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HARVARD UNIVERSITY

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THE

FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST;

A PICTORIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE.

CONDUCTED BY

ROBERT HOGG, LL.D., E.L.S.,

AND

THOMAS MOORE, E.L.S.,

ASSISTED BY NUMEROUS ABLE CONTRIBUTORS.

1867.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED AT THE “JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE ” OFFICE,

171, FLEET STREET.

WHOLESALE AGENTS:

EDINBURGH; MENZIES. DUBLIN; M‘GLASHAN & GILL, and W. H. SMITH & SON.

PARIS ; T. ROTHSCHILD, 14, RUE DE BUCI.

1 86 7.

SLuC&eir; 1*1 W

LONDON :

PRINTED AT THE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE,

171, Fleet Steeet.

LIST OF COLOURS PLATES.

* Amaryllis Helena^ . .

,, Henry Gibbs ' .

,, PABDINA ... .........

» Apple, Bosemary Busse1^ . .

, Azalea, Her Majesty . . .

i Camellia, Contessa Layinia Maggi rosea .

, Cattleya Warscewiczii .

. Crataegus Oxyacantha coccinea flore -pleno' .

. Hyacinth, Prince Albert Victor'" .

. Myosotis rupicola ^ .

is

-Pear, Beurre Clairgeau .

, „ Huyshe’s Victoria * .

- „ Princess of Wales f ...........

PAGE

141

141

213

165

1

261

69

117

189

21

45

287

93

THE

FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

AZALEA HER MAJESTY.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

Those who are familiar with the high-bred Indian Azaleas of the present
day are aware that several of the very finest varieties now in cultivation
have not been produced in the ordinary course of nature — from seeds, hut
have appeared as sports upon plants of a totally distinct character : that is
to say, an established plant of some given variety produces here and there,
as if by caprice, a branch or a twig which is furnished with flowers totally
unlike all the rest which it hears ; and this branch or this twig, if propa¬
gated, in most if not all cases perpetuates the altered form. In this way
new varieties are acquired, and so long as they are constant they are, of
course, as useful to the cultivator and as ornamental in the greenhouse as
those obtained from seed.

Mr. Barnes, of the Camden Nursery, Camberwell, to whom we are in¬
debted for the opportunity of figuring “Her Majesty,” thus wrote a short
time since in the Gardeners' Chronicle , upon this very interesting topic : —

u I feel certain that above half the number we are now growing are sports from other
established sorts. Some varieties are more inclined to sport than others : the white and
striped kinds are all of them disposed to do so ; and from these almost all the colours we
possess have been selected, grafted, and cultivated, and then generally introduced as seedlings.

“ I remember that at some of the great shows last seasom [1863], I counted seven dis¬
tinct varieties, all open at the same time, upon Admiration; some of them were very
distinct and beautiful, and well worth preserving, while others were inferior to the parent
in shape, and not sufficiently distinct in colour from those already in existence. On another
occasion I saw a plant of Iveryana with seven distinct varieties upon it, and had the plant
been mine I should have felt disposed to graft some of them. Alba Magna is another kind
very much inclined to throw sports ; and although the blossoms of the parent are thin and
flimsy in texture, yet at times it will give off splendid sports of various colours, having the
blossoms finely shaped and of good substance. Madame Miellez is a sporting lady ; many
fine varieties have been secured from this, and as its colours are distinct from most of the
other white-ground varieties (being purple-striped instead of pink or rose), it has opened a
wide field for sports of a very different character.

“ Barclayana, I believe to be the mother, grandmother, or great grandmother of more
new varieties than any other kind grown. It is really astonishing what extraordinary sports
this will produce. I have had one small branch with three blooms upon it, all quite distinct,
VOL. VI. B

2

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

and none of them in the least like the parent. The most singular circumstance was this,
that though there was hut one small shoot hearing these flowers, yet, when multiplied, it
yielded all three varieties.”

Her Majesty, which is a sport from Madame Miellez, and one of those
alluded to in Mr. Barnes’s remarks, is one of the finest Azaleas which has
yet been obtained, both as regards form and substance, while in colour and
marking it is quite distinct from all others. The flowers are of the full
average size, and the colour is a soft lilac-tinted blush more or less dense,
white at the margin, thickly spotted with crimson in the upper part, and
marked with variable stripes, or sometimes broadish bars of deep rosy
purple. Its high quality as regards the flower itself, and this novelty of
colouring, will make it an acquisition in any collection of these showy
plants. Mr. Barnes adds, “ I have never seen anything like a spurious
flower upon it ; and it is also a strong, robust grower ” — two qualities
which add immensely to its value.

M.

SCARLET AND VARIOUS-COLOURED PELARGONIUMS
FOR AUTUMN AND WINTER DECORATION.

It is somewhat surprising that we should so seldom find Zonale Pelar¬
goniums and their allies specially cultivated for decorating the conservatory
during the autumn and early winter months ; not, certainly, because they
are in any way unsuitable for such a purpose, as they yield to it with the
greatest freedom. Chrysanthemums have long held at this season an un¬
disputed position, and have been looked upon as inheritors of all that is
desirable ; but their reign of supremacy is drawing to a close, their infalli¬
bility begins to totter, and the class of plants which I have named will
eventually take precedence, so that ultimately Chrysanthemums will exist
only in a state of toleration. I have no desire to hunt them out of our
greenhouses ; rather would I allow those who love them to exercise their
affection without control. With us, pot-culture has been discontinued, and
we have handed them over to the clumps in the pleasure-ground, and borders
of the kitchen garden.

What we so much require at this season is an array of warm colours,
and the demand increases proportionately as the murky days creep on.
Chrysanthemums cannot supply this desideratum, as they stand too far
apart from the primary colours, therefore recede rather than advance
towards the eye ; but still we must not tolerate too great a preponderance
of red and the varied modifications it produces, as excessive domination
gradually ceases to engage the attention, and ultimately becomes weari¬
some. To reduce luminous colours to whatever standard may be most
agreeable, the following varieties, and many more that could be named,
will be found to meet any contingency : — Alexandra, Christina, Diadem, Eve,
Emily Vaucher, Flora, Helen Lindsay, Leonie Nivelet, Madame Chardine,
Mrs. Whitty, Mrs. William Paul, Prince of Hesse, Rosamond, Snowball,
White Perfection, and Madame Rudersdorff.

It is somewhat singular, still it is quite true, that during autumn the
different tones come out with greater brilliancy under subdued light and
solar heat than during summer, although sunshine may be interrupted by
constant attention to shading.

Zonale Pelargoniums are not the flower of a week or a month, for their

JANUARY.

3

duration extends from October till the end of December, and may be con¬
tinued to a later date by a slight application of fire heat. I observe that your
contemporary, the Gardeners Chronicle , is beginningto ventilate this subject ;
and I feel certain that by this advocacy and that of the Florist and
Pohologist converts will increase. I have practised autumn flowering for
two seasons, and can therefore speak with the greatest confidence.

Very little requires to be said on the subject of cultivation, as with the
most limited means this can be managed with ordinary care. When young
plants are yearly employed, they should be rooted by the beginning of
September, and shifted into five-inch pots by November. Now allow the
plants to rest till the end of March ; in the interim give an abundance of
air, and just as much water as will keep the foliage healthy. By the
beginning of April a transfer into a larger pot will be necessary, at the
same time pinching off the extreme points, to cause the production of side
shoots; these again to be manipulated upon in the same way about the
middle of June ; and thus, by attention to tying out the branches, the cul¬
tivator will be enabled to lay the foundation of a large plant. For the last
shift, a pot 8 inches in diameter will be found sufficient, as one of the
principal objects to be attained, and which will contribute greatly to an
abundance of flower, is confined roots. Until the middle of September
every flower-stem should be removed as soon as it appears, and the neglect
of this precaution will reduce the strength of the plant. At no period
must the plants be exposed, but be kept constantly under glass, and shaded
from strong sunshine. The soil which I use is light loam, mixed with a
third part of cow-manure, a year old, such as we employ for growing
Balsams.

Tortworth Court. A. Cramb.

CYCLAMEN PERSICUM.

These delightful winter and spring- flowering plants are particularly
attractive just now, and come in very usefully with Ericas hyemalis, for-
mosa, &c., Primulas, and other early-flowering plants, to make a little
display at this dull season of the year. Last August I brought with me
from the north two small plants that had recently been potted into 60-sized
pots in a sandy peat soil, mingled with leaf mould. Occupying an airy
window with a south aspect, they have grown nicely, and are now blooming
freely. One has more crimson in the “ eye,” as it is termed, than the
other ; but there is a marked difference in the character of the foliage, the
one having the leaves prettily blotched with a greyish white, whilst those
of the other are quite plain. VvTien the foliage is thus marked, as in the
case of the former, they are still useful decorative plants, even when not
in bloom.

The varieties of Cyclamen persicum are generally denominated the
greenhouse kinds, and they vary in colour from snow white to delicate
peach or light rose and rich rosy crimson, and some, again, are pure white
upon a purple base, many of the latter being delightfully fragrant.

After the bulbs have done flowering in the greenhouse they should be
placed in a cool, shady border for a period of rest. They should be screened
from wet and from sunlight, for they require repose, not excitement. In
the autumn they should be carefully repotted in peaty soil, and replaced in
the greenhouse — a shelf near the glass is a good position — and there started

4

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Into growth. No heat force should he applied, if it can he avoided, to aid
the growth. Water should he given sparingly until they make active
growth, and then it may he freely applied. They are easily managed in an
ordinary window of a sitting-roon, as watering is the chief thing requiring
attention ; though, on the other hand, they must not he allowed to become
“ sogged,” as some of the gardeners term it, meaning thereby, so thoroughly
saturated with wet that the plants are injured.

Quo.

REMARKS ON FRUIT TREE CULTURE.— No. 16.

The young trees, prepared as before directed, may now be considered
ready for lifting and transplanting into the prepared border — that is, sup¬
posing such border to be ready at the proper time, and that it is desirable
to plant at once ; but if the trees are not cramped for room in their present
quarters, and there is no other urgent cause for their removal, they will be
quite as well, and even better, if left another twelve months. In either case
the necessary manipulation of the branches will be the same, but the effects
different ; in point of fact, this is the starting stage at which it will be
necessary to determine the sort of treatment to which it is intended to sub¬
ject the tree.

In the first place, if removed at this stage of growth, the necessary lifting
and transplanting will produce just that sort of check which will induce the
formation of fruitful wood and spurs ; but, on the other hand, by leaving the
tree in its present position another year, and encouraging a free development
of growth, great additional strength will be gained, together with an almost
equally near approach to the fruiting condition of growth. The question,
therefore, arises as to whether it is desirable to commence at once a course of
treatment which will tend towards the production of a precocious develop¬
ment of fruit, or whether, as is allowed to be best in the animal economy,
the child shall be allowed to gain additional strength before being put to
perform the heavier parts of the labour of life. The reply to the question
must be determined by the bearing of various contingent circumstances.
If, for example, time is an object, and it is desirable to have as much return
of fruit as possible from a limited space, it will be necessary to commence
at once that course of treatment which will prevent a free development
of woody growth, and encourage weaker and more fruitful wood ; but
as, when this is the case, it will be necessary, in order to carry out the
system thoroughly, that the range of the roots should be considerably cir¬
cumscribed, I will not at present enter into that part of the subject, since
the bearing of my present remarks is confined to trees which are to be
transferred to a large and well-made border, in which there is ample room
for the development and range of the roots. I also pre-suppose ample
head room, because it will be of very little use to go to the expense of
forming such a border as the one I have described if it is not intended to
give ample room for the development of the branches as wTell as the roots ;
not but that in such a case it may be quite possible, by a judicious applica¬
tion of the curbing system to the growth of the tree, to keep it within cir¬
cumscribed bounds, but it would be an unprofitable manner of expending
labour, for the same end may be attained to a much greater profit with far
less labour and expense.

There is much to be said in favour of an ample space for both roots and
branches. I believe that one tree favourably situated in this respect, with

JANUARY.

5

careful management, would yield a much more profitable return of fruit
than would be obtained from three trees crowded into the same space. It
may not be so immediately profitable, it is true ; but this, if an evil, is one
which will soon cure itself, and the healthy free-growing tree will be much
longer-lived, and more generally productive, so that in the long-run it will
completely distance even more competitors than three.

It is astonishing to what an extent a well- situated Apricot tree will
develope itself when there is ample room for it both above and below ; it is
certainly rather unmanageable for a few years, but is none the worse for
that, for with judicious management it soon settles down, as it were, to its
work, and then it appears to revel in growth and fruit-bearing ; the fruit,
too, from such a tree is large and finely grown, in one place thrusting
itself out into the full rays of the sun, and in another hiding itself in
great abundance beneath the luxuriant foliage in a manner most pleasant
to behold, and showing forth how much a bountiful Providence will enable
it to produce for our benefit when our treatment is more assimilated to
the natural tendencies of the tree, instead of shutting it up within a cer¬
tain space, and saying, “ Thus far must thou go, but no farther.” I do not for
a moment deny the absolute necessity there is in many places for following
out the restrictive system of culture, but I think it may be carried too far,
and that we shall be apt to lose sight of the many advantages attendant
upon a more free and natural development ; and although, by constantly
checking and curbing the endeavours of the tree to extend its growth we
obtain more immediate returns of fruit, we do so at the expense of the real
strength of the tree, and in the course of time the want of stamina will tell ;
and when exhaustion induces decay, and a consequent necessity for reno¬
vation, our healthy, well-developed tree will still be pouring forth its in¬
creasingly abundant produce, and, I have no hesitation in asserting, would
see out more than one generation of trees confined to a space barely sufficient
for vegetation, let alone a free development.

Redleaf. John Cox.

ON CONIFERS.

As ornamental trees, Conifers are peculiarly valuable for the verdure of*
their foliage, which, unchanged by the severity of the seasons, is beautiful
at all periods, and especially so in winter ; for the great variety of outline
and form which many of them assume when fully grown ; and for the
shelter they afford in cold, exposed situations. During three or four
months, when the landscape is bleak, these beautiful trees give an ap¬
pearance of verdure and life to the scene, which robs winter of half its
dreariness. Though a taste for Conifers is spreading silently through the
country, it is not advancing with anything like the rapidity which they
deserve.

The earlier planters of Conifers fell into great mistakes by planting them
in low, confined, sheltered situations, and too closely together. It was cus¬
tomary to form a pinetum, and, as a matter of course, as many kinds as
possible were got together. It was no wonder, then, that many of these trees,
natives of the mountainous regions of the old and new world, should in
such situations be drawn up weakly and tender, that the growth should be
soft and unripened for want of a free circulation of air, and that they
should suffer severely from the frosts of winter. I have little hesitation in

6

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

saying that more disappointments have been caused by planting in low
confined situations than from any other cause whatever.

Having, during the last eighteen years, planted several thousands of
Conifers here, some account of them may he interesting to many of your
readers.

Being on the red sandstone formation, we have a good soil, which is a
matter of great importance in tree culture. The park and grounds are
very beautifully undulated, so that there is a great variety of situations.
The park is well wooded. In part of it there is a greater number of old
Oaks of greater girth of hole than perhaps can be found in the same area
in any park in England ; there are also some magnificent Beech trees in
the same locality. There is a nice variety of soil ; that on the hilly
parts is of a sandy or gravelly character, and in the valleys and low places it
is of a strong clayey nature. A portion of the pleasure grounds between the
mansion and the lower lake, being on the eastern side of the park, is much
exposed to the western gales ; these are the greatest enemies we have to
contend against, and they sometimes sweep with terrific fury over the
grounds. In the most exposed places we have planted such kinds as stand
the winds best. Abies Douglasii suffers much on the side open to the wind.
The great beauty of this tree — and the same remark applies to all other
Conifers — is when it is well furnished from top to bottom all around, and.
its fine, long, sweeping, feathery branches hang down in a graceful and
pleasing manner to the ground. If sheltered from the strong west winds,
the situation for Conifers can scarcely he too open or exposed, most of them
being natives of mountainous regions. Here there has been no attempt at
making a pinetum. We have planted all over the grounds and park most
of the sorts that stand the winds and severe frost of winter best. There
are no very large specimens, hut there is a great number of very fine young
flourishing ones. All the kinds grow well here, hut the more tender sorts
will not stand our winter.

Before describing the specimens I will offer a few remarks on the choice
of subjects for planting. I have planted them of all sizes, from 6 inches
to G feet, and with great success. I have planted hundreds that were
grown in pots, and thousands that were grown in the open ground. I do
not recommend the planting of large specimens unless immediate effect he
a great desideratum, as, no matter how carefully they may he transplanted,
very great attention is required afterwards to ensure their well-doing.
Young, robust, healthy subjects are far preferable to large ones, when well-
furnislied, handsome specimens are desired. If the ground be properly pre¬
pared, young plants soon make handsome specimens.

With regard to the question whether plants grown in the open ground
or those grown in pots are the better, I think it matters little, if the plants
have been properly managed — that is, if those grown in the open ground have
been annually transplanted, and those in pots have been shifted regularly
into larger-sized pots before the roots could become matted. Where large,
fine, handsome, healthy specimens are the main object, I would always
advise the use of young plants, whether from the open ground or from pots,
for when large trees are transplanted they require to be well secured against
the wind, and need great attention in other respects to ensure their well¬
doing. I have seen plants that were grown in pots so pot-bound, and the
roots so much cork-screwed, that it was almost an impossibility for them ever
to make good specimens. I have seen others grown in a stiff* clay and that
were not transplanted for some years ; they were fine plants at top, but when

JANUARY.

7

lifted had not a single fibre, only two or three prongs — such plants it was
almost an impossibility to keep alive during dry, hot springs. These, I admit,
are extreme instances of both systems. I have nothing to say against trees
grown in the open ground when properly transplanted annually, so as to
get them to move with a good mass of fibres — I like such plants. I have
no objection to those grown in pots, if they are regularly shifted before they
become pot-bound. People too generally run from one extreme to another.
I know well what kind of things Conifers were in former days, when kept
cramped up in pots for years, without being shifted. The carriage of plants
was then a serious consideration, before railway communication became so
complete all over the kingdom ; and to add to the evil of being cramped in
small pots, many of the plants in those days were grafted ones, and in
some instances worked on very bad stocks. It was very little wonder that
such trees when planted out should, instead of starting into vigorous growth,
languish for a brief period and then die, to the disappointment of the
planter. Surely, to attribute their failure to being grown in pots is very
wrong. It was the abuse of the system, and not the system itself, which, if
properly carried out, would have ensured most satisfactory results. I
believe myself that plants grown in pots (of course I mean small plants,
not exceeding 3 feet high), when properly managed, to be as good as those
grown in the open ground ; and they have this advantage over the latter, that
they can be planted out at any season of the year without requiring a
fourth part the attention afterwards that late spring-planted trees from
the open ground do. Those who have had any experience in planted Coni¬
fers well know how trying the hot sun and drying winds are to late spring-
planted Conifers from the open ground. When grown in pots they can be
safely planted out in the early part of June, after all danger from frost and
cold winds is past. If they get a good soaking of water then, they will need
little attention afterwards. As I have already said, I like plants grown in
the open ground if they have been well managed, and are lifted carefully ;
and I like plants in pots (small plants) if they have been properly managed.

All nursery land is not suited to the growth of Conifers. When this is
the case it is much better to grow them in pots than in the open ground.
Whether grown in the open ground or in pots, I would strongly recommend
young healthy plants, not exceeding 3 feet high, as preferable to larger plants,
when well-grown handsome specimens are required, the ground being in
all cases well prepared.

Stourton. tm i .• M. Saul.

[To be continued .)

RAISING SEEDLING LILIUMS.

Last year (1865), I crossed Lilium speciosum with the pollen of two
distinct varieties of L. auratum, both marked with dull crimson bands
instead of yellow, and some fine pods of seeds were ripened on L. speciosum.
The two varieties of L. auratum were crossed with pollen from L. specio¬
sum, and they likewise ripened good seed to look at. All the seeds of the
two sorts were kept separate, and sown in pans in a warm pit in March last.
I was surprised to see no signs of any young plants appearing till it was
far advanced in summer, and then only about seventeen showed their tiny
leaves in the pans of the auratum varieties. Lately a few of the speciosum
seedlings have appeared above ground, and on scratching down into the soil

8

THE ELOKIST AND POMOLOGIST.

I have found in all the pans hundreds of small bulbs, that have formed from
the seeds and never showed leaves at all, or at least till now. Kaisers of
Liliums from seed, if disappointed in their plants not appearing above
ground, had therefore better examine the soil to see if any young bulbs are
forming below.

Welbeclc. William Tillery.

ON ASTERS.

“ I cannot get good Asters, somehow,” said a discontented horticulturist
the other day; “ what I get are generally just so much rubbish, and nothing
more.” He went on further to say that he obtained the very best of the
imported varieties, so far as he could judge of their quality, but “ they
never pleased him.” And then he went off into a denunciation of seeds¬
men, as if they had all conspired to cheat him, worthy soul, and tinge with
bitterness his Christmas festivities. There is a good deal of this abuse of
seedsmen going on at times ; they are made the scapegoats for many an
ignorant and indolent gardener, just as if seedsmen had no reputations to
lose or good names to peril.

My good but complaining friend had his Asters from a most estimable
man ; but he had been so attracted by the splendid quilled varieties that
Mr. Betteridge used to exhibit, that he could see no merit in any Others ;
he had constantly before him those magnificent quilled flowers, perfect in
form, the quilled petals regularly ranged in a series of unbroken circles,
clean as a Picotee, and strikingly beautiful. He had a keen eye for the
symmetry of a flower, and one of Mr. Betteridge’s quilled Asters was to
him an example of the very acme of form ; but he was not aware of the
“mysteries” of exhibiting flowers. He knew nothing of trenches richly
manured, of copious libations of liquid manure having a most unmistake-
able “body,” of careful shading, and a process of disbudding that to him
would have appeared something akin to extermination. I took compassion
on his peace of mind, and kept this from him. Then he had very antago¬
nistic influences to contend against. His ground was very cold, clayey,
and much exposed, and he thought lightly of liberal dressings of manure ;
and he failed, as any one must inevitably fail, in producing quilled Asters
under such adverse circumstances.

Such a case is a kind of text on which to found some advice to growers
of the Aster, who may also have come short of their expectations. First,
then, grow but few quilled Asters, and of these a good strain of what are
denominated German quilled, will be the best. Secondly, grow the follow¬
ing for the sake of their great beauty, their large size, and for their freedom
and continuity of bloom : —

Victoria, a magnificent strain, having broad, flat-petalled flowers, well
reflexed, none of them being incurved, or only in very exceptional cases.
The flower-heads are of great size, very double, and of distinct colours ; of
free-blooming compact habit, and growing from 12 to 18 inches in height.
For exhibition purposes this variety can hardly be surpassed.

Dwarf Chrysanthemum-flowered, which has a very dwarf, close habit, and
is one of the latest in blooming. It grows from 6 to 9 inches high, and
flowers remarkably freely, and, like the tall variety, the flower-heads are
reflexed. It makes a very effective bed when fine weather prevails, and it is
one of the very best for pot culture. There is also a good variety of
colours.

JANUARY.

9

Truffaut's Pccony -flowered Perfection , which is one of the finest and most
striking of the French improvements of this flower. This variety grows
from 12 to 18 inches in height ; the flower-heads are large and very double,
they afford a good diversity of distinct colours, and are produced both in the
incurved and reflexed forms. It is also a very fine sort for exhibition. To
these three of the flat-petalled kinds add

Boltze's New Dwarf Bouquet Double , which is the very best of the dwarf
Asters. It is very dwarf, growing about 6 inches high ; the flowers are all
bi-coloured, and yield a great variety of colours ; small flat-petalled blooms,
and very freely produced. It is exceedingly pretty, would make very at¬
tractive beds, and is suitable also for pot culture.

It may be assumed as a general rule that the flat-petalled Asters are
hardier in constitution than the quilled flowers, and are much more effective
under ordinary circumstances : therefore it is that I have given a greater
prominence to these.

Let the amateur grower sow his seeds early in March in a cold frame if
he can — that is, sow his seeds on a bed prepared in the frame ; and as soon
as the weather will permit, if they can be transplanted from the seed-bed
to a warm and sheltered position for a time, so much the better. Let
him be assured of this fact, when preparing the ground in which he wishes
to bloom his flowers, that it should be liberally dressed with manure, and
in dry weather he should not spare the watering-pot. If his plants are for
garden decoration only, let them carry all the flowers they produce ; but he
should see that there be something at the roots to maintain them, such as a
mulching of dung, or some liquid manure in scorching weather. If he
desires to take a good position at the local exhibition, he should disbud a
few of his strongest and best plants, and give them some liquid manure.
It is surprising how fine Truffaut’s Asters will come under very ordinary
treatment; but with a little stimulus added to the roots, flowers can be had
that will gratify the grower, and bring him victory on that nobly-contested
battle-field — the exhibition table.

E. W.

THE COLOURING OF GRAPES.

Gardeners have both heard of and seen Grapes badly coloured, espe¬
cially Black Hamburghs. Some ascribe the fault to batl supplies from the
roots, others to the want of sufficient sunshine, or light and air ; but
neither seems to be the chief cause, for large berries badly coloured may be
seen upon very strong Vines, and the reverse on weak ones. In former
days, when Vines were not so highly cultivated, and grown under green or
dark glass, there were fewer complaints of Grapes being red instead of
black.

I have been long of opinion that the chief cause is to be traced to injured
leaves and unripe wood. In such cases the supply of crude sap from the
roots is not properly elaborated in the unhealthy leaves, nor in its way
through the immature vessels in the green wood, on which the bunches
hang. When this happens, I leave the laterals or young shoots beyond the
bunches, instead of pinching them off, in order to encourage the Vines to
gather or produce more nourishment for the fruit. I have noticed this
before in these pages, and may have observed that there need be no fear
of both the fruit and wood not ripening under the shade. For instance, the
blackest Cherries are found under the shade of leaves ; and without a proper

d 2

10

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

supply of such the young fruit on trees and Vines may remain green, until
blackened by frost. I should remark, that neither extra heat nor sunshine
has much influence on the unripe wood of Vines after the proper time of
their growth is past. Hence the inutility of placing Vines in pots out of
doors in the full sunshine, after the crop is over, with the view of ripening the
wood. Instead of this, the leaves are scorched, and thus all chance of then
influence on the wood is gone, and on the condition of this the success of
the next season’s crop greatly depends.

Cossey Park . J. Wigiiton.

NOTES AT THE FLORAL AND FRUIT COMMITTEES.

December 4:th. — These winter meetings, held during the cold, dull days,
are about the most enjoyable of all the meetings of the Committee. Of all
wretched-looking places during the depth of winter, what can be more so
than a great city like London, with its bare trees, soot-coloured buildings,
and fog ? and how pleasant to pass in from these to a large room bright
and glowing with flowers of apparently greater beauty than usual, because
so welcome. Just such a delightful experience as this occurred at the above
meeting. Those glorious Orchids from Mr. Anderson, of Meadow Bank,
Glasgow, were quite horticultural sensations for the moment. What a
marvellous example of the costly and rare Odontoglossum Alexandra,
about which Mr. Bateman said that not only were the flowers “ the finest
that had ever been shown in this country, but that no such beauty as they
exhibited had ever been approached even in the countries of which it is a
native.” Mr. Anderson also exhibited a spike of Cymbidium giganteum,
with eleven expanded flowers, blossoms of Cattleya marginata, and some
beautiful varieties of Lycaste Skinneri, including a white one, which re¬
ceived a first-class certificate. A white variety was also shown by Mr. W.
Marshall, of Enfield, and had the same award. In each case the flowers
had a lemon throat ; but the white in Mr. Marshall’s variety was purer and
more chaste, but then the throat of Mr. Anderson’s variety had more lemon.
At any rate they are both valuable acquisitions. Messrs. Veitch & Sons
exhibited a splendid new Saccolabium, which they had imported from India
during the spring, under the name of S. giganteum, but which proved to
be a new species, and has been named S. densiflorum. It is a great im¬
provement on S. violaceum, and it is evidently a free grower and an abun¬
dant flowerer, besides being most delightfully scented. The credit of its
introduction is due to Colonel Benson, of the Indian army. It was awarded
a first-class certificate.

Mr. Standish, of Ascot, also had some good things. Foremost was a
seedling Aucuba japonica, a perfect hermaphrodite, having the organs of
both sexes combined in the flowers. This is a very happy result, as it will
prevent the necessity of artificial fertilisation, provided the peculiarity can
be perpetuated. Mr. Standish also had a new variety of Taxus adpressa,
named stricta. It is a free-growing plant, with a better habit than the old
variety, and throws a good leader. It was awarded a first-class certificate,
and a similar award was made to Saxifraga tricolor, also from Mr. Standish.
It is a very dwarf, close-growing kind, with leaves which have a green
blotch in the centre, broadly margined with creamy white, and edged with
pink, the under side of the leaves being of the same colour. It came from
Japan, had been grown by Mr. Standish on a shelf in a cool house, and
was planted in very poor peat. The foliage is very handsome.

JANUAKY.

11

Mr. Bull had a pan of Selaginella denticulata variegata, which is really a
very handsome Lycopod ; and Mr. Turner, of Slough, a basket of seedling
Ferns from Adiantum Farleyense, in which appeared some four or five dis¬
tinct varieties, a difference in the formation of the leaflets being discernible.
Nearly every frond of the plants had an abundance of spores.

Mr. Paul, of Waltham Cross, exhibited a number of trusses of Zonale
and plain-leaved Pelargoniums, mostly of Beaton’s race, to show what ad¬
mirable subjects they may be made for winter decoration. The following
mainly comprised the collection : — Bride, White Perfection, Madame
Yaucher, Pillar of Beauty, Minstrel, Monte Rosa, Sir J. Paxton, Banneret,
Cardinal, Naiad, Double Tom Thumb, Beauty of Waltham, Tiara, Peach
Blossom, Amy Hogg, Duchess, Nimrod, Crimson Queen, Dr. Hogg, Ossian,
Fulgens, Wood Nymph, Dr. Lindley, and Prince of Orange. Mr. Paul
says that in order to get plants to bloom at this season of the year, young
plants should be taken in May or June and he repotted into larger pots,
“ as the roots fill the pots they occupy, till the end of July. Pick off the
trusses of flower before expansion during June, July, and August, encourag¬
ing a free growth, till by the end of September the plants are covered with
new trusses beginning to expand. Now, wherever the plants may have
been grown, whether out of doors or in-doors, remove them to a light, airy
house, continuing to water freely, and using just so much artificial heat as
may be necessary to dry up the moisture of the house, which, if in excess,
damages the flowers. Do not water the leaves, or spill water about the
house. Give plenty of air in fine weather. By following this plan, certain
Pelargoniums may he had under glass at midwinter as gay and beautiful
as in our parterres in summer.”

For the Fruit Committee were produced some White Spanish, Brown
Globe, and Danvers Yellow Onions, by Messrs. Wrench & Sons, said to
have been grown in Bedfordshire — by the way, rather sorry specimens from
so celebrated a locality for Onion culture. From Mr. James Douglas,
gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq., came two splendid Pine Apples, one a
Charlotte Botlischild, weighing 8f lbs., the other a Smooth-leaved Cayenne,
weighing nearly 7f lbs. From Mr. Smalley, The Gardens, Norton Hall,
Daventry, came a spike of the fruit of Bromelia Commelyniana, measuring
nearly 2 feet in length. It was said that in structure it was “a veritable
Pine Apple, but each pip was separate instead of being united in a fleshy
receptacle.” The pips looked like medium-sized yellow Plums, and the
flavour was pleasant without much richness. Mr. Cox, of Redleaf, had a
collection of Apples, among which were some good examples of Blenheim
Pippin and Golden Reinette.

R. Dean.

MACLEAN’S LITTLE GEM PEA.

“The cry is still ‘ They come,’ ” is as applicable now to the new early
Peas as it was in the mouth of Macbeth in his reference to the oncoming
of the army of old Siward. Another is this season added to the already-
too-numerous list — namely, Taber’s Perfection, which has all the qualities,
and a good deal more besides, not clearly defined, judging from the long
list of testimonials that heralds it. These varieties, of which Dillistone’s
Early is a type, have nothing but earliness to recommend them; they are
neither heavy nor continuous croppers, and as for flavour, but little can
be said about it. Now, during the recent discussion anent early Peas, it

12

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

was contended by more than one writer that the old dwarf Beck’s Gem, or,
as it is as widely known, Tom Thumb, was one of the very earliest of all.
This variety grows about 1 foot high ; the pods are short, and not over-
plentiful. This Pea is now completely distanced, to use a racing phrase,
by Maclean’s Little Gem, a variety very like Beck’s Gem in regard to
height and earliness, but which, being a wrinkled Marrow, is a prolific
cropper, with good pods, too, and the habit is strong and lusty ; and then
it has that great quality of all — flavour. It is as yet somewhat scarce ;
but now that its qualities are being recognised by the trade, it will soon be
taken in hand and largely grown. I hear that it is largely used at Sand¬
ringham, and that Mr. Turner will shortly publish a bond fide testimonial
that has emanated from Royalty. There is no reason, I imagine, why this
Pea should not be had at Christmas, if sown, say, in August, and grown on
in a forcing-house, or any other appropriate place. I do not go so far as to
say that it would be safe to sow it out of doors as early as one would sow
the hardier round kinds, but, weather being at all favourable, it certainly
does turn in early. Seed of this variety is somewhat scarce this season,
owing to the wet summer ; but those who can obtain it should grow it as a
first early Pea, giving it a sheltered warm position and good soil, and they
will have no reason to regret having espoused it.

E. W.

ERYTHRINA CRISTA-GALLI.

To see this fine old plant in perfection, it ought to be planted out of
doors in some dry warm corner or border, and if a little bottom heat could
be secured for it by a hot-water pipe or flue crossing beneath, all the better. In
the old gardens at Welbeck, there was a border between two Pine-stoves or
pits, and a pipe for steaming-purposes ran across at a depth of 2 feet. This
border was planted with three or four Erythrinas which had formed very
large stools, and when in flower constituted one of the most gorgeous
masses of floral beauty that I have ever seen. I have counted as many as
thirty spikes, many of them 18 inches long, all in flower at once ; and with
the fine foliage of C annas and other plants clustered around them, the
whole formed a sight worth looking at. Every autumn the stools were
covered over with a foot deep of old tan, and this covering was not removed
till May or June in the following year.

Welbeck. , William Tillery.

NEW ROSES.

Monsieur Chaix d'Est-Ange (Leveque et fils). — Vigorous. Flowers large,
very full, bright red.

Monsieur Noman (Guillot pere). — Raised from Jules Margottin. Vigor¬
ous. Flowers large, full, delicate rose, bordered with white.

Monsieur Plaisangon (Ducher). — Very vigorous. Flowers very large, full,
globular, of fine form, deep carmine.

Monsieur Thiers (Trouillard) . — Vigorous. Flowers large and very full,
of regular outline, fine brilliant red.

Panache du Luxembourg (Soupert et Notting). — Very vigorous. Flowers
medium-sized, full, of fine form, purple and violet, striped with salmon rose.

Paid Verdier (C. Verdier). — Vigorous. Flowers large, full, finely im¬
bricated, magnificent bright rose.

JANUARY.

13

President Porcher (Yigneron). — Vigorous. Flowers very large, full,
beautiful clear rose, shaded with carmine.

Hose Perfection (Touvais). — Vigorous. Flowers very large, full, of fine
form, brilliant deep rose. Very sweet-scented.

Sceur Thecle (Fontaine pere). — Vigorous. Flowers large, full, of fine
form, rosy carmine, with a silvery edging.

Souvenir de Monsieur Boll (Boyau). — Vigorous. Flowers very large and
full, of very fine form, shaded cherry red.

Thorin (Lacharme). — Vigorous. Flowers large, full, of fine form, pure
bright rose.

Triomphe de Soissons (Fontaine pere). — Very vigorous. Flowers large
and very full, of very fine form, beautiful flesh-coloured rose, shaded with
salmon.

Ville de Lyon (Ducher). — Very vigorous. Flowers very large, full, and
finely formed, deep rose.

The most promising new7 Tea Roses appear to be* : —

Bouton d’Or (Guillot fils). — Vigorous. Flowers medium-sized, very full,
fine deep yellow, reverse of the petals white.

Madame Bremond (Guillot fils). — Vigorous. Flowers large, full, vary¬
ing from light reddish purple to very dark purple.

Madame Margottin (Guillot fils). — Very vigorous. Flowers large and
very full, globular, deep lemon, with a rosy peach centre, and the petals
edged with white.

Monsieur Furtado (Laffay). — Vigorous. Flowers medium-sized, very full,
and well formed, beautiful clear sulphur yellow.

Of Bourbons, only two are offered, viz. : —

CEiUet flamand (Oger). — Plant vigorous. Flowers medium-sized, full,
flat, bright rose striped with pure white.

Petite Amante (Soupert et Motting). — Plant . very vigorous. Flowers
medium-sized, very full, clear rose, carmine on the back of the petals.

ENDIVE.

The following particulars respecting the cultivation of Endive, as prac¬
tised at Meaux, in the department of the Seine-et-Marne, are abridged from
an article by M. Quetier, in the Revue Horticole. It would be impossible,
he remarks, even to give an approximate estimate of the quantity of Endive
consumed in Paris, and of which a very large proportion is produced at
Meaux. The Endive grown there is of particularly good quality — a cir¬
cumstance, perhaps, partly to be attributed to the soil, but still more to
good culture and the care taken in the choice of seed. Some of the growers
produce as many as 60,000 or 80,000 plants each, and most of the others
not less than 40,000 to 45,000.

The market gardeners of Meaux do not force Endive, because they
find it too expensive. They commence by sowing under a frame on a
brisk hotbed in the beginning of April, for in order to make sure that the
plants shall not run, the seed must come up ten or twelve hours after sow¬
ing. When the seedlings are strong enough to prick out, plenty of air is
given to harden them off, and they are planted out of doors in nursery-beds
in a good aspect. The plants suffer a little from this proceeding, for the
ground in the first fortnight of May is very cold as compared with the soil

14

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

of tlie hotbed, but they soon recover from the check if the weather is warm ;
on the other hand, if it is not so, they are some time before they become
again established. The final planting is made successively, choosing the
strongest plants, and thus a successional production is secured.

Sowings are made out of doors from the first fortnight in June. The pre¬
cise time varies some days, according to the warmth of the season ; and the
fact must never be lost sight of, that if the ground is not warm enough the
plants will be apt to run to seed. Afterwards sowings are made every fort¬
night ; the seeds are sown very thinly to avoid pricking out into nursery-
beds, and the plants are thinned out as soon as they have made them first
leaves. The main winter sowings are made from the 10th of July to the
end of that month, at intervals of a few days, in order to secure a suc¬
cession.

The market gardeners keep but little Endive through the winter, for
their buildings are too small, and they could not bestow upon it the neces¬
sary degree of attention.' It is in private establishments, almost exclusively,
that Endive is kept during the winter, and in these the usual practice is to
take it up with a fork before frost, in the end of October, in November, and
sometimes even in December if there has been no severe frost, and, pressing
the ball about the roots with the hands, to place it in a cellar or under a
frame. In the first case the plants are planted close together in sand, and
in the second in old leaf mould, and they soon become blanched, but do
not remain long fit for use. M. Boulingre, however, a gardener at Chau-
connin, showed the writer Endive in excellent condition in April. He lifts
his Endive on a fine sunny day, and with as large a ball as possible, places
it in an airy shed, but does not press the plants closely together, and after
some days, when they are dry, he takes them into a cellar where there are
shelves one above the other, about 14 inches apart. On these he places
some very dry wheat-straw, and on this the Endive plants, heads down¬
wards and rather closely together, but the air which circulates among them
prevents their rotting. Every fortnight the Endive is looked over, and any
that may chance to be rotten is removed, and any straw that may be damp
is replaced with fresh. If, notwithstanding, there is a strong tendency to
rot, the ball of earth is cut through the middle so as to take off the roots
which pump in the moisture from the air and occasion the rottenness. The
external air, particularly in winter, being full of moisture, must be ex¬
cluded from the cellar, and every time this is entered the door must be at
once shut ; all crevices, likewise, by which air could find its way in, should
be made air-tight; In this way M. Boulingre keeps Endive till the end of
April, by which time that which is forced comes in.

GARDENING NOTES DURING THE YEAR 1866.

It often strikes me that gardeners might soon make a reform in the “ fat
catalogues ” now yearly issued by seedsmen, by only ordering seeds of a few of
the best varieties of each kind of flower and vegetable, and especially those which
they have found best adapted to their soil and situation. By selecting the best
varieties of Peas, Beans, Cauliflowers, Broccolis, and of annual and perennial
flowers, and rejecting all doubtful, new, and synonymous sorts, the seed-
growers would soon find that it would not pay them to grow so many kinds
merely to swell their lists.

The cultivation of spring flowers has progressed considerably in the past

JANUARY.

15

year, and no place of any pretensions can now be said to be complete without
its spring dower garden. The cultivation of hardy spring flowers is easy, for
most gardens have a north border where a small strip of light soil can be made
artificially next the wall, and there in the summer months Pansies can be
struck, and Daisies, Aubrietias, Primroses, and other things can be increased
by division. Seeds of Myosotis, Silene, Wallflower, Stocks, and other hardy
annuals and perennials can likewise be sown in odd places in the kitchen
garden, or in shady places between Asparagus-rows. Spring gardening, if
carried out systematically, as at Cliveden and some other places, does not
materially interfere with the summer bedding-out system, but rather heightens
the pleasure of our employers by affording them such a long succession of floral
gaieties to admire.

The past season has not been one of the best for summer bedding plants,
but some acquisitions have been planted out which will figure conspicuously
in another year. Amongst the most interesting are the new strains of Nosegay
Pelargoniums, first introduced by the late Donald Beaton. From their pleas¬
ing change of colours and profuse flowering they are unequalled for decorative
purposes, and will help to tone down the many vulgar scarlet varieties which
formerly used to set our parterres in a blaze. The Iresine has done better this
wet autumn, and has, therefore, been brought prominently into notice again ;
but, after all, it wants good management, and can only be recommended for a
late display in autumn. Where Coleus Verschaffelti, Gibsoni, and Amaranthus
melancholicus do well, they will always beat it in the summer months. The
new Alternantheras and Teleianthera ficoidea where bedded out this season
have not flourished satisfactorily, and will, perhaps, require a further trial
before they are condemned. The Alternantliera paronychioides seems to be
the best of the lot, and may yet prove to be an acquisition. Viola cornuta
is a really good thing, but it is highly amusing to read all that has been lately
promulgated about its history. I believe it will be found that there is only one
variety after all, and that the soil or cultivation has made the difference in its
colour or habit, if there is any. I have likewise reason to think that it will
cross, and vary in colour and habit when raised from seeds.

The cultivation of that gorgeous flower, the Gladiolus, is extending, and I
hope that it will continue to do so still more in future years. In August and
September, 1865, the weather was most favourable for the seeding of this plant,
giving us a chance to equal the French growers in raising new seedling-
varieties. I had a long border this spring sown with seeds saved from the best
sorts in 1865, and have lately lifted them, and they nearly fill a bushel with
small bulbs as large as Peas. Some of the best seeds saved from the high-
priced varieties were sown in boxes and grown in a Peach-house during the
early part of spring, but the bulbs of those grown in the open air are quite as
large and plump. A seedling of a new type, raised from Monsieur Blouet,
flowered with me last summer ; it is of a light rose colour, with the petals so
rounded and nearly of a size, that it is, in fact, quite a florist’s flower in shape.
This variety I have crossed with some of the best-formed, high-coloured and
light varieties, and hope to raise some seedlings with first-rate- shaped flowers
and spikes.

In many gardens, owing to the wet summer and autumn, the late Grapes
planted in the outside border, and not protected at the roots, have shrivelled or
shanked, and will not keep so long as usual. Some good growers have never
been able to colour their late Muscats properly, and these are therefore devoid
of flavour, and damp off rapidly. The latest vinery here is planted with West’s
St. Peter’s and Lady Downe’s, which are planted inside the house. In August
I had wooden shutters put on the outside border, and the Vines do not seem to

16

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

have suffered as yet from the continuous rains. Last year the Grapes in this
house were plump and good till the 25tli of April, and they promise to keep as
late this year. In my opinion the Black Monukka is a very interesting Grape on
account of its peculiarly rich sweet flavour, and small, heart -shaped, seedless
berries. One plant is enough in a collection, for the berries are very small, and
only adapted for using in jellies. The bunches are very long, and furnish a
number of small shoulders for cutting for jellies, and the berries when tasted
are very vinous and rich ; the flesh is so crackling thar the skins and all can
be eaten.

There has been rather a failure this year amongst fruit trees in pots, for in
some large unheated orchard-houses the severe frosts in April and May injured
the blossoms. In lean-to narrow structures, or glass-covered walls, the trees
have escaped better, as the heat radiated from the back walls raised the tem¬
perature high enough to keep the frost out.

On the whole, the progress of horticulture and floriculture in 1866 has been
satisfactory, and the great International Horticultural Exhibition made the
year quite a red-letter one to every gardener who saw the wonderful collection
of plants exhibited at South Kensington. Another feature of the year is that
gardeners have now three reverend gentlemen devoted to their interests ; one
taking charge of the Roses and Strawberries, the other of the florists’ flowers,
and the last of the bedding plants ; and we gardeners have to thank them for the
example they show us, as well in the truthful value of their opinions on garden¬
ing matters as in the polished style and freedom from personalities exhibited
by all the articles which they contribute.

Welbeck. William Tilleey.

OUR CONTEMPORARIES.

The following plants are figured and described in the Botanical Magazine
for December : —

Cypella carulea. — A beautiful stove Irid, from Brazil, long known in this
country. Its leaves are from 3 to 6 feet long, and 1 to 1|- inch broad, linear-
lanceolate or sword-shaped, and bright green. The flowers when full-sized
are 4 inches in diameter, blue, with yellowish claws, banded with brown and
orange.

Heliconia humilis. — “ Few plants,” says Dr. Hooker, “ arc so well worthy
of cultivation, for those who can afford space for the purpose, as the species
of Heliconia ; they are easily managed, their beautiful foliage is evergreen,
their brilliant flowering-bracts keep their colour for many weeks, and they
may be rapidly increased by division of the rhizome.” Heliconia humilis is a
native of Guiana, where it abounds in marshy places, and was figured by
Jacquin so long ago as 1797. The leaves have slender petioles 2 or 3 feet
in length, and the blades are 1 to 2 feet long and of a pale green. The spathes,
of which there are generally four to each scape, are about 9 inches long,
scarlet, with green points, and very showy.

Cypripedium Schlimii. — A pretty New Grenada species, named after M.
Schlim, one of M. Linden’s collectors, who found it in moist places in the
neighbourhood of Ocana, at an elevation of 4,000 feet above the sea; and it
was subsequently met with by Purdie on, it is stated, dry banks near La Cruz.
The sepals and petals are about an inch long, white, and the latter are marked
with streaks or spots of crimson on the inner side, and a faint dash of crimson
behind ; the lip, or slipper, has a large blotch of deep rich crimson in front.

Heliotr opium convolvidaceum. — This, the Euplocci convolvidacea of De Can¬
dolle’s “ Prodromus,” is an annual, growing from 9 inches to 2 feet high, a native

JANUARY.

17

of the southern United States, New Mexico, and Arkansas, on sandy plains,
in which last state it was discovered by Nuttall. The flowers are numerous,
salver-shaped, about an inch across, white, sweet-scented, and open towards
evening. The plant figured was grown by Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich.

Lycaste gigantea. — “ This stately Lycaste is very extensively diffused, having
been found in Central America by Hartweg, near Santa Martha by Purdie,
and in the forests of Merida, at an elevation of 5-6,000 feet, by Linden. As
might under such circumstances be expected, there are many varieties, differ¬
ing in the size and colour of the flowers, and also, though to a less extent, in
the size and form of the sepals and petals ; the latter are usually of a yellouisk
olive, while the velvety lip is of a dark rich maroon, bordered with orange.
All the Lycastes may be regarded as sub-terrestrial, and should therefore be
accommodated with large pots. They are readily grown in a moderate tempe¬
rature, but prefer the shadier parts of the Orchid-house. With the exception
of Lycaste Skinneri, now such a universal favourite, L. gigantea is, perhaps,
the best of its race.” The pseudo-bulbs are very large, being sometimes
6 inches high, and bear two or three leaves 18 inches to 2 feet in length. The
flowers have yellowish olive sepals and petals, and a rich velvety maroon lip,
with a harrow bordering of orange.

Combretum micropetalum. — A showy climber, a native of Brazil, which has
been long cultivated by Dr. Moore in a greenhouse at Glasnevin, where it
flowers profusely every year in September. The flowers are densely crowded
in racemes 4 to 5 inches long, with yellow stamens three-quarters of an inch
long, and orange anthers.

The Florae Magazine for December has plates of

Sipho campy his fulgens. — A stove plant from South America, which produces
a long succession of orange-scarlet flowers, with a yellow throat : hence it is
believed that it will prove very useful for cutting for winter bouquets, as well
as for the decoration of plant-houses.

f Delphinium Triomphe de Pontoise. — A pretty French variety? with good
spikes of button-like blue and white flowers, in which the petals are very
regularly laid over each other.

Nosegay Pelargonium Duchess of Sutherland. — This fine variety has been
already noticed more than once in these pages.

Lobelia Progress. — A showy purplish crimson variety.

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

Paris Universal Exhibition. — Of the
52 acres of ground which the Commissioners
have taken for showing agricultural machinery
at work, and for other purposes requiring a
greater amount of space than can he afforded
in the Champ-de-Mars, it was intended to
have devoted somewhat less than If acre to a
model market garden in which the different
vegetables sold in the Parisian markets Avould
have been exhibited in a growing state by the
Market Gardeners’ Society. This was to
have been done at the Society’s own expense,
and the work of cultivation was to have com¬
menced in August last ; but, unfortunately,
the ground was not ready at that time, and the
floods of September having laid a great part
of it under water, the market gardeners, be¬
coming frightened, asked for a guarantee

against loss, which the Commissioners would
not agree to, and the project has, therefore,
been given up. The intention was to have
formed an executive committee of market
gardeners, who were to give written orders
for all operations, which orders were to be
posted up, so that all comers might have seen
what was done to the different crops, and as
soon as one crop was cleared the ground was
to have been prepared for another.

Although a programme of the subjects in¬
vited at the several competitions which are
to take place from April to October appeared
some time ago, no particulars were given as
to the mode in which they were to be shown •
and English exhibitors have become anxious
to know what the requirements of the schedule
would be, and naturally so, for the time is

18

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

now short indeed for preparing plants and
other objects for exhibition. Much valuable
time has been lost, and of many subjects ex¬
hibitors will be under the necessity of merely
showing what they have instead of that which
might have been specially grown for the Paris
Exhibition. However, the requisite details,
we understand, have at length been just pub¬
lished, and we purpose giving a condensed
account of the most important features of the
programme in our next issue. We are also
informed that to Messrs. Carter & Co., of
High Holborn, has been entrusted the laying
down in grass of the English quarter of the
Park.

Doubtful Species. — What are Acer opalus,
Ait, opulifolium,Willd,polymorphum, Spach ?
asks M. Carriere; and he answers, Merely
forms of Acer monspessulanum, which itself is,
perhaps, only a form of Acer creticum. What
is Acer neapolitanum, Tenore ? Very probably
a form of Acer opalus or opulifolium, differing
only in the size and pubescence of the
leaves. What is Cytisus alpinus ? Merely a
form of Cytisus laburnum. Every year in
sowings of the former some Laburnums come
up; but it is a singular circumstance that
in some years the majority of the seedlings
are Cytisus alpinus, whilst in others, although
the seeds are gathered from the same trees,
the seedlings prove to be almost invariably
Laburnums. What is Morus italica, Poiret ?
Only a variety of the White Mulberry, which
may be raised from the latter, and its varieties,
Moretti and multicaulis ; and if, as stated by
M. Jamin, Morus nigra is only a variety, it
would lead to the conclusion that the true
Mulberries may be all reducible to a single
type.

New Vegetables. — M. Carriere states in
a recent number of the “ Eevue Horticole,”
that the Queensland Spinach, Chenopodium
auricomum, is scarcely different from C. album,
or AVhite Goosefoot, a common native "weed,
and does not appear to be worth cultivation,
more especially as the New Zealand Spinach,
Tetragonia expansa, grows almost anywhere,
and, in the opinion of connoisseurs, is of such
excellent quality. Another plant, he says, is
also beginning to be spoken of under the
name of Ancona Salad. This is the Salsola
soda, which it is almost impossible to culti¬
vate — a matter of no great consequence, see¬
ing that the plant is in no way ornamental,
and detestable in a culinary point of view.
Some persons, however, pickle the young-

branches and leaves in vinegar, like Samphire
and Salicomias. A third plant is the Chili
Leaf Beet (Poiree-carde du Chili), which is
probably only a variety of the Brazilian Beet.
It has highly ornamental leaves, and their
stalks are of enormous size and very succulent.
The latter are stated to attain trorn of to
71 inches in breadth, and to be richly coloured,
whilst the bullated blades present a diversity
of metallic hues, varying from green to dark
red.

OBITUARY.

Mr. Joseph Henderson, for nearly half
a century gardener to the Earls Fitzwilliam,
died at Wentworth Woodhouse on the 22nd
of November. The Gardeners' Chronicle
contains this tribute to his memory: — “He
was a man of a very high tone of mind, and
acquired a surprising stock of knowledge on
various subjects, notwithstanding the constant
demands on his time as Superintendent of the
Gardens, first at Milton, and afterwards at
Wentworth. He had a fair knowledge of
Latin and French, was an admirable drafts¬
man, and besides possessing very extensive
botanical information, he was a good ornitho¬
logist and entomologist. His botanical re¬
searches were not confined to Phaenogamous
plants, as he made the minute structure of
Cryptogams an especial study, and was one
of the first to discover the antheridia of
Ferns, though he failed to recognise their
real nature. His paper on the germination
of Ferns in the ‘ Magazine of Botany and
Zoology’ in 1837, made him generally
known amongst botanists, and in consequence
of this and other researches he was elected
an Associate of the Linnean Society, an
honour which he well deserved. F erns were
certainly his favourites in the vegetable
world, and the collections at Milton and
AVent worth were amongst the most important
in the country. He was happily encouraged
in his pursuits by his employers ; and he was
not the only domestic in the establishment
who did good service to science, for Mr. Artis,
the house steward, was well known for his
arehmological researches, and his work on the
1 Vegetation of the Coal Measures,’ while
the discoveries of Mr. Simmons are recorded
in Curtis’s ‘ British Entomology.’ Mr.
Henderson’s health unhappily failed about
three years since, and for the last year he
never left his bedroom. He has left behind
him few more useful members of society, and
none more deservedly loved for his kindly
disposition and numerous sterling qualities.”

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSES.

The plants in these houses require more
heat than that which would protect them from
the action of frost, or that degree of tempera¬

ture which would be sufficient for many green¬
house plants. At the same time it should bo
recollected that fire heat is not congenial to
the growth of plants, owing to its causing a

JANUARY.

19

dryness of the atmosphere of the house : there¬
fore its application should he limited as much
as possible consistently with the amount of heat
absolutely necessary to maintain the circula¬
tion of the sap or the vitality of the plants. For
this, less fire heat will be necessary if the glass
be covered with some protecting material that
will have the effect of preventing the escape
of heat by radiation. By this means there
will be a saving of fuel, whilst, at the same
time, the health of the plants will be promoted,
inasmuch as the air will not be robbed of
moisture, which it is in proportion as the glass
of the house is colder than the internal air
which it encloses. The saving in the expense
of fuel may then with much satisfaction be
set against the cost of frigi domo or any other
protecting material. S traw mats neatly made,
as the French form them, are lighter and
warmer than Bussia mats, and that being the
case it is surprising that they are not more
used in this country by those who cannot
afford more costly adaptations. Light wooden
shutters the width of the sashes, made of thin
boards, would last with care nearly or quite
a lifetime. Stove plants may be divided, as
regards temperature, into three classes : — 1st,
Those plants which come from the hottest
parts of the tropics, or from near the level
of the sea. The structure for these may be
allowed to fall as low as 65° at night, and rise
by sun heat to 7 5°. 2nd, The cooler stove,
adapted for plants indigenous to places as far
as lat. 30°, may have the temperature at night
as low as 60° ; by day it may rise to 65°, and
with sun heat to 70°. 3rd, For another class
a still cooler temperature, approaching that
appropriate for what is designated a warm
greenhouse, will be sufficient. 45° at night,
60° in the day, and occasionally 10° higher with
sun heat, may be allowed. For Orchids the
first of the above ranges of temperature will
be suitable ; for those which are adapted
for a cool Orchid-house a temperature of 45°
minimum and 55° maximum will be sufficient ;
and for some species the temperature of an
ordinary greenhouse has been found to answer.
In clear days, with bright sun, shading will be
necessary, and the air should be kept from
getting too dry. Such kinds as are in a state
of rest should be kept comparatively cool and
dry. Those that show signs of a disposition
to make growth should be moderately en¬
couraged with more heat and moisture.

GREENHOUSE.

At this season, when the weather is dull and
the days short, plants want as much light as
can be afforded them : therefore the glass
should be washed clean and kept as bright as
possible. The temperature should be from 40°
to 45° during the day, and may be allowed to
rise 10° higher by sun heat. Plenty of air
should be given at all times when the weather
will permit, without having recourse to much
fire heat ; for rather than do this, better limit
the ingress of cold air, for when the air is very

cold a great quantity rushes in at a com¬
paratively small opening, and produces a ven¬
tilating effect equal to that of a very much
larger opening in warmer weather. Great
attention must be given in respect to water¬
ing, for some softwooded plants require much
more than others, and some readily damp off
if more is given than they actually require, or
if from want of drainage water remains about
the roots. Camellias should be kept rather
moist, otherwise they are apt to drop their
flower-buds ; when they are planted out
behind a north wall in ground exposed to all
the rains that fall on the soil about their roots,
and overhead, winter and summer, we do not
find that they drop their buds : therefore it may
be fairly presumed that moisture is not the
cause of Camellias dropping their flower-buds,
but the want of it. See, then, that these valu¬
able plants are duly supplied with moisture.
Water Azaleas sparingly, but give plenty of
air. Shift Cinerarias ; those for exhibition
should be put into eight-inch pots. The green
fly is particularly fond of these plants, there¬
fore watch narrowly, and fumigate as soon as
it is perceived, or even before.

PITS AND FRAMES.

Bedding plants are very generally kept in
these structures, and for such it is especially
necessary that damp should be carefully
guarded against. Where there is a command
of heat damp can be driven off by a little fire
heat, with additional air at the same time.
If the plants are in a somewhat warmer at¬
mosphere £ than that of the external air
moisture will not be deposited upon their
foliage, and this will consequently neither
mould nor damp off. At the same time,
however, care must be taken to stimulate the
plants but very little by heat applied for the
above purpose, or for that of guarding
against frost ; better do this to as great an
extent as possible by coverings, as recom¬
mended for stoves. Gold Frames. — These
are useful structures for protecting many
kinds of bedding plants ; and, besides pre¬
venting the radiation of heat by covering
the glass, the walls may be covered pretty
thickly with hay or straw, drawn and
placed vertically, and kept neatly compact
by mats.

FORCING.

Vines should be pruned, cleaned, and
painted over with a composition against
insects, and more especially against the
attacks of mildew. The loose bark, all that
is dead and extraneous, should be completely
cleared off, but so as not to injure the inner
bark. The branches should then be painted
over with a composition of soft soap, plenty
of sulphur, and some decoction of tobacco.
These ingredients will destroy all insect life.
Sulphur will destroy the Oidium, which has
had to be dreaded so much of late years.
Against its direful attacks sulphur is the
most effectual substance known ; and power-

20

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

ful as it is in this respect, it is not at all
injurious to vegetation ; for Vines thrive
well in Sicily, even a considerable way up
the base of Mount Etna. Besides this
dressing of the Vines, the interior of the
house should be washed with soft soap and
warm water. If Grapes are desired to he ripe
in the end of May, forcing should be com¬
menced forthwith. If the Vines are planted
in an inside border, this should be forked up
and well soaked with manure water ; if they
are planted outside, the border should be
equally well watered — ’thoroughly moistened
to the bottom — and then thickly covered
with hot stable-dung, taking care that the
stem outside is effectually protected from
frost and wet. Commence with a temperature
of 45° at night, and 50° in the day. Shut
up the house at night till the buds begin to
swell. Gradually increase the heat ; the rise
may reach 50° at night and 60° in the day,
or 65° with sun heat, by the end of the
month. Keep the atmosphere of the house
rather moist by syringing and shutting up
the house at the same time, for syringing
with a strong current of air, especially dry
air, produces a chilling effect on the rudi¬
ments of the buds. Strawberries will not
bear rapid forcing in their early stage of
growth. To set the roots in action some
pots may be plunged in very mild bottom
heat in a frame with a temperature of 60°.
Forcing Floivers. — Established plants in pots
such as Roses, Lilacs, Deutzias, Rhododen¬
drons, &c., should be plunged in gentle heat
to forward them lor introduction to a warmer
house.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Trench, rough- dig, or ridge all vacant
ground, so that it may be ameliorated by
the action of frost ; and take advantage of
this likewise for wheeling manure, and per¬
forming other operations, which cannot be
well carried on when the surface of the
ground is loose and wet; but do not turn
down frozen crust in the bottom of the
trenches, for there it remains long unthawed,
and afterwards it continues wet and raw till
far on in the summer. Early Peas may be
sown in a warm situation ; and also in small
pots, for transplanting in rows in the open
ground.

FRUIT GARDEN.

The pruning of all kinds of hardy fruit
trees should be proceeded with and if it is
decided that any Apple, Pear, Plum, or
Cherry trees shall be grafted with a different
sort at the proper season, they should now be
headed back, for if this is delayed till the sap
begins to rise, the alburnum is apt to die
back below the section, and more especially
so in the case of large limbs ; the graft then
takes -badly, and canker is apt to ensue.
Stocks should be headed back early in the
month, if not later than the first week so
much the better, for they push early, and, if

not headed back before they do so, the graft
succeeds imperfectly, and often proves a
complete failure. If, as a stock for Pears, a
good sort of Quince be employed, not the
small-leaved variety of stunted growth, and
cut back early, every graft should take as
well almost as on the Pear stock. There are
some varieties of Pears that will not continue
to thrive well on the Quince ; but all kinds
grow for a time if the above advice is at¬
tended to. Scions for grafting should now
be taken off, and more especially those „of
Plums and Cherries ; the cuttings should be
laid in the ground, and so that the lower
ends of all of them may be in contact with
the earth. If the planting of fruit trees was
not completed in autumn, it should be done
now, providing the ground is in working
condition, neither too wet nor frozen. The
ground, before planting, should be regularly
trenched to the depth of at least 2 feet ; but
2\ or 3 feet is preferable where the trees are
liable to suffer from dryness, and, in order
that they may not, on the other hand, be
injuriously affected by stagnant moisture,
the bottom of the trenches should form a
gently inclined plane towards drainage. The
trees will then thrive better, produce in
greater abundance, and the fruit will be of
superior flavour. Prepare cuttings of Goose¬
berries and Currants. Clear away the old
wood from Raspberries, and the weakest of
the last summer’s shoots. Shorten the rest
at the band, near the top, and tie them up.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Plant Roses ; for these the ground should
be well trenched and manured. Protect the
roots of Tea-scented and China Roses with a
mulching of long dung. All half-hardy
plants should likewise be mulched with any
convenient substance that will prevent the
ground from being frozen about their roots ;
and hoops and stakes should be kept in
readiness for forming skeletons to support
thatching over tender plants in case of severe
frost. Roll walks, and cut all the turf
edgings.

florists’ flowers.

Water sparingly, and only when absolutely
necessary. Dahlia roots and Fuchsias may
now be put in heat for starting, and cuttings of
these will now strike readily, and form good
plants for June and July. Keep Hollyhock
cuttings clear of decayed leaves. Pinks, and
all fibrous-rooted plants that may have the
soil loosened by frost, should be again made
firm. Prepare soils and compost for potting
next month. Attend to covering Auricula-
frames in severe weather, but give plenty of
air to these plants, and to all other florists’
flowers which merely require protection from
severe frost. Plant Anemones and Ranuncu¬
luses in dry weather, the latter to\farcls the
end of the month. See that Tulip-beds are
pi'otectecl from heavy rain, snow, and severe
frost, by hoops and mats, or other means.

Myosotis ALpestns

FEBRUARY.

21

THE GENUS MYOSOTIS.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

Without dwelling on the beauties of our Wild Flowers, albeit amongst
them does occur the Myosotis palustris — the Forget-me-not of poets and of
lovers, we may at once present to the admirer of garden flowers a threefold
claim on bis sympathies, in behalf of the genus Myosotis , drawn respectively
from the parterre, the alpine or rock garden, and the greenhouse ; for to
each and all of these, as well as to our rural lanes and streamlets, the
Myosotes yield a ccerulean gem which is not to he surpassed for loveliness
amongst all the flowers of earth. Let us try briefly to substantiate this claim.

And first of the parterre. Who that has seen the charming masses of
flowers in the spring garden at Cliveden, would for a moment hesitate to
admit that here the claim was made good in the case of Myosotis sylvatica f
as he gazed on sheet after sheet of its heavenly blue, spread out before him
of that noble garden ? Not one, we are sure. Mr. Fleming speaks of it as one of
the best and most hardy of the many plants he has employed for beautifying
the spring, easy of culture, admitting of abundant increase, and bearing trans¬
plantation up to the very blooming period, though, he says, it is better planted
.early, so that it may have time to cover the soil. It is in fine bloom during
May, but both comes in earlier and, if undisturbed, would continue later
than that. The seed should be sown in June for the next season’s flower¬
ing, the plants having meanwhile been pricked out to give them strength,
and then planted permanently in the flower-beds either in autumn or early in
spring. The white variety of this Myosote is equally useful with the blue
one, and for the same purposes.

Of the value of the Myosotes for the alpine or rock garden our illustra¬
tion speaks in language which is silently eloquent. The plant we now
figure, namely Myosotis rupicola — or alpestris, as marked on the plate, for
the two names are synonymous — is a dwarf perennial, found in a few
elevated northern localities in England and Scotland, but always exceed¬
ingly rare. We are indebted to Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, who
exhibited plants at South Kensington in 1865, for the opportunity of figur¬
ing so charming a group of it. Mr. J. Backhouse, jun., writing from
Teesdale on the 15th of May in that year, observes, “ The wild Teesdale
locality of our M. rupicola was buried in snow apparently a foot thick, ex¬
tending 500 feet down the sides of the mountain (Micklefell) , and extending
for ten miles along the summit ridges, only two days ago!” and he adds
that the M.alpicola of their catalogue of 1864 is a synonym, as also is the
M. alpestris of Hooker and Babington ; but he goes on to say, “ It is certainly
not the continental alpestris , which I believe is only a mountain form of
sylvatica .” The dwarf habit and large richly-coloured flowers of this plant
render it most ornamental either for moist rockwork with a north aspect, or
for the alpine frame, and in such situations it succeeds very well, the principal
feature in its treatment being to prevent its becoming too rapidly excited
by excess of heat. What it requires is a cold moist situation, where it may
remain at rest all the winter.

The Azorean Forget-me-not, Myosotis azorica, a dwarf tufted, free-flowering
perennial, furnishes our illustrative example of a choice greenhouse Myosote.
This beautiful plant is found in the vicinity of waterfalls in the westerly
islands of the Azores group, following the course of rocky mountain streams,
where the atmosphere is kept humid by the water spray. Mr. H. C. Watson,

22

THE FLORIST AND P0M0L0GIST.

its original discoverer and describer, thus writes of it : — “ The deep rich
blue of its numerous flowers, and their long succession from the lateral
branches, combine to render this species well deserving of cultivation, pro¬
vided it can be brought to flourish in the drier climate of our gardens. It
will require a loose peaty or sandy soil, careful shading from the midday
sun, and frequent sprinkling with water ” — Mr. Watson adds, “ and to be
covered with a glass in hot, dry weather,” but experience has shown that
this is not necessary, for it thrives perfectly in a greenhouse amongst
Heliotropes and Pelargoniums, where it ripens its seeds plentifully. The
play of colour in the many-tinted flowers and flower-buds, it has moreover
been observed, is scarcely rivalled by anything in cultivation.

We trust we have now established the threefold claim on the sympathies
of lovers of flowers, in behalf of the Myosote family, to which we invited
attention at the outset.

FEARNOUGHT CABBAGE.

As the destruction of crops of Broccoli seems general, and as many other
members of the Brassica family have suffered so severely from the late severe
weather, that it is doubtful whether they will prove worth saving, it is well
deserving of note, that with me at least, that very useful and hardy hybrid
Cabbage, the Fearnought, has been unscathed; and having used it somewhat
largely during the frost, I can from experience affirm that it is exceedingly
tender and delicious. Three years ago I obtained a packet of the seed,
sowed seed from it, and planted out the plants which were produced in the
following winter, when they began to display their real character. I found
that not more than one in twelve was true to description, but I saved a few
of the stems of the very best for seed, and from them my stock this season
has been perfectly correct. Fearnought Cabbage is dwarf, with foliage
somewhat curled, and of a purplish hue. It begins hearting-in about Christ¬
mas, and may be safely relied upon as a most useful vegetable during the
depth of winter. I would advise everybody to grow it.

A. D.

REMARKS ON FRUIT TREE CULTURE.— No. 17.

Do not let me be misunderstood, I am not desirous of throwing cold
water on our modern systems of pyramid culture, root-pruning, tree lifting,
and all connected with the restrictive system of management. I admire
them all, practise them with satisfactory results, and consider the necessary
operations as amongst the most interesting of any that a gardener has to
deal with ; but I cannot ignore the belief, that by interfering so much with
the functions of the trees we materially shorten their existence, and that
the true character of the tree, both as to its capability for productiveness,
and the size and flavour of the fruit, can only be obtained where it is
allowed to develope itself more in accordance with natural conditions. At
the same time, let me observe, that when I say free development of growth,
I do not intend to affirm that all the growth which the tree is inclined to
throw out is to be allowed to go on unchecked ; on the contrary, from the
earliest stages the hand of the pruner must be upon the tree to guide and
encourage, or restrain, as the case may be, or otherwise bend it to his will.

FEBRUARY.

23

Nor must lie relax his care when the trees are matured, otherwise through
excessive fruit-bearing they will lose the power of producing a sufficient
woody growth to keep up a healthy and free development, and a rapid decay
will ensue. In point of fact, the whole art of good management consists in
the maintenance of the balance, not only between the growth of wood and
production of fruit, hut also between the roots and branches ; the mutual
dependance of each upon the other for its own well-doing, is a beautiful
illustration of the wonderful laws of Nature, and will well repay the earnest
attention of the student.

In pruning we are generally too much inclined to look only to the pro¬
duction of fruit ; our minds have a natural bias in that direction, and this
has often such an influence upon our operations as to cause us to lose sight
of those grand principles by which a progressive and constant production of
fruit is influenced. We may rest assured, however, that this cannot he
carried on to any extent without a disturbance of the whole system of the
tree, since nothing (judgingfrom practical results, and leaving out scientific
physiological theories, although I believe they wmild hear us out), so com¬
pletely affects the vitality of the roots as excessive fruit-hearing, because it,
of course, by its superior powers of attraction and exhaustion prevents the
growth of the tree, and thereby influences the formation of roots. Hence,
then, we may infer the absolute necessity which exists for approximating
our treatment to the requirements of each governing principle, so that each
may have its due share of encouragement.

Now, where there is plenty of room for development these operations
may he carried on in the broadest and most liberal manner, combining both
pleasure and satisfaction in the management. The natural tendencies of
the trees, with regard to fruit-bearing, will, in such cases, develope them¬
selves with more certainty, and sometimes in a way very different from that
wre expected, which, by the way, forms a very good guide for our treatment
under the restrictive system. Our plans of pruning and management are,
as I have before remarked, concentrated upon fruit-bearing, and we are
accustomed to lay in such shoots as appear likely to produce fruit ; but very
often it is found that the tree absolutely rejects these shoots, and fills all
the short spurs and small weak shoots full to overflowing, wdiilst that on
the stronger shoots, although it sets well, is eventually thrown off, as
though it would say in mute language, “ My office is to keep up the stamina
of the tree by a liberal growth, to elaborate the food sent up by the roots,
and thus return to them that due proportion of strength to qualify them
for future exertion ; whereas, if I suffer this fruit to fasten on me, and feed
as it were on my very vitals, I shall lose the power of making growth, and
become prematurely aged and useless and the roots will infuse life into
some of the old dormant buds, and send up a vigorous growth of unfruitful
luxuriant wood.

All the preceding remarks are intended to direct the attention of the
young practitioner to the fact that there is a necessity for studying more
than the mere production of a present crop of fruit. I know that the
appearance presented by a large crop of fruit is very agreeable, and the
temptation to retain it very great. I have sometimes observed a hundred
fruits taken from a tree where thirty would have been ample — in fact, as
much as the tree could bear and at the same time keep up its strength and
vigour. The consequence of this overbearing is, that the tree will require,
on an average of three years, oftener more than less, to recover itself and
again attain its former degree of strength and vigour, so as to enable it to

24

THE FLOHIST AND FOMOLOGIST.

carry another large crop. But, supposing the hundred reduced to thirty, the
tree will carry on its vigour with the crop, and with care there is no reason
why there should not be forty the next year, and a progressive increase after¬
wards, the tree all the time increasing in growth and strength for future pro¬
duction, instead of having an interregnum of sickness and debility, out of
which it is often very difficult to recover it. One often reads accounts of
extraordinary crops of fruit produced by certain trees, and I am always led
to question the policy of taking such large crops. Certainly, looking at
such statements from a practical point of view, I should be greatly influenced
by the age and strength of the tree, as well as the amount of superficial
feet covered by it. If that is disproportionate I should not only doubt the
policy but the chance for anything like a crop again for some years. I
write from experience, having often made the experiment. To mention only
one notable instance — that of a healthy and vigorous Coe’s Golden Drop
Plum : about five years ago it was crowded with bloom-buds, and the fruit
set most abundantly ; I left on about four times the number of fruit which I
should have done under ordinary circumstances, and the consequence was
that three-fourths of it was only fit for tarts, the remainder but indifferent
dessert fruit. The crop in the following season amounted to seven fruits,
and I consider that the tree has only just now recovered from the exhaustion
induced by that excessive crop.

Redleqf. John Cox.

GARDENERS’ EXAMINATIONS.

Some of our readers may have been aware of the fact that Examinations
for Certificates have been held during the past year by the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society, and through its influence, also, by the Society of Arts, the
principal objects being at once to stimulate the mental faculties of young
gardeners, and to give them opportunities of distinguishing themselves. We
are among those who believe that the stimulus was wanted, for it was on all
hands admitted that young gardeners of the thoughtful, studious class, who
might be expected to win their way to professional honours, were much less
frequently met with than they were some quarter of a century ago. We
are, however, rejoiced to find that the old leaven which was at work in the
days we have alluded to, is not altogether exhausted, but that it still exists
in the lump, stirring up young men here and there to lay aside the frivolities
and thoughtlessness of the age, and to work perseveringly onwards. Verily
all who thus labour will have their reward.

It is something accomplished to have moved out of the beaten path, to
have broken the ice — in a word, to have made a start with these Examina¬
tions. That their occurrence last year was not half known, we believe; and
that many young men from diffidence failed to avail themselves of the oppor¬
tunities offered them, we cannot doubt. On the other hand, the force of
example is mighty ; and now that a few out of the professional ranks have
honourably distinguished themselves, we can scarcely doubt that the move¬
ment will be more generally appreciated, and the benefit more freely accepted
than it has yet been. Such, at least, ought to be the case. The Royal
Horticultural Society deserves meanwhile the thanks of the community for
having inaugurated the movement. It has done less wise and worthy things,
and for doing them has received more than its share of vituperation and
opposition ; it is therefore only just, when it does well with a good inten¬
tion, that it should receive commendation and support.

FEBRUARY.

25

There are, doubtless, men of a practical turn of mind who are ready to
question the advantages of Examinations of this kind, on the ground that they
are wholly theoretical and smack of book-learning, wiiile they themselves
hold that there is nothing like practice : but we must demur to this view of
the matter. The Examinations probe deeply into the practical knowledge of
the candidates. Men of natural talent may spring up here and there whose
inborn sense completely distances all the studies of such of their less fortunate
neighbours as have no such advantages ; hut taking men at the average,
we hold that the mind requires to he exercised in whatever subject the hands
may he engaged in, before the work which is to result can be intelligent
work ; and it is just this exercise and stimulus which Examinations furnish
in the case of the gardener. He may plod on at his daily task, week after
week and year after year, and he but little the wiser for it, or hut little better
fitted to act on his own resources ; but if he is set thinking about the very
same operations, he must be mentally blind indeed if he does not see a new
light bursting in upon him, and find that what was before to him unmean¬
ing routine has become from that time pregnant with purpose. The acqui¬
sition of knowledge serving to elucidate the duties of daily life is good for
us all, and not less so for the young gardener than for others. To acquire
this knowledge is one grand stage on the road towards success. To apply
it when acquired with tact and common sense, may be almost said to com¬
plete the journey.

We add to these remarks a brief statement of the results at the two
Examinations to which we have specially referred. That of the Society of
Arts took place in April, 1866, and the following were the Certificates
gained : —

CERTIFICATES.

. &

i a

Fruit *

NAME AND AGE.

J* fl

a

•rH

s 3

and

o &

O

Vegetable

M

b

Culture.

E. Brown, Salford — 25 . .

• •

3rd

• •

A. Dean, Southampton — 34

3rd

J. K. Dempster, Glasgow — 27 .

• •

2nd

• •

V -

J. Duncan, London — 22 . . . . . . . . . . )

O-^ A

Royal Horticultural Society’s Prize of £5 for Botany i

• •

Zna

Zna

• •

J. Godsepe, Chelmsford — 19

• •

3rd

• •

J. C. Higgs, Southampton — 25 . .

3rd

E. C. Kingston, Hull — 19 .. .. .. .. )

Royal Horticultural Society’s Prize of £1 for Botany i

3rd

3rd

3rd

2nd

W. OsboRNE, London — 25

3rd

3rd

A. Parsons, Burton — 22 . .

• •

3rd

* •

W. P. Roberts, Ipswich — 26 . . . . . . . . )

Society of Arts’ Prize of £5 for Pruit and V egetable Culture 1

• •

• •

-LSQ

G. Stanton, Slough — 25 . . . . . . . . . . )

Onrl

Society of Arts’ Prize of £5 for Floriculture . j

• •

• •

— I1U.

G. M. Woodrow, Richmond (Surrey) — 20 .. .. \

Society of Arts’ Prizes of £3 for Floriculture, and £3 for

Fruit and Vegetable Culture, and Royal Horticultural

3rd

3rd

1st

1st

Society’s Prize of £3 for Botany

At the Examination of the Royal Horticultural Society in December, 1866,
Mr. R. C. Kingston, of the Royal Gardens, Kew, and Mr. George Stanton,
of Berry Hall Gardens, Taplow, Maidenhead, won the distinction of being

26*

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

elected, on the report of the Examiners, as Associate Members of the Society.
The medal offered by the Council for the highest number of marks in
practical gardening — i.e., including Flower, and Fruit and Vegetable Culture,
was awarded to Mr. G. Stanton. The following Certificates were granted to
young gardeners, consisting of the Chiswick students and such others as
chose to present themselves in due form. Such results are very satisfactory
as a commencement, and we trust that they may encourage many other
young gardeners to avail themselves of the future opportunities which will
be afforded them thus to distinguish themselves : —

NAME.

CERTIFICATES.

Flori¬

culture.

Fruit

and

Vegetable

Culture.

George M. Woodrow, Royal Gardens, Kew, W.

Alexander Robinson, Chiswick Student

William Spinks, Chiswick Student . .

Brian Wynne, Chiswick Student

Thomas Wright, Chiswick Student ..

Henry Hannam, Chiswick Student . .

John M. Henry, Royal Gardens, Kew, W.

Frederick Thompson, Royal Gardens, Kew, W.

A. Jamieson, Royal Gardens, Kew, W.

John Stapley, Ovendon, Biddenden, Staplehurst ..

Thomas Waddington, Millfield House Gardens, Cobham . .

1st

2nd

1st

2nd

1st

1st

2nd

1st

1st

1st

1st

2nd

1st

2nd

2nd

2nd

2nd

2nd

2nd

While the subject is before us, we may further mention that the Society
of Arts will hold another Examination in Floriculture, and in Fruit and
Vegetable culture, early in April next, the full particulars of which may be
had of the Secretary, Adelphi, London ; but as an indication of the kind of
preparation needed, we may state that questions relating to any of the under¬

mentioned subjects may be put to the
In Floriculture —

Improvement of Paces in Plants, by what
means it can be commenced and carried for¬
ward.

Hybridisation, objects of.

Conditions necessary to ensure fertility in
Flowers.

Warming and Ventilation of Houses for
Plant Culture.

Influence of Ventilation on Plants confined
in forcing-houses.

Limits of Temperature endurable by Plants,
&nd how to turn this to advantage in Practical
Floriculture.

Bottom Heat, value of, in Plant Culture.

Watering, the rationale of, in the Culture
of Pot Plants.

_ Liquid Manures, special recommenda¬
tions of.

Food of Plants, how and whence derived,
and in what form received.

Propagation, the various modes of, and
their special adaptations.

candidates.

Vitality of Seeds, duration of, and how best
preserved.

Budding, Grafting, and Inarching, how
performed, and to what subjects best adapted.

Increase by cuttings and by layers.

Leaf-cuttings, how is it that they can
organise buds ?

Composts for various classes of plants.

Acclimatisation. Is it possible to increase
the hardiness of any race of plants, and what
are the most likely means ?

The leading Flowers of the different sea¬
sons, indicating those to be obtained naturally,
and those by artificial means.

Special Culture — Ferns, Orchids, Succu¬
lents, Heaths, Hardy Annuals, Bedding
Plants.

Text Books : — “ Lindley’s Theory and
Practice of Horticulture ” [Longmans).
“ M'Intosh’s Book of the Garden” ( Black -
zoood <£' Sons). “ Thompson’s Gardener’s
Assistant” ( Blackie & Son).

FEBRUARY.

27

In Fruit and Vegetable Culture —

Kinds of Fruits adapted for various soils
and exposures.

The Propagation, Pruning, and Training
of Fruit Trees.

The Structure and Functions of the Organs
of Trees, considered in their relation to growth
and reproduction.

The Forcing of Fruit Trees, and their cul¬
tivation under glass, both in and out of pots.

The Theory of Eipening, and the principles
that ought to regulate the preservation of
fruits after they are ripe, or their subsequent
maturation.

The Packing of Fruit for transmission to
great distances.

The Kinds and Quantities of Vegetable
Seeds and Roots required for cropping gardens
of given dimensions.

The Most Approved Mode of Culture of
the different kinds of Vegetable and Salads.

The Preparation of fermenting materials for
artificial heating.

The Forcing of Vegetables and Salads.

Soils, Water, Atmospheric Air, Light and
Heat in their relation to the successful culti¬
vation of Fruit and Vegetables.

Manures, and their application.

The Diseases and Insects to which Fruit
Trees and Vegetables are subject, and their
remedies.

The Erection, Heating, and Ventilation of
Garden Structures.

Text Books : — “ Lindley’s Theory and
Practice of Horticulture ” (Longmans). “The
Cottage Gardener’s Dictionary” ( Bell and
Daldy ). “ Hogg’s Fruit Manual,” Third

Edition (171, Fleet Street). “ Rivers’s
Miniature Fruit Garden ” (Longmans).
“ Brehaut’s Modern Peach Pruner ” (171,
Fleet Street).

The successful candidates at this Examination have an opportunity to
win, besides the usual Certificates of the 1st, 2nd, and Brd class, six prizes
in Botany, Floriculture, and Fruit and Vegetable Culture, offered by the
Society of Arts; seven prizes in the same subjects, offered by the Boyal
Horticultural Society; and three prizes in Floriculture, and Fruit and
Vegetable Culture, offered by the Proprietors of the Gardeners' Chronicle , the
winning of the latter prizes depending partly on a knowledge of Book¬
keeping or Mensuration. Let the candidates take this as their motto : —
Polina non sine jndvere.

GLADIOLI IN 1866.

[The valuable paper subjoined, written by one of the first cultivators
in the United Kingdom, and giving a statement of his doings during 1866,
both in the garden and at the exhibition tables, has recently been published
in the Gardeners' Chronicle.']

I planted five hundred of my best bulbs in five beds of one hundred
each (commencing about February 6th, and getting all in by about the
20th), in the richest soil I ever used for this flower, it being composed of
about one-lialf of sods left to rot for two years, and the remainder of rich
old manure. The beds were made in December, and the soil was turned and
mixed on every possible occasion up to planting-time. Each bulb had
sharp river sand placed under and over it as usual, and fully 4 inches of
the same rich soil was placed over all. The nice green shoots began to
appear about April 12th, and all were well up about the middle of May,
with just nine deaths — a very small per-centage, but I had gone over my
bulbs very carefully before planting, and thrown out every one that showed
symptoms of unsoundness, little black marks on the corner of the bulb being
a sure sign of future decay. I top-dressed twice in June with rich loam,
and mulched all in July heavily with good old manure. I gave water
moderately until about July 1st, and then very heavily for three or four
weeks, during the melting weather of that period, using strong liquid manure
about twice a-week, and ceasing watering finally about August 1st, when a

28

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

considerable change of temperature occurred. The results were magnificent ;
I had splendid spikes in profusion. I exhibited on nine occasions, taking
eight first and one second prize, one of the former a silver cup.

I have just (October 25th) taken up those five hundred bulbs with the
exception of a few still in bloom. Many came up doublets, and there were
several triplets; about a dozen turned yellow just before blooming, and died
off, and about another dozen, which had bloomed early, were rapidly
becoming black, and so of course worthless. There was little or no
spawn on this entire lot of five hundred. I shall in future take up any
choice sorts that bloom early, very soon after they have done. It does not
seem to do the slightest harm to take them up quite green and full of sap,
provided about 18 inches of the stalk be left to wither gradually.

My spawn of last season, and my undersized bulbs, I grew in two large
beds, in nice light rich soil with a good deal of sand. Many of them have
bloomed, giving fair medium-sized spikes, and all have taken up in prime
health, nice and plump and fleshy-looking, and nearly every bulb, from the
size of a marble upwards, was well laden with fine healthy well-developed
spawn. These little matters are well worthy of the consideration of
Gladiolus-growers. If you drive them — that is, grow them very rich, you
obtain grand spikes of bloom, some deaths, a fair increase of bulbs, and
little or no spawn. If you adopt the opposite system, and use light rich
sandy soil, you obtain moderate blooms, no deaths, and an immense progeny
of juveniles.

Next, as to novelties. I obtained as usual all Souchet’s new sorts for
1865 (three bulbs of each). Of Milton, one made no sign, it never came up,
and the other two grew on weakly, turned yellow in July, and died off; so
I have never seen Milton, but I am informed by those who have that it is
a fine flower. Of Newton, one bulb died, and two bloomed fairly, giving a
curiously coloured flower, rosy crimson shaded, dark brownish red feathers,
white throat, extra fine shape ; it will, I think, be a fine flower, but will require
an extra fine season. Of Byron, all three bloomed well, and increased
freely; colour rich ponceau, whitish straw throat, violet blotch, medium¬
sized bloom, middling shape. Next comes Shakespere, a splendid flower,
a rich creamy white, very light lilac feathers, throat straw and magenta
shaded, shape first-rate, spike excellent. And, last of all, we have Eury dice,
magnificent, white ground, rosy violet feathers, brownish shaded throat,
large flower, very fine spike. I really do not know which of these last two
flowers most to admire ; both are light grounds, both are very beautiful, and
in my opinion, a great advance on any existing variety. Our friend “ D.,
Deal,” (no mean judge of what a good flower should be) considers Eury dice
as good fully as one of Standish’s very best, which it resembles — namely,
Eleanor Norman, but I must say I like the foreigner much more. Shakes¬
pere and Eurydice are both fine vigorous growers, and seem first-rate in all
respects. If I were pressed to choose between the two, I think I would give
the palm to Shakespere for distinctness of style and colour.

The flowers of 1864 (Souchet’s) have, on the whole, done very well.
Madame Furtado is very fine as a light flower. Meyerbeer is very rich as
a dark shaded red. Madame de Sevigne is A1 in her own way, a decided
beat on such fine sorts as Le Poussin, &c. Fulton is a most splendid
shaded scarlet, but a little too thin. My seedlings of 1864 have grown well,
and many have bloomed ; but while several good flowers have appeared of
fair average merit, and distinct enough in themselves, still there are not
more than two or three which promise to be decided acquisitions. The seed

FEBRUARY.

29

sown when ripe in September, 1865, in pans, and planted out in April, and
the seed also sown in the open ground in April have done very well, having
grown wonderfully during the moist weather of September. The frost
which we had on two or three nights does not seem to have checked them
at all. And also two beds of seedlings which I left out last winter have
done very well, but were later in starting and blooming than those planted
in spring. There is a numerous lot of novelties offered this season. Some
sixteen or eighteen varieties have been announced by M. Souchet. I have
ordered three bulbs of each of these, and shall be entirely satisfied if the lot
gives me half a dozen sorts as good as the gems of the season just passed.

What the famed Ascot Nurseries of Standish & Co. are about to offer
in this way I know not, but I cannot refrain from stating that several of
the flowers raised by Mr. Standish at Bagshot or Ascot pleased me very
much this last season. I may particularise specially The Colonel, Ensign,
Lucy Neal, and Carminata — four as distinct and good flowers in their way
as any in cultivation.

Finally, I was strongly inclined last autumn to apply the pruning knife
freely to the list of Gladioli at present in cultivation ; however, I thought
it best to wait a little, and the result shows I was correct in doing so, as it
would have been very difficult, nay, almost impossible, to have made up the
classes for the exhibition tables for the early shows commencing on August
16th, without the aid of such good old standard varieties as Madame Binder,
Joan of Arc, Archimedes, Isoline, Madame Souchet, Madame de Vatry,
Due de Malakoff, Comte de Morny, &c. I believe these, and many other
varieties of the same standing, are still indispensable for those who grow and
exhibit largely.

Dublin. James F. Lombard.

COLOURING OF GRAPES.

In a paper at page 9 I made some remarks on badly-coloured Grapes ;
I wish now to mention that the berries of white or light-coloured varieties are
often, though less perceptibly, in the same state. For instance, White Syrian
and Muscats when badly ripened are bluish green, instead of being of the colour
of ripe Golden Drop Plums. I need hardly observe that both these kinds
require more heat than the hardier Grapes ; but even with that assistance,
if their leaves are injured, neither the fruit nor young wood come to proper
perfection. In such cases extra heat and sunshine will not affect the green-
coloured berries, nor ripen the soft wood, owing to the want of a proper supply
of nourishment from injured leaves. This reminds me to notice an error in
my last paper: it should be wood, not fruit “may remain green until
blackened by frost.” The other remarks, however, may apply to all other
kinds of badly-ripened Grapes, and likewise account in a great measure for
the “shanking” of Grapes before they ripen. Consequently, the great
object to secure in order to have not only properly-coloured Grapes, but all
kinds of fruit of proper colour, is to take great care of the health of the
leaves, without which one may as well expect to see good fruit as to see
kine grow fat with diseased lungs.

Having mentioned “ shanking,” I should notice that the White Syrian
is of very robust growth, but yet when grown in a low temperature it is as
liable to shank as other tender kinds of weak habit. But not so when
treated as Muscats should be ; then its fruit is excellent, and may keep
longer than any other of the late white Grapes. In general the bunches are

30

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

very large, and the berries oblong, indeed so large as to have led to the
conjecture that the Syrian Grape is the same kind as that which the Jewish
spies brought from Canaan, in which case the cluster was so large that “they
bore it between two upon a staff.” However, I have grown the Syrian
Grape many years, and never knew it fail when properly treated. The Vine
is certainly of a very distinct kind. I will send a few “ eyes ” of it to any
one, on the condition of the postage being paid.

Cossey Park, Norwich. J. Wighton.

NOTES AT THE FLORAL AND FRUIT COMMITTEES.

January 15 th.- — With the thermometer standing at 22°, how was it
possible there could be many, if any, subjects at this meeting of the Com¬
mittees ? A fewr things put in an appearance in spite of the severity of the
weather, the “Notes” on which will occupy but a small space compared
with previous records. Mr. John Mann, of Brentwood, had a small plant
of his cerise-scarlet Zonal Pelargonium Mimas, to show its character as
a winter-flowering kind. From Mr. Thomas Howes came a single Chinese
Primrose with variegated foliage, which was no advance on any of the varie¬
gated forms previously seen. Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son had a variety
of Soplironitis grandiflora, named Alexandrina, of a very striking shade of
rosy-crimson ; but it appears that this and other shades of colour appear
amongst imported plants, so that it was not regarded as a novelty. A cut
spike of an Oncidium, which was said to be closely allied to 0. serratum,
if not identical with it, came from Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York,
and a cut bloom of Brasavola cuspidata. The latter has a very rich perfume.
There were also cut specimens of Barkeria Skinneri and a Leelia, from
Mr. Hodges, gardener to E. Wright, Esq., Gravelly Hill, Birmingham.

A collection of Apples came before the Fruit Committee from Mr.
Whiting, of the Deepdene, Dorking ; and several dishes of Court of Wick
Apple were sent by Wentworth W. Buller, Esq., Strete Raleigh, Exeter.
Messrs. Lucombe, Pince & Co., of Exeter, sent a bunch of their new black
Grape, Mrs. Pince’s Black Muscat, an excellent keeping Grape. This bunch
had been hanging for a considerable time, but the berries were quite plump ;
it appeared, however, to have lost some of the Muscat flavour during preser¬
vation., -D -p.

H. Dean.

BACKHOUSE’S BROCCOLI AND TURNER’S LITTLE

GEM PEA.

I amongst many others feel very much indebted to the Messrs. Backhouse,
of York, and to Mr. Charles Turner, of Slough — to the former for their
distinct Broccoli, and to the latter for his Little Gem Pea.

As regards the Broccoli, I first had a packet of the seed in 1865, and
thus finding out its inestimable qualities I furnished myself with a good
supply for the past year. As it succeeds the autumn Cauliflower, I find it
doubly valuable, because I am acquainted as yet with no other sort which
does so. On the same piece of ground I sowed on the same day Snow’s
Winter, Osborn’s, Grange’s, and Gillispie’s. The last two, however, were of
no service to me as Winter Broccoli, and Snow’s Winter I never found of
any use until spring, when numerous other sorts come into use.

As regards Little Gem Pea, it is all that I could desire, and will, I am

FEBRUARY.

81 '

sure, be so to many others when they give it a trial. It grows a little over
a foot high, is very productive, and the produce is of first-rate quality. Its
dwarf productiveness so astonished me that I determined to try it in pots
during the winter. About the first week in September I took a few dozen
eight-inch pots, which were three parts filled with soil ; I then placed about
a dozen of the Peas round the sides of each pot, and filled the remainder up
with the soil. The following is the result. In the month of December
they produced three dishes, and now they are covered with blossoms and pods.
Again, in the middle of October I sowed another batch, which is equally
healthy, and will yield pods fit to gather about the 1st of March. I must
not omit to say, that there are no symptoms of mildew, but the plants are
as healthy as possible. It seems to me, from the trial which I have made,
that if space will admit, we may have Peas all the year round.

Sandringham. - W. Carmichael.

ON CONIFERS.

( Concluded from page 7.)

The severe frost of December, 1860, following a summer remarkable
for its long continuance of wet weather, low temperature, and absence of
bright sunshine — all conditions very unfavourable for the ripening of wood,
made sad havoc among Conifers, and not only among the more tender sorts,
but also among those that were considered perfectly hardy. This, for a
time, acted as a check on the planting of Conifers. Many persons imagined,
from the wholesale destruction of fine specimens which they witnessed, that
the cultivation in our climate of the species killed was almost hopeless, not
considering how very exceptional the season of 1860 was.

Because many perfectly hardy Conifers were killed in different parts of
the country in 1860, we must not on that account consider them too tender
for our climate ; it would be very unpliilosophical to do so. We may with
as much propriety class our common Holly among tender shrubs, because
many hundreds of trees were killed that season by the frost, and many of
the dead boles may yet be seen in the hedges in various parts of the country.
All low, flat places suffered most in 1860. We had some losses here, but
on the whole escaped better than the generality of places in this part,
principally, no doubt, in consequence of the high and undulating character
of the ground. Among the losses were the following : —

Araucaria imhricata. — Some plants of this Conifer were killed and
others were severely injured. Some of the latter have now quite recovered.
We have not planted any since 1860.

Pinas insignis. — There were several fine plants of this, all of which were
completely killed. One of these was a superb young tree, the handsomest
specimen of its size that I had ever seen. It had been planted ten years,
and was the admiration of every person who saw it. It was in an exposed
situation, and had stood every winter uninjured except that of 1859-60 (in
which there had been a long continuance of severe frost), when the foliage
was slightly browned. This fine plant was completely killed that season ;
we have not planted any since.

Gupressus macrocarpa. — Of this we had a very fine promising specimen.
It was completely killed, as were also several fine young plants of C. torulosa
and C. funebris. Of these we have planted none since. With the excep¬
tion of a few plants of Cedrus Deodara, these include our principal losses
in Conifers from the frost of 1860.

32

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Cedrus Deodar a. — A few fine young specimens of this were killed in 1860,
and some more were so much injured that we removed them. Nearly the
whole of these were in low or confined situations. All those on high ground
and in exposed places escaped uninjured. Our highest trees were all planted
in 1852 ; the height of the tallest is now 25 feet. There is a very consider¬
able diversity of character among them, some running up with a fine bole
and small branches, and others growing more dense and spreading in the
branches, the former I suspect are from cuttings and the latter from seed.
The handsomest specimen we have was a small tree in 1860. It stood with¬
out receiving the slightest injury in a very exposed situation. It is only
15 feet high, but is as many feet through, and the branches, wrhich are very
pendent, are as dense as a Furze bush. It was planted ten years ago where
an old sunk fence had been just filled up with very strong clay, and the plant
at present is in the most robust health. Our next best specimen is also growl¬
ing in a strong clayey soil, well drained of course. I need hardly remark
that a strong clay soil undrained is very unsuitable for Conifers. We have
a younger plant than any of these, that promises to outstrip them in
rapidity of growth, in graceful habit, and robust health. It is growing in
gravelly soil of considerable depth in a situation fully exposed to sun and
air, but sheltered from the west winds by large trees at a considerable
distance from it. Besides these, there are also a number of fine young
specimens growing in different parts of the park and the grounds, some in
sandy soil (and these only make slow progress), others in gravelly soil, and
others again in clay soils.

Cedrus Libcini. — There are two noble trees of this Conifer in the park,
growing on rising ground in a soil of a gravelly nature and subsoil of clay.
They exhibit great robustness and health, but, unfortunately, they were
planted too close together. The branches of both have long since become
interlaced. There is a number of smaller trees of different ages and sizes in
the grounds, but they have not made very rapid progress of late years.
The late frosts in spring oftentimes kill the leader and young growth, giving
them a rather stunted appearance.

Cedrus atlantica. — We consider this by far the most ornamental of all
Conifers, and have in consequence planted it largely. We have planted
upwards of 1,500 of it altogether, varying from 10 inches to 10 feet in
height, and in a great variety of aspects, situations, and soils. It grows
best where the soil is of a strong loamy nature, and worst where it is very
light and sandy, and where there is a deal of vegetable matter. We have
none of any great height, the tallest being only 20 feet ; of this height we
have several, but our best specimen is a much younger plant than these.
It is only 16 feet high, and is the same in diameter of branches, and beauti¬
fully furnished from the bottom. It has only been planted nine years, and
was then only 30 inches high. The place where it is growing is, however,
newly-made ground, and in that particular spot there had been a hollow
which was filled up with good, strong turfy loam from the park, and in this
it was planted. This Conifer is hardier, and grows much stronger and more
rapidly than either the C. Libani or C. Deodara. It does not begin to grow
so early in the spring as C. Libani and Deodara, consequently the young
growth never gets injured by late frosts as it does on those trees.

Abies Douglasii. — There is a number of very promising specimens in
different parts of the grounds ; the tallest, 33 feet high, was planted in its
present situation eleven years ago. It is very exposed to the south-west
winds, and the branches on that side have suffered a good deal. Most of

FEBRUARY.

33

the plants here make very long growths, and some in consequence are not
so dense as could be desired. One specimen, growing in sandy soil on the
highest part of the park, is a very promising plant ; the branches are very
dense, and the foliage very dark. There is a very great diversity of
character among the lot.

Abies Albertiana and canadensis. — There are several very promising plants
of both.

Abies Menziesii. — There is one good specimen of this very beautiful
Spruce. It is growing in strong clay soil. There was even a better speci¬
men, growing also in strong clay soil, but it had to be removed a few years
since in consequence of alterations in the place.

Abies Morinda or Smithiana. — There are a few very promising young
specimens of this Fir. They are very dense in habit and make free growth,
especially the leading shoots.

Cryptomeria japonica. — We had two specimens of this, which stood the
winter of 1860-61 uninjured; but they grew so thin that we did not consider
them sufficiently ornamental to retain them, and so we had them cut down.
C. elegans promises better.

Cupressus Lawsoniana. — There is a number of young plants from 3 to
6 feet high, all growing very freely.

Picea balsamea. — Several small trees planted a few years since.

Picea cephalonica. — There are several very promising young specimens,
the tallest being something over 13 feet high, and the same in diameter of
branches. For its size, age, health, and vigour, this is really a superb
young tree. It is screened from the morning sun by some tall trees grow¬
ing at a considerable distance from it ; this prevents it from budding so
early in the spring as it would do if exposed fully to the morning sun, and
the late spring frosts, when they occur, are gone before the sun gets to it.

Picea lasiocarpa (Parsonsii or Lowii) . — This is one of the most beautiful
of all Californian Firs. There are several young specimens growing very
freely in a strong loamy soil.

Picea nobilis, and nobilis robusta or magnifica. — We have a great number
of thriving young plants growing in a deep loamy soil.

Picea Nordmanniana. — There is a number of promising young specimens
of this Fir ; the tallest is 10 feet high, and would have been more, but, un¬
fortunately, it lost its leader last season, I believe through small birds
perching on it ; it (the lead), was of great length, very soft and brittle,
and the slightest weight on its end would snap it off. We have also a great
number of smaller plants.

Picea Pinsapo. — Several very fine young specimens, all growing freely
in strong loamy soil.

Pinas austriaca. — Of this fine, free-growing Conifer we have a great num¬
ber of thriving young trees, growing in varieties of soils and situations. It
seems to grow best in a strong loam with a clay subsoil.

Pinas Benthamiana. — We have a few plants of this Pine; they grow
freely, but so very thin and lanky that we do not think it very ornamental.

Pinas Cernbra. — A few good plants. It grows but slowly.

Pinas excelsa. — Several promising plants, which stood the frost of 1860
uninjured. This is a magnificent Pine when fully grown.

Pinas Lambertiana. — There was a good specimen of this here, which had
to be removed in consequence of some alterations.

Pinus pyrenaica. — There is one very promising plant of this very beauti¬
ful Pine here.

34

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Finns Strobus. — A great number of young trees of recent planting, all
doing well, particularly those growing in clay soil.

Taxodium sempervirens. — There is one nice plant here. It stood out the
winter of 1860-61 uninjured. It is growing in a gravelly soil and a
sheltered, dry situation.

Taxodium, distich'um. — Several thriving young plants.

Thujopsis borealis. — Some promising young specimens of this Conifer.

Thuja Lobbii. — Several very fine young plants of this.

Wellingtonia gigantea. — A number of fine specimens. The tallest is
16 feet high, the next 15 feet, and the next 14 feet ; all the others are under
this height. We have them growing in a great variety of soils and situ¬
ations. Those in strong loamy soils are growing the best.

We have also some small plants of Retinospora obtusa, Sciadopitys
verticillata, and others ; but as we have not had them long, nor planted
them extensively, I cannot say much about them. From present appearances
I am very sanguine about them.

We have not so great a variety as may be met with in many places ;
but of those that are highly ornamental and perfectly hardy we have
planted very extensively, and, with very few exceptions, no trees could
possibly be doing better. With the exception of a few Cedars of Lebanon,
all the others have been planted within the last sixteen years, most of them,
indeed, within the last ten years, consequently we have no very large speci¬
mens ; but there are thousands of very promising ones, which, in a few
years, will be superb trees. We apprehend nothing from frosts however
severe they may be ; our worst enemy is the west wind, to which some
portions of the grounds are a good deal exposed.

Stourton. M. Saul.

ON STOCKS.

Just now, when seed lists are being searched and ^orders are being dis¬
patched by intending growers, a few words under the above heading may be
of service to those who grow Stocks, but are not intimately acquainted with
the classes in which the many varieties are grouped. Seed lists are gene¬
rally too heavily freighted with “ collections of imported Stocks,” some of
them containing from twelve to twenty-four supposed colours, but of this
number only a very few are really distinct and fitted to appear in the garden.
In order to get only distinct colours some seedsmen import their own

colours _ that is, they make a selection of some six or eight of the most

decided colours, and make up their own collections. This involves a con¬
siderable amount of labour, but the buyer is much benefited by it, as
o-enerally the flowers will be of such colours as crimson, white, blue, purple,
rose, and similar shades, and not such as ash-grey, brick red, black-brown,
and others of dubious character.

The best class of Stocks for general garden decoration is the Large-
flowering Ten-Week German, as the imported varieties are termed. The
plants grow from about 9 to 12 inches in height, and from 70 to 80 per cent,
of them invariably come double. They remain in bloom a considerable
time, as in addition to the leading spike of flowers a great many smaller
shoots spring out from the plant on all sides, and from this habit they have
been termed “ branching Stocks.” For cut blooms this class is invaluable ;
and I have known them remain in bloom for a long period when the summer

FEBRUARY.

35

and autumn months have proved fine and genial, A dwarfer form of this
strain has been termed the “ Dwarf Pyramidal Large-flowering,” evidently
a “ selection ” from the foregoing. These are dwarfer and closer in hahit,
very free-blooming, as is the taller- growing strain, and they do not embrace
so great a variety of colours, though happily, at least at present, they appear
to be composed mainly of decided colours. These representatives of the
imported Ten-Week section deserve to be generally grown, for they are
eminently useful for out-door decoration, but in hot wTeather they should
be freely watered wdiere the soil is dry or gravelly.

I have seen some marvellously fine things in Ten-Week Stocks of a
taller growth than the foregoing, that have been denominated Giant Ten-
Week, and well they have deserved -the appellation. They grow from 15 to
18 inches high, and the leading spike of flowers is something wonderfully
fine. They resulted from a selection out of some of the Continental Ten-
Weeks ; the seed is now regularly ripened and harvested in England, and
the per-centage of double flowers is fully equal to the German-grown
kinds. They embrace three colours — scarlet, purple, and white, and are
really of great use for exhibition, as well as decorative purposes.

Another English strain, equally fine and valuable, is one styled Pyra¬
midal. They grow nearly as tall as the Giant Ten-Weeks, but branch
more from the base of the plant upward. They thus form something of a
pyramid in shape : hence their designation. I have inspected these for
several years past, and have frequently recommended them to exhibitors of
the Stock because of their special fitness for the exhibition table. Confined
hitherto to only two colours— violet and scarlet, an accession has been
received since last season in the form of a selection from the violet of an
azure or pale blue, quite a gem in its way, if the colour of the original
type can only be perpetuated, as no doubt it can be, as the other colours
were originally selections, and have been transmitted from season to season
with the hue of colour unaltered, and the quality of the plants unimpaired.

The very best Intermediate Stocks I have ever seen were also from
English strains. The old Scarlet variety, so pleasant to the eye in the spring
and early summer months in Covent Garden Market, is now companioned
by a white variety of good quality, but, from what I have seen, a little
taller in growth. This may have been an accident of cultivation, and not
a normal defect of the flower, if a defect it be.

I saw last summer a selection from some German Dwarf Bouquet Stocks
of a kind of Annual Intermediate, that, sown early in the spring and grown
on in pots, would, I think, flower between the Intermediate and the Ten-
'Week and Pyramidal varieties. The colour was bright crimson — a very
desirable shade, the habit quite dwarf, and yet vigorous and free. When
sown at the same time as the ordinary Ten-Week Stock, if flowers a little
later, if subjected to the same treatment.

Such weather as we have lately passed through — a kind of winter that
had almost gone out of the remembrance of some of us, and had not
entered into the experience of others — is almost enough to cause growers of
the Stock to give up the cultivation of Capes, and Emperors, and Queens,
and Bromptons — the kinds that flower early in the spring. What a general
decimation of these there must have been ! There is such a difficulty expe¬
rienced in wintering them, even in mild seasons, that it does tend to curtail
the area of their cultivation considerably. Still, some succeed remarkably
well, notably, those who save seed, and those who supply Covent Garden
Market with the cut flowers from the same.

36

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

The collections of Brompton Stocks are always imported from the Con¬
tinent, though so much seed is saved in England. The scarlet Brompton
generally produces seed pretty plentifully, but the white and purple are
both often very scarce. A very fine strain of the scarlet colour is known
as the Scarlet Giant, and when it can be obtained true the flowers are very
fine, and the colour in keeping with the quality of the flowers.

Some cultural notes must be given next month, as this paper has grown
into an almost immoderate length.

Quo.

WINTERING BEDDING PELARGONIUMS.

On paying a visit a short time since to one of the largest gardens in our
neighbourhood, I was much struck with the manner in which the gardener
wintered his large stock of struck cuttings of Bedding Pelargoniums. Having
to bed out about twenty thousand plants every year, and the accommodation
for them being limited, he was driven to adopt various shifts and con¬
trivances, and this is one of them.

His Pelargonium cuttings are all struck in the autumn in the open
ground. When well rooted they are carefully taken up with as much root
as possible, a handful of moss is placed around the roots, and tied with
bast, and they are then stowed away as closely as possible in frames.
Thrice the number can thus be housed that could be stored away when potted
in large 60’s, and the plants withstand damp even better than in pots. In
spring they are turned out in a sheltered situation, some loose fine soil is
shaken well about them, and what little protection they may require is
given ; likewise now and then a good soaking overhead through the rose.
By this mode of treatment the plants required for the beds will be found to
have some fine balls of roots, which far more readily attach themselves to
the soil than those turned out of pots.

The gardener summed up the advantages of the system thus : — “ You
want neither pots nor mould ; you may stow three in the place of one ;
may throw them about and break nothing ; may remove them with great
ease ; may save a large amount of expense and labour ; and finally, may turn
out as good plants as you could from pots.” To amateurs especially this
simple plan of wintering bedding Pelargoniums, must greatly commend
itseif. A. D.

NEW PLANTS.

The cry is, Still they come ! We might fancy that the supply must at
least diminish, if not altogether fail, when w~e consider the vast number of
the novelties which have been added to our collections during the last quarter
of a century. For we do not now speak of New Plants in the shape of
Seedlings. Come they do, and come they must, year after year, in myriads,
leaving “ something accomplished,” some advance made or fresh stand-point
gained, as the memento of each revolving season; but we rather in this paper
refer to New Plants imported from their native homes, and of these we find
no diminution in the number of those which have, during the past season,
been brought under the notice of the public.

Amongst the many it is of course to be expected that a large proportion
will not rise above, if even they reach up to mediocrity ; but there are some
plants of sterling merit, which will leave their mark on the year 1866, and

FEBRUARY.

37

to these we now propose to refer briefly, under the sub-divisions of Stove,
Greenhouse, and Hardy plants.

It is amongst Stove plants that the greatest acquisitions have been made,
and of these the groups of foliage plants and Orchids have been most
highly favoured. Of other Stove plants which will be grown for their
blossoms, we have gained two entirely new and very ornamental genera of
Acantliaceous plants, which will rival the best of those already grown.
Sanchezia nohilis is one of them, and is remarkable for its long tubular yellow
flowers disposed in large erect panicles, which have their parts subtended
by broad ovate crimson bracts. The other is named Ancylogyne longiflora,
and this, too, bears large panicles of tubular flowers, only the panicles are
here drooping, and flowers, calyces, pedicels, and ramifications of the
panicle, are alike of a rich vinous purple colour. Both these are from
Tropical America, and both have been introduced by Messrs. Veitch & Sons.
A third flowering stove plant of undoubted merit, is the Passiflora fulgens,
introduced from Brazil by M. Linden through his collector Mr. Wallis, and
which adds to a somewhat remarkable form of foliage, having the sinuate
outline which reminds one of an Oak leaf, a profusion of brilliant scarlet-
crimson blossoms, set off with an orange-scarlet coronet barred with white.
Nothing that we cultivate resembles any of these; and we might add to them
the pretty little Rudgea or Psychotria nivosa, a native of Parana, shown at
the great International Exhibition by M. Linden, an evergreen shrub, with
erect stems, elliptic-oblong leaves, and terminal cymes of snow-white woolly
tubular flowers.

The year which has witnessed the first public exhibition and recognition
of such a glorious plant as Cattleya Douiana marks an era in Orchid-growing.
It was, indeed, flowered in 1865 by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, to whom the credit
of its introduction is due, but owing to trade exigencies it was only towards
the latter part of 1866 that the public were permitted to make acquaintance
with the plant, a specimen of which, acquired from the Messrs. Veitch, was
shown in blossom by Mr. J. Bateman, and delighted the eyes of all who
saw it. It may be described as the counterpart of C. labiata in habit, and
in the size and character of its flowers ; but the latter have the sepals and
petals of a rich nankin yellow, and the broad frilled lip of a uniform rich
puce purple, traversed throughout by radiating golden veins. This unique
and splendid Cattleya comes from Costa Bica. Scarcely less valuable an
acquisition is the Saccolabium giganteum , of which the Messrs. Veitch have
obtained plants from Rangoon, but which, though in the country previously
under the name of Vanda densiflora, has not till now been accessible. It
is a stout-growing epiphyte, with the habit of other Saccolabiums, and with
densely-flowered pendent spikes of flowers, which are nearly of the same
shape as those of Saccolabium violaceum (Vanda violacea), but larger, both
sepals and petals being cream-coloured, the latter bearing a row of amethyst-
coloured dots. The lip is of a very intense amethyst colour, enlivened by
darker amethyst-coloured veins, the lateral ones radiating outwards. The
smell is deliciously aromatic, and at the same time remarkably powerful.
Very striking in colour and a most showy and ornamental plant is the
Oncidium Marshallianum, from South America, a species allied to 0. crispum,
but with large flowers of a rich golden yellow — a colour too little cared for
of late amongst new Orchids, but most valuable in the Orchid-house or the
exhibition table. Another debutante of the season has been the lovely Den -
drobium thyrsiflorum , which is, perhaps, the best of Messrs. Low’s introduc¬
tions from Moulmein. It has much the habit of D. densiflorum, its lovely

38

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

racemes of white and gold being produced in the same style, but they are
larger and handsomer. The year’s acquisitions in this department of cul¬
ture are, however, not yet exhausted, Eangoon having given to Messrs.
Veitcli the new Vanda Bensoni, a commendable species allied to V. furva,
with the flowers white outside, yellow spotted and streaked with brown
within, while the lip is ruby-coloured marked with purple and yellow spots ;
and Ecuador having furnished to the Messrs. Backhouse & Son the pretty
little Mesospinidium sanguineum, a cool Orchid, which will no doubt im¬
prove on further acquaintance, and which bears a short branching panicle
of glossy rose-coloured flowers, issuing from the base of a prettily mottled
pseudobulb.

Among Foliage plants the accessions are very numerous. We may
instance first a new Fern, Adiantum velutinum, remarkable for its tall stature,
its fine spreading decompound fronds, and its dimidiato-oblong deorsely
falcate pinnules, quite a major domo amongst the stove Maiden-hairs ; and
next Adiantum Lindeni , another stove Maiden-hair, of elegant habit, but
smaller than velutinum, with pentangular tripinnate fronds, and large oblong
dimidiate deorsely-falcate pinnules. The first of these comes from Colum¬
bia, the second from the Amazons, and both were introduced by M. Finden,
and have passed into the hands of Mr. Bull. One of the finest plants in
this group is no doubt the Anthurium regale , as M. Linden calls it, a plant
which, with all the good qualities of A. magnificum, obviously differs from
it in the more tapered and acuminated form of its leaves, the colouring and
shading being alike in both. Dichonscmdra musaica, another of Linden’s
plants, gives us a new and elegant type of variegation, for its deep green
leaves are, as it were, marked out with a pattern in mosaic of white trans¬
verse zigzag lines, and the plant is one of striking beauty. Diefenbachia
Weirii, introduced by the unfortunate Weir, proves to be a very distinct and
attractive plant, with leaves apparently smaller than in the other Dieffen-
bacliias in cultivation, and in the best form — for there are more than one —
finely variegated in the centre with motley markings of a yellowish green,
bordered by the deeper green margin. In Pandanus distichus , purchased
from the French gardens by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, we get, as has been
observed, the elegant Screw Pine, no longer a screw, but spreading out its
leaves like a monster fan. In Acalypha tricolor , introduced from New Cale¬
donia by Mr. J. G. Veitch, we have another distinct and most characteristic
type of variegation, and indeed a new colour amongst variegated plants, its
blotches and patches of flame-colour or coppery red, distributed over the
broad-surfaced foliage, being quite unlike anything previously known in our
gardens, and affording a remarkable contrast when associated with other
plants. In Fittonia argyroneura, a Peruvian plant, introduced by Mr. Bull,
we gain a lovely companion for Fittonia (or Gymnostachyum) Verschaffeltii,
with its red-veined green leaves, and a plant of great beauty in itself, for
nothing can be more charming than its foliage of bright clear green traversed
by carefully-pencilled veinings of the purest white. The Dracaena albo-
marginata, brought by Mr. J. G. Veitch from the Solomon Isles, is a most
promising plant, with white leaf-margins, but has not yet been seen in a
well-developed state. Mr. Bull’s Terminalia elegans, from Madagascar, a
shrub, with trifoliate leaves having lanceolate leaflets marked with a red costa,
and elegantly reticulated with dark veins on a glossy pale green ground, is,
moreover, no doubt a plant of much merit. Finally, we have added to the
beautiful genus Maranta (including Calathea), not only M. Lindeniana ,
which rivals the exquisitely painted M. Veitchii, but the scarcely less

FEBRUARY.

39

beautiful M. iUustris and 31. roseo-jncta ; while at the great International
Show M. Linden produced no fewer than twenty-five additional novelties of
this family, several of which, though not equalling in beauty the species
we have named, will be welcome additions to our stoves, and will give us
in the Maranta family alone, the means of forming a very choice and varied
collection of plants of ornamental foliage.

Of Greenhouse Flowering plants — between which and half-hardy sub¬
jects the line is not very easily drawn — perhaps the gorgeous Chilian
Amaryllid, Habranthus fulgens, introduced by Messrs. Backhouse & Son,
claims a first place, as will be apparent wdien we state that it has flowers of
the richest scarlet, and almost rivals a Hippeastum in magnitude. Our col¬
lections of greenhouse Bulbs have received further accessions in the beautiful
Sparaods pulchernma and Gladiolus Papilio , of Southern Africa, species which,
it may be hoped, will serve to engage the sympathies of cultivators once
more on behalf of the beautiful South African genera, Ixia, Sparaxis,
Homeria, Gladiolus, and their allies, and secure for them a share of the
favour of modern gardeners, which they richly merit. The Sparaxis, with
its large bell-shaped blood-red flowers in gracefully deflexed panicles, and
the Gladiolus with its delicately-tinted and beautifully-marked 'widely-
expanded flowers, are well worth growing on their own account. Finally,
in this category, we have to mention two neat trailing species of Nierem-
bergia , named respectively N. Veitchii, from Tucuman, and N. rividaris , from
La Plata, the first with obovate-oblong leaves, and long-tubed lilac flowers,
and the second with the leaves oblong-spathulate, and the flowers of a
creamy white, both half-hardy perennials, which may afford some useful
variety where it is always acceptable — namely, in our summer flower
gardens.

Amongst New Greenhouse Foliage plants occur several Ferns, and
notably two New Caledonian Lomarias, of great interest and beauty. One
of these is Lomaria ciliata, which promises to be a charming dendroid
species, and is remarkable for its curious retusely-Iobed fringed fronds. The
other is Lomaria gibba Bellii, in which one of the most elegant of cultivated
species has yielded us a still more beautiful ramose and cristate variety. A
third Fern from the same island, Asplenium nova Caledonia, is scarcely less
ornamental, for having its decompound fronds cut up into a multiplicity of
rachiform segments, it must necessarily rank amongst the more elegant of
its race. These three are plants requiring a warm greenhouse. The
more temperate greenhouse and plant case have had a valuable accession
in the new Pteris serrulata polydactyla, which may be welcomed as a graceful-
habited many-fingered form of one of the commonest but yet one of the most
elegant and useful evergreen Ferns in cultivation. We have also become
acquainted during the past year with at least two variegated Ferns of the
half-hardy (possibly Lardy), class. These are both handsomely marked,
and they are all the more interesting, since before their appearance the
honour of representing variegated Ferns in our gardens seemed to have
been appropriated by the Pteris family. One of the new acquisitions is
Athyrium Goringianmn pictum, a graceful summer-fronded plant, having tri¬
angular pendent bipinnate fronds, the pinnae marked with red midribs, which
have a grey band on either side. The other is Lastrea Sieboldii variegata, a
stately and striking half-hardy evergreen Fern, in which the broad divisions of
the frond are distinctly striated in a transverse direction with white bars.
Then wre have just seen added to our collections of dwarf pitcher-leaved
plants the curious Sarracenia psittacina, an inhabitant of the Southern

40

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

States of America, a species which presents us with quite a novel feature
in that family, for its pitcher-like leaves, which have an incurved limb like
a parrot’s head, are spread out horizontally from the crown. From its
remarkable habit, its singular form, and the pretty veining of its pleasingly
coloured leaves, this species may certainly take rank, on the score of
curiosity, among the desirable acquisitions of the year. Finally, in this
catagory, we must mention the Coleus Gibsoni, a softwooded plant, intro¬
duced from New Caledonia, and having a more sturdy habit than the
favourite C. Verschaffeltii ; this has been under trial during the past sum¬
mer as a bedding plant, and so far as we have seen has met with but
partial success. It is chiefly remarkable for the almost black veining on
the under surface of the leaves, but is very variable in the amount of colour
it presents.

Good Hardy plants of distinct character have not been so abundant as
the more tender subjects, which we have already run over. Among Flower¬
ing Shrubs there is the Japanese Desmodium pendidiflo rum , which appears to
have hitherto borne the winters of Holland, the young growth being an¬
nually cut back to the old wood. This is quite novel in character, and very
graceful in habit, producing a profusion of summer shoots, which are long,
gracefully nodding, and freely branched, and bear trifoliate leaves, and a
profusion of pendant racemes of small reddish-purple blossoms. Daphne
Genkwa, introduced from Japan to the Russian gardens, bears such a pro¬
fusion of large bluish-lilac flowers that the branches look not unlike sprigs
of Lilac ; this, therefore, appears likely to prove useful. The French
gardens give us two new Mock Oranges, but they appear to be garden
seedlings. One is Philadelphus Keteleeni, and is said to have semi-double or
nearly double white sweet-scented flowers ; the other is P. tomentosus, also
white-flowered and sweet-scented, but with blossoms 2£ inches in diameter.

Amongst Evergreen Shrubs attention has been directed specially to a
kind of Portugal Laurel, named Primus lusitanica azorica, which appears to
be very much superior both in foliage and flowers to the old Portugal Laurel,
and must, therefore, be a valuable addition to that group of most useful
plants — the hardy evergreen shrubs.

Among Hardy Trees the Golden Alder, Alnus glutinosa aurea, is probably
the most striking of our acquisitions, and well adapted to beautify planta¬
tions and pleasure grounds, the materials for which, already both extensive
and effective, are apparently noW engaging some of the attention they
deserve. Populus nivea Solomonii is likely to be another useful tree in the
landscape, resembling the Abele ; it is said to have pendent twigs and irre¬
gular cordiform leaves, which are shining as if varnished above, and thickly
clothed with snow-white tomentum beneath. The golden-variegated Welling-
tonia gig ante a, aureo-variegata is another capital subject as a hardy variegated
tree, the markings of the branches and twigs being such as to render it
really a handsome object, while its growth is not at all sickly, as is too
often the case with variegated trees.

We have very little to notice amongst Perennial and Annual Herbaceous
plants of the hardy class. Among the former the new striped Grass, Poa
trivialis vanegata , at first named Cgnosurus, is one of the best and most
useful, and being of a free-growing and accommodating habit, either in the
flower garden or the plant-house, and having its leaves distinctly and
elegantly variegated, this beautiful variety may fairly claim to be regarded
as the most charming of all small-growing variegated Grasses. Another
Grass of elegant habit has been introduced from China to the French gar-

FEBRUARY.

41

dens. It is called Bambusa Simonii, and produces numerous stems wliicli
grow 10 feet high in a season, and have the leaves 10 or 12 inches long,
some of them striped with white and others quite green. Of Annuals, the
Swan River Helipterum Cotula, a slender branching plant, with white or
yellow flower-heads, and belonging to the race of “Everlastings,” will
he probably the most useful. ,T

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

The severity of the Weather during the
first three weeks of the year has been a sub¬
ject of unusual interest to all classes, rich as
well as poor, and not to horticulturists and
meteorologists only, with whom even slight
climatic variations have an importance which
they do not assume in the eyes of other
people. Karely, indeed, has the thermometer
been known to descend so low in this country ;
and for the last half century the only instances
of frost of similar intensity near London
were in 1838, still remembered by many as
Murphy’s year, and in December, 1860. On
the 19th of January, 1838, the minimum ther¬
mometer at Chiswick registered 4|° below
zero; on the 28th of December, 1860, 1° below
zero ; but on the morning of the 5th of
January in the present year two instruments
alike indicated 11° below zero, as the lowest
point reached during the previous twenty-
four hours — a degree of cold never before re¬
corded near London. Other thermometers in
the neighbourhood indicated a similar tempe¬
rature, and even so early on the evening of
the 4th as five o’clock, the thermometer was
below zero. It may here be observed that
there is much difficulty in obtaining a really
accurate thermometer, simple as the instru¬
ment is, and that even when such an one is
obtained, some care is necessary to prevent
its indications being affected by radiation
from buildings and other sources of heat, and
by the mode in which it is hung.

The late frost was most severe in the valley
of the Thames, and it would appear that it
reached its greatest intensity at Ch'swick,
which lies in a sort of basin, with the high
grounds of Acton and Ealing to the north
and north-west, and with higher ground,
likewise, to the south and east. Into this
basin the cold air probably descends by its
superior gravity, and accordingly frosts are
there peculiarly severe, much more so than
on the higher ground adjoining, and in spring
they prove very destructive to fruit-tree blos¬
som where the trees are not protected. The
common impression is that cold increases
with altitude, and this is undoubtedly true as
regards mountains and other considerable
elevations above the level of the sea ; but in
the case of what may be considered mere de¬
pressions of surface, it is probable that the I

greater weight of the cold air causes it to
descend and produce a lower temperature in
the valley than on the higher ground, whilst
the warm air of the valley, being lighter,
would float upwards and more than counter¬
act the mere effect of elevation — in fact the
high ground would not be, as mountains are,
cut off from the radiation of heat from the
rest of the earth, but provided with a natural
source of warmth in the air heated in the
valley, both by the earth’s radiation and by
the sun’s rays. Some experiments made at
Chiswick a few years ago appear to confirm
this view, for thermometers very carefully
compared with each other and with the stan¬
dard instrument at Kew, and fixed at every
5 feet on a pole 30 feet high, were found al¬
most invariably to register a higher tempera¬
ture during frosty weather towards the top
of the pole than nearer the ground.

At other places near the Thames the
severity of the frost was greater than in
parts of the country usually more cold : thus
at Slough the thermometer fell to 8° below
zero, at Staines to 7° below zero, at Cobham
to 6.8° below zero, at Wallingford to 5° below
zero, at Hammersmith and Maidenhead to 3°
below zero, at Dorchester, Oxfordshire, to 2°
below zero, at Maidvtone, on the Medway, to
zero, and yet on the higher ground of Cam¬
den Town the thermometer did not fall below
6.7°, whilst on the very summit of Notting
Hill it was no lower than 9°. In Yorkshire
Mr. May, of the Hope Nurseries, Bedale, re¬
corded a temperature of 5° below zero, and
in other parts of the country the cold, though
not so remarkable as near the Thames, was
still very great, as will be perceived by the
temperatures recorded at the following places :
— Downham Market, 2° below zero ; Laver-
stoke, Hants, 1° above zero ; Leominster, Here¬
fordshire, 3°; Street, Somerset, and Brigg,
Lincolnshire, 3.J° ; Sawbridge worth, South¬
ampton, and Winchester, 4°; Berkhamstead,
4.1° ; Wimbledon, 5° ; Cambridge, 8° ; Wick¬
ham Market, Oakham, and Exeter, 9° ; Ply¬
mouth and Bridport, 11°; Liverpool, 12°
Norwich, 14°. In Scotland the thermometer
also fell very low ; thus with Mr. Anderson,
of Meadow Bank, near Glasgow, it stood at
4°, whilst at Haddington on the east coast it
was no lower than 9°. Even Ireland, the

42

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

climate of which is generally mild as com¬
pared with most parts of England, owing to
the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, was not
exempt from the visitation of severe cold, for
at Nenagh and Armagh the temperature was
1° below zero, but at Mullingar and Monks-
town it was no lower than 11° in the one case
and 17° in the other.

Notwithstanding so general and severe a
frost, it seems very questionable whether the
damage to vegetation will prove so great as
might be anticipated, for the earth was in
most parts covered with a thick mantle of
snow, which would keep the ground warm,
and prevent injury to the roots, as well as to
some extent protect the leaves and branches.
Nevertheless, Laurels and other evergreens
have been generally much injured, and in
several instances killed, and even such hardy
vegetables as Brussels Sprouts, Sprouting
Broccoli, Savoys, and even Scotch Kale, have
been destroyed in some places and much in¬

jured in others. Rose trees have also suffered
severely, and in Yorkshire large numbers are
stated to have been killed, especially varie¬
ties belonging to the Bourbon, Noisette, and
Tea sections.

Crystal Palace. — Almost coincident with
our last issue, the tropical department of the
Crystal Palace, with its Palms and Ferns, its
Parrots and Chimpanzee, its big tree and its
big images, was destroyed by fire. Alas,
for the remnant of Loddiges’ Palms, which
perished with the rest! Mr. Fuller has
originated a movement for raising a public
subscription in aid of rebuilding the portion
destroyed with every prospect of success. The
restoration of the Palace, indeed, may be said
to be of national importance, so greatly has it
tended to the refinement and social progress of
the people. Many valuable plants will no
doubt be contributed from private gardens, to
replace, as far as possible, those which have
been so unfortunately destroyed.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.

The beat -which the sun’s rays impart to
the surface of our globe is as a general law
greatest at the equator — that is, where they
strike the body of the earth in the nearest
perpendicular direction, or in the greatest
number in a given space. Individually they
are perhaps equally as powerful, probably
more so, after passing through the clear air
of the Polar regions as they are after reach¬
ing the earth through the vapour-loaded at¬
mosphere of the tropics, but in the former
case comparatively few rays can take effect,
the direct action of their main body being in¬
tercepted by the globe ; so that a level surface
in the Polar regions can only receive the few
which impinge at a tangent in an almost
horizontal direction. Whilst decrease of heat
is general from the equator towards the poles,
it is not uniformly so in accordance with the
degrees of latitude ; many circumstances in¬
terfere with such regularity — hill and dale,
mountains and forests. The shelter from sun
and wind which these afford, tends to produce
a great diversity of climates under the same
parallel of latitude. Some winds follow a
long track over continents and lands, where
under a bright sun and vapourless sky only
such vegetation can exist as Cacti, which re¬
tain their succulence in the midst of sandy
deserts. On the other hand, the track of
some winds is far over the ocean, till loaded
with moisture they reach the land, forming
then a climate moist and shaded, the reverse
of that mentioned as the abode of Cacti.
Where these bloom with splendour in their

arid sunny deserts, Orchids would, if trans¬
ported thither, appear as if parboiled in a
single day. Such difference of climate may
occur on the very same parallel of latitude.
The one may be termed the extreme of heat
and dryness, the other that of heat and mois¬
ture, corresponding to the Dry Stove and Moist
Stove. Therefore plants cannot be grouped
according to latitude ; elevation above the
level of the sea must be taken into considera¬
tion, as well as proximity to, or distance
from, the equator ; bearing in mind that the
higher the colder. By so doing the climate
natural to most plants will be known with
tolerable accuracy, at all events sufficiently
near to guide within safe limits. In accordance
with these remarks the temperature for the
moist stove may fall to 60° or 65° at night,
and rise to 7 0° by day ; but a slight shading
will be advisable for plants not indigenous to
sunny regions. Achimenes, Gesneras, Glox¬
inias, &c., may now be started. Orchids. —
The temperature above mentioned for stove
plants generally will be suitable for Orchids,
only in cases of a very clear air and bright
sunshine, a little shading will occasionally be
necessary. Dry turfy peat should be pro¬
cured, so that by beating the fibrous part
may be separated for potting, which should
now be commenced and proceeded with, as
the respective kinds exhibit signs of fresh
growth. This will be the surest guide for
the regulation of the operation. Such kinds
as are coming into bloom should be in the
coolest part of the house, or removed to a
cooler structure. Covering the glass at night,

FEBRUARY.

43

as recommended last month, will be still of r
great benefit so long as the nights are frosty, 1
for otherwise in frosts of great intensity, so !
common this winter, rendering a great i
amount of fire heat absolutely necessary to
maintain the lowest indispensable tempera¬
ture, an excessive degree of dryness in the air
of the house must result. It should be borne in
mind that cold glass is a rapid condenser of the
moisture existing in the enclosed atmosphere,
and the colder the glass and warmer the air,
the more rapidly and completely is the mois¬
ture abstracted from the air by which the
plants are surrounded. Few plants, except
some such as Cacti, can long remain in health
in a hot atmosphere deprived of its natural
moisture.

GREENHOUSE.

It is almost needless to caution those who
have had their hot-water pipes burst by the
late intense frost, to be careful that such oc¬
currence do not again take place. The great
trouble, expense, and inconvenience which
this mishap occasions will not readily escape
recollection. To make sure, it is better to
err on the safe side, and see that the water in
pipes for the coolest greenhouse may not fall
below 40° in frosty weather; then if by acci¬
dent the fire should go out there will still be
no danger irom freezing, nor will the inmates
be over-excited by such an amount of heat.
Look over the plants regularly to see that
none are in want of water, but avoid giving-
now or at any time water that is colder than
the air of the house ; let it rather bo 2°
warmer. The temperature may be 45° or 50°
in the day, and with sun it may be allowed
to rise to 55°. The sun may be strong-
enough to raise it much higher ; in that case
take the opportunity of giving plenty of air,
but shut up the house in good time, so as to
economise as much solar heat as possible,
without stimulating the plants beyond what
would be proper ; for by so doing less fire
heat will be required, compared with which
sun heat is not only cheaper, but vastly
superior as regards the constitution of the
plants. Plants of a succulent nature, such
as Cacti and Kalosanthes, should be kept at
the driest part of the house, where as much
sunlight can reach them as can be obtained.
The glass should be kept clear of any accu¬
mulation of soot or smoke. Of water these
plants will require but little ; give none but
when they are dry. Leschenaultias, Boronias,
and Crowea saligna should be placed at the
warmest end of the house if a warm green¬
house is not at command for such plants,
as well as others that may be wanted to bloom
early, such as Acacias, Kennedyas, Hoveas,
Pimeleas, &c. Azaleas for early flowering
may be introduced into a peach-house, and
afterwards, as they will bear an increased
temperature, into a vinery at work. Cine¬
rarias. — The utmost vigilance will be ne¬
cessary to prevent the attacks of green fly.

This pest should receive no quarter. Fumiga¬
tion must be frequently repeated. Occa¬
sionally they may be treated with a dose of
snuff or tobacco dust. Ericas must be
closely watched and most carefully attended
to as regards temperature, air, and water.
Those sorts that are commencing growth may
receive more water than those that are not ;
and air must be given, so as to carry off all
moisture that would otherwise be stagnant.
Apply sulphur for the prevention of mildew,
and keep the house very clean, and tree from
all decaying substances.

CONSERVATORY.

Whilst there is little gaiety from plants
out of doors, those in the conservatory should
be arranged to produce the best effect. There
should be in flower forced Camellias, Chinese
and hardy Azaleas, Poses, Deutzias, Honey¬
suckles, Orange trees in fruit and showing
flower, Persian Lilacs, Ja^minums, Chimo-
nanthus fragrans,^ &c. "With these may be
introduced with good effect Pichardia aethio-
pica, Chinese Primulas, Hyacinths, Narcissi,
Jonquils, and Neapolitan and other Violets.
With such plants an assemblage may be
formed combining great beauty with delight¬
ful fragrance. It is needless to say that the
display should be maintained by removing
such as begin to get out of flower or in the
least to fade, and these should be replaced by
plants just coming into bloom. Prune, whilst
the sap is comparatively at rest, the tops of
all plants that require such to be done. See
that there is a sufficient stock of sand, peat,
and loam for shifting, and fresh dressing,
which operations will have to be very gene¬
rally performed in this and the following
month,

PITS AND FRAMES.

These are convenient for many very use¬
ful purposes, and they should be variously
constructed for affording different tempera¬
tures and degrees of moisture. Those for
bedding plants should with only moderate
temperature have a full command of air,

! which should be given at all favourable
opportunities when the weather will permit,

; in order to drive off damp, but in doing this
the temperature must not be allowed to get
. so low as to check all movement of the sap ;

■ therefore gentle heat must be supplied to
3 maintain the temperature of the air of the
t frame sufficiently high for this purpose in
, cold weather, and at times a little above the
3 temperature of the external air. If, occasion-

- ally, this should get suddenly higher than
, the interior of the pit, and consequently
i higher than that of plants it contains — if
, this should happen, moisture will be deposited
* on the foliage, and damping off, so much to
1 be dreaded, is likely to be the consequence.

i FORCING.

Vines that are now to be started may be

- allowed a somewhat higher temperature than
-. those of which the forcing was commenced

44

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

last month, for the season in which the Vines
naturally push without artificial heat will
sooner arrive. The night temperature may
therefore he limited to 50°, and that of the
day may be 60°, or with sun heat 65°. Syringe
daily, using water of about 60° or 65°. Dis¬
bud Vines in the earliest house that have
pushed shoots so far as to admit of a selection
being made of the strongest and best situated ;
tie in those that are long enough to admit
of that being done ; and those that have
taken a decidedly wrong direction must be
inclined to the right one by degrees. Stop
those first that are most forward, but teke
care to save the leaders. Keep a moist
growing atmosphere in the house ; if the air
is too dry moisture may be raised by syring¬
ing the paths and surface of the border.
Pines. — Fruiting plants should have a bottom
heat of from 7 5° to 80°, and a top heat of
70° at night and 75° in the day, or 85° by sun
heat. Successions will succeed very well
with a bottom heat of from 70° to 75°, and
an atmospheric temperature of 65° to 70°.
Water sparingly, using what is allowed as
warm as the air of the house. After syringing,
carefully avoid draughts of air. Shut up
till the surface of the leaves is dry. Pre¬
pare soil for shifting the succession stock in
the end of this month, or early in the next.
Peaches and Nectarines. — Commence with a
temperature of 45° at night, and gradually
increase it to 50° and 55°, but till flowering
i3 over let the rise of the temperature be
slight.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Manure, dig, or trench all vacant ground
as the weather will permit. Sow in frames
for an early crop, Brussels Sprouts, Early
York Cabbage, Walcheren Broccoli, Let¬
tuces, dwarf varieties of early Peas, such as
Gem ; and in the open ground, Early Ulm
Savoy, Early Horn Carrot, and Radishes on
a warm border, covering with litter. Plant
Early Potatos, Garlic, Shallots, and Jeru¬
salem Artichokes. Renew plantations of
Herbs generally ; all fibrous-rooted ones may
be propagated by division of the roots ; they
grow with greater vigour than when not thus
renewed. Plant Horseradish, placing the
crown of the cuttings 1 foot below the sur¬
face.

ERUIT GARDEN.

Provided the ground is in condition, no
opportunity should be lost of planting all
kinds of hardy fruit trees intended to be re¬
moved this season. In taking up the trees
see whether the rootlets do not proceed in a
direction away from the stem. It will be
found that such is generally the case ; then
in planting let the rootlets be spread out in
a similar direction, sloping a little downwards
over a slightly convex surface formed on the
bottom of the hole, as if like a shallow basin
inverted. Over this convexity the roots
should be regularly spread. Prune, if not

already done, all sorts of fruit trees, and with¬
out delay, Apricots, Peaches and Nectarines,
for these naturally push at an early petiod of
the season ; their sap is early in maturity, and
when it is in full flow its channels ought not
to be interfered with. Therefore lose no time
in finishing all cutting of branches that are
necessary to be removed, so that the sap may
flow in channels where the development of
buds for wood and fruit is desirable. Where
borders are apt to get too dry, and those
occupied with Apricot trees are more especi¬
ally so, it will be of great advantage if the
subsoil be thoroughly soaked with water ;
manure water may be employed if the trees
are not in an over- vigorous state. This will
promote the health of the trees, enable the
blossoms to set, and prevent the attacks of
red spider. In pruning Peaches and Nec¬
tarines, shorten the young shoots of last sum¬
mer’s growth, which are those on which the
fruit will be produced in the ensuing summer,
and at the bases of which the buds for succes¬
sion shoots will push ; without shortening the
shoots, the buds would not push, and the
branches would be naked.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Plant and prune ornamental trees, shrubs,
and creepers previous to digging the ground.
Prune and train climbers. Trench ground
for lawns, if any fresh turf is to be laid down.
New walks may be formed. If the weather
is not unfavourable herbaceous plants may
be taken up, divided, and newly arranged.
Plant Anemones and Ranunculuses. Protect
Russian and Tree Violets, and other tender
plants from severe frost.

florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Top-dress with fresh soil.
Protect from frost, but give plenty of air
when the weather is favourable. Repot
young plants wintered in small pots. Carna¬
tions and Picotees. — Trim off all decayed
portions of foliage ; then stir and refresh the
surface of the soil ; give plenty of air on all
favourable opportunities. Fuchsias. — Pro¬
pagate for general stock ; specimen plants
should be pushed along in gentle heat. Holly¬
hocks, sow; repot autumn-struck plants, using
good rich substantial soil ; and avoid all but
such plants as are of robust stocky growth ;
continue to propagate cuttings from old stools ;
strike these cuttings in moist bottom heat.
Pansies. — If the weather is mild, plant out
and repot. Pelargoniums. — The young stock
will now bear a shift, and plants that are
being grown for exhibition should now be in
their blooming pots, and have the heat gradu¬
ally increased. Pinks. — The late severe frosts
will doubtless have loosened the soil about
the roots ; let it, together with a little fresh
compost, be firmly pressed. After this has
been done to plants apparently almost dead,
they often recover surprisingly well. Tulips. — -
Protect from heavy rains, and see that the bed
is sufficiently drained.

*

-

MARCH.

45

BEURRE CLAIRGEAU PEAR.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

Take it for all in all, the Beurre Clairgeau is a Pear whi^h ought to
have a place in every garden which is not of the most limited extent. It
combines in itself so many of the qualifications that go to make a good fruit,
that wherever there is room it ought to find a place. Its size is of the largest,
and its colour the brightest, its form is most graceful, and its quality in
certain situations is excellent. For the dessert it has few rivals, and as its
season extends from the beginning of November till January, it is invaluable
for keeping up a supply. The tree is of remarkable fertility, and of moderate
size. It does not produce a very vigorous growth, and is consequently well
adapted either for bush culture, or for pyramids. To have the fruit in the
finest possible condition, it ought to be grown in one of these forms. We have
seen dwarf bushes laden with fruit equal in size and colour to that repre¬
sented in our figure, where proper attention has been paid to thinning and
exposure to the sun’s rays, and particularly so when it was so near the soil
as to benefit from the radiation. On espaliers, or against an east or west
wall, we have also seen it produced in high condition.

This beautiful Pear originated at Nantes about the year 1888, in the
garden of Pierre Clairgeau, a gardener in Rue de la Bastille of that city. It
first fruited in 1848, and that same year he exhibited it on the 22nd of
October at the Horticultural Society of Loire-Inferieur. It is believed to
have been produced from a cross between the Brown Beurre and Duchesse
d’Angouleme. The original tree was purchased by M. De Jonghe, of
Brussels, and formed part of his collection at St. Gilles in the suburbs
of that city.

NEW FLOWERS.

The record of the past year which gives an account of the leading New
Flowers will have a special interest for the readers of the Florist and
Pomologist, seeing that it is one of its peculiar features to treat of New
Flowers. Such a record must be an evidence that a multitude of aspirants for
public favour have appeared, and that a certain number of these are destined
to “ make their mark ” in “ floricultural annals.” These favoured ones it
is the special object of this paper to notice.

That grand old flower the Auricula has received an accession in the
form of two very handsome Alpine varieties, the productions of Mr. Turner.
The one, Defiance, is a rich dark violet-shaded flower, with large stout pips,
of fine form ; the other, Victorious, is a bright crimson chocolate, a dashing-
looking flower, with large well-formed pips, and a conspicuous lemon centre.
Both got the “ blue riband ” of floriculture — a first-class certificate.

Azaleas, scarcely as numerous as usual, have been well represented by
Her Majesty, a pure rosy lilac, edged with white and spotted with crimson — a
beautiful flower of first-class quality, which we have lately figured ; Charmer,
bright amaranth, of fine form and substance, free-blooming, of good habit,
and a useful accession also as a new shade of colour ; and Vivid, rich
glowing scarlet, a gem in point of colour, the flowers of good size and fine
substance. Mr. Williams’s three new varieties — viz., Andersoni, Princess
Alexandra, and Princess Helena, I have not seen, but report says that Princess A.
is worth a florist’s eye, it being what may be termed a gigantic form of

VOL. VI. D

46

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Elegantissima slightly striped with deep crimson, and of very fine form and
substance. Those who make the Azalea a speciality should look out for
this variety, as it will, no doubt, appear at the spring shows.

Unfortunately, the Chrysanthemum blooms at a period of the year when
there is scarcely a show at which to exhibit the new varieties. What I saw
of some of them proves at least that “ higher levels ” of improvement are
being attained. White Princess , a sport from the well-known variety of the
latter name, is a good addition to the pure white flowers ; it is incurved,
has fine substance, and is of large size. Mr. Salter’s Purpurea elegans is a
finely-formed recurved flower of a very fine shade of colour — dark carmine
violet, a striking hue, much wanted at exhibitions of the Chrysanthemum.
Lady Talfourd, a splendid incurved flower, is one of Mr. Salter’s greatest
triumphs as a producer ; the colour is silvery lilac pink, and the flower-heads
are large and very symmetrical — it had a first-class certificate. Gold of
Ophir, a fine dark golden orange incurved flower ; Countess of Warwick, also
incurved, colour ivory white ; Madonna Mary , sulphur white with primrose
centre, a large incurved flower; and Enamel , colour delicate transparent
blush, also incurved, make up, I think, the cream of the remainder of
Mr. Salter’s new flowers. Nor are the Pompon varieties neglected by him.
Slowly, but surely, does the stream of improvement set in in this direction.
Judy, a very full bright yellow flower, and Little Creole, dark reddish orange,
represent points gained ; the first on account of its colour, the last for the
substance of its florets, and its dwarf habit. The strange-looking Anemone-
flowered kinds, too, that to my mind cannot be made to look aught else but
something akin to abortions, have their fanciers whose tastes must be
recognised; and for these Mr. Salter presents two new kinds — viz., Aglaia ,
rosy blush, with full high centre, and Stella, claret colour, the centre of the
flower being much lighter in colour.

That really beautiful and useful spring flower the Cineraria, seems to be
almost shelved. Scarcely a seedling Cineraria of any pretensions was seen
during 1866 at any meeting of the Floral Committee. The record here is
therefore a blank one. Messrs. F. & A. Smith announce a new set, but they
appear to have discontinued exhibiting their flowers as seedlings.

With the Clematis, Messrs. G. Jackman & Son and Mr. Thos. Cripps
have both done praiseworthy things. The Prince of Wales and Rubella of the
former are valuable acquisitions. The first of these has flowers of a rich
deep violet purple, with red bars running along the centre of each sepal ;
the latter is a rich velvety claret colour, of very deep hue, and flowers very
freely. Thoroughly hardy, flowering freely, and making rapid growth, they
are admirably adapted for out-door cultivation under favourable circum¬
stances. Mr. Cripps has been busy with C. lanuginosa, and under the name
of Lady Caroline Nevill has produced a form of it with delicate lavender
flowers marked with a darker stripe. Each of these three varieties was
awarded first-class certificates. C. tunbridgensis, another of Mr. Cripps’
hybrids, has flowers of reddish purple with a blue stripe up the centre of
each petal.

New Dahlias are as numerous as ever. The following were awarded
first-class certificates, a pretty sure index of their value — viz., Clara Simons
(Keynes), a light ground variety with deep edging of dark crimson, an ex¬
quisite flower ; Mrs. Boston, (May), lilac rose, a very sure exhibition flower,
fine form, and very constant ; Paradise Williams (Keynes), clear claret colour,
very novel and distinct, a capital show flower ; Vice-President (Keynes), a
bright-looking buff flower, a decided improvement on Chairman; and Princess

MARCH.

47

of Wales (Keynes), pale blush ground slightly edged with lilac, a very pretty
flower of fine form. The following Fancies received the same award : —
Butterfly (Keynes), a light ground flower with scarlet and brownish crimson
stripes, large, full, and of fine form; and Miss Ruth (Eckford), yellow
ground tipped with white, a free and constant flower. Second-class certifi¬
cates were awarded to the following: — Aurora (Rawlings), a medium-sized
flower of good form, colour bright rose; Flambeau (Turner), one of the
flowers of the season, colour rich deep chrome yellow, heavily edged and
tipped with scarlet lake, a most striking exhibition flower. Flossy Gill
(Keynes), a beautiful light ground flower, edged with pink, and of fine form;
Gazelle (Keynes), a constant flower of good quality, colour clear fawn;
Harriett Tetter ell (Keynes), blush ground deeply margined with dark purple,
a flower likely to become a standard variety for its obvious useful qualities ;
Hon. Airs. G. Wellesley (Bragg), base of the flower white, heavily edged and
tipped with purple, good petal and outline ; John Sladden (Rawlings), a dark
crimson flower of excellent form, scarcely shown in good condition as a
seedling; Lady Jane Ellis (Eckford), a promising show flower, ground colour
creamy white tipped with purplish rose; Lord Lyon (Fellowes), rich violet,
a decided acquisition in point of colour, constant, and of fine form ; Mrs.
Burgess (Burgess), a very novel flower, the body of the petals being lilac
with an edging of maroon; Mrs. Thornhill (Pitfield), a delicate ground
flower, the edges of the petals being beautifully feathered with pink ; Star-
light (Turner), a “ taking ” yellow ground flower distinctly tipped with lake;
Valentine (Fellowes), a pretty light flower, almost pure white, with a thin
edging of deep purple, a flower of excellent properties ; and Vanguard
(Wheeler), deep purplish maroon, a large but somewhat flat flower as shown.
To these may be added the following that did not receive any award of
merit as far as can be ascertained: — Commander (Bragg), a large, bold, rich
orange buff flower ; Mephistopheles (Headley), almost black, valuable only
for its colour, but a good bloom would “ tell ” as a front-row flower ; and
Picotee (Fellowes) a very delicate and handsome flower, colour pale primrose
lightly margined with purple. Judging from the awards, it may be safely
inferred that seedling Dahlias of the past year have possessed more than an
ordinary share of good qualities, and among these may be classed pre¬
eminently, I think, that great desideratum — novelty of colour. The Fancy
varieties have not evidenced, in so marked a manner, the march of improve¬
ment. Bessie Wyatt (Keynes), was the only one awarded a second-class cer¬
tificate ; it is a full-sized white ground flower, with red stripes. Plausible
(Keynes), is about the best flower of those “ not placed,” to use a racing
phrase. The ground colour is a mixture of red and crimson with purple
stripes, and Mr. Keynes thinks very highly of its worth.

{To be continued .)

REMARKS ON FRUIT TREE CULTURE.— No. 18.

It is probable that my last remarks may be looked upon as rather
rambling and discursive, if not reiterative, for which, however, I make no
apology, as I know that it is only by a constant reiteration of a truth that
it becomes printed on the brain, or, in other words, impressed on the
memory ; and as I write for recruits and not for veterans (many of whom
know better than myself all about it), I would direct the attention of all
young practitioners to the periodical recurrence of great fruit years, and to

48

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

invite them to study the causes which contribute to produce them, and the
means whereby we may he enabled to counteract the evil results which
inevitably follow when the trees are allowed to follow out those tendencies
unchecked.

Now with regard to the causes, there is no doubt on my mind hut that
they arise from the fact that there are certain seasons which are more
favourable than others for the production of fruit-bearing wood, which in
an ordinary way is the result of a very hot and dry summer and autumn
followed by a favourable spring, in which the fruit sets most abundantly,
and the tree, in proportion to its strength, will bring a great quantity to an
inferior degree of perfection.

Now it is in seasons like this that the skilfulness and foresight of the
manager are most required ; for instead of taking a large crop he will
wisely reduce it to rather less than what would be called a fair crop for one
season, in order that he may have a reasonable chance of an average crop
the next year. Otherwise the overborne exhausted trees will he undergoing
the process of renovation, and of course it will be called a bad fruit year.
When trees are under control, and the principles which regulate their
growth properly studied and acted upon, we ought to hear less about the
periodical returns of good fruit years. There is no doubt hut that climatic
or atmospherical conditions do very much influence this state of things, and
will sometimes baffle the very best of management, but it is seldom that
such extremes occur as cannot be counteracted by some means or another,
either by supplying those elements which are deficient, or taking means
to ward off the effects of such as are in superabundance. For example : if it
should he a long-continued heat and drought, we have the power of sup¬
plying such an amount of moisture to the roots, and syringing to the
foliage, as will ensure to the tree that amount of aliment necessary to
enable it to keep up a free development of growth in spite of adverse
natural conditions ; the tendency, therefore, to the formation of an undue
amount of fruitful wood will he checked, and the functions of the tree he
carried on as though there were no disturbing influences at work.

The influences exercised by extremely wet seasons are more difficult to
counteract, because they are generally' accompanied by a low temperature,
which prevents the proper ripening of the wood, and interferes with the
formation of healthy fruit-buds. Fortunately such extremely wet seasons
are rare, and when they do occur their evil effects may be partially prevented
either by a waterproof covering to the roots, or by throwing up the earth of
the border into a steep slope, so that the water may run off freely. But
I would here observe, that if the border is thoroughly drained and the soil
not too retentive of moisture, a vast amount of water may percolate through
it without leading to any serious effects. On the contrary, if badly drained
or not drained at all, the best manager in the world would be baffled, unless
the rain water could be carried away without entering the border, and also
for the simple reason that, if it cannot be carried away, the roots would
become clogged and unable to perform their proper functions, whereby the
well-doing of the branches would be affected.

The prevalence of a very low temperature in the spring months, hut
particularly when attended with early morning frosts, is a great drawback
to success, and can only be combated by an efficient and moveable protec¬
tion. This is more especially necessary for the fruit under consideration, and
also for Peaches, because both Apricots and Peaches expand their bloom
very early, and great watchfulness is required in order to apply protection

MARCH.

49

at the proper time ; for even this necessary work may he overdone, since the
trees should have the credit of being able to submit with impunity to the
various changes of temperature and atmospherical conditions to a certain
point, up to which they will be far better left alone ; but when that point is
likely to be exceeded as regards lowness of temperature, protection is the
only means of saving a crop ; this, however, should he removed as soon as
the cause which led to its adoption no longer exists.

The proper time to apply protection is so much influenced both by tem¬
perature and peculiar conditions of the atmosphere that no general rule can
he laid down as an infallible guide ; it must be left to the judgment of the
operator. For example : 4° of frost immediately following upon a wet and
stormy day, such as we often experience in March, when the atmosphere is
fully charged with moisture, will be more injurious to the blossom and
young fruit than 8° with a perfectly dry atmosphere accompanied by a
slightly brisk wind. I have known Apricots to submit to the latter tempe¬
rature unprotected and uninjured, during the prevalence of a dry and
easterly wind, hut at the same time I would be sorry to place that or even
4° as my minimum of temperature when protection would become neces¬
sary ; for although the amount of injury done by the frosts in spring is not
so much the effect produced by so many degrees of temperature below
freezing point, as by certain contingent atmospherical conditions in com¬
bination therewith, yet it is always best to be on the safe side, and apply
protection whenever there are indications of even a slight frost, but not
otherwise.

JRedleaf. John Cox.

PRESERVING DAHLIA ROOTS.

Allow me to invite attention to a mode of storing Dahlia roots, which I
have now practised for some years, and by which I find they may be had as
sound when taken out in spring as they were on the day when they were put
away, and this by a very simple plan, which is in the power of every grower
to adopt. Before, however, I state the particulars, I will explain my former
system of preserving Dahlia roots through the winter. When the plants
became damaged by frost I took advantage of the first fine day to take
them up, carefully cleaning the mould away from them, and placing them
in a dry airy place for a week or two, in order that the fleshy roots might
become perfectly dry before they were stored. I had no more convenient
place in which to keep them than a box placed in a stall of an empty stable,
and here they were covered over with diy sand and straw. By following
this plan I have succeeded tolerably well, and, although some of the roots
have become shrivelled and nearly dead when taken out, yet by placing them
in a sweet moist heat they would for the most part start into growth, the
shrivelled ones, however, not breaking so freely as the others, nor producing
such good cuttings, while some of them being late, did not acquire strength
to produce flowers in the same state of perfection as the others.

This induced me a few years back to try another plan of preserving them.
As soon as the frosts came to destroy the beauty of the flowers, I immediately
took up the plants, and cut off the tops at about a foot above the root, clean¬
ing the mould off them as much as I could, but not so as to injure them, and
storing them again in the stable, but without drying them at all. The box
I kept them in was 14 inches deep, and this I now filled up with coal
ashes, which had been previously prepared by damping them as they were

50

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

collected from the fires, and then drying them in a shed before they were
used. In this material the Dahlia roots lay buried for a period of four
months, and when they were taken out of the box and examined, I found
that not one of them was shrivelled or spoiled in the slightest degree. This
was about the beginning of March. When put into a frame which I had
at work, they all broke freely and vigorously, from which I anticipated an
early and abundant display of flowers, in which I was not disappointed.

The above method of preserving Dahlia roots, which I have ever since
adopted, is equally applicable to a great many other bulbous and fleshy-
jooted plants which have to be taken up and protected through the winter,
hut being dormant do not require to he kept in a greenhouse.

H. L.

CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE.

It is scarcely possible to over-estimate the merits of this old winter-
blooming Orchid for decorative purposes. In December I introduced
into my sitting-room, which is not one of the warmest, a plant just on the
point of expanding its chaste slipper-like flowers, and it has far exceeded
my expectations regarding its suitability as a decorative plant for such pur¬
poses. The blossoms are scentless, and this is the only drawback to the
plant, for in every other respect it is all that can he desired.

The cultivation of Cypripedium insigne is extremely simple, and propa¬
gation is readily effected by small offsets at almost any season, hut February
and March are on the whole the most suitable months. My plants are
growing in common loam, leaf mould, silver sand, and broken potsherds,
and are well drained. Even in this common and generally-attainable com¬
post they thrive remarkably well. During the early part of the season this
Cypripedium requires plenty of heat and moisture, and shade from ex¬
cessively bright sunshine ; it grows well under the shade of Yines, as well,
if not better, than in an Orchid-house. About the middle of October the
plants may he introduced into a warmer atmosphere, that of a warm sitting-
room for instance, and by the first or second week in December they will
reward the cultivator with the sight of their exquisitely shaped blooms.

For the decoration of rooms I would not recommend too large plants to
he grown, hut rather to divide them more frequently. Large plants are
not in general so suitable for the purpose as those of smaller size.

Wrotham Park. John Edlington.

EFFECTS OF THE LATE SEVERE FROST.

NORTH NOTTS.

Although the thermometer did not descend so low here as in 1888,
1860, and 1861, the effects of it are more marked, especially on vegetables,
than in those years. The lowest temperature registered here was on the
4th 8°, and on the 14th 7°, or 25° of frost. All the Winter Broccolis not
lifted or protected are killed, and even the hardy Kales, Brussels Sprouts,
and Savoys are much browned and cut up. Owing to the nature of the
summer, and rainy mild autumn, I was fearful that a severe frost might
set in suddenly in January, and, therefore, prepared for warding off its
attack. In the middle of December I had an abundance of Backhouse’s
early Broccoli, Snow’s Winter, Early Penzance, and Osborne’s New White,
all coming in together, and therefore had the most promising lifted and put

MARCH.

51

into by the lieels in a north border, with some litter handy for covering
should frost set in. This covering with the snow on the top has preserved
them quite safe, and I shall now have a good supply till the late hardy
spring sorts come in.

The universal destruction of vegetables this year has no doubt arisen
from the nature of the autumn, for they kept on growing, and had no check
from frost or drying cold winds till the end of December. Being so succu¬
lent, and the frost setting in so severely on the 1st of January, followed by
the rapid thaw on the 6tli, .to be succeeded again by the severest frost of the
season on the 14th, it is no wonder that rapid changes affected them
injuriously.

The most severe frosts of the last and present centuries have in general
set in after wet summers and autumns, when the soil was saturated with
water, and the rivers and brooks were filled to overflowing.

I hear from every quarter that Boses, like vegetables, have been much
injured or killed, especially the Tea-scented and Noisettes on standards.
After the great destruction of Boses in 1860 and 1861, I was determined to
give up the planting or propagation of the lumpy-headed standard ones, and
only grow them on their own roots or budded low on the Manetti stock,
as pillars or low bushes. There is no comparison between the beauty of a
pillar Bose and a cabbage-headed standard one, and in severe frosts they
are safe to spring again from the roots, or from where they were protected
by litter or snow. It is astonishing what a little covering will protect
tender Boses, when put on in the shape of fern, moss, or fir branches, and
all who lose them in severe frosts have only to blame themselves for their
want of care.

The new Japanese Conifers and shrubs appear to have weathered the
cold safely in this locality ; likewise Araucarias, Deodars, Cypresses, and
Laurels. One Cupressus (McNabiana) is much browned, as are Magnolias,
Cotoneasters, and young variegated Hollies, while the only shrub really
killed to the ground is the Sweet Bay.

Welbeck. William Tillery.

WEST YORKSHIRE.

I am happy to say that very little injury has been done here by the
late frost. The lowest degree of temperature recorded here was at ten
o’clock on the night of the 1st of January, when the thermometer indicated
22° of frost. The whole of the Coniferae here, with the exception of a few
Cedars of Lebanon and Mount Atlas, have escaped unhurt. Among a large
collection of Berberises, I find the foliage of some plants of B. Fortunei are
browned ; a few plants of B. Wallichii standing in rather exposed places are
also slightly touched. I never saw the common Laurels look better than they
do at present, though in 1860 the greater part were killed to the ground.
Portugal Laurels are also untouched. Some plants of Laurustinus and Bays,
that were killed to the ground in 1860, are only slightly browned. Boses,
of which there is a nice little collection, are all unhurt. Jasminum nudi-
florum was splendid on the walls before the frost : all the late blooms which
were not expanded are now out beautifully and look very gay and cheerful.
I find the Golden Variegated Vinca is a good deal cut up. Tritomas have
also suffered much. I have not found a single bud on any of the fruit trees
out-doors in the least injured by the frost. In 1860, not only were the buds
injured, but whole branches, and in some places whole trees, were killed by

52

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

the severe cold. Strawberry plants are looking well. Vegetables here have
suffered very little. Parsley on rich land, where it got a large growth, has
suffered a little, but on poor land, when sown in May, it is untouched.
Lettuces have stood well. Cabbages have stood well — a large piece of
Enfield Market, Early Barnes, and Shilling’s Queen look as green and well
as they did in November last. Wheeler’s Imperial, which, by the way, is
one of the best sorts in cultivation, and Nonpareil planted out ten days
earlier than the other, have suffered very slightly. Borecole and Brussels
Sprouts look as well as they did in October. Of all Winter Greens there is
none to equal Brussels Sprouts ; but to have them fine they should be sown
in March and planted out in good rich land as early in June as possible.
Broccoli I have always laid facing the north in the autumn, and the prin¬
cipal part of mine have been so treated this last autumn. These plants are
very little injured, and will be extremely useful by-and-by; but a few left
standing have suffered very severely. This simple plan of laying them
down will always save the great bulk of the plants in ordinary seasons, but
to leave them standing is to run a great risk ; for though they may and do
escape in very mild winters, they will not stand a severe one untouched.

And here I would beg respectfully to ask those interested in the matter the
question, Of what use are the so-called Winter Broccolis ? The only use I ever
found of them was — and in this way they are very valuable — that when sown
late they sometimes come in before the other sorts in spring. But the name of
Winter Broccoli leads the inexperienced to think they can have an abundance
of this valuable vegetable during the winter months of January and Febru¬
ary. If they lived along the south coast, either of England or Ireland,
they might in most seasons have them ; but if they live inland, and north of
London, unless in very exceptional seasons the thing is impossible. The
true Walcheren is very superior to all autumn or winter Broccolis ; and as
this can be had all the autumn months, and sometimes by proper storing
can be kept — in-doors, of course — all through January, I prefer it to all
other kinds. A sowing made from the 15th to the 25th of May will furnish
plants for putting out during July. I make four large plantings of it in July,
at intervals of seven days, and in good land, and different situations. These
furnish an abundant supply during the whole of the autumn, up to the end
of December.

Stourton, M. Saul.

DESSERT ORANGE CULTURE.*

In the diary of that “ fine old English gentleman,” John Evelyn, may be
found an intimation to the effect that he had eaten as good “ China Oranges ”
plucked from his own trees as he ever wished to eat. In those days dessert
Oranges were, it seems, called “ China Oranges.” Although Oranges were
cultivated in France long before Evelyn’s time, yet they were considered
merely ornamental appendages to palaces and mansions : no thought seems
to have been turned to them, so as to consider them fruit trees ; and even
Evelyn, with his remarkable horticultural sagacity, does not mention that
lie had ranked Orange trees among fruit trees, for in his “ Kalendarium
Hortense,” when he mentions for every month “ fruits in prime and yet
lasting,” no mention is made of Oranges. It would seem, therefore, that

* From the Report of Proceedings of the International Horticultural Exhibition and
Botanical Congress of London , 1866 — a very interesting record of that great Horticultural
gathering, just issued.

MARCH.

53

his gathering of Oranges fit to eat was an accidental occurrence ; and we
are led to suppose from the silence of gardeners for nearly two hundred
years as to their culture, that the Orange-eating world has felt perfectly
satisfied with imported Oranges, brought quickly by fast-sailing vessels.
Still, the difference between Oranges freshly gathered from the trees, and
the very finest imported, is most remarkable ; there is a crispness and fine
aroma in Oranges freshly gathered difficult to realise, unless they are
promptly compared with imported fruit ; they are indeed a luxury, and, as
such, will be cultivated ere long in every good garden.

The houses best adapted for their cultivation are the large span-roofed,
24 feet wide, 6 feet high at each side, and 15 feet high in the centre. A
house of this size will require eight four-inch hot-water pipes, four on each
side, as artificial heat is required all the year to ripen Oranges in one season
perfectly.

A smaller span-roofed house, 6£ feet high at each side, and 12 feet high
in the centre, heated by four four-inch hot-water pipes, two on each side, is
almost as eligible for Orange -culture as one even of the larger size. A
house of these dimensions, with a central path, and a border on each side
planted with Orange trees, would form a pleasant and productive Orange
garden ; but to form an Orange grove, so as to have trees of fine growth, and
to give abundant crops, the larger house must be resorted to.

From the experience I have gained, I firmly believe that no conservatory,
no Orchid-house, no greenhouse, is half so beautiful or interesting as an
Orange-house constructed on the principles I now advocate, and provided
with fixed roofs, rafters 24 inches apart, glazed with large pieces of glass,
and admitting abundance of light ; so that in December, when the trees are
covered with their golden fruit, and many of them showing their snowy- white,
perfumed flowers, the scene is indeed enchanting, and is enhanced by the
agreeable temperature, which need not be higher than from 50° to 60° Fahr.
(10° to 15° Cent.) in cloudy weather. It is not fierce heat in winter that
ripening Oranges require, but an even agreeable temperature, such as is ex¬
perienced in the Azores during that season of the year.

The houses above-mentioned should have side ventilation, as in orchard-
houses — viz., an opening in each side of the large house 2 feet wide, for the
smaller houses 1 foot wide ; these openings should be in the centre of each
side, and shutters of wood or sashes employed to close them, the latter, of
course, being the most agreeable.

In houses thus treated, Orange trees may be cultivated in pots or tubs,
or planted in the borders. There is no doubt that more rapid growth would
take place if such borders were heated by having hot-water pipes placed
2 feet under the surface ; but from recent experience I am inclined to think
this is not absolutely necessary, for if the borders are raised 18 inches above
the surface, they would have sufficient heat from the atmosphere of the
house, and their temperature would be quite equal to sustain the trees in
health.

The cultivation of dessert Orange trees in pots or tubs is very simple.
The compost they require consists of equal parts of peat, loam, and manure
thoroughly decomposed ; the two former should not be sifted, but chopped
up with the pieces of turf and roots, so as to form a rough compost. The
trees will grow in this freely, and bear abundantly ; but they should have
gentle, constant, root heat ; this is best given by enclosing hot- water pipes
in a shallow chamber of bricks, and placing the pots on a flooring of slates
or tiles forming the roof of the chamber.

d 2

54

THE FLORIST AND P0M0L0GIST.

The compost for the borders in which Orange trees are to he planted
should consist of turfy loam two parts, and equal parts of thoroughly de¬
composed manure and leaf mould. After planting, the borders should be
trodden down firmly, as Orange trees seem to flourish best in firm loamy
soils. In the Orange gardens of Nervi, where Orange trees are, or used to
be, so largely grown for exportation, and imported by the London dealers
in oil, &c., the soil is a tenacious yellow loam.

The best form of tree for an Orange garden under glass is the round-
headed, a form which it seems to take naturally ; for if it is endeavoured to
be cultivated as a pyramid, which would seem desirable, its lower branches
soon become weakly and unhealthy. If trees with stems 2 or 3 feet
in height are planted, the lower branches may be gradually removed till a
clear stem of 5 feet in height is formed, and this height will be found
sufficient. They may be planted from 5 to 6 or 7 feet apart, according
to the size of the house and the room which can be afforded for each
tree. It must not be forgotten that in small houses the heads of the trees
may be kept in a compact state by summer pinching, and in large houses
be allowed a greater freedom of growth, so that the owner of an Orange
garden in England may sit under the shade of his Orange trees.

There are but few kinds yet known of really fine dessert Oranges ; the
amateur who wishes to plant an Orange garden to supply his dessert, must
not think of planting the numerous varieties of the genus Citrus grown by
Italian and French cultivators ; they are mostly what are called fancy sorts,
and are more prized for their foliage and flowers than for their fruit.

One of the most charming and prolific of dessert Oranges is the
Tangierine : the tree has small leaves, and seldom attains a height of more
than 7 feet, even in North Africa. Its most valuable quality is its early
ripening, so that in October, just as the late Peaches and other soft fruits
are over, this luscious little fruit is ready for the dessert; and when freshly
gathered no fruit can be more gratifying or delightful, as its aroma is so
delicious, and its juice so abundant, in this respect offering a pleasing
contrast to those imported from Lisbon in November and December, the
flesh of which is generally shrunk from the rind, instead of being ready to
burst, as is the case with those plucked from the tree. They should, in com¬
mon with all home-grown Oranges, be placed on the table with some leaves
adhering to their stalks, thus showing that they have not made a voyage.

Among full-sized Oranges the Maltese Blood takes the first rank. When
quite fresh from the tree it differs much from those imported, although the
voyage as now made by steamers is of short duration. I was not so fully
aware of this till early in January, 1866, when I was able to compare some
fine imported fruit with some gathered from my trees. I found the former,
although rich and juicy, yet flat in flavour compared with those freshly
gathered ; they lacked the crispness and aroma which were most agreeable
in the latter. The great advantage in planting this sort is its tendency to
bear fine fruit while the trees are young ; they are indeed so prolific, that
trees of only 2 feet in height have here borne nice crops of fruit.

Some varieties, quite equal to the foregoing in quality, but without the
red flesh so peculiar to these “ Blood Oranges,” have been imported from
the Azores, the paradise of Orange trees. One of the most desirable sorts
is called simply the St. Michael’s Orange. This kind has a thin rind, is
very juicy, and bears abundantly, even while the trees are young. In the
Orange-house these will ripen towards the end of December, and through¬
out January and February, in common with the Maltese Blood Oranges.

MARCH.

55

No one but an amateur of gardening can imagine the pure, quiet pleasure
of taking a morning walk in the Orange-house during the above-mentioned
dreary months, and plucking from the trees Oranges fully ripe. I have had
much experience in the culture, and, I may add, in the eating of fruit ; but
I can say with a firm conviction that I have never enjoyed any kind of fruit
so much as I have Oi'anges of my own plucking in winter.

In addition to the three leading varieties- I have mentioned, there are
several kinds which will, doubtless, prove interesting and valuable. It is
not to be expected that so much variation in flavour, as in the Pear, for
instance, can be met with in Oranges. I believe, however, that when our
Orange palates are educated we shall find many delicate distinctions in the
flavour of Oranges. As far as I have gone I have found the Mandarin
Orange larger and more flat in shape than the Tangierine, and not so good
as that sort. The Embiguo, the Egg, the Silver Orange, the Botelha, the
White Orange, and some others, all varieties from the Azores, are of various
degrees of excellence, and are all worthy of a place in an English Orange
garden.

There are many various forms of the genus Citrus, which, in a large
Orange garden, may be cultivated, and prove of interest to the cultivator,
but I have thought it proper to confine myself, in conformity with the
heading of this paper, to the kinds of Oranges proper for our desserts. It
may, however, be not thought out of place if I mention that the Lemon,
more particularly the Imperial Lemon, is well worthy of a place in the
Orange garden, as is also the Small Lime, which is a concentration of acidity.

In these few remarks, I hope to be excused any lack of full and propier
directions to carry out my conceptions. It is at all times difficult to tell
people how to cultivate even a Cabbage ; for unless full directions are given
as to which end should go into the ground, it is just possible that a tyro in
gardening would plant it head downwards. So it is in the higher branches
of horticulture : it is only an outline that can be given in print, the picture
must be filled in by observation and study. Ten minutes showing will do
more than ten hours reading ; still, without the preparation of reading, the
mind will not take in what is shown.

Sawbridgeworth. Thomas Rivers.

FUCHSIAS FOR EXHIBITION.

Few of our florists’ flowers have undergone greater or more improving
change at the hands of the breeder than the Fuchsia, as must be apparent
to any one who will compare the original Fuchsia coccinea, gracilis, or virgata ,
with such modern sorts as Enoch Arden, Father Ignatius, Minnie Banks,
and Vainqueur de Puebla which have sprung from them. Not only has
the form been changed, but also the colour. The first decided break was the
production of the variety with white tube and sepals, known as Yenus Vic-
trix ; this was raised by Mr. Gulliver, gardener to the Rev. S. Marriott, of
Hormonden, Kent, and was sent out in 1842 by Mr. Cripps, of Tunbridge
Wells. The next important move which was made is due to the success¬
ful experiments of the late W. H. Storey, Esq., of Exeter, who shortly
before his death succeeded in raising the first of the varieties with a white
corolla ; this, which was called Queen Victoria, and was let out by Messrs.
E. G. Henderson & Son, of St. John’s Wood, in 1855, was figured in the
Florist for that year. All this time the Fuchsia in its old-fashioned colours
had gone on improving both in size and form, in the hands of various

56

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

raisers, until at length the mantle fell on the shoulders of E. Banks, Esq.,
of Deal, to whom we are principally indebted for the very marked advance
which has taken place within the last few years. Finally, the double
varieties have not been lost sight of in the general improvement, for Mr.
Cannell, who is one of the best Fuchsia growers of the metropolis, and a
leading authority on the subject, in alluding to some which are to be in¬
troduced this season, describes them as being of extraordinary dimensions,
with the corollas more like small Boses than Fuchsias. In one of these,
called Monster, the corolla is said to measure from 2 to inches across.

I shall now add the names of twenty-four of the best exhibition
Fuchsias, relying partly on my own judgment and observation, and partly
on the recommendations of the best growers : —

Single Scarlet Fuchsias with Dark Purple Corolla.

1. Enoch Arden. — A bold and effective as well as free-blooming variety.
The sepals are recurved, and the corolla cup-shaped, the latter of a rich
indigo blue passing into violet red. This has proportionately the largest
corolla, and the stoutest substance of any variety yet raised.

2. Harry George Henderson. — This remarkably effective variety has broad
well-reflexed bright coral scarlet sepals, and a very large rich plum-violet
corolla of great substance. It is certainly one of the finest Fuchsias ever
seen, having, moreover, a good habit, and being a strong grower.

3. Light Heart. — A very good and distinct sort, the best in habit of all
the very dark kinds. It has broad reflexed sepals, and a black purple
corolla, changing to a violet plum-colour when fully expanded. The foliage
is of medium size, and the habit short-jointed.

4. Lizzie Hexam. — Certainly one of the finest Fuchsias ever sent out ;
it is a beautiful telling dark variety, the tube and sepals being of a brilliant
scarlet properly reflexed, and the corolla large and of a rich dark purple.
It is, moreover, a good grower, of fine habit.

Single Scarlet Fuchsias with Pose or Lavender-coloured Corolla.

5. Beauty. — A beautiful exhibition variety, with broad bright carmine-
scarlet sepals gracefully recurved, and a pure lavender-coloured cup-shaped
corolla of a model outline. The growth is free and vigorous, and adapted
either for pyramid or bush specimens.

6. Consolation. — A very free-blooming kind, of good habit, and one of
the best for any purpose. The sepals are light carmine, and the corolla
bluish lavender, changing to plum colour when fully open.

7. Father Ignatius. — The very free-blooming habit and fine form of this
variety render it one of the finest of all for exhibition purposes ; indeed,
the corolla has the finest outline of any Fuchsia extant. The habit is bushy
and short-jointed, the foliage small, and the corolla beautifully cup-shaped,
of an indigo blue, striped sometimes with rose, and that chiefly on the first
batch of flowers.

8. Roderick Dhu. — A free-blooming variety, of excellent habit ; the
sepals well recurved, and the corolla of a lavender blue, very large, opening
out a-la-crinoline. The flowers being large, and of a fine colour, and the
habit being neat and bushy, it is one of the most effective varieties in cul¬
tivation.

Double Scarlet Fuchsias with Dark Purple or Blue Corolla.

9. Agamemnon. — A fine-habited sort, and the freest bloomer of all the
doubles ; it is a very showy variety.

MARCH.

57

10. Grand Duke. — This variety is a great improvement on Universal ;
it has smaller leaves than in that sort, and has also the largest and closest
corolla of any Fuchsia known ; it is, moreover, of free-flowering habit.

11. King of the Doubles. — This new sort is described by Mr. Cannell as a
grand plant for exhibition, the habit being remarkably good. It has a dark
scarlet tube and sepals, the latter broad and beautifully reflexed, and the
corolla is very large and long, of a rich purple, distinctly striped with red.

12. Rifleman. — An excellent sort similar in character to Sir C. Campbell,
hut far superior in every way.

Single Scarlet Fuchsias with White Corolla.

13. Conspicua. — This is a first-class show kind and the best for exhibi¬
tion. It is a good bloomer ; the habit, moreover, is very much improved
when the plant is two or three years old.

14. Mrs. Gladstone. — The free-blooming habit, fine large bold flowers,
and perfect shape of this variety, place it in advance of all others in its
class. The tube and sepals are bright waxy scarlet, the latter very broad
and reflexed, equal to the well-known Guiding Star, while the corolla is
bell-shaped, pure white, with a beautiful scarlet feather.

15. Puritani. — This has the best habit of any of the kinds with white
corollas, and is one of the best for small pots, or for the decoration of the
dinner-table.

Double Scarlet Fuchsias with White Corolla.

16. Emperor of Fuchsias. — This is a fine large flower, and although the
habit is bad when the plant is young, yet when two or three years old it
very much improves, and then becomes a fine object for the conservatory.

17. Eva. — A very attractive kind, of good habit ; it has well-reflexed
sepals and a bright waxy scarlet tube.

18. Vamqueur de Puebla. — This is the best of the varieties with a double
•white corolla, far superior to Madame Cornelissen. It has fine glossy-green
foliage, boldly reflexed sepals, and a very large full corolla. It is also a fine
acquisition for the open garden.

Single White Fuchsias with Scarlet or Pink Corolla.

19. Catherine Parr. — A model variety, excellent in habit, and a free
bloomer ; indeed one of the best of its class. It has a white tube and
sepals, the latter well reflexed and of great substance, and a cup-shaped
corolla of a rich scarlet-tinted rose. It is considered a great improvement
on Heine Blanche.

20. Lucy Mills. — A good light variety, after the style of Marginata both
in habit and bloom, but the flowers are larger and brighter in colour than
in that variety. The corolla is of a light pink edged with bright rose.

21. Minnie Banks.- — One of the best light-coloured varieties, and also
one of the best for exhibition. It has a splendid corolla, and is quite dis¬
tinct from any other sort. The sepals are broad and recurved, and the
corolla cup-shaped, of a clear rich rose.

22. Rose of Denmark. — This variety should be in every collection,
whether for exhibition or decoration. The habit is rather strong, but it
blooms very freely at the points, and is quite distinct from the other light
varieties. The tube is glossy white, the sepals ivory white, horizontally
recurved, the corolla cup-shaped, bright pink margined with rose.

Single White Fuchsias with Purple Corolla.

23. Lady Heytesbury. — A first-class new Fuchsia, decidedly one of the

58

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

best for decoration, both the foliage and flowers being good, and the habit
fine. The corolla is rosy purple.

24. Prince Alfred. — This also is a splendid Fuchsia, a most profuse
bloomer, and a strong grower, so that it requires to be well stopped when
in a young state. p -d

A FEW REMARKS ON PRUNING CONIFERS.

There are many persons who think that Conifers ought not to be
pruned at all ; and when planted for timber, when length and size of bole
are the chief objects to be obtained, they are quite right in this opinion;
but when planted for ornament, especially in pleasure grounds, where they
are so immediately and constantly under the eye, then a certain amount of
pruning is indispensably necessary, as trees of beautiful form and develop¬
ment are then the principal desiderata.

By way of appendix to my remarks on Conifers in the January and
February Numbers of the Florist and Pomologist, I will now offer a few
observations on this subject. From a successful operation performed on a
Cedar of Lebanon something more than eighteen years ago, I have been
led to pay great attention to this matter. This Cedar was a poor, miserable,
stunted specimen, which few persons would have hesitated to stub up at
once ; but I determined to give it a chance. I pruned the branches well,
thinning them out considerably, and did not merely confine the thinning to
the main branches, but also thinned out well the small spray on the
branches. The tree had no lead, neither had it had one for some few years
previous. It had abundance of roots, so that I had little doubt that the
pruning I gave it would force the whole of the nourishing fluid into the
smaller number of buds left, and that one would soon form a leading
shoot, or that I could easily select one shoot for a lead. The result ex¬
ceeded my expectations, it soon pushed forth a good leader ; and the tree
has since continued to flourish with renewed energy, and is now a hand¬
some specimen.

In general, Conifers, when properly attended to from a young state,
require very little knife-pruning, the forefinger and thumb will in most
cases do all that is necessary, but unfortunately they are not always pro¬
perly attended to in the nurseries, and hence, when they come into the
hands of planters, recourse is had to the knife to put them into form, espe¬
cially to shorten loose straggling branches, which give the tree greater bulk
without adding to the beauty of their form. The Cedar of Lebanon requires
a good deal of attention, as the young shoots in seasons like the last grow
late, and, being unripened, are apt to get killed by the severe frosts of
winter, as has been the case this season. The young growth in spring often¬
times suffers also from late frost. Should the leader get killed, by a little
timely attention another may be soon established. The Atlas Cedar is every
■way hardier than the Cedar of Lebanon, and requires little more pruning
than merely pinching the ends off any straggling shoots, so as to keep the
plants in nice form. The Deodar requires a good deal of attention, when
in a young state, to get into a handsome form. The first specimen of it
that I planted here seventeen years ago was very bushy and strong, but had
no proper lead. It was left to grow untouched for three or four years, until
it got well established, and then I pruned it well in, retaining the best shoot
for a leader. The principal supply of nutriment being directed into this

MARCH.

59

shoot, it made a fine growth the following season ; and the tree continued
to improve every year after, and wTas a nice young specimen in 1860, when
unfortunately it was one of the few that suffered most from the December
frost, and was in consequence cut down.

The Pines require little or no pruning. When a specimen loses its
lead, some attention is necessary to secure a fresh one without spoiling the
form of the tree. All loose rambling branches should be kept within bounds
by timely stopping.

The Spruce Firs also require little or no pruning, save stopping strag¬
gling shoots, and attending to the leads. The Hemlock Spruce, however,
requires considerable attention in pruning to secure handsome specimens.

Some of the Silver Firs require a good deal of pruning, especially
Picea cephalonica and Pinsapo. The young growth of P. cephalonica, like
that of P. Webbiana and some others, owing to its early budding forth in
spring, is sometimes killed by the late frosts ; and the plants in conse¬
quence have a stunted appearance. One of our best specimens here had all
its young growth killed by a late frost ten years ago, except the leading
bud, which escaped uninjured. That same season, all the energies of the
plant being thrown into this single bud, it made a wonderful shoot ; and the
tree lias ever since continued to flourish in a remarkable degree, not a single
bud having been the least injured since. Since that time I have freely used
the knife on other plants of this kind. P. Pinsapo does not bud so early in
spring as P. cephalonica. The young growth is seldom or never injured by
late spring frosts ; but the trees, nevertheless, often grow very stunted and
bushy, especially when young, and when left untouched or unpruned they
often remain so for many years. There are several promising young speci¬
mens here, all now growing away freely ; but when we got them, they were
bushy, stunted plants, and for some years after they made little progress
upwards, the growth of the leading shoots rarely exceeding a few inches in
length, and in many cases not more than 1 or 2 inches. By a liberal
use of the knife in well thinning the branches, and directing the energies of
the plants into the leading shoots, I have now got the greater part of them
into a free-growing state. This, of all Conifers, requires the most liberal
use of the knife, for unless the branches are kept well thinned out, the lead¬
ing growth is poor, and the plants get a stunted bushy growth.

There are many kinds of Conifers that require little or no pruning with
the knife. When properly attended to from a young state, stopping and
pinching will effect all that is required.

I would advise all who have charge of extensive and valuable collections
of Conifers to examine every specimen as often as they can find time to do
so ; they will then see any little matter that needs attending to, such as
the loss of leading bud or shoot from accident or otherwise, a loss which
by timely attention is soon repaired without any detriment to the specimen,
but which if overlooked for some time may not be so easily rectified.

Stourton. M. Saul.

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE STOCK.

The seed of the finest strains of Stocks is always scarce, and, therefore
dear. When the double-flowered plants form something like from 70 to
80 per cent, of the plants, there can be but few single flowers from which
seed can be obtained ; and when it is remembered that in order to fully
develope and ripen the seeds, it is often found necessary to pinch off one-

60

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

half of the spike of seed-pods, it is evident that even this already-limited
area is considerably lessened. Seeds of what are generally denominated
summer-flowering Stocks should be sown about the middle of March, in a
cold frame in a well-prepared bed raised up near to the glass. The seeds
should be sown very thinly, as they are liable to be attacked by mildew ;
and the thicker the plants are, the greater will be the number destroyed.
When the plants are sprinkled overhead, air should be given to dry the
foliage, or mildew will ensue. On the part of the amateur gardener close
attention must be given to this point, or the whole crop of plants may
suffer considerably. A bed composed of manure and leaves that will yield
a gentle warmth can also be employed to raise the young plants. It should
be in a sheltered position, and a covering can be made of green rods bent
in the form of a bow and roofed with garden mats. A bed of this cha¬
racter must be kept close, should frost or cold winds prevail.

The ground in which it is intended to flower the plants should be well
trenched in the winter, so as to have the full and beneficial action of the
frost. During showery weather the work of transplantation should be per¬
formed, and if the subsequent weather should prove dry, frequent sprink¬
lings through a rose watering-pot should be administered. With a rich
soil and moisture at the roots combined, there cannot fail to be a rich
harvest of flowers. The exhibitor of the Stock will, as the show ap¬
proaches, be fully alive to the value of occasional waterings with liquid
manure, as well as careful shading of the flowers.

The seed of the biennial, or winter kinds of Stocks, such as the Bromp-
ton, Emperor, Cape, and Queen, should be sown in June, in order that the
plants may be strong to withstand the rigour of the winter. Damp appears
to be as hostile to the winter Stocks as the summer ones. High and dry
situations, under the shelter of a south or west wall, are good positions in
which to winter the plants successfully. The grower should be careful
when transplanting not to reduce the ball of earth about the roots, so that
there be no check given to the growth of the plant.

Quo.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND ZONAL PELARGONIUMS.

Having for a considerable number of years borne allegiance to Autumn’s
Queen, the Chrysanthemum, I feel it my duty to do battle for her when she
is attacked ; and this she lately has been by Mr. Cramb. Before she is
deposed and banished to the kitchen garden, I trust we shall have some
explanation of Mr. Cramb’s first assertion, that the Chrysanthemum’s reign
of supremacy is drawing to a close. I have no doubt his statement is
correct so far as Tortworth Court is concerned — that it is generally so I
deny ; but this is not a point of much importance, for the mere fact of
popularity is not always a proof that a thing is good in itself.

Mr. Cramb’s second assertion is that Chrysanthemums cannot supply
the desideratum of the winter season — namely, an array of warm colours,
being too far removed from the primary colours. Surely he would have
some appreciation of the beauty of Crimson Velvet, Julie Lagravere,
Madame Poggi, Gloria Mundi, Yellow Perfection, and Jardin des Plantes,
which certainly come sufficiently near to two out of three of the primary
colours to satisfy the most fastidious. I must admit the deficiency of the
Chrysanthemum in regard to the only other primary colour — blue, but in this
respect it is certainly not inferior to the Zonal Pelargonium, which exhibits

MARCH.

61

only one of the primary colours — namely, red. Why, therefore, it should
supersede the Chrysanthemum when primary colours are required I am at
a loss to imagine, especially when, in addition to the above-named varieties,
we have such gems as Rifleman, Sparkler, Queen of England, Prince of
Wales, Princess Marie, Prince Alfred, Novelty, Hermione, Her Majesty,
White Globe, Garibaldi, Abbe Passaglia, Beverley, Alfred Salter, General
Slade, Dupont de l’Eure, Lord Clyde, Pio Nono, and Nonpariel. These, by
judicious arrangement, may be made to afford a varied, brilliant, and har¬
monious display from the early part of October till some time in January.

I do not wish to be understood as objecting to the cultivation of Zonal
Pelargoniums for winter decoration, as I use them myself on a small scale
with much advantage ; but to let them displace the Chrysanthemum
entirely would, in my opinion, be unwise, for besides not affording so brilliant
a display in winter, the different varieties of Pelargonium figure con¬
spicuously for such a length of time during the summer and autumn, that
to cultivate them exclusively for winter decoration would be producing that
excessive domination which Mr. Cramb so much objects to, and I suppose
he does not wish to exclude Pelargoniums from our list of plants for summer
and autumn display. I trust, therefore, he will give the Chrysanthemum
another trial. To enable him to do this I shall be happy to give him a few
cuttings that I can confidently recommend; and he will find my simple
method of culture in the Florist and Pomologist for December, 1865.

In conclusion, I will add one more Pelargonium to Mr. Cramb’s list of
those suitable for winter work — namely, Excellent (Smith), which is admir¬
ably adapted for the purpose, as plants of it that I struck early in August
were in full bloom in December.

Crabwood , near Southampton. J. C. Higgs.

HOW TO GROW THE TUBEROSE.

The fragrant Tuberose, the Polianthes tuberosa of botanists, of which both
single and double varieties occur, was originally introduced from India. It
is very generally called the “ Italian Tuberose,” simply from the fact that
we are indebted to Italy for large supplies of most excellent tubers, which
are annually imported from thence. The Italians propagate the Tuberose
in large quantities, and, aided by their beautiful and salubrious climate,
they are enabled to grow the tubers to a well-developed state, far beyond
that attainable in our own variable climate, even with the utmost attention.
Indeed, could better success be ensured here, it would scarcely repay the
necessary time and trouble, so low is the rate at which they are retailed —
namely, from 3s. to 4s. per dozen.

No other plant possesses a fragrance more grateful to the senses than
that of the Tuberose ; and as the crudest loam alone, added to treatment
the most simple, is required in order to grow and flower them perfectly, I
consider them worthy of a far greater amount of attention than they
receive, for they are alike suited to gratify the amateur of the humblest
means, and to diffuse a grateful fragrance throughout the most costly
drawing-room.

The tubers should be procured as soon as possible after their impor¬
tation, which has generally taken by the month of March. They are to be
placed at once for a week or two in a rather close warm place, and if it be
moderately moist so much the better. This, besides advancing them a
stage in their efforts to emit fresh roots, will also be useful in showing

62

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

whether any bruises, which might have been received in the course of im¬
portation, are so serious as to induce decay when they are brought in con¬
tact with moisture. If any such cases are perceived, all the damaged parts
should be removed by cutting them away with a knife, placing the tuber so
injured in a drier atmosphere for a few hours, in order to assist the wound
in healing over. After this, they may all be potted with greater safety than
previously. For this purpose procure some stiff clayey yellow loam, to
which add a little silver sand. Use five-inch pots (48’s), placing one good
crock over the drainage-hole, and upon this a thin layer of old well-rotted
cowdung. Put one tuber only in each pot, having first filled the pot as
firmly as possibly with the soil above named, and formed a cavity in the
centre, to hold some silver sand, in which the tuber is to be set, burying it
to half its depth, and finishing off by ramming the whole together as
firmly as possible with the hands.

When they are all potted place them in any warm situation, the moister
the atmosphere the better. The position which I have found best for them,
is in a single row close up to the woodwork at the back of a Cucumber or
Melon-bed formed exclusively of fermenting materials. Here, fully exposed
to the sun, and with a high maximum temperature, they root readily and
grow freely. In such a position, do not give any water whatever until they
have freely started, and then apply it very sparingly for a time. Should it
be necessary to place them in a drier position over pipes or a flue, and where,
the atmosphere and surroundings being drier, they may be likely to become
unnaturally dry before the process of vegetating takes place, they should
be slightly moistened by dipping the whole of the exterior surface of the
pot in water for a few seconds occasionally.

When they are once fairly started they must be watered copiously for a
few weeks, moistening the leaves well each time. Continue this treatment
until the leaves are 12 or 14 inches in length, when, if any do not show
signs of throwing up a flower- spike, withhold water wholly all at once,
letting the ball become quite dry, but moistening the leaves occasionally to
ward off red spider. The moment flower-spikes are observable copious
waterings should again be resorted to ; and if, at alternate root-waterings,
diluted manure water is used, it will be all the better for them. Keep them
as near the glass as possible, with abundance of air, until the first flower-
bud is to be seen, when it may not be disadvantageous to draw them out in
length. They keep longer in bloom if placed in a cool greenhouse whilst
opening their flowers ; these will expand in any ordinary sitting-room, and
keep well in water either cut or otherwise.

Digsivell. William Earley.

ON THE USE OF BASKET BLANTS.

What a happy idea it was to grow plants in baskets ! What a charm¬
ing change from the stiffness and everlasting monotony of pots ! What a
relief to look up to slender and delicate beauty«„instead of having to stoop
lower and yet lower down to fondle and admire it ! And then how the
plants must exult in their freedom from stakes ! How elegantly they arrange
themselves in the wantonness of their new-found liberty ! What lines of
graceful beauty they describe for us ! They have stooped to conquer, fallen
to rise, “ humbled themselves that they might be exalted thus inculcating
one of the highest moral lessons' — that in the long run humble worth will
have its reward. As often happens, however, the reward, in the case of

MARCH.

63

drooping plants, came with tardy feet. Man is slow to learn that Nature is
not only our wisest teacher in such matters hut our greatest artist. He is
so proud of his little brief authority over Nature, that he tries to govern her
as an absolute sovereign ; but he learns sooner or later that it wo’n’t answer.
If we are to govern Nature at all, our government must be constitutional.
Nature’s voice must be heard, and her wishes obeyed.

It seems strange that gardeners have hardly yet learned this lesson.
While the painter has been endeavouring for centuries to dip his brushes
into the brilliant colours of Nature, we have been slow to learn the laws of
form and shape from her infinitely varied and inimitably perfect lines of
beauty. It only seems yesterday when the rule of red tape carried all
before it in these matters. The law was to tie every plant, whatever its
habit, up to a straight stick. The most conspicuous difference among plants
consisted in the length and consequent thickness of their poles. The art of
arrangement was measured solely by a knowledge of feet and inches.
Tallest to the back, 6 inches shorter next row, 6 inches less next, and so
on, until a line of dwarfs was marshalled in front, and stood like a regi¬
ment of living mummies. They were marched out and reviewed, passed
through the various evolutions of pot -scrubbing, surface-scraping, top¬
dressing, fresh propping or tieing, or perhaps shifting, and then carefully
marched back again. With green slime removed, worms caught, and new
dispositions in reference to height made, the cultivator felt his half-yearly
work done, and surveyed them with more pedantic pride than is felt by the
modern exhibitor as he walks from Kensington or the Regent’s Park with
half a dozen first prizes in his pocket. If an individual plant dared to mani¬
fest self-willed individuality during these long intervals, a speedy remedy
was ever at hand to secure uniformity. It was brought down to the dead
level of law with the thrust of a sharp knife, or bent and kept down with a
choking tie.

Well, thanks to various influences, good garden literature perhaps more
than all others, we have had a glorious revolution since those days. I think
it would scarcely be possible to find one such regiment of skeleton plants in
Britain now. Nature has so far defied red tape that she dares to be free !
Our training must now be for, not against her. If we ever ruin or distort
her charms now the injury is not intentional. I do not say that all our
staking is wise or beneficial, but it is meant to be so. It is easier, how¬
ever, to condemn stakes than to find a substitute for them, or to get plants
in houses to support themselves with their heavy burdens of flowers without
them. Were all our plant-houses flooded with light as they ought to be,
and will be in the future, and plants could remain at rest where they have
grown, the most of our stakes might be dispensed with. But travellers must
have something to lean against. The pedestrian had his stout cudgel, and
the modern traveller the hard seat of a third-class or the luxuriant cushion
of a first-class carriage. And plants on their travels must have such as
these, or equivalents for them.

But what a relief to get away from stakes or trellises to basket culture,
which dispenses with them all ! The plants are dependent indeed, though not
on artificial props, but on the all-embracing air. They droop down beauty,
it falls from them in showers ; they iveep it is true, but it only heightens
their charms, and the tears they shed are sunshiny ones of joy.

We have a large choice of plants for this purpose. The whole race of
climbing plants that will bloom in small compass, fine-foliaged climbing
plants such as Cissus, &c., Fuchsias, Saxifrages, Sedums, Tradescantias,

64

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Vincas, Lobelias, Campanulas, Verbenas, Convolvuluses, &c. Then there
are Orchids, Cactuses, Ferns, Gloxinias, Lycopodiums, and Ivy-leaved and
many other Pelargoniums. Each of these has its admirers, and all of them,
and many others, may be had exceedingly beautiful in baskets. But for
gracefulness of habit, continuity of bloom, facility of cultivation, and cer¬
tainty of result, commend me to the family of Achimenes. Next month I
will treat of its management, and of the varieties best adapted for this
purpose.

Hcirdwicke House , Bury St. Edmunds. D. T. Fish.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

The meeting of the Floral Committee on the 19th ult. produced a rare
and beautiful show of Orchids , a good few being varieties produced for the
first time. Messrs. Low & Co., of Clapton, received a first-class certificate
for an Oncidium closely allied to 0. pelicanum ; the segments of the flowers
were rounder and smoother on the edges, and it was without the slight
brownish lines traced on those of 0. pelicanum. The same exhibitors
received a second-class certificate for an Oncidium imported from New
Grenada ; it was in the way of 0. sphacelatum, and was of a very showy
character, the habit of the plant being also remarkably good. Messrs. Low
and Co. also contributed a very interesting display of Oncidiums. Mr. Jas.
Anderson, of Meadow Bank, Glasgow, sent up a spike of the small but very
rare Oncidium nubigenum, a somewhat remarkable fact connected with which
is, that it was discovered at a greater elevation than any other Orchid — -
some 14,000 feet above the level of the sea. A first-class certificate was
awarded to Messrs. Low & Co. for a variety of the pale yellow Odontoglossum
maculatum, named superbum, a fine and distinct variation, the segments being
stout and well-shaped, the brownish tint being much darker than is usually
observed in 0. maculatum, and the border of the lip being toothed, with
the marginal spots following the outline. Dr. Pattison, of St. John’s
Wood, had Odontoglossum Warnerianum, a small plant bearing a prima facie
resemblance to 0. Cervantesii. A variety of Odontoglossum nebulosum came
from J. Day, Esq., of Tottenham; it was considered to have considerable
merit, but was too far gone in blooming ; it will probably be seen again
under more favourable circumstances. W. W. Buller, Esq., of Exeter,
exhibited a new Dendrobe, unfortunately in very bad condition, but of
which Mr. Bateman entertained a high opinion, and recognised its distinc¬
tive merits by naming it Dendrobium Bullerianum ; it bears a strong resem¬
blance to D. Devonianum, but is without the fringed margin belonging to
that species. A magnificent spike of Lcelia superbiens was furnished by Mr.
Anderson, of Meadow Bank, the flowers massive in build and richly
coloured ; and from the same came cut specimens of Batemannia Beaumontii ,
the representative of a genus named after Mr. Bateman by the late Dr.
Lindley; also the leathery-flowered yellow Vanda gigantea, and the new
lilac-flowered Epidendrum Cooperianum.

A second-class certificate was awarded to Messrs. E. G. Henderson and
Son for the Brazilian Grijjinia Blumenavia, a pretty Amaryllid, belonging to a
shy-flowering family ; it has foliage resembling a Vallota, and white flowers
with a bar of rose-colour on each segment. Messrs. Veitch & Sons gained
a similar award for Asplenium diforme, an evergreen bipinnate species from
New Zealand and Norfolk Island, which will make a pretty basket Fern for

MARCH.

65

a cool greenhouse. The same award was made to Mr. Earley, gardener to
F. Pryor, Esq., Digswell, Welwyn, for an Indian species of Bryonia, an
evergreen hothouse creeper, with fringed white blossoms like those of
Trichosanthes, and emitting an agreeable fragrance ; flowering at the dull
season of the year, it was found to be invaluable for bouquets. It is re¬
ported to produce berries, but the blossoms on this plant were all males.

A magnificent group of Amayllis (Hippeastrum) , seedlings from aulica
and vittata, was shown by Messrs. Garaway & Co., of Durdham Down,
Bristol ; and first-class certificates were awarded for — Olivia, rich scarlet
and crimson-shaded, pure light throat ; Cleopatra, bright orange scarlet,
shaded and veined with glossy crimson, coloured to the base ; H. Gibbs, car¬
mine crimson, the spine of the segments pure white, and with a marginal
feather of the same ; and Helena, orange scarlet, with slight shading of
crimson, dwarf habit, and of fine spreading form ; while a second-class cer¬
tificate was granted for Juliet, bright orange scarlet, shaded with purplish
crimson, having a clear throat, but rather smaller than the rest ; and a
special certificate for six plants of Ackermanni pulcherrima, very richly
coloured.

Mr. Sherratt, gardener to James Bateman, Esq., Biddulph Grange,
Congleton, gained a special certificate for fruiting sprigs of the Kum-quat
(Citrus japonica), which had been ripened in a warm greenhouse. It is said
to be hardier than the common Orange. The plants form bushes of from
3 to 4 feet in height, and are loaded with fruit at this season of the year.
Mr. Fortune thinks it may prove hardy in the south of England.
Messrs. Yeitch & Sons sent a handsome half-standard plant of Aucuba
japonica vera, with a good quantity of its brilliant berries, and extremely
well grown ; also a fine group of Bycaste Skinneri , sent in mournful compli¬
ment to the late Mr. Skinner ; the valuable winter-flowering cool-house
Cattleya Warscewiczii, in beautiful and almost endless variety, came from
Mr. Wilson, gardener to W. Marshall, Esq., Enfield; and a group of Cycla¬
mens from Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son comprised fine well-grown varie¬
ties of persicum, Atkinsii, and coum. The foregoing all gained special
certificates.

Before the Fruit Committee came a hybrid Brussels Sprout of no merit
from Mr. Ivery, of Dorking ; and heads of selected Fearnought Cabbage, a
hybrid between the Dwarf Scotch Cabbage and the Hearting Kale, remark¬
ably hardy, very dwarf-growing, and deliciously tender when cooked, from
Mr. R. Dean, of Ealing. -p*

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

OBITUARY.

Me. G. Ure Skinner, F.L.S., was second
son of the Very Rev. John Skinner, M.A.
Dean of Dunkeld and Dunhlane, and was horn
March 18th, 1804. In early youth he was
bent on entering the navy, but, in deference
to his father’s wishes, became a clerk in the
banking house of Barclay, Bevan, & Co., of
London. Subsequently he embarked in the
general business of a merchant in Leeds ; and
in 1831, on a prospect opening up of establish¬
ing a trade with the Republic of Guatemala,
he at once set sail for that little-known country,
destined to be the scene of the chief events

and labours of his life. Here he entered into
partnership with Mr. McKlee, for many years
charge d'affaires for Hanover and Prussia —
and thus arose the well-known mercantile
house of Klee, Skinner & Co., of Guate¬
mala.

From a child Mr. Skinner was an ardent
lover of nature, but it was not until he landed
in the New World that it showed itself in all
its strength. Guatemala was at that time
an unwrought mine in natural history — its
Fauna and Flora being alike unknown. Mr.
Skinner took to shooting the birds, and catch¬
ing the insects of his adopted country, and

66

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

afterwards to collecting and sending home
plants, especially Orchids, in which Guatemala
was especially rich. His first collection,
though gathered at random, contained nothing
but novelties, including the now well-known
Barkeria Skinneri, Epidendrum aromaticum,
and E. aurantiacum, Oncidium Cavendish-
ianum and 0. leucochilum, and Odontoglossum
bictoniense, the first member of that now
popular genus that ever reached England
alive. Mr. Skinner was the first to find
Odontoglossum grande, his own particular pet,
0. Uro-Skinneri, 0. rubescens, and 0. pul-
chellum, with its small though lovely and
deliciously scented white flowers. The Cow’s-
horn Orchis (Schomburgkiatibicinis), Epiden¬
drum Stamfordianum, and E. alatum, were
all detected in the Gulf of Dolce, while not
far from the same coast the charming Cattleya
Skinneri was discovered. The noble Lselia
superbiens, and the stately Epidendrum
cnemidophorum his latest discovery, were met
with at much greater elevations, as was like¬

wise the invaluable Lycaste Skinneri, which
now enjoys, and, indeed, richly merits, an
amount of popularity such as has not been
accorded to any other Orchid. Though
Orchids were his favourite plants, he did not
neglect other tribes, as is attested by such
names as Aquilegia Skinneri and Uro-
Skinnera speciosa, given to some of his in¬
troductions. Mr. Skinner was past sixty
years of age, and having worked hard all his
life, began at length to desire repose ; he
therefore bad resolved to retire from business,
and to settle for the residue of his years in his
native land. With this purpose in view he
sailed on the 2nd December last for Guatemala,
with the intention of winding up his affairs,
and then returning to England in the autumn
of the present year. Had he been permitted
to carry out these plans, he would have crossed
the A tlantic forty times : but this was not to
be. At Aspinwall he caught the yellow
fever, of which he died on Wednesday, the
9th of January.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSES.

W hilst the days were short it was recom¬
mended not to stimulate plants to make
growth in the absence of sufficient light, but
now the days are about as long from sunrise
to sunset as they are in spring in the tropics,
the temperature may be 65° to 70° at night,
rising to 80° or 85° by sun heat. This will be
suitable for stove plants and Orchids from the
hotter tropical regions. Those from colder
localities which do not exhibit signs of active
growth may be allowed to rest in a lower
temperature. Both stove plants and Orchids
will require a supply of water in proportion to
the vigour of their growth, and the tempera¬
ture under which it is being made. Observe
such kinds as are about to make fresh growth,
and shift if necessary. After doing so, a
slight shading will be required, and a close
atmosphere, so that sufficient moisture may
be maintained with little water till fresh
roots are started; then as new leaves are
produced, more air and water will be re¬
quired. Plants in flower should be kept
rather dry.

GREENHOUSE.

In clear weather the sun’s rays are power¬
ful in this month ; but in such weather the
nights are often frosty, so that we have two
extremes to guard against. Shading from
either is an advisable precaution. The day
screen should be withdrawn early in the after¬
noon, as from the rays of a declining sun, say
after 3 or 4 p.m., there is seldom danger of
over-heating : therefore they may then be freely
admitted and the house accordingly be shut up

early. If it happen that the temperature gets
too high for want of air, there is then danger in
admitting it so as to lower the temperature
many degrees. The right mode of proceeding
in such a case is not to reduce in the least
the excess of temperature by this means,
but merely to prevent its rising higher, for
solely on this principle air should be given.
Camellias will now be in flower. Let them
be regularly supplied with water to prevent
their flowers from dropping, and when their
blooming is over let the plants be placed in a
cooler temperature shaded from hot sun. The
same may be said of Azaleas. Ericas must
be carefully supplied with water, especially if
dry easterly winds become prevalent. Cine¬
rarias in succession to those now in flower
must be potted ; beware of the attacks of green
fly, to which these plants are so exceedingly
liable. Pelargoniums. — The general stock of
these are usually started into growth at this
season, previously to which the condition of
the roots and the soil in the pots should be
examined, to ascertain that the 1 atter has not
become dry and almost impervious to water,
and consequently so far useless. Let any
plants that are in this condition be repotted.

CONSERVATORY.

Camellias will require to be attended to
with regard to water at the roots, but care¬
fully, so as to give no more than is sufficient.
Withhold syringing when the weather is dull
and moist, but supply water more liberally
when the weather is clear, saving, of course,
the expanded flowers ; the foliage may be freely
syringed. A succession of Roses , Chinese
Primulas , Hyacinths , and other plants dis-

MARCH.

67

tinguished for floral beauty as well as fra¬
grance should be kept up. The soil in pots
should be kept fresh, and the pots themselves
kept perfectly clean ; then, if placed on silver
sand, they present an agreeable contrast.
Besides, the sand absorbs moisture, and in
proportion to the dryness of the air gives it
out beneficially.

PITS AND FRAMES.

Frequently look over the stock of Bedding
Plants , to see that all are in a favourable state
of growth, and shift immediately any that are
not. Attend particularly to those that are
required to be pushed on to make shoots for
propagation, and for this purpose remove
them to a warmer temperature ; but at the
same time, whilst encouraging growth, take
care that it is sound and substantial, by giving
it a due share of light and air. Let the
stimulus of heat be applied so as it may be
steadily progressive. Stop back to form
bushy plants, and do this so as to reduce the
amount of foliage as little as possible, for
it is by means of foliage that roots and fresh
growth are made. Attend well to watering,
but avoid constant damp, and allow moisture
to be once a- day, if possible, thoroughly
chased away by sunshine and fresh air.

FORCING.

Vines. — Keep up a moist growing tempe¬
rature. Continue to stop the shoots as pre¬
viously directed, one joint beyond the fruit,
and tie out the shoots into their proper
positions as far as they will admit, for some
would be in danger of breaking if strained to
this all at once ; such must, therefore, be in¬
clined by degrees. Displace at the same time
superfluous shoots — that is to say, those that
have shown no fruit and are not required to
bear leaves ; for it should be always borne in
mind that as many shoots should be per¬
mitted to grow as can have their leaves duly
exposed to light, whether trained on the
root or on the spur system. That mode of
training is the best which admits the greatest
extent of foliage being exposed in a given
space. Vines bent down so as to induce the
buds to break on the lower part of the shoots,
should be taken up as soon as that object is
attained. A higher temperature than was
recommended last month may now be al¬
lowed — namely, 60° by night, and 70° by day.
Muscats will bear 10° higher. Pines are
during the present month generally shifted.
In doing this observe, as a general rule, that
in no case should they be placed in a colder
medium than that from which they have been
shifted. "Within certain limits of temperature,
with ordinary care, the Pine Apple is of easy
culture. It does not like a high temperature
by sun heat : not above 90° or 95°, nor one
by night below 65°, and it prefers a bottom
heat of about 80°. Plant out of pots now,
young stock that has never felt the effects
of temperature except within the above limits ;
plant on ridges in compost enriched with

pig’s dung, and give the requisite heat top
and bottom, and you may not vainly expect
fruit from 5 to 10 lbs. weight, according to
the sort. Disbud Peaches and Nectarines ,
taking care to preserve a young shoot, which
should be the lowest one pushed, on each shoot
of last year’s wood ; train out the leaders
without stopping where there is room for
extension. Melons. — Bottom heat 80°, air of
the frame 70°. Watch well the bottom heat;
for if it should rise much higher than the
above, the roots may be injured thereby.
Pinch off the ends of the shoots when fairly
started, in order that they may produce
laterals, the strongest of which should be
selected for bearing fruit. Strawberries. —
Place the pots near the light ; force very
slowly at first, and till out of flower. Water
regularly, otherwise the red spider will set
to work; fumigate as soon as there is the
least appearance of it. Clip off the top of
the scape as soon as enough fruit is formed
on the lower part.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Sow the principal crop of Borecole for
autumn and winter. Walcheren and other
sorts of Broccoli may be sown towards the
end of the month ; and in case the ground
should be in bad condition sow also in a cold
frame. Plant out full crops of Cabbages
which were sown in autumn ; sow for summer
and autumn supply the early Battersea,
Vanack or Fulham, about the middle of the
month ; and in the beginning and end of the
month portions of the Early York. Sow
Savoys about the middle for autumn use;
some of the Early Ulm may be sown in the
beginning of the month. Sow the main
crops of Peas ; for the late kinds the ground
should be well trenched, and manured with
cowdung, and also to prevent mildew some
of Knight’s Dwarf Marrows should have a
liberal supply of sulphur. Beans raised in
heat for an early crop, should now be trans¬
planted. Sow main crops in the beginning
and end of the month. Transplant autumn-
sown Onions ; sow the main crop as early in
the month as the weather and state of the
ground will permit, in drills 6 inches apart.
Sow Leeks for transplanting. Plant Garlic
and Shallots in shallow drills a foot apart.
Dress Asparagus- beds. Plant out Lettuces
from frames, and sow on south border. Sow
main crop of Parsnips. Plant main crop of
Potatos. Make fresh plantations of Aspa¬
ragus, Horseradish , Rhubarb, Chamomile,
Chives, Hyssop , and Liquorice, if required.

FRUIT GARDEN.

The pruning of all kinds of Fruit trees
should be finished without delay, stone fruits
more especially. Whilst the ground is in
condition — moist enough but not too wet, all
planting should be done ; for cold and very
dry easterly winds often set in in this month
and prove very trying for newly planted trees
before young rootlets can be formed to re-

68

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

place the waste caused by evaporation. Graft¬
ing should be commenced if the weather is
not too frosty. Loamy clay, cowdung, and
a sprinkling of fine short hay should be beaten
and well incorporated. The fine hay serves
like the hair in plaister, and prevents the clay
from cracking and falling off ; but the point
on which the success of grafting mainly
depends is, to join as much as possible of the
inner bark of the scion to that of the stock ;
as this can be effected expeditiously and well,
there is perhaps no better mode than the
common one of whip grafting. It should be
understood that the surfaces of wood never
unite however nicely they may be applied to
each other ; it is between the inner bark and
the wood where active vitality resides, and
there only that a vital union takes place.
Train and nail wall trees ; drive the nails only
in the mortar, not in the face of the brick, un¬
less you wish to see the walls soon defaced that
have been perhaps but recently built at great
expense. The defacing, moreover, may be
accelerated by forgetting that the nails get
more or less oxidised, and of course become
thicker and tighter every day, so that there
is no occasion to strongly hammer them, as
they wedge off more of the square of the
brick and loosen a greater portion of mortar
than is necessary. The blossoms of Peaches,
Nectarines, &c., are in no danger till they
begin to expand ; but before this, means of
protection should be got in readiness — coping-
boards, thin canvas, netting, or any sub¬
stance that will prevent the free escape of
heat from the ground and surface of the wall.
Thin straw screens could be made in weather
unfavourable for out-door work.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Shrubs, it is presumed, will have now been
pruned, and hedges trimmed. See that the
latter are narrower at top than at bottom.
In some cases, to accord with the style of
gardening, it may be desirable that the sides
of hedges should be cut perpendicularly ; if
such be the case, they may ; but at the same
time care should be taken that they do not
project even so much as 1 inch beyond the
upright line ; if they are inclined as much
inwards the effect will not be unpleasing to
the eye, whilst even this slight and almost
imperceptible slope will ultimately prove
beneficial to the closeness, strength, and
beauty of the hedge, tending to prevent its
getting naked at the base. It will now be
seen what trees and portions of trees and
shrubs have been killed by the intense frost
of the first week in January. All that is cer¬
tainly dead should be cut away ; some may
spring from the root, as the ground covered
by the snow was scarcely frozen. The ground,
rough-dug before winter, should be forked,
broken, and put in readiness for the reception
of Bedding plants which are being reared for
planting out at the proper season. In the
meantime, compost should be prepared for

such kinds of Pelargoniums and other bed •
ding plants as may require it. When the
dressing of the ground from its rough state
is done, the lawns should be picked of all
sticks and spray, then well swept and rolled.
The walks should be fresh gravelled, and
their surfaces left with a perfectly regular
and gentle curve, so that when consolidated
by rolling, the rain water as it falls may
more readily find its way by surface-drainage
than it could by under- drainage. The plant¬
ing of Roses should not be delayed; the
vigour of all rosaceous plants is promoted by
early planting.

florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Give plenty of air, and as they
will now be throwing up their trusses of
bloom, more water will be required ; being in
a now forward state of growth they will be
more susceptible of cold than previously, there¬
fore frosty nights must be guarded against,
as well as cold, drying, easterly winds.
Carnations and Picotees. — Potting for bloom
may now be proceeded with, commencing
with the more robust varieties. Three plants
are preferred in an 11-inch pot, and two in
an eight-inch one. In potting press the soil
closely with the hand, and when potted
secure the plants immediately with neat
small sticks. Those yet remaining in small
pots will require particular attention as re¬
gards watering, otherwise if drying winds
prevail the plants are apt to suffer. Any that
are in danger of starting too early into bloom
on a south border should be removed to a
north one. Dahlias. — This month is the best
time for propagating the general stock. Seed
maybe sown: it is best raised in strong moist
bottom heat. Fuchsias. — Repot into five or
six-inch pots those that were first struck,
using light rich soil. Stop those that are
growing too tall and straggling. Stopping
will have the effect of causing them to assume
a more compact growth and a handsomer
form, especially if the young shoots are
judiciously trained out. Hollyhocks should
have plenty of air in order that they may not
feel much check from planting out next
month. Shift into larger pots those struck
in the course of the winter. Plant out seed¬
lings towards the end of the month. Protect
from slugs. Pansies. — Expose those in pots
in frames to gentle showers, and to the free
air when the weather is favourable. Peg out
the shoots. Plant out seedlings wintered
in pans, and likewise any stock left in pots.
Sow seed saved in autumn. Pinks. — Those
plants that have been loosened by the frost
should have the earth firmly pressed about
their roots when it is tolerably dry ; then the
surface should be top-dressed with a mixture
of about equal parts of good rich soil and
rotten manure. Tulips. — These will require
to be protected from frost, hail, and strong
cutting winds ; but they should be freely ex¬
posed to the weather when not unfavourable.

\

>

APRIL.

69

THE NEW GRENADA CATTLEYAS.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

If we cannot as yet exactly speak of Orchids for the million, we may
certainly entertain the notion of Orchids for the many, since it has been
discovered that a goodly number of the most charming amongst them —
Cattleyas, Lycastes, and Odontoglossums in particular, will grow, aye, and
thrive, under what is called “ cool ” treatment. Prominent among these
Cattleyas is a varied group, which hears the name of the lamented Warsce-
wicz, and which is well represented by the plant selected as our illustration,
for which we are indebted to W. Marshall, Esq., of Enfield.

This Cattleya Warscewiczii is, as we have said, a most variable plant,
the imported examples differing in the size, form, and colouring of their
flowers, just as a batch of seedling Pelargoniums raised in our greenhouses
might vary in these respects. They pass from pure white through every
blushing shade to deeply tinted rose, but are all marked by the presence
of an orange-coloured blotch on the lip. The blending of colours in some
of them is remarkably beautiful. To different forms different names have
been given — as Triamei, rose-colour, Wageneri, white, and quadricolor,
parti-coloured, but they are all specifically identical, and possibly not even
themselves distinct from the better known Cattleyas, labiata and Mossias. Mr.
Anderson, who has won his laurels as an Orchid-grower, has obligingly sent,
us the subjoined remarks respecting these New Grenada Cattleyas : —

From the very centre of this tropical region comes a hatch of Cattleyas,
which for loveliness and diversity of feature are unapproached by any cog¬
nate species. Even Orchid-growers have scarcely yet had any idea of the
value of the New Grenada Cattleyas for decorative purposes, from New Year’s-
day, past Candlemas, on to the very end of March. We have been so long
accustomed to tiny specimens of Wageneri, Warscewiczii delicata, Triamei,
and the many intermediate varieties, which are just so many shades darker
or lighter in the sepals, petals, and labellum, that up to the present time it
has not been within the hounds of possibility to fairly estimate their merits.
Thanks to the enterprise of Messrs. Low & Co., Messrs. Backhouse & Son,
and others, including, of course, Mr. Weir’s efforts in that direction in
behoof of the Royal Horticultural Society, we have now supplies nearly
equal, at all events proportionate, to those of Mossiae, Leopoldii, amethys-
tina, and some others. And what about the flowers ? Wherein is the
superiority manifest from the original specimens in the collections of the
country ?

In order to appreciate the case fully we had better deal with facts. For
example : we have Wageneri, for which we paid ten guineas, and Warscewiczii
delicata, which cost quite as much, both remarkable for their size when intro¬
duced into the collection — some three hack bulbs and one “ lead ! ” Triamei
and Warscewiczii were bought in later at a lesser, although at a very high
figure, and all have bloomed. The delicata variety, of which a splendid
plate has been produced in Mr. Warner’s Select Orchidaceous Plants, now bears
thirty-three very fine flowers. In the imported plants we have not only all
these types, but we have as much variety as is to be seen in a collection of
Pelargoniums similar in number, and many of them vastly superior to others
in form, in substance, and in every other feature which constitutes excellence
in a flower. Even judged by the canon of the florist, many of them are

VOL. VI. E

70

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

unexceptionably perfect in outline, and the colours vary from pure white in
the sepals and petals to the richest and most delicate peach. Then as to the
labellum, no labiata, than which we used to think nothing more perfect,
can eclipse or even rival them. The labellum in many of them is entire
at the extremity, and what is so enchanting, or rather enamouring about
it, is that the splendid velvety crimson that adorns the lower part is as
unbroken in density and as distinct as the most solid eye of the best Pansy
which ever graced an exhibition-stand. In Mossise, labiata, and all that
type, these glowing colours run out towards the extremity into softer shades,
but the finest form of Trianaei does not. Some of the forms of it are
beautifully margined with white or pale rose, and the margin is as definite
as the lines in a ribbon-border. Then the yellow blotch planted upon the
centre, which is the more distinguishing characteristic of the group, is promi¬
nent in every form of it. Sometimes it may be more dense, or more vivid,
or it may run from a pale straw to a glowing orange, but it is always there,
and always prominent and observable. The outline is much more desirable
than in the flowers of the original plants, being much better filled up. This
is the advantage in having numbers to prove, and only adds to the definite¬
ness of the conclusion long since arrived at by every one who has sat and
studied a little at the feet of Nature — that no two seedlings are alike, and
that some possess more desirable forms and colours than others. Does the
reader want any more data to induce him to invest a little money in these
Cattleyas ? The very plants I am writing about can be secured at twelve
guineas a-dozen, and no such little tit-bits as the rarities which erst while
fetched ten guineas a-piece !

An important piece of intelligence for those amateurs whose families
are so much affrighted at the tropical heat in the tropical houses, that
however much they love and admire the “ air plants,” they cannot endure
the suffocating temperature, is that these Cattleyas grow and thrive beautifully
in cool houses, because they are found at great altitudes. We have had
dozens — aye, scores of their flowers during the past months untarnished by
the least speck or spot, growing in the temperature which every lady and
gentleman would wish to see maintained in the parlour or dining-room,
and well aired during the day. Intermingle amongst such as these, a few
foliage plants remarkable for grace and elegance, such as Ferns, with Hya¬
cinths, and a diverse lot of other Orchidaceous flowers, and — pardon me
for running into ecstacies, and getting for the moment lost in admiration
— imagine if Paradise could be even more beautiful than this !

Cattleyas can now be had “ all the year round.” The gap which oc¬
curred between labiata and its fellows, and amethystina and the intermedia
section, which always precedes the lovely Mossise, is now filled up ; ame-
thystoglossa also coming in to the rescue, flowering freely in the months of
February and March.

One word before closing, and it is this — I love all Orchids, for they
all possess traits of beauty, some prominently so, others under close
investigation ; but if there be one genus more than another that amply
rewards the patience and skill of the culturist, that genus is Cattleya.
To those who doubt, and would fain invest a little under “ skilled advice,"
I say most of the members of this interesting family are good and cheap.
Try a few, and make a beginning.

Meadow Bank.

James Anderson.

APRIL.

71

ABIES MENZIESII AND ABIES SMITHIANA.

Abies Menziesii. — Mistakes appear to be often made in tbe descriptions
given of this truly noble, ornamental, and free-growing tree, which is second
in merit to no introduced species of the extensive family of Coniferae. It
is a lovely “ every day” tree. In the arboretum here, there is a plant of
it 70 feet high, having, as a leader, a shoot of last year’s growth from 2 to
3 feet long, and with shoots from all the side branches in proportion. The
diameter of the space covered by the branches is upwards of 40 feet, the
circumference of the bole more than 8 feet, and the tree is furnished to the
ground with its dense branches and foliage. The latter is retained on the
branches for from five to seven years, the greater proportion of it for five
years, so that the branches are so densely set with foliage of five years’
standing that it is impossible to see the least portion of the bole without
putting them on one side to admit the light, or creeping underneath.

This noble tree, though in company with many other fine species, is so
conspicuous that the eye is attracted to it at a long distance, particularly
when the sun shines. With the wind stirring, and the sun shining on its
lovely foliage — silvery white underneath, and of a rich blue green above —
while the pendulous brown cones are dangling from its branches, what a
remarkable contrast it affords to other Conifers, and what a fine spectacle
it presents !

The cones first appear in April ; they quickly attain their full size, and
change in colour from a bluish dusty green to brown. The seed is ripe in
the end of September and beginning of October. Sunny windy days very
soon cause the cones to open wide their scales and shed their seeds, which
become scattered by means of its slender wings. The male catkins are
pendulous, and plentiful in March and April.

Abies Smithiana, which is by some called Khutrow, Morinda, &c., is a
charming Conifer, worthy of a place in every collection, being quite hardy,
distinct, and very graceful. As it advances in age, it also gains in beauty.
On turf, where sufficient room is allowed for its independent growth, or
where not cramped for room by other plants, it becomes clothed with
branches to the surface of the ground, and attains the height of 25 or
30 feet. With its pendulous or drooping branches, the tree has a remarkably
interesting and ornamental appearance, more particularly when furnished
with its handsome shining chestnut-coloured cones, which here grow to
the length of from 5 to 7 inches, and are from 2 to 2£ inches in diameter.
They are shining as if freshly varnished, first make their appearance in
April, are soon fully grown, and are ripe in October. The seeds are small,
and of a dark colour.

Bicton Gardens. James Barnes.

SELECTED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS.

The French growers of the Zonal Pelargonium are, like ourselves, over¬
whelmed with varieties, differing, many of them, in a very slight degree
from each other. They have, therefore, felt the necessity of doing for
themselves, what for us is done by the Royal Horticultural Society’s Floral
Committee — namely, selecting the most meritorious kinds of the various
colours, and rejecting the inferior sorts. For these purposes the extensive
collection grown in the garden of the City of Paris under the care of
M. Bardlet, has been critically examined by a Commission charged with this

72

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

special duty, and consisting of MM. Carriere, Emile Chatefils, Dufoy, Malet,
Domage, Ermens, Legrand, Rafarin, and Urbain.

Tliis Committee met in August last, and selected the following sorts as
the most deserving of cultivation. They are here arranged in bracketed
groups of different shades of certain leading colours, as given in the French
journals, those of the deeper shade in each case standing first. The brackets
indicate different shades graduating down towards the lightest. Those
marked with an asterisk (*) were approved for cultivation under glass, the
others for the open garden in the climate of France. The figures 1, 2, 3,
indicate the first, second, and third degrees of merit : —

White.

' White Tom Thumb* — 1 (also for open air) .
Blanche de Castille* (Boulanger) — 2.

The Swan* (Bull) — 2.

'La Vest ale* (Babouillard) — 1.

White , tinted.

Virgo Maria (Nivelet) — 1.

Lara (Lemoine) — 2.

Schneeball (Hock) — 1.

Madame Vaucher (Babouillard) — 2.

.White Perfection.

Red or Salmon-eyed.

Les Gaules (Lemoine) — 1.

Eugenie Mezard* (Babouillard) — 1 (also
open air).

Charlotte Corday (Nardy freres) — 2.

/ Gloire de Corbeny* (Babouillard) — 1 (also
open air) .

- Madame la Baronne Haussmann* (Ville de

Pas is)— 1 (also open air).

.Mathilde Moret (Chardine)— 3.

(Havilah (Jarlot)— 2.

- Baronne de Staid (Malet) — 2.

(Madame Rendatler* (Nivelet) — 2.

f Charles Rouillard* (Mezard) — 2.

1 Nina Hock (Plock) — 3.

Madame Prudent Gaudin (Bruant)— 2.

(Amelina Grisau* (Lemoine) — 1.

J Ary Zang— 2, for edging.

1 Norma.* — 2.

IPrincesse Alice (Smith) — 3.

Madame Dangfiy* (Nardy freres)— 2.
'Monseigneur Lavigerie (Kendatler) — 1.

Le Prophete (Lemoine) — 1.

Madame Dufour* (Malet) — 1.

Brillant de Toulouse* (Smith) — 3.

Ludwich Uhland (Weinrich)— 2.

Marie Labbe (Chardine) — 1.

Dame Blanche* (Plaisamjon) — 1.

(Madame Berthe Foache* (Rendatler)— 1.
Madame Verle* (Babouillard)— 1.

Gaetana* (Weick) — 2.

Souvenir de M. Peyrot* (Bruant)— 1.

Rose.

'Madame Ermens* (Ville de Paris) — extra.
Christinus (Babouillard) — 1.

Mademoiselle Henriette Renoult.

J ules Arlet.

Rose , tcith white eye.

'Beaute de Suresnes (Gassier) — 2.

Beaute du Parterre (A. Dufoy) — 1.

- Rose de Madrid (Jarlot) — 3.

Gloire des Roses* (Varengue) — 2.
k Belle Rose* (Rendatler) — 2.

Beaute d’ Europe (Crousse) — 1.

Gloire de France — 3.

Rose Rendatler (Rendatler) — 2.

j Kcetchen Schreurer (Hock) — extra.

( MademoiselleNoemieLegendre(Paulin) — 2.

Carmine Red.

Cardinal* (Crousse) — 1.

Ornement des Massifs (Crousse) — 2.

(Triomphant* (Boulanger) — 3.

-j Imperial* (Richalet) — 3.

Abondance (Nardy freres) — 2.

Amedee Achard* (Crousse) — 1 (also open
air) .

Staatsrath Valher* (Weinrich) — 3.
Madame Madeleine* (Lemoine) — 2.
Christian Deegen (Lemoine) — 1.

Hardy Gaspard* (Boucharlat) — -1.

Macrantha* (Liabaud)' — 2.

Lapeyrouse* (Rendatler) — 2.

'Vulcain (Smith) — 3.

Louis Roezeler (Rendatler'' — 2.

Nora (Bull)— 2.

Nardy freres* (Puteaux-Chaimbault) — 1.
Victoire de Puebla (Chardine) — 1.

Herald of Spring (Turner) — 2.

Tintoret.

Madame Gdnisset (Nardy fibres) — 2.

Madame Rudolphe Abel* (Crousse) — 2.
Bonnie Dundee (Bull) — 2.

Monsieur Julien Meunier (L’Huillier) — 1.

Orange Red.

Tom Thumb — 3.

Frogmore — 3.

APRIL.

73

f Les Miserables (Lemoine) — 2, for edgings.
Boule de feu (Nivelet) — 2.

Henri Lierval (De-champs) — 1.

Etoile des Massifs (Boucharlat) — 3.
Madame Galland (Boucharlat) — 3.

Lange wicz (Lemoine)— 2.

Etendard (Richalet) — 2.

Le Zouave (Lemoine) — 1.

Hugo Englert (Weinrich) — 3.

I La Eoudre (Lemoine) — 1.

( Prince Imperial (Jarlot) — 2.

• Marvel* (Bull) — 2.

(Sobiesky (Lemoine) — 1.

fTriomphe de Courcelles (Varcrgue) — 3.
Etendard de Flandre.

Leonidas (Lemoine) — extra.

. Boule de feu (L’Huillier) — 2.

Etendard des Rouges.

Clipper* (Smith) — 3.

Greorges Nachet (Rendatler) — 2.

(Victor Lemoine (Nardy freres) — 3.

Monsieur Maugonet* (Jarlot) — 1.

Daniel Mannin (Lemoine) — 3, for edgings.
Donald Beaton* (Paul) — 3.

Monsieur Aime Dubos* (Boucharlat) — 1.
Directeur* (Richalet) — 3.

{ Doctor Lindley* (Bull) — 3.

(President Reveil (Hardy freres) — 3.

Le Glean t# (Boucharlat) — 3.

Revisor Kulmann (Weinrich) — 3.

(Mexico (Chardine) — 3.

-I Effective* (Bull)— 3.

(Madame Aunier (Nardy freres) — 2.

| Victor Millot* (Crousse) — 1.

• Le Niagara (Lemoine) — 2.

(Fortune Delmez (Crousse) — 3.

Sunlight (Bull) — 1.

- Vercingetorix (Lemoine) — 2.
Woodwardiana* (Henderson) — 3.

Jules Cesar (Lemoine) — 1.

Madame Leon Loisel (Malet) — 1.

Marie Vincent (Crousse) — 3.

, Ami Rabotin (Rendatler) — 2.

Salmon Red.

( Emile Licau (Licau) — extra.

Beaton’s Indian Yellow* (Paul) — 2.
Madame Travers (Rendatler) — 2.
Madame Fischer (Weinrich) — 3.

Abbe Samson* (Martine) — 2.
Archeveque de Paris (Lemoine) — 3.
Madame Calot (Lemoine) — 1.

Exquisita (Hock) — 2.

^Monsieur Pages (Nardy freres) — 2.

Le Titien (Crousse) — 3.

Jean Valjean (Lemoine) — 1.

Monsieur Barre (Babouillard) — 1.
Comtesse de Pounales (Rendatler)— 2.

(Etienne-Henri (Rendatler) — 2.
j Saint-Fiacre (Lemoine) — 3.

Madame Ninette Sacchero (Crousse) — 3.
Madame Loussel* (Malet) — 2.

Salmon Rose.

Madame Rougier (Chardine) — 3.

Tlie Nosegay and Variegated varieties must form the subject of another
paper ; as must also the results of the trials which were made last season at
Chiswick, and not yet officially reported.

M.

ON BEHALF OF THE EVERGREEN BERBERRIES.

The evergreen species of Berberis are very much grown here, being
especial favourites with my employer, both on account of their hardiness,
and from their coming into flower early in spring. As under-shrubs they
are very valuable, being more hardy than the common Laurel. In the
severe winter of 1860 we had the Laurels, both Portugal and common, as
well as Aucubas, Bays, and indeed almost all evergreen shrubs, killed down
to the ground ; but Berberis Aquifolium stood 84° of frost without losing a
leaf, in any part of these grounds, though some of them were growing close
to the water in two separate places, in both of which they escaped without
injury. This fact induced me to plant them more extensively than before,
as they are very pretty, not only in the spring when covered with their
golden yellow blossoms, but also in the autumn when their branches are
laden with purple fruit. Unfortunately the feathered tribes are so fond of
the fruit that they eat them up as they would Gooseberries or Currants, and
thus rob the plants of their autumnal beauty.

Since 1860 we have planted three other kinds, which I think would be
more commonly used if they were better known. These are Berberis Bealii,

74

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

japonica, and Darwinii. The first, Berberis Bealii, commences to bloom
about the beginning of November, and is in full bloom early in February ;
the flowers are of a very much lighter yellow than those of B. Aquifolium,
and the fruit is much larger, somewhat resembling black Grapes, and
ripens in the early part of the summer. Where fine-foliaged hardy plants
are grown, this is one of the grandest that I know of. The plant I have
before me was five years ago turned out of a three-inch pot into the position
where it now stands, and at the present time it is rathet more than 4 feet
high, and 4 feet through. The foliage is particularly fine, some of the
leaves measuring 14 inches in length. Berberis japonica differs but little
from B. Bealii either in habit of growth or in the colour of the blossom,
but it is not quite so robust a grower.

The remaining species, of which mention has been made — namely, Ber¬
beris Darwinii, deserves to be brought into general cultivation. It differs
in various ways from the others I have mentioned. The flowers of B. Dar¬
winii are of a deep orange yellow, and are produced very freely in the
spring months, while the habit of the plant is most graceful, so that it is
very ornamental either when in flower or fruit. The foliage somewhat
resembles that of the Holly in miniature, the leaves being not more than
an inch in length. The plant is very hardy, and of vigorous growth, indeed
it is one of the fastest-growing shrubs that I know of.

One great advantage which these species of Berberis possess is this,
that they will grow, as they do here, on various soils, from peat and sand
to heavy loam. Another is their hardiness, as evidenced by their having
stood uninjured the test of 28° of frost on two occasions here during
the month of January.

Elsenham Hall Gardens . William Plester.

NEW FLOWERS.

In continuation of the notes on New Flowers broken off at page 47, it
may be remarked that New Fuchsias were very sparingly shown during 1866.
Mr. Cannell, of Woolwich, had some very good double varieties, such as
King of Doubles , with scarlet tube and sepals, the latter well reflexed, purple
corolla striped with dull crimson, and very double ; and Monster, scarlet
tube and sepals, violet purple corolla, large and showy. Mrs. Gladstone
(Bland), also in the hands of Mr. Cannell, is a very beautiful flower, the
tube and sepals scarlet, the corolla single, waxy white, feathered with
scarlet. Mr. Smith, of Hornsey Road, has a monstrous double variety
named Norfolk Giant (Hills), with crimson scarlet tube and sepals, violet
purple corolla, a fine exhibition kind.

In regard to the Hollyhock, Mr. Chater has two or three good things,
such as Frederick Chater, pale yellow tinted with buff, flowers large and full,
and of fine quality ; Speciosa, salmon buff suffused with rose, the flowers
large and close ; and Edward Speed, pale purplish grey, a very novel shade
of colour, flowers full and compact. The two first were awarded first-class
certificates, the latter a second-class. Exhibitors will be much pleased with
Cliater’s Nonptareil, rich dark maroon crimson, suffused with purple ; and
Attraction, delicate silvery shaded rose, fine form, and producing an excellent
spike. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing have fine varieties in James Anderson,
bright rosy lilac, fine form ; Mrs. Hastie, clear bright rosy peach, a beautiful
colour ; William, Thomson , bright rosy scarlet, flowers of excellent form ; and

APRIL.

75

John Downie, clear rosy salmon. The three first-named were awarded first-
class, and the last a second-class certificate.

The New Hyacinths were fully described at page 70 of last year’s volume,
and as it may be years before they ever become circulated, (if at all), there
is no need to recapitulate them here. It may, however, be noted that the
name Vunxbaak should be corrected to Vuurbaak, which means literally
Fire-beacon.

The fine variety of Lilium auratum, called splendidum , shown by Messrs.
W. Cutbusli & Son, and which was awarded a first-class certificate, has the
novelty of possessing bands of dullish crimson instead of those of the usual
orange colour. It is highly attractive.

The bedding Lobelias have a valuable addition in Beauty of Ravensbourne
(Carter & Co.), remarkably dwarf and compact in habit, and having a pro¬
fusion of small lilac and white flowers. It has been w^ell tested, and can be
pronounced an invaluable bedding plant. The herbaceous section of the
fulgens type show a marked advance both in variety of colours and in the
stoutness of their flowers. Mr. Kinghorn and Mr. Bull have been very
successful, and such varieties as Distinction , rosy cerise ; Ruby, ruby rose,
suffused with violet ; Glitter, showy bright scarlet ; Peach Blossom, soft
pinkish peach; Progress, bright crimson; Matchless, bright reddish purple;
and Excellent, shaded magenta, are real acquisitions.

The show Pansy proper has one good representative in Bryant’s Colonel
Murray, a yellow ground flower of good properties, with broad maroon
belting. It was awarded a first-class certificate. Messrs. Downie, Laird and.
Laing have a good batch of Fancy or Belgian Pansies. Thomas Downie, a
white ground flower of good form and substance, with deep purple blotches
and veins of the same colour ; Miss J. Kay, lower petals bright yellow, with
large crimson maroon blotches, upper petals magenta crimson ; and Hugh
Adair, white ground, with large blotches of dark mauve in the lower petals,
upper petals bright magenta, a flower of fine quality, are real acquisitions.
Countess of Munster, Ninian Niven, and Orange Boven, of the same batch, are also
valuable flowers. Their Imperial Blue promises to be a good bedder, the
depth of colour is something very desirable. It has received a second-class
certificate.

There is a very pretty Phlox Drummondii named Louise Grelle, having
white-ground flowers, with rosy carmine streaks, which surpasses Gen.
Radetzky in brightness, and would form a very striking bed.

A very fine variety of the Pink named Princess of W ales was shown by
Mr. Turner, the flowers were regularly and heavily laced with dark rosy
crimson. It was awarded a first-class certificate. In Rubens Mr. Turner
lias an excellent forcing variety, with pale lilac flowers, very free-blooming ;
and Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son have Most Welcome, a perpetual kind,
laced with dark crimson on a white ground ; it is also very fragrant.

Some very pretty Dwarf Bedding Trop2eolums, in the way of Lobbianum
clegans, will be distributed this season, seedlings raised by Mr. George, of
Stamford Hill. The following had their merits recognised by the award of
first-class certificates: — Compactum (H. Cannell), bright orange scarlet
shaded with crimson, very free and showy ; King of Scarlets (G. Smith),
very brilliant scarlet, compact dwarf habit, and very free ; Luteum Improved
(H. Cannell), rich golden yellow, with small crimson spots, bushy habit, and
an abundant bloomer ; The Moor (H. Cannell), rich velvety maroon, deepen¬
ing to black about the throat, good habit; and Scarlet Gem (H. Cannell),
brilliant orange scarlet, small flowers of good shape, very freely produced.

76

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Verbenas, as usual, were plentiful, but owing probably to the hot
weather that prevailed for a time, were sparely shown. Lady of Langleybury
(Cruickshanks), one of the most striking, has striped lilac and white
flowers, the colours being well defined, so that it will form a good exhibi¬
tion kind. This with Coleshill (Eckford), intense scarlet, with lemon eye,
pips large, and forming a very showy truss ; Gladiator (H. Cannell), carmine
deepening to crimson, white eye, a fine exhibition variety ; and Shakespeare
(8. Perkins & Son), bright scarlet shaded with crimson, conspicuous white
eye, pips large and very stout, fine for exhibition, were awarded first-class
certificates. Earl of Badnor (Eckford), light scarlet, with pale lemon eye,
habit good ; Harry Law (Perry), deep rosy cerise, with dark ring round a
large lemon eye, pips stout and of good size ; King of Bedders (E.G. Hender¬
son & Son), brilliant crimson red, a fine bedding variety; Lady Folkestone
(Eckford), clear rose, very free-blooming; and Umpire (Eckford), purplish
crimson and cerise, large lemon eye, pips full-sized, and excellent truss,
received second-class certificates. Auricula (Perry), crimson shaded with
purple, conspicuous white eye ; Gem (Perry), intense . bright scarlet,
with white eye ; Harlequin (E. G. Henderson & Son), white, regularly
striped and flaked with purple ; Jewess (E. G. Henderson & Son), violet
shaded plum colour, good habit and free-blooming ; Purpurea (Perry), crim¬
son, suffused with purple, and deep crimson purple ring round a white eye ;
and White Queen (E. G. Henderson & Son), pure white, good habit, and a
profuse bloomer — are all flowers that deserve to be looked after in the
coming season.

Among Violets, King of Violets (E. G. Henderson & Son), produces very
large and richly fragrant flowers of a fine indigo blue colour, and sometimes
the flowers come striped with white.

The various groups of Pelargoniums must be reserved for notice in a
future paper. p p

THE ACHIMENES AS A BASKET PLANT.

In treating of the management of the Achimenes as a basket plant, it
will be necessary to refer to the Baskets, the Soil, the Mode of Filling, and
the Culture, and I will conclude by naming some of the best Varieties for
this mode of cultivation.

And first of the Baskets. Any size from 6 inches to 18 inches across,
is suitable ; but unless the houses or corridors where they are to hang when
in flower are very large, those from 9 inches to a foot across perhaps look
best. The depth may vary from 4 inches to 8 or 10 inches, but a greater
depth than this will not be needed. The best form for the baskets is the semi-
globular, that is for suspension in free space to be seen on all sides ; but a
different or indeed any form may be used for hanging against a wall, or
from a projecting bracket. Most baskets are made of galvanised or common
iron wire, but cement, china, or any kind of pottery answers equally well or
even better. If made of wire they should be closely worked, or a skeleton
of zinc perforated with holes about 14- inch or 2 inches apart should be
placed inside the wire, or wire netting may be run round inside. However,
if closely made neither of these will be necessary, for a closely compacted
layer of white sphagnum or common moss from half to three-quarters of
an inch in thickness, will answer the purpose of retaining the soil equally
well. If common moss is used it should first be boiled to destroy slugs,
and the larvre of insects.

APRIL.

77

Having provided our baskets and lined tliem, we proceed to prepare our
Soil. This should consist of onepart peat, one of leaf mould, one of fibrous
loam, and one composed of equal quantities of well-rotted cowdung, silver
sand, and cocoa-nut refuse. The whole must be thoroughly mixed, and
about a sixth part of charcoal in pieces from 1 to 2 inches square added.
The compost must be used in a rough state. The drainage for all basket
plants should consist of charcoal only, and as the baskets are flat and per¬
forated, it need not exceed an inch in depth. The reason for using charcoal
is, that it is one of the best drainage materials ; probably locks up and
gives out carbonic acid just when it is required, and certainly is the
lightest material at command — the last consideration alone being sufficient
reason for preferring it.

And now for the Filling or Planting. Turn out a store pot of Achimenes
roots, and collect two or three dozen as nearly of equal strength as possible.
See that all are healthy and prepared to start into growth. Then begin by
placing a layer of soil over the drainage and a layer of the tubers, with buds
downwards, upon it. If a zinc shell is used these buds must point in the
direction of the holes ; and the same precaution should be taken to ensure
the free exit of each succeeding layer. If moss is used for a lining, it will
be placed in as the planting proceeds, and the growing points placed just
against or partially among the moss. In filling up the basket the centre
should be kept rather the lowest, to ensure a better water supply. The
quantity used in a basket will of course depend very much upon its size ;
but where the tubers are plentiful, and immediate effect is desired, and a
large head in proportion to the size of the basket is wanted, I would advo-
cate thick planting — say from 1 to 2 inches apart, all up the sides of the
basket. Every layer of soil should be compressed pretty well between the
layers of tubers. Care must, however, be taken not to break the long
scaly tubers, as I have noticed that although any part may grow, the
strongest and best growths are from the ends only, and the strength of the
ends very much depends upon its having the whole length of the tuber to
draw upon. Unless the basket is to be placed very high, the top may also
be planted in the same manner as the sides, and finished off with white or
common moss. The object of this is twofold: it gives a neat finish, and
by preventing evaporation saves much watering in the future.

From this point Culture begins. Assuming that the soil is ordinarily
moist, such as gardeners pronounce in good condition for potting, and that
the tubers have been kept dry in the store pot, no water should be given for
a week or a fortnight. The baskets may be placed in any house or pit with
a temperature of 60°. In the course of ten days or a fortnight plunge all
the baskets overhead into water at a temperature of 70° or 80° until the
whole of their contents is thoroughly soaked. Then suspend them in a
plant-stove, a vinery, or Peacli-house, at work, or in any shady genial place
until the shoots and leaves appear ; and probably if they are kept shaded
they will require no more water until then. From this period they must be
placed in the light and carefully watered. The first few waterings should
be heavy, for two reasons — to ensure that every part will be moistened, and
to wash out any loose soil at once, so that it cannot mar the cleanly beauty
of either leaves or flowers at a later period. If the tubers all grow regularly,
they will need no attention but the common cultural care. If not, however,
some stopping and tying may be needed at first to secure uniform growth
afterwards. It is a very good plan to start the tubers in saucers or pans
before placing them in baskets. Thus regularity of plant is insured at once,

e 2

78

THE FLORIST AND P0M0L0GI8T.

and the plants are not so long in the baskets before flowering. In that case,
of course, watering and proper culture would begin with the basketing.

Probably a temperature of from 60° to 70° suits the Acliimenes best ;
but they will grow well in 10° less. I have invariably placed in}' baskets
in a vinery at about 70°. When fairly in flower they are removed for
a week or so to a lower temperature, and are finally suspended in a cool
conservatory and a corridor of the same temperature. By putting in three
or four lots every month, from the 1st of January to the 1st of April, they
may be had in great beauty from June to the end of October, or indeed
through most of the winter if the last batch is suspended in the stove.
They certainly do not like flowering in a temperature under 45Q ; neither
should they be hung too close to the glass ; from 2 to 8 feet from it is quite
near enough. If they can be shaded for, say three hours, from the direct
heat of the sun in the middle of the day, their leaves would have a greener
tint, and their blooms last longer.

' To appreciate the full beauty of Achimenes in baskets, it is necessary to
see them spheres of lilac, scarlet, pink, or white, a yard in diameter ; nay
thus must we relieve and break up the dull uniformity of our sky or roof
views by their surpassing beauty. Some baskets of A. longiflora and
Ambroise Verscliaffelt, that I have seen can never be forgotten. The very
form of the flower is endowed with new charms, when it thus reaches down
to us, and there is no other position so well adapted for exhibiting its pecu¬
liar beauty. I ought to add that as the plants strengthen, and the baskets
get full of roots, they require daily watering in bright weather, and will
repay the grower for a small dust of guano or superphosphate of lime in
their drink.

|! The weaker- growing sorts are the best for baskets. The whole of
the varieties of A. longiflora are admirable ; A. coccinea with all its
rose-coloured relations, such as Meteor, Parsonsii, rosea elegans, magni-
ficaus, are also good ; and so are the following — Edmund Bossier, Marga-
ritse, Dazzle, carminata splendens, Sir Trelierne Thomas, Mauve Perfec¬
tion, Carl Woolfartli, Hendersonii, and an old variety that I have long
known under the name of patens. In one word, all those old or new sorts
that require most propping up in pots, are just those that do best in baskets.
The old grandiflora, Chirita, gigantea and picta are types of the upright
varieties that do best in pots. Both classes are useful, but to those who
have' only room for one mode of culture, I confidently recommend the semi-
prostrate sorts, that delight to hang from suspended baskets, as a constant
source of amusement and satisfying pleasure.

Hardwicke House, Bury St. Edmunds. D. T. Fish.

THE DAISY.

• This very humble evergreen herbaceous plant, the Beilis perennis of
botanists (from bellus, pretty), was the delight of my boyhood, for I cul¬
tivated the Daisy for an edging, when my father allotted me a patch of
ground about 12 feet by 0, for floriculture. As I advanced in years I found
to my cost that this friend of my youth was a troublesome lawn weed, and
that it had been rightly named perennial, for it proved remarkably tenacious
of life. Every gardener has been tormented with its fine healthy appear¬
ance, in full bloom all over the lawn in little more than a day after mowing ;

APKIL.

79

and, as the following quaint epitaph from an Irish churchyard indicates, it
is destined to get the upper hand at last: —

“ Here I’m arrived, and my burden it aises,

With the point of my nose, and the tips of my toes,

Turned up to the roots of the Daisies.”

This pretty composite flower, with its coronet of rosy florets, seems as if its
involucrated head had been brow-bound with a reversible garland, for when
the wild Daisy is expecting rain or heavy dews, we find it forming an elegant
bud, beautifully tipped with pink ; but when the sun shines, and the sky is
serene, it shows the white star spreading from its golden centre, and in this
state, wherever the highly-kept lawn is respected, the gaudy little weed is sure
to be detested. In botanical works the Daisy is said to flower from March
until August. I saw some in flower in January this year, and the previous
weather had certainly not been by any means forcing — in fact, the Daisy was
only a few days behind the Snowdrop in showing blossoms, and we may safely
reckon upon its blooming in favoured localities until the end of October.

The large double garden variety not being a perfect flower, but a very
beautiful transformation, is more shy of blooming, and seldom shows fine
flower-buds excepting in spring. The double quilled kinds seem to have
carried the transformation still further, and piped each floret, so that the
style and character of the original type become altogether changed. Under
ordinary circumstances these double flowers are barren, and consequently
have to be propagated by division of the roots. There is a proliferous kind
called the Hen- and- Chicken Daisy, which forms lateral flower-heads around
the parent head — a mere oddity, and by no means ornamental like the garden
varieties above noted. The Daisies have one very important point in a
business point of viewT — they sell very well, having a good deal of decided
character about them, and making pretty little presents for children ; but the
Daisy, as an ornamental flower, is not to be confounded with the lawn weed,
nor with the Hen- and- Chicken varieties. There is a kind — aucubcefolia —
having beautifully variegated leaves, and where the variegated leaf is required
the plant is seldom allowed to flower, as the blossoms take away from the
effect of the foliage.

In planting Daisies do not be alarmed about dividing them, only take
care that some little rootlets be attached to each crown. If planted for
edgings, about six plants should go to the foot ; be careful to dip the roots
of each plant into some rich mud, of about the consistency of thick paint,
before planting ; and if planted in finely pulverised soil and watered they
will not fail to grow, for the Daisy is a sure cropper. I have mentioned
this way of planting Daisies for edgings for the sake of the veriest begin¬
ners in floriculture, who, like myself, may have to start with -the fourth
part of a perch of garden ground. Let no one cheat the child out of such
a harmless hobby as this, for I speak from experience when I say that I
found great happiness in that small spot of black earth. It is, however,
to the oft-recurring little patch of Daisies all along the sheltered border
that I would particularly direct attention, for they are among the cheapest
flowers we have, and never fail to bloom freely under very ordinary culture.
In order to have them looking neat, let me advise that all the flower-heads
should be constantly plucked off as they begin to tarnish in any way, either
with soil from dashing rains, or from decay. It is surprising what newness
of life will be imparted to pet plants by this slight attention. There is
nothing either first or last in floriculture. The Cedar on the lawn, and the
Daisy on the common, are limited according to the measure meted out to each.

It is quite disheartening to a young cultivator to begin growing good

80

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

flowers, as they are called, for if they suffer the least neglect, they are done
for ; and there are a great many more bunglers in floriculture than it would
be desirable to name. A few pence, however, well laid out on Daisy plants
will do more for a permanent display of neat and very showy spring flowers
than can be had from any other genus that I know of. Daisies neatly
dotted round a curve at distances of about 6 feet, or in straight lines at the
same distance apart, will give the early- spring border a charm quite peculiar,
as the flowers are so well thrown up above the foliage, and there is such a
dense mass of flower-lieads if the plants have been well fed.

Salford. Alex. Forsyth.

NEW GARDEN PLANTS.

The most remarkable novelty among introduced plants which has lately
been made known is, doubtless, the Dalechampia Roezliana rosea , which
has recently been figured by Dr. Regel (Gartenflora, t. 532), and ex¬
hibited by Mr. Bull at South
Kensington, and of which,
through Mr. Bull's kindness,
we are enabled to give the
accompanying illustration.

The plant is a native of Vera
Cruz, in Mexico, where it
was originally detected by
Roezl. It blossoms very
freely, small plants of a
few inches in height pro¬
ducing from every leaf- axil
its peculiar inflorescence, the
beauty of which resides in
the large rosy pink bracts,
which somewhat remind one
of those of Bougainvillaea.

The species differs from most
of its congeners in being of
erect not of climbing habit,
and in having undivided not
palmate leaves. It forms
an erect low-growing under-
shrub, with ohovate spathu-
late, subcordate leaves, 5 to
9 inches long, and 1 to
3 inches wide at the broadest
part, smooth or nearly so on
both surfaces, and furnished
with ovate stipules. The pe¬
duncles are slender, axillary,
angular, 2 to 3 inches long,
supporting two large, broadly
ovate- acuminate, denticulate,
rosy pink floral leaves, within which are other smaller bracts placed around
and among the male and female flowers, some of them thick and club-shaped,
and bearing at the top a fringe of short, yellow, waxy-looking threads,
which give a singular appearance to the blossoms. The plant, which

APRIL.

81

belongs to tlie Euphorbiaceae, will be welcome in our hothouses on account
of its beauty, its remarkable structure, and its total dissimilarity from
every other plant in cultivation.

Another stove plant of considerable beauty is the Clavija fulgens (Bot.
Mag., t. 5626), flowered at Kew ; a shrub of tall, erect habit, with very large
obcuneately spathulate leaves, and dense racemes, 4 or 5 inches long, of rich
orange red flowers, seated in the axils of the leaves. As a free-growing stove
plant of stately habit it is well worth growing. Impatiens latifolia (Bot.
Mag., t. 5625), is another Kew plant obtained from Ceylon. It is some¬
thing like the I. platypetala formerly grown, perhaps scarcely so ornamental,
but its abundant, large, flat, purple flowers, and its facility of cultivation may
render it useful. Mr. Bull has had under the name of Siphocampylus
fulgens a very pretty stove perennial, which should bear the name of Sipho¬
campylus Humboldtianus (Bot. Mag., t. 5631). Its habit is suffruticose,
rather bushy than straggling, the stems bearing ovate-lanceolate leaves, and
stalked tubular curved flowers of a bright vermilion scarlet with yellow
throat, and having the limb-segments spread out like a five-pointed star.
M. Van Houtte, in a recent Number of the “ Flore des Serres,” introduces
to us some very beautiful novel forms of Nmgelia (t. 1671-2) — those named
Lindleyana and rosea punctatissima being particularly beautiful. They have
richly coloured leaves in the way of zebrina and cinnabarina, but the flowers
are yellow; the former of a deep primrose yellow, speckled on the limb
with rosy crimson, and tinted with the same colour on the tube ; the latter
of a pale straw-colour, also dotted on the limb and tinted on the tube with a
lively flush of rosy crimson.

Among Orchids the curious and somewhat ornamental Oncidium serratum
(Bot. Mag., t. 5682), has been flowered at Farnham Castle. It belongs to
the Cyrtochilum group, has a twining flower-scape some 9 or 10 feet long,
and bears a lax many-flowered panicle of odd-looking blossoms, the parts
of which are of a chocolate brown, margined and tipped with yellow, the
lip having rather more yellow than the rest. The upper sepal is broad and
kidney-shaped, the lateral ones obovate-lanceolate, and much elongated; the
petals ovate, acute, and connivent ; and the lip small and hastate. It is a
Peruvian species, requiring moderately cool treatment, and has been sold
under the name of 0. diadema. Two pretty little Orchids deserving of
record here are the cream-coloured Angrcecum citratum (Bot. Mag., t. 5624),
a native of Madagascar, and the rosy-lipped Sarcanthus erinaceus (Bot. Mag.,
t. 5630), from Moulmein, both small-flowered, but little gems in their way.

As an acquisition amongst stove bulbs we may particularise the Hippeas-
trmn Alberti (LTllust. Ilort., t. 498), a fine double-flowered orange red
Amaryllis, introduced from Cuba by Mr. Albert Wagner, and now in the
hands of M. Laurentius of Leipsig. Another plant of the same Amaryl-
lidaceous family, recently made known, is Griffinia Blumenavia (Bev. Hort.,
1867, 32), a species introduced to the Berlin garden from St. Catherine’s
by Dr. Blumenau, and forming a pretty dwarf bulb, with broadish leaves,
and an umbellate inflorescence of pretty flowers, which are white, marked
on the upper segments with a central bar of rose colour.

Pleroma sarmentosa (Bot. Mag., t, 5629), is a very showy sub-shrubby
greenhouse plaiit from the cool valleys of Peru, where it is found at an
altitude of 8000 feet. It is slender, straggling, and subscandent in habit,
and has ovate, acute, hairy, bright green, five-to-seven-nerved leaves, and very
handsome deep violet flowers 2£ inches across, and very much resembling
those of P. elegans. This has been flowered by Mr. Isaac Anderson-Henry.

82

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

M. Van Iioutte figures under the name of Sedum maximum versicolor
(Flore des Serres, t. 1669), a pretty hardy herbaceous perennial, related to
8. Telepliium, which has cordate ovate leaves, elegantly variegated at the
margin with white and rose colour. It hears also the name of S. Eodigasii.

Ulmus campestris aurea (La Belg. Hort., 1866, t. 19), is a very orna¬
mental form of the Elm tree, obtained by M. E. Eosseels, of Louvain, by
whom it is grown under the name of Ulmus antarctica. The leaves are of
a deep golden yellow, here and there breaking into green or bronze, and
very constant to the variegation. The French gardens introduce to us a
handsome hardy shrub in the Cotoneaster Fontanesii (Eev. Hort., 1867, 33),
a roundish branching bush, with ovate-elliptic leaves, silky below, and
numerous small axillary heads of white flowers, which are succeeded by
ornamental spherical fruit of a coral red colour. Finally, in Weigela Mul-
dendorjiana purpurata (L’lllust. Hort., t. 495), we have a beautiful hardy
dowering shrub, with very showy bunches of deep rosy red dowers. We shall
shortly have one or two interesting species of Hydrangea to add to this list.

M.

SELECT ORCHIDACEOUS PLANTS.*

The drst series of Mr. Warner’s “ Select Orchidaceous Plants” forms a
very handsome volume, containing illustrations of forty of the most remark¬
able species and varieties of that charming family known to cultivators.
The folio size of the book has given the artists ample scope, of which they
have not failed to avail themselves ; and the descriptive matter is enhanced
in value by the practical nature of the cultural hints which Mr. Williams
has furnished. Altogether the volume, while specially addressed to Orchid-
growers, is one which is in every way suitable to be laid on any drawing¬
room table.

The cultivation of Orchids, so far from being on the decline, appears to
be in the ascendant. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at that Mr. Warner
should come forward with another series of dgures of these gorgeous plants,
of which second series two parts are published. Mr. Fitch’s admirable skill
is shown to great advantage in these splendid figures, which are got up in the
very best style of art, and are fully equal to those of the former series ;
while Mr. Williams’s practical skill continues to furnish most useful hints
to those who attempt the management of rarities of this character.

The subjects illustrated in the parts already issued are these : — 1, Cij-
pripedium caudatum , from, a finely coloured specimen grown by W. Marshall,
Esq. 2, PJudcenopsis intermedia Ported , a charmingly delicate plant, with
the lip of a rich rose colour. In reference to this, Mr. Williams observes :
“ a great many plants of Phalaenopsis are lost through bad cultivation —
perhaps more than of any other genus of Orchids. The reason is, that they
get too much water and heat, which causes them to push away too luxuri¬
antly, and as a consequence they become sappy, and cannot endure change
of temperature to which they may be exposed. In this condition they get
the spot, and if this happens they seldom or never recover under the same
treatment.” 3, Dendrobium lituiflorum, a splendid plant with much the same
colours as D. nobile, but a finely marked trumpet-shaped lip. It is deci¬
duous, with the habit of D. transparens, has flowers 4 or 5 inches across,
blooms in March and April, and lasts a fortnight or three weeks in beauty.

* Select Orchidaceous Plants. By Robert Warner., F.R.H.S, ; the Notes on Culture by
B. S. Williams. London : Lovell Reeve & Co.

APRIL.

88

It should be grown in the East India house. 4, Vanda Lowii, the remark¬
able dimorphous character of which is well represented ; this dimorphism,
it has been observed, has about it nothing of an accidental character,
for it is constant, nor of a functional character, for both kinds of flowers
fertilised either with the other, have been made to bear seed. The plant
is one of the noblest of its race, the bold distichous foliage, and the long
spikes of flowers, often measuring 10 or 12 feet in length, giving it a re¬
markable grandeur of aspect. Unfortunately it is rare, and is likely to
continue so, as it does not divide readily, and seems difficult to import.
5, Oncidium chrysothyrsus, a showy and effective species from South Brazil,
having large thyrsoid panicles of clear palish but bright yellow flowers,
the lip being very large and prominent and of this colour, while the sepals
and petals are small, greenish, spotted with brown. It is less straggling
in habit than many of its allies, and like them useful from the fine contrast
it presents to most of the Orchids grown now-a-days. “ It is much to be
regretted that the species of Oncids are at present so little generally cul¬
tivated, for they undoubtedly include some of the most showy of Orchids ;
their bright yellow flowers form an excellent and striking contrast with
the colours presented by other genera, while their gracefully drooping spikes
render them in many instances most useful for grouping. Their blossoms,
moreover, last a long time in perfection, both on the plant and when cut
and placed in water.” 6, Lalia crispilabia , a small-flowered but elegant-
habited plant, supposed to be Mexican, and for some time cultivated under
the garden name of L. Lawrenceana, though still exceedingly rare. Its
flower-spikes are about a foot in length, drooping, and each supporting some
half dozen very pretty flowers, of a rich amethyst purple.

We have said enough to show that this work must be one of special
interest to the cultivators of this once purely aristocratic family, but which
is now, thanks to the advent of the system of cool treatment, gradually
assuming more democratic proclivities — imparting, that is, a higher degree
of enjoyment to a greater number of lovers of flowers. lvr

THE EFFECTS OF THE FROST OF JANUARY, 1867.

The intense Frost which occurred in the early part of January, 1867, will
be long remembered in many parts of the country, and through its disastrous
effects upon vegetation it will probably often be quoted by way of comparison
with succeeding years, in the same manner as its effects are now compared
with those of 1860-1. It has taught us a few lessons with regard to the
reliance to be placed on certain plants to occupy conspicuous positions, the
remembrance of which ought not to be allowed to pass away without being
placed on record for the future guidance of intending planters.

I should premise that the lowest temperature observed here was 1° below
the zero of Fahrenheit, at which point the thermometer remained for about
two hours, when it began slowly to rise, so that between 9 and 10 a.m., it stood
at 8° for some time. This is lower than has been observed at this place since
the celebrated Murphy’s winter, when the register fell to 1-|0 below zero. It
is fortunate in respect to the preservation of many kitchen garden crops,
that the snow was very deep — quite an average of 14 inches, so that wherever
they were covered by it they were perfectly safe, but wherever exposed they
suffered most severely. Of Broccoli, for instance, the tall varieties with their
heads standing up above the snow were quite killed, whilst the dwarf

i

84

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

varieties came out after tlie snow perfectly scathless. This fact points to the
utility of planting dwarf varieties, or else of following out the old plan of
laying the tall ones down with their heads close to the ground. The same
effects were observed among the winter Greens, the tall sorts being much
injured though not killed, whilst the dwarf sorts were quite safe. Destruction
in these cases, however, is soon remedied, and need not cost more than a
passing regret ; hut it is not so in the case of our trees and shrubs, among
which the effects will he long felt, and in many cases cannot be remedied for
many years. Under circumstances like these, we are roughly awakened from
our dream of fancied security, and lose the confidence we have hitherto re¬
posed in the hardiness of many of our greatest favourites, and in their perfect
fitness to occupy certain positions in decorative gardening.

In Coniferous plants especially, the havoc in some classes has been very
great, whilst in many others they have passed through the ordeal uninjured,
which fact should form a guide for future planting, since we are never safe
from a recurrence of severe winters ; and however beautiful a plant may he,
yet if it requires protection from a low temperature, it ought not to occupy a
prominent position where its loss would be irretrievable. Take for example
the beautiful long-leaved Mexican Pines, such as Hartwegii, Montezumas,
Devoniana, Russelliana, patula, &c. : what reliance can he placed on them
even under less severe conditions of temperature than those of the present
year ? At this place they are all killed. Fortunately only one occupied a
conspicuous position, so that their loss will not be so much felt as would
have been the case had the species from California been equally tender.
Most of these latter species are uninjured ; but I am sorry to say that one of
the most beautiful of them, P. insignis, has suffered most severely, both at
this place and in the neighbourhood. In the gardens of James Nasmyth,
Esq., near here, this Pinus has been extensively planted, and it was quite
deplorable to see the appearance they presented after the frost, many of
them apparently killed outright, none unscathed. Mr. Wells has not planted
them so extensively, hut there are several very fine specimens from 30 to
40 feet in height which are very much cut up, some I fear quite killed, all,
with one exception, having at the present time a peculiarly rich brown appear¬
ance, which is certainly picturesque, hut far from desirable. That exception
is the largest of them all, probably about 50 feet in height, and with a great
spread of branches ; this is untouched, arising probably from the fact that
it is openly exposed to the north, and sheltered on the south by trees and
shrubs. Should not this teach us that it is not advisable to plant P. insignis
in situations where its loss would he looked upon in the light of a grievous
calamity, or would cause a serious blank? If a dark-foliaged close-growing
Pinus is indispensable, P. Laricio for colour, or P. Lambertiana for elegance
would he infinitely preferable, because more reliable on account of their
hardiness. I cannot at present perceive that any other Pinus is injured with
the exception of P. Gerardiana, a species of Nepal, which is browned, but only
on the north side. This is a very slow-growing sort, having only made a
growth of 12 feet in twenty-four years.

I am glad to find that the noble species of Picea from California, such
as P. amabilis, grandis, and nohilis are quite safe, as is also P. Nordmanniana,
one of the most beautiful of them all, together with P. cilicica, very
much like it, both being I believe from the same regions. The two species
from Nepal, P. Webbiana and P. Pindrow, the former above 20 feet in
height, have suffered very much indeed. The Silver Fir from the Black
Mountains in Cephalonia, Picea cephalonica, which has produced cones so

APRIL.

85

freely at this place during the last few years, is perfectly hardy as regards
frost, but is apt to start rather too early in the spring, so that the young
shoots get nipped by the morning frosts which sometimes prevail at that
time. This tendency to break early may be partially corrected by giving it
a full exposure to the north and east, with trees on the south side high enough
to shade off the morning sun. It is a very fast grower, and altogether a
noble tree, worthy of more attention than is generally accorded to it. I
shall have more to say on this subject.

Redleaf. John Cox.

HINTS ON THE CULTURE OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Chrysanthemums are too beautiful and too valuable as autumn decorative
plants to he thrown out of cultivation; they are, moreover, very easily grown.
Since the close of the last century they have been grown in British gardens,
and our people have become almost as partial to them as the Chinese are re¬
puted to he. The beauty of the leaves, the profusion and elegance of the
flowers, and these standing in all their glory when the Dahlia and other
autumnal flowers have yielded to the severity of the weather, are strong-
features of recommendation. They will grow in almost any soil or situa¬
tion — in fact, they are everybody’s flower.

Not only have the blooms of the Chrysanthemum been much improved
of late years, but its cultivation has also extended, not about London only,
but also in the provinces. "When large quantities of flowers are wanted for
in-door decoration in November and December Chrysanthemums are invalu¬
able. They furnish me with many a good basketful at that season of the
year when I would hesitate to cut flowers of stove or greenhouse plants in
quantity. They grow and flower well when trained to south or west walls. In
many parts of the south of England they look beautiful when trained to the
walls of cottages. To grow fine plants in pots is attended with a considerable
amount of labour, especially in summer, when so many other matters require
looking after; but all this labour of potting, watering, &c., can be saved by
planting them out in the open border. The following mode of treatment I
find to answer admirably : —

Towards the end of April, divide the roots and thin out all the weak
shoots, saving three or four of the best, then plant thinly in a border with
a west or east aspect in rows 3 feet apart and 2 feet 6 inches from plant to
plant in the rows. In planting them, plenty of leaf mould and rotten dung-
should be put around the roots in the holes, and the soil should be pressed
well about them. The number to plant out should be decided by the require¬
ments of the establishment ; but in most cases it is best to plant too many
rather than too few, as, if all be not wanted for lifting and potting in the
autumn, those left in the open borders will flower well in mild seasons like the
last, and the flowers will be useful for decorative purposes. If the weather be
showery at the time of planting out, they will not require watering, but if it
should be dry, they should have one or two good waterings until they get
established. By the beginning of June they will be growing freely ; the
shoots should then be all stopped and tied out, and they should not be stopped
afterwards. In ordinary seasons they will require little or no watering, but
in such as the summers of 1864 and 1865 they should occasionally have a
good soaking of water.

Towards the middle or end of September the plants will be showing flower-
buds, and should he lifted and potted, using a compost of turfy loam and

86

THE FL0KIST AND POMOLOGIST.

rotten dung. If they are lifted carefully they will not suffer much from the
operation, as the leaf soil and dung put around the roots at planting-time
will be one mass of fibres. When all are potted, if the weather be mild and
showery, they should be placed on a north aspect for a few days to get es¬
tablished, they should then have full exposure ; if the weather be dry and
frost}' at nights and a good deep pit be at liberty, they should be put into it
and the lights kept a little close until they get established, when they should
have all the air possible, leaving the lights off day and night in mild open
weather. The buds will now begin to swell fast ; all the smaller ones should
be carefully thinned out, as this greatly promotes the growth of those left,
and is indeed, the only way of procuring an extraordinary bloom. Until
November they should be liberally supplied with water, and occasionally
with liquid manure.

When the flowers begin to expand the plants should be removed to the
greenhouse or conservatory ; they will then furnish a fine display of flowers
until late into January. For furnishing large quantities of cut flowers we
have no plants to equal them at that season. Plants for cutting from can
be kept in pots or temporary structures quite out of sight, and unlike many
other plants, these plants are no worse for another year wrhen all the flowers
are cut off. When the flowers have all been cut off, or are faded, the flower-
stems should be cut off, and the plants all placed in a pit where they can
be protected in severe weather, until planting- time in April comes round
again.

By the foregoing very simple mode of growing Chrysanthemums, involv¬
ing no great amount of labour or attention, a grand display of these beauti¬
ful and cheerful flowers can be had during the dark dull days of November
and December.

Stourton. M. Saul.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

One of the most interesting features at the meeting of the R.H.S. Floral
Committee, March 6th, was a group of Mignonette, from the Rev. G. Cheere,
Papworth Hall, St. Ives. The plants were from 18 to 24 inches in height,
the diameter corresponding ; they were covered with spikes of flower, and
from base to apex every leaf was beautifully green and healthy, yet these
wonderful plants were only growing in 48-size pots. Some of the spikes of
flower were already 8 inches in length, and Mr. Cheere said they would
attain 20 inches before they quite ceased blooming. The seed was sown in
August last, and there had been no feeding of the plants at any stage of
their growth. Next in point of interest were three specimens of Phalamopsis
Sehilleriana, from G. Cooper, Esq., of London. They differed in colour and
in the form of the flowTers, and were deservedly admired. It is said by some
that the less marking there is on the foliage the better will be the flowers.
There were also remarkably fine examples of Cymbidium eburncum and
Ccelogyne cristata , from Messrs. Veitch & Sons ; and a huge flower-head of
Browneci grandieeps from Sir Hugh Williams, of Bodelwyddan. As the latter
rarely flowers, it attracted considerable interest, being of great size, and
beautifully coloured.

A new Lcelia named Pilcher i was shown by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, and
awarded a first-class certificate. It is one of Mr. Dominy’s hybrids, and had
“ considerable attractions,” the dark purplish crimson lip margined with
pure white, being very beautiful. From the same firm came Dendrobmm

APRIL.

87

Farmeri aureurn , a very showy variety, but generally thought not to have so
good a colour as D. densiflorum.

A novelty in stove plants, Dalechampia Roezliana rosea, of which a figure
and description is given at p. 80, was shown by Mr. Bull, and awarded a
first-class certificate. It will flower well-nigh all the year round. Samyda
nobilis, a stove plant with large shining green leaves, also from Mr. Bull,
has good bold foliage for a sub-tropical garden, should it be hardy enough to
stand so much exposure. The golden-veined Iresine Herbstii aurco -reticulata
was shown by Messrs. Veitcli & Sons. As produced it would make a good
conservatory plant, but its capabilities as a bedder have yet to be tested.

A group of double and single varieties of Primula sinensis jhnbriata,
shown by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, showed an advance in the way
of marking of the flowers, the result of hybridisation, but the plants were
not good specimens ; they looked as if they had suffered from travelling.
Those named Magenta King and Magenta Queen, two bright-looking flowers,
were too much alike, the colour being a bright magenta crimson, and the
flowers large and well fringed ; they also had Fern-leaved foliage. Fairy
Nymph was a white flower flaked with rosy lilac : the blooms and plant of
this were both small and ill-developed. Blushing Bride (a Fern-leaved variety),
and Fairy Princess, were also too much alike to be variously named : the
flowers were white, suffused and edged with pink. Blushing Beauty, a
white-ground flower with lemon eye and circle of rosy lilac, was very novel,
but the plant was small and weakly. The double varieties were very good,
especially Princess, white, flaked with rosy lilac ; and White Queen, pure
white, the flowers extra large, and finely fringed. Lilac Model had large
lilac double flowers. A very pretty group of Cyclamens was also shown by
the same firm ; one, strangely enough, had both red and white flowers of
coum and persicum springing from the same tuber.

At the Royal Horticultural Society’s First Spring Show, on March 19th,
were two golden variegated forms of Betinospora, the one of dwarfer and
closer growth than the other, both shown by Mr. Shenton, of Biggleswade.
Messrs. F. & A. Smith had Azalea Hector, a new sort, of a dull dark crimson
colour, the flowers medium-sized, of good form, and the plant free -blooming;
this was commended. A commendation was given to Cineraria Duke of
Northumberland, bright crimson self, with dark disc dashed with blue, shown
by Mr. Fairbairn, of Syon House. The colour was superb, but the petals
somewhat long and thin, though smooth. It is a very showy variety.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son’s golden-foliaged Pyrethrum Golden
Fleece, raised from seed of the common double white, of dwarf and bushy
habit, and promising to be a very useful bedding plant, was commended.

Messrs. Yeitch & Sons received a first-class certificate for Hippeastrum
pardinum, a decided novelty and a supposed new species. It had pale
creamy ground flowers, densely marked like the spotted Calceolarias, with
small rosy crimson spots. As shown, it was of a dwarf habit, and it
awakened considerable interest. Messrs. Yeitch also received a second-class
certificate for a new Orchid, probably a Mormodes, a curiously- spotted species.

Mr. Bull received first-class certificates for two splendid Aralias — viz.,
A. crassifolia picta , with long narrow dark bronzy leaves, having a reddish
rib, and blotched with pale green at the spines ; and A. spathulata, having
also long bronzy leaves, with a pale line running up the centre, and
conspicuous spreading teeth of two sizes. Also for Agave macracantha, a small¬
growing kind, with pale slate-coloured leaves, and bronzy red spines. Mr. Bull

88

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

and Messrs E. G. Henderson & Son, had flowering specimens of Rudgea
leucocephala, the former shown under the name of Psychotria macrocephala.
In a miscellaneous collection of plants Mr. Bull had some species of Odonto-
glossum, among which were several beautiful varieties of 0. Alexandra.

Mr. W. Cruickskanks, gardener to W. Jones Loyd, Esq., of Langley -
bury, Watford, received a special certificate for a box of cut blooms of
Verbena Lady of Langleybury, described at p. 76. It is a sport from Purple
King, not a seedling : the flowers prettily striped, the segments being of a
pale purple edged with white, and having a very cheerful appearance at this
season of the year.

Mr. William Paul received first-class certificates for the following new
Hyacinths : — Prince Albert Victor, single, glossy, crimson, very symmetrical
spike ; Blondin, very pale silver grey, excellent spike, and finely-shaped single
pips ; and Lord Shaftesbury, single, with immense large pale creamy-blusli
bells. A second-class certificate was awarded to Limueus, a single bright
magenta crimson, forming a dense spike, but rough. The foregoing, with Sir
Henry Havelock, mauve, single, and Bird of Paradise, single, yellow, made up
Mr. Paul’s collection of six new kinds. These will receive a more extended
notice in a subsequent Number of the Florist and Pomologist. Mr. Paul’s
stands of eighteen and six varieties of Hyacinths were wonderful examples of
cultivation. Never before were such magnificent specimens seen. There was
an exquisite finish about the whole that marked a near approach to the acme
of Hyacinth cultivation. With one exception, Van Speyk, blue, his eighteen
were all single varieties, namely : — Mont Blanc, La Grandesse, Snowball,
and Grandeur a Merveille, white ; Koh-i-noor, Yuurbaak, Prince Albert
Victor, Solfaterre, and Macaulay, red; Sir H. Havelock, mauve ; and King
of the Blues, Baron Von Tuyll, General Havelock, Feruk Khan, Princess
Mary of Cambridge, Blondin, and Charles Dickens, blue. p p

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

Royal Horticultural Society. — Tn ad¬
dition to the Bury Show, which takes place in
July, the Society hold this year, at South Ken¬
sington, two Spring Exhibitions, one on the
19th of March just passed, the other on the
16th of April. A special Prize Show is to be
held on May 7th, in which New Plants are to
be a leading feature, and Major Clarke invites
the very interesting class of “ Fragrant-
blossomed Plants ” as a novel feature. The
Great Show of the season is to commence on
June 4th, and to last five days, the last of
which unfortunately clashes with the opening
of the Manchester National Show. The
prizes offered are liberal, and the selection of
subjects seems to be judicious, affording a
considerable increase of variety. Zonal
Pelargoniums are for the first time placed on
an equality with other Pelargoniums as re¬
gards the amount of prize-money, a position
to which their merits fullv entitle them, and
a necessary step towards the attainment of
perfection in their cultivation. A class
is introduced for the Tricolor zoned Pelar¬
goniums with their beautiful foliage, and
Hardy Trees and Shrubs are brought in.

The National Rose Show of the 2nd of July
a show which is always held in high favour
by visitors, closes the exhibition season of
the Royal Horticultural Society.

French Botanical Congress. — The
Botanical Society of France intends to organise
an International Botanical Congress during
the time of the Great Exhibition in Paris, to
which botanists of all nations shall be invited.
The Congress will open on the 26th of July
next, and. will last for a month. Meetings
will be held every Friday evening at the
Society’s rooms, 84, Rue Grenelle St. Ger¬
main. On other days during the period,
visits will be made to the Exhibition, to the
Museum of the Jardin des Plantes, and to
private collections ; and excursions will he
made in the neighbourhood of Paris.

Royal Ascot Grape. — Among the new
Grapes raised by Mr. Standish is one to be
called the Royal Ascot, which possesses so
many good points that it is likely to be a most
valuable acquisition for early forcing. It is
a Grape of remarkable prolificacy ; very com¬
monly throughout the house devoted to it,
the young shoots each show four strong

APRIL.

89

bunches. On one two-foot length of last year’s
cane we counted twenty such, and on one
six-foot cane we were told there had been
originally forty ; the bunches themselves, too,
being remarkable for size, sturdiness, and
vigour, although the Vines are not yet over¬
strong, having made but one year’s growth
since they were planted. Though itself an
early Grape, and perfectly adapted for
forcing, its parents, the Bowood Muscat and
Troveren, are both late varieties, and though
itself jet black, both its parents are white.
The fruit in size and character very much re¬
sembles the Muscat of Alexandria, but is of an
intense black colour, and possessing an excel¬
lent and slightly musky flavour.

Abergeldie Kale. — Mr. Tillery, writing
of hardy Greens, reports that the Abergeldie,
a dwarf variety of Early Kale, will stand any
amount of cold.

Australian Spinach. — The new Spinach
of Australia, Chenopodium auricomum , is
a tall annual plant, growing nearly 6 feet
high ; the stem being erect, branched from the
base, channelled, and streaked with violet
red in the solid parts ; and the leaves long-
stalked, alternate, oblong-triangular, irregu¬
larly lobate-dentate, and. when young bear¬
ing a silvery pulverulence, which disappears
on the adult parts. The leaves, it' put at
first in boiling water, and afterwards treated
as an ordinary plate of Spinach, form a vege¬
table agreeable to the taste. Its culture is
quite easy : The seeds are sown in April in a
well-manured bed, for the plant is a strong
feeder, and requires to be watered freely.
The leaves are gathered when the plants are
1| foot high, they push on again, and in a few
days after, another gathering is ready, and so
on throughout the season. — ( Les Mondes.)

Expert Propagation. — Two instances of
special success in propagation by cuttings have
lately been made known. The first is that of
Chimonanthus fragrans, which Mr Bause, the
foreman of the floral department at Chiswick,
has succeeded in striking from cuttings of the
just-matured young wood, put in about July,
and kept on a bed of ashes, without bottom
heat, under hand-lights in a temperate pro-
pagating-house. In November the cuttings,
when examined, were found to be callused
but not rooted ; but since that time they have
made strong branching roots of 6 or 8 inches
in length. The second is that of the Enkyan-
thus quinquefloru3, of which Mr. Stan dish’s
propagator succeeded in rooting four out of
five cuttings formed of young wood when it
hadjust acquired firmness. Froma note com¬
municated to the Gardeners' Chronicle by
Mr. Joseph Baumann, of Ghent, it appears,
however, that the Chimonanthus will strike
from cuttings as easily and as quickly as
Fuchsias do, by taking a young plant of it in
February or early in March into a propa-
gating-house, and when it has pushed young-
shoots, removing them and striking them,

just like cuttings of Fuchsias. In a few days,
it is stated, they will emit roots.

Hippophae rhamnoides. — A correspon¬
dent of the Gardeners' Chronicle draws at¬
tention to this as a very ornamental berry-
bearing tree, in the following terms : —
“ This most beautiful berry-bearing plant is
seldom seen in fruit — a fact no doubt arising
from ignorance of its being unisexual. Hence,
wherever it is planted it is generally alone,
and therefore no berries can be produced;
moreover, it is a straggling grower, and not by
any means a general favourite with planters.
I had the good fortune, however, a short
time since to pay a visit to the nursery
of Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, where
I saw a bush about 7 feet in height, and as
much through, having its stems literally
covered with berries. These spikes of berries,
if I may be allowed the expression, were from
6 to 9 inches in length ; the berries them¬
selves are of a primrose colour underneath,
and with a little rose colour next the sun,
about the size of large Holly berries, and
somewhat oval in shape. Mr. Backhouse in¬
formed me that he travelled a long way to
procure the male plant many years ago, but
the sight which the tree presents must have
amply repaid him. The male and . female
were planted close together, and the only
care bestowed for this rich harvest, was
occasionally to shake the male tree while in
flower, thereby causing the pollen to fly off.”

Effects of Snow on Trees during Frost.
— In recording his experience of the frost of
January, 1867, and its effects on Coniferous
trees, Mr. Tillery observes : — “ I am con¬
vinced that heavy falls of snow lying on the
branches of some kinds of Conifers are injurious
to them in severe frosts, for the branches being-
much bent, the bark, and sap-vessels get
ruptured. This is very apparent here amongst
some young bushy Deodar Cedars. Where
the snow was brushed off the branches, they
have escaped, while those not done are much
browned, and some of the trees, I am afraid,
are killed. All young Conifers of the heavy¬
leaved tender sorts ought, therefore, to be
relieved of the snow on their branches as far
as they can be reached, when there is an ap¬
pearance of intense frost.”

Skimmia oblata. — The male plant of this
species, of which the berried form is figured
in our volume for 1865, proves to be the
plant hitherto grown as S. fragrantissima. The
parent plant of S. oblata some two or three
years since bore a crop of berries which, no
other Skimmia being at the time in bloom, were
fertilised by its own pollen. In subsequent
years this plant did not perfect its pollen ; and
in order to secure a crop of berries required to
be fertilised by some other kind, recourse being
had to S. fragrantissima with full success.
Thus the male plant only ofS. fragrantissima
and the female (or sometimes hermaphrodite)
only of S. oblata were supposed to be in culti-

90

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

vation. The seedling plant* from the self-
fertilised berries above alluded to, having now
blossomed, solve the mystery, males like
fragrantissima and females like oblata being
produced among them in about equal propor¬
tions. This conclusively proves that the two
supposed distinct species are but the two sexes
of one plant, which is sometimes hermaphro¬
dite, though it would seem commonly uni¬
sexual.

Novel Hybrids. — Some interesting novel¬
ties among hybrid plants have recently been
recorded. One is a very curious Mallow ,
produced at Nice by fertilising Hibiscus
Moscheutos with the pollen of Malvaviscus
arboreus. The hybrid has the habit and
foliage of the mother plant, and its flowers
are white at the base, as in that, but it is
double, and the male parent has imparted to
it some of its vermilion tints. It remains for a
long time in flower, but its leaves are slowly
and gradually shed at the approach of winter,
those of the male plant being persistent during
that season. It is very remarkable that double
flowers should be directly produced as the re¬
sult of a cross between two single flowers be¬
longing to different genera. A Hybrid Palm
has been obtained at Hyeres by M. Denis.
This has been obtained by fertilising Cha-
maerops humiiis var. arborescens with the
pollen of the Date Palm, Phoenix dactylifera.
The leaves are described as like those of the
male parent, as also are the small orange-
coloured ovate Date-like fruits ; but the seed
occupies nearly the whole of the interior of
the fruit, is rounded or ovate in form, not
grooved as in the Date, and the embryo, in¬
stead of being in the centre, is at one end of
the hard albumen.

Root-grafting. — This may often be re¬
sorted to in the propagation of various stove
plants difficult to raise from cuttings; and the

practice has been ad opted with success by M. Del-
chevalerie, the head propagator at La Muette.
A small portion of the younger growing part of
the root, is taken as a stock, and on it is grafted
a scion of the same species. In this manner
such plants as Coffea arabica, Nauclea undu-
lata, Strychnos colubrina, Aralia trifoliata,
leptophylla, and crassifolia, and the Rose du
Roi, among others, have been multiplied. Care
must be taken that the graft is nut too long
exposed to the air, and that the roots are
perfectly healthy. The mode of grafting is
immaterial. With due precautions plants may
be obtained, it is said, by this method, within
a very short time, at any season, while cuttings
of the same species often take a year or more
to root, even if they succeed at last.

OBITUARY.

Josef Ritter von Rawicz Warscewicz,
whose death we regret to have to announce,
died after a short illness on the 29 th of
December last, at Cracow, where he held the
post of Inspector of the Imperial Botanical
Garden. He died in the fifty-fourth year of
his age. To Orchid-growers he will long be
held in grateful recollection for the many fine
things introduced by him in the course of his
travels, and distributed in this country mainly
through the agency of the late Mr. Skinner.
Several Orchids, including Cattleya Warsce-
wiczii, figured in the present Number, the fine
dark Canna Warscewiczii, and other plants,
will perpetuate his name among plant-lovers.

Mr. John Haythorn, formerly head gar¬
dener at Wollaton Park, near Nottingham,
to three successive Lords Middleton, died at
Nottingham, on the 10th ult., at the advanced
age of 85. Mr. Haythorn had for some years
past retired, and resided with his son, whose
name is familiar to horticulturists a3 the
manufacturer of Haythorn’ s hexagon net for
protecting the blossoms of fruit trees.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID- HOUSE.

The plants in these houses will now be dis¬
posed to grow freely ; and as the days are
about as long as they are in the tropics, this
natural disposition may be encouraged by a
temperature of 70° at night and 85° in the day,
or 90° in the sun as regards those from dry
and sunny parts ; but in the case of those from
very hot and moist climates, and to which,
consequently, a vaporous atmosphere is con¬
genial, the intensity of the direct rays of the
sun must be mitigated by a thin shading.
By a little attention, observation, and expe¬
rience, it will soon be understood when the
shading may be safely dispensed with for the
day ; it may be removed when it is found
that, unobstructed, the sun’s rays have so far
declined as to be no longer able to raise the

temperature above the limits before mentioned.
When this is found to be the case, the air
should be somewhat reduced, further reduc¬
ing it as the temperature seems disposed to
fall. This, with due attention to watering,
will induce substantial and vigorous growth,
resulting in magnificent well-set flowers.
Syringe occasionally. Shift the strong-grow¬
ing kinds as soon as they require it. Pot off
seedlings.

greenhouse.

Endeavour to manage sun heat so as to
render but little fire heat necessary. It is
easy to make a strong fire ; but many have
greenhouses that do not require a large fire,
but at the same time require one to act
quickly ; and in order that this may be the
case, the hot- water apparatus should be so

APRIL,

91

arranged as to give a ready command of heat
to affect the air of the house the same night,
for at this time of the year artificial heat is
seldom required in the day. Stop shoots
where more branches are required to form
handsome well-furnished plants. Train the
young shoot3 so that the whole may exhibit
regularity, and let this be subsequently main¬
tained by checking over-luxuriance where
symptoms of it are beginning to appear; and
on the other hand, encourage the weaker
branches by training them outwards towards
the light, giving their extremities an upright
direction. Attend to watering and shading
when necessary, and it must be kept in mind
that shading is most required in clear after
dull weather. Camellias will now be getting
out of bloom, and should be making their
growth. Where the soil in the pots is ex¬
hausted shift now by all means, using dry
turfy loam and peat. Give a little extra heat,
and as fresh roots are made supply manure
water. Cinerarias. — Attend to watering and
shading in order to prolong the bloom. Sow
for autumn and early winter- blooming. E pa-
crises. — Cut in early-flowering kinds, and
place them in a warm house or close frame,
syringing overhead till they break; when
more fresh roots are made 2 inches long, repot
in turfy peat and sand with good drainage.

CONSERVATORY.

Examine the state of the borders, and water
them effectually. Spring water will be found
warmer at the present season than that of
rivers and open tanks, and it may be em¬
ployed in preference, being nearer the tem¬
perature of the air of the house. But it would
be still more preferable to use rain water,
manure water, and warm water mixed, so as
to equal the mean temperature of the air of
the house when applied. The temperature
should be 60° to 65° by day, and 50° by night.
Arrange the plants in flower so as to produce
the best effect. They should now be numer¬
ous. Acacias, Polygalas, Chorozemas, Pul-
tenaeas, Boronias, Leschenaultias, Coronillas,
and Correas are highly ornamental, either for
the greenhouse or conservatory.

PITS AND FRAMES.

These will be much occupied with bedding
stock. Let it be carefully attended to as
regards watering, and as much air should be
given as the state of the weather will permit,
in order to harden the plants for the open air.
Many kinds of plants may be advantageously
shifted on and kept growing to make larger
plants before being turned out ; for instance,
Pelargoniums, the object being to cover
the ground as soon as possible with a display
of fine flowers. This is aimed at in two
ways : some propagate a vast number of
plants in small pots which can be kept in a
limited space, and thus it can be afforded to
plant the ground thickly ; others adopt what
we think the better plan, and shift the plants
into 48’ s, thus using fewer but larger plants ;

but, in consequence of being larger, fewer
plants are really necessary to ultimately
cover the ground as well and even better
than by the other mode, whilst the flowers
become better developed, and the whole free
from the disagreeable appearance of crowding.
Forward tender and half-hardy annuals and
biennials, such as Stocks, &c.

FORCING.

Pines. — Plants ripening-off their fruit
should have a dry atmosphere, and a tem¬
perature of 80° of bottom heat, and a top heat
of 84°, or by sun heat 90°, increasing at last
to 95°. Succession plants should be kept
growing in a moist heat, but give them suffi¬
cient air and space to prevent them from
being drawn up weakly. Syringe them fre¬
quently. Plants that have been kept in pots
all winter should now be looked o^er, and
the strongest selected for planting out if that
excellent system is adopted ; or, if not, let
them be shifted into larger pots, giving little
water till they strike fresh root. Vines. —
Attend to syringing, stopping, and regulat¬
ing the shoots, and thinning the berries as
before directed. Gradually increase the tem¬
perature as the berries increase in size ; or it
may be said, till tbe fruit is ripe. As regards
temperature, let the motto be “ Onward,’,’
without ever permitting one decided draw¬
back. Peaches and Nectarines. — See that the
borders, particularly of the earliest house,
are sufficiently moist, for it is not well to
have to supply water when the fruit is ripen¬
ing ; therefore, before that process com¬
mences, let the borders be put in a condition
that the trees will not suffer till it is over.
Take care of succession shoots, for which the
lowest situated at tbe base of the bearing
shoots ought to be reserved. Figs. — Syringe
frequently, and see that tbe plants do not
at any time get too dry at root. Keep a
moist atmosphere, but when the fruit begins
to ripen let it gradually become drier. Stop
shoots so as to check the over-luxuriance of
the trees and induce the formation of fruit-
buds. Cherries. — When the fruit begins to
colour, the temperature may be gradually
raised to 65° at night, and 80° to 85° in the
day with plenty of air and water till the fruit
is ripening-off. Strawberries. — Clip-off the
upper part of the scape, as before directed,
when a sufficient number of fruits are set on
the lower part ; for the green one- that will
never ripen are worse than useless, as they
appropriate sap, which can never be elabo¬
rated into eatable substance in parts that are
little else than rudimentary, and which in the
Strawberry can only be formed slowly, how¬
ever much heat be applied as a stimulus.
Keep introducing fresh pots as fruit is
gathered, for the spring is likely to be back¬
ward, and a supply from the open ground
may, consequently, be late. But supposing
the succession of those potted for forcing
should be likely to run short, and the blank

92

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

in supply would cause murmuring, what then
is to be done ? Under such circumstances
we have seen good patches of rows taken
up and placed in boxes, and many dishes
of very good fruit have thus been furnished.
Melons and Cucumbers. — Sow for succession,
and use great diligence in stopping and re¬
gulating early and frequently, in order that
but little privation of foliage may take place
at any one time. Gourds. — Sow and pot off
as soon as fit, also Capsicums and Tomatoes.
Kidney Beans, — Sow for succession.

FRUIT GARDEN.

For this every spring is precarious, but
this anomalous season is more than usually
so. We may have some uncommonly fine
days, hut we ought not to be allured by such
into a false security, and lay aside precaution¬
ary measures against cold ; for the very fine
day3, though pleasant at the time, may only
rarify the air around us. rendering it light
and easily swept to a distance by a draught
of colder and heavier air, which may be close
at hand. Moreover, several such warm days,
more especially if they are accompanied
with warm nights, render vegetation very sus¬
ceptible of cold: therefore, a relapse of cold
weather after warm is to be guarded against
by every possible means in our power. A
slight covering will often protect blossoms ;
but neglect this, and our hopes of a crop
are blighted for the season.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

If the state of the weather and that of
the ground, has prevented many of the ope¬
rations recommended to be done last month,
from being performed, no time should now
be lost in bringing ud all arrears. Sow
Cardoons, Hamburgh Parsley for its roots,
Onions, Leeks, Broccoli, Red Cabbage,
Parsnips, Beans, Peas, and Kidney Beans in
succession, Lettuces, not forgetting the White
Paris Cos and Neapolitan, Mustard and Cre->s,
Round Spinach, Turnips, &c., in succession;
Beet from the middle to the end of the month ;
Celery in the beginning of the month for late
crops ; Radishes in succession. Sow Savory,
Thyme, and other sweet herbs in light soil ;
Sow Salsafy in the end of the month. Endive
should be raised in a heat of 7 5°, otherwise
it is apt to run to seed. Earth-up Potatos,
first well watering the ground, and as soon
as the surface is dry add soil to form broad-
shouldered ridges.

FLOWER GARDEN.

With the new year was introduced a me¬
morable visitor who stayed only a short time,
but has left many traces which will now have
to be effaced as soon as possible. There are
many things, such as Laurustinus and Sweet
Bays, which are evidently killed to the ground,
or, at all events, down to the snow-line;
above this may be cleared away at once. If
covered with good soil the stools, however,
will send up numerous shoots that will be¬
come rooted plants, which may be useful for

filling up shrubberies where required. The
Pinus tribe is, however, different, and some of
them are completely killed, while others will
be stunted. How the Deodars will behave we
shall see, but they seem likely to break out
from the old wood. Finish pruning Tea and
China Roses and their hybrid varieties, where
such are yet alive to require it ; indeed all
pruning should now be finished. Evergreens
may be very successfully planted throughout
this month, taking the precaution of tho¬
roughly soaking the ground with water at
the time, and syringing the foliage every
night and early morning, shading from hot
sun, and even by mats from cold dry winds,
if such are prevalent. Prepare for planting-
out the various bedding plants; and we
would again recommend the light straw
mats used by the French for protecting.
They can be made to keep out frost, wind,
and rain, or so thin as only to mitigate the
fierceness of the sun’s rays, thus forming
shelters more or less thick or thin to suit the
requirements of plants under the varied cir¬
cumstances to which in a season like the
present they may be subjected.

FLORISTS’ FLOWERS.

Auriculas. — Shade the frames with thin
canvas during the heat of the day ; and about
the middle of the month, in order to prolong
the blooming, remove to a cool situation
facing the north. The plants being now
growing, water rather freely. Carnations
and Picotees. — Finish potting as early as pos¬
sible. The pots should be raised 2 or 3 inches
from the surface of the ground on strips of
wood or on coarse cinders. Any spare plants
may be planted out in well-prepared beds,
which had best be elevated in case of a wet
season, and for convenience in layering.
Sparrows are fond of the points of the young
shoots. The mischief will be prevented by
running pieces of grey worsted along the row
a few inches above the plants. Dahlias. —
Propagation of these will be at its height.
Grow the plants in gentle heat, and pot oft as
soon as rooted, and towards the end of the
month they may be repotted into three or four-
inch pots till planted out. It is now a good
time to sow seeds, which should be done in
brisk heat. Fuchsias — With rich soil, plenty
of room, and a moist genial atmosphere, fine
plants will be formed. Cuttings may still be
put in for late-blooming plants. Hollyhocks.
— Trench and well manure ground for plant¬
ing out in the end of month. In the mean¬
time if any are pot-bound give them a shift,
Seedlings may be planted out at once. Pan¬
sies. — The small side shoots may be taken off
for cuttings, in store pots, urnler glass, in a
cool situation, for blooming in September.
Pinks. — Protect from sparrows, as recom¬
mended for Carnations, &c. Tulips. — Pro¬
tect from rain and hailstorms, and from frost,
more especially it’ at any time they should
happen to get wet.

f

'

* '

'■

•> •

\

.

TtlAY.

98

PRINCESS OF WALES PEAR.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

Never since the time that Mr. T. A. Knight instituted his experiments
in cross-breeding Pears, has so much success been attained in this direction
as that what has fallen to the lot of Rev. JohnHuyshe, of Clystliydon, near
Exeter. Mr. Knight’s object was to obtain a race of hardy varieties possess¬
ing high flavour, and the variety he adopted as the basis on which to work
was the old Swan’s Egg — doubtless in its way a very estimable sort, but
so closely did he adhere to this variety, that those he succeeded in raising
from it, were in many instances mere repetitions of their parent, varying
but slightly in form and flavour.

The materials that Mr. Huy she worked with, were the general favourites,
Marie Louise, and Hansel's Bergamot. About the year 1880 Mr. Huyshe
fertilised the former with the pollen of the latter, and from the fruit so
produced he obtained “three pips,” which being sown, in due time resulted
in the three varieties now known as Huyshe’s Prince of Wales, Victoria,
and Princess of Wales, the last of which forms the subject of our present
illustration, from the skilful pencil of Mrs. Dix, and from fruit supplied by
Mr. Huyshe himself.

It is our intention to furnish in the Florist and Pomologist, ^portraits
of the other choice and valuable varieties which Mr. Huyshe has raised,
and of which drawings have been made by the same accomplished artist.
Among these is one known as Prince Consort , a Pear remarkable for its size
VOL. vi. v

94

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

and flavour, and of wliicli grafts and young trees have been distributed this
season for the first time, Mr. Huyshe having with unusual generosity placed
the distribution of this variety in the hands of the Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society.

Princess of Wales is not one of the largest of these varieties, it being
surpassed in this respect both by Prince of Wales and Prince Consort, yet
it is not a small fruit, but one of good average size, and measuring fully
3 inches long by 2£ inches broad. Its shape is variable, as may be seen
by the accompanying woodcuts in which one fruit is represented as rather
more cylindrical than the other, and with “ a waist,” as Mr. Huyshe happily
termed it. The skin is of a smooth lemon colour, mottled and traced all
over with thin cinnamon-coloured russet, similar to that of Marie Louise.
The eye is open with erect acute segments, and set in a rather shallow basin.
The stalk is short and stout, and inserted in a deepish cavity. The flesh
is of a deep yellow colour, smooth-grained, very melting and juicy, richly
flavoured, and with a high aroma. The fruit is ripe in the end of Novem¬
ber, and will keep well on till Christmas, so that it is not one of those
numerous varieties which are in use in early autumn when so many other
kinds are ripe, but comes in at a time when good Pears are becoming
really scarce and valuable.

V H.

THE EFFECTS OF THE FROST OF JANUARY, 1867.

Of the species of Abies, which comprise some very beautiful and valu¬
able trees, I can report that all the most important are safe, although
several, such as A. Morinda from the Himalayas, planted in 1832, and
approaching 60 feet in height ; A. Douglasii from California, of the same
height ; and A. Menziesii from California, 40 feet high, have been slightly
injured in the foliage, which, although quite green, blew off the trees most
abundantly during the prevalence of the high winds which occurred some
time after the frost. It is singular, however, that in the case of Morinda
and Douglasii, only the foliage formed in 1864 and 1865 has been killed,
that of 1866 remaining perfectly uninjured, whilst Menziesii has lost only
a small portion of its young green foliage. A. Brunoniana from Nepal is
very much cut up ; but all the others that we possess, such as A. Pinsapo
from Spain, A. orientalis from Tauria and the Caucasus, A. elegans a
subvariety of the Norway Spruce, A. Clanbrasiliana, which is, I believe, a
sport from the common Spruce originating at Moira in Ireland, and of
which there is a solid lump of foliage 8 feet in diameter and 6 feet high,
and probably thirty years of age, are all uninjured. I mention their
native country, because one cannot help when reviewing the subject, even
in a casual way, being struck with the bearing which the native country has
upon the hardiness of many of the subjects under consideration. Taking
A. Brunoniana as an example, it is in every respect as regards growth,
habit, and manner of coning, identical with the Hemlock Spruce of Canada,
except that the foliage and cones are a trifle larger, and the leaves more
silvery on the under side ; and yet the Hemlock Spruce will bear uninjured
a very much lower temperature than will suffice to kill Brunoniana.

I am sorry to say that the Cedrus Deodara is very much cut up, many
of the trees being now entirely denuded of foliage, so as to resemble the
deciduous Larch rather than the evergreen Cedar ; but there is still great
hope that they will eventually recover, as the buds are swelling fast, and

MAY.

95

seem likely to break out quite as well as in the Larcli. In this case, again,
East-Indian parentage proclaims that we can never expect to thoroughly
acclimatise anything from that region. Even many of the large Cedars
of Lebanon at this place have been denuded of a great amount of their
foliage, which was not, as in the case of the Deodar, killed, but blown off
the trees in a green state. The Cedrus atlantica, or Mount Atlas Cedar,
has also lost much of its foliage, although, neither that nor the Cedar of
Lebanon is so much cut up as the Deodar, as they still retain their evergreen
appearance, which many of the others do not.

The Cunninghamia lanceolata or sinensis, from China, is perfectly hardy
at this place, and grows vigorously ; and, although rather loose in its manner
of growth, owing to its habit of throwing off the three-year-old branclilets,
it is nevertheless very picturesque in appearance.

The Sequoia sempervirens or gigantea, from California, appears to be
quite safe. This tree, called also the Bastard Cedar, grows to an enormous
size in California, and does not appear to have received from planters that
attention which it deserves. The rapidity of its growth, and the peculiar
enlargement of its stem, are only equalled in the Wellingtonia. As an
instance in illustration, it may be mentioned that in 1849 I struck a pan of
cuttings from a small tree ; one of these was selected and planted out in
common trenched ground in 1851, and it is now upwards of 80 feet high,
and the circumference of the stem at the base is 6 feet 4 inches, at 6 feet
above the base 4 feet 4 inches, and it carries its size well upwards. It. is
not particular as to soil, but grows most rapidly, and seems most at home
in damp stiff soil approaching to clay. In light dry soils the growth is not
nearly so rapid.

Fitzroya patagonica is very much browned in the old foliage, but will
apparently recover. It is at best but a scraggy-looking plant, more curious
than beautiful, yet as a large tree it would probably be very picturesque.

The beautiful Libocedrus chilensis is very much cut up, but I hope will
recover. In addition to the injury from frost, this tree appears to be
peculiarly liable to the breaking out of the small side branches, an injury
caused by the combined effects of snow and high winds. The foliage itself
is very heavy in proportion to the size of the wood, and any little additional
weight causes the branches to split away from the stem, and the wind tears
them out.

The Cryptomeria japonica, with its varieties such as Lobbii and gracilis,
have not suffered in the least, being not even browned, as they sometimes are
in much less severe winters than the last. The largest plant of C. japonica
at this place is upwards of 40 feet in height, and well-furnished. During
the hot summer of 1865 the stem of this tree was split open vertically in
several places, and although it is now closed by accumulated growth, the
marks remain. A liability to do this would, I should think, materially
damage the timber obtained from this tree.

Thujopsis borealis is quite hardy, and is a most desirable tree for orna¬
mental planting, as it has a very elegant habit of growth, and is also a
vigorous grower in kindly soil. The beautiful green of the foliage is, more¬
over, very striking.

The Juniper tribe affords some very valuable hardy plants. Amongst
them the male plant of Juniperus chinensis ought to take a high rank, as it
is perfectly hardy, and of a free-growing, compact, and elegant habit of growth.
A large tree of this when in bloom in the spring is very bright and cheerful-
looking, and contrasts well with plants having darker foliage. The variety

96

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

of J. communis, called oblonga pendula by some, and caucasica by others,
which comes from China and Japan, is thoroughly hardy, and is a most
desirable plant to have even in a small collection, as from its drooping and
elegant habit it is peculiarly well adapted for effect when planted on the
borders of shrubberies, where it contrasts well both in colour and habit with
evergreen and deciduous shrubs.

The Thujas generally have passed the ordeal unhurt. Among them
Thuja Lobbii is worthy of most honourable mention, being likely to make
a large tree. The growth is very rapid, with an elegant pyramidal shape,
and a fine colour. A large specimen of Thuja aurea is quite safe. T. pen¬
dula, or, as Endlicher calls it, Biota pendula, is likewise quite hardy ; the
growth is slow, but it has a very elegant appearance where it flourishes.

Reclleaf. John Cox.

TROPiEOLUM TRICOLORUM.

Twenty years ago, this beautiful greenhouse climber was to be seen at the
early summer exhibitions, but now it is seldom or never shown ; and it is
rarely that one meets with a well-grown specimen of it even in private col¬
lections — a circumstance which is not easily accounted for, as the plant is
very readily increased, easily grown, very beautiful, and lasts a considerable
time in flower. Its flowers show to great advantage under artificial light,
which makes it invaluable for in-door decoration. I am rather partial to this
pretty climber, and beg to offer a few remarks on its culture, in the hope
that it may be again as extensively grown as its merits justly entitle it to be.

The tubers when in a dormant state should be kept in dry sand, and in a
safe place where mice (which are very fond of them) cannot get to them.
In general they begin to grow during the month of September. As soon as
it is perceived that they are starting, they should be at once potted into pots
of the size they are to flower in. Pots from 8 to 10 or 12 inches in diameter,
according to the size of the tuber, will be sufficiently large. The pots should
be well drained, and a little sphagnum should be placed over the potsherds to
prevent the soil from getting amongst them ; a little rotten dung placed
on this will be found beneficial. They will grow in almost any kind of light
soil, but the following compost answers well : — One-half turfy loam, one-
fourtli part fibrous peat, and one-fourth part rotten dung, well mixed together
with a good sprinkling either of sand or bonedust, the latter being preferable.
The compost should be in a proper state when used — neither too dry nor
too wet, and should be pressed tolerably firm in the pots. The roots should
be planted in the centre of the pots, leaving the tops just above the soil.

The trellis for training the plants to, should be placed in the pot at once,
and made so fast to a wire below the pot-rim that it will not move ; this is
a matter of some importance, as, if the trellis is not made firm, the least
movement of it would by a sudden jerk break off the young shoots from the
crown. Some attention must also be paid to properly attaching the young
shoots to the trellis. The kind of trellis is a mere matter of taste ; I have
seen a great variety used, but I like the balloon shape, or rather a modifi¬
cation of it, as well as any.

A few days after potting a gentle watering from a rose water-pot should
be given to settle the soil nicely around the tubers. The plants will not then
require much watering until they begin to root into the soil and grow freely,
and then when water is given them it should be in sufficient quantity to
go through the entire mass of soil. During the autumn and winter months

MAY.

97

they should be kept in the warmest part of the greenhouse, where the tem¬
perature during the winter should not be less than 50° by day, and not
below 45° at night.

As the days lengthen and they get more sun, towards spring they will
grow rapidly, and will require almost daily attention in tying in the
shoots ; the plant should also be turned round every two or three days,
especially when grown on balloon-shaped trellises, so that all may be well
covered. Towards April their flowers will begin to expand ; a little clear
manure water will then be very beneficial to them two or three times a-week.
By the early part of May they will begin to be pretty full of flowers, and
should be removed to the conservatory, where they will continue in great
beauty for several weeks.

As soon as the flowers begin to fade the plants should be removed to
the warmest part of the greenhouse to mature their seeds properly. As the
foliage and stems show signs of decay water must be gradually withheld ;
and when the stems are quite dead, the tubers must be taken out of the pots,
and placed in dry sand until the following autumn. As seeds ripen freely,
any quantity of plants can by this means be obtained. I have had them
come up as freely as Peas. I find the seeds germinate best when the pots
are on the hot-water pipes in a Pine-pit.

Stourton. M. Saul.

CRYPTOMEltIA JAPONIC A.

This is a very ornamental distinct-looking tree, where the plants happen
to have assumed a good habit ; but sometimes they make only a straggling
naked growth, and have a poor and mean appearance. There are several
trees here of different habits, and of heights varying from 20 to 80 feet,
some very nicely shaped ornamental trees, and one in particular of noble
aspect, branched to the earth’s surface so thickly that the bole of the tree
cannot be seen without putting the branches aside. This tree, unfortunately,
a few years since had 9 feet of its head smashed off by a terrible south-east
gale ; but by tying its upper branches down, and loading them with stones,
&c., it started the second year, a vigorous leader, which has since gone ahead
in a most luxuriant manner, putting out its side branches as it proceeded
so vigorously, that the tree has now almost grown into its natural pyramidal
shape, with a bole of 4 feet in circumference, and a diameter of branches of
from 26 to 28 feet. It has borne cones for years, and many fine plants of
beautiful, close, thick habit have been raised ; and even these latter have
themselves produced cones.

The Cryptomeria is a plant that cones at an early age and very freely.
The cones are about the size of a Morello Cherry, blunt, and rather globular
in shape. The male catkins are formed in autumn, in great abundance, in the
axils of the leaves. The cones first appear at the ends of the branches in
the winter months, and are in full bloom in March and April. On a sunny
windy day the pollen may be seen to fly about as if a dusty bag had been
shaken. The cones grow very fast, and soon reach their mature size. They
become ripe in September, and are full of seed, but they soon burst open
and shed the seeds, which are small and flattish, of a dull brown colour. The
male catkins when fully developed are yellow, about half the size and length
of a good-sized oat corn.

Our experience here fully proves that by selecting the seed from well-

98

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

shaped fine-habited trees, the plants raised from them will fully maintain
this superior habit. It is therefore very desirable only to propagate from
such as these.

Bicton. James Barnes.

NATIVE SINGING BIRDS.

We have received through the post an anonymous circular pleading in
behalf of “ our indigenous singing birds.” In a postscript the sender
remarks, “I hope you will help me in my endeavour to save our singing
birds.” Beautiful creatures ! you have and always have had our sympathies,
and bold indeed must be the hand that would venture to molest you
in our domain. Your gay flutterings impart life; your joyous warblings
music to the otherwise still though beautiful scenes of the shrubbery and
flower garden. What is the country in spring time without birds ? The
carolling of the lark in the early morning, the charms of song rising con¬
tinually throughout the day, and the whistling of the blackbird carried far
into the “ gloamin,” are no mean sources of enjoyment to those who can
appreciate the charms of a country life. More than this, it appears to us
that birds have their right of inheritance, as we have ours ; and while we
would jealously guard our own — the fruits of our labour, we believe that
we can do this without destroying theirs. In other words, that there is room
for both of us in this wide, wide world.

Is it true, as is alleged, that our singing birds are diminishing in number,
or are they merely changing their locality — quitting the immediate vicinity
of large cities, where the craftsman is so rapidly destroying their means of
shelter and food, to find in the distant woodlands and hedgerows a more
natural and congenial home ? The writer of the paper in question asserts
that small birds are actually diminishing, falling a prey to the gunner,
being shot in mere wantonness, principally by boys, for what in their lack
of wisdom they call “ sport.” Sport, indeed ! we do not envy the breast
that can make sport out of the sufferings and death of even the meanest of
God’s creatures. To kill for food, to kill in self-defence is justifiable, but
to kill for mere “ sport ” is, to our apprehension, most blameworthy ; and
while we would plead for the feathered songsters on the ground of tlieir life,
their beauty, and their melody, we think we can establish a strong case in
their behalf on utilitarian grounds alone. Some years ago a mania took
possession of the French farmers, and the destruction of birds was carried
on with a cruel success. Myriads of insects immediately infested the country,
which all the ingenuity of man was incapable of contending with, and
equally strong efforts had to be resorted to, though with slowT success, to
rehabilitate the birds so ruthlessly destroyed. Corroborative of this we
would point to the swarms of caterpillars in the hedgerows and gardens
round London of late years, and ask, Is not this reasonably attributable to
the diminution in the number of our small birds ?

On the other hand, we know by bitter experience how vexatious it is to
have our fruits injured or destroyed before fit for gathering — to have our
seed-beds scratched over immediately that the seed is carefully and labori¬
ously committed to the ground, or the springing germ destroyed apparently
in mere wantonness. And to this we are certainly in no humour to submit.
But is there no remedy but death to the destroyer ? Cannot wre devise
means of shutting off the depredators by means of netting, thereby effectually

MAY.

99

preserving the crops, which is rarely done by the most uncompromising plans
of bird-killing ? Cannot we by such means direct the busy energy of birds,
so as to avoid the harm, and secure a greater blessing ? According to our
view, there is a waste of thought and labour in first devising means to destroy
the birds, and then having to provide something in the place of birds to
destroy the insects. Is it not less trouble, and sounder economy, to protect
our crops from the birds, and thus compel the latter to search closer for insects
as a means of livelihood ?

In our judgment at least, it is about as just to kill birds for destroying
or stealing a few seeds and fruit, as it would be to hang a man for mis¬
demeanour or petty larceny. If, as in some places is the case, birds destroy
much fruit, let us remember that they also destroy many insects, for the fruit
season is short, the insect season long. It is well authenticated that a black¬
bird or a thrush will destroy twenty slugs or snails in a day, and we have often
been astonished when watching the proceedings of the smaller insectivorous
birds by a computation of the quantity of insects a nest of young finches
will consume in the course of a day. Thus, wb venture to hope that we
have shown that there is no just ground on which to destroy birds from any
point of view — utilitarian, humanitarian, or aesthetic ; and in our most
severely combative moods we should remember that —

“He prayeth best who lovetb best
All things both great and small ;

For the dear God who loveth us,

He made and loveth all.”

W. P.

KIDNEY BEANS IN WINTER.

I do not pretend to have anything new to say about the winter culture of
Kidney Beans, but simply wish to record the practice which I have adopted,
and which I find to answer the purpose remarkably well. Simple though
the winter culture of this vegetable may appear to be, it has often baffled
our best gardeners, and I have myself lived at great places where immense
quantities were grown, but where rarely more than a Bean or two to a pot
could be obtained. The plants generally went on well up to the flowering
point, and then all was over. One man after another was put to manage
them, but still the Beans were a failure. The pots had been badly drained :
the supply of water had been either too much or too little : or the pit at
some time or other had been allowed to get either too hot or too cold — these
were the stormy arguments with which the young men were assailed ; yet
during all the time I was a graduate at that despotic school of gardening,
Bean-culture never grew into a success. Similar results attended the
culture of winter Cucumbers at the same place. Accidental good manage¬
ment occasionally brought a few Beans, and sometimes Cucumbers, but
these were exceptional cases.

My Bean-jut is 80 feet long, and 12 feet wide, having a bed in front
4 feet wide, which contains loamy soil to the depth of about 12 inches. In
this bed the Beans are planted in transverse rows, at, 12 inches apart.
Underneath the bed is a heated chamber, which may or may not be filled
with water. There are three rows of four-inch pipes along the front, by
means of which, together with the hot air issuing from the chamber, a
temperature of from 60° to 65° by night, and during the day with the aid of

100

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

a little sun heat, of from 70° to 75°, is maintained. During hard weather
the temperature at night often falls as low as 55° or 50°.

The Kidney Bean when comfortable at the root, will stand any reason¬
able amount of heat or cold. I find them to be most forward on the side
of the bed next to the liot-water pipes, delighting in the heat, which is
there found to he the greatest ; and this alone gives a fair* succession of
Beans, even from a plantation which has all been sown at the same time.
The Kidney Bean is not very particular as to the kind of earth in which it
is grown. I have had tolerable success with almost all sorts of soils, but
that which I use generally is of a loamy texture — often old Melon soil, or
the surface of an old Mushroom-bed, mixed with a little fresh sandy loam.

Perhaps the best key to the successful culture of the French Bean is to
have a thorough knowledge when to give water. At the time of planting
there ought to be sufficient moisture in the earth to carry them on until
almost showing flower ; at this stage, if the earth really appears dry, they
should get sufficient water to carry them over the flowering period ; and
when all are well set they may have another, which will in most cases be
sufficient to last until the Beans are ready to gather. Abstain from giving
water under any consideration while the Beans are in flower, and prefer
rather that they should appear to suffer from drought, than administer water
injudiciously at this stage.

My own practice is to exercise a close watchfulness as to watering
during the above stages, and I believe it is to this that I may attribute my
success My principal crops, as I have stated above, are planted out in
the bed in successional lots ; and to fill up any casual gap which may occur
auxiliary lots are brought forward in pots. I am not an advocate for the
too free use of the syringe on the plants, and trust more to maintaining a
moist atmosphere by keeping the evaporating-troughs filled, and by wetting
other surfaces.

During four months of the past winter, and with weather at times cer¬
tainly not the most propitious for either Bean or other forcing, I have
gathered 10,000 Beans, averaging about six hundred weekly — nothing very
prodigious either, but showing an amount of success considerably removed
from failure. The sorts I grow are Fulmer’s Early Forcing, Wilmot’s,
Negro, and Mohawk. The latter I observed dwarf and prolific in the open
ground last summer, and I have since tried it successfully for forcing.

Combe Abbey Gardens. Wm. Miller.

THE MORTALITY AMONG THE ROSES.

In all directions rosarians have been pouring forth lamentations over
their lost favourites ; and though the experience has been dearly purchased,
it has the merit of being eminently practical and useful. The various reports
that have been published from all parts of the country seem to show that
the greatest losses have been sustained amongst standard Roses, and next
amongst dwarfs on the Manetti, whilst those on their own roots have suffered
least. The standard Rose, from its height, always presents an awkward sub¬
ject to protect during the winter months ; and probably, as one consequence
of the great tliinning-out they have recently had, Rose trees in that form will
in future be less grown than hitherto. But Roses on the much-vaunted
Manetti have not escaped, notwithstanding that they present no difficulty

MAY.

1G1

in the way of giving protection, for all dwarf Boses can be readily protected,
although rendered unsightly, by fir-boughs, fern, litter, and such like ma¬
terials. It is more than probable, however, that, emboldened by the milder
winters that have prevailed since 1860, nine-tenths of the growers of Eoses
did not give that protection which has now been proved to be required, and
a wholesale slaughter has been the consequence. Budded Eoses, whether
on the Manetti or any other dwarf stock, always stand a worse chance of
recovery than those on their own roots ; for if the plant is killed back to
where the bud was inserted, it is gone, while those on their own roots, though
killed down to the ground line, will break up again and recover themselves
during the next season.

There is one method of treating Eoses on their own roots, that has been
the means of saving to me, perfectly uninjured from the hard weather, the
■whole of a very fine growth of last season, from a considerable number
planted in a .long row; and that is by pegging down. Some time since
when I wrote upon this point, Mr. Perry advised the pegging-down to be
done in the spring. I have, however, not yet followed his advice, although
his reason for so advising is very plausible — namely, that by getting the top
shoots to break first, the blooming season would be prolonged ; and I am
doubly thankful that I have not done so this year. I prefer to peg down
early in December, as no portion of the plant is then more than from 8 to
4 inches from the ground, and protection becomes both easy and simple. I
trusted to the snow, and was not deceived, for during the period of the
severest frost the shoots were all well covered by that excellent and natural
protector.

Let no one imagine from this that other things have not with me
suffered from frost. It was severe enough to kill to the ground Laurestines
of fifteen-years growth, and all the Sweet Bays on the place ; and also to
denude of their foliage a large portion of the Bliododendrons. Having but
few standard Eoses, I lost but few, whilst those on the Manetti suffered
severely, though the roots were well protected with short manure ; but, like
most others, I gave the heads no shelter, and have reaped the results.

I would strongly recommend the desirability of getting Eoses on their
own roots, and pegging them down. The trade does not favour their pro¬
pagation in that way ; but after my experience of growing them on their
own roots and on the Manetti, I would rather give double the price to
secure the former. Apologists for the Manetti say that its only fault is that
it is apt to send up suckers from the roots. Now let it be remembered that,
unlike the briar, which sends up its suckers usually at some distance from
the stem, and is easily recognised, the Manetti throws its suckers up close
home, and from the similarity of its foliage to that of many of the Eoses
that are worked upon it, the robber shoots are not always easily discernible.
Thus thousands of Eoses have been fairly eaten up by their unnatural
parents, and many growers have been disgusted at their want of success.
What is death to the Eose budded on the Manetti, is, however, life to that
on its own roots. The sucker is the natural mode of propagation, and it is
the strong robust growth thrown up every summer from beneath the soil,
and from the base of the plant, that supplies the wood for pegging down each
succeeding winter. Early in December I pull up all the old pegs and take
out the weakest growth of the previous year, lightly forking over and clearing
the soil, and giving a top-dressing ; then with a fresh supply of pegs 9 to
10 inches long I bring down all the remaining wood as close to the ground
as possible, wThere it is easily protected, if not covered by the snow. In the.

f 2

102

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

spring all tlie shoots will break alike from the base to the top, and not as it
would if left upright — a hud or two at the top, and all the rest hare. I have
now great promise of an abundant bloom from the plants early in the
season ; and the before-mentioned strong growths invariably produce a
good supply of fine blooms in the autumn.

Mciybush. ✓ A. D.

EUONYMUS JAPONICUS AND ITS VARIETIES.

Dr. Regel has given in a recent number of his “ Gartenflora ” (1866,
260), a very interesting summary of the forms of this handsome evergreen
shrub which have been introduced to our gardens from those of Japan. These
he arranges in three groups, of which the two first include forms which are
erect-growing and tree-like, and the third others which are slender and
prostrate, and provided with roots by which they cling to walls and tree-
stems like Ivy, or become fixed to the ground as they grow. These latter,
forming the Euonymus radicans group, are, according to the observations
of M. Maximowicz, but the young or barren state of the plants, as they have
been observed to produce ultimately robust upright shoots similar to those of
the other groups. The growth is, in fact, described as analogous to the sterile
condition of the common Ivy, wdiose fruitful branches, it is well known,
bear a different form of leaf and a distinct aspect, which they retain when
propagated as separate plants. The following are the forms described by
Dr. Regel, all handsome and desirable evergreen shrubs, and so nearly
hardy with us, that they seldom suffer material injury from the severity of
our winters : —

Varieties of slightly branched upright habit ; leaves 1 to 2 inches long : —

1 . Euonymus japonicus, Thunberg. — This has long elliptical leaves, -which as well as their
stalks are green.

2. E. japonicus argenteo-variegatus. — In this the branches are greenish, and the leaves
oval-elliptical, with a silver-coloured border.

3. E . japonicus aureo-variegatus. — This has the branches golden yellow, and the leaves
of a longish oval, coloured in the centre and towards the base with golden yellow, which hue
extends also to the leafstalk. These three are forms which have long been known in our
gardens.

4. E. japonicus crispus. — The branches in this form are of a greenish white, and the
leaves of a longish oval form, crispy, bordered and dashed with silvery white.

5. E .japonicus ovatus. — In this the branches are golden yellow, and the leaves dark
green, marked from the centre towards the base with golden yellow. It was introduced by
M. Maximowicz to the Botanic Garden of St. Petersburgh under the name of E. j. foliis ovatis
luteo-variegatis, and was received from M. Makoy and from the English gardens as
E. j. foliis ovatis aureo-variegatis. It is one of the most beautiful of the varieties known.

6. E. japonicus sulphur eo-variegatus. — The branches of this are green, and the leaves
oval-lanceolate, broadly margined and dashed with sulphur yellow. It was received as the
E. j. striatus from M. Makoy, and as E. j. foliis sulphureo-marginatis fromM. Yan Houtte.

Variety with the habit of the former group , but with long (8 -inch) leaves : —

/

7. E. japonicus macropliyllus, Siebold. — This fine form has the branches green, and the
leaves also green, very large, and standing opposed in threes.

Varieties with slender rooting stems , a low bushy habit , and small leaves : —

8. E. japonicus gracilis. — The branches in this form are of a whitish green, and the leaves
elliptical, bordered with silvery white. It is the E. radicans foliis argenteo-variegatis of
Siebold.

9. E. japonicus radicans. — The branches are whitish green ; the leaves roundish oval,
bordered with white and rosy red. It is the E. radicans roseo-marginatus of M. Makoy.

MAY.

108

10. E. japonicus tricolor. — In this the branches are green, and the leaves elliptical oval,
bordered and dappled with silvery white, yellow, and light green. It is the E. tricolor of
M. Makoy ; the E. radicans foliis aureo-pictis of M. Van Houtte ; and the E. radicans pictus
of Siebold and others.

11. E . japonicus reticulatus. — The branches are in this form green, and the leaves of a
longish oval outline, green, marked with white veins. It is the E. gracilis of Siebold.

12. E. japonicus radicans viridis. — This has oval- elliptical green leaves. It is the
E. radicans of Siebold.

These evergreen forms of Euonymus are of the easiest culture, requiring
special attention only in two points— namely, to cut or pinch out the ends
of the leading shoots in those of erect growth, so as to induce a more bushy
habit ; and to examine the variegated forms from time to time, for the
purpose of cutting away any green-leaved shoots, which if produced, are by
then* luxuriant growth, apt to disfigure the plant, and if neglected soon
result in the degeneration of the variety.

M.

SEDUM CARNEUM VARIEGATUM.

Me. Fish has very justly mentioned the Sedums (see p. 68), as being well
suited for basket work. Permit me to. draw the attention of those of your
readers who are interested in the cultivation of basket plants, to a very
charming plant of this family, well suited for cool greenhouse or conserva¬
tory decoration — namely, Sedum carneum variegatum, which as a foliage
plant has no equal for such a situation. It was introduced from Japan not
very long ago ; it is a very free grower, though it does not impoverish the
soil in any perceptible degree ; and besides it is densely clothed with neat and
perpetual foliage. The leaves, which are more or less narrow and elongated,
are so deeply variegated, as to have at least two-tliirds of their surface of
a light cream colour, the main stalks being tinted throughout with a bright
pleasing tint of rose colour.

The habit of this plant when grown in a basket is peculiar, as when once
in process of elongation it has grown over the outer edges of the basket, it
falls abruptly down as if inert, and with its increasing length produces a
plentiful supply of side shoots, which push forth from the drooping main
stalks, and in seeming antagonism, grow as abruptly and perpendicularly
upright as the others grow directly downward ; this gives to the plant a
most peculiar and elegant appearance. The variety, which has yellow
flowers, not very freely produced, is perfectly hardy, and propagates with
extraordinary facility. Its complete hardihood recommends it as being
well adapted to decorate the humblest form of structure in the possession of
any amateur.

Big swell, William Earley.

NEW GARDEN PLANTS.

In the course of some previous remarks on New Plants, it was mentioned
that we should shortly refer to one or two interesting species of Hydrangea.
The ornamental capabilities of H. Hortensia and H. japonica are well
known, but these by no means exhaust the floral beauty with which the
Hydrangea family is capable of embellishing our gardens, as some recent
acquisitions from Japan testify. One of these, shown on a reduced scale in
the accompanying sketch (see next page), is the Hydrangea stellata prolifer a, a

/

104

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

double or proliferous-flowered state of the H. stellata of Siebold and Zucca-
rini, and of which the separate flower is represented of about the natural size.
This novelty was introduced to European gardens by M. Maximowicz, and
flowered last June in the Botanic Garden of St. Petersburg, where it is re¬
garded as a worthy rival of the old Hortensia. Its habit is shrubby ; its
leaves are ovate oblong, acuminate, and serrated; and its radiate flowers,
which grow in very large terminal globose cymes, are mostly sterile and pro¬
liferous, producing several smaller flowers of a similar kind in the centre of

each, these opening of a yellowish green, and changing to rose colour. The
inflorescence thus becomes a dense head of double star-shaped sterile rosy
flowers, and must be of a very ornamental character. Dr. Begel, who gives
a good coloured figure in his “ Gartenflora ” (t. 521), states that the plants
require the same treatment as the common Hydrangea. It is not only an
ornamental plant, but remarkably distinct and novel in aspect.

Among the novelties recently figured occurs Dictyopsis Thunbergii (Bot.
Mag., t. 5688), a Smilaceous plant from South Africa, and forming a remark¬
ably graceful leafy climber adapted for greenhouse culture. Its dark green
shining leaves are ovate acuminate, with many parallel nerves connected
by cross nerves ; and the small white flowers are drooping, and grow in
branched leafy panicles at the end of the branches.

Of stove plants may be mentioned Tinnea cethiopica (Bot. Mag., t. 5637),

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105

a shrubby Labiate from Central Africa, forming a lioary twiggy bush, 4 to
0 feet high, clothed with small ovate entire leaves, and flowering copiously
from their upper axils. The two-lipped dowsers are remarkable for their dark
maroon purple colour, and their delicious violet-like perfume. It was
raised from seeds sent by Mdlle. Tinne, and was first shown at the Inter¬
national Exhibition of 1866. During the winter and spring, it has flowered
at IvewT; also with Mr. Williams in a warm greenhouse. Another Kew
plant deserving of notice is Dombeyct Mastersii (Bot. Mag., t. 5689), a Ster-
culiaceous stove shrub, which flowered for the first time last January, though
it lias long been cultivated. The plant has cordate-ovate acuminate leaves,
and corymbose heads of perfumed white flowers. The beautiful Saccolabium
ffujanteum (Bot. Mag., t. 5685), one of the choicest of Orchids, and nearly
related to the charming S. violaceum, flowered in great perfection last
autumn with Messrs. Yeitch & Sons, who have introduced plants from Ran¬
goon. The flowers, which are white spotted with violet, and most power¬
fully and deliciously scented, continued in beauty “for nearly a quarter of a
year.” It has thick leathery bilobed leaves, and long dense racemes of
flowers, of which the sepals and petals are white with a few lilac dots, and
the lip is three-parted at the top, and there marked with a broad prominent
blotch of deep violet. It is one of the choicest of recent acquisitions among
Orchids.

A very pretty figure of Fittonia argyroneura occurs in M. Van Houtte’s
work (Flore, 1. 1664). The leaves of this novelty (which is a congener of the
plant known as Gymnostachyum Verscliaffeltii, and of which a brighter-
coloured form has since been called in gardens G. Pearcei), are broadly ovate
with a cordate base, and of a bright green, having the principal and secondary
veins traced out with pure white — a very elegant stove herb. The yellowish
variety of Iresine Herbstii called aureo -reticulata (Floral Mag., t. 383), differs
from the type in having the leaves green instead of red, and in the secondary
veins being confusedly marked out with creamy white blotches, the stalks and
main ribs being rosy red as in the original form, and the creamy hue ex¬
tending along the sides of the primary veins. It is distinct, and is said to
be constant, but lacks the rich colouring evident in the original form when
that is seen at its best. It remains to be ascertained whether it will prove
more generallv acceptable as a summer bedder.

M.

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE KALOSANTHES.

I puepose, in the following notes, to treat more especially of those
varieties of the Kalosanthes which are commonly known under the syno-
nyme of Crassula coccinea. Few, if any, evergreen plants introduced from
the Cape of Good Hope repay careful and attentive culture better than
these ; independently of which, they combine with an originality of form,
that contrasts most favourably with other greenhouse plants, and much
brilliancy of colour, a degree of facility in cultivation second to none. I
will commence from the beginning of April, and sketch out the subsequent
treatment necessary to insure success.

Young plants in a thriving state selected at that season for the purpose
of being grown into fine specimens, should be pinched back so as not to
allow them to flower during the following summer. They are to be kept well
lunched in, and near the glass, until the next July twelvemonths. When

106

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

they are pinched back, which should be done so that the bases for the next
divisional shoots should not be left too long, it will he necessary to remove
four or five of the leaves nearest the apex, which will induce the various
shoots to break far more readily than if the leaves are left on. If kept
moderately dry, and exposed to every ray of sun, the plants will have
formed moderately firm shoots by the second week in April, when it will he
necessary to give them a shift into a compost formed of two parts good
yellow fibrous loam, two of silver sand and potsherds broken very small,
and one of good brown peat, all chopped well up together and thoroughly
amalgamated. In potting add fresh soil to the roots in lieu of the im¬
poverished particles which surround them, keeping in view at all times the
desirability rather of growing them in as small-sized pots as possible, con¬
sistent with the size of the plants, than of giving large shifts. Pot them very
firmly, and give them such a soaking of water as will thoroughly percolate
every part of the hall. By about the middle of June it will be necessary
to pinch them hack again, for the double purpose of keeping them from
showing flower in the succeeding month, and to induce the formation of
well-matured young shoots to stand the following winter. Remove a few
of the upper leaves after this pinching also, and keep them well up to
the glass and freely exposed to the air, with a moderate supply of water,
until the last week in July, when they should cease growing; and by
being placed in the full sun should he thoroughly ripened to stand the
winter.

As the winter treatment of plants of all sizes varies little from the
above, we may leave these at this stage, and return to such plants or speci¬
mens as it may he desired to flower this season. Nothing enhances the
beauty of the larger specimens more than a decisive pinching-back of all
young shoots at any time between the middle of February and the end of
the first week in March. Early in April give all the plants requiring it, a
shift into a moderate-sized pot. The directions given above apply equally to
these. When potted, place them in a light, airy situation in a temperature
averaging 75° in sunny weather, hearing in mind that they should upon no
occasion fall below a minimum of 60° by day, whilst the average of tempe¬
rature best suited to them by night will he from 52° to 54°. Here they
may continue to grow, fully exposed to the sun, , until about the last week
in April, by which time the sun, having gained much power, should not be
permitted to reach them without a slight modification of its more direct
rays at or about meridian, otherwise it may scorch or bronze the leaves so
as to derange their functions, and destroy that beautiful green which by
contrast so enhances the brilliancy of the flowers. This brings me to the
rationale of success in growing them. They like sun and heat in plenitude
whilst freely growing, with, however, abundance of air, which they should
feel directly, without any attendant decrease in the temperature occasioned
by draughts and the like. So treated they will have made a nice growth by
the last week in April, having the pots well filled with roots, under which
circumstances a slight amount of manure water will be of benefit to them
occasionally during the month of May. By the last week in April it will be
necessary to remove them into a cooler position with free exposure to the
sun, and a yet more free exposure to air. A warm greenhouse or roomy
pit, in which they will perfect a further growth preparatory to flowering in
July, will suit them well. When once they show symptoms of flowering
keep them constantly close to the glass, and slightly increase the dose of
manure water, always, however, using it in a thoroughly clear state. Stake

MAY.

107

them with great care, pointing the stakes finely, that the roots may not
receive injury by their being forced into the halls.

When the plants have done flowering, which, in most cases, will be by the
first week in September at the latest, it will be necessary to cut them down,
so as to form a basis for next year’s blooming. Avoid cutting them too
severely : the younger the wood chosen, upon which young growths are to
be formed, the better. Keep them rather dry for a time, and until they
have made shoots an inch or so long, when it will be necessary to pot them.
This is done by reducing the ball as much as possible without undue in¬
jury to the roots, and potting into the same soil as advised above, with the
addition, however, of rather more silver sand and minute pieces of broken
pots. They will now require pushing on in moderate warmth, for the pur¬
pose of re-establishing them in the fresh pots, the better to stand through
the winter. Cuttings should be made from the prunings, removing three
or four pairs of leaves from near the base before inserting them into an
open, gritty compost. If plunged in a moderate bottom heat they will root
freely. Do not water them for at least a week after they are put in. Keep
all in the warm, dry corner of an intermediate-house during the winter, in
positions where air maybe given upon all favourable occasions. Be careful
not to make the balls too wet during the duller winter months, and to guard
them from drips or any other matters likely to cause damp, or to disturb a
thorough season of rest. Should the cuttings root freely it may be possible
in fine open autumns to advance them a stage by pinching them back,
causing them to break, and maturing the growth afterwards in time for a
winter’s rest. One fact should always be borne in mind, that these plants
are never better than when flowered only biennially, and upon a constant
succession of young shoots.

Dig swell. William Earley.

BEARD’S PATENT GLASS HOUSES.

The abolition of the excise duty on glass and the Great Exhibition of
1851 had each a powerful indirect influence on horticulture. The former
rendered glass cheap and immensely stimulated production, while the
palace in Hyde Park proved its architectural capabilities, and the faci¬
lity with which art could render it subservient to the production of the
beautiful. Probably full justice has never been done to the horticultural
importance of these two events. They may be said to have made glass
houses, which had mostly been the expensive luxuries of the few, one of the
commonest and cheapest pleasures of the many. Hence we observe them
springing up in all directions, till it is now no utopian fancy to expect to
see curates’ vineries adorning cottagers’ gardens, and tiny conservatories
embellishing the houses of our mechanics. But while the cheapening of
glass has thus stimulated the manufacture of glass houses, the very magni¬
tude of the demand has scarcely afforded the necessary leisure for the dis¬
covery or application of new or improved modes of using it. Hence whilst
the quality of the glass has improved, and its size been indefinitely enlarged,
we go on converting it into houses in very much the same manner as
before. The result is frequently discouraging. Arrangements that might
answer pretty well for covering a few square yards, are hardly adapted for
enclosing an acre ; and working expenses that were scarcely felt by the
upper classes, can hardly be borne by those who now either have or wish to

108

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

have glass houses. Many houses cheap at first cost, become terribly dear in
the long run.

In nothing is it of more importance to draw a clear distinction between
absolute and fictitious cheapness than in glass houses. A commonplace
wooden house will eat its top off for repairs in ten or twelve years, for within
that period a sum amounting to its first cost will have been expended on
putty, paint, wood, and glass. Of course , the better the materials used the
less will be expended on repairs, and vice versa. Sap wood left on the deal ;
putty made of wet whitening or lamp black, and worthless oil, and used
new ; thin twisted glass ; and cheap white lead, are so many taxes laid on
fictitious cheapness, yielding in the end a full crop of annoyance, and an
absolute price of frightful proportions. Even with the best materials a
heavy source of expense originates in the varied degrees of durability of
the substances employed. Glass, putty, wood, and paint being all com¬
bined to form one structure, the time it will remain perfect without expen¬
sive renovations must be measured by the durability of its most perishable
parts. Hence the importance of making all the materials employed ap¬
proximate to the most durable constituent. Glass being well nigh imperish¬
able, let it be combined with equally durable substances, and one of the
most troublesome horticultural problems of the day is solved.

The distinguishing feature of Beard’s patent houses is, that they may be
termed irreparable in the sense of never needing repairs. The whole of the
substances employed are most durable, presenting an unbroken surface
of imperishable iron and glass to both the external and internal atmosphere.
Paint is superseded by a hard, smooth, durable enamel. Instead of putty
carefully prepared slips of asphalted felt, which can be placed or removed
in the twinkling of an eye, are used. All the other parts are either iron or
glass, and the tooth of time must become sharper than it is before it can
make any sensible impression on either of these, protected as the former is
by its coat of enamel.

These houses each rest upon an iron wall-plate, that may either be elevated on a wall or
placed on a smooth solid basis of concrete. The water-troughing constitutes the roof-plate.
The roof dips into as well as rests on this plate, and consequently removes the condensed
water from the internal surface of the glass, as well as the rain from the outside. I he

MAY.

109

upright supporting pillars are all hollow tubes, which can be stopped up at pleasure, or used
for the conduction of the rain water into tanks either outside or inside the house. Each
house^ is also provided with a complete ventilating apparatus before it leaves the works.
Ihis forms the subject of a second patent, and is rapid, easily worked, and efficient. Its chief
merit consists in a skilful adaptation of the endless screw to bear the weight of the ventilators
and lighten the labour of lifting them. The air is also admitted at the base of the house,
and discharged at the highest point, as shown in the accompanying figure. In this house
the top ventilators open on both sides. In cold weather one series of the arms that connect
the entilator with the motive bar could readily be detached, and only the warmest side
used. Or one side could be permanently fixed in houses erected for stove plants or early
forcing. The ventilator is pitched at a different angle to that of the house itself, to enable it
to be opened if necessary in wet weather without admitting the rain. 4 similar arrangement
of a travelling horizontal bar, with its connecting arms, is used to open the front ventilators,
and the system can readily be applied to any description of building.

The accompanying woodcut represents a full-sized section of the rib or bar which forms
the basis of the invention. The first point about this bar is that it is T -shaped, thus afford¬
ing a maximum of strength with a minimum of shade. The next is the smallness of the
scantling, so as not to obscure the light. It is made of three-quarter iron, 1 inch wide, and
inch deep. With skilful bracing this is found to be sufficient for all ordinary houses.
Another point is the absence of rebates. The top of the bar is quite level and smooth.
Along its centre, at intervals of 30 inches, small screw-holes are formed. Into these a small
bolt is screwed, about three-quarter-inch deep. 1 shows the bar with the bolt (3) inserted, 2 is
a three-quarter covering bar, and 4 a small cap-nut, made of hard white metal which cannot
corrode. These parts complete the metallic portion of the bar.

The .most important part has now to be noticed. On each side of the glass a dark space,
marked 5, will be observed. This is a strip of asphalted felt of the best quality. It forms
an elastic bedding for the glass, and separates it at all points from contact with the iron.
This is of great importance. Iron is not only an active conductor of heat, but is sensibly
altered in bulk by sudden changes of temperature. It expands with heat, and contracts
with cold : hence, if it touched the glass at any point it would probably break it ; in fact,
it does break it extensively on many metallic houses. The intervention of the felt, and the
small space left between the two squares of glass as they lie side by side on the top of the
bar, allow of sufficient elasticity in these houses to enable them to endure all changes of
temperature without breakage of glass. The felt and glass meeting on the top of the
rafter perform another almost equally important and useful function — they moderate ex¬
tremes of temperature in these houses. Such metallic roof-bars are probably about as cool
and as warm as wooden ones. The felt and glass break the currents of caloric passing
through, and insulate the two portions of the bar from each other. The strength and
durability of the fixing power will be obvious. It is composed wholly of iron, or other

110

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

metal ; the felt is simply an elastic padding, and protected as it is at all points except the
thin edge from the weather, it will probably last good for twenty or thirty years.

The glass used is large — 30 inches by 20, and weighs about 28 oz. to the foot. On steep-
pitched roofs it can be laid on end-to-end without danger of drip. At lower angles than
40° it will be safer to overlap. The glazing is equally simple on either method. When
the glass is lapped the covering bars are made the same length as the squares. If it is un¬
lapped they may cover two or three. Whichever mode is adopted, nothing can be simpler
than the replacement of a square that may have become broken by accident. Only two or
three small nuts have to be unscrewed, a length of bar lifted off, the glass laid on, the bar
replaced, and the nuts screwed down again ; the whole process occupying less time than the
reading of these lines.

The erection of these houses is equally simple and rapid. They might almost arrive in
a bundle and crate in the morning, and be furnished with growing plants before night.
Whilst the most durable houses that have, yet been built, they are also the most portable.
This and their completeness in themselves render them valuable to tenants. They could be
moved as readily as a library or a cellar of wine, with less trouble and interruption to their
legitimate functions. The enamelling is also another valuable characteristic of these
houses. Just as the felt supersedes putty, so does the enamel promise utterly to abolish the
worry, expense, and disagreeable smell of common paint. It is baked on at a high tempe¬
rature, a sort of flux being thus formed with the metal and the lead, so that the one seems
inseparable from the other, and a smooth, hard surface is formed, which will easily wash
clean, and promises to endure for years.

Having tlius pointed out the most obvious structural merits of these
houses, and shown how they do away with the necessity for repairs, while
combining the rare merits of strength, durability, cheapness, elegance, and
portability, I will, with your permission, hereafter advert to then’ high
cultural efficiency.

Hardwicke House. D. T. Fish.

THE LEEK.

The Leek is considered to he a hardy biennial, hut, like others of its tribe,
when not disturbed it forms tufts and survives many years. I have a Leek
of the Musselburgh variety, growing under a wall in a south aspect, which
has annually produced seed for upwards of twenty years. There are several
varieties of Leeks, hut the one above-named is perhaps the best.

It seems doubtful when the Leek v/as first introduced into this country.
Some say it came from Switzerland in 1562, others that it was known here
only in 1797. This must be wrong, for Sliakespere, it is well known,
mentions the Leek, and Tusser says that Leeks were cultivated here in his
day ; while Worlidge, who wrote in 1668, speaks of having seen Leeks,
Onions, and Garlic growing in Wales. And if the plant he not indigenous to
Wales, like some of its family, the traditionary account of the Leek being
the badge of the Welsh, shows that it was known to them at a very early
period. It may be further stated that the Leek is mentioned in a J acobite
song, written about the time that George I. came to this country.

I need hardly observe that the Welsh are very fond of Leeks, and grow
them to great perfection. Some are of opinion that their climate suits
Leeks better than ours. I think, however, that with proper attention Leeks
may be grown here equally good. The common method of cultivation is
to sow the seed in March, and transplant the plants into rows about 2 feet
wide, and about 1 foot apart in the rows. But the best plan is to sow the
seed thinly in shallow well-manured trenches, and to thin out the plants to
about the distance just named. By this plan the roots are not checked, and
if a little soil is drawn up to the plants during the season, it will greatly
forward their growth, and blanch them somewhat like Celery. Although

MAY.

Ill

Leeks are less grown liere than in the north, still they are very useful,
especially when Onions fall short in the spring.

Cossey Park. J. Wighton.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

Wet and inclement weather has been the fate of all the spring shows
held up to the present time. The show at the Regent’s Park Botanic
Garden on March 23rd came in with heavy rain, which spoilt the attendance
at a very pretty exhibition indeed. Here Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway,
showed Amaryllis Iccion, a very striking flower of a vivid scarlet, the base
of each petal being marked with a white hand; and Odontoglossum maculosum,
green spotted with brown, and having a white lip curiously blotched. Mr.
W. Bull produced in fine condition Camellia Lavinia Maggi rosea, a sport
from the original striped variety, with the same fine outline and form of
petal, the colour a soft rosy carmine, of a shade that will certainly be much
appreciated. He had also a variegated form of Phajus grandiflorus, which
besides flowering freely, is quite an ornamental-foliaged plant. Mr. W. Paul,
of Waltham Cross, exhibited Rose Cceur de Lion, a very fine Hybrid Perpetual,
the colour of which was a bright purplish rose, the flowers large, globular, and
full ; it is a good hardy variety of robust growth. Mr. W. Cruickshanks, of
Langleybury, had a fine lot of cut flowers of his new striped Verbena Lady
of Langleybury. All the foregoing were awarded first-class certificates. Mr.
B. S. Williams received a second-class certificate for Azalea Charmer, a flower
of a very pleasing bright rosy pink, and very promising on account of its
colour ; and the same award for Ananassa Porteana, which differs from the
common variegated Pine-apple in having a broad band of yellow down the
centre of each bronzy green leaf, instead of the margins being light-coloured.
Messrs. E. G. Henderson also gained a similar award for their Pyretlirum
Golden Feather (not Golden Fleece as stated at p. 87), which gets more
attractive with age.

In Mr. W. Paul’s stand of six new Hyacinths, he had in addition to
those mentioned at p. 88, La Grandesse, single, pure white, good spike ; and
Victor Emmanuel, pale crimson, striped with deeper crimson in the centre of
each petal. Besides these, Carmine, single, very bright carmine crimson,
the colour striking, but a small spike, and Lord Cowley, single, greyish pale
blue, having a little more colour than Blondin , but not so much quality, were
novelties in Mr. Paul’s large group of splendid Hyacinths. Roses in pots
from Mr. Paul were very fine, a plant of H.P. Le Rhone being something
marvellous in its way. Some Apples from Mr. S. Ford, of St. Leonards,
Horsham, were good ; among them Ribston Pippins so well preserved that
they appeared to have been gathered only a few weeks.

At the Royal Horticultural Society’s Floral Committee on April 2nd, a
very fine plant of the old Primula denticulata was exhibited by Mr. Mitchell,
gardener to Lord Wenlock, Escrick Park, York, and was awarded a special
certificate ; it was thought by Mr. Mitchell to have been a new species, so
finely had it been grown. W. Marshall, Esq., of Enfield, carried off high
honours for Orchids, having a first-class certificate for Odontoglossum
triumphans, a perfect gem, flowered for the first time in England ; and also
for a superb variety of Oncidium carthaginense. W. W. Buller, Esq., of Exeter,
received a similar award for Dendrobium thyrsiflorum, a very handsome new

112

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

species. No mere word description can do justice to the rare and exquisite
beauty of these new Orchids. Litobrochia undulata , from Mr. Bull, a hand¬
some robust-growing stove Fern from the Fejees, was very pleasing from its
wavy appearance, and was said to be quite distinct. It had a second-class
certificate. Cinchona nobilis, from the same exhibitor, is one of the hark
plants with handsome ample obovate foliage. Mr. Watson, of St. Albans, had
plants of his new golden tricolor Pelargoniums Mrs. Dix and Miss Watson,
both first-rate kinds, judging from present appearances ; and Messrs. S.
Perkins & Sons, of Coventry, had their new variety Queen Victoria , a bright -
coloured sort, with short stiff habit, and handsomely marked leaves, also
very promising. Before the Fruit Committee were produced some fruit of
Mr. Turner’s new Cucumber Heclsor Winter Prolific, which has been so highly
commended for winter work ; it is a smooth white-spined sort about
16 inches in length. An excellent dish of Maclean's Little Gem Pea came
from Mr. Carmichael, gardener to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Sandring¬
ham ; they fully deserve all that has been said of it as a forcing kind.

The Royal Botanic Society’s Second Spring Show took place on
April 13th. A special interest attached to the class for three new Azaleas
sent out in 1862, 1863, and 1864, in which Messrs. Lane & Son were first with
Stella, rosy salmon, scarcely so vivid in colour or so smooth as when shown
as a seedling ; Elegantissima, white, with occasional stripes of rose, and of
fine substance ; and Advance, rosy crimson, heavily spotted in the upper
petals. Messrs. Ivery & Son was second with Flag of Truce, white ; Madame
Dominique Vervaene, delicate salmon pink, irregularly edged with white ; and
Souvenir de Pronay, rosy crimson. Mr. Turner was third with Stella ; Prince
of Orange, orange red, slightly spotted ; and Charles Enke, salmon rose, each
petal boldly edged with white, and spotted on the upper petals with purplish
crimson. Messrs. Ivery & Son received a first-class certificate for Enchan¬
tress, pale flesh colour, almost white at the edge, slightly streaked with deli¬
cate salmon rose, and spotted in the upper petals with crimson, a fine bold
flower, with a smooth surface and recurving segments ; and a second-class
certificate for Princess Alexandra, greenish white, mottled and streaked with
purplish pink, some of the flowers being wholly pink, and others with portions
of the segments of that colour. It was a free-blooming vigorous sort, likely
to be useful for market and decorative purposes. First-class certificates were
also given to golden tricolor Pelargonium Queen Victoria, from Messrs. S.
Perkins & Sons, of Coventry ; and also to another variety named Pied Admiral
from Mr. W. Paul, the latter, one of considerable merit, having the zone of
a novel tint of red, more roseate than usual. Messrs. Dobson & Sons, of
Isleworth, had a similar award for Cineraria Beatrice, a seedling raised by
Mr. Fairbairn, of Syon Gardens ; it is a large, smooth, white-ground flower
with medium edging of rosy purple, and a very showy variety, and had it a
dark instead of a brownish disc it would be a finished flower.

Mr. Williams, of Holloway, had on this occasion a large plant of Vanda
gigantea, with a raceme of leathery golden yellow blossoms blotched with
cinnamon ; and an example of Draccena sanguined, with long narrow leaves
having red midribs. Roses and Cinerarias were very gay, and the plants of
the latter shown by Messrs. Dobson & Sons were remarkably well grown.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s Second Spring Show, an excellent
Show, was held on April 16tli. Azaleas, Roses, and Cinerarias were in force,
and very charming ; but unpropitious weather reigned out of doors. The

MAY.

113

dwarf Herbaceous Calceolarias shown by Mr. James, of Isleworth, were
grown in that fine style for which he is so noted.

Messrs. Veitcli & Sons had a handsome new Sphcerogyne peruviana, with
pale green leaves, which will no doubt be seen again. Coleus Veitchii from
New Caledonia, an improved C. Gibsoni, with rich velvety chocolate centre
and bright green edge, was awarded a first-class certificate. Dieffenbachia
Pearcei, from Peru, with deep green leaves marked with yellowish green
blotches, was awarded a second-class certificate. Panicum variegatum, from
the South Sea Islands, a capital basket plant for a stove, a variegated Grass
having the leaves striped with red, green, and white, was awarded a first-class
certificate. Hypocyrtabrevicalyx, from Ecuador, a dwarf-growing Gesnera-
like plant, with white-veined leaves and curious puffed-out globular downy
orange flowers, was awarded a second-class certificate. These were all from
Messrs. Veitcli and Sons, who had also the large-flowered Franciscea calycina
major, some of whose blossoms measured fully 4 inches across ; and several
examples of Primula cortusoides amcena, a very handsome spring-flowering*
species, proved to be perfectly hardy, though no doubt well adapted for green¬
house decoration. Mr. W. Bull received first-class certificates for two new
Ferns : — Lastrea Filix-mas Barnesii, an elegant and distinct British variety ;
and Athyrium Goringianum pict-um, a Japanese Fern, with a distinct red and
grey variegation, and very handsome. Athyrium Filix-fcemina pulchrum had
a second-class certificate ; and the same award was made to Mr. Bull’s new
Camellia Lavinia Maggi rosea, which was not in so good a state as when
shown at the Regent’s Park.

First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. W. Paul for Pelargonium
Jason, one of the Cloth of Gold section, with bright yellow foliage, and ap¬
parently more robust in constitution than previous varieties ; for Aucuba
japonica orata, of vigorous growth, with broad ovate deep green leaves ; for
Alnus aurea, an ornamental tree with golden-tinted leaves, suitable for
shrubbery decoration ; and for the new double crimson Thorn Gratcegus Oxya-
cantha coccinea fiore pleno , a sport from the pink variety, but an invaluable
decorative plant.

Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son had a new Zonal Pelargonium named
Crimson Nosegay, in which it was not easy to discover much of the Nosegay
race ; the style of habit greatly resembled that of the old Commander-in-
Chief, but the foliage was much darker, and the trusses of flowers were
small, and of a dark crimson colour.

Mr. T. W. Pilcher, of Plaistow, received a second-class certificate for
seedling Alpine Auricula 'Emma, a rosy crimson ground colour, with yellow
paste, and very promising. A large batch of seedling Alpine Auriculas was
shown by Mr. Turner, of Slough. Many of these were flowers of much pro¬
mise, and as they were not staged for the inspection of the Floral Committee
it is probable that Mr. Turner intends to give them another season’s growth
before he decides definitely as to their individual properties. Some very
fine named Polyanthuses were shown by Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Beck,
Esq., of Isleworth. R. D.

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

Royal Horticultural Society. — The So¬
ciety proposes to hold on one of the Tuesday
meetings —May 21st has been selected— an ex¬
hibition of the beautifully variegated-leaved
Tricolor zonatr Pelargoniums. These ex¬

quisitely coloured plants have now become so
numerous that a gay exhibition may be anti¬
cipated. A Large Silver Medal will be granted
for the most interesting group. Exhibitors are
asked to supply written particulars of the

114

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

pedigree of their seedlings, and to affix the
same information in an abstract form to the
plants themselves when staged for exhibition,
with the view of throwing some light on the
causes which have induced this leaf-colour¬
ation.

French School of Horticulture. — It
has recently been decided that a number of
young men shall be received as Pupils in the
garden at La Muctte. The students are re¬
quired to have some previous knowledge of
practical horticulture, and to be not less than
eighteen years of age ; they will be remune¬
rated for their work at the rate of 65 francs
a-month ; and the arrangements are so framed
that each pupil will he enabled to study all
branches of plant culture. Application should
be made before the 1 st of March in each year
9 to M. Alphand, Ingenieur-en-Chef, Avenue
d’Eylau 137, Paris.

Rhododendron Dalhousle. — A very fine
specimen of this Indian Rhododendron has
been flowering during the past spring in the
nursery of Messrs. Dickson & Co., of Leith
Walk, Edinburgh. The plant was 8| feet
high, and feet through, and the flowers
which are of a rich cream colour, with a de¬
licate lemon scent, measured 4 inches across,
and 3.£ inches in length. There were 94 trusses,
averaging three flowers each, making alto¬
gether 282 flowers.

Quercus Banisteri as Game Cover. —
The smallest, the scrubbiest, and the wiriest
of the Oaks, though perhaps not the most
useless, is Quercus Banisteri, or ilicifolia.
This little Oak M. Vilmorin has planted to
the extent of about half an acie, chiefly under
tall Pines. In that position it shows its
merit as a cover plant, growing freely under
the Pines, and forming a dense level surface
with its upper shoots, and an almost impene¬
trable cover from the toughness of its boughs.
It never presumes to go aloft like other Oaks,
but remains a flat-headed scrubby subject
at from 3 to 4J feet high. It begins to fruit
at five years old, producing from that age
onwards abundance of small pretty dark
brown acorns, with light brown stripes ra¬
diating from their apex ; these are greedily
devoured by fowls, and would doubtless be
equally useful for feeding game. This Oak
may therefore be strongly recommended as a
cover for game. It suits the poorest soils
and coldest situations, and is perfectly hardy.

Damp Walls. — A writer in the Builder
says : — I have just effected a complete cure
for damp exuding from a brick wall, upon
which no plaster, much less paper, would ad¬
here, on account of its having been several
times saturated with sea water. I have done
so by using “ Italian plaster,” the cost of
which is but little more than that of Portland
cement, and the wall may be papered upon
forty-eight hours after the plaster is used,
without any risk of damp or discoloration.

Pentstemons. — These have much improved

of late years. Not only has variety of form
and colour been secured, but the size of the
flower has gone on increasing, and latterly a
very great advance has been made by the ex¬
pansion of the limb segments, which gives to
the flowers altogether a bolder character.
Some of the new continental sorts leave the
varieties of former years very far behind as
regards size and form, while they show also
a manifest improvement in foliage and habit.
They possess, moreover, what is very desir¬
able in the case of flower-garden plants — a
vigorous habit, and hardy constitution. The
following varieties are among the cream of
the novelties in question, and all first-class
flowers : — Alfred De Musset — reddish-crim¬
son, with beautifully pencilled throat ;
Edmond About — scarlet, with large white
throat ; Georges Sand — bright purplish-lilac,
with large white pencilled throat ; Indispens¬
able — tinted rosy white, throat veined with
rich crimson ; John Booth — rich crimson
carmine, with beautiful pure white throat;
L' Africaine — white, tinged with lilac violet,
handsome throat ; Melanie Lalauette — fine
delicate rose, fringed with carmine, white
pencilled throat, dwarf habit, extra ; Pauline
Dumont — light rosy crimson, with white
pencilled throat; Souvenir de Matthieu
Fernet — amaranth purple, throat white,
veined with crimson ; Souvenir St. Paid —
rich purplish crimson, with white pencilled
throat ; Surpassc Victor Hugo — fine reddish
scarlet, with pure white throat, extra.

French Watering Pipes. — A correspon¬
dent of a northern contemporary describes an
ingenious mode of arranging the pipes used
in Paris for watering roads and gardens.
There are many parts, he observes, as near
the Bois de Boulogne, and in the Place de la
Concorde, where the roads are kept moist by
sprinkling them from a hose. And now we
come to the fact which may be of service to
the managers of large gardens. With the ex¬
ception of the piece held by the man working
it, the whole is made up of nine-feet lengths
of iron tubing, like gas pipes, and united by
flexible pieces of india-rubber hose. Each
length is fitted with two little wheels at each
end, thus keeping it up some 3 or 4 inches
from the road, and enabling the man with the
most perfect ease to take it in any direction;
and, when he has finished, he folds them up
and runs them off to some other place. One
man can thus do the work of two, for
he needs no one to help him, even if using
150 feet of pipe ; and all the wear and tear of
dragging the hose along the road is avoided,
and we all know how soon, under such cir¬
cumstances, the best india-rubber or leathern
hose will wear out. This apparatus is also
used for washing the trees and shrubs so
plentifully seen in the streets of Paris. In
dry weather, it is necessary to water the turf
in the parks, and this is done with the same
kind of apparatus — certain lengths of the iron

MAY.

115

piping being drilled with innumerable small
holes, a gentle shower is given, and one man
can manage a lot of work, as he can attend to
three or four places at once.

Shelling Peas and Beans by Machinery.
— According to the Journal of the Society of
Arts , Mr. Price, an American engineer, has
invented a simple machine for shelling Peas
and Beans. It consists principally of a roll¬
ing mill : the rollers are covered with india-
rubber, fixed on a wooden support, and driven
by a crank. At the bottom of the compart¬
ment where the rollers work there are holes,
which let the Peas drop into a drawer situated
underneath the machine. In working this
mill the husks or shells are drawn in and
compressed. This compression bursts them,
and forces the grain to fall on one side of the

machine, whilst the shells pass across and
fall on the other side.

OBITUARY.

The Rev. George Cheere, F.R.H.S., of
Papworth Hall, St. Ives, died on the 10th
ult. The deceased gentleman was a devoted
horticulturist, and occasionally exhibited spe¬
cimens of his productions. Amongst other
things very fine forced blooms of Anna
Boleyn Pink have been sent by him to the
London shows ; and at an early meeting of
the present season he exhibited some wonder¬
fully fine potsful of Mignonette, remarkable
for their healthy and abundant foliage, and
the number and vigour of their flower-spikes,
as well as for the small size of the pots in
which they were grown.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.

Plants in flower may now be moved to
the conservatory or to an intermediate-house ;
by this their flowering will be prolonged,
while the growing plants will gain more
space. In ordinary seasons fire heat may be
greatly limited towards the end of this
month ; it remains to be seen whether it may
or may not be so in this remarkable one, in
which we have had short intervals of extra¬
ordinary mildness, alternating with weather
of unexampled severity, the searching winds
carrying off heat from glazed structures al¬
most with greater rapidity than it could be
generated by even good heating apparatus.
As there is now plenty of light, increase the
temperature; and correspondingly with it,
and with the growth of the plants, the mois¬
ture also.

GREENHOUSE.

Shading must now be attended to. In
arranging the plants a distinction should be
made between those that are benefited by
more direct exposure to the sun and those
which rather prefer the shade, or at all
events require a slight screen from the inten¬
sity of the sun’s rays ; they should be placed
so that they can be accommodated in these
respects. Give air as freely as the weather
will permit, more especially on account of
hardening those that are usually turned out
in the early part of the summer. When
plants are turned out, the state of the pots
should be examined after rain, and if water
is then observed to stand on the surface of the
soil, the plants should be shifted. Propagate
Heaths and other hard- wooded plants as soon
as they push young shoots sufficiently for the
purpose. If mildew appears, apply flowers
of sulphur, and keep the house clean, re¬
moving all decayed leaves, and admitting a
free circulation of air to dry up thoroughly,
once a-day, all superfluous moisture.

conservatory.

Towards the middle of the month a little
air may be left on at night, and it should be
freely given during the day in fine weather.
This will have the effect of causing dryness in
the atmosphere, therefore means must be u'sed
to prevent its getting too dry for the young
growth of plants, such as syringing the
foliage, and also the footpaths and borders,
reducing the air at the same time, or even
shutting up the house early if there are any
signs of red spider. The appearance of this pest
is a sure indication of a deficiency of mois¬
ture, either at root or top : let the former be
especially seen to, in order that a healthy
growth may be promoted. Regulate young
shoots so as not to encourage growths that a
little foresight might determine to be useless,
and which if allowed to proceed would ulti¬
mately have to be cut away, with much loss
of expanded foliage, and consequent derange¬
ment of the flow of sap, which should always
be avoided as far as possible.

PITS AND PRAMES.

As many Bedding plants brought forward
in these structures may now be placed under
an awning, space will be left for sowing
annuals and propagating other plants by
cuttings for autumn-flowering ; and also for
the reception of plants that require the assist¬
ance of bottom heat to start them, or to for¬
ward their flowering, or that require shading,
nursing, or some other treatment different
from the routine suitable for the generality
of plants in the stove and greenhouse. Any of
these plants that are weak and not thriving,
may be invigorated in the pits or frames.

FORCING.

Bine Apples. — Maintain for fruiting plants
a steady bottom heat of about 84°. The
air of the house should range between 75° at
night and 85° in the day, and it may rise by
sun heat to 95°. Those for autumn and

116

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

winter fruiting, such as Cayennes and Black
Jamaicas, should be finally shifted, and to
insure their starting, gradually reduce the
moisture and increase the heat. Encourage
the growth of succession plants by heat and
moisture, but at the same time give sufficient
air to prevent the plants being drawn up
weakly. Vines. — Let the temperature rise
progressively; and in order that the fruit
may acquire the fullest flavour, allow 70° by
night and 85° in the day, or 95° by sun heat.
In the later vineries, Hamburghs, Musca¬
dines, and others of a similar nature will re¬
quire but little fire heat unless, as hitherto,
the season exhibit unusual characteristics.
Continue to pinch off laterals and secondary
growths. Beware, however, of meddling
with the foliage, except that connected with
laterals. Rather than this, leave all the
originally- expanded leaves, or those de¬
veloped before the first stopping of the
shoots ; if they should shade the fruit, heed
not, it will colour notwithstanding, while if
the Vine is injudiciously divested of much
foliage, bad colour and inferior flavour will
be the undesirable result. Whilst the fruit
is swelling, take care that the border is suffi¬
ciently moist ; make a point of seeing to this
immediately before the fruit begins to colour,
as afterwards water will deteriorate the
flavour. Peaches and Nectarines. — When
the fruit is stoned, these will bear a high
temperature provided the roots have sufficient
moisture ; and if this be the case sun heat, as
high as 909, will prove congenial.. Figs. —
Attend to watering so that the plants may
never get once too dry ; stop the young
shoots wherever there is a tendency to be¬
come elongated. Strawberries. — Introduce
the latest succession.

FRUIT GARDEN.

Trees on walls should be frequently in¬
spected, in order that disbudding may not be
delayed. This operation should be early com¬
menced on Peaches and Nectarines , remov¬
ing first those shoots that push right in front
(foreright), for these should all be ultimately
removed unless one may be required for sup¬
plying some vacancy ; the most forward of
these will, in general, be on the central and
more upright branches. Then remove such
of the lateral shoots as are not eligibly
situated, or which have no fruit at their base.
One thing above all demands especial care,
and that is to retain succession shoots to re¬
place those that should this season bear
fruit. The selection of these is easily deter¬
mined. They should be those that are formed
nearest the base of the bearing shoot which
they are to replace. Shoots that must be left
on strong parts, and which are likely to be¬
come too vigorous, should be stopped when
about 6 inches long. Horizontal branches,
or those approaching that direction, should
last disbudded. Syringe wall trees in the
morning whilst the nights are cold, but as 1

soon as there is no longer danger from frost,
commence about 4 p.m.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Plant Cauliflowers forwarded under glass ;
also Cabbages for the principal summer crops,
and some Brussels Sprouts for early use. Cut
all the shoots of Asparagus as they become
fit, but leave off entirely in good time; by
this means the plants will gain strength for
next year. The cutting season need not be
so prolonged as formerly, since so many su¬
perior varieties of early Peas can now be
obtained, as a substitute for Asparagus. Sow
Beet, Borecole , and the principal crops of
Broccoli and Cauliflower about the ‘20th.
Sow and plant out Lettuces for succession ;
sow also Radishes. Sow Savoys for the latest
crops, and the Early Ulm for first use ; early
sorts of Turnips for summer use ~ and Onions
for pickling, in the beginning of the month.
Sow Scarlet Runners and successions of Kid¬
ney Beans. Sow Endive in brisk heat: it is
apt to run if it lingers in vegetating. Plant
out Celery.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Take the first opportunity of favourable
weather to plant out the various kinds of
Bedding plants, Dahlias , &c. ; but if northerly
winds prevail at any time for several succes¬
sive days, it is better to let the more tender
plants remain under shelter of the awning
till settled weather is apparent, and the sky
is free from masses of dusky white clouds de¬
positing heavy drops like melted hail. Pro¬
ceed then at once to fill up the beds
according to pre-arranged plans, for making
which the backward season has given ample
time. By the time that planting is com¬
pleted, the walks and lawn should be in
perfect order.

florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Give plenty of air night and
day in mild weather; stir the surface of the
soil in the pots, and when the bloom is past,
and where seed is not wanted, cut over the
stems a little below the truss. Calceolarias.
— Shift any that may require more pot room ;
keep the house cool, and shade those in flower
from hot sun ; water them occasionally with
weak manure water. Cinerarias. — Sow as
soon as the seeds are ripe. Carnations — Top-
dress and stake. Dahlias. — Put in the stakes
before planting out. Fuchsias. — Stop the
shoots of any that are long-jointed; shift on
all those that require more pot room, giving
good drainage : apply liquid manure once or
twice a-week, and syringe overhead in the
afternoon when the house is shut up. Holly¬
hocks. — Plant out seedlings ; sow on a gentle
hotbed. Pelargoniums. — Give air freely when
the weather is favourable. Pinks. — 1'hin
out blooming stems where too numerous ;
give liquid manure twice a-week. Petunias.
— Pinch off flower-buds and stop the shoots,
where a late bloom is required. Phloxes. —
These may be propagated by cuttings.

•

.

.

.

■

■

.

' •

.

-

'

.

.

-

'

...

.

.

'

.

“

-

(

Gratae gus OxyacaTitha coccmea

flore -pleno .
J . FT . Fit ck. imp:

JUNE.

117

THE NEW DOUBLE CRIMSON THORN.

(Crataegus Oxyacantha coccinea fl.-pleno.)

WITH AN ILLUSTKATION.

The subject of our present plate, from the pencil of Mr. Fitch, is so
intense in its colouring, that we find, on comparing the drawing with the
flowers on the original tree, that the latter are even deeper and brighter than
those which are here represented. The flowers from which our sketch was
taken, were supplied by Mr. W. Paul, from his nurseries at Waltham Cross.

As a hardy ornamental tree for planting in the shrubbery and flower
garden, we look upon this Thorn as the grandest acquisition that has been
obtained for many years ; and as a forcing plant it is equally desirable, for
the young plants appear to flower freely when only a few inches high.
This, indeed, has been sufficiently shown by the examples which have been
exhibited by Mr. W. Paul at the Royal Horticultural Garden, South
Kensington, and at the Royal Botanic Garden, Regent’s Park, several times
during the spring of the present year.

As there has been some doubt created in the mind of the public as to
whether there are not two new double Crimson Thorns, issuing from different
establishments, under similar names, we are glad to be able to dispel the
mystery. We speak advisedly when we say that the plants shown by Mr.
William Paul, and the branches shown by Messrs. George Paul & Son, are
identical both in leaf and flower. The variety is a sport from the double Pink
Thorn, and originated in the beautiful and well-kept garden of Christopher
Boyd, Esq., of Chesliunt Street, near Waltham Cross, where it still exists.
It has, therefore, never been the exclusive property of any one nurseryman.

The history of the sport is briefly this : About seven or eight years ago
some flowers of this intense hue were observed on a plant of the double
Pink Thorn, and on examination it was found that a strong branch had
started up from near the centre of the tree, with leaves as well as flowers
differing from its parent. The branch was encouraged, and year by year
increased in size, retaining the colour and character originally observed.
The parent plant is apparently about twenty-five years old, 80 feet high,
and as much in diameter, measured from the outermost branches at its
greatest width. There is still only one stout central branch of this deep
colour ; the other branches, which are profusely adorned with flowers, being
of the original pale pink so well known to horticulturists. When looking
at the tree recently, so great was the contrast between the sport and the
original, that we could not rid ourselves of the impression that the parent
variety was in this instance paler than usual, and we asked ourselves
whether the colouring matter had not been drawn from the larger surface
and intensified in this particular branch by one of those secret processes
which the student of Nature is often called upon to behold and wonder at,
without being able to account for or explain. This may be fanciful, but
here is certainly a lusus natures worthy of the attentive consideration of our
vegetable physiologists.

We do not hesitate to advise every one who has a garden, to purchase
this plant at once. We hear, on good authority, that the stock in the
hands of the nurserymen is at present limited, and not only will those who
purchase now secure the best plants, but those who delay may not obtain
any. Moreover, plants purchased in pots now may be grown and established
so as to flower well either in or out of doors next spring, whereas if re-

VOL. VI. G

118

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

moved from the ground in the autumn of the year they can hardly he ex¬
pected to do this.

It may he added to complete the history of the plant, that it has won
First-class Certificates at the exhibitions of the Eoyal Botanic Society and
the Royal Horticultural Society, and, also at the Great International Horti¬
cultural Exhibition of 1866.

P.

- * -

NEW AURICULAS.

The spring of the present year has been somewhat singularly pro¬
ductive of new Auriculas. For some years past there has been a compara¬
tive lull in the production of new varieties, which is not to he wondered at,
seeing how little variation there is in the Show Auricula, and how many of
the seedlings annually bloomed must of necessity be hut a repetition of what
is already known. Indeed, it is said that that veteran Auricula-grower and
raiser, Mr. Geo. Lightbody, of Falkirk, deems himself fortunate if he should
succeed in getting one first-class flower from among a thousand seedlings.
The area of the cultivation of the Auricula is also one of limited extent. It
requires a floral enthusiast to some extent, to make a successful Auricula-
grower ; and probably if any one would desire to see a manifestation of this
kind of enthusiasm, pure and simple, he could not do better than attend the
annual meeting of some Auricula society, where he could not fail to be
touched by the genuine earnestness of many of those who make the culti¬
vation of this flower “ a hobby.”

Foremost among the new flowers stand two fine grey-edged varieties,
raised by Mr. Turner, of Slough. The first, Charles Turner , has a well-
defined ground colour of violet crimson, the eye yellow and well formed,
clear white paste, stout and smooth, and narrow grey edge, the pips finely
formed and stout, the truss erect and bold, and the habit excellent. The
second, Colonel Champneys, has a ground colour of bright rosy purple with
regular narrow edging of grey, a good eye, and clear smooth white paste, the
pips well formed and stout, forming a bold truss; the habit also first-rate.
These received first-class certificates at the second spring show of the Royal
Botanic Society, Regent’s Park. Other new flowers in this division are Annie
and Eliza, seedlings raised by Mr. John Pink, Coburg Road, and awarded
first-class certificates at the recent meeting of the South Metropolitan
Auricula Society.' The first, Annie, has a well-defined ground colour of
rosy purple with narrow grey edge, clear white paste, smooth and regular, pips
stout and well formed, of fine quality and great promise. Eliza has a very
dark brown ground colour with broad edging of grey, white paste, clear and
smooth, and pips of fine form and substance. Another notable new grey-
edged flower is Mrs. Butcher , raised by Mr. John Butcher, of Camberwell,
and awarded a first-class certificate at the South Metropolitan Show. The
ground colour is dark crimson, well-defined and regular, with broad grey
edge, clear white paste, very smooth, pips large, of great substance, and
forming a bold and erect truss.

At the same meeting a similar award was made to Miss Oliver (Pink), a
white-edged flower of considerable promise, the ground colour dark crimson
with deep edging of white, and clear white paste.

Of self flowers, Mr. Turner had two very fine representatives of this
division, which were awarded first-class certificates at the Regent’s Park
Show— namely, Cheerfulness, rosy purple ground colour, with smooth white

JUNE.

119

paste, pips stout, of good size and outline, but a little rough as shown,
owing to being somewhat out of condition — it is nevertheless a flower pos¬
sessing fine properties ; and Crown Prince, ground colour rosy mulberry,
changing with age to dark crimson, pips large, bold, smooth, and of fine
form, truss and habit good. John Penn , raised by Mr. Butcher, has a rosy
crimson ground colour dashed with violet, the pips stout and smooth, but the
paste hardly large enough according to the recognised scale of properties.

Much more numerous have been the accessions to the Alpine class, which
has become greatly improved during the last few years in the hands of
Mr. Turner and others. Both in the size and in the colour of the flowers is
the improvement noticeable, and the latter evidences new and beautiful
shades that bid fair to earn for this flower a high popularity. The plants
are strong and lusty in habit, and they will bear a considerable amount of
exposure to wet and cold. It was generally observable in these Alpine
varieties that the ground colour proper formed but a small proportion of the
margin surrounding the paste. The marginal colour to the somewhat
indistinct ground colour prevailed so much, that in giving a popular descrip¬
tion of these new flowers they shall be classed in accordance with the pre¬
sence of the prevailing hue. These showy marginal colours were either
bright crimson, purple or violet, or buff, the latter invariably distinguishing
those flowers which possessed least quality.

Of the crimson hues the following were selected for awards : — Lustre
(Turner), bright yellow paste, surrounded by a glossy dark ring of ground
colour, margined with bright claret crimson, flowers large and smooth, a
striking variety; Constellation (Turner), in the way of Lustre, but a larger
flower, both paste and ground colour being of greater dimensions, the latter
being also darker and the margin brighter, pips large, a bold and showy
variety. These two were awarded first-class certificates at the Boyal Botanic
Show. Defiance (Turner), rich claret crimson ground colour diffused through¬
out the margin, bright yellow paste, pips large and stout, a bold and strik¬
ing flower, though a little rough; Vivid (Turner), dark ground colour, each
segment of the pip broadly margined with lively rosy crimson, flowers large
and smooth, truss dense and erect, being, as was remarked at the time, a true
Auricula truss ; these were awarded second-class certificates at the Royal Bo¬
tanic Show. Emma (Pilcher), has a ground colour of rosy crimson suffused
with purple, sulphur paste, good pip, and smooth ; awarded a second-class
certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society, and afterwards a first-class cer¬
tificate at the South Metropolitan Show. Rifleman (Butcher), glowing dark
crimson ground colour margined with a narrow edge of a paler hue, clear
yellow paste, pips large and bold, a novel and striking flower; and Jane Web¬
ster (Butcher), ground colour intense dark crimson margined with a lighter
hue, pips stout smooth and fine ; these were awarded first-class certificates
at the South Metropolitan Show. Wonderful (Turner), is a flower of extra
size, the ground colour formed of dark velvety blotches at the base of the
segments, which are showily margined with bright rosy crimson, clean and
smooth bright yellow paste. Landseer (Turner), has a bright claret crimson
ground colour, with pale yellow paste, producing large and showy trusses of
flowers. President (Turner), dark crimson ground colour with margin of
fiery claret crimson, a very striking variety. Sparkler (Turner), is in the
way of President, but the ground colour is not of so dark a shade, truss fine,
bold and striking.

Shades of violet purple and lilac were seen in the following flowers : —
Echo (Turner), velvety crimson ground colour margined with rosy violet,

120

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

pale sulphur paste a little restricted in size, pips large, smooth, and of good
quality; and Fascination (Turner) , rich dark ground colour with narrow margin
of pale violet, pale sulphur paste, pips smooth and even, a very pleasing
and effective variety; these were awarded first-class certificates at the Royal
Botanic Society. Lady Middleton (Butcher), has a dark crimson ground colour
margined with violet, and pale sulphur paste, a flower of fine properties ;
awarded a first-class certificate at the South Metropolitan Show. Bertha
(Turner), has a dark crimson ground colour, and is distinctly margined
with pale purple on each segment of the pip, pale greenish yellow x>aste;
awarded a first-class certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society. Jessie
(Turner) , is of a rich velvety crimson ground colour with narrow margin of
rosy- violet, bright yellow paste, flowers large and fine ; awarded a second-
class certificate at the Royal Botanic Show. Other flowers of this prevail¬
ing hue of colour were Princess (Turner) , dark ground colour with margin of
clear violet changing to rosy violet with age, a novel and handsome flower;
and Annie (Turner), narrow dark circle of ground colour, broadly edged
with rosy crimson and lilac, clear white paste, smooth but thin flowers.

The presence of more than two tints of the ground colour has given
rise to a division that has been well denominated “ Fancies.” These are re¬
presented by Trumpeter (Turner), rich dark red ground colour, bordered with
pale rosy crimson, and margined with rosy buff, large and smooth yellow
paste, the pips large and very novel; and Selina (Turner), dark blotch of
ground colour, bordered with rosy violet, and edged with a paler hue, which
becoming very pale with age deprives the flower somewhat of its attractive¬
ness — awarded second-class certificates at the Royal Botanic Show. Novelty
(Turner), has a dark ground colour, bordered with pale violet and edged
with buff, pale yellow paste, a novel and striking flower ; awarded a second-
class certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society. Marion (Turner), has a
silken velvet ground colour, bordered with rosy crimson and distinctly mar¬
gined with pale violet, and is a very striking flower, but wanting in quality.

This list, extensive as it is, by no means exhausts all the new varieties
of the present season ; it gives the cream of these new and beautiful forms,
which appear capable of being indefinitely multiplied by means of careful
crossing and seeding. q ^

ORMSON’S PARADIGM FRUIT AND PLANT HOUSES.

The difficulty which gardeners and pomologists generally, more espe¬
cially those whose gardens lie in exposed situations, experience in combating
successfully the destructive effects of cold easterly winds and spring frosts —
evils which usually occur just at the time when fruit trees are putting forth
their tender blossoms — has led to a very general desire for cheap glass
houses, since they are not only useful in securing a crop, but also in pro¬
longing the season of supply. Neither expensive walls nor costly coverings
can be thoroughly relied on for enabling the cultivator to cope successfully
with the elements ; for even when spring frosts have been rendered harmless
by these appliances, a sunless summer or an excessively wet autumn will
often prevent the elaboration of the sap and ripening of the wood, which
are necessary to the fertility, if not, indeed, to the very life of the plant.
Among other plans for coping with these evils, that of Mr. Ormson, as
exhibited in the eastern arcade of the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens
at South Kensington, and publicly announced under the name of Paradigm

JUNE.

121

Houses, a plan at once comprehensive in design, and economical in prin¬
ciple, is well deserving of consideration. By this plan it is proposed to
supersede expensive walls as a boundary to gardens, by substituting fruit

and plant houses in their stead ; and, by this means, it is argued, the culti-'
vator will have all his fruit trees completely under control, and safe from
the vicissitudes of climate, while by heating some and regulating the supply
of air to others, the crops may be forwarded or retarded so as considerably

to prolong the season of supply. Many of the finer kinds of fruits, also,
which are now unknown save in peculiarly favoured localities, might by
such a provision, be secured in plenty and perfection in all.

These new houses of Mr. Ormson’s have the recommendation of being
simple, efficient, and substantial, and, as we are informed, at the same
time very moderate in cost. They are made in two forms, the one of which
is more particularly adapted for fruit growing upon trellises, as represented
by fig. 1. This house is 10 feet in width, and 8 feet 3 inches high, but can

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THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

be made to any width and height required. There is a ventilating flap
12 inches wide on each side fitted with cords and pulleys, by which means
20 feet in length may be opened or closed at once ; while at the ridge or
upper angle of the roof is fixed a continuous ventilator, giving a clear opening
of 12 inches the whole length, and closed by means of a moveable capping,
which is held in position by moveable iron stays, and is capable, by pulling
a sasli-line, of being elevated to a height of 6 inches above the roof, whereby,
as it still remains over the opening, the entrance of rain is prevented. This
opens in 20-feet lengths, and, on the cord being relaxed, falls back into its
position, and effectually shuts out the external atmosphere. The plan has
all the advantages of the lantern mode of ventilation, combined with the
economy arising from its greater facility of construction.

In fig. 2 is shown a form of house better, adapted for the growth of
flowering plants or pyramidal fruit trees. This can also be of any required
width or height, but the length of both must be some multiple of 10, as
they are framed in 10-feet lengths or bays, by which arrangement greater
economy in construction is secured. The ventilation in this house is
provided for by opening the side sashes simultaneously in 50-feet lengths,
by a very simple application of machinery, and by the adoption of the same
form of ridge ventilator as already described.

One point in the construction of these houses is calculated to recommend
them to favourable notice — namely, that the parts are made up in definite
lengths, by which not only facility of construction, but facility of removal, is
secured. Owing to this circumstance their cost does not greatly exceed
that of an ordinary garden wall.

T.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE POTATO.

Though the season for planting the Potato is for the present passed, yet
a few remarks on this all-important subject may be useful. I need not say
what a necessary article of food the Potato is to all classes in this country,
but more especially to the working people, to whom a deficient crop is a most
serious matter. The retail price in Knaresborough and other markets in this
part was in the spring of last year Qd. the weigh of 21 lbs. for the best samples
of eating Potatos ; while in the present spring the prices run from Is. 8 d.
to Is. 1C )d. the weigh of 21 lbs. This is a great difference in price within
twelve months ; yet the growers are not better, if, indeed, they are as well
paid for the crop, than when it was sold at the lower price, as fully two-thirds
of the crop were destroyed last year by the murrain, whilst in the previous
season very little injury was done.

I, like many others, have during the last twenty years given much time,
labour, attention, and thought to ,the matter ; but, like most other people,
I have never been able to discover any permanent remedy for the rot — a
subject I do not now intend to discuss. In some fine dry seasons, like the
summers of 1864 and 1865, I have had little or no disease, but in cold wet
seasons like the last, the crops have always been more or less diseased. So
lightly had the crops of 1864 and 1865 suffered from the murrain, that many
people began to hope the disease was dying out, but the sad destruction of
last year has dissipated these hopes.

I read with great interest the results of the different experiments on
Potato culture that are from time to time reported in the papers ; but my

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128

own experience has led me to think that sometimes inferences are too hastily
drawn from successful experiments. A series of experiments may for one
or two favourable seasons give very satisfactory results ; but to make them
of any value they should also be continued through two or three unfavour¬
able seasons, and if the results are equally satisfactory then, their importance
cannot be doubted. All experiments should be repeated for several seasons
before the results are reported.

I will not trouble your readers with the details or results of any of the
experiments I have myself tried, but, instead, I will offer a few very simple
remarks on the culture of Potatos in gardens.

The following are the principal points to be attended to : — 1st, The Best
Soil ; 2nd, Trenching the Soil ; 8rd, The Sets ; 4th, The Time for Planting ;
5th, The Varieties to Grow; and 6th, General Bemarks.

The Best Soil. — In general a light fresh sandy loam is the best for the
growTth of the Potato when fine flavour and mealiness are required. On
heavy or wet lands many kinds become watery or waxy, and are very unfit
for table use. The soil for Potatos should neither be too stiff and untract-
able, nor too light and crumbling, yet rather of the crumbling kind ; neither
too poor, nor too rich, yet inclining to richness ; neither quite dry, nor yet
surcharged with moisture. Perhaps in no part of the country are finer
Potatos grown than on the “ warp” land (chiefly a sandy deposit), on the
banks of the river Ouse. The Selby Potatos always command the highest
prices in Leeds, Manchester, and other markets.

Trenching the Soil. — I consider this a point of the first importance. A
good depth of soil is absolutely necessary to grow Potatos well. From long
practical experience I am convinced that trenching at least 2 feet deep is
the best preparation of the soil for Potatos, and that crops will in general
thus be obtained, better in quality and more abundant in quantity, than by
any other mode of culture. Trenching the ground is not a preventive of
the murrain, though I have never found Potatos to rot worse on trenched
land than on land not trenched, but rather the contrary, as the soil when
trenched, being more open, is generally drier and warmer than land simply
dug ; neither is it so much affected by sudden changes of the weather. I
am aware that trenching the land for Potatos is but seldom practised, but
I can confidently recommend it ; and any persons about to plant a rood of
ground, if they would trench one half, and dig and manure the other half
as usual, and plant the whole with the same kind of Potatos, treating them
in all other respects alike, would be convinced by one trial how beneficial
trenching is to this crop.

The Sets. — Moderate-sized whole sets are in general to be preferred, and
care should be taken not to leave more than one or two stems to each set,
as when all are left to grow they become so crowded that the leaves do not
properly perform their office, and in consequence the quality of the Potatos
will be inferior.

Time for Planting. — Generally any time from the' middle of March to the
end of April, or the early part of May. When the soil is in a nice dry work¬
ing condition the sooner they are planted the better, but the weather will
sometimes prevent the planting being done as soon as would otherwise
be desirable. The sets should always be planted in rows varying from
18 to 36 inches apart, and from 8 to 16 inches in the rows, according
to the size, and the nature of the soil. They should also be planted at a
depth varying from 4 to 6 or 8 inches, according to the kind. After they
are planted, the soil should be kept well stirred between the rows, to keep

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THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

down weeds, and to admit tlie sun and rains ; and tlie young plants should
be nicely earthed up as soon as they are of sufficient size. I need scarcely
say that Potatos should always he planted in an open situation, where they
will receive plenty of sun and air. This is absolutely necessary in order to
have tubers of good quality.

Varieties to Grow. — These are now so very numerous that it is difficult
to make a selection without omitting some really good kinds. As almost
every locality has its favourite kinds, it is a very safe practice to grow these
sorts, adding to them such others as have been proved to be meritorious.
It is a good practice to get the seed occasionally from another locality, as
this improves the quality of the crop, but if the soil is regularly trenched
there is not the same necessity for frequent change of seed. For early use
there is nothing better than a good strain of Asli-leaved Kidneys, but these
are now so numerous, and each kind is so strongly recommended, that it is
a somewhat difficult task to select. In speaking to an acquaintance of
mine lately on this matter, he said he grew nearly a dozen sorts last season
which had been sent him by different persons, but he found them so much
alike he threw the whole together when taking them up, as he had not con¬
veniences for keeping them separate, and even if he had, they so nearly
resembled each other that it was not desirable to do so. The following I
have had good here, but doubtless the list does not include all the best
sorts : — Early. — Ash-leaved Kidney, Early Ash-leaved, Mona’s Pride, Eoyal
Asli-leaved, Myatt’s Prolific, and Early Handswortli. Second Early. —
Lapstone or Haigh’s Seedling (which is one and the same kind, and one of
the finest of Potatos, but suffers much from the murrain), Dalmahoy, and
Daintree’s Seedling. General Crop. — Flukes, Skerry Blue, York Begent,
Fortyfold, White Rock, and Scottish Regent.

General Remarks. — Potatos intended for seed should always be taken up
before they are fully grown, as they make better sets, and grow with more
vigour than when fully ripe. But Potatos for eating should always be
allowed to ripen properly before they are taken up ; for when dug up before
they have done growing, they are not so mealy or so finely flavoured as when
left to mature properly.

By carrying out these different matters I have generally had very satis¬
factory crops of Potatos, but I regard the trenching of the ground as the
most essential point in their culture, and I am much inclined to believe that
if it were more generally adopted, we should not have much to complain of
about our Potato crops.

Stourton. M. Saul.

A TRIO OF FIRST-CLASS MARANTAS*

There are few family groups of plants with ornamental foliage that
would go further in affording materials combining rare beauty and pictur¬
esque variety for the decoration of a plant-stove, than that of the Marantas,
in which are popularly included certain species that more strictly belong
to Calathea and Plirynium, though for all gardening purposes they may
be regarded as one. The Caladiums may be more flaunting in their
colouring, and may create a more favourable first impression ; but we
doubt if even they, with their soft-textured flabby leaves, could stand a close
comparison with the polished parti-coloured and more permanent-leaved
Marantas. Whatever his special predilection, whether in favour of Arads,

JUNE

125

Ferns, Palms, or other popular groups, no one could deny that the Marantas
come m to the first rank of fine-foliaged plants of moderate size.

The Marantas, taking tlie name in tlie broad sense above indicated,

form not only a well-favoured but, as we have intimated, a numerous family,
no fewer than twenty-five new members whereof were shown in one group
by Mr. Linden at the International Horticultural Exhibition of 1866. Our
present object is not, however, to exhaust the catalogue of beauty which

g 2

126

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

the genus affords, but to invite especial attention to a few of the choicer
gems which our gardens have recently acquired from it. These are Maranta
Yeitchiana, M. illustris, and M. roseo-picta.

Maranta Yeitchiana, referred by Dr. Hooker to Calatliea, and of which,
by the courtesy of Messrs. Veitch, we are enabled to give the annexed illus¬
tration, was the first known of the foregoing, and occupies the first position
also in respect to its ornamental properties. It is a stout, free-growing herb,
attaining the height of 2 feet or upwards, its stalked leaves being more than
a foot in length. These are ovate elliptic, with a dark glossy green ground,
in strong contrast with which occurs a series of large obcuneate patches of
pale yellowish or greyish green close to the midrib, and these being closely
placed form an irregularly-defined pale centre. Exterior to these, and
about midway to the margin, occurs another series of bold connected mark¬
ings of a lunate or scolloped outline, and of a transparent yellowish grey,
giving the leaf a remarkably pictorial effect, either when seen from above or
beneath, for the paler portions, as seen against the light, show themselves
to be quite transparent. The under side is of a rich vinous purple, paler
where the spotting occurs. The effect of this colouring is very rich, so that
the plant is one of remarkable attractiveness, especially when it acquires
mature size, and has thrown out a spreading head of its exceedingly beau¬
tiful leaves.

Maranta illustris is of a somewhat different type, being of dwarfer
habit, and having Comparatively broader leaves with shorter petioles. The
leaves are roundish oblong, deep reddish purple beneath, and with a red
footstalk, the base of the costa being also red ; along the centre on each
side the costa is a band of yellowish green, and thence directed outwards
occur alternate zebra-like bands of pale and deep green ; next occurs a
scolloped belt of pale greyish green, almost white, and finally a shaded
dark green margin. The contrasts presented by these tints, which here and
there, except in the case of the white belt, blend softly into each other, is
very charming, and the plant is one of the most beautiful of its race.

Maranta roseo-picta is of the same character as the last, but is appa¬
rently of smaller growth. It has roundish oblong leaves of a shaded dark
green colour throughout, except that a wavy or scolloped belt of clear deep
rose colour extends from the base to the apex, a little within the margin, and
that the costa is conspicuously deep rose-coloured throughout. The petiole
and back of the leaf are in this case also, of a deep reddish purple or wine colour.

This trio of Marantas all come from tropical South America. The
exact habitat of M. Yeitchiana is not stated, but that of the others is the
country bordering the Upper Amazon. Those who may desire to see well-
executed and trustworthy coloured figures of the plants, may find them in
the works quoted below — namely, M. Yeitchiana in the “ Botanical Maga¬
zine,” at t. 5535; M. illustris in “Flores des Serres,” at t. 1691-2; and
M. roseo-picta in the latter work at t. 1675-6.

M.

FRUIT CROPS IN THE NORTH.

We have now arrived at a sufficiently advanced period of the year to be
able to form a tolerably accurate estimate of the Fruit crop of the coming
season. Notwithstanding the long continuance of dull wet weather last
autumn, which was very unfavourable for ripening wood, and notwithstand¬
ing the severe cold weather of January and March, the prospect is very

JUNE. 127

satisfactory in this neighbourhood. With the single exception of Apples,
all other hinds of fruit will afford full average crops.

The cold weather of March kept the Apricots late in coming into flower,
which was very fortunate, as the weather was favourable to their setting
after they got fully expanded. In general there was not so much bloom as
usual this season, and the crop in some places is below the average. The
crop here is, however, a good average one, the young trees being very full. -

Peaches and Nectarines are a very heavy crop. There was a great
bloom, and the weather being mild, they set very thickly — equally well on
trees fully exposed, as on those under protection. I would here offer a word
of advice to young gardeners, and that is, not to be afraid to thin the
fruit well, and rather to leave too few on the trees, than too many. Ten dozen
fine Peaches are worth' more than twenty dozen small ones ; besides, the
trees when not overcropped, make better wood for another season.

Plums are an extraordinary crop. The show of bloom was very fine,
and the weather was everything that could be wished. They will be very
low in price this season. Cherries also are a good crop.

The Apple crop will be much below an average, yet better than could be
expected when we consider the heavy crop of last season, which so exhausted
the trees of their organised matter, especially in orchards where no atten
tion is paid either to pruning the wood or thinning the fruit, that a season
of rest is indispensably necessary to enable them to store up matter for
another crop. On young trees that were not overladen with fruit last year,
there is a fair crop this season. Here we have a very fair crop, though
taking the whole of the trees it is certainly below an average. Some of them
have little or no fruit, others have a light crop, and some have a very heavy
crop, especially the following sorts : — Cockpit, Improved Cockpit, Yorkshire
Greening, Eibston Pippin, Margil, Ingestrie, Calville, Green Balsam,
Dumelow’s Seedling, and others too numerous to mention.

Pears are a good crop, fully an average one, both on standards and
walls. Some sorts are very heavily cropped.

Bush fruit is very plentiful, and the trees are looking very healthy and
clean. Gooseberries and Currants of all kinds, and Baspberries are also
plentiful.

The Strawberry crop will be abundant. The plants are looking remark¬
ably well and healthy, and are full of blossom. All kinds promise well for
fruit. I never had Keens’ Seedling fail until 1865, when the failure of the
Strawberry crop was so general throughout the country. It also failed last
year. I have a plantation of Keens’, now four years old, from which I ex¬
pected a good crop in 1865, but was disappointed, as I was in 1866, when
the crop was again a failure. I was much inclined to dig them up, but the
plants looked so strong and vigorous, that I was induced to leave them.
Now they are one mass of bloom. The crop will be extraordinary. Sir
Harry, about which so much has been said of late, I have grown nine or ten
years. I always found it a free grower and great cropper. I never con¬
sidered it other than a very coarse fruit, and did not grow it extensively until
last year. In 1865 it bore me a heavy crop of fruit, and as it stood the long-
continued hot dry weather on our soil better than any other kind, I was
induced to plant more of it. Last year the crop was also good, so that here
it has proved itself a great bearer in seasons when other sorts have failed.
The British Queen does well here ; I grow it largely.

From the above remarks it will be seen that the prospect of good fruit
crops this season is very cheering. Notwithstanding all that has been said

128

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

about tlie changeableness of our climate, there will be a fine supply of all kinds
of fruit with the exception of Apples ; and the lightness of this crop is owing
not to the weather, but to the want of proper management in pruning the
trees, and thinning the fruit last season.

Stourton. M. Saul.

[The extraordinary show of Strawberries, which we hear is general, suggests that runners
may be scarce, and that those which are produced early should he secured. — Eds.]

THE NEW VARIEGATED ZONAL* PELARGONIUMS.

Such a show of this popular class of Pelargoniums was never before
seen as that brought together at South Kensington on the 21st of May.
From the earliest forms down to the very latest and most advanced develop¬
ments, the section was represented, and that in such quantities as to be
almost bewildering. The following awards of first-class certificates were
made by the Floral Committee : — To Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son for Sun¬
shine, which has a zone of dark bronze and fiery carmine, well-defined and
regular, and a margin of gold, habit good; a showy and effective variety. To
Messrs. Jas. Garraway & Co., of Bristol, for Mrs. Allen, which has a narrow
bronze and fiery carmine zone, unusually well-defined and regular, and a
pale yellow margin ; leaves small, but very distinctly marked. To Mr.
Grieve, of Bury St. Edmunds, for Victoria Regina, a cross between a green¬
leaved seedling and Lucy Grieve ; it has a broad dark bronzy and fiery red
zone, well defined, and a medium margin of pale yellow ; good habit, and
effective. To Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Dulwich, for Resplendent, a very novel
and attractive variety, with broad well-defined reddish brown and glowing
carmine zone, and narrow yellow leaf-margin ; Magnificent, with well-defined
zone of bronzy brown and deep carmine, and yellow margin, foliage good,
and excellent habit ; and Jetty Lacy, with zone of reddish chestnut and dark
brown, well-defined and striking, margin of bright golden yellow, free and
compact in habit. To Mr. Henry Groom, of Ipswich, for Lord Stanley, a
cross between Sir F. Kelly and Miss Turner, and having a dark bronzy
chestnut and fiery red zone, well-defined and bold, and a margin of yellow;
good habit, and very effective. To Messrs. Saltmarsh & Son, of Chelmsford,
for Sunrise, dark and pinkish carmine zone, well-defined and regular, with
broad leaf-margin of deep yellow, good habit, and highly attractive ; and
Crown Jewel, with very broad dark and carmine well-defined zone, and wide
leaf-margin of gold, a very bold and showy kind. Both these varieties
were shown as large plants, and it was noticeable how well preserved was
the leaf-marking even on the very oldest leaf. To Mr. Langlois, of Jersey,
for Prince Leopold, a medium-sized highly coloured variety. Some remark¬
ably well-grown and finely coloured Golden yearlings were produced by
Messrs. Carter & Co., of Sydenham. The foregoing, it will be seen, all belong
to the Golden- edged section of the group. Comparatively few new Silver-
edged Zonals were x>roduced, and of them none that were both sufficiently
developed and sufficiently meritorious to merit the distinction of an award.

Among Golden Bicolor Zonals, Mr. Wills, of Huntroyde Park, Burnley,
had some sxdendid things. First-class certificates were awarded to Her
Majesty, having a greenish golden leaf-ground, with broad zone of bronze,

* We use the term “Variegated Zonal,” and for the sake of uniformity recommend its
general adoption, as proposed in the Gardeners' Chronicle, instead of “Tricolor,” which
latter name is both pre-occupied and incorrect. — Eds.

JUNE.

129

very distinctly and handsomely laid on, foliage large and stout, a very
fine variety ; and Beauty of Ribblesdale , bright golden green, with narrowisli
well-defined vandyked zone of yellowish bronze, large bold leaves, and
excellent habit. The following, in the same way, were also fine examples :
— Model, Beauty of Colder dale, Princess Alice, and Perilla. All these were
large and handsome specimens, that promise to make most effective bedders.

Quo.

THE EFFECTS OF THE FROST OF JANUARY, 1867.

The temperature to-day (May 7th), has been 84q in the shade, and
the hot bright sun is bringing out the effects of the frost into much stronger
relief. Many of the Coniferous plants before mentioned (see pp. 88, 94)
as only slightly injured, are now quite dead ; several standard Roses have
gone off within the last week ; and, in fact we are in a position now to be
able to calculate with some degree of certainty as to the real amount of
damage inflicted.

In resuming my remarks, I am very sorry to have to record some sad
losses in the Cypress tribe. Prominent amongst these stands the beautiful
Cupressus Groveniana, from California, not one plant of which is spared
to us, thus adding another proof to that afforded by Pinus insignis, that all
the Californian species are not alike hardy. Cupressus macrocarpa, also
from California, is very much injured, and in some few instances quite
killed ; but a large one, upwards of 30 feet high, is uninjured. Cupressus
tliurifera and thurifera elegans from Mexico are quite killed. Several very
fine trees of Cupressus torulosa, one nearly 40 feet high, are all gone. As
this latter is an Indian species, it could scarcely be expected to survive where
a Californian species had been obliged to succumb. This closes the list of
our losses in the Coniferous family, and a sad blank they have produced
wherever they have been planted in conspicuous positions for the attain¬
ment of certain effects. Sad as the tale is, however, I think we may rejoice
that there are so many beautiful things left, which are perfectly reliable for
their hardiness, and to which we must for the future look for effective
planting.

Amongst the minor losses occasioned by the frost are all the Noisette
and Tea-scented Roses, as wTell as several Bourbon and climbing Roses, all
of which were killed to the ground ; the greater portion of them are indeed
breaking up more or less vigorously, though the hot sun appears too much
for many of them, as I perceive that several have gone back within the last
week. In standards, as I before observed, several have failed to respond to
the demand made upon them by the great increase of temperature, and I
notice to-day that there are no signs of the white Banksian Rose breaking
again. Hybrid Rhododendrons are very much injured indeed. Some of
the earlier crosses with the Indian arboreum are quite killed, and of the
later crosses, I observe that the nearer they approach either in foliage or
habit to the Indian type, the more they are injured. I believe, also, that the
bloom of almost all the varieties will be found very deficient, both in quality
and quantity. Cotoneaster Simmonsii appears to be hardier than rotundifolia,
or microphylla, as it is uninjured, while the latter are killed to the ground,
but are breaking again. A sad loss is a very fine plant of Fabiana ira-
bricata, 15 feet high, and which has stood in the same place for twenty-five
years untouched ; it always flowered very profusely, and, when in bloom
was greatly admired. Near it, and against a south wall, stood a large plant

130

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

of Cerasus ilicifolia, which is quite killed, as are also Ceanothus papillosus
and C. azureus, each about 10 feet high. Lonicera flexuosa is dead to the
ground, hut will break again. Three fine plants of Desfontainea spinosa
are killed; also a nice plant of Ligustrum japonicum ; and a Stauntonia
latifolia, which had grown and flourished well for five years in the open air.

A few gems have, however, come out uninjured, and amongst them none
are more deserving of prominent mention than Azalea amoena, some beauti¬
ful dwarf bushes of which are now a mass of bloom, and are very charming.
This plant ought to he more extensively used, as it is very tractable and easily
propagated. Another beautiful thing which I think cannot he sufficiently
appreciated is the Skimmia japonica. Some plants at this place have been
quite a feature for the last eight months ; and during the frost the branches
covered with bright scarlet berries, protruded above the snow, and seemed to
defy the frost, looking quite cheering in the midst of the desolation by which
they were surrounded. I raised my plants from seed. They are about
sixteen years old, and several of them 2 feet high and 2 feet through. The
berries for the forthcoming year are already set in great abundance. The
plants are certainly slow-growing, hut will well repay waiting for, as they
want no attention, but simply to be let alone when once they are planted out.
I sowed my seed in a pan which was placed in a cold pit, where it remained
for twelve months. The young plants were then potted off, and still kept
in the cold pit for another year. They were then planted in a bed of peat
and loam in rather a damp situation, and remained there about three years,
when they were finally transplanted into an American border among some
Azaleas and Kalmias, where they have flourished so well as to have become
objects of great interest during the dreary months of the year. The birds do
not touch the berries, and they are so persistent as to keep up their bright
scarlet appearance for at least eight months. The same cannot be said of
the beautiful Hollies at this place, which are generally stripped of their
berries in a week, on the approach of hard weather.

Bedlectf. John Cox.

NEW PLANTS.

Under this heading we propose to take a glance at the subjects shown at
South Kensington on the occasion of the New Plant Show of the 7th ult., a
show which, combining the interest of the special groups of novelties with
the brilliant display of other well-selected objects which had been invited to
support them, produced a scene of beauty and of horticultural interest far
beyond that which is ordinarily yielded by one of the minor shows.

The best six New Plants sent out in 1865 or 1866 came first on the list
of invitations. Here Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Mr. Bull, and Mr. Williams com¬
peted, the two medals offered going to the two former. Messrs. Yeitcli showed
Maranta Veitchiana and M. roseo-picta, Dieffenbachia Weirii, Begonia
Pearcei, Verschaffeltia splendida, and the beautiful hardy Primula cortu-
soides amcena, which seems to gain in beauty each succeeding season.
Mr. Bull showed Verschaffeltia splendida, Fittonia argyroneura, Bertolonia
guttata, Anthurium regale, Zamia villosa, and Maranta roseo-picta. The
more important subjects in Mr. Williams’s group were Maranta Lindeniana,
Pliormium tenax variegata, Dracaena sanguinea, and Dieffenbachia Weirii.
The medals for the best six New Plants sent out in 1867 were contended for
by Messrs. Veitch and Mr. Bull, the first place being assigned to the former,

JUNE.

131

who showed Sanchezia nobilis variegata, Dieffenbachia Pearcei, Lomaria
ciliata, Coleus Veitcliii, Panicum variegatum, and Hypocyrta brevicalyx ;
while the latter produced Dichorisandra mosaiea and I), undata, Maranta
illustris, Bignonia ornata, Adiantum Lindenii, and Agave macracantha. The
best New Plant shown for the first time in flower was furnished by Mr. Bull,
and was his recently imported Dalechampia Boezliana rosea, Messrs. Veitcli
showing against it the very distinct Begonia boliviensis. The best new
foliage plant not previously shown was a very handsome Indian Alocasia
with green and chocolate leaves, Mr. Bull showing against it a handsome
East Indian Palm, Ptychosperma regalis. The best garden Seedling was a
hybrid Cattleya from Messrs. Veitch, the antagonistic subjects being Rho¬
dodendron Henryanum, and an Indian Azalea called Charmer. Some of
these we will now notice more in detail.

As being appropriate to the bedding-out season, we resume with the
Coleus Veitchii, which is a free-growing plant having more of the stout
vigorous habit of C. Gibsoni than that of C. Verschaffeltii. Its leaves are
flat, ovately heart-shaped, of a velvety brown purple on the dish with a narrow
edge of bright green. In its class it must be regarded as an effective plant,
as the accompanying figure of it will show, and we think from its appearance
that it is likely to be useful both in-doors and out. We owe to Mr. J. G.
Veitch the introduction of this novelty, as also that of C. Gibsoni above

182

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

alluded to, both of them, moreover, having been found in New Caledonia.
Sanchezia nobilis variegata, one of the finest novelties of the season, we shall
take another opportunity to describe ; meanwhile no grower of stove plants
can do wrong in obtaining it. The Marantas of the above groups will be
found noticed in a separate article (p. 124). Dalechampia Iioezliana rosea (p. 80),
Lomaria ciliata (p. 89), and Dichorisandra mosaica (p. 38), we have already
described. The companion to the latter, D. undatci , is of less interest, though
the dark green leaves longitudinally banded with grey, are curiously crimped
in a series of transverse undulations. Messrs. Yeitch’s Begonia boliviensis, a
native, as its name implies, of Bolivia, promises to be a useful decorative
plant, and is certainly very distinct. It is a herbaceous tuberous-rooted
species, of dwarf branching habit, with narrowly lanceolate and very un¬
equal-sided leaves, and drooping orange scarlet flowers, of which the sepals
and the narrower petals are oblong-lanceolate, an inch or more in length,
while the filaments of the stamens are united into a column.

Gripnia hyacinthina maxima (Flore des Serres, t. 1G67-8), is, according
to M. Yan Houtte’s figure, a very great improvement on the specific type
which was met with in cultivation some years since. The new form is said
to be from Brazil, and is fully twice as large as the older one in every part,
the fiownrs, which resemble those of the old form in having some of their
segments tipped and edged with blue, measuring over 4 inches across. It
has, too, a stout bulb with a long tapered neck, and hence will probably
be found less difficult to cultivate. Mr. Williams has flowered the Agave
schidigera (Bot. Mag., t. 5641), a Mexican species, the margins of whose leaves
throw off curious ribbon-like white filaments, closely resembling carpenters’
shavings. Mr. Fitch’s drawing represents it as producing a simple erect
flowering stem, 6 feet high, the upper part of which becomes a cylindrical
spike of smallish and not very crowded yellowish green flowers. The plant
is nearly related to A. filifera, the two being, from their symmetry of growth
and white variegation, amongst the most ornamental of their singular race.
We may add that a beautiful coloured figure of Dalechanqna Iioezliana rosea
has been published in the “ Botanical Magazine ” (t. 5640), and another of
Magnolia Lennei, figured by us in our volume for 1864, in the “ Flore des
Serres (t. 1693-4). This last is there stated to be of Italian origin, and to
be the offspring of M. Yulan and M. purpurea.

Among Orchids there is but little to record. The most important is
Odontoglossum triumplians, a New Grenada species, for the use of the figure of
which on the opposite page we are indebted to the editors of the Gardeners ’
Chronicle. The flowers, which it will be seen, are of large size, have a pure
golden yellow ground, and are marked by dark cinnamon brown blotches,
while the lip is usually almost white, marked also with brownish blotches ;
the flowers, however, vary in tint and in marking, as is found to be the
case with many other Orchids, a very notable example of which we have
lately alluded to in Cattleya Warscewiczii. The Guatemalan Epidendrum
cnemidophorum , which has pendent racemes of large flowers hanging from
the ends of the long reed-like stems, proves to be a rather handsome ac¬
quisition, the flowers being yellowish and richly spotted, and has recently
been exhibited from Oulton Park. Another species of the same genus,
Epidendrum ebumeum (Bot. Mag., t. 5643), from Panama, flowered by
T. B. Tuffnell, Esq., of Spring Grove, proves to be a rather showy plant, its
broadly cordate ivory white lip being conspicuous ; but it does not reach
the highest rank in this aristocratic family.

Of Hardy Plants M. Yan Houtte figures the very beautiful Doclecathcon

JUNE.

133

J effreyi (Flore des Serres, t. 1662), of tlie Rocky Mountains, and which
appears to have been imported thence to the G-lasnevin garden. It is more
vigorous than D. Meadia, throwing up abundance of erect lanceolate sub-

spathulate entire leaves a foot or more in length, and a profusion of large
umbels of showy rosy-purple flowers, which are paler towards the orifice,
where they are marked with a yellow ring in contact with the rich chocolate
purple point. This, as M. Van Houtte remarks, is the giant of the genus.

M.

JECHMEAS : HOW TO FLOWER THEM FREELY.

The subjects of the present remarks are exotics, equal if not superior
in merit to the Kalosanthes, which I have previously noticed. They are
thoroughly distinct — even tropical in their aspect ; they are also easy of
culture, endure long in bloom, and are capable of withstanding a very large
amount of harsh, ungenial treatment.

The iEchmeas are stove herbaceous perennials of comparatively recent
introduction ; but from the ready manner in which they may be propagated,
and the desire of all who see them in bloom to become possessed of them,
they have become very extensively distributed. ' No great amount of success,
however, would seem to have followed this general desire to become pos¬
sessors of them, as to see them growing and flowering well is the exception
rather than the rule. This is too generally attributed to a deficiency of
heat, than which no greater mistake can be made.

To do them justice they must have, when freely growing, an atmosphere

IU

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

well charged with humidity, and an average temperature of 60° to 75°.
They require little or no shading. This, an average stove temperature
about April, at which time they are forming fresh shoots, is quite sufficient
to perfect their growth. This accomplished, which in a general way will
carry them on to about the middle of May or the beginning of June, the cus¬
tomary aridity of their native habitats must be artificially imitated. When
it is desired to make specimen plants produce all the flowers possible, place
them in the most exposed, the hottest, and the driest position in the stove,
and withhold water from them entirely. In this way their vital energies
are to be taxed for a month or six weeks, or, indeed, until they show obvious
symptoms of suffering, and this will be found to induce them to form embryo
flower-buds at the bottom of their cup-like growths. When this check has
induced them to assume a state preparatory to flowering, treatment exactly
the reverse of that last described, must be suddenly entered upon. Abun¬
dance of water must be given to the roots, and the leaves must be syringed
frequently ; but water should not be allowed at this stage to stand in the
cup-like formations previously alluded to, as it not unfrequently causes the
embryo flower- spikes to rot away where young.

I have long practised another very simple method of flowering these
plants in small pots, and in a form most suitable for in-door decoration,
whether for the drawing-room or dinner table, for either of which they are
well adapted. About the middle of May, or between that and the second
or third week in June, young shoots of the current season’s growth are to be
taken from the parent plant by cutting them off at the base, and after¬
wards laying them on their sides in any convenient position in the stove,
Cucumber-house, or frame, for a fortnight or three weeks, after which they
are to be potted singly and firmly into 48-sized pots, in a compost formed
of peat, potsherds, and silver sand. They are to be treated subsequently in
every respect like established plants. They come into flower from November
to January, at a time when good plants suitable for in-door decoration are
scarce. It should be well understood that the object in thus laying them
upon their sides for a time, is to induce the formation of the embryo flowers,
and that the check thus given tends to secure this desideratum'. By treating
Bilbergias and Tillandsias in a similar manner a like success may be realised.

Dig-swell. William Earley.

ZONAL PELARGONIUMS versus CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

i

A little leisure has now permitted me to thank Mr. Higgs for his
friendly criticism. I beg to assure him that I have given his objections
due consideration ; but his arguments have failed to convince me that I
have in the slightest degree been guilty of misrepresentation. The facts
which I have stated are probably too revolutionary to satisfy those who
cling to the past, and stand in the gap with outstretched arms to prevent
the onward march of improvement. Neither, perhaps, is it any part of
wisdom to attempt to change the current of thought that overpowers the
mind in such cases, for before a truth is admitted, it must have undergone
a course of probation. To accomplish this, time and reflection are neces¬
sary ; and judging from the moderate and candid tone of Mr. Higgs’s com¬
munication, I doubt not that light enough will yet be given him to swim
with the stream, which has by its innate force cut out a new channel, and
by its momentum is breaking down obstructions, rooting out feeble objec¬
tions, and expanding its power on all sides.

JUNE.

185

In the course of a few years we shall find the Chrysanthemum crihhecl
in a corner of our conservatories, or, what is more likely, handed over to
open-air culture. Had Mr. Higgs but seen the magnificent display of
Zonal Pelargoniums at Tortworth last autumn and winter — and they were
equally fine in other gardens that I visited — I feel persuaded that the Chrysan¬
themum would have sunk 95 per cent, in his estimation. I am not opposed
to this latter plant ; on the contrary, I value it for what it is worth, but I
refuse to give it that attention and space which ought to be bestowed upon
others of a very superior quality.

An uneven balance cannot be adjusted by either the freaks of fashion or
fancy, neither can it be regulated by mere emotions, or by the imaginings
or the varied organisation of individual minds. Whatever changes occur
among new comers, to be durable and beneficial they must rest upon the
excellency of an object, or a class of objects, over others ; then, and not till
then, will they continue to exercise a lasting and determinate . influence
over the mind. Speaking more especially of plants, whether we estimate
more highly the grouping of colour, or the beauty of individual form, it is
not easy to express how the innate images of fascination or dislike are
formed, or how they operate upon the mental faculty, as we are destitute of
language sufficiently precise to enable us accurately to define the different
forms of thought that float through the mind. Still though undescribable,
they can only produce pleasurable emotions when the objects that give
them birth are harmoniously arranged.

The request that I should offer an explanation why I value so highly
the Zonal Pelargonium and condemn the Chrysanthemum is a very reason¬
able one, to which I readily accede. The difficulty is by no means great,
nor need the vindication be long or laboured. What quality, then, does
the Chrysanthemum possess to deserve the high panegyrics which have
been bestowed on it ? We have a heavy mass of uninteresting foliage,
coarse in shape, and uniform in colour, with no variation to relieve the eye.
The branches, too, have to be supported by an endless number of stakes,
which when accurately arranged may delight the most rigid formalist, but
which refined taste rejects. The Chrysanthemum, moreover, possesses but
a limited range of colour ; and owing to the position of the flowers, stuck
as they are on the pinnacle of the branches, the most ingenious contrivance
fails in the effort to produce more than individuality.

What are the preponderating merits of the Zonal Pelargonium ? We
shall find at the very threshold, staring us fully in the face, such an array
of beauty, such a galaxy of colour, as will at once rivet our feelings of
admiration, these colours shading off into every imaginable gradation, and
producing a harmony of effect, when properly arranged, such as no other
class of plants can be made to yield during the later portion of the year.
What these colours are it is unnecessary for me to describe, as that can be
readily ascertained by reference to a florist’s catalogue. Then we may add
further variety of colour, by introducing Pelargoniums with variegated
foliage, or those belonging to the bi-coloured and marbled-leaved sections.
A few plants of Centaurea candidissima, introduced here and there, will,
moreover, greatly assist to relieve and neutralise the other colours.

Now, I feel quite justified in reasserting, that the Chrysanthemum,
as a conservatory plant, is fast being superseded. I know some gar¬
dens in which its cultivation has been already discontinued, except in the
open ah’.

Tortwortli Court.

Alexander Cramb.

186

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

The Royal Botanic Society’s third Spring Show took place on April 27th,
and still had the disadvantage of unpropitious weather. There was a pretty
and interesting show notwithstanding.

Mr. W. Bull had a rare group including a considerable number of
New Plants, and got first-class certificates for the following: — Coprosma
Baueriana variegata, a very pretty New Zealand shrub, having inversely
ovate green leaves, with a broad yellow edge ; Dioscorea discolor variegata , a
very handsome variety, having rich-looking leaves, on which were mingled
brown and green spots ; Adiantum Lindenii, a fine stove Fern ; Terminalia
elegans, with trifid leaves of a pale green colour, veined with red ; and two
very beautiful varieties of Ancectochilus — Petola marmorea , and Dayi, the first
having leaves of a dark chocolate green, handsomely marked with pale
green ; the latter deep green, having reddish veins. Mr. B. S. Williams
got the same award for Lomariopsis heteromorplia , a taking greenhouse Fern
of creeping habit, and for Amaryllis aurantiaca, having large pale orange
scarlet flowers, with a whitish sulphur circular throat, a bold-looking and
striking variety. Both Messrs. Williams and Bull got second-class certi¬
ficates for Azalea Queen of Roses, the flowers of a rosy pink colour, large
and stout, the upper segments being faintly spotted with pale rosy crim¬
son — a very pleasing shade of colour, hut the flowers somewhat uneven.
Mr. Williams had grown his specimen better than Mr. Bull. Messrs. Ivery
and Son, of Dorking, had a basketful of their new Azalea Fascination, a
very pretty decorative variety indeed — colour deep pink edged with white,
the upper petals blotched with rosy crimson ; and Mr. Bull a pan of a
pretty new Forget-me-not, Myosotis Imperatrice Elisabeth, with a very dwarf
habit, the flowers pale blue with a rosy eye.

Mr. James, gardener to W. F. Watson, Esq., had some Pansies in pots,
grown in a style that reminded one of the most palmy days of this charm¬
ing though too much neglected flower. Out of that goodly number of Pansy-
growers that erstwhile were to be met with about London, Mr. James is
the only one left to us, and right well does he represent what used to be.
His varieties in pots were : — Rev. H. Dombrain, Dux, Imperial Prince, and
Masterpiece, dark seifs ; Vesta, pale yellow self ; Chancellor, J. B. Downie ,
Win. Austin, and A. Wharmond, yellow grounds ; and Cupid, Lady E. Stanley,
and Miss E. Cochrane, white grounds. Some cut blooms in excellent con¬
dition were also shown by Mr. James. Messrs. Downie Laird & Laing
had a box of cut blooms of their new bedder, Imperial Blue, a variety
having a rich depth of colour, and a large regular dark blotch ; the flowers
were all well coloured, and of good size. It appears to stand the sun re¬
markably well. Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., of Islewortli,
had a collection of Polyanthuses that were very attractive indeed. As
border flowers they are highly valuable in the spring ; and surely their
simple beauty would be much more appreciated if a trial were given them.

The show of Auriculas was very attractive. To indicate how easily the
fine Alpine varieties can be had — it is simply necessary to sow the seed in a
pan or box, placing the same in a cold frame, and if the weather be hot,
covering the pan with a piece of glass to prevent the soil from baking.
As soon as the plants are large enough they can be put into store pots, i. e.,
three or four plants to a pot until they become well established, and then
finally planted out on a shady border, rather raised, for flowering.

JUNE.

137

The special Prize Show at the Royal Horticultural Gardens, South
Kensington, on May 7th, came in weather so hot and oppressive, that for
once July appeared to merge into the early part of May. First-class certi¬
ficates were awarded to Mr. Muir, gardener to Sir P. M. Egerton, Bart.,
M.P., Oulton Park, Tarporley, for Epidendrum cnemidophorum ; to Messrs.
Veitch & Sons for a species of Alocasia from the East Indies, for a hybrid
Cattleya, and for the very novel Begonia boliviensis ; to Messrs. Low & Co.
for a white variety of Odontoglossum citrosmum ; to Messrs. Backhouse & Son
for Iberis carnosa, a very dwarf, free-blooming species, suitable for rockwork ;
to Mr. W. Bull for Ptychosperma regalis, a handsome East Indian Palm ; and
to Mr. W. Paul for a slender Ulmus, or Planera, from Japan. Messrs. Rol-
lisson & Sons had two seedling Ericas : E. tintinnabula, with short pale pink
flowers, free, and somewhat fragrant, awarded a first-class certificate ; and
E. tubiformis, with waxy reddish crimson tubes, awarded a second-class
certificate. Messrs. Low had in addition some other rare Orchids, and a
group of nearly one hundred plants of Cattleya citrina, that will live long
in the remembrance of those who saw them. There was a fair proportion
of variation noticeable, especially in the colouring of the lip, and the
flowers emitted a rich fragrance.

In the way of Pelargoniums, Mr. Turner was awarded first-class cer¬
tificates for four Fancy varieties — viz., Perfection , having fine form and
substance ; Brightness , rosy carmine, a very pleasing shade of colour, and
flowers of good form; Pink Perfection, bright rosy pink, bold and striking';
and Belle of the Season, pale ground, with rosy carmine blotches, good form,
and free -blooming. Maid Marian and Marmion, both very useful kinds,
were awarded second-class certificates. Mr. William Paul had a first-class
certificate for Dr. ELogg, a zonal variety, figured in our last year’s volume ;
and Waltham Nosegay, colour vivid crimson, a very free-blooming and showy
variety, with plain foliage. Messrs. Downie Laird & Laing had the same
award for Nosegay Pelargonium Bose Stella, a great acquisition, the habit
compact, and having large trusses of rosy pink flowers, of fine quality.

R.D.

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

Gardeners’ Examinations. — The Eoyal
Horticultural Society’s Examinations for
young gardeners for 1867, are fixed to take
place on the 3rd and 4th of July, and on the
30th and 31st of December. They will be
based upon the Programme issued by the So¬
ciety of Arts for the present year, the par¬
ticulars of which may be had on application
to the Assistant Secretary of the Eoyal Horti¬
cultural Society, South Kensington, W.

The Eey. M. J. Berkeley. — Among the
most satisfactory of the Civil List Pensions
recently granted, is one of £100 a-year to the
Eev. Miles Joseph Berkeley, in acknowledg¬
ment of the eminent services he has rendered
as a botanist both to practical horticulture
and agriculture. These, together with his
unrivalled acquaintance with Cryptogamic
plants, towards the diffusion of a knowledge
of which he has done so much, amply entitle
him to such a distinction. Long may he
live to enjoy it !

Chinese Primroses. — Mr. W. Paul, in his
recent lecture on spring flowers at South
Kensington, mentions a curious and interest¬
ing fact in the history of this plant. There
is a tendency in most plants to vary in form,
size, and colour, when removed from their
natural or wild state and subjected to culti¬
vation. The type of the Chinese Primrose
was pink or lilac, and scarcely more than one-
fourth of the present size. By culture the
size was increased, and by watching for varia¬
tions in form and colour, and selecting such
as the parents of future races, the change
went on till a break — that is, a departure
from the normal form, was at length produced.
Thus the white variety was obtained, but it was
found that seeds saved from the red Primula
would sometimes produce both red and white-
flowered plants, and seeds saved from white
Primulas would do the same, while the seed¬
lings varied greatly in size, colour, and form.
The break was retained, but the result was

188

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGI3T.

uncertain. Then year after year plants of the
altered and more approved form, closely re¬
sembling each other, were selected and placed
apart, and from these alone seeds were saved
until the altered form was fixed — that is, seed
saved from red Primulas produced, with al¬
most unerring certainty, red-flowered varie¬
ties, and seed saved from white Primulas
white-flowered varieties, both preserving the
increased size, altered forms, and clear de¬
cided colours of their immediate progenitors.

Propagating-house. — Writing of the ar¬
rangements at the celebrated garden of the
City of Paris, at La Muette, a correspondent
of the Gardeners' Chronicle points out that,
the propagating is not done as we do it. No
pans are used in- the house, but very minute
pots, a shade larger than a thimble, and into
each a cutting is placed, the little pots placed
on the tan, and covered with large circular bell-
glasses. The greater part of the house is oc¬
cupied with these, all of a size. There are
some special arrangements for propagating
the more difficult subjects, and among these
an improvement — bell-glasses, somewhat of
the ordinary type, with an aperture in the top
about 2 inches in diameter, into which a
moisture-absorbing bit of sponge is squeezed.
Nothing could be more business-like than the
arrangements.

Variegated Borecoles. — In reference to
these coloured Kales, which are largely used
in some gardens about Edinburgh for winter
decoration, Mr. Peter Robertson has recorded
his experience that they are best grown on
dry rich soil, and fully exposed to sun and
air. To get them dwarf the only way is to
breed from dwarf plants. It is a curious fact
that the whites and magentas do not readily
cross, though grown beside each other ; but
one plant of either will taint an acre of pure
green or common purple German Greens.

Chirk Castle Black Stone Turnip. —
This variety of the common Turnip, itself
hardier than the Swede Turnip, is highly
spoken of in the midland district. Though
one of the white Turnips, the skin is quite
black and very thick ; it is of excellent
quality, and is highly recommended for a
late crop ; indeed as a Turnip to follow
early Potatos, where grown for market, it is
said" to be very valuable. Sown as late as
the end of August it produces fine roots, but
sown a month earlier it produces a highly re¬
munerative crop either for storing or imme¬
diate consumption. This, is one useful article
added to our vegetable list.

Terrestrial Orchids. — Though the cul¬
ture of these curious plants, especially the
tuber-bearing sorts, can be carried on, under
certain conditions with perfect success, it
often fails through giving them a light peat
soil mixed with moss. Dr. Regel has recently
pointed out that he finds them to succeed
best when planted in open turfy loam, with¬
out admixture of any other earth. The dif- I

ferent kinds of Bletia, Sobralia, Disa, Steno-
rhynchus, Calanthe, &c., do well, he says,
with this treatment. Bletia hyacinthina, and
its varieties G-ebina and albo-striata, pretty
spring-blooming plants for the greenhouse or
forcing-house, are particularly recommended
for this mode of culture.

Calabrian Pine. — The late M. Vilmorin,
after having tried nearly every Pine he could
obtain, found this variety (P. Laricio cala-
hrica), to be the most suitable for profitable
planting. In a wood of Oaks near his house
occur some characteristic examples which
were planted ten years later than the Oaks
(about 1830), and are now from 12 to 20 feet
above their tops, forming perfectly handsome
trees, fit any day to cut down and furnish
good-sized planks, and wood for important
purposes. The soil is the poorest in the
country, gritty and gravelly. The merit of
the Calabrian Pine cannot be too widely
known, and doubtless it is as suitable for the
British Isles as for France. There are large
plantations of it in various parts of M. Vil-
morin’s estate, all exhibiting its clean
vigorous growth, and general superiority.

Golden-leaved Stonecrop. — Mr. W.
Dean, of Shipley, writes: — “When I was in
Messrs. Lawson & Son’s nursery last winter
or early in spring, I was struck with a beau¬
tiful gold-tipped variety of the common
Stonecrop, which gave so bright an appear¬
ance in a mass, that I at once secured and
took homo a batch, and in about fifty years’
time I shall bring it out as one of the horti¬
cultural wonders of the day ! By that time
its value will be appreciated ! No one need
fear losing it after they get it ; for, like the
common Stonecrop, you cannot lose it. I
have a mass of it now, which even in the
midst of our smoky district sparkles amongst
the dingy green which surrounds it. It will
have to be advertised at a guinea a-plant be¬
fore the public will believe in it ! ”

Preserving Apples.— We learn from the
German papers, that two years ago a farmer
in the Palatinate, found in the spring an Apple
in the most perfect state of preservation, that
had been lying all the winter in a heap of
leaves of the Maple tree in his garden. In
the autumn he therefore packed his stock of
Apples in casks with dried leaves, and in the
following spring found them in the same state
of preservation, and as firm and juicy as when
first plucked.

The King op Striped Hollies. — The
French journals mention a tree, growing in
in the garden of the Deaf and Dumb School
of Nantes, which is probably one of the
largest which exist. It belongs to the finest
variety, with large plain leaves, edged with
gold. It is 26 feet high, and pyramidal or
conical in shape, and its branches, which
touch the ground, are so close that it i3 im¬
possible to see through it. The proprietor
of this fine plant asks 1000 francs for it.

JUNE.

139

OBITUARY.

Mr. Dobson, sen., of Woodlands Nursery,
Isle-worth, died on the 3rd ult., after a long
and severe illness. Asa cultivator and raiser
of Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, and other florists’
flowers, while gardener to the late E. Beck,

Esq., and subsequently at his nursery at Isle-
worth, Mr. Dohson’s skill, perseverance, and
success, are well-known amongst horticul¬
turists ; and his productions, whether seedling
novelties or specimens of culture, have always
been of a highly creditable character.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.

The heat of the sun may now be expected
to have great power, and should be provided
against. To most Orchids shading is indis¬
pensable. Stove Plants, too, being natives of
the tropics, where the period from sunrise to
sunset is limited to lit, tie more than twelve
hours, instead of extending as with us to six¬
teen or more, are benefited by some degree
of shade, especially those of them which have
naturally some transient relief from continued
intensity of light, by overtopping vegetation.
By means of judicious shading and syring¬
ing, a moist atmosphere will be maintained.
Due attention should at the same time be
given to apply sufficient moisture at the
roots, but even in the growing season it is
not advisable to have the soil constantly
saturated. If the soil at the same time is in
a proper condition as regards looseness, the
roots will extract from it a richer moisture
to form more substantial tissues, than when
they are deluged with water.

GREENHOUSE.

For the inmates of this house the sun’s rays
will now afford sufficient heat, and frequently
their intensity will require to be mitigated by
a slight shading. Earlier or later in the
month, most of the hardwooded plants may
be turned out of doors, or into pits and frames ;
among these, Heaths and Epacrises may be
mentioned. These may be replaced by
Fuchsias, Neriums, Crassulas, Pelargoniums,
and various stove plants coming from con¬
siderable elevations within the tropics. Thus
the greenhouse can still be kept amply fur¬
nished and gay. Let Camellias have plenty
of air and light, in order to firm their wood,
and induce the formation of blossom-buds.

CONSERVATORY.

Some large plants in pots or tubs, as Aca¬
cias, &c., may be set in a sheltered place out
of doors if the weather permit. Camellias ,
likewise, that have finished their growth and
have formed their blossom-buds, may be
placed out in a shaded situation. The re¬
moval of a number of large specimens will
make room for such plants coming into flower
as will maintain a satisfactory display. Shade
in hot weather, and give air both night and
day. Attend to watering.

PITS AND FRAMES.

From these the Bedding plants will have

been removed, and the space they have
occupied will be at command for potted-off
seedlings, and for striking cuttings. These
structures are useful for forwarding flowering
plants, or, on the contrary, for retarding to
some extent where that is desirable. In short,
a range of pits can be divided so as to form
compartments more especially adapted for the
particular requirements of various classes of
plants.

FORCING.

Vines. — In the forward vinery where the
fruit is ripe, the air must be kept dry. Stop
the shoots, except the leaders, of later Vines,
and tie them in. "Water with manure water,
alternately with rain, water, and let it be
nearly of the same temperature as the soil of
the border. The temperature of the house by
day should be 70° to 80°; at night, 65° to 70°.
Muscats may have 1 0° higher. Give plenty of
air, but syringe the foliage, and moisten the
paths and surface of the border so as to main¬
tain a moist atmosphere in the house, with
plenty of air, till the Grapes are colouring.
Reduce laterals, but if well-coloured fruit are
esteemed, meddle not with the fully expanded
leaves on the bearing shoots ; for in them,
by sunlight acting directly or indirectly, the
crude sap is transformed into all the desirable
properties which the fruits possess. Pines. —
Give abundance of heat and moisture. Sy¬
ringe the plants, walls, and paths towards
6 p.m., and then shut up. Shift any plants
that require more room, or are not thriving
sufficiently well. Gather Peaches by laying
hold so that the fruit shall be untouched in
the hollow of the hand, whilst the padded
ends of all the fingers and thumb surround
the base ; and thus with but slight pressure
equally divided among these five soft tips, the
fruit, though perfectly ripe, may be removed
without the slightest bruise. No fruit-
gatherer, though lined with silk velvet, is
equal to this natural arrangement. Give
plenty of air, and if the foliage can be inured
gradually to bear the direct rays of the sun,
the flavour of the fruit will be greatly en¬
hanced. Melons. — As the fruit begins to
ripen give plenty of heat and air ; of the
latter there should be a moderate circulation
both night and day, if the nights are not un¬
usually cold. Figs. — A great breadth of
foliage should not be encouraged, nor are
spongy luxuriant shoots desirable. The foli-

140

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

ft01© should bo firm find thick in substance,
rather than broad, the former resulting from
plenty of air, enough water at all times, but
no superabundance ; then the wood will be
firm, and the fruit will hold on.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Frequently stir the surface of the soil
where crops are growing, for by so doing
their growth will be promoted, and less water
will be required. Loose soil has the effect
of mulching, for which, in fact, dry dust has
been experimentally used and found as ef¬
fectual as litter. Both frost and drought
penetrate farther where the surface is com¬
pact than where it is loose. In watering it
is best to moisten the soil all over, with a wide
rose, and not merely to pour some water at
the neck of each plant, for by so doing if
some of the spongioles extend beyond the
circuit of the moisture into the surrounding
dry medium, the plants must suffer. These
spongioles have an attraction for moisture,
and if this is diffused in the soil the roots
have a tendency to grow towards it, and pre¬
fer taking it by degrees rather than to be
plunged into it at once. Sow Beans and
Peas for latest crops, Carrots for drawing-
young, and Cucumbers for pickling ; sow
also the main winter crop of Turnips Dis¬
continue cutting Asparagus, and give the
beds a top-dressing of common salt. It will
act as manure, and at the same time will kill
the weeds. Plant out Cabbages , Savoys, and
Celery ; also the various crops required for
succession. Let no plants get drawn up in the
seed-beds. Earth-up Potatos, forming broad-
shouldered drills rather hollow along the top.

FRUIT GARDEN.

Attend to the summer pruning of Wall
trees so that there be no confusion of the young
shoots. These will grow in proportion to
the extent of foliage they bear, and the quan¬
tity of sap determined towards them, which
will be greatest towards the upper buds, the
more upright branches, and those that are most
vigorous. From this, its natural tendency,
it will not readily turn horizontally to right
or left, nor into weak branches rather than
strong; hence the necessity of artificially
diverting the flow from where it is naturally
too strong to where it is comparatively weak,
if we wish to preserve the balance of vegetation
throughout the tree. As regards the Peach,
its shoots will now be growing rapidly, and
will demand close attention. Care should be
taken that of those which have this season
pushed on each bearing shoot or branch, the
lowest should be selected and encouraged for
a successional bearing shoot for next year.
The others, except the leading shoot of the
branch, should be shortened to a length of 3 or
4 inches, commencing with the strongest. In
training let the strongest shoots be first nailed
in ; if too strong they should be inclined
from a perpendicular direction, and if this can¬
not be done without crossing, their extremities

may be inclined downwards. On the contrary,
branches occupying a horizontal position
should have their extremities turned upwards.
Pinch in or shorten the shootsof pyramid trees,
commencing with those towards the top. See
that ties of grafts are loosened before they be¬
come too tight. The foreright shoots of wall
and espalier Pear trees should be shortened
to above the sixth leaf, commencing with the
strongest or those on the upper part of the
tree, and working at intervals down to the
lowest. This will tend to equalise the vigour
of the branches.

FLOWER GARDEN.

The lawns should be kept regularly mown,
and the walks rolled and neatly edged. The
verges should be rolled after rain, until they
are only a little above the gravel, and then
be edged off perfectly straight or even from
end to end. If the edgings exhibit a distinct
line it is sufficient ; they do not require to be
like shallow plough-furrows. Plants in borders,
requiring sticks, should be early attended to.
Thin annuals, which are often so wn too thickly;
some kinds may be transplanted into vacan¬
cies. Make cuttings of Double Rochets,
Double Wallflowers, Antirrhinums, &c. Clip
hedges, and Box edgings. Do not take up
Bulbs until the leaves are fully decayed.
florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Keep the plants clean from
decayed foliage and insects ; shade slightly ;
pot off seedlings; gather seed. Carnations
and Picotees. — Thin the blossom-buds to two
and the centre one ; see that the ties are not
too tight. Cinerarias being now nearly out
of flower, should be placed in a cool situation,
and when the growth has acquired sufficient
firmness, cut down to within 3 inches of the
base ; dress the surface of the soil with some
light compost, and protect from too much wet.
Take off cuttings when ready, and put them
in pots, which place under glass in a shaded
situation, potting them off when rooted, and
shifting into larger pots as often as more room
is required. Sow seeds for early bloom. Holly¬
hocks. — Propagate as soon as side shoots can
be taken off. Pelargoniums. — Give air freely,
but not so as to cause draughts. Water in
the mornings, but sparingly in dull weather,
and do not shut up with much moisture. Be¬
fore the plants are cut down, they should be
kept rather dry at the root. Prolong the bloom
by careful shading and watering, avoiding
a close warm moist atmosphere. Fancy
varieties should be struck in a cool frame.
Pansies. — Put in cuttings. Pinks. — Water
freely ; commence propagating towards the
end of the month. Roses in pots, supposing
them to be in small ones, should be repotted,
and placed in a warm greenhouse, or on bottom
'ieat out of doors till September, the wood
being then ripened, by gradually withdrawing
both heat and moisture. By this means,
well-formed plants may be grown 5 or 6 feet
high. Tulips should be now fully exposed.

Amaryli:

(Hh

crpeastrmn )

JULY.

141

NEW VARIETIES OF AMARYLLIS (HIPPEASTRUM).

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

The late Dean Herbert, who was a very learned man on all matters
relating to bulbous plants, regarded that group of the old genus Amaryllis
to which our illustrations belong, as sufficiently distinct to form a separate
family, which he named Hippeastrum. Others, including some leading
botanists of the present day, regard the differences which exist as of lesser
moment, and rank the Hippeasters as a subgenus only. While authorities
thus differ, it is obviously unimportant which name is preferred. The more
popular one is Amaryllis, which we adopt.

The Durdham Down nurseries of Messrs. Garaway & Co., near Bristol,
have long been famed for the cultivation of these Hippeastrum forms of
Amaryllis, and also for the production of fine varieties. The splendid
A. Akermanni pulcherrima, probably the richest-coloured and finest-shaped
variety yet obtained, was raised there some eighteen years since by the
late Mr. Mayes, then a member of the firm, and since that time other fine
sorts have been added. From some of these, exhibited in the spring of
the present year at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Meeting at South
Kensington, our present illustration has been prepared, and we have to
thank Messrs. Garaway & Co. both for samples of the flowers, and for the
particulars annexed. The two varieties we have selected were, it appears,
raised from other seedlings unnamed : —

Henry Gibbs (%. 1). — This belongs to the vittatum group, upon all the varieties of
which it is a great improvement in the perfect definition of the markings. The flowers are
of a fine carmine crimson, with a sharply defined white bar down the centre of each segment,
and a white margin. They measure 5 inches in expansion, and 4 inches in length, and the
perianth segments are elliptic and pointed, the sepaline ones If inch wide, the petaline
narrower.

Helena (jig. 2). — This flower hears a strong resemblance to equestris, and is remarkable
for its finely-shaped flowers, of a bright orange scarlet, with a dash of crimson, the perianth
segments spreading so as to be fully presented to view. The flowers measure 4i inches in
expansion, with a tube 3 inches in length, and the perianth segments are ovate (the lowest
one only narrower), and obtusely apiculate. This is probaby the most perfect in shape of
any variety known.

Too much cann'ot be said in praise of the fine hybrid forms of Amaryllis
as effective plants for conservatory decoration. They can be had in flower
at any required time, and some of the varieties grow so freely that large pots
of them can be very speedily had with a little care. In illustration of this
fact, we have before us a photograph, taken in March last, of a plant of
A. psittacina Johnsoni, which bore twenty-eight flowrers. It consisted of
a single bulb two years ago, and has now three offsets. The parent bulb
has three flower-stems, and the offsets two each, making nine; three stems
bear four flowers, four bear three flowers, and two others not opened bear
two each, making twenty-eight, fourteen of which were fully expanded
when the photograph was taken.

“ We find these plants do best,” write Messrs. Garaway & Co., “ in loam
and leaf mould, with a little sand. The pots should be well drained, and the
bulbs when growing supplied freely with water. We do not believe in
shaking out when at rest, as recommended by some, thinking that the bulb
is not improved by having all the healthy roots of the previous year
destroyed ; neither do we entirely dry them oft when at rest. We keep
them in a cool place, and water them occasionally, and as they show signs
of growth bring them into a greater heat, and treat in the usual way.”

VOL. VI. . H

142

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

We understand it is the intention of Messrs. Garaway & Co. to submit
to auction, some time in the course of the ensuing autumn, the greater
portion of their stock of named bulbs and flowered seedlings. This would
offer an excellent opportunity to those who may be thinking of commencing
the cultivation of these very showy and easily managed plants.

M.

MAY, 1867.

By way of an appendix to my remarks on the effects of the severe frost
of January, 1867, allow me to place on record a few remarks on the
extremes of temperature which characterised the month of May following.
A very rapid advance in vegetation generally began about the 3rd, and on
the 5tli the trees were clothed with the most lovely young foliage, having an
infinite variety of tints, caused by the rapid development, which was too
forcing to allow them to assume their natural green. Some were golden
yellow, some a rich brown, others a delicate primrose — in fact, I observed
at the time that it appeared to me far more beautiful than the autumnal
tints, on account of the extreme delicacy of appearance which the trees
presented. However, when on the 6th the temperature rose to 82° in the
shade, on the 7th to 84°, and on the 8th to 83°, the burning sun soon did
its work, and rubbed out the beautiful tints, reducing them all to one
uniform shade of green. After that came those fearful thunderstorms, with
their attendant furious gales and heavy storms of rain, snow, and hail,
during which, for the space of ten days, the average day temperature was
not more than 43°, and that of the night 32°. This state of things cul¬
minated, on the 23rd, 24tli, and 25th, in very severe morning frosts, during
which the thermometer sank to 23°, with what effect on the young and
tender vegetation, which the former great heats had caused to be developed,
may well be imagined. The young shoots of Rhododendrons, Kalmias,
and Azaleas, were many of them killed quite down to the old wood, by
which many thousands of heads of bloom will be lost to next year ; the
beauty of the present year’s flowering was also very much curtailed. The
young foliage of Ash, Walnut and Chestnut was turned quite black, and
the very young wood was killed.

I have also observed in some plantations a few miles from this place,
that Oak and Alder trees to a very great extent have all the young growth
killed, and that the appearance they present is much the same as if a fire
had passed through all the branches; and to-day (June 15th), I noticed
in Lord de Lisle’s park some large Walnut trees, which are nearly bare of
foliage, and if they live must be some years in recovering their former state
of health and vigour.

As to fruit crops, one-half the crop of Gooseberries fell off the trees.
Pears on standard trees were frozen black where exposed, but where covered
by foliage are quite safe ; on the walls they were untouched. Apples appear
to have suffered more than any fruit, as there was a great abundance of
bloom, but I perceive that there is not one-third of an average crop.
Strawberries, which were in full bloom and very promising, had all the
exposed blossoms turned black, thereby reducing the crop below the average.
I had commenced bedding-out in some of the more sheltered parts of the
garden, but the jflants had been well hardened, and, therefore, did not suffer.
Some tenderer things which were undergoing the process of hardening

JULY.

143

suffered very much, although they had the protection of a mat. Scarlet
Runners and French Beans were killed to the ground, hut some of them
are breaking out again.

The last time we had a destructive frost in May, at this place, was on
the 8th of May, 1855, when the glass fell to 20°, and Plums, Peaches, and
Apricots on walls were frozen quite black, even under good protection, but
the foliage was not so much injured then as it is this year, because it had
not been unnaturally forced by extreme heat. Altogether I should consider
that the changes and vicissitudes of temperature during this month of
May, 1867, are unprecedented in the memory of most, if not all, the gar¬
deners of the present generation.

Uedleaf. John Cox.

FUCHSIA CORALLINA.

This, notwithstanding its age, stands, as I consider, unrivalled as a
summer decorative plant for lofty houses ; though of course, looking at the
variety from a florist’s point of view, it lacks those properties which
constitute a first-class flower. Some plants of it at this place, planted
some fifteen years ago in our lofty conservatory, are now as luxuriant as
ever, blooming annually all the season through. Some of them are from
15 to 20 feet high. All the attention we give them is comprised in these
two points — to apply some good soakings of water in the growing season,
and to close prune them during the winter.

Wrotham Park. John Edlington.

NATIVE SINGING BIRDS.

Your correspondent “W. P.,” in his anxiety for the preservation of
our “ indigenous singing birds,” alleges that they are fast diminishing in
numbers. I believe that this is only taking place near cities or large towns,
where professional bird-catchers are always on the alert to capture them,
and where numbers of senseless men and youths keep prowling about hedges
and trees on the look-out for a shot, whenever they have a chance. Now,
this is to be lamented ; but it is difficult to see how it can be put down
unless by the Legislature. As to our singing birds diminishing in country
places, where shrubberies and woodlands abound, I am of opinion that this
is not the case. After very severe winters great numbers of our amall bird
perish by the cold and want of food, but in a few years their numbers are
again made up.

In the locality from whence I write, the flocks of linnets, finches, black¬
birds, thrushes, and starlings have of late years been larger than I have
ever known before. The only birds that do not seem to increase are the
bullfinches ; and this is not to be regretted, for a small flock of them in the
spring will do incalculable mischief to the fruit-buds in a very short time.
In the beginning of April last, the flocks of starlings that frequented the
park and fields here were something extraordinary, for they quite darkened
the air when united in flying to their roosting places at night. To see the
rapid gyrations of a large flock of them in a grass field where insect food
was to be found, was something to look at. After ransacking all the booty
to be picked up, they would darken the trees in the neighbourhood with
their numbers, and begin a ‘‘palaver” of the most noisy kind — no doubt

144

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

arranging the point of attack on the grubs or insects in some other part of
the park. This bird is one of our greatest benefactors in destroying grubs,
beetles, and wireworms, and never preys upon any fruits or seeds.

As for the blackbirds and thrushes, I am of opinion, that for all that
are shot or trapped in their predatory attacks on fruit, their numbers are
not so diminished as to cause any alarm to sentimental poetasters or bird-
philanthropists. When, the number of hawks and other birds of prey was
considerable, Nature meant them to be a check on the small birds. Now this
balance is disturbed, for gamekeepers have killed or thinned these birds
so much that a sparrow-hawk, merlin, kite, or buzzard is hardly ever seen.
The greatest pest of all small birds is the sparrow, for he is a born thief,
and with his impudence and daring will make his way, and increase, in
spite of all the sparrow-clubs in the kingdom. The sparrows are, in
general, so secure in the holes and crannies they select in buildings and
trees, that they escape better than many other little birds with their eggs
and young. As “ W. P.” is anxious to save the fruit-eating birds, such as
blackbirds and thrushes, from being destroyed, let me recommend him a
plan I have tried for the last two or three years, and which answers better
than setting on boys or lads as herds, for they generally eat more fruit
than the birds. I have a terrier dog of the name of “ Billy ” trained to
scamper up and down the rows of Currants and Gooseberries, and find he
takes the greatest interest in his work, by scaring all the birds off the
bushes, making short work too with all that he finds in the nets. I have
only to say as “ Tennyson ” said to “ Maud,” —

“ Come into the garden ‘ Bill,’

For the blackbirds and thrushes are there :

And pegging at fruit with such a will,

That the bushes will soon be bare,”

And “ Billy ” will be sure to keep them off as long as he is on duty.

Welbeck. William Tillery.

PROPERTIES OF VARIEGATED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS.

We have already briefly stated our reason for adopting the designation
Variegated Zonal, instead of Tricolor, for the varieties with beautiful parti¬
coloured leaves, which are now becoming so fashionable — namely that the
word “tricolor” is both preoccupied and inexact. The suggested designa¬
tions of Versicolor and Tartan are also certainly less definite than that of
Variegated Zonal, which at once expresses the fact that the leaves are truly
variegated with a zone superadded, the variegation being due to a diseased
or altered condition of the substance of the leaf, and indicating either a
suppression or modification of the chlorophyll, to which the colour of a
healthy green leaf is attributable, and the coloration indicated by the zone
being due to another cause altogether — namely, the presence of erytlirophjdl
in the tissues of the leaf.

The vast number of new varieties of these Variegated Zonals springing
up in all directions, renders it urgent that a code of “ properties ” should
be adopted, by means of which those sorts that approach the nearest to
ideal perfection may obtain the prominence which they merit ; to meet this
necessity we have elsewhere proposed such a code, which we here reproduce.

The knowledge we already possess that some beautiful varieties of this
group are delicate in constitution and slow in development, indicates the

JULY.

145

first essential property wliicli must he insisted on in any variety which may
claim a high position in popular favour — namely, a free vigorous constitu¬
tion. Certain varieties again, especially amongst those with silvery margins,
have a tendency to curl up their leaves from contraction of the edge ; and
this indicates a second essential property — namely, flatness of leaf-surface.
A third essential is effectiveness in the style of colouring — a more difficult
point to determine than the foregoing, since we have here to leave the real
and tangible, for the ideal and imaginary. But we have endeavoured to
indicate proportions that will give a satisfactory result ; and the several
points which it seems necessary to insist on, have been formulated thus : —

1. The plant must be of vigorous constitution, free- growing, but not long-jointed.

2. The habit must be stout, close, and branching, and the branches thickly furnished with
horizontally-set well-displayed leaves.

3. The surface of the leaves must be flat — that is, neither concave nor convex from contraction

of the margin.

4. The leaf- colouring must be bright, distinct, and well defined.

5. The ground colour (green), must occupy a space in the centre equal in diameter to the
combined zone and marginal belt — i.e., half the diameter of the leaf; it must be of
uniform hue, and must not extend into or appear beyond the zone.

6. The zone must be either evenly arcuate, or regularly scolloped or vandyked, dark on the
inner and brightly coloured on the outer edge.

7. The inner portion of the zone, to an extent not exceeding one-half its whole breadth,

must be dark- coloured throughout (blackish or deep brownish red), breaking outwardly
in a symmetrically radiated manner into the bright colour (red or pink), of the outer half,
which latter must at no point break through the dark belt so as to touch the ground colour.-

8. The marginal belt must be of uniform breadth, and of the same tint throughout (yellow,
straw-colour, cream-colour, or white), entirely separated from the ground colour, or from
contact with the darker belt of the zone.

In judging according to this code we ought first to separate these points
into two groups, the real (1-3) from the ideal (4-8), and allow equal marks
for each group. We should thus find a certain number indicating perfection
in each separate point, and a lower number would he adjudged in any
particular point when perfection was not attained. Presuming, then, the
essential points to be themselves correct, it would be easy in this way to
find out those varieties which come nearest to perfection.

M.

THE OUT-DOOR, CULTURE OF ALSTROMERIAS.

Alstromerias, it would seem, are not so well known, nor so frequently
cultivated in this country, as from their varied merits they deserve to he.
Few, if any, plants equally ornamental require less care or attention in
order to grow them successfully, when once the preparation of the beds
has been accomplished. In these days, therefore, when every one is on the
look-out for some novelty wherewith to astonish the eyes of flower-loving
visitors, it is strange that the all-but-hardy species of this extensive and
varied family of Amaryllidaceie should receive so little notice.

The species best adapted for the purpose of out-door culture, in the
manner I shall hereinafter describe, are A. aurantiaca (aurea), A. Iuf-
mantha, A. psittacina, A. pulchra, and such as these. The first-mentioned
is, however, perhaps the most hardy, and this has been known to do
exceedingly well in some parts of the United Kingdom without any protec¬
tion whatever. So well, indeecl, have they been flowered, that some twenty
years ago or more, they became a noted feature in one or two nurseries.
I may instance the Victoria Nursery at Dublin, and the Durdham Down
Nurseries, Bristol. Of this latter place I can speak from personal observation

146

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

of the success which at a subsequent date attended a bed originally formed
and planted by the able cultivator, Sweet, whose method of planting and
preparing the beds I add in his own words : — “ They thrive best in an
admixture of full one-third sand, rather more than a third of turfy loam,
and the rest turfy peat .... They need planting 6 inches deep, near a
south wall.” The bed from which the necessary experience had been gained,
to lay down this course of treatment, still continued to flourish at a much
later date. This bed, moreover, was not formed upon the south border,
“under a south wall,” but in a border having a southern aspect, and
separated from the wall by a walk about 12 feet distant. Here annually,
commencing about the last week in June, the plants flowered abundantly,
the flowers continuing to increase in quantity until they became a mass
of bright particoloured tints, commanding the admiration of all who saw
them. Individually, the spikes averaged some 2£ feet in height, and bore
each from eleven to thirteen flowers. The only protection afforded to this
bed through the severe winter months, was a layer of loose shakings from
the manure heap.

It will be seen that the long fascicled fleshy tubers are much more favour¬
ably situated for developing themselves in the perfect freedom of an open
border, than it is possible for them to be when cramped together within the
limited space of a flower-pot ; independent of which, the more uniform con¬
dition as to moisture of a bed of this character during their natural season
of rest, is far more congenial to tubers so excessively succulent as these,
than is the necessarily fluctuating condition to which they would be sub¬
jected when at rest, if kept in pots.

There are some facts relating to the culture of these plants which are
not touched upon by the able author above referred to. In preparing a bed
for them there should be provided at all times, save in localities where a
chalk or gravelly subsoil exists, an efficient artificial drainage at a depth
of about 16 inches. This is best done by taking out to the necessary depth
a wide trench at one end of the bed, and at the bottom of this placing 8 or
4 inches of loose stones or brickbats, covered by a layer of waste wood
trimmings, upon which the soil from the next trench should be firmly placed.
To this should be added, in successive layers, abundance of sand or gritty
matter, such as road-driftings ; but nothing in the form of manure should
be used, as any substances that have a tendency to become decomposed
invariably cause canker, and subsequent decay in the tubers. As recom¬
mended above, peat earth in due proportions will be beneficial ; but this, if
not plentiful, might be placed more in the immediate vicinity of the tubers
at the time of planting, rather than mixed up throughout the whole mass of
soil. Sweet advises planting “ 6 inches deep,” but I would recommend
that they should be planted some 10 inches below the surface, especially in
any less favourable latitudes.

September or early in October is, perhaps, the best season for planting
the tubers, after which the soil should be pressed or trodden down quite
firm. With the view of warding off excessive moisture from showers, &c.,
the surface of the bed will be all the better if formed with, an abrupt slope
to the south, and patted over firmly and evenly with a spade. When the
young shoots are pushing through the ground in early spring, it is necessary
to see that the crowns are not injured by insects or vermin. Be particular
not to remove the old flower-stalks until they have become thoroughly
ripened-off after flowering is over.

M. Van Houtte, of Ghent, originated some very beautiful hybrids of the

JULY.

147

Chilian species, which, however, do not appear to have received that amount
of attention which their great beauty deserved. Even those are said to do
well planted out as described, wTith a slight additional protection in the
severer winter months.

There are two or three readily attainable varieties which are well
deserving attention for pot culture alone, and none more so than A. Pelegrina ,
a striped-flowered species from Peru. A. Light is also meritorious as being,
unlike some of them, deliciously fragrant. These are readily produced
from seeds, when the latter are attainable in a state proper for germina¬
tion ; and they will form flowering tubers the second and third season after
sowing. Treatment similar to that required for Liliums suits them well,
particular attention being at all times given to ripen them thoroughly, by
full exposure in the open air, when they have ceased flowering in-doors,
or are past their best. To effect this properly, the pots should be plunged
in an exposed southerly aspect.

Digswell. William Earley.

CARTER’S CHAMPION BROCCOLI.

Last year I strongly recommended Carter’s Champion Broccoli as an
excellent late sort. My more extended experience this season enables me to
recommend it still more strongly, as not only an excellent kind, but the
very best late one I have as yet tried. It has furnished me up to the present
time (the middle of June), with heads — rather small, the plants being only
small ; and it will last some days longer, thus continuing the supply until
Cauliflowers (which are now heading), come in. It has also proved itself
very hardy this season. The plants being rather small, as just mentioned,
I did not get them laid down in the autumn, when I had the principal
portion of my other Broccolis laid, as I thought they would withstand an
ordinary winter with little or no injury. I need not mention in how unfit
a condition most kinds of vegetables were, and particularly Broccolis, after
the long continuance of wet open weather, to withstand the severe frosts
of January last. In many gardens, especially in low situations, and where
the soil was of a heavy retentive nature, the Broccolis were all killed. Here
we escaped with very little injury to anything, the subsoil being gravelly,
and the situation dry. Had I laid down the plants of Carter’s Champion,
I am certain we should not have lost many of them ; even as it was, with¬
out any preparation whatever, fully one-half escaped without material injury.

To all who have a large supply of vegetables to furnish, Carter’s Cham¬
pion Broccoli will prove invaluable, coming in as it does at a season of the
year when there is such a scarcity of vegetables in the open ground.

In order to have it as long as possible in use, I would recommend three
small plantations of it The first on an open piece of ground where the
plants can have all the sun and air possible ; these will come in first, about
the time the general stock of spring Broccolis is over. The second lot may
be planted either on an east or west border ; these will come in before the
others are past ; and the third lot should be planted on a north border to
come in last, and these will in general continue to furnish a supply until
Cauliflowers are fit for use. To grow them fine they should have a good
deep soil. Light soils should be well manured, and either trenched or dug
deeply, otherwise Broccolis will only be small and poor.

Having proved the value of this Broccoli, I have again brought it before
the notice of your readers, that those who have not yet given it a trial may

148

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

be induced to do so, feeling confident’ that such as do will find it one of tlie
best, if not the best, late Broccoli in cultivation, and a most useful auxiliary
where a large supply of vegetables is required.

Stourton. M. Saul.

FROGMORE EARLY BIGARREAU CHERRY.

By the time these pages are in the hands of our readers, the Frogmore
Early Bigarreau Cherry will be at its highest excellence, perfectly ripe, and
waning towards its end, before any of tlie other Bigarreaus have yet made
their appearance. It is comparatively a new variety, and is as yet not
much known. It w^as raised by Mr. Thomas Ingram, of the Royal Gardens

at Frogmore, and the original tree is
growing against a north-east wall in
the gardens there.

Unlike the class to which it
belongs, it has a tender
flesh. In every respect it is a Big¬
arreau in habit, leaf, and appearance
of the fruit, and must be classified
along with these varieties ; but as if
to set at nought all human arrange¬
ments, it persists in having a delicious
melting flesh, instead of one that is
hard and crackling.

The fruit is large, obtusely heart-
shaped, with a very shallow suture.
Skin with a brilliant red cheek, dotted
with minute yellow points, and of a
remarkably pale almost pure white
where shaded — so susceptible is it of
shade, that the point of a leaf or the
shadow of a twig would be photo¬
graphed on this brilliant red. Stalk
2 inches long with a very small re¬
ceptacle, and set in a shallow and
narrow cavity. Flesh very delicate
and translucent, perfectly tender,
melting, and very juicy, with a rich sweet flavour. Stone small.

The tree is a great bearer, clusters of a dozen and a half to two dozen
large handsome Cherries being produced on a small spray ; and the fruit
ripens in the middle of June.

H.

properly

melting

BEDDING PELARGONIUMS.

Out of the great mass of Bedding Pelargoniums of 1866 I propose to
select in the first instance from the Variegated kinds (which term is used in a
very general sense), and next from the Zonal and Plain-leaved, those which
have received certificates during the past year as indicating the possession of
more than average claims to merit, though their value as bedding kinds is
the standard by which their value must eventually be judged. In the Varie¬
gated section the following received first-class certificates : — Edward George

JULY.

149

Henderson (E. G. Henderson & Son), a variety similar in appearance to
Beauty of Oulton, but superior to it, having a golden yellow leaf-ground, with
rich, broad, dark zone ; Lady Cidlum (E. G. Henderson & Son), a well-known
golden tricolor variety which has been frequently exhibited, and has been
found a remarkably effective and durable bedder ; Jetty Lacy (F.&A. Smith),
leaves margined with bright golden yellow, and bearing a richly marked zone
of bright chestnut red and deep black, compact habit; Meteor (Saltmarsli and
'Son), clear gold leaf-margin, zone of dark bronze and fiery red, and blotched
with pale green, very attractive; Senior Wrangler (Chater), a bold and very
handsomely marked golden tricolor ; Miss Turner (Groom) , another very finely
marked variety ; and L' Elegante (Cunningham), a bright green ivy-leaved
variety, with broad edge of creamy white, and an abundant bloomer. A
second-class certificate was awarded to Vandyke (F. & A. Smith), a fine
golden-leaved kind, with broad zone of rich deep brown, very attractive ;
Silver Gem (Bull), also a variegated ivy-leaf variety, has bright green foliage
margined with white, and slightly zoned with pink, and will make a pretty
basket plant; Bronze Green (Garaway), is an excellent “ Cloth of Gold”
variety, with the addition of a dark bronze zone distinctly marked on the
golden leaf-ground; Caroline Longfield (E. G. Henderson & Son), has a
leaf-margin of pure white, with olive brown zone margined with lively
carmine rose, foliage very effective ; Beauty of Surrey (F. & A. Smith), is a
beautiful variety, leaf-margin deep yellow, with an attractive zone of
brownish black and carmine red, good habit ; Loidsa Smith (F. & A. Smith),
has a margin of clear yellow, with striking bright red zone, good foliage
and habit, and very distinct ; Wonderful (F. & A. Smith), has a leaf-margin
of rich yellow, broad zone of magenta red, and blotched with intense black.
Messrs. F. & A. Smith’s fine seedlings will be remembered by those who
attended the Great International Horticultural Exhibition.

The other division of Bedding Pelargoniums is indeed a huge one, still
there are some varieties among them that are deserving mention. Christine
Nosegay (E. G. Henderson & Son), is a Nosegay variety with the colour of
the old Christine, combined with an excellent habit ; Imperial (Salter), is a
splendid Zonal, having fine trusses of bright orange scarlet flowers ; King of
the Nosegays (Downie & Co.), has splendid trusses of glowing orange scarlet
flowers, the trusses are very large, and the habit excellent ; Rosy Circle
(F. & A. Smith), has the ground colour bright salmon shaded with rose, and
a centre and margin of white, and very distinctly marked foliage; and Sarnho
(Downie & Co.), is of a glowing glossy dark scarlet colour, with the flowers
finely formed, and altogether first-rate. These have received first-class cer¬
tificates. Second-class certificates were awarded to the following : — Felix
(Tirebuck), pale pink, large and showy trusses, and good zonate foliage ;
and Salmon King (Batley), a very promising salmon-coloured variety, the
flowers tinted and pencilled with crimson. Other varieties worth especial
notice are Miss Martin (Ward), zonate foliage, with splendid trusses of soft
rosy peach flowers ; Dr. Hogg (Paul), purplish rose, a fine shade of colour, and
very free-blooming hybrid Nosegay ; Duchess of Sutherland (Turner), crimson
cerise, a beautiful and free Nosegay ; Crimson Queen (Paul), intense bright
deep crimson, very showy; International (Turner), rich crimson scarlet, a
fine variety for pot culture ; Ossian (Paul) glowing blood crimson, foliage
slightly zonate, a very free and showy kind; Pink Globe (G. Smith), rosy
pink, trusses large and bold, very promising ; Reliance (G. Smith), bright
orange scarlet, with white centre, bold and striking ; Village Maid (Paul),
bright deep pink, with clear white blotch on the upper petals, good habit ;

h 2

150

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Waltham Gem (Paul), colour bright red, with distinct white centre, novel
and striking, dwarf habit; and Warrior (G. Smith), glowing scarlet of a
rich hue, trusses large and showy, and of fine quality.

The varieties mentioned in this paper may be taken as representing the
best of last year’s batch, so far as their relative qualities can at present be
accurately reported on. The reputations of some, doubtless, will become
wrecked when subjected to a further trial — it is always so with new flowers ;
others will come out from the trial enhanced in value, and, perhaps,
possessing qualities hitherto hidden from the florist’s sight.

R. D.

TRIAL OF EARLY PEAS IN POTS IN 1867.

Having the advantage of a great length of glass wall-covering, I have
this spring made a trial of all the earliest Peas in cultivation, taking
means to have them true from the raisers. They were all sown on the
same day, early in February, in the same sized pots, soil, and situation. The
varieties were Carter’s First Crop, Sutton’s Ringleader, Dickson’s First and
Best, Taber’s Perfection, Dillistone’s Prolific, and Sangster’s No. 1. The
First Crop and Ringleader showed flower at the same time ; Taber’s Per¬
fection and Dickson’s First and Best were two days later; Dillistone’s
Prolific was evidently the spurious variety, for it was a week later than the
others in flowering ; and Sangster’s No. 1 the last. The first dish was
gathered off Carter’s First Crop and Ringleader (for they are identical in
growth and earliness), on the 15tli of May. Dickson’s First and Best and
Taber’s Perfection were only two days later in furnishing their first picking.
Sangster’s No. 1 and Dillistone’s Prolific were eight days later. The
results were as follows: — First Crop and Dickson’s First and Best averaged
only three and four Peas in a pod, and came in nearly all at once. By far
the best podder and forcer was Taber’s Perfection, for it averaged four and
five Peas in a pod of good size, and was well flavoured. The sort I had for
Dillistone’s Prolific was similar to Sangster’s No. 1, for they were both ready
at nearly the same time, and resembled each other in the size of the pods,
and in growth,

I had a long low pit filled with McLean’s Little Gem, which pro¬
duced by far the finest and earliest Peas I have ever grown in May. The
first batch of pots was sown in November, and came in in the end of April;
and two other sowings made in December produced some good dishes in
the beginning of May. In fact the pods and Peas were as large as those
produced in summer, and of quite of the Marrow flavour. For the future I
intend discarding all the tall early Peas for forcing, and only using Little
Gem and Tom Thumb, with Advancer for the tallest variety.

Welheck. William Tillery.

MY FATHER’S GARDEN *

We have read through this book with sufficient care and thought to feel
justified in recommending it to others. It is not a book on gardening, in
the strict sense of the term, although there is in it a good deal of informa-

* My Father’s Garden. By Thomas Miller. With Forty Illustrations. London :
George Boutledge & Sons , The Broadway , Ludgate.

JULY.

151

tion on gardening, and, in general, this is accurately conveyed, the aim of
the author being apparently to inculcate habits of perseverance and honest
industry, which he does with all the grace and energy of his simple, clear,
and fascinating style.

The hero, George Able, the son of a market gardener, is sixteen years
of age at the opening of the tale. His father’s garden, consisting of one
acre only, is situate on the Surrey side of the Thames, and is adapted to
the growth of early vegetables, which had afforded the Abies a decent live¬
lihood for at least two generations. But the rapid rise of buildings closed
them in on every side, and, notwithstanding their utmost efforts, their
vegetables refused to grow as of old, while the facilities of transit by rail¬
ways from distant and more favoured localities reduced the prices of their
produce, so that they found their income gradually diminishing. To make
matters ’worse, a new railway takes from them three-fourths of their acre
of ground, which they hold only as yearly tenants, and for which, conse-
quentty, they can claim but small compensation. At length poverty fairly
stares the worthy family in the face, when an idea strikes George’s mother
that he might build a small greenhouse with some old bricks and posts that
had long lain unused on the ground. Old Able is almost prostrated by his
misfortunes ; but George sets to work, manages to buy the glass, receives a
liberal supply of cuttings from old friends of his father, and grows a house
full of “ bedding plants.” Our first extract will serve to show that, unlike
many youths of this age, George “ calculated,” and this habit of mind, no
doubt, contributed largely to his ultimate success : —

“ 1 calculated that, if everything went on prosperously, the most I cordd expect, in the
shape of return for the outlay and labour, would he from a few ‘bedding-out plants’ rather
late in the spring, for I had no doubt, well-known and respected as my father was, he would
obtain plenty of cuttings for me for nothing, when he went round among his friends, for no
class of men are kinder to one another than gardeners, or readier to help e&ch other to a
iob of work.”

j «

Sister Jane, who was an invalid, and compelled to lie down almost con¬
stantly through suffering from a spinal complaint, not only sympathised
with and counselled our hero, but also lent him material aid in preparing
cuttings, which her nimble fingers enabled her to do much more quickly
than he could. As George’s small greenhouse did not wholly occupy his
time, he wisely thought he might try to earn a few shillings elsewhere,
which, while it did not prevent attention to his home duties and the develop¬
ment of his plans, gave him what the industrious mind delights in — con¬
stant and useful employment. To this end, he undertakes to teach garden¬
ing to boys in a reformatory.

%

“ The boys tried me very sorely for the first few days ; but when they found I never
lost my temper, nor reported them, as I threatened to do, if they did not be more attentive
and behave better — yet never fulfilled my threat, they said, ‘ I was a good sort, and no
gammon,’ and I was soon able to do anything I pleased with them, for I began in the first
instance by selecting them myself, for the head gardener had long known my father. * * *
The first one I selected was an impudent-looking little rascal, who was ‘ taking a sight ’ at
me with the end of his thumb to his nose, and his four little fingers expanded; but there
was such an expression of good-humour in his roguish face, that I picked him out at once,
while he blushed as if ashamed at what he had done. * * * * The second was a sturdy

determined-looking little fellow, who was taken red-handed with a lump of bacon he had
snatched from off the open window shelf, where it was exposed, as if to tempt him, and who
offered no other defence than that ‘ he was hungry, and thought it would he jolly to have a
frizzle, as he had got some “ toke.” ’ His father was transported for felony. I picked him
out because he looked me full in the eye, and a smile lighted up his firm, square face as I
placed him beside his companion. The third I picked out was a gipsy boy, and had lived
iu tents. He was a swarthy little scoundrel, and the expression of his dark eyes was like

152

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

that of a rat’s. So I went on completing my number, partly from the impression made
upon me by their looks, and partly from what the head gardener told me of their precedents
and behaviour while they had been in the reformatory. I had arranged beforehand where
they were to commence, and had marked out the ground, for there were full two acres in all
under spade cultivation. Spades were given to them suitable to their age and strength, and
they were delighted when they got out into the open air.”

As George’s bedding plants come to maturity he visits Mr. Eose, a rich
nurseryman in the neighbourhood, with whom the family had long dealt for
seeds, and does a satisfactory stroke of business with him. But his customers
were not all of this type. Having as yet no connection, he wTas glad to sell
some of his plants to hawkers and costermongers. Later on, in a deal for
some “ Christines,” Mr. Eose fairly “walks over” George, although the
latter slily tells him at the onset that he was going to take them to his rival,
Mr. Smith. Mr. Eose, however, although a “ very hard nail,” was not the
man to benefit by others without seeking to render some return. George,
by steady perseverance, honesty, and exercise of judgment had improved in
circumstances and gained very general respect, although still short of capital.
He wants another greenhouse, but cannot bring his mind to build it until
he sees clearly how it is to be paid for. In his difficulty he consults Mr.
Eose, with whom and whose clever daughter Polly he now stands on pretty
easy terms, and Mr. Eose, by advancing money for bedding plants which
he would require, enables him to carry out his views. After this, the
circumstances of our hero continue to improve, and, like most true-hearted,
courageous, and intelligent men, he rises with his circumstances. He is a
great favourite with the opposite sex, especially with Mr. Eose’s daughter
Polly, and Lily the daughter of an officer in the Volunteers, which corps he
has joined with an eye to business. At length he becomes manager for Mr.
Eose, and, as might be expected, marries Polly, and finally succeeds to the
business. Sister Jane, who recovers her health, marries a clergyman,
while old Able and his wife are amply provided for, principally through the
restoration of property which, unknown to them, had been purchased by
the grandfather. Old Mrs. Able pleads successfully for a dinner to the
street-hawkers, on George’s wedding-day.

"With the following extract we must conclude a much longer notice than
we had intended at the onset. George is now a rich and influential man : —

“ When I look back and consider the humble position I occupied when a hoy — and I
think that but for the encouragement my dear mother gave me, and the path she directed
me into, and which I followed obediently, I might have all my life remained a poor, hard¬
working market-gardener — when I think of this, I rebel against the rule which advises us
to rest satisfied with the lowliest estate we may be placed in, for I will not believe that it
was ever intended that one endowed with human intelligence, was predestined to remain
stationary.

“There are and ever will be, I suppose, ‘hewers of wood and drawers of water,’ and I
pity those who remain contented with such servile occupations. Those who exclaim against
ambition raise a cry against progress, for it is that which causes a spirited lad to strive to
excel both in the playground and in the school ; and though on the latter point I speak not
from experience, as my education was of the very humblest, yet I have known many who
won the honour of captaincy in our schools, that went out and distinguished themselves in
the world, as they were sure to do.

“ Had I been kept down and remained only a common market-gardener, I should have
striven hard as I grew older to have carried off a prize at some exhibition of vegetables for
the finest Cabbage or Lettuce, if I could have grown nothing better ; for I believe that in
the humblest calling we may for a time follow, any one with a right ambition will reach the
top of it.”

The tale is a sweet picture of family concord, and points the road of
honest and persevering industry as the surest means of reaching an honour¬
able end. "We repeat, lest we should mislead our readers, that this is not

JULY.

153

a book on practical gardening, but it is one, nevertheless, that all nursery¬
men and gardeners — young nurserymen and gardeners especially — should
read. Joyous in spirit, clear, vigorous, and simple in style, reminding us
in this respect of Swift without any of his coarseness, it bears a forcible
contrast to much of our garden literature. No fine words, no bungling
sentences, no flippancies or conceits — the tale runs on like a smooth river,
flowing through well-kept banks studded with bright and beautiful trees
and flowTers, redolent of odour, joyous with song. Our young writers on
gardening, wdiose style is not yet fixed, could not do better than take this
as their model.

The book is plentifully adorned with pleasing illustrations, and is a
marvel of cheapness even in this age of cheap literature.

W. P.

POINSETTIA PULCHEltftIMA.

Among the various matters that engage a gardener’s attention through
the different seasons of the year, that of providing a large and constant
supply of plants for conservatory and in-door decoration during the winter
months, is one that requires a good deal of forethought and labour. There
are a great number of plants now-a-days well adaj)ted for this purpose, and
among them Poinsettia pulcherrima has a strong claim on our attention.
Its bright scarlet bracts are very effective, and they remain perfect for a
very considerable time, which is a matter of some consequence.

The floral envelopes of this species are generally largest and finest on
young plants with only one stem, and as these are generally most useful
for in-doors, a number of young plants should be grown every season.
These are easily raised from eyes of the previous season’s wood, like Vines,
put in early in April and plunged in a nice bottom heat. As soon as they
are rooted they should be potted off singly into small pots, using a compost
of peat and loam, mixed with plenty of silver sand. When potted they
should be returned to the frame or pit, and again plunged in a nice bottom
heat, and kept rather close for a few days until they begin to grow, when
air should, at every favourable opportunity, be abundantly admitted. They
should be freely sprinkled overhead with -water when they require it ; but
care must be taken not to give them too much water at the root, parti¬
cularly whilst they are plunged. Towards the end of June, or by the early
part of July, they will be nice little plants, and will, if they have done well,
require a shift into a larger-sized pot about that time. After they are
shifted into larger pots they will do very well in any of the vineries, if not
too shaded, until September ; but should be kept near the glass that they
may not be drawn. In September they should be put into the stove, and
should be carefully watered and freely syringed overhead. In due time
they will unfold their brilliant scarlet bracts. They should have every
attention paid them -whilst in flower. When they begin to go out of flower,
water must be gradually withheld from them, and the plants should be
rested in a dry part of the stove.

In the spring the branches of the previous year should be cut down to
within three or four eyes of the old wood. Shake off all the soil from the
roots, and repot them into as small pots as possible ; then plunge them in
a nice bottom heat. When they have grown a little and made some fresh
roots shift them into larger pots, and return them to a situation where
they may enjoy a supply of bottom heat. They will then grow rapidly,

154

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

and in the course of a few weeks will again require a large pot. After
that they will do in a vinery, if not too much shaded, or they may he put
into the stove. These large plants will hear several heads of flowers, and
are very ornamental and showy ; hut the bracts will not be so large as
those on young plants that only hear a solitary flower-head.

Stourton. M. Saul.

SANCHEZIA NOBXLIS VARIEGATA.

Sanchezia nobilis is one of the finest amongst the brilliant-flowered
Acanthads that are so abundant in our iflant- stoves, being remarkable for
its numerous fascicles of erect blossoms, collected into a dense paniculate
inflorescence, and consisting of long, bright yellow, tubular flowers, emerging

JULY.

155

from broad crimson bracts, as brilliant in every way as the gayest of Aphe-
landras, but much less formal in aspect.

Of this most beautiful and interesting plant, the Messrs. Veitcli & Sons,
of Chelsea, who were its introducers, are fortunate enough to have also
secured a striped-leaved variety, which is the subject of these remarks, and
which is represented in the accompanying figure, which has been kindly
placed by them at our disposal. The bold character of the leaves of this plant,
which is here well represented, and the conspicuous markings or bands of
yellow by which they are decorated — recalling to mind those of the handsome
Aphelandra Leopoldii, though much more beautiful — render it an ornamental
object in every stage of growth, and justify us in asserting that it is one of
the most valuable plants of modern introduction. The leaves are, when
fully grown, from 12 to 15 inches in length. This Sanchezia is a native
of Bolivia, and has been introduced by the Messrs. Yeitch through their
most fortunate collector, Mr. Pearce. Its free growth and fine habit,
together with its bold leafage and elegant markings, indicate a valuable
exhibition plant, and altogether we do not hesitate to pronounce it to be
the finest novelty of the present season.

M.

I

FICUS STIPULATA.

It is scarcely possible to over-estimate the merits of this plant for a
certain purpose — viz., that of covering the back wall of a stove or Orchid-
house. It will succeed in positions where scarcely any other creeper would
exist. A damp wall suits it admirably ; but it must have plenty of room,
especially root room. A plant here, permanently planted out, forms a
dense carpet of green foliage all through the season, clinging Ivy-like to the
wall, but if possible with more tenacity. The only attention bestowed upon
the plant is frequent syringing during the summer season, and an
occasional pincliing-in of the shoots when they advance too far from the
wall. It strikes freely in a little heat, from lialf-ripened wood. ' As regards
its adaptability for pots I cannot with certainly speak, having had no
experience with it as a pot plant. It is often called Ficus repens.

Wrotham Park. John Edlington.

TAXODIUM SEMPERVIRENS.

This is, indeed, one of the giants of the forest — a noble and distinct-
habited hardy evergreen tree. It is a tree fit to look upon every day in the
year, for there is such an admirable contrast between the colour of its bark
and its branches ; the former being of a rich ferruginous brown, and the
latter of a dark shining green. It is, moreover, as hardy as an Oak, and
most surely should be grown in every place of any extent. In California
this Taxodium is said to grow to the height of 300 feet, and to reach from
20 to 30 feet in circumference — surely a noble tree, like its neighbour
Wellingtonia gigantea, which it resembles also in not putting forth any
very great display in the way of cones or catkins.

There is a tree here some 40 feet or more in height, and with a circum¬
ference of 8 feet 10 inches in the bole ; it is branched to the very base, and
is of a beautiful pyramidal shape. This tree has borne cones for several
years, but though it has produced male and female blossoms most abun-

156

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

dantly, yet, nevertheless, very few cones have grown to their natural size,
which is less than that of the cones of Cryptomeria japonica, and about the
same shape and colour. The seeds, which are numerous and have small
wings, ripen in October. Both female cones and male catkins are, when
they first show, of a globular shape, and small size. They appear on the
ends of the last season’s young shoots during the winter months, and are
in bloom in January and February. In consequence of this early flowering
habit, the cones are almost always cut off and destroyed on the south-east
side of the trees — that is to say, from the east to the south aspect, on account
of the sun reaching them on this side before the frost is gone ; hut on the
opposite side of the tree, namely, from the west to the north aspect, perfect
cones and seeds are often to be found.

Bicton. James Barnes.

NEW PLANTS.

We have elsewhere (p. 154), alluded to Sanchezia nobilis variegata as being
probably the best novelty let out during the present spring, and may, there¬
fore, here pass on to notice other acquisitions of merit, among which must
not be forgotten the Double Crimson Thorn, recently figured by us. Another
prominent place amongst the novelties of the season must be accorded to
Amaryllis ( Hippeastrum ) pardina (Bot. Mag., t. 5645), one of Messrs. Veitcli
and Sons’ introductions from Peru, of which we shall publish a coloured
figure in due course. This Amaryllis is one of the broad-petaled species,
with a very shallow tube, and the segments spreading out to form a wide
open flower, showing off its very novel colouring to advantage. The colour
is a pale straw yellow, spotted all over with small irregular more or less
confluent blotches of crimson, the markings being exactly analogous to
those which occur on many varieties of Calceolaria or Tydaea. It is a very
beautiful plant, and is quite an acquisition amongst stove bulbs.

Among stove terrestrial Orchids a very pretty species has been published
under the name of Bletia Sherrattiana (Bot. Mag., t. 5646). It is a native
of New Grenada, and has vertically flattened pseudobulbs, plicate leaves,
and racemes of large bright purplish rose flowers, a dozen or more together,
of delicate texture, with broad petals, and a beautifully marked lip. The
habit is that of B. verecunda. The lip is large and flatfish, three-lobed,
with large rounded or reniform side lobes, and a transversely reniform
terminal lobe, which is deeper-coloured than the rest ; the centre is pale-
coloured, and marked with three parallel golden lamellae or crests, from
whence purple veins radiate into the side lobes. It is an important addition
to the ranks of terrestrial Orchids. Another acquisition, just flowered in
the collections of Mr. Dawson, of Meadow Bank, and Mr. Marshall, of En¬
field, is the New Grenada Odontoylossum roseurn, a small-flowered plant, but
which, having the blossoms wholly of a pretty rose colour, must, when
established, prove a very ornamental object.

M. Begel figures in the Gartenflora a desirable looking hardy perennial,
named Primula, luteola (t.'541), which may be compared to a yellow-flowered
P. denticulata, the leaves much resembling those of that elegant species,
and the inflorescence being also similar in character, though the flowers
are a trifle larger. It was discovered in the Caucasus by Rupreeht, growing
abundantly in moist situations at a considerable elevation, and was raised
by him and given to Mr. Buck, of St. Petersburg!!, by whom the specimen

JULY.

157

was flowered. The leaves are 6 inches to a foot long, with the margins
recurved, and the flowers are pale yellow, with a dash of golden yellow
about the throat, numerous, and forming open globose heads on rather
tall scapes. It blooms in August, and will form a very nice addition to the
many hardy Primulas which already adorn our gardens.

M.

HOW TO GROW PHLOXES.

To have Phloxes in the finest possible condition, they must not he
planted out in the borders and left to their fate ; hut they must have
some cultural attention. The following course of treatment may he re¬
commended : —

In February, pot a few plants in light, rich, loamy soil, and place them
in a greenhouse or frame. They will soon make shoots long enough for
cuttings ; and these can he quickly rooted in a moderate hotbed, with
Verbenas or other bedding plants ; and after being properly potted and
hardened off, they will be fit to plant out in May.

In selecting a situation for planting out, a spot where there is a little
shelter from strong winds is to be preferred, hut otherwise it should he fully
exposed to all the air and sunshine. The soil should be enriched with
some good rotten manure, and when the plants get strong they should be
liberally watered with liquid manure. They should he planted about
15 inches apart for the first season’s blooming, which will commence about
August, and continue till the end of September ; but in the ensuing spring
they should be replanted, placing them 18 or 20 inches apart, for the second
year’s blooming, which will begin in July, and, if the plants are prevented
from seeding, will go on till the end of September. Care should be taken to
have a stake to each plant, and as the shoots advance in growth they
should he securely tied to it. If this us neglected, they are very likely to he
snapped off close to the ground. A slight wind is sufficient to do this, and
then the plant is spoiled for the season.

If a Phlox is well managed, it will be in its prime in the second year of
its flowering. Early in the spring, when the shoots are 8 or 4 inches long,
it is a good plan to thin them. A good two-year-old plant will generally
start more shoots than are required, but five or six only should be left to
go up for flowering. The spare shoots make excellent cuttings, but they
can seldom be rooted early enough to flower the same year like those
obtained from plants put into a greenhouse in February. However, the
plants obtained from these cuttings make fine flowering plants for the next
year.

But little can be done in arranging Phloxes according to their height ;
indeed, in this respect (with two or three exceptions), there is very little
difference between them. The first year they generally flower when about
15 or 18 inches high, hut the same plants in the second year will grow
2 or 8 feet high. \

A continual succession of young plants should be kept up by cuttings.
Dividing the old roots is a clumsy method of increasing the stock, and
plants obtained in this way seldom produce fine healthy foliage and good
flowers. A Phlox should be thrown away when it gets over two years old,
and a young plant put in it£ place. Sometimes Phloxes may be placed
here and there in mixed borders or shrubberies, where they help to make
a garden gay, and furnish a supply of cut flowers ; hut the spare plants

158

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

only ought to be used for this purpose, as they never, under this treatment,
produce such fine flowers as when they have a place to themselves.

Phloxes may he easily grown in pots by attending to the instructions
given for growing them in the open ground, only they require more care in
watering. •

The varieties of Phlox decussata are the best and hardiest, and have
been very much improved lately. There used to he some pretty varieties
of Phlox pyramidalis, hut they are delicate, and have given place to the
former. A selection of the best modern varieties of different colours will
be found in the following : —

Madame Corbay. — White, with violet
centre.

Madame Ducliemin. — White, with crimson
centre.

Comtesse de Turenne. — Deep purple centre,
edged with pure white.

Madame Lemont. — Mauve, flamed or suf¬
fused with purple.

Madame Rosay. — White, with rosy centre.

Monsieur de Launay. — Slate tinged with
salmon, purple centre.

Monsieur Donnaud. — Violet, suffused with
salmon.

L'Abbe Roussel. — Claret.

Lucien Tisserand. — Bluish violet.

Madame Devilliers. — Claret, with purple
centre.

Madame Emarant. — Rose, tinged with
salmon.

Madame Herbeaumont. — Brilliant rosy sal¬
mon, with purple centre.

Reve d'Or.— Bright cerise salmon, purple
centre.

Lea Bridge Load.

Monsieur Mittivier. — Brilliant crimson, suf¬
fused with salmon.

Monsieur Paulmier. — Salmony crimson.

Liervalii. — Bright purple, each petal edged
with white ; this gives the flower the appear¬
ance of having a white cross on a purple
ground.

Etoile de Neuilly. — White, tinged with
violet ; beautiful purple eye.

Mademoiselle Christine Nilsson. — White,
with large carmine centre.

Premices du Ronheur. — Rosy white, with
bright cerise centre.

Roi des Roses. — Rich rosy salmon.

Vierge Marie. — Pure white, with large,
rich, purple centre.

Figaro.— Fiery salmon, very bright.

Geant des Batailles. — Ash grey, tinged with
orange or salmon ; fine purple centre.

L' Avenir. — Brilliant crimson, tinged with
salmon.

MadameLecomte. — Bright salmony crimson

John Fraser.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

The Floral Committee which met on the 21st of May had before it some
very fine Show Pelargoniums, among which first-class certificates were
awarded to Example, from Mr. G-. W. Hoyle, of Reading, a flower of very
fine quality, and to Victor (Hoyle) , another excellent flower ; while Heirloom
(Hoyle), received a second-class certificate. These will be noticed more in
detail hereafter. Azalea Lizzie, from Mr. F. R. Kinghorn, of Richmond, is
a fine addition to the exhibition varieties ; the flowers are of very fine form
and substance, the colour white, flaked with rosy carmine. This got a
first-class certificate, and a figure will be published in due course. Viola
pedata, long since introduced from North America, was shown by Messrs.
Osborn & Son, of Fulham. It grows very dwarf, and forms a pretty and
showy rock plant, though it does not continue blooming for a very long time.
The flowers are of a deep lilac hue, becoming paler with age. Two more
very fine rosy pink Nosegay Pelargoniums were shown by Messrs. Downie,
Laird, & Laing — viz., Emmeline and Countess of Rosslyn. They are of diffe¬
rent shades of colour, the latter being suffused with violet, and they freely
produce large trusses of fine flowers. They were the result of crossing
Lord Palmerston and Rose Rendatler. First-class certificates were awarded
to them. Another new Nosegay, from the same exhibitors, named Marks¬
man, came from King of Nosegays and Rose Rendatler ; the colour in this

JULY.

159

case was vivid cherry crimson, but lacking the finer qualities of the two
former. Mr. W. Paul got a first-class certificate for a very beautiful dwarf¬
growing rosy lilac Nosegay , well named Lilacinum. This has a charming
shade of colour and a good habit. His Nosegay Crimson Queen has a hue of
colour that is very striking, and unites to a good habit very free-blooming
properties. Among the ordinary Zonal Pelargoniums, one named Lord Derby ,
shown by Mr. John Mann, of Brentwood, must be regarded as among the
very finest yet produced. The colour was intense bright scarlet, the flowers
large, stout, and very smooth. It was awarded a first-class certificate.
First-class certificates were awarded to Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son and
to Mr. W. Paul for Ulmus campestris aurea, a handsome Golden Elm, which
promises to be a valuable acquisition to the class of hardy and pictorial trees.
Messrs. Osborn & Son had a first-class certificate for Osmunda regalis
acutiloba, a new variety of Royal Fern. We have already (p. 128), adverted
to the Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums brought together on this occasion.

At the Crystal Palace Show, on the 25th of May, the novelties were
limited in number. Even Show Pelargoniums, generally well represented
at the Crystal Palace summer show, were very sparely produced. Queen
of Roses and L’ Empereur, both very fine, large-flowering varieties, shown by
Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W. Beck, Esq., of Isleworth, received first-class
certificates. The former is of a vivid rosy crimson colour ; the latter has
warm pink lower petals, blotched with rosy dark. Hermit (Beck), a large
pale blush flower, was only just expanding, and promised to be a very fine
variety. Some Lobelias of the Erinus section were shown by Mr. W. Bull,
of Chelsea. One, Rosy Gem, with rosy lilac flowers and white centre,
received a first-class certificate. It is of much taller growth, and has
larger flowers than Carter’s Beauty of Ravensbourne, a very dwarf-growing
variety in the same way, but the habit looked spare and weak. Both
Messrs. Veitch & Sons and Mr. W. Bull were awarded first-class certificates
for the handsome Sancliezia nobilis variegata , and a fine plant shown by Mr.
B. S. Williams got him the same award. Tillandsia argentea , a very
curious-looking plant, with the surface of the leaves like frosted silver,
shown by Mr. Bull, was awarded a first-class certificate. Roses in pots and
Pelargoniums were very fine on this occasion. Mr. W. Paul’s twelve Roses
contained some splendidly bloomed plants, and Mr. Turner’s twelve were
famous for their remarkable foliage, though scarcely advanced enough in
bloom.

At the first great Show of the Royal Botanic Society, on the 29th of
May, Show Pelargoniums were largely produced. First-class certificates
were given to Example (Hoyle), Victor (Hoyle), Man of Mark (Hoyle),
Hermit (Beck), Lady of Quality Improved (Beck), Emperor (Foster), Grandee
(Foster), and Rob Roy (Foster), a very fine lot, that will shortly receive a
more extended notice. Electra (Beck), Calypso (Beck), Aspasia (Beck),
Magician (Foster), King of Trumps (Foster), Troubadour (Foster), and The
Peer (Foster), were also very promising flowers. First-class certificates
were awarded to Mr. 0. Turner for the following Fancy kinds : — Pink Per¬
fection, previously described ; and East Lynne, rosy pink, of a very lively
hue, changing to rosy crimson, and edged with pale rose, the upper petals
dark rosy crimson, stout, smooth, and of good size. A remarkably showy
variety of the Large-flowered class, called Magnet, was shown by Messrs.
Dobson & Son, of Isleworth, which will prove a valuable kind for forcing
or market purposes, or for massing for decorative purposes. The colour is
of a bright purplish crimson, and the flower was awarded a first-class cer-

160

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

tificate as a market variety. A vast quantity of New Plants received first-
class certificates. W. Marshall, Esq., of Enfield, received this award for
Miltonia spectabilis rosea, a very fine variety. The same award was made to
Messrs. Veitch & Sons for Betinospora filifera, a very graceful Conifer, the
property, it was understood, of Mr. Standish, of Ascot, who holds the entire
stock; also to J. Gray, Esq., of Ashridge Park, Berkhampstead, for a well-
marked Deutzia gracilis variegata ; to Mr. W. Bull for Pelargonium Silver Gem,
a very useful-looking silver-edged Ivy-leaved variety; and to Messrs. E. G.
Henderson & Son for the dwarf golden-tinted Pyrethrum Parthenium, called
Golden Feather, which appears to be a good bedding plant, as far as it has
been seen used for this purpose.

The great Show of the Boyal Horticultural Society was held on the
4th of June, and “ novelties ” formed a most interesting feature. Of New
Plants nothing could be more curious than that strange-looking Arad, shown
by Mr. Bull, named Amorphophallus nobilis, a huge fleshy fungus-like plant,
of a pale claret colour, which had been shown at the Regent’s Park in the
form of a vast puff, but had now developed the spathe, something in the
form of an Elizabethan neck-frill, showing somewhat of the curious spadix
in the interior of the mass. It was awarded a first-class certificate. Messrs.
Veitch & Sons produced for the first time the charming Indian Dendrobium
Bensonice, with white flowers, having a rich orange centre to the lip, and a
pair of blood-coloured spots near its base. Messrs. Veitch also had Alocasia
intermedia, a very fine hybrid between A. Veitchii and A. longiloba, and
combining the good properties of both. A splendid and unique form of
Cypripedium Stonei, together with an example of the original variety, came
from Mr. Stone, gardener to J. Day, Esq., of Tottenham. The petals of
the former were much broader and shorter than those of the older variety,
and it was awarded a first-class certificate. The magnificent Cattleya
Dowiana was also shown by the same exhibitor; it has buff sepals and
petals, and a large lip of a rich violet purple hue veined with gold. A very
pretty dwarf-growing perennial, suitable for rockwork, named Silene pennsyl-
vanica, came from Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York; the flowers are very
freely produced, and of a bright pink colour, and it was adjudged worthy a
first-class certificate as a hardy plant. Show Pelargoniums were again in
force, and first-class certificates were awarded to Joan of Arc (Foster), deep
rose, suffused with purple, a fine and hold flower, and Hermit (Beck), a very
fine light flower. A second-class certificate was awarded to Filomena (Beck),
of a beautiful shade of colour — bright rosy violet, with a dark blotch on
each segment ; and a similar award was made to Mr. Turner for Fancy
Pelargonium Madame Vilda, a dark rosy crimson self flower with pure white
throat, very free-blooming. At an early meeting of the Floral Committee
in the present year, a Zonal Pelargonium, named Mimas, was shown by Mr.
J. Mann, of Brentwood. It was again produced on this occasion in very
fine condition, and was awarded a first-class certificate. The colour may
be termed very bright orange scarlet of a pure and beautiful shade, the
flowers large, bold, and smooth. A similar award was made to Messrs.
Downie, Laird, & Laing for Seraph, another Zonal variety ; colour orange
salmon with a light centre, of fine quality and substance. The beauty of
Aubnetia Campbellii, when flowered in tufts, was demonstrated on this
occasion by its being shown in a pan, a mass of it being in full bloom. It
aj>pears to be the deepest coloured of the Aubrietias, and succeeds as well
out of doors as under glass. A very sliowy-looking rose-coloured forcing
Pink, named Lord Lyon, was shown by Mr. J. Clarke, of Bury St. Edmunds,

JULY.

161

and awarded a second-class certificate. The flowers are of a clear lilac
rose colour, and in its habit it appears to partake as much of the character
of the Picotee as of the Pink. It was raised from Clarke’s Garibaldi.

E. D.

OUE MONTHLY CHEONICLE.

Lindley Library. — It has at length been
determined that the surplus funds of the Inter¬
national Horticultural Exhibition and Bota¬
nical Congress of 1866, shall be devoted to
the formation of a Garden Library, to be
called The Lindley Library. It will consist
of a selection from the library of the late Dr.
Lindley, with such additions as the funds
may permit; it will be deposited at South
Kensington, as an adjunct of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society ; it will be invested in the
names of seven Trustees, so as to secure it
against dispersion ; and it will be available to
gardeners and others, under regulations for
its preservation to be hereafter settled by the
Trustees, among whom the three International
Secretaries, Messrs. Moore, Masters, and
Hogg, will represent the International Com¬
mittee. The available balance is about £1800,
of which £600 is devoted to the purchase of
Dr. Lindley’ s books as the basis of the Library.

New Roses. — What is the chronological
status of new Roses — that is to say, what is to
be understood by the expression — Anew Rose

“ sent out ” in 1867 ? Our new Roses mostlv

• «/

come from France, and are distributed in the
autumn of the year. It seems, therefore, clear
to us, that as the trade generally ,and amateurs
also, can purchase these Roses at the time just
indicated, they are from that date absolutely
“ sent out,” so that a Rose sold in this way
in the autumn of 1867 is a “ new Rose of
1867.” Custom seems to have generally ruled
to the contrary, but a precedent on the other
side was set by the rule adopted at the Great
International Exhibition ; and as the question
is one which periodically recurs, and is pro¬
ductive of much inconvenience, we think it
should be settled once for all in the sense we
have indicated, so as to avoid disputations
for the future. Practically it can make no
difference what rule is adopted, provided some
decision is arrived at ; but as this is simply a
question of fact, it is clearly best to settle it
in accordance with the fact.

Blotched Breadalbane Ash. — The in¬
quiries of Mr. Anderson- Henry have elicited
that this plant is the result of a cross by in¬
oculation like the variegated Jasmine that
formerly grew in the Chelsea Botanic Garden.
Some half century ago, Mr. Turnbull and Mr.
Brown of the Perth Nurseries, during a bota¬
nical excursion to the Highlands, found in a
glen near Kenmore, a branch of an Ash tree
with entirely golden foliage. This was taken

and budded on the common Ash. None of
the buds grew, but the operation had com¬
municated the blotch to the stocks ; and the
plant has ever since been annually grafted,
and catalogued under the above name. Weep¬
ing Ash grafted on the same stock acquired the
blotch also. It is presumed that the bark in¬
troduced with the bud became attached,
though the latter did not push, and thus the
tree became inoculated with the yellow colour
which broke out in blotches on the leaves.
These facts are very suggestive to the growers
of Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums.

Aubrietia grjeca. — This pretty dwarf
perennial is strongly recommended for spring
gardening. Its flowers are large, and in
many of the plants of the finest violet-blue.
It is very early, commencing to bloom in
February, and lasting in perfection for a long
time. When raised from seed there is some
variety of shade, which rather enhances its
value than otherwise.

Colouring Growing Wood. — The daily
papers some time since called attention to an
invention of Mr. Hyett’s, by which he makes
trees imbibe colours while growing. Metallic
salts are introduced into the substance of the
growing tree, and apparently carried up by
the sap, and forced into the fibres and cells
of the stem. We can thus, it was remarked,
make our forests play the part of their own
stainers and grainers.

^ Vanilla. — Probably the best plant of
Vanilla in cultivation in this country is to be
found at the present time in the Sheffield
Botanic Garden. In the Victoria-house there
it is growing in the greatest luxuriance, and
fruiting freely. It is planted in a border at the
western end of the house, occupying fully
half the width of the structure, and is trained
parallel with, and at a short distance from, the
upright sashes, before which it forms a thick
screen from the floor to the roof, and it would
soon cover a much larger space if accommoda¬
tion were afforded it. Mr. Ewing’s object in
planting it in this situation was to secure a
plentiful circulation of air about it.

Chamjecyparis obtusa. — According to
M. Briot, C. obtusa pygmaea when grafted on
C. Boursieri yields plants which are free-
growing and erect in habit; while if it be
grafted on a Biota or a Thuja, or if it be pro¬
pagated by cuttings, the plants instead of be¬
coming erect spread horizontally on the
ground.

162

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Seaside Planting. — It has been recom¬
mended, in order to establish trees on the
seacoast, to plant thickly of Sycamores and
Poplars for shelter, these seeming to do better
than any other trees. The beautiful varieties
of Hollies, which do remarkably well, and al¬
ways give satisfaction are recommended. The
following are also found to succeed, viz : —
Hollies of sorts, Yews, Box, Laurustinus ;
Laurels, both Portugal and Common ; Arbu¬
tus, Aucuba japonica, Cotoneaster frigida
and macrophylla, Evergreen Oaks, Privet,
Gorse, Pinus austriaca, and Laburnums. Al¬
most all shrubs and trees of the order Legu-
minosse seem to do well. For instance, Lu-
pinuscalifornicus, grows about 4 feet high and
6 feet through, flowers very abundantly, and
is quite hardy. The flowers are as large at
those of the Laburnum, and stand erect, but
the colour is not so deep a yellow. October
and November is the best time to plant.

Robinia Pseud-Acacia fastigiata. — M.
Carriere states in Revue Horticole, that while
if a cutting or a graft of this variety be taken
from the upper portion of the tree, the fasti-
giate habit will be reproduced, and the
branches will be furrowed and covered with
short prickles ; yet if the plant be multiplied
by detaching portions of the root, then instead
of a pyramidal tree with erect branches, a
spreading bushy shrub is produced, with
more or less horizontal cylindrical branches,
destitute of prickles.

Arranging Cut Flowers. — A writer in
the Gardeners' Chronicle observes that of all
the mistakes that are made in arranging
flowers, the commonest is that of putting too
many into a vase ; and next to that is the
putting too great a variety of colours into
one bouquet. Every flower in a group should
be clearly distinguishable and determinable,
without pulling the nosegay to pieces. The
calyx of a Clove Pink should never be
hidden by being plunged into the head of
white Phlox, however well the two colours
may look together. Sweet Peas never look
so well in the hand as they do on the plant,
because they cannot be carried without
crowding them ; but put them lightly into a
vase with an equal number of pieces of Mig¬
nonette, or rather, ornament a vase half full
of Mignonette with a few blooms of Sweet
Peas, and you get a charming effect, because
you follow the natural arrangement by avoid¬
ing crowding of the blooms, and putting them
with the green foliage which they want to
set them off. Few people are aware, until
they try it, how exceedingly easy it is to
spoil such a pleasing combination as this ; a
piece of Calceolaria, Scarlet Pelargonium, or
blue Salvia would ruin it effectually. Such
decided colours as these require to be grouped
in another vase, and should not even be
placed on the same table with the Sweet Peas ;
they also require a much larger preponder¬
ance of foliage to set them off to advantage

than is wanted by flowers of more delicate
colours.

Large Pear Tree. — At the Abbie of Lin-
dores,onthe estate of Mugdrum, are some un¬
usually large Pear trees, mentioned 150 years
ago by Sibbald in his “ History of Fife.”
The trunk of the largest measures 17 feet
10 inches in circumference at 1 foot from the
ground ; at 9 feet higher up, where it branches
off, it is 17 feet in circumference ; and it is
44 feet in height. The spread of the branches
is 53 feet in diameter ; the circumference of
one of the branches is 10 feet 8 inches, and
that of another 8 feet 10 inches. It grows
in deep alluvial soil, and bears abundant
crops.

Habrothamnus Berries. — Grown on a
pillar in a conservatory, Habrothamnus elegans
blooms freely from the autumn onwards, and
during winter matures its large and beautiful
clusters of rich rosy violet- coloured fruit,
which equal in size those of the Black Cluster
or Yerdelho Grapes, and prove it to be most
useful for decoration at a season when flowers
and fruit for decorative purposes are ex¬
tremely valuable. Messrs. E. G. Henderson
and Son some time since sent us some beauti¬
ful examples from one of their houses.

Libocedrus decurrens. — In reference to
the propagation of this fine hardy tree by cut¬
tings, which is well known to be a difficult
process, a correspondent of the Gardeners'
Chronicle observes : — “ I have rooted upwards
of a hundred, but I consider it a “ slow-coach,”
and by grafting it upon Biota orientalis or
Chinese Arbor Yitse, I have plants in one-third
of the time. I have had cuttings in the propa-
gating-bed for upwards of a year, and with a
callus as large as a hen’s egg before rooting.”
This is the tree commonly called Thuja gigan-
tea in gardens, a name which really belongs
to the plant known as Thuja Lobbii.

Selaginellas. — These are excellent plants
for clothing the shady walls of a plant-stove.
No better illustration of this fact can be found
than is now to be seen in the Sheffield Botanic
Garden, where the north wall of the Victoria -
house is draped with them, several species
being mixed up together. We have never
seen so pretty an effect produced by these re¬
freshing-looking plants in any other situation.
The wall is faced with a six-inch layer of
coarse peat and rubble, with a little moss
outside, the whole being held in position by
strong galvanised wire netting, with rather
wide diamond-shaped meshes ; and the only
attention required by the plants is a damping
with the syringe daily.

New Double Crimson Thorn. — The
writer of our account of this plant at page
117, having been publicly charged with
ignorance for recommending the present pur¬
chase of plants in pots with the view to flower¬
ing them next year, we simply point out in
reply, that he has not directed them to be
planted out, as is assumed by his critics.

JULY.

168

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.

If the nights are seasonably warm, little
fire heat will be required ; nevertheless for
plants from the hottest tropical parts, as much
should be given as will prevent the ther¬
mometer from falling below 70°, making
allowance for a little air being given at the
same time. This will render the growth
firmer, and induce the formation of blossom-
buds, for without air a high temperature will
tend rather to produce wood than bloom.
Begonias , Euphorbias , Justicias, Poinsettias,
and such plants as will be required for winter-
flowering should be shifted into larger pots as
they require it, keeping them slightly shaded,
and rather close till they strike fresh root,
and commence new growth. Keep these and
all the other plants clear of insects. For
Orchids , keep up the former temperature, air,
and moisture ; shade from too hot sun. Shift
Vandas and others when past flowering.

GREENHOUSE.

For the next two or three months, the place
of Pelargoniums and Calceolarias may be
taken by Fuchsias, Kalosanthes, Tliunbergias,
Lilium auratum , &c. Some showy annuals
grown in pots may be introduced for contrast
of colour, so that with these, and various
plants from pits and frames, there will be no
difficulty in still maintaining the house in a
gay state. Pelargoniums that are nearly past
flowering should be well exposed to sun and
air in order to ripen their wood ; previously
to being cut down, and some time before and
after this is done, the soil in the pots should
be dry. Du3t with flowers of sulphur Heaths
and other plants attacked by mildew. Give
air abundantly, and shift immediately any
plants that require more pot room.

CONSERVATORY.

Plants in the border will now be growing
strongly, and will much drain the soil of its
moisture ; this ought to be timeously supplied,
in order that the foliage may be kept in good
health. Plenty of air should be given,
and this will cause a corresponding loss of
moisture from the air of the house, which
must be provided against by syringing the
foliage, and also the surface of the soil. By
these means good substantial growth will be
ensured; but at this season it will also be
rapid, and will require to be regulated, so as
to be developed where it is desirable, and
prevented where it is not so. In this way
the energy of the plants will be nowhere mis¬
directed ; no growth should be made to waste
at any period of the season, but, more especi¬
ally at this, the most favourable for the com¬
plete elaboration of the sap, for originating
blossom-buds and the latent rudiments of
flowers. Many of the usual inmates of the
conservatory may now be placed out of
doors.

PITS AND FRAMES.

These will now be cleared of bedding
plants, and the best opportunity is afforded
for taking off the lights, painting the sashes
and rafters, and whitewashing the walls.
Previously to this, the interior might be fumi¬
gated with sulphur, provided the pit is well
exposed to air, and a strong fire occasionally
kept on before plants are introduced; for
greater security some delicate-foliaged plants
of various kinds might first be tried, for even
recently-built walls have proved, before they
were seasoned, injurious to plants. When
all is safe the pits may be occupied with
seedlings, or with cuttings, and pots of any¬
thing that requires to be placed near the light.

FORCING.

Pine Apples. — When succession plants fill
their pots with roots, shift them into fruiting-
pots. Give plenty of air with sun to plants
of which the fruits are ripening. Supply no
more water than is just sufficient to prevent
suffering from dryness. Let the temperature,
top and bottom, be about 85°, but the top
heat may rise to 90° by sun heat. Plunge a.
thermometer, and watch carefully that the
bottom heat never gets too high ; if likely to
do so remove the pot, and place it on a smaller
one plunged mouth upwards. Plant crowns
and suckers, as soon as their twisted-off end
becomes dry, into three-inch pots. Vines. —
Keep the house dry wherein the fruit is ripe or
ripening. Dryness is at that stage natural to
the Vine in its native climate, and from this
condition two important results are obtained —
the fruit acquires good flavour, and the wood
is firmly ripened. But with regard to later
vineries where the fruit has yet to swell, the
leaves should also be kept in a growing state,
for on the good growth of the leaves mainly
depends not only the swelling, colour, and
flavour of the present year’s crop, but also
the success of the next and future ones. The
richest border, then, can be of no use without
leaves ; but grow plenty of leaves well, with
sufficient light, air, and moisture, and the
whole plant will grow ; the roots in that case
will push in almost any soil, and the spongioles
will insinuate themselves and grow in crevices
of rocks, and thence collect juice to an amaz¬
ing extent in countries so hot and dry at
certain seasons that, according to parliament¬
ary evidence, wine was used instead of water
to make mortar, the former being plentiful,
cheap, and at hand, and the latter scarce and
the dearer of the two from expense of
carriage. Briefly it may be stated, that the
berries cannot draw up and elaborate sap for
iheir own use, nor for any other purpose :
that is specially the office of the leaves. Since,
therefore, the motion of the sap from its ab¬
sorption from the soil in its crude state by the
spongioles, to its return in an organisable
condition from the leaves, depends on the

164

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

latter, nothing more need be said with regard
to the great care that ought to be taken of
them. Peaches and Nectarines. — When the
fruit is all gathered syringe the trees so as to
clean them thoroughly of insects. If dry at
the root a moderate supply of water should
be afforded, so that without encouraging too
late a growth, the leaves by the natural heat
of the season may exercise a healthy action
till they drop, when the buds for next year
shall have had all that they can obtain from this
year’s foliage. Figs. — Syringe till the fruit
begins to form. Cherries. — Keep the foliage
clean by syringing. Melons. — Water tho¬
roughly the beds before the fruit swell off, so
that water will not be required when the pro¬
cess of ripening commences.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

All vacant ground should now be occupied,
the various crops kept clear of weeds, and
the surface should be frequently stirred.
Sudden heavy rains run off without sink¬
ing in to moisten the ground at the extremi¬
ties of the roots, and in that case plants
are apt to suffer ; watering should, there¬
fore, be more especially attended to. Sow
the latest crop of Broad Beans, and in the
middle and end of the month the principal
winter crops of Endive. Sow early in the
month a few of the Black Belgian Kidney
Bean for a late supply. Sow Lettuces, Ra¬
dishes, and Spinach for succession. Sow
Cabbages in the first week for Coleworts, if
not done before. The principal sowing of
Early Battersea, or Vanack, and of Red
Cabbage for autumn planting should be made
in the last week ; the 27th, on the average of
many years, has proved the best time ; but
in late or northern situations the middle of
the month is preferable. Sow some Early
Horn Carrots for drawing young. Plant out
the main crop of Celery. Peg down the
shoots of Vegetable Marrows ; they will root
at the joints, and continue longer in bearing.
fruit garden.

Regulate the summer growth with a view
to produce a uniformity of vigour throughout
the tree, by checking the vigour of those shoots
that are too strong, and encouraging those
that are weakly. It was a mistaken notion
to encourage over- vigorous shoots to grow in
order that they might exhaust their excess of
vigour by their own growth. There could
not be a greater error than this in the manage¬
ment of trees, for the more sap that flows to
any particular branch, the more new channels
will be formed for an increased future supply.
The sap flows more readily into a vigorous
shoot than into one that is weak ; if a shoot
is long and healthy it will have a proportion¬
ate number of leaves, and its growth will be
in proportion to the number of leaves con¬
nected with it ; reduce the length of the shoot,
there will of course be fewer leaves, and the
growth will consequently be diminished. Then,
if the weakly shoot could be strengthened,

an equality of vigour would be approximated.
A shoot can only be invigorated by increasing
the foliage directly or indirectly connected
with it. Syringe Wall Trees after 4 p.m. Set
traps for earwigs. See that the upper shoots
of pyramids are shortened much morethan the
lower. Use tobacco dust for greenfly. Mulch
wall- fruit borders with stable-litter, and then
water plentifully through it. Bud Apricots ,
then Cherries , Plums , Peaches , and Nectarines.
Attend to untying and supporting grafts.
Layer Strawberries ; stop the runners beyond
the rooted joint.

FLOWER GARDEN.

The operations in this are mostly reduced to
the routine of mowing, sweeping, and rolling.
Tie up the stems of herbaceous plants requir¬
ing support, not in close bunches, but so as
each stalk may have freedom to grow. Clip
hedges ; regulate evergreens ; train creepers.
Bud Hoses, and remove suckers as soon as they
appear, otherwise sap will be diverted from
its legitimate channels* Weeds in walks can
be most readily destroyed by salt, but if it
can be done by weeding, and keeping a smooth
firmly rolled surface it is better.

florists’ flowers.

Antirrhinums. — Propagate by cuttings
under a hand-glass or frame. Auriculas. —
Protect the plant from excessive wet. The
soil intended for repotting should be fre¬
quently turned over when moderately dry.
Carnations and Picotees. — Attend to with
water ; weak liquid manure may be given oc¬
casionally ; protect the blossom from sun and
heavy rain ; propagate by layering. Dahlias.
— Water over the foliage towards 6 p.m., and
see that the ground is not too dry. Plots for
the destruction of insects, particularly ear¬
wigs, cannot be laid too soon ; there may yet
be few, but in the early part of the season
the destruction of a few stops the increase of
a vast number. Hollyhocks. — The propagat¬
ing of these may now be extensively pro¬
ceeded with. The small side shoots will
afford cuttings, whilst the removal of these
will throw strength into the main spikes.
Pansies. — Plant out the first-struck cuttings,
which will bloom in September and October ;
they strike with great facility in those months,
but, although, precarious to strike now, it is
desirable to put in all that can be made in order
to fill up deficiencies caused by plants dying
off. Pinks. — Good plants can be most readily
struck by cuttings under bell-glasses, on very
slight bottom heat. If the top of the leading
1 shoot is carefully taken off, a large number of
small shoots will push, and these will strike
readily by the end of the month. Roses in
Pots. — Hybrid Perpetuals and other Hybrids
should be plunged, and the pots mulched over
in the open air by the 1st of the month, and
thrir shoots may be staked outwards, so that
( the wood may be well ripened for early
| blooming. The soil should be made suffioently
J moist and no more.

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AUGUST.

165

ROSEMARY RUSSET APPLE.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

The subject of our present illustration is one of those fruits, of which
there are many, that have never acquired the notoriety which appears to
be necessary now-a-days, before anything good is appreciated. It is not
because it is new, neither is it because it has been hitherto unknown, that it
is so little cultivated ; but simply because it has not been fortunate enough
to meet with some enterprising trader to make it his own, and to benefit
himself thereby. We have looked through the lists of our leading fruit-tree
cultivators in vain to find it ; and except in Ronalds’ “ Pyrus Malus Brent-
fordiensis ” and Hogg’s “British Pomology,” there is no record of it to be
found. What was the origin of this admirable Apple we have never been
able to ascertain, neither can we discover when it first became known. The
earliest notice of it is by Ronalds, who published a figure and short descrip¬
tion of it in 1881, and who had cultivated it for many years previously. As
a dessert Apple it is one of the very best. Its size, form, and colour, as
faithfully represented in our plate by Mrs. Dix, strongly recommend it, and
it only requires to be known to find a place in all good gardens where only
the best fruits are grown. The following description from the “ British
Pomology ” will , with the engraving, convey all the information we possess
respecting it : —

“ Fruit below medium size, ovate, broadest at the base and narrowing
obtusely towards the apex, a good deal of the shape of a Scarlet Nonpareil.
Skin yellow, tinged with green on the shaded side ; but flushed with faint
red on the side exposed to the sun, and covered with thin pale brown russet,
particularly round the eye and the stalk. Eye small and generally closed,
woody, with erect segments, set in a narrow, round, and puckered basin.
Stalk very long, inserted in a round and wide cavity. Flesh yellowish,
crisp, tender, very juicy, brisk, and sugary, and charged with a peculiarly
rich and highly aromatic flavour.

“ A most delicious and valuable dessert Apple of the very first quality ;
it is in use from December till February.”

H.

SALYIA PATENS.

What a splendid bed this fine old plant makes ! Large beds when well
filled soon become masses of intense blue, and are then very striking
objects. This is one of those sterling plants that ought to be in every
garden. Though not quite hardy, it is one of those plants that can be pre¬
served through the winter by every one. Towards the end of October a
dry day should be chosen for lifting the roots, all the old flower-stems
should be cut clean off, and all the loose soil shaken off the roots. They
should then be laid for a few days to dry ; and afterwards be packed away
in a box, putting some dry sandy soil between the roots. The box may be
put away in any convenient place where the frost cannot enter, and may
remain there without further care until the following spring. Early in
March the roots should be taken out of the box, potted, and placed in a
warm pit or vinery, where they will speedily begin to grow, so as to furnish
cuttings if an increase of stock be desired. Cuttings strike very readily in
heat, and if potted-off as soon as rooted, and stopped and shifted into larger

VOL. VI. I

166

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

pots when necessary, they make fine plants for turning out in heels towards
the end of May. The easy way in which this plant can he kept through
the winter is a great recommendation in its favour to all lovers of garden¬
ing, and particularly to those who have only very limited space for keeping
plants in winter, and who require all the room they have for Variegated
Pelargoniums, and tender bedding plants. Salvia patens when well grown
in pots makes a fine plant for the conservatory, and lasts a long time in
flower. Young plants should he chosen and kept well stopped back to make
specimens, and should have liberal pot room.

Stourton. M. Saul.

VARIEGATED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS AS BEDDING

PLANTS.

The rage for getting a stock of these beautiful and showy plants for
bedding purposes is now at its height ; hut their high price when first let
out deters many from using them. It is no joke to pay two guineas for
some of the highly certificated ones, and afterwards to find, from their same¬
ness of variegation, that they are no better than Mrs. Pollock or Sunset
for bedding purposes. I have now Lady Cullum and Lucy Grieve planted
side by side, and they are as nearly alike as two Peas of the Ringleader
and First Crop class. [They are, however, quite distinct, as will be seen
when they get established.] As far as my experience goes in bedding
variegated Zonals, Gold Pheasant is as effective as any of them, and at the
present time far cheaper. The “ Bicolors,” or Gold and Bronze Zonals, of
the Beauty of Oulton type, are, in my opinion, more likely to be useful
than the “ Tricolors.” This, however, time will prove. And now that we
know how to go to work in raising new Bicolors and Tricolors, every gar¬
dener who has the means, and the time to spare, may soon have a batch of
his own. Last year, having raised some very dark-zoned seedlings of the
Nosegay and Zonal sections, I have used them as seed parents, and expect
to have scores of new “ Tricolors ” from the seeds already sown and now
breaking into variegation. I have a theory respecting “ Tricolor,” or rather
Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums, which I should be glad to have ventilated
— namely, that we are indebted to Cerise Unique and Commander-in-Chief
for the origin of these fine coloured-leaved plants. If examined under the
microscope it will be found that these varieties are full of colouring matter,
both in the leaves and stems ; and being crossed with some yellow-leaved
variegated sport, they may have given origin to all the Tricolors. Be that
as it may, all honour to Messrs. Grieve, Wills, and others for showing us
the way to raise them. We may soon expect to hear gardeners’ little boys
and girls repeating the following nursery rhyme : —

“ Snip snorum, hey tricolorum ;

Daddy’s raised a Tricolor will carry all before him.”

There is another inducement besides that of the high prices of the
new “ Tricolors” and “Bicolors” for a gardener to raise varieties of his
own — namely, that he may show in his bedding-out some novelty not to be
found elsewhere. Two years ago I detected a variegated sport on the Im¬
perial Crimson Nosegay, and have now propagated as many plants as to
furnish a bed of it this year. This variety only grows from 6 to 8 inches
high, and the leaves are as white in their variegation as those of Bijou.
When it is planted out, mixed plant for plant, with Lobelia speciosa, the

AUGUST.

1G7

effect is the most charming I have ever seen in a small bed. In such
cases as those hinted at, there is the pleasure (rather a selfish one perhaps),
of knowing it is improbable that any other grower will possess a bed like
our own. From the great want of novelties in mixed bedding, any new
variety of dwarf habit, and of different colour from the common run, will
always have a telling effect when first seen.

Welbeck. William Tillery.

THE VENOM OF TOADS.

I need hardly mention that toads are considered to be venomous, though
they neither bite, spit, nor sting. It is hard for creatures so harmless and
useful to have been thus misrepresented, even in all ages. I consider, how¬
ever, that the idea of their venomous character arose from the fact that
toads when frightened or suddenly attacked eject urine, and also that when
they are severely injured there exudes from the skin on their backs a very
acrid milky kind of matter. This is so pungent, that it makes dogs froth at
the mouth, and cast out a toad if they happen to have seized one. Perhaps
this matter is like some other poisons, harmless to the touch, though deadly
in the stomach. I once gave a tame heron a toad, after which he suddenly
died. Again I tried the same on another heron, which soon sickened and
cast up the toad. I have mentioned this before in another publication, and
wish now to observe that the venom of the viper is harmless in the stomach,
as also is that of the honey bee, which contains far more poison for its size
than the adder, while both may be fatal in the blood either by bite or sting.
It is said, moreover, of toads, that they can live in poisonous air in which
no other creature could exist. This may arise from the fabulous notion of
the ancients respecting the toad hatching the basilisk’s or cockatrice’s eggs,
and that the supposed half serpent and half cock afterwards changed into
a huge toad, which lived in caves and wells, and filled them wfitli deadly
poison — once a common belief even in this country.

That, however, is not so ridiculous as some of the other vulgar errors or
prejudices of our time respecting toads, besides that of their being venomous.
The worst of these is that they are imps or messengers of evil : hence
boys will always stone poor toads to death. I pass over others to notice
that of toads surviving without air, in contradiction to the law of nature, that
“ air is the life of all living.” There are so many instances recorded re¬
specting toads having been found in the hearts of trees and in stones, that
one is forced to believe it, though contrary to reason. I may mention, how¬
ever, that I have repeatedly sealed up toads in small flower-pots, and also
buried them deeply in the ground, both in summer and late in the autumn,
and all of them have died, excepting those to which a little air was admitted.

Cossey Park. J. Wighton.

NEW PELARGONIUMS.

The spring of 1867 has been singularly fertile in new Pelargoniums of
a high-class quality. Show after show has seen them produced in pro¬
fusion, but yet of genuine excellence ; and it is the object of this paper to
place before the readers of the Florist and Pomologist a list of these new
flowers, arranged for easy reference, and as far as this can be done in a series
of groups having regard to the ground colour of the flowers ; in other

168

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

words, to classify them according to the prevalent shades of colour presented.
The following kinds have all received first-class certificates at the exhi¬
bitions of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, the Royal Botanic Society, the
Crystal Palace, or at the meetings of the Floral Committee, and, as just
intimated, they are arranged according to the prevailing hue of the lower
petals.

To the Salmon-coloured flowers belongs the premier variety of the year — namely,
Emperor (Foster), pale rosy salmon, the upper petals having a well-defined medium dark
blotch, regularly margined with fiery crimson carmine, and broadly edged with pure salmon
rose; flowers large, pure, and very smooth ; a beautiful and striking flower, the colours on
the upper petals being very regularly defined. Another fine variety is Sceur de Charite
(Foster), a novel and beautiful orange salmon flower, pencilled with dark ; top petals dark,
margined with bright rose, and having a white throat faintly pencilled with rosy lines ; a
few of the flowers have been a little rough on the edges, while the majority were smooth and
of fine quality ; habit excellent.

Of "White flowers there is one of fine quality — Hermit (Beck), a large flower, the lower
petals white, slightly suffused with pink ; dark top petals, with margin of fiery carmine, and
broad edging of pink ; flowers stout and smooth, and the habit good.

Flowers of a Violet hue, or of shades of rose allied to it, are represented by the following : —
Empress (Foster), salmon rose suffused with violet, and pencilled with orange crimson ; dark
top petals, the blotch lit up with fiery orange, and having a narrow edge of rosy pink ; flowers
large, very smooth, and of fine quality; good habit. Examvle (Hoyle), a flower of very fine
shape and quality, the lower petals rosy pink suffused with violet, intense dark blotch on upper
petals, bordered with fiery crimson, and margined with a slight edge of violet, a conspicuous
white centre; very free-blooming, with bold effective trusses. Hermit (Foster), fiery carmine,
suffused and edged with pale violet, and stained with dark ; upper petals intense dark, shaded
and rayed with bright crimson, and edged with pale pink ; large white centre ; free, and of
good habit. Queen of Roses (Beck), lower petals vivid rosy crimson, the upper petals with rich
dark blotch, shaded and margined with fiery crimson, the centre rayed with purple ; a very
fine and striking shade of colour ; medium-sized flower, a little rough. Rob Roy (Foster),
rosy violet, with small blotch of pale rosy crimson on each petal ; upper petals dark margined
with rosy crimson, which runs into the dark blotch, and edged with rosy pink; a fine, bold
and stout flower.

Stained flowers have received good accessions in the following : — Grandee (Foster), clear
pale pink, the upper petals pencilled and stained with crimson, and having a regular and
smooth edge of pink; flowers of fine form and substance. Joan of Arc (Foster), deep rose,
suffused with purple and stained with dark ; upper petals dark, the blotch running into a
vivid fiery margin, edged with deep rosy violet ; a very bright and pleasing shade of colour ;
flowers large, stout, and bold. Lady of Quality Improved (Beck), a very finely formed and
smooth flower, the lower petals vivid carmine rose, stained and pencilled with dark crimson ;
dark top petals, with narrow rosy crimson margin ; habit good.

The Spotted flowers have been augmented by — L'Empereur (Beck), warm pink slightly
blotched with rosy crimson ; upper petals dark, with margin of fiery crimson, edged with
rosy pink, conspicuous white centre ; a large and bold flower. Man of Mark (Hoyle), a
cheerful-looking but somewhat small spotted flower, bright carmine rose spotted with rich
dark ; upper petals dark, with broad margin of glowing rosy crimson ; the habit somewhat
spare and drawn. Victor (Boyle), a very fine spotted variety, rosy pink, heavily suffused
with carmine, and blotched and pencilled with rich dark ; upper petals glossy dark, with
narrow margin of rosy crimson, white centre ; the flowers bold, showy, and of fine form, and
the habit good.

A first-class certificate was awarded to Maanet (Dobson), for its obvious good qualities,
both as a market and decorative plant. The colour is vivid crimson of a very rich and striking
hue, it flowers profusely, and the habit is excellent.

The following received second-class certificates, together with some others that subse¬
quently received the higher award : — Filomena (Beck), a somewhat novel, hut beautiful
shade of colour, bright rosy violet, with regidar dark blotch on each segment ; glossy dark
velvet top petals, with narrow edge of vivid rosy crimson, white centre ; good habit and
very free; a flower of good character. Heirloom (Hoyle), a large and hold flower, with
lower petals soft pale rose, dark top petals, bordered with fiery crimson, conspicuous white
centre ; a fine exhibition variety. Prince Consort (Foster), carmine rose, with a just percep¬
tible shads of violet, a medium-sized blotch on the top petals, with broad fiery margin becom¬
ing paler towards the edge, and a white centre ; good habit, and free bloomer.

The very wholesome practice of awarding certificates to seedling Pelar-

AUGUST.

169

goniums only of tlie second year, does not prevent the appearance of flowers
of the first year at the shows, as it is invariably the rule to empower the
judges to give commendations to flowers having special and promising
features.

A commendation was given to Needle Gun (Hoyle), a painted flower, with, deep orange
lower petals, stained with dark ; upper petals dark, with narrow edge of fiery rose, small
flowers, but of good shape, and very smooth : commended for its hue of colour. Other
yearling flowers, which are introduced here in order to confine them under one head, were :
— Patrimony (Hoyle), a large and bold flower, very smooth and stout, that promises to make
a first-class variety ; lower petals pale rosy pink ; dark top petals, with medium blotch, lit
up with fiery orange crimson, and having a narrow edge of pale rose — a flower not without
a defect or two that another year’s growth may possibly do much to remove. Miss Hervey
(Hoyle), a large stained flower, not in good condition, being loose and thin, but having a
very striking white throat. Prince Imperial (Dobson), pale orange salmon lower petals;
rich dark top petals, margined with fiery rose ; medium-sized smooth flowers, and good
habit; a very promising flower. Lord Derby (Dobson), a rich-coloured small stained flower,
but badly shaped.

The following varieties are selected as the best of those not certificated,
but many of which will, no doubt, be sent out in the coming autumn, as the
majority have no mean pretensions to high merit, and possibly were not
shown as seedlings in their best condition. These, also, are arranged as
far as possible according to the hue of the ground colour.

Of High-coloured and Stained flowers the following have appeared: — Bacchus (Foster), a
stained flower, with a large and bold white throat, rich dark top petals, and bright rosy
edge, of good habit, and blooming freely, but the trusses had not more than three pips on
each. Darkle (Beck), intensely dark flowers, the lower petals broken into and lit up with
vivid crimson, and having a narrow edge of the same ; the upper petals intensely dark ;
flowers small but very striking. Captain John (Hoyle), a stout and well- formed stained
flower of remarkably good quality, and very free blooming ; bright rose suffused with pale
violet towards the margin, and blotched and stained with dark ; the upper petals dark, rayed
with bright rosy crimson, and having a smooth and regular outer edge of pink. Etrennes
(Hoyle), vivid deep carmine, stained with dark; rich dark top petals, with narrow edge of
bright rosy crimson, and striking white centre; the flowers as shown somewhat crumpled,
but a showy variety. The Peer (Foster), a very fine and stout stained flower of a rich hue,
with bold and smooth flowers, but not shown in good condition. Prince of Orange (Beck), a
small flower, but noticeable for its superb shade of dark orange scarlet, with broad edging of
dark scarlet to the upper petals ; a rich and striking hue of colour. Prince of Orange (Hoyle),
a good flower, too much in the way of John Hoyle, but with more dark colour in the lower
petals, while the top petals are not so good. Success (Hoyle), pale rose, heavily pencilled
with dark, the white centre somewhat confused by being run into with the dark pencilled
lines; top petals dark, with narrow margin of pale rose ; quite novel in character, and very
free blooming.

The following are of Carmine and bright Rose shades : — Aspasia (Beck), rosy pink, with
dark top petals, margined and run into with bright rosy crimsoii, edged with pink, and having
a conspicuous white throat; a large and bold flower. Autocrat (Foster), pale carmine rose,
stained with fiery crimson, and conspicuous white centre ; top petals dark, margined with fiery
crimson, which breaks into the dark blotch, and broad edging of pink; very pretty flower, but
having a somewhat sportive tendency. Calypso (Beck), clear orange carmine lower, and dark
top petals, with broad rosy crimson margin, run into by the dark. Northern Star (Foster), a
flower of good quality, bright orange scarlet, with slight dark blotch ; upper petals dark,
margined with glossy rosy scarlet ; a taking flower, but rough on the upper petals. Rival
Queen (Foster), a very bright-looking flower, having veined rosy carmine lower petals, richly
stained with dark, white centre suffused with violet, and dark top petals, with narrow margin
of bright crimson carmine.

The Spotted class receives the following additions : — The Cardinal and’ Firefly , both
from Mr. Foster, two self-coloured flowers, belonging to the French class ; the latter very
bright, having vivid rosy carmine flowers, with a small dark blotch on the upper petals, the
flowers small, but plentiful; the first-named with a somewhat dark colour irregularly
distributed over the top petals ; habit good, and very fine ; they will make good decorative or
market kinds. Mr. C. Kimberley, of Stoke, near Coventry, showed a good-looking spotted
variety named Grand Arab, having light lower petals, with a medium dark spot on each
petal, lit up with fiery rose, dark top petals margined with fiery rose, and edged with pale

170

THE FLOKIST AND POMOLOGIST.

pink ; flowers smooth and of good shape, and free blooming. Another spotted kind was
Patrician (Hoyle), having bright rosy carmine lower petals, pencilled and slightly spotted
with dark, and- having a very narrow edge of pale violet ; upper petals glossy dark, with very
narrow edge of deep rosy crimson : a fine and effective flower, but as shown the truss was too
small.

Of Salmon-coloured flowers there were : — Archduke (Foster), a large and somewhat
coarse flower, having bright salmon lower petals, stained with dark, and a conspicuous white
centre. Autocrat (Foster), in the way of Hermit, but not so good, has a very sportive
tendency. Marksman (Fraser), rosy salmon, slightly veined with dark; top petals dark,
with broad fiery margin and edge of pink; flowers small but very free-blooming, and both
trusses and habit good. It lacks novelty of colour, but will be valuable because so free in
blooming. Beauty (Beck), something in the same way as the preceding, but having more
orange in the lower petals the colour is thereby brightened and made more striking, though
the hue pales with age ; free-blooming, with good trusses, but the habit somewhat spare.
King of Trumps (Foster), and Troubadour (Foster), are beaten by Emperor ; though they have
more carmine in the colour of the lower petals, and some claim to distinctness, they still run
in the same way, while inferior in quality.

Flowers with a delicate ground were: — Plectra (Beck), a very beautiful flower, though
not of first-rate properties; lower petals delicate pink, slightly blotched with carmine on
each petal ; dark top petals run into and margined with fiery crimson, and broadly edged
with pale rosy pink; a very promising exhibition kind. Empress (E. Gr. Henderson & Son),
has medium-sized white flowers, the upper petals marked with rosy crimson, the flowers
much crumpled or waved, and yet very attractive ; it blooms freely, and will apparently
make a good forcing kind. Woman in White (Hoyle), pure white lower petals, the top petals
fiery rose shaded with dark ; pure in colour, but the flowers thin.

Shades of Rosy Yiolet are represented by: — Magician (Foster), having a rich shade of
rosy violet, but not shown in good condition, the upper petals having a tendency to become
crumpled, and the white centre was confused and ill-defined. Mignonette (Beck), a small
flower, but of a striking shade of colour, rosy violet lower petals, dark top petals, broadly
edged with bright rose, white centre. The Prelate (Foster), is a very striking flower of
massive build, but somewhat crumpled on the edges as shown, and, though a good-sized and
bushy plant, no truss had more than three flowers, and some only two — a radical defect ;
lower petals rosy violet crimson, stained with dark ; upper petals dark, with narrow edge of
bright rosy crimson; habit good. Robin Hood (Foster), a very pleasing hue of colour, the
lower petals violet pink, slightly suffused with carmine; dark top petals with a fiery crimson
margin, white throat ; good habit, and free blooming.

The production of new Fancy Pelargoniums has been confined almost
entirely to Mr. Turner, of Slough, and any awards to seedlings that have
been made, have gone to him.

The following received first-class certificates : — Belle of the Season (Turner), pale
ground lower petals with rosy carmine blotches ; upper petals rosy crimson ; good form and
substance, and very free blooming. Brightness (Turner), bright rosy carmine, the lower
petals having a distinct narrow edging of white, and the centre being pure white ; a flower
of excellent form, smooth, and stout, and will make a good exhibition variety. Perfection
(Turner), the top petals claret crimson, with narrow margin of rosy lilac ; lower petals
veined and dashed wiih rosy claret ; flowers of fine form, smooth, and stout, and habit
excellent. East Lynne (Turner), a flower somewhat in the way of Perfection, but rather
larger, the lower petals rosy crimson, suffused with purple, and slightly edged with pale rose :
top petals dark rosy crimson, with a pale edge ; flowers stout, smooth, and of fine form ;
excellent habit. Pink Perfection (Turner), large, bright, rosy-pink flowers of fine form and
quality, with white centre ; bold and very striking, of good habit, and a fine exhibition
variety. Marmion (Turner), rosy crimson suffused with violet, and margined with pale rosy
lilac, conspicuous white throat; flowers large and stout; a variety that may be termed an
improved Godfrey Turner, though not so dark in colour ; it also has a pure white centre,
instead of the somewhat confused bluish centre of the older flower ; of a very pleasing shade
of colour, but a little crumpled on the edges.

Second-class certificates were awarded to Maid Marian , upper petals rose dashed with
violet; lower petals white, spotted and veined with bright rose ; a good flower. Madame Vilda ,
dark rosy crimson, with pure white throat, and very narrow edge of white round the flower ;
flowers small, but well-formed and smooth ; very free blooming, and good habit.

Two very free-blooming varieties were shown by Mr. Turner — viz., Fanny Gair and
Excelsior , both light flowers, very prolific of bloom, but wanting form and smoothness ; and
another named Leotard , having large rosy carmine flowers suffused with violet, the flowers

AUGUST.

171

large, but wanting outline and smoothness. Mrs. J. W. Todd (Downie & Co), had pure white
lower petals, blotched and margined with rose, and rosy violet upper petals. Messrs. Dobson
and Son exhibited the following : — No. 1, deep rose self flowers, with a purple tinge round a
white throat, and narrow edge of white, flowering freely, but spare in the habit ; Homer, in
the way of the foregoing, but having the lower petals broken into by lines of a pale colour ;
and Achievement and Silver Star, two light flowers of but little character.

Quo.

GREEN GOOSEBERRIES.

During the lifetime of some of our market gardeners, the leafstalk of
the Rhubarb, which is now grown by the acre and brought to market by the
ton, was not a town vegetable; the “ million ” had to go without that cheap
raw material for tarts, and people were considered to have been in the way
of good luck and good living, who got Green Gooseberries for tarts. My
object at present is not to cry down Rhubarb stalks as tart stuff, but to cry
up the better article, so as to get, for making tarts, the green fruit instead
of the green leafstalk.

If any one in the possession of a plot of ground were asked if he could
grow Gooseberries, he would certainly answer in the affirmative, and no
doubt he would succeed without special tuition ; but the culture for ripe
Gooseberries differs in many points from the culture for tart Gooseberries.
The Lancashire Gooseberry fancier will tell you to a fraction of the ounce
the large size of his “Roaring Lion,” but this is just the reverse of what
is considered best for tart Gooseberries. They should be small, their growth
should be stunted, so that when other Gooseberries are full-sized, they
should be half size, and never get to be full-sized. The goblet-shaped
Gooseberry bush, hollowed out by pruning to give the fruit every opportunity
of growing and ripening, has to be set aside, and the spiny shrub has to be
treated like a Thorn hedge, the shoots long and straight, and thickly set,
In short, it is a Gooseberry hedge that is wanted, and that a poor one, for
if it is over-manured it will cease to be the crabbed style of thing that
produces small fruit out of season. The green kinds are best, and the
yellows come next, but the red kinds should be avoided, or used first before
they show any of their ripening colour.

Many years ago my father planted a hedge of Gooseberry bushes to
prevent a neighbour from encroaching, and he put in a lot of spare bushes
and a great many cuttings of full length, just as they were pruned from the
Gooseberry bushes, and a matted thicket was the consequence, very prolific
indeed of spines ; but a very unlooked-for result was obtained, for after all
other Gooseberries had got large and sweet, these were small and sour, and
made excellent tarts. Any quantity of Gooseberry cuttings can be got in
winter, and, if they are carefully put in the ground they will all strike root,
and make good plants in the course of a short time. If any one possessed
of a stock of plants will keep the pruning knife away from them, and get
them into hedgerow fashion, he will soon get a weight of small fruit off
them, for the plant is a sure cropper, and its forte lies in the multitude of
spines and small sour berries that it can produce. It seems quite at home
at this kind of work, and can act unaided by high cultivation.

The price of green Gooseberries is extravagantly high, yet it is quite
astonishing to see the quantities sold, and the large size they are. A tart
Gooseberry should not be larger than a Hazel nut, but these I allude to
are as big as Walnuts, and need to be sliced like Cucumbers before going
into the pie-dish. As the fruit is only grown to half its natural size for tarts,

172

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

and only occupies about half the time upon the hush that the ripe fruit
does, it does not exhaust the plant ; and if the caterpillar can be kept down
the plants will go on fruiting for a great many years, for the Gooseberry plant
is long-lived, and remains a stunted shrub, although never pruned. It is
less than the Currant in size, and considerably longer lived. It seems as
if it could not aspire like the smooth barked Currants, having to guard
itself with pointed armour, which it has to manufacture as it goes on. The
subject only wants to be named, and the line of distinction drawn between
the culture for ripe fruit and the culture for green, and the work will get
forward in due time. It is sound practical advice, and no one will be
disappointed that gives the thing a fair and honest trial.

Salford. A. Forsyth.

PRIMULA CORTUSOIDES AMCENA.

This beautiful hardy herbaceous perennial was introduced from Japan
by Mr. J. G. Veitcli, and was noticed by the late Dr. Lindley in the follow¬
ing terms : — “ Among the pretty things from Japan brought home by Mr.
J. G. Veitch, were seeds of a Primrose of striking beauty, with leaves
something like those of P. sinensis in colour and texture, and with trusses
of flowers rivalling in colour the brilliant Azalea amoena. Weak plants
of it having blossomed, it proves to be a glorious form of the old forgotten
Primula cortusoides, the delight of our boyhood, because not only of its
singular beauty, but because it was not miffy, like other northern Primroses.
Two forms of it have been raised — namely, amcena, with flowers of the
richest crimson, and twice as large as those of the original plant ; and
striata, with smaller flowers of a delicate pink colour, striped with lines of
crimson. This plant must have a great future, for in the hands of such
growers as we now have, it is almost certain to break into new colours, and
to assume new forms and proportions. It is evidently as hardy as a hedge
Primrose, for it has been found wild, not only in Dauria and Japan, but in
many parts of Mantchuria, flowering in May and June, near the rivers
Amoor and Schilha, the most rigorous of climates.” ( Gardeners' Chronicle.)

Since the above remarks were published the plant has gone on increasing
in strength and beauty, till now it may, without the least exaggeration, be
designated as one of the finest of hardy flowering perennials. The figure
annexed gives a fair idea of its form and general character, but none what¬
ever of the rich colouring of its flowers.

There are three very distinct varieties of this plant already known in
cultivation — namely, alba, with pure white blossoms ; grandijiora, with large,
drooping, concave, lilac-purple blossoms ; and albida, with greyish white
drooping blossoms. All of these are very beautiful, but none, perhaps, sur¬
pass in beauty the original form, with its large flowers of a deep magenta rose.

Mr. Fleming, of Cliveden, has borne testimony to the hardiness and effec¬
tiveness of this Primrose in the remarks which we here quote to complete
our brief history of the plant : — “ We have had plants of it out for the last
two winters, and it formed this spring one of the most charming beds we
have had. The first plant was sent to us by Mr. Yeitcli in the autumn of
1864, in order to try its usefulness as a spring decorative plant, and we
have had it growing outside since the summer of 1865, or as soon as we
could get a duplicate ; but either for the early spring borders or in-doors it
is a great acquisition. Our practice has been to remove the plants, after
blooming, to a north border, where they are planted in a good mixture of

AUGUST

178

rather heavy loam, peat, dry cowdung, and sand. It must be borne in
mind that the habit of the plant very much resembles that of the Lily of
the Valley — namely, that it forms flowering crowns in the summer, and
loses its leaves in the autumn, therefore the roots are at work all the sum¬
mer, and, I think, during the winter also, for it is surprising with what

halls it may be lifted in spring. We have generally put a small wooden
frame round the roots to prevent the workmen treading on the crowns.
The leaves with us begin to come up in March ; they are of a rich green,

i 2

174

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

and fringed, so as very much to resemble some of the Ferns. The bed
should be a little shaded from the hot sun, which robs the flowers of their
rich mauve colour. The flower-stems should also be tied, otherwise the
wet will break down the heavy heads of bloom.”

M.

THE PRODUCTION OF ROOTS FROM VINE STEMS.

The late Dr. Lindley endeavoured to prove in his “ Theory of Horticulture ”
that the production of roots from the stem of the Grape Vine is owing to
the coldness of the border, coupled with a warm damp atmosphere. This
opinion has been endorsed by many gardeners, either upon the supposition
that a doctor cannot err, or, what is more probable, that there has not
occurred an opportunity whereby they could test the validity of the
assertion.

With me it has so happened that I have been able to detect the fallacy,
and to prove satisfactorily that the coldness of the border exercises no in¬
fluence whatever, but rather that the presence of such roots is attributable
to warm humidity alone. We have here an early vinery where the roots
are confined entirely to the inside of the house. The soils rests upon a
layer of large stones 15 inches deep, through which are carried two three-
inch hot-water pipes, sufficient to maintain a ground temperature of 80°,
were that required.

Now the question may he asked, If the emission of roots from the stem
he caused by an undue depression of heat in the soil, how does it come to
pass that in this house they show themselves in such an abundance, many
measuring 9 inches long, while the bottom heat is never allowed to sink
below 70° ? Forcing usually begins about the middle of November, and
hence is carried on through the murky days of winter, when there is little or
no sunshine to carry off an excess of moisture. Surely, then, the hare fact
stares us broadly in the face, that a hot damp atmosphere is the sole and
only cause by which stem roots are produced.

In a second vinery where the Vines are planted in an outside border,
scarcely or ever do the stems emit roots, owing to a decrease of internal
humidity. In the present case the soil is slightly warmed by the application
of fermenting material to the surface of the border, but the amount of heat
is not so great, nor its action so regular, as that supplied by hot water.

I may just add, that by reasoning theoretically we are unavoidably
drawn to the conclusion, that the roots of the Grape Vine should, to keep
the vegetable machinery in good working order, he surrounded by the same
temperature as that of the branches, or even a little advance of it. But
for such a course I have never observed any practical necessity.

The Gardens , Tortworth Court. A. Cramb.

[Surely the production of roots from Vine stems arises mainly from the imperfect action
of the proper roots ; and this may sometimes he occasioned by coldness of the border, but
in the case above referred to might have arisen from drought. — Eds.]

THE NEW HYACINTHS OF 1867.

These have been very sparingly produced this year as compared with
previous years, the only exhibitor of them during the past spring having
been Mr. William Paul. As is usually the case now, the new varieties

AUGUST.

•i rj fir

1 10

belong to the Single class, so very rarely are double flowers produced that
show an advance beyond what we already possess.

The Red-coloured Hyacinths — a division that comprises shades from
deep crimson down to blush, have been well represented. Linnaus
(W. Paul), is a magenta crimson, the sepals slightly edged with a paler
colour, the pips small and somewhat rough on the edges, but forming a
close and showy spike ; good habit ; awarded a second-class certificate.
Prince Albert Victor (W. Paul), is of a glossy crimson, a line of colour of a
darker shade running along the centre of each sepal ; bells stout and finely
formed, making a bold and symmetrical spike ; awarded a first-class certifi¬
cate, and probably the finest of all the new reds. To the same division
belongs Grand Vainqueur (W. Cutbusli & Son), another sport from the old
single white flower of this name ; pale ground colour, with stripe and
shading of pink ; bells of fine form and substance, forming a good spike.

The Single Blue division has been well represented by Blondin (W. Paul),
which is of a very pale or silvery lilac blue, the tube and exterior of the
sepals violet ; bells large, stout, and well reflexed ; bold and showy spike,
and, like the generality of the single blue flowers with large bells, the
foliage grows tall and strong ; awarded a first-class certificate. This variety
and those called Princess Mary of Cambridge and Lord Cowley , bear a great
resemblance to each other.

The Mauve division is represented by Sir Henry Havelock (W. Paul),
shown as new in 1866, a rich-looking plum purple flower, with a darker
stripe running up the sepals.

The White division is represented by Lord Shaftesbury (W. Paul), which
was first shown in 1864, and since that time has been considerably improved,
though it is still somewhat coarse ; the bells are very large and stout, and
of a pale creamy white, but not of the best shape; awarded a first-class
certificate.

Among Yellows, the most prominent is Bird of Paradise (W. Paul), not
a new flower indeed, having been named and catalogued by a London house
some five or six years ago, but only exhibited in 1866 ; the colour is pale
canary yellow, the bells small and somewhat crumpled. La Grande Jaune
(W. Cutbush & Son), is a valuable addition to this class ; colour dark cream,
with stripes of brownish yellow up the sepals ; bells large, stout, and well
reflexed, forming a good spike.

Of older flowers, but yet rare, because expensive, La Grandcsse, Snowball,
and Mrs. James Cutbush, are fine varieties among the Single White flowers
with large bells. Victor Emmanuel promises to be an improvement on Due
de Malakoff ; colour pale salmon, with a stripe of carmine along the seg¬
ments ; bells well reflexed ; good spike ; a novel and distinct flower. Car¬
mine is of a bright deep carmine lme ; pips close and smooth, and finely
formed ; spike short ; colour very striking. La Prophete, deep pink, with
white centre, is a rather old flower, but has been finely shown by Mr. Paul
during the past season. Lord Palmerston, though a somewhat novel flower,
is of a washy pale violet hue, which detracts from its effectiveness in a
group, but when well bloomed, its white eye renders it distinct and striking.
Lord Cowley is of a pale lilac blue colour, and does not possess so much
colour on the exterior of the bells as Blondin, being there azure blue instead
of violet ; Lord Cowley and Blondin bear a striking resemblance the one to
the other, but the latter has finer quality and more finish about the flower.
Among the Yellows Ida has been very finely shown this season, and still
ranks the premier flower in this division of colour. King of the Blues is a

176

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

magnificent flower in the Blue division, and is not surpassed by any other
variety of a similar shade of colour.

Among Early Single Tulips I have observed nothing strictly new, but
a few of a somewhat novel character and but seldom seen, deserve mention.
Of these the Violet class was represented by Queen of Violets , rosy violet, a
very fine and novel shade of colour ; flowers large and bold, and of good
form. Rose Asiatic, pale violet pink, feathered and flamed with carmine,
very delicate colour, and good form ; and Berangaria, purplish mauve, of a
dark shade, very slightly feathered with white, distinct and novel, the
flowers of good size, but the petals somewhat pointed. Comte cle Vergennes
is a novel and beautiful flower, pure white, with a blotch of rosy crimson
on the centre of the petals, and feathered with the same. Queen Victoria ,
a white flower, pencilled and shaded with rosy carmine, has been very fine
this season ; unfortunately a spurious variety too often gets sent out for this.
Monument is a tall-growing bright rosy cerise flower, which sometimes
comes slightly flaked with white. It is a bold and showy kind. Brutus
rectified, is a “ broken ” Brutus, having a golden base to the flower, and is
feathered ‘with gold also ; it is a very fine and showy flower. El Boraclo is
a small but very bright yellow flower that will be sure to please. Jan
Lucken has a ground colour of golden yellow, flaked with bright crimson ;
a medium-sized flower but very showy. Ferdinand Boll is of a pale rosy
lilac shade, with lighter edges ; a fine flower.

Quo.

COOL ORCHIDS— ODONTOGLOSSUMS.

Now that plants of the more showy and free-blooming Orchids can be
had at prices even more moderate than those of some of the better varieties
of Pelargoniums when first sent out, they are rapidly becoming popular.
Their popularity may date its first prominent increase from the advent of
cool treatment, and that for several reasons. The first maybe said to be owing
to the large lot that was sent home from the elevated regions of Central
America by Weir and Blunt, among which, despite many losses, several
batches reached this country in good condition. These filled the market with
sorts which hitherto had been confined to a few growers, and prices fell to
so reasonable a rate as to induce others to make a beginning. Secondly, ex¬
perienced growers had found out the impracticability of growing many such
things as Odontoglots for instance, from alpine regions, in a temperature
where the very essence of the pseudobulbs was washed out of them, and
sickness and death were the consequence, involving losses which might once
or twice be borne by an enthusiastic lover of the race, but could not be
expected to be long endured. Benefiting by both written and oral advice,
they found to their delight and astonishment, that not only could the in¬
florescence of the plants under cultural care, equal the sketches and represen¬
tations of collectors, pourtraying them from nature as wildings, but that in
some instances they were vastly superior. Thirdly, orchidophilists were
delighted to find that both they, and the ladies of their households, could
inspect and admire the plants without feeling uncomfortably hot, and running
the risk of catching periodical colds from being, so to speak, within the
influence of a Turkish bath. An East Indian climate must always partake
a little of this character ; but for good and beautiful Orchids that are found
in the Andes and Cordilleras of tropical regions, a very cool temperature
will suffice.

AUGUST.

177

much concerning its own merits as in reference to the species from which it
originated. It might be considered horticulturally an outcast from the
very superb 0. Insleayi. Reichenbach himself in naming it has some
doubts about its distinctive character, but is inclined to stand sponsor for
it on the plea of its flowering “ in late summer whereas, Insleayi flowers
in early spring. That is not a sufficient distinction in my estimation,
more especially as even Insleayi has been flowered in- autumn. The same
sort of indefinite distinction occurs in the case of what is called a summer*

The Odontoglots are fast becoming a numerous family. Between the
years 1837 and 1840, the earliest of them were introduced from Mexico,
comprising 0. bictoniense, cor datum, Cervantesii, and Plossu. Since then we
have had the glorious 0. grande, as well as the rare and beautiful 0. Pesca-
torei, nebulosum, and others which seemed at first to baffle the efforts of cul¬
tivators. We are all, however, now getting fast over the difficulty, so
that the 0. Alexandra;, luteo-purpareum of Lindley ( radiatum of Reichen¬
bach), gloriosum, and triumphans of modern introduction, are likely to be
dealt with, culturally speaking, as they ought to be. It has been shown
several times that the wondrous beauty of Odontoglossums has far eclipsed
the most sanguine anticipations, and that well-developed plants of 0. grande,
Pescatorei, and ncevium are among the finest things in cultivation. This
being the case, it has been made an object to present a pictorial representa¬
tion of some of them before the readers of the Florist, in order t’o draw
more general attention towards them, and to endeavour to coax the looker-
on and admirer, to invest a few pounds in forming a collection.

Of 0. Schlieperianum, a figure of which from the pages of our contemporary
the Gardeners' Chronicle is annexed, we wish to speak a word or two, not so

178 THE FLORIST AMD POMOLOGIST.

flowering 0. grande, which is thus elevated into a distinct species, as
O. Lawrenceanim. These and some other instances I could name, have a
tendency to obscure botanical nomenclature ; and I would support the
late Dr. Lindley and Mr. Bateman in strongly deprecating this Babel of
confusion. I have flowered the common 0. grande when in vigour over and
over again twice a-year, and so have I done with the so-called 0. Lawren-
ceanum. Botanists are sometimes more to blame than the horticulturists
for this state of matters, and when men of science will persevere in so
doing, how are we to look for a remedy? To revert to 0. Insleayi and its
variety Schliepeiianicm, we have to remark that there are now numerous
plants in the country, and plenty to be bought at a cheap rate. As a cool-
house plant it always engages attention, and when any one gets from ten
to twelve flowers on the spike, its decorative importance will be suitably
acknowledged. Its flowers are only about half the size of grande, but the
colours are better contrasted and more vivid.

0. radicitum is a decided acquisition. Although, as noted above, it is
identical with 0. luteo-purpureum, still that species was till lately unknown
as a cultivated plant in this
country. There is this pecu¬
liarity about the species, that
it occurs in so many and such
diverse varieties, that were
we contented with such little
distinctions as those of the
so-called species above com¬
mented upon, we might have
at least a dozen new names
added to our Orchid vocabu¬
lary. It comes to be a ques¬
tion, then, with collectors, not
so much Have you got radia-
tum ? as What is your variety ?

Some of them are very clear in
the ground colour, and some
are very indistinct ; some pro¬
minently blotched and spotted
with a clear shining choco¬
late, while others are of a dark
murky brown. Good-grown
plants produce panicles bear¬
ing from fifteen to twenty-
four flowers. Coming from
•Ecuador and those lofty
ranges that stretch across Central America, it is -well suited for a cool
climate, and it is of ready growth and free-blooming properties. .

On the merits of 0. yrande and Pescatorei with its nearly allied species,
Alexandra (Bluntii), I need not enlarge. They, beyond question, combine
the gorgeous, the beautiful, the chaste, and the winning features of the
highest rank of floral display, and any reasonable sum invested in either
one or all of them, if the plants be well managed throughout, will be repaid
with interest at the period of inflorescence.

Meadow Bank.

James Anderson.

AUGUST.

179

CABBAGES FOR SPRING USE.

Practical men have no difficulty in getting a supply of Cabbages for
early spring use ; to them it is a very easy simple affair, no matter what
the season may be. But the inexperienced oftentimes make great mistakes
in the matter, and instead of having Cabbages for use in early spring, it
very frequently happens that they have none ready before midsummer. A
supply of Cabbages early in spring is always very useful, but doubly so in
seasons like the past, when greens of every kind were scarce in consequence
of the wholesale destruction among them by the frosts in January last.
A few remarks on the subject may be not altogether unacceptable to some
of your readers. There are two points of much importance to be attended
to — namely, 1st, The Time for Sowing the Seed ; and 2nd, The Time for
Transplanting.

The Time for Sowing the Seed. — This is a matter of much importance, as
the time that would be proper to sow in one place, will not answer in another
part of the country. In the south of England, the end of July or beginning
of August is found to be a proper time for sowing ; but here in Yorkshire,
if we were to defer the sowing until then, we should in vain look for Cabbages
before midsummer. Taking the average of seasons, I find it is not prudent
to sow later than the middle of July, in order to get Cabbages early in
spring. As the seasons vary much, so also does the growth of the plants,
which will be either large or small according to the weather. Instead,
therefore, of depending for plants on one sowing, I have- made it a rule for
many years to make two sowings, the first about from the 8tli to the 12tli of
July, and the second from the 20th to the 26th. By this plan I have always
a great choice of plants, and plenty to spare for the workmen.

The Time for Transplanting. — Here in Yorkshire this should not be done
later than the middle of September. I plant always the end of the first
week in September, from the first sowing in July, and again about the end
of the third week I plant the best plants from the second or late sowings.
In general, I find those planted the end of the first week in September come
in earliest in spring — sometimes, but rarely, they do get a little too forward
in the autumn, and in consequence suffer a little if severe frost sets in, but in
general I find they do better and come in earlier than the later-planted
ones ; the latter come in after the others, and continue the supply. In
general, Cabbages should never be planted out later than the middle of
September when wanted early in spring. If they are planted in October
they are rarely fit for use before the following June. When planted early in
September they get good roothold, and being earthed up and taken a little
care of, they stand ordinary winters with impunity ; but when planted as
late as October they do not get much roothold ; and if the weather sets in
cold and unfavourable they make no progress, and many of the plants fall a
prey to slugs, so that when March comes round, more than half the plants
are gone, the vacancies have to be filled up, and it is generally the end of
June before the Cabbages are fit for use.

General Remarks. — For early use some approved early sort should be
sown. The properties of a good Cabbage are, a small short stem, and a
large, compact, well-formed head of succulent leaves, surrounded with but
few loose leaves. To grow them in perfection a deep rich soil is requisite.

As the young plants advance in growth, the soil between the rows should
be stirred frequently with the hoe, and a little earth drawn up to the plants
as they require it. Should the earth in April be dry, frequent heavy water-

180

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

ing will be very beneficial to them, and occasionally a watering of liquid
manure. Attention to the foregoing matters will ensure a supply of good
Cabbage for spring use.,

Stourton. M. Saul.

THE TWO ROSE SHOWS.

I think it was Thackeray who remarked that actors when not playing
always went to the play, and, whether exhibiting or not, I never miss seeing
the two Rose Shows. The 29th day of June found me at the Crystal
Palace, and a more auspicious day for exhibitors and visitors could hardly
have been desired, although it was, perhaps, rather hot for the Roses, which
in many cases showed signs of fatigue long before the close of the Exhibition.
The Show was undoubtedly a success. Yet I fancy that I have seen more
competitors in some of the classes, and a greater number of fine Roses,
the diminution in the number of the latter being attributable, probably,
to the severe winter and spring we have just passed through. It may
be said that this influence was local ; and local I believe it was in the in¬
tensity of its effects, but it was, if I mistake not, general in so far as the
effect produced on the quality of the flowers. I have said, and say again,
that the Crystal Palace is not a place in which to show plants and flowers
to advantage, nor one in which to keep them in the highest state of fresh¬
ness throughout a long summer’s day. There is too much light, too much
heat, and the magnificent surroundings lessen rather than add to the im¬
portance and effect of the Exhibition. Why does not the Company erect
in its beautiful gardens canvas tents, the best of all contrivances for dis¬
playing plants and flowers to advantage ? Let us hope to see this done at
no distant future ; and if the tents could be connected with their own Rose
garden — the interior of the temple filled with pot Roses and pyramidal
bouquets of cut Roses in vases — the Crystal Palace Company might safely
count on making this not only the best Rose show, but one of the most
interesting floral fetes of the year.

As the clock struck twelve I took up my position at the entrance, note¬
book in hand, and, sore trial of patience though it was, stuck to the ropes
for four long hours, by which time I had brought the last flowers under
view. Willingly would I have moved faster, but to go with the stream and
see, or diverge and not see, were the only alternatives. I preferred the
former course, and having fairly carried it out will now give my readers the
benefit, if benefit it be, of the following extracts from my note-book, relat¬
ing, of course, to new or little-known Roses only : —

Madame Josephine Guyet, crimson, rnucli in the way of Senateur Yaisse, large, full, and
of tolerable form ; apparently good, but not indispensable.

Xavier Olibo, blackish crimson, shaded with amaranth ; pleasing in colour when it does
not burn, but irregular in shape ; pretty, but much over-praised.

Marie Baumann , bright carmine, the flowers large, smooth, and nicely formed, something
in the way of Beauty of Waltham.

Madame Fillion, beautiful fresh pink colour, very lovely, outline good ; the flower not
of any great depth.

Abel Grahd , rosy blush, colour fresh and pleasing; a very nice Rose, something in the
way of Duchess of Sutherland.

Marguerite de St. Amande, rosy flesh-colour, large and full, having the free habit of Jules
Margottin.

Leopold Hausburg , carmine shaded with purple, large, good outline, slightly coarse, and
scarcely double enough.

Charles Rouillard , rosy lilac, with red centre, large, full, and of perfect form, the colour
at the circumference of the flowers sometimes a little dull.

AUGUST.

181

Alpa'ide de Rotalier , transparent rose, large, full, and of good form; fine.

Madame Eugene Appert, salmon rose, large, full, and finely formed ; colour fresh, pleasing,
and distinct.

Mdlle. Tlierese Levet , rose pink, large, full, distinct, and of globular form ; very desirable
for the combination of form and colour.

Alfred Colomb , bright red, large, full, globular, smooth; quite first-rate.

Monsieur Woolfield, rosy pink ; a very large but somewhat coarse, globular flower.

Franqois Treyve, crimson scarlet ; good, but scarcely first-rate as shown.

Duke of Edinburgh, a dark flower, something in the way of Prince Camille de Rohan.

Comtesse de Palikao, pretty rose colour, apparently growing paler soon after expansion.

Madame Bellenden Ker , white, something in the way of Mdlle. Bonnaire ; desirable as a
white Rose.

Ville de Lyon , a large, finely- shaped Rose, of a melancholy colour.

Chevalier Nigra, pretty pink, not over-double.

Triomphe de Soissons, flesh-colour, distinct, and pretty, but scarcely first-rate.

Mdlle. Annie Wood, clear red; large, full, and of good form.

Mdlle. Jeanne Marix, dark slate ; very large.

Souvenir d' Abraham Lincoln, dark crimson and purple ; not over- large.

Felix Genero, a nice globular flower, of a dull lilac colour.

Miss Ingram, flesh-coloured white ; somewhat globular in form.

The Show at Kensington on the 2nd of July, was in some sort a re¬
petition of that held at the Crystal Palace three days before. The flowers,
if less numerous, were fresher at the outset, and remained so till the close
of the Exhibition, the shy being cloudy, and the day comparatively cool.
We say of the Kose Show at Kensington as of that at Sydenham — the
Koses should be shown under canvas to secure the twofold advantage of a
more favourable light, and a cooler atmosphere. In addition to the kinds
already commented on, we saw in fine condition here : —

Madame James Odier, clear pink, something in the way of Coupe d’Hebe ; colour and
shape good.

Madame Hoste, delicate pink, distinct in colour, perfect in outline, not always very
double, and apparently not of strong constitution.

Semiramis, clear pink, edges blush ; large, full, and of fine globular form.

Fisher Holmes, reddish scarlet shaded with crimson ; very brilliant, large, and moderately
full.

Prince de Portia, vermilion, colour striking and beautiful ; large, full, and finely formed.

Exposition de Brie, brilliant red, large and full ; a very fine, but somewhat coarse flower.

Charlotte Corday, red shaded with purple ; large, but hardly first-rate.

Comtesse de Paris, rose colour, large and full, fine smooth petals, good outline, not very
double.

Josephine Beauharnais, pink edged Avith silver ; very large, full, and of fine form.

In addition to the above, I noted the following simply as good : — Achille
Gonod, George Prince, Duchesse de Morny, Princess of Wales, Madame
Emain, and La Esmeralda.

The pot Koses were, as is usual at this season of the year, of indifferent
quality at both Shows, and not worthy of comparison with the plants
shown at an earlier date. Some of them were, in fact, calculated to throw
discredit on the names they bore. Yet pot Roses must not be omitted from
our future Rose Shows ; they form a distinctive feature, and it is interest¬
ing to see the whole plant before one, as so much more may be learned
from it than from mere cut flowers. The growers must, however, bestir
themselves, and bring them in better condition.

On comparing these Exhibitions with those of former years, it is both
important and interesting to note how many of the old Roses are falling
. aside before the increased size, improved form, and other desirable qualities
of recent introduction. Although some of the old kinds, as Caroline de
Sansal, Charles Lefebvre, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Beauty of Waltham,
La Ville de St. Denis, Madame Knorr, Lord Macaulay, Madame Vidot,

182

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Mdlle. Bonnaire, Pierre Notting, &c., still liold their own against all new
comers, and probably will do so for at least a generation, how many of
our old favourites present were eclipsed by later acquisitions, and how
many had totally disappeared ! And while it cannot he gainsaid that there
are second and third-rate new Boses as vrell as second and third-rate old
Boses, it is still undeniable that the pick of the novelties evince a progress
which is real, solid, and satisfactory. In Abbe Berleze we have an im¬
proved Geant des Batailles ; in Madame Victor Verdier an improved General
Jacqueminot ; in Lady Suffield an improved Duchess of Norfolk ; and there
are other improvements too numerous to mention. We have, also, in
Alfred Colomb, Antoine Ducher, Charles Verdier, Comtesse de Jaucourt,
Horace Vernet, Jules Calot, Black Prince, Madame Pulliat, Madelaine
Nonin, Monsieur Noman, Paul Verdier, Tliorin, and others, new colours and
styles which only require to he seen to he coveted. It is true that some of
the last-named did not appear at the exhibitions, or appeared only in doubt¬
ful condition, hut I have seen them, both at home, and in the grounds of the
raisers, in a state of beauty that justifies unqualified commendation.

Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. William Paul.

NOVELTIES, &c.# AT FLOWER SHOWS.

At the Meeting of the Floral Committee at South Kensington on June
18th, some good things were shown. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing
have been singularly fortunate in raising fine varieties of Nosegay Pelar¬
goniums. On this occasion they received a second-class certificate for Hon.
Gathorne Hardy, having large and well-shaped trusses of bright orange
scarlet flowers, free-blooming, and of excellent habit. They had also
Floribundum, pale orange scarlet of a clear shade ; and Comet, bright cherry
crimson, flowers stout and smooth, and good habit ; both of these promise
to make good bedders. Mr. John Mann, of Brentwood, had the following
Zoned Pelargoniums : — Guardsman, glowing orange scarlet ; Startler, clear
bright orange scarlet ; and The Baron, a fine shade of orange crimson.
These are good in their way, hut as shown could not claim first-class qualities.

Mr. Wliitehorn showed some plants of one seedling Pelargonium, and
cut flowers of another, raised from Bollisson’s Unique, and both were great
improvements in point of colour on the parent plant. The one represented
by the plants was named Purple King, which Mr. Wliitehorn intends to
change to Crimson King, as the hue of colour is a deep rosy crimson. The
variety represented by the cut flowers was named Constellation, and will,
I think, prove the best ; the flowers were larger, the colour more vivid,
and suffused with violet. Mr. Kimberley’s spotted Pelargonium Grand
Arab (noticed at page 169), is a showy, free-blooming kind, and will he
very useful for decorative purposes.

Bedding Lobelias are getting nicely improved just now. Dwarf habit
has been sadly wanted, yet something better than the attenuated white¬
flowering Miss Murphy, that appears as if it had hardly constitution
enough to grow, much less flower. Mr. W. Lee’s Dwarf Blue, awarded a
first-class certificate at this meeting, has a very dwarf yet robust constitu¬
tion, and the flowTers are bright blue with a white centre ; it blooms freely,
and will make a most acceptable bedder. Some varieties of L. Paxtoniana
or L. marmorata were also produced — viz., Ultramarine, dark blue with
white centre ; Faum, a variety with pale lilac flowers, but with a loose

AUGUST.

183

habit ; and Sparkler (J. & C. Lee), deep blue with white centre, very showy,
the habit straggling. There was also a sickly-looking variety, said to have
variegated foliage, and which was named Queen of Lobelias.

The Royal Botanic Society held their second great Show on the 19tli of
June, and plenty of new things were staged. Of large-flowered Pelargo¬
niums , first-class certificates were awarded to Hermit (Foster), Sccur de Charite
(Foster), and to Empress (Foster). Second-class certificates were awarded
to Joan of Arc (Foster), and Prince Consort (Foster). These are noticed in
detail in another page (167), as well as other varieties shown on this occasion.

Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing’s Nosegay Pelargonium Gathorne Hardy
got a first-class certificate here ; and Floribundum and Comet got certificates
of merit, which, I presume, is equal (here at least), to a certificate of the
second class. A first-class certificate was awarded to Mr. George Smith,
Tollington Nursery, Islington, for a very fine Nosegay Pelargonium named
Grand Duke , the colour a rich and telling hue of orange scarlet, trusses
large and bold and very showy, and the habit good. Mr. Smith also had
First Favourite , another excellent Nosegay of an orange scarlet shade, and
a basket of La Grande, a fine Nosegay variety, sent out by Mr. Smith last
year. These Nosegay varieties really look charmingly effective when
grouped in baskets in this way.

Messrs. Carter & Co.’s method of arranging their groups of Variegated-
Zonal, Gold and Bronze-zoned, and Variegated Pelargoniums cannot be
too highly extolled; and the same remark applies to Messrs. E. G. Hen¬
derson & Son’s method of arranging groups of bedding and other plants at
these Shows in a very tasteful manner. On this occasion the Judges com¬
mended in Messrs. Carter & Co.’s group, two yearling Variegated Zoned
Pelargoniums, Prince of Wales and Princess of Wedes, both very promising ;
Aurora, Marian, and Royal Standard are also yearling plants of great
promise ; and the same can be said of Egyptian Queen and Black Prince
among the Gold and Bronze-zoned section. A first-class certificate was
awarded to Mr. Turner, of Slough, for a new Hybrid Perpetual Bose, raised
at the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, named Miss Ingram. The colour is a
delicate pink ; it is a finely cupped flower, very constant and free-blooming,
as well as of a vigorous habit, and quite hardy.

Some Sweet Williams, shown by Messrs. Bragg, of Slough, and Shenton,
of Biggleswade, mark a steady improvement in this old-fashioned flower.
The trusses of blooms were very fine, and the individual pips large, circular
stout, and finely marked, some having smooth, and some serrated edges,
some being Auricula-eyed, and others not so. Pinks were finely shown by
Mr. Turner, a stand of twenty-four cut blooms being a centre of attraction.
Mr. Bragg had Rosabel, Improvement, Rosabanna, and Disraeli, seedling
varieties, but justice had not been done to their cultivation, and what¬
ever qualities the flowers might possess, they were not shown in a way to
develope them. Pansies, both English and Fancy, were well shown by
Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing. R. D.

POINSETTIAS.

Permit me by way of addenda to an able paper at page 153 of the
Florist, to make a few remarks upon the culture of Poinsettias so as to
form dwarfer plants than can be secured by the general way of procedure
to attain them — namely, from 4 to 8 inches in height — and occasionally
with double or triple crowns of their bright whorls of bracts. About this

184

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

time, the first week in August, choose from amongst the young growths
of the current season, formed upon old-established plants, any having
strong, well-matured wood; cut them olf at least three joints from the top,
though the exact point should he determined upon according to the con¬
sistency or hardness of the wood generally. Make a clean cut, not too
close to the lower joint, remove the lower pair of leaves only, and dry the
wounds a little by placing them for a few minutes in dry silver sand.
Having prepared small 60-sized pots by filling them with a compost formed
of one part each of peat and leaf mould to two of silver sand, form a hole
in the centre, place a pinch of silver sand therein, and into this the cutting,
pressing the soil firmly round it, and well watering it in.

The pot should then he plunged in a nice bottom heat of 70°, in a close,
warm, well-shaded frame or pit for about ten days, or, indeed, until rooted.
This they readily show by raising their heads and commencing to grow,
when they require gradually inuring to the light and air. This done, shift
them into a general admixture of peat, leaf mould, and sand, using 48-sized
pots ; place them close to the glass in an open airy situation, syringe fre¬
quently, and do not allow them to suffer for want of root-moisture.

When divisional heads are needed, it is better to pinch a few back as
soon as they have once begun growing, keeping them rather dry for a time
until they have formed fresh breaks, when every encouragement should be
given. To operate thus successfully, however, needs some amount of skill ;
hence, excepting under favourable conditions, I do not advise the operator to
follow too extensively the suggestions here thrown out.

j Digswell. W. Earley.

OUE MONTHLY CHEONICLE.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s
Show at Bury. — The debut of the Royal
Horticultural Society in the provinces has
been, we are happy to chronicle, a decided
success. The show itself was a great show, the
merit of the exhibitions made it a good show,
and the returns which flowed into the exche¬
quer rendered it a paying and profitable show,
which latter, considering the unfavourable
unsettled state of the weather, and the circum¬
stance of its being a first experiment, is most
encouraging. The exhibition was held in the
Yine fields belonging to the old Abbey, which
is of historic interest. It was displayed under
several tents, the first of which was Mr.
Unite’s great circular tent, 90 feet in diameter,
forming the reception-room, so to speak, lead¬
ing to the suite of tents beyond, which ex¬
tended to more than 200 yards in length. In
this circular tent were a central stage, a broad
pathway, and an exterior belt of plants set on
the ground. Here were mostly arranged the
large collections of stove and foliage plants,
the hothouse Ferns, Palms, Arads, and such
like subjects, contributed not only from the
gardens of the vicinity, but many of them
brought from Manchester and London. Lead¬
ing out of this, was a tent of some 300 feet in
length, devoted to cut flowers, fruits, bouquets,
and special prize subjects, requiring table
space for their display. Parallel to this ran

another tent, nearly 200 feet long, which was
almost entirely filled with Pelargoniums, se¬
parated by a central line of Fuchsias. These
were most effectively displayed on the ground
— a mode of setting up all the larger kinds of
exhibition plants 'which has many points of
recommendation, inasmuch as the surface of
the plant is seen instead of the side or the
unsightly lower portion, which are brought
directly into the line of vision when such
plants are set up on elevated stages. Another
tent of considerable size was devoted to im¬
plements ; others to a variety of subjects
forming the smaller classes of the schedule ;
while of cottagers’ produce there was also a
good display.

Of all this vast amount of horticultural pro¬
duce there was scarcely anything to be ob¬
served below the average in point of merit,
and very many even of the local productions
were far above the average. Fuchsias and
Pelargoniums are amongst the local produc¬
tions which evinced this high degree of excel¬
lence ; while of novel features, also well de¬
veloped by local exhibitors, may be mentioned
the fine display of Bedding plants, a collection
of which from Culford Hall, set up in neat,
square, green-painted, wooden boxes, showed
great merit in treatment and great taste in ar¬
rangement, and may be instanced as especially
noteworthy in this new and interesting class.

AUGUST.

185

The principal prize, the Royal Horticultural
Society’s 25-guinea cup for 20 stove and
greenhouse plants, was awarded to Messrs.
Lee, of Hammersmith, who competed for it
with Mr. Baines, gardener to H. L. Micholls,
Esq., Bowdon, near Manchester. In this
latter collection were two such plants of Sar-
racenia as were probably never before seen —
one, S. purpurea, a dense mass 3 feet over,
and with enormous pitchers ; and the other,
S. flava, fully a yard high, with the mouth of
the pitchers 3J inches across, and the broad
leafy lid 4^ inches. Mr. Baines also showed
a beautiful group of Sarracenias in addition
to those in his large collection. It consisted
of S. Drummondii alba, nearly 5 feet high,
with the lid of the pitcher mottled with white
and wavy at the margin ; two plants of S. flava,

4 feet high, with the lid ovate and plane;
S. rubra, 1 foot high, with a red-veined, ovate
plane lid ; S. variolaris, with the upper part
of the tube mottled with white, and the head
recurved like a parrot’s bill ; and S. purpurea,
very highly coloured. They formed a group
such as is rarely seen at exhibitions. Orchids
formed the weak point of the show, very few
being staged. The £20 and £7 7s. cups
offered by the ladies of Bury were not even
competed for. Ferns formed a considerable
feature, but consisting rather of creditably
grown plants than of rare species. Some
effective groups of Palms and of Dracaenas
were also set up. Fuchsias, together with
Pelargoniums of all kinds, were abundant
and good. The Bury silver cup for Fuchsias
and the special Pelargonium prize were won
by Mr. D. T. Fish.

Among Variegated Pelargoniums Messrs.
Saltmarsh & Sons, Chelmsford, were most suc¬
cessful with some very pretty and compact
plants — viz., Argus, Mrs. Pollock, Countess,
Sunset, Culford Beauty, and Variegated Quad-
ricolor. The prize for six new Variegated
Pelargoniums was also won by Messrs. Salt-
marsh & Son with Lady Cullum, Bird of
Paradise, Sunrise, Meteor, Snowstorm, and
Crown Jewel. Mr. Grieve was the winner of
the County cup for 12 seedling variegated
Pelargoniums of 1866-67. He staged two
collections, mostly yearlings, some of which
were only just breaking into character. The
sorts in the winning collection were Fanny
Newham, Bride of Dandelot, Victor Galbraith,
Lizzie Paget, Black Adder, Hiawatha, Isa¬
bella Clay (very fine), Clemmy, Eva Fish (dis¬
tinct), Rothley, Allanton, and Victoria Regina.

One of the most novel features (alluded
to above), was presented by a class of Bed¬
ding plants, for which the Suffolk gar¬
deners’ cup was offered. It was taken by
Mr. Grieve, who showed 48 boxes of well-
grown plants, each kind occupying a small,
square box, of about a foot square. Another
good feature was presented in the class for
cut flowers, of 24 Hardy Herbaceous plants,
which when shown in good-sized neat bunches

are showy and effective. Mr. Gilbert, St. Mar¬
garet’s Nursery, Ipswich, was placed first.
In the various groups were handsome forms of
Alstromeria, Lilium testaceum, Asclepias sy-
riaca, the double-flowered white Campanula
persicifolia, Coronilla iberica and varia, and
the rarely seen Brodieea congesta — all fine old
things, not half enough grown. Mr. Brown
had a group of the old-fashioned Gladioli,
which was much admired. An interesting
group of New Plants was shown by Messrs.
Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, consisting of San-
chezia nobilis variegata, Croton irregulare, in-
terruptum, and maximum, A nthurium Scher-
zerianum, a splendid plant of Todea (Lepto-
pteris) superba, Acalypha tricolor, Vcrschaf-
feltia splendida, Echites rubro-venosa, Abu-
tilon Thompsoni, Maranta Veitchii, Nierem-
bergia rivularis, and Coleus Veitchii. Another
group from the same firm included the new
hybrid Alocasia intermedia, Retinospora fili-
fera, the fern-like R. plumosa ; Begonia
Veitchii, Vanda Bensoni, Adiantum concinnum
latum, Alocasia Jenningsii, the Indian species
with dark segments on green ground ; Dra¬
caena Moorei, and D. regina. These having
already received the first-class certificates of
the Floral Committee, were now collectively
awarded a special certificate. Mr. Standish,
of Ascot, exhibited Retinospora filifera, and
Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, Dalechampia Roezliana
rosea. Messrs. J. & C. Lee had a fine specimen
of Ouvirandra fenestralis.

Fruit was good and tolerably abundant.
The most remarkable was a sample of three
bunches of Black Hamburgh, which took the
Stowmarket medal, shown by Mr. Meads,
gardener to Raikes Currie, Esq., Minley
Manor, Farnborough, Hants. These were
large, irregular bunches of fine berries, pretty
well coloured, and weighed together 26| lbs.
The cup offered by the Gardeners' Chronicle
for a collection of fruit and vegetables was
won by Mr. Pottle, gardener at Bealing’s
Grove, Woodbridge ; and the special prizes
given by the Journal of Horticulture were
respectively won by Mr. Carmichael, gardener
at Sandringham, and by Mr. Blair, gardener
at Shrubland Park.

The show of implements was not extensive,
but some very good articles were produced in
several of the classes, especially among garden
seats, engines, suction pumps, lawn mowers,
and models of greenhouses. Among garden
seats Messrs. J. B. Brown & Co., of London,
had some iron-framed chairs, remarkable for
their excellence of design both as to the
model or general outline, and as to the orna¬
mental details ; the seats were somewhat
hollowed, and consisted of wooden bars. One
especially, of the Nasturtium pattern, which
was certificated, was of great beauty and ex¬
cellence, and was subsequently purchased for
Sandringham. The most important conser¬
vatory models were those shown by Messrs.
Sanders Frewer & Co., of Bury St. Edmunds,

186

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

the proprietors of Beard’s patent system of
glazing. Some of those of the lean-to form
were particularly well contrived, and there
are points about them deserving of the highest
praise. In particular, the mode of glazing,
which has been fully explained in our pages,
and is done with the greatest facility; and
the mechanical arrangements provided for the
working of the ventilators, which secures per¬
fect steadiness and the greatest ease of move¬
ment. Both these features were fully recog¬
nised by the Jurors in the award of first-class
certificates, specially for these points.

Testimonials. — The retirement of Mr.
Robert Thompson from active duty in the
service of the Royal Horticultural Society has
been thought by his friends to offer a fitting
occasion on which to present him with a sub¬
stantial Testimonial, expressive of their sym¬
pathy with him in his declining years, and
indicating also their high appreciation of
the many services which he has rendered to
Pomology and Meteorology during a long
and active life. The Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society, acting as the expo¬
nents of public feeling, have taken the initia¬
tive in the movement, by appointing a Com¬
mittee to carry out the proposed object. A
subscription list has in consequence been
opened, and subscriptions may be transmitted
to the Secretaries, Dr. Hogg, 99, St. George’s
Road, Pimlico, S.W. ; and Mr. Thos. Moore,
Botanic Gai’den, Chelsea,’ S.W. ; or -to Mr.
James Richards, Assistant Secretary of the
Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensing¬
ton, W. We heartily join in the following
remark : — “ To no man is the gardening
public so much indebted as to Mr. Robert
Thompson. Quiet, unassuming ; yet pro¬
foundly learned in those two branches of
science, Pomology and Meteorology, which he
made his special study, he has been one of
those under-currents of scientific progress
whose force has been felt and acknowledged,
without the author being known. We hope
the appeal will meet with the hearty re¬
sponse it so eminently deserves.” - It is also

proposed to present a testimonial to Mr.
Bruce Findlay, of the Manchester Botanic
Garden, in acknowledgment of the great
pains taken by him in perfecting the arrange¬
ments which secured the success of the recent
National Horticultural Exhibition. Subscrip¬
tions may be sent to the Secretary of the
Botanic and Horticultural Society of that

city. - In Glasgow, a handsome tea and

coffee service has just been presented to Mr.
William Austin, of the firm of Austin and
McAslan, by his numerous friends, as a tes¬
timony' of the esteem in which he is held.

- Of the nature of a Testimonial too, is

the acknowledgment of the services of Mr.
D. T. Fish, in connection with the Bury
Show, by the Royal Horticultural Society,
conveyed in the following resolution adopted
ai a special field meeting of the Council during

the Show at Bury : — “ Resolved — That the
thanks of the Council of the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society be conveyed to Mr. D. T. Fish,
for his great services in connection with the
Royal Horticultural Society’s Show at Bury'
St. Edmunds ; and that he be made a Forty-
guinea Life Fellow of the Society, as a small
mark of their appreciation of his services in
bringing the Exhibition to a successful issue.”
This acknowledgment does honour alike to
Mr. Fish, and to the representatives of the
Royal Horticultural Society.

Monstera deliciosa. — The fruit of this
plant has been suggested as a choice occasional
addition to the dessert, but the presence in
the pulp of minute prickly crystals or raphides
has been held to detract very much from its
merits as an edible fruit. If, however, the
fruit is thoroughly ripened on the plant ihe
delicious juice may be sucked from the pulp
with little, if any, of the unpleasant pricking
sensation caused by eating the substance of
the fruit itself in the earlier stages of ripe¬
ness ; and the flavour is much richer when
the fruit is thus thoroughly matured. The
supply of an occasional fruit of Monstera is
no chimera. “We have ourselves,” writes ths
editor of the Gardeners' Chronicle, “ from a
plant only some three or four years old, and
confined in a half-bushel pot, gathered half a
dozen fruits during the present season, and
the same plant has now five other spadices
just passing through the flowering stage.”
To secure this thorough ripening on the plant,
it is necessary to support the fruits with a tie
to the adjoining leafstalk, their weight being
sufficient, if they are not thus supported, to
break them over at a much earlier stage, just
at the top of the stalk. They take about a
year more or less to swell and ripen.

Libocedrus tetragona. — M. Briot states
in Revue Horticole, that this plant when
grafted on Saxegothasa not only succeeds in
spite of the somewhat distant affinity, but its
habit becomes changed in consequence. In¬
stead of forming a narrow cylindrical column
it spreads widely, so as to form with its
numerous and short branches an irregularly
spherical or somewhat depressed mass, simi¬
lar to Juniperus Oxycedrus echiniformis.

Large Vine. — Mr. J. A. Watson mentions
in the Gardeners' Chronicle, a large Yine
growing on Mount Salevi in Switzerland,
which has been found to increase in size of
stem at the rate of 1 inch annually. In
March, 1867, the circumference of the stem,
at 4 feet from the ground, was 114 centi¬
metres, or 3 feet 10 inches English. The
branches have covered and monopolised
several large trees, and have had no pruning
nor care of any kind for years ; still the produce
last year was four hundred bottles of first-
class red wine : this at Is. a-bottle is £20 ster¬
ling, and calculating the number of square
yards covered by the Yine, is at the rate of
over £300 sterling per acre.

AUGUST.

187

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID -HOUSE.

Owing chiefly to the natural heat of the
season, stove plants will now he growing
freely ; but the temperature should be main¬
tained so as to allow of plenty of air being
given, in order to ripen the growth ; at the
same time a little air should be admitted at
night. The plants likewise must be inured
to more light by reducing the shading. Thus
the summer growth will be rendered almost as
perfect as in the native climate of the plants.
Plants intended to flower late in autumn
should be repotted, and their growth kept in
check to induce early bloom; and with this
view they may judiciously be fully exposed.
Many plants will now be in flower, and to
preserve their beauty should have shade and
plenty of air ; if, however, they could be re¬
moved to a house by themselves, others not
in flower would have the aivantage of more
room, and young plants could be kept in a
moist growing temperature. Orchids that have
nearly completed their growth should have the
moisture and shading gradually reduced, so
as to prepare them to go to rest, not, however,
by cold, for this is a condition almost foreign to
their latitude ; they may have a temperature
of 75° at night, and 80° to 90° by sun heat,
closing early in the afternoon.

GREENHOUSE.

Camellias will be mostly out of doors, and
Azaleas which have formed their flower-buds
may be set out in a sunny exposure, but the
pots should be protected from strong sun — a
remark which applies to all plants in pots.
The tender fibres creeping close by the sides
of the pots are very differently situated from
those not in pots, in regard to the heat of the
sun’s rays. In the former case the rootlets
are liable to come in immediate contact with
a hard substance intensely heated, and con¬
sequently very dry, opposite where the sun’s
rays directly strike the outside of the pot ;
but when in the free soil, more than the thick¬
ness of the side of the pot, is interposed between
the spongioles and the sun’s rays, and conse¬
quently the force of latter is proportionally
weakened, whilst moisture will be raised by
capillary action from below, even from the
subsoil. Cinerarias. — Pot off cuttings, as
soon as struck, into small pots, and put in
more for succession ; repot as soon as the roots
have reached the sides of the pot ; seedlings
should be similarly attended to. Pelargoniums.
— Cut down for young stock, or it will be too
late. When those plants that were first cut
down have sufficiently rooted afresh, take
them out of the pots, shake off the soil, shorten
straggling roots, and repot ; they will have
time to make considerable growth this autumn.
Pot off young plants when fit. Sow seed as
it ripens, shading slightly from bright sun.

Forcing sorts require lighter soil than the
others. Mildew is especially to be guarded
against ; apply sulphur for prevention, lest it
should appear, prevention being better than
cure.

CONSERVATORY.

Shift any plants that require more room, so
that they may be re-established before winter.
Camellias may be shifted as soon as their
flower-buds are sufficiently formed. Bring
forward a supply of Fuchsias , Gladioli,
Liliums , Balsams , Scarlet Pelargoniums , <Pc.,
for the show-house. Regulate the shoots of
creepers and other plants where the growths
are too strong ; but reduce their vigour in a
way that will not render them unsightly, nor
injuriously affect their health and soundness
of constitution. In some cases the sudden
removal of a gross shoot may cause an exces¬
sive derangement of the flow of sap, the force
of which should previously be gradually dimi¬
nished, so that amputations may be safely
effected. It should be recollected that the
stoppage of one main stream will overgorge
many small channels. Therefore, in all cases,
before cutting out a strong-growing shoot, its
power of attracting sap should be dimi¬
nished ; this power resides in the leaves — re¬
duce them, and there will then be no unman¬
ageable torrent of sap to control.

FORCING.

Vines. — In late vineries the Grapes should
be finally thinned. Whilst the Grapes are
swelling syringe freely, and give at all times
plenty of air, even at night ; but it should be
recollected that when the external air is cold,
a comparatively small opening equals in effect
a large one when the air outside is hot. If a
full well- coloured crop of Grapes is the aim,
keep the foliage clean and healthy, and re¬
duce it with the most sparing hand. “ Go to
the ant, and consider her ways,” was the
advice given by a wise man nearly three
thousand years ago ; at the present day we may
derive wisdom from the doings of another
insect— viz., the Gooseberry caterpillar. The
leaves of the bushes are stripped by it to the
midrib, and mark the consequence — the berries
swell a little, but they do not colour, and
remain sour as verjuice. Knowing this to be
the result of privation of foliage in the case of
the Gooseberry, should it not strike us that
the Vine, deprived of its foliage by any means,
would be in the same condition, and that
similar bad results would follow ? Experience
proves that, as in the case of the leafless
Gooseberry, the leafless Grapes remain colour¬
less and sour, and if they sometimes shrivel
like a raisin, still they taste like verjuice — a
fit dessert for those who are too obtuse to take
a lesson from the case of the Gooseberry, or
who do not thence learn to respect foliage.

188

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Pine Apples. — Give air freely, and maintain
a steady temperature of about 85° ; complete
sliifting generally before the middle of the
month; keep close and more shaded than
usual till fresh roots are formed. Peaches
and Nectarines. — When the fruit is gathered
water the border moderately if dry.

KITCHEN- GARDEN.

The ground should be kept clear of weeds,
so as to prevent their seeding, for if this takes
place and the seeds are dug in, some will
vegetate immediately, others will lie dormant
for a time, but will sooner or later make their
appearance, favoured by the heat of the soil,
and with moisture when this falls in sufficient
abundance. When the seeds of weeds have
vegetated and arc in their seed-leaves, take
the opportunity of a dry day to give the sur¬
face of the ground a shallow hoeing and light
raking, and the crop of weeds will disappear.
Couch grass and Bishop-weed, held in mortal
enmity by gardeners, will succumb if not
permitted to show a green leaf during their
season of growth. Artichoke stalks should be
cut down as the crop is gathered. Plant out
the late crops of Broccoli. Earth up early
crops of Celery, but keep the hearts quite
clear. Bank and earth up the earliest crop of
Cardoons. Take up Garlic and Shallots when
the leaves begin to wither, and string by the
withered leaves on a dry straw rope. Sow
Onions about the middle of the month for stand¬
ing the winter, and for drawing young ; also
Turnips to stand the winter. Sow Caulifloxvers
between the 18th and 25th (a little earlier or
later according as the situation is more or less
warm), and Cabbages (Early Yanack or Ful¬
ham) in the first week, if not done at the end
of last month. Sow Lettuces towards the end
of the month for winter and spring use, the
Brown Cos, Green Paris Cos, and Hardy
Hammersmith are the preferable sorts. Sow
Early Horn Carrot in the beginning of the
month, in a warm situation, for spring use.
Sow Spinach at the middle and end of the
month for the main winter crops. Mulch late
crops of Peas, and keep them well watered.
Train and stop Tomatos frequently, so as to
cut away but little at any one time.

FRUIT GARDEN.

The more vigorous shoots of fruit trees —
dwarfs, espaliers, pyramids, and wall trees,
will have pushed fresh shoots from where
formerly stopped. Beginning with the upper¬
most and most vigorous, let these be again
stopped to about 2 inches above their previous
stopping ; this will encourage the formation of
fruit-buds on the parts below the stopping,
instead of a long useless shoot, furnished only
with wood-buds, which, unless it may form a
leader, would have to be cut away at the
winter pruning. But where it is desirable to
strengthen a shoot, which can only be done
by increasing the number or size of the leaves,
it will be advisable not to repinch or cut so

closely, and perhaps not at all. Keep the up¬
right and strongest shoots of wall trees closely
nailed in, but allow the weak and horizontal
ones more freedom. This will tend to main¬
tain the balance of strength among the
branches, and consequently their health and
fruitfulness. Syringe in case of red spider.
Green fly is easily destroyed by snuff, if that
so called be made of tobacco leaves. Earwigs
are good judges of the ripest and best fruits,
but they mark the finest with unsightly holes.
They will take shelter in tubes of any kind,
but they prefer the soft pithy lining of dry
Bean stalks ; cut a number of these in lengths
of 5 or 6 inches and place among the branches,
and in the morning the insects can be blown
out of the stalks into a bottle of water. Gather
fruits as they ripen Gooseberries, Currants,
and Raspberries are best got when cool and
dry, but Peaches and Nectarines are not de¬
teriorated if gathered during hot sunshine.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Continue to keep Walks and Lawns in good
order ; keep the borders clear of all decayed
flower-stalks, and of everything not necessary
to be seen. Tie up plants requiring support;
prepare rods and stakes for such plants as
may require them. Syringe the foliage of
Roses, and clean the stems of standard ones
with a brush and water. Plant out Wall -
■flowers, Siveet Williams , and other biennial
plants where they are intended to flower.
Evergreens may be transplanted towards the
end of the month. If the weather is cloudy,
so much the better ; if not, shade sufficiently
from hot sun, and keep the surface of the
ground moist under the shading. By this
course success will be insured, vegetation will
go on, and fresh roots will be established be¬
fore winter. Clip Box and any hedges that
would have an unsightly straggling growth
if not dressed before the winter pruning.
florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Fumigate or use tobacco dust
to destroy green fly. The general repotting
should take place early in the month ; three
and four- inch pots will be most suitable ; if
old ones are used they should be well washed.
Shift young plants that are in small pots into
those a size larger. The strongest seedlings
should be encouraged by potting them singly.
Carnations and Picotees. — The general layer¬
ing of these should be proceeded with im¬
mediately, and 'finished by the 15 th, or at all
events by the 20th. Transplant pipings into
sandy soil when struck. Dahlias. — Mulch if
not already done ; water over the foliage
every evening in dry weather ; trap earwigs
by means of small flower-pots lined with hay
and inverted on the top of the stakes. Pansies.
— Plant out young stock, and continue to
strike cuttings ; sow seed, and if necessary
apply sulphur to check mildew. Sow Ten-
x seek Stocks for winter flowering. Pinks and
Violets. — Pot up strong roots for forcing.

Prince Albert victor

SEPTEMBER.

189

HYACINTH PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

The Hyacinth is essentially a domestic plant, a pet plant, which may
he acquired at trifling cost, and is capable of yielding unbounded pleasure
without alloy. You buy the root in a clean, dry state, place it in a glass —
if plain at the cost of sixpence, if ornamented at the cost of lialf-a-crown,
and in a few weeks you realise the bright colours, pleasing form, and agree¬
able perfume of one of Nature’s loveliest gems. From Queen to cottager,
who would be without flowers in the cold, cheerless months of January,
February, and March, when they may be obtained with so little trouble,
and at so reasonable a cost ? Both bulb and glass may be purchased at from
a shilling upwards. In glasses or vases in the dwelling-house, in pots in
the conservatory, in beds and borders out of doors, Hyacinths are equally
desirable, equally beautiful.

Those who may have seen the Hyacinths at the spring shows of the
present and past years must have been struck with the rapid progress that
has taken place in the development of this flower. The skill of the horti¬
culturist has been evinced alike in the production of new varieties, and in
the improvement of the cultivation of the older kinds. Such spikes and
bells of Lord Wellington, Le Prophete, Charles Dickens, Queen of the
Netherlands, and others long familiar, could hardly have been imagined by
those who have been content to follow year by year the old prescribed rules
of cultivation. Verily a new era has dawned on the Hyacinth. The fresh
light recently thrown on the many processes of cultivation by the observa¬
tions and experiments of the correct observers and diligent workers in
horticultural science, has here, as elsewhere, been productive of rich and
abundant fruit. Until recently our best dark red Hyacinths were feeble in
spike, producing small, narrow, and crumpled bells, bearing no comparison
in size and form with the best light reds, blues, and whites. It is with
satisfaction, therefore, that we hail in the subject of our present plate,
Prince Albert Victor, a deep red flower, which is so marked an improve¬
ment in these respects. The habit and growth of spike is that of Von
Schiller, which in this point has hitherto stood in advance of all others,
and the colour is a rich dark shining crimson. The spike is decidedly
longer and broader than that of any deep red Hyacinth ; the bells, too, are
of good shape, and very close on the spike. The root is round and hand¬
some, and equally suitable for pots or glasses. The best of the old deep
reds are Amy, Lina, and Mdlle. Rachel ; of the new ones, Garibaldi,
Linnasus, Reine des Jacinthes, and Vuurbaak ; but Prince Albert Victor is
in advance of all these, and will doubtless eventually figure in every choice
collection of these beautiful spring flowers.

Our drawing was taken from a spike grown and furnished by Mr.
William Paul, of Waltham Cross, who exhibited specimens before the
Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies of London in the spring
of the year, and by the former a first-class certificate was awarded. It is
uncertain at what date this flower will be offered to the public. It is at
present exclusively in the hands of the raiser, and the slow process of
multiplying the Hyacinth will, probably, prevent its distribution from
taking place for at least two years, and even then the number of roots to
be disposed of will be limited. It takes four years to flower- a Hyacinth

VOL. VI. k

190

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

from seed, and when found to he worth multiplying, another four
before good flowering roots can be brought into the market.

years

P.

PEAS, NEW AND OLD.

Considerable pains have been taken from time to time, in the Chiswick
Garden, to find out the distinct and the meritorous sorts of Peas — an im¬
portant product of the kitchen garden, and one which it is necessary the gar¬
dener should know how to secure to the best advantage. A few years since
a very extensive trial of sorts was undertaken, and proved very successful.
The record of this experiment will be found in the Proceedings of the Royal
Horticultural Society (i., 839). Last year further trials were instituted, but
the crops were damaged, so that the results were imperfect. This year a more
extensive, and, as it has proved, a more successful trial has been instituted,
and it is the results of this, as determined by the Fruit and Vegetable Com¬
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society, which we shall now briefly record.

The earliest Pea was long considered to be that called Early Frame,
which varied slightly, although its variations could scarcely be considered
as permanently distinct. The Double-blossomed and Single-blossomed
Frames, Early Nimble, Early Racehorse, and many other names were borne
by these variations of the Early Frame ; and from amongst them arose the
Early Kent, Early Emperor, and Prince Albert, and subsequently Sangster’s
No 1. It will always happen that among a number of samples like these,
consisting of varieties with differences almost imperceptible, some in the
course of repeated sowings will exhibit a more luxuriant habit than others,
and this militates against earliness ; some, on the contrary, gain earliness
at the expense of luxuriance, and this is what has happened in the case of
Dillistone’s Early, which is dwarfer and more slender than its immediate
relatives.

Dillis tone's Early has, when true, been found at Chiswick to be the earliest of all Peas.
It is quite identical with Carter's First Crop, Sutton's Ringleader, and Veitch's Early, which,
all being sown on the same day, respectively bloomed, slatted, and became fit for use on the
same day. They were, moreover, all injured by the frost more than any other, and in an
equal degree; while Sangster’s No. 1 and its variations, were not injured in the slightest
degree, under the same conditions.

Sangster's No. 1 is synonymous with Daniel O'Rourlce, and is a good early Pea, a taller
grower, and a day or two later than Dillistone’s Early. Dickson's First and Best, a vigorous
and free-bearing Pea, is a first-class selection of Sangster’s No. 1. Very closely allied are
the following : — Carter's Improved Emperor, very similar to Dickson’s Pirst and Best, free-
bearing, and a very excellent stock of Sangster’s No. 1. Taber's Perfection , identical with
Early Perfection (Brown), a day or two later, and producing more haulm than Sangster’s
No. 1. Young's No. 1 (Yeitch), a capital first early Pea, 4 feet high, of about the same earli¬
ness as Sangster’s No. 1, but taller and stronger, a good cropper; the ripe seed is of a pale
olive colour, darker than any of the others in the same class. Washington is the same' as
Early Emperor. Carpenter's Express and Hooper’s Early Rival represent run-out mixed
stocks of early Peas. London Conqueror is a third-rate stock of the old Early Frame.

Eley's Essex Rival is seven to eight days later than Sangster’s No. 1 ; it is a large pale-
podded white Marrow, with blotched foliage, about 4 feet high, of the class of the old Ring-
wood Marrow ; the Peas when cooked are of a nice green colour ; it is very productive, and
a most excellent Pea. Stanstead No. 1 is identical with it.

Little Gem (Turner), a blue wrinkled Marrow, is truly a little gem, coming into use but
a few days after Sangster’s No. 1 ; it has very large pods, and is very productive, and of ex¬
cellent quality ; it cannot be too highly recommended. Multum in Parvo (Nutting), resembles
Little Gem, but has somewhat broader pods, and is a few days later than that variety. Nut¬
ting’s Early Seedling very much resembles 'Multum in Parvo, and it is about the same in
point of earliness as Little Gem ; it is a prolific and good Pea.

Dioarf Waterloo , from 12 to 18 inches high, is ten days later than Sangster’s No. 1, pro-

SEPTEMBER.

191

during very large pods, -well filled, and is an excellent Pea, earlier than, and an improvement
on, Bishop’s Long-podded.

Sudbury A 1 and Nutting's No. 1 are identical. It is a very excellent Early "White
wrinkled Marrow, about 18 inches high, throe days earlier than Alliance (which with Climax
and Epicurean is superseded), and with larger and better- filled pods.

Mr. Laxton lias raised several hybrid varieties of great promise. Alpha ,
obtained by crossing Laxton’s Prolific Long-pod with Advancer, is a wonder¬
ful Pea, as early as Dillistone’s Early, but a blue wrinkled Marrow, with
immense pods curved at the point like the Auvergne, the Peas large, of a
deep green colour, about 2 feet 6 inches high, not branching. Laxton's
Quality , a seedling from Laxton’s Prolific and Little Gem, is another
wonderfully fine Pea, a second early blue wrinkled, with immense pods of
a pale green colour, 4 feet high. Laxton' s Manifold , of the same parentage
as Alpha, is a second early green Marrow, with very large, long, deep green
pods, about 4 feet high. Laxton's Supreme , a seedling from Prolific and
Little Gem, is a second early green Marrow, with the longest pod of any
Pea in the collection, of a deep green colour, nine and ten Peas hi the pod,
about 4 feet high, and prolific. When permanently fixed, these Peas, and
others in Mr. Laxton’s hands, will be most valuable acquisitions.

Maclean's Advancer, a green wrinkled Marrow, 2 feet 6 inches in height, about seven
days later than Sangster’s No. 1, is one of the finest and most productive Peas in cultivation,
bearing a great profusion of long, not particularly broad, but remarkably well-filled pods
from the ground upwards ; there are from seven to nine Peas in each pod of excellent quality. •
Princess of Wales is very similar in appearance to Advancer, but several days later, the pods
rather smaller ; very prolific ; the ripe seed of a very light green colour. Prince of Wales,
a green wrinkled Marrow, 3 feet in height, is very similar to the preceding, prolific, a few
days earlier, and with smaller pods than Veitch’s Perfection.

Veitch's Perfection, a green wrinkled Marrow, is a first-class Pea, about 3 feet 6 inches
in height. Sown at the same time, it comes into use three weeks after Sangster’s No. 1. The
pods are very large, broad, of a beautiful green colour, with from seven to nine large Peas in
each, of very fine quality. The leaves are large, the whole plant of a somewhat gross
and succulent character, and rather tender. "When this Pea succeeds well there are few to
equal it ; but in cold wet seasons and poor soils it is comparatively worthless. Lord Palmer¬
ston, Laxton's Leader, and Laxton's Champion are all very near this. Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth
is its parent stock, and is inferior. Maclean's Hero is a few days earlier and dwarfer, and is
a prolific and very good Pea. Dixon's Yorkshire Hero is very similar to Maclean’s Hero.

Maclean's Premier is a green wrinkled Marrow, about 3 feet 6 inches high, a few days
later than, and not of such a succulent growth as Yeitch’s Perfection ; a very great cropper,
the pods of a large size, seven to nine Peas in each, of very excellent quality; a first-class
Pea, said to be Dr. Maclean’s best. Smithies appears to be an indifferent stock of it or of
Yeitch’s Perfection.

The Prince (Stuart & Mein), is a green wrinkled Marrow, with a fine vigorous consti¬
tution, about 3 feet 6 inches high, a few days later than Yeitch’s Perfection ; it is an
abundant bearer, with large and well-filled pods, containing from seven to nine Peas in
each ; a most excellent Pea.

Maclean's Wonderful is a white wrinkled Marrow, about 3 feet in height, fourteen days
later than Sangster’s No. 1 ; it is a wonderfully profuse bearer, the pods are large and well
filled, with from seven to eight Peas in each of excellent quality ; a first- class Pea, with a
fine vigorous constitution. Prolific (Turner), a white wrinkled Marrow, is rather dwarfer
than Wonderful, about the same in point of earliness, a very abundant bearer, and of ex¬
cellent quality. Nelson's Vanguard (Sutton), is a small-podded white wrinkled Marrow,
earlier than Alliance, about 18 inches in height, very prolific, but not well filled.

Fairbeard 's Nonpareil, a white wrinkled Marrow, is a very distinct variety, about 5 feet
in height, and a great bearer, the pods long and narrow, with seven to nine rather small
Peas in each, packed exceedingly close together. The dried Peas are a very distinct sample
of a brownish white colour, rather small, and so regular that they look as if they had been
squared in a mould.

Champion of England, an old and well-known much-esteemed green wrinkled Marrow,

5 to 6 feet in height ; when sown at the same time as Sangster’s No. 1, it comes into use
fourteen days after it. Forty fold and Fairbeard' s Forty fold are identical, three or four days
later, and with somewhat larger pod than the Champion of England, and evidently selected
from that variety.

192

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Ne Plus Ultra. — This is the best and most reliable of all the tall wrinkled Marrows ; it is
a green wrinkled Marrow, from 5 to 6 feet in height ; when sown at the same time as Sang-
ster’s No. 1, it comes into use twenty days after that variety. The plant is of a fine, hardy,
vigorous constitution, and a most abundant bearer. The pods are large, of a deep green
colour ; when opened they are still more vividly green, with from seven to nine large Peas in
each, of a somewhat lighter shade; the flavour is excellent. Knight's Albert Edward,
Pearce's Gardeners' Delight , and General Wyndham , are identical with Ne Plus Ultra.

Tall Green Mammoth grows to about the same height as Ne Plus Ultra, and coming
into use at the same time, may be distinguished from that variety by the much lighter green
of the pods and Peas. It is excellent in quality, and very productive. The Mote Marrow ,
Strathmore Hero, and Competitor , are identical with it.

Tlie remaining sorts, chiefly late, and often of tall growth, must be
noticed in a future paper. a u u

THE PRODUCTION OF ROOTS FROM VINE STEMS.

In reference to the editorial note appended to my communication on
this subject (see p. 174), I beg to say, that at no period did the roots suffer
from drought. The continuous vigour of the Vines, and their productive¬
ness, prevented any suspicion of that kind. Nor was it possible that such
an occurrence could take place, as a regular and necessary supply of water
was never omitted. Further, the appearance of these roots is not a casual
occurrence, but they show themselves year by year.

Lately, when on a visit to Mr. Harrison, of Tyntesfield, near Bristol,
we happened to discuss this question, and I find he has arrived at the same
conclusion as myself, reasoning exactly from the same premises as mine.

Tortworth Court. Alexander Cramb.

[As a fact tending to the elucidation of this question, we may cite the case of the great
Vine-house at Chiswick. That, as is well known, is treated for a summer crop ; very little
forcing is had recourse to ; and in so large an area the hot confined atmosphere, to which
our correspondent refers the rooting of Vine stems, is much less likely to occur, than in smaller
houses used for early forcing. In this house some half-dozen Vines, perhaps, produce stem-
roots, but the Vines generally do not bear them. The cause cannot in tins case be atmo¬
spheric, or the effect would be more general. It must, we think, lie in the imperfect action of the
proper roots, which may arise from various causes, such as delicacy of constitution, tempo¬
rary ill-health, uncongenial soil, defective drainage, cold borders, drought, excess of liquid
manure — from anything which would arrest the healthy progress of the roots. — Eds.]

WINTER SPINACH.

In many places there is a great demand for Spinach during the winter
and spring. To provide a good supply is, therefore, a matter of some con¬
sideration. The first point to be attended to is to sow the seed in proper
time. If sown too early and hot weather follows it is apt to “run;” and
when sown too late, if cold weather follows, it rarely gets to a size fit for
use. I have sown it repeatedly, at different times, from the middle of July
to the middle of August. The sowing for winter use should not be made
later than the first week in August, in this part of the country. It is in
general safer to be a few days too early than a few days too late. The
principal sowing I would advise to be made about the end of July, or as
soon as possible after the 1st of August, and a second sowing to be made
about the 7th, certainly not later than the 10th of August. Some grow
the Flanders Spinach, I prefer the Prickly-seeded or common Winter
Spinach. If the ground be in a proper state, and there is an appearance
of rain, I like to sow as soon as possible after the 1st of August.

I sow in open, dry situations, in drills 14 or 15 inches apart, and after
the plants have come up, and are of sufficient size, they are thinned to

! /

SEPTEMBER.

193

8 inches apart in the rows. The ground between the rows is frequently
hoed to kill weeds, and to keep it open and loose.

When properly attended to, it will he fit for use towards the end of
October. In gathering Winter Spinach for use, the largest outer leaves
only should be picked off ; those in the centre of the plants should be left
to grow bigger. By going carefully over it in this manner the plants will
yield a supply of leaves all the winter and spring. A portion of the winter
crop should, if possible, have a few spare lights put over it. In the case
of a heavy fall of snow it can then be more readily gathered. The more
that can be protected the better, for though hardy enough to stand very
severe frosts, yet severe frosts and cold winds cut it up very much, especially
if it be late-sown.

By making two sowings, one about the end of July and the other about
the 7tli of August, with proper attention afterwards, there is no difficulty
in having plenty of fine Spinach be the autumn what it may. Should the
first sowing get a little too forward it may be used first, and the second or
late sowing will in that case in general be in fine condition to stand for the
winter supply. When the sowings are made late the plants attain no size,
they yield no supply of leaves, they get eaten up by slugs, and before
winter fairly sets in, the greater portion disappears, and a want is after¬
wards experienced.

Stourton, M. Saul.

CULTURAL MERITS OF BEARD’S HOTHOUSES.

The science of cultivation may be compared to a five-stringed musical
instrument. The first string rests upon the earth, the second is plunged into
the water, the third pierces through the air, while light and heat reach the
highest notes, and complete the gamut of Culture. Vegetable Life is the
piece to be performed on this instrument, the skill of the cultivator is the
presiding artist, and the full-toned satisfaction of abundant produce, and
the delicate touches of artistic beauty, are the gratifying results. To secure
these, however, in the highest possible perfection, the performer must
possess talent, and his instrument quality. This talent should include
head-knowledge, hand-expertness, and discrimination of judgment. The
first will provide a lofty ideal, the second embody it in practice, and the
last pass a true verdict upon both. The instrument should also be charac¬
terised by structural completeness, facility of access to all its parts, and
compass or power of expression. With such an instrument, and a presiding
genius of versatile talent, the results can hardly fail to be satisfactory.

Unfortunately it sometimes happens that both performers and instru¬
ment are bad, and then failure, utter and complete, is certain. More fre¬
quently the former has talent, and the latter is miserably faulty, and then
success is difficult, but not utterly impossible. Occasionally, too, the best
instruments fall into wretchedly stupid hands, which leads to the most
provoking failures. All that is needed to render success as certain as the
nature of our business permits of is — to drop our musical figure — skilful
men, and good tools.

Presuming that the former may easily be had for a fair reward, I desire
to urge a claim here for the latter. Confining myself to the matter of glass
houses, how thoroughly inefficient most of them have been, and are, for
the object in view. That object may be defined as the perfecting of tropical
produce in a temperate clime, or the changing of a winter climate into a

194

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

summer one. Betuming to our instrument for a moment, the first
necessity of tropical produce with its luxuriant energy, is a rich tropical
Soil. But how many gardeners are warned off from touching this string,
for fear the bit of rich old meadow should be spoiled ? The next demand
of tropical vegetation is Water — soft, pure, and warm. This, too, is hedged
round with difficulty ; it is sometimes almost denied, or, if granted, is
provided cold, impure, and hard ; and if furnished in sufficient quantity
for the roots, how seldom are facile arrangements made for watering the
air in a perfect and systematic manner ? Then there is the Air string.
Well, it is often placed almost beyond reach or control, though it is the
one chord above all others that needs most fingering, and the one that
structural faults render most difficult to regulate.

And, then, what shall we say about Heat ? Simply this — that because

Jones built a lean-to to shelter bedding plants, Brown a Heath-house, and
both run one four-inch pipe once round to exclude the frost, therefore
Bobinson, who wants ripe Grapes and Peaches in April, and Boses at Christ¬
mas, places one also in his forcing-house. And so the gardener has to
keep his hand on this string (or rather on the fire-shovel), the whole winter
night, and strain it nigh to rupturing to get enough warmth, all because
houses are heated by red tape routine or example, and not on definite scien¬
tific principles, or in accordance with common sense.

Lastly, we come to Light — Nature’s great transforming power. Our
climate has diluted it down with fog, soot, and aqueous vapour, until it is
but a weak mixture at best of tropical brilliance ; and our builders of glass
houses, not content with this reduction, have proceeded to shut out a further

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proportion of from one-sixth to one-half of all that remains in our murky
atmosphere. . Tropical plants are thrust into these architectural dungeons,
and a produce is demanded equalling or exceeding that returned under
tropical skies. To the honour of cultivators he it recorded, that these
demands have often been met. There are cultural as well as musical
Paganinis, who can almost do impossibilities, with only one string, but such
men are not numerous, and in common fairness we ask for the free use
and control of all the five. One would suppose that where the expense is
incurred of covering a given surface with glass, the best soil would be
freely placed at our disposal ; but this is often not the case. The improve¬
ments in garden architecture have placed more of the other four elements
of success within our reach ; and without any wish to disparage any other

modern methods, I believe Mr. Beard’s Patent Metallic Glass Houses are
nearly perfect for cultural purposes. They collect, and may readily be
made to store and heat their own water. They absorb and store up nearly
every ray of solar heat, while their closeness husbands it up for future use,
as well as conserves to the utmost the artificial supply. The supply and
temperature of the air is also under the most facile management, and the
easiest possible control. The entire house is flooded with light, the illumi¬
nating power of clear glass being scarcely at all affected by the thin T -shaped
iron bars that receive the glass and form the framework of the roof. In
one word, these houses, of which two examples are given above, bring
within the reach of the cultivator his chief desideratum — a tropical climate
to bear upon tropical produce.

Harduicke House. D. T. Fish.

196

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

FUCHSIA FULGENS.

How seldom one now-a-days meets with this fine old Fuchsia in gar¬
dens ! And yet it is by no means unworthy of cultivation. Either as a pot
plant, or for vases, or for bedding, it is very ornamental. Large plants in
large vases are really grand objects; but they must be old plants with
plenty of old wood. The foliage is then smaller, and the racemes of flowers
larger and more numerous than when young plants are grown. When
young plants have plenty of pot room they make free growth, and large fine
foliage, but do not produce the quantity of flowers that old woody plants
do. When grown out of doors the plants should be housed early in the
autumn before the wood gets injured by the frost. They will do in any
position where they can be kept dry and torpid until the following spring.
They seed freely, and young plants can be raised from seed to any extent ;
but young plants give but a very imperfect idea of the beauty of the species.
It is only when they have been grown for three or four years, and have
got to be good-sized plants, that their real merits are seen.

Stour ton. M. Saul.

HINTS ON LETTUCE CULTURE.

In most families of taste it has become of late years quite a desideratum
to have a good salad on the table, almost, if not quite, all the year round.
With proper conveniences even this is not difficult of attainment ; but under
ordinary circumstances nine or ten months’ supply may be kept up, with
only the ordinary amount of care and management. The components of
salads are various ; but as Lettuces and Endive form the principal bulk, I
shall confine myself in this paper to a few remarks on the culture of the
former, which I trust may be useful to beginners by way of reminder, as
I very much fear that many of them do not pay that attention to the routine
of kitchen garden management, which they will find to be an absolute
necessity when the responsibility of garden management falls upon their
own shoulders.

There is probably no crop under culture which requires more attention
to be paid to the keeping up a regular succession of sowings than that of
Lettuces. To begin at the beginning. I usually commence sowing at the
end of January, or early in February, according to the state of the weather,
by throwing up a moderate hotbed, on which a one-light box is placed, and
the seed sown in a light and rather dry sandy soil. Air may be given at
once to let off steam, and the quantity increased as soon as the seed is up,
if the weather will permit. The tendency to damp off may be corrected by
sprinkling over the surface a mixture of sand and ashes, well dried, and
applied warm. Early in March the plants will be ready to prick out, and
for a large supply a two-light frame may be put upon a slight hotbed, using-
light sandy soil as before, and pricking the seedlings out thereon at 8 inches
apart. The remainder from the seed-bed may be pricked out on a warm
border in the natural soil, and covered with hand-lights or curate’s vineries.
The whole must be kept well ventilated, and gradually hardened so as to
bear free exposure ; and as soon as they have attained a good size, they
should be transferred to the open quarters.

It is as well to remark here, that for summer Lettuces the ground can
scarcely be too good. When planted in deeply trenched well-manured soil
they will grow larger, and remain much longer without running to seed,

SEPTEMBER.

197

than they would do in poorer soil ; hut the contrary is the case with those
which have to stand the winter. Let it also he remembered that the plants
under consideration are intended to succeed those which have stood the
winter, and formed the spring supply for the table.

We will next turn our attention to their successors, because the best of
them all, however well treated, have only a certain duration ; they will run
to seed. Therefore, about the middle of March, weather permitting, make
a tolerably copious sowing on a warm south border of the best varieties of
the Cos tribe, and over the beds throw some dry bracken with a few Pea
houghs to keep it in place, taking care, however, to remove it before the plants
get drawn. The next sowing will he about the middle of April, and must
include both Cos and Cabbage varieties. It is a great advantage to sow
• them in rows at 15 inches apart, and in taking up for transplanting to leave
strong plants at the proper distances along the rows, for these will stand
longer without running to seed than those which are transplanted. This
tendency to run to seed will be so great, even in the very best varieties at
this season, that an extra amount of care must he used to keep up the
sowings ; for where plants stand thickly in a bed or in rows, a very few
days of hot weather will suffice to render them useless for transplanting pur¬
poses, and an extra sowing or two will always come in useful where a supply
must be kept up. The same remarks will apply to May and June, during
which at least three moderate sowings may be made. I would remark, how¬
ever, that the Cos varieties sown in June are not liable to run to seed in good
ground, and will furnish an abundant supply in the early part of autumn.
This brings us to another very important sowing, which should he made
from the 10th to the 15tli of July. I say important, because the plants
from this sowing are intended not only to carry the supply from the open
quarters well on into the winter, but also to furnish a good and sufficient
number for lifting and storing away in sheds and cold pits, where they can
he well ventilated in fine weather and protected from frosts.

Finally, A good breadth should be sown about the 12th of August to
furnish plants to stand through the winter, and supply the table in early
spring. For this sowing I use Bath Brown Cos, Hardy Green Cos, and
Victoria Cabbage Lettuce. The latter is best sown broadcast on a warm
sheltered border where it is intended to stand. To guard against con¬
tingencies, I generally make a sowing early in September, which can be
covered with a frame and protected in very severe winters ; this proves
useful in some seasons, but I generally find those sown on heat to super¬
sede them.

PiedJeaf. John Cox.

NEW GARDEN PLANTS.

A good fccession to the ranks of hardy plants has this advantage over
the finest of tenderlings, that every one who cares to do so, can indulge in
its cultivation. This recommendation attaches to Drabci violacea (Bot.
Mag., t. 5650), a dwarf suffruticose perennial, whose numerous branches
bear a profusion of small obovate-oblong hoary leaves, and are terminated
by subcorymbose heads of deep violet-coloured flowers, produced in spring,
and which are of unusual beauty for the often obscure and weedy family —
that of Crucifers, to which the plant belongs. It comes from the lofty Ancles,
and is found on loose rocks at elevations of from 18,000 to 15,000 feet, so

k 2

198

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

that it will be a lovely acquisition for rockwork. Mr. Anderson-Henry lias
been tlie fortunate raiser, from seeds furnished by Professor Jameson. A
fine companion for it would be Messrs. Backhouse’s Silene pennsylvanica, re¬
presented at p. 206, which, though an old plant, has long been lost to our
gardens until now reintroduced.

In Polymnia pyramidalis (Bevue Hort., 1867, 211, with fig.), we have what
our French neighbours strongly recommend as a plant for the decoration of
the summer garden, along with Ferdinandas, Verbesinas, &c. It is of arbo¬
rescent habit, attaining 40 feet high or more in its native country, which is
New Grenada, in the subalpine districts of which, it grows in company with
Cherries and Willows. It is of rapid growth, attaining 10 to 12 feet in a
season, with a pyramidal head, and large ovate-cordate hairy leaves, which
endure well under sunshine, measure about 12 inches broad and 16 inches
long, and are borne on a long decurrent petiole. The flower-heads are
numerous, yellow, and arranged in cymes. The plant has been grown in
the garden of the Paris Museum, and was raised from seeds obtained from
New Grenada, by M. Triana.

M. Verschaffelt figures a Bromeliaceous plant, which he calls Vriesia
gigantea (L’lllust. Hort., t. 516). It is a stemless stove herb, with numerous
green, elongated, shortly acuminated, radical leaves, and a stout erect flower-
scape 9 to 12 feet high or more, of a purplish colour, and furnished with
oval acuminate leaf-like bracts of the same colour, from which issue very
numerous, distichously-arranged, drooping racemes, bearing thirty to forty
odoriferous flowers, which when expanded show three long, channelled,
acute, spreading white segments, appearing to issue from a green oblong bud,
formed by the convolute outer segments. It comes from the scarped rocks
of the Organ Mountains, where it grows at an elevation of 8-4000 feet, and
whence it was sent to M. Yers chaff elt’s establishment by M. Glaziou, Director
of the public garden at Bio de Janeiro ; and will, no doubt, form a striking
addition to plants of this class. Another interesting stove plant, this time
selected from Messrs. Veitch & Sons’ collection, is that which they had
named Hypocyrta brevicalyx, but which Dr. Hooker, puzzled as to its proper
genus, prefers to call Gloxinia Tiypocyrtijiora (Bot. Mag., t. 5655), a plant
which “in its habit, fibrous roots, and the presence of propagula, or
shoots bearing leaf-buds, is a Gloxinia, in its corolla a Hypocyrta, and in
its glands a Gesnera, while in the small calyx it differs from the ordinary
forms of all these genera.” It is a dwarf stove plant, with opposite
roundish ovate leaves, marked by white ribs and main veins, and bearing
axillary, -swollen, nearly globular, pubescent flowers, with a very small closed
mouth, the lower part yellow, the upper bright vermilion scarlet. It comes
from the Andes of Quito, and is a rather pretty thing for basket-culture in
the hothouse, though we can scarcely believe it to be a Gloxinia. Another
beautiful Gesneraceous plant, Ncegelia fulgida (Gartenflora, t. 538), has
recently been raised by M. Ortgies from Mexican seeds sent by M. Boezl,
and is now in the hands of M. Van Houtte, in whose establishment the
plants of this race have been so successfully cultivated and hybridised. It
grows on rocks towards the coast, often so near that the spray of the sea can
wet them. The plant, which has the general character of N. zebrina and
cinnabarina, has velvety bright green roundish ovate leaves, cordate at
the base, and a branching erect inflorescence of drooping tubular flowers
of a pure scarlet, white spotted with red on the under side of the tube. It
differs from its allies in having the corolla tube cylindraceo-campanulate
from a broad scarcely contracted base, and slightly tetragonal, while the

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199

under side is not ventricose, and in the limb segments being triangular
and acute. It is a good addition to the other fine plants related to it, which
we already possess. Ipomceci Gerrardi (Bot. Mag., t. 5651), is a Convolvu-
laceous plant, introduced to Kew from Natal, where it is called Wild Cotton.
It forms a tuberous stock above ground as large as one’s fist, and the
annual stems flower copiously in a moderately heated stove. The leaves
are roundish cordate, and the flowers large and pure white.

Among Orchids of recent introduction we have to notice Epidendnm
Coopericinum (Bot. Mag., t. 5654), a pretty plant of second-rate merit, but
well worth growing for its lively rosy-lipped flowers. It has rigid erect
stems, with distichous lanceolate acute leaves, and crowded nodding racemes
of flowers, of which the sepals and petals are yellowish brown, and the
lip broad, and of a bright rose. This plant is worth a place in our Orchid-
houses, as a not inelegant form of a genus which seems to be now held more
in favour than it was a few years since.

M.

A FEW WORDS ON DORSTENIAS.

These curious plants meet in a general way with but little attention,
notwithstanding that some of them have elegantly cut leaves, and others
have the leaves decorated with silvery markings ; notwithstanding, moreover'
that they are of neat compact habit, and easy of cultivation in a mode¬
rately damp stove.

The fructification of these plants is indeed remarkable, and their relation¬
ship would be little suspected at first sight, for, notwithstanding their very
different habit and generally low herbaceous growth, they are in reality
very close relatives of the common Fig, and have a very similar fructification.
The Dorstenias produce amongst their leaves certain green fleshy bodies
springing up on long stalks. These are of very different forms in the
various kinds of Dorstenia; some are hand-shaped, some horned, some
nearly quadrangular, and some cup- shaped. These fleshy bodies, so irregular
and varied in shape, constitute a basis or receptacle, on the upper side of
which are seated numerous flowers, a portion of which eventually produce
small rounded minute fruit or seed-vessels. The fruit of a Fig is a some¬
what pear-shaped body, presenting externally a rather rough skin, with a
small opening at the broader end leading directly into the interior, where is
found according to its age, a multitude of small flowers or of seed-vessels,
which when ripe constitute the fleshy, luscious portion so much admired by
fig-eaters. Here the pear-shaped body is the receptacle, and the flowers
are quite analogous to those produced on the receptacles of Dorstenias. The
Fig may therefore be described as a Dorstenia with a bag-shaped fructifica¬
tion, having in addition other characters by which botanists are able to
recognise differences constituting a good generic distinction between the two.
The Dorstenias stand next the Figs in the same natural family, being their
nearest allies.

The Dorstenias are plants found in tropical climates, both in America
and Africa, and are called after Dorsten, an old botanist, who did good
service to the science he cultivated. The species are said to have tonic and
other virtues, and one or more of them are reported to have the power, when
in the green state, to cure the bite of serpents ! A few of the more remarkable
species are well worthy of cultivation, and will much interest those who will

200

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

give them a little careful examination. Among those which may be recom¬
mended to the cultivators of curious plants are D. ceratosanthes , D. Houstoni ,
D. pilosa, D. tubicina, D. arifolia, and D. maculata.

M.

COOL ORCHIDS— ODONTOGLOSSUMS.

Resuming my remarks onOdontoglots,I may in the first place observe that
in my previous remarks on cool treatment (see p. 176), the expression — the
very essence of the pseudo-bulbs was “ washed out of them,” should read
roasted out of them. I now pass on to remark on other species.

0. Hallii is like an intermediate between 0. luteo-purpureum and 0. glorio-
sum. It is not so good as either, in any specimens I have yet seen or flowered,
and it might be very well ranked akin to luteo-purpureum. A bad variety
of the latter, and a good variety of the former need not fall out with one
another on the score of beauty. The habit of 0. Hallii is fully as vigorous,
but it never yields quite so many flowers in the raceme. The differences
in the formation of the pseudobulbs and leaves are something almost
astonishing, and one can scarcely believe, before the flowers open, that a
similarity of inflorescence could exist. This little bit of structural dimor¬
phism is common to all the species that I have seen imported from Central
America, and in no genera or species could be said to exist to the same
degree, unless in Lycaste Skinneri.

O. Dawsonianum is simply a variety of rubescens, which is again a
variety of Rossii. I can speak with a certain degree of confidence about

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201

these things, as I have flowered them all, and not long ago I sent along with
the charming Laslia majalis, to one of the Tuesday meetings of the Royal
Horticultural Society, several plants of 0. rubescens which were fac-similes
of Dawsonianum. In neither habit, nor general development of plant, is

there the slightest diversity.
Of course the white colour
changes in the ground to a soft
rose, but the structural features
of Rossii or rubescens remain
unchanged, the colours varying
only as in the case of the com¬
mon Sweet William, and many
other plants of like sportive
character. It is not less a
charming thing for all that, and
worthy of general culture. Its
comparatively tiny habit ren¬
ders it rather a difficult plant
“ to do,” requiring plenty of
moisture, a limited amount of
pot room, and a comparatively
close atmosphere.

All these vareties may be
grown with the greatest success
in a house suitable for Pelar¬
goniums, and ventilated and
attended to as regards moisture
very much in the same way.
The same winter temperature
would answer well ; and if
plants of this kind were kept
as near the glass and had the
same careful supervision, as is
demanded for our Lucy Grieves,
Lady Cullums, Queen Victorias,
and such-like subjects, there
would be no cause for lamentation or annoyance. This difference in summer
I would contend for — namely, that on wet days, or when the weather was
inclined to be cold, I would always give a good brisk heat, modifying it by
judicious ventilation. Let any of the readers of the Florist try this, and
they will not fail.

Meadow Bank. James Anderson.

PETUNIAS.

Of the many free-flowering popular plants which are suitable for growing
in pots, or for summer-bedding purposes, few bear stronger evidence of the
skill of the cross-breeder, or of his great usefulness, than the Petunia.
Allied, as its name implies, to the Tobacco plant (Nicotiana), and therefore
belonging to the vast and varied order of Nightshades, one scarcely finds
in the originals P. phoenicea, P. violacea (to which, probably, we are most
indebted), P. intermedia, and P. acuminata — all of which have been intro-

202

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

duced some time within the last half-century — such forms as might have
been looked for as the parents of the many superb varieties, both single
and double, which we now possess. It is not easy to forget the crowd of
admiring visitors that constantly pressed around the first examples of the
striped variety, now superseded, called Mrs. Ferguson, when shown in the
form of three large specimen plants, about 1862, at one of the large shows
held in the gardens of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. I refer to these
specially for the purpose of drawing attention to the great beauty of the
Petunia when grown ad libitum,, and more in keeping with its general
character than is possible when the plants are pinioned as prisoners to the
ground, or restricted to under-sized £>ots. That it is a most adaptable plant
it is needless to assert, though, as I shall endeavour to show, when grown
more in keeping with its general character, far greater success is attainable
than under any restrictive methods. How few even now are in possession
of good plants of P. inimitabilis flore-pleno, which is so easily cultivable, and
so useful for the embellishment of our generally-not-overcrowded cool
structures during the summer ! When mixed with Balsams, Cockscombs,
Pelargoniums, and especially Fuchsias, these Petunias form the best of
contrasts — a fact which becomes fully apparent if we but consider the beauty
of such varieties as Princess of Wales, The Bride, magnificens, or gigantea
plena, among the doubles, or of such single ones as Fame, splendida, Beine
Hortense, and a few others of the larger seifs.

Very little care or labour is needed to grow fine showy specimens adapted
to such uses. From the winter store pots, take good large cuttings in March,
or early in April ; strike them quickly in cutting-pots, pot them when struck
into single pots, and encourage them to grow freely by placing them in a
moderately warm, not over-moist atmosphere. Pinch them back as occa¬
sion requires to ensure compact plants ; continue to give larger pots whilst
growth alone is the desideratum, as frequently as the roots meet freely
around the sides, and so manage them, in fact, that when it is intended
they should commence flowering the pots may be pretty well filled with
roots. Of course attention will be necessary to tie them out properly, for
the twofold purpose of giving them room to grow, and to secure the shoots,
which are very brittle, from breaking off.

Petunias look very pretty neatly trained up the stems of standard Boses,
where these are sufficiently high for the purpose. In such a position they
add beauty to what is otherwise ugly — a naked stem, without encroaching
upon any other space. The greater impunity they enjoy in such a position
from being moistened “by every passing shower” (for they have an aversion
to too much surface-moisture), gives a tone to their flowering capabilities.
Again, for similar reasons, a very suitable place for them is the base of a
wall, or the base of trellis-work, in association with any other plants which
may have become scantily furnished in the lower parts. Many an other¬
wise bare nook might, by a little study of these peculiarities, become a
feature of beauty. The double sorts are well adapted for vase-work ; they
should not, in such a position, be planted too thickly, but turned out as
moderate-sized promising plants, properly secured from the wind, they are
peculiarly adapted, with their variable dark markings upon a Parian-like
groundwork, to form the decorative finishings to vases of marble.

But there is another position, and another mode of growing them,
which, I would suggest, should not be overlooked. We have our rows of
Dahlias, and Hollyhocks, our Pyrethrums, Stocks, Everlastings, and Asters,

SEPTEMBER.

208

and why not onr rows of Petunias ? They require no more care to produce
them efficiently; they are second to none in the beauty of their markings,
or the distinctiveness of their colouration. A row planted upon any of
those side borders which are now almost invariably associated with the
main walks in kitchen gardens, even with standard Boses in the centre, or
in connection with any of the plants noticed above, would amply repay
with their beauty the trouble expended in their production. To do them
well, however, each plant must be placed at least l£ foot from its neighbour ;
it must' be tied out and staked in detail, and it must otherwise be attended
to, as are Dahlias, by removing decaying flowers, applying manure water
in dry weather, &c. The plants delight in a light, rich, open soil, and
should be kept in a dry atmosphere during the winter, with just sufficient
root-moisture to ensure reciprocity of action between roots and leaves.
Seeds sown in March in a moderate warmth will germinate freely ; and if
pricked out into seed-pans and so forwarded, will, by the last week in May,
be ready for turning out, or will prove efficient stuff for flowering in pots.
Many and varied are the forms assumed by individual seedlings, more
especially by those which indicate a cross-breeder’s skill in the selection of
parents with varied merits. I have lately seen many such, the produce
of a single pod of seed.

Digswell. William Earley.

THE CULTIVATION OF ALPINE PLANTS.

Alpine plants are now so much engaging, as they deserve to do, the
attention of plant-lovers, that we gladly introduce some remarks on their
treatment, founded on the experience of the Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of
York, who have taken up their cultivation with much spirit, and with great
success. They observe in the preface to a recent catalogue in which their
fine collection is very usefully described : —

The past two years have only confirmed our opinion that no form of
horticulture surpasses, or indeed equals in interest the cultivation of these
alpine gems, though, instead of revelling in the sight of masses such as
Nature exhibits in the wild regions where the plants are found, we are
limited to little tufts or fragments that, enchanting as they are, only convey
to the mind a faint idea of what is yet in store for us. Think of a sheet of
Silene acaulis measured last year on one of the Westmoreland mountains,
5 feet across ! and imagine the effect of such a mass when in full bloom.
For it not unfrequently happens that the pink, or rose-coloured, or crimson
flowers of this plant are so densely clustered together as to form a solid
mass of colour. And why should not our gardens be thus adorned ? Time
only is required, for by far the larger proportion of alpine plants are easy
to cultivate, and even while small, abundantly repay the small amount of
labour that is requisite. With something less than 25s. worth of rocks
(costing here 9s. per ton), we have formed a rocky bank upon which many
scores of choice Alpines thrive admirably. For though contact with the
rock is necessary for some, it is not needful for all. The improved drainage
afforded by a bank 3 or 4 feet high (in the composition of which a large
proportion of rough sand should be generally used), quite suffices for the
wants of many species ; as, though “true mountaineers,” they inhabit the
glades and plateaus of alpine regions, where there is often a large area of
rich vegetable soil without rock.

204

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

One thing must constantly be borne in mind, that it is an error to
suppose that ‘ little plants ’ require but very shallow soil ! As narrow a
crack or crevice as you please, only it must lead to an abundant supply for
deeply rooting hungry fibres, that hate both ‘ starvation’ and the irregu¬
larity of temperature and moisture inseparable from shallow soil. Gentiana
verna is a little plant, its tuft of leaves rarely attaining the elevation of an
inch ; but we are not exceeding the truth in saying that it both likes (and
apparently requires for full development), 18 inches depth at least of rich
fibrous loam, interspersed thickly with blocks of limestone ! It is almost
impossible to get ‘ to the bottom ’ of its far-rooting tiny threads in a
native locality. And the same rule holds good with multitudes, and cannot
be too closely attended to. Any kind of stone will do for rockwork, but
sandstone (millstone grit) is the best.

A host of beauties are usually ready to expand their blossoms with the
earliest days of spring, and frequently even among the snow. Beginning
with the last week in the old year, scores of pots of the lovely Anemone
apennina have expanded their large blue flowers with us on a northern
border, in spite of frost and snow. They always appear to bloom sooner in
such a position than with a southern exposure — we presume by ‘ winter¬
ing ’ earlier.

A very large proportion of the most showy species may be grown in an
ordinary border in common soil, and nearly the whole range of alpine plants
(which constitutes one of the most interesting class of perennials), may also be
yrown ivell in p>ots, where a garden is devoid of the rockwork which best repre¬
sents their natural ‘ element.’ Whether cultivated in pots, or on rock¬
work, it may be well here to state, that after long experience, and far too
much of that kind of ‘ misfortune ’ which usually attends ‘ experimenting ’
upon new plants, we find that, as a rule, it is an error to place in the shade
in summer, for the sake of coolness, those species which inhabit very high
mountain regions. These plants, as a class, hate the soft, humid, ‘ lifeless ’
atmosphere which shady situations in low districts afford. Living natur¬
ally on lofty ridges, they are constantly exposed to high winds and an
atmosphere of crystalline clearness, through which the sun’s rays dart down
with a vehemence which often heats the rocks till you can scarcely bear to
touch them. This brilliant sunshine in the day time alternating with ex¬
cessively heavy dews or sharp frosts at night, are the summer conditions of
a large number of the rarest and most beautiful species in their native
abodes. And these, born near vast fields of perpetual snow, receive a rapid
and permanent supply of moisture at the roots, which is checked only when
wintry winds again bind everything in a mass of ice.

Very rapid and perfect drainage, combined with an equally rapid and
continuous supply of water, are therefore essential to thoroughly healthy
development, On rockwork this may be easily accomplished, by all owing-
water to escape from a pipe at or near the highest point, in a very slender
stream, or 1 fast drop,’ which will keep a large * district ’ below both more
humid and cooler than when similar effects are aimed at by ordinary water¬
ing. Some species — such for instance as Eritrichium nanum, Androsace
lanuginosa, Cerastium alpinum , and those plants generally which have silky
or cottony foliage, evidently dislike having their leaves wTet by artificial
means, especially in winter ; as in a wild state they are either buried during
that season in dry snow, or subjected to frosts which destroy every particle
of moisture. These must either be planted where an overhanging ledge pro-

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205

tects from snow and rain, or be grown in pots which can he placed under a
glass frame admitting full ventilation in winter. Not that these plants are
tender ! They are nearly as ‘ hardy ’ as the rocks themselves ; hut their
winter alpine atmosphere is dry, till the spring thaw sets in.

There are many alpine plants which are found chiefly (and perhaps some
exclusively), in the grit of decomposed rocks carried down hy torrents, &c.
In this, there is sometimes very little admixture of earth, though what little
there is is usually of the richest kind.

Crushed millstone grit, or coarse sandstone, forms an excellent substitute,
and should if possible be largely mingled with the soil of a ‘ rockwork.’
For some alpines we use equal parts of grit and earth — a mixture of rich
loam and peat or leaf mould. If not procurable, river sand is the best
substitute. Some species grow well in almost pure grit. There are, how¬
ever, not a few, we have recently ascertained, which though found in grit
(‘ in glareosis alpium ’) in a wild state, thrive better under cultivation if
placed in pure loam in a narrow fissure of rock. The simple reason seems
to be that they are frozen dry and kept dry for months in their own land in
winter ; while, when planted on rockwork, they are necessarily exposed to
constant moisture during the winter months with us. The loam, from its
compactness, does not receive or retain moisture so much as sandy or gritty
soil, so that though unnatural in one sense, it is more natural in another.
Senecio incanus, tS. carniolicus, Achillcea Clavennce, and others of this order
illustrate it well. Their tendency to ‘ damp off ’ in winter is notorious, and
we believe may be largely rectified by this means.

Another most important subject is to suspend the abundant supply of mois¬
ture, essential for health in spring and summer (in imitation of the melting
of alpine snows), when the annual growth is made, so as to coax the plants
* to be quiet ’ as far as possible, and prevent a second and enfeebling
growth. This seems very important to the alpine Gentians, and to the rare
Eritricliium nanum. Natural rains will, as a rule, suffice after the end of
August, and earlier if the weather be rainy. All artificial irrigation, except
for bog plants, should then cease.

LAGERSTRCEMIA IND1CA.

How rarely one now meets with this grand old stove plant ! Why so
beautiful a plant should be so little grown is a matter not easily accounted
for, especially as it is easily cultivated, and when well grown and finely
flowered is certainly one of the finest of late summer or autumn-flowering
stove plants. I saw a magnificent specimen a few years ago at one of our
local shows here. It was an old plant, and of good size, and covered with
its beautiful flowers.

To flower it well, it requires a period of rest in winter. It should be kept
in the coolest part of the stove during that season, and little or no water
should be given to it. Towards spring, when it begins to grow, it should be
watered as it may require, and be placed in a warm part of the stove ; it will
then grow vigorously. When this growth is finished, which in general will
be about the beginning of June, it should have all the light and air possible
for a few weeks to ripen the young wood. If the plant requires a larger pot
it should at this time have one. It should then be kept warm and close, and
encouraged to make a fresh growth, which it soon will, pushing again at the
extremity of every young shoot. These are the flowering shoots. In a few

206

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THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

weeks tlie plant will be covered with masses of its purple flowers ; it will
then hear comparison with most stove plants in flower at that season.
After it has done flowering it should be kept in warm dry part of the stove
to ripen the wood properly ; it should then be kept during the winter months
in a cool part of the house, and have little or no water till spring.

Besides being one of the most beautiful of stove plants, it is also one of
the most easy to grow.

Stourton. M. Saul.

SILENE PENNSYLVANIA.

This beautiful little hardy plant, for which we are indebted to the Messrs.
Backhouse, and of which plants have been exhibited by them at South
Kensington, is called in America the Wild Pink. It is a herbaceous peren

nial, and forms dense tufts 8 to 4 inches high. The flowers are rose-
coloured or rosy purple, an inch or more across, and borne in clusters of six
or eight together, on viscid and hairy stalks about 6 inches high. It is
perfectly hardy, and grows in very sandy soil, in which its strong branching
root buries itself deeply. Nothing can be more charming than a mass
of this plant when covered with its bright rose-coloured flowers, which seem
to carpet the soil or rock on which they are planted. So beautiful is it,

SEPTEMBER.

207

that when shown on the occasion above referred to, it was at once rewarded
by a first-class certificate. It is not a new plant, having been grown many
years ago, but it has been lost, and is now again introduced by the Messrs.
Backhouse. We refer to an article at p. 208, for general instructions as to
its treatment. M.

WHITE LILACS FOR WINTER.

The White Lilacs of the Paris flower markets have long been famous,
not only on account of then* delicacy, but also the profusion in which they
are produced. The following remarks, from a correspondent in Paris, will
explain how they are obtained : —

If there be one flower more than another indispensable to the Paris
flower market in winter and early spring, it is the white blossoms of the
Lilac. Large bunches of it may be seen in every flower-shop as early as
the month of January, and it is always associated with the early Yiolet
and the forced Rose. This Lilac is the common kind, and yet it is pro¬
duced perfectly white. The French florists have tried the white variety,
but they do not like it — it pushes weakly, and then does not look of so
pure a colour as the ordinary kind, which in its normal state bears lilac-
coloured flowers. They force this common Lilac in great quantities in pots,
and to a greater extent planted out, as close as the plants can be stood, in
pits, for the purpose of furnishing flowers for cutting.

The plants that are intended for forcing are cut round with a spade in
September, to induce them to form flower-buds freely ; and they commence
to force early in the autumn. They at first judiciously introduce them to
a cool house, but after a little while, they give them plenty of heat, 'and
when once they are fairly started they get from 25° to nearly 40° C. {say
from 77° to 100° Fain*.] . At the same time abundant humidity is supplied,
both at the root and by means of the syringe ; but the chief point is, that
from the day the plants are put under glass, they are not allowed to receive
a gleam of light, the glass being completely covered with the paillassons,
which are the neat straw mats so much used here for covering frames, pits,
and all sorts of garden structures in winter. Thus the Lilac is made to
push freely, and its white blooms are gathered before the leaves have had
time to show themselves. The great degree of heat — a degree which we
never think of giving to anything of the kind in England, and the total
shade to which they are subjected, effect the bleaching.

The French commence to cut White Lilac about the end of October, and
continue to do so till Lilac blossoms come in in the open ground.

W. R.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

The great Rose Show at South Kensington offered an occasion for a
meeting of the Floral Committee, when first-class certificates were distri¬
buted as follows : — To Messrs. Yeitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Croton irregulare,
C. maximum, and C. interruptum, three valuable new stove shrubs, with varie¬
gated foliage ; also for Dracana Moorei, a fine species with broad brownish-red
leaves ; for Selaginella Poulteri , a slender hybrid Club Moss of garden origin ;
for Begonia Veitchii , a showy dwarf hardy species from Peru, with orange-
coloured flowers ; and for two handsome varieties of Gloxinia, named Madame

208

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

de Smet and Vlaanderen. To Messrs. Edwards & Son, Nuthall, for Athyrium
Filix-fcemina Edwardsii and Footii ; for Scolopendrium vulgare Edwardsii ; and
for Polystichum angulare diversilohum Padleyi. To Mr. W. Paul, Waltham
Cross, for two beautiful Phloxes, with light-coloured flowers, named Con¬
queror and Beautiful, belonging to the summer-flowering group. To Mr.
C. Turner, Slough, for Rose Miss Ingram, a very beautiful pale or flesh-
coloured English variety, raised at Frogmore.

To the Royal Horticultural Society’s Great Show, Bury St. Edmunds,
held on July 15th, Mr. Turner of Slough, sent some seedling Carnations,
for which first-class certificates were awarded — viz., True Blue, a very deep-
coloured and smooth purple-flaked variety, an advance in point of colour
on any flower in this division ; and Eccentric Jack, a somewhat novel-looking
scarlet bizarre, flowers full and smooth. A similar award was made to
Picotee Mrs. Fisher, a very beautiful light red-edged variety. Mr. Turner
also received a second-class certificate for Carnation Anthony Dennis, a very
large crimson bizarre, with an unusual degree of colour in it. Any one
fond of monstrosities in the floral world would have exulted over an im¬
mense Fuchsia with double corolla, named Norfolk Giant, shown by Mr.
J. Hill, of Norwich. The flowers were of enormous size, but coarse-looking,
and almost formless in consequence ; though it was awarded a label of
commendation as a decorative kind. Mr. Mann, of Brentwood, had a basket
of his rich-looking Zonal Pelargonium Lord Derby, very showy indeed when
small blooming plants were grouped in this way.

The Floral Committee meeting of August 6th, was famous for the pro¬
duction of Messrs. Jackman & Son’s beautiful new varieties of Clematis. I
scarcely know what can he more beautiful and useful in the way of hardy
outMoor climbers than these magnificent flowers. They exhibited a box of
cut blooms, which contained the varieties they have already sent out —
narhely, Jackmani, rubella, and Prince of Wales; also blooms of lanuginosa
and the pure white lanuginosa Candida, and the following new kinds, all
of which latter received first-class certificates : — Lady Bovill, pale greyish
violet, a very striking, somewhat cupped, and very broad-petaled flower ;
Mrs. Bateman, light mauve, tinted with purple ; and Thomas Moore, a very
large flower of a reddish purple hue, with ray-like centre of white staminal
filaments. These are the more valuable as they extend the range of colours
hitherto presented by these grand creepers. Some splendid Verbenas came
from Mr. C. J. Perry, of Birmingham, who is well known as one of the first
raisers of the day. First-class certificates were awarded to Miss Turner, white
with pale rose centre, a fine and striking flower ; J. C. Ward, pale purple,
with a pale centre, hold and fine ; Thomas Harris, rich plum, with conspicuous
white centre ; Hercules, rich rosy carmine, with dark centre, both of fine
quality ; and to G. P. Tye, lighter in colour than Mrs. Turner, with a
centre of a deeper colour, a flower of very fine form.

Fuchsia Golden Leaf, from Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, was awarded
a first-class certificate for its excellent properties as a bedding kind, the
variegation of the foliage being very bright, and the growth remarkably
compact and dwarf. The same award was made to Messrs. Henderson for
Variegated Zonal Pelargonium Howarth Ashton, a variety quite distinct and
good, a good deal of crimson appearing on the zone ; also for Dianthus
hybridus Napoleon III., a remarkably showy bright deep crimson variety.
Fuchsia albo-coccinea, from the same, received a second-class certificate as
a very novel form of this well-known flower, the corolla being dark violet
crimson, the tube red, and the red sepals edged with white ; it will make a

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209

pretty decorative plant. Pelargonium reticulatum, also from tlie same,
received a label of commendation for the singular manner in which its
leaves were veined with gold ; it will no doubt be used as a kind to breed
from. A very good Pelargonium of the Gold and Bronze-zoned section, of
a distinct character and remarkably good in habit, named Countess of
Kellie, was shown by Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, and received a first-
class certificate. It is said to bed well, which is saying a great deal for it
in such trying weather. Another, in the same style, named Kentish Hero,
was not nearly so distinct or good. Mr. G. Smith, Hornsey Road, obtained
a first-class certificate for Pelargonium Grand Duke, a bright orange scarlet,
with large massive trusses ; and also for Eclat, a rosy crimson, showing a
tint of blue.

Fuchsia Blue Boy, a very dwarf-growing and free-blooming double variety,
was shown by Mr. G. Fry, of Lee, and awarded a label of commendation as
a market and decorative plant ; the tube and sepals are red, the corolla
rich bluish purple, the blossoms abundant, and the habit refined. Mr.
G. F. Wilson, Weybridge, received a first-class certificate for a Japanese
Lily, which is supposed to be a fine variety of L. Thunbergianum ; the
flowers were deep orange, with a yellow band down each segment, and
spotted with black ; it produces a large and very handsome cluster of
flowers. Lobelia Blue Tom Thumb, from Mr. Richard Dean, Ealing, was.
awarded a second-class certificate ; it is a very dwarf erect-growing kind,
and blooms profuselv, the flowers being pale blue with white centre.

R. D.

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

The Fruit Crop op 1867. — From a series
of returns just published in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, the following deductions may be
drawn : — Apples are all but universally de¬
ficient, this result being due in most cases to
the injury done to the blossoms or young
fruits by spring frosts. Pears are generally
below the average. Plums, with the excep¬
tion of Damsons, which are reported as un¬
usually abundant, are short in quantity.
Strawberries have been on the whole good,
though the blossoms suffered from May frosts
in some localities. Cherries are about an
average crop, but of comparatively indifferent
quality. Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots, the
latter especially, are below the average. Figs
are very scanty. Small Fruits, such as Cur¬
rants and Gooseberries, have been unusually
abundant, while Raspberries have suffered
from the frosts. Nuts afford an average crop.
Walnuts are all but a complete failure. It is
found that generally fruit3 are deficient in
flavour, owing doubtless to cold nights and
absence of sunshine. In addition to the
effects of frosts, the leaves have in many
cases, been much injured by easterly winds,
whichhave caused them to blister, and induced
attacks of green fly, black fly, &c.

Conifers from Foreign Seeds. — Mr.
Austin, of Glasgow gives the following as the
result of his experience as to the value of

foreign compared with home-grown seeds of
Scotch Fir and Larch : — “ The plants from
foreign seed push away ten days earlier than
our ‘home seedlings,’ and are apt on that
account to be destroyed by late spring frosts ;
while they are a fortnight later in autumn in
maturing their growth, and consequently
suffer from the effects of autumn frosts. I
have not the least hesitation in saying that
every one that can handle the pen should write
down the arrant nonsense about the benefits
of foreign seed.”

New Roses. — The Floral Committee has
definitively adopted, for the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society, the very sensible and matter-
of-fact rule that new Roses shall date from the
year in which they are actually put in com¬
merce — a rule for which we have already
contended, as the only one which does not
admit of being misunderstood, and which is
that a Rose sent out in 1867, even though it
be in October, is to be regarded as a new Rose
of 1867, and not of 1868, the year in which
blooms may be first exhibited in England.
We therefore counsel all other Societies, as
well as the compilers of schedules throughout
the country, to adhere in future to this com¬
mon sense resolution, which, once fairly
established, will do away with many disputes.

Lilium auratum. — Some very fine ex¬
amples of this superb Lily have been observed

210

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

during the present year. In the garden of
Mr. MacLeod, Dalvey, near Forres, a plant
has produced six stems from one root, the
tallest being upwards of 8 feet high. One
stem bears 19, one 18, one 16, one 8, one
9, and one 4 flowers, making in all 74, the
flowers all fully expanded, and some of them
measuring 10 inches across. A plant grown
in the garden of Mr. A. Turner, Bowbridge,
Leicester, has already won notoriety. This
year it is grown in a 20-inch pot, and has
four stems, the highest of which is 9 feet
6 inches high, and has nineteen flowers ; the
second is 8 feet 6 inches high, divided at top
into two parts, on which there is the extra¬
ordinary number of sixty-six flowers ; the
other two stems are 4 feet and 2 feet 6 inches
high respectively, and bear one flower each —
making a total of eighty-seven flowers. The
largest flower measures about 1 foot in dia¬
meter, and is on the highest stem. A still
finer plant has been grown in the garden at
Melchet Park, Romsey, where a bulb has pro¬
duced two stems, 8£ feet high, one of them
divided ; these bear 109 flowers, while a
small shoot from the base bears 4 more,
making 104 flowers. At Finedon Hall, on
a smaller plant, grown in a five-inch pot, a
bloom is recorded as having measured ex¬
actly 14 inches in diameter.

Grouping op Zonal Pelargoniums. —
Many suggestions have been made for group¬
ing these plants, which now present such
great variety that some classification is neces¬
sary. The most simple and intelligible, be¬
cause well contrasted arrangement, is that
proposed in the Gardeners ’ Chronicle , in
which the term Zonal is preferred on account of
the preponderance of zonate sorts, as a general
designation for the whole series once called
“ Scarlet Geraniums.” This subdivides into
the following sections : — Green Zonals (Horse¬
shoe), as in Madame Yaucher ; Golden
Zonals (Gold and Bronze Zonal), as in Beauty
of Oulton ; Marbled Zonals , as in Sheen
Rival ; Variegated Zonals (Tricolors, &c.),
including the subsections of Golden, as in
Mrs. Pollock, and Silver as in Italia IJnita ;
Variegated Marginates, also including the
subsections, Golden as in Golden Chain, and
Silver as in Bijou; Green Concolors , as in
Tom Thumb, and Golden Concolors as in
Jason.

Manchester Exhibition of 1868. — The
Manchester Botanical and Horticultural
Society has decided to hold another great Ex¬
hibition next year, in its gardens at Old
Trafford, during the Whitsun week, nearly
the whole of the Guarantors of the National
Show of the present year having consented
to renew their Guarantee for another year.
It is intended to offer about £1000 in prizes.

Gardeners’ Examinations. — We have
(page 25), mentioned the names of those
young gardeners who gained Certificates at
the 1866 examinations of the Society of Arts

and Royal Horticultural Society, and we now
supplement that information by recording
the names of those who gained certificates at
the examinations already held during the
present year

Society of Arts, April.

Flori¬

culture.

Fruit and
Vegetable
Culture.

J. M. Henrv, Richmond

2

2

J. C. Higgs, Southampton . .

3

1

A. Jamieson, Richmond

2

2

R. L. Keenan, Richmond

2

R. C. Kingston, Richmond . .

1

2

T. Paul, Slough .

3

3

W. P. Roberts, Bromley

1

G. Stanton, Slough . .

# 0

1

A. Stormont, Richmond

2

F. Thomson, Richmond

2

2

Royal Horticultural Society,

July.

W. Spinks, Chiswick . .

1

2

B. Wynne, Chiswick . .

1

Ext. 2

W. Stewart, Chiswick..

3

J. M’Ardle, Chiswick . .

2

F. Hardesty, Chiswick

2

3

F. M. Burbidge, Chiswick . .

1

2

J. Williamson, Battersea

2

••

Besides the foregoing Certificates, the fol¬
lowing prizes were gained : —

J. C. Higgs : Soc. of Arts’ 1st prize, Fr. and
Yeg. culture. R.H.S. 1st prize, ditto.

R. L. Keenan : R.H.S. 2nd prize, Botany.

R. C. Kingston: Soc. of Arts’ 1st prize for
Botany and for Floriculture. R.H.S. 1st
prize for Botany and for Floriculture. Gar¬
deners'1 Chronicle prize.

W. P. Roberts : Soc. of Arts’ 2nd prize,
Floriculture. R.H.S. 2nd prize, Floricul¬
ture.

G. Stanton : Soc. of Arts’ 2nd prize, Fr. and
Yeg. culture. R.H.S. 2nd prize, Fr. and Yeg.
culture.

The preparation for these examinations is
in itself so advantageous to young gardeners,
that we urge upon them the importance of
turning their attention seriously to the matter.
The benefit resulting is far beyond the mere
value of the Certificate obtained, though
even that is not to be despised.

Nierembergia frutescens. — This very
interesting new species was introduced to
Europe about four years since, from the Andes
of Chili, by M. Germain, an enthusiastic
French naturalist, and having stood three
winters at Bordeaux without any protection,
will probably prove nearly, if not quite,
hardy in this country. It is perfectly distinct
from any species hitherto cultivated, or intro¬
duced. It attains a height of from 12 to
18 inches, when raised from seed and allowed
to assume its natural form, but when struck
from cuttings it will flower freely in a small
state. Its habit is erect, but it only requires
proper pinching in to make it as bushy as
can be desired ; it has neat linear foliage, and
the flowers are white tinged with violet, the
throat being yellow with deep violet rays, so

SEPTEMBER.

211

that in colour they are not very dissimilar to
those of N. filicaulis, though considerably
larger.

Standard Gooseberry Trees.— In the
villiage of Duffield, near Derby, there are
four remarkable standard Gooseberry trees.
The stems are fixed to an iron rod, and the
heads trained on a circle of wire, beneath
which the berries hang as thick as Grapes,
and ripen beautifully. The trees are really
fine productions of art. The tallest (Crown
Dob) is 10 feet high, and 3 feet 10 inches
across ; the next (Crown Dob) 7 feet high and

3 feet across ; the third (Victor) 5 feet high
and 4 feet across ; the fourth (Crown Dob)

4 feet high and 3 feet across.

Solanum galeatum. — This handsome
purple-leaved species of Solanum has broad
horizontally disposed foliage, of moderate
dimensions only, and better adapted to
resist high winds than that of S. robustum
and some other species, and the vinous-purple
tint of the under side of the leaf affords an
agreeable contrast with the deep velvety
green of the upper surface. It is one of the
most beautiful of its family.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.

At this season aim rather to perfect the
growths already made than to encourage new
growths, which it is now too late to mature ;
close up the houses early in the afternoon.
Orchids still growing should not be checked
till they have completed their growth, nor
should they be stimulated to originate a new
vegetation later than the diminishing light
will be adequate to perfect ; as light decreases
gradually withdraw the shading.

GREENHOUSE.

Whilst the plants can for the most part be
safely left out, the opportunity should be
taken to thoroughly clean, whitewash, and
paint the house, and put it in thorough re¬
pair. Plants out of doors should now be
fully exposed to the sun’s rays to ripen the
wood ; any that were not shifted in the spring
may now be repotted, taking care that the
balls are so thoroughly soaked, that water
may pass uniformly throughout the whole
soil. Cinerarias should have plenty of air
night and morning, and sulphur must he ap¬
plied in case of mildew ; fumigate in case of
aphides. Pelargoniums should be housed in
good time ; it is not well to leave them ex¬
posed too long to damp and cold. Towards
the end of the month finally repot those in¬
tended for May exhibitions. Plants struck
early should have their points pinched off,
and they should make a good growth before
the middle of January, so that they may
have easier work in the spring. Japan Lilies
should be shifted immediately they go to rest ;
rough peat, with sand, is suitable for them.

CONSERVATORY.

Climbers will require to be dressed where
too rambling, taking care, however, not to
cut away eligible portions that will produce
late flowers, as in the case of Passifloras ,
Couibretums, Thunbergias , Mandevillas , &c.
Plenty of air should be admitted to harden
the wood of the permanent inmates, and these
should also be well exposed to light. Heaths
should be kept apart from herbaceous plants,
the exhalations from which latter tend to

load and vitiate the atmosphere more than is
consistent with the delicate organisation of
the former. See that any Chrysanthemums
which may be introduced, are kept well
watered at the roots. Large specimens of
Salvia splendens should be put out of doors
for a few weeks to invigorate them.

FORCING.

Pine Apples. — Plant suckers and crowns ;
keep them shaded in a warm, moist atmo¬
sphere till they begin to form roots, and then
place them near the light. Fruits that are
swelling should have a bottom heat of 84°,
and a top heat of 75° at night, and of from 80°
to 90° by day. Gradually reduce the supply
of moisture as the fruit ripens. Succession
plants may have manure water, the quantity
being limited in dull weather; give a little
air, if possible, in the morning, and shut up
early in the afternoon. Vines. — The crop in
the earliest vineries will be cut, and the
Vines exposed to the influence of sun and
air. Late Grapes should be kept dry with a
free circulation of air ; occasionally fires will
be beneficial, and in the case of Muscats ab¬
solutely necessary to ripen them perfectly.
Remove berries as soon as the least symptom
of decay can be perceived on them. Not
only should the air of the house be kept dry
for late Grapes, but the border should be pro¬
tected from heavy rains, especially if the
roots have been previously kept rather dry,
for the spongioles will so rapidly absorb
moisture on the first saturation of the soil,
that the berries will be apt to burst in con¬
sequence, or to shank and decay. Melons.
— Maintain a steady bottom heat, and keep
the foliage moderately thin ; but do not let
it get too thick and then recklessly prune.
"Water with great moderation. Cucumbers.
— Give the beds a surfacing of rich soil, and
at the same time some additional heat. Figs.
— Supply water sufficient to prevent any
want of circulation from diyness; the tem¬
perature should gradually advance as ripen¬
ing proceeds. Mushrooms. — Spawn will run
freely in this month ; it may be introduced
when the heat of the beds is about 70°.

212

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

When in bearing about 60° is a good tern pe-
rature. Kidney Beans. — Sow in pots or
boxes for a succession to the out-door crop.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Plant out Cabbages from the principal
autumn sowing in rows 2 feet apart each way,
to remain for hearting ; at the same time an
intermediate row with the plants in it a foot
apart should be planted — these to be used as
Coleworts ; for the same purpose a plant
should be inserted between every two of the
plants intended to remain for cabbaging.
Plant out Cauliflowers from the August sow¬
ing. Hoe and thin Spinach ; sow the Let¬
tuce-leaved. Earth-up Celery when dry;
the operation is best performed by putting
the soil next the outside of the leaves by
hand, keeping the hearts clear. A sprinkling
of salt will keep Celery clear of insects. Sea
sand answers well for blanching. Tie up
Endive and Lettuce for blanching, and plant
out successions. Water late Peas thoroughly,
and mulch them next day. Take up and
store Potatos, remembering that the certain
consequence of exposing them to the light is
the development of a bitter, poisonous prin¬
ciple. If Potatos are washed, the light acts
with greater and more injurious effect, and
there is no profit attached to this deterioration.
If wet weather should set in, weeds become
difficult to kill in autumn, especially if the
hoe has not been thought necessary to be
plied in dry weather ; a weedless surface is
soon hoed over, and thousands of seeds may
exist in a state of incipient germination,
which in a dry day could not survive the
action of the hoe and rake ; at the same time
the particles of soil undergo a beneficial
change from the action of the air or from fresh
contact of different surfaces with the prin¬
ciples in the manure, all tending to set free
the inorganic elements of the particles of the
soil, and thus to supply all that vegetables
want to render them succulent and well
flavoured.

ERE IT GARDEN.

Peaches and Nectarines will now be ripen¬
ing, and insects will persevere in their attacks,
more especially on the ripest and best-fla¬
voured. In order to annoy them in their
lurking places, keep the hoe and rake moving
frequently along the bottom of the walls.
Earwigs are best entrapped in bean-stalks,
as previously directed ; wasps may be enticed
in bottles with water sweetened with honey
or sugar, or under a hand-glass baited with
over-ripe fruit, another being placed over it,
a hole in the top of the lower one forming an
easy communication between the lower to the
upper. Wall Fruit acquires a higher flavour
by exposure to the direct rays of the sun
than it does under glass, unless the season
is unusually wet and sunless. When the
fruit is gathered the trees should be gone
over, and if any are crowded with suc¬

cession shoots, some portion of the wood
that has just borne, may be removed in order
to benefit the succession shoots ; but, unless
for this reason, it is as well not to disturb the
flow of sap until the leaves begin to fall.
Leaves that shade the fruit should be turned
aside. Where the fruit is all gathered let the
foliage be kept well washed. Pears , Apples ,
and Plums that have pushed lateral shoots
again should be stopped back to 2 inches.
Clear off all runners of Strawberries not
wanted, and with a knife cut the old outside
leaves from the plants — they are almost in¬
active ; but save the young ones, for these
elaborate sap to make fresh roots and stems
to support the crop of next year.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Secure tall-growing plants from wind ; tie
up Dahlias ; propagate all kinds of Bedding
plants. The sooner cuttings of Pelargoniums
are put in the better. Plant rooted cuttings
of Phloxes and other herbaceous plants, and
also seedling Hollyhocks. Keep the Wallis
well rolled and the Laions neatly mown ; this
is most evenly done by the machine, but if
it should be done by the scythe circular
scores, as if traced by chariot wheels, should
not be exhibited. Turf may be laid in moist
dull weather. As regards shrubs injured by
the intense frost at the commencement of
the year, it may now be determined whether
they had better be left to recover as they best
may, or be finally removed. In case of the
latter decision being arrived at, evergreens
may be planted towards the end of the
month ; water well, but by all means shelter
effectually from the sun’s rays till the sap is
observed to be in motion, and the buds swell.
florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Keep clear of weeds and de¬
cayed foliage ; refresh the surface of the soil,
as this will encourage young roots. Carna¬
tions and Picotees. — Commence potting into
small pots towards the end of the month;
give plenty of air, otherwise they will be¬
come tender ; beware of too much moisture.
Dahlias. — In shading do not closely shade
the blooms whilst they are in a young state,
and secure them from rubbing against the
foliage. Chnysanthemums. — These require
plenty of water and liquid manure to produce
fine blooms. Hollyhocks. — Cuttings of these
strike readily in this month, and form good
plants for next season. Seed should be ga¬
thered early in order that the flowering-spiki;
may be cut off to encourage the root to throw
up suckers ; sow seed as soon as ripe. Pansies.

— Plant out beds for blooming early in spring.
Cuttings strike well in this month. Sow,
but not later than first week of the month.
Pinks. — The beds should be a little raised in
the centre to throw off the wet. Pot some of
the choice kinds for wintering under glass.
Tulips. — The soil in which they are intended
to bloom should be occasionally turned.

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OCTOBER.

218

AMARYLLIS (HIPPEASTRUM) PARDINA.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

This magnificent species of Amaryllis is one of tlie most striking novel¬
ties of the past season, perfectly distinct from all the species of Amaryllis
previously known, and remarkable alike for its form, which is spreading,
with scarcely any tube, so that the whole inner surface is displayed to view ;
and for its colouring, which reminds one of the spotted varieties of Cal¬
ceolaria or of Tydaea, so closely are its perianth segments covered over
with small dots, more or less irregularly confluent, of crimson red on a
creamy yellow ground. So distinct a plant, combining as it does great
beauty with its distinctness, cannot but be a valuable acquisition for our
gardens.

The plant is a native of Peru, and was introduced from thence by the
Messrs. Yeitch & Sons, of Chelsea, through their fortunate collector, Mr.
Pearce. It was exhibited in bloom at one of the meetings held during
March of the present year, and was much and deservedly admired. Its
merits were marked on this occasion by the award of first-class certificate,
which was in every way deserved. Every grower of hothouse bulbs must
secure it for his collection.

Our memoranda, taken from the blooming plant, describe the leaves as
broadly linear, somewhat blunt, and about 1^- inch broad. The flower-stem
is robust, terete, and glaucous, supporting two flowers, which issue from a
spathe of pallid oblong-lanceolate bracts, and are supported on pedicels of
about inch long. The flowers are widely expanded — 6 to 8 inches broad ;
the tube very short, and fringed within ; the sepaline segments ovate oblong,
apiculate, the petaline similar, but blunter, all greenish at the base of the
tube, yellowish white upwards, and there spotted thickly with crimson dots ;
the stamens decimate, with red filaments and green anthers.

Being a native of Peru, this species will not require excessive heat ; a
cool stove treatment will be best for it. In other respects its culture will
be similar to that of other stove Amaryllids, some of which were recently
noticed in our pages.

M.

GARDEN ROSES.

“ Roses at the exhibitions and Roses in one’s own garden are different
things,” said an old Rose amateur to me the other day ; and so much is
there in this remark, that having already given a paper on Roses at the
exhibitions, I turn now to treat of “ Garden Roses.”

It is, perhaps, scarcely necessary to remark that those who admire Roses
in all their native loveliness on bush or tree, should hardly choose their
varieties from the cut specimens met with at the flower shows. Lovely they
are, it is true — for when and where is the Rose not lovely ? — but there is a
“ getting up,” a weary look about them, which reminds one of the late
hours of the ball-room rather than of the charming freshness and native
simplicity of home life. And how can it be otherwise ? When we consider
that these Roses have been gathered from fifty to sixty hours before the public
is admitted to see them, a part of which time they are packed in boxes
almost immured from air and light, the wonder is that they look as fresh
as they do. Then, again, the mere exhibitor of Roses runs too much after
one idea— form, to be a safe guide when choosing for garden decoration. He

VOL, vi. L

214

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

does not heed sufficiently habit and constitution ; and lienee the symmetrical
flower of the exhibition table is often the offspring of a weakly or shabby tree.
We want good Eoses ; but we want also, for the purpose of general gardening,
varieties of hardy constitution that will grow and flower well, and live to a
good old age, without the petting and coaxing wffiich so many of the modern
varieties require. To choose Eoses, unless exhibiting is the main object in
view, one should see them in their rural homes, where the act of “ getting
up” is seldom practised, and pretty faces count only at their proper worth
— should see them when newly opened by the breath of morn, and while
still wet with the dews of heaven. Freshness is the crowning beauty, the
indescribable and irresistible charm of the Queen of flowers, and this freshness
is wanting in nine-tenths of the flowers met with on the exhibition tables.
But there is more in the matter than this. The practised rosarian may
gather from a solitary bloom, or a trio of blooms, whether the plant is of
hardy or delicate constitution, whether the bearing is handsome or awkward,
whether the flowers are generally or only occasionally fine, and the many
other little points important though often overlooked in the hasty generalisa¬
tions of this busy age, and which go to make up a good Eose — the practised
rosarian, I say, may arrive pretty accurately at these facts from cut speci¬
mens, but woe be to the unpractised who decides and acts on such evidence.
Daily experience confirms the opinion long entertained by the writer, that
they who want Eoses to decorate their gardens should choose from growing-
plants rather than from cut flowers. Acting on these views I lately, when
visiting the Eose gardens in France, made notes of the best garden Eoses,
and these I have corrected by comparison with the collection growing here
under my own eye.

First, I would observe that the amateur who wishes for a fine display of
Eoses in June and July, will lose much if he exclude from his list certain
varieties of summer Eoses. Among the Moss Eoses there are : — Comtesse
de Murinais (white), Gloire de Mousseuses (blush), Marie de Blois (lilac),
the old-fashioned Moss and the Crested Moss (pink), Baron de Wassenaer
(red), and Captain Ingram and Purpurea rubra (purple), all free, hardy,
profuse, and beautiful. Of Damask Eoses Madame Hardy and Madame
Soetmans are still unsurpassed as white flowers, although rarely met with at
the exhibitions. The varieties Felicite and La Seduisante compel us to
retain the group Alba ; these are improved varieties of the Maiden’s Blush,
and, although there are now Hybrid Perpetuals of similar character, they
are so delicate as to be short-lived and scarcely manageable. Neither are
the old French Eoses to be hastily ignored, for in (Fillet Parfait and Perle
des Panaches we have the two best striped Eoses (white striped with crimson
and rose), that have yet appeared. Again, where effect is valued, where
masses of bloom are desired, there are none comparable to the old Hybrid
Chinas Charles Lawson, Chenedole, Coupe d’Hebe, Juno, Madame Plantier,
Paul Perras, and Paul Eicaut. Nor must we forget to include Harrisonii
(Austrian), a plant of matchless beauty when covered with its golden globes
in May and June. Net how few of these ever put in an appearance at the
Eose shows ! If our new Hybrid Perpetuals produced the masses of bloom
in summer which the above-mentioned kinds do, and continued to bloom
constantly throughout the autumn, it would be well to take them in pre¬
ference. But this is not the fact. Cultivators know well that the majority
of these Hybrid Perpetuals produce fewer flowers in summer, and scarcely
an equivalent in the later flowers. The difference is, perhaps, hardly
appreciable in the sum total of flowers. It is this : The summer Eoses pay

OCTOBER.

215

you a good round sum down at once ; the autumnals the same or a nearly
similar sum by instalments. The latter are valuable because they give us
flowers when

“ The last Rose of summer is faded and gone

but it cannot he said that they produce the splendid effect of the summer
Roses in the months of June and July. Let me not he misunderstood. I
have no wish to depreciate the autumnals ; all I contend for is, that each has
its peculiar value, and the Rose garden is incomplete without a goodly
portion of these summer-blooming kinds.

Having stated my views in reference to summer Roses, I now turn to
the autumnals, among which the Hybrid Perpetuals and Tea-scented hold
the highest rank alike as garden and show Roses, although the same kinds
are not always equally suitable for both purposes. Among the Hybrid Per¬
petuals the following will be found to give very general satisfaction : —
Alfred Colomb, Alphonse Damaizin, Anna Alexieff, Baron Adolphe Roths¬
child, Beauty of Waltham, Charles Lefebvre, Comtesse de Chabrillant, Hr.
Andry, Duke of Wellington, Elizabeth Yigneron, Exposition de Brie, Eisher
Holmes, Erangois Louvat, General d’Hautpoult, General Jacqueminot, Glory
of Waltham, Jean Rosenkrantz, John Hopper, Jules Margottin, Lady Suffielcl,
La Brillante, La Duchesse de Morny, Leopold Hausburg, Lord Macaulay,
Madame Alfred de Rougemont, Madame Charles Wood, Madame Rivers,
Madame Victor Verdier, Marechal Vaillant, Marguerite de St. Amand,
Pierre Notting, Prince Camille de Rohan, Princess of Wales, Senateur
Vaisse, Souvenir de la Reine d’Angleterre, Triomphe des Frangais and
Victor Verdier. Of Bourbon Perpetuals , Baron Gonella, Baronne Noirmont,
Comtesse Barbantanne, Madame Charles Baltet, and Madame de Stella are
excellent. Louis XIV., of the Piose de Rosomene group is also invaluable on
account of the rich deep red globular flowers which it produces. Among
the charming Tea-scented varieties the best are : — Alba Rosa, Bougere,
Devoniensis, Eugenie Desgaches, Gloire de Dijon, Homer, Madame Da~
maizin, Madame Falcot, Madame Margottin, Madame Villermoz, Marechal
Niel, Narcisse, Niphetos, Rubens, Safrano, Sombreuil, and Souvenir d’un
Ami. Of Bourbons I recommend Empress Eugenie, Souvenir de Malmaison,
and Mrs. Bosanquet ; while of Noisettes, Aimee Vibert, Celine Eorestier,
and Fellenberg are the most effective in their way.

The colours and general character of the above varieties may be readily
ascertained by reference to any of the great Rose-growers’ catalogues.

Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. William Paul.

HINTS ON ENDIVE CULTURE.

It will often be found that a want of success in keeping up a good
supply of kitchen requisites will be the result of inattention to the minor
details of culture and management, though it is possible that the general
principles that should rule our practice may be well understood. For ex¬
ample, the general idea I wished to convey in my last paper on the culture
of Lettuce (p. 196), was the absolute necessity of regular sowings at
proper intervals ; but, coupled with that, a similar amount of attention
must be paid to the transplanting, and afterwards preparing for the table.
Transplantation should always be attended to as soon as the plants are
sufficiently large to be able to resist the attacks of snails, and before they
get drawn up weakly ; and blanching for the table (which is an operation

216

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

usually performed by tying the leaves together with a string of matting),
must only be done when the plants are perfectly dry, and should only be
performed on a limited number at once. To save time, this operation is
often performed in a very wholesale manner, a whole bed being tied up at
once. This is all very well for a market gardener, who can cut a waggon¬
load in a day ; but where only a certain number is required daily, it often
happens that more than a third of the crop will rot off. The remedy is
obvious — it is the minor detail of only tying up a few at a time.

The next most important crop for salad purposes, after Lettuce, is
Endive, of which there are two types, the Curled, and the Batavian or
Broad-leaved. These are so liable to run to seed if sown early, that unless
Endive is in particular request it is not advisable to sow before the middle of
June, after which, if the plants are thinned out timely, and kept from extreme
drought, they will not run. Two more sowings may be made during the
season, at intervals of about a month. The last one, in August, should be
the largest sowing, as from it are to be derived the main crops for the
winter supply, and also for planting in sheltered places to stand through the
winter.

The seed may be sown either broadcast or in drills, the latter being
generally preferred on account of the facility which it affords for thinning,
which should always be done in time to prevent drawing. The first thin¬
ning should be made when the plants are about an inch in height, and
whether in drills or broadcast they should be left at 8 inches apart. It is
the neglect of this first thinning which is one of the minor details over¬
looked, for in five cases out of six we shall find that thinning the seed-bed
is never practised until the plants are required for transplanting, and the
consequence is that from being drawn up weakly, the plants have to make
an entirely new start from the heart leaves, and a w7eek or ten days are lost
in the growth of the plants. On the contrary, when they are timely
thinned, and again for transplanting into beds, as soon as they are found
to cover the seed-bed, they will become stocky and well rooted ; and, if
carefully watered when planted, will start into growth at once. A portion
should always be left in the seed-bed at from 12 to 14 inches apart, to come
in earlier than those which have been transplanted from it.

Endive, like most other kitchen-garden crops, revels in good fat ground,
and with regard to the sowing in June and July such may be allowed it, but
with the later sowing in August this must be taken with a reservation, be¬
cause a fat soil brings up a succulent herbage, and such herbage is peculiarly
liable to injury from frost. The August sowing is supposed to supply the
months of December, January, and February at least, and from the smallest
plants I have carried them on into March and the end of April ; but from
experience I find that the soil for these plants must not be so strong as to
excite a succulent and tender growth. At all seasons it is advisable that
Endive should be planted deeply — that is to say, the crown of the plant
should be at least 2 inches below the surface level. To facilitate the
operation, use a large sharp-pointed dibble, so that there may be a sort of
basin formed round the crown of the plant for the reception of water, which
must always be applied at planting time, though the seasons are rare in
which it is required afterwards. Towards the end of September plantations
should be made at the base of south walls. I generally plant Endive and
Bath Cos or Hardy Green Lettuces alternately, and I find them to come in
very useful ; the Lettuce especially comes in about ten days or a fortnight
before those in the more open quarters.

OCTOBER.

217

The plants from the June sowing will he ready for use by the end of Sep¬
tember ; those from the July sowing at the end of October ; and it is advisable
that a good supply of these latter should be tied up when very dry, to blanch,
and on the approach of frost to be lifted and stored in frames or pits for an
early winter supply. For a later supply the earliest plants from the August
sowing must be looked to, and full advantage taken of every chance
afforded by dry weather to tie them up, either for covering from frost in the
bed, or for lifting to store away.

The Curled varieties are generally preferred for salads, and the Broad¬
leaved for stewing ; but the latter when well blanched are very crisp and
tender for salads, and by some are preferred to the Curled, being less bitter.
Amongst the Curled varieties, that exhibited before the Fruit Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society last season, appears likely to be one of
the best.

Uedleaf. John Cox.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

The Potatos in this part are very badly diseased. I do not recollect
having seen, since 1846, the late Potatos in gardens worse diseased than
they are this season. The disease did not manifest itself here to any
extent until the middle of August, so that the early kinds escaped with little
or no loss.

Mona’s Pride and Rivers’s Royal Ash-leaved were good crops and fine in
quality. Myatt’s Prolific was a heavy crop everywhere, and fine. Haigh’s
Kidney was fine, and here they escaped the disease much better than last
year. Prince of Wales Kidney was very fine, but very badly diseased.
Milky White was very much diseased. Dalmahoy and Daintree’s Seedling
nearly all diseased. All the late sorts badly diseased, very few sound tubers.
The Potatos in the field are also, I regret to say, going very much with the
disease. The best and freest from disease that I know of were treated as
follows : — The manure was spread on the ground last autumn, and then
ploughed in, and the sets were planted rather earlier than usual in spring.
These Potatos are a fine crop, and up to the present time (18th of Septem¬
ber), very little diseased. The situation is rather high, and the subsoil
gravel, so that there has been no excess of moisture in the land. In an
adjoining field, which is lower and a dead flat, with heavier soil and a more
retentive bottom, Potatos last year were very badly diseased. Potatos in
the markets here at present are already a shilling the weight of 21 lbs., a
rather unusually high price at this season of the year.

Fortunately for the public, the corn crops, which are now being harvested
in good condition, are considerably above an average in this part of the
country. Should flour keep at a moderate price, the loss of the Potato
crop will not be so severely felt as it was last year.

Stourton. ' M. Saul.

TOADS IN IRELAND.

Although toads are met with at a considerable distance from water,
they were all originally bred in it from spawn deposited in the spring.
From the absence of toads in Ireland, it has been ignorantly supposed
that there is some peculiar quality in the soil which is hurtful to harmless
and useful reptiles. I advert to this for the sake of noticing that there

218

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

seem to liave been similar local notions concerning noxious animals even
in this country. Sir J. Browne says, “ It is a true and remarkable thing,
that whereas Islip and Blitchinton, in Oxonshire, are not distant above two
miles, and noe river between, yet noe man living remembers a snake or
adder found alive in Blitchinton (which abounds with frogs and toads), and
yet they he brought from Islip, or other parties, into that towne, they dye
as venomous things die on Irish earthe brought by ship.” The author
seems not to have known that adders can swim, nor the fact that these
excepted, the Irish may have as many venomous creatures as we have, though
not mentioned in the “ fog of fable,” for the venom of wasps and honey bees
is sometimes as fatal as that of the viper. Besides, except the vulture, those
alluded to are harmless — snakes, toads, vultures, moles, or mole crickets.
Carr, in his “ Tour in Ireland,” mentions these, and also the erroneous
belief of no frogs having been found in Ireland before the landing of King
William ; but he observes that frogs are stated in ancient accounts of
noxious animals to have been extirpated from Ireland. It would be useless
to dwell on that old legend, the origin of which appears to be the damp
nature of the Irish climate.

Though toads are bred in water, they cannot live long in it. They
prefer dry places, where they find proper food — beetles, ants, and many
other winged insects injurious to cultivation. Therefore they are more
useful than frogs that thrive in damp places, and whose chief diet consists of
worms and water insects, or at least of those found in uncultivated places,
where they also find shelter from the rays of the sun.

Cossey. J. Wighton.

DOUBLE PYRETHRUMS.

Any attempt to chronicle the improvements made during the past few
years among the flowers employed for garden decoration would be incom¬
plete without some allusion to the greatly improved forms of the Double
Pyrethrum. Only a few years ago a Double Pyrethrum of the section now
under notice, was a thing unknown. But that patient enterprise that wTorks
out so many astonishing revolutions in the world of horticulture has been
applied with great success to this flower, and we have now among us a
valuable summer-flowering plant for the open ground — one thoroughly
hardy, being altogether an out-door flower, and at the same time thoroughly
valuable for the embellishment of shrubbery and mixed borders.

The history of the improvement of this flower is just the simple process
that has worked such happy results in the case of other popular flowers.
Received from the Continent by Mr. John Salter, of Hammersmith, in a
form suggestive of a much higher order of development, it was at once
taken in hand, and by careful seeding year by year, semi-double flowTers
became resolved into fully double blooms ; increased size both of floret and
flower-liead followed in the wake of fuller substance, and with these came
that coveted variation which always gladdens the heart of the florist — a
breaking away into new colours, or combinations of colour, even to a much
larger degree than was at first reasonably expected. And so, bringing up
the “ record of progress ” to the present year, the rich and varying beauty
of some of these flowers really surprises one who has inspected them, see¬
ing what a comparatively short space of time has been devoted to perfect¬
ing them. They are certainly a valuable addition to our hardy herbaceous
plants. That they grow somewhat lanky is really no tenable objection

OCTOBER.

219

against them, as they can easily be tied up to stakes in common with many
other herbaceous plants. But it is not improbable that this objection will
soon be altogether removed, inasmuch as some very dwarf-growing varieties
are now showing themselves in the seedling-beds, in the same way as has
been observed among the Antirrhinums for instance, and there is no loss
of any good qualities in these dwarf-growing kinds, while their dwarfness
is a great gain. They remain in bloom for a considerable time, commencing
early in July, if not earlier, and they are even now (the second week in
September), in full bloom, as the plants throw out a succession of lateral
shoots that become floriferous.

Then some single-flowered varieties of the Pyrethrum are also under¬
going a collateral improvement, though they only bear about the same
relationship to the double-flowered kinds that the single Anemone-flowered
Chrysanthemums do to the splendid and full double flowers. Still, they
are moving along in the march of improvement, increasing year by year in
size of flower, in breadth and roundness of floret, and in diversity of colour.
They are easily propagated ; this is another recommendation in their favour.
They can be multiplied by taking off cuttings either in the autumn or early
in the spring ; these should be put into a bed made ready for them in a
cold frame, or else be put out on a shady border, and protected by a hand¬
glass. A good rich soil is all that is required to induce them to root.
Planting out for blooming can be done either in the autumn or the early
spring. If the ground intended to receive them be low and wet, put off
the planting-out till the spring, and house the plants in a cold frame
through the winter ; but, as a rule, planting can be safely done in the
autumn. As, however, the slugs have a fine appreciation of the foliage as
an article of food, they must be looked after, or the plants will soon betray
the ravages of these herbivorous gourmands of the garden.

I have endeavoured to arrange under certain heads of colour some of
the showiest and best -varieties. Under the head of Carmine and Bed may be
put the showiest and brightest colours. Of these the following can be well
recommended : — Emile Leomine, a fine continental variety, colour deep rosy
carmine with bronze centre ; Modele, a fine shade of carmine red, but with
a tendency to come single ; Carminatum plenum , dark carmine ; Fulgens ple-
nissimum, dark red, a large and handsome flower ; Imbricatum plenum , bright
rosy carmine, the flowers of great size and showry ; Rose Perfection, a dark
but pleasing shade of rosy carmine ; and Prince of Wales, dark carmine
shaded with bright red, a striking shade of colour, flowers large and full.

Bosy Lilac and Purple shades will w7ell represent the next section. A
distinct purple hue is evidently soon to be obtained, but at present it is
somewfliat mixed with rose. The most noticeable under this head are Miss
Plinkie (Salter), new of 1867, pale rosy lilac, with alight centre, the flowers
large and full, and belonging to what Mr. Salter denominates the Banun-
culus-flowered section, inasmuch as the florets forming the centre of the
head are flat instead of being quilled, as is ordinarily the case ; Lischen ,
another continental variety, rosy purple with paler centre ; Madame Calot,
deep rosy purple, a very effective shade of colour ; and Barral, a very fine
and double crimson purple flower, one of the best of the dark colours.

Of shades of Bose there are Salter’s Alfred Salter, vivid rose, a fine
flower ; Iveryanum, bright rose, the flowers large and full (this variety is
somewhat dwarf in its habit) ; Nemesis, dark glowing rose, showy and fine ;
Paul Journu, soft rose with light centre, another dwarf-growing variety ;
Pompon Rose, a small but good flower of a lively dark rose shade ; and

220

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Wilhelm Kramper , a tall-growing variety, but of a good shade of colour —
namely, lively dark rose.

Pink shades are found in the following varieties : — Nobilissimum (Salter),
new of 1867, a very large flower, having broad guard florets of a bright
pink hue with a white centre, one of the most distinct kinds, and very
attractive ; Yolande, rosy pink, flowers very double, and dwarf-growing ;
Carneum plenum , pinkish blush, flower large and full ; Fascination , a very
pleasing shade of deep pink; Gustave Reitz, a continental variety of a pale
rosy pink shade with bronzy centre, a fine flower, but a somewhat tall
grower ; Lady Blanche , blush, with a distinct rosy tint, very fine ; Miss
Talfourd, bright rosy pink, a pretty and pleasing shade of colour ; and Mrs.
Dix, blush, shaded with pale rose, and very fine.

There is a clearly perceptible presence of something akin to Peach
colour in a few of these flowers, particularly in Ariane, rosy peach, the
centre lighter, a pretty and distinct flower ; Cerito , clear rosy peach with
sulphur centre, a fine flower ; and Pet, another pretty flower of bright rosy
peach shade.

Shades of Yellow are as yet confined to yellowish sulphur and buff. Of
these the best are Luteum plenum (Salter), new of 1867, pale yellow, but
deeper in colour in the centre, free-blooming, and dwarf-growing ; Nancy, a
continental variety, in colour creamy sulphur ; and Sidphureum, sulphur,
with a deeper colour in the centre of the flower, distinct and good.

Of White flowers there are Annie Holborn, white, with a deep blush
centre ; Belle Gabrielle, pure white, with delicate peach centre, a fine flo'wer ;
Ne Plus Ultra, blush white, a fine and bold flower ; and Princess Alexandra,
white, with a slight tint of cream, a very fine flower of great depth and
substance, and dwarf-growing.

The following are the best of the single flowers : — Giganteum rubrum,
chestnut red, flowers large and bold ; Kleinholtz, bright crimson, fine and
distinct ; Mons, glowing crimson, a fine shade of colour, flowers large and
fine ; Prince Alfred, purplish crimson, flowers large and bold ; and Sparkler,
bright reddish crimson, flowers very showy, and a fine shade of colour.

Quo.

DENDROBIUM NOBILE AND SPECIOSUM.

The latter of these, Dendrobium speciosum, does not appear to have met
with the amount of cultural success amongst us, which from its great
merits it is deserving of. A plant with eight or ten stout pseudobulbs,
having each a crown of leaves fine as it is capable of producing — not such
as are generally met with — is in itself a noble object, whose beauty is greatly
enhanced, however, when decorated with an array of spikes sufficiently
lengthy to need that the pot should be elevated for their display. The cause
of this want of greater success must not be sought after in the absence of
heat. Dendrobium speciosum is in reality a plant from a more temperate
zone than some superficial observers may be aware of. It was first in¬
troduced from New Holland ; and New Holland plants, it may not be beside
the subject to state, have an aversion to too much heat. Generally they will
contend to the death against it. Let me advise, therefore, a more rational
treatment to those who are anxious to grow and to flower this plant freely.

A warm corner in a greenhouse or conservatory, quite away from draught,
and not too much shaded, will suit it well in a general way. In such a

OCTOBER.

221

position it may stand from November till late in the following April, with
just sufficient water afforded to ensure a slight amount of latent moisture
throughout the entire hall. This is best supplied by simply dipping the
whole exterior surface of the pot containing the plant into a tub or vessel con¬
taining tepid water, three or four times during the above period. From the
latter date commence gradually to moisten the ball throughout by actual
waterings, sponging the leaves also, which will, doubtless, start it into active
growth in due time, at which period it may be removed to the cooler part of
an intermediate-house, still keeping it away from anything in the way of
draughts, slightly shading it, and occasionally watering it copiously over¬
head. When it has finished preceptibly to enlarge in growth in this position,
it may be again removed to a more open situation, such as an airy vinery
wherein the crop, having become ripened, requires in consequence a dry atmo¬
sphere. Here it will mature effectively the growth it has previously made,
and at the proper date it should again be returned to its general winter
quarters. In the following March, or early in April, it may be expected
to show for flower. Bear in mind, however, that if through adverse treat¬
ment this plant, which it would be difficult to kill outright, with any sem¬
blance of cultural attention, has dwindled “less by degrees” down to a
mere pigmy as compared with what it should be, it will take more than one,
and perhaps two seasons, to induce it to flower freely. With treatment such
as the above, which I can personally vouch for, I have flowered a plant of
D. speciosum, which, grown in a 16-sized pot, produced sixteen flower-spikes
upon ten pseudobulbs, two of which carried three spikes each, averaging
12 to 14 inches in length, and beautifully fragrant. Few have any idea of
the real beauty of this species, even though it be not brightly coloured, who
have not seen it thus freely flowered. One other remark I would offer. In
potting the plant, use an open porous compost, formed, as is customary, by
mixing fibrous peat, charcoal, sphagnum, and potsherds well together,
these, however, being first reduced to smaller particles ; mix them together,
crock less, yet efficiently, and pot them as firmly as the nature of these things
will admit. Little other inducement will the roots then need to ramble
luxuriantly therein, and throw up in consequence robust pseudobulbs, bear¬
ing upon their crowns leaves equally broad and lengthy as themselves — a
true test of luxuriance in Dendrobium speciosum.

Dendrobium nobile requires also a little more study than is usual of its native
habitat, and its attendant climatic influences, in order to flower it as freely
as it is capable of being flowered. A native of China, it delights in a moist,
humid, and warm atmosphere during active growth — a season when, perhaps,
it would be difficult to overdeluge the plant with water at a genial tempe¬
rature. In our practice here we seldom err. But do we imitate the more
temperate Chinese winter in our general practice during the season of rest ?
I hold not. Encased within our necessarily over-humid winter stoves at
a uniformly maximum temperature, comparatively speaking, these plants
(which need a cool and an entire season of rest, surrounded by as dry and
buoyant an atmosphere as possible), are forced, as it is, into a state of semi¬
rest only — forced to retain their foliage green and intact. Thus does the
whole plant exist adversely. How should we apply these facts, then ? So
soon as the plants have ceased actively to grow (which is readily seen when
they exhibit at the tips of the young growths no further signs of progres¬
sion), withhold water, save at distant intervals, during a month or six
weeks, and after that, wholly. Remove them first for a week into the
warmest, driest position in the house, and thence into the sunniest part of

L $

222

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

a cool greenhouse or vinery, not subjected to draughts, where they are to
become well inured to a plentiful supply of air, which, however, they must
not feel directly. Here they are to remain for some months. The only
other essential requisite is that no actual moisture he allowed to rest upon
their whole surface. In due season flower-buds will protrude if a growTtli
capable of their production has been formed. "When this is observed they
must be reintroduced into a warmer house, and treated for the due display
of their blossoms. It will soon be seen what an incentive of future [growth
the past complete rest will have been. The hardening process, in like
manner, will cause them to flower most abundantly.

Digswell. William Earley.

NEW GARDEN PLANTS.

Amongst recent novelties in the Orchid family may be mentioned Den-
drobium Bullerianmn (Bot. Mag., t. 5652), a pretty delicate-flowered species,
first bloomed by Mr. Wentworth Buller, after whom it has been named.
It is a Moulmein plant, introduced by Messrs. Low & Co., and is said to be
of very easy culture, flowering in the spring. The stems are erectish and
striated, the leaves ovate-lanceolate acute, and the flowers which follow the
leaves, in clusters of two or three, white, faintly tipped with purple, and
with a large yellow blotch in the centre of the lip. “ In structure it is,
perhaps, most nearly allied to D. crepidatum, from which the form of the
lip abundantly distinguishes it ; while in the size, colouring, and general
effect of its flowers, it somewhat resembles the otherwise very different
D. Devonianum,” but is infinitely less beautiful. It has been called I). gra-
tiosissimum in gardens. The very remarkable Epidendrum cnemidophorum ,
(Bot. Mag., t. 5656), has been bloomed during the past summer at Oulton
Park, and proves to be a fine showy species. Its stately stems grow from
4 to 6 feet high, and are pendent at top from the weight of the large
nodding raceme of flowers. The latter are long-stalked, pale on the outside,
and on the inside yellowish mottled with rich brown, the lip and column
being of a creamy white tinted with rose. The large size of the individual
flowers, and the bulk of the entire racemes, together with the stately habit
of the plant, render it one of the most desirable of its family — one, more¬
over, which, coming from an elevation of 7000 feet in Guatemala, is found
to thrive best in gardens under cool treatment. Another new species of the
same genus, having an ornamental character, is Epidendrum Brasavolce (Bot.
Mag., t. 5664), another Guatemalan species, flowered by Mr. Bateman, a
plant allied in habit to E. prismatocarpum, but remarkably distinct in
colour, the sepals being of a rich buff or yellowish brown, the lip straw-
coloured at the base, and mauve-coloured at the tip. Its singular colour
renders it attractive.

Among stove shrubs a very interesting addition to our ornamental¬
leaved plants was made by the introduction of Acalypha tricolor, from New
Caledonia. It is a remarkably distinct plant, of shrubby habit, producing
large ovate acuminate leaves, which are irregularly mottled and blotched
with coppery red and crimson, or sometimes a good deal suffused with
coppery red, a colour quite distinct from that of any other plant in culti¬
vation, and which contrasts finely with other ornaments of the hothouse.
The plant belongs to the Urticaceous order, and is the Caturus hispidus of
some botanists. It was obtained by Mr. J. G. Veitch during his visit to

OCTOBER.

223

tlie South Sea Islands, and has lately been sent out by the Messrs. Yeitch
and Sons, to whom we are indebted for the accompanying illustration.

Dr. Hooker figures a rather pretty form of Dracama, called mrculosa ,
var. maculata (Bot. Mag., t. 5662), sent to Kew from West Tropical Africa
by M. Gustav Mann. It is a stove shrub of 6 to 8 feet in height, with
slender stems, copiously augmented by means of surculi (or suckers), from
the roots ; the leaves are scattered or somewhat whorled, acuminately
oblong-lanceolate, green with yellow spots ; and the stems terminate in a
lax globose corymb of slender-tubed pale yellowish flowers.

224

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

A very interesting example of the genus Agave, a group of plants
which, from their remarkable and strikingly effective forms, are making
their way slowly but surely in popular favour, is the Agave xylinacantha,
recently figured (Bot. Mag., t. 5660). It is a stemless plant, with the thick
succulent leaves spreading on all sides, and bearing on their margins
flat, whitish, variously lobed or furcate, or sometimes simple, spinous pro¬
cesses, which are often hooked ; it is these woody-looking spines that have
suggested the name. The scape is simple, erect, 9 or 10 feet high, terminat¬
ing in an attenuated but crowded raceme 3 to 4 feet long, of small greenish
flowers with projecting yellow anthers.

Erodium macradenium (Bot. Mag., t. 5665), recently introduced from
the Pyrenees by Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, a pretty cut-leaved
plant, with lilac black-spotted Pelargonium-like flowers, appears to be the
same as the plant long since cultivated (and, doubtless, subsequently lost
to our gardens), under the name of E. glandulosum. It is an elegant her¬
baceous perennial.. M

ROOTS FROM VINE STEMS.

Before I observed Mr. Cramb’s remarks at p. 174 concerning the
production of roots from Vine stems, I thought there was no doubt but
such roots were the mere effects of moist heat, especially during dull
weather ; and this not only coincides with his remarks on the subject, but
I think also with the opinion of practical Vine-growers. If the opinion of
theorists is correct, that the fault proceeds from weakness of the roots
underground, then only weak Vines would produce roots from their stems,
whereas they are less liable to do so than strong ones, though both may be
under the same treatment. I need observe that the roots are produced
only from the under sides of the stems shaded from the effects of the sun,
and they soon die off in a drier atmosphere.

The same may be said of healthy Melons, Cucumbers, and plants of
many other kinds, whose stems often produce roots or fibres during dull
weather. Some of my Vines are upwards of thirty years old, with stems
thicker than one’s wrist, and they annually produce roots — more or less,
according to the warm humidity of the house, as freely as Vine cuttings do
whilst lying amongst warm leaves.

Cosseg Park. J. Wighton.

CONCERNING CONIFERS.

The planting of Conifers is every year extending over the country.
They are not now confined to the pleasure ground, nor to a special place
set apart for them called a Pinetum, but are being largely planted over the
parks and plantations of many of the larger estates. These are the proper
places for all the larger-growing species.

In some of the places where Conifers were largely planted some years ago,
one of the great mistakes committed was the planting of them too closely
together. In most situations where the plants have not been properly
thinned, the greater number of the specimens are spoiled for want of room
to develope themselves. Large-growing Conifers have generally been
planted too closely together, or too near walks and other things that prevent
their developing themselves.

OCTOBER.

225

The difficulty in procuring seeds of some of the species was so great a
few years ago, that grafting was largely practised to meet the demand for
them. Unfortunately, many of the trees planted some years ago, either
through being grafted or the roots becoming corkscrewed by being kept in
small pots, have done badly and caused disappointment. These matters are
now generally well understood, and there is now no difficulty in getting fine
seedling plants, well prepared for transplanting, with the almost certainty
of the most satisfactory results, if planted in suitable places, and properly
attended to.

The two great evils that Conifers suffer from are, an excess of moisture
at the roots, and planting in low confined situations. Unfortunately
Conifers do not always show the effects of these evils. In dry seasons and
mild winters the plants do pretty well. It is only when there is a heavy
rainfall in the autumn, and this is followed by a severe winter, that Conifers
planted in badly drained land and confined situations suffer to any extent,
but the results are then often very disastrous, as was the case in many
places last year. Plants that are perfectly hardy are then set down as quite
tender. Hardy Conifers when planted in badly drained land or in con¬
fined places will suffer seriously from a few degrees of frost, while the very
same kinds will, when planted in thoroughly well-drained land and open airy
situations, stand many degrees of frost without sustaining the slightest in¬
jury. When Conifers are planted in badly drained land and in confined
places the wood very rarely gets properly matured, and in consequence it
suffers from a few degrees of frost. Excess of moisture at the roots in
winter causes the spongelets to perish, and the plant is in consequence
weakened, and less able to stand frost. From long practical observation I
have very little doubt that excess of moisture at the roots, is one of the chief
causes why so many hardy Conifers suffer so much injury in severe winters.

Of the several thousands of Conifers planted here in the park, the plea¬
sure ground, and woods, not one of those in exposed situations, and where the
subsoil is of a dry porous nature, suffered in the slightest degree from the
frost of last winter and spring. A few only, in low places, or where from the
nature of the ground the surface water could not pass off freely, suffered
slightly.

I am perfectly convinced if more attention was paid to the drainage of
the land, and to planting in open airy situations where the wood would get
ripened, we should not hear so often of such wholesale destruction of
Conifers in severe winters as we did in that of 1866. In our moist climate
the land for Conifers cannot be too dry in winter .if we wish to save the fine
roots from perishing ; nor can the situation be too open and airy, provided it
is sheltered from the fury of the destructive west winds.

We are now on the eve of the planting season, and it would be well if
these facts were not only borne in mind, but acted upon by intending planters.
I am sure those who do so, will have the pleasure of witnessing satisfactory
results.

Though plantations are the proper places for all the larger-growing species,
I am no great advocate for planting young Conifers in old woods — not,
however, through a dread of root-fungus, but from the difficulty of getting
spaces sufficiently open and airy, where the sun can shine on the young
plants all day long. If tall trees in any way shade young Conifers they will
grow up thin and weakly.

I am a great advocate for planting Conifers in young plantations, and
for planting them at good distances apart, so that they may have ample

226

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

room to develope themselves. The young plants afford the Conifers all ne¬
cessary shelter without obstructing the sunshine.

When planted in young plantations the young trees should be kept well
thinned out as they advance in growth, so that the Conifers may have a fair
chance of developing themselves.

Stourton. M. Saul.

MADRESFIELD COURT GRAPE.

This splendid new Grape was exhibited to the meeting of the Fruit
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society held on the 20th of August,
and was most deservedly awarded a first-class certificate. The bunches ex¬
hibited weighed from to 2 lbs. each ; they were beautifully and regularly
grown, and quite of the same form as those of the Muscat of Alexandria — i. e.,
long and tapering, and well shouldered. The berries are large, longish oval,
like those of the Muscat, jet black, and covered with a fine bloom like that
on the fruit of Black Alicante. The stalk of the bunch is rather fine, erect,
and of a reddish purple ; that of the berry is stout and warted. The skin
is tough and membranous ; the flesh is firm and very juicy, rich and ex¬
cellent, and has a distinct Muscat flavour. The leaves, which are bristly,
deeply lobed, and serrated, have reddish stalks and midribs, like those of
the Esperione.

It is a seedling, and was raised by Mr. Cox, gardener at Madresfield
Court, Great Malvern, who has furnished the following information respect¬
ing it : — “ The Grape in question was raised some five years ago, and was
the only one of a quantity of seedlings which, after fruiting, I considered
worth saving. The parents were Muscat of Alexandria and Black Alicante,
crossed both ways. I am therefore in doubt as to which kind produced the
seed from which the present seedling was raised. The plant is of robust
growth, and short-jointed, and the eye is prominent, and rather more
pointed than that of the Muscat. The fruit sets as freely as that of the
Black Hamburgh, and ripens a fortnight later than that variety, and a like
period earlier than that of the Muscat of Alexandria.”

Judging by specimens of this seedling which have been exhibited during
the past two seasons, it promises to be one of the finest Grapes yet intro¬
duced. For flavour it is nearly if not quite equal to the Muscat of Alexan¬
dria ; in appearance, size, colour, and form, it is all that can be desired ;
and there is a freeness about the bunch, like that which belongs to the
Black Hamburgh, that betokens affine constitution, and capability of being
grown to a large size. The stout stalks of the berry, and its tough leathery
skin, are also sure indications of its good keeping qualities. Of all Grapes
in cultivation, Mrs. Pince’s Black Muscat comes nearest to it.

A. F. B.

AN EPITOME OF PANSY CULTURE.

To grow the Pansy successfully for exhibition purposes, the course of
treatment briefly sketched out in the following remarks, and 'which can be
filled up according to circumstances, should be followed.

In the month of July, and again in October, select healthy cuttings,
and plant them in a cool part of the garden. A north border is the best
situation for them, and they should be put under glass, in order to keep
heavy rains from rotting them ; but this covering should not be a close

OCTOBEK.

227

frame or pit — liand-glasses do exceedingly well if they are removed for a
short time night and morning. Light soil must he used, and both the
cuttings, and the young plants after they have rooted, are to be kept clear
of all dead foliage.

If required for very early bloom, or to be exhibited in pots, the strongest
young plants should be selected and potted into four-inch pots ; they are
to be placed in a cold frame for the purpose of keeping off any excess of
rain, but they must have all the air possible. In December they are to be
repotted into seven-inch pots, using rich soil. The plants generally make
several leading shoots, but four or five are sufficient, and from these the
small branches or side shoots should be removed as they grow, in order to
throw strength into the principal shoots, by which means large blooms will
be ensured.

Similar treatment will be successful for out-of-door culture. A rich
free soil, and a cool but airy place, are among the principal requisites, and
with these must be combined abundance of light, so that crowding may be
avoided. Unless this is attended to, vigorous growth and large blooms will
not be obtained.

C. T.

GOODYERA MACRANTHA, A HARDY VARIEGATED

ORCHID.

If not quite equal in beauty of colour and marking to the Anaectochils
of our hothouses, we have at least in this pretty J apanese plant one which

is suggestive of those rare hothouse gems, and one which has enough of
intrinsic beauty to make it a welcome addition to our collections. It has
been introduced from Japan in a living state to the St. Petersburg]! Botanic

228

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

Garden by M. Maximowicz, and the same, or a very similar plant, was
brought to this country by Mr. J. G. Yeitch on his return from Japan.

The plant is a dwarf herb, with short stems, and approximate leaves,
narrowing into the petiole, which is dilated, so as to sheath the stem by
its base. The form of the leaves is ovate, acute, the margin being of a
clear pale yellow, and the central part barred with bright green reticulations
on a deep olive green ground. The flowers are upwards of an inch long,
of a pale pink colour, hairy on the outside, with linear erect sepals and
petals, and a lip of the same form, but shorter and recurved. It is related
to the Georchis biflora of Lindley, and M. Maximowicz regards it as forming
with that plant a very natural section of the genus Goodyera.

For garden purposes it will be very welcome, because, with much of the
beauty of the Ansectocliils, it is far more manageable than they. Indeed,
M. Regel states that it succeeds well in a cool house if placed in a light
situation, protected from the influence of the sun by means of shading.

In Japan it is only met with in cultivation, and brings a high price to
the Japanese dealers. M. Regel suspects that this and another species,
Gr. velutina, something in the way of G. discolor, both come from the southern
islands of Japan. Their free growth, easy culture, and nicely marked
leaves render them both desirable for general cultivation. It is recom¬
mended that they should be grown in flat pots, planted in freshly gathered
sphagnum, mixed with a little loamy earth and sand, and kept rather
elevated above the edge of the pot.

M.

THE FINCHLEY VINE.

This Vine, the history of which is a study, and the progress of which
speaks most emphatically in behalf of the extension system where circum¬
stances favour its adoption, is so remarkable an instance of success in
Grape-growing, that, although it has been frequently noticed by the
horticultural press, it deserves a special record in our pages. We find so
circumstantial an account of it in the new edition of Mr. Thomson’s excellent
treatise on the Vine, that we quote his description, all the more readily,
since it would appear that Mr. Thomson was himself in some degree instru¬
mental in inducing Mr. Kay to plant it. The account given is as follows : —

“ In the year 1838 I became acquainted with the late Mr. Kay, of Finchley, near
London, and up to the date of his melancholy death, I continued to discuss with him, verbally
and by letter, every question that bore on the culture of the Vine. He always maintained
the great importance of what he called ‘ carrying a large amount of foliage on the Vine ’ as
the only sure way of keeping up its stamina, and acted on this himself. I used to reply, that
practically it was not expedient to allow more than two leaves to grow beyond the bunch.
This, with the sub -laterals stopped at one leaf, I considered sufficient, and pointed to the
example of the Oak Hill Vines, near Barnet, then and for twenty years so ably managed by
Mr. Davis, who produced splendid crops of Grapes, ripe in March and April, for many years
in succession from the same Vines, and which he pruned to one eye, and left only one leaf
beyond the bunch. I thought the system I adopted, of leaving two leaves, sufficient ; Mr. Kay
thought otherwise, and left from four to five.

“ Carrying his ideas still farther, he said he believed that better would be the plan of
planting only one Vine in a large house. This I urged him to do, and in 1855 he built a
span-roofed house 89 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches in height to the apex. In
this house he planted a single Black Hamburgh Vine in March, 1856, the roots all outside,
and the border prepared 89 feet in length by 15 broad. Beyond this border are the borders
of other houses, giving it scope for its roots little if at all under a quarter of an acre. The
Vine is trained with a leading stem from the centre of the north side wall up to the apex, and
down to the south wall, for the house runs ea3t and west. From this main stem five laterals
are trained towards each end of the house — one at the apex, the others equidistant between

OCTOBER.

229

the apex and the -walls. The last time I saw it in company with Mr. Kay was in 1862. I
saw it again in 1864, when it had a full crop of excellent G-rapes, weighing, as I have since
learned, 476 lbs. In 1865 it bore 400 lbs of Grapes ; in 1866, three hundred bunches, some of
them weighing 5 lbs. It took seven years to furnish the house with bearing wood. The
girth of the stem where it enters the house is at this date, May 1867, 14 inches. Mr. Osborne,
an old pupil of Mr. Kay’s, has ably carried out his preceptor’s mode of managing this noble
Vine ; and I trust it may long remain in robust health, a fitting monument to one who had
few equals as an enthusiastic cultivator of the Vine, and one who stands alone as having
built a large house, and planted it with a single Yine, to test a theory which some writers of
the present day are starting as a new one.”

LABELLING FRUIT TREES.

Finding the lead labels on the fruit walls here, not so legible as could
be desired, especially when reading them from the walks, I have tried
rubbing into the letters two coats of white lead or paint, and they now
can be read quite plainly. To some this may be no information ; but
others who may not have tried it, will find it the best and most permanent
mode of labelling the fruit trees on their Avails and borders. Some years
ago I had the leads used here, and the printing materials, made by the
firm of Lingham Brothers, Ironmongers, Birmingham. They likewise
furnished galvanised iron sockets for fixing the stamped leads in for the
borders. The leads are cut in this shape, being about
4 inches in length, and 2\ inches in breadth, and are
packed in packets of fifty each. The dots in the flanges at
the sides sIioav where they are nailed to the walls. When
fixed in the iron sockets, these flanges are bent round, and clenched on
the other side. The labels then for the borders are in this shape.

When stamping the leads with the letters, I use a block of
iron made for the leads to fit in, and over them is placed a thin
iron plate Avith three open lines wherein to stamp the names
on the leads. When printing the leads, I have the steel pieces
which contain the letters on the tops, all fixed alphabetically
in a tin box with a small square hole for each, and by being
able to pounce on the letter required, the printing is done
systematically, and with rapidity. There has been no end of labels tried
for naming fruit trees in the open air ; but whether made of heart of oak,
porcelain, or cast iron, they have all failed of being permanent. With lead
labels, however, the case is different ; and when the letters are brought out by
using the white paint now and then, little more can fie desired for the purpose.
The way the painting is done here, is to rub over the letters twice with a
little white lead, and then take a rough piece of cloth or sacking to Avipe the
paint off the face of the label, the doing which forces the paint deeper
into the letters.

Welbeck. William Tillery.

nfiit.’WMnunniiHuin)

HUnmnmmanajiBfi.l

NOVELTIES AT FLOWER SHOWS, &c.

A atery fine lot of Hollyhocks was shown before the Floral Committee, on
August 20th, by Mr. Cliater, Saffron Walden, and two fine new seedlings
by the Rev. E. Hawke, Gainsborough. A line of about a dozen spikes of
floAvers, from Mr. Chater, some of them neAV kinds, shown for the first time,
were an exhibition in themselves. First-class certificates were aAvarded to
the following : — Alba superba (Chater), a large pure white flower, of good sub-

230

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

stance; Ruby Queen (Hawke), brilliant ruby, a fine variety; and Gem
(Hawke), pale salmony red, also of fine quality. A second-class certificate
was awarded to Walden Queen (Cliater), with large and full flowers of a
delicate flesli colour. Queen of Yellows (Cliater), lias a good hue of colour, but
the guard petals are too large and pale in colour. Whitby King (Cliater),
is similar to, but not so good as Gem above noted; and Midnight (Chater),
is a glossy dark maroon, almost black flower, but wanting substance.

Some seedling Dahlias were shown by Messrs. Hopkins, Pope, and
Keynes. The former had Excellent , orange maroon, a small but promising
flower ; Mr. Pope had Ruth , a heavy rosy purple-edged variety ; and of the
new flowers shown by Mr. Keynes two received second-class certificates —
namely, Mrs. Dodds and Caroline Tetterell, both a good deal in the same way,
and yet distinct enough from each other — both light ground varieties, edged
with rosy lilac, the blooms of good size, full, and with good centres. The
following were also new seedling kinds, which no doubt Mr. Keynes will send
again : — Miss Turner , a variety tipped with rosy purple ; Royal Purple , rosy
purple ; Lady Derby, a dark purple, tipped with white ; Snowball, white ;
Emma Newman, pale primrose ; Duke of Edinburgh, a handsome shade of rosy
violet ; and the Ebon. Mr. Bouverie, orange buff. A Perpetual Picotee ,
named Ascot Yelloiv, from Mr. Standish, was a large and showy yellow-
ground flower, edged with rosy red, the habit vigorous and free-flowering ;
it was awarded a first-class certificate. Verbena The Cure, from Mr. Eck-
ford, Coleshill, Berks, got a similar award ; it is a large and bold flower,
the colour rosy purple, with a lively bright crimson centre, and promises
to make an excellent exhibition variety.

lxora crocata rutilans, from Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, well deserved
the first-class certificate it received ; it is of a deeper and much better
colour than I. crocata, and has a very compact truss of flowers. I. crocata
elegans is also a new kind, but not so good as the foregoing. Two very
handsome Palms, from Mr. Bull, were awarded first-class certificates — viz.,
Calamus adspersus and C. javanica ; the latter has the smaller, but yet the
handsomer foliage. The same award was made to Mr. Bull for Alsophila
Leichardtiana, from Australia, with shining green fronds, which promises to
make a handsome tree Fern. A hybrid Nosegay Pelargonium, with large
and handsome trusses of lively crimson flowers, named Magnum Bonum,
came from Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing; the individual flowers, how¬
ever, were small and the petals narrow. Some good yearling Zonal
Pelargoniums were shown by Mr. Bull, generally having stout and smooth
flowers, and somewhat promising ; and Mr. Eckford had two very promising
Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums — namely, Lady Folkestone, a golden, and Miss
Annie, a silver variety.

Dahlias formed the chief feature of the novelties brought before the
Floral Committee on September 5th. First-class certificates were awarded to
Hebe, a light ground flower, very evenly tipped with rosy lilac, outline and
substance good, and altogether first-class, from Mr. G. Bawlings, Bomford ;
also to Yelloiv Perfection, rich golden yellow, a large flower of fine quality,
from Mr. Turner, Slough ; to Sir Greville Smythe, bright orange red, the
centre suffused with purple ; to Viceroy of Egypt, a fancy variety, a large but
somewhat flat flower, suffused rosy lilac with crimson stripes ; to Leopardess ,
also a fancy, a flower of similar build, ground colour lilac, spotted and
striped with bright crimson ; and to Lady Derby , a very pleasing flower that
will be very useful for exhibition purposes, pale ground, heavily tipped with
rosy lilac, all from Mr. Keynes, Salisbury. Second-class certificates were

OCTOBER.

281

awarded to Flag of Truce , wliite, slightly suffused and striped with pale
lilac, and to Chameleon, yellowish huff ground, tipped with reddish orange,
both from Mr. G. Wheeler, Warminster. Mrs. Darling (Turner), pale fawn,
edged wTitli deep rosy lilac, and Wonderful (Keynes), a Fancy variety, pale
lilac ground with purple stripe, very much in the way of Viceroy of Egypt ,
also received a similar award. A good many other seedling Dahlias were
produced, but generally of indifferent quality as shown, though suggestive
of their being hereafter seen in better condition.

Some seedling Verbenas were shown by Mr. Eckford, of Coleshill Gar¬
dens, the most striking of the collection being Bravo, cerise, fading to pale
rose, and lemon eye, pip fine, smooth and stout — awarded a second-class
certificate; and Lord Derby, brilliant deep orange scarlet with lemon eye,
a fine hue of colour, but the pips cup far too much.

Euonymus japonicus favescens, from Mr. William Paul, is a very novel
form of this hardy shrub, a large portion of the shoots being entirely yellow.
If this can be perpetuated it will be a great acquisition. A special certifi¬
cate was awarded to Mr. James Anderson, Meadow Bank, Glasgow, for a
collection of splendid cut Orchids, some of them, notably Odontoglossum
grande, Cattleya Aclandice, and some species of Oncidium.

At the Crystal Palace, on September lOtli, it was altogether a show of
cut flowers and fruit, Dahlias, Asters, Hollyhocks, Gladioli, and Verbenas
being the principal features in the first part of the Show. On this occasion
first-class certificates were awarded to the following Dahlias : — Buttercup
(Turner), a very fine shade of soft pure yellow, fine substance and outline ;
Master Johnny (Turner), a fancy flower, quite novel in colour, though a
little imperfect in the centre ; Adonis (Turner), a very beautiful pale ground
flower, suffused and slightly edged with lilac ; Mrs. Dorling (Turner) ; Hebe
(Rawlings) ; Yellow Boy (Keynes), a yellow self, rather deeper in colour
than Turner’s Buttercup, a fine and bold flower ; Rosy Queen (Keynes),
clear rosy violet, somewhat ribbed in the petals, but of a good colour ; Mrs.
Dodds (Keynes), a lilac-suffused flower with slight lilac edging, soft and
pleasing ; and Leopardess (Keynes), a fancy flower. Second-class certifi¬
cates wTere awarded to Chameleon (Keynes), a fancy variety, pale lilac,
spotted and flaked with crimson; and to High Sheriff (Turner), glossy
velvety crimson, a small flower with a full high centre, and good outline.

Second-class certificates were awarded to the following seedling Gladioli
from Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport : — Robinson's Seedling, pale pink, flaked
with rosy pink, and lilac pencillings on a white throat ; Refulgens, rosy,
feathered with deep crimson, and white throat marked with violet ; Snowflake ,
pure white, the lemon throat pencilled with violet ; and Charles Turner, light
salmon pink, the white throat very conspicuous. The spikes were all
large, the flowers of good form, and promising to be very effective exhibi¬
tion kinds. A similar award was made to Messrs. Minchin & Sons, Hook-
Norton, Oxon, for two seedling Hollyhocks — viz., The Rev. Charles Garrett ,
dullish claret crimson, a full but flattisli flower ; and Alypius, salmon rose,
large, full, and of fine quality. Mr. C. J. Perry, of Birmingham, brought a
lot of Verbenas, among them several of his fine seedlings of the present year.
The names of those awarded first-class certificates are now given, but they
will be arranged and described on a future occasion. The certificated flowers
were J . C. Ward; Miss Turner, very fine ; Hercules, Interesting, and G. P. Tye ,
the latter of the finest quality. Mr. Knight, Battle, Sussex, received
the same award for Verbena Constance, a quantity of flowers from the open

232

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

ground being shown. It is of a deep scarlet colour with lemon eye, and
keeps its colour well ; the pips are large and of fine quality, and judging
from its character as seen on this occasion, it will make a fine bedder.

One of the special features of this Show was the competition in the
class for twenty-four varieties of cut blooms of stove and greenhouse plants.
The first prize was awarded to Mr. J. Woodward, Ewell, for a box of flowers
of such fine quality, so fresh, so tastefully and accurately arranged, that
too much cannot be said in its favour. The contents of the box comprised
such fine things as Pancratium speciosum, Vallota purpurea, Allamanda grandi-
flora, A. Hendersoni, Lapageria rosea, Peristeria data, Pleroma elegans, Onci-
dium flexuosum, &c. Each bunch of flowers was a bouquet in itself.

The meeting of the Floral Committee at South Kensington, on the
17th of September, had a greater significance than usual attaching to it, in
consequence of the show of Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums being held in
connection with it. New Dahlias were in strong force on this occasion,
though a great many of those shown have already been noticed. The
following were flowers not previously noticed : — Rosamond (Turner), clear
pinkish lilac, a very pleasing colour, and a good exhibition flower ; Memo¬
randum (Church), light ground tipped with rosy lilac, very pretty, and of
full substance; and President (Legge), a superb rich crimson flower of very
fine quality. These were awarded first-class certificates. Gipsy Queen
(Hopkins), heavily tipped with crimson on a pale ground, a telling exhibi¬
tion flower; Chameleon (G. Wheeler), a rosy purple-tipped flower on a
yellowish buff ground, very pleasing and useful-looking ; Rosy Circle G.
Wheeler), clear vivid rose, the tips of the petals round the flower so heavily
suffused as to form a band of purple, a very showy flower, wanting outline ;
Billy Button (Turner), a fancy flower, flaked with dark crimson on a dull
lilac ground ; Vedette (Turner), a rosy purple self, small, but of fine outline ;
Princess Mary of Cambridge (Thorneycroft), a large white self, looking as if
it will be very useful for exhibiting; and Golden King (Rawlings), a small,
handsome bright yellow flower,, were all awarded second-class certificates.
Mr. Knight’s Verbena Constance also received a first-class certificate.

Cupressus Laivsoniana ochroleuca, from Mr. W. Paul, is a very handsome
golden-foliaged Conifer, in the praise of which too much cannot be said. It
may be said to be “ bathed in gold,” so regularly and thoroughly is the yellow
colour diffused over the plant. It was awarded a first-class certificate, as
was Alocasia Jenningsii, from Messrs. Veitch & Sons, a very handsome and
striking species, having radiating sections of a dark hue, almost black, on
a very bright leaf ground. Mr. Bull got first-class certificates for two
handsome Palms, Oreodoxa regia and Astrocaryum niveum ; also for a shining¬
leaved handsome tree Fern, Cyathea canaliculata ; and for Araucaria elegans,
from New Caledonia, said to be the smallest of all the species. A very
promising Ivy-leaved Pelargonium, named Duke of Edinburgh, but in bad
condition, was shown by Mr. H. Cannell, Woolwich. It has a broad
margin of white to the leaves, and appeared to be a cross between the Ivy¬
leaved and Mangles’ Variegated ; it will, no doubt, be seen again better
developed. Tradescantia repens variegata, from Mr. W. Bull, is a neat¬
looking variegated trailing plant wThen the variegation is good. The great
difficulty lies in perpetuating it, as the plants are so much disposed to run
back to the plain form. The variegated form can only be perpetuated by
taking off the shoots so marked and striking them as cuttings.

R. D.

OCTOBER.

233

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

Large Cluster of Grapes. — Mr. Fowler,
gardener to the Earl of Stair, Castle Kennedy,
produced at a recent show in Glasgow, the most
extraordinary bunch of Grapes, for size and
weight, that has been exhibited in modern
times. It all but rivalled the famous bunch
of Speechly at Welbeck. It weighed 17 lbs.
2|ozs., and was of the White Nice variety.
The same grower had enormous Black
Alicante, with berries the size of Victoria
Hamburgh, and bunches compact and pyra¬
midal to a fault. Trebbiano, too, was the
largest and best formed bunch of the kind
probably ever exhibited. Mr. Fowler also
produced a bunch of the Duchess of Buecleuch
variety, much larger both in cluster and
berry than any of this variety before exhibited.
The size of bunch which Mr. Fowler in¬
duces in all the sorts under his cultural care
is something wonderful, and if he does not at
ail times show them quite up to the finishing
stroke in point of colour, it need not be
wondered at.

International Congress. — Mr. It. Warner
proposes that an International or Universal
Botanical and Horticultural Association
should be formed, which shall hold Congresses
annually in different capital cities, such as
may offer to receive it, in the same way as our
Agricultural Society and the British Associa¬
tion meet at different towns in Great Britain ;
and that every member of the xYssociation shall
pay a certain sum per annum, to pay expenses
of printing and distributing the Proceedings.
He suggests that the head-quarters should be
in England, and adds that the Linnean Society
should undertake it ; but that if the Society
will not, then it should be an independent
Association.

Propagation of Variegated Plants from
Root-cuttings. — The result of this process is
very frequently that the plants so raised return
to their original green-leaved state. Mr.
Meehan notic ed some few years since, that root-
cuttings of Cornus mascula variegata produced
the normal form, while plants raised from
layers did not show any tendency to re¬
vert to their original. Continuing his experi¬
ments, he found that this was the case with
most variegated plants, so that he expected to
establish it is a general rule ; but in the case of
Pyrus japonica variegata, the roots were found
to produce the same variegated form as the
parent.

Glaucous Cedar of Goa. — There is a
glaucous variety of the Cedar of Goa at
Verrieres, the residence of Madame Vilmorin,
which for gracefulness is unrivalled. It is one
of the most exquisite pleasure-ground trees
in existence, drooping most gracefully, and of
a lively silvery tone.

Second Fruiting of Musa. — In tho Oxford
Botanic Garden a plant of Musa with a stem
about 12 feet high, which had produced a
bunch of fruit last year (1866), has produced
from the same stem a second bunch of fruit this
summer. The second bunch is 9 or 12 inches
above the previous one, and is on the opposite
side of the stem. As it is rare for a plant of
this genus to fruit a second time, the fact is
worth recording.

Grafting. — Dr. Regel describes a new
method of grafting, as practised by Herr
Freundlich, one of the Russian court gardeners,
with remarkable success. Instead of taking
the scions from the previous year’s wood, with
the bud just beginning to swell, the still soft
growing lateral shoots are selected when from
half to 1£ inch long, and either bark or tongue-
grafted, care Teing taken not to draw the
ligature too tight, as they swell much more
rapidly than hardwood scions. Success, he
says, is certain, if care be taken that the sap of'
the stock is in motion at the time the opera¬
tion is performed. He recommends this mode
as superior to all others, especially for hard-
wooded trees, such as Quercus, Fagus, &c.,
which are usually difficult to propagate from
the old wood. New Roses and other plants,
which it is desirable to increase as rapidly as
possible, may also be advantageously worked
in the same manner.

Oleander-growing in France. — Olean¬
ders are grown about Paris in sandy soil in
small pots, say 48s, which they of course soon
fill with roots. They are plunged all the summer
in the open air, and grown at all other seasons
near the glass in those low houses so much in
vogue in Parisian gardens. They are allowed
to rise with an undivided stem for about
3 inches, and then break off into several little
stems. There should be no difficulty in grow-
them wherever there is a sunny shelf in the
greenhouse, by securing a clean, while dis¬
couraging a soft or luxuriant growth.

Chasselas Grapes.— A large collection of
these has been examined this season at Chis¬
wick. They were fruited together in pots —
the only way in which such a large number
could be brought under comparison. The fol¬
lowing are the results : — The earliest variety
is Chasselas Hdtif de Tonnein, a small, round,
somewhat pointed, greenish white Grape,
transparent, sweet, and agreeable. Gelbe
Muscatellier, resembles this in appearance,
but is somewhat later. Pitmaston White
Cluster is very much like Gelbe Muscatellier.
Early White Malvasia , synonymous with
Grove End Sweetwater, Keinzheimer blanc
precoce, and Burchardt’s Amber Cluster, is a
most excellent early, small, yellowish white
Grape, juicy, sweet, and very agreeable.

234

THE FLORIST AND POMOLCGIST.

Royal Muscadine is a very excellent variety
for pot-culture, and free-bearing. The fol¬
lowing are synonymes of it — viz., Cbasselas
Napoleon, Queen Victoria, Chasselas de Mon-
tauban a grains transparents, Chasselas
de Fontainebleau, and Brutiano. Chasselas
Croquant is somewhat firmer in the flesh.
Chasselas de Florence is the same, only
having a few rose-coloured berries in the
hunch. Golden Bordeaux resembles the
Royal Muscadine, but is smaller, and not so
good. Ciotat is a Royal Muscadine, with
Parsley- cut leaves. Muscat St. Laurent is
a very early Grape ; the bunches are small,
the berries also small but sweet, with a mus¬
cat flavour. Muscat Ottonell and Oliver’s
are synonymous with it. Le Mamelon re¬
sembles it, but has much more deeply- cut
leaves. Chasselas Rose de Falloux is of the
same flavour and character as Royal Musca¬
dine, with bright rose-coloured berries. Mus¬
cat rouge, Chasselas rouge, Chasselas de
Negrepont, and Fondante rose are synonymes,
a little paler than Chasselas Rose de Fal¬
loux. SUHward’ s Sweetwater is a very good
variety of Sweetwater, with large berries,
which sets freely. Diamant Traube is a very
fine Grape, bunches and berries large, of a
clear transparency; flesh firm, juicy, and
rich. Cabral resembles this very much, but
is inferior to it. Reeves ’ Muscadine is a
very strong-growing variety, berries small,
beautifully yellow, 1 ich, and pleasant. Chas¬
selas Musque is well known. Chasselas Mus¬
que de Nantes, Muscat blanc de Berkheim,
and Muscat Regnier are synonymes of it.
Cranford Muscat is the same in flavour and
appearance, but has the reputation of not
cracking. Duchess of Buccleucli is a very
long tapering bunch, with small round ber¬
ries, in flavour like the Chasselas Musqud.
Muscat Troveren is a fine Grape, bunches
large, berries medium-sized, in flavour like
Chasselas Musque ; it does not crack. Foster’s
White Seedling is a fine Grape, bunches
large, berries large, clear, and beautiful
oval; pleasant flavour. Chasselas de Jeru¬
salem is Black Hamburgh. Milhaud du
Pradel is synonymous with (Eillade Noir
musquS and (Eillade Noir precoce; a very
excellent variety, berries large, oval, black,
muscat flavour. Muscat Noir d’ Angers is
synonymous with Muscat Noir d’Eisenstadt,
a good form of Black Frontignan. Muscat
Noir d’Hongrie is a small black Grape, with
a very rich muscat flavour, the highest flavour
of all the varieties grown. Chasselas Duha-
mel is a small, round, black Grape, not of
high flavour. A Grape received from Sir P.
De Malpas Grey Egerton is a small, oval,
black variety, of no particular value. No. 65
(Yeitch), is a small worthless variety of
Persian Grape, reddish purple. Madeleine
Royale is a fine variety, larger than the
Royal Muscadine, ovate, clear, rich, and ex¬
cellent.

Preserving Pelargoniums during Win¬
ter.' — Mr. Chauncey, of Lancaster, relates
his experience in the preservation of Pelar¬
goniums during the winter, as follows : —
“ At the end of autumn I laid in a trench at
one corner of my garden, for the purpose of
preservation during the winter, fifty or more
Tom Thumb Pelargoniums. The trench was
about 1 2 inches deep ; the plants were laid in
and covered with straw, the earth being
heaped over them, so as to form a covering
12 or 14 inches thick, and shaped like a roof,
to allow the water to run off. Towards the
end of April, the plants were dug out of the
beds, and though the winter had been very
severe, they were found to be all alive and
healthy, except two, which had rotted.

P OLEMONItJ M CG5RULEUM VARIEGATUM. -

This is strongly recommended, and well indeed
it deserves to be, as a beautiful fern-like,
feathery, silvery plant for the flower garden.
As Nature tones down her most glowing
colours, and enhances their beauty a thousand¬
fold by contact of cool foliage, and contrast
of calm neutral tints, so should we reverently
follow her in our garden grounds, and strive
to invite and retain the admiring eye, instead
of startling, dazzling, and wearying it, by a
continuous and intolerable glare. “ Not a
leaf to be seen,” has been the unwise boast
of many a florist in praise of some gorgeous
specimen ; but Nature is justified of her chil¬
dren, and never makes a maneless horse. We
want foliage in all our landscapes, gardens,
and plants ; and for contrast with our glow¬
ing Pelargoniums, Verbenas, and Calceolarias,
as well as with our dark foliage plants, such as
Coleus, Amaranthus, Iresine, and Perilla, I
know of nothing more effective or more charm¬
ing than this variegated Polemonium. Thus
saith the well-known “ S. R. H. ; ” and, Mr.
David Thomson adds, that the plant should
be taken up and housed in a cool place in
winter, or the variegation will run out.

Mignonette Dying. — Complaints having
been made of Mignonette plants dying off
mysteriously, Mr. Fleming has recommended
that the ground should be rammed hard, as a
preventive. It is the same in pot culture ;
the soil should be made as hard as the pots
will bear. “ The finest plant I have seen,”
he adds, “ is now growing in the middle of
an old Pear wall, and hangs down to a length
of 3 feet, the seed having accidentally been
blown into a crevice by the wind when I was
sowing the border. It cannot receive any
moisture, and is even more healthy than the
border plants.”

OBITUARY.

Mr. Thomas Dawson, lately deceased, was
for many years head gardener to Earl Cow
per, at Panshanger, Herts. He will be long
remembered by gardeners as an exhibitor of
forced fruits, and occasionally of pot Roses,
in the cultivation of both of which he was

OCTOBER.

285

most successful. He had been long subject
to an internal affection, under the influence
of which his naturally robust constitution
at last gave way, after he had nearly reached
the age of three score and ten years. He
was ‘buried on August 24th, in the pretty
parish churchyard of Hertingfordbury.

Me. William Chapman, whose death we
regret to have to record, was for fifteen years
gardener at Eaton Hall, Rutland, and latterly
has occupied the position of chief gardener to
H.H. Halim Pacha, at Shobrah, Eg\pt. His
death took place on September 3rd, in the
fiftieth year of his age.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

Stove and orchid-house.

The temperature may range from 6-5° to
70° at night ; in the day time give air when the
temperature reaches 80°, so that the thermo¬
meter may never much exceed 90° even by
sun heat. Justicias, Aplielandras , Gesneras ,
Allamandas, and such like, will now be coming
into bloom, and with an admixture of choice
foliaged plants a good display may be kept
up for a considerable time, affording a strong
contrast with dreary winter and its effects out
of doors. Orchids. — These will generally be
at rest, but gome Lselias and Cattleyas will
be coming into bloom ; their expansion should
be assisted by a moderate amount of mois¬
ture and heat, but when in flower they should
be kept rather dry.

GREENHOUSE.

Cold nights may be expected to occur now
at any time, and, therefore due preparation
should be made, so that all plants may be
secured at the shortest possible notice. Ac¬
cordingly, plants introduced from pits and
frames to the greenhouse, and now getting
out of flower, should be removed. In arrang¬
ing the plants to be introduced, let the hard-
wooded and narrow-leaved be kept together,
as they may thus be placed closer than if
mixed with broad- leaved and herbaceous ones.
Give air night and day so long as the thermo¬
meter out of doors does not fall below 45°. To
dry the air of the house, let it be warmed so
as to be above the temperature of the external
air, and with the circulation induced the
superfluous moisture will be swept away.
Heaths and other plants liable to suffer from
damp and mould should have a very circulation
of air, and the atmosphere of the house ought
to be occasionally impregnated with flowers
of sulphur. Before taking the plants to their
winter quarters they should be carefully
cleaned, and the surface of the soil in the pots
should be removed and replaced with fresh ;
at the same time the pots ought to be washed
and made perfectly clean, not only for the
sake of appearance, but also for the health of
the plants. Camellias and Azaleas should
now be prepared for their winter quarters by
placing them in a pit or some suitable com¬
partment where they can be fumigated several
times at intervals of two days ; successive
broods of insects, if any exist, will thus stand

little chance of escaping destruction. Let
them be afterwards strongly syringed. Cine¬
rarias do not require much heat at this sea¬
son ; a cool pit or frame, placing them near
the glass, is suitable for them till winter sets
in. In the course of the month they will re¬
quire a shift, using light rich soil. Pelargoniums
should be encouraged to make growth during
this and the ensuing month, and then allowed
to go to rest in December ; but whilst grow¬
ing they should not be crowded, but kept in
a house dry and well aired, but not too cold.
Repot and stop as may be seen necessary.

CONSERVATORY.

Give air in abundance whilst the weather
continues favourable. Climbers should be
pruned of all superfluous shoots, in order that
they may be trained or tied up, so as to admit
of more light to plants that must now be
taken in from out of doors. Previously any
that are in tubs should be examined to see
that they are in a proper state as regards
drainage. The borders and paths should be
kept thoroughly clean. Fire heat will only
be necessary to dry up moisture till frosts set
in, which, however, it should be borne in
mind, is sometimes the case towards the end
of the month. Pot Bulbs for winter and
spring flowering.

PITS AND PRAMES.

Rooted cuttings that are accommodated in
these should have plenty of air, so that they
may not make a rapid weakly growth. Keep
the young stock near the glass, and see that
the pots are well drained. The plants should
have no more pot room than can be well filled
with roots before winter, this will ensure
complete drainage and prevent damping off.

FORCING.

Vines. — Grapes for late vineries are gene¬
rally selected from late varieties, and these
contain, even when coloured, a good deal of
acidity in their native climate, till gradually
converted into rich saccharine quality by the
rays of a hot sun reflected from a baked soil,
from which heat is radiated night and day ;
the Grapes, however, are in a medium so dry
and airy that they neither shank nor rot, but
are rather transformed into raisins. The con¬
ditions under which Grapes become such
need not, if it were possible, be carried so far

236

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

with fruit intended for the table ; still some
fire heat at night, with sufficient air to ripen
them thoroughly, and a dry atmosphere to
prevent them from decay, should be afforded.
The temperature may be 60° by night and
70° by day, or 80° by sun heat. The Vines
in the earliest vinery, the leaves having
dropped, may be pruned and the house pre¬
pared for commencing gradual heating next
month, if very early Grapes are desired.
Pine Apples. — Place fruiting plants at the
warmest end of the house ; temperature
70° at night, and 85° by day. Succession
plants 60° at night, not exceeding 70° by day.
Figs. — Water sparingly at the root, but
keep the air of the house dry. Peaches and
Nectarines. — When all the leaves are cleaned
off, the trees may be pruned. Cucumbers and
Melons. — For the former maintain a bottom
heat of about 85°, and a moist atmospheric tem¬
perature of about 65° to 70°; keep the sashes
clean, and the plants near the glass. Mush¬
rooms. — A close moist atmosphere is required,
and a temperature of 60°. Keep up mois¬
ture by vapour, but do not apply water
directly to the beds. A little fresh air for a
short time every day is considered beneficial.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Take up Potatos , but expose them to the
light for as short a time as possible; they
should be immediately stored in narrow ridges.
Plant Garlic and Shallots in shallow drills a
foot apart. On wet days, inspect Onions that
have been stored, and remove any that are
likely to spoil. Gather Tomatos ; they will
improve in colour and ripening by placing
them on wickerwork in a frame or vinery.
Plant Lettuces from an autumn sowing, on to
a warm border.

ERE IT GARDEN.

Apples and Pears will be fit for gathering
in this month. There are some kinds that
may be seen hanging, even when the leaves
have nearly dropped ; for instance, the Glou
Morceau on walls, and sometimes the Marie
Louise from late blossoms, will acquire a large
size, and then come into use long past their
usual season, and prove consequently more
valuable. Late Pears, more especially, should
be gathered with the greatest care, taking
hold of them by the stalk. Fruit keeps best
in fruit-rooms that are maintained at a steady
temperature, not much colder than the external
air at one time and at another much warmer.
When the fruit is cold and the air compara¬
tively warm, the moisture in the latter is
condensed on the colder fruit, and this be¬
comes wet, and continues to be so till it be¬
comes as warm as the air, when the deposition
of moisture is evaporated, and the fruit is
again dry till a change of temperature renders
the air warmer than the fruit, when condensa¬
tion again takes place. This alternate wetting
and drying greatly affects the keeping of the
fruit; and it is not to be wondered at, for
similar vicissitudes will tell on the hardest

timber. Coe’s Golden Drop and Ickworth
Imperatrice Plums may be laid in a dry place
for a week, and then wrapped in tissue paper
and placed in shallow boxes in a dry airy
room, where they will keep for weeks or
months. Collect soil for fruit-tree borders.
The planting of fruit trees may be commenced
as soon as the leaves have fallen. Make fresh
plantations of Raspberries.

ELOWER GARDEN.

Whilst there is still sufficient heat in the
ground to start fresh roots before winter,
plant Evergreens , and also, as soon as their
leaves have dropped, deciduous trees and
shrubs. Plant Bulbs, Wallflowers and other
Biennial and Perennial plants, except some
fibrous-rooted kinds that are apt to be thrown
out of ground in winter, in the case of which it
is better to defer planting till early spring.
Whilst it can be well recollected what plants
were grown in the various spots throughout
the grounds, note them down in order that the
same kinds of plants may not be planted in
succession, unless for some special reason, and
in that case fresh soil had better be intro¬
duced, or otherwise recourse should be had to
trenching and manure, so that if6 plant may
be put in soil previously exhausted of the
elements which it specially appropriates.
The approach of winter will render it vain to
hope for floral beauty in this department, but
the ground may be maintained in good keep¬
ing, the lawn may be kept smooth, the edg¬
ings neat, and the walks well rolled, so that
at all times in fair weather they may be
walked upon with pleasure ; whilst the
smooth green turf, verdant frequently through¬
out the winter, affords a pleasing prospect*
The walks should be kept with a regular but
gentle curve just sufficient to throw off the
water as it falls, and thus to ensure a dry
footing immediately the rain is over. This
will be the ca*se if the walk is curved, so that
its middle is higher than the sides by about
one-sixtietb. of the breadth of the walk.
florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Keep in a cool aspect for some
time ; give plenty of air but water sparingly.
Carnations and Picotees. — Finish potting by
the 20th, expose those first potted, but not to
heavy rains. Dahlias. — Gather seed if re¬
quired, when it can be procured ripe. Hollg-
hocks. — Of these seed can now be had in
abundance ; strike cuttings ; pot the stools of
choice varieties for a supply of cuttings.
Pansies. — Cuttings put in now will soon make
excellent plants ; pot for filling beds in March ;
watch for the least symptom of mildew and
apply the best known remedy, sulphur ; give
plenty of air, but water sparingly. Pinks. —
Finish planting, and pot a considerable num¬
ber for planting out in February or early in
March. Tulips. — Planting should be done
the beginning of next month, therefore make
due preparations for the proceeding, by the
end of the present one.

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NOVEMBER.

237

HUYSHE’S VICTORIA PEAR.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

This is another of the series of seedling Pears raised by the Rev. John
Huyshe, of Clystliydon, near Exeter, and is also, we believe, the first of
them that fruited. It is now some years since Victoria and Prince of
Wales made their appearance together, the latter being then named
Huyshe’s Bergamot, from the flavour somewhat resembling that of Gansel’s
Bergamot, its male parent. From the time these two Pears were first
submitted to the most competent fruit judges of the day, they acquired a
popularity they have since continued to maintain ; indeed there is every
probability that they will not cease to be regarded as ranking among those
that are best adapted to the soil and climate of this country.

Victoria has been so long under trial in every kind of soil and situation,
that its reputation as a hardy and prolific Pear is now well established ;
and these two qualifications, coupled with the equally important one of
being an abundant bearer, recommend it not only to the private grower,
but to the market gardener and orchardist. For the latter it is well adapted,
on account of its vigorous growth, and the large dimensions which it
acquires. The season, too, at which the fruit is in perfection, when most
of the best kinds are passed, is one of its great recommendations.

The fruit is medium sized, oval or almost cylindrical, flattened at the
ends. Skin yellowish, freckled and veined with russet. Eye small and
open, set in a shallow depression. Stalk very short and thick, inserted
without depression on the end of the fruit, and sometimes obliquely inserted
as in Beurre d’Aremberg. Flesh yellowish, melting, rather gritty at the
core, juicy, rich, sugary, and vinous. It is in use during December and
January.

H.

CULTURE OF THE TREE PHIONY AND ITS VARIETIES.

Tree Pasonies are among the most beautiful of hardy shrubs, and are
great ornaments to the dower garden when in bloom during the month of
May. They are not, however, grown so generally as their very great merits
entitle them to be. The reason I believe is, that many persons think they
are not sufficiently hardy to endure our severe winters. A strong rich soil,
with plenty of moisture during the growing season, has generally been
recommended as best adapted for them. They will grow very well in such
a soil ; but if the subsoil be of a retentive nature, and the situation low and
confined, the young wood and buds will not get properly matured in unfavour¬
able summers, and they will in consequence suffer more or less should severe
■winters follow.

There is a very due specimen of the tree P^eony (Paeonia Moutan), grow¬
ing here. About fourteen years ago I removed it, in consequence of some
alterations that were then being made, to its present situation. The soil is
of considerable depth, but by no means rich ; the subsoil is as dry as possible,
and the situation is sheltered, but open to the sun. It has grown well ; and
though it has never had the slightest protection whatever, either in winter
or spring, it has never been injured in the least degree, and is a most
beautiful object every year, when in dower during the month of May.

The tree Pasony and its varieties will succeed well in the open border

VOL. VI. m

238

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

without any protection whatever, and without any particular preparation of
the soil if only the subsoil is dry. The best time for planting them is
towards the end of October or beginning of November, but with care they
may be removed at anytime, except, perhaps, while in flower. With a little
management they force well, and are very useful for decorating the con¬
servatory in spring.

They are increased by cuttings taken off in August, or in the early part
of September, with part of the wood of the preceding year attached, and
planted in a sheltered situation where they will root freely. They may also
be increased from single eyes like Vines ; also by layering, and by dividing
the old plants.

If the tree Pasony were a new plant what a deal would be thought of it,
and how eagerly would it be sought after ! But, because it is an old plant
it is neglected. If it were a tender delicate shrub, one could account for
this neglect of a most beautiful plant ; but on the contrary, it is one of the
hardiest of shrubs, capable of enduring the severest frost of winter or spring
without any protection whatever.

Stourton. M. Saul.

[Thanks to the very successful Chinese expeditious of Mr. Fortune, and to the perseverance
and skill of continental cultivators, there are now to be had many very charming varieties of
the tree Paeony, which far surpass in beauty the sorts winch are more generally known and
distributed. We are surprised that they are so little appreciated.]

THE TOMATO AND ITS VARIETIES.

The great interest which appears to be taken in America in the cultiva¬
tion of Tomatos, and the numerous varieties mentioned in their garden
publications, suggested to the authorities at Chiswick that it would be
desirable to institute a trial of them here. Accordingly, in the spring
of the present year, a large collection of varieties was procured from
Messrs. Thorburn & Co. of New York, Messrs. Barr & Sugden (who obtained
a collection from Germany), Messrs. Veitch, Vilmorin, Carter, and Williams.
In this country Tomatos are mainly used for making sauce, or stewing whole ;
hence the varieties producing the largest fruits are the most esteemed. In
warmer climates, however, as in the south of Europe, and in the United States
of America, they are consumed to a much greater extent, and are used in
various ways, being even much relished by some as a dessert fruit, eaten in
a raw state; the green fruits are also preserved with sugar.

All the varieties were grown and fruited in pots under glass, which has
afforded an excellent opportunity of seeing them all in their true character.
They were likewise grown in the open air against a south wall, where some
of the later varieties, such as the Tomato de Lays, Fiji Island, and, Tilden,
have not done well in this cold season. Grown in pots, the Tomato makes
a very handsome decorative plant, the Cherry, Plum, and other small-
fruited sorts especially so. Few plants are more strikingly ornamental in the
autumn months than these when well grown and laden with their numerous
clusters of brilliantly coloured fruits.

The earliest variety is the Bed Cherry Tomato of Thorburn (Cherry-
formed, Barr & Sugden), the fruits of which are round, red, about the size
of Cherries, and borne in clusters of from six to ten fruit in great abundance.
It forms a very handsome plant of somewhat slender growth, with the leaf-
divisions small and deep green.

NOVEMBEE.

289

The Yellow Cherry (Small Yellow), is the same as the Eed Cherry, except
that the fruits are yellow.

The Pear-formed Tomato of Barr & Sugden (Pear-shaped, Thorburn), has
the fruits from l£ to 2 inches in length, red, of the form of a small Pear ;
the earlier and smaller fruits very regularly and evenly so, while the later
fruits on the same plants, which are somewhat larger, are nearly all oblong
and obtusely angular, showing a very marked difference from the earlier
ones. It is very prolific and hardy, the fruits borne in clusters in great
abundance, and the plant consequently very handsome.

The Yellow Plum Tomato of Thorburn (Plum-formed, Barr & Sugden),
has the fruits small, yellow, oval in shape like a Damson, and of about the
same size ; the earlier fruits very evenly formed, the later ones somewhat
angular. It is very prolific, hardy, and handsome.

The Round Red Tomato of Barr & Sugden (Extra Early Bed, Thor¬
burn ; Sims’ Mammoth, Barr & Sugden), is a few days later than the fore¬
going ; the fruits are red, roundish, ovate, and smooth, about the size of a
Washington Plum. It is very prolific.

The Large Red Italian of Barr & Sugden (Orangefield, Williams), is the
earliest of the large-fruited sorts ; it is very dwarf and prolific, bearing fine
fruit within 6 inches of the ground. The fruits are very large, broad, red,
and deeply corrugated, or ribbed. It is an excellent variety, and one of the
best in the collection.

Keyes' Early Prolific of Carter, is a tall -growing variety, with the divisions
of the leaves larger and fewer in number, and also of a lighter colour than
in any of the other sorts. The fruit is medium-sized, roundish, pale red,
slightly corrugated, somewhat later than the Orangefield, and very pro¬
ductive. It is altogether a first-class variety.

The Grosse rouge hdtive of Yilmorin, is later than the Orangefield. The
fruits are large, broad, corrugated, red. It is very prolific, and vigorous ;
and the leaves are of a very pale green.

The Great Mammoth of Barr & Sugden (Large Bed, Thorburn), has
smaller and more finely cut leaves, with the fruits very similar to those of
Grosse rouge hative.

The Large Red of Yeitch, is synonymous with Powell’s Prolific. The
fruits are medium-sized, roundish, and slightly corrugated, and the plants
are very prolific.

The New Giant of Barr & Sugden, is a very large and coarse late variety ;
the fruits red, very deeply corrugated, and irregular. The plant is robust,
and not very prolific.

The Tilden of Thorburn (Bed Valencia Cluster), is a very strong¬
growing variety, much praised in America. The fruits are large, full,
roundish, slightly corrugated near to the stalk only, of a deep red colour.
The leaves are deep green. It is rather late, and not so prolific as others,
but very excellent.

The Fiji Island (Lester’s Perfected, Thorburn), is very similar in all its
characters to the Tilden, excepting that its fruits are of a decided crimson,
quite a distinct colour among Tomatos. The fruits are large and very fine,
both of this and of the preceding variety.

The Large Yellow of Yeitch is the same as the common Large Bed, ex¬
cepting that the fruits are yellow ; they are large and deeply corrugated, and
the plant is very prolific.

The Tomato de Lctye (Grenier; Upright or Tree Tomato, Yilmorin), is of
a stiff erect habit of growth, and will stand without stakes. The leaves are

240

THE FLORIST AND POMOLCGIST.

deep green, and the fruits are large, full, rounded, ancl slightly corrugated.
It grows from 2 to 2£ feet in height, and is tolerably prolific, but it is very
late, and is only suited for cultivation in this country in exceptionally warm
seasons.

The Whortleberry Tomato proved to be nothing more than one of the forms
of the little black-fruited Solanum nigrum, a weed of our gardens.

A. F. B.

IXIAS AX D TRITONIAS.

We so seldom see these beautiful flowers in cultivation, that it is almost
impossible to believe they are known to the majority of flower-lovers, or
they surely would not be so much neglected. They are easily grown, and of
the most striking beauty. Messrs. Hooper & Co. generally produce a stand of
cut blooms at one or other of the summer metropolitan exhibitions, and that
is nearly all that is seen of them in public. The bulbs of numerous choice
and gaily-coloured varieties may be had at from 2 s. to 7s. the dozen ;
viridiflora and crateroides, two of the cheapest amongst them, being also
among the finest. We strongly recommend some of our amateur readers
to devote a portion of their space to a selection of these and the allied Cape
bulbs, of which such things as Sparaxis grandiflora, Tritonia crocata,
Schizostylis coccinea, &c., are hardly surpassed in beauty by any flowers in
cultivation. Messrs. Hooper give the following directions for growing them
in the open border, and in pots : —

“ To grow them in the open borders, the beds should be prepared in
October or the end of September, by well digging a spit deep, and burying
a stratum of good rotten manure at the bottom. The surface soil should
be rendered open by mixing sand with it, and by being well broken in the
digging. The bulbs should be planted in clumps or rows, from 2% to 4 inches
deep, according to size and sort, the largest bulbs being placed deepest, and
each should be covered with sand an inch deep, previous to being re-covered
with mould. Give the bed a southern inclination if possible ; keep it free
from weeds, and stir the surface occasionally with a fork. In the case of
severe frosty weather, the bed should be covered 8 inches deep with dry litter,
cocoa-nut refuse, sea sand, or ashes. Under such treatment they will
flower at different times, from May till August.

“ To grow them in pots, either for flowering in pots or for turning out in
the borders in spring — which is, perhaps, a safer method to adopt with these
half-hardy plants than the former, let the bulbs be potted in October, in
light turfy loam and sand, with good drainage. A frame should be pre¬
pared for the pots by placing in it a bed of old dry tan and litter from the
stable ; into this let the pots be plunged. Give plenty of air in fine
weather, and withhold water until the bulbs have made root and the leaves
begin to appear ; it should then be carefully given when there is no danger
of frost. If the winter should be very severe, the frame may be banked
up with manure or litter, and the lights covered with straw and mats.
The pots may be brought into the greenhouse during February, March, or
April, according to the season for blooming, or if for out-doors they may be
turned out in March, sooner or later, according to circumstances — that is,
so as not to be endangered by severe frosts. Under such treatment the
Sparaxis will flower in April, the Ixias, Babianas, and Tritonias succeeding
each other. After blooming, the watering should be continued until the
leaves begin to fade, when it must be gradually withheld.”

NOVEMBER.

241

Tlie beautiful Tritonia crocata requires different treatment. This should
not be dried off after flowering, but kept growing, as should also the equally
beautiful Schizostylis coccinea.

M.

(ENOTHERA ACAULIS AND ITS CONGENERS.

We shall not hazard much by the statement that the C Enothera acaulis
of Cavanilles, familiar as it may be nominally to the gardening world, is
in reality known to but few. It is true that for more than a quarter of a
century it has, in company with the OE . tciraxacifolia, occupied a place in
the seed and plant lists ; but experiments, repeated ad nauseam, have
proved that of late years, at least, the latter species has universally done
duty for both plants. In fact, the true (E. acaulis has so eluded pursuit,
that in the absence of facilities for referring to any published figure, one
had been almost led to doubt its distinctness as a species from the better
known plant. This was the more excusable, that in a variety of popular
gardening works, both English and French, the names are given as syno¬
nymous;* and although Don, in his Dictionary, keeps them apart, his
descriptions are so nearly identical in substance, that it is difficult to seize
on any valid distinction, whilst he falls into the same error as the com¬
pilers of trade catalogues in representing both species as possessing “large
white” flowers, and makes the foliage of (E. taraxacifolia pubescent, a
character which belongs rather to the sister plant.

A fortunate chance having at length placed the OE. acaulis within reach,
the queestio vexata was at once solved. So far from yielding large white
flowers, its blossoms are in fact miniatures, rarely exceeding 14 inch in
diameter when fully expanded, the tube, which is never stained with purple,
being about 2 inches in length ; whilst those of (E . taraxacifolia have the
limb of the corolla from 3 to 4 inches in diameter, and the tube not less
than 4 to 5 inches or more in length. If to this be added that the petals of
(E. acaulis are so refuse as to be almost truncate, with a distinct point or
mucro at the tip, and that the foliage is more perceptibly pubescent, and of
a duller shade of green than in the allied species, it will be evident that
the two species are distinguishable at a glance, and the rarity of the
(E. acaulis can alone account for the confusion that has existed.

Both species produce prostrate stems, but those of the (E. acaulis are of
more slender and restricted growth than in the related species, and, so far
as observed, both stems and flower-tubes are uniformly green, and are
never stained with the purplish tint so generally occurring in the more
robust plant. It must be admitted that, as a garden plant, the (E. acaulis
is greatly inferior to the (E. taraxacifolia; its blossoms being too small to
produce much effect. It is doubtless to this circumstance that is due its
gradual supercession by its more showy relative.

The present may not be an unfitting occasion for drawing attention to
two or thr,ee other white-flowered species of (Enothera, now seldom met
with, though they are neither deficient in ornamental value, nor at all
difficult of cultivation. Of these may be named the OE. anisoloba, a native

* In the well-known publication, Le Bon Jardinier, edited by botanists of repute, as
well as in a more recent publication, Les Fleurs de pleine Terre, by Yilmorin-Andrieux,
et Cie., the two names are applied to the same plant.

242

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

of Chiloe, with flowers closely resembling those of the Dandelion-leaved
(E noth era, and quite as large, but differing in having its petals more
rounded at the extremity, and in its erect stems, which usually reach 8 or
4 feet by the end of the summer, though the plant commences flowering when
less than a foot high. The foliage, too, is shorter, and less pinnatifid, and
has an outward curl, which appears characteristic. Of equal interest is the
fine (E. ccespitosa, a Missouri species, producing short procumbent stems,
lanceolate, toothed foliage, and handsome sweet-scented flowers, with deeply
obcordate petals. This species is likely to perish after flowering when
grown in damp soils, and it is therefore advisable to keep up a stock of
young plants.

The recently introduced (E. marginata belongs to the same section of the
genus as the foregoing species, but differs materially in having a creeping
root. Like CE. csespitosa, it has a lanceolate, toothed foliage, a trailing
stem, which rises nearly a foot high, and large creamy white flowers,
remarkable for their fragrance. Both in this and the preceding species, the
seed-vessel is somewhat cylindrical, but neither is likely to mature its
seeds in this climate. It is rather a singular circumstance that the flowers
of all the white (Enotheras, except the (E. speciosa, assume a more or less
deep purple tint when fading.

Ipswich. W. Thompson.

AERIAL ROOTS UPON VINES.

Your able correspondent Mr. Wigliton, of Cossey Park, has at p. 224 of
the Florist endeavoured, and with some ability, to lessen the difficulties
which would seem to stand in the way of a proper appreciation of the causes
which produce aerial roots upon Vines. Until lately — so difficult did the
subject appear — I could have pretty freely, and with some slight reservation
only,, have endorsed your correspondent’s views. But upon a recent visit to
Chiswick, I saw, amidst the multitude of Vines of every description, grow¬
ing to rather an unusual altitude in the large conservatory there, one of
the most perfect examples of air-rooting, which induced a reconsideration of
the subject, and caused me to alter my views materially. There, growing
amidst varieties of almost all known kinds, this Vine, with identical treat¬
ment to the others, attracted the eye upon entry at either end, so densely and
uniformly was the whole of the under surface of the rod clothed with pendent
aerial roots. It grows near the centre ; the roots are planted in the more
northernly border, and the cane has reached the top of the house.

First, in dealing with the often-asserted influence which atmospheric
humidity has on the production of these roots, I may again draw attention
to the fact that numerous varieties here exist, and fruit, in close contiguity.
The vast roof which spans the whole certainly gives greater buoyancy to
even the densest humidity which may possibly be engendered therein, and
consequently admits of the free assimilation of the whole, far more so than
is possible in the best of low and comparatively stived-up lean-to houses.
This example of air-rooting — at least to anything like the same extent, being
a solitary case, one is naturally led to the inquiry whether health or want of
health be the cause. If the former, as suggested by Mr. Wigliton, then
what of the whole motley tribe beside ? But this cannot be. Here is to be
found the “ sickly one.” And then as to the cause ; is it to be sought for
externally in the upper atmospheric range, whether of heat with humidity,
or of these two in combination with “ shade,” as suggested, or below at the

NOVEMBER.

243

root, in “ the border?” The adjoining Vine, and all the others to the two
extremities, deny the former; and as I take it, there is something like testi¬
mony confirmatory of the latter. There is a significance attending the
manner in which this Vine had set to work out its requirements. The first
portion of rod emitting these air -roots, which comprised about 1 foot of its
length, was that nearest the root. No sooner had these ceased to elongate,
through the want of the support which they were seeking for, than others
quickly shot forth immediately above them, upon a portion about equal in
length ; and so again and again had this evidently been repeated, until the
final effort was made at the very apex, and where, the humidity being-
greater, they were capable of rather greater elongation. Now, why had not
this humidity induced this display of roots at an earlier period ?

Mr. Wighton affirms that health and vigour may be the progenitors of
these roots, and gives as an illustration “ old Vines ” as “ thick as his
wrist.” I will pass over the latter merit — namely, thickness of rod, and
just suggest that aged Vines are not always vigorous at the root. Depend
upon it, Nature is no sloth; wre often mistake her “ways to an end,”
through overlooking the fact that she is constantly at -work in converting
present opportunities into future resources. The Vine at Chiswick, and
many others , show no symptoms of suffering externally, but the leaf-surface,
in its constant activity in direct communication with the root, feels a slight
deprivation ; anon an effort is made to form fresh feeders, examples of
which are daily witnessed with all plants capable of forming stem roots ;
and, as these become abortive, one effort follows the other until autumn
arrives, and, then, unquestionably, greater prostration follows than if these
incessant efforts had never been made. I throw out these few hints with
the simple desire, that other facts bearing upon this important subject,
may yet be forthcoming from some of our many pomological friends.

Digswell. William Earley.

PRUNING CONIFERS.

As this operation has lately been alluded to in the Florist and Pomo-
logist, it may be of interest to some of your readers to know that pruning
may be practised on large trees of the Coniferous family, as well as on
smaller ones, if done at the proper season of the year.

There is growing in the flower garden here a Pinus excelsa, 32 feet high
and 63 feet in circumference. The lower branches cover the ground. The
bole of the tree at 1 foot from the ground is 5 feet 10 inches in circum¬
ference. It is standing near to a Picea Pinsapo of nearly the same height
and size. There are only 21 feet between the two trees — a distance which
ought to have been doubled, as they were growing into each other. To
remedy this great evil we pruned the excelsa severely in the last week of
September of last year, cutting no less than twelve large bundles of wood
from it, which gave it rather a stubbed appearance till it made its spring
growth. Now, at the time I am writing, there is scarcely a trace of
either the saw or knife ; but the appearance is very much improved both in
shape and colour, as its silvery grey foliage • contrasts well with the dark
green of the Pinsapo. Both are hardy and handsome, and ought to be
better known and more frequently planted. They stood here unharmed by
the frost in that trying winter of 1861, when we lost a good Cedrus Deodara,
Araucaria, and Cryptomeria, all of the same age, and growing by their side
in the same soil.

244

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

To prune trees of this size without breaking the branches is rather a
difficult operation. To accomplish it, I tie together at their top, two ladders
of the same length, and have a man to hold each of them while the work
goes on, which should be done early in the autumn, as at that time very
little bleeding will take place. If it were done in the winter I fear the
frost would often prove injurious.

Elsenham Hall Gardens. William Plestee.

CLEMATIS JACKMANI AND ITS ALLIES.

We have in our previous volumes figured two of the fine hybrid varieties
of Clematis raised by Messrs. G. Jackman & Son, of Woking — namely,
C. Jackmani and C. rubro-violacea, whose portraits tell their own tale so
far as their individual beauty is concerned. These varieties were selected
from a large number of seedlings raised at the same time, all of remarkable
beauty, and with a great family resemblance, and all particularly agreeing
in this important feature, that the plants become literally a mass of blossom
from the end of June onwards till late in autumn. Their large, richly
coloured, magnificent flowers would alone be sufficient to place them in the
first rank of ornamental plants ; but when to this are added the profusion
and successional continuity with which these blossoms are produced, very
few subjects indeed can claim a place beside them. It is this quality which
we have the pleasure of now illustrating by means of a figure prepared
from a photograph taken in August last from one of Mr. Jackman’s plants,
selected promiscuously, but admirably illustrating the floriferous character
of these most valuable hybrids. The figure represents one of the unnamed
seedlings, but the habit is alike in all.

The general hue of these new Clematises is blue or violet, a colour most
useful in the pleasure ground and flower garden ; but there is already con¬
siderable variety of tint. C. Jackmani, one of the finest of the series, is
of a deep violet purple ; C. rubro-violacea, Prince of Wales, and rubella,
furnish a deep pucy plum colour, varying in shade ; while the more novel
tints of light mauve and greyish blue are presented by newer varieties,
named Mrs. Bateman and Lady Bovill. There is also a novel feature
presented in one which has been called Thomas Moore — which we hope
by-and-by to figure, and which produces flowers 8 inches across — namely,
a more profuse development of the staminal filaments, which form a broad
whitish tuft in the centre of the very broad reddish purple flowers, giving
them at a short distance much the appearance of huge Passion-Flowers.

The opportunity Messrs. Jackman have afforded us of showing the free-
blooming character of their breed of Clematises enables us once more to
point out how admirably they are suited for pleasure-ground decoration,
and to record how well they have behaved when used for “ bedding-out.”

As flower-garden plants dotted about here and there on the lawn, or
forming an avenue in a more formal flower garden, it is almost impossible
to over-estimate the gorgeous effect which they are capable of producing
and maintaining for a considerable portion of the summer and autumn
months, the bloom being at its best about the middle of August. We have
seen nothing more enchanting as a floral picture than that presented by a
fine group of pillar plants, such as shown in the figure. To bring out their
best effect as “ pillars,” they should be grown in “hills” like Hop plants,
each hill being furnished with three stakes standing some 7 or 8 feet above

NOVEMBER

245

ground. Tlie plants require to he annually cut down nearly to the base,
in the early part of winter, and should he liberally manured ; they cover

the supports with their rapidly extending branches by the month of June,
and then begin to branch out freely, so as literally to clothe the whole mass

m 2

246

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

with a sheet of glowing purple. In this state there is no finer flowering
plant for lawn decoration, no more gorgeous subject for garden avenues,
not even excepting pillar Roses ; for hundreds of the magnificent blossoms
are borne successionally by every plant.

The use of these plants for “ bedding-out ” was brought about by acci¬
dent. Some plants which had been blown down by the wind were observed
to be breaking out freely, and throwing up their blossoms so as to form an
even surface. Mr. Jackman was hence led to fill some large beds, and
succeeded, without the slightest difficulty, in clothing these most perfectly
with the rich violet hues for which these plants are so remarkable, the
branches interlacing, and forming in the flowering season an even sheet of
colour some 8 or 10 inches above the surface. They are no doubt best
adapted for beds of considerable size, and raised in the centre ; but there
is not the least difficulty in covering the surface, and the plants wflien
strong and established are certain to bloom profusely. In Mr. Jackman’s
experiment they have been put in at about 18 inches apart over the bed,
and pegged down in the same direction one over the other ; and treated in
this way there is, by the blooming period, just enough of foliage shown
amongst the flowers to set off the colours to the best advantage, while the
glorious mass of rich violet purple furnishes quite a new sensation in
bedding- out.

M.

VARIEGATED ZONAL PELARGONIUM SHOW.

The Show of these popular plants, held at South Kensington on the
17tli of September, wras furnished with a large number of plants, though
scarcely in such good condition as those shown in May. The list of awards
will serve to indicate the leading plants in each section, and may serve as
a guide to intending purchasers : —

Class 1. — Six Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums not yet in commerce , seedlings excluded.
— 1st, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Dulwich, with King of Tricolors, Coruscans, Peri, Sunray,
Banshee, and Earl of Derby ; 2nd, Messrs. Saltmarsh & Son, Chelmsford, with Duke of
Buccleuch, Alma Browning, Mrs. Pattisson, Crown Jewel, Vesuvius, and Sunrise.

Class 2. — Six Gold and Bronze Zonal Pelargoniums, under the same conditions as in
Class 1. — 1st, Mr. J. Wills, Huntroyde Park, with some splendid and finely marked plants of
the following — Her Majesty, The Sultan, Admiration, Princess Beatrice, Arthur H. Wills,
and Diadem ; 2nd, Mr. W. Bull, Chelsea, with the following, all of Mr. Wills’s raising —
Modern, Success, Diamond, Umpire, National, and Duchess.

Class 3. — Three Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums, under the same conditions as Class 1.
— 1st, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, with Jetty Lacy, a very finely marked variety, Sylph, and
Sunray ; 2nd, Messrs. Carter & Co., with Mrs. Dunnett, a brilliant kind, Viceroy of Egypt,
and Emperor ; 3rd, Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, with Howarth Ashton, Mrs. Grieve,
and Lady Sheffield.

Class 4. — Three Gold and Bronze Zonal Pelargoniums , under the same conditions as
Class 1. — 1st, Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, with Kentish Hero, Countess of Kellie, a
very fine variety, and Mrs. John Todd ; 2nd, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, with Combatant,
Brilliant, and Sybil; 3rd, Mr. J. Wills, with Illuminator, Her Majesty, and Beauty of
Sabden. The plant of Her Majesty was very finely marked.

Class 5. — The best Golden Variegated Zonal Pelargonium, under the same conditions as
Class 1. — 1st, Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry, with a very robust and well-marked
variety, named Countess of Craven; 2nd, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, with Jetty Lacy; 3rd,
Mr. Watson, St. Albans, with Mrs. Dix.

Class 6. — The best Gold and Bronze Zonal Pelargonium , under the same conditions as
Class 1. — Messrs. F. & A. Smith were placed 1st with a plant of Criterion, a very finely
marked and beautiful variety ; but this was eventually withdrawn from competition, and
Messrs. Carter & Co. were placed 1st with Egyptian Queen ; 2nd, Messrs. Downie, Laird,
and Laing, with Countess of Kellie ; 3rd, Messrs. Carter & Co., with Cleopatra.

NOVEMBER.

247

Class 7. — The best Golden Self Pelargonium, under the same conditions as Class 1. — 1st,
Mr. Tirebuck, Luton, with Golden Drop; 2nd, Messrs. Saltmarsk & Son, with Golden
Queen ; and 3rd, Mr. Tirebuck, with a distinct variety also named Golden Queen.

Class 8. — The best Golden Variegated Zonal Pelargonium in commerce, two plants of
each. — 1st, Messrs. Perkins & Sons, with Queen Victoria ; 2nd, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, with
Defiance ; 3rd, Mr. Watson, with Miss "Watson.

Class 9. — The two best Golden Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums in commerce or not, three
plants of each. — 1st, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, with Jetty Lacy and Louisa Smith; 2nd, Mr.
Watson, with Mrs. Dix and Miss Watson.

Class 10.— Six Gold and Bronze Zonal Pelargoniums, put into commerce within the last
twelve months. — 1st, Mr. Wills, with Beauty of Calder dale, Beauty of Ribbledale, Firebrand,
Perilla, Model, and Compactum ; 2nd, Mr. Bull, with similar varieties, Glowworm being
substituted for Beauty of Bibbledale.

Class 11. — The best Silver Variegated Zonal Pelargonium not in commerce, the seedling
plant excluded. — 1st, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, with Miss Burdett-Coutts ; 2nd, Messrs. E. G.
Henderson & Son, with Italian Sunshine ; 3rd, Messrs. F. & A. Smith, with Peri.

From among these competing plants thirteen varieties were selected for
first-class certificates — viz., Defiance and B.etaliator, from Messrs. F. & A.
Smith, the former with broad dark and fiery bronze zone, the margin well
defined ; the latter having a narrow zone of bronze and carmine, with
margin of pale gold, a striking kind. Queen Victoria and Countess of Craven ,
from Messrs. Perkins & Sons, the former having a broad bronze and red
zone, the plant large, and in fine condition ; the latter had a bright red
and mulberry zone, with broad margin of gold. Both of these were robust-
growing and well-developed kinds. Mrs. Dunnett , from Messrs. Carter and
Co., the zone dark bronze and fiery carmine, a somewhat weakly-looking
plant as shown. Mrs. George Hanbury, from Mr. C. Turner, a finely marked
variety with round flat leaves and a bronze and orange zone, the plant also
small. Beauty of Culford , from Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, having a
most conspicuous band of colour forming the zone, principally rich orange
carmine, blotched with bronze ; a promising kind, though the plant was
small. These all belong to the section of Golden Variegated Zonals. Of
the Silver-edged division, the same award was made to Peri, a very fine
variety, the zone bronze and' pink ; and Queen Victoria and Miss Burdett-
Coutts, two other very fine and strongly marked kinds. These were all from
Messrs. F. & A. Smith. Of the Gold and BrOnze Zonal section the follow¬
ing received first-class certificates : — Arthur H. Wills, from Mr. Wills, the
zone dark bronze, broad and striking, on a leaf ground of greenish gold, a
very fine variety ; Egyptian Queen, from Messrs. Carter & Co., having a
very broad reddish bronze zone on a golden leaf ground ; and to Mrs.
Frampton, from Mr. Uphill, Moreton, Dorchester, having a rich dark zone
on a clear golden leaf ground, a fine variety.

A goodly number of the varieties exhibited in the several classes had
already received first-class certificates at the metropolitan exhibitions or
from the Floral Committee.

Quo.

THE CALEBASSE GROSSE PEAR.

I have fruited the Calebasse Grosse Pear several years on a wall with a
south-west aspect, but always found it more pleasing to the eye than to the
taste. I have also tasted at fruit shows some monstrous Calebasse Pears,
whose flavour was only akin to that of their namesake, the Pumpkin; and
though this kind of Pear is a great bearer, it ripens about the end of
September, when other better kinds are in season — for instance, the
Beurre d’Amanlis, which is a free bearer upon an espalier, and though a

248

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

large, round, greenisli Pear, seldom cracks in cold wet seasons, when some
other russet kinds are cracked to their cores. Gansel’s Bergamot is one of
these, though in good seasons there are none to equal it, whether of the
old or new kinds. Besides, there is a peculiar flavour in Bergamot Pears,
which is pleasing to most tastes. Even the old Dutch or Orange Bergamot,
grown on a wall with east or west aspect, is superior in flavour to some of
the large new kinds, which, in had seasons, are only like the Calebasse.
Some of them are soft and insipid, others hard and corky, and never turn
mellow or ripe, which is seldom the case with the smaller kinds, especially
Bergamots. I may notice that Hacon’s Incomparable is a Bergamot,
only a shade better than the old Orange one ; they are nearly alike in size
of fruit, flavour, colour and texture of the leaves.

I may have mentioned in these pages, that the difference of the quality of
fruit depends more on the texture of the leaves than on the crude sap from
the roots. The mysterious change of the juice is effected by the rays of the
sun, during its passage through the leaves to nourish the fruit. Thus what
is to some a mystery, is explained ; and the reason becomes apparent why
different kinds or varieties of fruit can be grown, by grafting, on the same
tree.

Cossey Park. J. Wighton.

THE CULTIVATION OF TALL CACTI.

The Tall Cacti are plants of very easy culture, but they scarcely appear
to be general favourites. Yet no one can have seen the beautiful specimens
that have from time to time been exhibited — those, for instance, shown by
the late Mr. Green — without admiring them. Some persons are of opinion
that the habit of many of the tribe is unsightly, and the blooming season
of short duration ; but the same objection may be raised in the case of
many of our most beautiful plants, and to meet difficulties of this nature
it is merely necessary to call to our aid the practice and the intelligence of
our most skilful manipulators, to teach us what to do and what to avoid.

The propagation of tall-growing Cacti by means of cuttings is simple
enough. It is of some importance that the cuttings should be prepared by
the aid of a sharp knife, for if the wound is bruised the chances are that
the cutting will decay. When taken off they should be potted into dry,
gritty, open soil, or they should be partially dried by being laid by on a dry
shelf for a week or ten days. I generally put three or four cuttings into
two or three-inch pots, according to the size of the cuttings. The soil
used for this purpose is composed of three-fourths of road grit, with the re¬
mainder mellow loam, charcoal, and lime rubbish, all tolerably fine. The
cuttings being of a very succulent nature, they should not be placed in a
humid atmosphere, but on a dry shelf in some warm and airy house, where
they can be kept tolerably dry. Thus treated, they will be found to emit
roots in a very short time, and may be potted singly into small pots, using
plenty of drainage, such as charcoal or old mortar. As the plants grow
they must be shifted into larger pots, using the soil somewhat coarser at
each successive shift, and giving abundant drainage ; this is essential, as
the plants, although required to be liberally watered when growing and
blooming, require that the water should percolate freely, and dry off quickly.
One or two waterings during the flowering season with weak manure
water will assist the blooming materially. During the dormant months of
winter very few waterings will be necessary.

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249

As regards tying and training, the plants may he made to assume a
variety of forms according to the taste of the cultivator. If large plants
he the object, liberal shifts, with a higher temperature than that of a cool
greenhouse, will greatly assist them, especially if the pots could he plunged
in a dry, half-spent tan or bark-bed: The soil, too, may consist of a small
portion of peat, chopped up, but not too small, and of very old thoroughly-
decomposed cow-manure, added to equal parts of good fibrous loam and road
grit, which is for the most part pulverised stone.

The season of blooming can be prolonged by removing the plants into
a cool house, and well shading them from intense sun heat. Should they
become at all sickly, and the soil about the roots sour and stagnant, they
may be carefully shaken out of the pots, and repotted into smaller pots, the
shoots being pruned and regulated, and the whole subjected to the treatment
advised for plants when rapid growth is desired. In such cases it is neces¬
sary to be careful and judicious in the application of water.

F. K.

JUDGING GRAPES.

The garden literature of the day is just now teeming with articles on
this important subject ; but I cannot yet see that a reasonable solution of
the difficulties with which it appears to be beset has been offered, nor do I
think that one will be, so long as the advocates for testing by Flavour, urge
that Flavour should have a predominating influence in making an award.
I am inclined to the opinion that Colour and Bloom, Size and Compactness
of Bunch, Size and Evenness of Berry, are equally essential to the perfection
of Grapes for exhibition, and wherever present in perfection ought to carry
an equal number of points with Flavour.

The subject has many aspects. It may be said that Grapes are grown
to be eaten, and therefore their flavour ought to carry the sway. Granted,
for a nobleman’s or a gentleman’s table ; and if the owners in these cases
choose to prefer a thin-skinned “ red ” Black Hamburgh to a well-
coloured bunch of the same, because it may, perhaps, possess more sweet
watery juice, and less of the brisk vinous flavour which is characteristic of
a perfectly ripened well-coloured specimen, why no one can reasonably
object. But it is different with the exhibition table. Here there are standard
and recognised points of excellence, founded on appearance ; and so long as
Grapes are submitted to the inspection and admiration of the ladies and
gentlemen who come to these shows to feast the eye, so long will those
points of excellence continue to be recognised, and flavour only be called in
when there is perfect equality in other respects. Such has been my practice
on the several occasions when I have been called upon to act as a judge of
Grapes ; and, moreover, I have never hesitated in the case of a disputed point
to remove a berry or two from an inconspicuous part of a bunch, in order
that the perfect maturity of the fruit as regards ripeness, and consequently
flavour, should have a due weight in the decision. But while allowing this,
I cannot agree with those who would give to flavour an undue predominance
over all the other recognised points of excellence. We ought to remember
that the exhibition table is not legitimately the place to decide upon the
respective merits of Grapes as regards flavour ; if it were so, the labours of
the judges would be multiplied tenfold or more. On the contrary, they must
there be judged by appearance and fitness for the object with which they
have been exhibited, which I take to be, principally, the gratification of those

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THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

wlio pay to come and look on, and who like to see before their eyes a
reason for the decisions arrived at, and cannot he supposed to he able to
appreciate by the eye, the minute inferences drawn by the judges as regards
flavour.

If it be considered desirable that decision by flavour should become a
recognised feature at our exhibitions, let us not therefore interfere with the
noble specimens which are brought before us to be judged principally by
their appearance and fitness for a grand display ; but let those who draw
up schedules introduce other classes, such as, for example, “for the best
flavoured bunch of black Grapes not having a Muscat flavour” ; “ ditto having
a Muscat flavour” ; with similar classes for white Grapes. In these cases
let the judges be instructed to award the prizes by flavour alone, irrespec¬
tive of any other quality, and let the advocates of flavour support these
exhibitions well, and then we may possibly arrive at some conclusion on the
subject, and learn whether ill- coloured Grapes under equal circumstances as
regards ripeness, ever do attain a better flavour than well-coloured speci¬
mens — in fact, whether Red Hamburghs or Black Hamburghs are best.
If the Red, then let the advocates for Grapes “ grown to be eaten ” take no
further trouble about colouring their Grapes ; for although an object of
ambition with every good and skilful gardener’ it will no longer be con¬
sidered a sine qua non amongst those who seek for the gratification of their
senses through the palate, and not through the eye.

Hedleaf. John Cox.

SPRING CROCUSES.

I know of no flower that graces the out-door garden which is so tho¬
roughly acceptable at its particular season of blooming as the early Crocuses.
Reared amid the raging of the “ elemental war ” that follows on winter’s
supremacy, they presently come forth “like stars, to tell us Spring is born,”
studding that material firmament — earth.

The immense number of Crocus bulbs imported every year from Hol¬
land — a sum-total so vast as to appear almost incredible — proves how much
is appreciated the valuable service rendered in its own good time by this
humble little floral ministrant. Nothing else but the Crocus can make such
an acceptable and charming display in the early spring — a display the more
appreciable, as there is then but little in the way of flower to come into
competition with it. Somewhat restricted though the variations of colour
may be, still there is enough of variety to enable them to be grouped together
very prettily and effectively — enough when so arranged to produce such a
mass of blended colour, as to negative the charge of sameness sometimes
brought against the Crocus as an ornament of the flower garden. Planters
of the Crocus should make a selection of a few distinct kinds, and use them
for spring effect. With a larger selection may come to a serious degree,
want of uniformity in growth as well as in the time of flowering, and these
might possibly impair the effect sought to be secured.

During the autumn of 1866 I endeavoured to obtain as many as I
possibly could of the so-called varieties of Crocus that are annually im¬
ported from Holland, and was enabled to plant a good-sized piece of ground
with the collection I succeeded in getting together. I had white, striped,
blue, purple, violet, lilac, yellow, and edged flowers, and at the time of
planting I could not help remarking, on carefully comparing the conns the
one with the other, how much diversity of shape and size prevailed. As I

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251

had not less than twelve bulbs of any one kind, I was enabled to work out
the task of comparison somewhat satisfactorily to myself at least, both
by taking note of the shape of the bulbs, and afterwards by comparing the
flowers when in bloom.

Of diversities in the habit and style of growth of the different varieties
but little can be said. The early-flowering Cloth of Gold, the Common
Yellow, and the Versicolor, are peculiar in this respect ; the other varieties
must be classed together, excepting, perhaps, that though the style of
foliage may be much the same, the largest bulbs invariably produce the
strongest leaves. The earliest to bloom are the Yellows ; the earliest of
these two — for there are but two distinct varieties of yellow spring-flowering
Crocus — is the Cloth of Gold. It is very dwarf-growing, and blooms
freely. The Common Yellow is a little later, grows taller and stronger, and
produces more flowers than any other variety. It is remarkably free in
blooming, and as a rule should be allowed plenty of room, as the bulbs
branch out in a remarkable degree. The Giant Yellow, the large, and
also the new Golden Yellow, are but larger bulbs of this variety. It is im¬
ported generally in two sizes, and where extra sized roots are added, they
are christened and priced accordingly. The old Crocus versicolor, or Cloth
of Silver Crocus — for any original difference between them appears to be
entirely lost — is a dwarf-growing and very free-blooming kind, and does well
for massing. The flowers are white, with purple stripes, but they are
neither so large nor so stout as the newer striped varieties. The Scotch
Crocus, so called, now rarely met with, is a striped variety imported from
Holland under that name. The bulbs are very peculiar, being bard and
smooth, and unlike any other spring-flowering kind. After these it would
be difficult to assign the order of flowering. Speaking generally, the
Striped varieties are the earliest, then the Blues, and lastly the Whites.

Of the Striped varieties, Bride of Lammermoor, La Majesteuse, and Sir
Walter Scott are three very fine varieties, of much the same build and
growth, Bride of Lammermoor being the darkest, and Sir Walter Scott
the boldest in the colour of the stripe. Of the darker striped kinds, Albion
is the largest and showiest ; the flowers are large, and of a globular shape,
heavily flaked and striped with violet ; it is also distinct and good.
Florence Nightingale is a large and bold light striped variety. Ida
Pfeiffer, a lovely flower of good form, delicately striped with rosy lilac, very
fine. Madame Mina, a very pretty and free-blooming pale violet-striped
flower, of good form. Princess Alexandra, Argus, Comtesse de Morny,
Parnassus, Elfrida, and Albertine, are more than summed up in the sorts
described above — they are not even required as varieties. Rhea Sylvia is a
medium-sized pale, striped flower, hut very pretty. Duke of Cumberland, a
deep lilac, with stripes of a darker shade, and edged with white, is a some¬
what curious and novel flower, which could be classed both with the Blue
and the Striped varieties, and yet belongs exclusively to neither, so that
perhaps it would be best to class it with the Edged flowers. I had two forms
of Argus, one a very pale striped flower of medium size ; the other, a heavy
violet striped flower with more colour in it than could be seen in Albion,
though otherwise not differing materially from it, nor yet quite so large.
Lastly, Maria, La Sylphide, Miss Priestly, Geant des Batailles, Baron Chasse,
Duchess of Sutherland, Napoleon, Leviathan and Philades are sorts that
can be obtained to suit the fancy of the importer to whom names are an
object, hut are scarcely required for any other purpose than to impart
obesity to a catalogue.

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THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

The White varieties necessarily admit of even less variation. The most
beautiful variety I have ever seen, and one that cannot be too highly com¬
mended for its superb quality, is named Goldfinder. The flowers are very
large, globular, and pure in colour, and have rich dark orange stamens.
Caroline Chisholm and Mrs. Beecher Stowe are undoubtedly the same. It
is a dwarf-growing free-blooming kind, very useful for pots. Grand Con-
querant is one of the most novel white flowers I have yet met with ; pure
white, edged with citron, and extremely pretty, as well as free-blooming.
Mont Blanc has large and bold pure white flowers, and though classed with
the White varieties, the insides of the blooms are faintly pencilled with lilac.
It is a robust-growing kind, useful for out-door work. To these add
Mammoth, a large white flower, changing to cream ; Calypso, another
creamy white, and Queen Victoria, and the list is complete. A reserve list
can be formed of the following varieties : — Matliilde, Grand Vainqueur,
Porpus, Isabella, Marie Antoinette, and Bride of Abydos.

Of Edged flowers — a very small division — the variety named Duke of
Cumberland, previously described, can be regarded as one ; the oldNe Plus
Ultra, violet with white edge, a large, fine, and showy flower, is another ;
and Lord Wellington, deep violet, edged with white, a small but pretty
flower, complete the list of kinds I have seen. I find Ne Plus Ultra to be
very effective out of doors, and it has the additional recommendation of
being very cheap.

Lastly comes that somewhat numerous group including the Blue and
Purple varieties. Among these there are some beautiful kinds, large in size
and deep in colour. I find the darkest coloured of the whole group — not
simply the darkest on first expanding, but the darkest throughout the bloom¬
ing period — to be a variety with a rather small bulb, named Sir John
Franklin. It is of a rich dark glossy purple, and it did remarkably well
with me out of doors. David Rizzio, often termed the darkest blue, is paler
in colour than the foregoing ; and Prince Albert is paler still ; yet both are
fine bold flowers. Prince of Wales is identical in every respect with Prince
Albert ; and Vulcan, a very large pale violet flower, is the same as Othello.
Lilaceus superbus is a somewhat distinct kind, with a broad flake of a lilac
tint up each petal. These are all the distinct shades of blue, so-called, I
could possibly light upon. I add a supplementary list of the following kinds
which came under my notice, premising that they are well represented by
the foregoing : — Baron von Brunnow, Brunei, Lamplighter, General
Pelissier, Charles Dickens, Jupiter, Von Schiller, Sir R. Peel, Loveliness,
and La Simplicity

I am compelled to admit that, though amongst the varieties in these
reserve lists of the several divisions of colour there were many points of
resemblance, yet from a close and daily inspection one seemed to be able to
detect some small and distinct traits of character, either in the size or shape,
or in the purity or depth of the colour of the flowers, in the height they
grew, in the time of flowering, and even in the form, the colour, and the
greater or less prominence of the stamens. I am also led to admit that we
ought not hastily to charge the Dutch growers with sending us professedly
new varieties, that are really repetitions of what we already possess. I am
disposed to think they select them seedlings with considerable care, and for
some novelty or distinctness possessed by them. There will be an inevitable
sameness, even when coupled with the largest quantum of novelty, but then
these new kinds are rarely priced at anything like an exorbitant rate, as it

NOVEMBER.

253

would appear it is the invariable rule to obtain them in bulk, before they
are sent out. — (. Abridged from the Gardeners' Chronicle.)

Quo.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE RANUNCULUS.

The garden Ranunculus was brought originally from the Levant. It
has been greatly improved by cultivation, and the varieties are now very
numerous and extremely beautiful. Indeed, it is scarcely possible to con¬
ceive anything more striking or brilliant than a fine bed of Ranunculuses
in full flower. As the time for planting is approaching, a few remarks on
their culture may not be altogether unseasonable. The following are the
chief points to be attended to: — 1, Soil for the Beds; 2, Depth of Soil;
3, Situation of Beds ; 4, Planting the Roots ; 5, Future Culture ; 6, Shading ;
7, Taking up the Roots.

1. Soil for the Beds. — The best soil may be composed in this manner : —
Take a quantity of fresh earth from a rich pasture, about 6 inches deep,
and lay it in a heap to rot for twelve months before it is mixed, turning it
occasionally to sweeten it and break the clods ; to this should be added a
fourth part of rotten cowdung, and a proportionable quantity of river
sand. The whole should be well mixed up together.

2. Depth of Soil. — The soil in the beds should be at least 2 feet deep, and
should not be raised more than 2 inches above the surrounding surface. It
should be rather dry when put into the beds, and should not be pressed,
but left to settle. Slate or stone should be used for edgings to the beds, in
preference to Box, as they do not harbour slugs,

3. Situation of Beds. — These should be on a dead level at the lowest
part of the garden. It will also be an advantage if they are not exposed
to the midday sun. A high or elevated dry situation must be avoided.

4. Planting the Pioots. — The roots may be planted any time from the
beginning of November to the middle of February. If the soil and
situation be cold and wet it will be better to defer planting until the end of
January or beginning of February, as the weather may favour; but in
favourable situations November is to be preferred, as the roots will have
more time to vegetate and form themselves, and will in consequence bloom
rather stronger, though only a few days earlier than those later planted.
The surface of the beds should be raked perfectly level, and the roots
planted in rows 6 inches apart, and about 2 inches deep, keeping the crown
upward. A little coarse sand should be placed over every root, and ^he
surface should then be made level.

5. Future Culture. — When the roots are planted in November nothing
further will be needed until severe frosts are expected ; then the beds should
be covered to the depth of 3 or 4 inches with tan, decayed leaves, or other
material to keep out the frosts. This covering should be removed as soon
as all danger from severe frost is past. Early in spring, when the plants
make their appearance above ground, so as to render the rows easily dis¬
cernible, the surface of the earth between the rows should be trodden care¬
fully, so as to make it firm and compact ; and the soil around the plants
should be compressed with the fingers. Some fresh soil should then be
put between the rows about an inch or so in depth ; this will keep the soil
moist and cool. If these matters are properly attended to no watering
will be necessary. The surface of the soil should be stirred a little between

254

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

the rows occasionally in dry weather. "Watering should, if possible, he
avoided, as it does more harm than good.

6. Shading. — Sometimes the weather in May is very dry and hot ; at
such times shading becomes absolutely necessary. A light framework
should be fixed over the bed and covered with light canvas or calico. The
plants should have abundance of air and light, but be shaded from the
heat of the midday sun.

7. Taking up the Roots. — By the end of June, or soon after, the greater
part of the plants will appear brown and dry ; the roots should then be
taken up. It is best to take them up singly as soon as they are ripe. Cut
them off and place them in an airy place to dry ; when fit, store away in
bags and boxes. When all are taken up, dried, and stored away, nothing
more remains to be done until the return of the planting season.

Stourton. M. Saul.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

As the great shows are over for the season, my range of Novelties
will be confined to the Meetings of the Floral Committee — by no means the
least interesting of the horticultural gatherings held during the year. Last
month I brought before the notice of the readers of the Florist and Pomo-
logist the claims of Mr. W. Paul’s handsome golden-foliaged Cupressus.
At the Meeting of the Floral Committee on the 1st of October two other
variegated forms of Cupressus Lawsonuma were produced by Mr. Thomas
Cripps, Tunbridge Wells : one, flam, a handsome golden-tinted plant, to
which a first-class certificate was awarded, and nivea, a silvery variety, not
yet sufficiently developed in character. But for their rich and rare beauty
the prime feature of interest at this Meeting was the seedling Clematises
shown by Mr. Cripps; With the exception of two of the darkest-coloured
kinds, seedlings, or, perhaps, hybrids of C. Viticella, the others were seed¬
lings of C. lanuginosa. First-class certificates were awarded to Star of India,
a flower in the way of C. rubella, but deeper in colour, the ground violet,
with a reddish purple band along each segment of the flower ; to Maria
Lefehvre, white, delicately tinted with mauve, and having a stripe of pale
mauve along each petal ; to Madame Van Houtte, pure white in colour, large
in size, and extremely handsome ; and to Sensation, of a rich shade of
mauve, a very large and striking flower. The whole of the batch were of
fine quality, but only cut, and, in many instances, solitary blooms were pro¬
duced, so that no conclusions as to the habit of the plants could be drawn.
Besides those named there were : — The Czar, a flower coming nearest to
Star of India in point of colour ; Triumphant, Gloria Mundi, Forget-me-
not, Lady Camden, Guiding Star , Beauty of the Bower, and Captivation ; Pul-
cherrima, in the way of Maria Lefehvre ; and the following pure white
flowers — Adelina Patti, Mrs. Nasmyth, and Annie Wood. In the way of
Ferns, a first-class certificate was awarded to Lastrea lacera, a handsome
hardy robust-growing evergreen Japanese Fern, from Mr. Bull ; and to
Gymnogramma peruviana laciniata, a heavily-powdered Silver Fern, of a good
habit, with dissected fronds, from Mr. Parsons, of Danesbury. Aspidistra
elatior angustifolia variegata , from Mr. Bull, is said to be a hardy plant suit¬
able for rockwork ; the narrow green leaves are heavily striped with pale
yellow ; it was awarded a first-class certificate.

Some varieties of Veronica Andersoni, the plants grown as standards on
stems 3 to 4 feet in length, were shown by Messrs. E. Gf. Henderson & Son,

NOVEMBER.

255

and attracted much attention. They had symmetrical heads of bloom, and
there was a profusion of flowers. To V. purpurea violacea a first-class cer¬
tificate was awarded ; the individual spikes of flower in this variety were
nearly 4 inches in length, and the colour a rather bright hue of violet
purple. The other varieties were : — azurea superba , bluish violet ; Madame
Boucharlet , pale rosy lilac ; meldensis, bright lilac ; Delfossiana, pale rose.
The leaves of the latter variety were much smaller and narrower than is
usually seen, and the masses of bloom had quite a bright appearance for
this generally sober-looking plant.

Mr. Standish produced some fine seedling Gladioli , to three of which
first-class certificates were awarded — viz., Lady Alice Hill, rosy lilac, pen¬
cilled with white, and streaked along the throat with crimson ; Lord Kenlis,
bright orange red, with lemon throat ; and William Menzies, rosy carmine,
with a faint flake of white ; all forming fine and showy spikes. In addition,
Mr. Standish had a large collection of named kinds, mainly of his own
raising. A first-class certificate was awarded to Dahlia Vedette, from Mr.
Turner, which had improved considerably since last seen. The same award
was made to what appears to be a capital white bedding Dahlia, named
Raidings' s White Bedder, from Mr. George Bawlings, Bomford. The flowers
are pure white in colour, and as good as those of an ordinary show kind
they are also freely produced. Pelargonium Achievement, a bright and hand¬
somely marked golden variegated Zonal, really one of the very best that
this season has produced, was shown by Mr. J. Stevens, Ealing, and awarded
a first-class certificate. Ealing Rival and Mrs. Stevens, two other kinds of
the same class, promised to be fine when well developed.

At the Meeting of the Floral Committee on 15th October the subjects
staged were not quite so numerous as is generally the case. A collection
of very fine cut Orchids, from Mr. James Anderson, gardener to Thomas
Dawson, Esq., Meadow Bank, Glasgow, was a fine feature on this occasion.
The season has been unusually productive of good bedding Lobelias, and
at this Meeting a fine addition came from Mr. Bowie, Chillingham Castle.
It was called Little Gem, and appeared to be a dwarf and compact-growing
form of L. Paxtoniana, the flower being wdiite, broadly edged with blue.
It wTas awarded a first-class certificate. Mr. Stevens, Ealing, again pro¬
duced his golden variegated Zonal Pelargoniums — Ealing Rival and Mrs. Stevens ,
and received a first-class certificate for the former. It has a zone of rich
carmine and dark bronze, the leaf margin bright gold ; it is a finely marked
variety. Some very fine and promising yearlings came from Mr. Walch,
Hillingdon, which will, no doubt, be seen again. Mr. J. Aldred, Iiilburn,
also had some promising yearlings.

Ferns were in strong force, Mr. Bull showing some fine kinds. First-
class certificates were awarded to Polystichum angulare lineare and cristato-
gracile, Lastrea Filix-mas crispa gracilis, Athyrium Filix-fcemina pulcherrimum ,
and Jissidente-excurrens Lyelli. Mr. Bull also received the same award for a
Zamia-like plant — EncepJxalartos lanuginosa, a distinct and handsome species,
from South Africa, with greyish woolly fronds having narrow pinnae ; and
for Aucuha japonica mascula marmorata, a very handsome variety, with
brightly coloured golden-blotclied leaves. A vigorous-growing variety with
very large coarsely-toothed green leaves, called A. japonica fcemina grandis,
was considered valuable as a female plant, though not differing materially
in foliage from some others, chiefly males, previously seen.

Some capital plants of Odontoglossum grande came from the gardens of

256

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

the Society, the blossoms of several of them being of very fine quality ;
and some plants of the pretty Swan River Trichinium Manglesii , came from
Mr. Bull.

In the notice of the Crystal Palace Show (p. 231), it is inadvertently
stated that second-class certificates were given to Messrs. Kelway & Son for
four seedling Gladioli. This should have been first-class certificates. The
name of the first-mentioned was Mr. Robinson. -o

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

Horticultural Drawings. — A new
aspirant to honours in this department of
horticulture, in the person of Miss Emma
Fothergill, Somerset House, Old Shirley,
Southampton, exhibited some paintings of
fruits and flowers at the meeting of the Floral
Committee on the 15th of October. Prominent
among them were two groups of leaves of
Variegated Pelargoniums : the one of Messrs.
F. & A. Smith’s new Gold and Silver Varie¬
gated Zonal kinds ; the other of Mr. Wills’s
new Gold and Bronze Zonal varieties. The
execution of these was especially truthful,
and this self-taught young artist bids fair
to take a good position in the future as a
delineator of flowers, fruits, and plants.

Allium carinatum. — This was formerly
considered as a British species, but the plant
figured for it in “ English Botany”, and what
has since been gathered for it, have proved to
be mere broad- leaved varieties of Allium
oleraceum. The Northamptonshire Field
Club has, however, brought to light, from the
neighbourhood of Newark, an undoubted
specimen of the true A. carinatum, charac¬
terised not only by its lilac flowers, with the
concave connivent divisions o f the perianth, but
by the exserted stamens. It grows on sandy
wet soil, mixed with a little lime, amongst
rushes and coarse grass ; and was found by
the Eev. W. T. Hampton, Hector of Stubton,
between Brandon and Doddington. It quite
accords with the Hungarian Allium flexum.

Boyal Ascot Grape. — The productiveness
of this Grape is extraordinary. After every
successive stopping fresh bunches are de¬
veloped on the young shoots put forth. The
regular crop has for some time been cut, but
numerous bunches of a second crop, left to
test the fruitfulness of the variety, are now
ripening, while there are others with the
berries as large as Peas, and others, again,
from recent stoppings, younger still. So
prolific is it, that the young plants just struck
from scarcely ripened buds are in almost
every case showing clusters which promise to
grow on and perfect themselves during the
winter or early spring. It seems impossible
to repress the bearing propensities of this
Grape ; and this quality, it' maintained, coupled
with its size and fine quality, mark it out as
a grand acquisition for Grape-growers.

Datura areorea. — A bed of tree Daturas

well repays the trouble of cultivation. They
require to be planted out in May, and dur¬
ing summer should have their leaves syringed
constantly, and plenty of water and liquid
manure given them two or three times a-week.
On large plants hundreds of flowers open
at once. The single ones yield two displays
of flowers yearly, but the double with fewer
flowers at a time, are in constant bloom dur¬
ing the summer. The plants when taken
up and housed for the winter, are got up
with as much earth as possible, placed on a
narrow border behind the stage of the green¬
house, and their roots covered with leaf
mould, both leaves and roots being kept well
moistened. They lose part of their leaves and
die back a little, but easily recover in spring.

Dipladenia amcena. — Mr. Dean, of Shipley,
has sent us blooms of this charming novelty,
raised between D. splendens and D. amabilis,
and which we hope to figure in due course.
The flowers are large, of a delicate rose pink,
deeper in the throat and towards the edges,
and paler towards the centre of the lobes.
The leaves are oblong acuminate, downy on
both surfaces, and of a deep green. The
flowers are of the splendens type, but have
more colour ; and the plant is said to be a
much freer bloomer than even D. amabilis,
itself the freest amongst the Dipladenias al¬
ready known.

Test for Alkalies. — A new and highly
sensitive re-agent for alkalies and alkaline
earths has recently been discovered by Pro¬
fessor Bottger in the leaves of Coleus Yer-
schaffeltii. The re-agent is prepared by
digesting the fully developed leaves of this
plant in alcohol, and impregnating slips of
Swedish filter paper with the solution obtained.
This test paper is of a beautiful red colour,
which becomes green under the influence of
an alkali or alkaline earth. It is not affected
by free carbonic acid, so that it may be used
for detecting carbonate of lime in water.

Potato Disease. — Mr. Jennings, nursery¬
man, Shipston -on- Stour, has published a little
brochure, the object of which is to tell how¬
to grow the Potato free from disease. As this
insidious enemy has been busy in certain
localities during the present season, it is clear
that we may not relax in our endeavours to
do battle w-ith it ; and hence we desire to in¬
vite attention to Mr. Jennings’ very practical

NOVEMBER.

257

little treatise. In what his remedy consists
it would he unfair to tell, as the brochure may
be had for a few pence ; but he is so confident
of its success, and the plan itself is so easily
carried out, that no one need hesitate to give
it a trial. “ After having experimented
several years ” he remarks, “ I have at length
discovered a method whereby the murrain can
be prevented,” and the plan described has
been followed for three years with perfect
success, its object being to prevent the disease
from reaching the tubers. The most critical
time for the crop is when the tuhers are
approaching maturity. Then if the murrain
makes its appearance, the remedy must be ap¬
plied with promptness, or the crop will be lost.

Vine Extension. — Mr. W. Thomson, in
the fifth edition of his treatise on Vine culture,
recently published, has the following remarks
on the extension system, as it is called, which
has lately excited so much interest in the
garden newspapers : — “ Theoretically, it must
at once be admitted that the one-vine or ‘ ex¬
tension’ system stands on vantage-ground.
No one can deny that a tree which is largely
developed, with its roots ranging over what
I may term an extensive pasture-field, is
likely to maintain its health and vigour for a
much greater length of time than one that is
by the force of circumstances restricted in its
growth. But there are practical difficulties
in the way of the general adoption of the
former mode of culture. In the first place,
all experience goes to prove that the Vine is
what may be termed a rambling rooter. If
the border is not carefully made, and of such
materials as to induce the formation of a
numerous progeny of fine branching fibry roots,
the width of an ordinary Vine border will
soon be traversed by them. This takes place
even when the ‘ restrictive system ’ is adopted,
and it takes place with infinitely greater ra¬
pidity under the other. To meet this difficulty
the roots have been walled in ; but this only
aggravates the evil, for the moment the roots
touch the wall, they descend to the bottom of
the border, where they are far from the genial
influences of heat and air. Another objection
brought against this system is, that one Vine
takes much longer to furnish a house with
fruit than a number do ; but this can be met
by planting supernumeraries, to be removed
as the permanent one advances. A third
objection is, that variety of Grapes is desirable
in a vinery, and that this cannot be had where
only one Vine is grown. Grafting or inarch¬
ing will meet this objection; and it is well
known that many delicate sorts of Vines grow
better on other than on their own roots.
Thus it appears that the only serious objection
to the one-vine system is the difficulty of get¬
ting a border of sufficient scope for the roots of
a Vine of such proportion as will fill a good-
sized vinery with fruit-bearing wood ; but
where such'can be had, I fully approve of the
‘ extension system.’ ”

Vine Restriction. — Having quoted above
what Mr. Thomson says on the question of
Vine extension, it is but fair to state what he
has written on the other side. He observes :
— “I know many old Yines that have been
cultivated on the ‘ restrictive system ’ and
that have continued in perfect health for many
years. At Oakhill, near London, Mr. Dow-
ding planted a number of vineries forty years
ago ; I became acquainted with them in
1837, and for twenty subsequent years Mr.
Davis, who succeeded Mr. Dowding, produced
the most regular and finest crops of Grapes in
the kingdom from these same Vines, yet they
maintained their health, vigour, and fruitful¬
ness. They were planted one Vine to each
rafter, and the system of pruning was the
‘close-cutting’ one, by which only one eye
was left at the base of each lateral. There is
an old Vine at Wrotham Park, which is
eighty years old, and has all along been
cultivated on the ‘ restrictive system,’ for it
only clothes two rafters ; yet I learn from Mr.
Edlington, who now has charge of it, that it
is in as full health and vigour as any of the
younger Yines, and bears equally fine fruit,
and has a stem 1 foot 7 inches in girth,
True, the border it grows in has been once
renewed in the time. In regard to this old
Yine I make the following extract from a
letter from Mr. Edlington. ‘ The old Ham¬
burgh produces fruit equal to the other and
younger Vines in the same house. Last year
they were truly magnificent, surpassing all
other Grapes on the place.’ I might go on
multiplying instances to prove that Vines
neither become unfruitful nor die off in nine
years, as Mr. Cannell’s did, because they are
not allowed to extend the area of their foliage
annually, but I think such unnecessary. The
fact is, that the Yine is a very docile plant ;
and if its foliage is kept free from the attacks
of insects, if overcropping is avoided, and the
wood well ripened, — if the border is made of
moderately' good materials, and the drainage
sufficient, — the Yine will continue in health
and vigour for fifty years, under any of those
systems of pruning and training that are
practised by gardeners of intelligence, whether
that be the ‘ restrictive ’ and close-pruning
system, or the ‘ extension ’ and long-spur
system. I therefore close this chapter as I
began it by saying that there is much truth
on both sides of the question.”

.ZEthionema coridifolium. — This is one
of the best and sweetest of rock and alpine
plants, a bed of it in flower looking like a well-
flowered mass of the charming Androsace
lanuginosa, and not rising more than 3 inches.
The flowers are most abundantly produced,
and the plant quite hardy and perennial.
Nothing could be more suitable for rock work,
or the front edge of a choice mixed border.
It seeds freely, and therefore no one will have
any difficulty in procurin g it.

Ventilating Furnace Bars. — A company

258

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

has recently been started for the purpose of
bringing into practical operation Warriner’s
regulating furnace bars, which are intended
to economise fuel, to prevent the destruction
of fire-bars, and to consume smoke. These
objects are effected by admitting only such an
amount of atmospheric air as the nature of the
fire requires, and by distributing the air ad¬
mitted equally over the whole grate surface.
This is done by means of hollow bars, through
which all the air required for combustion
passes to the fire, the rest of the furnace being
made air-tight, and the admission of air to the
bars being controlled by a valve. The atmo¬
spheric air continually passing through the
bars tends to keep them cool, and replaces the
oxygen burned out of them, thus preventing
their being destroyed so rapidly.

New Gloxinias. — Some extraordinary seed¬
ling Gloxinias, as good as they are entirely
new in style, have appeared at the Paris
Exhibition during the season. They have
sprung from a seedling of M. Yallerand’s,
spotted in a way that reminds one of the
Achimenes called Ambroise Yerschaffelt, and
from this many exquisite varieties have
sprung. No choice varieties of Foxglove or
Calceolaria, bear such handsome and delicate
spotting, while the improvement in form is
equally remarkable, the limb of some erect
varieties spreading out flat and waxy till the
flower looks like a Dipladenia. This is par¬
ticularly the case with varieties having a
stain of rose at the base of each limb segment,
and which afterwards spreads out into a rosy
suffusion towards the margin. Some varieties
have the throat spotted ; but generally the
throat is pure white, and the limb regularly
spotted with rose or lilac ; while a few are
of a pure waxy white, and with a simple stain
of rose, or purple, or blue appearing at the
base of each segment of the limb. When
they get into commerce it may be expected that
an increased stimulus will be given to the
culture of the Gloxinia.

Sedum spectabile. — This plant, often called
S. Fabaria in gardens, is one of the finest
autumn-flowering plants introduced of late
years, being fine in flower and handsome in
foliage, as well as distinct and perfectly hardy.
It may beusedas a greenhouse or conservatory
pot plant, as a rock plant, or as a first-class
border plant. When specimens of it are fully
exposed to the sun and air, and well esta¬
blished, which they become in a year or so,
it is particularly fine, and flowers till the
season is just over, keeping company with
the Tritomas. It begins to push up its fat
glaucous shoots in the very dawn of spring,
and continues in a perfectly presentable
condition all through the early summer.

Hybrid Pinks. — Some useful forcing va¬
rieties have been raised at Bury St. Edmunds,
notably Lord Lyon, which was exhibited last
summer by Mr. Clai’ke, and much admired.
One of the first was Claude, a very free-

blooming variety, of a pleasing rose colour.
The pedigree of Claude gives Anna Boleyn
as the seed parent, and a laced show Pink as
the pollen parent. From this variety was
raised Garibaldi, a much darker shade of
colour than Claude, being of a crimson rose ;
but this flower, though blooming freely, does
not force so well as others. From Garibaldi
came Lord Lyon, or Clarke’s Rose Pink, an
intermediate shade of colour between Claude
and Garibaldi, but having a strong infusion
of rose in the colour, the petals being also
handsomely spotted with dark at the base.

Echeveria metallica.— Amongst Mr. Gib¬
son’s arrangements in the subtropical garden
at Battersea, there has been this season a re¬
markable group, which was quite startling in
its quaintness as well as happy in its effect.
It may be described thus : — in the centre of
a circular raised bed of moderate diameter,
5 or 6 fee.t perhaps, stood a large plant of
Echeveria metallica, and six smaller ones were
placed round about it nearer the margin.
Clpse to the central plant, nicely fitting in be¬
neath its leaves, was a ring of single-stemmed
plants of Sempervivum arboreum, other plants
of which again alternated with the smaller
Echeveria s, but stood a little nearer the
circumference. These quaint-looking fleshy
forms of vegetation, the green of the Semper¬
vivum contrasting strongly with the glaucous
coppery-tinted metallic hue of the Echeveria,
stood up on little elevations in prominent
relief, and the surface of the bed was hollowed
out between them, and entirely clothed with
the minute close-growing Sedum glaucum.
The whole was neatly margined with a broad
line of Sempervivum montanum, and outside
that with one composed of one ot the small,
tufted-growing, encrusted Saxifrages. The
bed thus filled was most original in its concep¬
tion, most perfect in design and execution,
wanting altogether the elegance we are so
apt to demand in flower-garden groups, and
yet most fascinating from its entire novelty
of character and its striking associations of
form and colour. It was the crowning effort
of 1867 at Battersea.

Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums. — Mr. Bull has
succeeded in raising from seed a very interest¬
ing set of these plants, some of which will be
acquisitions. The flowers vary in tint from
blush white through many shades to deep
bright rosy lilac, and are sometimes marked
with a bar or flame only along the base of
the veins of the upper petals, sometimes with
a bright spot in addition. One in particular,
the colour of which is a kind of peach blos¬
som hue, with a bright rose spot on the upper
petals, and having the base of the lower
petals white, is particularly attractive. We
have here an indication that the Ivy-leaved
section is likely to become an extensive one ;
a matter of congratulation, seeing that the
plants are useful in many ways for decorative
gardening.

NOVEMBER.

259

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.

Various plants that were struck last spring
and have been well grown through the sum¬
mer, will bo in condition to bloom freely in
the ensuing winter; and to make room for
them, large specimens of Clerodendrons and
others may be removed to any spare house to
winter, where as much heat is kept as will
be sufficient for that purpose. Orchids that
are commencing to push must be potted with¬
out delay, and then they must have more
heat, so that their growth may proceed ; but
till there is more light the plants ought not to
be stimulated. Plants inclined to rest, should
be allowed to do so in the dark weeks which
we may naturally expect in this and the next
month.

GREENHOUSE.

Before plants are staged for the winter let
them have a surfacing of fresh soil ; this is
very beneficial. Plants exhaust the soil of
those constitutional elements which they more
especially require and appropriate ; it may not
be much of any one element, yet it may be one
that is never found absent in the most healthy
specimens and very likely to be supplied by a
top-dressing. Accordingly we generally find
that after such a oressing the plants appear
invigorated; be-ides, when the plants are
fresh dressed the appearance of the house is
greatly improved. Camellias are now coming
into bloom, and they should be liberally
supplied with water, especially those from
which early bloom is desired, and for which
a little more heat will be necessary. Heaths
and Epacrises should have a house to them¬
selves ; but if this cannot be afforded they
should be kept at a distance from broad-leaved
plants, and more especially from those of an
herbaceous nature, and then with abundance
of light and air they may succeed pretty well.
Avoid at the same time giving them fire heat,
unless the temperature is such as to render it
absolutely necessary, or to dispel damp ari¬
sing from continued wet weather or a foggy
atmosphere, which is worse for causing damp
than heavy rains, which occasionally purify
the atmosphere. Pelargoniums should be
kept dry, with plenty of air, the house kept
perfectly clean from decaying leaves, and the
plants not stimulated, but never allowed to be
too cold at night, nor exposed to draughts of
cold air. The leaves of Cinerarias are very
tender, and are especial favourites of the
aphides;. to destroy them effectually by one
strong fumigation may not be safe for the
foliage, therefore it will be better to sicken the
pests by a preliminary moderate dose, and re¬
new the attack next night by a somewhat
stronger fumigation. To destroy the tkrips
fumigation should be repeated thrice, at
intervals of three days.

CONSERVATORY.

Chrysanthemums , Calceolarias, and Salvias
will contribute to maintaining a splendid
show in this structure. The first of these are
without fine perfume, or, rather, they possess
the contrary; it will be desirable therefore
to introduce Violets, Mignonette , Aloysia
citriodora, and other fragrant plants. A
little fire heat given judiciously will prove
beneficial, inasmuch as with it a more free
circulation of air may be afforded for ripening
the wood before winter.

EORCING.

Grapes are always acceptable, and especi¬
ally in the early part of the season when the
stock of last year’s fruit is over or exhausted.
To have Grapes, say in April, preparations
should now be made, and it will be well to
preserve as much as possible the heat re¬
maining in the borders by covering them
with a good thickness of leaves, previously to
which the soil should be thoroughly moistened
below after the crop is gathered. Some re¬
commend to keep the borders as dry as
possible all winter ; this must be a mistake
so far as moisture is concerned, for in the
Vine countries rainfalls abundantly in winter
and in the growing season, and so it might in
England beneficially, could we have the
moisture without the chilling cold which
accompanies melting snow and hail. From
these only, Vine borders require protection,
and not from rain water, provided the bottom
is drained as it ought to be. The roots of
Vines do not dislike plenty of moisture, pro¬
vided it is not stagnant. The Vine prefers
the lower slopes of hills where water tends
to come down to them, and constantly sinks
away from them. When the house is shut
up the temperature should be commenced at
45° or 50° at night, and 60° or 65° by day.
At first, probably, the temperature of the air
may be sufficient, or at all events very little
fire heat need be applied. A safe rule in
forcing is to commence very moderately, and
increase steadily but slowly. Pine Apples. —
Maintain a bottom heat of 75° to 80°; top
heat, 65° to 70° ; fruiting plants, 75°. Whilst
swelling afford moisture by steam. Succes¬
sion plants should have a temperature not
lower than 80°, even although the weather be
dark and dull ; for although it is desirable
that the temperature and amount of light
should correspond, yet under no circumstances
should Pine plants be exposed to a low tem¬
perature, for it is not natural to them, and
they must suffer. Figs not in vegetation may
be kept in any shed or place where the tem¬
perature will not fall belowfO0. Strawberries.
— The pots should be laid on their sides in
times of drenching rain. Asparagus. — Finer

2G0

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

shoots are obtained from established plants
forced without removal than from plants
taken up and planted in frames. It is neces¬
sary to dig a trench on each side of the bed
so as to interfere as little with the roots as
possible, and the bottom of the trench should
be as low as the extremities of the roots. This
trench will include a considerable mass of
soil, not easy to heat throughout. The in¬
troduction of heat will be facilitated by
piercing holes in the bed with a smooth half¬
inch iron rod, some of the holes slanting
downwards, others horizontally or nearly so ;
by these the beat of the fermenting manure
will be rapidly conducted throughout the
mass, and fine shoots will soon result.
Cucumbers. — Plant, and maintain a bottom
heat of 75° ; top heat about the same, but it
may rise to 80° with sun heat. Let the water
used be about 75°.

PITS AND FRAMES.

Introduce Rhododendrons, Roses, Persian
Lilacs , Bulbs, &c., for forcing. In moving
any plants either into these structures or out
of them, see that they are perfectly clean,
and arrange them so that those requiring
similar treatment may be classed together ;
thus the treatment which may be suitable for
any one in a compartment will not be un¬
suitable for the whole .

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Crops, of course, must be cleared off as they
are fit or required. Then comes the question,
What is the most suitable crop to follow ?
That being settled, we come to the simple con¬
sideration of How must the ground be now
treated for that crop — trenched deeply or shal¬
low — merely dug over, or ridged to expose the
largest possible surface to the weather if its
character is too tenacious ? By acting from
such considerations the earth will be subjected
to the agencies of the atmosphere, so as to
yield up its mineral stores to enrich the ensu¬
ing crop. Dress Artichokes ; mulch them with
litter, fern, or leaves to protect them from
frost, packing closely round the plants, but
not over their hearts. Cut down the stalks
of Asparagus, and clean the beds from weeds.
Protect and earth up Cardoons. Earth up
Celery , closing the earth round the plants by
hand, leaving room amongst the stalks for the
tender hearts to grow up and be subsequently
blanched. Remove some Endive from borders,
and plant on a dry slope. Make a sowing of
early Peas (Dillistone’s or Sangster’s) ; also
a small sowing of early Mazagan Beans.

FRUIT GARDEN.

As soon as the leaves have fallen most
fruit trees may be planted. Let the holes for
the reception of the roots be dug wider than
the extent of the roots, as wide at bottom as
at top, and quite as deep at the sides as in
the middle of the hole. Holes for trees have
been seen formed with a concavity like a basin,

the roots tending up the sides. The bottom
of the hole should be formed with a convex¬
ity, on which the roots should be regularly
spread as on the bottom of a basin inverted.
When small fibres surround each other they
ultimately become a strong mass when the
roots grow large. As a general rule let the
transplanted tree be placed as deep in the
ground as it was before removal. Young
plantations of fruit trees are generally apt to
grow luxuriously to wood. The French have
a true saying, “We must have wood before we
can have fruit,” but in our climate a check to
luxuriousness is beneficial, for otherwise the
tendency to grow to wood prevents the form¬
ation of fruit buds, so that many years often
elapse before there is any return in the way of
fruit, and under unskilful treatment the tree
assumes a rambling unsymmetrical growth,
which ultimately requires the amputation of
larger branches than is consistent with a sound
constitution, and an equal distribution of the
sap — matters which should never be lost sight
of. Frequently large roots reciprocate with
large branches, and when the roots are re¬
duced, the branches can be proportionally so,
and thus an equality of vigour in the branches
will be attained, and a uniformity of fruitful
produce will result. Beyond this, root-prun¬
ing should not be carried, for nothing more is
required by the operation. When trees are
removed or transplanted they should be
thoroughly watered to close in the particles of
soil among the fibres, but no more water than
this will be necessary at this season. Pruning
all hardy fruit trees maybe immediately com¬
menced. Let protection be prepared for Fig
trees.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Roses and all other deciduous shrubs may
be planted in this month. Take up Dahlias
on a dry day, previously cutting the stems to
within 6 or 8 inches of the ground ; store in
a cool dry place secure from frost. Fuchsia
globosa and any of the more hardy kinds may
be kept in the ground if well mulched.
Fibrous-rooted Perennials planted now, pro¬
duce larger flowers than if the planting were
deferred till spring. Plant hardy bulbs. Keep
the lawn and walks well swept and rolled ; and
now is !a good time to make any alteration in
the ground.

florists’ flowers.

Auriculas. — Take care not to over-water,
keep the plants clean and clear from decayed
foliage. Carnations andPicotees. — Give plenty
of air, and water very moderate^. Hollyhocks.
— Strike cuttings ; repot those struck in the
summer. Pansies. — Growas hardy as possible,
keeping off the lights when the weather it
fine. Pinks. — Examine the plants for grubs.
Stir to loosen the surface of the beds when is
is not wet. Tulips. — Plant the first favour¬
able opportunity when the soil is in good
working order, in a dry day ; use fine sandy
soil about the roots.

DECEMBER.

261

CAMELLIA CONTESSA LAVINIA MAGGI ROSEA.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

We are indebted to Mr. Bull for the opportunity of figuring this very
beautiful new Camellia, a self-coloured sport, we believe, from the favourite
striped variety to which the name was first applied, and which is one of the
finest of modern varieties. The form now figured was shown in great
beauty by Mr. Bull at one of the Regent’s Park shows of last spring, and
was a source of very great attraction. In the general character of the plant,
and in the build of the flower, it resembles the striped kind, but the colour
is throughout of a rich and peculiarly bright carmine rose — more brilliant,
as it appeared to us, than that of any other variety of this class of colour.
When to the size and quality of flower presented by the original Lavinia
Maggi, this lovely and brilliant hue is superadded, no further praise is
needed. Without doubt it will take rank as one of the finest varieties in
cultivation. M.

COOL ORCHIDS.

It is interesting to know that many of our Cool Orchids will not only
live in the open air in summer, but will actually thrive and grow. •
This autumn, at the latter end of September, I visited the nursery of
Messrs. Backhouse & Son, of York, and there I saw hung on an iron rail,
in a very sheltered and partially shaded spot, rows of Orchids fastened on little
blocks of wood, and I must confess I was rather surprised to see these inter¬
esting plants growing so far north in the open air. They had been placed
out at the latter end of June, and many of them had made such growths
as would have perfectly satisfied an Orchid grower if produced in a house.

I was informed that no protection whatever had been used. Amongst the
most promising were the well-known Lselias — autumnalis, furfuracea,
majalis, and superbiens. Epidendrum erubescens was also doing well, and
E. vitelliniun was in flower. Barkeria Skinneri and Dendrobium speciosum
were looking well, and a variety of what is supposed to be Odontoglossum
ramosissimum had made fine growths, and was rooting freely. Odonto¬
glossum grande was also amongst the number, but had not apparently made
much progress. This, with several others, was under the shade of some Fir
trees, and placed in zinc pans containing water to prevent slugs and other
vermin getting to them. The bottom of the pots was placed just above the
water level.

Although perhaps there is not much advantage in growing Orchids out
of doors, still it is highly interesting to know that they will not only exist,
but thrive under such treatment. I believe Mr. Standish has treated
Epidendrum erubescens much in the same way, and it was six weeks ago
showing flower finely. It is quite a common practice to place Dendrobium
speciosum and Cypripedium insigne out during the summer months with
the greenhouse plants, and with very good results ; and wdien we are
repeatedly told that many of these plants are gathered from localities where
frost occurs, there can be no reason why such out-door treatment should act
injuriously.

In growing Cool Orchids in houses, I find that some species which grow
perfectly well, require to be moved into a warmer atmosphere to perfect
their flowers. This is particularly the case with Oncidium flexuosum ; it
grows luxuriantly, but the flower stems prove abortive until moved into heat,

VOL. VI. N

202

THIS FLOSISi' and pomolocist.

when they come out in flower perfectly. Some plants of imported Lselias,
in a cold house, were going quite brown at the tops, and appeared to he
dying off, hut after removing them into heat they are now showing their
flowers freely. I find Brasavola venusta very much the same ; the flower
scape quite damping off in a cool house, which, had it been removed into
heat when first showing hloom, I have no douht would not have occurred.
Is this not to be accounted for in this way, that the plants make their
growth during the rainy season, when the temperature must be much lower
than during the fine season which succeeds it, and which is their period of
flowering ?

George Eyles,

ON EXPOSING VINES DURING THE WINTER.

In former days the practice of exposing Vines during the winter months
was very common. Sometimes it was done from necessity, either through
Pine plants being grown in the same house, or through the house being
required for some other purpose, such as forcing Strawberries, &c., whilst the
Vines were at rest ; but it was also not unfrequently done under the erroneous
impression that exposure was beneficial to the Vines. It was a practice in
those days by no means uncommon to remove the whole of the lights from
the vineries and Peacli-houses for several months. The consequence of
this practice was, that in severe winters the buds and wood were greatly
injured, and sometimes killed ; and after the lights were put on, and forcing
commenced, the buds on Peach trees would fall off instead of swelling, and
young shoots and large branches would not unfrequently die off ; while
Vines, even with almost constant steaming, syringing, and forcing, could
scarcely be got to break, and when any of them broke the shoots were so
weak they would not stand the least sunshine, and shading — yes, shading —
was had recourse to. If they showed any bunches, they not unfrequently
died off, and the Vines eventually had oftentimes to be removed, and
fresh ones planted in their place. Most gardeners of any lengthened
experience will have seen instances of this kind.

The practice of exposing Vines in these days, even, is not altogether done
away with ; but it is now done more from necessity than choice, through the
houses being required for other purposes. Vines that are grown under
glass will only bear a certain degree of cold, and to expose them to the
rigour of our winters without any kind of protection, is to run the risk of
having them seriously injured, or, if very severe frost should set in, to have
them completely ruined. When it becomes necessary to take Vines out
of a house, they should be protected by some means from the severity of
the winter. If there be no special provision made for this, such as double
sashes in front, &c., then they should be well covered up with mats or straw.

I have known several instances of Vines being greatly injured by being
exposed to the rigours of winter. One case that I saw some years ago — that
of a house of young Vines completely ruined by a severe frost, struck me
very forcibly at the time, and has convinced me of the erroneousness
of exposing Vines to the severity of winter. I then resolved that I would
never expose Vines to the rigours of winter ; and that if compelled to take
them out of the houses, I would adopt the precaution to protect them well
whilst they were out. From what I have seen myself, and from the
numbers of queries that are annually sent to the gardening periodicals
about Vines not breaking, breaking badly, &c., I am convinced a great

DECEMEER.

263

amount of mischief is done to Vines by exposing them to the weather.
“ To be forewarned is to be forearmed and as the season is at hand when
Vines are generally exposed, I take this opportunity to impress upon any
one who may be about to do so, the necessity of well protecting them whilst
out of doors, either by mats, straw, or other material. By so doing, they
will have the satisfaction of saving their Vines from injury, and of seeing
them break freely and strongly ; and with proper attention they will be
rewarded with crops of fine Grapes.

Stourton. M. Saul.

VIOLA CORNUTA.

Now that this popular bedding plant has been thoroughly tried in many
places throughout the summer, a few remarks on the way it has behaved
here may be of interest to the readers of the Florist and Pomologist.
I have grown both the so-called varieties, Mauve Queen and Purple Queen,
in immense quantities, and I have been unable to see any difference
between them. It is said that one variety flowers more freely than the
other ; but this can only be the case when the plants are younger than the
others, and in richer and damper soil. If both varieties are planted at the
same time in the spring, and in the same soil, I think that little difference
will be found throughout the summer as regards profnseness of bloom.
I have thousands of seedlings, raised from Purple Queen, exactly of the
same colour as Mauve Queen, and it would take a very keen eye to detect
any difference in the foliage or style of growth.

The Viola cornuta is by no means a continuous flowerer through the
summer, especially on warm light soils. The best way to manage it is
to have a stock of cuttings planted behind a north wall at two or three
different periods ; these can be taken up with balls of earth when well
rooted, and planted to keep up a fine succession of flowers. In mixtures,
when shaded with other plants, it will keep up a pleasing show of bloom
all the summer, and autumn too, if the soil is rich. From its beautiful
neutral tint of colour, it harmonises with many plants in mixtures, such as
Mangles’ Variegated and Beaton’s Variegated Nosegay Pelargoniums.
I have a variegated sport of Imperial Crimson Nosegay, which likewise
makes a very fine small bed when mixed plant for plant with Viola
cornuta, and edged with Viola lutea.

I find it necessary to treat Viola cornuta like Lobelia speciosa — that is,
to mark the best varieties, and only take cuttings from these. If the
plants are raised from seeds there will be such a variety of colours amongst
them as to spoil the effect, in masses or ribbon borders. Viola lutea pro¬
mises with me to be a great acquisition for small beds and dwarf edgings.

Welbcck. William Tillery.

AMARYLLIS ALBERTI.

The gorgeous varieties of the Hippeastruin group of Amaryllis seem to
be attracting more of the public attention they so well deserve, than has
been the case for some years past. We see them more frequently at exhi¬
bitions ; we hear of more new varieties being brought out ; and we have
good reason to believe that their value as decorative plants, is fully appre¬
ciated in many private establishments. We have ourselves done what we
could to help forward this current of opinion, by figuring in our present

264

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

volume some of the choicest of Messrs. Garaway’s famous breed, and the
strikingly novel species which Messrs. Veitcli has imported. Through the

kindness of Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son we are enabled to direct special
attention to another remarkably beautiful plant of the same family, which
is interesting on account of its producing double flowers.

DECEMBER.

265

This Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) Alberti was found in a cultivated state in
Cuba, by M. Albert Wagner, and was by him sent to liis father, M. Wagner,
of Leipsic, by whom the stock appears to have been transferred to M.
Laurentius. It has altogether the habit of A. equestris, its peculiarity
residing in its flowers, which are full double, consisting of from thirty to
forty perianth segments or petals. They are described as measuring as
much as 6 inches in diameter, and are of a bright orange red colour, be¬
coming yellowish towards the base of the segments. Another double-
flowered Amaryllis, called fulgida, which has but two rows of petals, is
altogether eclipsed by this beautiful and interesting novelty.

M.

ROOTS FROM VINE STEMS.

It is written that “In the multitude of councillors there is wisdom;”
so likewise from the multitude of opinions on this vexed question something
like a reliable theory may be eliminated. I am inclined to the belief that
the farther we diverge from the conclusion arrived at by Dr. Lindley, as set
forth in his Theory of Horticulture, the wider shall we be of the mark. So
far as my own experience goes, and it has been obtained under widely
differing circumstances of climate and soil, I am decidedly of opinion that
one of the primary causes which induce the emission of roots from Vine
stems is the inequality of the temperature between the medium in which
the roots and the branches are placed ; and that this tendency is greatly
increased or lessened by the condition of the soil of which the border is
composed. The healthy action of the roots below the surface will certainly
keep down the tendency to emit stem roots, unless the interior temperature
is kept very high and very moist. If the soil of the border is not in a
condition for the roots to permeate freely, or, if permeating freely, they do
not find a sufficient amount of suitable food to meet the demand which
is made upon them by the branches — which demand, be it observed,
becomes greatly accelerated soon after the fruit is set — and the stem roots
begin to be put forth, a strong connection is shown between poverty of
supply and increased demand. This is a very natural consequence, for the
young growth, feeling the want of more nourishment than the roots proper
send up, strives by putting in action its dormant roots, which are situated
at every joint, to feed upon the moist and genial atmosphere by which it
is surrounded.

Vines which grow more naturally, which are not forced, and to which,
consequently, a very free ventilation is applied, rarely, if ever, send out stem
roots ; first, because there is no artificially heated atmosphere in the
interior of the structure, and next, because the temperature of the internal
and external atmosphere and that of the border are more nearly equalised,
the consequence of which is, that there is a more simultaneous action
between all those influences which bear upon the growth of the tree,
whether for extension or perfecting the maturity of the fruit. Hence we
may reasonably conclude that we are right in attributing unequal action
between root and branch, as the first great moving cause of the tendency on
the part of the Vine to emit roots from the stem ; and closely following
on its heels is a stagnant, over-heated atmosphere, highly charged with
moisture. If it were possible to keep the interior atmosphere of the house
always in motion, and constantly changing, we should hear nothing of stem
roots. For example, as soon as we begin to apply a more liberal ventilation

2G6

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

to enable us to colour tlie fruit of early forced Yines, the stem roots dry
up and become inactive, because they have nothing to feed upon.

I have often had occasion to observe that there is a wonderful analogy
between many of the habits of plants and those of animals, and it is very
observable in the present instance. Man is a feeding animal, but we should
laugh at the idea of his finding comfort in a meal taken in the open air in
a gale of wind ; he rather seeks to satisfy his wants in a quiet and undis¬
turbed state of mind and body. Animals which prey on each other, drag their
food to their haunts, or to some other retired place, and feed in quietude; the
ruminating animals roam for food, but lie down to chew the cud, and enjoy
it in peace, go likewise the stems of Yines, when placed in a heated,
quiet, unventilated atmosphere, immediately set about feeding upon it, the
stem roots being thrust out as the readiest means of doing so ; but send
a brisk ventilation 'playing through them, keep all superabundant foliage
picked off, and let in plenty of light, and the tendency to produce stem
roots will be reduced to a minimum, so far as interior management is
concerned. In early forcing, however, it is not possible, under existing
sj^stems of ventilation, to keep up a constant agitation and change of
atmosphere, when there are cutting winds abroad, and the outside tempe¬
rature is several degrees below freezing point ; we must therefore put up with
a close, quiet atmosphere sometimes for lengthened periods, and seek to
remedy the evil (if indeed it be an evil), by striving to correct some of the
other causes which are likely to induce stem roots to be thrown out. The
principal of these, as already stated, is the inequality of temperature
between the earth of the border and the interior atmosphere of the house.
But this opens up another wide field of observation.

Redlcaf. John Cox.

I find that Mr. Earley has made some remarks (see p. 242), on my brief
observations at p. 224, written in conformity with Mr. Cramb’s previous
paper on the cause of roots on Yine stems. He differs from both of us, and
leans to the theory that these abnormal roots are merely the substitutes that
sickly Yines put forth, in place of the natural roots that have perished.
Against this, he states that I “ affirm that strength and vigour may be the
progenitors of these roots,” wdiereas my statement went no further than that
“ weak Yines are less liable to do so than strong ones.” I now affirm that
the large stems of old healthy Yines are most apt to produce roots, owing
to their greater shade, and their rougher bark which holds damp longer than
those of younger growth with smoother bark. In fact, there need be no
doubt or mystery respecting the cause of such roots. One need not refer
to the famed branch-rooting Banyan tree for an excellent example, when
our common Bramble supplies one. In dull hot weather we may see plenty
of “ air roots ” on healthy Bramble stems, in the shade, especially on those
creeping amongst dank grass, while there are none where they are exposed
to the light. But respecting Yines, Mr. E., to favour his opinion, says that
“ aged Yines are not always vigorous at the root.” True ; but does not this
apply equally to young ones ? He also remarks that “ Nature is no sloth ;
we often mistake her way to an end.” If this means the beginning or cause
of “ air roots,” I refer him again to the Bramble bush, whose roots may
become ground ones, and so would those of the Yine in a wild state, thus
forming a jungle or thicket like the Bramble.

I now touch Mr. E.’s chief prop, which is that of there being “ air roots”

DECEMBER.

267

on a sickly [?] Vine in a liouse at Chiswick, when there are none on the
healthy ones. In this there is nothing remarkable, nor in the manner in
which the roots grew. Such abnormal growth may happen more or less,
according to the dampness of the house. And as to “ why had not this
humidity induced this display of roots at an earlier period?” it is because
there wTas a difference in the state of the weather, both outside and inside
the house, at that time, and also much less shade of the leaves, which,
above all things, tends to beget “ air roots.” Indeed these never appear
without shade ; and that of the strong Vines might have overshadowed the
weak one, and thus made it sickly also. But the person who had the care of
the Vines should be the best judge of what I have just stated. Likewise,
he may have remarked that there are seldom “ air roots ” on Vines in dry
houses infested by the red spider, while in damp houses, kept so to check
this pest, whether they be weak or strong, they are seldom without them.
And again, he may have remembered how the stems of the strong Vines
were situated, both as regards light and damp. This reminds me that some
time back a correspondent of one of the garden newspapers, inquired with
some alarm, the cause of roots on his Vines ; and he was answered I think
by Mr. Fish, “ Your Vines are all right ; go on with the moist heat.”

Cossey Parle. J. Wighton. •

THE PAXTON HOTHOUSES.

Allusion has been made in our present volume to one form of patent
hothouse — that invented by Mr. Beard. We now invite attention to
another patented form of structure, for which the gardening world is
indebted to the ingenuity of the late Sir Joseph Paxton, and which was
contrived by him specially to secure, as it most amply does, the two great
desiderata of cheapness and portability. These Paxton houses are manu¬
factured by Messrs. Hereman & Morton, and both their construction and
adaptations are fully explained in a useful little handbook,* of which Mr.
Plereman is the author# We cannot do better, in order to give our readers
a clear idea of their simplicity, than to quote Mr. Hereman’s description,
which, by his courtesy, we are also enabled to illustrate : —

“ The patent roof is composed of strong sashes from 8 to 16 ft. long, by about 4 ft. 8 in.
wide, so connected by iron bars as to leave a space of 9 in. between them for ventilation,
which spaces are covered by narrow sashes (divided in halves) hinged to one side, thus
forming ventilators alternately with the large sashes, and opening by means of a stay
pushed up from the inside, either the upper half separately, or when joined by the catch to
the lower half, as one long ventilator. This will be understood on reference to the figure,
w’hich represents the upper-half ventilator open to full extent, and the lower-half closed ; the
iron bar connecting large sashes (a) ; the stay (b), by which the ventilator can be opened
quite wide, or with the smallest aperture on one side only ; and the catch (c ), for joining the
two portions as one. These ventilators may be hinged on right and left sides alternately for
lean-to roofs, to avoid the entrance of a direct current of air — i.e., when the wind is east
opening those to the west, and vice versa ; in span roofs they" are reversed on opposite sides
of the house. It will be seen that the side stilts of sashes are continued 4 inches as horns to
rest in the water gutter at the foot. The gutter (d), of wood or iron, continues from end to
end of the roof, being supported by chairs or saddles ( e ) under ventilators, and at ends set
upon piers or walls forming the foundation of the house. The dotted line under the open
ventilator shows the course of a groove in the weather-board fitted under the cap, and down
the upper edge of large sash stiles to conduct any drip from the ventilator or cap to the water

* A Handbook of Vine and Fruit Tree Cultivation under Glass, with a Description of Sir
Joseph Paxton's Hothouses. By Samuel Ilereman. 3rd edition. London : 7, Tall Mall,
EaT, an 1 171, Fleet Street.

26S

THE FLORIST AND PO:.IOLOGIST.

gutter. The sashes rest against or upon a plate of wood attached to the hack wall, to form
lean-to roofs, with the cap completing the work fitted to top of wall, or under its coping. To
form span-roofs, the large sashes are coupled together by strong hinges at top, which will
allow them to he at any angle, to which the gutters can he arranged, and the ends made
suitable to complete the structure. The cap is fixed upon the span-roof in the form of an
inverted V.”

The saslies, which are made
of certain fixed dimensions, with
the ends, and the gutters, with
their supports, which latter may
he either posts or piers, form
the whole material of a Paxton
House. It is obvious, therefore,
that it can he set up and taken
down and removed with very little
trouble, and this is in fact its
chief advantage ; though, in ad¬
dition, as there is no high or ela¬
borate finish, though the work¬
manship is sound and good, the
cost is reduced to a minimum.
The gutters, of iron or wood, may
he set on piers with arched walls
between, as shown in the figure,
hut the most economical plan
is to fill up between the supports
with a hank of earth.

To describe the various forms
in which these sashes can he put
together would occupy too much
of our sj)ace, and is the less
necessary, as the reader may he
referred *to the Handbook itself,
which is full of useful informa¬
tion, and is well worth perusal.
The cultural directions which

_ occupy the principal part of its

pages, are indeed both terse and
x \ practical, and are sufficiently

9 vmll A'ncNEOr-j ample to guide the labours of
the intelligent cultivator to a
successful issue.

As one illustration of the
many purposes to which these
Paxton Houses may he adapted,
we give a view of the large winter garden which has been erected for
B. L. Chance, Esq., Summerfield House, Birmingham. This consists
of span-roofed houses, constructed with 14-ft. sashes, and so arranged
as, with lean-to roofs against the walls, and walks of neat paving tiles,
to form an agreeable promenade of several hundred feet in length. A
greater amount of enjoyment than most people imagine may he derived
from structures of this kind, even though they are not artificially heated
The temperature under a glass roof is at least 5° more than that of the
exterior atmosphere, and many of our most beautiful fiowTers, as Camellias

DECEMBER.

269

Indian Rhododendrons, China and Tea Roses, and hosts of other half hardy
things, thrive admirably under such conditions, while crops of the choice

Mm

~ ~~ v % v

varieties of the hardier kinds of fruits, may, with judicious treatment, be
considered as ensured by means of such protection.

M.

FRASER’S BROAD-LEAVED ENDIVE.

This is the third season of my growing the above Endive, and I am
more than ever convinced that those who have to supply a good salad all
through the winter months cannot grow a better variety, if they get it true.
It is evidently quite distinct from the Batavian, and far superior to that
kind. "We have plants here measuring 2 feet across. These we tie up to
blanch, and when well blanched it is difficult to distinguish them from a well-
grown Lettuce. I secured my seed from Mr. Veitcli, and have discarded all
other kinds for it. I also find it, on the whole, hardier than other varieties.

Wrotham Park. John Edlington.

THE NEW BEDDING LOBELIAS.

An unusual number of these have appeared at the various horticultural
exhibitions in the metropolis during the past summer, as candidates for
popular favour. Of some of these it might be said that they came like
shadows, and in like manner departed. Some others are much more lasting
in their character, and will be heard of in the flower garden during the
coming summer as decorative agents of no common order. Of these new
kinds the following three have received first-class certificates : — Rosy Gem
(Bull), a variety in the way of Carter’s Beauty of Ravensbourne, but with
larger flowers, which are of a rosy lilac hue, with a white centre. It is a
tall-growing kind, and was shown of a spare habit ; but of its adaptability

n 2

270

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

as a bedder no proof lias been afforded. Lee's Dwarf Blue (W. Lee), lias
a very dwarf-growing, robust habit, producing great quantities of flowers
of a bright deep blue, with a white centre. Its dwarf habit and free pro¬
perties promise for it a great run as a bedding kind. Little Gem (Bowie),
is a very dwarf and compact strong-growing variety of L. Paxtoniana, the
flowers being white, broadly edged with blue. The specimens of this
variety were shown so late as the middle of October, and at that late season
were in excellent condition. This stamps it as a continuous bloomer. A
second-class certificate was awarded to Blue Tom Thumb (R. Dean), a very
dwarf and erect-blooming kind, the flower being of a pale blue hue, with a
white centre ; it blooms profusely and continuously. It has been used as
a bedding variety during the past summer with great success.

Other new kinds are Ultramarine (W. Lee), dark blue with white centre,
a strong-growing seedling from L. Paxtoniana, and a questionable acquisi¬
tion because wanting distinctness; Fawn (W. Lee), a variety with pale
lilac flowers, but of a loose habit; and Sparkler (J. & C. Lee), deep blue
with white centre, sliowy-looking, but of a very straggling habit. Some
few others are not worthy a notice of any kind.

Quo.

AERIAL ROOTS.

Me. William EAELEYlias remarked (p. 242), that he was puzzled at seeing
one of the Vines at Chiswick densely clothed with aerial roots, whilst others,
apparently under precisely the same circumstances, were not. Perhaps
it will assist Mr. Earley a little when I tell him, not of a theory, but of
an example of a like kind. The Vine is notorious for striking root freely,
and in the wild state this peculiarity would give it another string to its bow,
in the wTay of propagating itself by layers, as well as by seeds. Now,
in studying the nature of certain plants wTe have frequently to consider other
plants having the same style of conformation and habit ; and although
we cannot say that Nature works invariably by the same rules, yet it is
always agreeable to the person who is looking out for a proof of his
particular theory, to find it already accomplished in one of Nature’s well-
known specimens. In the w7hole round of propagating there is not a more
extraordinary example than that of the common Ivy (Hedera Helix). It
growTs from seeds freely, and every little bit of its stem will push out roots,
and cling like a leech to wall or rock ; but when it has once got the upper
hand, and shows flower and fruit, the branch that has done this deed,
creeps and clings no longer — it stands out boldly as a bush, and cuttings
of this bush will form bushes too, mushroom-shaped, and behave them¬
selves like any other upright evergreen shrub.

Many years ago, when I made it my business. to hunt up the history of
plants, flowers, and fruits, I called at Wrotham Park, then the residence of
George Byng, Esq., and on the lawn there I saw a neat, compact evergreen
shrub, wdiich, I was ashamed to own, was quite beyond my acquaintance,
and I had to ask, with all humility, its name and history. It was the
common Ivy grown like a tree.

Now, there may be some difficulty in blaming the Vine for playing the
same trick upon the propagator ; but vdien we see the various styles of buds
that propagators have to deal with, it is well worth while to inquire from
what part of the Vine the eye came that gave birth to the Chiswick plant —
whether from a genuine fruit spur upon the close system, or from a long

DECEMBER.

271

rambling rod upon the extension system. We see the Ivy at one period
of its history with a rooting stem exactly like that of the Vine in question,
whilst at another the hark on its stem is smooth. The bud from that part
of the Ivy which creeps and clings produces one style of plant, and the
bud from that part of the Ivy which flowers and fruits, produces a plant
of quite another style.

Salford. Alexander Forsyth.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT BEDDING PLANTS.

A few words about bedding plants, at the close of another season,
may not be altogether out of place. Bedding plants had a bad start this
season. The frosts that prevailed in the latter part of May and early
part of June at nights, and the dry, parched atmosphere during the days,
were very trying to plants newly “bedded out.” Still, notwithstanding
this drawback, the season has been on the whole a favourable one — the
latter part particularly so ; and as a consequence flower gardens have been
most beautiful during the months of August, September, and October,
Verbenas, Calceolarias, Pelargoniums, and many other things looking
very fresh and gay up to the present time (Nov. 11).

Pelargoniums are fast driving most other plants out of the flower garden.
Whether this is right or wrong I will not stop now to inquire, but that
it is a fact there can be no doubt. Pelargoniums of all kinds have done
well this season ; we have now a great variety of them, some as remarkable
for beauty of foliage as others are for beauty and brilliancy of flower. We
cannot, therefore, be surprised to find them so largely used in decorating
the flower garden, especially when we consider how vrell adapted they are
for this purpose. By putting out good plants and planting thickly, they
make the flower garden look gay and beautiful at once, and continue to do
so until destroyed by the autumn frosts; they are, moreover, less affected
by change of weather than most other kinds of bedding plants. Some
experience is required in preparing the beds for the different kinds, as one
mode of treatment would not answer for all. The beds for the stronger¬
growing kinds of Zonal and Plain-leaved varieties should not be made too
rich when masses of flowers are required ; they should, however, be of
good depth to prevent the plants suffering in dry weather ; but if the soil
be of a tolerable quality no manure should be added. For most of the
variegated sorts the beds can hardly be made too rich. Some of the finest
beds of Mrs. Pollock that I have seen this season had a considerable
quantity of well-rotted manure in them. For the more delicate-growing
kinds, instead of using so much manure, I would advise some peat or leaf
soil. The beds for these and all kinds of Pelargoniums should be of good
depth well drained. Plants growing in properly prepared beds look very
different from the same kinds growing in shallow beds of poor light soil.
I strongly recommend depth of soil in the beds, and planting deeply also ;
then the roots soon get down, and the plants, so far from suffering in hot
weather, grow and flower all the better for it. Pelargoniums are not
subject to the attacks of insects, neither do they die off, leaving blanks
in the beds, but with care they soon cover the beds, and look beautiful
the whole of the season. The only attention they require is in picking
off decayed flowers and leaves.

Calceolarias and Verbenas made slow progress at first, but after they
began to grow they came on rapidly, and have been very fine. Lobelias have

272

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

grown and flowered well. Perilla nankinensis is one of tlie most useful
and accommodating plants we have. It is easily raised from seed in
spring, without having the trouble to winter it ; it will grow in almost any
soil or situation ; and, when made proper use of, is most effective. If
Coleus Verschaffelti only grew as freely, and was as accommodating, how
largely it would he used ! Let us hope we may soon get a plant with as
beautiful foliage as the Coleus that will grow as freely as Perilla. Of the
Coleus itself I will only say that it will not do much good out of doors,
except in very favourable places, and there only for a short .period during
the height of the summer. After repeated trials with the Amarantlius
I have given it up also. Of the Iresine I thought very favourably at one
time, but it has not come up to my expectations this season, though
it had every chance to do well, as the plants were good, and planted
out nearly the last among the bedding plants. It suffered much from the
hot sun in June, and never regained its colour properly, so I fear its days
are numbered as an out-door plant ; it is a useful pot plant for in-doors.
Some kinds of Beet are very effective, but I think they are quite out of
place in the flower garden.

I must see Yiola cornuta do better than I have yet seen before I can
say much for it. Dactylis glomerata variegata is a great acquisition to our
bedding plants ; it is so useful and effective in ribbon borders, and for
edgings of large beds. Most of our other ordinary bedding plants not
mentioned have done well. Flower gardens, on the whole, never looked
better than they have this season, and this is from the great variety of
beautiful plants now at the command of gardeners for bedding purposes.
There is still room for more, and no doubt they will be forthcoming in due
time.

Stourton. M. Saul.

HYACINTH VASES.

Those who remember the tall, slim, tottering glasses which a few years
since were used for the growth of Hyacinths in rooms, will admit that the
introduction of Hyacinth glasses of Tye’s pattern was a very great change
for the better. Elegant in shape, and not liable to topple over with the
weight of the plant, they at once recommended themselves to popular favour ;
and the various qualities which are provided — plain, slightly decorated, or
of the most recherche character, are such as to have enabled them to make
their way alike into the humble sitting-room, and the fashionable parlour or
drawing-room.

These, however, have been literally Hyacinth “glasses,” being manufac¬
tured of glass. Latterly there has been brought into use another material
— a fine kind of potteryware, having a dull tone of colour, which many per-

DECEMBER

sons will, doubtless, prefer to the more brilliant tints of the glass vases.
This is called Hooper’s Etruscan Pottery, and by the courtesy of Messrs.
Hooper & Co. we are enabled to annex illustrations of some of the forms

in which it is made up, the most generally useful being that which re¬
sembles Tye’s glasses. When first brought into use this ware had the
objectionable quality of filtering the water contained in it, the evaporation,
of course, having a chilling influence on the roots of the plants, and the
percolation which was constantly going on leaving a white chalky stain on
the outer surface. This has now been remedied by glazing the inside of the
vase, which, when properly done, prevents the percolation ; but it is neces¬

sary that the operation should be done carefully and thoroughly, as we
learn that some of the earlier glazed examples are not free from the dis¬
colouration alluded to.

The vendors claim for these Etruscan Vases several advantages. Thus
they say that “ Careful observation during the past two seasons, of the
cultivation of Hyacinths in glasses and in our Vases, lias proved without

274

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

question the advantage of the latter ; the flowers were finer, the foliage
more healthy, and the plants altogether more vigorous. This unexpected
success is probably due to the equability of the temperature at which the
water is maintained, and other advantages which the earthenware has over
the glass, favourable to the health and growth of the roots. Whatever may
he the cause, the fact remains indisputable, and should lead to the uni¬
versal adoption of the Etruscan Vases for the in-door growth of Hyacinths.”
Setting aside the supposed greater equability of temperature of water con¬
tained in these Vases, over those made of glass, we may safely suggest their
use on grounds altogether apart from this question. Their sober tone of
colouring — a kind of dull Venetian red with unobtrusive black figures and
ornamentations — contrasts better with the plants growing in them, than
the gayer tints common to glass vases, and .this is, we think, a sufficient
recommendation. They are made of other colours, as black and blue, and
with various kinds of ornamentation; but the Venetian red pattern is, in
our opinion, much to be preferred. M.

NOVELTIES, &c., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

At this season of the year opportunities for seeing novelties are few,
and the Meetings of the Floral Committee are held only once a-month
during the two last and the two first months of the year. At the Meeting of
the Committee on the 5th of November, a first-class certificate was awarded
to Messrs. Veitch & Sons for Aphelandra Pioezlii, a small plant of which was
shown, having a rich-looking spike of orange red flowers, very bright and
striking. The leafstalks have a peculiar tendency to twist, and the leaves
are covered with a kind of whitish glaze ; but the flowers are good, though
the plant itself was but small. The same award was made to Cattle y a
maxima, the labellum of which is mottled with rosy lilac and white, the
flowers very pretty and distinct ; to Lodi a prastans, a very dwarf-growing
and handsome flower of a rich reddish purple, the segments suffused with
bright lilac; and to Dracaena Macleayii with shining foliage of a greenish
dark bronzy hue, very distinct and striking. The same exhibitors had
Dendrobium bigibbmn, a pretty Australian species, with finely formed purplish
flowers ; Pandanus gramineus, a handsome ornamental-leaved plant ; the fine
Cattleya exoniensis, the labellum of which is very richly coloured ; the
curious Urceolina aurea, with several heads of bloom ; some fine varieties of
Lycaste Skinneri, and a large plant of the red-foliaged Acalyphus tricolor
from the South Sea Islands.

Quite a bright feature of this small exhibition was a group of Variegated
Zonal Pelargoniums from Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Dulwich. The most
noticeable were Sultan, a new and finely marked golden-edged variety, and
Imperatrice Eugenie and Queen Victoria, two very fine silver-edged varieties
with highly coloured bright rosy pink zones. The foliage of all these plants
was well-coloured, though all the kinds will no^ colour so well as those
shown on this occasion, From Messrs. F. & A. Smith also came a hand¬
some Tropaolum, named Mrs. Treadwell, with a dwarf climbing habit, the
peculiar dark foliage of the King of Tom Thumbs, and rich-coloured crim¬
son flowers ; it promises to be a valuable acquisition, and was awarded a
first-class certificate. A special certificate was awarded to a plant of the
old Gentiana Fortunei, shown by Messrs. Osborn & Sons. As shown the
plant had a somewhat spare habit, but it was covered with bright blue

DECEMBEE. 275

flowers, which, were imperfectly expanded, owing to the absence of sun¬
light. A nicely bloomed plant of Vanda cccrulca, from Mr. J. Burt, gar¬
dener to H. B. Mildmay, Esq., Sevenoaks, received the same distinction.
It had a fine spike of large and well-coloured flowers. Mr. G. Curd, gar¬
dener to M. Gr. Tlioyts, Esq., Reading, sent a variegated form of the com¬
mon Violet, that looked very dull and insignificant, by the side of Messrs.
Smith's bright-looking and even gaudy Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums.
Abutilon vexillarimn, from Mr. Macintosh, Hammersmith, is, no doubt, a
very interesting plant to the botanist, but as a decorative plant it can claim
to have but few attractions.

Some extraordinary specimens of double wdiite and purple Brompton
Stocks came from Mr. D. Thomson, of Archerfield. They were wondrously
fine, and must look magnificent growing in the open ground. Very interest¬
ing, also, were a quantity of blooms of seedling Primroses, contributed by
Major Trevor Clarkq. It wTas singular what a progeny had sprung from
the crossing of the common field Primrose with a like flower slightly
coloured ; and it was also noticeable that the higher order of cultivation to
which they had been subjected had induced many of the plants to throw up
a stalk surmounted with an umbel of flowers like the Polyanthus, instead
of having but one flower only at the top ; some of the blooms were also
double, and many were furnished with stout and smooth petals.

R. I).

THE DWARF COCOA-NUT PALM AT SYON.

One of the most remarkable gardening incidents of the last few years
has been the flowering and fruiting of the Cocoa-nut Palm in the ducal
gardens at Syon House. The history of this achievement, which is due
to the skill of Mr. Smith, and that of his successor, Mr. Fairbairn, is
written in the volumes of the Gardeners' Chronicle for 1862, 1863, and 1864,
and we are indebted to the editors of that periodical for the opportunity of
introducing the accompanying representation of the plant as it appeared
in 1862, shortly after the flowers were first produced. '

The plant had been in an unhealthy state when, in May, 1860, Mr.
Smith took in hand to recover it. It was disrooted, part of the old soil
removed, and a new compost of “three-quarters old turfy loam from a pasture,
and one-quarter rotted cowdung and leaf mould, wTith just sufficient river
sand to keep the whole in an open ” condition, wTas given to it. Water,
containing a little salt was used, and when new leaves appeared copious
weekly waterings were given as follows : — Two weeks pure rain water ; the
next liquid manure from a cowhouse tank, in the proportion of one gallon
to four gallons of rain water ; the following wreek a weak application of
common, salt and water, and so on successively.” The plant grew fast,
and in the spring of 1861 received a good top-dressing of the above
compost. On the 26th of October in that year, the flower spathe
appeared, and on the 23rd of January, 1862, the flowers opened. The
temperature maintained was 70° in the morning, with a range of Rom
25° to 30° higher at noon during summer, and of 10° during winter ; the
bottom heat in summer, 85Q to 95Q, and in winter, from 95° to 105°. The
plant wms closely shaded in sunny weather, and a very moist atmosphere
kept up.

These first flowTers fell off without producing fruit, probably from their
not being fertilised. The next year, however, the plant flowered again and

276

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST

DECEMBER.

277

set a fruit. This fruit, in a matured condition, though of small size, was
exhibited on the 29th of June, 1864, at South Kensington, by the present
gardener, Mr. Fairbairn.

The plant has since that time continued to thrive, and has now not only
a crop of flowers, but also a couple of nuts, quite fully grown, and beginning
to ripen off. These nuts are larger than the first, one of them measuring
18 inches in diameter and 12 inches in length from the base to the apex.
The smaller of the two has been about sixteen months, and the larger
fourteen months, in arriving at its present stage. The stem is now about
6 feet in height, supporting a noble head of its plumy fronds, which stretch
quite up to the roof. M.

OUR MONTHLY CHRONICLE.

Testimonials.— The testimonial to Mr.
Findlay, adverted to at p. 186, has been pre¬
sented, and consists of a silver salver, and a

purse of £210. - Mr. D. Mitchell has been

presented with a parting gift on his leaving
the gardens at Hamilton Palace, to commence
business as a nursery and seedsman (in con¬
nection with M. Lamont), in Edinburgh. The
testimonial consisted of a timepiece in marble,
and a tea and coffee service with tray and
salver, and a “ beautifully embroidered cozie.”

Aristolochia Goldieana. — This remark¬
able West African species flowered for the
first time in this country last July in the Glas¬
gow Botanic Garden ; its flowers from the base
of the tube to the apex, measuring along
the curvature, are 26 inches in length, and
across the mouth, 11 inches in breadth. It
was managed thus : — Early in spring the
tuber was repotted in a mixture of two parts
turfy loam, one of leaf mould, and one being
of sharp sand, being watered but sparingly at
first. In autumn the stem died back to within
3 or 4 inches of the pot, from which water
was entirely withheld, during winter. The
temperature of the pit in which the plant was
brought into bloom ranged from 65° to 709,
with a slight bottom heat.

Hardy High-flavoured Pears. — It has
lately been remarked that if the fashionable
test of tasting fruits when judging, were
applied to Pears, the new and larger varieties
would have to give way. The smaller Pears,
moreover, if not the most showy, are the most
convenient. Take for example the Hessel,
a variety no one knows how old ; if this were
brought to market or to table when gathered,
its place might as well be supplied by as many
pieces of wood, but if kept till properly
ripened, there is more real Pear-flavour in
one of these fruits, small as it is, than in
many of the large-sized new varieties, one
half of which never ripen, and the other half
frequently prove to be so gritty as not to be
fit for table. The writer suggests that some¬
thing would be gained by the raisers of new

Pears keeping hardiness in view. Then, if
such all-but-totally-neglected old varieties as
Croft Castle, Knight’s Monarch, Thompson’s,
Swan’s Egg, Seckel, Suffolk Thorn, Winter
Nelis, &c., were more encouraged for orchard
planting, we might find the markets with a
better supply of Pears, not indeed good-look¬
ing, but to the taste infinitely superior to
most of the sorts now obtainable, as regards
the property of a rich, melting, perfumed
Pear-flavour.

Pinning Dahlia Blooms. — The existence
of this practice, which does not seem to be
generally known, has been lately brought to
light, and whilst some persons maintain that
it is legitimate, others hold that it is unfair :
indeed it is certain, that pinned flo wers are
not in a natural-grown state. Mr. Keynes, a
well-known authority on all matters relating
to the exhibition of. Dahlias, has lately
observed : — Should I ever judge Dalihas
again, I promise all “pinners” that their
labour and ingenuity in that respect shall be
lost. I will, however, tell them of a far more
effective and legitimate way of keeping the
petals firm. There are only a few sorts that
in travelling are apt to shed their petals.
Let all such flowers be placed in the box with¬
out water, and they will neither receive in¬
jury, nor shed their petals. Perhaps a know¬
ledge of this may deter pinners from their
clever contrivance, which I cannot consider
fair. People talk about “dressing” Dahlias;
but the form of the flower now-a-days com¬
pletely obviates the necessity for doing this,
for in nine cases out often you injure the flower
by attempting to touch a petal.

Hooley’s Conqueror Celery. — This is a
very fine new Celery selected by Mr. S.
Hooley, a mechanic of Nottingham, who has
taken the first prize with it at each of five
shows last year, against one hundred and
twenty-nine competitors, and at four shows
this year, against one hundred and twenty-
six competitors. The largest pair exhibited
weighed 11 lb. 2 oz. The variety has been

278

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

obtained by careful selection for some years
past. It has remarkably broad leaves, and is
of vigorous growth, plants left for seed rising
to the height of 6 feet, and stout in propor¬
tion, the base of some of the stems being as
toick as a man’s arm. Those who have
seen it pronounce it to be the finest Celery
ever raised.

Busting of Grapes. — “ J. S.EVthus writes
in a recent number of the Gardeners' Chronicle :
— I lately had an opportunity of inspecting a
case of real rusting, in which the clear bloomy
cuticle of the ripe Grapes was more or less
changed into a brownish grey fibrous sub¬
stance. This was clearly owing to excessive
steaming. It had been the custom in the
vinery in question to pour, twice a-day, a
quantity of water on the heating pipes, so as
to fill the house with dense white vapour of a
high temperature. The rusting was worst
immediately over the pipes, where the rising
steam first impinged on the Vines, and it
gradually decreased toward the top of the
rafters. In the end of the house at which the
heating pipe entered, and where of course the
steam was hottest, the foliage as well as the
fruit was much injured. The bunches near the
upright glass In front were not rusted at all.
I am aware that sulphur smeared on tho
pipes, to destroy red spider, sometimes pro¬
duces rusting, but in this instance no sulphur
had been employed, though a year ago a little
had been dusted into the soil of the house.
Viewing the circumstance on the spot, I could
come to no other conclusion than that the
rusting was due to the hot steam. Every
one is aware that a moist atmosphere is bene¬
ficial to Grapes when the berries are swelling,
but that is very different from immersing
them twice a-day in vapour approaching the
temperature of boiling water. Such an arti¬
ficial climate does not resemble any on the
face of the earth ; and it is certainly very
different from that in which Vines naturally
grow.

Gooseberry Insects. — The managers of
one of the Glasgow nurseries were formerly
much chagrined that they could not send out
decent Gooseberry bushes, for which there was
a good demand. The want of success was refer-
rible to the attack of an army of insects, that
would fall upon the buds in the act of burst¬
ing, and almost denude the plants. Hence it
was decided to modify the system of pruning,
and accordingly the plants were left untouched
until May, when full of leaf. Since this plan
has been followed success has been realised,
and better plants could not be desired.

Prize Celery. — The prize Celery shown
about Nottingham is, we are informed, not
earthed up, but is blanched by being tied up
in brown paper, which is renewed every week,
or as often as may be necessary. Though thus
rendered better adapted for exhibition, it is not
so debcate in flavour, as Celery which is
properly earthed.

The Oakhill Vines. — Mr. Forsyth re¬
marks on these Vines as follows : — “ In the
Florist and Pomologist at p. 257, Mr. AV.
Thomson s treatise on Vine Culture is quoted
to this effect : — ‘ At Oakhill, near London, Mr.
Dowding planted a number of vineries forty
years ago.’ Mr. Thomson says he became
acquainted with them in 1837. Now, one of
these vineries was replanted in my time, about
1835, after the border had been entirely re¬
made ; and from an old Vine, replanted in
this new border there was cut a bunch of
Black Hamburgh Grapes, which was exhibited
at Chiswick, and weighed 8| lb., the same
Vine having borne a crop of Grapes the same
year in the old border. This was considered
at the time the finest bunch of that kind of
Grape that had ever been exhibited in Eng¬
land, and therefore the extraordinary circum¬
stance under which it was grown, is worthy
of note.”

Pyrethrum Golden Feather. — This pret¬
ty and distinct dwarf-growing yellow-leaved
variety of the common Feverfew, has proved
itself, during the past summer, to be a v ery
useful and effective bedding plant, its dwarf
feathery habit, and deep golden colour, forming
an elegant contrast to the other coloured-
leaved plants now so much employed. AVe
have used it as an edging to a mass of Ama-
ranthus ruber with excellent effect. The
Floral Committee of the Itoyal Horticul¬
tural Society, too, has at last become satisfied
of its merits, and given it a first-class certi¬
ficate.

Large Pears. — Four remarkably fine
Chaumontel Pears, grown in the grounds of
Mr. G. II. Horman, H.M.’s Solicitor- General
for the island, have lately been exhibited in
Jersey. They weighed together 96J oz. ;
the heaviest of the four weighed 30i oz., the
lightest 19|- oz.

Garrya elliptica. — The female plant of
Garry a is very rare in this country, but in the
gardens of Mr. Finzell, of Clevedon, near
Bristol, it has this season been covered with
racemes of ripe fruit. The racemes are
2-3 inches long, bearing 30-40 capsules of the
size of peas packed quite closely, and having
the colour and downy surface of unripe
Peaches. They contain a purple juice of in¬
sipid flavour, and a couple of large seeds. ,

OBITUARY.

Mr. James Cuthill, the well-known
Strawberry, Cucumber, and Mushroom grower,
died on the oth of November, at Denmark
Hill, Camberwell, in the 62nd year of his age.
Mr. Cuthill has been a frequent contributor
to the horticultural press, the most important
of his contributions being, perhaps, those on
“Market Gardening Bound London,” which
were republished in a separate form. He
was also the author of other pamphlets on
different subjects belonging to practical horti¬
culture, and a very successful cultivator.

279

DECEMBER.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS.

STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.

Keep the air of the house moderately dry,
and then the temperature may he maintained
at about 60° by night, without danger of para¬
lysing the constitution of the plants, or
interfering with their vigorous action when
subjected to the stimulus of more heat. Keep¬
ing this condition in view, growth is not
necessary to be excited beyond merely a
gentle movement of the sap. A display of
flowers may be presented by Gesneras, Eu¬
phorbia splendens, Juslicias, Begonias, and
other winter-flowering stove plants. Some
kinds now at rest and which it may be desir¬
able to obtain early, may be started so as to
be ready for potting next month. Orchids. —
See that the plants do not suffer from dryness,
but at the same time moisture should be
cautiously and sparingly supplied. It should
be in a great measure regulated by the greater
or less disposition of the subjects to growth.
Fire heat tends unduly to dry the air of hot¬
houses ; in order, therefore, that less of it may
be required, and yet the necessary tempera¬
ture kept up, some covering material may be
used with advantage to prevent radiation by
the glass.

GBEENHOUSE.

Damp weather usually prevails at this sea¬
son, the air being saturated with moisture ;
and at the same time very little fire heat will be
required. Under these conditions little water
will be necessary, and none should be given
except the soil exhibit evident signs of dry¬
ness. The little that may be allowed should
be given in the morning, so that all super¬
fluous moisture may be dried up before the
house is closed. Dead leaves should be care¬
fully cleared away, and the foliage kept
clean from dust. The temperature may fall
at night as low as 40° ; it may even be several
degrees lower, rather than use much fire heat.
Some of the plants will bear a temperature
close upon the freezing point, but on account
of many other kinds that are wintered in this
structure, it will be advisable to maintain a
temperature of 40°, which, while it will not un¬
favourably excite any plant, will yet keep all
in a condition to start with more vigour when
active growth is required. Heaths and
Epacriscs should be kept cool and dry, with
plenty of air, avoiding fire heat unless the
thermometer is likely to fall below 32° ; water
with caution, and apply sulphur if the least
appearance of mildew can be detected. Pelar¬
goniums. — Water sparingly, and do not wet
the foliage, train out the shoots regularly
according to some preconceived symmetrical
form.

CONSERVATORY.

A moderately dry heat, just sufficient to
keep out frost, is all that will be necessary.
Water sparingly, and in the morning, so that
all superfluous moisture may be evaporated

early in the afternoon. Chrysanthemums,
Salvias, Linum trigynum , Narcissus, Hya¬
cinths, Cyclamens, Tulipa suaveolens (Due
Yan Thol), and various Lilacs will ensure
gaiety at this dull season.

PITS AND FRAMES.

If the interior of these and their inmates
be allowed to get colder at any time than the
air surrounding them, damping of the plants
will be likely to ensue, as a consequence of
a deposition of moisture from condensation,
which wall take place continuously till the
plants acquire the same temperature as that
of the medium in which they are placed, the
more especially when the air is at the same
time charged with moisture. Therefore, if
the roots of a plant are colder than the air,
they will become wet, and liable to damp off.
A thorough circulation of air is hence bene-
ficial, as it promotes a uniform temperature, and
when that is the case, depositions of moisture,
and damping-off, cannot take place. Rhododen¬
drons, Azaleas, Roses, See., may be introduced
for being afterwards forced.

FORCING.

Pines. — However much it might be desir¬
able to prevent the escape of heat by means
of a warm covering, such cannot be employed
during the day on account of light ; but at
night the Pine-apple is as independent of
light in our climate as in Jamaica, and we
may then adopt any kind of covering that is
most convenient for the purpose of economis¬
ing heat. Wooden shutters placed over hay or
straw laid on the glass, answer well ; their ex¬
pense is saved in economy of fuel, with ad¬
vantage to the health of the plants ; for by using
warm covering, uniformity of temperature,
with less dryness of the air, may be attained,
For starting early -fruiting plants, gradually
increase the top and bottom heat, and in a
fortnight’s time give a little water, for by
fully maintaining the temperature at the same
time, plan's that are swelling should have
water in proportion to the dryness which a
higher temperature occasions. Vines. — As
the buds swell in the early vinery gradually
increase the heat to 55° at night, and as they
break to 60°. In the day the temperature
may be allowed to rise 5° or 10° higher than
at night. Fire heat will be necessary, and a
moist atmosphere within the house should be
formed by sprinkling the flues and paths.
Moisture will encourage the swelling of the
buds, and as the flow of sap tends most to the
highest points, take advantage of this disposi¬
tion by bending down the extremities of the
shoots till the buds on the lower parts expand.
Elevate and bring near the light such buds as
it is most desirable to advance. Peaches and
Nectarines. — Natives of Persia and the East,
and naturally flowering early, and at a cool
period of the year, a high temperature is not
natural for them, and if subjected to such,

280

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

their "blossoms are liable to drop, especially if
it is a close heat : proceed, therefore, gradually
at the rate of 45° to 50° at night, and 55° to
60° by day, or 65° by sun heat with plenty of
air. Siraivbai'ies. — Introduce pots to the
Peach-house or other convenient house, where
they may enjoy moderate heat. Force slowly
till the scapes have had time to push up,
otherwise the flowers will go blind.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Dry weather will be suitable for most win¬
ter operations, such as wheeling, digging,
trenching, &c. ; but, most generally wetness
prevails at this season, therefore frosty weather
should be taken advantage of for wheeling
on soil and manure where wanted. Trenching
may be proceeded with, provided the ground
is not deeply frozen — for it is not well to
trench down masses of frozen soil, as it re¬
mains for a long time colder than the sur¬
rounding portion, and so long as it is colder it
is wetter than if it had been of medium
temperature, for its coldness will produce a
continuous deposition of moisture. Where
lumps of frozen soil have been buried, they
have been seen turned up wet and sour, even
late in spring, to the disadvantage of the grow¬
ing crops. Collect all decaying substances
for the manure heaps, and these may be turned
and mixed in wet weather. Forward all
work that can be done in-doors. Cut and
prepare Pea sticks ; they are stronger and will
last much longer than if the cutting were
delayed till the sap is in active flow in the
spring. Willoios and Osiers for baskets, and
for tying, should also be cut before the buds
push to indicate motion in the sap. Protect
Endive with flower pots. Parsley , at least a
portion of the best, should have the protec¬
tion of a frame. Draw some earth to Peas ;
trap mice, and it is recommended to give
them to a cat on the spot. Sow Radishes
on light soil on a sheltered border, and cover
Avith straw or litter, turning it off in the day,
and replacing it at night.

ERL' IT GARDEN.

Trench and prepare ground for planting,
and proceed with the operation whilst the
weather continues favourable, not in frosty,
nor in unseasonably wet weather. Dig the
holes so as to be as wide at bottom as at top,
and rather deeper at the outside than in the
centre ; in other words, the bottom of the hole
should form a convexity over which the roots
should be regularly disposed, and the soil
broken rather finely should be spread over the
roots by throwing it, not against the fibres, but
in their direction away from the stem. Hold
the spade near the stem, and throw the soil
outwards ; this will be right, but do the con¬
trary, and be counted as an unskilful
planter. If water stand in the holes dug for
fruit trees, drain below the level of the stag¬
nant water. Prune all kinds of Fruit trees
unless the frost be very severe. Cut back
those kinds intended to be regrafted in spring.

Scrape, scrub, and wash clean the stems of
standard trees, on account of insects which
take refuge in the bark. Prune Currants ,
Raspberries , and Gooseberries. Hoe the soil
away from the stems of the latter into the
middle of the space, and there dig it in, for
this has been proved, from long experience,
the best plan for keeping clear of caterpillars.
Prune and nail Wall trees. If the old shreds
are fit to be used, they should be boiled ; and
the nails should be heated nearly red hot and
plunged in linseed oil, and then for many
years they rvill not rust. Nails should be driven
no farther than to holdsufficientlv, and never
in the faces of the bricks, as it seriously in¬
jures the wall. Keep the fruit room as nearly
as possible at an equable temperature.

FLOWER GARDEN.

All vacant ground should be rough-dug, and
this can be done so as to expose much surface
to the weather, and yet look by no means
unsightly. In some cases, as in that of Bed¬
ding Pelargoniums , it is beneficial to give the
soil a coat of manure before digging it OArer,
Deciduoiis shrubs pruned now, make stronger
shoots than if not shortened till a consider¬
able portion of sap has mounted up in spring,
and is then done away Avith, for in this case the
plant is totally deprived of the vigour em¬
bodied in a considerable portion of elaborated
sap, the result of the action of some weeks of
summer’s sun. Hardy Roses may be pruned
now ; but if any are desired to flower late they
had better be allowed to push before pruning
in spring. Deprived thus of their forward
shoots, some time must elapse before fresh
buds can push, and a later blossoming follows.
Prune deciduous Hedges — thin at top to pre¬
vent them from becoming naked at bottom.
Prepare composts by turning, and mixing, and
exposing to frost to ameliorate the various
soils.

FLORISTS’ FLOAA'ERS.

Auriculas. — Very little water, but plenty
of air should be given ; keep clean of decayed
leaves and green fly. Loosen the surface soil,
but not so deeply as to disturb the roots. If
frosts are likely to be seArere, a slight covering
at night will be necessary. Carnations and
Picotees. — Keep the pits or frames as open as
possible, the plants will require water but
very seldom ; too much water without suffi¬
cient air is sure to prove injurious, as spotting
Avill be the result. Cut away decayed foliage.
Dahlias. — Cut off decaying parts, and dry the
roots. They must be placed out of the reach
of frost. Pansies. — Those in pots must have
plenty of light and air; the lights should
even be taken off when the weather will per¬
mit. Cuttings that are being struck should
have Avater very sparingly, or they will be
liable to damp off. Tulips. — These being now
under ground, the beds may be exposed to all
weather, with the exception of \rery heavy
rains.

I N D E X.

Abies Douglasii, 32, 61 ; A Menziesii, 71 ;
A. Smithian a, 71

Acalypha tricolor, 33; (Illustration), 222
Achimenes, culture as basket plants, 76
Adiantum Lindeni, 38 ; A. velutinum, 38
EEchmeas, how to flower, 133
Aerial roots from Vines, 174, 192, 224, 242,
270

TEthionema coridifolium, 257
Agave schidigera, 132; A. xylinacantha, 224
Alkalies/new test for, 256
Allium carinatum, 256
Alnus glutinosa aurea, 40, 113
Alocasia intermedia, 160 ; A. Jenningsii,
232

Alpine plants, cultivation of, 203
Alstromerias, out-door culture of, 145
Alternanthera paronychioides, 15
Amaryllis Alberti (Illustration), 263 ; Messrs.
G-ara way’s new, 65 ; new varieties of (Il¬
lustration), 141 ; A. pardina, 156, (Illustra-
tration), 213

Amorphophallus nobilis, 160
Ancona Salad, 18
Ancylogyne longifiora, 37
Angroecum citratum, 81
Anthurium regale, 38
Aphelandra Roezlii, 274
Apple, Rosemary Russet (Illustration), 165 ;
preserving, 138

Aralia crassifolia picta, 87 ; A. spathulata,
87

Aristolochia Goldieana, 277
Ash, Rlotched Breadalbane, 161
Asplenium novse-caledonioe, 39 ; A. difforme,
64

Asters, treatment of, 9 ; Victoria, S ; Dwarf
Chrysanthemum-flowered, 8 ; Truffaut’s
Perfection, 9 ; Boltze’s Dwarf Bouquet, 9
Athyrium Goringianum pictum, 39
Aubrietia graeca, 161

Aucuba, hermaphrodite, 10 ; A. japonica mar-
morata, 255; A. j. grandis, 255
Aui’iculas, new, 45, 118; Alpine, how to
raise, 136

Austin, Mr. W., Testimonial to, 186
Australian Spinach, 89

Azalea, Her Majesty (Illustration), 1 ; sports
of, 1 ; new, 45, 112

Bambttsa Simonii, 41

j Basket plants, uses of, 62 ; Achimenes as, 76
Beans, Kidney, culture in winter, 99
Beard’s Patent Hothouses (Illustrations), 107 ;
cultural merits of (Illustrations), 193
! Bedding plants, notes on, 271
j Beet, Chili Leaf, 18
Begonia boliviensis, 132
Berberries, Evergreen, 73
Berkeley, Rev. M. J., pension to, 137
Birds, native singing, 98, 143
Bletia Sherrattiana, 156
Borecoles, Variegated, 138
Botanical Congress, Paris, 8S ; proposed In¬
ternational, 233

Broccoli, Backhouse’s, 30 ; Carter’s Cham¬
pion, 147; Winter, 52
Bromelia Commelyniana, fruit of, 1 1

Cabbages for spring use, 179 ; Fearnought,
22, 65

Cacti, Tall, cultivation of, 248
Calendar of Operations : — January, 18 ; Feb¬
ruary, 42; March, 66; April, 90; May,
115 ; June, 139 ; July, 183 ; August, 187;
September, 211; October, 235; November,
259 ; December, 279

Camellia Contessa Lavinia Maggi rosea
(Illustration), 261
Carnations, new, 208

Cattleya Dowiana, 37, 160 ; C. AVarscewiczii
(Illustration), 69
Cattleyas, New Grenada, 69
Cedar of Goa, glaucous, 233
Cedrus atlantica, 32 ; C. Deodara, 32 ; C.
Libani, 32

Celery, Hooley’s Conqueror, 277; Notting¬
ham Prize, 278
Chamsecy paris obtusa, 161
Chapman, Mr. W., death of, 235
Cheere, Rev. G., death of, 115
Chenopodium auricomum, 18, 89
Cherry, Frogmore Early Bigarreau (Illustra¬
tion), 148

Chrysanthemums, culture of, 85 ; new, 46 ;

versus Zonal Pelargoniums, 60, 134
Citrus japonica, to fruit, 65
Clavija fulgens, 81

Clematis Jackmani and its allies (Illustration)
244

Clematises, Cripps’ new, 46, 254 ; Jackman’s
new, 46, 208

282

INDEX.

Cocoa-nut Palm, dwarf (Illustration), 27 5
Coleus Gibsoni, 40 ; Veitcliii (Illustration),
131

Combretum micropetalum, 17
Congress, Paris Botanical, 88 ; proposed In¬
ternational, 233

Conifers as ornamental trees, 5 ; foreign v.
home-grown seeds of, 209 ; grown in pots,
6; hardiness of, 31; planting of, 224;
pruning of, 58, 243 ; situations for, 5
Conservatory, operations for, 43, 66, 91, 115,
139, 163, 187, 211, 235, 259, 279
Conservatories, winter decoration of, 2
Cotoneaster Fontanesii, 82
Crataegus Oxyacantlia coccinea flore-pleno
(Illustration), 117
Crocuses, spring, 250
Cryptomeria japonica, 33. 95, 97
Crystal Palace, tropica 1 department burnt, 42
Cupressus Lawsoniana flava, 254 ; ochroleuca,
232

Cut flowers, arranging, 162
Cuthill, Mr. J., death of, 278
Cyclamen persicum, 3
Cypella coerulca, 16

Cypripedium insigne, 50; C. Schlimii, 16

Dahlias, preserving roots of, 49 ; new, 46,
230, 232, 255 ; pinning blooms of, 277
Daisy as a garden flower, 78
Dalechampia Boezliana rosea (Illustration), 80
Damp Walls,* to cure, 114
Daphne Genkwa, 40
Datura arborea, 256
Dawson, Mr. T., death of, 234
Delphinium Triomphe de Pontoise, 17
Dendrobium Bensonise, 160 ; D. Bullerianum,
64, 222 ; D. lituifiorum, 82 ; D. nobile,
culture of, 221 ; D. speciosum, culture of,
220; D. thyrsiflorum, 37
Desmodium penduliflorum, 40
Dichorisanclra musaica, 38
Dictyopsis Thunbergii, 101
Dieffenbachia Weirii, 38
Dipladenia amoena, 256
Dobson, Mr., death of, 139
Dodecatheon Jeffrey!, 133
Dombeya Mastersii, 105
Dorstenias, a few words on, 199
Doubtful species, 18
Draba violacea, 197

Draccena regia (plini albo-marginata), 38 ;

D. surculosa maculata, 223
Drawings, Horticultural, 256

Echeveria metallica, 258
Encephalartos gracilis (lanuginosa by error),
255

Endive culture, 215; French mode of, 13;

Fraser’s Broad deaved, 269
Epidendrum Brasavolse, 222; E. cnemidopho-
rum, 132, 222; E. Cooperianum, 199; E.
eburneum, 132
Erodium macradeniura, 224
Erythrina crista-galli, 12

Etruscan vases for bulbs, 273

Euonymus japonicus and its varieties, 102;

E. j. flavescens, 231
Examination of gardeners, 24, 137, 210
Exhibition, Paris Universal, 17 ; Bury St.
Edmunds, 184

Ficus stipulata, 155

Findlay, Mr. B., Testimonial to, 186, 277
Fish, Mr. D. T., Testimonial to, 186
Fittonia argyroneura, 38, 105
Florists’ Flower operations, 20, 44, 68, 91,
115, 140, 164, 188, 212, 236, 260, 280
Flower Gardens, Operations for, 20, 44, 68,
91, 115, 140, 164, 188, 212, 236, 260, 280
Forcing Operations, 19, 43, 67, 91, 115, 139,
163, 187, 211, 235, 259, 279
French Oleanders, 233

Frost of January, 1867, effects of, in North
Notts, 50 ; in West Yorkshire, 51 ; at Bed-
leaf, 83, 94, 129 ; severity of, 41
Fruit Crops in the north; 126
Fruit Crop of 1867, 209
Fruit Garden, Operations for, 20, 44, 67, 91,
115, 140, 164, 188, 212, 236, 260, 280
Fruit trees, cropping, 24 ; fruitfulness of,
47; labelling (Illustrations), 229 ; plant¬
ing, 4 ; protection of, 49 ; pruning, 23
Fuchsia corallina, 143 ; F. fulgens, 196
Fuchsias, new, 74 ; for exhibition, 55
Furnace Bars, ventilating, 237

Game cover, 114

Garden, My Father’s, reviewed, 150
Gardeners’ Examinations, 24, 137, 210
Gardening, notes on, in 1866, 14
Garrya elliptiea, female plant of, 278
Gladioli in 1866, 27; from seeds, 15; new,
231, 255

Gladiolus Papilio, 39
Gloxinia hypocyrtiflora, 198
Gloxinias, new, 238
Goodyera macrantha (Illustration), 227
Gooseberries, green, 1 71 ; how to grow for
tarts, 171

Gooseberry trees, fine standard, 211; insect
attacks on, to prevent, 278
Grafting, new mode of, 233
Grape, Madresfieid Court Black Muscat, 226 ;
Mrs.Pince’s Black Muscat, 30 ; Boyal Ascot,
88, 256

Grapes, Black Hamburgh, large clusters of,
185; Chasselas, varieties of, 233 ; colouring
of, 9, 29 ; judging, 249 ; large clusters of,
185, 233 ; late, 15 ; rusting of, 278 ; White
Nice, large bunch of, 233
Greenhouse, Operations for, 19, 43, 66, 90,
115, 139, 163, 187, 211, 235, 259, 279
Griffinia Blumenavia, 64, 81 ; G. livacinthina
maxima, 132

Habeanthus fulgens, 39
Habrothamnus berries, 162
Haythorn, J., death of, 90
Heliconia humilis, 16

INDEX.

288

Heliotropium con vol vulaceum, 16
llelipterum Cotula, 41
Henderson, J., death of, 18
Hippeastrum, new, 65, 141 ; II. Alberti, 81,
(Illustration), 264; II. pardinmn 156, (Il¬
lustration), 213
Hippophae rhamnoides, 89
Hollies, Striped, King- of, 138
Hollyhocks, new, 74, 229
Hothouses, Beard’s Patent (Illustrations),
107, 193; Ormson’s Paradigm (Illustra¬
tions), 120; Sir J. Paxton’s, (Illustra¬
tions), 267

Hyacinth, Prince Albert Victor (Illustration),
189

Hyacinths, new, 88, 111; new of 1867, 174;

Vases for (Illustrations), 273
Hydrangea stellata prolifera (Illustration),
103

Hypocyrta brevicalyx, 198

Imp aliens latifolia, 81
Ip omoea Gerrardi, 199
Iresiue Herbstii aureo-reticulata, 105
Ixias, culture of, 240

Kalk, Abcrgeldie, 89
Kalosanthes, culture of, 105
Kitchen Garden, Operations for, 20. 43. 67,
91, 11-5, 140, 164, 188, 212, 236, 260,
280

Kum-quat, 65

Ljelia crispilabia, S3
Lagerstroemia indica, 205
Lastrea Sieboldii variegata, 39
Leek, culture of, 110
Lettuce culture, 196

Libocedrus decurrcns, 162 ; L. tetragona,
186

Lilacs, blanching, for winter, 207

Liliura auratum, tine plants of, 209; L. a.

splendidum, 75
Liliums, raising from seed, 7
Lindley Library, 161
Lobelias, new bedding, 269 ; new, 75
Lomaria ciliata, 39 ; L. gibba Bellii. 39
Ly caste gigantea, 17 ; L. Skinneri alba, 10

Mallow, Hybrid, 90
Manchester, Exhibition of 1868, 210
Maranta illustris, 39, 126 ; M. Lindeniana,
38 ; M. roseo-picta, 39, 126 ; M. Veitchiana
(Illustration), 125
May, 1857, weather of, 142
Mesospinidium sahguineum, 38
Mignonette dying off, remedy for, 234
Mitchell, Mr. I)., Testimonial to, 277
Monstera deliciosa, 186
Mvosotis azorica, 21 ; M. rupicola (Illustra¬
tion), 21 ; M. sylvatica, 21
Musa, second fruiting of, 233

Njegelia fulgida, 19S; N. Lindleyana, 81;
X. rosca-punctatissima, 81

New Flowers of 1866, 45, 74
New Garden Plants, 36, 80, 103, 130, 156,
197, 222

Nierembergia frutescens, 210 ; N. rivularis,
39 ; N. Veitchii, 39

Novelties at Flower Shows, 10, 30, 64, 86,
111, 136, 158, 182, 207, 229, 254, 274

Oakhill Vines, 278

Obituary r — W. Chapman, 235 ; Rev. G.
Cheere, 115; J. Cuthill, 278; T. Dawson,
234; J. Dobson, 139; J. Haythorn, 90 ;
J. Henderson, 18; G. Ure Skinner, 65;
J. R. Warscewicz, 90

Odontoglossum Alexandra?, 10; O. Dawsoni-
amim (Illustration), 201 ; O. Hallii (Illus¬
tration), 200 ; O. maculosum superbum, 64 ;
O. nebulosum, 64 ; O. radiatum (Illus¬
tration), 178; 0. roseum, 156; O. Sehlie-
perianum (Illustration), 177 ; O. trium-
phans (Illustration), 132
Odontoglossums, how to grow, 176, 200
CEnothera acaulis and its allies, 241 ; CE. ani-
soloba, 241 ; GE. csespitosa, 242; CE. mdr-
ginata, 242 ; CE. taraxacifolia, 241
Oleander growing in France, 233
Oncidium chryeothyrsus, 83 ; O. Marshal -
lianum, 37; O. nubigenum, 64; O. serra-
tum, 81

Orange culture, 52

Orchidaceous Plants, Select, reviewed, 82
Orchid House, Operations for, 18, 42, 66, 90,
115, 139, 163, 187, 211, 235, 259, 279
Orchids, Cool (Illustrations), 176, 200; cool,
261 ; terrestrial, 138

Ormson’s Paradigm Plant Houses (Illustra¬
tions), 120

PiEONY, Tree, culture of, 237
Palm, Hybrid, 90 ; dwarf Cocoa-nut (Illus¬
tration), 275
Pandanus distich us, 33
Pansies, new, 75
Pansy culture, epitome of, 226
Paris Universal Exhibition, 17
Passiflora fulgens, 37

Paxton Hothouses, Patent (Illustrations),
267

Pear, Beurre Clairgeau (Illustration), 45;
Calebasse Grosse, 247 ; Huyshe’s Princess
of Wales (Illustration), 93 ; Huyshe’s
Victoria (Illustration), 237
Pears, hardy high-flavoured, 277 ; large
Jersey, 279
Pear tree, large, 162

Pea, Maclean’s Little Gem, 11 ; do. for winter
use, 30

Peas, Early, trial of, in pits, 150; new and
old, notes on, 190 ; shelling by machinery,
115

Pelargoniums, new, 158, 182, 209 ; new of
1867, 167 ; new Ivy-leaved, 258
Pelargoniums, Variegated Zonal, as bedding
plants, 166; new, 247, 255; properties of,
145; show of, 128, 246

284

INDEX.

Pelargoniums, Zonal, Beaton’s, 11, 15; as
bedding plants, 271 ; for winter decora¬
tion, 2; for bedding, wintering of, 36;
grouping of, 210 ; new bedfling, 148 ; pre¬
serving during winter, 234; selected, 71 ;
versus Chrysanthemums, 60$ 134
Pentstemons, new, 114
Petunias, situations for, 401
Phalaenopsis intermedia Portei, 82
Philadelphus Keteleerii, 4 0 ; P. tomentosus, 40
Phloxes, how to grow, 157 ; new select
varieties of, 158

Picea cephalonica, 33 ; P. Nordmanniana, 33
Pine, Calabrian, 138
Pine-apple, Charlotte Rothschild, 11
Pinks, hybrid, 258; new, 75
Pinus insignis, 31 ; P. Laricio calabrica, 138
Pits and Frames, Operations for, 19, 43, 66,
91, 115, 139, 163, 235, 260, 279
Planting by the sea, 162
Pleroma sarmentosa, 81
Poa trivialis variegata, 40
Poinsettia pulcherrima, culture of, 153, 183
Polemonium coeruleum variegatum, 234
Polianthes tuberosa, culture of, 61
Polymnia pyramidalis, 198
Populus nivea Solomonii, 40
Potato, culture of, 122
Potato disease, 217 ; remedy for, 256
Primroses, Chinese, variations of, 137
Primula cortusoides amoena (Illustration),
172 ; P. c. alba, 172; P. c. albida, 172;
P. c. grandiflora, 172 ; P. luteola, 156 ;
P. sinensis, new, 87
Propagating house at La Muette, 138
Propagation, expert, 89 ; by root-grafting,
90 ; by root-cuttings, 233
Primus lusitanica azorica, 40
Pteris serrulata polydactyla, 39
Pyrethrums, Double, 218 ; P. Golden Feather,
278

Queensland Spinach, 18

Quercus Banisteri as game cover, 114

Ranunculus, culture of, 253
Rhododendron Dalhousise, 114
Robinia pseud- Acacia fastigiata, 162
Root - cuttings, propagation of variegated
plants by, 233
Root-grafting, 90

Roots, aerial, 174, 192, 224, 242, 270
Rose, Coeur de Lion, 111 ; Miss Ingram, 183
Roses, garden, 213 ; mortality amongst, 100 ;
new, 12; pegging down, 101; what are
new? 161, 209

Rose Shows at Crystal Palace and South Ken¬
sington, comments on, 180
Royal Horticultural Society’s Exhibitions in
1867, 88; at Bury St. Edmunds, 184
Rudgea (Psychotria) nivosa, 37

Saccolabium giganteum, 10, 37, 105
Salsola Soda, 18

Salvia patens as a bedding plant, 165
Sanchezianobilis, 37; S. n.Variegata (Illustra¬
tion), 154

Sarcanthus crinaceus, 81
Sarracenia psittacina, 39
Saxifraga tricolor, 10
School of Horticulture, French, 114
Seaside planting, 162

Sedum carneumjvariegatum, 103 ; S. maximum
versicolor, 82 ; S. spectabile (Fabaria) 258
Selaginella denticulata variegata, 11
Selaginellas for covering walls, 162
Silene pennsylvanica (Illustration), 206
Siphocampylus Humboldtianus"' (fulgens by
error) 17, 81
Skitnmia oblata, 89
Skinner, G. Ure, death of, 65
Snow, effects of on trees, during frost, 89
Solanum galeatum, 211
Sophronitis grandiflora Alexandrina, 30
Sparaxis pulcherrima, 39
Spinach, Queensland, 18 ; Australian, 89 ;

winter, 192
Spring Gardening, 15
Stocks, culture of, 34, 59
Stonecrop, Golden-leaved, 138
Stove, Operations for, 18, 42, 66, 90, 115,
139, 163, 187, 211, 235, 259, 279

Taxodium sempervirens, 155
Taxus adpressa stricta, 10
Terminalia elegans, 38

Thorn, New Double Crimson (Illustration),
117

Thompson, Mr. R., Testimonial to, 186

Tillandsia argentea, 159

Tinnea tethiopica, 104

Toads in Ireland, 217 ; venom of, 167

Tomato and its varieties, 238

Tritonias, culture of, 240

Tropmolum tricolorum, culture of, 96

Tropseolums, new, 75

Tuberose, how to grow, 61

Turnip, Chirk Castle Black Stone, 138

Ulmus campestris aurea, 82

Vanda Bcnsoni, 38 ; V. Lowii, 83

Vanilla, English, 161

Variegated plants from root- cuttings, 233

Vases, Etruscan, 272

Verbenas, new, 76, 208, 231

Veronicas, standard, 254

Vine extension, 257

Vino, Finchley, 228 ; large, 186 ; stems,
rooting of, 174, 192, 224, 242, 265, 266 ;
exposing in winter, 262 ; Oakhill, 278
Vine restriction, 257
Viola cornuta, 263
Vreisia gigantea, 198

Warscewicz, J. R., death of, 90
"Watering pipes, French, 114
Weigela Middendorfiana purpurata, 82
Wellingtonia gigantea, 34; W. g. aureo-
variegata, 40

"Winter, severity of, 41 ; effects of, 50, 51, 83,
94, 129

Wood, colouring while growing, 161