieties,
Madame Carnot and Avalanche. The former is quite
the best white-flowered variety up_to date, and the
latter half-a-dozen years ago occupied a similar
position. Madame Carnot grows quite as large again
as Avalanche, and in all other qualities it is superior
to the older variety. The'disadvantage an exhibitor
would suffer from did he not cultivate Madame
Carnot is therefore obvious.
To assist auy readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle who
may not have had opportunities to see for themselves
all the novelties, I purpose referring to some of the
most noteworthy that have come under my notice.
It cannot be said that the season now closing has
been very prolific in new varieties of sufficient merit
to place thetn in the front rank at once.
The Japanese varieties being most popular with
the public, as well as with cultivators, for the reason
that they are so useful for decoration, I will allude to
them first.
White- flowered varieties arejusually regarded with
high favour when they possess the necessary points of
size, coupled withj other items that go to make a
perfect bloom.
Simplicity, although not absolutely new, wa3 seen
but little last year, and may therefore be classed as
such. It is a full sized, well ",built" bloom, of
purest white, with somewhat narrow florets slightly
flattened at the tips. Cultivators should not ''take "
too early a bud, or the florets^ become too tubular to
present the best eSect.
Madame Louise Rennj is a pure white sport from
the well-known Mrs. C. H. Payne. Those who are
pleased with extra large blooms should ^row this new
variety. It is the exact counterpart 'oi its parent in
every way except colour.
-A FRriTFl'L TREE OF Dt'CHFSSE D AXGOrLEUE FEAR,
AT STRADEY CASTLE.
Mrs, J. Lcioit was sent out by Calvat last year or
early in last spring, and is one of the best of modern
introductions. The blooms are massive, the florets
broad, and not too stiffly or loosely disposed. The
purity of the blooms in colour, too, is especially note-
worthy. It has a fine dwarf habit of growth, excellent
blooms being obtained from plants 4 feet high.
M. Philipe Rivoire is best described as a much-
improved Souvenir d'une Petite Amie, itself one of the
finest varieties to grow for decoration — say, twelve
blooms on a plant.
Mrs. Weeks, one of last year's introduction, has
maintained its reputation a* being one of the best of
incurved Japanese varieties. No collection is perfect
without this sterling novelty.
Lady Byron is another that has stood a severe test
during the season just past.
Western King is a pure white, compact, ball-like
blossom, praised by all who see it.
Mrs. C. Blick has given many substantial, highly-
prized blooms of the purest white, and all cultivators
are recommende i to add this to their collection.
Mrs. Ritson. — Viviand Morel has at last given a
pure white-flowered sport, the exact counterpart of
its parent. Mrs. Ritson has. therefore, undoubted fine
qualities.
Emily Silsbury is, as the raiser claimed it to be,
one of the best of white-flowered varieties : a trifle
eirly, perhaps, bu1; it this be so, it is tie only fault
that can be urged i;a:: st it.
Snov;don much resembles Avalanche in its florets
and general character, but grows to a larger size, and
is in every way desirable.
Yellow - flowered varieties are generally more
numerous than any other type. But few novelties
of merit even of this colour are to be found this year.
Mrs. W. Mease, a primrose sport from the popular
Madame Carnot, and G. J. Warren, a pure yellow-
flowering sport from the same variety, originated last
season, are quite the best, and, along with the parent,
form a pleasing trio.
Royal Sovereign belongs to the incurved class of
Japanese, in colour a rich orange-yellow.
Oceana, one of last season's introductions, will hold
its own amongst pale yellow varieties in the incurving
section.
Ella Curtis, bronze-yellow, reminds one of Boule
d'Or, so popular ten years ago.
George Foster is an English-raised seedling with
irregularly incurving florets ; pure yellow.
President Nonin, amongst apricot-yellow-flowered
varieties, deserves attention.
Admiral Ito should commend itself to those who
favour the erect petalled varieties ; the florets are
twisted much at the points.
Lovely is an American seedling of the palest yellow ;
the incurvint; florets make a full solid bloom.
Vicar of Elthorne is another bronzy-yellow-flowered
variety, well worthy of attention ; and equally so is
Mrs. C. Keyser, which reminds one of the old
Criterion style.
C. IV. Richardson was sent outlast year with a good
flourish, which it has well sustained, the long,
drooping, curling florets giving to the flowers a dis-
tinctive character.
Coloured varieties are more numerous, and need
considerable selection.
Mary Molyneux is an incurved Japanese of large
size and pleasing colour, being rosy-peach, with a
silver suffusion. It is an American seedling.
Robert Powell, terra-cotta-bronze, lined and flushed
with put pie, is one of the best Japanese varieties
with incurving florets.
M. Bruant is blush-white, suffused purple, with
irregularly incurved florets.
Lady Hanham, a golden rosy-cerise sport from the
popular Viviand Morel, will find many admirers when
more widely known.
Julia Scaramanga in style is much like the pre-
ceding sport. Colour rich bronze terra-cotta, with a
light golden reverse.
Royal Standard, a crimson flower, is the brightest
in colour of any variety introduced this season. The
florets are broad and flat.
Master H. Tucker is darker in tint o£ its crimson
the slightly incurving florets show both colours
readily.
Werther, reddish-purple, is showy, but not large.
Mrs. F. A. Bevan is a flesh-pink coloured variety
with drooping florets.
Mdllc. Laurence Zede is rosy lilac in colour, with
narrow-pointed petals which incurve closely, making
a full solid flower.
Incurved novelties are not numerous, it being less
easy to obtain from seed varieties of this section
equal to the best of those already in cultivation. If
we can count annually upon half-a-dozen distinct
varieties that show an improvement on some existing
kinds, Chrysanthemum cultivators must be satisfied.
Mdllc. Lucie Faure was sent out in the spring of
the present year by Calvat as a Japanese incurved.
It is now recognised by the Floral Committee of the
National Chrysanthemum Society as belonging to the
Chinese, or properly incurved section. Well grown
blooms are certainly magnificent, measuring fully
5 inches wide, and as many deep. The florets are
pointed, incurve regularly, and are of the purest white.
Mrs. A*. Molyneux is an English-raised seedling
from two well-known varieties, James Agate and
C. B. Whitnall. Full-sized blooms are 6 inches wide
and 5 inches deep, of globular form, and ivory-white
in colour. The habit of growth is desirable, being in
few cases higher than 4 feet to 5 feet.
Madame Ferlat is another of Calvat's 1897 intro-
ductions, and promises to be fully up to expectation.
420
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 11, 1897.
The petals are narrow,[tbe ground-colour white, with
a faint pirjk flush. A full and promising variety.
Austin CannM reminds one of Lord Derby in
colour, except that the new variety has silver lines
running through the reverse of the petals ; a full and
desirable variety.
Ernest Cannctt is another type, and equally deserv-
ing of attention. In colour it is blush-pink at the
base, with a yellow suffusion.
Mrs. W. C. Eyan is best described as a pale-
coloured P. Petfield, and as this is a favourite, the
new variety is worthy of a trial.
Miss Dorothy and Miss Violet Foster were both dis-
tributed last spring from the same source. Both are
likely to take a prominent position, as they^ possess
all the characteristics needful to make sterling
exhibition varieties. The former is silvery-mauve in
colour, the latter silver-rose. E. Molyneux.
MAXILLARIA ELEGANTULA,
Rolfe, n. sp.
Our illustration (fig. 125) represents the pretty
Maxillaria elegantula, shown by Messrs. F. Sander &
Co., St. Albans, at the Royal Horticultural Society,
November 23, 1897, when the Orchid Committee
awarded it a Botanical Certificate. The bases of the
segments are white, the outer halves pale yellow,
marked with chocolate colour. Its nearest ally seems
to be M. fucata, illustrated in the Oardeners'
Chronicle, November 17, 1888, p. 577.
worse fate of all befell the Cloth of Gold ; it was
ruthlessly cut away, and like all Noisettes, it re-
sented the insult, and although the stem was as thick
as my arm, it never did anything afterwards, and it
no longer exists. But I see no reason why. if it had
been properly treated, it should not have lived on to
the present time ; and surely there are many situa-
tions in our southern counties where'an squally good
position might be found for it — and yet such is the
general disfavour with which it is regarded, that it does
not appear in the catalogue of the National Rose
Society, either among exhibition or garden Roses.
My object in writing this is to try and induce
growers who are favourably situated to make a
trial of it. I once had an adventure with this
Rose : it was in my very early days of Rose-love ;
and this flower has been one of the last to which I
have paid my addresses. The Auricula, Carnation,
Picotee, and Ranunculus, engaged my earlier affec-
tions, and so it came to pass in the days of my
ignorance I saw some plants of it in pots at a nur-
seryman's in Lincoln. I was coming home, and
actually burdened myself with carrying a plant of it.
It had a promising bud, which flowered when I got it
The Rosary.
— ^-«— — ■■
ROSE : CLOTH OF GOLD.
This beautiful Rose, which was raised just fifty
years ago by Quereau, and brought out under the
French name of Chromatella, has, I think, been
rather unfairly treated, and I am glad, therefore, that
attention has been drawn to it. What I mean by
being unfairly treated is this, it has been considered
so difficult to flower, or, indeed, to keep alive, that
people have not attempted its culture, and yet I look
upon it as one of the most beautiful of our yellow
Roses. Your correspondent has mentioned some
examples of it to show that under certain cir-
cumstances it is very vigorous and long lived ;
though I think it must be a mistake to say its
stem is 15 inches in diameter. I think that in many
places in our southern counties, in suitable positions,
it would thrive well ; one such instance I well
recollect. When I came to this parish thirty years
ago there was a magnificent plant of it, which
nearly covered the front of a house which was then
inhabited by two ladies, one of whom was a great
friend of the late Rev. Joshua Dix ; she was very
fond of her garden, in which she had collected
many good things, but I think the especial
ornament was this fine tree — when I first saw it, it
was a sight not to be forgotten. The house faced
about S.W., and the soil of the garden was light and
sandy ; it was well sheltered from N. and N.E. winds,
and, of course, had, from its position, a good amount
of sunlight. I counted, as well as I could, the
number of blooms and buds on it on the day of my
visit, and there were about 250, borne in true Noisette
fashion, in clusters of three or four. And what
blooms they were ! firm of texture, and deep of
build, witli footstalks so strong that every flower
was held erect. " But what about the colour P some
may say. Well, it has not the rich golden-yellow of
Marechal Niel, but neither has it the defect of that
beautiful Kose, of hanging down its head. The
colour is a soft sulphur-yellow, described by some of
he French raisers as jaunc fonce, and as long as it
ourished it was always a treat to see it in flower.
Oh, then," you may say, " it did not live?" No ;
simply because it was killed. The two ladies died,
and the landlord took possession of the place and altered
it ; he sent his head gardener to alter and improve
the garden ! no suburban gardener could have had a
more vandalic idea of improvement than this good
man. Many a choice shrub was sacrificed, but the
I'n;. 125.— 'MAXILLARIA ELBQANTITLA.
home ; but, alas ! it did no more. Probably had it
been twenty years later, I should have succeeded
with it. Will not, therefore, some of our amateurs
in the South of England give this fair Rose a trial ?
As I am writing about Roses, and amateurs are
busy planting, it may not be out of place to call their
attention to the new form of Acme label, manufac-
tured by Mr. John Pinches, Oxenden Street, Hay-
market. It is the very perfection of a Rose-label :
the name faces you, and there is no need of wetting
the label to Bee what it is. It is really imperishable ;
and as I have had it now for two seasons in use in
my garden, I can testify to its great comfort and
neatness. Moreover, it is not dear, and amateurs
who wish their Roses neatly and permanently labelled,
will, I think, give me their thanks for drawing
attention to it. Wild Rose.
American Notes.
PROTECTING PEACH-TREES IN WINTER.
Peaches are very largely grown over wide areas
in the States and in the province of Ontario, and
there is a constant effort among amateurs to push
their culture as far north as possible. The chief
problem in this case is the protection of the tender
wood against[.freezing',r but[ all-over the States, south
as well as north, a principal concern is to protect
the swelling fruit-buds from late spring frosts.
These questions have recently received an
illuminating review, and a useful original experi-
mental study by Professor Whitten of Missouri.
Some of his conclusions are as follows: — "The
early swelling and growth of the buds is'due to the
warmth they receive, is practically] independent of
root-action, and may take place on warm sunny days in
winter, while the roots are frozen and dormant.
Shading or whitening Peach-trees to^prevent their
absorption of heat on sunny days opposes growth of
the buds, and is, consequently, a protective measure.
Shading the trees with board sheds enabled Peach-
buds to survive the winter uninjured when 80
per cent, of unprotected buds were killed. Whitening
the twigs and buds by spraying them with whitewash
is, on account of its cheapness and beneficial effects,
the most promising method of winter protection tried.
Whitened buds remained practically dormant until
April, when unprotected buds swelled perceptibly
during warm days late in February and early in
March. Whitened buds blossomed three to six days
later than unprotected buds, and 80 per cent, passed
the winter safely when only 20 per cent, of un-
whitened buds esca; ed."
In this same connection, the investigations of Mr.
John Craig, horticulturist at Ottawa, are of interest.
According to his observations, tender fruit-buds are
not always correlated with tender leaf-buds. There
is a striking difference among varieties of Peaches
and Plums in the ability of their fruit-buds to with-
stand severe winter weather. The varieties of Peaches
which Mr. Craig finds hardiest in this respect are
Hill's Chili, Longhurst, Barnard, and Early Rivers.
The hardiest varieties of Plums (of the Domestica
class) are, as regards the fruit-buds, the English Dam-
son, Shropshire Damson, Blue Damson, and Canada
Orleans. Other experiments by Mr. Craig also
emphasise once more the inutility of mulching to
retard blossoming in spring.
The Rule of the Soluble Ferments in
Germination.
During the past year we have been making some
very interesting experiments at the Vermont Experi-
ment Station in the artificial use of enzymes, or soluble
ferments, in the germination of seeds. Diastase is
the reagent with which we have worked most,
and with which we have had greatest succbbs. It is
well known that old seeds lo se, in greater or less
degree, their capability of germination. This, we
assumed might be due to the weakening of the
enzymic ferments known to be present in fresh
mature seeds, and generally understood among phy-
siological botanists to play an important part in the
digestion of reserve materials in the seeds for the use
of the unfolding plantlets. Our method of proce-
dure is to make a 5 per cent, or 10 per cent,
solution of fresh malt. The »seeds are then
soaked for twenty-four to forty-eight hours in the
strained solution, the solution drained ofi, and the
seeds planted. As a check in these experiments, an
equal number of the same seeds are always soaked in
water and planted beside the treated seeds. Although
we have had many negative results, some of the
positive testimony is really surprising. Tomato
seeds twelve years old showed the following per-
centages of germination : —
Soaked in water 1? per cent.
Treated with'pepsin, 5 per cent. ... 70 ,,
,, ,, ,, 10 per cent. ... SO ,,
,, ,, Diastase (malt) 5 per cent. 84 „
„ ,, ,, ,, 10 per cent S5 „
Thus the treatment with the stronger diastase
solution gave an increased germination over the
sample soaked in water of 60S per cent. Another
sample of Tomato seeds, five years old, gave the
following results : —
In water 76 per cent.
In Extractum Pancreatis ... SO ,,
In Trypsin S6 „
In Enzvmol 90 ,,
In Diastasic Essence of Pancreas 64 ,,
Our experiments are only preliminary thus far, but
they offer intensely interesting suggestions. Of
Dkcembbr 11, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
421
course, the most obvious practical application would
seem to be the use of malt solutions in germinating
old ami weak seede. The treatment is attended with
scarcely any expense of time, trouble, or money, and,
if it provo useful in practical work, can ba undertaken
by anybody. F. A. IVawjh.
New West American Lilies.
In Erylhea for October, 1897, Mr. Carl Purdy, the
we'l - known bulb - collector of Ukiah, California,
describes three Lew Lilies frotu the north-west : —
Lilium occidental'-, the Eureka Lily, occurs in
boggy places in barrens and woods about Humboldt
Bay, occupying the place which L. maritimum takes
further south ; its nearest relative is L. maritimum,
but it has larger flowers, with long rcvolute lobes.
Lilium Bakcri comes near to L. columbianum ; its
coloar is a little more orange than the latter, "the
lower portion dotted thickly with small maroon
sp >ts ; " the segments of the perianth are closely
reflexed from the middle. It is described as being
n Tery fragrant, perfuming the air for rods around."
Habitat: "Sandy woods aloDg Puget Sound, in
northern Washington and southern British Columbia.''
Lilium par rum vat: lutcum differs from the type in
the clear brilliant reddish -orange-coloured petal?, not
tipped with red, Bpolted with small spots of bright
red. It is a native of Plumas Co , California. Mr.
Purdy adds, " I do not agree with those authors who
would limit L. parvuni to tho funnel foraed tjp^,
and throw any or all of those forms with reflexed
petals into L. pardaliuum. I consider the peculiar
three-jointed scale, tho pale foliage, and the shorter,
rounder capsule more specific characters than the
form of the flower, aud would throw all of these
alpine Lilies into L. parvum. L. pardalinum var.
minor is, iti my opinion, a form of L. parvum."
J. Burll Davy, University of California, Berkeley,
California.
Home Correspondence.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S MEDALS
AND AWARDS. — While there is both wisdom and
truth in the observations by "Authority" at p. 402
on the above, and with which many will most
cordially agree, it is difficult to discern the motive
" K."bad in view when penning the latter portion of
a self-contradictory note. For on the very face of it
with these medals of " lesser value," and so long as
they are so relatively valueless, one cannot see the
reason for the " avariciou-ness" that your corre-
spondent assumes to exist in the desire to obtain
tbem. Had these been money prizes I could havo
seen some ground for the remark ; but so long as
hese Medalsjretain the merely nominal value they
represent, the observation appears quite uncalled for.
Surely " K" is not so woefully ignorant of the facts
as to know that many of these Medals are given as some
acknowledgment of successful culture of the plants,
fruits, or flowers shown ; for it is utterly impossible,
even did the winner feel inclined, to turn them into
cash, that they would repay even the time and
travelling-expenses of the assistant private gar-
deners who are a necessity where large groups or
collections are staged. That there are gardeners
who only exhibit when a substantial money-prize is
awarded is well known, and it is equally well known
that in some of the most frequent exhibitors the
Royal Horticultural Society finds its most staunch
supporters— men worthy of the calling they are fol-
lowin", who regard it a part of their duty as head
gardener to carry on a certain amount of exhibiting
in the interests of the young gardeners, who now
work with them, and who will remember with grate-
fulness the opportunities thus afforded them. Of this
latter class there are happily gardeners who from
personal experience must be each year pounds out of
pocket by such exhibiting, while the only recompense
is the Silver Medal, or what not, of the Society in
question. And because a good gardener may, if he
so choo'e, be a frequent exhibitor, and thereby secure
a few of these medals, of no real worth, a corre-
spondent like " K." assumes such action to be
"pitiful," and as "degrading horticulture." The
same correspondent would doubtless tell us that the
finest Boldiers of to-day are degrading the Army
because these very men not only win and receive
medals ; for they proudly decorate their well expanded
breasts with these reminders of the past. The gar-
dener docs not go quite this far, and still clamour
around for one more space to be occupied, but he
quietly treasures such things in his private abode,
and will doubtless revere them in the years to come.
The last suggestion of " K." is an impossible one, just
at the moment when the Council of the Iioyal Hor-
ticultural Society have so signally announced them-
selves in favour of giving medals by their last creation
in this direction. The gardeners who secured one of
these latter will now be able to have a central figure
in the decoral ion of their rooms by these well- won
tokeus. Rex.
THE LATE HORACE BILLINGTON.— The writer
of the obituary notice of the late Horace Billington,
Curator of the Botanic Garden at Old Calabar, is in
error in stating that 'it is also very unfortunate that
a good man was not put with him to assist
Such a man would have learnt very much from
Mr. Billington's experience, and the Government
would have had someone now to rely upon
to continue the valuable work started by Mr.
Billington " (p. 406). A competent gardener
was sent out from Kew to Old Calabar to assist Mr.
Billington a year aud a half ago, as will be seen from
the following extract from the Kew Bulletin, 1896,
p. 147: — "Mr. John Henry Holland, a member of
the gardening staff of the jltoyal Gardens, has been
appointed, on the recommendation of Kew, by the
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Assistant
Curator of the Botanic Station at Duko Town, in the
Niger Coast Protectorate. He left Liverpool for Old
Calabar in the middle of Juno." That Mr. Holland
has given satisfaction is shown by the following
official statement by Mr. Billington himself, and also
by one from H.B.M. Commissioner in tho Niger
Coast Protectorate: — "Old Calabar, Aug. 12, 1897.
During tho time Mr. J. H. Holland has been in the
service of the Botanical Department, extending over
a period of thirteen months, both as Assistant Curator
and as Acting Curator, he has performed his duties
in a satisfactory manner, and worked hard. Mr.
Holland is well-informed on tho cultivation of
economic plants, as well as in other branches of
horticulture (Signed) Horace W. L. Billington."
" I have found Mr. Holland a reliable and hard-
working official (Signed) R. Moor, H.B.M. Commis-
sioner and Consul-General." In justice to Mr. Holland
and to Kew, I shall be much obliged if you will
publish this statement. //'. JVatson.
YELLOW BANKSIAN ROSE. — I am sending you
two sprays of the yellow Bankeian Rose, picked from
a plaut growing on the front of Mr. J. C. Walkey's
house at Ide, near Exeter, and wholly unprotected.
Quite recently I saw a farin-house, near Dawlisb,
with Solanum jasminoides covering half of the front,
and bloomiug profuBely. Cowslips, Polyanthuses,
Primroses, Pausies, and the like havo been very
plentiful up to the beginning of this month in
gardens near Exetor. A . H.
TESTACELLA HALIOTIDEA. — So far as my expe-
rience goes, these worm-eating slugs, which have
been so freely commented upon of late in your
columns, are much more widely distributed than
people imagine. I find them here in quantities,
but most abundantly in spring ; the larger ones often
in the act of devouring a worm apparently twice its
own size. At this season of the year, scarcely a day
passes but I see one or more on the land, from quite
small ones not larger than a straw, to the full grown,
as large in circumference as the small finger. Where
a box has been left on the damp earth a day or two,
there one may almost be certain of finding the
above species. E. Jenkins, Hampton Hill, Middlesex.
STANDARD ROSES. — It is narrated of Mr. Woods,
who came from Paris to Mare6field in 1824, that he
sent some standard Roses from Paris to a builder at
Brighton, desiring him to have them planted in a
garden attached to a house then in course of con-
struction. The recipient of the Roses acknowledged
the receipt of a " bundle of sticks," from which
some thief had stolen the Roses. Directions were,
however, given that the sticks should be planted
root downwards, and next year many of the
Brightonians were delighted with their first sight of
a standard Rose. C. W.
POTATO - SPIRIT. — It would be interesting to
know what proportion of the Potato crop of Europe
is devoted to the production of spirit. We know in
a general sort of way that it is a large one in
Germany, Poland, and Austria, and enormous quan-
tities of the tubers find their way to the distillery
and the starch manufactory ; but what this propor-
tion bears to the whole, is not generally known in
this country. The spirit obtained from the Potato is
commonly consumed by the peasantry in those
countries, it being very cheap and not very potent,
and takes the place of beer and wine with the poorer
classes. The poisonous prinoiplo of the Potato,
solanin, cannot be any means known at present be
entirely separated from the distilled product, and it
acts very injuriously on those who indulge largely in
Potato-spirit drinking, otherwise no perceptible ill
effects follow moderate use. Muchharinisundoubtedly
caused to the natives of Africa and Polynesia, who,
unacquainted with evil effects of tho crude spirit sold
to them by the trader, indulge in immoderate con-
sumption with lamentable effects. Traveller.
AUTUMN v. SPRING DIGGING. —Mr. Easter, who
writes so well on this subject, I notice, assumes
that autumn-digging of stiff or clay soils is almost
a necessity. Having had to work for twenty years
several acres of as tenacious a description of soil
as Middlesex can show, I may tell Mr. Easter
with some knowledge, that early winter-digging
of such soil was either a success or a lament-
able failure, just as the winter was dry or wet.
Given a wet winter, then the after-condition of the
dug soil was greatly worse than that of the undug ;
indeed, taking tho average of seasons, I found it was
far safer and wiser to leave digging to the spring, as
the ground then would work fairly well ; whereas if
eirly dug, a wet wiuter. or even a few heavy
downfalls of rain, would leave the soil satu-
rated, pasty, clinging, and absolutely unworkable.
Naturally, one wishes to get ground dug during
tho winter, to at once facilitate spring-work,
and to furnish labour in the winter, but the
results were always distressing if the season was at
all wet. Even if thrown up ever so rough, and
frost came, and broke up and pulverised it, yet so
soon as rain came, the fine broken surface became
literally mortar, and, choking up the soil-pores and
worm-holes, then dried, left the ground hard and
impervious. Generally, for clay soils, it is far better
to allow them to remain all the winter untouched, but,
if possible, carrying a green crop of some sort, even if
but weeds, because such vegetation does gather and
convey into the soil fertile elements, whilst barren or
fallow soils simply allows them to waste. Still, this
is old teaching, literally as old as the hills ; but sound
as it is, it is too little put into practice. Why is
there such a dead set raised against earth-worms
that readers want to increase the carnivorous
Testaeellal Do not the earth-worms play a most
valuable part in the economy of soil creation and
cultivation ? work that seems to be too little recog-
nised. A. D.
NEW VIOLETS.— At the recent Chrysanthemum
show in Brighton some of the finest Violets I have
ever seen were shown by Messrs. J. House & Son, of
the Coombe Nurseries, Westbury - on - Trym, near
Bristol. These were large, of nice colour, and very
fragrant. One of the best was California, a strong
grower, double the size of our well-known Improved
Czar, and of an intensely deep violet-purple. The
stout stems were from 10 to 14 inches long.
Princess of Wales, a large dark-tinted variety, was
said by Mr. House to be the largest in culti-
vation ; the stalks were not quite so long as iu
California, nor was the fragrance as pronounce!, but
the flowers were carried boldly upright. Italia and
Primavera were also exceptionally good. A variety
called St. Helena was of a clear lavender colour,
rather brigher than that found in the Neapolitan.
All of these single-flowered Violets are of recent intro-
duction. They are exceptionally strong growers,
flowering very freely, as shown by the plants in pots
staged at the same time, and of much use for autumn
and spring floworing. A. P.
AN ELEVATED ORCHARD IN THE WEST. —
" Pomona" (in issue Gardeners' Chronicle for Novem-
ber 13, under heading of "Enquiry"), will pro-
bably run the risk of only nominal drawbacks if
planting as described at 600 ft. elevation'in Gloucester-
shire, by makiug the choice of varieties as if there
were no question of elevation at all to impose re-
strictions. I named in last week's issue, under
"Yorkshire Apples " a selection of varieties for the
neighbourhood of Hull, all of which would be desir-
able for Gloucestershire, and certainly Cox's Orange
Pippin should not be excluded, nor Ribston neither,
the Apples referred to being all dessert varieties.
Amongst culinary Apples, all the large tried varieties,
such as Early Rivers, Stirling Castle, Lord Suffield,
Grenadier, Lord Grosvenor, The Queen, Bismarck,
422
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
ECEMBER 11, 1897.
Ecklinville, Gascoigne's Scarlet, Warner's King, New
Hawthornden, Newton Wonder, Bratnley's Seedling,
Prince Albert, Wellington, &c, would include the
best. It is more a consideration of other conditions
that require care. Among them, the south-west
aspect with the well-known heavy winds from the
Bristol Channel might lay low the crop of standards,
a risk which would be greatly minimised by planting
bush-trees only, but especially of large sorts, indepen-
dently of bush-fruit, being finer than the produce
from standards. I go so far as to say that no large
Apples should be grown anywhere as standards, for
the reason named. As for shelter, the Larch is
amoug the fastestgrowing trees forsuch purpose, as well
as Abies Douglasii, two or three rows of which would
doubtless effect the purpose. A good space should
be left between the shelter and the nearest Apple-
trees, so that sunlight be not diverted from the fruit.
The physically strongest varieties of Apples should
be planted in the first lines inside the shelter.
B. H. E., Forest Hill.
THE GROWTH OF STEMS OF AURICULAS.—
My own experience of hardy or outdoor Auriculas
does not agree with that of your correspondent,
J.C. Bosch, whose remarks apply to the hybrid Oxlip,
apparently which is, so far as usually under-
stood in this country, the progenitor of the Poly-
anthus. So fur as all the Primroses and Polyanthuses
are concerned, I never found these to show elon-
gated stems above-ground. With Auriculas it is
very different, and plants which had stood three or
four years untouched, or not top-dressed with soil,
would, to get them back into something like form,
have to be lifted, the long bare Btems very much in a
state of decay cut away, and be replanted lower
down to partially bury the crowns. The theory put
forward that roots, because of their occasional con-
traction, are gradually drawn down into the soil, and
therefore submerged more deeply, seems open to
discussion. Like to many other interesting theories,
it is not always borne out in practice. D.
JERSEY BULB AND POTATO BOX.— At the
Cambridge Botanic Garden, Mr. Lynch, A.L.S.
kindly showed me a very useful receptacle for bulbs,
Potatos, or fruit. It is made of half-inch stuff, light
deal, the frame-work being a little stouter, or five-
eights ; and the cross-bar, which runs the whole
length of the box as a support, and forms the handle,
is made of a piece an inch square, the angles being
planed or chamfered off for convenience of handling.
When bulbs are dug, or hard fruit such as Apples or
Pears are gathered, they can be laid gently in these
boxes, and need not be removed before being stored,
in either shed or fruit room, a good deal of extra
labour, as well as risks of bruising from repeated
handling, being in this way saved. These boxes are
nearly or quite as light and handy as ordinary
baskets, and have the additional advantage of being
easily stacked up one upon another, and at the same
time their construction allows of ample ventilation.
I am adopting these simple and useful contrivances
here for bulbs, &e., and am quite sure that bulb,
Potato, and fruit growers generally would find them
most convenient and useful. The specimen box was, I
believe, given to Mr. Lynch by Mr. Home, late of the
Botanical Gardens, Mauritius, who is now settled in
the Channel Islands. P. W. Barbidge. [See Gardeners'
Chronicle, February 8, 1896.
THE MILD WEATHER.— We were obliged to mow
our lawns throughout, and clip the grass-edges in the
usual manner, during the last week in November,
finishing up the work on December 1. I never
remember it being necessary to do this work so late
in the season. George Stanton, Park Place Gardens.
THE VIOLA.
Tars is undoubtedly one of the most valuable of
all flowers for garden cultivation. It begins to bloom,
as a general rule, as early as the Rose ; and it remains
in bloom to as late a period. At the present date
(November 10), I have flowers on Violetta, the first
and still the finest of the race of miniature rayless
Violas, which even at this late season of the year
have not yet lost their fragrance. But this variety
is, as a general rule, somewhat later than other
Violas in coming into bloom ; in my own garden it
seldom begins to flower generally before the beginning
of June.
The hardiness of constitution possessed by those
seemingly fragile plants, is one of their chief recom-
mendations. I ha?e plants in sheltered borders of
the variety to which I have referred, which have
bloomed consecutively and unfailingly for at least
five years. In the situations assigned them they
have withstood without harm the severity of our
hardest winter. It is true that after such a crucial
visitation they suffer somewhat in vitality, and take
a considerable time in early summer to repair the
injury they have sustained. Their fragrance is one
of their greatest attractions (no flower to me is en-
tirely fascinating without this qualification) ; they
have also the merit of great floriferousness.
Dr. Stuart, of Chirnside, in Berwickshire, the
raiser of Violetta, has given us many other varieties
of the greatest attractiveness, of which I may men-
tion Florizel, introduced in 1S96, flowers of blush-
lilac, and beautiful formation ; Blue Gown, lilacina,
and the lovely hybrid entitled Border Witch, all of
them varieties of good quality. Mr. W. Cuthbertson,
of the Rothesay firm of Dobbie & Co., has been, like
Dr. Stuart, a successful raiser of fine varieties, among
which, perhaps, the finest are Iona, derived from
Countess of Kintore ; Hamlet, a Viola of recent
origin, which has a wonderful blending of colours,
resembling some of the finest Pansies in this respect ;
Princess Ena and Prince of Orange, of which the
last-mentioned is brilliant in colour and very effective.
There are many other British raisers or intro-
ducers, viz., Mr. A. J. Rowberry, Mr. McLeod of
Chingford, Mr. Grieve of Edinburgh, whe has given
us many varieties of great merit ; Mr. J. Forbes of
Hawick, Mr. Irvine, raiser of Princess Louise and
Prince of Wales ; Mr. J. Baxter and Mr. S. Pye of
Catteral, Lancashire, who has given from time to time
to the world of horticulture several of the fiuest of
Dr. Stuart's raising. Of Mr. Baxter's productions, the
most popular are White Duchess and Duchess of
Fife, of which the latter is the more valuable, by
reason of its beauty and distinctiveness. He has not
given us anything of late years likely to supersede those
varieties. A. J. Rowberry has been pronounced by
an authority on Violas the best y»llow Viola extant,
and with which dictum I am quite in accord. Prince
of Orange, already characterised, has a deeper shade
of colour, and produces a much larger number of
flowers ; though it must be admitted that they are
not quite so large, while quite up to the average in
this special respect. One of the largest of recent
varieties is Lavender King, which by rea:on of its
somewhat unusual colouring has been awarded a
First-class Certificate by the National Viola Society.
After adequate trials in cultivation at Regent's Park,
London, the following Violas were found by the Viola
conference of 1896 to have produced, for decorative
purposes, the best results, viz., Acme, Archie Grant,
Ardwell Gem, Border Witch, Bridegroom, Bullion,
Countess of Hopetoun, Countess of Kintore, Countess
of Wharncliffe, Duchess of Sutherland, Ivanhoe, J.
B. Riding, Lemon Queen, Lord Elcho, Luteola,
Marchioness, Mrs. C. Turner, Niphetos, Norah May,
Pencaitland, Princess Beatrice, Princess Ida, Princess
Louise, Rose Queen, Rosine, The Mearns, True Blue,
William Niel, Sylvia, Snowflake, aud Rosea Pallida.
To these I would add, if only for the sake of artistic
contrast, such elective varieties as Iona, a variation
from Countess of Kintore ; H. M. Stauley, of dark
purple hue ; Crimson King, a splendidly formed
flower, whose colour is sufficiently suggested by its
name ; Peter Barr and Dorothy Tennant, which
have among others great merit, that of distinctive-
ness ; and finally Ravenswood, whose rich claret
colour is among Violas exceedingly rare. Of all
existing varieties the most intensely fragraut are
I>r. Stuart's Violetta, and Countess of WharucKBe ;
Ardwell Gem, the parent of Duchess of Fife, bein"
also, in this respect, supremely attractive. This
special variety, it is interesting to remember, was
raised at Ardwell House, the residence of one of the
chief proprietors in this parish, Mr. Ommanney,
"The Taggart,"who is very much interested in the
cultivation of blooms.
Violas, fur the most part, are not very exacting in
their cultural requirements ; ytt there are some of
them which never exhibit their entire capabilities if
they have not been planted iu a deep and fertile soil.
It is of the greatest importance that, when begin-
ning to bloom, they should be occasionally entirely
disbudded, as this method results in greater vigour
of growth ; and that at a late period when sun-heat
is more potent, they should be well watered in dry
weather, and the soil should be of friable nature.
David R. Williamson.
SOCIETI ES.
«
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
December 7, S, 9.— This Society lias now held its last
exhibition for the yuai\ The show opened on Tuesday last
was satisfactory for a December fixture, and though
certainly not more extensive than formerly, the quality was
good. The whole of the display was confined to one of *he
galleries. It was grouped rather closely together, an to
some extent there was a better opportunity to examine the
blooms than is sometimes the case when there is a crowded
hall, and the exhibits are on the ground Hoar. Still, the
light is never more th in. necessary in the galleries, and on
the present occasion the noise in the building seemed more
distracting than ever. There was only one clas3 that called for
Chrysanthemum plants, and this required six specimens of
single- flowered varieties, bush-grown, trained or untrained.
Only one group was shown, and a 3rd prize was awarded it.
Cut Blooms.
Japanese. — The best collection of twenty-four blooms, in
not fewer than eighteen varieties, was staged by Mr.
Messenger, gr. to C. H. Berners, Esq., Woolverstone Park,
Ipswich. The flowers were generally good, aud the varieties
as follows: — Madame Carnot, Etoile de Lyon, C. W. Rich-
ardson, Silver King, Hose Wynne, Colonel T. C. Bourne,
E. D. Smith, niveum, Graphic, Golden Gate, Mdlle. M. A.
de Galbert, Miss M. Blenkiron, G. C. Schwabo, Jale.ie, Mr.
Armstead, Mutual Friend, and Beauty of Castlewood. Mr.
W. Slogrove, gr. to Mrs. Crawford, Gatton Cottage, Reigate,
who was '2nd, had a nice even lot. 3rd, Mr. Norman Davis,
Pram field Nurseries, Sussex
The best collection of twelve blooms was also from Mr.
W. Messenger. It was remarkable for an unusual bloom of
Madame Carnot, which measured 10 inches over from base
of petal on one side to baseof petal on the other. Other flowers
shown were Silver King, uiveum, E. D. Smith, Golden Gate,
MissM. Blenkiron, Etoile de Lyon, Snowdon, Phoebus, C. W.
Richardson, G. C. Schwabe, and Mutual Friend. The 2nd
place was obtained by a very commendable exhibit from Mr.
R. Kenyon, gr. to A. F. Hills, Esq., Moukhams, Woodford ;
3rd, Mr. W. Slogrove.
For six Japanese blooms, Mr. C. Cox, gr. to J. Trottfr,
Esq., Brickendon Grange, Hertford, beat four other exhibitors.
His blooms were very fine, and consisted of the varieties,
Silver King, Edith Tabor, Mrs. W. H. Lees, Mme. Carnot,
M. Chenon de Leche, and Mrs. C. Blick. Mr. R. Kenyon
wis a good 2nd, aud included a very finely coloured bloom
of Gjiden Gate ; 3rd, Mr. A. Sri rt.
The best collection of twelve blooms distinct (single-handed
gardeners' class) was from Mr. F. Bush, gr. to W. Lister,
Esq., Rose Hill, Totteridge.
Mr. W. Perrin, gr. to C. W. Richardson, Esq., Sawbridge-
wurth, won 1st place for six blooms distinct (amateurs); and
Mr. Geo. Hical, Hully House, Compton, Guildford, had the
best six blooms in four varieties, there being three other
competitors.
Mr. N. Davis was the only exhibitor of twenty-four
bunches of Chrysanthemums, any varieties, to be shown in
bottles, and to him the 1st prize was awarded.
The best twelve bunches of Chrysinthe mums was staged
by Mr. W. Howe, gr. to Henry Tate, Esq., Park Hill,
Streatham Common. Toese were put up well, and
presented a good picture. Mr. Norman Davis was 2nd.
There were four collections of six bunches, and Mr. N.
Davis was adjudged the best exhibitor, followed by Mr. W.
Slogrove and Mr. R. Bas.sil.
Incurveds.— From three other competitors the 1st place
for twelve incarveds was won by Mr. W. Neville, gr to
P. W. Plight, Esq., Cornstiles, Twyford. Winchester. The
winner's stand contained an even lot of blooms, the weakest
of which was The Egyptian, which appeared too flat;
Ma Perfection, R. C. Kingston, Bonnie Dundee, Miss P.
Foster, John Fulford, and Major Bonnaffon, were the other
varieties. 2nd, Mr. T. Robinson, gr. to W. Lawrence, Esq.,
ElslieH Uuiisc, Hulliugbourne. There were two large blooms
of a yellow incurved, Miss P. Fowler (First-class Certificate) ;
the rest were uneven. 3rd, Mr. A. Sturt, gr. to N. L. Cohen,
Esq., Round Oak, Englctield Green.
Mr. R. Bassil, gr. to D. H. Evans, Esq., Shooter's Hill, Pang-
bourne, had the best exhibit of six incurveds in Mrs. R. C
Kingston, Bonnie Dundee, Ma Perfection, Chas. H. Curtis,
W. Tunuington, and Mr. J. Gardiner; 2nd, Mr. W. Neville.
Single-jiowertid.— There were three collections of twelve
bunches of large -flowered single varieties, and a very nice
collection frum Mr. G. W. Forbes, gr. to Madam Nichols,
Regent House, Surbiton, was the best. The varieties, Aid.
Sir G. Symonds, Rev. W. E. Renfrey, and Rudbeckia,
appeared best; 2nd, Mr. A. Felgate, gr. to the Duchess of
Wellington, Burhill, Walton-on-Thames.
Mr. G. W. Forbes had the best exhibit of twelve bunches
of small-flowered single varieties, showing very much better
than the 2nd and 3rd exhibitors.
Mr. A. Felgate won for six bunches of large-flowered
single varieties.
December 11, 1897.]
TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
423
Miscellaneous Plants, &c.
The best collection of Cyclamens in pots was from Mr. W.
Orpwood, Audover Nursery, Uxbridge ; and the best group
of twelve Cyclamens in pots (nursery nieuexcluded), was from
Mr. W. Frost, gr. to S. Ashlev Dodd, Esq., Ashford, Kent ;
who was followed by Mr. W. Rapley, gr. toH. Grinlino, Esq.,
Harrow Weald House, Stanmore. This latter exhibit was
short ot colour, otherwise it was little inferior in quality to
the 1st prize exhibit.
Mr. J. Gibson, gr. to E. H. Watts, Esq., Devonhurst,
Chiswick, was 1st in the class for a collection of plants of
Primula sinensis (npen) with a very creditable exhibit. They
were interspersed tastefully with pretty Crotons and graceful
Palms.
The class for twelve Primula sinensis (nurserymen
excluded) fell to Mr. W. Mease, gr. to H. Tate, Esq , Down-
side, Leatherhead, who was followed by Mr. Gibson.
A collection of flowering, berried, and foliage plants,
arranged for effect upon a table, and shown by Mr. Gibson,
deserved praise as being composed of pretty, well-grown
specimens of the different species. Its only fault was due to
an effort to include a greater number of plants in the space
than there was need for.
For the best basket arranged with autumn berries and
foliage there were as many as ten competitors, and the 1st
prize was won by Mr. Newelt, gr. to Sir E. Saunders, Fair-
lawn, Wimbledon.
NON-COMPETITI VE.
There were many exhibits staged other than those for
competition, and one of the most remarkable of these was a
group of plants and cut blooms from Mr. W. Wells, Earls-
wood Nurseries, Redhill. The group consisted of two elbows
with a division in the middle, where a miniature lake, con-
taining fish, was formed on ths floor. Around this was a
setting of moss with a few Ferns, and a bordering of cork.
There were cork arches too, and some of the stands for
the blooms were relieved with thi same material. This
style is hardly appropriate in the grouping of such plants as
the Chrysanthemum, and, when adopted, it is necessary to
secure excellent finish.
Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryecroft Nursery, Lewisham, filled a
large table with blooms of many varieties of Chrysanthe-
mums,^inclusive of a number of novelties. They were well
relieved by pretty foliage plants.
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, showed
Chrysanthemum blooms, and something very much brighter,
in their stand of sprays of Pelargonium tluwers, which were
very attractive. This firm also contributed some excellent
vegetables.
Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nurseries, Devon, and Mr.
R. Owen, Maidenhead, contributed blooms of numerous
varieties of Chrysanthemums.
Mr. J. R. Chard, florist, Stoke Newington, had some
pleasing floral arrangements ; and a similar exhibit was
staged by Mr. W. Green, jr., Harold Wood, Essex, who
showed excellent taste in the several designs.
A splendid exhibit of eighteen bunches of Grapes was
made by Mr. W. Taylor, gr. to C Bayer, Esq., Tewkesbury
Lodge, Forest Hill, S.E. Mr. T. Robinson and Mr. W.
Neville contributed Chrysanthemum blooms ; and Mr.
Bassil, gr. to D. ET. Evans, Esq., Shooter's Hill, Pangbourne, a
collection of vegetables.
ISLE OF "WIGHT HORTICULTURAL
IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.
December 4. — This Association held its monthly meeting
at Xewport, on the above date. Mr. J. Groves presided over
a large attendance of members ; and Mr. C. Martin, Clarence
House Gardens, Eist Cowes, read an excellent paper on
" Codiamms, Caladiums, and Dracrenos," which evoked an
interesting discussion.
Mr. W. W. Sheath, Macrocarpa, Ventnor, staged leaves of
Crotons and Drac;enas to illustrate the subject, and made a
few remarks on the various methods of propagation and
general cultural requirements.
Mr. J. H. Silsbitry staged a fine bloom of the Chrysan-
themum Julia Scaramanga.
A Pleasurable Incident. —On Thursday,
December 2, Mr. F. Elliot, gardener to Mrs. W. L.
Barclay, The Briars, Reigate, was, ou the occasion
of his marriage with Annie, daughter of Mr. T.
Wortley, Belt ham, Grantham, the recipient of a
handsome marble clock, subscribed for by the work-
men in the gardens of Lord Brownlow at Bel ton, where
Mr. Elliot was foreman in the kitchen garden and
forcing department for a period of five years.
Marriage of Mr. Archibald Forbes, Son
of Mr. John Forbes. — At Marlfield, Hawick, on
the 3rd inst., by the Rev. Charles Allan, M.A.,
assisted by the Rev. Duncan Stewart, M.A., Archi-
bald Forbes, Buccleuch Nurseries, Hawick, to
Eleanor Snowdon, eldest daughter of Mark
Currie, Esq. Mr. Forbes was, on the occasion of his
marriage presented with a handsome barometer
from the nursery employes, Mr. W. Oliver, on behalf
of the men, making the presentation. The office-
bearers of Freemasons' Lodge, St. John, No. Ill, met in
the Crown Hotel, and presented the happy man with a
beautiful silver salver, which was suitably inscribed.
R. W. M., Brother James Barrie, in a feeling speech,
made the presentation.
Markets.
The terra "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 423 Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying l3 continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
Sun.
is?
Accumulated.
a
©
2
3
5s
■ii
^-s-©
a
CO
%i
qfe
°a
u
H
01
-
£$4
Ja * &
^ 2 2
_|_ '■* ©
rpp
a a
> OS
O CD
3a
©
S .
%*%
>
o
p
<
©
JA
s .
5
*©
Q
Above 42°, differenc
from Meau since
January 3, 1897.
9) O OS
© -S J3
S M
■o § 00
gab
> 5 s
1 1 ?.
© ^ 1-3
M
More (+) or less (-
Mean for the W
~. 2
«~ =3
6
a
■a
fa
©
-
'3
7-
H
si
to
CM
■a -
Is
^_ -^
O oj
a> o
bO —
«'Z
a a
z
Oi
Day-
deg.
Day-
4eg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
lOths
Inch.
Ins
0
2 -
0
;i
+ 205
- 24
1 -
210
49-0
"1
1
3 -
0
43
+ 41
- 11
1 +
187
26 6
2)
2
1 -
5
33
-1- 103
- 99
4 +
170
22 6
21
3
2 -
5
35
+ 129
- 120
1 +
160
21 2
24
4
3 -
2
IS
+ 66
- 131
2 +
160
24 5
26
5
2 -
10
29
+ 249
- 195
1 -
151
23'3
36
6
2 _
5
30
+ 129
- 58
4 -
202
407
30
7
2 -
6
26
+ 177
- US
21 +
181
333
23
8
o _
14
29
+ 259
- 13S
2 -
187
37-9
32
9
1 -
10
29
+ 79
— 22
3 +
213
36 5
32
L«
1 -
27
13
+ 221
- 92
2 +
200
42 4
34
1 -
20
0
+ 399
- 84
3 +
199
31-7
23
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat- producing Districts —
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, Englaud, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, &c, Districts — 6, Scotland. W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British. Islands for the week ending December 4, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office :—
" The weather was very unsettled and squally during the
earlier half of the period, with considerable falls of cold rain
or sleet in all the northern parts of the kingdom, and of rain
or hail, and occasional sleet elsewhere. The rainfall was
especially heavy in the north-west of England, and North
Wales. Towards the end of the week the conditions became
finer and drier over the more southern districts, but con-
tinued changeable, with frequent rain elsewhere.
"The temperature was below the mean, the deficit ranging
from 1° in 'Ireland," the 'Channel Islands.' ani 'England,
N.E.," to 3° in 'Scotland, E.,' and the 'Midland Counties.'
The highest of the maxima were recorded during the earlier
part of the week, and ranged from 55° in the 'Channel
Islands,' and ?4" in ' England, S.W.,' to 47° in ' Scotland, N.,
and E.' The lowest of the minimi were registered either on
December 3 or 4, and ranged from 19° in ' Scotland, E/ (at
Braemar), and 20° in ' England, E.' (at KothamstedJ, to 27°
in ' Ireland, S.,' and to 37° in the ' Channel Islands.'
" The ram/all was rather less than the mean in ' Scotland,
N. and W.,' as well as in ' England, S , and S.W.,' but more
in all other districts. In 'England, N.W.,* the fall was
nearly four times as much as the mean. The greatest aggre-
gate falls for the week at any individual stations were 8*21
inches, at Llandudno, and 3*12 inches at Manchester.
"The bright sunshine exceedel the mean in all districts
except the ' Channel Islands.' The percentage of the possible
duration ranged from 36 in 'England, S.,' and 34 in 'Ire-
land, S .' to 20 in ' Scotland, E.,' and to 17 in 'Scotland, N.'"
COVENT GARDEN, DECEMBER 9.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. Ed.1
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. d, i s. d. s. d.
Arums, 12 blooms... 4 0-601 Mignonette, dz.bn. 20-40
Bouvardias, pr. bun. 0 4-06 Orchids : —
Carnations, pr. doz.
blooms
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. blooms .
— p. doz. bunches
Eucharis, per dozen
Gardenias, per doz.
blooms
Hyacinth, Roman,
dozen spraya
Lilac, French, per
bunch
L'-lium Harrisi, per
doz. biooms
Lily of the Valley,
dozen sprays
Maidenhair Fern,
per 12 bunches...
Marguerites, per 12
bunches
Cattleya, 12 bins. 6 0-90
10-301 Odontoglossnm
crispum, 12 bm. 16-30
0 6- 2 6 I Pelargoniums, scar-
3 0-60 let, per 12 bun. 40-60
4 0-60 — per 12 sprays... 05-08
Pyrethrums, per 12
bunches ... 16-26
Roses, Tea, per doz. 0 6-10
— yellow (Pearls),
per dozen ... 2 0- 4 o
3 0-40 — pink, per doz. 16-26
— Safrano, p. doz. 10-20
Stephanotis, dozen
sprays 4 0- 6 0
Tuberoses. 12 blms. 0 3-04
Violets, 12 bunches 16-20
4 0-80 — Parme, French 26-36
■ White Narciss,
2 0-40 French, 12 bun ... 90-16
Orchid-bloom in variety
Plants in Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices
s. d. s. d.
Adtantum, perdoz. 4 0-12 0
Aspidistras, perdoz. 12 0-30 0
— specimen, each 5 0-15 0
Chrysanthemums,
p. doz. pots ... 5 0-90
— specimen, or
large plants, ea. 16-26
Dracaenas, each ... 10-76
— various, p. doz. 12 0-24 0
Erica, various, per
dozen 9 0-1S 0
Ficus slastic each 10-76
s. d. s, d
Evergreen shrubs,
in variety, doz.... 6 0-24 0
Ferns, small, doz. ... 1 0- 2 u
— various, doz. 5 0-12 0
Foliage plants, per
dozen 12 0-36 0
Liliums, various,
per dozen ... 12 0-18 0
Marguerites, p. doz. 6 0-90
Mignonette, p. doz. 4 0-60
Palms, various, ea. 2 0-10 o
— specimens, ea. 10 6-84 0
Apples ( Blenheim
Orange), se-
lected, per
bushel....
— (Wellingtons),
selected, bush.
- ordinary qual.,
per bushel
Grapes, Gros Col-
mar, per lb. ...
. 2nd quit, lb.
— AUcantes, p. lb.
2nd quality
1 lb
Fruit.— Average Wholesale Pkices.
s. d. s. d.
s. d. s. d.
Grapes, Muscats,
"Cannon Hall,"
per lb 3 6-50
7 0-10 0 — Muscats, se-
lected, per lb... 3 6-40
0 0-11 0 Nuts, Cobs, per
100 lb 21 0-22 6
2 6-50 Pine-apples, 8t. Mi-
chael.casescon-
16-20 taining 6 to S
1 0 — each 2 6-36
16-19 — cases contain-
ing 10 to 12 ea. 10-16
0 10 10
Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices.
Artichokes, Globe,
p?r doz.
— Chinese (Sta-
chystuberifera),
per lb. .
Asparagus (Paris),
Green, p. bdle.
Beans (Madeira),
per bask, (about
6 1b.)
— French, Chan-
nel Islands, lb.
Beetroots, p. bush.
Capsicum, Chili, p.
100
Cauliflowers, per
dozen
Cucumbers, home-
grown, select.,
per doz.
Garlic, per lb.
Horseradish (Ger-
man), per bundle
s. d. s. d.
4 0-46
4 n-5 0
2 0-26
1 0-
1 3-
19-20
S 0
MushroomB i Indoor)
per lb (
Oniona (pickling),
per pocket
— Dutch, per big
— Albanian, per
bag
Radish (long scar-
let), Channel
Islands, per 12
bunches
Salad, small, per
doz. punnets ...
Seakale, per punnet
(3| to 4 lb.)
Shallots, per lb. ...
Sprouts, per £ -
bushel
Tomatos, Canary
Islands, per
case, 40 lb. ...
— — 14 lb. ...
2 0-
3 0-
1 6 —
1 3- 1
02 -
0 6-09
14 0
4 0-;
1 C- 1 3
Potatos.
Trade slow, arrivals somewhat lighter. No advance in
prices, Up-to-dates, 85*. to 115*.; Main crops, 80s. to 100*. ;
Saxons and Bruce, 80s. to 95s. ; Blacklands, 70s. to 80s.
per ton ; Belgian and Dutch Ware, 3s. to 3s. 6d. ; German
Ware, 3*. 3d. to 5s. per bag. John Bath, 32 and 34, Wellington
Street, Covent Garden, W.t.
SEEDS.
London: December 8.— Messrs. John Sliaw & Sons, Seed
Merchants, of Great Maze Pond, Borough, London, S.E..
write that although to-day's seed market was well attended,
the business passing was confined to very narrow limits.
Indeed, just now no disposition whatever is shown to
purchase either Clover or Grass seeds. There is no change
in either Tares or Rye. Full prices are asked for Mustard and
Ripe seed. Blue Peas and Haricot Beans show no altera-
tion. As regards Hemp, Canary, and Millet seeds, the
transactions passing areon a meagre scale. Fine new Scarlet
and White Runner Beans offer on tempting terms. The new
Spanish Lentils iome cheap and good. Linseed is steady.
424
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 11, 1897.
FKTJIT AND VEGETABLES.
Glasgow : December 8.— The following are the averages of
the prices at this market during the past week :— Pears, 3d.
to Sd. per lb. ; Apples, 2d. to id. do. ; Plums, Ad. to Gd.
do. ; Tomatos, Guernsey, 4d. do. ; do., Scotch, bd. to 7rf.
do. ; Grapes, home, 2s. to 33. do. ; do., foreign, id. to Gd.
do.; Cabbages, Scotch, 6d. per dozen; do., late, is. t)
Is. 2d. do. ; Cauliflowers, Edinburgh, 2s. to 2s. Gd. do. ;
Parsnips, 3s. Gd. to 4s. Gd. per cwt. ; Herbs, assorted.
Id. to 2d. per bunch ; Leeks, 1*. 6d. to 3s. 6d.
per dozen bunches ; Mint, green, 6 /. per bunch ;
Onions, Dutch, 2s. lit/, to 3s. per bag; do., Portugal,
5s. to (is. Gd. per case ; Parsley, 9d. to Is. per stone ; Potatos,
best, Sd. to 9d. por stone ; Carrots, 2s. Gd. to 3s. 3i. per bag ;
Artichokes, 3s. Gd. per sieve ; Cucumbers, 5s. to 7s. per
dozen ; Lettuces, round, Gd. to Is. do. ; do., Cos, Gd. to Sd. do. ;
Radishes, Sd. to 9d. per dozen bunches ; Horseradish, Is. 6-£.
to Is. 9(L per bundle ; do., French, 4s. Gd. per stone; Mush-
rooms, Is. to Is. 2d. per lb. ; Beetroot, 4d. to bd. per bunch ;
Brussels Sprouts, Is. Gd. per stone ; Spinich, 2s. do. ; Turnip-
Swedes, Is. 2d. per bag; do., Scotch, 2s. 6d. to 3s. per dozon
bunches; Celery, Scotch, Is. per bundle; do., English, 2s.
do. ; Cabbage, red, Is. Gd. to 2s. per dozen ; Savoys, Is. to
Is. 3d. per dozen.
Liverpool : December S. — Average of the prices at under-
noted markets:— North Hay: Potatos, per cwt., Giants,
3s. Gd. to 3s. <Jd. ; Main Crop, 3s. (M. to 4'. Gd. ; Bruce,
3s. Sd. to 4». ; Turnips, bd. to 7d. por dozen bunches ; Swedes,
Is. to Is. 3d. per cwt. ; Carrots, bd. to Id. per dozen
bunches: Onions, Euglish, 3s. Gd. to 4s. Gd. per cwt. ; do.,
foreign, 2s. Gd. to 2s. 9d. do. ; Parsley, bd. to 7d. per
dozen bunches ; Cauliflowers, &d. to 2s. per dozen ; Cabbages,
Gd. to 9d. do. ; Celery, Gd. to Is. Gd. do. Birkenhead :
Potatos, Is. per peck ; Grapes, English, 2s. to 3s. Gd. per lb. ;
do., foreign, Gd. to Sd. do. ; Pineapples, English, 5s. to 10s.
each ; do., foreign, 4s. to 6s. do. ; Mushrooms, Is. to Is. Gd.
per lb.
CORN.
Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the
week ending December 4, and for the corresponding period
of 1896, together with the difference in the quotations. These
figures are based on the Official Weekly Return : —
Description.
1896.
1897.
Difference.
Wheat
1. d.
32 $
>. d.
33 9
«. d.
+ 1 1
Barley
20 2
26 10
+ 08
Oats
17 0
16 9
_ o :;
CATALOGUES RECEIVED.
Baru & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, Iym-ion— Sale list
of Bulbs, &c.
Ernst Benarv, Erfurt, Germany— Seeds.
Otto Putz, Erfurt, Germany— Seeds.
B. S. Williams <fc Sons, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries,
Upper Holloway, London, N,— Seeds and Sundries.
Mr
LorrcjfoowLent
Books : Culture of tub Cucumber : A". Y. Z.
and Others. A manual, price Is., is published by
Upcott Gill, Bazaar Office, 171, Strand, W.C.—
A. L. 0- Dr. Scott's An Introduction to Structural
Botany (Flowering Plants), Adam & Chas. Black,
London.
Carnation : T. B., Esher. Your Carnations appear
to be infested with the ordinary Carnation-fly
( Hylemyia), which lias nothing to do with wire-
worai. Where it is possible pick out the grubs
with a needle and destroy them. If too far gone,
destroy the plants. R. McL.
Cedar Seeds : F. M. Lay the cone in the sun t'll
the scales separate, then rap out the seeds, and
without delay sow them in pots or deep pins filled
with sandy-loam passed through a \ inch sieve.
Having crocked them well, but not in an excessive
manner, which would render the application of
water too frequent, pass the rough sifting? through
a ?, inch sieve, and with that which goes through
the meshes half fill the pots, and pressing it down
a little, then proceed to fill up with the fine loam
to within an inch of the rim, press firmly, and
scatter the seeds, thinly cover with soil to the
depth of a \ inch, sprinkle a little silver-sand over
each pot, &c. ; it will indicate by its colour when
water is required, and prevent the growth of moss for
a long time. Afford the soil a moderate amount
of water, standing the pots in a part of a cool-pit
that is at a distance from the heating apparatus.
Mice are fond of Conifer-seeds, and it will be
prudent to place a tile or piece of slate over each
pot, &c, and keep it on till germination takes
place. Do not employ more fire-heat in the place
than will kept out the frost. Examine the pots, &c.
once a month, and if mouldineesbe present on the
soil clear it off, and put on more sand, but if loam
only be used mouldiuess is not likely to occur ;
and afford water if the soil is found to be in need
of any, remembering that a half-dry condition of
the soil will be likely to cause the mouldiness of the
outer covei'ing of the seed, and ultimately its
destruction. It is good practice to sink the seed-
pots in fine coal-ashes to the rims, the necessity of
affording water during the winter being then in
great part done away with. These directions hold
good with a slight variation for all choice kinds of
coniferous seeds.
CoKRfCTiON : Gardeners' Chronicle, November 27,
seo " Orchid Houses," end of third line, instead of
Calanthes read Coelogynes.
Cucumuer-house: W. J. B. The plants will not
succeed without some amount of bottom -heat, oven
in the summer season ; and yovi must form a
chamber the entire length of the house, the sides
being of brickwork, and the top (bottom of
the bed) of rough wood slabs or slate ; aud failing
this arrangement, there must be a bed of ferment-
ing materials. This last, however, is an unsuitable
arrangement for plants trained to a trellis. If you
put up this brick bed, there will be no need for
the rabbit-proof netting at the sides. The walls of
the bed may lie made of any desired height, and
tho hot-water pipes must be brought to within
9 inches of the floor that supports the soil. Pipes
for topheit — if these areof 4| inches diameter, you
should have a flow and return on each side, fitted
with valves, so as to shut off the circulation when
needed. The pipes under the bed must also be
furnished with valves, which should be placed
outside the wall, where easily comeatable. It is
desirable to have a few small doors put into the
walls of the beds, these being of use in very frosty
weather in enabling the top heat to be maintained
easily without unduly heating the pipes. Your
methods are excessively crude, and they are likely
to fail.
Daisies in Lawns: C. N. M. Lawn sand is said to
exterminate Daisies, which it does, probably, by
causing the dense growth of the grasses, which
then smother tho obnoxious plauts. If the Daisies
are in the majority, the better plan would be to
dig up the lawn at the end of the wiuter, first
skimming off the turf, which is sure to be filled
with the seeds of the Dai-ies aud other weeds, and
char this soil, or bury it out of the way, in trenching
the kitchen-garden quarters. Of course, the turf
might be buried on the spot if the ground were
bastard-trenched, shovelling the turf together
with a small quantity of dung into the
trenches before proceeding to turn in the soil.
Having dug the lawn, let it lay untouched for a
fortnight, then sow it with a good mixture of lawn-
grasses and Clovers. Keep a sharp outlook for
weeds, especially Plantains, Thistles, and Daisies,
spudding them out whenever seen, and encourage
the growth of the grass by suitable top-dressings.
FeLLOJV OF TBE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SoCIKTV :
F. F. P. You should be introduced by a Fellow.
You can pay your subscription annually, or com-
pound for it by paying down a lump sam. There
is no age limit, and no examination to pass, in
order to become a Fellow. Address, the Secretary,
117, Victoria Street, Westminster.
Foliage, Variegated, turning Green : /. //.
Probably, the greening of the leaves of thi Dracaenas
is due to lack of direct sunlight. The stove specie),
during the winter, need a temperature of 6'J° at
night, aud 65° to 70° by day ; the higher degree of
warmth only when the sun shines brightly. Water
shou d bo afforded in moderate amount at this
season.
" Gardeners' Cjronicle" Volumes : T. P., Kemps-
cite. Ctnuot make you an offer. You should
advertise them in our columns.
Glass Case (Heated) in a Window: A. G. W.
Such a case as that you mention would be unsuit-
able for the cultivation of any kind uf flowering
"stove-plant," but it would serve to exhibit them
when in bloom. Numerous small subjects as the
following species and varieties of foliage-plants
would live, if kept for only a short time in it : viz.
Alocasia argyrea, Aralia Chabrieri, A. elegan-
tissima, A. filicifolia, and others ; Asparagus decum-
bens, Bertolonias, Caladium argyrea, and any others
of small growth ; Caraguata sanguinea ; Crotons in
variety ; Cyperus, various ; Dieffenbachia, ditto ;
Dractenas, Ficus repens, Fittonia, several, all of
low stature ; Isolepis gracilis, Marantas, of low
growth ; Pellionea Daveauana, and P. pulchra ;
and Sonerilas in variety. Flowering stove-plants
might consist of Achimenes, Anthurium Scherzeria-
num in variety ; Billbergias, Centradenia, Crinum
Moorei, C. ornatum, Cyrtodeira fulgida, Eucharig
Stovcnsii, Gardenia florida, and G. radicans ;
Gloxinias and Gesneras in variety ; Hoya bella,
Impatiens Suit mi, Meyenia erecta, Pilea muscosa,
Plumbago rosea, Euphorbia pulcherrimv, Russellia
juncea, Streptocarpus hybrids, Torrenia asiatica,
Urceolina pendula, and Vriesia species.
Horticultural Examination : H. II. Under the
circumstances, you would be enabled to obtain a
certain degree of proficiency on many horticultural
subjects from text books and manuals ; and from
the fact that you are a gardener, you will be able
toomprehend them the better than one with no
knowledge of horticultural practice.
Mari.iac's Water-Lilies : A. G. W. If the tank or
pond be in a warm spot, the plants would grow
and flower very well, only the water should not be
d' eper than 2 feet. The prices of the plants vary
according to strength aud rarity, but any good
nurseryman would quote prices on application.
Names of Fruits : James Wood. 1, Yorkshire
Beauty ; 2, Potts' Seedling. — Capron. King of
the Pippins. — E. W. 2 and 9, King of the
Pippins; 3, Old Nonpareil ; 4, Cellini; 5 and 6,
Cox's Orange Pippin ; 7, Braddick's Nonpareil ; 8,
King of Tomkin's County. The photograph you
enc'ose gives evidence of very successful culture.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be so good as to consult
the following number. — F. G. S. The two On-
cidiums are O. unguiculatum, which authorities
make a form of 0. tigrinum. The Cypripedium or
Selenipedium is one of the forms of C. x Sedeni,
but which, it is impossible to say from the speci-
men sent. — Subscriber. 1, Cymbidium giganteum ;
2, Send in flower ; 3, Ruellia Portellae ; 4, Bam-
buea Fortuuei variegata. — J. D. B. 1, Anthericum
lincare variegatum ; 2, Polypodium aureum ; 3,
Send in flower; 4, Cymbidium giginteum ; 5,
Cinlogyne fuscescens. — G. D. Oncidiumincurvum.
Scott's Structural Botany, and Darwin's Elements
of Botany. — S. D. 1, Abies Nordmanniana ; 2,
Veronica salicifolia ; 3, Veronica pinguifolia ; 4, a
hybrid Veronica ; 5, Veronica AnderBoni. — J. W.
Tillandsia pulchella (pulchra), Hook. J. G. B. —
II. II. It may be a sport from Viviand Morel, for
it is a little like Ethel Amsien. In any case we
should not attribute much worth to the variety. —
W. II. D. Erica vagans.
"Quarter": Cambridge. The word was used in
the garden sense, and not to indicate a fourth part.
It would have been better to have set " bed " of
Rubi, but if we remember aright, it is a very large
bed.
Wheat Rust : Porto Alegre. Die GelreiJcrosle
(Nordstedt & Soner, Stockholm, 1396). See
further, Comptes Rendus, 1897, of March 1, and
Bcrkhte dcr Deutsche Bot. Gcsellschafl, 1897, H. 3,
p. 183, and other papers in same, and in Zcitschri/t
jilr Pflanzenhrankt, 1697.
Communications Received. — S Harper (no charge).—
W. H. W.— A. C. F.— W. T— W. B.-G. M — II. H. D'O.-
W. L. B.— Rex.— E. J.-F. R. H. S.— W. D.— \V. T.-W. R.
W. G. II.— W. O— G. B.— A. D.— W. J. B.— E. B.— E. C—
F. W. li.-R. L. H.-R. Miller — H C— C. H.— H. H. R.
A. C. P.— J. J. W— R. D.— W. W.-W. P.— W. II.— S. H.—
W. Wimborne.
Photographs, Specimens, etc., Received.— Dr. M.
CONTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers.— The Publisher has the satis/ac-
lion of announcing that the circulation "/the "Gardeners'
Chronicle" has, since the reduction in the price of the paper,
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
and that it continues to increase weekly.
A luerlisers are remiiuletl that the " Chronicle" circulates among
Country Gentlemen, and all Classes of Gardeners
and Garden-lovers at home, that it has a specially large
Foreign aud Colonial Circulation, and that it is
preserved for rejerence in all the principal Libraries.
December 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
425
THE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1897.
A FRENCH GARDEN IN 1545.
I HAVE just met with a littlo book of
HO pages, entitled, De, Re Hortenai Libellua.
It is written, and dedicated to his " little grand-
son " (Nepotulus Henriculus), by Carolus Ste-
phanus, because his " littlo Henry," when
quite young ((null us), had been devoted to
flowers. He sends his Eortulua to him to
refresh his mind and eyes when wearied with
his daily studies.
He commences by giving a supposed origin
of the word hortus, and some account of the
gardens of the ancients, mainly taken from Pliny,
in which were principally Cabbages and root-
plants, such as Carrots, &c, as well as pot-herbs
and kitchen-herbs ; or else the gardens were
planted with trees overhanging shady walks. He
also alludes to the "hanging gardens" of the
ancients, which were made on the tops of
arches. He then proceeds to give descriptions
of all the plants to be grown, first mentioning
the wild plants which come up spontaneously
in a garden, such as Ivy, pellitory of the wall,
the " yellow Violet " or Wallflower, Celandine
with its yellow juice, Houseleek, Polypody,
Adiantum and Asplenium, &c. Then follows a
description of hedge-plants, in which Oxyacan-
thos still stands for Barberry, as in the fourteenth
century ; the Privet, Dog-rose, three kinds of
Rubus, Ehamnus, i.e., Gooseberry, &c.
Walks, open and protected, are next treated
of ; and the author alludes to the roofing with
the "specular" stone of the ancients, in other
words to mica, which Pliny says rarely ex-
ceeded a few feet in length. Of plants used for
trellises, and to arch over the pathways, he
speaks of the Vino, Eose, Briony, white and
black (Tamus communis).
Next comes the proposed arrangement of the
flower-beds or Are*, each being devoted to
some special kind of plant. The first is Area
coronalis, i.e., for such plants of which the
flowers were used for garlands and bouquets ;
2nd, Area odorata, containing plants with
scented flowers, leaves, or roots ; 3rd, Area
olitoria, including one bed for salad-plants,
another for condiments ; 4th, Area escaria, for
vegetables ; 5th, an Area for vegetable-fruits ;
and Gth, for root-crops.
Each of these Areas is treated in full, and all
the plants usually cultivated are des.ribed in
detail, as follows : —
Area coronalis. — Of scented flowers used for
wreaths, the author describes the White Stock,
Wallflower, Violet, Dame's Violet, Betony,
Narcissus biflorus and N. poeticus, Marigold,
Baccharis, a Boraginaceous plant, apparently
Anchusa ; Lilies, white and red, probably L.
Chalcedonicum, the Lily of the Valley, Iris
Pseudacorus, and I. Florentina "with a more
highly-scented root and white flowers."
Of plants without scent are Columbine,
Amaranthus — the Coxcomb was apparently
unknown in the sixteenth century, though
Gerarde's figure looks like a commencement
of fasciation — Flos Jovis, which the author
translates by " Des coquelourdes," i.e., Pasque
flowers, Anemone Pulsatilla ; but others take
it to be a Lychnis ; Petilius, a flower unknown
to him, commonly called "Belueder"by the
Italians, and in France " Oeilletz d'Inde." It
is named from Petilium, a town of Lucania,
an autumnal flower " with a striated calycule,
resembling a Rose." The plant grows to a
great height, and dies yearly. This reads like
a Holyhock. Flammea, or lesser Pansy ; Con-
solida minor or " Marguerites," i.e., the culti-
vated form of the Daisy.
Area udorata. — This should contain Artemisia
abrotanuuior Southernwood, A. absinthium, A.
pouticum, &g. ; Galeopsis, which appears to be
Leonurus Cardiaca or Motherwort ; Amaracum,
Maiorata or Sampsychus — these three names
referring to one plant. Matthiolus in his coal-
men tary on Dioscorides (ed. 1560), figures Mar-
joram; Galen, our author adds, regarded it as
Parthouium or Matricaria, and ho gives the
French name " Espargoutte " or Feverfew.
The author, however, alludes to the difficulty of
unravelling the various names of the ancients.
Calamintha, commonly called herbe-au-chat ;
i.e., Catmint, Nepeta Cataria; another kind
being Nepeta, but he admits the confusion ;
for this last is the Catmint. Three kinds of
Marjoram: viz., Heracleoticus, Ouitis, and the
wild Marjoram ; Matthiolus figures all three
kinds; Mentha, or different kinds of Mint;
Costus hortensis, " du Coq," our Costmarie,
Pyrethrum tanacetum, from south Europe.
Hyssopus, Nardus celtica or Lavender; Ozimum
or basilicon, Balm ; Ocymastrum, the Acinos of
Dioscorides, wild balm, Salvia, Sage, Satureia
or Thymbra, Savory; Rue, Tansy, Chamomile,
Thyme and Epithynium, i.e., Cuscutaor Dodder
parasitic upon it. Prasium, two kinds, viz.,
Horehound and Ballota nigra ; Stachys, called
Mountain Sage; Melissophyllon, probably
Melittis Melissophyllum, Bastard-Balm ; Ormi-
num, in Fr. " Toute-bonne," our Clary, Salvia;
Verbenaca and Anethum, Dill. Georye Henslow.
(To be continued.)
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
New or Noteworthy Plants.
MARATTIA BURKEI, ffort. Veiteh (fig. 129, p. 435).
This Fern was exhibited lately at the Drill Hall,
at one of the fortnightly meetings of the Royal Hor-
ticultural Society, and received a Certificate. It
was collected by the late Daniel Burke (after whom it
is named), whilst travelling for Messrs. Veiteh. The
native country is not known with certainty, but as he
spent some time in Columbia, and its affinity with
M. alata, Smith, is very close, it is most likely that
it inhabits that part of the world. At present it is
only in an undeveloped state, so that its botanical
position is uncertain. The following provisional
description was made from a living specimen : —
Stock stout, prickly, green, above a foot long,
without auy scales. Frond square, tripinnate, above
a foot long and broad, bright green and glabrous on
both surfaces. Pinnie in four opposite pairs without
one at the end of the main ra.'his, oblong, the lowest
pair smaller than the others. Pinnules crowded,
lanceolate, ten- to twelve-jugate. Tertiary seg-
ments oblong, sessile, obtuse, the longest l.| inch
long, deeply regularly crenate, unequal at the base.
Veins distinct, simply erecto-patent, running from the
midrib of the segments to the end of the lobes. Sori
not yet developed. J. G. Baker.
COMPARETT1A MACROPLECTROF.
Plants of this pretty species are now flowering, in
pans containing ten or more plants, in the warm
Orchid - house in the Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.
The pendulous, many-flowered racemes have rose-
coloured sepals and petals, are much speckled with
red, and the flowers are the largest of any of the
genus. Although the spur appears outwardly single,
it really consists of three, the two from the labelluni
being inside the larger one from the united lateral
sepals. The leaves are about 5 inches loug, and
rusty-coloured on the under surface. The plant
requires at this season scarcely any water, but a
fairly liberal quantity is necessary when the plant is
growing, as the scanty compost used must be well
drained, and open. This species is a native of
Columbia, and was introduced in 1878. B. L. H.
Delia autumnalis delicata.
A fine inflorescence, bearing three flowers, of the
large type of Lselia autumnaUs known as atrorubens,
but differing from it in having white flowers very
slightly tinted with the most delicate flush of rose
colour, is sent by Frau Ida Brandt, Urunnenhof,
Riesbach, Zurich (gr., Mr. Scblecht). The disc of the
lip bears the usual pair of raised Hues, but of a very
pale yellow tint, and the apex of the column is tinted
with li^ht rose. The greater part of the white or
nearly white varieties in cultivation are of the old
type of L. autumualis, plentiful in gardens many
years ago, and which made the L. a. atrorubens and
its varieties on their arrival more welcome than in my
of the new species.
Calanthes, &c., at Sheufielo Manoei, Hants.
In the gardens at Sherfield Manor at present is a
grand show of Calanthes; the three varieties are
C. Veitchi, C. vestita rubro-oculati, aud C. v. lutea,
on which some hundreds of flower-spikes are ia full
beauty. In one of the houses the Calauthes are
mixed in amongst a number of very fine plants of
Adiantum Farleyen-'e, with a pretty effect ; and in
another the white Calanthes are mixed with Poinsettia
pulcherrima, offering a brilliant effect ; and lastly,
Cal mtheswere mixel with capital plantsof Codi:eums,
Dr ca?nas, and other stove plants, with much good
taste. The Calanthes are potted in 4 and 5-iuch pots,
in a mixture of loam, peat, sand, and a small quantity
of dried cow-dung. The spikes vary from 4 to 4| ft.
in length, and carry from thirty to forty blooms on a
spike. One p3eudo-bulb only is planted in a pot,
and they have made some two or three pseudo-bulbs,
and each his flowered. The blooms are so large and
thickly placed that they almost overlap one another ;
and the stems being strong need no stakes for support.
Mr. Wasley, the head gardener at Sherfield Manor, is
a good cultivator of other choice plants, many of
which may now be seen in fine groups of Bouvardias,
Cycl.imens, tree Carnations, zonal Pelargoniums in
full bloom, Primulas, Cinerarias, and many others.
Sherfield Manor is the residence of I. B. Taylor,
E*q , and is at the present time undergoing con-
siderable alterations in the mansion and grounds.
J. W. McHattie, Stratlifieldsaye.
Trees and Shrubs.
CUPRESSUS MACROCARPA LUTEA.
This is a new Conifer of recent introduction, which
will, when known, scarcely fail to become one of the
most useful variegated forms of the Cypress. Its
style of growth and general contour are so striking
that few people who have seen it fail to take
a second glance, as its bright golden colour is
more brilliant than that of C. Lawsoniana lutea,
which has hitherto been one of the best : while, like
the type, it possesses that delightful fragrauce, which
to most people is one of its characteristics. The
typical species, C. macrocarpa, the C. Lambertiana of
some botanists, is a native of South California, from
whence it was introduced to this country in 1847.
426
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 18, 1897.
Few large specimens are met with in this country,
owing to the difficulty of transplanting, tb'ir coarse
and wiry roots being a great drawback, consequently
they have to remain where first planted. Some fine
specimens can be seen in the neighbourhood of
Woking, one especially over 20 feet high, in Brook-
wood Cemetery, being well furnished, and beautiful
in appearance, while several smaller trees can be
noticed in the same place. Now that ; variegated
form has been produced, it may cause both of these
handsome trees to be more extensively planted than
hitherto. E. S., Woking.
Disanthus ceiujidifolia, Maximowkz.
It is over thirty years since Maxitnowicz described
this shrub, but it has, so far as English gardens are
concerned, been almost or quite unknown till within
the last few years. At the beginning of 1893, seeds
of it were received at Kew from Professor Sargent, of
the Arnold Arboretum, Mass., which he hail gathered
duriDg bis then recent travels in Japan. These seeds
were sowu at the time they arrived, but remained
dormant for over three years, a single seed germi-
nating in May, 1S96. This fact may be woith
recording for the beuefit of those who have obtained,
or may obtain, seeds of this shrub from Japan, for
judging by this autumn's experience, it appears
likely to make a valuable addition to hardy shrubs.
Professor Sargent says that in the autumnal colour
of its leaves it was one of the most beautiful
shrub3 he saw in Japan, and it was this character
which made the small plant at Kew so notice-
able a few weeks ago. With the possible excep-
tion of Rhus cotinoides, it was the most striking
in its autumnal colouring of any tree or shrub at Kew
this year, the leaves assuming, before they fell, a rich
claret colour. It is said to grow 8 feet to 10 feet
high, and the leaves are 3 inches long, the same in
width, and broadly ovate with a c rdat : base. The
plant is aptly named, for the foliage greatly resembles
that of the Chinese Red-bud (Cercis chinensis) ; it
belongs, however, to the Witch Hazels (Hamamelis),
and judging by the figure in the Forest Flora of
Japan, its flowers are very similar to those of that
family. 1 hey appear in October, ave dark purple,
and are borne in pairs, back to back as it were, on
slender stalks, the corolla consisting of five narrow,
pointed, crooked petals. There ought to no great
difficulty in obtaining this shrub in quautity. Sar-
gent says it is not rare in the valley of the Kiso-
gawa, iu Central Hondo, where it is sometimes Been
covering hillsides with thickets a quirter of an acre
in extent. Of its hardiness iu this country little can
be said at present. IF. /. B.
PlNU.S FLEXII.IS.
In the Gardeners' Chronicle for September 18,
1875, there is a figure of the cones and leaves of this
Pine, drawn by Mr. W. G. Smith from an imported
specimen of Roezl's, together with a note on the
species by Mr. A. Murray. But since that time little
seems to have been heard or written about it. Even
the Report of the Conifer Conference (1892) contains
no reference to specimens growing in Britain, although
Mr. Murray observed that it had been abundantly
introduced to this country during Jeffrey's time as a
collector and subsequently. There is a group of trees
in the Pinetum at Kew (near the Isleworth Ferry
Gate), which shows the species to be by no means one
of the least handsome of the Tines. The largest are
about 25 feet high, and one is now beai ing several
cones. It is a tree of distinct appearance, having
leaves about 3 inches long, produced in bundles of
five, the younger ones appressed to the stem as in
P. Balfouriana ; in transverse section the leaf is
triangular, and the two inner faces are striated wilh
glaucous lines. The branches are long and slender,
and their curving upwards, especially towards the
ends, is one of the distinctive characters of the tree
as represented at Kew. The cones are 3 to 4 inches
long. According to Murray, who saw it wild on the
Rocky Mountains and tho Sierra Nevada, it varies
greatly iu stature and habit. High up the mouutains,
where it is exposed to the coldest blasts, "it is," he
says, " reduced to a trailing shrub 1 or 2 feet high,
wandering over the ground, and with its foliage so
densely packed that a man could almost walk
over it." At lower altitudes, and under more
clement conditions, it attains the size of the Scotch
Pine in this country. The specimens at Kew are
quite erect, clean-grown, and symmetrical. W. J. B.
El.EAGNUS MACROPHYIX1.
In gardens where the foil is impregnated strongly
with lime, and the satisfactory cultivation of Rhodo-
dendrons and other Ericaceous plants consequently
difficult and expensive, the choice of hardy ever-
greens becomes greatly limited. As this shrub is
comparatively little known— although in some respects
the most striking of the evergreen Eheagnuses - it
may be worth while to draw attention to it here. I
have only had experience with it in the London
district, but here it is of undoubted hardiness,
haviog stood outside at Kew without shelter or pro-
tection during the last ten years at least. It may at
once be distinguished from the other hardy evergreen
species by tho shape and size of ita leaves, which are
larger than in any of the others ; they are 3 to
i inches long, broadly ovate-oblong, and on the
upper side are of a dark and glossy green, whilst
beneath they are i f the peculiar metallic, silvery-
grey colour common to many species of Elxagnu'.
It succeeds well in the extreme south-west of Eng-
land, whore large specimens are occasionally to be
seen. It flowers there, apparently, more freely than
it docs near London, a large bush at Kew, (J feet
high, never having Cowered as yet. Iu Messrs.
Veitch's nursery at Coombe Wood, however, I easy
it in bloom during November, both la9t year and
this, but the plant is growing against a wall. The
flowers are shaped like tiny Fuchsias, and are of the
same colour as the undersurface of the leaves ; their
most charming character is the delicate Gardenia-
like odour. It is a native of China and .lapau. W. J. B.
quently shortened to Wellington, and by which only
it is now known in the London markets." It would
therefore appear that the proper name of this
valuable late variety is Dumeller's Seedling, though
we have it on the authority of Dr. Hogg that the
name is locally pronounced Dumelow. R. Dean.
APPLE DUMELLER'S SEEDLING.
When recently looking through one of the gar-
dening periodicals, published in the year 1850, I
came across some particulars relative to the origiu of
this well-known Apple, which may have an interest
for many readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle, as they
amplify the details given in Hogg's Fruit Manual.
It was raised by a Mr. Richard Dumeller, farmer,
then residing at a farm-house known as Hop John's
Hill, iu the parish of Swepston, Leicestershire, about
three miles south of Ashbyde-la-Zouch, Mr. Dumeller
removed from this farm to one at Shuckerstone ;
and, eventually, the farm passed into the hands of a
Mr. Richard Spencer, and with it the original tree,
which was in a flourishing condition fifty years ago.
The writer of the article from which I am quoting, a
Mr. Timothy Brown, says, "When a youth, I was
sent by father to Hop John's Hill, to obtain grafts
from Mr. Dumeller's tree, to work in my father's
nursery. The tree had at that time a bole of about
the thickness of a person's thigh, and showed slight
symptoms of canker, to which it is liable when grown
on a cold substratum." Mr. Dumeller appears to
have taken pleasure in supplying grafts of his Apple,
calling it his " Pippin," meaning in his mind that it
was raised from a pip. It had the name Normanton
Wonder attached to it in this way :— " Mr. Heafield,
a market gardener, residing at Normanton-on-Soar,
was a native of Packington, aud occasionally visited
his friends at that place. Mr. Walker, a nurseryman,
of Packiogton (which is within a mile of Hop John's
Wood), worked the Apple largely, and sold it very
freely. By him it was supplied to Mr. Heafield, of
ITormanton, and the probability is that this handsome
and useful variety soon became popular in certain
market5, to which it was supplied from that locality,
hence its new name.
Iu his Fruit Manual, Dr. Hogg tells us how it
came southwards. " it was first introduced to the
neighbourhood of London by Mr. Richard Williams,
of the Turnham Green nurseries, who received it
from Gopsall Hall, the seat of Earl Howe, who pre-
sented specimens of the fruit to the L indon Horti-
cultural Society iu 1820. It was with him that it
received the name of Dake of Wellington, subse-
Trade Novelties.
— • —
Messrs. R. Veituu & Son, Exeter, are sending out
a new Melon, "Taunton Hero," which they claim to
be the beBt white-fleshed Melon in cultivation. The
shape is globular, lightly netted, and the colour
golden-yellow. Inheatit attainsa weight of 5 to 61b.,
but in a hot bed frame an average weight of 4 lb. is
attained
The same firm announce anew Cucumber, Veitch's
Western Wonder, embodying, says the ra'sers, the
colour of True-and-Tender, the quality of Lockie's
Perfection, and tho hardiness and fruitfuloess of
Telegraph.
Veitch's Eirlieit-of-AlI Cabbig3 is recommeudel
for spring sowing, and received an Award of Merit
at the Royal Hort:cultural Society.
Rivoire Tkre et Fils, Lyon : —
Begonia scniperjlorcns, Vernon. — Leaves with the
golden-yellow foliage of Bijou, but each leaf is
bordered witli a dark red band.
Lobelia Riuoirci. — Flower3 clear, rose-coloured.
Perennial. It does best in the open ground. The
seeds germinate with difficulty, and should not be
covered with earth.
Herb k Wuixe, Naples : —
Corydalis riihr.folia. — Flowers carmine.
Galanthu! cilicicus. — Avery early-flowering variety.
Iris pcrsica Vogeliana. — Flowers silver-grey, with a
large claret-coloured spot, but colour said to be
variable.
Ornithogedum Hausknechti. — Spring - flowering.
Flowers white.
Ornithogalum libaiwticum. — Similar to the pre-
ceding, but earlier.
Tulipa pulchclla. — A dwarf variety, with deep
carmino colour.
J. C. Schmidt, Euf.rt : —
Earliest Iron-head Savoy. — "Large, teuler, firm."
Erfurt Marrow. — Dwarf French Bean.
Miracle Pumpkin, u with skin/ess pits." — Fruits
dark green, Btriped with yellow.
The Strawberry- Raspberry.
Sweet Pea Cupid. — Rose and white.
Campanula mirabilis.
Petun ia Favourite.
Petunia Venus.
Beejonia semperflorens, Zulu King, <&c.
C. Lorenz, Erfurt : —
Cucumber Table Queen.
Frame Cucumber, Old Chancellor.
Hcliandrns, Golden Bouqwt.
Agcratum, Blue Perfection.
Gloxinia Galatea.
L.ELIO - CATTLE V A CLIVE (C.
DOWIANA?, L. PUMILA (TRIS-
TANS) rj )•
This, one of the handsomest of the compact-
growing hybrids, was raised by Norman C. Cookson,
Esq., Oakwood, Wylam, Northumberland (gi., Mr.
Wm. Murray), and first exhibited by him in 1893.
At that time, there was some confusion caused by the
idea entertained by some that Laolia Diyana, now
admitted to be a distinct species, was only a variety
of L. pumila, and hence the inference that L.-C. x
Clive could differ only in a slight degree from L -C.
X Ingrami (L. Ilayana y , C. Dawianarf" ). Time has,
however, proved to the contrary, as was well demon-
strated in the plant exhibited by the Right Hon.
Joseph Chamberlain at the Royal Horticultural
Society on November 23, 1S97, which forms the
subject of our illustration (fig. 126, p. 427). The
sepals and petals are bright ro^e-coloured, the former
rather the lighter. The lip rich maroon-purple, with
golden-yellow baee,bearingsome fine reddish markings.
December 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
427
[METHODS OF PKOPAGATION.
(Continued from p. 300.)
Evergreen Shrdbs prom Seed. — Persistent
foliage Bhrubs are raised from seed as well as pro-
pagated by the various methods I have indicated in
earlier papers, the seed, in some cases, needing no
preparation, in others calling for it. Mahonia aqui-
folia produces its purple Grape-like fruits in abund-
ance, and blackbirds, thrushes, and other birds are
very partial to them. The seeds pass unaltered
through the stomachs of these birds, and numerous
seedling plants may generally be found growing in
and around the covert, bed, or border planted with
this kind of shrub. This is also the case with another
very useful covert shrub, Leycesteria formosa, the
fruit of which is eaten by the larger wild birds, as
timber tree in the south and west of Ireland. The
fruit is edible, and much liked by thrushes and
blackbirds, so that in hard winters few are left on a
tree. It is prudent to gather the fruits when ripe
and soft, rubbing them in sand, and sowing the seed
forthwith in pans or boxes, which must be kept
close in a cold pit, when it will germinate the fol-
lowing year. The seedlings, when they have acquired
a few true leaves, should be pricked off into boxes
or pots, about ten in a 48-sized pot, kept close,
and shaded f ir a few days, and when established,
plunged in the open in ashes or spent tan ; but in the
north and the midlands they will require pro-
tection by mats or straw-coverings in the winter
while young. A few should be putted singly in
thumb-pot?, as Arbutus Unedo forms the stock upon
which the various hybrid forms as Rollin-oni, as
Fig. 126. — LiELic-CATTLEyA, clive.
(Lip maroon-purple, yellow at the base. From a plant exhibited by the Right Hod. J. Chambs.iain. See p, 420 )
well as by pheasants and other game birds, and
young plants may always be found in woods and
coverts where it is planted. The nurseryman
cannot, however, trust to Nature to furnish him
with Btock, and so the berries of both these plants
are gathered, and rubbed in sand to dispose of the
pulp and skin, and the seeds are then sown in beds
or drills. The young seedlings should be trans-
planted as soon as large enough, this treatment being
imperative with Mahonia, aa it makes coarse and
woody roots, with little fibre, and transplants badly
unless kept moved. Berberia dulcis, as well as
the noble Mahonia japonica (Bealei), are raised
from seed rubbed out in Band from the ripe
fruit, and either sown in pans or boxes, or directly
in the open. The Arbutus, or Strawberry - tree,
when it gets to maturity, fruits freely in this
country, and attains to the dimensions of a small
well as for the handsome scarlet-flowering variety, are
worked. These require a practiced hind to graft, the
bark being very thin ; and it is safer to carry^out the
operation under glass.
All soft fruits require the same kind of treatment,
as to divesting the seed of the surrounding pulp,
and often tough skin, as it accelerates germination.
Among climbing plants, the Honeysuckles are best
so treated, the sticky pulp being rubbed from the
seed, and the latter sovn without delay in propa ea-
ting-pans or boxes.
Bupleurum fruticosum with foliage and flowers
having the scent of Ivy, and when in blossom in the
autumn attracting swarms of Hover flies and blue-
bottles, fruits generally freely in the south and west
of England, and can be easily raised from seed,
which, if sown in the open ground as soon as
ripe, will germina'e the following year and the
seedlings may be lined out in nursery-beds in the
autumn. There is always a demand for this shrub
in seaside towns, as coming from both the European
and African shores of the Mediterranean, as well as
from Corsica and other islands in the same sea, it
loves the sea spray.
A capital plant for contrasting with it is the shrubby
Orache, Atriplex Halimus, with pretty foliage covered
with a silvery sheen, but it rarely flowers with us,
and still more, seldom fruits, but it is freely propa-
gated by means of cuttings. Both of these shrubs,
if left to themselves, and not crowded together, form
dome-shaped bushes, and are useful to decorate
banks sloping to the sea. The Mezereon, Daphne
Mezereum, also requires the fruit to be cleaned in
this manner, and the seed sown at once in the seed-
bed. This shrub has a trick of germinating so un-
evenly that by sowing a large bed of it, the young
plants will keep appearing for some months. Besides
being a pretty, early, or winter-flowering ahrub, it
quickly makea a Btock for Daphne indica and other
evergreen species, and some of the seedlings should
be potted for inside grafting. But though ao used, it is
not a permanent stock, for being deciduous, the
majority of the evergreen Daphnea do not take kindly
to it, and it is preferable to make use of the Spurge
Laurel, Daphne laureola. Some of the fruiting
shrubs are best raised from "potted" aeed, which
process was described in treating of raising the
Hawthorn and other trees from seed. Experience.
(To be continued.)
GATESIDE.
The country residence of Mr. McQueen is situated
in the parish of Dryman, at the base of the southern
slope of Ben Lomond, and within a short distance of
the queen of Scottish lakes, on which the steamers,
with their freights of tourists from all parts of the
civilised world, can be seen passing to and fro. The
house waB built by its present owner about nine
years ago.
Being built with the red sandstone of the district,
it harmonises well with the purple Heather on the
side of the mighty Ben during the months of July,
August, and September. And to the casual visitor
it seems rather strange to be standing amongst plants
brought from all quarters of the earth, and admiring
the progress they have made ; and to see how in a short
time man can change the aspect of almost anything.
And yet within a stone's throw of all this grandeur
the wild Heath is going. And should you turn your
face towards the north, there before you is some of
the wildest scenery in Scotland, right in front is Ben
Lomond ; and to the right is Ben Venue ; then, a
little further east is Ben Ledi and Ben Aan ; while to
the west can be seen the far-famed pass of Bolmaha,
where, when once through, Rob Roy and his followers
considered themselves safe from their natural enemy,
the Duke of Montrose, when they had been helping
themselves to some of His Grace's grain or cattle,
or relieving the factor of the rents collected for the
Duke.
On entering, at the main entrance off the Gart-
ness Road, one immediately conceives the idea that
one is about to see something of no mean
order. On each side of the carriage drive is a
fine row of Lime trees, about 24 feet back from the
gravel. Then in front of that is an assortment of
Conifers, with a nice, well-kept verge of grass in
front. On winding our way up the drive, we were
fortunate to meet Mr. George, the enthusiastic gar-
dener, who gave us a hearty welcome, and then pro-
ceeded to show us over the place. We first visited
the glasshouses, and the first two we entered were
devoted to zonal Pelargoniums, where all the finest
varieties of the day are grown. It seems Mr. Georges
practice to obtain all the new varieties as they come
out, and to weed out a corresponding number of old
stock, with the result that his houses afford a treat
worth going far to see. There were also some very
fine seedlings raised by Mr. George. The Vines
were carrying fine crops of Grapes. Muscats
seem to do very well. The soil is a sandy loam,
with a gravelly subsoil on the rcd sandstone.
428
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 18, 1897.
Groa C'olmau was giving a good account of itself in a
late house, the bunches being large and well finished.
The stove seemed to be devoted exclusively to table
plants, Codiajutns, Dracrenas, and Pandanus Veitchi
seeming to form the greater part of the stock.
All were well grown, the colouring being perfection
itself.
In the fernery, the same method seemed to be
practised ; all the plants were of small size, and the
collection is an extensive one, and well grown. In
the other plant-houses were miscellaneous collections,
amongst which are some very fine Palms. The rule
of the place seems to be, grow nothing but what is
going to be of service in the mansion.
In the frame-yard was a grand lot of Chrysanthe-
mums, which doubtless gave a good account of them-
selves later in the season. The frames were filled with
winter-flowering plants ; large breadths of Richardias
were planted out, to be lifted later on, and potted
for winter flowering. The same may be said of
Campanula calycanthema and Campanula pyramidalis.
On entering the kitchen garden, one seems to
wonder where the vegetables grow, for little can be
seen for herbaceous plants, Dahlias, &c. All the
latest wonders of the day are brought here and
tried, and if they are to be a success, they are
then grown in quantity. Of Montbretia alone there
are thirty-six varieties, all most useful for cutting.
Early-flowering Chrysanthemums are grown by the
thousand, and one quarter was entirely filled with
Poppies, Sweet Peas, Gladiolus, and Gaillardias.
The vegetables were of no mean order ; some of
the Onions measured 18 inches in circumference, and
Leeks with over 20 inches of blanched stem.
The flower garden is on the south side of the
mansion, and possesses three terraces, and on each is
a different design of bed, the whole covering an area
of about 2 acres ; and at the west end a sloping bank
with over a thousand Dahlias of all shades of colour,
and backed up with Conifers, had a remarkably fine
effect.
On the north side of the house are many fine
Conifers. Specimen Taxus baccata elegantissima, and
Thuias in variety are planted on the lawn, where
there are several large flower-beds, in which Carna-
tions, Antirrhinums, tuberous Begonias, and East
Lothian Stocks are grown.
We had not seen every part of this nice place
wheu the time arrived for my departure. I may say,
in conclusion, that Mr. George has had charge of the
place since its conversion from a whin and Heath-
covered site, and no small meed of praise is due to
him for his very successful management of it.
J). L. M.
Florists' Flowers.
-CHRYSANTHEMUM W. H. LINCOLN.
This variety appears to be still the best for
producing yellow flowers for Christmas and New
Year decorations. It has the merit of being of dwarf
habit, and the flowers, although rather stiff and erect-
petalled, are of a beautiful golden-yellow. Plants
struck in February and pinched once, and grown-on
in 24-sized pots, form bushy plants 2 or 3 feet in
height, and carry at least half-a-dozen fair-sized
blooms. A bank of this one variety, just uearing
perfection, ami filling one side of a house 120 feet
long at the Royal Nursery, Slough, was, a few days
since, an imposing spectacle at this dull season. H.
-The Leading Exhibition Chrysanthemums of
the Year.
By referring to a compilation made by Mr. A.
Taylor for the National Chrysanthemum Society, it
would appear that there were exhibited in the com-
petitive classes at the recent November show of the
Royal Aquarium 265S blooms, and of these 1370
were Japanese in 196 varieties, and 664 blooms of
incurved in 85 varieties, so it will beobserved that the
uuraber of the latter as adapted for exhibition has
been considerably increased during the past few
years ; the remaining 624 consisting of 24 reflexed,
27d Anemone flowered, 144 Pompons, and 180 single-
flowered. Taking the class for 48 blooms of
Japanese, it may be safely assumed that these stands
contained the finest varieties of the flowers forming
them ; and taking all the Japanese classes in the
show, it was seen that Madame Carnot was shown
84 times, Phoebus 63, Edith Tabor 54, Viviand Morel
51, Australie 47, Chas. Davis 39, M. Chenon de Leche
38, Australian Gold 33, Edwin Molyneux 31, Mrs. C.
Blick 30, Mdlle. Therese Rey 29, Duke of York 28,
Simplicity 28, Modesto 27, Mutual Friend 24, Mrs.
C. Harman Payne 22, Mons. Panckoucke 21, Etoile de
Lyon 19, M. Gustave Henry 18, Intenntional 17,
Mrs. H. Weeks 17, Thomas Wilkins 17, G. J.
Warren 16, Hairy Wonder 16, Oceana 16, G. C.
Schwabe 15, Madame Marie Hoste 15, Mdlle. A.
De Galbert 14, Mrs. J. Lewis 14, Mons. C. Molin 14,
Silver King 14, Eva Knowles 12, Lady Hanham 12,
Miss Elsie Teichmann 12, Pride of Exmouth 12,
Pride of Madford 11, A. H. Wood 10, Col. W. B.
Smith 10, Graphic 9, John Seward 9, Mrs. W. H.
Lees 9, Miss Dorothea Shea 9, Richard Dean 8,
L'Isere 8, Matthew Hodgson 7, Mons. Hoste 7, Van
den Heede 7, Western King 7.
The leading class for 36 incurved varieties is taken
to represent the best in this season, and in the various
classes for this type of flower it was found that
C. H. Curtis was shown 94 times, thus attesting to
its great popularity ; Mrs. R. C. Kingston 32,
Empress of India 29, Queen of England 25, Miss
M. A. Haggas 21, Princess of Wales 21, Golden
Empress 19, J. Agate 19, Lord Alcester 19, John
Lambert 17, Madame Darrier 16, Globe d'Or 15,
Major Bonnaffon 15, Alfred Salter 14, Duchess of
Fife 14, Miss Violet Tomlin 15, Jeanne d'Arc 13,
Lord Wolseley 13, Bonnie Dundee 12, Lucy Kendall 11,
Robert Petfield 11, William Tunniugton 11, Brook-
leigh Gem 10, C. B. Whitnall 10, Baron Hirsch 8,
D. B. Crane 8, John Doughty 8, Lord Rosebery 8,
Mrs. J. Kearns 8, Ma Perfection 8, Mrs. Heale S,
Mrs. S. Coleman 7, Mrs. Hepper 7, Miss Dorothy
Foster 7, George Haigh 6, Camille Flammarion 6.
As further attesting to the popularity of Madame
Carnot, it may be said that in the classes for
6 varieties of Japanese, in which white was admis-
sible, Madame Carnot was shown seven times, and as
a proof of the popularity of incurved C. H. Curtis,
this was in the classes for six blooms of oue variety,
shown eleven times. It would have been a fitting
tribute to one of the hardest-working, most enter-
prising, and popular growers of the day, if this
variety had borne the name of the raiser, H. J.
Jones. I may add, that the new white incurved
Madame Ferlat is in all respects a counterpart of
C. H. Curtis, excepting that it is white. The raiser
states it sometimes comes tipped with gold, and when
in this character, there is every reason to believe its
attractiveness will be enhanced. R. D.
HARDY PLANTS FOR FORCING.
The best time to pot-up the required plants is
September and October, but as all gardeners cannot
do this kind of work at the proper time, I may here
say, that in mild winters like the present, it is still
time to pot shrubs, both evergreen and deciduous,
that are going to be forced late in the winter,
although for early forcing this late root disturbance is
unadvisable. The pots should be selected to Buit the
size of the ball, getting the latter into pots that will
just admit of half-an-inch of soil between ball and
pot. American plants should be potted in light fibry
loam, or peat, or even leaf-mould, and the drainage
should be sufficient, not abundant, or much labour
will fall on the gardener in the matter of affording
water. Those which do not need peat may go into
loam, or loam and leaf-mould, putting sand with the
soil if it be tenacious, although that is not called for.
The potting should be firmly done, and plenty of
space left to hold water. Every plant that is going
to be forced should be put under some kind of pro-
tection, such as a turf-pit, an open shed, cold vinery,
or orchard-house, so as to be comeatable in any
weather, and as a security against frost, that would
freeze the soil and crack the pots ; the latter should be
sunk in a bed of leaves, spent stable litter, or coal-ashe?,
and not allowed to become dry. The chief subjects
employed are Staphylea colchica, Azalea of the
Ghent and mollis species, hybrid Rhododendrons,
Lilacs, especially the Persian ; Gueldres Rose, Dielytra
formosa and spectabilis, the latter the earlier
bloomer ; Solomon's Seal, Spiraeas, Prunus triloba,
the Japanese Cherries, Waterer's double-flowered
Prunus, and the single and double-flowered Thorns
of the Crataegus oxyacantha section.
For early forcing, a mild bottom-heat is almost
indispensable ; and for late forcing it cannot well be
dispensed with. Still, the forcing of plants potted at
about this date cannot be undertaken with much
chance of success till the end of January, so that there
is ample time in which to get bottom-heat beds in
readiness. The best sort of bed is one that consists
entirely of Oak or Beech leaves, and is 4 feet deep,
and 6 to S feet wide ; and the next best consists of
stable-litter one-third, tree-leaves two-thirds, all well
mixed. The bed may be constructed in a vinery
that is started at that date, or in some other house
as well adapted to the purpose ; if the former, the
warmth and moisture given off by the bed will be
grateful to the Vines, and if no dirty Azaleas are
brought from other houses to be forced therein, no
harm will be done to the Vines either then or later
iu the year. H. Markkam.
CATTLEYA EMPRESS
FREDERICK, vae. LEONATA
(Mossle ? , DowianacJ). Fig. 127.
The first of this hybrid to flower out of the batch
raised by Messrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons was exhibited
by Baron Schroder at the Royal Horticultural Society
on June 22, 1892, and it was awarded a First-class
Certificate. It had white sepals and petals and a
finely-coloured lip, in that feature much resembling
the variety Leonata, for which Messrs. Jas. Veitch &
Sons, of the Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road,
Chelsea, secured an Award of Merit at the hands of
the Orchid Committee on November 23 last.
The original and its variety are equal in point of
beauty, the chief difference being in the variety
Leonata having sepals and petals of a bright-rose
colour shading to Bilvery-white at their bases. The
broad labellum is of a deep purplish-crimson in
front, and bears handsome orange-coloured lines
radiating from the base.
Forestry.
— »
TYPES OF BRITISH WOODLAND.
When we come to the question of woods as
features in the landscape, we have a subject which is
more in the landscape gardener's line than the
forester's ; but as plantations are frequently being
formed on most estates without any definite idea as
regards this matter, a few remarks miy not be out
of place concerning the general principles which
underlie the laying out of new woods.
In an ordinary landscape a wood must be regarded
as a feature of almost equal importance as a stream,
small hill, ravine, &c. On flat ground it forms a
prominent background to the landscape, and is not
merely a detail in it, as is frequently the case in a
mountainous country. In fact, for all practical pur-
poses, a wood constitutes a physical feature in any
locality, and should accordingly harmonise with any
other features which accompany it. In our island,
trees will grow almost anywhere, and the fact is
often taken advantage of to plant them, if not in
unnatural positions, at least in an unnatural manner.
For instance, we invariably find natural woodland
occupying low-lying ground more frequently than
elevated situations,aud moist more frequentlythan dry
ground. The requirements of man have altered, and
economy teaches that trees should be chiefly cor fined
to those sites which are least adapted for the cultiva-
tion of crops or the feeding of cattle. Hence, we
frequently find the most extensive artificial planta-
tions on hill-sides and on poor ground which cannot be
profitably utilised for agriculture ; while in mon
December 18, 189".]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
429
fertile tracts, hedge-row timber and small woods are
chiefly represented. These circumstances all aid iu
rendering our landscapes more attractive if properly
attended to, for there is little doubt that a large
plantation is more in keeping with the idea of ex-
tensiveness which a hilly country conveys than a
small one. Small clumps of trees dotted about a
hill-side without any apparent reason are never
natural, and more often than not destroy those
lights and shades which occasional elevations aud
depressions in the surface give to a hilly landscape
when viewed from a distance.
On hill- sides plantations should either be suf-
ficiently large to form a distinct feature in the land-
land inside the boundary fence, no doubt prevents
planters from imitating Nature too closely in this
respect, but a great deal may be done by a little
variation in the species near the boundary. Birch,
Willow, Juniper, &c, mixed with the larger forest
trees, all help to form an irregular margin, and
occasional spots left unplanted here and there, or
planted only in a partial manner, assist in the same
direction.
On flat ground, this breaking up of the margins,
if less important in its effect upon the landscape in
general, still improve the appearance of a wood con-
siderably. It is easily effected by freely thinning the
margins at an early age, and leaving clumps here and
Fig. 127.— cattleya empress Frederick var. leo.vata : hort. vkitch.
(Lip purplish-crimson, with orange veins. Bee p. 42s.)
'
scape, or should be confined to hollows and ravines
where their boundaries are obscured, or coincide
with the margins of these natural depressions more or
less closely. In any case, the margins of a hillside
plantation should always be broken up as much as
possible by throwing forward groups and single trees
in advance of the main bulk of woodland. The
boundaries of natural forest land illustrate what is
referred to here better than anything, more especially
where some indigenous species is spreading itself over
a piece of waste land. In such a case, the outside trees
are always smaller and more scattered than those
towards the interior, and that clearly defined boundary
line which so often marks an artificial plantation is
always absent. A de?ire to make the most of the
star which directs their operations. If so, then let
us have ornament in its highest sense, and give up
the idea that the mere use of what the nursery trade
has styled "ornamental trees and shrubs" for the
sake of convenience, necessarily make an ornamental'
plantation or landscape. Indigenous forest scenery
in Britain may not come up to that of many con-
tinental types in the opinion of many persons, but it
has at least a character of its own ; and it is useless
to attempt to improve it by creating a mongrel form
of scenery by methodically mixing it with species of
a totally different type. In our opinion, plenty of
room exists for ornament, profit, and sport in the
woodlands of any average estate, but we canuot have
all three treading on one another's toes, as is usually
the case at present. Turnips and Potatos are not
usually grown in a flower garden, although the land
devoted to both may lie within the same boundary -
fence. In the same way, no difficulty exists in the
way of growing ornamental trees (or groups of trees),
game cover, and clean marketable timber on an area
of 50 or so acres, but we must make up our minds as
to the extent of ground we are going *to devote to
each at the start and keep to it. Character and
variety are what we chiefly waut in woods or any-
thing else, and these cannot be obtained by mere
chance or accident. A. C. Forbes,
(Concluded from p. 3;1.)
there standing thick enough to form a striking con-
trast to the intervening openings and inlets. Such
treatment is far more effectual than giving the
boundary-line a circuitous or serpentine direction,
which, of course, has no effect upon the light and
shade alternations which are the chief beauties of a
woodland margin.
If the above points were carefully attended to
when planting and thinning British woodlands, the
latter would prove to be quite as attractive a feature
of landed estates as those parks and pleasure-grounds
upon which so much attention is bestowed. When
the unsatisfactory sylvicultural methods of British
forestry are condemned, its advocates at once hasten
to explain that ornament and not profit is the guiding
Foreign Correspondence.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT STUTTGART.
The great strides which the cultivation of the
Chrysanthemum has made in Germany during recent
years was particularly exemplified at the exhibition
held at Stuttgart a few weeks ago, as also the great
interest taken by all classes of the public in the
same.
The number of visitors, including the Royal
family, who paid the show a prolonged visit, was
very large, and the same may be justly considered as
one of the best and largest yet held in Germany.
The " Gewerbehalle," the centre of last year's
industrial exhibition, with i!s large fountain, was, as
if by magic, turned into a beautiful flower garden,
the background and side-walls being decorated with
Christmas Trees (Abies, i and Palms; whilst in the
body of the hall, as a relief to the vivid colours of
the Chrysanthemums, six fine specimens of
Cham;erops excelsa, in tub?, about 10 to 12 feet high,
with a small underground of Laurels and Euonymus,
were introduced with great advantage.
On the whole the exhibits were good, especially
those of Messrs. Pfitzer, Ernst, Ulrich, and Bufinger.
Mr. Ulrich, who has done the most in the last few
years to popularise the Chrysanthemum iu Stuttgart,
must be placed at the head of the list of exhibitors,
his standards, half-standards, and specimen plants,
as well as cut blooms, being the nearest approach to
the English ideas of any in the show. Aud then his
floral arrangement* (of Chrysanthemums only) from
the hands of Mr. Aug. Herrmann, one of the best
modern exponents of the art of wreathm iking and
floral decorating in Germany, were unsurpassed.
Mr. Pfitzer staged a grand collection of about
ninety of the best varieties, old and new, affording
the nurseryman and amateur ample opportunity of
Btudying and comparing them as to habit aud colour.
His collection from summer-made cuttings, in about
seventy varieties, with only one bloom each, con-
sisting of mostly new sorts, was also very fine.
Last, but not least, I must particularly mention
Mr. Bofinger's specimen plants, which were a relief to
the many large-flowered varieties, by reason of their
simplicity. He exhibited six or seven plants iu tubs
with crowns of 4 to 5 feet in diameter, with about
200 to 250 flowers each in bloom, grown as they
would almost naturally grow, that is, without too
much disbuddiog, and in the following old and newer
favourite varieties, viz., Source d'Or, LaTriomphante,
Admiral Sir T. Symonds, Wm. Seward, Gloire du
Rocher, and Miss Gladys Routh. Staged about
1 to H foot from the floor, with an elegant back-
430
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 18, 1897.
ground of Dracaenas, Kentiaa, 8cc, their quiet, unas-
suming beauty struck every lover of flowers ; it was
a Bight not to be forgotteD. and found quite as much
appreciation as any of the large-flowered — I had
almost said, monstrosities !
Mr. Calvat, of Grenoble, also exhibited a collection
of blooms of his this year's novelties, such as he
intends to introduce nest year. Of the former,
Directeur Liebort, IT. C. S. Jubilee, Baronne A. de
Kothschild, and M. Hoste were very fine ; whilst of
the latter, the following seemed very promising,
although all the blooms had suffered a little in
transit: — Vladame Fossier, very large, with broad
white petals ; Francois Coppes, amber-yellow, some-
what after the style of Source d'Or, with narrow,
hanging florets ; Marie Calvat, exceptionally large
flower, of a delicate fleshy tint, very full, and with
broad petals ; Madame Leonie Service, white ; and
Celeste Falconnier, rose, were also good.
The varieties which have found the most distribu-
tion here, and which were staged in very fine speci-
mens, are such all-round goo i sorts as La Triomphante,
Source d'Or, Avalanche, Admiral Sir T. Symonds,
Nineveh, Wm. Tricker, niveum, Viviand Morel,
Florence Davis, Wm. Seward, Chas. Davis, &c, as
well as a good many older ones, which are retained on
account of their healthy and robust habits. With
regard to the clean and healthy foliage of his plants,
Mr. Ernst, who also staged a very good collection of
the best of the older and newer varieties, obtained
special commendation.
To summarise the best of the novelties staged by
the various exhibitors, especially by Mr. Wm. Pfitzer,
the following were universally admired : — Madame
Ferlat, a beautiful incurved variety of a creamy-
white colour, with very regular and close lying petals.
Secretaire Fierens, very fine Japanese, orange-yellow,
with darker tips, and loose elegant florets— very
large. Mdlle. Lucie Faure, extra, very large flower,
pure white, similar in form to Florence Davis.
Beaute Grenobloise, a very fine large incurved variety,
creamy-white, slightly tinted in middle. Madame
Calvat ana Madame Carnot, both fine white large-
flowering varieties, were also much admired. Souvenir
d'une Petite Amie, a dwarf-growing variety, seems
particularly suited for pot culture, ivory-white, and
very free-blooming. Madame Edmond Roger seems
to require a little more care in cultivation ; it is of a
peculiarly beautiful lemon-yellow colour, towards the
centre green, and very free flowering — the flowers
shown here were, however, rather too green. Soleil
d'Octobre is a fine yellow, similar to Miss Watson in
colour, with large full flowers and loose florets ; an
early sort. Madame A. Brun, very large, yellow-
white, delicately striped with lilac, and very robust
in growth. Madame Bergier, full large flower, with
broad, loose petals ; white, slightly tinted with lilac.
SurpasBe Amiral, golden yellow, at times lighter ;
large fiat flower, striped rsd and brown. Lago
Maggiore, very large and full, slightly twisted petals ;
a most beautiful yellow. N. C. S. Jubilee also
obtained its full share of praise ; whilst of other good
varieties the following may also be noted, and should
find a place in every collection : — M. Ch. Molin,
amber-yellow ; Ee Moucherotte, bronze-yellow, grace-
fully incurved ; Iserette, Inter-ocean, pearl-white,
very fine : Le Colosse Grenoblois, enormous flower,
fimbriated, somewhat similar in colour to the old
superbe flore ; M. G. Chabanne, canary-yellow; W.
H. Lincoln, very fine yellow ; Rose Wynne, delicate
rose, extra ; Frau Commerzienrat Gruson, orange-
yellow ; AVanamacker. the well-known American
favourite, and Calvat's Australian Gold, which did
not, however, show to much advantage.
Singles were very scarce, Ewan Cameron attracting
the most attention, in beautiful compact plants,
covered with flowers ; the only others of this class of
any merit, were Purity, Silkeu Beauty, Mary Ander-
son, and ltafcelina Glunicke, with large flowers, very
loose pinky florets, and large yellow centre, of a very
tall growth.
The above by no means exhausts the list of
novelties and fine old sorts, for taste admittedly
differ, but I think enough has been said to show that
the exhibition was in every way well represented.
n. n. w.
The Week's Work.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
The Repairing of Fruit-walls. — The present mild
weather offers a specially favourable opportunity to do
any needful pointing and repairing of the fruit-walls.
To negleot this kind of work when the state
of the walls is getting worse yearly is to afford
hiding places for a variety of insects which prey
upon the fruit, youDg shoots, and the foliage.
These evils are more especially noticeable on Apricot,
Peach, and Nectarine trees. This is the only season
when the trees can be unfastened, but there is the
likelihood of the pointing being cracked and dis-
placed by frost before the mortar has had time to
harden thoroughly. This risk, however, may be
lessened, if not altogether got over, by facing the new
joints with Portland cement and gritty sand, in the
proportion of two of the latter to one of the former,
doing this part of the work in the forenoon, so that
the cement may become hard, impervious to frost,
before night sets in. In preparing for this job, first
draw all the nails, if it is with these that the trees
are secured to the walls, and lay the branches of each
tree together in small bundles, fastening these to
stakes driven into the border. Then, with a stiffish
brush dab hot lime wash into every hole and crevice,
then make the joints good in the manner indicated.
This kind of work is more conveniently done when
it is spread over a series of years, the complete
unfastening of the trees being an operation that takes
much time, and the refastening still more time.
Wiring Walls. — The remarks made in the pre-
ceding paragraph may serve to remind — and probably
convince — thoughtful readers of the Gardeners'
Chronicle of the undesirability of securing trees to
garden-walls by means of nails and shreds. Experi-
ence of both nailing and tying fruit-trees to walls,
has taught me that tying is in every respect the better
method. The initial cost of wiring walls, especially
those used for Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, and Morello
Cherries, is not heavy. Galvanized wire, No. 1 4 gauge,
will answer admirably. The wires should be fixed
horizontally at from 6 to 9 inches apart, running
them through a series of eyes about 3 inches long
driven into the joints nearly 2 inches, so that a space
of about 1 inch intervenes between the wall and the
wires so as to allow Peaches and similar fruits ample
space to increase in size without coming in contact
with the wall. The eyes or holdfasts (which may
be purchased by the gross galvanised) may be driven
into the wall at about 3 feet apart. If widths of
3 or 4-inch meshed, galvanised wire-netting — such as
is used in poultry-yards — be tied over the horizontal
wires used for Peaches and Morello Cherries, it will
be found very convenient and suitable for training
the numerous small shoots and branches to. I have
always painted galvanised-wire two or three times
before bringing tree or plant growth in immediate
contact with it, with most satisfactory results.
And this I strongly recommend readers to do who
may contemplate wiring their fruit- walls.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orohid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
General Remarks. — For the next few months much
vigilance will be required in maintaining the proper
temperatures in the various houses ; and as sudden
changes iu the weather are frequent, means should be
taken to prevent any sudden changes occurring in the
houses, or any disturbances of the proper degree of
warmth and of aerial humidity ; and undoubtedly the
health of the plants depends, to a great extent, upon
a carefully-managed night temperature. As arti-
ficially-heated air is injurious to the plants, fresh air
should be admitted by opening the lower ventilators
in the walls, and by dampiog the paths, &c. If the
East-Indian-house is a dry one, a few evaporating
troughs may be placed upon the hot-water pipes, and
kept filled with water. One may, however, have too
many of these troughs, in which case they become a
serious evil ; and if, on going into the house early in
the morning, the foliage of any of the plants is seen
to be covered with dew, it is a sign of excess of
moisture in the air, which will, if persevered in,
result in immature growth, " spot," and other evils.
The hygrometer should always be in use in the winter
to detect errors iu regard to humidity in the houses.
The East-Indian-house needs the larger amount of
fire-heat to keep its temperature at the right point,
and it should be well damped-down between the
hours of 2 and 3 p.m., always saturating the ground
beneath the hot-water pipes at that time. Previous
to damping-down, the warmth should be brought up
to 65° ; and at dusk, when the outside temperature
generally falls a few degrees, the lower part of the
roof should be covered with mats or some other thick
material, fastened in some manner so as to prevent
shifting during the night. A covering of this sort main-
tains the heat. The temperature of the house should
be about 63° in the evening, and if the air has become
dry, and it is thought that much fire-heat will have
to be used during the night, the floors may be
wetted again. The temperature at 6 a.m., if the
weather be frosty, is better at 57° or 58° than at 65°.
When at the lower figures indicated, more heat may
then be admitted, and more moisture afforded. When
the thermometer has risen to 63°, any plants in need of
water may receive attention, and then, if the floors
are washed or sprinkled, there will be sufficient
moisture in the air to suffice till the afternoon. In the
Cattleya-house, where the majority of the plants are
resting, less atmospheric moisture is necessary, and a
temperature of 55° or a little less is needed at night
in cold weather. In mild weather a moderate
damping of the floors twice or thrice a week will
suffice, and in houses that are naturally damp, very
little damping-down will be required. At the present
time the Cattleya-house at Burford Lodge is kept at
60° by night, falling to 57° or 58° by the morning ;
the Mexican-house has an average temperature of
55°, and the air is kept rather dry. In the intermediate
division, where there are grown Epidendrums, Sobralias,
Vandas of the tricolor and suavis section, Ccalogynes,
Cymbidiums, Miltonias, Platyclinus, Arpophyllums,
Maxillarias, the cooler-growing Cypripediums, as C.
insigne, C. Leeanum, C. Spicerianum, C. villosum,
C. Boxalli, C. S^hlimi, C. Fairieanum, C. Charles-
worthi, C. venustum, C. vexillarium, C. Domini, &c,
the temperature is a degree or two below that of the
Cattleya-house, and the atmosphere, in consequence
of the plants requiring more water at the root than
those, is moister. Where these plants cannot be
accommodated to a house by themselves, they Bhould
be placed together at one end of the Cattleya-house.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Maycock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Gardenias. — In order to keep these plants in health,
a constant war must be waged with mealy-bug and
brown scale. If they are potted plants, let them be
syringed or dipped at intervals of a fortnight iu soap-
suds at 95° of warmth, into three gallons of which a
wineglassful of petroleum is poured. Plants that
have heads of large size, and cannot for that reason
be immersed in a tub holding but a few gallons of
soapsuds, should be held on the edge by one work-
man, whilst another plies the syringe, observing not
to let the stuff soak into the soil. Scale can be killed
by immersing the heads in water heated to 140°, and
held in it for a few minutes. It will not harm the
plants, only it must be kept at that degree of heat by
adding more hot water from time to time. This is
good for all kinds of scale, and costs nothing.
Gloxinias. — If flower be required in the month of
February, choose some of the tubers that have been
the longest at rest ; clear off the leaves, if any, take
away the crust of soil for half-an-inch deep, replacing
it with new loam, peat, leaf-mould and silver-sand ;
afford a slight watering, and set them near the light
in the stove, Pine-pit, or foroing-house ; syringe the
soil and pots twice a day till the leaves start to grow,
when no more water must be applied in that manner,
but afford it to the soil only, and with a spouted can,
in very moderate quantity at the first, till on turning
out a few of the pots it is seen that root-growth has
become active, and a greater quantity is needed at a
time. In full leaf manure-water may be given to
such unpotted tubers once a week with advantage.
Chrysanthemums. — The propagation of these plants
may soon commence, the cuttings being selected from
the best of the shoots springing from the roots, and
those that have been the least crowded together.
Place them in sandy loam and leaf soil in thumb-pots,
and let the pots be plunged in fine coal-ashes or cocoa-
fibre in hand-lights or bell-glasses inside of a low-roofed
greenhouse. If much moisture condenses on the glasses
wipe it off with a dry cloth in the early morning,
and see that the soil in the pots does not become dry,
airing the cuttings occasionally for half an hour.
Ferns. — A little more care should now be exercised
in affording these plants water, which in mixed
houses is not an easy matter, but much may be done
to lighten the labour by arranging the various species
December 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.
431
together in groups, as far as may be expedient.
Most species of Ferns will bear a slight reduction of
temperature up to the end of the month of February,
and resting more or less is necessary to ensure a good
growth by-and-by. Deciduous Ferns should be
allowed to get dry if the pots are resting on a cool
moist base, which is a rule applicable to Davallias,
Nephrolepis Bausei, Leucostegias, Lastreas, Osmundas,
and the pretty Onoclea sensibilis. More names might
be given, but these will serve as a guide to the culti-
vator. Qleichenias may be kept on the dry side. A
temperature of 40° at night will safely carry resting
Ferns of the coolhouses through the winter. Tree
Ferns should be afforded a resting period, the wetting
of the stems being discontinued, but the temperature
for these plants should not fall below 50° at night.
Adiantum cuneatum will bear a similar degree of
warmth, only sufficient water being given as will keep
the old fronds from shrivelling. Pteris tremula,
serrulata, and cristata, will bear a temperature of
45° when kept drier at the roots, and plants which
are treated in this manner will start away strongly in
the spring.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
By Charles Herrin, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Fuchsias. — The cuttings that were inserted in Sep-
tember being rooted, may be potted singly in small
and large 60's, if it is the intention to use them in
bedding-out, and to keep them growing in an inter-
med iate or stove temperature. Let them stand on a
shelf near the glass.
Hulls, <tc. — Those bulbs which were planted in the
months of October and November are pushing up
leaves, and in some instances these are an inch above-
ground, Daffodils and Jonquils being the most
forward ; and with a view to affording them protec-
tion in severe weather, place a mulch 2 inches thick of
Cocoa-nut fibre refuse, spent Mushroom-bed manure,
or half-rotten leaf soil over the beds or roiind the
clumps. It is seldom that the gardener can plant
Roses and trees and shrubs at this part of the winter ;
and if these operations need completion, let them be
pushed forward whilst open weather lasts. The Roses
should be afforded a mulch of half-rotten manure
when planted.
Cutting Evergreen Trees and Shrubs. — Some work
of this kind may be done during the continuance of
the mild weather. Laurel hedges and banks of
Laurel may be cut back to the required height, not
hacking the foliage, but sawing out the larger branches
where requiring removal, and cutting back the smaller
ones with a pruning knife or secateur. Hollies may
be similarly treated, also Cupressus Lawsoniana ami
others forming hedges or screens that require some
cutting into shape. At this season the trimmings of
such shrubs are frequently in request for church and
house decoration, and the cutting may be made
to serve a two-fold purpose. As far as Hollies and
berried shrubs generally are concerned, there is a
decided scarcity of berries in this district, and very
little berried Holly will be procurable for Christmas
decorations this year.
Planting Lily Bulbs. — Lilies ahould be got into the
ground without loss of time ; and as the bulbs are
now arriving from abroad, orders should be given for
them, the first customers getting the pick of the same.
The soil for Lilies should be moderately light, and
well drained ; or a special compost of turfy loam,
leaf-mould, and sand should be prepared to plant
them in. Put the bulbs 4 inches to 6 inches deep,
according to Bize, placing five or sis bulbs in a clump,
and bed each firmly on its base, and make the soil
firm about and above it. The Tiger Lily is very
effective, and the bulbs cost but little ; the same
remark applies to L. testaceum, L. longiflorum, L.
dahuricum, L. croceum, L. candidum, &c.
General Remarks. — The bedding Pelargoniums should
be watered very sparingly for some time to come, more
especially in rainy or foggy weather, and the cooler the
house or pit be kept the less the quantity of water re-
quired. Anordinarygreenhouse temperature, oramini-
mum of about 45°, with air afforded every day when the
weather is favourable, will carry the bedding Pelar-
goniums safely through the winter months. Damp
is the worst foe to them, but its evil effects may be
minimised by warming the hot- water pipes or flues
occasionally, if their aid be not required to keep out
frost. Coleus aud Iresines require a temperature
higher than that of the cold greenhouse in winter, a
minimum of 55° being afforded. If the plants are
growing much, the tops should be nipped out ; and if
stock be required, these tops may be inserted in small
pots filled with sandy soil, standing the cutting-pots
in a forcing-house.
By F. Harris, Gardener, late of Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Cucumber-house. — The bearing- plants will require
continuous attention if the supply of Cucumbers is
to be equal to a constant demand for them ; and in
order not to use the energies of the plants in building
up deformed specimens, look over them twice a
week, removing all such whilst still very young,
spent foliage being also removed at such times.
Let the temperature remain steady at 65' at night,
rising 1 0° by day with fire-heat, and more than that if
the sun shines, affording a damping-down twice or
thrice a day, according as little or much fire-heat is
employed. Avoid hard firing in cold weather ;
rather let the temperature drop 5° than encourage
red-spider. The surface of the beds or mounds
should be loosened, and light warm top-dressings
afforded. The bottom-heat should be kept at about
80°, and when the soil is in need of water, afford
sufficient to moisten it throughout. If a dung-bed
frame is available, some Cucumber seeds may be
sown ; the plants are sure to come in usefully to fill
up gaps in the houses or plant a new one.
Tomatos. — Let the shoots be tied thinly over the
trellis, and thus expose the fruits to the sun, and
afford a temperature at night of 60°, with a rather
dry atmosphere, otherwise disease may show itself.
If the quantity of fruit is a good one, some liquid-
manure should be applied ; but do not afford
moisture at the root before it is really necessary.
Fruit should not be kept on the plants after it is
perfectly coloured. Let the plants for spring-
planting stand where they will grow sturdy, that is,
close to the gla's in a warm house, not crowding
them together, and affording air in moderation to them
whenever it is safe to do so. Should there be no such
young plants, a few cuttings may now be made aud
inserted in pots of sandy-soil, and plunged into a
brisk bottom-heat. These will fruit earlier than
seedlings, and it is the proper course to take when
seed of any special variety is scarce. Seeds may now
be sown and soil warmed in readiness for pricking
off the seedlings. Let everything be brought inside of
the Tomato-house, pricking off the seedlings there, so
as to avoid checking growth by chilling the plants
ever so little.
Strawberries. — The earliest of the forced plants
will now have fruits formed, and will stand in need
of manurial aids, which should be afforded in light
doses. Keep a night warmth of 60°, and drive the
plants moderately by day, say with sunshine at 70° to
75°, affording a small quantity of air whenever it is
prudent to do so, even at night, in lessened amount
in mild weather. Place more plants in the starting-
pit, shifting a batch thence to the forcing-hou=e ; and
pay particular attention to the plants in the early
stage, giving a bottom-heat of 75° to force up the
bloom, and not much (if any) water before that has
shown itself, or leaf-growth only or blindness may
occur. If a hot-bed of leaves is the vehicle of warmth,
the moisture thrown off by fermentation will prevent
the soil in the pots getting quickly dry. Never quite
close the lights, even at night, so that vapour can
escape. The plants may be plunged at not further
from the glass than 1£ foot.
THE APIARY.
By Expert.
Ptt ding Bad Extracted Honey. — Question : I have
read Bomewhere that if I were to run an apiary for
extracting honey during the harvest of white honey,
and feed the same back to the bees to put into sec-
tions, said extracted honey would sell in the section
form at a price that would give me a big profit. Is
this a fact .' If so, how and when should extracted
honey be fed back in order to procure comb-honey ?
Answer: The feeding of extracted honey in order
that comb-honey may be obtained, is something that
has been tried by very many of our best apiarists,
and still remains an unsolved problem with some of
those who have tried it. Some have reported success,
and others a failure, but if I am correct, those
who consider the thing a failure far outnumber
those who consider it a success. From my
experience in the matter, I should say if any-
one must feed extracted honey to his bees, in
order that comb-honey may be produced, it should be
fed in the spring, in order to hasten brood-rearing,
thus securing multitudes of bees in time for the
honey harvest ; then, by putting on the sections at
the right time, a large crop of comb-honey may be
secured, if the flowers do not fail to bloom, or to
yield honey. My experience has also led me to think
that it is better to secure the honey in the sections in
the first place, rather than have it stored in combs,
and then thrown out with the extractor, that we and
the bees may go through much labour and stickiness
in order to secure the same thing which we might have
secured without all this trouble. The practice of
feeding back is on the principle of producing two
crops to get oue, and no one would argue that
such a course would pay in the long run.
Even under the most favourable circumstances, to
finish nearly completed combs of honey, I cannot
make it pay if I count my time as anything. At the
close of certain seasons when I would have a large
number of unfinished 'sections, many of which were
so nearly completed that a few ounces of honey would
apparently finish them, it seemed that it may pay to
feed a little extracted honey to finish the same ; but after
a careful trial of the matter, covering a period of ten
or more years, I finally gave it up as a bad job, aud
have not fed back a pound of honey during the past
six years. If anyone should wish to satisfy himself
that feeding-back will not pay, he can get the best
results by feeding the extracted honey right at the
close of the early white-honey harvest, so that the
bees are kept active. It is thought best by some bee-
masters to take away all combs except those which
have brood in them, when preparing the colony for
feeding back ; but if all combs are filled with sealed
honey, except that which the brood occupies, there
is no advantage in taking away the combs that I can
see. The extracted honey should be thinned to a
consistency of syrup by adding the necessary amount
of warm water, thinning only the amount needed for
one feeding at a time, for if the thinned honey is
allowed to stand long in warm weather.it is quite liable
to turn sour and be spoiled. From " Gleam
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. H. Pope, Gardener, Highclere Castle, Newbury.
The Root- store. — In bad weather, when the gar-
deners cannot be employed out-of-doors, the oppor-
tunity is afforded of making an examination of the
roota stored in cellars aud other places, removing
those that have begun to decay, removing the
growths from Potatos, and generally sorting every-
thing over. There are certain roots which, if not
allowed to make a little growth, will rapidly decay,
viz., Salsa'y Scorzonera, Beetroots, Turnips, Kohl-
rabi, Parsley, and Celeriac. Such roots should not
be thrown higgledy - piggledy in a heap, but be
arranged in sloping banks of damp soil or Band,
with the butt-ends protruding; and if a little li^'lit
can be afforded, so much the better. They would
grow if they were not bedded in sand, &c, but the
result would be deterioration.
Onions. — The bulbs in the loft, or hanging in sheds,
should also be examined, and any that are decayed or
making leaf-growth removed. Onions are keeping
uncommonly sound this year. Specimen bulbs reserved
for bearing seed may now be selected, and planted on a
piece of rich, well-prepared ground, in a warm spot,
setting them with the tops just showing at the
surface. The bulbs should have a slight mulching
of litter in case of hard frost setting in. If more
than one variety is planted, let the varieties be as far
removed from each other as possible.
Preparations for Forcing. — The time is approach-
ing when the forcing of Carrots, Potatos, Ridishes,
&c, must be undertaken, and due provision should
forthwith be made by collecting materials for forming
the beds. These may consist of tree-leaves and
stable-dung, or a mixture of the two. In any case,
the materials must be fermented, to got rid of the
rankness that is inseparable from quite fresh mate-
rials, especially stable-dung. If leaves aud dung
are used, it should be in the proportion of one of the
latter to three of the former. Strawy cow-manure
will answer in the place of horse-dung, and all should
be well mixed together, and thrown into a heap to
ferment, turning it once or twice before making
up the beds. Hot-bed-making has, however, been
described here so often, that it is hardly neces-
sary to say more than that the beds should be firmly
and compactly built, be about 3 feet thick at the
back, and sloping slightly towards the front, and
allowed to settle somewhat before putting in the soil.
An important point is a suitable soil, and means
should be taken to get a sufficient quantity stored in
readiness where it can be protected from the weather.
Potting-shed refuse, which is available in most
gardens, answers well for the surface, whilst a light
rich garden soil will do for the staple, adding a third
of leaf-soil, and a good sprinkling of wood-ashes, the
whole being thrown together in a heap, aud well
mixed together a week or two before it is made use of.
If shed-room cannot be spared for this, it should be
well covered up with boards, &c, to throw off wet.
432
THE GARDENEBS' CHRONICLE.
[December 18, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to b
of interest to our readers, or o} any matters which it is
desirable to bring under tlie notice of horticultwrists.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
should be written on one side only of the paper,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees,
dbc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
SATURDAY, Dec. 25— Christmas Day.
SALES.
n_„ 9fl / Border Plants, Bulbs, and Roots at
UEC. .iU-j Mr. Stevens' Rooms.
( Special Sale of Orchids in Flower
Deo. 21-] and Bud, at Protheroe & Morris'
(. Rooms.
Lilies, Tuberoses, Azaleas, and
other Plants from Belgium,
Roses, Begonias, <&c, at Prothe-
roe & Morris' Rooms.
Rose and Fruit Trees at Mr. Stevens'
Rooms.
Border Plants, Palms, Shrubs,
Bulbs, &c, at Mr. St* vens' Rooms.
TTTi'Tjsruv nm 9, /Border Plants, Bulbs, &c., at Mr.
THLRSDAY, Dec 2>j steveDS Rooms.
MONDAY,
TUESDAAY,
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 22
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty -three years, at Chiswick. — 39°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London.— .December 15 (6 p.m.): Max., 53°; Min., 45°.
Provinces. — December fl (6 p.m.): Max., 53°, Scilly ;
Min., 40^, Stornoway.
Weather stormy, mild ; light frosts.
_ The mystery attaching to sports
Cnrysanthe- . , J ° , L .
mum Sports. 1S as great aa e^er. and as* in-
teresting to cultivators as any
physiological subject. For all that, Chrys-
anthemum-growers were conspicuous by their
absence at the meeting of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society on Tuesday last, or, if present,
they remained silent. Nevertheless, several of
them had previously furnished particulars, of
which the lecturer, the Rev. George Henslow,
contrived to make good use. Mr. Henslow had
received about 100 sports of one kind or another,
from which he was enabled to frame the following
percentages. The number is, of course, too
small to place implicit reliance upon ; but, no
doubt, now that the matter is started,
additional evidence will be forthcoming : —
13 per cent, showed a change from a light to a
deeper yellow ; 9 per cent, sported from red to
a deeper red ; 13 per cent, from red to bronze ;
10 per cent, from red to white.
More interesting than the mere percentages
obtained, at least, until the experiment has been
made with greater exhaustiveness, is the in-
formation that in no case has Mr. Henslow
found a yellow-flowered variety to sport to red.
As a probable explanation of this, it was men-
tioned that the colouring matter in yellow
blooms is granular, while in all the rest the
pigment is liquid. Neither has a true yellow
changed to white, so far as the enquiry has gone ;
but rose has changed to white, in the case of the
v riety W. Tricker.
The green-flowered sports (virescence) are to
be looked at in the light of a reversion to the
leafy condition, other examples of which are
afforded by the green Rose, the green Dahlia, Arc.
In the case of the green Ixias, however, Prof.
Church has ascertained that the green colour
is not due to chlorophyll, but to a modification
of purple.
Some varieties are much more unstable than
others; thus among incurveds, Queen of Eng-
land, Empress of India, &c, have given quite
a number of sports. Some of the Japanese
varieties, too, have " sported" before the seed-
lings themselves have been long in cultivation.
Viviand Morel, for instance, has already given
Chas. Davis, Ethel Amsden, and Lady Hanham,
at least, and the variety itself is tolerably new.
Much of what Prof. Henslow said regarding
the greater tendency of certain varieties to
sport, may be explained by ascertaining the
length of time they have been in cultivation.
Thus, Queen of England and Empress of India
have naturally produced a considerable number
of variations, whilst many sorts are discarded
before their capacity for change has had
t ime to fully develop itself. This circumstance,
and others of a similar character, prevent, at
present, any conclusions from being absolute.
Many sports are not preserved because they are
of no commercial value, but if these were all
registered, they would doubtless effect a
modification of the analysis.
Another and most extraordinary phenomenon
is the simultaneous appearance of the same
sport in widely-separated localities ; thus, the
same sport occurs at the same time in this
country, in Belgium, France, or Germany.
The only possible explanation is, that the cut-
tings were all derived origin illy from the same
stock ; but this explanation will, we fear, not
cover all the cases.
In the case of species and varieties, which
have been cultivated from time immemorial,
like Chrysanthemums, Roses, and Carnations,
crossing, designed or accidental, must be of
common occurrence, so that each plant is, as it
were, acompound of many elements derived from
other varieties. If, we suppose that for some
reason which we cannot explain, these mixed
components become separate or '' dissociated,"
we may fairly infer that sporting in those
plants is the result of the dissociation, but this
dissociation, though as we believe, a feasible
explanation in the case of Chrysanthemums,
does not hold good in other cases, and so we are
left — guessing.
The accumulation and organisation of evidence
such as Mr. Henslow has got together will
doubtless do much to clear up much that is
mysterious.
One point we should like to emphasise is this,
that so far as we know, sporting in the sense of bud-
variation does not occur in annual plants. The
approximately complete absence of resting buds
in these plants will not account for the absence
of sporting branches or leaves (we are not speak-
ing now of the flowers). A visit to a trial-field
of China Asters and Sweet Peas will suffice to
bear out our assertion. Moreover, we have at
various times been favoured with the opinion of
Messrs. Cannell, Messrs. Dobbie & Co., and
Eckford, who in response to our enquiries,
have assured us that in the plants named they
have not encountered a bud-sport apart from
seedling-sports. The absence of sports in such
plants is probably due to the fact that their
life-history is too brief for the purpose.
In any case, this is one of those instances
in which the growers, having the plants con-
stantly under observation, can furnish most
valuable facts for the physiologist to digest,
and which facts must, in the end, prove of
practical value by the introduction of a degree
of certainty where now haphazard conjecture
reigns almost supreme.
The professor of horticulture in
piauTcultare.* the University of Wisconsin has
prepared for the use, in the first
instance, of his own pupils, and subsequently
of others, a little volume, which appears to us
well suited for the purpose for which it was
intended. The earlier chapters are devoted to
"the round of plant-life," beginning with the
process of germination, and ending with the
gathering of the seed. Speaking of the forma-
tion of flower-buds, the author says : — " Plants
form flower-buds only when they contain
reserve food. Rapidly growing plants rarely
form many flower-buds, because the food is used
up in growth as fast as formed. Checking such
rapid growth by removing the growing points
of the stem or root, or by withholding water,
results in an accumulation of food, and is often
followed by an abundant formation of flower-
buds. Obstruction of the rootward current of
assimilated food, as by ringing, causes an
accumulation of food above the obstruc-
tion, and is often followed by the forma-
tion of flower-buds in that part. Again,
" A water - supply insufficient for rapid
growth may suffice for abundant assimilation ;
thus . . . florists often bring their plants into
bloom at a desired time by withholding water.
The flower-buds of most outdoor plants are
formed during the drier part of summer, when
a restricted water-supply prevents rapid growth,
but when abundant suulightand fully-expanded
foliage, favour assimilation. We may infer,
therefore, that treatment that favours the accu-
mulation of reserve food promotes the forma-
tion of flower-buds — a proposition that is borne
out by the experience of practical cultivators."
The accumulation of reserve food is promoted
by favouring assimilation — that is, by exposing
the plant-to the light, and air, and heat, by sup-
plying sufficient root-food, and by ensuring a
check to growth when desired, as by allowing
the plants to become pot- bound, by withholding
water, or pinching the tips of the more vigorous
shoots.
The third chapter deals with plants as affected
by unfavourable conditions, such as excess or
defect of heat, water, light, or food, and with
the means of preventing or minimising the evil
results occasioned.
Another chapter is devoted to the methods of
propagation, the methods being described and
the conditions of success or failure pointed out.
A similar plan is followed in the case of
transplanting and pruning. We can not say the
author is more successful in his account of the
rationale of root-pruning than are other people;
the explanations usually given being contra-
dictory. Th3 last chapter is devoted to " Plant
Breeding." In the appendix is given a syllabus
of laboratory work so arranged that each pupil,
so far as practicable, is required to perform for
himself the experiments mentioned in the book,
and to practise the various methods of digging,
pruning, propagating, and the like. The book
is a very useful one for the student, and we
should be glad to see it introduced here. At
present, it can be obtained from the author,
but any foreign bookseller could procure it.
OUR ALMANAC— According to previous prac-
tice, we shall issue a Gardeners' Chronicle Almanac
with our first issue in the New Year. In order to
make it as useful as possible for reference, we shall
be obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural, Botanical
and allied Societies, or any of our correspondents,
will send us immediate intimation of all fixtures for
1898.
* An elementary treatise designed as a text book for
beginners in agriculture and horticulture, by E. S. Goff,
Madison (Wisconsin), published by the author.
December IS, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
433
The Royal Botanic Society's Scholar-
ships.— We learn from Nature that the London
Technical Education Board will proceed in July next
to award three junior scholarships in practical gar-
dening, which will be tenable at the new School of
Practical Gardening which has recently been opened
at the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's
Park. This school has been established with the
view of providing a complete course of instruction
for lads who desire to become gardeners. The scheme
of work, which has been drawn up by the Royal
Botanic Society, combines thorough practical in-
the Crystal Palace, and £162 at Norwich, fractions
of a pound being omitted in each case. The report
of the committee is given in another column.
South-west CHINA. — An extract from a letter
of Dr. Henry, published in a recent number of
Garden and Forest, announces the discovery of a
magnificent Paulownia with evergreen leaves," which
is the most gorgeous sight when in flower imagin-
able." Lonicera Hildebrandiana, discovered by
General Collett in the Shan States, also occurs in
China, and bears flowers of a deep yellow colour, and
C. Spiceiianum, and the hybrids Harrisianum and
Wallacei. Amateurs who possess but little "hot-
house" accommodation fur their plants, may obt'in
a hint fiom this.
Renfrewshire Gardeners' Mutual Im-
provement SOCIETY. — The usual fortnightly
meetiug of this Society was held in Yielder's Hall,
Paisley, on the Sth inst. Mr. Robert Qall4Cher,
Criigends, in the chair. There were two subjects
for this evening, the first being a paper on ' ' Draining,
Road-making, and Levelling," by Mr. James Walker,
2?W *c*jS£Z#i"
Fig. 123. — a bed of yucca filamentosa, is Messrs. jackman's nursery, at woking, surrey.
(Flowers ivory-white, making the plant very effective when planted in masses. It is particularly suited for planting on rockwork and rugged ground.)
struction in all the operations of gardening, with
theoretical instruction in botany, and the nature of
soils and manures. The course is arranged so a3 to
extend over three years.
MR. J. B. CARRUTHERS.— We learn from the
Journal of Botany that this gentleman has just started
for Ceylon, where he has been commissioned by the
Planters' Association to undertake investigations into
plant diseases.
National Rose Society.— A copy of the
balance-sheet presented to the annual meeting on
the 9th inst., showed a balance at the bankers' of
£39 18s. Id., after payment of all expenses. The
prizes amounted to £89 at Portsmouth, £243 at
about 7 inches in length. Leucosceptrum canum, of
Northern India, is a remarkable labiate, forming a tree
some 20 feet in height, and in habit like a Buddleia.
CYPRIPEDIUM3 IN COOL-HOUSES.— A capital
illustration of the possibility of cultivating with
success many of the Cypripediums in a comparatively
cool temperature, was furnished by an exhibit of ten
baskets full of plants from Messrs. Geo. Paul & Sons,
Cheshunt, at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society on Tuesday last. These plants had been
grown in a Camellia-house, where the temperature
falls to about 40°, occasionally below. They had
short, thick, healthy-looking leaves, and were well
flowered. There were five vaiieties of C. insigne, also
Hawkhead. Mr. Walker is an acknowledged autho-
rity in the district on such matters, and fully upheld
his reputation by the able manner in which he
handled the subject. The Becond paper came from
Mr. McKinnon, Kilnside, on "How Plants obtain
their Food," in which he explained his subject clearly,
in a terse, concise, and able manner. Both papers
were much appreciated, and several members took
part in the discussion which followed.
Edinburgh Seed Trade.— The third annual
dinner of the assistants was held on Thursday even-
ing, 9th inst., in the tVest End Cafe. Mr. W.
MacKinnon (Mr. J. Downie's) presided over a large
attendance, and the employers were strongly repre-
434
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December Is, 1897.
sented. A capital programme was submitted, several
professional musicians contributing greatly to the
success of the gathering.
POTATOS IN AMERICA. — From the most recent
reports on the 1 896 crop of so-called Irish Potatos,
we learn that the average yield per acre is 64'6
bushels, against 86'8 bushels in November of last
year, 1007 in the preceding year, and 76 -9 bushels —
the average for the last fifteen years.
Mexican Plants.— Dr. J. N. Rose, of the
United States National Museum, has lately returned
to Washington from a five months' botanical expedi-
tion through Mexico, bringing with him a collection
of more than 1500 species. Most of the collecting
was done in the States of Durango, Zacatecas, and
Jalisco, and in a region which, it is said, has never
before been visited by a botanist. Garden and Forest.
Unseasonable Flowering of Plants.— A.
correspondent resident at Evesham, kindly sends us
a list of plants in flower last month, supplied to him
by A. H. Martin, Esq., M.D., also residing in that
place. The entire list is too lengthy for our available
space this week, but we may indicate just a few of
the 136 species and varieties given, viz., Petunia
hybrida, Lilium auratum, Helichrysum, Sweet Peas,
Begonia, Leptosyphon, Agapanthus umbellatus,
Sedum spectabile, Salpiglossis, Ageratum, Gladiolus,
Zauschneria, Heliotropium, Love-lies- Bleeding, Pyrus
japonica, Arbutus Unedo, K erria japonica, Coronilla
glauca, Hydrangea, Abutilon, Tigridia, Choisya ter-
nata, Cosmea, Berberis Darwini, Iris alata, Lobelia
fulgens, Heuchera eanguinea, St. John's Wort, a
sufficiently comprehensive, if much abbreviated list
of plants, many of which are usually cut off by
October frost. From a Dover correspondent we have
a further list of forty -eight names of plants in flower
at Buckland, and in Connaught Park, Dover.
Presentation to Mr. W. H. Hammerton.
■ — Advantage was recently taken of the occurrence
of the annual dinner of the "Folkestone Amalga-
mated Gardeners' and Chrysanthemum Society," to
present the Acting-secretary, Mr. W. H. Hammerton,
with a purse of money, and an address expressive of
the appreciation of his work by the members. The
presentation was made by the Mayor, and it was all
the more pleasant to the recipient because so un-
expected. Mainly through the exertions of Mr.
Hammerton, a successful exhibition of Chrysanthe-
mums has been established at Folkestone.
Cultivation of Melocactus humilis.—
In the number of Nature. (November 25), in the
report of a meeting of the Amsterdam Royal Academy
of Sciences, Professor Suringar is mentionened as
having " presented a fifth contribution to the know-
ledge of the Melocacti, as a sequel to previous papers."
The author showed the skeleton and a photograph of
a specimen of Melocactus humilis from Venezuela,
described by himself in 1889, and seeds of which he
sent at the time to the firm of Dammann & Co., near
Naples. It seems that the culture of this plant, which
does not succeed in hothouses in North and Middle
Europe, might be tried with advantage in the sunny
climate of the South Italian coast, exposed to sea-
winds. Professor Surinoar exhibited a live speci-
men, now seven years old, raised from the Beed by the
above firm, and which has already blossomed and
borne fruit. With the exception of a slight difference
in size and shape, the mother and the daughter
plant are very similar. In the colony itself,
too, the culture will be tried, that it may
be possible to send culturable specimens over
from there without detriment to the natural flora.
The author exhibited photographs, and gave a descrip-
tion of five new genera, received from Curacao. The
berries of theBe specimens, which have develop id
themselves on the plants in tolerably large numbers
after the arrival of the latter, will be sent back to
the colony, together with those of some known genera,
received at the same time and determined in Amster-
dam, to be sown there, so that the seedlings will at
once go by their own names. In conclusion, the
author presented for inspection the first part of the
Iconography, announced some time back, and pub-
lished by the firm of E. J. Brill, at Leyden, as the
third volume of the Musee Botanique, and entitled
Illustrations de Melocactus, with reproductions of
photographs and coloured plates of the thorns,
flowers, and fruits."
PRESENTATION.— On November 22, Mr, J. T.
Ecolestone, F.R.H.S., who has been appointed Head
Gardener to T. P. Wood, Esq., Brambling House, Ches-
terfield, was the recipient of a handsome clock, pre-
sented to him by the gardeners under him on his
leaving Can well Gardens, theseat of A.B. Foster, Esq.,
where he has been Head Gardener and Forester for
a period of eight years.
The Germination of Conifer Seeds.— A
great difference exists in the germination of conifer-
seeds from different localities. The seeds of all the
conifers hardy in the eastern States of America come
up at the same time or nearly so. Norway Spruce,
White Spruce, Scotch, Austrian, and Mountain Pines,
the Colorado conifers, Picea pungens and P. Engel-
manni, Douglas Spruce, Abies concolor, and other
commcn conifers can all be uncovered at one time.
But few seedlings come up ten days after the first
ones appear, while conifer-seeds from a warmer
climate are very irregular in germinating. I raised
a large quantity in California in 1889 and 1890. The
kinds already named were sown in beds adjacent to
the more tender kinds. Pinus Jeftreyi, P. ponderosa,
and P. tuberculata started from two to four weeks
before the others came up. Abies magnifica, A.
grandis and A. amabilis came very scatteringly ; the
first of these appeared in April and the last in
September, and they required careful attention.
The various Cupressus varied as much as the Abies.
Douglas Spruce, Abies concolor, and Pinus ponderosa,
from Colorado, came up much more regularly than
the same species from seed collected in California,
but the seedlings from California-seed made much
larger plants at the end of two years. Most of the
seed from the Orient acted as those of our native
and European species do, being very regular in
germinating. The exceptions are Picea Moriuda and
P. Ajanensis, but as I had very little seed of the
latter, and that apparently two or more years old, I may
be mistaken in this particular. The seeds of Sciado-
pitys verticillata, Cedrus Deodara and C. Libani are
also irregular in time of germinating. Cedrus
atlantica may al6o be added to the list, but it comes
up more evenly than the seeds of other Cedars.
The seeds of our native White Pine are the most
uneven in germinating of those of the hardy conifers ;
but although they sometimes come up irregularly, this
tree can. hardly be classed with the species which are
irregular in germinating. Thuya gigantea and Libo-
cedrus decurrens are irregular. T. H. Douglas, in
" Garden and. Forest."
The Amateur Horticulturist. — We all
know how difficult it is in practice to define an
amateur ; 3cheduleframers, judges, and joarnalists, all
blunder in turn over him. If we turn to our brethren
in Canada, we find the directors of the Toronto Hor-
ticultural Society deciding that an amateur horticul-
turist is " one who does not depend or has not
depended in any way for his living on any occupation
connected with horticulture." A literal interpreta-
tion of this definition, however, would lead the
reader to infer that one need have no connection
whatever with horticulture, and yet be considered an
" amateur horticulturist." This appears to be some-
thing of a paradox. But the directors have also
furnished an addendum clinching their definition ;
they add, "and any person residing with or on the
premises of one who so depends or has depended for
his living on any occupation connected with horticul-
ture is debarred from exhibiting." This embargo
may have a local significance ; but to an outsider it
appears uselessly severe, and we are no "forrader"
over here.
The Artificial Production of Varie-
gated LEAVES.— At a recent meeting of the Hor-
ticultural Society of Berlin, Garden-Inspector Linde-
mdth of that city suggested that it might be possible
to produce variegated varieties of every species, pro-
vided thut there be a form with coloured leaves in
some way related to it, but not necessarily of the
tame species. His theory is based on his experience
that if a variegated variety of one species is grafted
on a green form of another species, and vice vend,
the green plants produces variegated shoots. By way
of proof, he exhibited Abutilon Thompsoni, fol. var.»
grafted on Malvastrum capense with green leaves,
which, below the graft, had produced shoots with
striped leaves. Again, he showed Kitaibelia species
with green leaves grafted on Abutilon Thompsoni, fol.
var., and thereby having become variegated. A cut-
ting taken from this new coloured variety, planted in
the open ground, had grown vigorously, and remained
variegated. 'Althsea officinalis grafted on Abutilon,
Thompsoni, fol. var., became variegated. Petunia
hybrida grows readily and vigorously if it is grafted
on Nicotiana glauca.
" FLORIST." — It is evident from the annexed
extract from the monumental English dictionary,
published by the Clarendon Press, that the compilers
have not succeeded in re cording all the shades of
meaning attaching to this word.
"Florist (fl>--, flo'-rist). [f. L. flu,--, flos flower + -1st.
Cf. Fr. fleuriste, It. jlorista. } One who cultivates flowers :
one skilled in knowledge of flowering plants ; also, one who
raises flowers for sale, or who deals in flowers.
1623 Sir H. Wotton in Seliq. Wotlon, 407 It hath given me
acquaintance with some excellent Florists (as they are
stiled). 1G7S Vauohan Thalia Itediv., To his Books 47 Choice
Flow'rs, all set and drest By old, sage florists. 171S Free-
thinker No. 11 % 7 She will watch . . as a Florist does a Bed of
Flowers in the Spring. 1S0S Pike Sources Missis, iii., 21f>
This father was a great naturalist or rather florist : he had
large collections of flowers, plants, &c. 1S71 Earle Philol.
Bnq. Tongue S 251 They differ as the flowers of the florist
differ from those of nature."'
The special sense in which a man is a " florist," or
occupies himself with " florists' flowers," is not
brought out, and, indeed, it would be difficult to
frame a satisfactory definition. Littre is no more
complete in his French Dictionary, for he does not
indicate the common use of the term among his
countrymen to signify a herbarist, collector or field-
naturalist. On the other hand, he tells us that the
word fleuriste is applied to makers of artificial flowers,
whom we should never call florists.
Fine Arts Exhibition. — In connection with the
summer exhibition of the Antwerp Royal Horticul-
tural Society to be held in July, 189S, there will be a
section for pictures of plants, flowers, and fruits in
..ils, water-colours, pastels, &c. Artists of any
country will be admitted.
A Veteran Exhibitor.— M. Henbi Vandeb-
linden has, since 185S, never failed to take part in
the Antwerp Horticultural Society's annual exhibi-
tions. Next year it is proposed to celebrate the
fourtieth anniversary of his career as an exhibitor.
In 1857, M. Vanderlinden built his first green-
house. It is remarkable also that he has had in his
service but two gardeners, the former of whom is
now dead.
Sale of Cypripedium Beckmani. — Cypri-
pedium Beckmani, which did not obtain a Certificate
of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, being
judged identical with C. bellatulum, was recently
sold for 400 francs.
Cardiff and District Chrysanthemum
SOCIETY. — The annual dinner of this Society was
held on the 8th inst., at the Marchioness of Bute
Hotel, under the presidency of Mr. Fred. G.
Treseder, when about fifty members and friends
attended. The usual toasts were proposed and duly
honoured. The recent show was the best as yet held
by the Society, and the results were likewise better
than in previous years, and a small balance remains
in hand. The date of the show next year will be as
near as possible to that of this year.
SCILLY ISLANDS.— It is said that the flower
crops on the Scilly Islands are not so forward as they
were last year, which was a record one, and the
general opinion among the farmers is that the early
December 18, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
435
blooms will not be so prolific as last season. Various
reasons are given for this, one being that the bulbs
are somewhat exhausted after the exceptionally
heavy crops they produced last year. It is to be
hoped that good prices will compensate for any
deficiency in quantity. Much has been done recently
by the Great Western and the North-Western
Railways to develop this delicate industry. New
markets in the North hav« been opened up by a
quick and improved service of fast trains, particu-
larly the new night express from Bristol by the
made: — Certificates of Merit to Comte Joseph de
Hemptinne, for Oncidium crispum, and for Cypripe-
dium Leeanum giganteum; to M. Van WaBsenhove,
for K fii tia Belmoreana ; M. A. Rigouts (d Vunanimili),
for Vriesia Makoyana and (par acclamation), for
Stenorhyneus speeiosum var. maculata ; also for
Nepenthes coccinea and N. atrosanguinea (both par
acclamation). To M. A. Rigouts again, for Ataccia
cristata, and (par acclamation) to M. E. Bedinghaus,
for Phylica ericoides. M. A. Rigouts was awarded a
Botanical Certificate for Coccocypselum repens, and
tion, Calvat's Gold, President Nonin, M. Gustave
Henri, M. H. de la Blauchetais, Charles Davis, N. C.
S. Jubilee, Souvenir de ma Petite Scour, Lord Brooke,
Edwin Molyneux, Reine d'Angleterre, George W.
Childs, Beautd Grenobloise, and Mrs. C. Harman
Payne. The exhibits are to be so staged as to admit
of their being carefully examined by the jury. The
1st prize will be a gold medal (150 francs) offered by
Baron Ed. Osy de Zegwaart, Governor of the Province
and President of the Society ; the 2nd prize a gold
medal (75 francs), the 3rd prize a medal (50 francs).
Fig. 129. — map.attia burkei : tree fern, (see p. 425.)
Severn-tunnel route, in direct connection with the up
night mail from Penzance. Consignments leaving
the islands in the forenoon are in the Liverpool and
Manchester markets as early as six the next morning,
at Edinburgh and Glasgow by midday, and at such a
distant station as Aberdeen at six o'clock ou the
evening of the following day.
Chambre Syndicale des Horticulture
Belge. — On the occasion of the meeting, on
December 5, of the Chambre Syndicale des Horticul-
teurs Beiges and of the Socie'te' Royale d' Agriculture
•et de Botanique, at Ghent, the following awards were
M. A. Toeffiiert Honourable Mention for Cypripedium
var. The jury expressed a wish to see, on some
future meeting, Cattleya striata, exhibited by M.
Van Wassenhove.
A Belgian Chrysanthemum Competition.
— The Antwerp Royal Horticultural and Agricultural
Society propose to hold, next year, from November 12
to 14, a Chrysanthemum show, one section of which
deserves special mention. For this are to be entered
twenty specimen - plants of named varieties of
Chrysanthemums, namely, Lincoln, Charles Shrimp-
ton, M. A. Charmet, White Plume, Ma Perfec-
Amsterdam Chrysanthemum Club.— There
is now a Chrysanthemum "Club" in Amsterdam
which has lately published a catalogue prefaced by an
article on the history and cultivation of this plant, by
M. J. K. Budde, of the Utrecht Botanic Garden. It
is he who introduced from Japan seeds of the Chrys-
anthemum indicum type — at least, so it is supposed.
He sowed these, and a specimen grown by him from
them was shown at the Amsterdam Exhibition. This
enabled the actual forms to be contrasted with the
primitive forms. M. De Lakge, at Rotterdam, has
held a very successful Chrysanthemum show. This
afforded opportunities for testing the values of dif-
436
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 18, 1S97.
ferent manures; an! Papillon, from M. A. Cordon-
nier, of Bailleul, induced specimens with stronger
stems, more vigorous and darker leaves, and finer
flowers than were obtained by ordinary treatm-.nt.
Publications Received.— Snap-Shots Christ-
mas Number. The same old pictorial Christmassy
comicalities, tales, and jokes, done up in an up-to-date
style. — Palrnenzucht und Palmcnpjiege, <L-c , Von Dr.
Udo Dammer. We shall take an early opportunity
of noting this book.
PLANT POKTRAITS.
Dabeocia polipoi.ia, Garden, October 30.
Gardenia Fortohei, Scene dc Vhorticulture Btlge,
November.
Nepenthes Jardinei, sp. n. (Bailey), Queensland Agricul-
tural Journal, September 1, 1897.
Nepenthes Rowan.e (Bailey), Queensland Agricultural
Journal, September 1, 1897.
Polygonum virginianum, Medians' Monthly, October.
Rhododendron kewe.nsk x Binder, Garden, October 9.
Home Correspondence.
THE LATE JAMES BATEMAN.— I may perhaps be
permitted to add an interesting fact to the biogra-
phical sketch (ante, p. 400) of this distinguished and
venerable horticulturist and orchidologist, who so
recently passed away. "When Sir William Hooker
became editor of the Botanical Magazine in 1827, he
instituted the practice of dedicating the yearly volumes
to eminent botanists, horticulturists, and collectors.
The first was dedicated to Robert Barclay, a patron
of horticulture, who had a fine garden at Bury Hill,
Dorking. Ten years later, in 1837, we find the same
compliment was paid to the late James Bateman, in
the following terms :— "To James Bateman, Esq., of
Knypersley Hall, Cheshire, author of the magnificent
Orchidacece of Mexico and Guatemala, a work of which
it is hard to say whether the beauty of the subjects
represented, the execution of the figures, or the taste
and judgment displayed in the typographical depart-
ment, is most to be admired — the present volume is
dedicated, with sentiments of high regard and esteem
by his obedient friend and servant, W. J. Hooker."
Sixty years is a long time to look back, especially in
gardening, and more particularly in the history of
the introduction and cultivation of Orchids. The
fh>t epiphytal Orchid figured in the Botanical Maga-
zine, pi. 152 (1791), was Epidendrum fragraus, incor-
rectly named E. cochleatuiu.* Tliis was regarded as
a great curiosity, and its successful cultivation as a
triumph of horticultural skill. A few years pre-
viously (1768). the great gardener of his day, Philip
Miller, considered it futile to attempt to grow
epiphytal Orchids. W. Bolting Hemsleij.
THE ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.— When issuing
the schedule of prizes for 1897, the Koyal Botanic
Society of London inserted an additional regulation
as follows: — "Successful competitors can obtain
their prizes on the day of exhibition on application
at the office after 5 p.m.— By order of the Council,
J. Bryant So werby. Secretary." Can such a regula-
tion be considered just when the successful exhi-
bitors of 1896 have not yet received their prizes?
Promises of " immediate attention " from the
Society's office are renewed on application, but a
request to be allowed to bring the matter before a
meeting of the Council remains unanswered, although
a stamped addressed envelope was enclosed for a
reply. Also further attention called to the request.
It seems scarcely possible such gentlemen as the
members of the Council of the Royal Botanic Society
of London could be aware of facts when they inserted
the above unjust regulation, so far as previous ex-
hibitors are concerned, at least, such is the opinion
of One of the Victims.
BIG RED CABBAGES.— I have recently cut, in my
master's garden, two heads of Cabbage, the joint
weight of which was 5 stoue S lb., the one being
42 lb., and the other 38 lb. Sydney Harrison, gr.,
Hett Bills, Chcster-k-Street.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE BIG CHRYSANTHEMUM.
— A. comparison between the flowers of the wild type
and the largest exhibition blooms produced by expert
growers of Chrysanthemums, gives surprising results.
Through the kindness of Mr. H. J. Jones and Mr.
* Aitou records both of these (Hortus Kewensis) as having
been introduced in 17ss.
Norman Davis, I secured large blooms of Madame
Carnot (Japanese) and Mrs. R. C. Kingston (incurved) ;
and, a* representing the wild form, I took a flower of
a small flowering seedling, which is the nearest
approach we have at Kew to the dried specimens
collected in China by Dr. Heury. I carefully weighed
them anl counted the florets in each, with the
following results : —
Type-like
seedling.
Incurved
(Mrs. R. C.
Kingston).
Japanese
(Mme.Carnot).
Weight of capitulum.
including t> inches
of leafless stalk ...
} oz.
35 oz.
7h oz.
Number 'of florets in
capitulum
205
105S
1753
Length of longest
florets
fin.
3Jin.
7 in.
Width of florets
i in.
Jin.
Jin.
In Madame Carnot the capitulum consisted of a large
central receptacle, from which most of the florets
sprung, but instead of its being naked when they
were removed, it showed a broken, irregular mass of
iovolucral bracts, which in the normal flowers are
restricted to an outer whorl surrounding the plants.
In addition to the florets which sprung from the
receptacle, there were also numerous adventitious
heads of florets developed in the axils of some of the
bracts of the involucre proper. In other words,
instead of a distinct plate-like receptacle, surrouuded
by a whorl of bracts, the involucre, and beating all
over its surface the florets, the whole capitulum was
a confused mass of bracts and supplementary basal
clusters of florets. From this it would appear that,
by restricting the plant to one or two stems, and
each stem to the production of only one head, the
excess of organised food induces not only exception il
length and substance in the florets themselves,
but also the formation of adventitious flower-
heads, which go to increase the size of the whole.
A great range of variety was revealed in the length of
the tubes of the florets, and in the lobingpr splitting
of the flattened portion. Some of the florets were
closed tubes for their whole length ; others were
closed nearly to the apex, whilst in other cases they
varied. The lobes in some cases were almost horn-
like. If this amount of variation occurred in other
flowers than those of Composite, we should be much
surprised. TheBe observations apply to only one
bloom of a Chrysanthemum ; how much more strik-
ing would be a comparison between all the many
forms now in cultivation ! One wonders how much
further variation in the Chrysanthemum m.vy be
carried by breeders. W. W.
A HALL FOR HORTICULTURE.— All the contro-
versy respecting the National Chrysauthemum Society
and the R iyal Aquarium tends to show what an
ill-adapted and unpleasant place it is in which to hold
horticultural exhibitions, and the disappointing
amount of money the directors offer the Society com-
pared with what is actually received at the turnstiles.
This ha < been forcibly debated in the Journal of Horti-
culture recently, and such discussion is in my opinion
m^st desirable, for the reason that there is at present
no other suitable central place. It seems to me that
the only remedy for future success is to set to and
find a site, and erect a building, temporary or other-
wise, so that the most ardent in horticulture may
have full control according to our likes and means.
The scheme for a horticultural hall, which I sug-
gested several years ago, and similar to what is in
existence in many cities in America and on the Con-
tinent, was most favourably received by the Pre-
sident, Council, and also the committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society; thousands of pounds
were promised, and this I sincerely hope still stands
good. If I am not mistaken, one gentleman offered
to give i'oOHO if a similar sum was subscribed by a
certain time ; but, unfortunately, just at that time
financial matters in the world were unfavourable, and
great depression in business existed, and it seems to
me that the present time should prove to be a most
opportune moment for the revival and carrying out
of that or a similar scheme. If a [powerful and
influential committee wa9 selected from the National
Chrysanthemum Society, and if our highly esteemed
president, Sir E. Saunders, coald be induced to act
as spokesman, offering our cordial support to the
president and council of the Royal Horticultural
Society, the whole matter could be discussed, and
the feelings of kindred societies and the public
generally be ascertained. The Rose, Carnation and
Picotee. Auricula, Narcis-us and Cacti So:ieties con-
. £400 per annum.
200
. 100
. 100 „
50
tinue to hold their shows at the Drill Hall, and I
feel sure the National Chrysanthemum Society would
be received with open arms by the Royal Horticul-
tural, and without that chartered body wishing
in any way to exercise any control over its internal
arrangemeuts whatever. I am both willing and
anxious to co-operate in assisting to bring some-
thing of the kind prominently before the public.
Unity is strength, and it seems to me, if the
united strengh of all the kindred societies now
existing in London could be secured, and if they
would pay their proportion towards the interest on
borrowed capital, if such a course was deemed
necessary, there is no reason why we should not have
a home of our own for ever, and not lodgings. I
think we might reasonably count on something like,
the following income, each society, of course, taking
its own gate-money : —
Royal Horticultural Society
National Chrysanthemum Society
National Rose Society
National Dahlia Society ...
Carnation and Picotee Society ...
Auricula Society 20 ,,
Cactus Society 10 ,,
Letting the Hall for horticultural busi-
ness Committee meetings 100 „
Letting for other approved purposes ... 1000 „
£19S5
This at 4 per cent, gives a borrowing power of nearly
£.50,000. If the Council would favourably reconsider
the suggestion, and all kindred societies would cor-
dially support such or a similar scheme, it seems to me-
wecan well picture Plueaix rising boldly out of its own
ashes, and British horticulture going on in rapid)
harmonious strides. It certainly is an undisputed
reproach that horticulturists do not possess in the
City of London a building large enough to hold even
an ordinary flower-show, and, in my opinion, it is
now quite time we did. I ask one and all if the
time has not arrived when this hall should be begun ?
H. Canncll.
THE CHRYSANTHEMUM AND THE FUTURE
TEMPLE OF FLOWERS. — It must be the hope of all
horticulturists, considering the inadequate accommod-
ation for floral displays in the metropolis, and among,
otherthings, just lately, for the Chrysanthemum in
particular, that the realisation of a scheme for a
common centre of the first order for horticultural
exhibitions, should be achieved. It can indeed be onh a
matter of time when this idea, supported by the in-
creasing number of Fellows of the- Royal Horticul-
tural Society, and the resources and initiative of this
Society, will be put into practice in a satisfactory
manner. I should alsj like to see, in reference to
the Chrysanthemum, the tendency arrested to-
wards ever larger and larger blooms, which are
now approaching, if they do not already in some
of the new varieties deserve, the term " monstrosity."
The public taste for the encouragement of mere size,
diverts beauty into a mischievous channel, and the
craving for varieties of sensational size must soon
pass the limits beyond which all claim to beauty is
forfeited. It may only need a few years' further
development for the result to be deplorable, and for
a justly favourite flower to be rendered a thing of the
past, as is already the case with many of the
double-flowered tuberous Begonias. I only refer to- '
this excessive size of blooms in order to pro-
pose that, instead of offering prizes to encourage-
their production, and the present fashion in showing
out flowers, a trusr perception of perfection be
supplied by some clever cultivator, as, for instance,
by showing only plants iu pots with, siy, three blooms,
or even more on each, at future exhibitions. The
dwarfer habit of some of the more modern varieties
might be insisted on in regard to all future novelties,
and these would lend themselves additional attrac-
tiveness to an exhibition. Certainly the exhibition
of the blooms on the plants would require more
spao than the present method, which crowds-
the blooms far too closely. In this connection,
the apparent abandonment of trained specimens
of all types, either squat or pyramidal, with dozens
of flowers on each, can hardly be defended. Were
the necessity for exhibitions of increased space, and
last — not least — light, thus to become a lever in
the direction of the hall of the future, it might step-
into life, let us hop?, with the new century now close
at hand. Let us also hope that all the land suited to
the purpose of a hall on the Thames Embankment is
not yet bespoken. Although two attempts at com-
bined action in the direction of the realisation of the
scheme were made early in this and the previous
year, the problem is still uas.dved. Let us be a little
December IS, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
437
superstitious, and predict the symbol " three " as of
good omen. H. II. 12., Forest Sill.
DIGGING THE ALLEYS RUNNING BETWEEN BEDS
OF ASPARAGUS. — I am a grower of Asparagus in a
small way only ; still, I must take exception to your
contributor on p. 399 of the Gardeners' Chronicle,
who said ' ' that the alleys may then be dug." The
roots of Asparagus at Newbury must be very different
to what they are here, for even when planted 3 feet
apart the roots meet, and it is impossible to dig, and
to attempt it with a spade would be, in my
•opinion, an act of Vandalism. He then writes as to
raking off any rough portions that remain in March
and April. Experience has taught me that Asparagus
wants a covering of manure in summer far more than
in winter ; besides, the said heavy dressings must
retard the growth in early spring, and most of us
want it as early as possible. J. K., Wimborne.
ROSE CLOTH OF GOLD. — I was glad to see the
note from "Wild Rose" concerning this beautiful
variety. The error, whether of my pen or of the
printer, which gave 1 5 inches as the diameter of the
stem of a plant of Cloth of Gold was so evidently a
misprint for circumference, that I did not trouble to
correct it. Like "Wild Rose," I have seen this old
favourite in grand form, and also scores of failures.
There are no Roses that need more careful pruning
than Cloth of Gold, Reve d'Or, the Banksians, and
other very vigorous growers. It is not so much on
account of tenderness, as from the fact that all of our
extra vigorous Roses flower upon the ripened wood of
the previous season, and any of this which has
passed through the winter is far too valuable to be
■cut away. Your correspondent instances a case
where pruning was undoubtedly the fatal stroke to a
grand old plant of Cloth of Gold. Upon a rectory in
this neighbourhood is— or was, a few years back — a
■fine specimen ; in the adjoiuing parish there still is a
second plant growing in a very sheltered spot. This
was the cellar of an old mansion, and is now turned
into a Rose-garden. In the near distance the garden
is completely surrounded by trees and specimen
shrubs, several of which are among the finest in the
country. With such shelter, plenty of light, and a
good depth of loam, Cloth of Gold grows remarkably
well ; but, unfortunately, the gardener has only one
system of pruning Roses, consequently the plant
annually produces wood that I have many times
■envied him the possession of, but which is far too
hardly pruned to bloom. The specimen I mentioned in
your issue of November 20 as flowering well during
the past season is upon the mill-house at Barcombe,
Sussex. I never noticed the true Noisette form of
■Cloth of Gold so distinctly as in this instance, scarcely
a flower being borne singly. Respecting the drooping
habit of M&re"chal Niel, I think this rather an
advantage than not, as one can better see the beauties
of its blossoms upon walls and the fronts of houses
than if borne in the boldly-upright manner of Cloth of
Gold when doing well. A . P.
CARNIVOROUS SLUGS.— The worm-eating slugs
are very plentiful in a large walled-in garden near
Bury St. Edmunds, and I have had many oppor-
tunities of seeing them at night. On warm, showery
•evenings, especially, they may be found crowding the
gravel-walks, and the Box-edgings which border the
latter ; in fact, their habits as regards locomotion are
much like those of other slugs. Some few years ago
I brought away one evening from the garden in
question — which, by the way, is remarkably free
from worms — more than half a peck of the slugs,
and turned them down in the kitchen- garden here ;
but I regret to say, that of these or their progeny I
have scarcely seen any since ; probably they may
have wandered into the shrubberies and long grass
and got lost, there being no walls round the garden
into which I put them to keep them at home. /. C.
Tallack.
MUSCAT OF ALEXANDRIA SPORTING. — It is to
be hoped that the recently mentioned sport from
this Vine, which has appeared at Chiswick, will
prove more amenable to treatment than a similar
one which I had here until within the past year or
two. In 1SS8 I planted a house mostly with this
variety, and cut the young Vines down to within
1 footof the soil, after which they were taken up as
single rods in the usual manner. In 1892 I allowed
one of these Vines to carry two young rods, one on
each side, and these sprang from a point 6 feet from
the Boil, close to the lowest training wire. One of the
young rods developed into the normal type, precisely
similar to the parent rod ; the other was much
coarser in growth, did not ripen its wood well, and
carried leaves exactly like those of Canon Hall Muscat.
When this rod fruited, the Grapes, too, were pre-
cisely similar to Canon Hall, being very large, round
in berry, and the bunches set very badly indeed.
Now and then we got a fairly good bunch, but the
results generally were so bad that after a few years'
trial I cut out the rod. During its existence it was
seen in fruit by many who were perfectly familiar
with both Grapes, and all were agreed as to the
complete resemblance to Canon Hall. I made no
attempt to propagate from the rod, as the absolute
impossibility of getting a good set throughout made
it worthless, and since destroying it there has been
no recurrence of the freak on any portion of the Vine.
J. C. Tallack, Lhermerc Park Gardens, Bury St.
Edmunds.
GRAPES AT THE ROYAL AQUARIUM.— Mr.
C. Bayer of Forest Hill, whose able gardener, Mr.
Taylor, exhibited such a very fine collection of Grapes
at the Drill Hall on October 26, comprising thirty-
four bunches in thirteen varieties — a considerable
feat for the time of year, again showed his cultural
capacity in Grape-production at the Royal Aquarium
on the 7th inst., when he set up eighteen capital
bunches in five varieties, an admirable mid-winter
exhibit, all the bunches being excellent. There were
six Muscat of Alexandiia, the finest being model
bunches, long, tapering, and berries good and richly-
coloured ; three Lady Downe's, very long, compact,
handsome, and black ; four Gros Colruan, two of the
bunches being twins, yet very fine in berry, and well
finished ; three Black Alicante, intensely coloured ;
and two Trebbiano, bunches of good useful size, and
berries clean and very bright. Such a Grape exhibit
merits high commendation. A . D.
Plant Notes.
BEGONIA FUCHSIOIDES.
This charming Begonia, introduced to this country
more than fifty years ago, still remains one of the
best of winter-flowering varieties. Its culture is
simple, and habit of growth graceful and free. Cut-
tings of the plant. struck in the spring, and grown on
in garden-frames, make plants of a useful size by the
autumn, when, if introduced to an intermediate-
house, they Boon open their flowers, and in the month
of December are at their best, continuing in bloom
more or less throughout the winter. The plant also
flourishes when planted out in a warm conservatory,
and for draping pillars it is one of the best flowering
subjects for the winter. At the present time some
plantB, 8 to 10 feet high, growing in a border in a
warm-house in Mr. Astor's garden at Cliveden,
Maidenhead, are nicely in bloom, and their pendent
crimson-scarlet flowers are making them exceedingly
attractive plants. C. H.
BROWN ROT IN TURNIPS AND
CABBAGES.
During the past three or four years this disease
has proved very destructive in various parts of the
United States, and has been investigated by Dr.
Erwin F. Smith. The symptoms are very marked ;
in Turnips the leaves are green and healthy, but the
roots remain dwarfed, and resemble small Carrots
rather than globose, or flat-bottomed Turnips.
Although appearing healthy on the outside, on being
cut across, the flesh of the root is seen to be brown,
and eventually becomes more or less hollow, and
remains fairly dry to the last.
In Cabbages the woody portion of the stem is dark
brown ; yellowish patches, with black veins, are also
present on the leaves. The tissues remain dry, and
there is no offensive smell. The characteristics
of the disease are therefore a browning of the vas-
cular portions of the plant, accompanied by dwarfing ;
Turnips fail to develop a root, and Cabbages are
prevented from forming a head. Microscopic examina-
tion showed the brown vessels of th>) plant to be
crowded with a minute organism called Pseudomonas
carripestris, and inoculations with pure cultures of
this organism have proved that it is the cause of the
disease.
When once pres-ut, the disease often spre-.ds
rapidly, and experiments have shown that the inocu-
lation of healthy plauts can be effected by slugs,
which have previously fed on diseased plants. The
larva? of the Cabbage - butterfly also carry the
disease in a similar manner. A second mode of
infection, independent of the aid of animals, and
without the presence of a broken surface of the leaf,
occurs when the Pseudomonas happens to come in
contact with the minute drops of water exuding,
during the night, from the water pores situated on
the margin of the leaf. These pores are large enough
to allow the organism to pass into the interior of the
leaf. Rape and Radish are also susceptible to the
disease. The preventive methods suggested, are
(1) The cultivation of Crucifers on land not infected
with the disease ; (2) Prompt removal and destruc-
tion of diseased plants ; (3) A constant war upon
insect enemies and other possible carriers of the
disease. G. M.
Vegetables.
NEW POTATOS.
In order to obtain " new " Potatos during the last
three mouths of the year all that is required are some
garden frames or brick-pits, and a sufficient number
of sets selected in the sprint; to fill them, placing the
sets in an upright position in shallow boxes, and
storing them, till planted, in the coolest place
possible, which at Rolleston is the passage leading to
the Ice Well, where they do not push out growths to
any appreciable extent. Towards the end of June the
boxes of sets are placed in the Potato-shed, and
gradually accustomed to the light ; they are then
planted in frames, &c. in the usual manner — making
one planting early in July, and another 14 days later.
The soil is sometimes very dry, and it must be
sufficiently moistened by being afforded frequent
applications of water a week or more previously to
planting the sets. No protection is of course required
till early autumn frosts are feared, when sufficient
covering should be employed to protect them from
injury. In the daytime, when the weather has got
cool, or heavy rain is apprehended, the lights should
be made use of ; and at other times the plants should
be fully exposed. The sets should be planted rather
thickly in the rows, and the latter about 15 inches
apart. Planted in this manner, and at the dates
given, good crops of medium-sized tubers will be
produced that are fit for the table during the last
three months of the year. Three trustworthy
varieties to plant are Veitch's Improved Ashleaf,
Sutton's Ringleader, and Sharpe's Victor. G. Woodgate,
Solleston Hall Gardens, B nrton-on-Trcnt.
©bftuarg*
D. E. H. BOXMANN, a prominent Dutch
amateur, died at Oudwijk, his residence, near
Utrecht, on November 18, in his fifty-eighth year.
The deceased was possessed of a considerable Orchid
collection.
JOHANN N. HAUSER, the oldest florist of New
York, died on October 24, in his eighty-first year.
He was a native of Bavaria, and practised as a youth
chiefly in Leipzig, Vienna, and Paris. He enjoyed as
a young man of twenty-five years a good reputation
as a landscape-gardener, and as such he was placed in
charge of one of the royal gardens in Paris, which
appointment he retained till 1844. He then emi-
grated to New York, and in company with a Parisian
friend established a plant-nursery, of which, owing
to the death of his partner, five years later, he
became Bole owner. Hauser's specialty was Camel-
lias ; and notwithstanding the introduction of im-
proved varieties of Roses and Chrysanthemums, and
of Orchids, the Camellia remained his favourite
flower to the last. Moller's Deutsche Gartner Zcitung.
DAVID MCEWEN — East Anglian readers of the
Gardeners' Chronicle will learn with feelings of regret
of the decease of Mr. David McEwen, who for the
p^st twenty-r.ine yeirs carried on a business a3
438
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Decembek 18, 1897.
seedsman and florist in Red Lion Street, Norwich.
He started his business career with the late firm of
Mackie & Ewing, seedsrneD, of Exchange Street, and
later on, taking over the management, he stayed with
that firm for upwards of twenty-two years, gaining
the respect of both employer and employed, whilst
his qualifications as a business man were shown by
the firm's numerous customers. On Mr. McEwen
leaving this firm he was the recipient of a handsome
testimoniil in acknowledgment of the long and
honoured services he had rendered. The deceased,
who was in his seventy-ninth year when he died, was
known far and near as an authority on horticultural
seeds.
SOCIETIES.
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
December 14.— On Tuesday last, in the Drill Hall, James
Street, Westminster, took place the last meeting for the
year of the Committees of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Though the day proved to be a more agreeable one than was
expected, the weather immediately prior to Tuesday was so
adverse, that a larger exhibition than was witnessed could
hardly have been anticipated. Chrysanthemums, though
less imposing than of late, still lingered to vie with the
bright zonal Pelargoniums, the Primulas, Euphorbias,
Calauthes, Cyclamens, Carnations, Cvpripediums, and other
Orchids, and the magnificent Socrotrana hybrid Begonias.
The work before the Floral Committee proved to be very little,
occupying but a few minutes, and one Award of Merit and
no First-class Certificate was granted. Before the Fruit
Committee there were staged several collections of Apples,
a good number of Tomatos, and a few vegetables.
Professor Henslow delivered a lecture upon " Sports in
Chrysanthemums," alluded to in another column.
Floral Committee.
"Present: W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman; and Messrs. H. B.
May, Cbas. E. Pearson, Rich. Dean, J. H. Fitt, Geo. Stevens,
Juo. Hudson, J. F. McLeod, Thos. Peed, J. Jennings, C. J.
Salter, Chas. Jeffries, W. Bain, Geo. Gordon, Chas. E. Shea,
H. J. Jones, H. J. Cutbush, Ed. Beckett, R. M. Hogg,
Jas. Walker, Ed. Mawley, G. H. Engleheart, Geo. Paul, Chas-
Blick, and H. Turner.
A pretty group of plants of the winter-flowering Begonia
Gloire de Sceaux, interspersed with a few Dracasnas and
other foliage plants, was staged by Mr. W. Farr, gr. to A.
Pears, Esq., Spring Grove, Isleworth. This Begonia has
attractions beyond its very pretty flowers, in the dark
metallic-like, but handsome, foliage it posseses. From the
same garden was exhibited a large group of Euphorbia (Poin-
settia) pulcherrima plants, carrying developed bracts (Silver
Banksian Medal1.
& white flowering Carnation, probably a selection from
the C. Marguerite named Miss Lilian Hillier, was t-hown by
Messrs. E. Hillier & Sons, 95, High Street. Winchester.
Mr. Jas, Bryson, nurseryman, Helenburgh, showed
several varieties of single-flowered Chrysanthemums, but
none of these was of exceptional character.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King's
Poad, Chelsea, displayed varieties of their new type of
Begonias, crosses between the tuberous section and the
species B. Socotrana. An Award of Merit was recommended
on this occasion to Winter Cheer, from B. Socotrana £, and
a tuberous variety $ . The flowers are produced in abundance
in large trusses, and are warm rosy-carmine in colour. The
growth is erect, and the leaves green. Its valuable character
is attested by the wealth of colour produced at such a season.
The Ensign, a semi-double variety, previously exhibited here
and certificated, was also shown.
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, and Bush Hill Park
Nurseries, Enfield, exhibited a group of Cyclamens, and
some pretty plants of Winter Scarlet Carnation. This
winter-flowering variety is very fine in colour, and has a
a non-bursting calyx (Bronze Banksian Medal).
Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryecroft Nursery, Hither Green, Lewis-
him, made, we may conclude, his last display of Chrysan-
themums for the season. Exhibited in his usual manner,
some of the blooms were quite fresh and good in colour ;
others, however, had evidently already been open for some
time (Silver Floral Medal).
A group of Chrysanthemum-plants was staged by J. W.
Tf.mple, Esq., Leyswood, Tunoridge Wells (gr., Mr. F. Cub-
berley). It was composed of the variety Princess Blanche,
a white or very pale rose-coloured decorative bloom, and a
yellow sport from same known as Janet Shehan. They were
capitally grown bush-plants, dwarf, with nine or a dozen
stems upon each, and one bloom upon a stem. The foliage
was healthy-looking to a degree ; the blooms, however, had
been brighter and fresher thin when staged (Silver Flora
Medal).
Double -flowered Primulas were shown by Messrs. W.
Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N. This group of
plants, most'y in C-inch pot , included the varieties Princess,
double white or faintly tinted, ani Marchioness of Exeter,
double rose (Silver Bank-ian Medal).
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, put up a few
sprays of their choicest zonal Pelargoniums, and relieved the
same very tastefully with Adiantum Ferns. The only pure
white one was Niagara ; then follow white and pink or white
and rose, in Mrs. Simpson (a novelty), Duchess of Marl-
borough, and Lady Tennyson. Shaded varieties are Dryden,
Madame Hoste, and Countess de Morella. Fine scarlets were
noticed in Lord Farrer, Harriet, and Soldier's Tunic ;
crime ras, in Nicholas II. (a novelty), King of Crimsons, and
Shelley ; purples, in Lord Reay (a novelty) and Royal Purple.
The variety Owen Thomas, a very bright scarlet flower with
pure white eye, is very deserving of mention (Silver Banksian
Medal).
Thit pretty stove-trailer, Cissus discolor, occasionally
flowers when making long vigorous growths, but not fre-
quently. It was shown blooming profusely by W. C.
Walker, Esq., Percy Lodge, Winchmore Hill (gr., Mr. Geo.
Cragg). The flowers are not very conspicuous, but they add
to the attraction and interest of the plant to some extent.
Orchid Committee.
Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair ; and Messrs.
J. O'Brien (Hon. Sec.), De B. Crawshay, H. M. Pollett,
H. Ballantine, W. H. White, H. J. Chapman, W. H. Young,
F. J. Thorne, E. Hill, J. Douglas, T. W. Bond, T. Statter,
C. Winn, S. Courtauld, and T. B. Haywood.
The last meeting of the year was graced by a large display
of winter flowering Orchids. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart.
(gr., Mr. W. H. White), staged an effective group, in which
groups of the newer hybrid Calanthes formed the chirf
feature. Among them the most brilliant rosy -crimson
variety was Calanthe x Burfordiensis (Award of Merit); and
scarcely less effective was the showy C. x Veitchi splen-
dens (Award of Merit), C. x versicolor, white, with an eye
of a delicate peach blossom shade of pink ; C. x Bryan,
white, with dark purple eye ; C. X amabilis, pale rose ;
C. X Veitchi lactea, a fine white ; C. x Wylamiana,
a charming variety ; C. X porphyrea and C. x sanguinaria, a
dark crimson variety, which also secured an Award of Merit.
Among the other exhibits in this group that were remark-
able, mention maybe made of " Brasso-Catt-Ladiax Lindleyana
elegans (Brasso-Cattleya x Lindleyana x Laelio-Cattleya x
elegans " i, a hybrid that affords an idea|of the complication in
form of flower and leaf, &c, likely soon to arise. It bore
an inflorescence of pretty flowers with blush-white sepals
and petals, and dark purple labellum (Award of Merit) ;
Masdevallia corniculata, with numerous inflated yellow and red
flowers (Bjtanical Certificate); M. irrorata ; a fine specimen
of Platyclinis uncata ; a grand example of Bulbophyllum Me-
dusse, with ten large heads of flowers (Botanical Certificate and
Cultural Commendation ; Denlrobium cymbidioides, with
numerous sprays of singular-looking white flowers (Cultural
Commendation) ; Cypripedium x Leeanum giganteum, C. x
Laurebel, C. x conco-bellum, and C. x callo-bellum ; the
rare Miltonia Endresii, a fine variety of the remarkable M.
RussellUna ; Masdevallia Schroderiana, &c. The group
was awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal.
Messrs. Jah. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for
an attractive group, consisting principally of new or rare
hybrid Orchids. of these shown for the first time were
Lielio-Cattleya x Loucusta (C.bicolor ?, L. harpophyDao1),
a charming novelty with sepals and petals of a clear yellow
tint ; the lip having the cream-white side lobes folded over
the rather thick column, and the narrow elongated purple
front lobe peculiar to C. bicolor hvbrids ; Cypripedium x
Minosa magnificum (Spicerianum 9, Arthurianum <J), with
very handsome white and purple upper sepal ; and C. X
Aeson giganteum (insigne ?, Druryi<J)> a noble flower of
great substance, an i fairly intermedia'e between the species
used in producing it, the prevailing colours being yellow and
reddish-brown (Award of Merit). Also in the group were
some good plants of Cattleya x Mantini ; three varieties of
the pretty C. x leucogl -ssi, the handsome La;lio- Cattleya X
Eunomia, and three fine forms of L.-C. X Pallas, Cypri-
pedium x Euryades, C. x Niobe, C. x C£laone, C. x Sedeni
candidulum, and other varieties.
Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, secured a Silver
Banksian Medal for a showy group comprising the handsome
Cypripedium x Leeanum, Low's variety, a tine rival of C.
X L. giganteum; C. x Miuos magnificum, the apricot-
tinted Lycaste Skinneri armeniaea, Cypripedium insigne
Laura Kimball, C. x Sallieri Hyeanum, C. x Pitcherianum,
Williams* var. ; C. x Bellona, C. x Dauthieri, Cymbidium x
Winnianum, Dendrobium x Cassiope and D. x Leechianum,
Lielia anceps, Cattleya Percivaliana, Oncidium anthocrene,
Cynorchis Lowi, Angrtecum sesquipedale, &c.
Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, staged a group of
good hybrid 'Calanthes, &c, noteworthy being Calanthe x
Bryan, C. X Florence, C. X Victoria Regina, and C. x Bella,
all very handsome and effective varieties ; Phaio-Calanthe x
Arnoldia.' superba, a very pretty flower, with greenish-white
sepals and petals, tinged with pink, and lip closely marked
with rose-purple, formed part of the group.
Messrs. B. S. !4Williams & Son, Victoria and Paradise
Nurseries, Upper Holloway, staged good examples of Odon-
toglossum polyxanthum, Oncidium tigrinum and O. vari-
cosum, Calanthe x bella, C. X Veitchi alba and C. x Oweniana ;
the last-named having flowers of a peculiar tint of carmine-
rose, with some [cream-coloured markings; Cypripediumx
ualophyllum, C. XjHarrisianum vars., C. insigne alb«>-m;irgi-
nat:m, C. i. (Maulei, C. i. Mrs. Wils n, C. i. punctatum
violaceum, C. x Leeanum superbum, C. x nitens superbum,
C. x Sallieri, Zygopetalum Mackayi, &c.
Sir Frederick Wigan, Clare Lawn, Eist Sheen, Richmond
(gr., Mr. W. H. Young), showed the fine Trichopilia brevis
illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, Nov. 30, 1695, p. 641
(Award of Merit) ; the clear white Maxillaria grandifloraalba,
and the large and distinctly marked C. insigne Wigan's
variety, characterised by the very large spots in its broad
upper sepal.
Admiral Sir Henry Fairfax, Ravenswood, Melrose, sent
a fine variety of Lailia anceps, which might be called an im-
provement on L. a. Amesians.
De B. Crawsbat, Esq, Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr., Mr. S.
Cooke), showed Lfelia anceps, Mrs. de B. Crawshay, a very-
large and handsome form, especially remarkable in the dark
purplish rose colouring of the sepals and petals (Award of
Merit).
C. J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court. Horsham (gr., Mr.
Duncan), showei the fine Lajlia ancepa. Schroderse ; and
Baron Schroder, The Dell, Staines (gr., Mr. Ballantine),
showed Lfelia anceps Chamberlainiana, still the largest and
best of its class.
Mr. Jas. Douglas, Edenside. Great Bookham, sent Lselia
X Briseis (harpophylla x purpurata), a very curious and
pretty hybrid, with sepals and petals of white, tinged with
lemon-yellow, and a narrow white lip bearing slight rose-
colour marking on the front lobe- a singular and pretty
hybrid (Award of Merit).
W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone, Staffordshire
(gr., Mr. W. Stevens), showed Cattleya x Miranda (Triansei $ ,
guttata Priiiziio"), with [rosy lilac sepals and petals, slightly-
spotted with purple ; the front lobe and tips of the side
lobes of the lip being rich claret-purple colour. R. W.
Richards, Esq., The Priory, Usk, showed Lselia puraila
superba, the largest and best form of the species shown this-
year (Award of Merit). H. Druce, Esq., The B-eches, Circus
Rjad, St. John's Wood (gr.. Mr. Walker), sent a singular
form of Oncidium varicosum, with abbreviated labellum,
the base and sides of which were coloured red-brown.
Malcolm S. Cooke, Esq., Kingston Hill (gr.,Mr. W. Buckell),
showed two good varieties of Oacidium Forbesii. J. T.
Bennett- Poe, Esq. , Holmewood, Cheshunt (gr., Mr. Downes),
sent the fine white Calanthe xHarrisii, which was accorded
a First-class Certificate.
Thos. McMeekix, Esq., Falkland Park, Norwood (gr., Mr.
A. Wright), showed Cypripedium x Mrs. Geo. Bollerill
(Lathamianum x Savageanum superbum); and C. insigne,
Falkland Park variety, both fine flowers.
Mr. T. Duck, Abbey Wood, Kent, showed Cyperorchis
Masttrsii album, with entirely white flowers.
Walter C. Walker, Esq., Percy Lodge, Winchmore HiU
(gr., Mr. Geo. Cragg), showed Ltelia rubescens (Award of
Merit) ; a very fine variety of L. albida, and an inflorescence
of Odontoglossum cirrosum with foliaeeous bracts.
Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt,
showed ten |basketsful of Cypnpediums in good health,
grown in a house where the temperature often falls to 40~
Fahr. The foliage was very short and thick, and flowers
good. They were C. Spicerianum, C. x Ashburtonise, C. X
Harrisianum, C. Insigne Wallacei, C. i. grandiflorum, C. i,
albo- marginatum, C. i. Sylhetense, and C. i. Chantini (Vote-
of Thanks).
Walter Cobb, Esq., Dulcote, Tunbridge Wells (gr., Mr.
Howes), showed a fine plant of Cypripedium x J. Howes
(Sallieri Hyeanum x villosum aureuni), a grand improve-
ment on the best form of C X Sallieri.
F. W. Moore, Esq., Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin,
Dublin, sent Oncidium saltabundum (Botanical Certificate),.
Maxillaria mirab.le, M. punctata, and a pretty unspotted
variety of the same; a fine large form of Cypripedium insigne,
and a yellow C. insigne near to C. i. BaUia:, but larger ; and
Vanda lamellata Boxalli.
Fruit Committee.
Present : Philip Crowley, Esq., Chairman ; andMessrs. W.
Pope, J. Wright, A. F. Barron, Jas. H. Veitch, Jos. Cheal,
Geo. Bunyard, Alex. Dean, J. W. Bates, W. Farr, Geo. Wood-
ward, W. J. Empson, Jno. A. Laing, Geo. Wythes, H.
Balderson, Robt. Fife, F. Q. Lane, Geo. Reynolds, and J
Willard.
Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Dorking
( \Ir. Bain, gr. ), showed fine roots of Celeriac Geant de Prague,.
(Award of Merit); Celeriac a feuile panachee, and two heade
of the delicious Couve Tronchuda or Braganza Cabbage-
(Cultural Commendation).
Mr. A. Outram, 7, Moore Park Road, Fulham, S.W., showed
Celery Jubilee Red, a variety resembling Major Clarke's, but-
with finely-cut leaves.
Miss BRe.TON,'l Sandhurst, Berks (Mr. R. Handley, gr.),
showed three Cardoon-stems, and some small-sized Vams',
looking like Dioscorea batatas.
A dwarfish Celery, named Sutton's Solid White, was shown-
by Mr. Wright, of the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens,
Chiswick. It was particularly tender, and pleasant eating
(Award of Merit).
Mr. J. Cross, Bury St. Edmunds, showed a Celery called
Victoria Pink, a strong-growing variety.
Mr. S. Mortimer, nurseryman, Rowledge, Farnham, had a
fine exhibit in a dozen boxes of fine-looking Tomatos—
Selected, Conqueror— of a glistening crimson colour, obtaining
a Silver Banksian Meial for the exhibit.
Mr. O. Thomas, gr. to the Queen, Frogmore, showed a new
variety of Cucumber, All-the- Year-Round, which has been
previously uoticed in these columns. The six fruits shown
were capitally developed for the season, and had the bloom
still rcmauiing on each
DecembbeJIS, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
439
Mr. H. Berwick, Sidmouth Nurseries, Sidmouth, showed
a collection of Apples, numbering fifty-six dishes and varie-
ties, receiving a Silver Knightian Medal in recognition of
their merit. The collection contained many of our beat
dessert and culinary varieties, as well as some others seldom
seen about London, as Keiuette d'Osnabruok, Round way
Magnum Bonum, Winter Majettin, and Tom Putt.
A small collection of Apples came from the Earl of Gal-
loway's garden, Galloway Houso, Garliestown, N.B. (gr.,
Mr. J. Day). They were very good produce for a garden so
far north, and included Warner's Kin?, Poasgood's Nonsueh,
Wellington, Tower of Glamis, Galloway Pippin, Bramlcy
Seedling, and Loddington, theso being the largest fruits.
Blenheim Orange, Ribston, Foam's and Cox's Orange Pippins,
and Golden Noble were much below tho size obtained in
the South, but in other respects they were good examples.
Some good specimens of Ailsa Craig Onion, from seed sown
on February 25, aud transplanted to the open ground
April 2S, came from this exbibitor(Silver Banksiau Medal).
Pear and Apple Competition for Flavour.
Pears. — 1st (Award of Merit), to the variety President
Barabe, a medium-sized, obovatc fruit, with a russcty yellow
rind, shown by Mr. Allan, gr. to Lord Suffjeld, Gunton
Park, Norwich; 2nd, Winter Nells, shown by Mr. G. Wythcs,
gr. to Earl Percy, Syon Houso, Brentford.
Apples. — 1st, Adams' Pearmain, shown by Mr. C. Ileniu,
gr. to the Hon. G. M. Fortescue, Dropmore, Maidenhead ;
2nd, Coekle Pippin, shown by Mr. C. Ross, gr. to Col. A.
Hmublon, Wolford Park, Newbury.
The number of dishes shown in these competitions was
about twelve of Pears, and twenty of Apples.
NATIONAL ROSE.
Annual Meeting. — Dec. 9.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1^!'7.
The great event of the past year, the celebration of Her
Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, has, in one way or another,
affected most of the institutions in this country— some
beneficially, others the reverse. The National Rose Society
has not escaped its iufluenee. It materially affected our
southern exhibition at Portsmouth, even to the
altering of the date, which was originally fixed
for the day after tho J uhilee colebration. As it was
felt impossible to hold the show uuder such circumstances,
the fixture, at the ropiest of the local committee, was
changed t<> June IS. This is the earliest date on which a
provincial show has ever been hold by the Society. The
exhibition proved an uuusually small one, while tae attend-
ance of visitors, no doubt in some moasurc owing to the
stormy weather during the afternoon, was also very limited.
The tine display of garden Roses was a noteworthy feature
of this exhibition. Everything that could bo done under the
depressing circumstances of the day was carried out by
Otptiin Ramsay, our local secretary, who not only gave his
valuable services, but also a Silver Cup in the leading class
for amateurs. The committee are also greatly indebted to
the kind hospitality of Mr. Alderman Evans, who kindly
entertained tho judges and principal exhibitors to a luncheon
in the Town Hall.
The metropolitan show at the Crystal Palace was also
affected, but not in the same way, by the Jubilee celebra-
tion, for th; Palace Victorian exhibition occupied the whole
of the nave. Consequently, that of the National Rnsi.-
So;iety hid to be relegated to tho central transept and the
concert room, the 1 itter a most unsuitable position for a Rose
show, particularly on such a dull day as tint on which the
exhibition this year took place, it was the largest show
tha1-, the Society has yet held, no fewer than 7203 blooms
h iving been stiged on that occasion in addition to the many
beautiful stands of garden-Roses.
The northern show, which was held at Norwich, in the
grounds of Mr. J. J. Colmun of C arrow Priory, was a most
eucc3ssful one, and attracted a larger number of visitors than
any previous summer exhibition of the local Soeiety. The
arringemonts were, on tho whole, excellent, and inflected
great credit on the committee of the Norfolk and Norwich
Horticultural Society, and especially upon their energetic
secretary, Mr. J. E. T. Pollard.
Eirly in the year application was made to the different
railway companies for a reduction in the rates charged for
the carriage of Rose-boxes, with the result that, although no
roduetion wa* granted, there is now a uniform rate charged
on nearly all linos throughout the country, which previously
was far from being the case.
Itis with much regret the committee have to record the
deaths of two of their oldest members -Dr. Robert Hogg, a
Vice-President of the Society, and one of its original founders,
who for miny years took a warm interest in its welfare, and
frequently presided at the meetings ; and the Rev. E. N.
Pjchin, who in the early days of the Society was not only a
member of the committee and a constant exhibitor, but also
a leading authority on all matters connected with the Rose.
Fimakuk — The financial position of the Society must be
regarded as satisfactory, considering how greatly most
societies of the kind have suffered this year through the
mmy demands upon their members' pockets owing to the
celebration of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. The year
was begun with a balance in hand of £76 12s. 3d. ; and now,
after paying all outstanding expenses, including £495 in
prize-money, there remain £39 18s. Id. in the Treasurer's
hands.
The sale of publications realised £*, which is more than in
any previous year.
Akra-Nolments for ls9s. -Various suggestions have been
made with a view to increase the efficiency of the Society,
aud theso arc now engaging tho attention of the Committee.
The engage aaents for the coming year aro likely to prove
unusually satisfactory, as the provincial exh bitions will be
held in places which the society has already visited, and
where largo Rose shows are each yoar being held. Tho
southern exhibition will take place at Bath, in conjunction
with the Bith Floral Ft-tc and Band Committee, on Thurs-
day, Juno 23. Tho metropolitan show at tho Crystal Palace
on Saturday, July 2, when, we aro informed, there is every
prospect of the nave being once more placed at the disposal
of the society. Tho northern exhibition will be held at
Halifax, under the auspices of tho Salterhebble and District
Rose Society, on Thursday, July 14.
A Rose Conference will take place at each of the provincial
exhibitions, when some subject of interest in connection
with Rose culture will be discussed. A report of tho Con-
ferences will bo afterwards published, and issued to the
members later in the year.
Membeks' Privileges.— Members subscribing £1 will, us
usual, bo entitled to two private view and four transferable
tickots, the latter admitting at the same time as the general
public ; while subscribers of 10s. are entitled to one private
view and two transferable tickets. Each of these tickets is
available for any one of the society's exhibitions. Members
joining the society for tho first time in 1SL*S will also receive
copies of tho following publications: The official catalogue,
the supplement to the catalogue, " Hints on planting Roses,"
and the " Prizo Essay on the Hybridisation of Roses.*' also
the reports of tho two conferences as soon as issued.
Members alone are entitled to compete at tho society's
exhibitions.
Tho committee, in conclusion, express their best thanks
to their local secretaries, also to the donors of special prizes.
Of the former Mr. H. P. Laudon has distinguished himself
by obtaining more new members for tho society during tho
last throe years than any of his follow secretaries Among
the leading donors of special prizes may be mentioned the
Right Hon. Lord Fenzauco, the Mayor of Norwich, Dr. S. P.
Budd, Mr. C. J. Grahame, Captain Bamsay, Mr. C. E. Shoa,
Mr. A. Tate, and the Trustees of the Prince Memorial Fund.
Incurved Egyptian, a do p bronzy-coloured variety, was
shown by two or three exhibitors, but tho (lowers were too
coarse at the base to find favour, though it appeared to be a
useful late-llowurihg variety.
Japanese Mrs. M. Simpson, a large white variety, with
moderately broad tlorets, somewhat loose as shown, was
Commended.
A semi double, bright, orange chestnut coloured variety
named Duchess Eli/.ibeth, with a slightly bronzy reverse,
from Mr. A. Falcate, Burhill, Walton-on-Thamcs, was com-
mended as a market variety on account of its remarkable
freedom of flowering in large sprays. A white Anemone-
flowered variety named Mrs. Cartcrot, shown by Mr. H. J.
Jones, is also a remarkably free bloomer, but the flowers are
somewhat loose.
The variety certificated at the previous meeting under the
name of violaceum in perfect good faith by Mr. P.. Beckett,
under the impression that it was ;ui unnamed seeiling, is
variety raised by Mr. H. J. Jone.s, and sent out under the
name of Dennis Smith-Rylands, and the name violaceum is
therefore oxpungod.
SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL
ASSOCIATION.
DECEUBBB 7. — This society mot on the above dato at St.
Andrew Squaro, Edinburgh, to hoar the last paper of the
session oi 1397, entitled "Exotic Ferns, their Propagation
and Culture," by Mr. R. B. WitinuT, Waniston Nurseries,
Edinburgh. The paper, which was a comprehensive one,
treated tho subject in an exhaustive wanner, beginning with
a description of the order Fill' .'s, nil giving an account of
their habitats. After giving a few hints upon the best modes
of propagation aud cultivation, Mr. Wright gave an alpha.
beticat list of the genera, pointing out their characteristics,
aud at tho same time referring to anything specially neces-
sary for their successful culture. At tho close of the paper,
several of the many members present took pirt in tho dis-
cussion, and the reader of the paper was given a cordial vote
of thanks for liis instructive essay.
Among the exhibits were some fine Chrysauthemuui
blooms of a golden sport, especially suitable for cutting pur-
poses, shown by Mr. A. Porter. Davidson Mains, Midlothian.
A splendid bloom of Mrs. C. Blick was also upon the table
from Mr. Murray, vice-president of the association.
As showing the rapid growth of membership in this society,
it may bo mentioned that thirty-five new members were pro-
posed and seconded for election. At the close of the meeting,
the Treasurer, Mr. Alex. Mackenzie, stated that the
financial aspect of the hist Chrysanthemum show was most
satisfactory ; and the President, Mr. Todd, read out a list of
institutions to bo benefited by the surplus proceeds. This
sum was allocate! as follows by the Council :— £100 to tho
Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh ; £50 to Sick Children's
Hospital, Edinburgh ; £50 to Royal Gardeners' i irplian
Fund ; and £50 to the Royal Gardeners' Benevolent
Institution
Before the meeting broke up, a telegram was received and
read to the members by the President from the National
Chrysanthemum Society, congratulating them upon tho
success of tho last show, the Secretary, Mr. R. Laird, having
gone to London to represent tho Scottish Horticultural
Association.
NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
December 7.— Though a good number of subjects was
staged on this occasion, only one Certificate of Merit was
awarded, viz., to incurved Miss Phyllis Fowler, a large
full flower with good smooth petals of a pale soft yellow
tint. This variety came from two or three exhibitors, and it
it being a rule with the society that the one showing the
best should have the Certificate awarded to him, who, in
this case, was Mr. T. Robinson, gr., Elsfield House, Holling-
bourne. It was also shown in good character by Mr. H. J.
Jones.
DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'.
Li i BMBEB B. -Mr. G. Camp, gr. to Mr. E. Bvrom, of
Culver, noar Exeter, read a paper on " Winter-flowering and
Ornamental Begonias," at the meeting of this body on the
dato given. Tho lecturer sketched the history of the Begonia
from the introduction of B. nitida from Jamaica to Kew in
1777, summarising the development of tho genus as indoor
decorative plants, and giving tho characteristics of the lead-
ing species and varieties. He mentioned the four methods
of reproduction— seed, cuttings, leaves, and bulbils, re-
marking that raising from seed, whero proper appliances
were at hand, was easy enough, but it required close atten-
tion. Propagation of the leaf was not difficult : the operation
consisted of cutting a leaf into small pieces, and inserting
each piece sideways in well-drained pots, tilled with finely-
sifted loam, leaf - mould, and cocoanut fibre refuse, in
equal proportions, with a thin covering of silver-sand.
Cuttings succeeded in the same kind of compost. He did
not recommepd bulbils as a means of propagation. When
propagation from the leaf was adopted, care should be
taken to use well ripened leaves. The early spring was the -
best time in which to strike the Begonia from cuttings, these
consisting of ripened shoots. When rooted they should be
plunged in a bed having a bottom-heat of 75° to 8j°, shaded
from the sun, and kept in a close, moderately moist con-
dition. When established more air is necessary.
Among the many varieties now grown, he recommended
those which had been obtained from B. Socotrana as being
among the most satisfactory. While not in tho least dis-
paraging the acknowledged beauty and usefulness of the
tuberous-rooted sorts, he regretted that so little attention was
bestowed on the fibrous-rooted, the ornamental-foliaged, and
the fragrant-flowered Begonias, many of these being winter-
bloomers, and possessed of gracefulness which made them of
much value as decorative objects. Then, again, the broad,
hirsute, bronzy, elephant-oared foliage of others mado an
excellent contrast to Adiantums, Grevilleas, Cocos, and other
light subjects in genoral use in conservatories and warm
grconhouses.
NATIONAL DAHLIA.
Him mder 11.— The annual meeting of members took place
at the Hotel Windsor on the above date, Mr. T. W. Girdle-
stone, the President, in the chair, growers and exhibitors
from all parti of the country being present. The tone of
the meeting was decidedly buoyant, and there are indica-
tions that the Society has passed through one of the most
successful seasons of recent years.
The annual report, read by Mr. J. F. Hudson, the Secre-
tary,' dwelt upon the fact that the lack of rain at the
beginning of the year made close attention to watering
necessary ; but later, when moister weather-conditions pre-
vailed, the plants mado rapid progress, and in some caBes
exhibition blooms were produced much earlier than usual.
The annual show in September was more extensive than
formerly ; about 300 entries were made, and the general
quality of the flowers was very high, notably in the Cactus
section. A special commemoration class was included in
the schedule, intended to illustrate the increased develop-
ment of the Dahlia during the reign of the Queen ; and some
tasteful decorative effects resulted. New classes for blooms
in vases, to show how the Dahlia could be employed for house
decoration, were included, and brought several competitors,
the feature proving a successful innovation. Some classes
were added for those who had not previously won a prize at
an exhibition of the society ; and these were the means of
bringing together creditable exhibits from new members, and
they will become a permanent feature in the schedule.
The exhibits of Cactus varieties were numerous, there
being a marked increase among the amateurs ; the number
of new varieties produced was very large, and several Certi-
ficates of Merit were awarded. Some novel varieties have
put iu appearance, most prominent being Arachne, a striped
variety, and the first bi-coloured form of good Cactus cha-
racter. The report concluded by stating that the time had
arrived when it would be necessary to exercise the greatest
care in awarding Certificates of Merit to new Cactus varieties ;
and to the loss sustained by the death of Dr. Hogg, one of
the Vice Presidents. It was reported that the large number
of 2SO0 blooms were staged at the last exhibition.
440
THE GAB DENE US' CHRONICLE.
[December 18, 1897.
The financial statement, read by the Treasurer, Mr. E.
Mawxky, showed that the income of the Society from all
sources had amounted to £173 18s. Od., in addition to the
balance in hand at the commencement of the year, that the
working expenses had amounted to £21 Ss. 9d , prizes
£130 19s., leaving a balance of £21 Is. Id. to be carried forward.
The Duchess of Sutherland, the Countess of Pembroke,
the Countess Sherbrooke, and other ladies were added to the
list of patrons. Mr. T. W. Girdlestone was re-elected presi-
dent, and the Dean of Rochester, Sir Edwin Saunders, and
Mr. Thomas Pendered, president of the Wellingborough
Dahlia Society, were made vice-presidents. Mr. E. Mawley
was elected treasurer; Mr. J. F. Hudson, secretary; and.
Messrs. F. W. Fellowes, C. E. Wilkins, H. A. Needs, and Dr.
Bartrum, were added to the committee. The schedule of
prizes was revised, some classes were struck out, and others
added, including one for twelve Fancies in the open division ;
the list of true Cactus varieties also underwent revision, the
certificated flowers of the present year being added. The
meeting closed with a hearty vote of thanks to the officers,
and to the president for presiding.
M£ wiiiw*^j^
The terra "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42° Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees — a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Accumulated.
ta'SrHlfcl'S"H
as i
p a g
> o a
a 1
Rainfall.
is
o
g
■ar-
m
"*
ea Oi
d
OS
U
ft-g
s|
o£
OI-3
fl
o
O
u
H
CM
Bright
Sun.
'5 d
lis
Day.
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
Day-
deg.
lOths
Inch.
Ins
0
1 +
5
27
+ 200
- 19
12 +
217
42-3
0
29
1
1 +
4
35
+ 37
- 4
6 +
193
27 9
12
31
2
1 +
9
26
+ 98
- 95
3 +
175
23 4
16
33
3
1 +
10
34
+ 124
- Ill
2 +
164
22-0
18
37
4
2 +
12
31
+ 61
- 126
4 +
166
25-5
10
35
5
2 +
26
14
+ 252
- 195
6 +
157
246
24
39
6
2 +
20
12
4- 183
- 62
7 +
209
427
11
32
7
2 +
24
10
+ 183
- 124
8 +
187
34-9
11
34
8
2 +
30
7
+ 261
- 141
16 +
194
41-5
25
33
9
0 aver
12
27
+ 75
- 12
7 +
220
38 0
16
30
10
1 +
32
11
+ 227
- 92
6 +
206
43'9
36
33
«
2 +
4i
0
+ 400
- 87
12 +
206
33-8
28
41
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following : —
0, Scotland, N. Principal Wheat-producing Districts—
1, Scotland, E. ; 2, England, N.E. ; 3, England, E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, S.
Principal Grazing, <£c, Districts — 6, Scotland. W. ;
7, England, N.W. ; 8, England, S.W. ; 9, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; * Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending December 11, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office : —
"The weather during this period was extremely changeable,
with frequent heavy rain in nearly all parts of the Kingdom.
Considerable falls of sleet and snow were experienced in tho
north about the middle of the week. Brief intervals of fino
bright weather prevailed occasionally, but these occurred
mainly at night.
"The temperature was very unstable, hut on the whole
rather above the mean in all districts excepting ' Ireland, N. '
The highest of the maxima were registered on the 7th, and
ranaed from 58° in ' Ireland, S./ and 56° in ' England, N.W.,'
to .01° in ' Scotland, N.' The lowest of the minima which
were recorded, as a rule on the 0th, varied from 20°in ' Scot-
land, E.' to 33° in ' Scotland, W.,' and to 3!)* in the ' Channel
Islands.'
"The rainfall exceeded the mean in all districts. In moat
of the western and northern districts the fall was more than
twice as much as the mean. The heaviest aggregate falls
recorded during the week were 3'S5 inches at Arlington,
3*65 inches at Stornoway, and 3 64 inches at Fort William.
"The bright sunshine was less than the mean in most of
the northern and north-western districts, but exceeded it in
the extreme south and south-west. The percentage of the
possible duration ranged from 30 in ' Ireland, S.,' and 2S in
the ' Channel Islands,' to 11 in ' Scotland, W.,' and ' England,
N.W./ and to only 2 in 'Scotland, N.'
Notices to Correspondents.
Markets.
COVENT GARDEN, DECEMBER 16.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to ua regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal
salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible
for the quotations. It must be remembered that these
quotations do not represent the prices on any particular
day, but only the general averages for the week preceding
the date of our report. The prices depend upon the
quality of the samples, the supply in the markot, and the
demand ; and they may fluctuate, not only from day to
day, but often several times in one day. En.l
Cut Flowers. — Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. d.
s.d.
s. d.
Arums, 12 blooms...
4 0-60
Mignonette, dz. bn.
2 0-
4 0
Bouvardlas, pr. bun.
0 4-06
Orchids :—
Carnations, pr. doz.
Cattleya, 12 bms.
6 0-
9 0
blooms
10-30
Odontogloasum
Chrysanthemums,
criapum, 12 bm.
1 6-
3 0
p. doz. blooms .
0 6-26
Pelargoniums, scar-
— p. doz. bunches
3 0-60
let, per 12 bun.
4 0-
6 0
Euoharie, per dozen
4 0-60
— per 12 sprays...
0 5-
0 S
Gardenias, per doz.
Pyrethrums, per 12
blooms
2 0-30
bunches
1 6-
2 6
Hyacinth, Roman,
Roses, Tea, per doz.
0 6-
1 0
dozen sprays
0 6-10
— yellow (Pearls),
Lilac, French, per
per dozen
2 0-
4 0
bunch
3 0-40
— pink, per doz.
1 6-
2 6
L ilium Harris!, per
— Safrano, p. doz.
1 0-
2 0
doz. biooms
4 0-60
Stephanotis, dozen
Lily of the Valley,
sprays
4 0-
6 0
dozen sprays
10-20
Tuberoses, 12 blms.
0 3-
0 4
Maidenhair Fern,
Violets, 12 bunches
16-20
per 12 bunches ...
4 0-80
— Parme, French
2 6-
3 6
Margueritea, per 12
White Narciss,
bunches
3 0-40
French, 12 bun....
9 0-
1 6
Orchid-bloo
u in variety
Plants in Pots. — Average Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. d.
s.d.
s. d.
Adlantums, p. doz.
4 0-12 0
Evergreen shrubs,
Aspidistras, per doz.
12 0-30 0
in variety, doz....
6 0-
24 0
— specimen, each
5 0-15 0
Ferns, small, doz. ...
1 0-
2 0
Chrysanthemums,
— various, doz.
5 0-
12 0
p. doz. pots ...
5 0-90
Foliage plants, per
— specimen, or
dozen
12 0-36
large plants, ea.
16-26
Liliums, various,
Draceenas, each ...
10-76
per dozen
12 0-
18 0
— various, p. doz.
12 0-24 0
Marguerites, p. doz.
6 0-
9 0
Ericas, various, per
Mignonette, p. doz.
4 0-
6 0
dozen
9 0-18 0
Palms, various, ea.
2 0-
10 o
Ficus alastic each
10-76
— specimens, ea.
10 6-84 0
Fruit.—
iVERAGE 1
Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. d.
s. d.
5. d.
Apples (Blenheim
Grapes, Muscats,
Orange), se-
"Cannon Hall,'
lected, per
per lb
3 6-
5 0
7 0-10 0
— Muscats, se-
— (Wellingtons),
lected, per lb...
3 6-
4 0
selected, bush.
9 0-11 0
Nuts, Cobs, per
- ordinary qual.,
100 lb
21 0-
22
per bushel
2 6-50
Pine-apples, St. Mi-
Grapes, Gros Col-
chael, cases con-
mar, per lb. ...
16-20
taining 6 to 8
■ 2ndqual.,lb.
10 —
3 6-
6 6
— Alicantes, p. lb.
16-19
— cases contain-
2nd quality
ing 10 to 12 ea.
1 6-
2 6
0 10 1 0
Vegetables
— AVERAG
e Wholesale Prices.
s. d. s. d.
S. d.
s, d
Artichokes, Globe,
Mushrooms (Indoor)
per doz.
4 0-46
per lb
0 6-
0 8
— Chinese (Sta-
Onions (pickling),
chys tuberif era)
per pocket
2 0-
3 0
per lb...
0 3-04
— Dutch, per bag
3 0-
3 6
Asparagus (Paris),
— Albanian, per
' Green, p. bdle
4 0-5 0
bag
4 0-
4 6
Beans (Madeira),
Radish (long scar-
per bask, (about
let), Channel
61b.)
2 0-30
Islands, per 12
— French, Chan-
bunches
0 6-
0 S
nel Islands, lb.
10-13
Salad, small, per
Beetroots, p. bush.
13-16
doz. punnets...
1 6
—
Capsicum, Chili, p.
Seakale, per punnet
100
16 —
(3£ to 41b.)
1 3-
1 6
Cauliflowers, per
Shallots, per lb. ...
0 2
dozen,
19-20
Sprouts, per 4; -
Cucumbers, home-
bushel
0 6-
0 9
grown, select.,
Tomatos, Canary
per doz.
7 0- S 0
Islands, per
Garlic, per lb.
02 -
case, 40 lb. ...
12 0
—
Horseradish (Ger-
— — 14 lb. ...
3 6-
4 0
man), per bundle
1 C- 1 3
POTATOS.
Second class Potatus have advanced a shade since last
report. Present current prices — Up-to-date, 95s. to 115s. ;
Maincrop, 85s. to 110s. : Saxons and Bruce, 80s. to 100s. ;
Dunbar Maiucrop, 130s. ; Blackland, 72s. 6rf. to 80s. per
ton ; Belgian and Dutch Ware, 3s. to 3s. 6d. ; German Waro,
3s. 6d. to 5s. per bag of 50 kilos. John Bath, 32 and
34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.
(Remainder of Markets carried forward top. x.)
A Cancelled Engagement: F. G. Smith. If you
have lost money in a variety of ways, especially in
travelling to and fro, yon might succeed in obtaining
redress in the County Court if you employed a
solicitor. Is it worth the cost ? You had better
consult one before taking legal action.
Books : H. W., C. 0. L. The edition will be issued
shortly in numbers probably, and in one volume.
The old edition can be obtained at the publishing
offices of Blackie & Son, London, Glasgow, and
Edinburgh.
Canker on B'ruit Trees : T. G. The history is
this: — The trees are injured by frost, or insect
puncture, or other injury, leaving an open wound,
in which the fungus spores settle, and germinate ;
the young plant feeds on the bark, and ultimately
causes its death. A heavy uudrained soil might
naturally favour fungus growth, and cause weakness
in the trees, but the fungus is the real cause of the
mischief.
Carnation : If. S. The disease is the red rust, Hete-
rosporium echinulatum. The fuugus on the weed
is quite different, but we do not know what it is.
If you |want to know more, send us a better
' : specimen.
Carnation Diseased : /. F. See answer to T. B.
in our issue for the 11th inst.
Carnations Diseased : F . R. H. S. The fungus is
Septoria Dianthi. Remove diseased leaves, and
avoid overhead spraying, keeping the foliage as dry
as possible. Q. M.
Cordtline-leap. S. B., Neioporl. The pest is the
ordinary small brown-scale, and from large, smooth
leaves such as these, it may be easily removed
by sponging with an insecticide, or with the
mixture of soft-soap and paraffin, using a small
wineglassful of paraffin to a gallon of soapy water,
and keeping the mixture well-stirred.
Dioksonia Fronds : R. L. The effect probably of
dryness of the soil and stem.
Erratdm. — We are informed by Mr. W. Howe, of
Park Hill Gardens, Streatham Common, that he.
and not Mr. Gibson, as stated in our report last
week, was awarded 1st prize for a collection of
flowering, foliage, and berried plants, at the
National Chrysanthemum Society's Show.
Fungus : W. G. Without knowing more particulars,
we cannot give you any information. Send
specimens.
Names of Fruits : W. Pmnett. 1 and 4, not known ;
2, Blenheim Orange"; 5, Warner's King ; 6,
Maltster.— W. D. Pears : 1, Josephine de Malinei ;
2,Nouvelle Fulvie; 3, Bergamot d'Esperen ; 4,
Lamb Abbey Pearmain ; 5, Beachamwell. — W.
Thomson. Wyken Pippin.—/. S., Sevmoaks. Apple
Rosemary Russet.
Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in,
this issue are requested to be so good as to consult
tlie following number. — W. S. 1, Phaius grandi-
folius ; 2, Maranta bicolor ; 3, Arundo donax varie-
gata ; 4, Tradescantia discolor ; 5, Eianthemum
pulchellum ; 6, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) pro-
bably.— P. 0. P. 1, Jasminum revolutum ; 2,
Phillyrea angustifolia ; 3, Elfeagnus pungens.—
F. L. S. Stauntonia latifolia probably, widely
different from Dioscorea.
Sulphuring Vines : F. F. We would counsel you
not to use sulphur by burning it in the vineries, as
although iu small quantity it might not affect the
woody portions of the plants, the buds would
suffer. The precise quantity of sulphur that may
be ignited per cubic foot of inclosed air in a vinery
without injury to the Vines, and yet be capable of
destroying insect life, has not been ascertained.
Communications Received.— Mark Webster.— H. C— W. W.
— 1). T. F.— E. B. B. (Berlin) .— H. E. R. (next week).—
J. H. (next week).— J. B. T. (next weok). -W. W. (31.—
J. P. (next week). — H. J. R., Florence (next week).—
Probodh Cbuudra.— H. W., Stutgardt.-O. S.— M. W.—
W. M Berlin. — New York Agricultural Experiment
Station.- J S. S.— Mc.K.— B. B., Exeter.— H. E.— H. E. R. -
J. B. T.— Tommy Dod (you are too late for this year, next
week).— J. C. T., Scilly.-Q. R— G. W.-C. T.— W. R.—
D. T. F.— C. A. D. G— A. P.— G. W.-E. M.^H. M-
H. H. K.— H. C.
Photographs, Specimens, etc., Received.— Mark Webster.
-W,W,
December 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
441
THE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1897.
THE DATE PLUMS, OR KAKI
FRUITS OF JAPAN.
A NEW fruit of good quality and ornate
-^*- appearance is pretty sure of a welcome
from those interested in fruit culture generally,
and the wonder is that the brilliant Kaki fruit
of Japan (Diospyros Kaki) in variety has not
beon seen more frequently in our gardens and
at our fruit shows at this time of the year.
Of course, the tree has been cultivated in
gardens here and there throughout the country,
and our friend G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., was
successful in obtaining ripe fruit in his well-
managed and productive orchard-houses some
years ago. (See Gardeners' Chronicle, 1875,
p. 777, fig. 158.)
When Mr. F. Moore of Glasnevin and myself
made a little tour in South France, North
Italy, and Switzerland in 18!»2, one of the most
remarkable of all the public gardens we saw
was the Acclimatisation Botanical Garden at
Hydros, near Toulon, with its Bamboos and
Agaves and rare Palms in the open air, under
a blazing sun, set in a cloudless sky.
We wandered about alono, for it was the
sacred siesta-timo with the officials and gar-
deners, and gazed delightedly on the blue
Agaves, the feathery plumes of Bamboos,
Arundinarias, Phyllostachys, &\, and for some
time were quito non-plussed in our attempts to
recognise our old friend the Laurustinus, so dis-
figured was it by the burning sun and red-
spider. A fine specimen of Brahea Roezli,
perfect in health, and blue rather than glaucous
in colour, delighted us ; but of ail the novelties,
nothing perhaps struck us more forcibly than
a plantation of different varieties of Diospyros
Kaki, young and vigorous, in the open air, and
laden with handsome fruits. The trees were
grown as standards, and in general appearance
looked like large-leaved Greengage Plum-trees,
laden with green, yellow, orange, red, and
orange-crimson Tomatos. The difference in size
and colour of the fruits, being due in part to
the particular variety, and partly to the age
and position of the fruit itself on the tree.
The Kaki, or Date Plum, is one of the most
popular of all Japanese fruits in its season,
and is also highly appreciated by the Chinese.
My first experience of it as a dessert fruit was
made in Singapore, to which pait it is brought
down, I believe, by ships from Hong-Kong
or Shanghai. In China and Japan, this fruit
is almost as variable as are the Apples and Pears
of our own gardens, the result, no doubt, of a
long couiso of selection, seminal reproduction,
and intergrafting on the part of these oriental
horticulturists.
>• Now-a-days, however, this very distinct ^and
handsome fruittreej has come from the flowery
lands of the Orient to our South European
gardens, and both French and Italian nursery-
men offer collections of all the best fruiting
kinds, some fifteen or twenty in number, at a
very moderate price.
When, at the instigation of Dr. E. Perceval
Wright, the Professor of Botany in Trinity
College, Dublin, Mr. Moore and I visited
Chevalier Boss in his fine old Palazzo Poggio
Gherardo, high up above Florence, on the side
near Vallambrosa, we saw there a plantation of
very choice young and healthy trees. These
are now in full bearing.
The two varieties I send differ in size, shape,
and in flavour, the larger one (" Giboushin ")
being rich orange-yellow, as large as a medium
Applo, and marked with sutures, as in the Dios
pyros Kaki var. costata, as figured by Carriere
years ago in tho Revue Horticole, and which was
one of the first kinds to fruit in Freuch gardens.
This variety is as a rule, seedless, though, in
this respect, individual fruits may vary even
from tho same tree. The smaller variety (Isuru-
no-ko) is smaller, with fruits of a rich shiny
crimson-red, like a Tomato ; it is rounded,
without costm or sutures, and bears four to
eight seeds embedded in its rich apricot-like
pulp. In flavour the fruit, when soft, or
" bletted" properly, tastes like a delicious con-
serve of Plum, Apricot, and Melon combined
into one of Dame Nature's best of macedoinos.
For several years past Dr. Wright has
rocoivod at least one consignment of Kaki fruits
from Poggio Gherardo, and this season the
fruits seemed finer and more abundant, and of
more exquisite flavour than before. To nie,
Poggio Gherardo, cool and white ou tho hill-side,
standing amidst its Olives and Vines, aud Fig
trees and Palms and Oleanders, will always be a
happy and grateful memory. Apart from the
genial humour, hospitality, and generous good
nature, which the Chatelaine dispenses to the
passing stranger, as well as to her own friends,
it would not bo easy to forget its artistic
charm, tho sunlight and shadows which play
around its time-honoured walls, tho water Lilies
and Nile Reeds in tho splashing fountain-basin,
the lizards that flit amongst tho Caper blossoms
that dangle from the sloping grey wall. The
doves and tho song birds even are happy near
the roof here, while far below are the miles and
acres of red-tiled houses, the great Duomo of
Brunelleschi, the campanile of Giotto, the
Pallazzo Vecchio, past which flows the Arno,
every inch of the graat city sacred to the
memory of Savanarola and Romola, who lived
and loved and died in Florence when it was a
city fit for kings to admire.
The Diospyros Kaki or Loti fruits of Japan ,
as I said, really deserves a place in English
gardens. In the south and west, near the sea,
it might thrive and fruit in the'open air. Even
as far north as Newry, co. Down, Ireland, I
know of a plant that has grown for the past
ten or twelve years on a sheltered and snug
wall. In the Isle of Wight and Hampshire,
in Devon and Cornwall, in south and west
Ireland, and even in sheltered spots far up the
west coast of Scotland, I should expect this
tree might thrive with but little protection. It
is as a greenhouse or orchard- house fruit, how-
ever, that it more especially deserves attention ; ■
and as the little trees are now offered cheaply
by French and Italian growers, there is ample
opportunity for trials being mado by those
interested in comparative novelties of this kind.
Dr. Wright is so interested in the matter that
he has adopted the practical course of obtaining
specimens of the trees, and has distributed them
amongst the gardens in Dublin aud Wicklow,
where there is a prospect of their success ; and
he was fortunate in obtaining strong and
healthy little trees, weE engrafted, from
Fratelli Ingegnoli, 54, Corso Loreto, Milan, who
offers a collection of fifteen choice varieties, by
parcel post, for 35 lira (francs). F. W. Burbidge,
THE LOST DAHLIA.
rpHE following extracts from an article by
J- Miss Mitford in Chambers' Edinburgh
Journal for January 7, 1837, may fittingly be
reproduced in this year of Jubilee, more
especially because tho Mr. Sutton therein
mentioned is the Martin Hope Sutton who is
still among us, and well remembers the incident
mentioned : —
" The autumn before last, that is to say, above a
year ago, the boast and glory of tuy litttle garden was
a Dahlia called ' Phrebus.' How it came there
nobody very distinctly knew, nor where it came from,
nor how we came by it, nor how it came by its own
most appropriate name. Neither the lad who tends
our flowers, nor my father, the person chiefly con-
cerned in procuring them, nor myself, who more even
than my father or John take delight and pride in
their beauty, could recollect who gave us this most
splendid plant, or who first instructed us as to the
style and title by which it was known. Certes ! never
was blossom. . . .
" We then visited the nurseries, from Brown's, at
Slough, a princely establishment, worthy of its regal
neighbourhood, to the pretty rural gardens at South
Warnborough, not foigettiog our own most intelligent
and obliging nurseryman (Mr. Sutton of Reading —
Belford Regis, I mc:iu), whose collection of flowers of
all sorts is amongst tho most choice and select that
I have ever known ; hundreds of magnificient
blossoms did we see in our progress, but not the
blossom we wanted. . .
"Learnedly did I descant with the learned in
Dahlias over the merits of my lost beauty. ' It
was a cupped flower, Mr. Sutton,' quoth I, to my
agreeable aud sympathising listener (gardeners are a
most cultivated and gentlemanly race) ; ' a cupped
Dahlia, of the genuine metropolitan shape ; large as
the Criterion, regular as the Springfield Rival, perfect
as the Mary, with a long bloom-stalk like those good
old flowers the Countess of Liverpool and the
Widnall's Perfection. And such a tree blower, aud
so true ! I a*n q<iite sure that there is not so good
a Dahlia this year. I prefer it to Corione over and
over.' And Mr. Sutt m assented and condoled, and I
was as near to being comforted as auybody could
be, who had lost such a flower as the Phcebus."
Eveutua'tly the lo3t Dahlia was found on a
manure-heap in the corner of a field a mile
away from the garden in which it originally
grew. Phoebus is gone, Miss Mitford has
departed, but Martin Hope Sutton happily still
commands our respectful appreciation.
Orchid Notes and Gleanings.
ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM SURPRISE.
The last number of the Scmaine Horticole contains
a page illustration of this variety, remarkable for its
short broad segments, marked at its edges with a row
of small dark hues, after the fashion of a Picotee.
Cypbipediuji Dauthieri.
Mr. lloss obligingly sends us from Florence a
flower of Cypripedium Dauthieri, curiously distorted.
The plant came from a seed-pod, from which also
originated a pale and a dark variety of C. Dauthieri,
together with C. Dauthieri Rossianum. In tho mal-
formed flower first mentioned the floral axis is twisted,
the ovary is wanting, there are two sepals standing
442
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 25, 1897.
right and left of the centre of the flower, and within
these two lateral petals, so diverted from their original
position as to be obliquely placed, or nearly front
and back, as regards the axis. The column has three
perfect anthers, bu" neither staminode nor stigma.
Odontoglossdm cbisfum.
Mr. De Barry Crawshay kindly puts at our disposal
a spike of 0. crispum, in which all the flowers are
distorted, and all in nearly the same manner. The
pedicek are upturned, and bear three narrow sepals,
three petals of nearly the same form and size ; the
column is twisted, the ovary abortive. Arrest of
development is, of course, the cause of the deformity,
but what caused the arrest is more than wc can say.
that a lesser degree of heat and drier conditions should
prevail at other seasons. The winter warmth of fruiting
plants at Syon is 60" to 65° at night, the lower one
being probably the better one generally, as the plants
grow away freely in the spring, so that the flowering
period is past during May or June, with sufficient
length of time to allow the pods to ripen in warm
weather. The Vanilla is a climbing Orchid, which
sends out numerous fleshy roots that lay hold of
damp surfaces, as the walls or woodwork. From
observation made, I am not sure which affords the
best results, a wall or a trellis. I think the largest
pods come from plants attached to a wall, and earlier
ones and in greater quantity from plants on wire
supports. It is mostly a matter of fancy ; still, few
of the plant is done once or twice daily, according to
the weather, and the paths are damped oftener. This
is the kind of treatment afforded to old or established
plants, but it is very necessary to overhaul the stock
of plants yearly, there being a tendency in the plant to
much top growth, and to get bare at the bottom,
which, if not counteracted, would rob the plant of
its roots and end in poor growth and a straggling
form of growth. In December, or early in January,
some of the upper growths are taken down and
placed lower in new material, where they soon made
rapid progress, and fruit abundantly the next season.
The size of such growths as are selected for planting
is of no consequence, as pieces of from 4 to 6 feet in
length grow well, and the stronger they are the
Fig. 130.— sorting ani> bunching narcissus blooms, (see p. +47.)
(From a Photograph by Valentine & Sons, Dundee.)
CULTIVATION OF VANILLA
PLANIFOLIA.
"Vanilla" is not a difficult plant to grow,
although the fertilisation of the flowers so as to get
pods is not understood by many gardeners. The
figure given at p. 307, together with the instruc-
tions thereon of the method of securing pods,
gave the needful information. I gladly act upon
the Editor's suggestion in regard to sending a
note on the methods practised for many years
at Syon ; only last year an additional space was
allotted the plant in a new house, and I hope that better
results will be obtained than in the old one. I may
here state we had losses owing to the break-down
of the heating-apparatus in February, 1894, in a time
of severe frost, which occasioned the loss of a large
houseful of these plants, and the weakening of others.
We have now made up our losses, and have the pro-
mise of a full crop of pods next season. I need
scircely mention, that to grow Vanilla planifolia
successfully stove-heat is essential, and more
especially whilst in active growth, say from 65° to 70°
at night, and a high day temperature, bearing in mind
kinds of plants are at the same time more ornamental
and useful. In shade the plant grows well, but gives
no fruits. The maturing of the stems is a point of
importance, as without it no pods are formed. The
plant does not rest on the completion of growth all
the winter, but makes some little progress, and the
roots being fleshy, should not be starved, and they are
active if the growth has not been well matured
before the end of the summer or early in the autumn.
Two years ago a large house was planted at the front
with Musa Cavendishi, the temperature for which just
suited the Vanilla, it being, of course, lower and
drier in the winter, and not shaded, and having a
large back wall ; this was covered with plants of V.
planifolia, which grew finely. There was a wide
walk in the front of the wall, and this was utilised
by some large Nepenthes, which needed shade.
The result was that the back wall was also shaded in
the summer, and no crop of pods was obtained,
Nepenthes and Vanilla not doing well together.
The Vanilla is started early in the New Year by
raising the temperature to 65° to 70° at night, with
good rise in the daytime by sunheat to 80°, and the
houses shut up early in the afternoon. The syringing
better. It is advisable to place new material to root
in yearly, as the old gets sour iu a year. The best
pods were for many years produced in some glass-
houses that were 30 feet high, where the Vanillas
were attached to the transverse partitions, the houses
facing the South, and not shaded at any time. Here
the growth became well matured, but few fruit were
produced at the base of the plant. This, however,
is not the case on walls that are always exposed to
the sun.
The plants make good growth in a mixture of
fibrous peat, small portion of sandy, fibrous loam,
and plenty of charcoal, crocks, and sphagnum-moss.
The loam, however, should not be used in very moist
houses. A border of 15 inches in width and depth,
half filled with drainage materials, suits the Vanilla,
as no plant goes sooner wrong in an ill-drained
compost, it being like most Orchids, epiphytal, and
the usual rules hold good after root-disturbance.
Red-spiler should not be allowed to infest the leaves,
or these will get first yellow, and finally black.
Young stock is best raised from shoots taken off in the
early spring, aud these may be grown inpdts for a time.
When a plant is flowering, overhead syringing should
December 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
443
cease, and air may then be given, but not so as to
impinge on the plant. The illustration in the
Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 307, makes it very plain
how fertilisation is effected, and it should be closely
examined by those who desire to excel. A pod
takes from three to four months to ripen, and the
precise time to gather it is indicated by the tip
turning brown ; and if it be not then gathered, it
will open, and decay set in. The pods should be
placed on a shelf for a few days so as to dry the outer
covering if it be not quite ripe, and then folded in
tissue paper and placed in a close drawer. Pods will
keep in good condition for years. The present is a
good time to commence the culture of this plant.
G. Wylhcs, Syon Gardens.
to the flowers unfolding, so as to form what is called
a "good show." The consequence of this practice is,
that shoots that will form the cuttings, become
blanched, and hardly fitted to afford suitable cuttings.
Not an instant longer than is necessary should the
plants be kept in this crowded state ; but as soon as
the flowers are cut or faded, the stems should be cut
down to within 1 inch of the soil in the case of those
varieties which throw up shoots freely. Shy growers
should not be cut back closely, as these usually throw
out shoots from the stems at some distance from the
base. These latter do not certainly make the best
cuttings, but have to be made use of in lieu of better
ones. Let the pots of stools or roots be stood close
to the glass in a cool, airy greenhouse, so as to
mum it is necessary that the stems be perfectly
mutured. The large misshapen blooms frequently
observed have been produced on immature stems.
The true globular incurved flowers, so desirable, yet
so seldom seen at the present time, can only be
obtained from plants that have a long season of steady
uninterrupted growth. Strike the cuttings early,
and let the plants grow steadily, without having
r course to fire-heat at any part of the year. The
best kind of cutting is that which is found some dis-
tance from the stem of the plant, which gives promise
of free uninterrupted growth, and has no visible
sign of a bloom-bud in the point of the shoot. The
cuttings should be 3 inches long, firm, not sappy in
texture, and be cut square across below a joint.
Flc;. 131. — A BREAK OF NARCISSI'S IN BLOOM. (SEE V. 447.)
(From a Photograph by Valentine & Sons, Dundee.)
Florists' Flowers.
SEASONABLE NOTES on CHRYSANTHEMUMS.
Scarcely are the flowering-plants out of bloom,
than preparations for another year's campaign have to
be undertaken. The first matter which claims
attention should be the revision of the list of varieties,
for even in small collections some of them should be
discarded, and better ones purchased. The increase
of varieties is so large and constant nowadays, that
none but the best in each section need be retained.
The first matter which should have attention, is the
providing of suitable shoots to serve as cuttings, for
there is a very great difference as regards the plants
raised from good or bad cuttings. Weak shoots
cannot be expected to make as good plants as strong
ones, and a good start is, therefore, of great impor-
tance. Large, high-class blooms for exhibition, as
well as for the decoration of the conservatory or
greenhouse, seem to be desired by most gardeners
nowadays. TLe plants, as a rule, are restricted to
three blooms each, and placed close together previous
enable them to gain that degree of strength and
stockiness so desirable in a good cutting. Afford
water sparingly — just enough to keep the soil moist ;
too much induces a paleness in the leaves, which
should be avoided.
In some instances it will be found that the shoots
spring up from the roots so thickly as to crowd each
other, and become weak, rendering a timely thin-out
necessary. Close watch must be kept for aphides,
green and black, that are apt to infest the succulent
shoots, crippling the leaves, and thus retarding growth.
To destroy these pests, let the plants be fumigated
on two successive nights with tobacco, or dusted with
powdered tobacco. The shy varieties may be induced
to grow at the base by the aid of mild bottom-heat
in a warm house, the stems being syringed daily with
tepid water.
The best time to put in cuttings so as to obtain fine
blooms is the present or early in the new year, as by so
doing the growing season is made as long as possible.
If cutting-making is deferred till February or March,
a firm matured growth cannot be obtained in a natural
manner ; and in the case of the incurved Chrysanthe-
Some growers cut out the buds or eyes from the
lower part of the cutting, to prevent the growth of
suckers in the summer ; but this is neither necessary
nor wise, because the production of suckers in a
proper manner does not interfere with the well-being
of the parent plant ; and where is the stock of cut-
tings to come from for another season, if such strict
measures are taken to prevent their growing at all ?
Under handlights, or in a propagating-frame in a
house having a temperature of from 40° to 50°, is the
best place to strike the cuttings in. These should be
placed on the side stages of the house as near to the
glass as possible. Means should- be taken to have the
handlights as nearly air-tight as possible, as a means
of preventing the flagging of the leaves. I find roots
are more quickly formed under these conditions than
when the cuttings are placed on shelves near to the
glass in an ordinary greenhouse, where being greatly
exposed to the air the leaves quickly flag. A layer
of coal ashes at the bottom of the handlight forms
a level moist base on which to stand the pots,
E. Molyneux.
(To ie continued.)
444
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 25, 1897.
WEST INDIAN PKODUCE.
Our friends engaged in the sugar industry, and
concerning whom so much has been said and given in
the way of advice, would appear to be endeavouring
to work out their own salvation from that ruin
which but. a few months siuce appeared to be
imminent. Advice received from St. Vincent,
from Mr. Drayton, shows that improvement is
being effected by economies ; and it said that,
although the colony is passing through a severe crisis,
no one who has a knowledge of the resources of the
island can doubt that, if a radical change is made in
the existing local conditions, which retard its pro-
gress, there will be a gradual rtturn of prosperity.
It is affirmed that, with a more equitable distribution
of the land, a proper system of roads, provision for
rapid and safe transport of produce to suitable
markets, and a decentralisation of the interests, both
public and private, now concentrated in Kingstown, a
future perhaps not of great affluenc, but certainly of
solvent prosperity, lies before this unfortunate posses-
sion of the Crown. Speed the time.
THE PRESERVATION OF FRUITS
BY VAPOUR OP ALCOHOL.
Experiments were made in the fall and winter of
1894 by Monsieur A. Petit at the National School
of Horticulture of Versailles (France), in the pre-
servation of Grapes by exposure to the vapour of
common alcohol, which, according to report, gave
very striking results.
Briefly, the method was this : — Freshly-picked
Grapes were placed thinly upon trays of wood-shavings,
in order to offer freer access to the alcoholic vapour.
These trays of fruits were placed in a large cellar
closet, which could be conveniently and Becurely
(not hermetically) closed. A small vessel of alcohol
was left uncovered in the room, and the ordinary
evaporation fi-om this satisfied the purposes of the
experiment. The conditions of temperature and
moisture were purposely made the most favourable
for the development of mould fungi. Some similar
fruit was at the same time placed under the same
conditions, with the exception of the alcjholic
protection, eo as to serve as a check.
The experiment was begun on October 31. On
November 20 the Grapes in the cheek were for the
most part rotted and covered with mould. In the
case containing the alcohol, on the contrary, the
Grapes looked as well as ever — quite firm, not
shrunken, and totally free from mould; they had no
bitterness or bad taste. On December 7 the Grapes
in the case with alcohol had still their fine appear-
ance, though there were one or two small brown
spots to be found. On December 24 there were only
a few small spots of mould. The Grapes were referred
to the judgment of several persons, who unanimously
pronounced them very fine. The stems remained
perfectly green, and the fruits retained their firmness,
their volume, and above all, their flavour. In a word,
they showed all the qualities of freshly - picked
Grapes."
These statements are quoted from the report of
Mr. Petit, made in February, 1895. This report
imme li;itely attracted wide notice, both in Europe and
America. The first to test and report the method
in this country was Goff. His experiments were
made with Plums, and showed "that alcoholic
vapour is an effectual preventive of the common
mould or moulds in a damp atmosphere ; but the
vanour did not prevent, except for a limitel time, if
at all, i.ther changes within th; fruits that destroyed
their value."
The first opportunity found by the present writer
for a t.'ial of this method of preservation came
May 20, 1896.
Beginning at this date six experiments were made,
and the conclusions arrived at were as follow : —
Vapour of alcohol in a clo.-ei space will prevent,
more or les«, the growth of the fungi and bacteria
which usually hasten decay. To be effective it mast
be present in some appreciable quantity. If present
in a considerab'e quantity, the development of fungi
and bacteria may be wholly prevented for several
days, or even weeks ; but in this case the fruits,
especially those with soft flesh, absorb onough
alcohol to render them very disagreeable to the taste.
The fruit also deteriorates in colour and texture.
Although the growth of fungi and bacteria is pre-
vented, other processes of decay seem to bo hastened.
The method seems to be best adapted to the preser-
vation of Grapes, and it is probable that with suffi-
cient experimentation upon details it might be made
practically effective for special conditions. It is
thought that this method might be put to practical
use in occasional cases for the preservation of some
other fruits for a very short time. Thus, Straw-
berries or Raspberries might be placed in a refrige-
rator for three or four dayB with a small open vessel
of alcohol, and be preserved in better condition than
without the alcohol. F. A. Waugh, in Tilth Annual
Report, Vermont Experiment Station.
The Week's Work.
THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By W. H. Pope, Gardener, Highclei-e Castle, Newbury.
Garlic and Shallots may be planted in a sunny
situation, and on a rather light, open soil, if possible,
plauting the cloves shallow in small drills, and about
1 foot apart each way. In heavy land the drills
should be 4 inches deep, and filled before planting
with light soil.
Protecting Early Broccoli, etc. — Where the early
Broccolis are turning io, it is well to go over the
plantations once or twice weekly, and break down a
few of the leaves over the heads, or if large enough to
cut for table-use, Btoring these in a cool shed for a week
or ten days. It is advisable, if hard weather seems
likely to set in, to cut all heads that are of a useable
size, and place them in a cellar out of the reach of
frost. Toe varieties Sutton's Christmas White, Van-
guard, and Superb White, are now forming heads,
aud in succession to Veitch's Self-protecting Autumn
Cauliflower and Michaelmas White Broccoli, and
those will probably keep up a supply of heads till
March. Tnis season has been an exceptionally
favourable one for vegetables, excellent Cauliflowers
being still procurable from the open ground, as also
Lettuce, Endive, kc. At the New Year we may
have a fall in the temperature, reuderiug it necessary
to put some kind of protection over beds and rows of
Parsley, Celery, &c, and it will be prudent to get
materials ready for use whilst the weather is mild.
There is no doubt that owing to the late period to
which tho growth of vegetables has extended, they
will bo much cut up by hard frosts.
Forcing. — Successioual batches of Asparagus, Sea-
kale, and Rhubarb, should be got in, in quantity
corresponding with the demand. Afford tepid water
in abundance to these plants as may be required,
the lack of it being the ciuse of much inferior pro-
duce. Light and ventilation are necessary to Aspara-
gus unless the tops are preferred in a blanched state.
Hot-beds of prepared manure may now be made up
for forcing Potatos, Carrots, and Radishes. It is a
common economical practice to sow Radish -seed
thinly betwixt the rows of Carrots, and to sow broad-
cast. This is not the best manner of doing it. Abetter
one is to take two or three seeds between the finger
aud thumb, and slightly squeeze them in the soil at
about 4 inches apart, also in rows ; and a still
superior method is to have frames or pita devoted to
special crops, as it is seldom that interlining has good
results. Good varieties are Early Frame, and Sutton's
Forcing. French Forcing Carrot should be sown for
the earliest crop, the drills being drawn at 1 foot
apart if alternated with Radishes, otherwise 9 inches
will suffice. When the young plants appear, apply
fresh soot to check the ravages of slugs ; also set
trap3 for these creatures. Thin the seedlings to
2 inches apart when they have got Uuye enough to
handle. Roots of Mint and I'arragon may coutiuue to
be placed in mild heat. Sov iu warmth Mustard and
Cress at weekly intervals, placing that which is up in
cooler quarters. Prep irations for sowing Onions may
now be made, storing decayed turfy loam mixed with
a good quantity of leaf-mould in a frost-proof 6hed.
The seed may be sown in thesecoud week in January.
Plants under Glass Protection. — Cauliflower, En-
dive, and Lettuce growiDg in garden-frames or under
handlights or cloches, should be freely ventilated in
mild weather, removing the frame-lights, hand-glasses,
&c, , by day, and affording air by night.
Testing Seeds more than One year Old. — Tho seed-
room should now have a general cleansing, and any
seeds left over from last Beason sorted, and those
that are not likely to germinate in considerable
numbers thrown away. Seeds of Melons, Cucumbers,
Parsley, Celery, &c, may be reserved for future sow-
ing, and others about which there may be doubts
should be put aside for testing as soon as a hot-bed is
available. Tho seeds of Peas and Beans, if more
than one year old, should always be thrown away.
THE ORCHID HOUSES.
By W. H. White, Orchid Grower, Burford, Dorking.
Hot-growing Species. — Calanthes of the vestita
section form at this season a principal attraction in
the Orchid-houses. They require a period of
thorough rest, and immediately the spikes ara
removed place the plants on a dry shelf close to the
roof-glass. Coming from very hot countries, these
Calanthes should be kept in the warmest house, even
when resting, and water may be entirely withheld
until tho plants have been repotted in the spring.
Before removing the plants to their resting quarters,
each pseudo-bulb should be carefully examined and
cleared of the white and brown scale which com-
monly infest them. The pretty Eulophia guineensis
should be rested, and treated like the Calanthes. Do
not forget the Thunias, although they are resting.
The plants have now cast their leaves, and where
eight or ten are grown in one pot, as is generally
recommended, the bare 6tems should be tied upright
to neat sticks at even distances apart, so that
each may obtain its equal share of light. The bulbs
from which the current season's stems have sprung
should be cut down to their base. It is perfectly
safe to rest the Thunias with the deciduous Deudro-
biurus. If such species as Cyrtopodiums are grown,
it will be seen that some of the growths are nearly
completed, and the plants may therefore be gradually
dried off, and water entirely withheld when the
current season's growths are finished, or they may
fail to rest. The plants require the highest tempe-
rature available during active growth ; but imme-
diately water is withheld, they should be placed
with the Thunias. Cyrtopodium Andersoni, C.
St. Ledgerianum, and C. punctatum aro handsome
species. Like Chysis aud the Anguloas, these plants
produce their flower-spikes soon after the new
growth commences, and should therefore be
very carefully watered when growth has com-
mencod until the spikes appear. If kept too
moist at the roots at such period, the growths will
become vigorous, but no flower spikes will be feen.
Habenarias, too, though resting should be examined
carefully every week, and any that are dust-dry may
be given a slight sprinkling of water on the surface of
the soil. The warm-house is the best place for them.
Plants of Odontoglossum citrusmum that have com-
pleted their growth should be suspended close up to
the glass in the resting-house. After removal, the
plants shouldbckeptquitedry at the root, and though
the bulbs will shrivel, this will not injure the plant
in the least ; and when the flower-spikes appear, and
moisture is afforded, the plants will quickly regain
their normal condition. Under Buch treatment our
plants rarely fail to flower abundantly ; even the
smallest growths produce flower-spikes. Owin?, proba-
bly, to climatic conditions,it will be observed thatafew
plants have already commenced to grow again, but if
they are rested and treated as above-described they
will make little or no further progress at present.
Peristeria elata, generally known as the Dove Orchid,
succeeds best in a stove- temperature, but immediately
the large pseudo-bulbs are mature, the drier atmos-
phere of the Cattleya or Mexican-house is the best
place for it. The plants require a long and complete
re it, without which it may fail to flower. Vanda
teres is exquisite when in bloom, but many growers
have difficulty in getting it to flower satisfactorily.
To obtain good results do notsubje-t the plants to
the severe drying treatment often advocated, which
causes the terete leaves to shrivel, and the lower on s
to drop. Our plants are now at rest, and occupy a
cool position in the Mexican house, and they receive
sufficient water to keep the stems and leaves plump
at all times, and they thrive and bloom profusely
every year. The same kind of treatment as regards
moisture is afforded to V. Hookeriana. but it is grown
and rested in the stove.
Temperatures. — The temperature of the cool or
Odontoglossum-house, when finishing up for th)
ni^ht, is about 50°, falling 2° or 3° by the morning.
The atmosphere in this house is nearly always within
3° of satui-ation point. Each of the divisions should
December 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
445
alao be covered with mats in like manner, bo that
the amount of fire-heat is by night reduced to a
minimum. It is always advisable to remove the
coverings in the morning as soon as it is light, or
immediately the temperature commences to rise. It
is very necessary at this season that each house
should become dry about noon. The houses at noon
are at their maximum temperatures, and it is at this
time that ventilation should be afforded, but air
should not be admitted in such quantity as will cool
them. The majority of Orchids delight in fresh air,
but it must not be too cold. To warm the external
air before it reaches the plants the bottom ventilators
should open immediately opposite and close to the
hot-water pipes, the inside of which should be covered
with perforated zinc, which will allow the air to pass
in small currents, and passing in among the pipes
is thus made warm.
PLANTS UNDER GLASS.
By G. H. Matcock, Gardener, Luton Hoo Park, Luton.
Doable Primulas. — If these plants have been well
cultivated, they will soon produce an abundance of
flowers. Keeping the pots resting on a cool base
with only sufficient fire-heat to dispel all damp from
the atmosphere, which must be kept in a buoyant
state. Very careful watering is necessary, and such
plants that may have been potted rather too low
should not be allowed to suffer from the water
lodging in the axils of the leaves. On the other hand,
if any plants were not potted sufficiently deep, these
may suffer from the thread-like roots at the surface
becoming dry. Weakly plants may be assisted with
weak manure-water, but if the stoek is robust, the
plants will do best with clear water only.
The Forcing-house, — Batches of bulbs and plants
intended for forcing should be placed in heat at such
intervals of time as the establishment requires. If
Imlbs were potted-up according to previous instruc-
tions, they will in most cases be fit for the purpose.
Lilacs, Thorns, Solomon's Seal, Spiraeas, Dielytra
speetabilis, Guelclres Roses, Azaleas in variety,
Lily of the Valley, and Daffodils, will all be useful.
It is not yet too late to pot up additional batches, if
it is apparent that the stock is likely to be insufficient,
but this is more applicable to plants, not bulbs.
General Work. — Examine at intervals all bulbs that
are resting, and remove any that may show signs of
decay. Should any bulbs be resting over flues or
other excessively hot, dry places, they may require
water occasionally to keep them firm. The seed
catalogues have commenced to arrive, and orders
should be prepared and despatched to the nursery-
men at once, that everything may be in readiness
before the busy season of spring.
FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By F. Harris, Gardener, late of Eastnor Castle, Ledbury.
Pot Vines. — These Vines, now fast breaking into leaf,
will require much attention in order to keep them
growing and healthy. If not already tied up to their
supports, they should be secured to them without
delay. Let the bottom-heat be kept steady at the
point advised in earlier Calendars, adding fresh
materials as may be required. Be sparing with over-
head syringing, but damp the floors and walls ; and
afford ventilation in small amount about noon on
mild days, but do not cause draughts in so doing, and
if air be afforded with care, growth will be much
benefited. Examine the Vines twice daily in order
to ascertain the stato of the soil as regards moisture,
affording water only when it is absolutely necessary ;
on the other hand, do not let the soil get too dry.
Permanent Vines. — Those which are started must
be treated as has been advised, closing the vinery
early in the afternoon, and forming a heap of stible
litter and leaves in the house. If the soil of the
border is dryish, afford water plentifully at a tem-
perature of 85°. The outside border should be pro-
tected by a thickness of 1 £ to 2 feet of stable manure
and leaves previously fermented, covering this with
shutters, spare lights, supported above the litter, so
that the air may circulate freely underneath. The
borders of Vines which Btill carry fruit may likewise
have protection of litter and a covering like the early
vinery. It is the better practice to bottle all Grapes
at the end of the year and throw open the vineries,
except in very hard weather, taking care that the
water is kept slightly warm in the pipes. All Vines
that have borne a heavy crop should be afforded
liquid manure iu quantity, especially the inner
borders, and the narrower or shallower these are the
more manure-water should be afforded. Grapes in
bottles should be examined twice a week.
Early Peach-house. — The trees in the early-house
are fast coming into bloom, requiring close attention
to be paid to the ventilation of the house, so as to
secure a good set. In mild weather air may be safely
admitted in small quantity by the upper and lower
lights if heat be admitted to the hot-water pipes, so
as to have a night temperature of 50° to 55°, and by
day of 60° to 62°. When the blooms begin to open,
slightly damp the floors, &c., about 2 p.m., and stay
the use of the syringe. If ripe Peaches are wanted
in the month of June, a house may now be started ;
and iu regard to this, all previously given instructions
hold good, not forgetting to afford the borders a
thorough wetting with warm water, this applying also
to all fruit-tree borders that are inside the glass-
houses. Push on with the pruning, cleaning and
tying of all trees in the later houses before the
flower-buds move, and keep the trees at rest as long as
possible.
THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By H. W. Ward, Rayleigh, Essex.
Unnailiii'j Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot Trees. —
In order to retard the flowering period, the nails and
shreds and twigs which have been employed to keep
the young growths close to the wall should be with-
drawn, which will liberate the branchlets from the
influence of the brick walls, which conserve and
radiate the warmth from the sun's rays. Collect the
nails and shreds as the work proceeds, and subject
them to fire. When cool put the nails into a fine
sieve to separate them from the ashes, when they will
be again ready for use. By the exercise of timely
attention to this matter the prospect of securing crops
of Peaches and Nectarines from unprotected trees
upon walls is greatly increased. The pruning and
nailing of the trees can be done a week or two beforo
the flowers begin to open, so that there will be plenty
of flowering-shoots to choose from when pruning.
Pruning and Nailing. — The pruning, training, and
nailing of other kinds of trees than those mentioned
above should be pushed on during open weather. In
the event of frost occurring, such work as wheeling
manure on to fruit plots, cropped between the trees
with vegetables, and between rows of Raspberry-canes
and Strawberries as a mulch. The training and
nailing of trees may be proceeded with after break-
fast, when the sun has obtained sufficient power to
enable those engaged in the work to perform it in
comparative comfort. In the afternoon, the declining
temperature may render the resumption of the wheel-
barrow, or other suitable work necessary.
The Labelling of Fruit-trees, — It is very important
that the names of all kinds of fruit-trees, or numbers
corresponding to the names in the fruit-grower's
book, should bo rewritten before they become un-
recognisable upon the labels. There are many kinds
of labels in commerce at the present time. Zine,
written upon with indelible ink (white vitriol) ;
copper, inscribed with a mineral pencil, are both
good in their way. They should be secured to the
individual trees with fine copper-wire, being careful
to leave sufficient room in the ties to prevent them
cutting into the bark within the next half-a-dozen
years. Labels made of well-seasoned red deal,
properly painted, and written on with a hard black-
lead pencil, and secured in the manner recommended
above, still finds favour with many fruit-growers,
including the writer.
Fruit Room. — Carefully watch the Apples and Pears
on the shelves in the fruit-room, and remove
blemished fruit before they impart infection to others.
Apples and Pears keep well in a room having a tem-
perature ranging between 40° and freezing-point (32°).
Walnuts, Filberts, Cob-nuts, and Chestnuts stored
away in jars and vaults must be made secure against
the attacks of mice.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
Bv Charles Hbrrim, Gardener, Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Plants to groic under Trees. — The most commonly
planted species for this purpose is probably the Ivy,
and the larger leaved varieties are usually chosen. In
localities where the soil is not of a heavy clayey
nature, two satisfactory plants for the purpose are
Gaultheria Shallon and Andromeda Gates orei. Both
are North American evergreen plants, growing from
18 inches to 3 feet in height, but when growing under
trees they seldom exceed 2 feet. When ouce
established they increase and spread rapidly over
bare spaces, and in woods afford a cover for game.
The Gaultheria also produces a number of Lily-of-
the-Valley-like flowers-spikes in May and June, and
these are succeeded by handsome purple-black
berries, which are freely eaten by the smaller birds
and pheasants. Seeds of Gaultheria should b9 sown
in the open ground in early spring or as soon as ripe,
but the quickest means of increasing the stock is by
division, or rather by lifting the youngest rooted
growths that are always found around the outer edges
of established clumps. The young growths may
be transplanted safely now while the weather
remains open, and they become partially established by
spring. Gaultheria procumbens, a dwarfer and rather
more delicate variety, may also be used ; it grows
freely where the soil is peaty, or where naturally-
made leaf-mould abounds. The Andromeda is of a
closely-allied nature to G. Shallon, and requires
similar treatment in planting, but rarely produces
seeds. Vincas in several varieties are excellent
subjects for forming a dwarf evergreen carpet under
trees ; V. major and minor, with the variegated forms,
grow and spread quickly, and may be planted now.
When planting under trees, the surface-soil should be
broken up with a fork and fresh soil added if a
sufficient depth cannot be obtained for planting
without interfering unduly with the roots of the trees.
Carnations. — During frosty weather young Carna-
tion plants are liable to become lifted almOBt out of
the ground, and one night's frost is sometimes suf-
ficient to do this, if the plants were not firmly
planted. As soon as the ground is free from frost,
tread the soil firmly around the plants. A 2-inch
mulch of old Mushroom-bed manure or Cocoa-fibre
refuse is a protection and preventive. Plants
wintering in pots in cold frames should be kept well
exposed, except during heavy rains and frost, covering
the frames only just sufficiently to exclude the latter.
General Work. — Prepare soils for potting off and
propagating various bedding-plants, and place them
under cover, where they will become moderately dry.
During inclement weather, all dirty pots should be
washed and stored in their various sizes in a dry
place. Crocks may be broken up, sifted into
different sizes, and placed in tubs or bins. Sticks
may be pointed, and tied up in sizes iu convenient
bundles ; and pegs made for use in layering, &e.
Wood-labels can be bought so cheaply, that their
cost is much less than the labour and materials for
making them ; and old ones are not worth re-
pointing for use a second time. Mowing-machines
will not be required in use again for some time, and
any necessary repairs required should be seen to at
once. Where no repairs are necessary, the parts
should be thoroughly cleaned, for which purpose
paraffin is a useful help ; afterwards smearing over
all bright steel parts and the bearings with lubrieating-
oil or vaseline to prevent rusting.
The Discovery of Coal.— According to a
recent issue of the Revue Scienlifique, a Belgian
journal suggests that this year being the seven
hundredth anniversary of the discovery of coal, should
be appropriately celebrated. It appears that it was
in 1197 that a blacksmith, living in Rue de Choque,
Liege, found near PubMrnout a kind of black earth
which he made use of as fuel, wood and charcoal
being very dear at the time. This black earth was
coal. The blacksmith's name was Hullioz from
Plaineveaux, hence the name of houille given to coal.
Authenticated documents further prove, says the
Journal des Fabricants de Papier, the existence of
coal-mines in full operation iu the principality of
Liege in 1228, aud in Hainaut in 1229. The use of
coal was not introduced into England until the
beginning of the 14 th century ; it was only in 1340
that certain privileged manufacturers obtained the
warrant to burn coal (this fuel being then regarded
as injurious to the public health), aud a century
elapsed before it was generally used in houses. In
France there was no further advance before the
fourteenth century. The coal-fields of Roehe-la-
Moliere (Forez) were open in 1320, and it wa3 the
Belgians who took the principal part in commencing
operations in the rich basin of the North ; tbe
celebrated Auzin mine wss discovered on June 24,
1734, by Pierre Mathieu, of Lodeluisart, as his
tombstone in the church of that borough testifies.
The first edict on mines which speaks of coal in
France dates back to June, 1601. Among the other
countries of Europe, Austria and Bohemia disre-
garded until the last century the rich coal-fields
which they possessed among their mountains. It was
then the Belgians, summoned at the advice of Prince
Charles of Lorraine, Governor-General of the Austrian
Netherlands, who, in 1757, began the first important
investigations in Austria. North Germany, on the
contrary, seems to have begun the exploration of its
various large coal-fields about the year 1200; but
the investigation of the Saxony, Silesian, and Ruhr
fields was only developed in the present century).
44G
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[Dkoember125, 1897.
EDITORIAL NOTICES.
ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER.
Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending
to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to b
of interest to our readers, or oj any matters which it is
desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.
Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for
naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Welling-
ton Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications
should be written on one bide only of the paper,
sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by
the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but
kept as a guarantee of good faith. The Editor does not under-
take to pay for any contributions, or to return unused com-
munications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement.
I lustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction in these
pages, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, /lowers, trees,
£c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they tcish the Editor to see.
APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.
THURSDAY,
FRIDAY,
SALES.
/■Continental Plants, Roses, Dutch
_ „„l Bulbs, Herbaceous Plants, 14-
JJEC. 3<H iillmSj &Ci at Trotheroe &
^ Morris' Rooms.
_ „, / Imported and Established Orchids
DEC. Jl | at prutfceroe & Morris' Rooms.
Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from
Observations of Forty -three years, at Chiswiek.— 375°.
Actual Temperatures: —
London.— December 21 (6 p.m.) : Max., 30° Min., 35°.
Provinces.— December 21 (6 p.m.): Max., 49°, Valencia
(Ireland); Min., 32°, Stornoway.
The Revue Horticqle of Decem-
Pe^pluamrat- ber 16 contains a coloured illus-
berries. tration and description, by M. H.
de Vilmorin, of a newStrawberry, called "Saint
Joseph." This is a perpetual Strawberry, of
erect habit, with large fruit, as successional
in yield as an alpine variety. It was raised by
the Abbe Thivolet, Vicar of Clanoves, in the
Department of Saone-et-Loire, and is said to be
the result of a cross between an ordinary and an
Alpine Strawberry. M. de Vilmorin, how-
ever, doubts the occurrence of any true cross,
as he finds no trace of the Alpine Strawberry in
the new variety. The tendency to produce
flowers in succession is common enough ; as,
for instance, in Vicomtesse Horicart du Thury
and Belle Lyonnaise. This tendency, which in
the varieties named is exceptional, though not
infrequent, has become the regular condition in
the new variety. Other instances of like nature
have been previously observed, e.g., one re-
corded in the Revue Horlicole, October 1, 1871,
and in January, 1874; but this plant cultivated
near Paris produced imperfect flowers only.
The Abbe Thivolet, by renewed fertilisations,
effected between his first seedlings and
free - fruiting varieties, after ten years
of experiment, succeeded in producing a
variety with continuously - produced fruits
of large size, the last of which ripened as
perfectly as the first. M. de Vilmorin has now
grown this variety extensively for the last
three or four years, and testifies that through-
out the whole extent of the plantation the pro-
duction of flower-panicles ha9 been continuous,
so that anyone with, say, thirty plants, could
supply himself all through the season with a
dish of ripe tasty Strawberries every morning.
Abundant watering and good feeding are re-
quired to keep up the productiveness of the
bed. The figure in the Revue Horlicole shows
that the flower-panicles are provided with
leaves, whilst M. de Vilmorin tells us that the
runners themselves sometimes bear a panicle of
flowers. The fruit is of medium size, ovoid-
conic, sometimes flattened and crested, and of
flavour comparable to that of Vicomtesse Heri-
cart du Thury. Such a variety will be useful
for forcing purposes. It may also be pointed
out that the edible part of the Strawberry is not
the fruit in a botanical sense. It is not the
direct product of fertilisation, but merely a
swelling of the central axis or receptacle of
the flower — a branch, in fact, bearing the true
carpels or fruits, which we know as " pips " or
" seeds " as so many side outgrowths. These, by
the increase in succulence of the receptacle,
become more or less embedded in it. The dis-
tinction recognised by every botanist from time
immemorial, but generally ignored by the
public and the gardener, is an important one
nevertheless, because the conditions requisite
for the ripening of the true fruits are different
from those requisite for the growth of the
receptacle. A so-called perpetual Strawberry
may not necessarily produce a continuous suc-
cession of "pips " or seeds even if its receptacle
expanded into a succulent mass, and therefore
there is not such a drain on the constitution of
the plant as might at first be supposed.
Not the least interesting feature attached to
this new Strawberry is the connection of a
De Vilmorin with it. In this matter, M. Henri
de Vilmorin is carrying on an old family
tradition.
OUR ALMANAC — According to previous prac-
tice, we shall issue a Gardeners' Chronicle Almanac
with our first issue in the New Year. In order to
make it as useful as possible for reference, we shall
be obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural, Botanical
and allied Societies, or any of our correspondents,
will send us immediate intimation of all fixtures for
1898.
The Surveyors' Institution.— The next
ordinary general meeting will be held on Monday,
January 10, 1898, when the adjourned discussion on
the paper read by Mr. P. Punohard (Fellow) at the
last meeting, entitled " The Royal Commissioners'
Suggested Amendments to the Agricultural Holdings
Act, 1883," will be resumed. The chair will be taken
at 8 o'clock.
Cross-breeding in Cereals.— We have from
time to time commented on this subject, and have
now to call attention to the experiments of Messrs.
Garton, as commented on in the Cable for
Dec. 1. We first saw illustrations of their crosses at
the opening of the Winchilsea House establishment,
and were much struck with the advance) made,
though it must be admitted there were strong men
before Agamemnon, and that crossbreeding in
Cereals is not altogether a new subject, and can
hardly be spoken of, as it is by our contemporary, as a
" discovery." The Government were solicited to
lend assistance, but they did not see their way to
this, as there was no precedent upon which to act in
sucli a matter. In these circumstances, the Earl of
Winchilsea set a portion of his Sleaford estate at
the disposal of Messrs. Garton in order that they
may continue their experiments. The results
obtained by horticulturists on the same lines afford
ample guarantee for similar progress on the part of
agriculturists. It is claimed for Messrs. Garton
that the grain, in the case of Wheat, has been
increased in size 40 to 50 per cent. ; the quantity of
gluten has also been increased. In Oats, varieties
have been produced which give four or five times
more than the ordinary varieties.
Moller's Deutsche Gartner Zeitunq is
to appear as a weekly journal from January next.
Museum d'Histoire Naturelle.— We have
received a catalogue of seeds and living plants offered
to public establishments by the museum. Applica-
tion should be made to the Director, 57, Rue
Cuvier, Paris.
How to Catch Slugs and Snails.— M.
Henroz, in the Revue dc V Horticulture Biiye, recom-
meuds that small pieces of wood smeared on the
under-side with lard or grease, and laid about the beds,
form excellent traps for these destructive molluscs.
THE LATE Mr. BATEMAN. — Among the notices
of the late distinguished Orchidist (most of which we
observe have been taken without acknowledgment,
directly or indirectly, from our own columns), not one
has alluded to the vigorous way in which he attacked
a swindler, who paraded in the most audacious
manner his wonderful novelties. Mr. Bateman's
"Museum Hullettianum," in our volume for 1867,
was a source of amusement to all but the dupes, and
they were many, and of high degree ; ami, no doubt,
it led to the removal of the culprit into a locality
where it was impossible to grow the Muuchaasen-
like wonders, and equally impossible to proclaim
their wondrous attributes.
Sale of Cypripedium Beekmanni (see p. 434).
— To this plant an Award of Merit was granted, and
a higher award would have been made had there not
been a doubt expressed by some members of the Com-
mittee as to its exact parentage. The price for which
the plant sold was 4000 not 400 francs. Our infor-
mation came from a Belgian correspondent, and was
not checked with our own previous report.
Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
SOCIETY. — At the meeting of this Society, held on
November 27, 1897, at Amsterdam, the committee
awarded First-class Certificates to Messrs. A. P.
Bocwman & Sons of Arnhem, for Chrysanthemum
Belle des Gordes, and for C. Mdlle. Le'ocadie Gentih ;
to Mr. W. Van Veen of Leiden, for Chrysanthemum
Lady Esther Smith, C. Mrs. J. Lewis, and C. Madame
Gustave Henry. Certificates of Merit were granted
at the meeting of October 9, 1897, to Mr. J. Van
Hooten of Hilversum, for a white sport from
Chrysanthemum C. Harman Payne ; and to Mr. A.
G. M. Richard, of Naarden, for Yucca filamentosa
bicolor. II. C. Zwart, Secretary.
Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Chrys-
anthemum SOCIETY.— The members of the above
Bociety held their annual dinner at the Adjutant
White Hotel, Hunger Hill Road, on Friday evening,
17th inst., to which about fifty fat down, Mr. D.
Whittinoham (proaident) presiding.
The Weather-plant. — We have received
various letters on this subject, which has again
cropped up in the daily papers. There seems, indeed,
to be no limit to human credulity, and the high and
mighty soem equally liable to these infirmities as
the poor and simple. Many of us, moreover, are
troubled with short memories, else it would be
remembered that, in compliance with the wish?s of
the Prince op Wales experiments and observations
were made at Kew by Professor Francis Oliver, the
details of which are given in the Kew Bulletin for
January, 1890, No. 37. We do not want to waste
space by repeating the details of Professor Oliver's
careful comparison of Mr. Nowaok's forecasts with
the actual results. In many cases, the ' ' forecast " was
made out after tli3 event ! A circular now before us
gives a copy of the letter of introduction from the
Prini:e op Wales to the Director of Kew, but it
entirely omits reference to the trials made at Kew to
which we have above alluded.
Chrysanthemum Culture. — One groat
objection to the culture of Chrysanthemums, at least
for exhibition purposes, is the length of time aud the
amount of attention they require to bring them to
perfection— indeed, there is no end to it. Hardly
have the flowers been removed than it is time to
think of taking cuttings and starting afresh. Henee,
there is much interest to Chrysanthemum growers in
considering the method of culture followed by Mr.
Lyne, as described in a recent number of our ener-
getic contemporary, the Gardeners Magazine. The
method is briefly this : — After the flowering period is
over, the plants are placed in a cold-house, or under
the shelter of a wall. The pots are sunk, and
arrangements made for protecting the plants in casa
of need. In the spring the plants are removed to a
Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," Deoember 25 1897.
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December 25, 1897.]
THE GAHDENEBS' CHI? ONI CLE.
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warmer and lighter situation, where thay speedily
form compact and robuBt offshoots. These offshoots
are taken off, and the cuttings placed in frames
towards the end of May. In about ten days the
cuttings will be rooted, and should then be gradually
exposed to the air, repotted into thumb-pots, and
ultimately into 48's or 3'2's, where they will flower at
the usual time. In spite of the shortness of the
time, the size and quality of the flowers are by no
means impaired. A French journal olaima prece-
dence for M. Choulet, of Lyons, which is only
another proof of the value of the method for certain
purposes, for had it not been a good one, our neigh-
bours would not have been in a hurry to claim
priority. The subject was discussed at the Chrys-
anthemum Congress held at Bourges in November,
1890, a report of which will bo found in the journal
of the French Society of Chrysanthemists, Le Clirys-
anthime. In that journal M. Calvat, speaking of
M. Cuoulet's procedures, recommends it in cases
where it is desired to have short compact plants for
market-work, or the decoration of apartments. After
all, there is nothing very novel in spring-struck
cuttings, and where plants arc hardy enough to with-
stand the winter, the advantage of striking the
cuttings in spring, when risk from frost is over, and
they will have all the benefit of increasing light and
heat, is obvious.
"FLORA CAPENSIS." — It is not long since we
had the pleasure to announco the recommencement
of this valuable work, of which three volumes were
published by Hakvky k Sondeb. The work
remained iu abeyance till recently, when it was
resumed, and botanists and horticulturists were
enabled for the first time to get a collected account
of the Cape bulbs, Aloes, and other Monocotyledons
iu which they are so much interested. The part now
before us contains, among other Orders, the Com-
melynas and part of the Cyperaceac, by Mr. C. B.
Clarke ; the Juncaceie, by Mr. Baker ; the Restiacese,
by Dr. Masters ; and various smaller Orders by Mr.
N. E. Brown, Mr. Arthur Bennett, and Mr. C. H.
Wriqiit.
Market Gardens and Fruit Gardens.—
From official records we learn that the area allotted
to the culture of small fruit in Great Britain iu 189(i
was as follows : —
Orchards
Market gardens
Klsewhere
:'.2,0'.i0 aorcs
30,600 „
13,458 ,,
Total 70,'J4S „
The acreage devoted to market gardens in Great
Britain was 96,696 acre?. The total acreage of
orchards was '215,642. In each case there was an
increase over the preceding year.
The Public Gardens and Plantations of
JAMAICA. — The November issue of the Botanical
Gazette (Chicago) contains a full account of the history
of the Botanic Gardens of the island, by Mr. W.
Fawobtt, the director. Jamaica affords an excellent
illustration of what may be done by the practical
application of botanical science to avert the ruin con-
f quent on the failure (from fiscal reasons) of one
crop.
Hybrid Fern.— Prof. J. B. Farmer, in the last
part of the Annals of Botany, describes the peculiari-
ties of a hybrid Fern raised many years ago in Messrs.
Veitch's nurseries by Mr. Schneider. The parents
were P. aureum and a variety of P. vulgare known
as elegant issimunr, which occurs naturally in Corn-
wall, and shows some tendency to revolt to the
common type. The spores from the Cornish variety
were sown, and when the prothallia were developed
they were planted inter-mixed with prothallia
derived from P. aureum. The two sets of prothallia
could not be sown together as the rate of growth of
P. aureum is much more rapid than in the case of
P. vulgare. Mr. Schneider has repeatedly raised this
hybrid Fern, so that no doubts are entertained of its
hybrid origin. Professor Farmer details the struc-
tural peculiarities of the two parent forms and of the
intermediate plant, one of the most interesting of
which is the sterility of the spores. The structure
gives an opportunity for a discussion of the theories
of Weismann, into which we cannot follow him.
" The Weekly Florists' Review."— We have
received a copy of the first number of a new American
paper, devoted principally to Trade interests. Every
subscriber who shall, in addition to payment of his
annual subscription, remit one dollar to the manager,
will be entitled to receive the dividends on one-tenth
of a share of the stock in the company formed to
publish the paper. The shares are at par value,
10 dollars.
Victoria Medal of Honour.— At a meeting
of the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, held
on December 14, it was decided to issue a diploma to
all the recipients of the Victoria Medal of Honour.
It was also unanimously resolved: — " That in the
evtnt of any recipient violating the conditions on
which the Victoria Medal of Honour was bestowed,
by using it for advertising or for the promotion
of trade interests in any other way, the name of such
offender shall be struck off the list."
Horticultural Club.— The usual monthly
dinner and conversazione was held on Tuesday evening,
the 14th inst., and was one of the most successful
that has taken place for some time. The chair was
occupied by Mr. Harry J. Veitch, and there were
present beside the Rev. W. WUks, Messrs. Philip
Crowley, M. H. de Vilmorin, K. Milligan Hogg,
J. H. Veitch, Henry J. Pearson, C. E. Pearson,
Geo. Bunyard, Geo. Monro, J. Assbee, James
Walker, G. Gordon, J. Sweet, A. Watkins, Peter
Kay, A. W. Suttou, A. F. Barron, Geo. Paul, H.
Wright. Mr. M. J. Garcia was the guest of the Club
for the evening, and gave a most interesting address
on the "Development of the Foreign Fruit Trade,
and its Bearing on British Fruit Culture." A very
lively discussion followed, in which Messrs. Geo.
Monro, J. Walker, G. Bunyard, and others took
part. A cordial vote of thanks was awarded to Mr.
Garcia, and was carried with acclamation.
Society of Jersey Gardeners. — The
eighth annual dinner of this Society took place on
Thursday evening, the 16th inst., at the Royal Yacht
Hotel, St. Helier, Jersey, the chair being taken by
iDe retiring President, Mr. A. Ldxon, the company
mustering altogether about seventy. The occasion
was seized upon to present the President, on the
behalf of the members, with a valuable gold watch
in recognition of his great services during his period
of office. The presentation was made by the Con-
stable of St. Helier (Mr. H. E. Lk V. dit Dorkli.).
The new President of the Society is Mr. Asiieleord,
Queen's Road, Jersey.
Exchange of Specimens.— Mr. C. K. Dodge,
of Port Huron, Michigan, U.S.A., is desirous of
exchanging dried specimens of plants with British or
Irish botanists. The specimens are good, well-
named, and the number of duplicates available for
exchange is about 10,000. They are mostly from the
vicinity of Lake Huron, near the Canadian frontier
(province of Ontario).
NARCISSUS IN SCILLY.— Our two illustrations in
the present issue almost explain themselves. The
one, a field of the bulb farmer in a small way, with its
rows of Narcissus in full bloom ; and the young man
with the basketful of cut blooms (see fig. 131,
p. 443) ; and then the shed, with perhaps a
glass roof, in which lads and lasses are busily
engaged in sorting and bunching the blooms, cut pro-
bably the day before in a scarcely opened condition,
but which have boen expanded sufficiently for
market purposes in a warm-shed or glasshouse (see
fig. 130, p. 442). When packed in light wooden
boxes holding a dozeu or two dozen bunches, and
addressed to dealers ami salesmen in London
and the leading cities of the country, they
are ready for stowing on board the small steamer
which makes the passage from Penziuce four times a
week, beginning with a cwt. or two, and reaching
30 tons. The weight of Narcissus flowers alone
reached, in the present year, .r>00 tons. The trade in
Narcissus seems to extend every year, so much do
the beauty of colouring and gracefulness, and
fragrance of some of the varieties, appeal to persons
of all classes. The narrative of the introduction of
the cultivation of these bulbs to the poverty-stricken
islanders, by Mr. Dorrien Smith, less than a
score of years ago, is known to most of our
readers, so that recapitulation is unnecessary. In
Scilly, we may remark, there is no winter and no
summer, and it may be said that it is all spring or
autumn weather ; neither scorching heat nor biting
frost. From November to May or June is the rainy
season, and after Juno dry weather sets in. Plants
from Japan, New Zealand, and Australia too tender
to withstand the climate of the mainland, excepting
in parts of Devon, Cornwall, and South-west
Scotlaud, thrive here without protection, unless
it be of an arboreal kind to preserve them
from the furious winds from the Atlantic ;
as witness the fine specimens of Dracsena australis on
the outskirts of the bulb-field (fig. 131). The bulbs
remain in the beds from two'tomx years, according as
the variety propagates itself fast or slowly. During
this period of time they receive annually, after the
weeds and tops are mown off, a dressing of sea-weed,
the easiest obtainable manure, and one exactly suit-
able to the needs and idiosyncrasies of the bulbB
which are injured by contact with strong manures. On
the bettor class of soils the handsome large-flowered
varieties are cultivated ; and on poorer soils, the
Tazettas, Scilly White, Soleil d'Or, and Grand
MoDarque. Owing to this moderate manuring
all the better-class varieties, which, in Holland,
owing to the high feeding practised there, are fast
dying out, in Scilly remain perfectly healthy.
Publications Received.— The "Gloucester"
Diiry and Directors' Calendar for 1898. (Gloucester
Railway Carriage & Wagon Co.) A useful and
handy little volume, with directory for Gloucester
visitors, general information, and ample space for
daily notes. — ■ Casscll's Mai/azine. The Christmas
number is full, as usual, of letter-press of a seasonable
character, plentifully interspersed with pictures,
large and small. — Nova Scotia Provincial Government
Crop Reports. The fruit crops are reported as far
below the average ; and as our own crops are also
below the average, prices are likely to rule high. —
Forcing Tomatos. New York Experiment Station. —
Westnik. St. Petersburg. — Lcs Phyllomes HypopelUs,
par C. de Candolle. — Jardin des Plantes de Mont-
pellier. Catalogue des graines recollees en 1897. —
Le Pare Public de VEzbikilh, par G. Delchelvalerie. —
Live Stock Journal Almanac. — Contributions from the
Botanical Laboratory of Hie University of Pennsyl-
vania. — Jadoo. A lecture by Colonel Halford
Thompson. — The Plant World. Nos. 1 and 2,
edited by Dr. F. H. Knoultou. (Willard, Clute &
Co., Binghampton.) — The Weekly Florists' Review.
Chicago. — ■ The Australian Kitchen Garden. (G
Robertson, Melbourne, &c.) — The Garden Annual
(37, Southampton Street, London) is in too general
use to need recommendation.
PLANT PORTRAITS.
Acacia celastrifolia, Bull. Soc. Toscana diOitic., t. xi.
lSiiT.
Asclepias Corkuti, Medians' Monthly, December.
Carnations, border varieties : 1, George Maquay, white ;
2, Ariel, rose -coloured ; '■>, Ko.smarou, crimson. Garden,
November '20.
Chrysanthemum Af^nk, Revue de V Horticulture Btlge,
December.
Nvmpii.ki uarltaCea ai.hida and N. Robinsoni, Garden,
December 4.
Plum, Reine Claude \iolztte, Bulletin d' Arboriculture, Ac,
November.
Rosa macrantha, Garden, December 11.
Rose, Madame Abel Cuatenay, Le Moniteurd' Horticulture,
December 10.
Rose, Paul's Single Scarlet, Garden, December 11.
Strwvberrv, Perpetual St. Joseph, Revue Horticole,
December 16.
448
THE GAB DENE US' CHRONICLE.
[December 25, 1897.
Home Correspondence.
DUCHE8SE D'ANGOULEME PEAR UPON A WALL.
— The remarkable experience given in your issue of
Dec. 11 last concerning the above Pear as grown
upon a wall seems to indicate that there is no com-
plete connection between the treatment described and
the splendid results obtained. If a tree is wanting in
fruitfulness through sappy growth, root-pruning is
advisable. The diminished growth of the following
season, converted into fruit-spurs, will in the second
year following the operation probably result in a
crop. It would be interesting to know what kind of soil
the tree was growing upon, also when it was planted
in its present station, whether grafted on Quince
or Pear, and what crops it has produced hitherto.
Did it actually fail in fruitfulness owing to sappy
growth ? The question occurs whether root-pruning
was done earlier than usual, which is after the
end of October. Was it done in September, and the
results accomi lislied within one year instead of two ?
But the application of lime may have produced the
result if the soil was wanting in that constituent, as
it would set free plant-food in the organic matter by
assisting its decomposition. It might have the
effect of sweetening the fruits themselves in the same
way as applications of lime to meadows will cause
destruction of harsh bitter grasses, and assist
the growth of more nourishing and sweeter kinds.
The particular variety of Pear is hardly one of merit
as grown in this country, and in good fruit-shows it
is usually conspicuous by its absence, or very mode-
rately represented compared to other varieties, or to
the splendid examples sent us annually from France.
The crop described is thus even more remarkable, and
also in contrast to the statement in the catalogues of
the well-known Sawbridgeworth firm to the effect
that this variety is usually insipid from a wall. The
South Wales sea-coast, where the reported success
occurred, doubtless resembles more the condition of
France than this part of the kingdom. H. II. R.,
Forest Hill.
— My gardener has invited my attention to
your interesting article on the Duchesse d'Angou-
leme Pear, which appeared in your issue of the
11th inst., by which it seems that the heaviest Pear
of this variety, of which you have a note, weighed
1 lb. 10 oz. It will probably interest your readers to
know that I gathered a Pear from a tree in my
garden here— supplied by Messrs. Turner, and grown
in my garden opposite their nursery— which weighed
lit lb., although a small portion had been picked out
by the birds. It was exhibited in a fruiterer's shop
window here, and on November 6, 1895, when fully
ripe, I had it weighed again and photographed, and
found that it had lost 1 J oz , and then weighed
1 lb. 10J oz. This fact of loss of weight in ripening
may interest some of your readers. At the same time,
on another of the trees of the same variety, viz.,
Williams' Duchesse d'Angoulome (or Pitmaston
Duchess, as I believe it is also called), I had amongst
several dozen Pears one fine group on one stem con-
taining six fine Pears, touching each other, and
weighiog about 1 lb. each. I consider it one of Hie
most handsome and luscious Pears grown. R. II.
Barrett, Slough.
NATIONAL DAHLIA SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.—
As I am responsible for the erroneous statement,
which appears on p. -139 of your last issue, that only
" 2,300 blooms" were staged at the last exhibition of
the National Dahlia Society, allow me to explain how
the error arose, and to give the correct number of
flowers set up on that occasion. The above figures
would be accurate enough but for the fact, which
I omitted to take into account at the time, that in
all but the classes set apart for Shows and Fancies the
varieties are required to be staged in bunches. The
correct totals for each section are as follows : — Shows
and Fancies taken together, 1,530 blooms, Pompons
2,148, Cactus 1,920, singles 1,161, making a grand
total of 6,768 blooms. This estimate does not
include the many new Cactus Dahlias submitted for
certificates, which were shown in bottles, or the large
number of flowers used in the decorative arrange-
ments set up in the commemoration class. Neither
does it include the blooms in any of the non-com-
petitive exhibits. I may here state that the exhibi-
tion was the largest ever held by the society. The
shows and fancies taken together were more numerous
than at any similar show for nine years, the Pompons
than at any show siuce 1892, while the Cactus Dahlias
were staged in greater numbers than at any preceding
National Dahlia Society's exhibition. Edward Mawley,
Berkhamsted.
PRUNING APPLE AND PEAR TREES.— In the
Hardy Fruit Calendar, p. 415, Mr. Ward gave
directions how to prune Apples and Pears, and said
"better let them go unpruned than trust an un-
skilful man with the pruning." He will pardon a
small grower if I assert that a great many trees
would be far more shapely and fruitful if they were
not pruned at all during the first half-dozen years of
growth, and after that time I am sure they will
need but little. He further says : in the formation
of large fruit-bearing trees, of whatever kind, in as
short a time as possible, the young leading shoots
should be pruned back from 5 to 9 inches, and each
will produce three to five growths next season.
Now if you have "cut back" either standards or
bushes they will have at least nine to twelve
growths, and if they are pruned back to 5 or 9
inches, and make three to five more growths, you
will _ get from twenty-seven to sixty branches,
within 5 to 9 inches of main stem, which in my
humble opinion is far too many. I grant that the
badly placed ones can be taken off, but the writer does
not advise this, but to cut back to within 2 inches of
last year's wood, which would cause still further
growths and necessitate still more pruning. A stan-
dard-tree with six to eight growths to the main stem is
iu my opinion well provided, and though they may
not appear many at the time, they will prove
sufficient before twenty years have passed ; and if
these be left 18 to 24 inches long, instead of 5 to
9 inches, the sooner will you get a brge tree, and
fructification combined with a shapely specimen than
is possible with so much pruning. I have yet to
see a deciduous tree made shapely and fruitful by
severe pruning. An Apple tree will make a hand-
some and fruitful specimen without the use of the
knife at all. Eren in this exposed place, the Blenheim
Orange has fruited on an unpruned tree in the third
year from budding ; and a fan-shaped trained tree, five
years old, has not shown a bloom. This year, Golden
spire, only budded three years last June, produced a
half-sieve of very fine fruits ; the same tree last year
yielded thirteen large fruits ; while from five trees,
but three years old, were taken 3 J sieves, which sold
at, half-a-crown per half- sieve. I also take excep-
tion to the pruning of laterals or growths
other than leading ones back to " 2 inches," as Mr.
Ward advises. Two inches may be very well for
trees whose growths are thin aud spreading, such as
Red Quarrenden, Adams' Pearmain, &c, but for
rigid ones, as Blenheim, Betty Geeson, Dutch Codlin,
Northern Greening, and Tower of Glamis, which are
erect until fruit weighs them down, two inches
would be too c'ose to prune and expect fruit-buds
to form as a result of the operation, unless the
roots were curtailed at the same time — an operation
entirely unnecessary so long as the tree has room to
extend its branches. This is an old subject, but
none the less an important one. Jas. Kettle, Corfe
Mullen, Wimhorne.
STANDARD ROSES. — In your issue for the
4 th inst. there was a copy of an advertisement that
reflected little credit on the paper it was taken from
or upon the advertiser. I know of a mau who in the
spring advertises large busby Fuchsias, Is. 61. per
dozen, and these superior plants are sent to the pur-
chaser iu an ordinary night-light box. Annoying as
such advertisements are to members of the trade who
do not deal in rubbish, they are much less aggra-
vating than the absurd recommendations of certain
amateur gardening pipers. An authority (?) advises as
the very best standard Hoses for a semi-circle facing
windows the following mixture : — Persian Yellow,
Marie Van Houtte, ChemSdolle, Harrisoni, Madame
A. Carriere, Celestial, Annie Alexieff, White Provence,
Jules Margottin, Mdlle. Nachury, Prefect Limbourg,
Madame Perney, and Madame G. Luizet. Does the
writer know a standard Rose when he sees it?
//. MeRonald.
ROSE CLOTH OF GOLD.— I can endorse all that
your able writer " Wild Rose " says on p. 420 of the
Gardeners' Chroniele for December 11, 1807, regarding
the above Rose. In the summer of 1880, I was
gardener at The Rectory, Farthiughoe, Northampton-
shire, and on the gable-end of the house there was a
large plant of this variety, some 30 or more feet in
height. It had evidently been there many years,
aud the stem was large, and looked old. The aspect
was south-west, and the soil a strong yellow loam.
The blooms were so fine that I thought it the finest
yellow Rose I had ever seen. I had not seen Rose
Cloth of Gold before, nor has it been my pleasure to
see one since. F. Southam, The OaUands, Kenilwortk
Road, Leamington Spa.
BULB AND POTATO-BOXES.— The box described
by Mr. Burbidge on p. 422, seems to be the same
as are the boxes I have had in use in Surrey for
storing seed-Potatos for the past three years. From a
simple home-made pattern I gave to our county council
carpenter, some 1 00 or more were made for my use ;
and whilst very strong, yet the entire cost for wood
and labour was but about 6d. each. I should think
these boxes, being strongly made, would last for twelve
years at least. The ends are of j-inch boards, 5 inches
deep, and 13 inches long. The sides open an inch
deep both top and bottom, are made of strips
3 inches deep of i-iuch board, and the bottoms are of
the same material. The whole measurements are
15 inches long, and 13 inches wide; each box will
comfortably hold 14 lb. of seed-tubers. There is a
handle running along the centre on the top, a strip of
wood one inch by five-eighths of an inch let into either
end evenly. The raw edges of the handles are pared
down, making them comfortable to handle. By having
the sides partly open, should necessity compel the
stacking of the boxes one on the other, air can, all the
same, freely circulate amongst the tubers. As a dozen
of these boxes may be stood one on the top of each
other in case of need, or in hard weather, 12 pecks, or
3 bushels, of seed-tubers may be stood in a space such
as is required for an ordinary chair. The boxes can
be carried to the planting-ground and used as baskets
most conveniently. I find it an excellent plan to
write the name of the variety of Potato in the box on
a small card, aud tack it to the box. There is a
small illustration of this simple and cheap Potato-box
in my Primer on Vegetable Culture, published by
Macmillan & Co. A. D.
A HALL FOR HORTICULTURE.— Mr. Cannell's
letter on p. 436 of the Gardeners' Chronicle is the
best that ha? appeired on this subject for a long
time past, and there is a business ring about it.
Cannot this subject be brought to a successful issue
this time 1 it is a disgrace to horticulture in general
—and especially so to London horticulture— that no
better accommodation exists there for holding flower
shows and meetings than the Drill Hall, James
Street ; surely the horticultural trade in and around
London migh1, siuk all petty differences and unito
for once on a subject like this and make the success of
the venture certain. The trade especially, would reap
very great advantages by having a suitable building,
and it would only be fair that they should all assist
with money as far as they are able to do so ; and
the advantages accruing to the various horticultural
societies would likewise be inestimable. It is pre-
posterous to say, as some have done lately, that the
National Chrysanthemum Society could not succeed
apart from its Music Hall associations. The
Chrysanthemum has developed of late yoars into
the most powerful attraction that we possess anion'
flowers, and many persons travel long distances to
see the National Show, and return home utterly
disgusted with the disagreeable associations of the
place it is held in, and of the difficulty experienced
in an inspection of the exhibits. The fact that a
comparatively young society like the Edinburgh can
pay its expenses and give away .(.'250 to charitable
institutions, ought to set any doubts on this point at
rest. It was a treat to visit such a show as this,
at the Waverley Market, all the exhibits were dis-
played advantageously ; and plenty of space allowed
for the visitors to promenade round the tables an 1
inspect tho flowers aud plants. Moreover, exhibitors
were able to unload close to the tables on which the
exhibits were displayed. The building was well
lighted by electricity, the air was clear, the music
discoursed by the band of the Grenadier Guards wa?
of the best. Under such circumstances the pleasure
of seeing the exhibits, and the beauty of the flowers
is increased ! and the visitors will have determined
on attending the show another season. W. II. Dicer*,
Helcoir Castle Gardens, Grantham,
Mr. Henry Cannell, in writing to the Gard.
Citron., always means well, and I am in hearty sym-
pathy with him in his desire to provide a home for
horticulture, even if only large enough for routine
business purposes. But a very important question is
opened up when the proposal embraces space for the
exhibitions of the special floricultural societies he
names. I am afraid that Mr. Cannell and others who
write in a similar strain, are utterly at sea as to the
space required for the exhibitions of the National
December 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
449
Rose and National Dahlia Societies, which are much
smaller than those of the National Chrysanthemum
Society. There is no difficulty iu finding ample space
for the exhibitions of the other and smaller societies.
I assisted in the arrangements of the first National
Hose Show and the first National Dahlia Show,
held in St. James' Hall, Regent Street, in 1858. The
report of the former, viritten by the Rev. II. H.
D'Ombrain, which appeared in The Florist for August,
185-S Btated, " We had heard much of the Hall itself,
but as true florists let us confess we never bestowed
a thought even upon it until the flowers had been
thoroughly scanned, and then when wo did look at
it, we were disappointed. It was much smaller than
wo had imagined, and much too small for the
purpose for which it was used on that day." It was
well a few figures be quoted. At the exhibition held
at the Royal Aquarium on November 9, 10, 11,
about 4,000 superficial feet of tabling was
required to stage the exhibits, nearly three times
the available space in the Drill Hall, James Street ;
and in addition about 2,000 feet of ground space
was occupied ; and this in association with broad
gangways, and free access to all exits. Those who so
freely criticise the breaking up of the display on
the ground floor of the Aquarium, will now see that it
is done largely in the interests of the public safety.
Mr. Cannoll's remarks about the disappointing
amount of money the directors of the Royal
Aquarium offer to the National Chrysanthemum
S>ciety are probably based upon some misleading
figures receotly given in the Journal of Horticulture.
FlG. 133. — LEAF OF PASSIFLORA ALATA.
so with the National Dahlia Show two months later :
there was not nearly room enough to display the
flowers to the best advantage. The very same
disregard to the capacities of buildings confessed to
above characterises many of the statements made by
latter-day writers. I imagine the show of the
National Rosi Society in 1S98 will be considerably
larger than that held forty years before, and Mr.
Cannell miy learn from the foregoing something of
the required size of a horticultural hall. Let it be
remembered that in 1858 thera was no London
County Council taking precautions in the interests of
the public safely, requiring to have deposited with
them ground-plans showing commodious gangways,
and clear pass iges to all exits. But the shows of the
National Chrysanthemum Society ! So many wild
speculative stitements are made by unreflecting
writers as to the housing of these sfiows that it is
It is not necessary to go fully into such matters in
this relation, so I content myself with the state-
ment that the National Chrysanthemum Society
is not called upon to expend auything upon
tabling, staging, baiz°, fee., nor on advertising,
with the exception of the leading gardeumg pipers,
nor on bill-printing or posting, nor on labour, except
what is required during the show days ; nor on light-
ing, cleaning up, or rent ; nor have they to undergo
expense on account of other items known only to
those in close touch with flower shows . whilst music
and entertainments are also provided free of charge.
[! Ed.1. If the National Chrysanthemum Society
had to bear these expenses, and they could be totalled
up into a lump sum, the amount would astonish. I
have good reason to believe that the exhibitions held in
September, October, and December bring but little to
the exchequer of the Aquarium, it is only the increase
over the average attendance which goes to make up a
return for the outlay upon each of these three shows.
Richard Dean, Ealing, W.
SUNSHINE. — The summer mouths of the Jubilee
year were ever so much Buunier than the same
months of any year during which sunshine has
been registered. At Bradford we have not a fair
share of sunshine, but such as we have is indicative
of what occurs in other parts of thu kingdom. The
summer months include May, June, July, aud August.
During these months in 1887 we had 615 hours of
bright sunshine, in 1897 we had 780 hours, whereas
in 1S96 — nearly an average year— we had only
297 hours. The coDsequence of sunshine, I am per-
suaded, is very inadequately estimated. However, of
one thing I am sure : the sunshine of last summer's
months would feed up what without it would have
been leaf-buds into blossom-buds. Therefore, as
one consequence of the sunshine, next spring the
trees and hedge-rows will be covered with bloom, and
if the summer following te suitable, there will be
plenty of berries for the birds in tho winter of
1898-9, whethor it be a hard winter or not. Jo/in
Clayton, December 18, 1897.
PASSIFLORA ALATA.
I noticed in your report of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society's show at the Crystal Palace, held on
September 30 aud two following days, that Mr. \V
Tidy, gr. to W. K. D'Arcy, Esq., Stanmore Hall, in-
cluded a dish of fruits of Passifiora edulis in the
collection he exhibited on that occasion. As for
many years the plant under the name at the
head of this note has been grown and fruited at
Bystock, I have wondered whether the P. edulis of
Mr. Tidy and the P. alata are the same thing under
different names. [They should be quite different. Ed.]
Of the beauty and lusciousness of the P. edulis in
question I can give no opinion, as I have not seen
or tasted tho identical fruit ; but of P. alata, as
grown here, I can speak in the highest terms. You
have already figured a fruit in a number of the
Gardeners' Chronicle for 1894 (fig. 135), whilst a
refereuce to the plant and fruits appear in the
number for Oct. 28, 1893, under the name of P.
quadrangularis, which was that by which it was
for a long time designated at Bystock.
I am pleased once again to call attention to this
most excellent addition to the dessert-table, as well
as to one of the moEt ornamental stove-climbers. At
Bystock several line plants are now planted out, two
being in a fruiting Pine-stove, where they cover the
roof -space over the path, aud which this season
produced over 200 fine fruit'. The plants were
out back early iu the new year, when new growth
quickly formed, and was fastened to the wires over-
head. The growth is very rapid, aud a fine show of
flowers produced. Each bloom (fig. 134) was ferti-
lised with a soft camel-hair brush, and the greater
number set, and soon began to swell.
In midsummer the first fruit ripens, but growth
still continues, and soon another large show of
blooms appears ; these are again fertilised, and the
latter quantity of fruit usually exceeds, in large
numbers, the first ripe ones. The plant was also
grown in the Banana-houses, and here, too, we got
fruit of superior size, but perhaps the number was
not quite so great. This I attribute to the greater
moisture of the Banana- houses, as many blooms fail
to set, and soon drop off; but the Pine-stove, being
naturally drier, the number of fruits failing to set and
swell are comparatively few. This fruit was much
esteemed, and I certainly think if it were better
known, and the simple treatment given that it
requires, it would be much more often met with,
aul would be found to be a very useful addition to
the dessert. I may say, we have also the true
P. quadrangularis, which I find less vigorous in
growth, smaller in fruit, the colour of which is
somewhat purple, while that of P. alata is of a tawny
green. W. Swan. [Some fruits sent to us were made
into a conserve of delicious flavour, richer, as far as
we remember, than that of P. quadrangularis or
P. macrocarpa, which are most undeservedly
neglected. P. edulis is deliciously fragrant, but there
is nothing to eat in it ! Ed.]
450
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 25, 1897.
ORCHIDS, THEIR COLLECTING
AND CULTURE.
(Paper read by John E. Lager, Summit, N.J.. befuro New
York Gardeners' Society, October 2, ls'.»7.)
The number of these plants has been greatly
diminished the la-t few years, great quantities having
been torn from their native homes and sent to various
countries, but what has done more in South America
to reduce their numbers, is the continually increasing
plantations. Great zones of forests havo been cut
down lately, and extensive Coffee-plantations have
taken their places. The Cattleya region has suffered
the most, it being the right elevation and temperature
for tbe Coffee-tree ; but other Orchids have felt the
change as well, such as the most useful Odouto-
glots, &e.
Guided by the success I had on my first trip a few
years ago, 1 last year made for the same old place,
there only to find, not Orchids, but the forests goue,
and Coffee-trees planted by the thousands. Orchid
collecting being my sole object, I was greatly dis-
appointed, but there was only one remedy, and that
was to push further into uncivilised parts far from
habitations ; and I must say, I was fortuoately
rewarded by finding a most beautiful lot of Cattleyas,
that, to judge by their appearance, had up to that
date escaped the greed of the Orchid-hunter.
The South American Andes, as compared to other
parts of the world, are, without the least doubt, the
richest in useful species, as long as we keep to the
Andes proper, which are marvellous in the number of
species they contain. At almost every foot ascended
from the foothills, new features of the vegetation are
presented, one locality varying greatly from another.
This variation ceases immediately at the foothills,
below which extensive valleys and river-basins take
the place of the rugged Cordilleras. The vegetation
at these lower levels becomes at once more uniform,
and plants found in the Magdalena and Cauca vallej s
of Colombia will, to the surprise of the traveller,
appear repeatedly all through the Orinoco and Amazon
valleys also. Some Orchids are also very erratic as to
their abodes ; Miltouia vexillaria appears in the State
of Antioquia, Colombia, and then travels along the
central Cordillera, a plant here and there, until all of
a sudden we find it reestablished in Ecuador and
Peru. Cattleya superba is another appearing in
spots iu Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil, and
especially in the immense territories and low virgin
forests embraced between the Orinoco, tho Amazon,
and Rio Negro systems.
Few people here imagine, when seeing beautiful
Orchids in flower, how much trouble, work, and
hardship have to be endured in securing them.
Inconveniences of all descriptions are experienced
at once upon setting foot on South American
soil. [The illustration (fig. 1 32) shows that similar
difficulties occur in the other hemisphere.] Here
begins a series of the slow tedious transportations
peculiar to these countries, ascending rivers some-
times by steamers, then by canoes, and traversing great
stretches of land on mule and horseback, involving
a lot of time and much expense before the longed-for
Orchid region is reached. Yet there is always a
certain charm attached to this mode of travelling.
I enjoyed nothing more than to traverse one of the
chains of the Cordilleras, starting out at three or four
o'clock in early morning in the bright moonlight iu
order to avoid the heat of the valleys. Before the
summit is reached the journey is hard, tiresome, and
monotonous, and on roads and trails used by the
Indians before the Spaniards, and which the latter
used for three centuries without improvements or
alteration. Leaving the tropical heat below, little by
little the air gradually changes, becomes fresh and
pure, and the rich aroma which the varied vegetation
exhales is rapidly inhaled by the lungs in delicious
draughts. At last the summit is reached ; the road is
less hard for man and beast, and finally a most beauti-
ful and varied panorama is offered to our view of
immense extensions of mountains rising one above the
other, and in all possible shapes and angles, with deep
declivities, narrow valleys, and roaring rivers. This
beautiful sceoery, recompenses i the traveller for
the monotonous and tiresome ascent, and stimulates
him on towards new oxpectod triumphs in his
explorations.
Many persons imagine Orchid gathering is an easy
task, and they generally think that the plants grow
on the trees by the ton, and consequently it is the
easiest thing in the world to pull them off, put them
in cases, and ship them home. On paper, and from
a point of imagination, this is all very fine ; but in
reality such persons would find themselves greatly
disappointed. To begin with, these plants never
occur in quantities, even where most plentiful — only
a few to a tree ; while the greater part of the trees
have none at all on them.
Material for packing-cases is another serious item
to obtain — so serious, indeed, that often it is worse
than getting tho plants. Dry-goods boxes are often
many more, are principally what makes Orchid col-
lecting both slow and expensive. Those huge snake
and tiger stories of which, no doubt, you have heard,
I have found in actual experience to be greatly
exaggerated in connection with Orchid collecting.
Some persons have asked me " Why don't you go
down there and collect choice varieties only ?" Yes,
I should probably do so, were it only possible, but
owing to the peculiar conditions of the country, it is
utterly impracticable. Now and then a good thing is
found, not always through the skill of the collector,
but more through chance.
Supposing that Cattleyas are collected during their
flowering season, owing to so many inconveniences,
only a limited number of flowors is seen after they
are gathered. A great number is torn off from the
plants in felling the trees, and if a few are left, they
Fig. 134. — flower of passiflora alata. (see p. 449.)
bought long distances from the field ot operations,
taken apart, done up in bundles, and transported on
mule- back to the place of packing. Sometimes this
is impracticable, when other measures have to be
resorted to, such as making crates out of Bamboo
and stakes, &c. Frequently the plants have to be
packed in bags, strapped on to the mules, and taken
across narrow trails between rocks, stones and trees,
wading rivers, &c. , often to find the plants ground to
pieces when the packing place is leached.
Another monstrous enemy will at times cross the
collector's path in the shape of low water in the
rivers. In this latter case he is left helpless until a
freshet rushes down from the mountains. At
the beginning of this year I came very near losing
100 cases of plants, already packed and piled up in
tents on the river bank. For three long weeks I laid
there impatiently waiting for a chance to move them.
This, of course, is not the rule, but will happen
when least expected. Difficulties of this nature, and
are liable to go also after carrying the plantB iu a
bag for a few days. Then, in refusing plants out of
flower, the men would soon refuse to collect, and
without them the collector would have to leave the
field without plants, probably a wiser man for the
next trip.
Studying these plants in their native homes, the
true conditions under which they grow, in order to
derive some practical knowledge as to their culture,
and lessen the sensational absurdities and mysteries
in which this beautiful class of plants have been
enshrouded until not very long back, we are gradually
discovering the mysteries in their treatment, which,
after all that has been said, written, and done, are
only imaginary, and we can now note what a change
has taken place the past few years in the cultivation
of Orchids. The water-can, with its sometimes
tepid water, has given way to the hose, and the
clumsy blinds have been replaced by some simple
form of white-wash. The material for pottiDg or
December 25, 1897.]
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
451
fixing up is more sparingly used, and less labour is
Bpent on its preparation. Air is admitted in larger
quantities, and the old system of closing up at a certain
time has outlived its usefulness. short, these
plants are now treated on a more common-sense
basis. These few things, simple as they may
appear at first sight, have been strong levers in
making Orchids more popular in this country. The
Florists' Exchange.
THE NATIONAL AMATEUR GAR-
DENERS' ASSOCIATION.
December 10. — The annual dinner of this Association took
place at the Hoi born Restaurant on the above date, Mr. T.
W. Sanders, the President, occupying the chair, there being
a large company, including many ladies.
In proposing " 8uccess to the Association," the chairman
stated that their Institution was a unique one, and it took charge
of the interests of the bond fide amateur gardener, of which there
wero a large number about the country. He wad proud to
Fig. 135.— fruit of passiflorA alata, (see p. 449.)
SOCI ETI ES.
ANCIENT SOCIETY OF YORK
FLORISTS.
December 15. — A company of between seventy and eighty
gentlemen assembled at the annual dinner on the evening
of this date, at the Bty Horse Hotel, Marygate, York,
Alderman Sir Joseph Terry, J. P., President of the So-
ciety, in the chair. The Society is in a flourishing
condition, and consisted at the time of the late Chrysan-
themum Show of 700 members, and since that date a
considerable increase in the number of subscribers has taken
place.
say that they had at the present time t>i)0 members, of whieh
number 100 had been added during the present year, while
there were branches at Liverpool and elsewhere in a flourish-
ing condition. He could honestly say theirs was an Insti-
tution to be proud of. He thought the Association could
take credit to itself for the excellence of their quarterly
Journal, of which their excellent Secretary, Mr. Leonard
Brown, was the editor ; and also in the fact that there was
no Association in the country which could offer such advan-
tages to their members as the National Amateur Gardeners'
Association for such a small subscription as half-a-crown per
annum. The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm ; and
during the evening various trophies, Challenge and other
cups. Certificates, Sic., were handed to their winners. Music
and speeches carried on the proceedings until a late hour.
MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.
December 16 — The December meeting of the above
Society was held in the Coal Exchange, Manchester, on the
above date, the following members of the committee being
present : — Messrs. W. Thompson, Chairman ; <;. Shorland-
Ball, Vice-chairman; T. Statter, A. Warburton, J Back-
house, G. W. Law-Schufietd, II Greonwood, D. B. Rappart
E. J. Sidobotham, R. Johnson, W. Stevens, H. Bolton, W. A
Gent (Hon. See ), J. Cypher, and P. Weathers. These meet-
iugs are evidently popular among the Orchid ists, and no fewer
than forty-two subjects wero brought before the Committee.
Mr. H. Worthingtok, Abbey Lawn, Whallcy Range,
exhibited a very handsome form of Laelia anceps alba,
reminding one much of the famous *' Bull's alba," but with
a more elongated lip (Award of Merit).
Mr. W. H. Almond, Alumsear, Blackburn, exhibited a
very well grown plant of Oncidium tigriuum with a huge
branched spike of blossom (Cultural Certificate).
Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, staged a variety of L;elia
tenebrosa named Thompson!, which had pale cinnamon
sepals and petals, and pale rose coloured labellum (Award of
Merit) ; also a good form of Cyp. Leeauum gigantouiu (Award
of Merit).
Mr. W. Thompson, Walton Grange, Stone (gr., Mr. W.
Stevens), staged a plant of Ladia autumnalis alba, of the
purest white, with several flowers on the spike (Award of
Merit); and a magnificent specimen of the beautiful L;elia
Gouldiana, which is undoubtedly one of the finest in culti-
vation, having seven flower-spikes, all of which were well
flowered. This was awarded a First-class Ccrtilu-ate and
Cultural Certificate, a well deserved recognition.
Mr. H. Boltun, Wilderspool, Warrington, exhibited a few
interesting plants, amongst which was a very dark form of
Cattleya 1 ibiata autumnalis, a very pretty form of Odonto-
glossum Pescatorei, well spotted with small violet markings,
a very small f >rm of Cattleya Trian;ci alba (the plant being
weak), and an unusually late variety of Cattleya Sasktdliana
Messrs. Hi/on Low & Co., Clapton, exhibited a superb Eorru
■if Cypripedium x minus, called magnificum (parents, C,
Spicerianum . Arthurianum).
M-. J. LBEM4NK, West Bank House, I lcat"fi Mersey (gr.,
Mr. Edge), sent a few good things, iueludiug a well-flowered
Dendrobium Miperbiens, Cyp. Lathamianum, a varii by ol
Cattleya Labiata, with lip very closely resembling C. specio-
sissiraa, a good form of Cattleya Trian&i delicita,and an
exceptionally good C. Trianai, " Fleur de Paradis," which
obtained an Award of Merit. The saino gentleman also
exhibited C. Pitcherianum.
Mr. G. Siioki.and-Ball, Wilmslow (gr., Mr. Hay), exhibitc 1
Cypripedium insigne, "Harefield Hall variety," a beautiful
variety of exceptional size and substauee (First-class lerti-
ficate) ; also a magnificent plant of Cypripedium insigne
Sandersa with three flowers (First-class Certificate); and
C. X Mrs. Maynard (nitens x Leeanum), a distinct aud
useful plant (Award of Merit).
Mr. G. W. Lau-Schofield, IUwtenstall (gr., Mr. Schilf),
obtained an Award of Merit for Cypripedium Leeanum
gigantcum ; and a First-class Certificate for C. X Cravcnia-
num, parentago not given, but possibly raised from bellatu-
lum X Veitchi, a very beautiful product, aud gained a
First-class Certificate,
Mr. 0, 0. Wriglei', Bury, exhibited Cypripedium in6igne,
" Uplands variety," which was almost identical with
the "Harefield variety" (First-class Certificate). The same
gentleman sent C. Leeanum perfejtum X C. Crossianum
superbum
Mr. S Ghatkix, Whalley Range, Mauchester (gr., Mr
McLeod). exhibited Cypripedium insigne var. Sanderiauum,
a beautiful form, differing somewhat in shape from Saudera,
aud minus the few tiny spots which are peculiar to the
latter variety (First class Certificate). C. Niobc came from
the same collection.
Mr. W. A. Gent, Brooklands, sent a form of C
Lathamianum.
Messrs. F. Sander & Co. sent a few good things, Odouto-
glossum cuspidatum var. magnificum being a splendid
variety to which an Award of Merit was given. Laslio-
Cattleya Gottoiana, natural hybrid (purpurata x Warneri?
(Award uf Merit). U. crispum, " Pink Beauty," a nice, well-
formed flower suffused with a delicate blush (Award of
Merit;. The same firm sent the typical O. Wattianum.
Mr. H. Gbeenwood, Haslingden, staged a well-grown plan
of L;elia albida, and that beautiful Cypripedium x Antigone
(Laweuccanum x niveum) ; the flower was, however, some-
what small, or it possibly would have received the premier
award (Award of Merit). Dendrobium Kenneth (McCarthita
X Bensoniaj) came from the same collection.
Mr. E. J. Sidebotiiam, Bowden, showed a very beautiful
aud brilliant form of Sophronitis grandiflora (Award o
Merit).
Mr. T. Statter, Whitefield (gr., Mr. R. Johnson)
exhibited C pripedium X Statteriauum, a good thing with a
richly coloured dorsal sepal (Award of Merit); Cypripedium
Leeanum superbum (Award of Merit; ; and a new albino
form of C. insigne, very distinct, caUed "Johnsonianum
(Award of Merit).
Mr. E. Bosiock, Tixall Lodge, Staff jrd, exhibited a:a hybri
L;elio-Cattleya, and a pretty natural hybrid Odontoglossum
Mr. J. Robson, Altrincham, staged a pretty group o
Orchids, -\mougst which were some good forms of insigne
and various hybrid Cypripediums (Vote of ThanksJ.
Mr. R Owen, Northwich,alsostjgedagtoup of the " mon
tanum" forms of C. insigne, some really good things being
amongst them (Vote of Thanks). P. W.
45 2
THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.
[December 25, 1897.
The term "accumulated temperature" indicates the aggre-
gate amount, as well as the duration, of degrees of
temperature above or below 42* Fahr. for the period
named : and this combined result is expressed in Day-
degrees— a "Day-degree" signifying 1° continued for
twenty-four hours, or any other number of degrees for
an inversely proportional number of hours.]
Temperature.
Rainfall.
Bright
Sum.
S a
a
2*%
Accumulated.
1 4)
J5
1>
CO CI
at
00
CO
a
ej
•-3
0>
O
2
a
§1
o J1
--
a
'f.
t-
_
f-
•r
o
u
.a
43
|.2§
o
a « i-
- *-> -
r a v>
Ej to'"'
o a
~
» d
O «
>
o
O
Above 42°, di
from Mean
January 3,
3 3™
fe a a
Us
pq
o
'3 S
M =
6
Total Fall sin
Perceutage ol
tion for
O ID
tea
a a
a> o
V
Day.
Day-
Day-
Day-
lOtha
deg.
deg.
deg.
deg.
Inch.
Ins
0
3 +
12
26
+ 202
- is
2 -
223
43-6
12
21
1
3 +
12
32
+ 41
- 5
1 -
197
2S5
18
31
2
5 +
27
13
+ 114
- 108
0 aver
179
23'9
6
33
3
6 +
31
13
+ 143
- 128
0 aver
168
22 6
20
37
4
0 +
33
12
4- 82
- 144
5 +
172
26V.
19
35
5
r +
37
1
+ 270
- 213
4 +
162
25-7
27
39
«
5 +
26
8
+ 145
- 74
1 -
214
440
10
31
7
5 +
32
6
■f 200
- 138
3 +
193
36-0
15
34
8
7 +
41
0
+ 27:'
- 155
8 +
199
42-3
27
33
9
3 +
26
13
+ 87
- 19
II aver 226
38 9
21
30
1(
3 +
3.5
8
+ 240
- 99
2 + 211
l-i i)
27
33
«
5 +
62
0
+ 426
3 + 211
35'0
30
41
The districts indicated by number in the first column are
the following :—
0, Scotland, N. Principal When '(-producing Districts—
I, .Scotland, B.; 2, England, N.B. ; 3, England. E. ;
4, Midland Counties ; 5, England, including London, 8.
Principal Grazing, &<:., Districts — 6, Scotland, W. ;
7, England, N.W. : 8, England, S.W. ; 0, Ireland, N. ;
10, Ireland, S. ; 'Channel Islands.
THE PAST WEEK.
The following summary record of the weather throughout
the British Islands for the week ending December 18, is
furnished from the Meteorological Office :—
"The wtather continued unsettled and rainy during the
greater part of the week, but towards the end it became
quiet, foggy, and misty. The falls of rain were less heavy
generally than those of the preceding week, but during the
hrst. day or two they were very considerable over the southern
and south western i arts of the Kingdom. Thunderstorms
were experienced over all the southern counties of Ireland
and England during the evening or night of the 14th.
" The temperature was rather low at the commencement of
the period, but soon became very high for the time of
year, so that the average for the week exceeded the normal
by 3° in 'Scotland, N. and E.,' and over Ireland, by 6° in
'England, E. and the Midland Counties,' and by 73 in
' England, S. and S.W.' Changes were, however, frequent
and very sudden. The highest of the maxima were recorded
on the 10th or 17th, when the thermometer rose to 58° over
' England, S.W. and N.W. and the Midland Counties,' and to
between 55° and 57° over the other parts of the Kingdom.
3 he lowest of the minima were registered, as a rule, eithee
on the 12th or 13th, and varied from 17° in 'Scotland, E ,' to
23° in ' Scotland, N.,' and to 30° in the ' Midland Counties and
Englanl, N.W.' In the Channel Islands, however, the
lowest reading was 4'-°.
" The rainfall was rather less than the mean in Scotland,
and just equal to it in ' England, N.E. and E.' and ' Ireland,
N.' In all other district? there was an excess, that in the
'Midland Counties and England, S. and S.W." being Urge.
"The toight aurisJune exceeded the mean in all districts
except 'England, N.E.' and 'Scotland, W.' The percentage
of the possible duration ranged from .'JO in the Channel
Islands, and 27 in ' England. S. and S.W.' and ' Ireland, S.'
to Ht in ' Scotland, W.' and 6 in ' Engl ind, X.E." "
CATALOGUES RECEIVED
V. Lemoise & Fils, 134, Rue du Montet, Nancy— Plants and
Seeds.
Hogg & Wood, Coldstream and Dans, N. B.— Nursery Stock.
Henry Eokford, Wem, Shropshire— Sweet and Culinary
Peas, Vegetable and Flower Seeds, &c.
John Peed & Sons, Nurseries, Roupell Park, West Norwood,
London, S.E.— Seeds, &c.
Notices to Correspondents.
Best Six and Twelve Roses introduced since
18913 : J. Miller. A great authority on Rosea says : —
" It is too soon for any amateurs, I should think, to
speak with confi deuce of the merits or demerits of
Roses introduced since 1896. I would never give a
character to a Rose without two years' personal
trial at least, and should like more. Again : the
system of cultivation pursued ia your coun ry
under glass, treating the plants as annuals, worked
maidens in pot?, cutting the blooms, budding from
the wood afresh, and then throwing away the
plants every year, is one of which I have no
experience. And as I have a strong opinion of the
idiosyncrasies of Roses, of the different manners
and customs of the several varieties under different
modes of treatment, I could not say of any Rose
for certain how it would answer under the
American system."
Books : R. Miller. Edwin Molyneux's work, Chrys-
anthemums and their Culture, is undoubtedly the
best publication on the culture of this flower. —
The Book of the Rose, by the Rev. Foster Melliar, will
probably meet your wants. Tree Fern. A good
work ia Dr. Karl Schumann's illustrated Monograph
of Cactacew, i'ilh Cultural Notes, by M. Karl Hirscht.
It is published in ten parts, by H. J. Neumann, of
Neudamm, at 2s. per part. Obtainable through
Messrs. Williams k Norgate, Henrietta Street, W.C.
Chrysanthemums for Market: R. Miller. The
best six early-flowering varieties are Madame Des-
granges, white ; Mrs. Gifford, pink ; M. Gustave
Griinerwald, pink ; G. Wermig, yellow ; Source
d'Or, bronze; Roi des Precoces, red. Six mid-
season varieties, Elaine, white ; Phoebus, yellow ;
M. W. Holmes, rich crimson ; Mrs. W. Filkins,
golden yellow, thread petals ; M. Freeman, pink :
Annie Clibran, rose pink. The best sir. late-ftumcr-
in;/ varieties are L. Canning, white ; W, H. LiucolD,
yellow ; Red L. Canning, red ; Golden Gem,
bronze crimson ; L^on Frache, pink ; M. E. A.
Carriere, pink. The six best new varieties, Mrs. W.
Mease, sport from Mme. Carnot, primrose ; M;iry
Molyncux, rosy peach; Mr.'. Ritson, white sport
from Viviand Morel ; Lady Hunham, golden, ro3j-
cerisc sport from Viviand Morel ; Robert Powell,
terracotta bronze ; Julia Scaraman^a, rich bronze
terra-cotta.
CticuMBER-nousE : C. C. Scour the woodwork with
soap-suds, in which .J a pint of petroleum may be
mixed with every 3 gallons; or use Gishurst's soap
aud hot water, at the rate of 4 oz. of the former to
1 gallon of the latter. If fungus be present n the
staging, you might destroy it by excessive drying,
or the use of salt whilst the wood is damp. The
better plan would be to throw it away.
Cypripedium : //. /. R, Florence. Your suggestion
that the two Cypripediums are between C. villosuin
and C. Crossianum is most likely correct, and the
manner in which they vary seems to support the
contention. The darker No. 1, seen by itself,
would be taken for C. pavoninum (C. villoium x
C. venustum ; but the other is near to C. x
Crossianum (C. insigne x C. venustum). In one,
the secondary cross is suppressed, and in the other
developed. The C. irsigne variety sent certainly is
peculiar in the particulars you mention, but it is
not a showy form.
Fungds in Mushroom-Bed : McK~. The little white
Agaric found on Mushroom beds is Pleurotus
mutilus, which is always comparatively rare, and is
usually found on the ground in grasBy places.
Probably the mycelium was introduced to the bed
with the soil. It is perfectly harmless. M. O. O.
Grdbs os Cyclamens: G. H. S. The grubs are
those of one of the common weevils, and most
destructive. Trap them with slices of Carrot lain
about, and go round at night and capture them.
*„* Lindley Library. — We have received from
" Alpha " the sum of 10s., to be devoted to the
Catalogue Fund. We learn that the only copies of
the Year Book or Horticultural Directory in the
Library are thoBe for 1870, 77, '84, '89, '90, and 1S9 1.
Readers having copies for which they have no further
use might kindly send them to the Library, as they
contain lists of plants introduced each year which
will hereafter be valuable for reference. The
Trustees will thankfully receive contributions of
money or of books to increase the value of the
Library and secure its proper maintenance.
Names of Frdits : B. D., Exeter. 1, Vicar of
WinkBeld ; 2, Winter Nelis (?).— J. B. Tibbetts.
Probably, Apple Wareham Russet.
Names of Plants: Correspondents not answered in
this issue are requested to be «o good as to consult
l/ve following number.— J. B. 1, Pinus excelsa ;
2, A golden variety of Thuya occidentalis ; 3, Picea
pungens, green variety ; 4, Picea polita ; 5, Picea
Morinda ; 6, Retinospora plumosa aurea of gardens,
a stage of growth of Cupressus pisifera. — H. E. The
seed-pods may, perhaps, belong to Acacia riparia;
the other specimen is too scraggy for identification.
— P. C. P. We regret the inadvertence. 1, Is pro-
bably an Olearia, send when in flower ; 2, Elseagnus
pungens. — Ivy : T. N. We are unable to name
varieties of Ivy. Consult some nurseryman who
makes a specialty of them. — H. Y. Euonymus
europrcus, common Spindle-tree. — J. P. K. On-
cidium flexuosum. — W. P. N. 1, Adiantum
Waltoni ; 2, Davallia birta cristata ; 3, Pteris
tremula ; 4, Asplenium nidus (Bird's-nest Fern) ;
5, Pteris serrulata cristata; B, P. serrulata. —
J. W. McH. A very finely coloured Cattleya
Loddigesii.
Plant Analysis and Soil Constituents : D. P. C.
The preponderance of certain elements in the soil,
as potash, sulphate of lime, carbonate of ditto,
magnesia, oxide of iron, phosphoric acid, exert an
undoubted influence on the growth, and consequently
on the constituents of such plants as possess these
substances in a marked degree in their leaves,
stems, roots, flowers, or fruits. But then soils
differ greatly, »s, for instance, a peaty soil may
contain 180 per cent, of carbonate of lime, whereas
a chalky soil may contain as much as 28 per cent.,
and the organic matter in the former may equal
64, 66, and in the latter 313. We know of no book
that would afford analyses of all kinds of garden
plants.
Rhododendrons : o7. 0. There is no fungus visible ;
we have often seen similar appearances as a result
of drought, and occasionally of lightning.
Slugs : J. S. Sutton. Testacella haliotidea, con-
cerning which there has been much discussion in
these pages during the past few weeks. In an early
issue reference will be made to the subject, and
illustrations given.
The National Chrysanthemum Society : X. We
cannot iusert your letter, making such serious alle-
gations, unless substantiated by something better
than hear-say evidence.
Thomson's "Gardeners' Assistant": C. 0. L.
New edition not yet published.
Weight of a Bushel of Apples : E. P. The
weight is between 40 and 45 lb. for home grown
fruits ; Canadian and other foreign Apple) are
Bomewhat lighter.
Wellinotonia : J. P. The proper name is Sequoii
gigantea, but for garden purposes you can use the
commoner name. It was discovered in 1850 on
the Pacific side of the Sierra Novadas in California,
where it grows to a height of 250 to 327 feet. It was
introduced here by William Lobb in 1853, and
described by Lindley in these columns in the same
year, p. 823. The largest tree recorded in the
Report of the Conifer Conference {Journal of
Royal Horticultural Society, vol. xiv., 1891), was
one at Shanballay, co. Tipperary, which was then
80 feet in height. Several specimens were men-
tioned at that time as having reached 70 feat,
among them that at Orton Longueville.
CoaiMUNlCATrONS Received.— J. A. — M. Schuster. -L C. —
P. W (with thanks).— G. H. - C. T. D.-D. T. F.— Strath,
fleldsaye (next week).— W. P. N. (next week).— W. P N.—
j, w —McH.— A. A. Chancellor.— R. W. G.— H. G. S.—
F W— R D.— W. K— W. S.— J. R. J.— J. Lowrie.-H. M.
— S. A.— J. Anderson.— E. C.-W. R.— R. H. P.— J. S.
_C. W.
C0MTINUED LARGE INCREASE in the CIRCULATION
of the "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE."
Important to Advertisers The Publisher has the satisfac-
tion of aiinomiciig that the circulation of the "Gardeners'
Chronicle" h'.ts, since the redaction in the price of the paper,
MORE THAN DOUBLED,
ani that it continues to increase weekly.
Ah'ertisers are reminded that the " Chronicle" circulates among
Country Gestlemen, and all Classes of Gardeners
and Garden-lovers at home, tha^y&mm*p6£iQlly large
FoREraN and Colonial
preserved for reference il^mtM^^hu^k ^foAhrtesTA:
iL GjPBnLAWilM,
(For mat/cetf sec p. viii.)
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