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HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Ivl B R A R Y

OF THE

ORAY HKRBARIUYT

Received

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A PICTORIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE

OF

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND GENERAL HORTICULTURE.

CONDUCTED RY

ROBERT HOGG, LL.D., P.L.S. ; THOMAS MOORE, F.L.S. ;
AND AVILLIAM PAUL, P.R.H.S.

1870.

LONDON:

rURLISHEI) AT THE “JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE” OFFICE,

171 FLEET STREET.

MDOCCLXX.

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LIST OF COLOURED FIGURES.

, Apple Fairy ^

- Auricula (Alpine) John Leech ...

Monarch^’ ...

))

Selina

Sr

* Brodi^a coccinea^..

/ Camellia Leopold Ier

Sr''

. Clematis Princess Mary...

• Fuchsia Avalanche .

„ John Bright*^ ...

,, John McElroy^...

„ Splendour‘s

, Gloxinia Mdllb. Jeanne Preyost
„ • Negro .f.

,, Scarlet Gem'...

-Leptosiphon roseus^

. OnCIDIUM VARICOSUM VAR. Rogersii
« Primula cortusoides amcena ...

„ „ GRANDIFLORA ^

STRIxVTA

I Rose Princess Christian...
I Tulip John Henry

Facing page 4&

. 241

. 241

. 241

. 145

97

. 121

. 73

... ' ... 73

... ... / 3

. 73

. 265

... 265

. 265

. 217

25

. 193

. 193

. 193

. 1

. 169

Kose Princess Christian

THE

FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

KOSE PEINCESS CHEISTIAN.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

: ^EINCESS CHRISTIAN ROSE, tRe subject of the accompanying plate, lias
been so frequently before tlie public that we need do no more, in this
place, than describe the colour of tbe flowers, and tlie character of the
plant. The colour ranges from deep salmon to rosy peach, according to
the age of the blossoms, and holds on clear and bright to the last. There is a
peculiar and beautiful gloss on the face of the petals which the pencil of the
artist cannot portray, and which gives it distinctness. The flowers are very
large, double enough, globular in the bud state, and finely cupped when
expanded ; and it gives forth these flowers continuously and abundantly from
June to November. The growth is robust, the constitution hardy, and the foliage
and habit distinct and of a pleasing character.

This promises to be a good exhibition rose when taken in a young state, and
a grand rose for the garden at all times. Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross,
is the introducer of this novelty, which, we learn, will be distributed from his
nurseries in May next. Three First-Class Certificates have been awarded to the
Princess Christian during the year 1869 — one by the Royal Horticultural Societ}',
one by the Royal Botanic Society, and one at the Crystal Palace Rose Show. — M.

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

'*p

L) ANUARY — the beginning of another span of time — affords an opportunity,
which should be seized upon, for planning out or revising the garden
features of the coming year. In the series of papers which I propose
^ giving under the above heading, it will be almost impossible to avoid the
repetition of instructions that have appeared under the head of ‘‘ Seasonable
Hints,” but it is hoped that some additional practical items of a useful nature
will also be found.

Kitchen Garden. — After the fine, open, dry autumn we have had, the work

3rd series. - HI. B

2

THE FLOBIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ January,

here should be in a forward state ; but if from any cause it is not so, no time
should be lost in bringing up all arrears. A covering of snow, and a few week’s
frost, would no-w prove to be very seasonable. It would do little or no harm, and
W'-ould do an immense deal of good, by giving things a salutary check. All
vacant ground ought ere this to have been turned up by rough digging, trench¬
ing, or ridging, so that the frost and air may act on it. All plans and arrange¬
ments for the ensuing season should be considered and decided on. AVhen this
is done, and everything sketched out, every operation can then be proceeded with
in proper order. Lettuces and Cauliflowers in frames should be picked over, Seahale
and Rhuharh covered for forcing, and some Mint put in a hot-bed to force.

Soio : Peas and Beans for second crop, in open weather, when the soil is dry ; Radishes and
Early Horn Carrots on warm border; also a row of Parsley; Mustard and Cress in a hotbed ;
also jMelons and Cucumbers in a hotbed.

Forcing-Houses. — Air-giving and firing are very important matters to be
attended to at all seasons of the year, but particularly so at the present time.
Young cultivators sometimes make sad mistakes in firing and giving air ; gener¬
ally they are inclined to fire hard at night, and to neglect it during the day,
keeping the houses closed to get up the temperature, never thinking of giving air
until forced to do so by a sudden burst of sunshine. I need hardly say how
wrong such practice is. A safe night temperature should be maintained in all
forcing-houses, but a very high one is as injurious as a very low one. Firing
should be applied early in the morning and forenoon, so as to enable the culti¬
vator to give as much air as the state of the weather wdll permit. Vines : Those
in the early house wdll now be in bloom or coming into bloom, and must, there¬
fore, receive great attention ; a steady night temperature of GO” must be main¬
tained ; this will be sufficiently high on cold nights, but on mild nights 65° would
be better. On clear days, 70° should be the minimum from fire-heat, but 10°
more from sunshine will be beneficial. Late ripened Grapes hanging on Vines
should now be all cut, and stored away in bottles on the French system, so that
the vines may be pruned at once. — Peaches: Abundance of air should be given
in the day, and a little fire-heat ; except in very cold weather, very little fire-heat
should be given at night ; the inside borders should be well watered. — Figs :
These do admirably well in pots and tubs, and there is this advantage in thus
growing them, that they can be moved from one house to another at pleasure ;
they should have plenty of water, and be kept well syringed. — Cherries: These
also do well in pots and tubs ; they do best in a little bottom-heat, otherwise
they are apt to fall off in stoning ; they like plenty of air at all times. — Straw¬
berries: These should be kept near the glass, be carefully wmtered, and especially
wdien 'in flower, should have plenty of air ; a little bottom-heat to start the plants
in is an advantage. Introduce a fresh batch of plants once a fortnight.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — Operations here will depend on the state of the
weather. In the absence of frost, fruit-trees of all kinds may be planted, the
ground, of course, having been previously properly prepared. One uniform mode of

1870. ]

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

3

planting in all situations, and under all circumstances, is not to be recommended.
In gardens where the soil is of a stiff, heavy nature, and the subsoil a strong
retenti\’« clay, it is advisable to plant the fruit-trees on mounds a little elevated
above the surrounding soil ; but where the soil is of a light, porous nature, resting
on a gravelly subsoil, it is advisable to plant on a level with the surrounding soil,
mid in some places in hollows a little below the natural level. Long experience
has taught me the advantage of attending to these matters, trivial as they may
appear to some. It is also advisable to mix plenty of good rotten dung in light
soils, resting on hungry, porous subsoils.

Flower Garden, — Plant Houses: As we generally have more or less frost
during this month, care must be taken to exclude it by making gentle fires at
night. A night temperature of 40° will be a safe one for hard-wooded green¬
house plants, as most of them will now be in a state of rest ; but Cinerarias,
Primulas, Pelargoniums, &c., will be benefited by a night temperature of from 45°
to 50°. Hardwooded plants should be watered carefully, but softwooded plants,
in a free-growing state, will require a more liberal supply. Take every advan¬
tage of favourable weather to give some air. In frosty weather, soil should be
got ready, crocks broken, pots cleaned, and sticks and labels prepared, so as to be
in readiness to commence potting next month.

Pits and Frames. — These should be kept well covered up in frosty weather,
but the coverings should be removed during the day-time when the glass is not
frozen, as the more light the plants get, the better they stand the confinement.
When kept dry and well covered in severe weather, it is surprising in what good
condition even very tender plants can be safely wintered in these structures. I
have more than once kept a quantity of seedling Cinerarias in a frame during a
severe winter, by keeping them as dry as possible, without allowing the plants to
suffer, and covering well up at night. Bedding Plants must be looked over
frequentl}^ Where there is a Vinery at work, the potting-off of Pelargoniums for
bedding should be commenced at once ; when potted, they should be placed in
the Vinery, and they will soon begin to root and grow freely.

Out-Doors. — If the weather be very severe, very little can be done in the
open ground. When there are alterations in hand, advantage should be taken of
favourable weather to push them on. Coverings should ere this have been applied
to everything requiring protection from frost. Bulbs should be frequently looked
over, to see that rats and mice do not get at them. To be well in advance with
the work, everything that can possibly be done now should be attended to, as by
and by every day will bring an increase of work. In favourable weather Trees
and Shrubs of all kinds may be planted in the pleasure-grounds. Care should be
taken to lift large valuable specimens with good balls, and to injure the fibres as
little as possible. Conifers like a dry situation, rather elevated and exposed to
the sun and air, but sheltered from strong winds. Many a valuable specimen has
been lost by being planted in a snug, sheltered, confined spot, for m such positions

B 2

4

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[January,

the trees grow on late in the season, the wood rarely gets matured even in fine
seasons, and never in bad ones, and the consequence is, that the first severe frost
after an unfavourable season kills the tree to the ground. — M. Saul, Stourton.

A FEW HINTS TO FEUIT-RAISERS.

HE extensive and varied collections of Fruits of different kinds that we possess-
in our gardens, already gives us a very satisfactory and sufficient choice,.

fas far as quality is concerned ; but there is yet ample scope for those who
can afford to devote themselves to the agreeable task of improving, by the-
arts of cultivation and hybridization, the fruits we justly prize. And although
the productive power, as regards the development of varieties from seed, of every
tree and plant seems illimitable, yet possessing already, as we do, so many good
apples, pears, plums, strawberries, &c., we have less reason to seek to amplify the
already extended lists of these fruits, than to secure properties and peculiarities
that are confined to a comparatively few individuals in each section.

What would be a great boon, and what it is most desirable we should seek ta
obtain in cultivated fruits, is the increase of those kinds of which a few examples
exist as guides and types of what we may hope to attain. For example, amongst
all the fruits we grow, we have one or more that possesses, with a prolific habits
a constitutional strength and vigour so happily united with its character of pro*-
ductiveness, that while the great majority of sorts of fruits are exhausted by heavy-
crops, and require a year’s rest to restore their fruiting powers, these fortunately-
constituted trees continue to produce crops year after year. Denyers Victoria
Plum is a ready example of a tree possessing great and unfailing fruiting powers
as a wall fruit. I have never known an instance of failure in this variety, and it-
seems equally at home in any aspect. Herefordshire Pearmain Aiyile^ or a pear-
main resembling it, has for fifteen years proved, like the plum above named^
unfailingly productive ; and this year, which has proved a bad one for apples
generally, my favourite produced its usual crop. Frogmore Prolific is another
apple that has never yet failed ; and I think Mr. Powell, of Frogmore, confirmed
the favourable opinion I expressed of this apple, from its habit of giving an annual
crop, by telling me that his experience coincided with my own. He also cited
Posemary Pusset, Scarlet Pusset, and Pomona^ as being reliable as annual croppers.
I am unable to instance a Pear that may be cited as an example of the habit of
fruitfulness possessed by the apples named above. I have never known Beurre de
Pance to fail entirely ; but the Pear that never fails has, I opine, yet to be obtained.
I think the May Duke may be instanced amongst Cherries ; and Keens' Seedling
may illustrate a prolific habit in Strawberries. These suggestive remarks will,
perhaps, be understood from the few examples I have given.

There is one property common to a few varieties of Pears which, if possessed
by any new kinds, would make them doubly valuable. It is one of the recom¬
mendations of the old Crcessane that it remains sound and fit for use after attaining

1870. ]

KEW PLANTS OF 18G9.

O

maturity and ripeness ; Orpheline cV Engltein also remains ripe witliout rotting
for a long time. JSfarie Louise is a delightful pear, but it has almost to be
watched, for it is rij)e in one hour and rotten in the next. Could we obtain a
Marie Louise with the amiable peculiarity of waiting a little longer to be eaten,
what a gain it would be to gardeners ! — William Ingram, Belvoir.

NEW PLANTS OF 1869.

®HE record of Novelties for the year that is past is by no means a scanty one.
Some of the subjects which it includes we have from time to time referred

fto, but we propose in this place to note a few words collectively concerning
those New Plants which, in our judgment, are, for our gardens, the most
important acquisitions of the year.

Among Palms, those princes of the vegetable world, Weljia regia, from the
Amazon country, recommends itself as a handsome plant, with deeply bilobed
leaves ; while Plectocomia eloiigata, from Java, with the stalks whitened and
studded with tufted pale-coloured spines, and Martinezia Lindeniana^ from
Tropical America, a palm of a very distinct character, its short, broad leaves
being jagged at the margins, and its glaucous leaf-stalks being furnished with
long, slender spines, are other welcome additions to the bilobed group. Seafortliia
Veitchii, from Australia, is a novel pinnate species in the way of S. elegans. Then
Veitchia Johannis^ from the South Sea Islands, with truncate leaflets ; Oiico-
sperma Van Houtteanum^ from the Seychelles, with dark, needle-shaped spines on
the reddish stalks ; Ptgchosperma Alexandres^ from Tropical Australia, with quite
smooth leaf-stalks — all these having bold arching foliage ; and Cedamus ciliaris,
from Java, with its neat short leaves, formed of narrow, closely-set pinnae, are
other examples of elegant species furnished with pinnate foliage. Of a distinct
tj^pe is Thrinax havanensis^ from the West Indies, which furnishes a very hand¬
some slender-growing palmate-leaved species, strikingly adapted for decorative uses.

Ferns have received some important additions. Amongst the stove species, the
finest by far is Davedlia g)(dlida alias Mooreana^ a large decompound pale-green
species, from Borneo, remarkable for its small oblique segments, and its bulging
sori. Acropliorus (or Davallia) hemiptera forms a charming small pinnate basket
fern, with creeping rhizomes, and comes also from Borneo ; while amongst new gold
ferns we have Gymnogramma Lancheana gigantea, a deep golden, broad pinnuled
Belgian variety, of great beauty and interest. Greenhouse ferns are represented
by Adiantum Capillus-veneris magnijicum^ a variety with very large crisp}^ and
incised pinnules, rivalling in beauty the exquisite A. farleyense ; another variety
of the same species, undulatum^ is interesting from its crispy appearance ; and
A. excisum Leyi^ also a garden variety, forms a condensed cristate mass. Asple-
niurn fernandeziamim^ introduced from Montevideo, is a pretty dwarf pinnate
proliferous species ; Pteris serrulata cristata magnifica^ an English seedling, is a
grandly crested form of an elegant species, common in the tj^pical form, and re-

(5

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ January,

markably free-growing ; and Todea intermedia is a New Zealand film-fern, con¬
necting tlie two species already known in cultivation, — superba and bymenopbyl-
loides. Of hardy ferns we may specially mention Struthiopteris orientalis^ from
Japan, a bold species of distinct character, with dimorphous fronds ; while of
British varieties, Athjrium Filix-fcemina Elizahetlice^ with dwarf fronds, having
dilated rachides ; and A. F-f hallothrix^ a fringy plant with remarkably finely-
cut divisions, may be noted as particularly distinct and desirable.

From the lists of new Hardy Trees and Shrubs, we select the following as the
most desirable subjects : — Acer rufinerve alho-limbatum^ a noble Japanese Maple,
also known as A. japonicum argenteum^ with broad palmate leaves, margined and
mottled with white ; Liriodendron tulip>iferum aureo-pictum^ a Belgian variety,
having its leaves blotched in the centre with yellow ; and Querciis striata japonica^
with firm ovate-lanceolate leaves, variegated with greenish-yellow. Conifers have
yielded two charmingly elegant forms of Cupressus Lawsonianq, namely, pendula
alba and albo-spica ; the first is entirely of a silvery or glaucous hue, and most
elegantly drooping ; the second, also a very ornamental plant, has silvery whitish
tvdo-s, but is not pendulous like the former. Thuja gigantea (Lohhii) aureo-varie-
^ata^ with patches of the young twigs of a clear yellow, is a most beautiful varie¬
gated Conifer of garden origin ; and from the French gardens we get Pinus Strohus
umhraculifera^ described as a densely-branched, bushy, ornamental plant, with
shorter and more crowded leaves than in the type. Passing to Ornamental Shrubs,
we find that Yucca argospatha^ a fine species, allied to Y. Treculeana, has flowered
at Grenoble, and is remarkable for the satiny-white undulated bracts of its inflor¬
escence. Cotoneaster congesta and C. prostrata are two species introduced by Mr.
Saunders, both North Indian, and desirable as dense-growing dwarf shrubs, the
former, evergreen, with globose berries ; the latter, sub-evergreen, with roundish-
turbinate berries. Garrya Tlmretii^ grown in the garden of the Paris Museum,
and noted as a hybrid between G. elliptica and G. Fadyenii, is said to be hardy, or
nearly so ; while from the French gardens we also get Prunus Laurocerasus
macrophylla^ the Versailles Laurel, remarkable for its vigour, and for the size of
its leaves, which frequently measure 10 in. in length.

The group of out-door Perennials has yielded us several choice acquisitions.
We have gained^ for instance, Liliiim Maximowiczii^ a Japanese slender-growing
Lily, with drooping scarlet flowers, spotted with black-purple ; and Calochortus
unijioras, a lovely little half-hardy plant, with pale pink flowers, coming from
Santa Cruz — these amongst bulbs. Clematis cethusifolia is a pretty sub-shrubby
climber, of dwarfish growth, with tubular bell-shaped yellowish-white flowers.
Acanthus longifolius, a Dalmatian species, is a fine herbaceous plant, with large
pinnatiparted leaves, rosy flowers, and whitish spiny bracts, veined with green.
Hoteia japonica variegata, from Japan, resembles the type in all respects, but
having red-stalked leaves, with the leaflets marked by a golden reticulated varie¬
gation. Iris stylosa^ a slender Algerian plant, with large violet-coloured flowers.

1870. ]

NEW PLANTS OF 1869.

7

marked with yellow bands, is a welcome addition to a favourite family. Pyrethrum
TcJiihatcheivii^ from Asia Minor, may be recorded rather fop its utility than its
beauty ; it is a prostrate plant, with finely cut leaves, adapted for clothing with
the freshest verdure lawns and banks which may be exposed to exceptional drought.

From these we pass on to Eock Plants, and here we have some true gems to
chronicle, such as Iheridella rotunclifolia, of densely tufted habit, with rosy-lilac
yellow’-eyed flowers, from the Alps ; Dianthus neglectus, also from the Alps, two
or three inches high, growing in tufts, wdth great bright rosy flowers ; Lychnis
Lagascoc, from the Pyrenees, forming hemispherical masses of rosy-pink blossoms,
like those of a Silene ; Primula g)edemontana, of the Swiss Alps, auricula-like in
habit, with large rosy-purple flowers ; Androsace pubescens, another denizen of
the Alps, forming a mat of green leaves, overlaid with pure white flowers ;
and finally, Nertera depressa, a densely tufted x4.ntarctic mountain herb, incon¬
spicuous while in bloom, but exceedingly ornamental when studded with its
globose orange-coloured fruits, of the size of small peas.

New Greenhouse Plants are more numerous, and we must pass over many
having more or less interest attaching to them. Passijlora Munroi, a garden
hybrid, is a fine creeper, with three-lobed leaves, and violet-coloured flowers,
having the coronal ray purple barred with white. Tetranthera Llmysii, from the
French gardens, is a laurel, with oblong, slightly undulated leaves, elegantly
variegated with yellow, greenish yellow, and deep green, w’hile the petioles are
of an intense red. The Aralia, Sieholdii aureo-marginata furnishes a well-
marked and distinct yellow variegated form of a fine Japanese evergreen shrub.
Toxicophloea spectahilis, a Natal apocynaceous plant, remarkable for its first-
sight resemblance to an Ixora, is an evergreen shrub, producing terminal
close heads of white flowers, and might probably be grown into a handsome
specimen. Machaya hella is a very pretty, slender-growing South African acan-
thad, producing a profusion of campanulate flowers of a pale lilac colour, trans¬
versely pencilled in the throat with delicate purple lines. Salvia involucrata
Deschampsiana, remarkable for its close, ovate, spike-like heads of inflated-
tubed, bright rose-coloured flowers, has been found in the French gardens, and
would probably be a good decorative plant. Cordyline indivisa latifolia is a very
broad-leaved form of this finest of all Oordylines. Phormium Unax Veitcliianum
variegatuin is an elegant golden-striped variety of the smaller-growing form of
broad-leaved New Zealand flax. Pelargonium hispidum is a handsome, free-flower¬
ing species, quite distinct from the usual cultivated types, with palmatifid leaves,
and large purple flowers having tw^o broad upper and three narrow lower petals,
and is one of many which are well wmidh taking up by the breeder. Gymnotlirix
latifolia, an elegant Montevidean tall-growing perennial grass, perhaps requiring
protection in w-inter, but otherwise quite adapted for the open garden, grows
9-10 ft. high, and has elegant catkin-like nodding flower-spikes. We can only
mention Pncephalartus grandis and plumosiis^ and Macrozamia excelsa and Denni-

8

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ JAXL'AUY,

soni as being fine South African Cycads ; and pass on to Greenhouse Succulents,
amongst which we find Aqcivq llcc/Elii, A. Dq Sincticinci, A. l^cssei'icmci ]itjst)’ix,
A. inctinatciy A. Leguaycma^ A. horrida, and A. Nissoni, all occurring as mode¬
rate-sized manageable species, the last having the green leaves marked with a
deep yellow line up the centre. Cotyledon fulgens is a handsome Mexican species,
belonging to Echeveria (which modern botanists permit Cotyledon to swallow up),
and produces a panicle of nodding racemes of bright coral-red flowers, yellow
at the base. Finally, in Stapelia hystrix we have a remarkable South African
plant, with star-shaped sulphur-coloured flowers, marked with transverse purple
bars, and studded with awl-shaped processes tipped with pui’iile. We must
reserve the Orchids and Stove plants for a subsequent page. — M.

DAHLIA IMPERIALIS. ^

HEN Dr. Regel, in 1863, figured the Dahlia imperialis, which had just
then been introduced from Mexico by Roezl, he remarked that he had
read Reezl’s description with a somewhat incredulous smile, — such as
might be indulged in by the reader when looking on his own figure of
the plant, representing the white bell-shaped lily-like blossoms, with a pyramidal
hundred-flowered candelabram-like inflorescence. Roezl indicated in this new
Dahlia a sensational plant, bearing on a pyramidally-branched stem from 150 to
200 large nodding flowers like those of yuccas or gigantic lilies, and noted it
as the most beautiful and valuable of his introductions. A quantity of the roots
received at the Botanic Garden of Zurich, in May, 1862, were planted in the
open ground ; the plants soon reached 5 ft. to 6 ft. in height, but the flowers were
.late in forming. The stately growth, and large doubly or almost triply pinnate
leaves, it was observed, made it at least as beautiful a leaf-plant as the most effective
of the Wigandias, Solanuins, and Nicotianas, so highly prized, while, as soon as it
unfolded its flower panicles, it was seen to far surpass the most ornamental of them
all. Since that time, the plant has spread over the Continental gardens, but was
little known in England till 1868, when Mr. Bateman brought home roots from
Cannes, where, about the beginning of November, he met vuth it in great beauty.
It is naturally a late-flowering plant, and thus in our climate is useless for out-door
purposes ; but it forms a grand and novel subject for the conservatory during
the autumn season, requiring, however, a temperature somewhat above that of
an ordinary greenhouse to secure the development of its flowers.

Naturally this Dahlia grows to a great height — 12 ft. to 20 ft., before develop¬
ing its flowers, and this was felt to be an objectionable characteristic. Grown in a
light orchard-house through the summer, and removed in autumn to a stove to
perfect the flowers, the plants cultivated at Chiswick, where our figure was made,
reached* the height just indicated, but having long bare stems below. Mr. Alfred
Salter, of the Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith, has, however, hit upon a satisfac¬
tory mode of counteracting this tendency. He took grafts of the succulent stems

1870. ]

DAHLIA IMPERIALIS.

9

in the month of May, and united them by herbaceous grafting, each to a tuber
of one of the dwarfest liliputian dahlias. The plants thus formed have, during
the past autumn, blossomed with him at a height of 8 ft. or 9 ft., forming a pyramid
of perfect symmetry, with the large and much divided leaves spreading out on all

10

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ January,

sides at tlie base, while the stem was freely branched in the upper half, where it
was furnished with numberless flowers. Treated in this way, Dahlia iniperialis.
becomes a thoroughly distinct and remarkably handsome decorative plant for late
autumn in-door purposes. The plants go on developing in an ordinary greenhouse
until chilly weather conies on, and then it is that a mild heat is necessary to
secure the opening of the blossoms, which, as above described, are drooping, with
the florets somewhat converging, which seems to give the flower-heads a lily-like-
aspect. Two varieties have been observed, one with the flowers entirely white,
the other with a red spot at the base of each ray floret. — M.

THE PEARS AT TORT WORTH COURT.

Y subject may be fitly introduced by the remark that the experience-
iL gained in any given locality is not sufficient to enable us to determine
with certainty the real merits of the different varieties of our hardy fruits.
^ There are many contingencies that arise to vary the results of our inves¬
tigations, and they may help to enable us to account for much diversity as to quality.
There are to be considered, for example, the situation of the garden, the amount
of shelter, the physical character and mineral constituents of the soil, and the
mode of training and pruning, all of which exercise an abiding influence.

Much of late years has been written in favour of the Quince as a stock for
the Pear ; but from what I can learn, the excitement in its favour is abating, and
experience is giving us an insight into its true value. I cannot help thinking that
the discussion was mixed up with a great deal that was useless, and frequently
altogether beside the mark. All our Pears are worked on the Pear stock, and
I am thankful to say that such is the case, for otherwise I fear that our supply
would not equal the demand. Our kitchen garden is situated 300 feet above
the sea level, and is only slightly protected, being exposed to the severe hurricanes
from the British Channel. With these prefatory observations, I proceed with my
descriptive and annotated list, which I shall continue as opportunity offers : —

Alexandre Lamhre. — Under the majority of circumstances, the quality of this variety cannot
be considered to rank higher than third-rate ; hence it is undeserving of a place even in an
extensive collection. Judging from appearance, it would be pronounced first-class, but it is
the very reverse of this, being gritty and dry-fleshed. Admirably adapted for the market,
where appearance is more frequently valued than quality. This is a hardy kind, and a profuse
bearer, the fruit weighing about 4 oz., and beginning to ripen about the 20th of October.

Beurre d'AinanUs. — There can be no doubt of this variety being one of our best autumn
pears — possibly the very best, as it possesses all the qualities that can be desired, gushing with
juice, and rich in sugar. It begins to ripen about the 10th of September, and weighs from
10 oz. to 12 oz. The habit is vigorous, and it is a great bearer. The Beurre d'Amanlis
panacMe has no distinguishing character, beyond that of the fruit being striped with yellow.

Beurre de Ranee. — This is a pear of varying qualities, and exceedingly uncertain as to
flavour; in some seasons it is delicious, and at other times insipid. When grown as an open
standard, the fruit rarely, if ever, shows its true character, unless it may be in some favoured
locality. In the majority of cases it ought to be trained on a south wall, where it not only
produces fruit of greater size, but brings out fully its valuable properties. Weighs 8 oz.,^
begins to ripen towards the end of December, and goes on progressively till the middle of
February.

1870. ]

THE PEARS AT TOETWORTH COURT.

11

° Beurre GiffarcL — Where early pears are valued, this delicious variety should not be
omitted. It begins to ripen during the second week in August, and continues in use for
about ten or fourteen days. The usual weight is 3 oz. Probably it may be a little inferior to
Fondaute do Cueime, but I think there is room for a difference of opinion. As both ripen at
the same time, there can be no harm done whichever is selected,
f Beurre Gouhault. — Like the preceding, this variety cannot be too strongly recommended,

It bears freely in exposed situations, is juicy, and contains a largo amount of sugar. Among
the many kinds that come into use at the same time, it has few, if any, equals. The usual
time of ripening is about the 25th September, and it weighs from 3 oz. to 4 oz.

Beurr^ Bretonneau, — This is really a worthless variety, for, whether grown as a standard
or trained against a wall, it never ripens. I have kept it till the end of July without its show¬
ing any signs of maturation. It is somewhat singular that nurserymen should still retain it
in their catalogues, and describe it as an excellent late kind.

Beurre Sterckmans. — Unless during our warmest summers, this excellent pear never shows
its real qualities, when grown as a standard ; it deserves, and ought to have, the protection of
a wall. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and sugary. It is very productive, weighs from 0 oz. to
10 oz., begins to ripen during the first week in December, and continues in use about a month.

^ Beurr^ Duliaume. — This pear ranks amongst our very best varieties. There may be
several of equal merit, but it has few superiors. It is crisp and juicy, very sugary, begins to
ripen about the middle of November, and weighs 6 oz.

Beurre de Wetteren. — The highest recommendation this pear possesses is its handsome
appearance ; it ripens about the middle of October, and weighs from 9 oz. to 10 oz. As so
many first-class pears are in season at the same time, it is unworthy of cultivation.

Bemr4 d'Aremberg. — We have here a variety that claims special attention, the fruit being
melting and juicy, and very sugary, combined with an agreeable acid; it begins to ripen at
the middle of November, weighs from 6 oz. to 7 oz., and keeps in condition till the end of
December. When confined to a wet situation, the fruit is apt to bo small and covered with
black spots, accompanied by canker.

Beurre, Winter. — Beyond being a large showy pear, weighing from 11 oz. to 12 oz , this
has nothing to recommend it. I have heard it spoken of in more complimentary terms, but
have not been able to discover any merits that would induce me to continue its cultivation.

Beurre Bose. — When grown as a standard, the flesh of this pear is crisp, and only half
melting ; trained against a wall, the quality is all that the most fastidious can possibly desire.
A large liandsome fruit, weighing 11 oz., and coming into use during the first week in November.

Beurre Diel. — I have never found this pear, when grown as a standard, to possess moi'e
than a second-rate quality. When grown against a wall, the case is very different, as the
flesh then becomes melting, juicy, and sugary. This variety ranks amongst our largest
dessert pears, weighing from 14 oz. to 15 oz. ; it begins to ripen during the first week in
November.

Beurre Gris cTHiver. — About fifteen years ago this variety was brought into notice, and
described as a real acquisition, while a more worthless kind does not exist; it is quite as bad
as Beurrd Bretonneau, and may therefore be expelled from British gardens. I do not say so
without experience. I have trained it against a south wall for a number of years, planted in a
well prepared border, and have kept the fruit till the end of June, and then it was as hard as
when picked from the tree.

Beurr^ Langelier. — I have still retained this kind in our collection, although at best only
third-rate. It is not only deficient of sugar, but possesses a disagreeable acid. Weighs
about 8 oz.

Beurre Leon le Clerc. — This can hardly be called a first-class fruit, although the flesh is
melting, juicy, and to some extent buttery. Though deficient in sugai’, and often soapy, yet
during very warm summ'ers the quality is all that can be desired. The usual weight is from
8oz. to 9 oz. ; it begins to ripen about the 17th of October, and continues to keep a succes¬
sion for two weeks. Occasionally it will be found very useful in filling up the gap between
other varieties.

Beurre Derouineau. — Under the most favourable conditions this variety possesses only a
third-rate quality. It weighs from 6 oz. to 7 oz., is a handsome fruit, and readily attracts
attention, but the flesh is dry and coarse ; begins to ripen about the Gth of October.
p Beurre SuperJin. — However small the space, no collection of pears should be without this

variety; it has a handsome appearance, and weighs from 8oz. to 9 oz. In the truest sense of
the word this is a melting pear, gushing with juice, •sugary, buttery, and fine-grained, these

12

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[JANUAEY,

qualities being so combined as to produce a delicious flavour ; it ripens in the middle of October,
and continues in use to the middle of November.

Beun% Brown. — This variety bears freely as a standard 'when planted in a warm situation,
but the quality is only second-rate. When grown against a south wall the flavour is delicious,
melting, sugary, and buttery, combined with an agreeable acid; it weighs from 8 oz. to 9 oz.,
and begins to ripen usually about the 20th of October.

Beurre, Easter. — This is one of our most uncertain pears, whether as regards the flavour, or
the time of ripening. In some seasons it comes into use as early as the end of November, and in
others not till the middle of January, or beginning of February, while very many of the fruit
occasional!}’' never soften at all, and those that do ripen are frequently so insipid as to be unfit
for dessert. When grown under the protection of a wall these defects rarely appear. The
quality then, wdth some few exceptions, is melting, juicy, and sugary. The usual weight at¬
tained is from 8 oz. to 9 oz., and I have frequently known a single fruit to exceed these weights.

— Alexander Oeamb, Tortworth.

PERPETUAL-FLOWERING OR TREE CARNATIONS.

(^^HESE beautiful and most useful plants may be increased by cuttings or by
layers. The simplest way of getting up a stock of them is to place the
old plants in a gentle heat, at once, and then early in February to take
off the cuttings, put them in around the edges of 3-in. pots, in equal parts
of loam, leaf-mould, and sand, water well, and plunge in a gentle bottom-heat
not too damp. When they are rooted, pot them off singly in 3-in. pots in a
mixture of loam, coarse sand, and rotten dung, and keep them in a close space
until well established, after which harden them off gradually, and place them in
a cold frame. In April, if the weather permits, plant them out on a piece of
open ground, which has been well dressed with soot, dung, and lime, and trenched
from 2 ft. to 3 ft. deep. Place a 4-ft. stick to each plant, which is to be
regularly tied up, so that the winds and rains do not break it. By the middle of
September it will be in a fit state to transfer to a 6-in. or 7-in. pot.

After potting, the plants must have a good watering, and for about a fortnight
should be placed in a shady place, being also syringed overhead twice a day in
bright weather. When they are again established, place them in the sun on a
bed of ashes, or on boards, but as soon as the autumn rains come on, get them
under cover, giving them plenty of air. They should then commence flowering,
and continue all through the winter and spring months, if assisted with a little
lire heat and with liquid manure, which latter, when they are well established
and the pots get full of roots, they may have once a week. They delight in
being plunged in sweet dung, so as to keep the roots cool, and will root through
the bottom of the pot, and over the top. Occasionally dissolve 1 oz. of carbonate
of ammonia in a gallon of water, and water with this solution. If the plants
are in a healthy state, the feathery roots may be seen on the surface in the
course of a few days, after each application of the ammonia.

The plants must never be allowed to get root-bound, which is the point where
many good growers have failed with them. They must be kept shifted on, as
soon as the pots get filled with roots, and should be placed for the winter in a
dry, light, airy house, where they can get all the sun possible, without being

1S70. 1

PAS31FL0EA MACROCARP A.

13

exposed to draughts. If they get over-wet, they will suffer from mildew and
canker. In case mildew appears, sulphur should be applied, while for green-fly
they should be promptly washed with soft soap and water.

Every person who has a greenhouse should grow a few of the varieties, for
they are very beautiful, and maybe had in flower all the year. I add the names
of a dozen of the best I know : — Bride (not Hodge’s), a fine serrulated white
flower, very sweet and free ; Covent Garden Scarlet, the finest of all where it
does well, but it is subject to canker; Dragon, scarlet, good habit and free ;
Boule de Feu, a fine scarlet variety ; Frince of Orange (Perkins’), a very pro¬
mising yellow variety, free ; Jean Bart^ a compact-growing scarlet ; Oscar,
yellow ; Beautg, scarlet flake ; Duke of Wellington, scarlet bizarre ; Henshaw's
Scarlet^ in the way of La Grenadier ; Lee's Scarlet, a free serrulated variety ;
Atinie. I can testify that these are all good. — W. Howard, Balham.

PASSIFLORA MACROCARPA.

[URING the past spring, I planted, in a brick box at the end of a pine
stove, a young plant of Passiflora macrocarpa. The fruit which I send you
is One of five now (November 22) maturing upon the plant. It weighs 4 lb.
12 oz., and girths lengthwise 26 in., and round the middle 19 in. My
object in sending this fruit is to ascertain whether the P. macrocarpa is really
worth growing as a dessert fruit. A short time ago, I sent one to the family ; and
this was reported to be not at all good, and quite unlike the fruit of the
Passiflora edulis. — Wm. Miller, Comhe A bbey Gardens.

[The fruit above referred to somewhat resembled a large, bulged, and some¬
what angular vegetable marrow. It was rather over-ripe, and had in consequence
burst during transit, showing an apparent tendency to split into valves. The
colour was a deep yellow ; the flesh was thick, white, almost tasteless, while the
juice and the pulpy matter surrounding the seeds were pleasantly acidulous, so
that the fruit might be converted into an agreeable conserve or compote, for
which it seems better adapted than for eating in the raw state. We abstract the
following additional particulars from Dr. Masters’ account of the plant : —

‘‘In habit and general appearance Passiflora macrocarpa is almost identical with P.
quadrangularis ; so that in the early stages of growth it is impossible to distinguish the two,
but in the adult state the leaves of P. macrocarpa are of a more rounded outline, and usually
somewhat smaller than those of P. quadrangular is ; while the stipules are much larger, and
taper at the base into a broad stalk. P. macrocarpa has, moreover, rounder, larger, more
serrated bracts ; a shorter, shallower calyx tube ; violet (not pink) petals, which do not
exceed the sepals; outer coronal rays which considerably exceed the petals, and the succeed¬
ing coronal rays filamentous, while in P. quadrangularis they are shorter and tooth-like. The
ovary in P. macrocarpa is oblong or obovoid, not ovoid, and the fruit is much larger, oblong,
obtuse, depressed at both ends, and longitudinally sulcate ; while that of the true P. quadran¬
gularis is ovoid, and of the size of a swan’s egg.

“This Passion-flower was discovered by M. Wallis, on the banks of the Rio Negro, between
Manaos and Barcellos, about 1864, and was also found by Dr. Spruce in Peru. At that time
I\I. Wallis wrote, that the species acquired unusual dimensions, and that the fruits, which were
highly esteemed in the country, attained a weight of 8 lb. Respecting the former habitat, Dr.
Spruce remarks: — ‘If M. Linden’s collector sent from the Rio Negro a large-fruited

14

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ January,

Pagsiflora, I should say it had certainly been raised there from seeds brought from Peru.
No such Passiflora, either wild or cultivated, was known in that region in my time ; but since
steamers have run up to the very roots of the Andes, I learn that the Brazilians have got
from Peru the Banbonago, or Panama-hat Plant (Carludovica, 5/;.), and many others. In the
lower eastern Andos a large-fruited Passiflora is commonly cultivated under the name of
‘ Tumbo,’ and the same species is still more largely grown on the western side of the Andes,
in what is called the ‘coast region’ of Peru. At Guayaquil, what seems the same kind is
called ‘ Badea,’ but it may be distinct from the ‘Tumbo.’ These Passifioras have a fruit 9,
or even 12, inches long, very like that of the common Papaw, but blunter at each end, and
very much heavier, bulk for bulk. There is a variety with longitudinally sulcate fruit. Not
only are the seeds, enveloped in sweet mucilage, eaten, as they are in the common Granadillas,
but the thick flesh is also eaten, after the manner of Melons and Papaws, to both of which its
flavour slightly assimilates it, although it used to remind me more of a soft sourish-sweet
apple. In Peru the ‘ Tumbo ’ is commonly trained over a horizontal trellis-work, I’aised high
enough to allow of a man walking under it erect, but sometimes much higher, and only
accessible by means of a ladder. The finest plants and the best-tasted fruits I have seen
were grown on the river Chira, in lat. 5° south. The priest of Amotape — a small village
on that river — had a plant that must have covered 50 square yards. I have several times
reposed in my hammock under its shade, and regaled on its fruit. That was in 18G3.’

“We liave tlius tlie testimony of Spruce and Wallis that the fruit of P.
macrocarpa is highly esteemed in tropical South America. As grovv-n in this
country, it is more watery and less perfumed than that of P. (luadrcuifjiilaris. It
is surprising that, commonly as P. quadrangularis is grown, its fruit is so seldom
seen on the dessert-table in the form of a conserve or jam. We know of few
confections of that nature of a richer flavour, and warmly recommend growers of
P. quadrangularis or P. macrocarpa to avail themselves of the fruit. The follow¬
ing directions to the cook may be serviceable : — Out the ripe fruit into slices,
crush the pulp surrounding the seeds with a spoon, so as to extract the juice, then
remove the seeds, boil the slices till tender, and pass them through a sieve ; mix
the juice with the pulp, and add white sugar in the proportion of half a pound
to a pound of pulp, or thereabouts, and boil down to a proper consistence. A
compote would be still better.” — Ed.]

THE NEW CHEYSANTHEMUMS OF 1869.

LOOMING, as these fine autumnal flowers do, at a season of the year when
there are few opportunities for their being exhibited, there is, naturall}’’
enough, some difficulty in compiling a complete list of novelties, — as, if one
would know anything of them, they must be sought after. However,
having regard to the fact that the main of the new varieties find their way into
the hands of Messrs. Salter and Son, Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith, for distri¬
bution, what they have to offer may be taken as representing the cream of the
new flowers of the year. The major part of these I had an opportunity of seeing
when in bloom, and can therefore speak confidently as to their merits.

Of the ordinary large-flowered, or Chinese Chrysanthemums, the Messrs*
Salter have a batch of eleven new varieties, as follows : — Beauty of Stoke, flowers
of great size and finely incurved ; colour, full amber yellow, with a tint of red
thrown over it as the flowers age, gradually deepening till they fade ; full, and of
good substance, with broad massive florets. Duke of Edinburgh, rosy lilac^with

1870. j

THE NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS OF 18G9.

15

pale centre wlien fully incurved, a flower of remarkably fine quality, and of great
size, evidently destined to play an important part on the exliibition-table in the
time to come. Glohosa, Indian red, of a dark hue, with broad stout florets,
formed into finely incurved flowers ; the habit is unusually dwarf, and the growth
compact. Marginata, one of the anemone-flowered class, the guard-petals blush
at the base, with an edging of deep rose ; the centre rose, but fading to white
when the flowers become fully developed, while the rose in the margin of the
guard-petals becomes more distinct; a fine addition. Meyerbeer, pale rosy chocolate,,
lighter towards the centre ; the flowers of medium size, and the florets remarkably
broad, finely incurved when fully developed. Miss Hope, a very beautiful incurved
flower of a delicate lilac tint, with white centre, paling to white as the flowers age ;
it is likely to be a great favourite. Mrs. Wreford Major, deep rose, a reflexed
flower of good qualit}^, and promising to be very useful for pot cultivation, from
its compact, bushy growth. Nonna, one of the half-open petaled varieties, of an
ivory-white colour, with stout stiff florets, dwarf, compact habit, and likely
to be very useful as a pot plant. Ondine, a flower of some novelty of character,
the base of the florets cream, tipped with rosy lilac ; the blooms are finely in¬
curved, distinct, and full. Princess Louise, another of the anemone-flowered type,
the colour a delicate rosy blush, with high close centre, and, like Marginata, a
good addition to this class. Virginalis, equally fine as an anemone-flowered
kind ; colour white, centre close and high ; somewhat late in blooming.

It would seem that this season brings no addition to the Pompon class.
Evidently the small-flowered Chrysanthemums are not so much regarded by
raisers as those of the large-flowered type.

Of the Japanese kinds, Messrs. Salter have produced some fine new flowers,
showing that the improvement of these curious flowers is being most successfully
prosecuted, and that from the time that Mr. Fortune introduced them from
Japan, up to the present moment, our florists have not been unmindful of the
peculiar functions they discharge in relation to plants. Of the new varieties a
few are of the ribbon style, and it is curious to observe that in the case of nearly
all these flowers, they come with an outside ring of quilled florets of a tubular
shape, with about an inch of the top flattened out. The new kinds comprise : —
Aurora, one of the curiously twisted ribbon flowers, though only partially curled ;
colour bright orange, fine and distinct. Chang, another of the twisted and
curled ribbon flowers ; colour red, with yellow at the back of the florets, which are
very broad, forming large flower-heads. Emperor of China, with the florets in
the form of slender quills, the centre of the flower dashed with reddish orange,
and pale buff tips ; the outer florets blush, those on the exterior of the flower
not so much quilled. Giant, a most extraordinary flower, arid a decided novelty ;
colour a pale lilac, with the florets of a quilled form ; the diameter of
this flower reaches fully one foot, and I am informed that while expanding,
the florets lengthened fully an inch each day. Gold Thread, golden amber ;

16

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Januauy,

resembling a mass of golden thread-like florets, or long quills ; very curious and
novel. Colonel Hemery, the blossoms form a semi-globular mass of straight,
stiff, long, narrow, strap-shaped florets, and being of a deep golden yellow, they
are exceedingly showy. Gloriosa, with fine large flowers, formed of long, loose
florets in the shape of a flattish head ; colour yellow, slightly tinted with red in
some stages, but eventually becoming almost entirely yellow. Helen McGregor,
rich deep chestnut red, the flower heads very full and fringe-like. La Chinoise,
chestnut red, with yellow tips, and producing large flower-heads ; a very decided
improvement on similar flowers of the same character. Mandarin, very fine,
the colour canary-yellow ; a great advance in point of colour in this section, the
hue being as deep as that in Jardin des Plantes, and the broad, ribbon-like florets
curiously twisted ; very fine. Meg Merrilies, pure white, with sulphur in the
centre, the florets tube-shaped at the base, but flat at the ends, and much jagged,
and so forming large characteristic heads. Negro, very dark maroon, of a deep
and yet bright hue of colour ; very showy and distinct ; one of the curled and
twisted, narrow-petaled type. Loh Roy, very distinct as to colour, the tubular
portion of the florets being of a dull purplish red, and the flattened, expanded
parts, which show the inner surface, of a pale amber or buff. Sol, clear, wax¬
like yellow, with long, straight, strap-like petals, showy and novel. The Sultan,
a very fine flower, which received a first-class certificate from the Floral
Committee on November 16th ; a ribbon flower of a bright rosy lilac hue, very
large and full, and a great acquisition as a decorative plant. Viceroy of Egypt,
bright rosy lilac, with broad ribbon-like florets, distinct and good.

To rightly appreciate the value of these Japanese Chrysanthemums as decorative
agents, they should be seen when the flowers are fully developed, and at their
best. Those who look upon them when the flowers are yet opening are apt to
think lightly of them, and condemn them in consequence. The fact that many
of them bloom later than the large-flowered varieties is not among the least of
the claims they have on popular patronage. — Quo.

NEW PEAS.

J^NE of the most important of our esculents is the Pea ; and without any dis¬
paragement of certain good old favourite sorts, it may fairly be stated that
during the last few years, commencing with the labours of the late Dr.

Maclean, a wonderful improvement in the quality of the garden varieties has
taken place. Some of Maclean’s sorts, such as Little Gem, Advancer, Premier, &:c,,
have proved to be grand acquisitions, and are not even yet surpassed in their respec¬
tive classes ; but improvements of this kind are stimulative, and since the advent
of those just named, other novelties, bearing high characters on good authority,
and for which horticulturists are indebted to Mr. Laxton, of Stamford, have
made their appearance.

Subsequently to the production of these later novelties, the Messrs. Caider

1870. ]

NEW PEAS.

17

have taken up the raising of New Peas, and one of their first results repre¬
sented in the annexed figure, is that which is called The Coolcs Favourite Pea, or-

Hundredfold. This was obtained by crossing Laxton’s Prolific with Ne Plus Ultra.
It is described as a prolific late variety, about 14 days later than Supreme, as
growing about 4 ft. high, and as producing abundantly its remarkably fine pods,

18

THE FLOBIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[January

wliicliare sliglitly curved, of tlie deep colour of Ne Plus Ultra, and carrying a fine
bloom. Wlien cooked, the peas are of excellent quality, and of a dark green
colour, the ripe seed being of a pale olive-green. This sort is noted by the
Gardeners' Chronicle reporter, from personal inspection, as likely to become
jDopular both for marketing and garden use. It is to be let out for the first time
this season, and we believe is in the hands of the Messrs. Carter and Co., and
Messrs. Hurst and Son. To the former of these gentlemen we are indebted for
our woodcut representation. — M.

THE LADY^S SLIPPEES.— Chapter I.

HE species comprising the orchidaceous genus Cypripediwn are universal
favourites with plant-growers on account of their neat habit, and the
pleasing combination of colours in their flowers, while the very peculiar
calceiform lip, whence the genus is popularly known by the name of
Lady’s Slipper, forms an exceedingly interesting portion of their structure.

Cppripediums differ from the majority of ornamental orchids in not having
pseudobulbs. They are all of dwarf compact habit, and remarkably handsome
when in flower ; while, in addition to their floral beauty, many of them have
variegated leaves of a remarkably ornamental character, which renders them
attractive even when destitute of blossoms. The species are found in the East
Indies and in the Eastern Islands, in South America, in North America, and in
Europe. The European and North American species are deciduous, and remain
dormant during the winter months, whilst the Indian and South American
species are evergreen. These have been divided by some botanists into two
genera, under the respective names of Cijpripedinni and Selenipedium, but others
regard the differences between the two groups as insufficient to warrant the
separation, and in the few remarks here offered I shall adopt the latter view, and
treat of them all as Cppripediums.

The ease with which these plants may be grown, combined with the little
space they require, and the long time their flowers retain their full beauty, are
considerations which specially recommend them to the notice of amateurs who
have but little stove accommodation. Even those who do not grow a collection
of orchids should introduce some few of these plants into their mixed collections,
for I may add that Cppripediums succeed better when grown with a miscellaneous
collection of plants, than perhaps any other genus of their order. Those of them
which are natives of Moulmein and the Indian Islands require an abundance of
heat and a moist atmosphere, in order to induce vigorous growth such as may enable
them to fully develop their beauties ; they should, therefore, be grown in the
East Indian orchid-house, or in a stove with other plants requiring a similar
temperature. Those, on the other hand, which come from the more northern
parts of the Indian mainland, and also the South American kinds, will thrive in
a much cooler house ; indeed, some of them succeed admirably in a close green-

1870. 3

AERATED VINE BORDERS.

19

house. The European and North American kinds can be grown in the green¬
house, or better in a cool moist pit. Under these three heads, then, I shall offer
a few remarks, which, I trust, may be of service to those who already possess
some of these plants, and may induce others who have hitherto refrained from
growing them through fear of mishaps, to add them without delay to their col¬
lections, since the peculiar beauties of colour and form which they present will
give a fresh charm to the stove and green-house.

The soil for their successful culture should be peat and chopped sphagnum
moss, to which may be added a little good leaf-mould and silver sand. In the case
of the European and North American species, a further small proportion of good
turfy loam will be a great advantage. The pots should be well drained, and the
plants should not be set above the rim of the pots, as is done in the case of most
other orchids, but they should be planted slightly below the rim, as in potting
ordinary stove or greenhouse plants. In the growing season the atmosphere
should be moist, and an abundant supply of water must be administered to
the roots ; even during the winter months they enjoy a liberal supply of that
element, w^hich, however, should never be applied to their roots at a lower tem¬
perature 'than that of the atmosphere in which they are growing.

Cupripediims^ as before remarked, have no pseudobulbs, and consequently
have no means of subsistence if water is withheld from them for any length of
time. If subjected to such treatment they will soon shrivel up, and to recover
them from this condition, if indeed they escape with then- life, will be found to
be a work of extreme difficulty. At the very least, their beauty will be destroyed
for a considerable time. — B. S. Williams, Victoria Nursery^ Holloway.

AEKATED VINE BOKDERS.

success of the Grapes sliowm by Mr. Johnston at the International Fruit
Show^ in Edinburgh in September last, and grown in aerated borders, wall
make some of the unbelievers begin to think that there is something in
the system after all. When Mr. Fowler, of Castle Kennedy, commenced
to grow and to show his fine Grapes from a&ated borders, I stated in an article in
a contemporary that I believed he was on the right track for success, for I had
proved that the system was a sound one. In forming the new Kitchen Garden
here the principal range of vineries was necessarily placed in a very low situation,
and the subsoil -was a strong red clay. One of the vineries, a very large one, was
for growdng Muscats principally, and I had the borders aerated, by placmg two
ro'ws of 4-in. pipes in a chamber outside the border, connecting it by air drains
at every 4 ft. wuth the inside space "where the flow and return pipes were placed.
The Muscat and other Grapes planted in this vinery were 12-year old vmes
brought from the old gardens ; and the air-heated border -was made on purpose
to give them a better start in rooting than they could have had in an unheated
border. These vines bore a good crcp the second year after planting, and for the

20

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[J.VXL'ARV,

last eight years have never failed in producing a full crop. Both in this year and
last the Muscats were particularly well coloured in September, although forcing
w^as not commenced before the beginning of March. The Golden Hamburgh and
Grosse Guillaume have likewise in this vinery produced some of the finest-coloured
grapes I have ever seen of these varieties. Had young vines been planted in this
house, when the border was first made, I have no doubt but that some first-rate
show grapes could have been cut from them ; as it ps, fair-sized show branches
have been obtained from them every year.

Some doubts have been expressed by grape growers as to vineries with aerated
borders keeping up the vigorous habit of the Vines for any length of time ; but
if they fail to do so, this can only occur through mismanagement. The system
must be a sound one, and especially commends itself to growers of grapes in
situations which are low and damp, and where the subsoil is bad. For very
early grape forcing, bottom heating must be beneficial, by keeping up a due reci¬
procity of temperature between the roots and branches. No doubt first-rate
show grapes are grown on vine borders where no extra expense has been incurred
in respect to drainage or heating, but this can only be done in exceptionally
favourable situations.

The great secret in growing first-rate show grapes, and of keeping up a reputa¬
tion for growing such, is to have always a house of young vines ready to take the
place of others on the wane, which generally begins from the sixth to the eighth
year after planting. The grandest branches for weight and size of berries are
produced from young vines in the third or fourth year after planting, and which
have never been allowed to bear any bunches till those particular years. Another
way to obtain large bunches and berries, is to cut down a vigorous old or young
vine, to allow it to make one rod only, and not to stop it till it reaches the top of
the rafter. This rod must be pruned at the best and plumpest eye, and will
produce an enormous bunch on the top, or two or three if wanted, for show.
This was the plan that Speedily adopted to produced his 19|--lb. bunch of the
Syrian grape. We see some particular grape-growers shine for a few years in
showing good grapes, but unless they renew their borders and vines frequently,
so as to keep up a succession, they soon sink into the general ruck of cultivators.
— William Tillery, WelhecJc.

THE TUBEKOSE.

Shis deliciously fragrant plant, although it has been for very many years
cultivated in our gardens, is not so extensively grown as it deserves to

fbe ; indeed, I may say that it is not even so well known as it should be,
and its culture is, perhaps, even less understood. Having had some little
experience in the culture of this delightful flower, I propose to offer a few brief
remarks respecting it.

Tuberoses are imported annually, much after the fashion of Dutch bulbs.

1870. ]

THE amateur’s PAGE.

21

They generally arrive in this country during the months of February and March.
In selecting the roots, the largest and firmest, and those with few offsets, should
be chosen, — ^indeed, the fewer offsets the better. In order to have a succession
of them in flower, it is requisite to start them into growth at different intervals.
To accomplish this successfully, all the bulbs, even those that are to flower in the
open air, should bo started in pots. The first batch is potted into 6-in. pots as
soon as it arrives, and others are potted at intervals during the months of April
and May, in very rich soil, previously prepared for the purpose. Before potting,
remove all loose skin, offsets, &c., and be careful, in potting, not to cover the
entire bulb with soil, otherwise it will be very liable to decay. After potting,
place them in a gentle hot-bed, water very sparingly, and keep them pretty
close until the flower-stem begins to appear, when it is requisite to give air more
liberally, in order to prevent the plants from getting weakly and drawn. These
attentions, together with a plentiful supply of light, are the most essential points
in their culture, for if they become weak and drawn they will produce but few
blossoms, while if they are grown sturdily they will flower freely.

As the plants advance in growth, water more liberally, using at times a little
stimulant ; give abundance of air, and constantly keep them neatly tied up, other¬
wise they will soon grow crooked and deformed. When sufficiently advanced in
growth, remove them to the stove, greenhouse, or any other suitable place where
there is plenty of light. Here they may remain until their blossoms expand,
when they may be removed to the drawing-room or conservatory, and when set
amongst other exotics they will, by their beauty, add their quota to the gay
furnishing of the house, and shed abroad their fragrant odours every morning
and evening, when the house is closed, in a way that can only be conceived by
those whose good fortune it is to grow them well.

Those grown for the open air should be all potted and started into growth in a
gentle hot-bed, and transplanted out when secure from frost. I find they succeed
much better by this method than by planting out in the open air in a domiant
state, for, although I have seen them succeed tolerably well by that method in
some seasons, yet on the other hand, I have seen many failures. No doubt in
the south they will succeed very well planted out in the open borders in a
dormant state, but by practising the method I adopt success is rendered certain.
— Edward Bennett, Osherton.

THE AMATEUR’S PAGE.

HE extreme beauty of the choicer Chryscmthemimis^ their variety, and the
great perfection which has characterized their growth and bloom during
the past season, will, no doubt, have considerably raised them in the
estimation of many growers, particularly of amateurs, who may be led to
ask by what means so fine a growth and such a grand autumnal display may be
secured. I propose to show that there are no mysteries whatever connected witk

22

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ January,

the matter ; that the means required are very few, and the culture very simple ;
and that anyone having a glass-covered brick pit, commonly called a cold-pit, or
even a common garden frame, may pass them through all their earlier stages as
successfully as he who has every possible convenience — with this difference, that
the cultivator with the more limited means must take time by the forelock.

From twenty-four to thirty good sorts will afford the amateur abundance of
variety as to colour, and a great amount of interest and pleasure in cultivating
and watching their development during the various stages of growth. If he has
any friends who could supply him with cuttings from old cast-away plants, early
in the season, say, towards the end of April, at the latest, he would commence
under very favourable auspices ; but even if he has to resort to the growers for
sale, the acquisition of such a collection will not be a ruinous affair. I will
hereafter supply a short list of good sorts which I have proved, all of which, I
believe, may be obtained for about sixpence each by the first week in May.
Newer varieties will, no doubt, be desired in after seasons.

The earlier in May that the plants are procured the better will be the chances of
after success, and the amateur should be very particular in asking for spring-struck
cutting plants, for, as a general rule, they will in his hands be more manageable
than older autumn-struck plants. The latter sometimes run lanky, and become
hard-wooded at the base, and require a more complicated system of culture than
a tyro may, perhaps, be master of, in order to grow them into dwarf stocky
plants. For this reason, I recommend the spring-struck cuttings, as being more
easily managed by beginners, who would also do well to explain their desires to
the nurseryman, and ask him for well-rooted plants.

In describing, however simply, the necessary cultural operations, we cannot
avoid the occasional use of technical gardening terms ; still such is the profusion
of horticultural literature, and so greatly has the love of flowers been developed
thereby, that I presume there are now few amateurs fond of flowers who have
not become familiar with those of more frequent recurrence when describing the
manipulation of pot plants. When, therefore, I advise that after the plants are
received from the nursery, they should be turned out of the pots, and the state of
the roots examined, I do not wish it to be understood that the amateur is to take
these instructions literally, by shaking them out in any fashion and roughly dis¬
lodging the drainage and soil from the roots, but in the orthodox manner, by
placing the palm of the hand over the surface of the pot, allowing the stem to
pass between the fingers, gently inverting the pot upon the hand, and giving the
rim a slight tap on the edge of the potting stand, when it will be found that the
pot will lift off from the soil, and leave the latter in a compact and solid state.
Then, if plenty of roots are to be seen around the outsides of the ball of earth, the
plants are ready for a shift into larger pots ; but if few or no roots are to be seen,
the pot is to be replaced, and the plants put into the pit or frame for a week or
ten days longer, supplying them with plenty of ventilation, but slightly shading
them from bright sun during the midday hours. — John Cox, Bedleaf.

1870.]

GARDEN GOSSIP.

23

GARDEN GOSSIP.

LEE AD Y tlie note of preparation for tEe Floral Campaign of 1870 is
sounded. The Royal Horticultural Society of London has issued its prize
schedule for the year, and from it we learn that a series of combined
Floral and Fruit Committee-meetings, and exhibitions more or less com¬

prehensive, ■will take .place on the following days, namely, January 19, February 16,
March 2, 16* April 6, 20*, May 4*, 18, June 1, 15*, July 6*, August 3, 17*, September 7, 21,
October 5, November 2, December 7, — these at Kensington, those marked with an asterisk

being important exhibitions ; and on July 19 to 22, the Great Provincial Show at Oxford. -

The Royal Botanic Society has announced two Spring Shows on March 30-1, and April 27-8,

and thi-ee great Summer Shews on May 25-6, June 22-3, and July 6-7. - The Royal

Caledonian Horticultural Society has fixed a Hyacinth Show for March 29-30, and a

Summer Show (Roses) for July 13. - The Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland announces

a Hyacinth Show on March 24. - The Manchester Grand National Horticultural Exhibition

is to take place as usual in Whitsun week, opening on June 3, and closing on June 9.

- have in the Macadamia ternifolia^ of Moreton Bay, a new Edible

Fruit. The plant is proteaceous, and an evergreen shrub, or rather tree, with

ternately whorled, oblong-lanceolate, spiny-margined, Brexia-like leaves, and a

racemose inflorescence. The fruit is a kind of drupe, with a fleshy exterior, encircling a hard
shell like that of a walnut, within which is a sweet kernel, the flavour of which has been
compared to that of almonds. Young plants have been recently exhibited from the
Wellington Road Nursery.

- ^HERE is a fine specimen of the Ginkgo, Salishuria adiantifolia, at

Whitfield, in Herefordshire, the residence of the Rev. A. Clive, which measures

7 ft. 2 in. in girth at 5 ft. from the ground, is 50 ft. 6 in. in height, and has a

diametric spread of foliage of 40 ft. It is supposed to have been planted about 1776. At
Messrs. Cutbush’s nursery, Highgate, is a vigorous and beautifully symmetrical tree, also
about 50 ft. in height. One of the largest trees is said to be growing in the garden at Hassop
Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire. Probably the oldest and highest Maidenhair tree in England is
that in the grounds of Lord Ravensworth, Walham Green, which is 70 ft. high, and was
planted in 1767.

- - Another new Grape, Melville’s Perfumed Muscat, has been raised by Mr.

Melville, Dalmeny Park. It is said to be a good deal like the White Muscat of

Alexandiia, both in bunch and beny, but more golden in colour when fully ripe,

and sharper, richer, and more perfumed in flavour; very thin-skinned, tender-fleshed, and
dissolving in the mouth. Its most striking peculiarity is the delicate agreeable perfume
which it possesses. It is said to have sprung from Snow’s Muscat Hamburgh, alias Black
Muscat of Alexandria.

- l^ioNE of the perennial species of Candytuft are, according to Mr. G^

Maw, so ornamental as that which takes its name from the Rock of Gibraltar,
Iheris gihraltarica. Plants procured and sent home last April were almost con¬
tinuously in flower up to November ; and one specimen in the open border, which had been
frozen hard three weeks previously, was on November 19 covered with delicate lilac flowers,
the corymbs and individual flowers twice the size of those of Iberis sempervirens. It differs
from all the other species in being a continuous bloomer, the lateral shoots outgrowing and
hiding the old flowers as they decay.

- - According to the observations of Dr. Bull, the English Elm., in ordinary

Herefordshire soil, grows more rapidly than that most vigorous-growing of all

the varieties of the Wych Elm, the Chichester Elm — a tree that in suitable soil

w'ill often make sheets of from 6 ft. to 10 ft. long in a single year. The experiment, he says,
has been made. “ Some say that the English Elm won’t grow well, but the fact is, they are

24

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOQIST.

[ January,

sent out grafted on the Mountain, or Wych Elm. So long as the tree is planted in the rich
loamy soil so prevalent in nurseries, the advantage is undeniable, — a larger tree is grown in a
shorter time, and equally good ; but remove it to the ordinary stiff clay loam of Herefordshire,
and the Wych Elm will not thrive. The conclusion is evident : plant English Elms on their
own hardy roots.”

- ®HE Everhearing Andim Strawberry^ from the highlands of Mexico, is

doubtless, observes Dr. Spruce, one of those varieties of Fragaria vesca commonly
cultivated throughout the Andes within the tropics, where the perpetual spring

of that favoured region has had the effect of rendering the Strawberry perennially fruitful,
and many of the deciduous-leaved trees of Europe evergreen. In the Equatorial Andes the
province of Ambato is famed for its Strawberries, which equal in size and flavour some of our
best varieties, and are to bo seen exposed for sale in the market-place of Ambato every day in
the year. They are cultivated at an altitude of from 7,000 ft. to 9,500 ft. above the sea, where
the mean temperature of the year ranges between 59° and G7° ; but the best are grown a
little way out of Ambato, as you go towards Guayaquil, on the slopes of Guachi (lat. 1^° S.),
at near 9,000 feet, and in a mean temperature of 60°; where, however, the thermometer does
sometimes descend, perhaps half-a-dozen times in the year, to the freezing point in the early
morning, scarcely ever on two successive days.

- IIt is not usual to grow Shallots from seed, but the practice is very suc¬
cessfully followed by Mr. Trigg, of Hayling. His plan is to plant out the offsets
in the usual manner, and allow them to seed, which they do the second year. The

seed is sown in good rich soil, at the same time as Onion seed, and the crop is such that
five fair average specimens weigh 1 lb. 7 oz. They at first look like Onions, but when they
begin to divide into offsets the peculiar difference between the two is readily distinguished.

- S^hen at Nagarote, in his Nicaraguan travels, Dr. Seemann measured

a famous Genisaro tree, Pithecolohium Sajnan, of which the villagers are justly

proud, since they had the public spirit — the rarest of virtues in a Spanish

American — to refuse an offer made for it of 200 dollars. The tree is but 90 ft. high, but some
of the lower branches, which are quite horizontal, are 92 ft. long and 5 ft. in diameter. The
stem, 4 ft. above the base, is 21ft. in circumference, and the crown of the tree describes a
circle of 348 ft., A whole regiment of soldiers might seek repose in its shade.

- - ®HE pulpy portion of the Fruit of the Yew tree is generally believed

to be harmless, while the kernel or seed is regarded as poisonous. M. Clos, of
Toulouse, who has recently investigated the subject, has come to the conclusion
that the Yew berries, including the kernels, are perfectly harmless.

- fKR. W. H; Perry, who has been for nearly fifty years the faithful

assistant of the Messrs. Eivers, of the Sawbridge worth Nurseries, died on the 20th

of November, at the age of 59. Mr. Perry, who has for many years acted as a

judge at the Metropolitan Rose Shows, was generally esteemed for his sound judgment,
intuigrity, and unobtrusiveness.

- IHr. W. Barnes, of the Camden Nursery, Camberwell, died on the

22nd of December last, from an attack of bronchitis, in the 61st year of his age.

His name is famous in the annals of gardening, as being that of one of the

foremost of exhibition plant-growers ; while as one of the famous Kentish gardeners of a
quarter of a century ago, Barnes of Bromley bore an important share in making our Metro¬
politan Exhibitions what they now are as displays of horticultural skill. Some years since,
Mr. Barnes commenced business as a nurseryman at Camberwell, where he made Azaleas
one of his specialities. Both as a censor, and as a member of the Floral Committee, he was
highly respected for the manly and straightforward expression of his opinions, and his
colleagues will all sincerely regret to lose his companionship, and the benefit of his excellent
and well-matured judgment.

Onoiotam

varic o sum vax. Ho^ersi .

J.l^.Utelx.imp.

1370. ]

ONCIDIUM VAEICOSUM VaV. EOaBESII. - THE GAEDEN MENTOE.

25

ONCIDIUM VAKICOSUM var. EOGEESII.

WITH AN ILLU8TEATION.

species of tlie grand genus Oncidium have yet been met with,
a more showy and ornamental character than that which we
now figure, from a fine specimen which bloomed last autumn in
the collection of the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of Chelsea. The flowers
indeed are quite equal in size and beauty to those of 0. Marshallianum
and 0. pectorale, while in brilliancy of colour they far surpass those of 0,
macranthum. The plant was introduced into this country by Dr. Eogers, of East
Grinstead, after whom it has been named ; and was exhibited by him for the
£rst time when just going out of flower in November, 1868. Both 0. varicosum
and the variety under notice, are natives of Brazil, the latter differing from the
former chiefly in the larger size of its flowers, and in the fewer crests developed
•on the disk. It is one of the more ornamental of its race, and all the more
valuable for its habit of flowering during the late autumnal months.

The habit of the plant resembles that of 0. hifolium. The pseudobulbs are
of a long ovate form, and somewhat compressed and ribbed ; they support a pair
of ligulate-lanceolate acute leaves, while from their base proceeds an ample
branched nodding panicle of large yellow flowers. The sepals and petals are
quite small, pale greenish-yellow, marked with brown bars. The lip is large,
much crested at the base, where it is mottled with reddish brown ; it is furnished
with rounded basal lobes, and has a large reniform middle lobe, which is up-\vards
of 2 in. across, divided into four lobules, and of the purest and brightest yellow.
The panicles attain about a couple of feet in length, are much branched, and
bear sometimes as many as 170 flowers. Like 0. varicosum itself, this is
one of the finest Oncids we have in cultivation. In gardens it bears the name
of Oncidium Rogersii^ but Professor Eeichenbach is, no doubt, quite correct
in referring it to 0. varicosum, the four-lobed front portion of the lip affording
^n unmistakable characteristic.

Being a native of Brazil, it should be cultivated in the Cattleya house ; it
grows freely when suspended in a basket near the roof ; and sphagnum, peat,
and charcoal form a suitable compost for it. — ^M.

THE GAEDEN MENTOE.

^EBEUAET is often subject to much rain, and snow, and to storms. When
weather of this description prevails, the ground is generally too wet for
working, and out-door operations should be suspended until it is in a fit '
state ; but all kinds of in-door work should be prosecuted vigorously.
Kitchen Gaeden, — If manuring, digging, trenching, and ridging have been
attended to in favourable weather during the autumn, the ground will now be in
a good state for cropping. A good deep soil, of such texture that it .can be
3ed seeies. — III. a

26

THE ELOBIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Fbbruary,

■worked -without difficulty at any season of the year, is of great consequence in a.
kitchen garden, as then good vegetables can be easily gro-wn -with ordinary
attention and labour ; but -when the soil is either very light and shallo-w, or of a
strong retentive nature, great attention and labour are required at all seasons to
obtain good crops. Strong retentive soils should be improved by the admixture
of sand, ashes, and such substances as -will alter their mechanical condition, -while
light, shallow soils should be improved by the addition, in winter, of clay and other
substances to the surface, and by trenching deeper every time the soil is turned.
The improvement of bad soils is a slow and tedious task, but it should be perse¬
vered in, otherwise the production of good vegetables can only be accomplished by
the greatest care, anxiety, and labour. A few early Potatos may now be planted
on a warm border or at the foot of a south wall. Lettuces^ out of frames, may
also be planted on warm, sheltered borders. Cauliflowers in frames may bo
planted under hand-glasses ; cauliflower plants that were put into small pots in
the autumn and have been kept in frames, should now be shifted into 32 or 24-
sized pots, using a compost of loam and rotten dung ; if put back into the frame
and encouraged to grow, they -will make grand plants for putting out in a warm
border next month, and will head nearly as soon as those planted out under hand¬
glasses. I find this an excellent plan in our northern climate. Jerusalem Arti¬
chokes may be planted in some out-of-the-way place. Horse-radish should be
planted on a piece of trenched ground, in rows about 20 inches apart. Garlic
and Shallots may be planted, in rows 10 inches apart, and about 6 inches in the
row. The Seakale and Phuharb that were covered last month should be looked
over, and additional covering put on if required ; some more plants should be
covered for successional crops ; fresh plantations may now be made. All
vacancies among Cabbages should be filled up, and the ground between the rows
stirred ; a fresh plantation may also be made. A little soil should be drawn up
to the early crops of Peas and Beans. Cucumbers and Melons sown last month
should be potted off singly and returned to the hot-bed.

Sow : Peas and beans t-wice dni’ing the month — ^the first of early sorts, and the second
of second-early sorts, for successional crops ; Round Spinach, Turnips, and Early Horn
Carrot at the end of the month ; Radishes and Lettuces on a -warm border ; a rovr or t-wo of
Parsley ; some Savoys and Brussels Sprouts, — it is necessary both to so-w and to plant these out
early, in order to have them fine and in good time in the autumn.

Foecinq Houses. — Pines: If these have a nice steady bottom-heat of from
80'^ to 85°, and a night temperature — the fruiting plants of from 65° to 70°,
and the succession plants of from 60° to 65°, with an increase of 8° or 10°
during the day by sun-heat — they will go on very safely through this month. A
little air should be given whenever the state of the weather permits, and the
fruiting plants should have water whenever they require it. — Vines: As soon
as the grapes in the early house are set, thinning should be commenced without
delay, before the berries drop down ; it is a bad practice to allow the berries
to drop down and to swell to the size of small peas before thinning is commenced.

1870. ]

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

27

A niglit temperature of about 65°, fluctuating 2° oi: 3° above and below accord¬
ing to the weatber, with an increase during the day of 12° or 15° by sun-heat,
must be maintained. Inside borders must be well watered when they require it.
Stop and tie down shoots in the second house as they require it. Give air freely
whenever the weather will permit. Prepare a late house for starting in rotation.
— Peaches : When the fruit is all set the trees should be syringed night and
morning ; timely attention should be given to thinning the fruit, also to the
disbudding and tying down of the shoots. The temperature should now be
raised to about 60° at night, at which it should be maintained until after the
stoning of the fruit, and to from 65° to 70° by day, with an increase of 8° or 10°
by sun-heat ; air should be admitted freely at every favourable opportunity. In
the second house attend to previous directions. — Figs : These should be kept well
watered ; a moist atmosphere, and a temperature of about 60°, with an increase
by sun-heat, should be maintained. When the young shoots have grown flve or
six joints, the terminal bud should be pinched out to stop the growth, and to
facihtate the formation of the second crop. — Cherries : When the fruit is set, the
trees should be syringed overhead every fine morning. Water carefully with
tepid water. — Strawberries : When a suflScient number of the best blooms have
set, all the rest should bo picked off, and the plants should be removed to a
warmer house where they can be kept close and moist, whilst swelling off the
fruit ; give them liquid manure two or three times a week until they begin to
colour, when water should be withheld, and air freely admitted. Advance suc-
cessional batches in all stages.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — When the planting of any Fruit-trees has yet to
be done, it should be proceeded with without delay. If good plants can be
obtained and they are carefully planted, are well midched, and are watered in dry
weather during the spring, they may do very well ; but as the autumn is without
any doubt the best time for planting, it should be done then if possible. The
pruning, dressing, and nailing-in of wall trees should now be proceeded with.
As the fruit crops in many places were light last year, we shall in all probability
have heavy crops this season ; at present, most kinds of trees are full of buds, and
promise well. Protecting materials should be got ready to hand to be applied
to Apricots^ Peaches, and Nectarines as soon as the buds begin to open.
Raspberries should be pruned and tied, and have a good dressing of manure.
The pruning of Gooseberry and Currant bushes should be completed forthwith.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : Pelargoniums of aU kinds will now require
attention ; all plants requiring larger pots should be shifted, and the small leaves
in the centre of the plants removed to admit the free circulation of air ; the
plants should be kept well tied out. The Pelargonium tent at Leeds last June
was well worth going a long distance to see. A few of the more forward
Cinerarias should now be removed to a warmer house, they will then soon come
into flower, and will be very useful for bouquets and other ornamental purposes.

0 2

28

THE FLOBIST AND POMOLOGI8T.

[ Februaut,

Old plants of Fuchsia now started in heat will soon break, they should then be
shook out, potted into smaller pots, and plunged in a gentle bottom heat ; when
they have made some fresh roots they should be shifted into larger pots and
replunged, and they will again soon require another shift, which should be a
liberal one. By stopping the shoots and picking off all the early flowers, large¬
sized plants are easily grown, and for a variety of decorative purposes during
the summer these prove to be very useful. Hard-wooded Plants should have
air freely admitted in favourable weather, but cold cutting winds must be care¬
fully guarded against ; a night temperature of 40° is sufficient in frosty weather.
Towards the end of the month the general potting of the young specimens may
be commenced ; all pots should be clean and well drained. Avoid overpotting,
which is a bad practice.*

Pits and Frames. — These should be well looked to during the month to keep
out damp and frost. Bedding plants of all kinds in store-pans should now be
potted off, and put into a little heat. A gentle hot-bed should be got ready for
cuttings of Lohelia., Verbena., Petimia., Pentstemon., Salvia., Fuchsia., &c. ; these, if
put in at any time before the end of next month, will soon root, and make good
plants before bedding-out time.

Out-Doors. — It is desirable that the laying of Turf., the forming or regravel¬
ling of walks, and all other alterations intended to be made, should be completed
with as little delay as possible, so as not to interfere with the other work. The
coverings of dung, leaves, or tan that were placed over the beds of hardy Bulbs
should now be removed, and the soil between the bulbs stirred. All the more
hardy Roses may now be pruned, but the tenderer sorts should be left until next
month. The beds of Aubrietias., Alyssums., Arabises., and other spring flowering
plants should be looked over, and all vacancies filled up. — M. Saul, Stourton.

TREE MIGNONETTE.

S a winter decorative plant, for baskets, in the house and the conservatory,
this is a special favourite here, not only on account of its graceful appear-
Hr ance when grown in a tree-like form, on stems 2 ft. high, with heads from
^ 2 ft. to 3 ft. through, but also on account of the fragrance it diffuses

around. Indeed, our plants are the admiration of all who see them.

To have the plants in bloom by November, the seed should be sown by the
middle of March. "We use 3-in. pots, thoroughly cleaned and well drained, with
a thin layer of moss over the crocks. The soil should be rather free, and put
through a half-inch sieve. The pots are nearly filled, the soil gently pressed
down, and a few seeds placed in the centre of each, covering them over with
soil to about the thickness of the seeds. We give a good watering, and place the
pots near the glass in a temperature of 60° ; if the surface is shaded until the
plants make their appearance, so much the better. At this stage of their
existence, the young seedlings don’t relish being often watered.

1870. ]

CHOEOZEMA LAWEENCEANUM.

29

As soon as the plants are large enough to show which is the strongest, we take
all the others away, and put a small stick to the one left, and to this it is tied
as it grows, in order to keep it from breaking at the neck. When about 6 in.
high, it will require another shift into a 6-in. pot, observing the same care as before
in regard to drainage at this and all future pottings ; the soil, moreover, should
be only chopped, and some leaf-mould, a good sprinkling of sand, and a little
soot should be well intermixed throughout the mass. A little of the soot
sprinkled over the moss on the top of the drainage, will be beneficial in keeping
worms from getting into the pots during the summer.

We find 11-in. pots large enough for making fine heads. The leading stem
should not be stopped until it has reached the height required, and then the six top
side shoots will be found to make a fine head if properly attended to, in regard
"to pinching and tying down to a small trellis made of wire, of the shape of an
umbrella. In pinching out the side shoots, a pair of grape scissors will be found
hast, as they do not injure the stem leaves, which must be taken great care of all
through. By growing in a temperature of 60°, near the glass, giving manure-
water twice a week after they have filled the last pots with roots, and daily
.syringing overhead, they will by the month of November amply repay all the
labour bestowed upon them.

The same treatment applies to pyramids, only none of the side shoots must be
pinched away. We have at present (December 28) plants which, when staked,
will be 3 ft. high, and as much through. — A. Hendeeson, Thoreshy.

CHONOZEMA LAWEENCEANUM.

4^0ST of the species of Chorozema are of easy culture, and, if they are
well managed, but few plants make a greater display of blossoms in the
spring months. The contrast afforded by the showy red flowers and
dark green, glossy foliage of C. Lawrenceanum renders it a very attractive
plant when well bloomed ; but any of the species or varieties will do equally well
under the treatment I am about to recommend, excepting perhaps G. Henchmamii,
which is of a more delicate constitution.

A young healthy plant should have a shift at the beginning of February. If
well rooted, a pot two sizes larger than the one from which it is taken may be
used, but plenty of crocks, with a layer of rough, fibry peat over them, for
drainage, must be provided. The soil should consist of five parts of good fibrous
peat, to one part of loam, and to this must be added sufficient silver sand to ensure
that the water will pass freely through when applied in watering. The plants
should be potted firmly, and placed in a light airy situation in the greenhouse, near
the glass. The roots must be kept in a healthy state as to moisture, by giving
water only when necessary, but in doing this, thoroughly soak the ball of earth,
for if efficient drainage has been provided, there will be but little danger of over¬
watering a healthy plant. By the middle of July, if all has gone well, another

30

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. [ Februaky

shift will be required. The soil is to be used in the same proportion as above
recommended, and the plants treated in every way as previously directed, until
the middle of August, when it should be placed in the open air, well exposed to
the sun, for about six weeks, after which it should again be returned to the
greenhouse, and treated as before. One shift in the season will be all that will
be required, after the first year, and this should be given as soon as the blooming
period is over. — Henry Chilman, Somerley Gardens.

MOTHS AND CATEKPILLARS.

are necessarily entomologists, even though their knowledge of
insect life may not, in many cases, be at all of a scientific character, since
they have always a too thorough practical acquaintance with the insect
world, as illustrated by its depredations — under which category the habits
of the moths or rather their larvae gain for them a prominent position. We hail^
therefore, with much pleasure the appearance of an authoritative work on the
subject,* by one of the most painstaking and practical of British entomologists, a
work which is so fully and beautifully illustrated that by its use there can be
little or no difficulty in identifying the British insects of the moth family, by
their portraits. Such a work as this, popular in style, sound in its teachings,
prepared vuth the most scrupulous exactitude, and as we have said, most
charmingly illustrated, is exactly adapted to meet the wants of the gardening
community, to whom it may be most heartily and confidently recommended.

The subject is one of considerable scope, and in dealing with it, the author,
Mr. Newman, takes up the insects, in order, by their several families, giving of
each a familiar description, in which the characteristics both of the moth and
the caterpillar are noted, and its habits and pasturage are pointed out. The
engravings which accompany these descriptions are literally studies of the several
insects, and are perfect marvels of art in regard to the effect brought out by
mere black and white figures. Some two or three of these engravings we are
enabled to subjoin, through the courtesy of the publisher, and we cannot*
therefore, give a better notion of the high quality of the book than by quoting
the passages which refer to them. Here is the account of the Goat Moth : —

“ So called from the caterpillar having a very pungent disagreeable smell, like that of a he^
goat. Fore-wings rich brown, beautifully varied and mottled, the darker markings being dis¬
persed in waved lines, placed transversely to the rays ; hind-wings pale dingy brown, having
markings something like those on the fore-wings, but less distinct ; antennae slightly fringed
throughout in both sexes, dark brown ; head also dark brown, "with a nearly white ring round
the neck ; thorax dark brown in front, shaded to whitish-gi’ey in the middle, and having a
rather narrow black band behind ; body brown and grey in alternate rings. Caterpillar, flesh-
coloured, with a black head and broad dull red stripe down the back. Feeds on the solid wood
of willows, elms, oaks, lilacs, and other trees, living for four years. It has caused the death of
many valuable elms ; and a small beetle (Scolylus destmctor') breeding abundantly in the bark
of the dying trees, the injury has been erroneously attributed to this beetle, and not to the true

* An Illustrated Natural History of British Moths, with life-size figures from nature of each species. By
Edward Newman, r.L.S., F.Z.S. Loudon : W. Tweedie, 337 Strand. Large 8vo, pp. 406, with upwards of
700 figures.

1870. ]

MOTHS AND CATEEPILLAES.

31

cause, 'which feeding and canying on its work of devastation out of sight, has escaped the
notice of superficial observers. Before changing to a chrysalis it spins a very largo tough
cocoon, composed of silk mixed with fragments of gnawed wood. This caterpillar is the Cossus
of Pliny and the Roman epicures. The scientific name is Cossus ligniperda.

The Goat Moth belongs to the Zeuzeridae, a family of Nocturni. That -which
-we now turn to is one of the Noctua group, and is called the Marvel-du-Jour.
The account of this beautiful moth is as follows : —

“ The palpi are pointed at the tips ; the antennae simple, but rather stouter in the male ;
the fore-wings are pale green, ornamented -with black and white markings, the black markings
often forming something like a median band ; the discoidal spots are distinct, and always white,
with green centres bounded by black ; the hind-wings are smoky black, with a darker
discoidal spot, a lighter median transverse line, and a broad marginal white line ; the fringe
is smoke-colour, with six white spots ; the head and thorax have the same colour as the fore¬
wings ; the body is smoke-colour, slightly paler at the base.

“ The head of the caterpillar is shining and of a greenish-grey colour, with a black cross
resembling the letter X on the face, the body stout, cylindrical, and of a greenish-grey, some¬
times tinged with red ; the dorsal area is dark and interrupted by a series of lozenge-shaped

markings of the same pale grey-green, which is the general ground colour'; there is a pale
stripe in the region of the spiracles, bounded above by a somewhat darker stripe. It feeds on the
oak (^Quercus Rohur), and is full-fed in June, when it descends the trunk, and entering the earth
constructs an earthen cocoon a considerable depth beneath the smJace, and therein changes to
a chrysalis, of which Mr. Greene says, ‘ It occurs in the utmost profusion. I have taken as
many as twenty at one time. This wiU be one of the first chrysalids found by the beginner ;
nothing can be easier ; merely turn up the earth and break it, and they will tumble out of their
brittle cocoons in plenty.’

“ This extremely beautiful moth appears on the wing in October, and is very common in
England and Scotland, also in the counties of Dublin and Wicklow in Ireland. The scientific
name is Agriopis Aprilina.^’

In this pleasant and familiar style the reader -will gather particulars of many
a garden ravager, and by means of the figures may recognize his enemies, and so

32

THE FLORIST AND POBIOLOOIST.

[ FEBRlTAnr,

to some extent perhaps be helped to mitigate the plague. Among others, he will
learn about the Winter Moth, with its apterous female, whose larvse is especially
destructive to plum trees ; the Currant Moth, the caterpillar of which feeds on
the gooseberry and black currant ; the handsome -Tiger Moth, whose larvae have a
taste which is ubiquitous, and an appetite described as voracious ; the Leopard
Moth, whose caterpillar bores up the stems of fruit trees, as apples, pears, &c. ; the
Antler, notorious for the injury it does in grass lands ; the Vapourer, whose dainty
teeth lately attacked the Pelargoniums at Hardwicke ; the Cabbage Moth, the
Turnip Moth, with many others, for which we refer to the book itself, -which
forms a handsome volume, well printed, elegantly bound, and fit to ornament an}’-
drawing-room table. It would have been a convenience had Mr. Newman given
us a brief synopsis of the classification adopted, and made his adjective names
less prominent in the index ; but these are small blemishes in a work of such
general excellence. — M.

CAKNATION8 AND PICOTEES.

[FTER many years of neglect, these charming flowers have of late
considerably revived in public estimation, and now they are cultivated
largely by private growers for cut flowers as well as for exhibition. To
the show sorts have now to be added what are called Tree or Perpetual-
blooming Carnations ; and since the rage for button-hole bouquets, i.e., choice
flowers for gentlemen’s coats, these latter have been very much grown, as they
force easily ; and if not to be compared in beauty or in quality with the chaste
,show varieties, are, at least, bright and pleasing, and have the same delicate and
justly-prized perfume.

There is still another class to be added, viz., the Cloves, which are of many
shades, from pure white, to rose, scarlet, crimson, purple, maroon, &c. These
produce only one head of bloom in the season, like ordinary Carnations and
Picotees ; but they are generally robust growers, and succeed with ordinary
culture, making excellent border plants, while for furnishing cut flowers they are
most valuable.

Though the Tree Carnations will force more easily than Cloves, Carnations,
or Picotees, yet these latter, if they are grown in medium-sized pots, and are well
established in them, can be brought into bloom much earlier than is generally
supposed : that is, if they are grown in a well-ventilated pit or small greenhouse,
with gentle heat at first, which may be increased as the season advances.

As regards the choice or exhibition varieties of Carnations and Picotees, those
we now possess are as silk compared with cotton by the side of flowers that held
a foremost place twenty-five years since ; but there have been no opportunities for
placing them before the public, since the London shows are generally over before
they bloom. From the admiration excited by those sho-wn at the Eoyal Hor¬
ticultural Society’s Show:at Manchester, it is easy to conjecture what would be

1870. ]

THE CAUSE OP PAILUEE IN THE FRUIT CROP OP 1869.

33

the result if similar collections were placed before the public more frequently ;
and as the Eoyal Horticultural Society go to Oxford — a city that is a nest of old
florists — in July next, at what is usually the height of the Carnation and Picotee
bloom, it may be fairly anticipated that we shall there see, to some extent at
least, a revival of olden times.

The culture of these plants has been so fully and plainly given in former
volumes of the Florist, that it is unnecessary to repeat it here. There is very
little difference made as regards their treatment at the present day, though
perhaps they are not quite so much nursed as formerly. Subjoined is a list of
the best varieties in their different classes. — Charles Turner, Slough,

Show Carnations.
Scarlet Bizarres.
Dreadnought.

Lord Rancliffe.
William Pitt.

Crimson Bizarres.
Anthony Dennis.
Colonel North.
Eccentric Jack.
Rifleman.

The Lamplighter.

FinTc ^Pw'ple Bizarre.
Falconbridge.

Rose Flakes.
Flora’s Garland.

King John
Rose of Stapleford.

Scarlet Flakes.
Annihilator.

Cradley Pet.

William Cowper.

Purple Flakes.

Dr. Foster.

Earl of Stamford.
Florence Nightingale.
True Blue.

Tree Carnations.
Admiration.

Beauty.

Boule de Feu.

Bride.

Brilliant.

Hector.

Henshaw’s Scarlet.
Lee’s Scarlet.

Oscar.

Rembrandt.

The Dragon.

Valiant.

Clove Carnations.
Bride.

Garibaldi.

Glory.

Princess Alice.
Queen of Whites.
Snowflake.

True Old Crimson.

Show Pigotees.
Red-Edged.

Colonel Clerk.
Exhibition.

Forester.

Lord Valentia.

Miss Turner.

Mrs. R. Hole.

Purp le- Edged.
Ganymede.

Jessie.

Lady Elcho.
Admiration.

Nimrod.

Picco.

Rose and Scarlet-
Edged.

Lucy.

Miss Sewell.

Miss Williams.

Miss Wood.

Mrs. Fisher. .

Mrs. Rollings,

TPIE CAUSE OF FAILUKE IN THE FKUIT CHOP OF 1869.

@HE very general failure of the different Fruit Crops throughout the United
Kingdom and several parts of the Continent, has called forth the opinions
of many, distinguished horticulturists as to the cause of so extensive a
mishap, with a view to ascertain whether and in what respect our
treatment has been defective. After such a season as that of 1868, which
apparently ripened and matured the wood and fruit-buds to perfection, such
unlooked-for deficiencies are certainly the more vexing, and leave some knotty
questions to be settled.

I have read with much interest, as they have appeared, the various remarks
relating to this subject in the different gardening publications, and I observe that
the prevaihng opinion is that the non-fructification of the blossoms was owing to
unfavourable weather at the commencement of the year, and during the flowering
period. This may, to a certain extent, be correct ; but with the use of orchard,
peach, and apricot houses, the trees being under glass, and the buds so perfectly
developed, the state of the weather outside should not have occasioned so general
a failure. It is by no means uncommon in the early forcing of peach houses, in

34

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Februaby,

this nortliern part of Britain, to Have unfavourable -weather during the -whole
flowering period ; nevertheless, good crops are generally obtained. I therefore
conclude that the assumed unfavourableness of the weather during the early
stages of growth, could not have been the sole cause of the failure. I am much
rather inclined to believe that it was owing to the excessive dryness of the soil at
the roots, and the entire absence of dew in the previous summer, which prevented
the proper secretions from being stored up in the embryo fruit-buds, which,
although to all appearance unusually full and perfect, were in reality not so,
since they lacked stored-up energy — such energy as a barren tree may generally
be seen to possess, while it is wanting in one carrying an over-abundant crop of
fruit. Where liberal waterings were not resorted to, the trees had a hard
struggle to supply both fruit and foliage through so long a drought, and all the
more so where a vegetable crop covered the surface of the border.

The Apple crop here, as in most other places, has been a failure, the exceptions
being those sorts that bore little or no fruit the previous season : this fact furnish¬
ing another proof of the effects of stored-up energy in the buds in promoting the
powers of fruition. These strong and well-stored buds seemed to escape the
ravages of caterpillars, which so generally attacked the weaker ones, that at the
time of flowering very few perfect blossoms were to be seen, most of them ha-ving
two or three petals deficient.

Both Peaches and Apricots set their fruit well, and bore good crops. Much
of this success I attribute to two liberal waterings given to the roots during the
dry period of 1868. The peach-wall border is never cropped, and has a drainage
of 18 in. depth of stones all over, the soil being not more than 20 in. deep. The
roots are coaxed as near the surface as possible by forking in, about 4 in. deep,
good layers of well-rotted dung every second or third year. The Apricot border
is cropped generally with kidney beans and ashleaf kidney potatos alternately.
The roots are here also near the surface, the trees having been all root-lifted, and
encouraged upwards, by baring the roots and applying good coats of manure.
The vegetable crop showed exactly, during the dry weather, how far the tree roots
extended. This gave me the first hint that both trees and vegetables required
watering, and immediately a thorough soaking was given, followed by another
about three weeks afterwards. The same was also done in the case of other wall
trees, where the borders were otherwise cropped.

I find, upon examining my note-book, that the first expanded flower of
Apricot on the open wall in 1869 was seen on February 12, being ten days earlier
than in any former year registered. We seldom use any other covering than old
herring nets put on double. The crop gathered this season was between 400
and 500 dozen. I had the crop reduced, however, much below the average,
because some of the trees had been recently root-lifted, and had not fully regained
their vigour the previous season. — J. Webster, Gordon Castle.

1370. 1

AQUATICS. — CHAPTER I.

35

AQUATICS.— Chapter I.

4, .-^^ATER Plants, usually termed Aquatics, are particularly interesting,
wRetlier viewed as a grand natural and comprehensive group, or taken
individually. This will be all the more apparent when their various
peculiarities, and also their adaptation for ornamenting our stoves,
conservatories, lakes, or ponds are closely observed. While some few cultivators,
amateurs and others, give their partial attention to a very limited number,
the greater portion are passed by unheeded, and thus our gardens are deprived of
some of their most attractive ornaments. Some of these Water Plants need only
an area of a few inches for their accommodation, while others occupy a considerable
space when perfectly developed. I propose to point out, under their respective
heads, the requirements of each, including stove, greenhouse, and hardy kinds,
and to add cultural notes and remarks on the curious habits of some quaint
members of this extraordinary family.

The above remarks apply also in part to what I shall here term Amphi¬
bious Plants,” — plants suitable for fringing the margins of ponds, lakes, pools, or
meres. I am not aware that these plants have hitherto been treated of, as a
separate group, but they are very effective when judiciously placed, and might be
termed sub-aquatic or swamp plants, though the term I have selected is the most
expressive. This latter group may serve to remind us vividly of the autumnal
rustling of hosts of swallows among our own native reeds at eventide. Anon
we are on the banks of the Nile amongst the tall and stately stems of the papyrus,
lotus, and bullrush, the favourite resort of the ibis, the pelican, and the widgeon.

Take, for instance, the Aponogeton distachyon^ a plant that has existed in our
gardens since 1788, in which year it was received from the Cape, and which is
sufficiently attractive to merit a place in every garden, as the following remarks
will show : — The flowers are produced on a forked spike, about three inches in
length, and are of snowy whiteness, having the appearance of imbricated scales of
shell-like consistency, with a tuft of jet black anthers at the base of each, and
exhaling copiously the delicious perfume of the hawthorn. While the flowers rise
just above the surface of the water, the leaves, which are from 6-in. to 15-in.
long, by 1-in. wide, lie flat upon the surface, and are of a bright glossy green.
The root-stock is an oblong tuber, two inches long, of a reddish-brown colour.

This Aponogeton^ which is very nearly allied to the Ouvirandra fenestralis^ of
Madagascar, is not very frequently met with, notwithstanding its many recom¬
mendations. As to culture, it would be difficult to place it where it would not
flourish, if it were only put into the water. It has been observed in the month
of January almost covering a large pond with a profusion of its lovely blossoms,
and when thus planted no frost will kill it. When the water is shaded by large
trees it flowers just as well. It also thrives beautifully when planted in con¬
servatory or greenhouse tanks, and appears quite at home there. When ^own

36

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Fbbeuaet,

in tHe stove, it blooms in the same profusion, only the foliage and flowers are
larger. The flowering season generally lasts from January till April, when it
remains dormant for a short time, and then recommences to grow, and continues
to flower till the end of the summer.

For compost use good pure yellow loam. It can be grown in pots, where it
is not convenient to plant it out. For very small gardens it may be grown in an
earthenware pan or tub sunk in the ground to the level of the grass, with the
turf slightly raised for a foot or so round the margin ; thus placed, it has a par¬
ticularly neat appearance, as nothing is seen but the plant and the water in which,
it grows.

The Aponogeton monostachyon is a native of the East Indies, and produces
pink flowers, but requires a stove ; in general habit it resembles the last, but the
leaves are smaller, and the flower-spike is undivided. It is well worth cultivating.

The A. angustifolium^ sent from the Cape in 1788, and producing white
flowers, appears to be lost to the country. A. ci'ispum^ of Ceylon, has also dis¬
appeared ; it has white flowers, and must not be confounded with the Potamogeton
crispum of our ponds and rivers. The Cape A.junceum, formerly in the collection of
the Messrs. Knight and Perry, of Chelsea, does not now appear to be in cultiva¬
tion in this country. Those who have correspondents in Ceylon, or at the Cape,
would do well to try to reintroduce the three last-named species. — W. Buckley,.
Tooting.

NEW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

OOD Fruits and good Vegetables are fully as important as good flowers —
if not indeed more so ; hence we are not disposed to join in the chorus of
complaint which is often heard as to the overwhelming supply of novelties,
or supposed novelties, by which, it is affirmed, the unwary are not infre¬
quently taken in and mulcted. Good old things are not indeed to be lightly
cast aside ; they should be held firmly till something better is safe in hand, but in
these progressive days there is and must be a striving everywhere for improve¬
ment, and it is the efforts thus made towards progression — not always, it may be
true, crowned with success — which give us the flood of novelties complained of.
From amongst these, however, it is indeed odd if some real gain is not annually
secured, — a mere gradation it may be in most cases, as to size, quality, or pro¬
ductiveness, but here and there showing that an entirely new vein has been struck.
The past year has not been so prolific of novelties in the way of Fruits, as some
of its predecessors. This may in some degree be accounted for by the uncon¬
genial nature of the spring of 1869, which had a most disastrous effect upon
fruit crops generally.

Commencing with the Grape, the king of fruits, we have to welcome, as a
standard late white Grape, Mr. W. Thomson’s White Lady Doivne's, a variety
possessing all the good qualities of its black parent, the well-known Lady Downe’s

1870. ]

NEW FEUITS AND VEGETABLES.

37'

Seedling. Mr. Pearson, of Ohilwell, may also be complimented on bis success in
hybridizing the scented Strawberry Grape with our better-flavoured European
varieties — an important preliminary step, though the hybrids obtained are not
large either in bunch or berry, since they possess the true Strawberry scent of
the parent, and are very pleasantly flavoured, especially one which is now called
M. de Lesseps. Then we have, from Mr. Melville, of Dalmeny Park, another
scented grape, called the Perfumed Muscat, which in appearance somewhat
resembles a small Muscat of Alexandria, and is very pleasantly flavoured. A
curious sport from the Oitronelle, with striped bemes, resembling, in the peculiarity
of its colouring and marking, the old Aleppo or variegated Chasselas, has been
seen at one of the Kensington meetings.

New Melons are generally plentiful, but there are few more finely-flavoured
or more distinct than Mr. Gilbert’s Burghleij Green-fleshed has proved itself to be ;
while the new Italian variety, Triomphe de Nice^ is also of fine quality.

Among Stone Fruits, we have acquired — of Apricots, Golden Drop, a small very
early sort ; and New Large Early, a very decided improvement on the old form.
Peaches yield a good useful variety in Large Early Mignonne^ ripening about a
week earlier than the Early Grosse Mignonne ; and of Nectarines^ Lord Napier is
an early sort, of first-rate quality, raised from a stone of the Early Albert Peach.
These all come from Mr. Elvers’ establishment. Of Plums we have a valuable
addition, as an early dessert fruit, in Drfs Seedling^ a large, roundish-oval, reddish-
purple variety, very pleasantly flavoured.

Dessert Apples have yielded little novelty. To Mr. Lawrence, of Chatteris,
we owe a very ’pleasing addition to winter dessert fruit in Mrs. Ward., one of the
most sprightly-flavoured, pleasant, and beautiful little Apples yet introduced,
having the appearance of a Court of Wick, with the colour of the Scarlet Non¬
pareil, from which it was raised. Of this we have given a wood-cut. We may
also notice, as a pretty ornamental sort, rivalling the Pomme d’Api in beauty, and
of good quality into the bargain, an accidentally-crossed seedling of the Eed
Siberian Crab, raised by Mr. Jennings, and to be called the Fairy Apple. This
wo hope to figure next month. In Pears., though many varieties have been
brought forward, all have fallen short in point of flavour, for which, perhaps, the
season is mainly to blame.

Small Fraits have furnished MDaren's Prolific Raspberry, a double-bearing,
large red variety, producing enormous crops on the young shoots ; its chief merit
thus being its lateness. Blade Currants have given us in Lee's Prolific Blade
a sort larger and better than the Black Naples, and one which possesses the merit
of hanging firmly on the bushes for a long time after getting ripe. Finally, to
wind up with a honne-houche., we gain in Straivherries, the Ascot Pine-apple of
Messrs. Standish and Co., a very highly-flavoured early sort, having all the
characteristics of La Constante, but being much earlier.

In the Vegetable department improvement has hitherto been mainly effected

38

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ February,

by careful selection of tlie general stock ; but now tbe band of the hybridizer is
upon them, and, in Peas especially, a great revolution has been effected. In
Messrs. Carter’s Cook's Favourite^ of which we gave a figure at p. 17, we have
one promising addition. In Potatos^ Mr. Fenn’s Rector of Woodstock^ an early
round variety of first-class excellence, is a sterling acquisition ; and Mr. Turner’s
Beaconsfield Kidney is a large and beautiful, clear-skinned tuber, of fine quality.
The American varieties, of which so much was expected, have proved of but little
value. In Salad roots, Messrs Veitch and Sons’ Chelsea Beet has rarely been sur¬
passed for uniformity of growth and sweetness of flavour. In Lettuces^ the
Sugarloafis an improved variety of the Brown, or Bath Cos. In Cucumbers,
the winner of the past year’s race was Blue Gown, a long, handsome, black-spined
variety, of fine quality and prolific habit, now in Mr. Turner’s hands. — B.

GOODYEKA DAWSONIANA.

that this beautiful-leaved gem has fiowered, we are enabled to give it
its proper station amongst the Goodyeras. It was temporarily named
Ancectochilus Dawsoiiianus by Professor Reichenbach while in leaf only,
but I have no doubt that when he sees the flowers he will correct the
nomenclature. No Ancectochilus yet in cultivation, not even the beautiful A.
Lowii^ can outrival this beauteous-leaved plant ; and when to beauty of foliage is
added the grace and enchantment of a hyacinth-like spike of flowers, white as
snow, one can well understand how captivating such a plant must be to all who
have plant stoves. Another decided advantage it possesses is its easy way of grow¬
ing under ordinary cultivation. As a rule, each Ancectochilus has a little artificial
atmosphere for itself enclosed by a bell-glass, but this thrives far better without
any coddling of the kind. Its fine foliage becomes of an intenser hue of dark
velvety brown, or to keep to more precise terms of description, dark umber-brown,
when left exposed to the ordinary run of a stove atmosphere, and as a consequence
the texture of the leaf is much firmer, and less liable to get injured either by in¬
ferior cultivation, or what is attended often with fatal effects, a continuance of dark
days. The principal hues of venation are singularly beautiful, being as sharp
and prominent as if struck with a line dipped in a mixture of crimson and gold,
while the inferior venation lines radiate in all directions from the centre line. It
seems to get along well under the ordinary food treatment given to Indian orchids.
Sphagnum and sand, with a lump or two of fibry peat intermixed, answer
admirably as a compost for it.

The inflorescence consists of a stout spike, rearing its head considerably in
advance of the fohage. Strong plants will throw up spikes from a foot to fifteen
inches in height. Its pedicels are white and hairy, with brownish ovate sheaths,
and the individual flowers are pure white in every part, with the exception of the
extremity of the column, which is yellow. The singular characteristic of the flower
is that the dorsal sepal and two petals are connate, and being so connected, form

1S70. ]

THE amateur’s PAGE.

39

cl sort of hood over the column. The two inferior sepals, as if intended by Nature
to correct the outline, are arched backwards and upwards, and at first look as if they
were the ordinary petals. The labellum is spathulate, rolled up in a retrorse man¬
ner, and set in an angular direction from the centre ; the column takes the pecu¬
liarity of being in the opposite angular direction from the line of the labellum. It
might almost, looking at cognate species, be considered a morphological curiosity,
with these parts arranged in almost mathematical precision. As it is, all the
parts of the fiower seem to be, to use a popular phrase, at sixes and sevens with
one another. It is sure to become even more popular than it now is. — James
Anderson, Meadow Bank.

THE AMATEUR’S PAGE.

ESUMING my remarks on the Chi'ysanthemum (see p. 21), I advise that
when the young plants are pretty well rooted, and a short time before they
are shifted into larger pots, they should have their first stopping, because
upon attention to this operation depends the chance of obtaining dwarf
plants with healthy foliage down to the pots. The reason is, that if left
unstopped they will run up with long naked stems, having a bunch of foliage
and flowers at the top, — ^beautiful enough in themselves certainly, but ill calcu¬
lated for use as decorative plants for the amateur’s purposes. Pinching-back
or stopping becomes then an imperative necessity. The amateur, therefore, on
receiving his cutting plants, should ascertain if they have had their first stopping,
and if not, it should be done ^at once, in order to induce the lower buds to
break. When these buds are to be perceived, and the roots are well forward,
the plants will be in the best possible condition for shifting into larger pots. To
make this operation of pinching-back still plainer to the tyro, I would observe,
that supposing the plants to be from 5 in. to 6 in. long, with good foliage, it will
be safe to reduce them one-half, or so as to leave a short stem with four good
leaves upon it, as near the surface of the pot as possible. That will be a good
start. It is here that we find the advantage of soft-wooded spring cuttings, in
preference to the harder wood of the autumn, for if the latter were headed back
so closely there would be no foliage ; and they would be longer in breaking,
which, if their use is unavoidable, implies the necessity for commencing with
them earlier in the season.

The pots required will be those of 5-in., 6-in., and 8-in. diameter ; these are
quite large enough for any amateur’s purposes. The first shift from the cutting
pot should be into a 5-in. pot. The operation of shifting is very simple ; let the
new pot be well drained by placing a hollow-sided crock over the drainage-hole,
then a little handful of smaller broken crocks over it, and over that a little
moss ; turn the plant out of the pot by inverting it on the left hand as before
described, and after carefully removing the crocks, calculate how deep it will go
into the new pot, into which place suflScient soil, so that when the ball is placed

40

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ February,

thereon the surface will be level with, or rather above, the rim of the pot ; put
in soil around the sides of the ball, and placing both thumbs on the surface of
the ball, lift the pot, and give it some smart blows on the bench ; this and the
pressure of the thumbs will consolidate the soil, and leave room for water at the
surface. Let the plants be then returned to the frame, and gently watered, but
not drenched. They should have the glass drawn over them at night, and in bad
weather, but free exposure should be permitted in fine weather during the day.
From early in June they should have free exposure day and night.

From the end of May until the end of the first weelc in Juhj^ the plants will
require almost daily attention to pinching-back the strongest shoots as they start
into free growth. As a rule, it will be safe to let them grow about three inches,
and then take one inch off the top. After the first week in July, pinching-back
must cease altogether, otherwise there will be no bloom.

Early in June the plants should be sufficiently rooted to be ready for a shift
into 6-in. pots, previous to which a level piece of ground should be selected in a
sheltered situation, but open to the sun, and covered with a good layer of finely-
sifted coal-ashes, pressed down with the foot, and raked level. Having performed
the operation of shifting, as before recommended, place the pots quite level,
about 6 in. apart, on the coal ashes. Daily attention to watering will now be
the principal care, and this should never be neglected, because the tendency of
dryness at the root is to harden the lower part of the stem, and cause all the
lower leaves to fall off. Should mildew appear on the leaves, as is often the
case in moist seasons, it may be kept down by timely dustings with sulphur. In
a month’s time, or say after the final stopping in the first week of July, the
plants should be ready for the final shift into 8-in. pots, in which they must be
left to bloom. — John Cox, Redleaf.

PANSIES FOE SEEING BEDDING.

F all the members of the British Flora, there is not one that has been
improved upon to a greater extent, nor one that is more prone to improve
yet further, than the Pansy — Viola tricolor. The Pansy contains all the
^ necessary qualifications to render it emphatically a useful plant. It is
hardy, and will succeed in almost every situation ; it is free in growth, and easily
obtained and propagated ; and it produces its fiowers in innumerable quantities at
a season of the year when they are most appreciated. This fiower therefore
should occupy a prominent position in every garden, more especially where spring
bedding is carried on.

The Pansy, too, is exceedingly valuable, on account of its great diversity of
colours, almost all of which are duly represented by some of its members. It is
true there are no reds or crimsons yet ; but the time may soon come when every
shade of colour required for extensive spring bedding will be found in this charm¬
ing flower. At present we are only compelled to call in other families to fill up

1870. ]

AGATE HOREIDA.

41

th9 vacancy caused by the absence of red or crimson. We have, however, in it
a great variety of colour, suflScient to form very pretty designs, without the
assistance of any other plant ; and a garden well laid out with blue, purple,
yellow, and white pansies would have a most charming appearance during the
early months of the year. I shall now mention the best and most distinct of
the bedding varieties, selecting those which will be sure to give satisfaction.

Among the blues we have Imperial Blue^ and Trentham or Cliveden Blue^ the
former producing fine bold fiowers very freely, of a deep gentian-blue colour, the
latter quite a light blue, but the freest to flower of all the bedding varieties. It
is, in fact, never out of flower ; even at the present time (January), it is a mass
of colour, but in February, March, April, and May it may be seen in perfection.

Among the Yellows we have several to select from, viz., Trentham^ or Cliveden
Yellow, Sunset, and Cloth of Gold; but as I am to recommend only the best, the
first-named must be ^discarded, though I do not like turning off old friends.
Sunset is a very fine deep sulphur-coloured flower, of good form and great
substance, and flowers freely, but not so early nor so freely as Cloth of Gold,
which in my estimation is the best yellow pansy ever raised. It is a fine bold
flower, of a bright -deep yellow colour, with a jet black centre, and is exceedingly
conspicuous when in bloom.

'Among the Purples, the Trentham^ or Cliveden Purple, supersedes all others
by its early-flowering capabilities, its free growth, and the long continuance of its
flowers ; these are very large, of gieat substance, and of a rich velvety purple.

The Trentham 'White and Great Eastern represent the best of the white
bedders. The first-named I prefer, although the flowers are not so large as those
of the latter, for the habit is better, and more in unison with that of those
previously mentioned. The flowers are of a delicate, creamy-white colour,
very freely produced, and it continues in bloom a long time. The latter
produces very large flowers in great profusion, but is not so pure in colour as the
Trentham or Cliveden White. — A. I. P., Tottenham.

AGAVE HOERIDA.

E hail with much satisfaction 'the signs of a revival of the taste for suc¬
culent plants in general, and for such striking groups as those of Aloe
and Agave in particular. Many of these latter, to which we would now

W more especially refer, are amongst the finest objects which can be
desired for decorative gardening, being well adapted for prominent positions
in greenhouse conservatories during the winter, and for terrace gardens during
the summer ; whilst a succulent house, in which a collection of such objects can
be grown, becomes a paradise for the plant lover.

, Amongst those of recent acquisition, the Agave horrida., and its variety lcevioi\
may be noted as objects of interest for those who may desire to commence the
formation of a collection of plantes grasses^ or may wish to . increase one already

42

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Februaey,

in existence. The figures, which we are enabled to introduce through the
courtesy of Mr. Laurentius, of Leipzig, and which have been prepared from
drawings by Mr. Thieme, of that city, convey a better idea of their characters than

any word-painting could do ; but we may add that A. horrida itself (fig. 1) is a
dwarf, stemless species, with broad oval-lanceolate, somewhat concave, leaves,
which grow rosette-hke, and are about 4 in. long, and from If in. to 2 in. broad
at the widest part, of a lively and tender green, terminating each in a long, stout,

1870.] AGAVE HOEEIDA. ^ 43

dark, chestnut-coloured spiny point, and armed along the deep maroon-brown
margins with large and somewhat irregular, hooked, dark-coloured thorns. The
variety Icevior (fig. 2) has rather longer and narrower leaves, of a pale green, with

fewer and more slender marginal thorns, the margins, thorns, and terminal spines
being, moreover, chestnut-coloured, changing to a silver grey. Both are free
growers, and are decided acquisitions amongst plants of this character.

44

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ February,

We learn from Mr. Laurentius, wlio cultivates for sale an extensive collection
of Agaves and allied plants, that he acquired, in the autumn of 1868, the
stock of these two forms of Agave liorrida from Mr. Besserer, by whom they had
been discovered in, and introduced from, Mexico, a country which has furnished
us with many fine species of this most beautiful and interesting genus. The
name of Agave horrida has, we understand, been confirmed by General Jacobi,
the learned monographer of this interesting family. — M.

NEW PLANTS OF 1869.

SONTINUIjSTG our brief enumeration of the New Plants of 1869, we next
come to the group of Stove Plants, of which it must be said that their

fname is legion. We commence with those of climbing habit, amongst
which occur two Nicaraguan species of vine of a very ornamental character,
namely, Vitis javalensis^ with cordate velvety green leaves, and compound cymes of
bright scarlet flowers ; and V. chontalensis, with trifoliolate bright green leaves, and
a great profusion of scarlet flowers. Cohoeapendulijlora^ixo-m the mountains of Carac-
cas, is a slender graceful climber, with the edge of the bell-shaped corollas divided
into five long strap-shaped wavy lobes. Passijloi'a Lawsoniana^ a garden hybrid,
has ovate-oblong leaves, and handsome reddish flowers, with the corona white
at the base, and banded with purple above. Of shrubby habit, we have Godoya
splendida^ from Columbia, a noble plant, with large pinnate leaves, and according to
M. Linden, pure white fragrant flowers as large as lilies, arranged in a monster thyrse.
Posoqueva multiflora^ from Brazil, is another magnificent shrub, with broad leathery
leaves, and large white fragrant flowers, having a slender tube four inches long.
Delostoma dentatum^ from Ecuador, is a bignoniaceous shrub, with large foliage,
and erect racemes of large sub-campanulate blush-white fox-glove-hke flowers.
Codioeim (or Croton) variegatum Hoolcerianum is a shrub of remarkable beauty,
with the large, smooth, elliptic dark-green leaves marked along the centre rib
with a vandyked band of deep yellow ; it comes from Erromango. Turning to
soft-wooded subjects, Begonia Sedeni, a garden hybrid, with some of the blood
of B. boliviensis, and bearing a profusion of rich carmine -crimson flowers, is one
of the most showy of its race, and a most decided acquisition. Fittonia gigantea
resembles the old Fittonia (Gymnostachyum) Verschaffeltii, in form and mark¬
ing, but is altogether of larger growth ; it is an Ecuador species. Drymonia
turialvcB^ from Ecuador, is of erect habit, with tetragonal stems, robust bullate
glistening leaves, shaded with reddish brown, and tubular pale-yellow axillary
flowers. Eranthemum Andersoni, alias elegans, an Indian plant, introduced by way
of Trinidad, is a remarkably floriferous ornamental acanthad, its white flowers,
with crimson-spotted lower lip, being produced for a long time in succession
from the same spikes. Bertolonia or Monolcena primulcBjiora, from Ecuador, is a
charming dwarf herb, with lustrous dark-green leaves, nestling in the open centre
of which come a profusion of rosy-pink flowers on short peduncles. Peperomia

1870. ]

NEW PLANTS OF 1869.

45

argyrea variegata is a Belgian variety, remarkable for its white-margined leaves ;
and P. Verschaffeltii, from Brazil, has the ovate-cordate leaves marked by longi¬
tudinal silvery crystalline glittering bands. Pandanus Veitchii is a vigorous-
growing South-Sea Islands plant, with the broad leaves handsomely striped with
white. Dracaena magnifica^ obtained from the Solomon Isles, is one of the finest
of all the Dracaenas, the habit being bold, the leaves remarkably broad, oblong,
and erect, and the colour a beautiful soft bronzy-red, margined with rosy-red.
D. excelsa, from the South-Sea Isles, another fine decorative plant, is something
of the same character as regards colours, but has longer and more spreading
leaves. Heliconia densijiora^ grown in the gardens of the Paris Museum, and
introduced from Guiana, bears fine coral-red bracts, supporting orange-yellow
flowers ; while H. glauca, also South American, has tern-green leaves, yellowish
spathes, and green flowers with the rachis and pedicels red. Maranta virginalis
major and M. princeps are two grand additions to this fine genus, the first with
large roundish, the second with oblong leaves, both beautifully variegated.
Godwinia gigas, from the Nicaraguan mountains, is the largest arad known ; it
has a single decompound leaf, on a mottled stalk 10 ft. high, and an erect dark
brownish-red convolute spathe about 2 ft. long, on a peduncle 3 ft. high. Dieffen-
hachia nehulosa, a handsome English hybrid arad, of stocky habit, has the dark
green leaves clouded with yellowish-green in the centre, and sparingly spotted
with white. Alocasia Sedeni, another fine English arad, is furnished with large
glossy olive-green leaves, marked with white ribs ; A. hyh'ida seems to closely
resemble this ; while A. Liervallii, from the Philippines, has very large leaves of
a clear bright green. PhcBdrancLSsa Carmioli, from Costa Pica, and Gi'iffinia
dryades, from Brazil, are two fine stove amaryllids, the former with drooping
bright red flowers, tipped with green, the latter with 10-13 large blue-lilac
flowers, elevated on a tall, stout scape, both welcome additions to our collections
of stove bulbs.

Last, but not least, come the Orchids. Here we find numerous accessions to
our lists, including many choice subjects. In the Malaxeous division come
Dendrohium crassinode^ from Arracan, remarkable for its knotty stems, and its
large white yellow-disked flowers tipped with rose-colour ; and D. Jamesianum
and D. cariniferum^ both Indian, both in the way of D. infundibulum, with large
white flowers, marked on the lip with cinnabar-red, and both of the nigro-hirsute
group, but distinguished, the first by certain asperities on the lip, the second by
the keeled sepals. To these must be added, Restrepia antennifera, a diminutive
plant, but quite a gem, the curious flowers being a rich tawny brown, thickly
marked with small deep purple dots, and the petals narrow and antennae-like.
In the Epidendreous group we find Epidendrum syringotJiyrsum^ a Peruvian species,
with tall reed-like stems, and terminal panicles of numerous rosy-purple white-
lipped flowers ; E. conspicuum, from Brazil, bearing large white and rose flowers,
in which the lip is deep amaranth edged with white ; and Loelia purpiirata alba^

46

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOQIST.

[February,

a variety with pure white sepals and petals, and faintly-tinted pale rose-coloured lip.
The Vandeous division is more extensive. There is Vanda Denisoniana^ from Bur-
mah, welcome as a handsome white-flowered Vanda; Saccolahiumhigihhum^2, curioViS
little plant, with bunches of small waxy-looking yellow flowers of great beauty when
closely examined ; Aerides japonicum^ from Japan, remarkable as a greenhouse
species, with racemes of neat white purple-lipped flowers ; and Cymbidium tigrinuni^
from Moulmein, a pretty dwarf species, with large ohve-green flowers, having the
white lip marked by transverse bands of purple. Several fine Oncids have made their
appearance, e.g., Oncidiwn Rogersii, a splendid variety of the Brazilian 0. varicosum,
with panicles of extremely showy flowers, having a clear yellow reniform lobate lip
(see plate) ; 0. splendidum, from Guatemala, also a showy-flowered species, with
a large, obreniform, bright-yellow lip, narrowed to a broadish claw-like form at
the base ; 0. euxanthinum, another Brazilian plant, in the way of Eogersii, but
smaller, and having the bilobed lip smooth at the edge, and of remarkable sub¬
stance ; and 0. fmcatum, from Peru, with the flowers purple, tipped with white,
the large oblong-flabellate lip orange-coloured bordered with purple on the disk.
Odontoglossum Alexandrce Warneri is a very beautiful and distinct variety of
that exceptionally fine species ; it has rosy-stained sepals, with a few large deep
bronzy spots, large white fringed petals, and a white lip yellow towards the base,
and spotted in the middle portion. 0. triumphans MarshaUii is also a most
charming Odontoglot, the sepals and petals being thickly blotched with
cinnamon brown, the petals toothed, and the lip white with a frilled yellow
crest and brown tip. In Brassia Lawrenceana longissima we have a
magnificent Costa Eica plant, with deep tawny orange sepals 7 in. long, marked
with a few large purple spots, the lanceolate pale yellow lip of which is spotted
near the base. Miltonia virginalis, from Brazil, may be compared to a pure
white M. spectabilis, but with a large radiate blotch of rich violet at the base of
the lip ; while M. Begnellii purpurea is a beautiful dark violet-lipped variety of
that species. Pescatorea (Zygopetalum ) Wallisii, an inhabitant of Central America,
comes to enrich our stores with its creamy-white purple-lipped flowers, in which
the front lobe of the hp is of a deeper purple, and the white ruff is conspicuous
towards the base. Mormodes uncia alias Greenii, a remarkably handsome acquisi¬
tion, has the large racemose flowers yellow, thickly spotted with deep red, and
the fringed front lobe of the lip is of a purple-lilac colour. The Vanilla group
gives us the Vanilla Phalcenopsis, of Madagascar, a beautiful leafless scandent
epiphyte, with large blush-white flowers, having a deep orange trumpet-shaped
lip, rosy on the outside. Finally, among the Lady’s Slippers, we have to
enumerate as novelties Cypripedium pardinum, niveum, and Parishii^ all of
Indian origin, the first related to venustum, the second to concolor, and the third
to glanduliferum — three very distinct and strikingly beautiful species, worthy a
place in the choicest orchid collection. — M.

1870. ]

GARDEN GOSSIP.

47

GARDEN GOSSIP.

HE best mode of Transporting Fruit trees to our distant Colonies is pretty
clearly indicated in tbe following extract from the annual report of tbe
Horticultural Society of Victoria for 1869. The Society received from
Chiswick Garden, in April, 1868, some cuttings of fruit trees, taken in

October, 1867. “ There being no stocks in a condition for grafting when the cuttings were

received (April), the scions were preserved until the following August, when they were
grafted.” A period of more than nine months thus elapsed from the time they were cut from
the trees ; nevertheless, 66 Apples, 72 Pears, 24 Figs, 5 Vines, and 8 Plums were saved of this
consignment. The experiment proves conclusively that in the form of cuttings all fruit trees
may be transported with the certainty of success and in a very simple and inexpensive manner,
inasmuch as a case of 4 cubic feet capacity will contain some thousands of cuttings, and such
a case may be hermetically sealed, and stowed away like ordinary merchandise during the
voyage.

- ®HE schedule of the Manchester National Horticultural Exhibition^

which is to open on the 3rd of June next, offers special prizes, amounting to up¬
wards of £130 under 14 classes, the highest prize being the citizens’ prize, £30,

for 16 stove and greenhouse plants. The other part of the schedule extends to 73 classes, with
£900 allotted as prizes. We are glad to see that groups of miscellaneous plants, 30 for ama¬
teurs and 50 for nurserymen, are invited ; and trust that with the large miscellaneous classes
introduced in other exhibitions something may be done towards reinstating that variety which
formerly was one of the crowning elements of great flower-shows.

- Amongst the Trees and Shrubs which have been recently observed to do

well by the seaside, notably on the Kentish coast, occur — Austrian Pines ; Euony^
mus japonicus, which is in some cases covered with fruits ; Evergreen Oaks, Com¬
mon Bays ; Veronica Andersoni, in bloom ; Lavatera arborea ; Tamarisk, and Gorse, these
all being green and fresh as if there were no such things as “ nor’-easters” or “ sou’-westers.”
Atriplex Halimus is commonly planted on the Dorset coast.

- Though Plant-houses may be fumigated by means of the flower-pot

and embers, yet Fumigators are far more convenient. Drechslers Patent

Fumigator^ recently brought out, consists of an iron cylinder, enclosing a strong

wire basket, made to revolve by means of cog-wheels placed underneath, and turned by a
handle projected from the side. The smoke is carried off and delivered into the house through
a square horizontal chimney of considerable size. This Fumigator, which is worked easily,
may be set in operation by simply igniting a piece of paper with a lucifer match ; and it may
be used without subjecting the operator to be “smoked,” like the insects he is bent on
destroying, for, by putting the chimney through an aperture made in the wall of the house,
the operator may stand outside while the machine is pouring forth into the interior its narcotic
smoke-clouds. In the case of frames and pits, the chimney may be introduced under the front
part of the sash. Wo have had the apparatus in use, and believe it may be recommended
with safety.

- IEt would appear from the recent observations of Mr. Gwyn Jeffreys

that Plant Life is absent from the Ocean^ with the exception of a comparatively

narrow fringe, known as the littoral and laminarian zones, which girds the coasts,

and of the Sargasso tract in the Gulf of Mexico. No trace of any vegetable organism could be
detected at a greater depth than 15 fathoms, though animal organisms of all kinds and sizes,
living and dead, were everywhere abundant, from the surface to the bottom. The usual theory,
he observed, that all animals ultimately depend for their noui’ishment on vegetable life, seems
not to be applicable to the mahi ocean, and consequently not to one-half of the earth’s smfface.

Tillery has recently drawn deserved attention to the Black
Monukka Grape, an old variety not very well known, which he regards as the

48

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ February,

honne-hoiiche of all the race hitherto raised; its seedless, long narrow berries are

crisp, juicy, and rofroshing, with a sweet agreeable flavour, and may be eaten, skins and all,
•with the greatest gusto. It is likewise one of the very best black Grapes for using in jellies,
its very long, small-shoiildered bunches yielding an immense supply when clipped off in small
clusters for that purpose.

- use of Sublimed Sulphur^ as a means of checking Vine Mildew,

is sufficiently familiar. According, however, to the observations of M. Mares,
flowers of sulphur, when cast on the soil of vineyards, is also effectual for the

same purpose, becoming converted into sulphuric acid, which then combines with the lime in
the soil to make sulphate of lime. Whether the chemical change takes place merely from the
direct action of the oxygen of the atmosphere, or from the sulphuretted hydrogen emanating
from the manure in contact with the sulphrir, does not appear certain, but it is found that its
effects are very beneficial in the repression of the Vine mildew. It would clearly be a great
gain, both to Vine-gi’owers and Hop-gi-owers, if the parasite could be thus arrested, and it
would be well worth the attention of our more intelligent cultivators if they would make
experiments with the view to determine this point.

- She Pentstemon has lately undergone considerable improvement at the

hands of the florist, and the Continental novelties have proved remarkably good.
The following may be taken as some of the best : — Eichard Llanour, lilac-purple,

beautifully pencilled throat ; George Bruant, white, suffused with lilac ; Surpasse Victor
Hugo, scarlet, with conspicuous white throat ; Pauhne Dumont, pale rosy lilac throat, beauti¬
fully pencilled ; Indispensable, rose, rich crimson pencilled throat ; Bons Villageois, dark red,
throat white, faintly pencilled ; Grinchu, purplish lilac, white pencilled throat, large, and very
distinct ; Leon la Provoste, crimson ; Grande Conde, deep crimson, conspicuous white throat ;
Josephine Dumont, a lighter-shaded crimson, with a richly-marked throat; and Richard
Gutterman, scarlet, very showy, and one of the best. Some varieties are remarkable for their
dwarfness of growth, and compact free-flowering habit, and of this very pretty and useful class
the following are amongst the best : — Emile Chate, crimson, pencilled throat ; Moli^re, of a
pale lilac tint, with deeper-marked throat ; Apollon, scarlet, white throat, large and fine ; Due
Job, rosy red, deep crimson throat ; Maria Heed, pale lilac, pm-e white throat ; and Henry
Rerson, rosy scarlet, with white, faintly-lined throat.

- ^HE conditions under wbicli Pisa grandijlora grows on tbe summit of

Table Mountain have been described by tbe late Dr. Harvey in these terms : —

This summit is very frequently enveloped in mist, especially at the season when

the Disa blooms. It is very cold also, and the mist comes accompanied with a strong cold
south-east wind. After this succeeds the scorching sun of lat. 33°. The plant only giuws
along the steep, boggy, spongy margins of a stream, vmich has water in it at all seasons, but
which in winter must be so swollen as to cover the plant. The margin is completely clothed
with the Disa, but immediately beyond is a margin of Restias, which, bending over, afford con¬
siderable shade to the roots and foliage, leaving the flower-stalks room to peep out at the sun.

- John Sladden, surgeon, of Ash, near Sandwich, died on January

3rd, in his 58th year, after a painful illness. He was not only a keen florist, but
a most estimable man ; and also occupied a prominent position as a raiser of new
flowers, the Gladiolus being one of his special favourites. As an occasional contri¬
butor to our pages, we owe this brief record as a tribute of respect to his memory.

- John Brown, for many years gardener to the late Lord Herbert of

Lea, at Wilton House, died on December 23rd, at Newton, Bromley, Kent, in
his 71st year. When, owing to impaired health, he retired, in 1860, an annuity
of £100 was settled upon him for life.

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1S70. ]

THE TAIRY APPLE.

49

THE FAIEY APPLE.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

iOTWITHSTANDINQ the efforts which the late Mr. Thomas Andrew Knight
f made to cross existing varieties of the cultivated Apple with the Siberian
Crab, they all failed to produce a result which has been of any real
benefit. Mr. Knight’s object in thus crossing these individuals was, as he
states, “ to obtain such fruits as vegetate very early in spring by introducing the
farina of the Siberian Crab into the blossom of a rich and early Apple ; and by
transferring in the same manner the farina of the Apple to the blossom of the
Siberian Crab.” At the time Mr. Knight wrote this, the trees so produced had
not yet borne fruit, but he observes, the leaf and habit of many of the plants
that I have thus obtained possess much of the character of the Apple, whilst
they vegetate as early in the spring as the apple of Siberia, and appear to
possess an equal power of bearing cold.” But what was the result of these carefully
performed experiments ? From this crossing we got the Siberian Bitter-Sweet,
which, Mr. Knight himself says, ‘‘is wholly worthless, except for the press,”
that is, for cider-making. Then the Siberian Harvey has a juice so “ intensely
sweet,” that it, too, can only be used, mixed with other apples, for cider. Both
of these were raised from the fruit of the Siberian Crab, fertilized with the
Golden Harvey, one of our best dessert apples. Another called Foxley was also
raised from the Siberian Crab, but the male parent was the famed Golden
Pippin. Yet the Foxley is a worthless little apple, not so large as some goose¬
berries, and fit only for cider.

It is interesting to watch these struggles between philosophy and nature.
Philosophy says, “I will,” and nature replies, “You won’t.” But when left to
herself. Nature fashions an object without the philosopher’s aid, excelling in merit
all that he had dreamed of. Here we have such an instance in the little Fairy
Apple, of which our illustration is a faithful representation. This, too, was
raised from the fruit of the Siberian Crab, but without any human aid. What is
its parentage and how it was produced no one knows ; but there it is, a haphazard
foundling, destined and worthy to take its place among the worthiest of its kind.

Whether for its beauty or its excellence as a dessert fruit, the Fairy Apple
cannot fail to become popular and valuable. In colour, size, and form it
rivals the Pomme d’Api or Lady Apple, so much vaunted, and which makes the
fruiterers’ windows and our desserts gay during the dreary months of winter. For
this purpose, the Fairy will command the attention of all growers of dessert fruit
in large estabhshments, and for commercial purposes ; for not only does it com¬
mend itself by its great beauty, but its flavour is similar and not inferior to that
of the Old Golden Pippin, its flesh being of a fine deep yellow, with a rich and
briskly-flavoured juice.

The fruit is produced in clusters of from three to five, much in the same way

3eD series. — III. D

50

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ M^aCH,

as clusters of Cherries. They are l^in. wide, and about l;|-in. high, rather flat¬
tened at both ends, consequently inclining to the oblate form, and very even and
regular in the outline. The skin is smooth and shining, covered with bright
lively crimson, shaded with streaks of a deeper tinge, and on the unexposed side
it is lemon-yellow. The eye is closed, set prominently, almost level with the
surface, and surrounded with plaits ; stalk sometimes less than ^ in. long, and
frequently straight, slender, and as much as an inch or more, inserted in a small,
shallow cavity, which is russety. Flesh of a flne deep yellow. Arm, crisp, very
juicy, with a rich brisk flavour, and flne delicate aroma when eaten with the
skin on.

The fruit comes into use in December, and lasts till well on in the season. It
is now (February) in perfection, and has the appearance as if it would last for
some weeks on into April.

This desirable acquisition was raised by Mr. Jennings in his nursery at
Shipston-on-Stour, from seed of the Scarlet Siberian Crab or Cherry Apple. The
seed was sown with no intention of raising new varieties of fruit, but for stocks
on which to graft the ordinary varieties of apples. One of these showing signs of
fruit, Mr. Jennings grafted it upon a free apple stock, and from one of the trees
so produced the fruit now flgured was obtained.

The parent tree from which the seed was taken is growing in an orchard
consisting of such varieties as Eibston Pippin, Wyken Pippin, Blenheim Pippin,
Margil, Hanwell Souring, and Pearmain. That which is in closest proximity to
it is Margil, and it is not improbable that this was the male parent. The tree
is of moderate vigour, with an erect habit of growth, and is hardy and pro-
liflc. The young wood is moderately stout, of a dull purple colour ; and the
leaves do’wny, elliptical ovate, evenly serrated, with a stalk half-an-inch long.

Another and not an unimportant recommendation of the Fairy Apple is that
it makes a delicious preserve. — R. Hogg.

EAELY PEAS FOR FORCING.

|AVINGr for the last two or three seasons tried the early dwarf marrow
Peas for growing in pots, and for forcing in pits, I And that they are better
adapted for these purposes than the tall early sorts, such as Ringleader,
Taber’s Perfection, and others. They are not so early by a week or ten
days, but make up for this by their better-filled pods, size of peas, and flavour.
This year, in addition to Turner s Little Gem^ I am tiying Multum in Parvo, and
the new dwarf Alpha. They were all sown in the beginning of January as a
second crop, and I am now able to state something about their style of growth.
Little Gem and Multum in Parvo are much alike in appearance and height, but
Alpha is taller and more spindling in its habit than the others. The sparrows
and mice must be debarred from tasting a morsel of this new sort, for every pea,
if counted, would come to something, at the present price of 30s. per quart.

1870. ]

THE GAEDEN MENTOE.

51

I find, in growing these dwarf marrow peas in pots, that a rather strong
loamy soil suits them best. The pots must be rather deep, and half filled with
pieces of tm’f, only using one piece of crock or oyster-shell on the hole in the
bottom for drainage. Low pits, slightly heated with hot-water pipes or flues,
suit these dwarf varieties well, and fine dishes of large, well-flavoured peas can
be had at the end of April or beginning of May, if the first crop is sown in October
or November. — William Tilleey, Welhech.

THE GAKDEN MENTOR.

' ARCH, according to the old proverb, comes in as a lion, and goes out
like a lamb.” The weather for some years past has generally been cold
and boisterous during the greater part of the month, and very unfavour¬
able for out-door work. With March the winter closes, and spring
commences, bringing with it its many cares, anxieties, and labours. Every interval
of fine weather should be made the most of in pushing forward out-door opera¬
tions ; there must be no deferring until to-morrow what can be done to-day.

Kitchen Garden. — If the soil has been thrown up during the winter as
d.irected, it will now be in a nice pulverized state, fit for the reception of the.
early crops, and advantage must be taken of dry weather to get in the seeds.
One of the principal conditions on which success depends is the state of the
soil, which at this season of the year can hardly be too dry. Seeds should never
be sown when the soil is very wet, as they are then liable to rot, especially if
covered deeply. It is much better to wait until the soil is in a dry mellow state, as
the young plants come up much stronger, and grow away more vigorously after¬
wards. The planting of the Early Potatos should be commenced at the begin¬
ning of the month, and towards the end all the main crops should be got in.
When the weather is mild, the Cauliflower plants in pots should be planted on a
dry, warm, sheltered border ; draw a little dry soil around them, and keep them
well watered in dry weather ; they will head early in June. Cauliflowers and
Lettuces in frames should be planted in the the open ground ; these will come in
after the others.* Globe Artichokes now have their spring dressing ; the

suckers should be thinned out, and a good dressing of dung should be dug in around
the plants ; while a row of the best suckers should be planted to succeed the general
crop. Peas, as they advance in growth, should be earthed up, and rodded.
Tripoli Onions from the August sowing should be planted in rows. Asparagus
beds should be lightly forked over, raked, and the edges trimmed. In dry
weather the hoe should be run between the rows of Cabbages, Cauliflowers,
Lettuces, and all growing crops. If not already done. Horse-radish, Jerusalem
Artichokes, PJmbarb, Seakale^ Garlic, and Shallots may be planted. Sage^ Minty
Thyme, Tarrogon^ and other Herbs may now be planted, and propagated by slips
and divisions of the roots.

&>v} : Peas and Beans twice during the month for summer crops ; the main crop of Onions

D 2

52'

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[Maech,

as early in the month as possible ; the soil, if dry and not very heavy, can hardly bo made ton
firm, by treading, for these. Carrots and Parsnips for main crops towards the end ; Round
Spinach and Turnips for succession ; Asparagus towards the end of the month ; Savoys, Brussels
Sprouts, and Broccoli at the beginning of the month ; Parsley a good breadth ; Radishes twicn
during the month ; Cauliflowers and Lettuces about the middle of the month ; Mustard and Cress
in a gentle hot-bed. Celery, Tomato, and Capsicums in hot-bed ; Sweet Marjoram, Sweet
Basil, and other herbs m a gentle hot-bed. All vegetables are best sown in drills ; grown in
this way, they are generally larger and finer, and it facilitates the labour of thinning and
hoeing the crops.

Forcing-Houses. — Pines: Where the bottom-heat is supplied by tan or
leaves, it will now require looking to. Sufficient fresh material should be added
to the beds to carry the plants now showing fruit, as well as those about to show^
through the season ; those swelling off their fruit should have more water given,
them. Plants showing fruit and in flower will require attention in maintaining-
a dry warm atmosphere, and in giving air daily, if possible. The succession plants-
will require shifting, which should be done as carefully and expeditiously as
possible, so as to prevent any injurious consequences to the plants ; after potting,
they should be kept rather close for a week or two, until they begin to root into
the fresh soil, when air may be admitted more freely. Pines will grow in a great
variety of soil, but they dislike sandy or chalky soils ; I have grown them for
several years in a sort of peat we get in the park here, and they root in it freely^
and grow away vigorously. Vines : Maintain a steady night temperature in the
early house whilst the stoning is going on. Attend to the thinning, stopping,,
and tying-down of the shoots in the succession-houses, and to the thinning of the
berries as soon as possible after they are nicely set. Muscats should have a night
temperature of 70® whilst they are in flower. Peaches: Attend to the tying-
down of the shoots as they advance in growth ; look carefully over the trees, and
if too many fruit are still left on, remove some, leaving a few more than sufficient
for a crop until after stoning, as some may drop off then ; water inside borders
freely, and give abundance of air as early in the day as the weather will permit.
Attend to disbudding and the thinning of the fruit in the succession-houses ;
syringe daily, and maintain a moist atmosphere. Figs : Those in pots and tubs
will now require to be watered liberally, and occasionally they should have soma
liquid manure ; syringe over-head on fine days. Cherries : These will require careful
management whilst stoning ; keep a steady night temperature of from 55° to 60° :
see that there is a gentle bottom-heat, and give air freely if the weather permits.
Cucumhers and Melons : If grown on dung-beds, attend to the linings, so as to
keep up a proper heat ; earth up, stop shots, peg down, and water as they require-
it. When grown in pits heated with hot water, there is much less labour and
trouble in growing them. Sow for successional crop.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — All pruning and nailing should now be completed
with as httle delay as possible. As soon as the blossoms begin to expand, but
not before, apply protection to Apricots^ Peaches, and Nectarines. Good strong
canvas is as cheap and efficient for temporary protection as the generahty of
materials recommended for this purpose; it 'should be so fitted that it can be

1870. ]

SELECT AUEICULAS.

53

easily put on at nights and removed during the day. There is a good promise
of bloom this season, and if well protected, there is nothing to prevent us from
having good crops.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : Boft-wooded Plants should now be
encouraged to make free growth Shift Fuchsias as they require it, syringing them
over-head on fine days, and keeping a moist, growing atmosphere ; see remarks last
month. The specimen Pelargoniwiis will now need a good deal of attention ;
train and tie out the shoots as they advance, and water freely ; fumigate with
tobacco-paper for green-fly. Hard-wooded Plants such as Camellias and Azaleas
should be well supplied with water ; large plants of Acacia, Pimelea^ Eriostemon^
&c., coming into bloom should be carefully and promptly watered ; ventilate freely
whenever the weather permits. Proceed with the potting of all young growing
plants, using a suitable compost, with clean and well-drained pots. Newly-potted
plants require watering with care ; indeed, it is best not to water them for several
days after potting, and then to do it effectually. They should be kept rather
close, especially if the weather be cold, for a few weeks after potting, until they
begin to grow, when air should be admitted more freely.

Pits and Frames. — Push forward with all the despatch possible the potting
of Bedding Plants of all kinds from the store pots. Cuttings of Verbenas., Lobelias.,
&c., put in last month, should be potted off as soon as rooted, and the frames filled
immediately with more cuttings of these or other plants that will be wanted at
“ bedding time.”

Sow : In bottom-heat, Cinerarias and Primulas for autumn flowering ; Petunias, Cyclamens,
Cannas, Celosias, Humea elegans, Tropseolums, Balsams, Zinnias, and seeds of all kinds of tender
plants.

Out-Doors. — All the hardy Roses should be pruned at the beginning and the
tender ones towards the end of the month. As a number of spring-flowering
plants will now be coming into bloom, look frequently over rock-work and spring
gardens, and maintain the greatest order and neatness. Sweep and roll walks
and lawns weekly, or oftener if necessary. Towards the end of the month prune
and dress hardy trees and shrubs ; dress and dig borders ; see that all newly
planted trees are properly secured to stakes, and if not already done, mulch the
roots with rotten dung or leaves. — M. Saul, Stourton.

SELECT AUEICULAS.

NE of the flnest collections of Auriculas within a moderate distance of
London is, no doubt, that of Mr. Turner, of Slough; and judging from the
plants brought to the metropolitan exhibition, we may fairly award to
Mr. Turner also a flrst place amongst the cultivators of these quaint but
attractive florists’ flowers. Mr. Turner has very obligingly furnished us with the
annexed brief list, indicating the very choicest of the cultivated varieties, old and
new ; and his position as a grower and judge of these flowers, together with his

54:

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ March,

unrivalled means of observation, must give a special value to sucb information
from sucb a source : —

Green-Edged Varieties.
Apollo.

General Havelock.

General Neil.

Lord Palmerston.

Lycurgus.

Ensign.

Geo. Ligktbody.

Miss Giddings.

Richard Headly.

Sophia.

White-Edged Varieties.
Countess of Dunmoro.

Fair Maid.

Robert Bums.

Smiling Beauty.

Self-coloured Varieties.
Blackbird.

Cheerfulness.

Mrs. Sturrock.

Webster.

Alpine Varieties.
Brilliant.

Brutus.

Edwin.

King of Crimsons.

Marion.

Masterpiece.

LADY’S SLIPPERS.-Chapter II.

A- jN my concluding remarks upon tbis genus at page 19, I said tbat Cypripe-
diuins bave no pseudobulbs, and therefore cannot long withstand drought.
*1^ Tbis applies most forcibly to the tropical kinds, for the North American
^ and European species lose their leaves during the winter, and are somewhat
tuberous-rooted. These latter are seldom seen in cultivation, or at least far less
frequently than they should be.

I have a great partiality for Cypripediums., and certainly do not think the
deciduous kinds are eclipsed by their tropical relatives, if even these denizens of
sunny chmes can take rank as their equals. Indeed, I look upon many of them as real
floral gems. Now, although these terrestrial kinds are extremely handsome when
grown in pots in the ordinary way, yet in order to display their elegance and
beauty to the greatest advantage, they should be planted out in a properly pre¬
pared frame. My idea respecting a suitable frame is this : — Take out the soil to
the depth of 18 in. or 2 ft., then fill in some six inches of broken brick-rubbish,
and upon this put the good soil, which should be sandy loam and fibrous peat, in
about equal parts, adding to it a little silver sand. The soil should be made
firm with the back of a spade, and the whole well watered to render it solid, and
to prevent after settlement. In this bed the plants should be placed at intervals
of about twelve inches, the best time for planting being the spring, just as they
begin to grow. The principal attentions they require after planting are, to supply
a proper share of water and plenty of air, and to avoid exposure to heavy rains
and rough winds. To render the pit or frame more interesting or attractive,
some creeping plants, such as Selaginellas.^ should be grown upon the surface, or
indeed many dwarf Alpine plants might be planted between the Cypripediums.^
with great advantage to their health, and an increase to the enjoyment of the culti¬
vator. If it should be preferred to devote the frame specially to the OrchidacecE.,
there are many other genera of terrestrial habit possessing great beauty, and which
would thrive under the same treatment, as would also our own native species.

FLOWERS.

1870. ]

55

This kind of gardening I am very desirous of seeing .extended, because I am
quite sure a vast amount of real enjoyment is^to be derived from it, and by just
that class of plant-lovers whose garden-ground does not give them sufficient space
to erect plant-houses, or whose means will not permit them to indulge in such a
luxury — and a collection of beautiful plants, be it ever so small, is undoubtedly
a luxury of the highest degree to persons of refined taste.

Having strayed, however, somewhat from my Slippers, I must return to offer
a few concluding remarks, before commencing a description of those at present
in cultivation. After the plants are established, and the season advances, be sure
they do not suffer from want of water. Take the sashes off the frame during the
nights to allow them the full benefit of the dews, which all plants enjoy so much,
and give them an occasional light syringing to prevent them from being colonized
by red-spiders — remarkably enterprising emigrants, who are always on the look¬
out to gain a new settlement where a rich pasturage may be found. As Autumn ap¬
proaches, and when the floral beauties of the Cypripediums}idi,iQ passed away, and the
leaves give evidence that their mission is over, water must be gradually withheld,
but never so far as to allow the soil to get dry. During Winter, if the frost is
very severe, the soil may be covered with a layer some few inches in thickness of
ashes, cocoa-nut refuse, or any such material, to prevent its penetrating to the roots ;
but be careful not to keep it there sufficiently long to draw the plants up, and
'Cause them to have long, weak stems.

I shall next proceed to give a short description of each species, at the same
time noting any pecuharities of its culture. — B. S. Williams, Victoria Nursery^
Holloway.

FLOWERS.^

Consider the Lilies of the field . . . .

ARRAYED LIKE

. EVEN Solomon, in all his glory, was not
one of THESE.”

Q'YjT^ITH what emotion glows tho inmost
quH soul

In contemplation of the mighty power
Of those twin-sister children of the
mind.

Painting and Poetry, this on the page.
That on the canvas, tracing wondrous scenes
Of human life and ISTatm-e’s beauteousness.
Subservient both to Genius, within bounds
Which even Genius may not overleap !

The linmer’s pencil and the poet’s pen
Alike are impotent to designate
The loveliness of flowers, those “ stars of
eaidh,”

That sparkle on her ever-joyous bosom.

Like jewels in the girdle of a queen.

Yet who but feels their beauty, whether it be
. Of fonn or coloim, odour exquisite,

Or infinite variety ? While some
Uprear their lofty heads in gaudy pride.

As if self-conscious of their glowing charms,
Others, meek emblems of humility.

Scarce rise above the ground whereon they
grow,

To woo the matin sun. The Violet thus
Blooms unassuming on the grassy bank.
Scattering her perfume wide, herself unseen.
Close by, her sister Previrose, herald meet
Of coming Spring, peeps mildly forth and smiles
Upon the traveller’s journey, far admired
By botanist and poet, and by all
Who, with the lowliest of created things.

As with the most exalted, love to hold
Deep converse and commimion mystical, —
Who worship Nalmn in her holiest fanes.

And seek, amid the creatures of their God,
The glorious and the beautiful. From out

* These lines were written some years since by our valued correspondent, the late Mr. John Sladden,
whose recent death was recorded at page 48.

56

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ March,,

The ice-bound earth, see how the Snowdrop
bares

Her hardy bosom to the frosts of heaven,

Not long to pine in solitude I Impelled
By pleasing rivalry, the emulous Crocus,

In cloth-of-gold or purple vest bedight.

Steps gaily forth, and boldly challenges
Old Winter to the combat. He, secm*e
In rugged veteran strength, looks gi'imly down,
Contemptuous, on the stripling, as, of yore.
The pagan giant smiled, with proud disdain.
On Israel’s shepherd-champion. But the
“ man

Of war ” confronts an agile foe, who seizes
The veil of Spring, and with a dexterous cast
Involves the hoary tyrant in its folds,

And half obscures the terrors of his form.

Soon as the wreathed snow dissolves away.
Death-smitten by the dart of vernal sun.

The liberal earth again unlocks her casket,
And scatters widely, with unsparing hand.

Her treasures hoarded well and thriftily, —
Gems of suipassing lustre. Shrinking now.
Abashed to meet the rapturous gaze of light,
The Lily op the Vale, clothed like a bride.
Peeps from her lowly bower, scarce recognized
Amid its circling verdure, waiting there
The morning splendour and the dews of eve.
Quail not, thou timid one, nor shun the glance
That joys to dwell upon thee ! Virtue knows
No fear ; and pure unspotted Innocence
May stand erect throughout the sultry hour.
Despite the burden and the heat of day.

Nor less your beauty, unpretending flowers,

“ Wee, modest, crimson-tipped,” that deck the
meads

With infinite profusion, whispering low
Of gales aU softness and of hours all sun !
Humble although ye be, yet are ye dear
To every heart : in eveiy ear your name.
Lisped by the prattling tongue of infancy,
Soundeth “ familiar as a household word.”

Ay, little children love you weU ; and that
Which doth attract their love must ever bo
A richly cherished object. Poets too —

Whose souls are oftentimes more near akin
To those of children than the world doth
dream —

Have marked your simple graces, nor withheld

The tribute of them numbers. Even so

Your fame approaches to the pinnacle

Of immortality ; for ye did prompt

One of the sweetest of those deathless songs

W'arbled by Caledonia’s peasant bard.

But though, amid these ornaments of earth.
Each boasts its separate charm, none may
presume

To rival the attractions of the Rose.

Magnificence and grace ineffable

Pervade her foim ; therewith she mingles hues

Of every shade denoting life and love
And healthful animation ; — from the pure
Transparent white abiding on the brow
Of thoughtful maiden — to the delicate blush
Suffusing her pale cheek, enkindled there
From that mysterious flame which permeates-
The subtle spirit, — ^to the ruddier tinge,
Charged from the liquid fount of very life,.
Incessant mantling on her glowing lips, —

Or to the more intensely crimson dye
Of the warm current ever gushing on
Through the deep channels of her throbbing
heart.

Nor to the eye alone commends herself
The Queen of Flowers. The concentrated
odours

Of all her subject race, combined in one
Impalpable, amalgamated essence,

Would fail to match the fragrance she exhales.
With boundless prodigality, while yet
Her store decreaseth never. In the climes
Of the delicious East, where the fair Rose
Receives no stinted homage, bards have striven.
To grace her beauties with an added charm :
Thus have they feigned her as the chosen,
bride

Of the melodious Nightingale, who chants.

His serenade, not for the listening stars.

But for her ear alone. From such conceits-
Roves Fancy to traditions of old time —
Fantastic, yet poetic — of the change
Of youths and nymphs to trees and flowers,,
all bearing

Some semblance of their pre-existing state
Implanted on their forms ; — the work of gods,.
Themselves derived from superstitious men.

In nations much enlightened, save in that
Wherein consists true learning. Fair are ye,.
Lilies and Roses ! Every flower that grows
Bears in itself peculiar loveliness :

Would ye were all undying! Bootless wish!
And impotent as bootless : for ye pass
So quickly from our vision, that ye are
Fit types and emblems of mortality !

Ye bud, ye bloom, are lovely in your primes
As transient in your being, but so soon
Ye droop, and fall, and perish, that the sun
Can scarce mature yom’ beauty, ere ye lapse
Among the things that have been, leaving still
Young blossoms, your successors, which will
fade

E’en as youi’selves have faded. So doth man
W’alk in life’s garden for a passing horn'.

Then find his home beneath the soil he trod.
Mouldering and soon forgotten : and his sons.
Live in his stead. So individual man
Is mortal and corruptible ; each one
Bows to the grave, and feels the primal curse-
On his own spirit. As himself hath known
Sin and transgression, so he knows the power
Of that dread sentence, “Thou shalt sui*ely^
die.”

Thus fall the sons of earth ; but ’tis not thua

1870. ]

THE EONDELET PEAE.

57

In their collective being. Since the first
Of human kind was fashioned has that race
Been living and increasing ; yea, throughout
Time and Eternity shall man remain
Unceasing and immortal. Like the flower
Bom in the field, so passeth he away.

Leaving the scene for others. Like the flower.

He dies and is forgotten, and the place
Of his lone dwelling hears his name no more.
Each fills his several station in the world,

As Wisdom has directed ; but herein
Trace we no parallel, — though both “go hence,”
One but departs, the other dies for ever.

J. S.

THE EONDELET PEAE.

^ ^ERE is an old Pear, very little known and almost neglected, wHck, in all
that constitutes a good Pear, is far in advance of nine-tentks of the varieties
whose names we find continually or repeatedly coming before the public.
The past year, 1869, cannot be said to have been at all a propitious one
for fruits. Pears especially were remarkably deficient as regards flavour.

Rondelet, however, proved remarkably fine, and was voted by many competent
judges, on tasting it in the fruit-room here, in comparison with about fifty other
varieties in «0e at the same time, as by far the richest and most pleasantly
flavoured.

The fruit is rather below medium size. Form roundish. Skin greenish-
yellow, covered in great part with a fine, thin coat of russet, becoming somewhat
darker, and slightly speckled here and there, on the side next the sun, with
occasional tinges of crimson. Eye small, like that of the Winter Nehs, and
frequently wanting. Stalk short. Flesh very tender, buttery, and melting, with
a fine briskly-sweet flavour, and having a strong musky perfume.

It is extremely delicious, and worthy of the most extended cultivation. It
oomes in season at the end of November, and lasts for some time. It is a variety

58

THE PLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ MAECn,

exceedingly well adapted for growing as a pyramid tree on the quince stock, and
also succeeds well as an open standard.^ The tree is hardy and a good bearer. — B.

EOSES AND EOSE-CULTUEE.

Chapteb I. — On Soils.

a practical point of view, all soils may be arranged under the follow¬
ing heads ; — (1), Clayey, which includes the various kinds of loam ; (2),
Peaty ; (3), Sandy or Gravelly ; (4), Chalky ; (5), Eocky.

1. Clayey soils vary from sandy loam, which contains 60 to 80 per
cent, of sand, to strong clay, which may contain a like proportion of the clayey
element. Then there are the intermediate soils, friable loam and strong loam.
The latter is perhaps that best naturally adapted for Eose-culture. In all sucli
soils, but especially in strong loams, is it most desirable that as a preliminary
step in cultivation perfect drainage should be . secured. Strong or heavy soils are
naturally the most retentive of water, and without thorough drainage we can at
best but hope for imperfect success. Where a garden is of such soil, it is ad¬
visable, if possible, to drain the whole at least 3 ft. deep. Tiles or pipes are
best for the purpose, although good strong bushes, if covered with straw before
restoring the soil, are efficacious enough for some years.

Let us, then, suppose the beds in which we are about to plant our roses have
been cleared and drained. Next we proceed to trench the ground to the depth of
2 ft., mixing in during the operation a good portion of rich manure and sand,,
or old mortar. In heavy soils it is important that this be done when the soil
works well, and it is well to throw the top spit in ridges, that it may become
mellowed by the action of air, frost, and sunshine. Just before planting, the
ridges may be levelled down ; and at planting time, each plant should have a.
spadeful of manure in a thoroughly decomposed state mixed with the soil imme¬
diately surrounding it. In very strong soils it is probably best to prepare the
soil in autumn, leaving it as light and rough as possible throughout the winter,
and delaying the planting until March. Lime, old mortar, ’sand, charcoal, bones,
peat, and any decayed vegetable matter are excellent additions to the necessary
stable manure for roses in strong soils. ^

2. Peaty or moory are less common than loamy soils, but if well drained^
they are not so unsuitable for roses as some would have us believe. I have seen
vigorous, healthy plants, and beautiful flowers produced on such ; indeed, for the-
Tea-scented, Chinese, and Bourbon roses, a portion of peat soil is an advantage.
But peat soils are often wet, when they must be drained ; they may also be very
sandy, when a good proportion of clay, marl, or strong loam should be introduced,
and well mixed with the soil in the act of trenching.

3. Sand and Gravel are perhaps the worst soils with which the Eose cultiva¬
tor has to deal, on account of their too great porosity and aridity. Not only do*
such soils possess too largely the power of absorbing the sun’s rays, but dew.

1870. ]

EOSES AND EOSE-CULTUEE.

59

rain, and water pass from them with such rapidity, that the plants have not
sufficient time to avail themselves of these sources of nourishment. A feeble
growth, followed by attacks from all sorts of enemies — aphis, spider, mildew — is
usually the result. Abundance of cow-dung as manure, with copious waterings
and sp’ingings in spring and summer, are the best palliatives ; but in extreme
cases it is better to remove the soil wholly to the depth of 2 ft., refilling the beds
with a good rose soil, composed of loam and manure.

4. Chalk is not a bad subsoil for roses. One of the oldest rose gardens in
Hertfordshire, that of Dane End, near Munden, in which the rose has for many
years been most successfully cultivated, has a subsoil of chalk, the chalk in some
instances rising within a few inches of the surface. There should not, however,
be less than 18 in. of a good rose soil, if resting on chalk; .and this, if not
naturally existing, should be secured artificially, as in the preceding instance.

5. Rocky soils are so various in their nature, that it is difficult to offer any
precise or definite rules for their management. Some rocky soils are so soft and
yielding, and so rich in the inorganic constituents necessary for the growth of
plants, that when they become disintegrated and enriched by animal or vegetable
manures, they possess rare powers of fertility. In such, roses grow and bloom
with remarkable vigour and beauty. Other rocky soils are hard and unyielding,
and require a long course of labour before they can be brought into a suitable
state for the delicate operations of gardening, among which we must class the
cultivation of the finer varieties of roses. The rocky soils I have had to deal
with have generally been like the gravelly and sandy soils in one particular, — too
dry in spring and summer ; and this may be in great part remedied here as there,
by the addition of cool fertilizers and copious supplies of water.

As before stated, we prefer for the general purposes of Rose-culture a strong,
deep, well-drained loam, on a subsoil of chalk, clay, or gravel ;..but if the surface
soil be 2 ft. in depth, whether naturally or artificially, we care little what the
subsoil may be. Let it, however, be borne in mind that the nature of the
subsoil should regulate the system of cultivation. If dealing with soils or
subsoils that are light and porous, a top-dressing of cow-dung is beneficial in
spring and summer, and copious waterings should be given in dry weather. In
heavy soils, it is equally serviceable to keep the surface constantly loose, for
which purpose the Vernon hoe will be found an excellent tool.

One thing we should not overlook as practical cultivators, and that is the
relation between climate and soil. For instance, roses will thrive better in a
loose, porous soil, if the climate be moist and showers frequent, than in situations
where but little rain falls, or in exposed places, where the plants are subjected to
the drying action of strong winds. Heavy soils, again, which are most retentive
of moisture, may be deteriorated by an excessive rainfall, the remedy for which
exists in thorough drainage, and the constant loosening of the surface to favour
evaporation. — William Paul, Paul's Nurseries^ Waltham Cross, W.

60

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ March,

THE AMATEUR GARDENER^S CALENDAR.

SHE issue of a new edition of Mrs. Loudon’s Amateur Gardener s Calendar*'
affords an opportunity to point out to Amateurs tlie importance of what

fmay be called the negative side of garden instruction. If it is desirable,
as it undoubtedly is, that the uninitiated should be advised as to the
operations which they ought from day to day to perform, in order that they may
achieve success in their efforts at gardening, it is no less important that they
should be taught that there are certain things which they ought not to do, since
by some such act — correct, it may be, in itself, but misapplied as to time and
circumstances — they may cause great inconvenience, if not irreparable mischief.
Such considerations as these appear to have presented themselves to the mind of
the authoress in planning this very useful volume, and hence we find a series of
directions as to things not to be done in each particular month, — operations
which a thoughtless or uninformed person would be very likely to set about, if
not warned against the consequences of doing so. This portion of the book was
originally written by the late Mr. H. 0. Ogle, and the whole text has now been
revised and adapted to the present state of garden knowledge by Mr. Eobinson.

Being a Calendar, the book is primarily divided into a series of chapters
corresponding with the months of the year, and each of these is broken up into
four subdivisions : — (1), General Observations and Directions ; (2), Things Not to be
Done ; (3), Principal Operations ; (4), Garden Enemies. This latter division is
nicely illustrated, and as a sample of the woodcuts we introduce, through the
courtesy of the publisher, an excellent representation of the Wireworm, that dire

plague of the florist which, by devouring the roots of his pet plants, brings about
their destruction. This troublesome grub is the larva of a small kind of beetle
belonging to the Elater family, and which is represented of the natural size at
fig. d in the annexed engraving, fig. e showing it as it appears when highly
magnified. When disturbed, the grub creeps quickly, with a sliding kind of
motion, its tail being bent on one side as shown at fig. a. There are two other

* The Amateur Gardener's Calendar; being a Monthly Guide as to what should be avoided, as well as what
should be done, in a garden in each month. By Mrs. Loudon : revised and edited by W. Robinson, F.L.S. With
numerous Illustrations, London : F. Wame and Co. Crown 8vo, pp. 376.

1870 ]

THE AMATEUE GARDENER’ S CALENDAR.

61

tinds of grubs allied to tbe wireworm frequently met witb, but these (shown at
figs, j and g) differ in the terminal section of the body, which in the true wire-
worm is furnished on the under-side with a large fleshy retractile tubercle (fig. h)
which it uses as a seventh leg when needful. The under-side of the head is shown
at c. The perfect insects are not injurious, but the larvae are dreaded by culti¬
vators. These receive their popular name of Wireworm from their very hard
external integument and long cylindrical form. Mr. Mechi holds that salt and
water will destroy these pests : — “ I have some land subject to this pest, but for
several years having used salt, I have prevented their ravages. ‘ Oh, but,’ say or
WTite many farmers to me, ‘ I have placed Wireworms in salt, and they continued
as lively as grigs, and, therefore, it is clear that salt will not kill them I’ My reply
has been, 'Did you put water with the salt?’ This soon changed their opinion.”

Amongst the modern topics introduced by Mr. Eobinson, and which embrace
cordon training, orchard houses, ground vineries, and such-like things, which had
not been heard of when the book was first published, one of the most useful for
small gardens, is perhaps that relating to the employment of the French Cloche
or Bell-glass, represented in the accompanying woodcuts. It is an article as yet
but little known here, but it is one of great and varied utility. It may be used for
winter-salad culture, for raising seedlings, for striking cuttings, or even for
keeping clean and fresh during -svinter such small-growing subjects as parsley. It
is simply a large cheap bell-glass, and by its aid the French gardener is enabled
to excel all others in the growth of winter and spring salads. Each bell-glass is
about 16 in. high, and the same in diameter at the base, and it may be bought
at from lOd. to Is., according to the quantity purchased. Bearing on the utility

of these cloches or bell-glasses, it has been recently observed by M. Schlosing, in
the Corrggtes Rendus^ that the power of absorbing mineral ingredients in solution
from the soil is diminished, by cultivating plants under glass in such a way as to
diminish the amount of evaporation from their surface. A tobacco plant so
grown absorbed 17 per cent, of mineral matter, instead of 20 per cent., as it would
do under ordinary circumstances. The production of vegetable acids was found
to be diminished by one-half, that of resin and cellulose to a less extent, while
the nitrogenous ingredients were not materially decreased. Starch was present
to the extent of 20 per cent., instead of to 100th per cent. only. Thus when

62

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOOIST.

[ Ma:ich,

evaporation is reduced in amount, a portion of the starch remains unused, and
consequently accumulates in the plant. Assuming M. Schlosing’s conclusions to
be correct, and that the two staple food ingredients, the nitrogenous and the
starchy matters, can be augmented by limiting evaporation, the importance of
bell-glass culture becomes obvious.

We turn from this to refer, on account of its seasonableness, to one other
matter which has attracted our notice, in turning over the nicely printed pages
of the book, and that is, the protection of the blossoms of wall-trees, for which
puipose we find a wide temporary coping recom¬
mended as the best protection that can be adopted.

This temporary shelter is to be made of bitumen-
ized felt or tarpaulin, nailed to light wooden frames
of 6 ft. or 8 ft. long, and 2 ft. or more in width,
which frames are to be supported by galvanized
iron brackets fixed at the top of the wall a few
inches below the permanent coping. Such a mode
of protection, unless in very cold and exposed situations, would do away with
the necessity for using curtains, or other close coverings, which too often do as
much harm as good.

The Amateur Gardener's Calendar in its new dress is a book that may be
honestly recommended to those to whom it is addressed, as likely to afford them
ready and welcome instruction. — ^M.

THE AKT OF FORCING FRUIT AND FLOWERS.— I.

have no very precise data as to the origin of the art of Forcing in this
_ ) country, but we may surmise, on tolerably good authority, that our
earliest ideas or lessons thereupon reached us from Holland. The first
insight into this art gained by the Dutch was, it is said, brought about
in this way : — An old Dutch gardener, having a good crop upon some new
Persian fruit-trees (Peaches) which he was growing, formed the idea of placing
fights or sashes” against some of them during a somewhat inclement season,
and with such results as will readily be surmised, for the fruit thus assisted
ripened better and earlier than others not so aided.

The advantages which in these days we possess, and which science has afforded
us, namely, pellucid glass (as compared with which the talc of olden times was
rude indeed), hot-water apparatus, and scientific modes of ventilation, place the
modem British gardener in a far more advantageous position than the Dutch
could have enjoyed, noted as they were for the success which attended their
earliest efforts in this direction. Then’ forcing operations were, as is well known,
carried on mainly by the aid of fermentable materials, and required an amount
of watchfulness and application, such as would, in these days of incessant calls
upon our time and attention, be sufficient to daunt the best of us.

1870. 3

THE GLADIOLUS IN 1869.

63

The first real British patron of the Dutch mode of forcing was Mr. Labou-
chere, of Hylands Park, Essex. These gardens are still held by a patron of
gardening, Arthur Pryor, Esq., brother of my estimable employer ; but modern
appliances have long since taken the place of the olden system.

There is one fact in connection with the Dutch practice which I must not
here pass over, inasmuch as it leads us to look at matters in a more practical man¬
ner than our present routine methods — of which I find no fault — permit. They
were wont in the early autumn to take a thriving Peach-tree up by the root, to
remove it to the forcing-pit, and there fruit it well, and to return it to a place
beside the wall, to make room for others. So they continued, year after year,
never, in fact, fruiting the same tree for two years in succession. In fact, by
carefully separating the roots, after they had performed their summer office, from
the soil which surrounded them, they knew that they had as good a tree to all
intents and purposes, as if tons of the old, exhausted soil had been removed with
it. They did not, as we too frequently do, consider the soil in which the roots
are imbedded, as part or portion of the tree itself ; but, more justly, they looked
upon the roots as organs capable of performing their functions quite as well in a
fresh and suitable soil, as in the old. But, be it remembered, they exhumed every
root and rootlet by removing the soil with the utmost care ; not, as is too
frequently the case now-a-days, by a dig here, and a dig there, in disregard of
them all, finishing by a strong pull at the main stem. I would earnestly impress
this simple fact upon the minds of all young gardeners, namely, that — provided
only the necessary care be given at the taking-up process — a moderate-sized cul¬
tivated deciduous plant may be removed with perfect impunity to the extent even
of at once forcing it into growth, and flowering it, and fruiting it some months
before its natural season.

Hero let me pause, to refer to the fact that many gardeners, in advertising,
speak of being ejfiScient in both late and early forcing. When we consider that
to force signifies to hasten the maturity of fruits, flowers, &;c., this expression,
late forcing, grates upon the ear. — William Eaelby, Digswell, Welwyn.

THE GLADIOLUS IN 1869.

VISIT just paid to my bulb-room reminds me that my report on the
Gladiolus is still unfurnished for the year just ended ; and my experience
as a practical cultivator tells me that, to be of use for the guidance of
florists for 1870, the sooner it is before the public the better. The year
1869 was, on the whole, unsatisfactory for the Gladiolus. I planted the bulk of
my stock in the second week of February, and all before the end of the month,
in fresh loam enriched with a moderate supply of old cow-dung, and made
friable by the addition of some river-sand — the soil they seem to like best. Too
heavy manuring I have found injurious, as it tends greatly to increase the pro¬
pensity in the bulbs to rot and melt away. They showed above-ground in due

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ March,

time, and tlien for nearly two months had to contend with bitter east winds, and
almost nightly frosts ; and though I cannot say I lost a single bulb outright in
the early season, the evidence of the struggle for life was plain to the most care¬
less observer, in the stunted growth, and pale, sickly foliage of the entire stock.
About the middle of June things began to mend, and thenceforward a rapid
growth took place, but the main bloom was later than usual, and there was a
marked deficiency in the rich vigorous appearance of foliage and brilliancy of
spike, which a good grower is fairly entitled to expect as the reward of his
labours. I planted all my stock about 8 in. deep, and top-dressed them in June
and July. I watered gently every day (as soon as the real summer weather set
in), from the end of June to the middle of August.

My note-book tells me also that a large proportion of my stock did not bloom
at all, being marked late — that is to say, that the check in the early summer
was too much for them, and that all they were able to accomplish was a growth
of about 2 ft., but no bloom. In those late cases the bulb has almost invariably
come up sound, which is a consolation to a certain extent.

The novelties of the past season have in several instances proved decided
acquisitions, and the following, from our greatest producer, M. Souchet, seem
likely to hold a leading position for some years to come. I give them as I meet
them in my note-book, not necessarily in the order of merit : —

Thomas Met^ven ***. — Purple shade of crimson, shaded with rose ; good spike, and good
substance ; better than Homere^ also a new flower, and rather similar.

Monsieur Legouve ****. — Brilliant ponceau, white throat, faint lilac blotch ; large solid
flower ; very like an old favourite of mine, Mar^chal Vaillant, but finer in all respects, and,
what is of great importance, fully a month earlier.

Madame Desportes. — ^White, lightly feathered with rosy lilac, blotch of same shade ; large
flower, and splendid spike.

Argus ****. — Kich ponceau, feathered with a darker shade of the same, pale straw throat ;
fine spike.

Schiller. — Splendid pale straw, rich bright velvety crimson throat ; very fine spike, quite
distinct, and a great gem. This note was taken on August 25, and as a matter for amusing
comparison, I next give a description taken on September 27 of another spike of the same
variety in a neighbouring bed : — Blush, pale straw throat, with rich blotch of bright velvety
crimson, heavy rose feathers, grand spike. The lapse of a month made aU the difference ; but
the two spikes were so unlike that, could it have been possible to bring them together, they
might have been shown side by side as two separate varieties.

Racine ****. — Bright rosy crimson, shaded with white ; splendid spike.

Buffon ***. — Bright crimson and rose shaded, striped with white and crimson flakes.

Madame Dombrain. — Splendid soft rose, bright rosy crimson throat and feathers, good
spike and good shape ; one of the very best.

Virgile ****. — Bich glowing ponceau, crimson blotch, good spike.

Marie Stuart ****. — ^Whitish blush, rosy crimson throat and feathers, grand spike. A
second spike from the same bulb, soft white, faintly tinged with lovely pale pink on throat and
feathers ; both different, but grand in either state.

Of seedlings, a few fine things have been shown in Dublin ; one splendid
flower, shown by Captain Nicholson, of Glenmore, near Drogheda, one of our
most successful exhibitors for the past two years, was named Glenmore, after his
own place. It was a most brilliant flower, good at all points, and reminding one

1870. ]

BLUE HTDEANGEAS.

65

very much of two of the best varieties John Standish has ever produced — Ensign
and Carminata. I also fortunately had two of my best seedlings for the year in
bloom at show-time ; both are distinct, and quite up to the right standard.
Oliver Goldsmith, warm blush, shaded rosy crimson feathers, throat tinged with
bronze ; very large flower, splendid shape, fine spike. Had this flower been sent
out by M. Souchet, I would have said at once that it had come from the same
strain of seed as Madame Dombrain and Thomas Moore. The second I have
called Earl Spencer^ after our present most popular Viceroy ; rich orange scarlet,,
shaded ; throat white, with crimson blotch, feathered with very dark claret-brown,.
— a seedling, I think, from Meyerbeer. Those two have been proved for two
years, and may, I think, be fairly relied on. If my judgment was as crude to-day
as it was some eight or ten years ago, I should probably be calling public atten¬
tion to some 40 or 50, in place of two new varieties of my own ; but I am not
unmindful of the advice of a veteran and kindly critic to young authors : — ‘^Burn
more, and print less.”

In the taking up and saving of Gladiolus bulbs, the lateness of the season causes,
great difficulty, as it is scarcely possible to get them out of the ground in detail
where there is a large stock. I adopted the plan last season of taking all mine
up in one day, as I do my Tulips. I placed them at once in their boxes in one of
two new conservatories which I had just built, kept up a smart heat for about
12 days, and then removed them, well saved and in good order, to the fruit and
bulb room for the winter. They are now in fine condition, that i*s, all that came
out of the ground healthy, — for the number of shriveled-up, leathery, dead bulbs
was quite as large as usual, and the cause of this mortality remains still unex¬
plained. While speaking of taking up, it may be well to state that where a
spike is cut while in full bloom, there the chance of the loss of the bulb seems
to be greatly increased. This is, I suppose, only natural, as the sudden shock of
beheading must be severely felt, but it is an important consideration for ex¬
hibitors. This is a matter I have carefully noted, and I should like to know
what growers generally think about it. — J. F. Lombard, Dublin.

BLUE HYDKANGEAS.

' LUE Hydrangeas have lately engaged some attention in the Florist ; and
as I have for many years been in the habit of producing them of that beau¬
tiful colour, a hint on the subject maybe acceptable to Quo ” and others,,
who, if they should live within a moderate distance of St. Alban’s, Herts.,
will find no difiiculty whatever in the matter, as at Oolney Heath (a few miles,
from St. Alban’s), there is, or used to be, abundance of loam and bog earth, either
of which, used separately, would grow Hydrangeas wth most beautiful blue flowers,
without any more trouble than the usual potting. I once lived in that neigh¬
bourhood for about thirty years, so that I had ample time to prove the qualities
of the soil ; but, having left, and gone something like 100 miles another way, I
could no longer grow them with any other than pink flowers.

66

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ March,

The most beautiful specimen I ever saw was a plant of Hydrangea japonica
about 4 ft. high, which I grew and exhibited at the Eoyal Botanic Garden, in
London. It occurred to me that, if I could obtain a small quantity of the soil,
I might still carry on the production of these blue plants, and I requested a friend
to send me some. He accordingly started me off about a bushel, in a bag, having
placed a plant with blue flowers on it, in the bag, and fllled the soil in among the
branches. This was a novel way of packing a plant in flower, but it arrived
safely, only a little dirty. I was very much pleased with my parcel, and, having
some pink-flowered plants, I set about turning them blue, in the following
manner : — I took them out of their pots (they were in full growth), and got away
all the soil I could, without very much disturbing the roots. I then potted them
in the new soil, and well puddled it in, so as to prevent them from flagging. They
were kept close and warm for some time, till they recovered from the effects
of this treatment, and were then left to flnish their growth and go to rest in the
usual way. The next year they were started, I think, some time in February,
and in the course of the summer they were the most admired objects of a
wedding decoration. I kept some of the soil for future use, but got disappointed,
as the next year it had lost its power so far that the colour was very pale indeed,
and the third year I do not thmk we could distinguish them at all, except that
the flowers were exceedingly fine as to size, and the plants in vigorous health.
This failure I attributed to the soil having been so long dug up, that it had lost
the properties which had formerly effected the change. If I am wrong in this
supposition, perhaps some reader will kindly set me right.

What I have stated about Colney Heath is, of course, no secret thereabouts.
The most successful cultivator I am acquainted with, is Mr. Thrower, gardener at
High Canons, near Barnet. He used to grow Hydrangeas with blue flowers in
abundance, and, I have no doubt, would be exceedingly happy to answer any
enquiries about their culture. — Jasper Standstill.

THE LILY OF THE YALLEY.

y^jHIS truly British plant, though one of the humblest members of our
sylvan flora, holds notwithstanding a proud position in the category

fof odoriferous flowers, from the grateful perfume exhaled by its tiny
blossoms. Some sweet-scented flowers that I might name, are so heavily
charged with perfume, that their odour is cloying and oppressive ; but it is not
so with the Lily of the Valley, for its fragrance is admitted by the best judges
to be superior in delicacy to that of any other flower which we possess, whether
native or exotic. Let it therefore stand to the honour of Britain, that among
all sweet-smelling flowers which she has imported, nothing has yet turned up
more grateful than this lovely gem, which we mjiy proudly call our own.

On making acquaintance with this plant, we find it has, deeply nestled in the
bosom of its broad green leaves, naked spikes of pure white blossoms like silver

lb":/. ]

THE LILY or THE VALLEY.

67

bells, each bell beautifully vandyked with six points. I have generally found it
growing wild not far from running water, as an undergrowth, with the arms and
foliage of some venerable oak as a parasol over its head, literally a Lily in the
Valley, with rocks and hills piled around ; and if the heart of oak had a tongue,
or if these big stones and crags could speak, they would tell us that this plant
was never intended by nature to do battle with the sun and wind single-handed.

The great service which the Lily of the Valley renders to horticulture is as a
forced flower. Everybody knows the flower, for we see it in the button-hole of
the gentleman’s dress-coat, and in the bouquet of the bride adorned for her
husband ; and it is so easily forwarded, being a spring flbwer, that it is to be had
in January, and right on till it flowers naturally in May. I need not speak of
its ordinary culture, if culture of any kind it ever gets, but I will ask the gentle
reader to turn to Nature’s page, and see how this plant behaves itself in its native
habitat, and, for the reasons already given, to take that lesson. I have stated
that the plant is a native of Britain, but I will go into particulars, and select a
central locality, and ask the excursionist to take the Midland Railway train to
Cromford Bridge, near Matlock Bath, in Derbyshire, and in that truly picturesque
dell he will And the Lily of the Valley luxuriating. If he chances to be there in May,
he may see children with bunches of its lovely blossoms offering them to the visitors
and invalids for a few coppers. As he looks up to the rooks, piled mountains high
around him, he will see that shelter, shade, and moisture are ingr.edients in the
landscape where the Lily of the Valley is located by nature ; but the chief
ingredients are the vegetable mould from the decayed leaves, and the moisture ;
and when under artiflcial culture, if it is neglected and allowed to get once
thoroughly dry during its growing season, that hard surface drying will be
quite sufficient to ruin a season’s blooming. As the plant skims the surface and
does not feed deeply, it is essential to its well-being that very rich food should
be put in its way, such as heavy drenchings with manure water, to imitate as far
as possible the wet vegetable mould of its native vales. In the woods near
Sheffield, north and south of that town, the common Squill may be seen in
bloom by the acre ; and it throws all spring flower-gardening into the shade
when one sees a flower-bed of lovely blue, a furlong or more in width, and half
a mile long, lighted up by the descending rays of the evening sun. And when we
pry into the mystery of its support, it all turns on the four or five inches of
black vegetable mould that had once been leaves. But you cannot get such a
glimpse as this of the Oonvallaria, although it is a plant exceedingly resembling
the Squill* {Scilld), because it is seldom seen where the ground is even, and the
length and breadth of its foliage combine to hide its slender spikes of flower.

* I would fain enter my protest against the unnatural position in which the Oonvallaria is classed in
the natural arrangement. The head of the family, Smilax, has little in common with its congeners. I would
not have it aspire to be one of the Lilies, although it is as white as they. I would rather group it
with its lovely companions of the grove, the Scilla above alluded to, the fragrant Hyacinth, and the wild
Allium. I should be contented to see my tiny pet among the rank and file of this family, a gentle, lovely
Asphodel.

G8

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOOIST.

[ March,

We have been in the habit of potting the crowns of this plant for forcing,
much in the same way as we do the bulbs of the Hyacinth ; but the roots of the
Hyacinth, and the roots of most bulbs, strike deep into the soil — indeed there is
a peculiar form of flower-pot, one-third more in depth than the diameter at the
brim, that used to be called the Bulb-pot. This ought not to be used for the Lily
of the Valley, but rather shallow pans whose depth is not more than half their
diameter. Into such pans patches of the roots of the Lily of the Valley should
be placed, with the soil attached, and without breaking or disturbing the feeders
at the very time when their services are most needed. In this natural way the
plants will flower freely, especially if they are not forced with too much fire-heat.
It is therefore evident that it is to the previous treatment of the plants in the
reserve garden that we must look for our success in forcing this gem of a flower ;
and the cultivator must have an eye to the natural method, and see that shelter,
shade, moisture, and surface feeding are attended to, for it certainly needs them
all. It is disgraceful to see the way in which this useful plant is treated in most
gardens. I do not recollect noting any one instance in which it was honestly
cultivated, for it was allowed to have its own way, behind a north wall, and the
crowns were dug up for forcing as they were wanted ; but if we could only grow
them by art as well as they are grown by nature, they would handsomely repay
us by their unrivalled fragrance ; and as they are saleable goods, they might,
if well marketed, render some service in the way of paying rent to the dealer in
cut flowers. — Alexander Forsyth, Islington Square^ Salford.

GRAFTING UNFRUITFUL UPON FRUITFUL TREES.

a former paper, relating to the stocks of Apples and Pears, I wrote against
the opinion that grafting bad-bearing kinds on fruitful ones would increase
their fertility. As what I then said may be disputed, I will enforce it by
^ further observations. A few years ago I grafted some healthy scions of
the Northern Spy Apple upon good-bearing branches of Braddick’s Nonpareil.
They grew freely, but were unproductive, and of the usual slender growth
peculiar to that kind, though the original tree or stock is always very fruitful,
even some of the shoots of the previous season’s growth being so, — a peculiarity
of some great-bearing kinds of both Apples and Pears. Amongst these is Susette
de Bavay Pear, which seldom ripens in bad seasons even on a wall. The next
example will show the reverse side of the question. I grafted Cox’s Pomona
Apple upon some sere branches of the Norfolk Beaufin, and they soon got the
mastery, and proved very fruitful, without affecting or restoring to health the
nearly barren tree.

Those who dispute my opinion on this subject, might as well maintain that
the shoots of a good-bearing kind, united to those of an unfruitful one, would make
a fruitful tree ; but though that would be like reversing the process, it would be
equally untenable. Numerous instances of such might be mentioned, but I con-

1870. ]

PASSIFLOEA MAOROCAEPA.

61>

fine myself to two. I have on a wall with an east aspect a healthy tree of the
White Doyenne Pear, on the top of which is the Susette de Bavay. This part of
the tree is always prolific, but that below bears only sparingly. Again, I have
Hacon’s Incomparable or Bergamot on a wall with a south aspect, grafted on the
common Crassane, without any change of its habits. This applies equally to all
such grafting, and it is because each kind or variety obtains its proper nutriment
from its own leaves, and not from the crude juices derived from the roots of the
stocks. I may have noticed this before in these pages, but I repeat it, because Mr,
Hill in his remarks on the Styrian Pear at p. 272 of the volume for 1869 states
that “ grafted on Citron des Oarmes, it comes in fully a month earlier, and is
beautifully coloured, but smaller than on a pear stock.” But from what I have
just advanced, I do not see how that can be.

However, I pass on to notice that these remarks do not apply to grafting-
rare, or new kinds, upon established trees, for this certainly promotes fruitfulness,
and grafts so worked will bear much sooner than when worked on young luxuriant
stocks. For instance, I have thus fruited for the last two seasons upon walls of south
and west aspects the British Queen Pear^ but found it inferior to the old kinds on
which it was grafted. The slight fiavour of this new Pear, whether it be grown
on a wall, or as a standard, is lost too soon on the palate. On mentioning this to a
friend, whose taste is better than my own, he compared some of his British Queen
Pears from a standard with mine, and came to the conclusion that he would cut
his young tree down, though it had cost him ten shillings. I state this in order
to show that a too hasty judgment of new kinds of fruits may lead those astray^
who purchase the ‘‘whole stock ” of such varieties, and who may thus uninten¬
tionally deceive their customers. — J. Wighton, Cossey Park.

PASSIFLOEA MACEOCAEPA.

SINCE my last communication on this new Passion-flower, I have gained some-
further information respecting it, which leads me to state that I am now
of opinion that it is worthy of being held in higher estimation than we
were at first led to believe. It is not wise to pass too hasty a judgment
on a new fruit, which this undoubtedly is, lest we do injustice to the collector,,
who in this case was M. Wallis, ‘^who discovered it on the banks of the Eie
Negro about 1864.” Hence it was right that the fruit should have a fair trial.
Subjoined is a description of the test to which I have subjected it, and the result
of which enables me to say something in its favour.

I could get no satisfactory account of the fruit when sent in to the family for
use in its raw state. I therefore had one made into a jelly, and this is tho
account of it sent me by the Countess of Craven : — “ Many thanks for the jelly^
which his Lordship thinks excellent, quite as good as guava.” This is an
improvement on the verdict passed on the fruit when used in its raw state, viz.,.
“ Not at all good, and quite unlike P. edulis.’* Men do not wish to be considered

70

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ March,

of less value than they really are, but it often happens with individuals as with
P. macrocarpa — they are condemned for want of knowing how to appreciate
their worth, or where to find in them the kernel of real value or real flavour.

The method of making the conserve differs in some respects from the
directions given at p. 14, which refer rather to the preparation of a jam than of
a jelly. Here is the recipe by which the jelly above mentioned was made : —
Cut the fruit in half ; carefully remove the seeds with the juice ; peel the fruit,
and cut it up into slices, i.e., that part of it corresponding to the flesh of a
melon. Put it into a preserving-pan, with h pint water to 2 lb. of fruit, and let
it boil 10 minutes ; then strain through a jelly-bag. When strained, put ^Ib. of
sugar to -^Ib. of the juice, f.e., of the flesh juice, and let this boil for 10 minutes
more. Then add the seeds and the juice, and boil until it forms into a nice
jelly. The seeds should not be removed, but left to add to the flavour, after the
manner in which the kernels of Apricots, Peaches, Plums, or Damsons are used.
I am glad you have drawn attention to P. quadrangularis. I will give that also
a fair trial. — Wm. Millee, Comhe Abbey Gardens.

THE HOLLYHOCK.

OME years ago, just when it might have been said that a new and
vigorous life was being infused into the profession of the florist, an
old writer, seeing in some of the flowers then being taken in hand, kinds
that had hitherto received but little attention in comparison with what
had been paid to others, was led to give utterance to these words: — ‘^Some younger
spirits, straining after new worlds of flowers to subjugate, or in which ‘ to mend
Nature,’ have obtruded Hollyhocks, Phloxes, Verbenas, Snapdragons, &c., to
the much discomfort and surprise of the old school.” Some, then, these aggres¬
sive younger spirits,” as in many other matters related to our every-day life,
have made considerable headway in their especial tracks, despite many sorrowful
protests similar in character to the one recorded. Had not these younger
spirits ” pushed on with ardour their subjugating efforts, the world of Flori¬
culture would have lost much of a very valuable character. One of these
obtruded flowers, the Hollyhock, has run a glorious course, as some of the most
gifted of the younger spirits gave to its improvement the high service of their
newly-awakened and vigorous enthusiasm. In the list of names of those who
have aided in this good work can be found those of Paul, Ohater, Bircham, Roake,
Parsons, and others of lesser note ; and later but not less successful, those of
Downie, and Laing, and Hawke. It is to these last names, and that of kir. Ohater,
that the improvement of the- Hollyhock in the present day has been committed,
and it must be said, it is being worthily performed.

That Mr. W. Ohater has a fine lot of new flowers will be readily inferred
from the fact that the Royal Horticultural Society awarded him five First-Olass
Oertificates during 1869, These five varieties were Cams Chater, rich dark

1S70. ]

GARDEN GOSSIP.

71

shining crimson, flowers large and very full ; Constance, -pale flesh, flowers large
and full, and of a very pleasing hue ; Junia, pale primrose, deeper towards the
base of the flower, regularly suffused and stained with purple, novel and dis¬
tinct in colour ; Leah^ apricot yellow, but with a pleasant yellow glow, flowers
large, full, and of flne form ; and Walden Queen^ deep salmon-pink, flowers large
and full, and a flne exhibition variety. In addition, Mr. Ohater has Autumn
Queen^ rich carmine, large, and full ; Peri^ creamy-white, a fine and well-formed
flower ; Purity^ soft bright pink, very pretty and good ; and Rosa Mundi, bright
carmine, of a showy hue of colour.

A personal inspection of Messrs. Downie Laird and Laing’s new flowers enables
me to speak of them with some confidence. Taking the flowers according to
their alphabetical arrangement, they are found to be: Alexander Henderson, light
ruby-crimson, of fine form and full substance ; Jamieson^ deep rose,^

shaded with dark, forms a fine spike for exhibition ; Captain Grants light rosy-
crimson, flowers large, full, and extra fine ; Cloth of Gold^ pure bright yellow, of
fine form and quality, and very promising as a fine show kind ; David Marshall^
clear deep rose, of fine form and substance ; James Mclndoe, bright rosy crimson,
forming a grand spike of large and full flowers ; John McDonald, very dark ruby
crimson, fine spilie ; Mrs. T. H. Douglas., pale soft rose, flowers of the finest form
and quahty ; Mr. Downie Improved, bright orange, slightly shaded with rose, a
fine variety, whether used as a spike or required for cut blooms ; Novelty, mauve
at base of the flower, and greyish- white, quite distinct in character and novel in
appearance ; and Richard Dean, a splendid exhibition flower, of a dark glossy
crimson hue, of fine form and quality, and forming a grand spike. This fine
variety was awarded a First-Class Certificate at the Eoyal Caledonian Society’s
Exhibition at Edinburgh in September last. — Quo.

GAKDEN GOSSIP.

T the Anniversary Meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society., on the 8th
ult., the Council announced in its annual Report that it had come to the
conclusion that Chiswick Garden must be abandoned, owing to the large
expenditure it involved, and its growing unfitness for the purposes to which

it was devoted ; and the question of purchasing a smaller garden in some more favourable
locality was submitted to the judgment of the Fellows, the means of acquiring this new establish¬
ment being, it was believed, provided by a bequest of £2,000 to the Society from a late Fellow,
Mr. A. Davis. It was also stated that whilst the country shows at Bury and Leicester had
proved to some extent remunerative, that held last summer at Manchester would not more
than meet its expenses. The Council, moreover, claims to have taken the necessary steps to secm*e
the advantage of international competition for Horticulture at the approaching annual Exhibition
of Art and industry.

- are glad to find that Rendle's Plant Protectors, to which we alluded

in our last volume, are engaging the attention of some of our foremost gardeners.
Mr. Ingi’am, of Belvoir, we learn, purchased all the specimens exhibited at Man¬
chester, with the view of giving them a fair trial, and those who have seen them in use at
Belvoir speak very highly of their efficiency. Mr. Rendlo informs us that he is about to make

72

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ March,

some small hand-glasses to cover Dahlias, Verbenas, Bedding Plants, &c., so as to protect them
from frost after they are planted out. These -will be very useful, not only to florists, but to
flower gardeners, and are, wo are told, to bear a very low price, — 3d. each, including glass.

- - 02lkE are indebted to Mr. Turner, of Slougb, for the following list of

choice varieties of Pinks such as may be recommended to growers at the present

(lay : — Attraction, Beauty of Bath, Bertram, Blondin, Charles Waterton, Ohrist-

abel, Delicata, Device, Edwin, Emily, Excelsior, Invincible, Lady Graven, Lord Herbert, Marion,
Nina, President, and Rev. George Jeans.

- Hn reference to the Bedding Pansies noted at p. 41, we learn from Mr.

I Fleming that the names of Trentham Blue, Trentham Yellow, &c., used by

' A. I. P., are misnomers. The whole of these Pansies were raised at Cliveden, and

I were sent thence to Trentham; hence Mr. Fleming is quite justified in claiming for them

' the names of Cliveden Yellow, Cliveden Blue, &c. We have now succeeded, Mr. Fleming-

. adds, in getting a splendid red, which will be good news for spring gardeners. Every establish¬

ment is entitled to claim the credit which fairly belongs to it.

I - ®HE Sandringham Sprouting Cabbage is likely to be a useful addition

’ to hardy vegetables. It is the result of a cross between McEwen’s Cabbage and

the Brussels Sprout, the latter being the seed-bearing parent. It forms a head.

like a small Cabbage, and has the stem clothed with moderate-sized sprouts, which close after
the manner of the branches of the Brussels Sprouts, except that they are larger. They are
exceedingly sweet and tender when cooked, with quite the flavour of a mild Cabbage.

- - ^MONG Winter-flowering plants, the sweet-scented Boutardias — jasmini-

flora and longifiora — though very useful, are much neglected by gardeners in

general, in consequence of the want of proper accommodation for them. They

require a warm, light, airy house, and to be set close to the glass during the autumn, winter, and
spring months, and during the summer to be planted out in the open garden, in good soil,
repotting again in September. They may be increased by cuttings, or by seeds, as they seed
very freely. The plants should be set in a warm moist house six weeks before taking the
‘ cuttings in the spring ; then they strike very freely. Pot in good rich fibry peat and loam,

adding coarse sand, and syringe daily with clear soot or sulphur-water if red spider appears.
B. jasminiflora is the freest of the two, but B. longifiora has the largest flowers, and is the
sweetest-scented. When the pots are full of roots, water with liquid manure frequently. Most
of the Bouvardias like the same treatment.

« _

Samuel Broome, tbe well-known Gardener of tbe Inner Temple>.

died of apoplexy on January 22nd, at tbe age of 64. He was born at Weston-

under-Lizard, and after serving bis apprenticeship in tbe gardens of tbe Earl of

Bradford, he came to London, and was for 38 years employed in the Gardens of the Honourable
Society of the Inner Temple, where for the last 27 years he fiUed the responsible post of Head
Gardener. He specially devoted himself to the cultivation of the Chrysanthemum, his know¬
ledge of which rendered him a general referee to those desirous of obtaining infonnation
concerning it. “ Sam Broome,” as his friends called him, was greatly respected and very
deeply regretted by all who knew him.

- PtR. John Lloyd died on January 24tb, in bis 79 tb year. His name-

and character were best known among tbe growers of Succulent plants and Fern

collectors. He bad a wonderful success in cultivating both these tribes of

interesting plants ; and with regard to succulents, he was gifted with a most extraordinary
ability in distinguishing species, — a quick and penetrating eye to catch at once the points of
' difference between one species and another ; this was more especially observable in his know¬

ledge of Aloes, Agaves, &c., and caused him to bo known as the Richard Bradley of om* times..

! Leaving his native home in Herefordshire in early life^ he came to London, and nearly the!

whole of his life was passed in the vicinity of the metropobs.

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1870. j

NEW VAEIETIES OF FUCHSIA. - PHLOXES IN POTS,

73

NEW VARIETIES OF FUCHSIA.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

(T is quite evident that the well-directed efforts of E. Banks, Esq., in the rais¬
ing of new varieties of Fuchsia have been crowned with the most complete
success, and that he is now far ahead of all rivals in this particular field.
The opposite plate furnishes the proof of this assertion. The improvements
which Mr. Banks has been carrying on step by step for nearly 30 years have
culminated, so far as the public are permitted to share with him, in Splendour,
one of the varieties which we now figure. We use the foregoing qualification,
because it is, as we learn, an axiom with this grower never to part with any new
variety until he has obtained a better one of the same type. The dark-coloured
varieties in the accompanying plate represent novelties from Mr. Banks’ collection,
now in the hands of Mr. Oannell for distribution, while the double white is a
portrait of one of Mr. G-. Smith’s new varieties.

Our fig. 1 represents the variety named John McEleoy, which is considered
to be a grand improvement on such sorts as Lord Derby and Lord Elcho. The
sepals are broad, thick, and well reflexed, and the very long barrel-shaped corolla
is of large size, and of an intense violet, occasionally striped. Fig. 2 represents
Splendour, alluded to above, and which has the largest, intense dark purple corolla
of any variety yet sent out. In some blossoms which we measured in the autumn
of last year the diameter of the expanded corolla was fully 3 in. It has a bright
scarlet tube, with sepals of the same colour, reflexing to form a perfect crown, and
of great substance, while the plant is a strong bushy grower, and a free bloomer.
John Bright, represented at fig. 3, is an improvement on Beauty of Sholden ; the
reflex of the fine, stout scarlet sepals is perfect, while the mauve-tinted, cup-
shaped corolla is the n;ost regular and perfect of any variety of that colour. In
fig. 4, named Avalanche, we have certainly one of the finest double whites which
have yet been produced. It comes from Mr. G. Smith’s collection, and, as shown
by him, was of excellent free-blooming habit, with very large and very full blossoms,
the sepals being of a somewhat rosy tint of scarlet, and the corolla large, dense,
regularly formed, and of the purest white. No finer Fuchsias than these, in their
respective sections, need be desired. — M.

PHLOXES IN POTS.

lOWEVER warmly I sanction and admire the plan of exhibiting these
handsome, hardy, herbaceous plants in pots, I find it is not so well to grow
them in that way. The plants make too much root to be grown in
8-in. pots, and become too soon pot-bound ; such plants in many in¬
stances look sickly, while the flowers are consequently small, and their colours
are not fully developed. Last season I potted a lot of plants early in spring,
for the Eoyal Horticultural Society’s Exhibition at Manchester, but as the time
3rd series. — III. e

74

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ April,

approached I found they would not do, and therefore I determined to take
up plants in bloom the night previous. Having saturated them with water a
couple of hours before, I cut round the plants with the spade, so as to form a ball
of earth as nearly the shape and size of an 8-in. pot as possible. They were then
raised and- lifted carefully with both hands, and placed gently in the pot.
When completed hooped, and all ready, I plunged the pots for a few minutes
each in water, and found next morning that they looked quite fresh, and ready
for their journey, and I thus succeeded in gaining the first prize. The varieties
were Princess of Wales, Iphetus, La Ristori, Miss Spedding, Atlas, and George
Wyness. Iphetus and Atlas I consider too similar for a pan of six, but I
selected them on account of the fine bloom. I plunged the pots in water three
times while they were at the show, yet notwithstanding they began to flag at the
week’s end ; but they were very much admired by all who took an interest in
this Queen of Herbaceous plants.

An old friend told me that if I had puddled the bottoms of the pots with
clay they would have been better. I merely mention this as a hint to anyone
intending to exhibit them in pots during the coming season, and intend to try it
myself, being fully satisfied of the superiority of exhibiting them in pots rather
-than as cut specimens.

Another system which I have adopted, and which is generally admired,
is to confine the stems to two hoops, the lower 5 in. or 6 in. in diameter, and
the upper one 9 in. to 12 in., according to the size and number of stems. These
are supported by means of two upright stakes, and the stems are carefully tied
at regular intervals. This system not only prevents the wind from damag¬
ing the spikes or trusses, but gives the whole a neat and more uniform
appearance. The hoops may be made of any light material, as cane, willow,
hazel, or anything in that way, and will last two or three seasons. — John
Walker, Winton, Manchester.

CLEEODENDEON FEAGEANS.

*^*^AS any reader of the Florist had any experience as to the hardiness of
Clerodendron fragransl My earliest recollections of this plant go back to
the time when it was grown as a greenhouse plant, but for many years I
had not seen it until, in the year 1865, I found it growing in a shrubbery
bed at this place, with two shoots, one of which produced a small, but most
fragrant truss of pink flowers. Although it has never received any special treat¬
ment, it has increased in strength, and now annually produces several vigorous
shoots, which produce large handsome trusses of bloom in September and October.
The frost generally destroys the blossoms and foliage, but the wood ripens suffi¬
cient to withstand it.

I learn from Mr. P. Don, of Bedgebury Park, who saw the plant when it
flowered, that he had never before heard of or seen it growing in the open air,

1870. ]

THE GAEDEN MENTOE.

75

especially as an established, hardy plant ; and this being my experience, I have
thought the subject worthy of notice in the pages of the Floeist and Pomologist.
— Thomas Eecoed, Lillesden.

THE GAEDEN MENTOE.

y^PEIL — generally a season of showers and sunshine — is always a very busy
month, and particularly so, when the weather of the previous one has
been unfavourable, as then many things that ought to have been done
during March will demand immediate attention.

Kitchen Gaeden. — The surface-soil should be kept stirred by frequent hoe-
ings between the rows of all growing crops, which will be most beneficial to the
young plants, and will keep down weeds. Attention must be paid to the timely
and proper thinning of the young crops, otherwise they will soon suffer serious
injury ; when this is done, if the ground is in good condition and the surface kept
stirred, the plants will soon acquire such a size and root-hold as will enable them
to withstand considerable heat and drought without suffering much therefrom.
When this timely attention is not given, the young plants suffer from even a little
drought, particularly if the soil be poor. The planting of Potatos should be
brought to a close. Cabbages, CauUjiowers, and Lettuces may be planted out. The
hand-lights may be removed off the CauUjiowers, and some soil drawn up to
the plants. Peas should be earthed up, and rodded as they require it. It is
advisable to cover seeds, especially those of the Brassica tribe, immediately after
they are sown, with nets to protect them, from birds, which in most gardens are
very troublesome. Slugs are oftentimes very destructive to young crops if not
well looked for ; as soon as any are perceived, the whole surface of the ground
should be dusted with lime, either late in the evening or very early in the morn¬
ing ; if this is persevered in for a short time, it will soon stay their ravages.
Celerij sown last month should be pricked out about 4 in. apart in nice rich soil,
and be protected by a frame.

Sotu : Peas and Beans twice during the month ; the main crop of Carrots and Parsnips ;
Salsafy and Scorzonera ; Borecole and Broccoli of sorts at the beginning of the month ; Bound
Spinach and Tmnips for succession ; Cabbages for Autumn ; Cauliflowers and Lettuces for
succession. Radishes, Mustard and Cress twice dmdng the month ; Beet at the beginning of
the month for early crop, at the end of the month for main crop ; Kidney Beans and Scarlet
Runners towards the end of the month.

Foecing Houses. — Pines: Plants swelling their fruit must now have every
attention ; water freely and occasionally with liquid manure, syringe overhead
occasionally on a fine day after the houses are shut up, and maintain a moist
atmosphere. Give a little air at every favourable opportunity, and keep a tem¬
perature, at night about 70°, and during the day about 80° or 85°, with an
increase of 10° or more by sun-heat. The succession plants should be shifted at
once, if not done last month, should have a steady bottom-heat of about 85°, and
a top-heat of about 70° at night, rising to 85° or 90° on bright days; they should
not have much water until they begin to root freely into the fresh soil, and should

E 2

76

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ AraiL,

also be kept rather close for a week or two, when air should be admitted freely ;
under this treatment they will grow freely. Carefully guard against too much
bottom-heat, and over- watering after they are fresh potted. Vines : As soon as
the grapes in the early house begin to colour, a drier atmosphere must be main¬
tained, and air should be admitted freely. For succession houses, attend to former
directions ; when the buds begin naturally to swell in the late houses, give a little-
fire-heat. In my opinion it is a mistake to retard late Vines, as is oftentimes done,,
with the idea that the grapes will keep longer. Grapes ripened towards the end.
of September will almost invariably be finer, and will generally keep better, than,
grapes ripened towards the end of October, and the wood will get properly matured.
Peaches : Give air freely in the forenoon, and close up early in the afternoon,,
syringe daily, and keep a moist, growing atmosphere ; water well the inside borders,
and attend to the tying-down of the shoots. Figs : Keep these well watered, and
persevere in syringing daily, otherwise the red-spider may become troublesome ;
stop all shoots when about 6 in. long. Cherries : Attend to the stopping of the
shoots, and see that the plants are free from insects ; lessen the supply of water as
the fruit approaches maturity. Strawherries : Give plants swelling off their fruit
plenty of water, and occasionally a little liquid manure ; let them have abundance
of air, light, and heat. Plants in flower should have plenty of air, but should
not have too much heat. Cucumbers and Melons : Give the former plenty of heat,
light, air, and moisture, and do not allow the shoots to get crowded. A steady
bottom-heat must be always maintained to Melons ; keep rather dry when in
bloom, but when a sufficient number of fruit for a crop are set, give liberal
supplies of tepid water ; sow for late crops.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — Attend well to the protection of Apricots^ Peaches^
and Nectarines ; they are a month later in coming into bloom than they were last
season, owing to the dull cold weather we have had since the beginning of the
year ; see that the covers are all on at night, and removed during the day, unless
severe weather should render it advisable to let them remain up. Commence the
gradual disbudding of the shoots when fit. Take every care to preserve the
young shoots from injury either by insects or frost, as when these are destroyed,
the later growths rarely ripen properly. Cut down the shoots of double-bearing
Raspberries to within a few inches of the ground, and run a hoe between the
Strawberry plants, to loosen the surface of the soil.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : Fire-heat may be altogether dispensed with,
excepting in stoves. Air should be admitted whenever the state of the weather
permits. Soft-wooded plants will be growing away freely, and will require to
be watered liberally ; attend to the training and tying-out of the shoots as they
advance in growth ; shift all plants when they require it, being careful not to
overpot ; avoid crowding the plants, if good specimens are wanted. Cinerarias
will be coming into full bloom ; fumigate the plants two or three times whilst in
bud, and then they will keep clean while in flower. Tie up the shoots of Calceo-

1870.]

AQUATICS. - CHAPTER II.

77

larias as they advance in growth. Many kinds of Hard-wooded plants will be in
great beauty, and should be well attended to. Shift all young growing plants
that require it. See our remarks of last month.

Pits and Frames. — These should now be made the most of. One or two
should be hot-beds for the propagation of plants of all kinds for autumn, as well
as for summer decoration. One or two should also be hot-beds for the growth of
Globe Amaranths.^ Ilmneas.^ Egg plants, Cockscombs., Balsams, &c. The cold pits
and frames should be used for gradually hardening off Bedding plants of all kinds ;
give air freely, but do not yet take the lights wholly off.

Sow : Balsams, Cockscombs, Cinerarias, Primulas, Cyclamens, Humeas, Zinnias, Asters,
Carnations, Stocks, Globe Amaranths, Egg plants, &c. They should bo sown in shallow pans,
and placed in a gentle bottom-heat, and as soon as fit should be either potted off singly into
small pots, or pricked out into pans, and grown on in heat.

Ont-Doors. — Loosen carefully the surface-soil between Bidbs, and protect with
temporary covers in bad weather. Finish pruning Boses, if not already done,
and do not suffer any suckers to rob the plants. If the weather be dry, water
newly-planted ones, and see that standards are properly secured to stakes. Dress
box edgings. Sweep and roll walks and lawns, and mow before the grass begins
to grow much.

Soio : Mignonette, Sweet Peas, Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, Nemophila, Clarkia, Gilia,
and other hardy annuals ; also Biennials and Perennials of all kinds.

— M. Saul, Stourton.

AQUATICS.— Chapter II.

HE sudden splash and flutter of that retreating dab-chick or waten-hen,
whose erect white tail has just disappeared with sundry convulsive twitches
among the sedges, and the grateful aromatic odour arising from the
newly-bruised water-mint beneath our feet, irresistibly remind us that we
are again on swampy ground.

And here we meet with an old acquaintance, the Water Archer or Common
Arrowhead, Sagittaria sagittifolia, the leaves of which, as its name imports,
bear a striking resemblance to the head of an arrow or halberd. The
simple rehearsal of the name sends us some centuries back, and brings
vividly to our imagination the brave doings at Agincourt or Oressy, and also
serves to remind us in passing of the valiant deeds of our Cheshire archers in
days of yore.

This species is well adapted for a pond or lake of moderate size, having from
two to five feet depth of water. It is curious to observe how the plant will
adapt itself to circumstances in this respect, for if planted five feet deep it will send
up its leaves and flowers from a foot to eighteen inches above the water, and if in
but two feet of water it will do the same. Being a perennial, and having a
creeping root-stock, forming numerous elongated tubers in the growing season, it
soon forms a nice mass, and is useful, as being of a very upright growth and

78

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST,

[ Ariun,

rgid outline, for contrast with the floating kinds. The flowers are white, and
produced in whorls on a stem longer than the leaves, and are tripetalous, in form
and size not unlike those of Tradescantia virgitiica cdha^ and having the males
and females on the same spike, the former being produced on the upper part on
longer, the latter below on shorter pedicels. The carpels are produced in spherical
clusters, and bear a marked resemblance to those of the common Burdock. Being
a native plant, it is perfectly hardy.

Sagittaria sagittifolia jiore-pleno. — In the form of its leaves and its general
aspect this resembles the last, but the flowers, which are white, are perfectly
double, so that when in full bloom it bears no inapt resemblance to a double
white hyacinth. This variety is said to be of garden origin, but no one seems to
know precisely when, where, or how it was produced. That it is not only the
handsomest of the Arrowheads, but also one of the very best hardy Aquatics we
have, no one will venture to deny. Being of moderate growth, it is very suitable
for small ponds or tanks, and should never be omitted from the most select
collection. The above are the only British representatives of this group ; S.
latifolia and S. latifolia Jiore-pleno are merely synonyms.

Canada produces a major variety of the S. sagittifolia, and Pennsylvania a
minor variety of the same, but unfortunately neither of these is at present pro¬
curable in this country.

Sagittaria rigida. — This is a North American species, and is occasionally met
with in cultivation. The leaves are not sagittate, but somewhat lanceolate.
The flowers are produced on branching spikes, and are pure white, and very
showy. Its native habitat is in the deep, still waters of the Oswego river, where
it luxuriates to such a degree that it sends its strong petioles up through
seven feet depth of water ; but it will flourish in a less depth, and is useful
for large ponds or lakes, where strong-growing sorts are desirable. It is per¬
fectly hardy.

Sagittaria ohtiisa. — A fine species from Virginia, where it grows in shallow
water. The leaves are about the size of those of Calla palustris, and bluntly
sagittate,, the scape not branched, the flowers white and dioecious. It is useful
for ponds of medium size, and quite hardy.

Sagittaria chmensis. — This is a very distinct and fine species, having broadly
arrow-shaped leaves, on long footstalks varying from two to three feet, very upright
in habit, and standing well up out of the water ; it produces on a branching
spike a profusion of rather small, whitish flowers, and is a very useful sort for a
medium-sized tank in a greenhouse or conservatory, as, being a native of China,
it will not bear our winters when exposed.

The Sagittaria angustifolia, from Essequibo, is a white-flowered stove species ;
but as this, and the ten or twelve species known to exist in North America and
Canada, are not at present in cultivation in this country, it would be useless to
enumerate them. — W. Buckley, Tooting.

1S70. ]

THE MOEELLO CHEREY.

79

THE MORELLO CHERRY.

only in its fruit, but also in its wood and in its habit of growth, this

Cl 'll )

Cherry differs from all others, so that in its cultivation, especially in respect

fto pruning, a totally different course must be pursued from that which is
adopted with other species. In the Common Cherry the flower-buds are
mostly produced on short spurs, on wood of two years’ age or upwards, and at
the base of the young shoots, and are what might be termed persistent, as in the
pear, &;c. In the Morello Cherry, on the other hand, the flower-buds are all
produced on the young shoots of one year’s growth, as in the Peach. In pruning,
therefore, care must be taken to secure an abundant supply of this young wood,
in order to obtam fruit.

Whilst the trees are young and making strong, robust shoots, wood-buds are
tolerably plentiful, so that they may be cut where required. As they grow older,
however, the wood becomes more feeble, and wood-buds more scarce, being
generally only found as the terminal buds, all the other buds on the shoots being
flower-buds. If this young wood is shortened, the terminal and only wood-bud
being thus cut off, the shoot as a consequence dies ; for, unlike many other
trees, this Cherry seems to have no latent buds wherewith to produce new shoots.
This is so well known to all gardeners, that Morello Cherry trees are seldom or
never pruned. With trees on walls the little pieces of young wood are annually
nailed in, and a few dead pieces cut out ; and in course of time the whole becomes
a crowded mass of shoots and nails, with nearly all the bearing wood at the very
extremity of the trees. Such an extreme crowding of shoots is not practised with
any other fruit-tree, neither can it be justified in the case of the Morello Cherry.
I have satisfactorily proved that if the shoots are kept moderately thin, allowing
space, for the free development of the leaves, a far greater and finer return will
be obtained than under the crowded system ; and as the shoots grow more freely
and more vigorously, wood-buds are more frequently produced, and the yearly
supply of shoots may be more evenly regulated.

Morello Cherries are mostly to be found planted against north walls, where
they succeed exceedingly well, or at least, better than, perhaps, any other fruit-
tree. In many gardens round London, and in the market gardens, they are also
grown as open standards, and succeed tolerably well, only that the trees soon
become unsightly, one-sided, misshapen sticks, through the difficulty experienced
in regard to pruning.

The prettiest method of cultivation, however, a method slowly, yet surely,
growing into favour, and which I hope to make still better known, is that being
Mopted in some of our first-class market gardens, to wit, Mr. Francis, Dancer’s,
at Chiswick. The*trees are worked on the, Mahaleb stock, which is far better
suited for it than the wild cherry, and are planted out in the open quarter 6 ft.
apart, plant from plant, and pruned and trained like so many gooseberry bushes.

f 80

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ April*

For this style of cultivation the Morello Cherry is, by its peculiar style of growth,
particularly well adapted, and the return per acre from a plantation of this sort
is very great indeed. The ground being tolerably rich, the shoots are strong,
with plenty of wood-buds ; a portion of these are spurred in to three or four eyes,
and the others are partially cut down ; by this means a regular supply of bearing
shoots is produced, without greatly increasing the size of the plant. When we
see a plan adopted by practical men, like Mr. Dancer, as a profitable speculation,
it requires little more to recommend it. Trees prepared for this method of
culture may be procured in almost all our leading fruit-tree nurseries.

The Morello Cherry may also be grown as a pyramid, and in gentlemen’s
private gardens, where fruit-trees should be made as ornamental as possible, and
in small gardens where time can be devoted to the operation, a judicious system
of pinching the young shoots should be pursued.

In particular, I would recommend that one-half the shoots ordinarily to be
met with in Morello Cherry trees should be cut out, and measures taken to infuse
greater vigour into the plants, for in this way finer fruit may be produced.
Ordinary fruit may be purchased at 2d. per lb., but the finest fruit will fetch a
much higher price. I have sold them as high as Is. 6d. per lb., and they were
worth the money. — A. F. Barron, Chiswick.

THE AET OF FOECING FEUIT AND FLOWEES.— II.

^I^OLLOWING up my former remarks, I have a few words to offer on the
general principles of Forcing. These, in regard to the subjects operated
upon, may be set forth under the two following heads, viz. : — 1. Exotic
fruits, or flowers, especially such sorts as are indigenous to hotter
climates — Pines, for instance, which when grown here with us by artificial means-
require forcing in the early spring and autumn months, to bring their produce
to a proper maturity, at what may, nevertheless, be to them in their native
habitat their natural season. 2. Native fruits, flowers, &:c., or such as are
habitats of countries possessing a natural warmth not exceeding, in some instances
even less than, that of our own, and which are forced at, to them, unnatural sea¬
sons. There may be individual cases under these distinct divisions which may
require special treatment in order to bring the process of forcing to a successful
issue, and such cases require a certain amount of personal practice and observa¬
tion in order to their being successfully dealt with ; but in regard to general
principles, the treatment of each is sufficiently alike for^y purpose.

Exotics requiring forced treatment in spring or autumn, require every ray of
light possible. Light, in fact, should be held of the first importance in relation
thereto, and all other requisite agencies should be used in aid thereof. According
to the amount of light, so relatively must heat — artificial heat, of course — and
moisture, little or much, be allowed. In regard to heat and moisture, the season
must be taken into account by the thoughtful practitioner. In the spring months^

• 1870. ]

THE ART OF FORCING FRUIT AND FLOWERS. — II.

81

when a strong young gi’owth is the main desideratum, tlie sun having moderate
power for warmth, moisture in the form of vapour — atmospheric humidity, in
fact — must be fairly supplied in proportion to the natural and artificial warmth.
Between the middle of February and the end of March, the structure may be
closed, as regards air-giving, as soon as the sun has passed the meridian, and
thus a considerable amount of natural warmth may be stored, with all its invigorat¬
ing infiuences, and the necessary temperature may be thus maintained away into
the night. The humidity already suggested becomes thoroughly incorporated
with this warmth, and with what fresh air was admitted in the early part of the
day, and thus the most natural and favourable condition of the atmosphere is so
far ensured. This growing temperature is gradually carried away into the night¬
time, under the cooling influences of which it expends itself, and holding the
humidity in its grasp while the temperature descends to a minimum, deposits it
by a process of condensation in myriads of particles on leaf and branch, bathing
all their surfaces in almost imperceptible moisture, aiding plant and leaf alike in
their effort to collect fresh energy for the following day. Thus the most natural
growing conditions are assured under a strictly artificial regime.

But having got thus far, I should not be dealing honestly with the subject,
did I omit to draw attention to another consideration which a superficial observer
might fail to discern, but which in actual practice exerts a very material influence
in connection with all successful forcing. I allude to a properly balanced
temperature throughout the whole twenty-four hours. Thus, for instance, the
mean heat attained to during the afternoon, when the structure is deprived of air,
should to some extent be regulated by the range of temperature which existed
in the early morning, this being, to a great extent, a key to what it fell to
during the preceding night. However bright the day may be, or however high
the sun unaided may be capable of raising the temperature, at this youthful
period of the plant’s growth, it is not desirable that the maximum by day should
exceed by more than 20° the early morning temperature. Thus if a temperature
of 60° is indicated in the early morning, it will amply suffice if 80° be attained
in the afternoon; if 70° in the morning, then 90° as the day wears, &c. I
am now speaking of the spring season. This formula may be increased in a well-
studied ratio as the summer comes on, and the young growths, advancing to
maturity, provide a larger amount of organisable material to meet the increasing
wants of the crop. With the advent of autumn, vegetation being hardened by a
summer’s exposure, we may safely make use of our knowledge regarding the great
amount of heat which tropical vegetation requires. The wood being formed,
and the fruit in process of ripening, it will then be proper, with a little less
humidity, to allow a maximum temperature of 96° or 100°.

If there is one evil more than another to which gardeners do not give suffi¬
cient weight in forcing operations, and which demands our most earnest atten¬
tion, it is that of allowing excessively high night temperatures. This is a point

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

82

[ April,

second only in importance to securing an ample supply of light, in regard to ultimate
success, for a high night temperature too certainly decreases the healthy tone of
vitality which a progressive fruit-bearing vegetation should possess, irrespective
of any outward symptom of continuity of growth — such a growth, especially, as is
accelerated by means of an unnatural night heat. The primary conditions I
have endeavoured to impress upon the reader will too certainly be nullified
thereby, if this be permitted, since it will absorb or consume that nice soft
natural humidity which is so grateful to all forms of vegetation during the night
and early morning, leaving in place of its salubriousness, a harsh and arid
atmosphere. — William Earley, Digswell, Wdwyn.

DOUBLE-FLOWERED PELARGONIUMS.*

COLLECTION, consisting of forty varieties of these novel and useful
plants, was grown at Chiswick during the past year, and formed one of the
features of interest in the garden during the late summer months. Having
been received in the spring in the shape of small plants, it was decided
to cultivate them in pots under glass, for which purpose these Pelargoniums are
especially useful. They were accordingly grown with much success in moderate-
sized pots, and bloomed remarkably well in one of the span-roofed greenhouses,
their healthy character reflecting much credit on Mr. Barron and his assistants.
The accompanying notes indicate the condition as to habit and inflorescence
which these plants assumed, and may be regarded as recording as fair a verdict
on their respective merits as could be arrived at from the growth of a single
individual of each kind. The certificated sorts were the following ; —

First-Class Certificates. — Marie Lemoine, Madame Lemoine, Victor
Lemoine, Gloire de Nancy.

Second-Class Certificates. — Sparkhill Beauty, Imperatrice Eugenie, Andrew
Henderson, Victor, Wilhelm Pfitzer, Memnon, Le Vesuve,^Triomphe de Thumes-
nil, Triomphe de Lorraine, Signet.

Andrew Henderson**. — This variety is of moderately vigorous gro^vth, with faintly
zoned leaves, and compact trusses of orange-scarlet flowers veiy freely produced. It is an
ornamental variety well worth growing.

Gloire de Nancy***. — A handsome and moderately vigorous-growing variety, still retain¬
ing a high position in the double class. It has green leaves, and good bold trusses of well-formed,
full double, rosy-carmine flowers. This proves to be also a good bedding plant.

Imperatrice Eugenie**. — A variety of remarkably vigorous gi’owth, which, in the case of
the Chiswick specimen, scarcely proved itself to be a free bloomer. The leaves are indis¬
tinctly zonate, and the rosy-pink flowers are full, and sufficiently good to render the variety
deserving of further trial. It is reported to have been good in other collections.

Le Vesuve**. — A vigorous-growing variety, of erect habit, with faintly zoned leaves, and
fine trusses of large, well-formed, fuU, double flowers, of a light orange-scarlet colour. A
very promising sort.

Madame Lemoine***. — One of the very best of the varieties in the whole collection. It is
dwarfish in habit, with faintly zoned leaves, and large, full, double, bright, rose-pink flowers
freely produced in good showy trusses.

* From the Report of the Floral Director in “ The Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society.”

Io70. ]

CAULIFLOWER, ETC., ALL THE YEAR ROUND.

83

Marie Lemoine***. — A variety of first-class excellence. It is of dwarf stocky habit,
with flat, faintly zoned leaves, and large-sized flowers, forming abundant, bold, and effective
trusses. This variety is much like Madame Lemoine in the colour and general aspect of its
flowers ; but it is of dwarfer habit, distinct in its foliage, and producing better flowers.

Memnon**. — This is a meritorious vai'iety of moderately vigorous growth, with faintly-
zoned leaves ; the trusses are of fair size and compact, consisting of close, well-formed, light-
scarlet flowers. Distinct and promising.

Signet**. — A ratfier desirable variety, of moderately vigorous growth, with the leaves
densely zonate, the trusses well filled, and the colour a rosy carmine, in the way of Emile
Lemoine ; but the individual flowers are of better form.

Sparkhill Beauty**. — This variety is of moderately vigorous growth, wuth faintly zoned
leaves, and close trusses of bright I'ose-pink flowers, very much resembling those of Madame
Lemoine ; superior to that sort as regards smoothness of petal ; but, taking other points into
consideration, the preference must be given to Madame Lemoine.

Triomplie de Lorraine**. — A variety of some merit, being of moderate growth, with
faintly zonate leaves, and close trusses of carmine-scarlet flowers, like those of Emile
Lemoine.

Triomphe de Tkumesnil**. — A vigorous-habited sort of some merit ; the leaves are green,
not zoned ; while the flowers, which are scarlet with a faint tinge of cerise, are large and full.

Victor (G. Smith)**. — Dwarf and free-blooming in habit, with the leaves faintly zoned,
and the scarlet flowers in compact trusses. The flowers are of the same colour as those of
Wilhelm Pfitzer, and closely resemble those of that variety, but the foliage is smaller. A variety
well worth growing.

Victor Leinoine***. — One of the finest of the varieties in the whole collection. The plant
is of a rather vigorous habit of growth ; the leaves are marked with an indistinct zone, and
the flower-trusses are larger. The flowers themselves are somewhat rough, having serrated
petals ; but they form a fine head, and are of a rich orange scarlet, brighter than Le V^suve.

Wilhelm Pjitzer**. — One of the useful second-class sorts, of moderately vigorous growth,
with indistinctly zonate leaves, and fair-sized trusses of good full flowers of a light-scarlet
colour.

CAULIFLOWER AND BROCCOLI ALL THE YEAR ROUND.

®HESE are vegetables always welcome to every good cook, yet as regards
many large establisliments, they are often a blank in the cnhnary list
during August and September, and again during December and January.
I manage to avoid this by adopting the following plan, though I should
remark, in the first place, that our land is all deeply trenched, and heavily
manured : — About the middle of January the first sowing is made in a cold
frame ; this lot succeeds those sown the previous autumn. The next sowing is
made out-of-doors during March, and from this time until the middle of June a
sowing is made every fortnight or three weeks, the last two being large ones.
About this time sundry crops of early Peas, Potatos, Turnips, Carrots, Straw¬
berries, &c., are being cleared off the ground, and we plant up all vacancies as
they occur, so that by August we have a large breadth of Young Walcherens
that come in exceedingly useful from September till the new year. Some time
during November we lift with balls a considerable number of these, and put them
close together in pits or frames, at the bottom of a wall, or, indeed, in any place
where they can be easily sheltered during severe frost ; and with the protection
of a mat or a few branches of Spruce, Yew, or Laurel, they will stand 16° or 18°
of frost with impunity. It will thus be seen that we have Cauliflowers from
May until January ; and notwithstanding the many so-called new varieties that

{

8i

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ April,

have appeared of late years with high-sounding names, I find that for hardiness,
firmness, whiteness, and delicacy of flavour there are none to surpass the old
Walcheren, when it is got true.

With regard to the Broccoli, I only sow twice, viz., in the first and last weeks
of April. For use during December and January, Backhouse’s Early Winter
White is by far the best I have tried, as it is hardy, and never fails to head early ;
this is indeed an acquisition. In succession to it we grow Osborn’s Winter White,
a very superior sort ; and it is in turn succeeded by the Frogmore Protecting,
Melville’s Hardy Scotch, and Oattell’s Eclipse. The latter, if planted on a north
border, will last until the end of May. — J. MoIndoe, Palace Gardens^ Bishop-
thorpe, York.

THE WHITE HOOP-PETTICOAT.

'HIS rare and beautiful hardy early-flowering bulb is the Narcissus mono-
phyllus of botanists, and bears the synonyms of Narcissus Megacodium.,
Narcissus Clusii.^ and Corhularia monophylla. It is a native of Algiers,
where it occurs both on the coast and inland. Our figure was derived
from plants which bloomed in January last in the Eoyal Gardens at Kew.

The bulbs are small and ovate, and usually produce a solitary leaf, though

1870. ]

A PLEA FOR AN AURICULA REVIVAL.

85

sometimes two or three leaves are developed. These • leaves are filiform, very
slender, longer than the scape, which is cylindrical and shortly vaginate ; and the
flowers are nearly sessile, creamy white, with a crenulate corona of the same
colour, an inch in length. The stamens are curved or decimate, and the style is
exserted or projecting. The colour of its blossoms, and their fragrance, will
certainly render the plant a favourite in gardens, where it will contrast admirably
with the deep yellow of the common Hoop-Petticoat and its allies, wdiich are too
seldom seen in cultivation.

These plants constitute the genus Corhularia of Haworth, a group of Narcissi
in which the habit of the plant is dwarf and slender, the divisions of the perinth
remarkably narrow, and the tubular corona comparatively large and very
prominent. They are all floral gems. — M.

A PLEA FOR AN AURICULA REYIYAL.

i^NCE upon a time the Auricula was looked upon by many florists as the
prince of flowers, but now, alas ! it seems to be almost forgotten, at
least, so far as English florists are concerned. I well recollect the time
when, in Lancashire and Yorkshire alone, we could count upon at least a
hundred enthusiastic growers and exhibitors of the Auricula, many of them at the
same time being growers of another favourite, the Polyanthus^ which was usually
exhibited at the same time, and in this way a spirit of emulation was kept up
amongst the growers of both. But now, if one was to take a tour through the two
counties above named, I do not suppose that a minute search would discover
half-a-dozen of Auricula-growers of any note. And not in these counties alone,
but throughout England, the same want of energy prevails, though why it is so
I cannot comprehend. True, indeed, three-fourths of the older Auricula-fanciers
have gone hence, without leaving yo^^ng ones in their places. I only know of
two amongst those departed ones who have bred florists, and neither of these
happen to be Auricula-fanciers, although they are spirited growers of Tulips and
Carnations.

From what I hear, I believe that the Auricula fancy is more alive in
Scotland than in England, and that some of the growers there have been labour¬
ing hard for years in seedling-raising, Avith the result that many superb varieties
have been produced, which will in certain points, I believe, surpass some of the
oldest favourites. Indeed, I feel confident of such being the case, for during the
last three or four years I have been favoured by some of my Scotch friends with
pips of their seedlings, and many of them are first-class varieties, such as would
please the most exacting fancier, even though he may be more or less prejudiced
in favour of old varieties. I believe that some of these new sorts will leave many
of the older ones quite in the shade.

What is most needed is that a little of the old Auricula-fancier’s spirit should
be stirred up in England, so as once more to bring the old hobby into life and

86

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Apiiir.,

vigour ; and this, I think, might be accomplished if some of those who are still
in the fancy would bestir themselves a little.

A few days ago I had some talk with an old and particular friend, one of the
oldest Auricula-growers now left in this locality. He grew a fine collection, so
far back as the year 1812, has never been entirely without plants since his
commencement, and has still a few of the choicest old varieties ; but he believes
himself almost alone as an Auricula-grower, and so he certainly is in this part of
the country. I myself was a grower in the year 1814, and remained so up to
1849, and during most of that period had about the largest and most select
collection of any one grower in England ; but through engagements in busi¬
ness, which occupied all my time, I was obliged to give up Auricula-growing,
though I could not rid my mind of the fancy. Twice since that time I have
made a fresh start, but from one circumstance or other have not been able to go
into the matter as I should like to do ; still, the old fancy is alive, and it is not
at all unlikely that I may try to gratify it yet again. My friend tells me there
are scarcely any plants to be met with anywhere. Even in Scotland, he says,
there are no large collections such as some of us used to grow in England. I
believe this statement is, in the main, correct ; but how is it ? what has become
of all the plants ? Surely they have not all died away with the men who grew
them. If such is the case, more is the pity, although in one sense it might
not be considered so, for should there be something like a speedy revival of the
fancy, the plants being scarce, there would be no fear of the market being glutted
or over-stocked for some time to come.

Auricula-growing is somewhat different from that of some other fiorist’s
flowers, such as Tulips, Carnations, fee. To be successful in growing Auriculas,
a little forethought, with a slight degree of labour, will be required in the pre¬
paration of suitable composts. I have in former articles recommended the kind
of compost which I have myself successfully made use of in preference to any
other, and explained the way in which I prepared it. To those who may not
have seen these instructions, and who have not previously been in the fancy, I
shall be willing to renew these recommendations. — John Hepworth, Hud¬
dersfield.

LINUM TRIGYNUM.

jEEE we have a really useful old plant, now seldom hiet with in cultivation,
though it is an object worthy of special notice. It may be had in flower
at mid-winter, a season when blossoms are comparatively scarce, and
yields for the conservatory a most effective yellow-flowered plant, which,
for profusion of blossom, and purity of colour, is unsurpassed. Moreover, it is
not a plant which is gaudy to-day and bereft of beauty to-morrow, for it will
aontinue in charming condition for several weeks.

This is a capital time for taking it in hand for the present season’s blooming.

1870. ]

LINUM TEIGYNUM.

87

It was introduced, in 1799, from the East Indies, and taking into consideration
the country from whence it came, one might be led to infer that a stove
temperature would be necessary for it ; but this is not the case, an intermediate
temperature being the most congenial to its development. In a state of nature
its blooming season is June, but in this respect the plant is very accommodating,
for by the following treatment, than which nothing can be more simple, it may
be had in flower by November.

The plants after flowering should have been rested in a temperature of about
40°, water sufficient only to sustain life having been given at the roots, and the
foliage having been kept perfectly dry, as a preventive against damping off, which
the stems are subject to do, if exposed to excess of moisture at that particular time.
They will now be showing signs of growth, and must be pruned into shape and
started. The cutting-back must, in a great measure, be regulated in accordance
with the ripeness of the wood, which will now be made discernible by the vigour of
the buds. They will break strongest from the ripened portions. When the young
shoots are about an inch long, take the plants out of the pots, remove the
greatest portion of the soil, trim the roots, and re-pot in a pot corresponding with
the reduced state of the root ; afterwards place them near to the glass, in a brisk
growing temperature, with the addition of bottom heat ; water carefully at the
roots until the plants show signs of active growth, and admit air freely on all
favourable occasions.

Under these conditions, they will grow freely. As they advance in growth, the
terminal buds should be pinched out, to encourage the formation of lateral shoots.
Be careful to re-pot before they get pot-bound. The pots into which they are
shifted should be of such a size as to become well filled with roots by midsummer,
especially if they are wanted for winter flowering. An 8-in. pot will grow a fair¬
sized specimen, but smaller plants are readily attainable from cuttings of the
young shoots, as they root quickly and freely, and make nice flowering plants the
same season.

The soil I find them to grow well in consists of equal parts of turfy loam,
peat, and a mixture of leaf-mould and dung, with a liberal supply of sharp
sand and charcoal. Studiously avoid shading them at any period of their
growth. My opinion is, that shading is often carried to an unnecessary and
injurious excess, especially as regards flowering plants, causing the growths
to be drawn up weakly and attenuated ; whereas, by fully exposing the plants
to sun, light, and air, we secure a more natural, more rigid and floriferous
growth, which is, without doubt, the key to success, in as far as early forcing
is concerned. Frequent waterings with clear weak liquid manure may be
given beneficially ; they will have the tendency of counteracting the attacks
of red-spider, which are very apt to be troublesome, and which must be
kept under by the timely application of remedies. — G. Westland, Witley
Court.

88

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ April,

Vr

LAXTON^S SUPKEME PEA.

‘E gave at page 17, a representation of a new pea, raised by crossing
one of Mr. Laxton’s choice varieties, named Prolific, with a well-
known favourite sort called Ne Plus Ultra. We add here an illustration
of a somewhat older variety, but one which ^

may virtually be regarded as a new pea, and which
bears a high character, namely, Laxtoris Supreme. This
is an early variety of the green-marrow race, ranking
as a second-early sort of the first quality, and producing
large, long, well-filled pods, of a deep green colour,
containing 9 or 1 0 peas, or sometimes more, in each pod.

It is not only a fine variety for exhibition purposes, but
is also a grand pea for the table. The haulm grows
from 3^ ft. to 4 ft. high, and is very prolific ; the
produce, moreover, is remarkably well flavoured when
cooked. This pea was raised from Laxton’s Proliflc,
crossed with Little Gem, and is described in the official
Chiswick Eeport as a variety destined to become largely
popular ; while, as a mark of their appreciation of its
merit, the Committee to which its examination was
entrusted awarded it a First-Class Certificate.

Laxtoris A Ipha Pea, another recently obtained
variety raised also from Laxton’s Prolific, but crossed
with Maclean’s Advancer, forms an excellent first-early
sort for growing as a companion to Supreme. This
latter was awarded a First-Class Certificate at Chiswick,
where it was highly spoken of, both as to its bearing
properties and its quality. It is a blue wrinkled
marrow, and grows about 34 ft. high.

The great merit of these and similar new varieties
of peas, is their earliness, absolute or comparative,
combined with high quality in the produce, since they
belong to the race of high-flavoured marrows. Hence
it may not be an improbable result that ere long the
small white round-seeded peas which now represent our
earliest class will be fairly driven from the garden.

Even now, with Eingleader or First-Crop as the earliest,
and then such sorts as Alpha and Advancer to follow in close succession, our
lists of first-early peas might well be rid of many incumbrances. We shall from
time to time invite attention to the really useful of recent acquisitions, with the
view of ministerinof to this end. — M.

1870. ]

THE PERPETUAL CARNATION.

89

THE PERPETUAL CARNATION.

HE cultivation of tliis flower is a subject of sufficient importance to claim
a small space in your pages, for although it has been spoken and written
upon occasionally for some years past, there has been but little done as
regards the practical application — the growing part of the question.
Although various attempts have been made, they have generally resulted in the
production of a few plants, which are kept somewhere in the background, where
they yield still fewer flowers, mildew, canker, wire-worm, (fee., being made to bear
the blame. For about ten years, and from a few dozen plants, I was never with¬
out flowers through the winter, but the most magnificent plants I saw were grown
by Mr. Barnes, late of Bicton ; each plant was a specimen.

Mr. Howard has given a very sensible article on the subject (see p. 12), but
here we like dwarf compact plants in preference to those of 4 ft. in height, and
we stop them several times, so that they do not require staking either when in
the ground or when potted. I used to strike them round 3-in. pots, which is the
best plan when a few hundred only are needed ; but here we strike them by
the thousand in the sand-bed of a propagating house, like Verbena cuttings, only
they are about three weeks instead of two in rooting. We pot them off in
thumb-pots, plant them out early in May, and take them up and pot in 7-in.
pots in September, in a mixture of dung and loam. They are watered and
shaded for a few days, and then have all the air which it is possible to give
them, until cold weather sets in. We give as little fire-heat as possible during
the winter, as the flowers come finer without it. We give abundance of water,
with guano-water occasionally.

The bulk of the plants are planted in the same kind of soil, on benches near the
glass, and these do best, with less trouble, and yield an abundance of cut flowers
and plenty of cuttings. Carnations, like Tuberose flowers, are sold by the flower-
girls throughout the year.

The varieties grown in this country are mostly American, and many of the
sorts are better growers and freer bloomers than those I grew in England.
There are dozens of varieties, but I only mention a few of the best sorts, that is,
the best growers and freest bloomers, for perfection in form is not so desirable
as quantity ; — La Purite\ ruby colour, very free and fine, grown by tens of
thousands ; General Grani^ white,' first-rate ; Flathush, large white, very fine ;
Defiance^ large crimson ; Zebra, large red ; Sunset, pink-striped maroon, free, but
a straggly grower ; President Degraw^ good white, very free, but a loose grower,
wants staking, much grown ; Miniature^ white, sometimes striped rose, very dwarf
and free ; Astoria^ yellow, scarlet, and white, very sweet, good and distinct ;
Amabilis^ fine large pink, varied with rose and white.

Of the above varieties, such as La Purite and Degraw, there are here houses
hundreds of feet in length filled through the winter, and then occupied with

90

THE FLORIST AHD POMOLOGIST.

[ Al'IlIL,

bedding plants in tlie spring. I should like to get over the Covent-Garden
Scarlet, for I believe it is not known in this country. Man^^ of the American
varieties would be acquisitions in England. — James Taplin, South Amhoy^ New
Jersey, U.S.A,

PLANT PllOTECTORS.

^^HOUGH I have^no desire -whatever to depreciate Mr. Eendle’s Patent Plant
Protectors — quite the reverse, as I consider them in their improved state
as a great boon to practical gardeners, from their possessing a flexibility of
adaptation as to form and size, which cannot be claimed by any other small
protecting expedients — yet the following quotation from Londons Gardeners'
Magazine (hi. 77) commends itself .to more general notice than it has received
hitherto, as being highly suggestive. It is headed : —

“ An Economical Substitute for Hand-Glasses in Gardening. By N. M. T.

“ Having always had the misfortune to live where there was a scarcity of hand-glasses, I have
lately, to obviate this, gi’own my plants in pots. I do not adopt the common-place plan of
stuffing the I'oots into a pot, and leaving the head out. I do the very reverse of this ; I put the
head in, and leave the roots out. But a description of my present planting will develop the
whole system. The cauliflowers are planted in rows across a 10-ft. border, 3 ft. between the
rows, and six plants in a row. After they are planted, I provide a flower-pot (32) for each
plant, inti'oducing it through the hole, 1 in. in diameter, in the bottom of the pot. The pot
is then firmly pressed dowm, earthed up about halfway outside to prevent its being upset, and
the operation is completed. When protection becomes necessary, I provide a board 9 ft. long
and 7 in. wide for each row. These can bo laid on the line of pots by a person at each end, as
fast as they can walk, and without setting a foot on the border. When the plants begin to
look over the pots, the boards can no longer be used as covering ; they are then laid between
the rows to walk upon. The pots are earthed level with the brim outside, and as much mould
put in them as the plants will admit. A pot a size larger than those plunged is then placed
beside each, and inverted over it when the plants require shelter. When no longer wanted,
the covers are removed, and the plants earthed up as they require it. The pots they gi'ow
in are consequently soon buried, where they remain till the cauliflowers are cut ; they are
then dug up, and laid aside for fm-ther use.

The advantages of this simple plan are numerous ; the economy is self-evident ; the
appearance neat and orderly, entirely doing away with the lumpish rmnatm'al gi’owths the
plants exhibit when gi’own in hand-glasses. Here each plant forming the centre of its own
little world, is left to luxuriate in single blessedness safely guarded from its enemy the slug ;
the wonns even cannot pull a leaf underground. Notwithstanding all these advantages, I do not
expect to be miich patronized by gardeners, since, I fear, my brethren of the spade are a stiff¬
necked and rebellious race. It is to the cottage homes of England that I look for support, and
proud, indeed, shall I be if I can introduce an additional comfort there. Many of their inmates
who cannot spare from 10s. to 15s. for a hand-glass could buy a cast of pots, and enjoy through
them a luxury at a season when it is confined to the tables of the rich.”

Cheap and excellent protectors, though possibly now superseded by those of Mr.
Eendle ; these latter husband more warmth, and shut out more cold, than a
common flower-pot, while the glass top is infinitely better than the opaque
boarding during a continuance of cold weather. Still, for the mechanic, the
cottager, and others with straitened means, the plan of growing the heads of
plants in pots is a valuable one. It would answer well for early Potatos, as well
as Cauliflowers ; and Lettuces and Endive might be so planted for winter use, since
it would add to their crispness, and ensure their preservation. The late crops of
Seakale and Ehubarb, and strong stools of Asparagus, might be forced in this

1870. ]

CUPilESSUS LAWSONIANA ERECTA YIEIDIS.

91

way, as well or better than in tlie usual manner. Tlie bottom of the pots used
for these purposes being large, there would be no difficulty in inserting the
crowns of the plants. The chief advantages would be greater facility of access,
and ease in gathering the crops properly. The drawback would be that the
mouths of the pots would require a larger covering than their base. Mr.
Eendle’s round hand-lights will probably be found the best invention yet offered
for these purposes. In the case of Seakale a slate would be substituted for
the glass roof. The wide longitudinal protectors, again, would be admirable for
forcing single or double rows of Asparagus. Heat could readily be thrown in
through the sides, while the glass roof could not fail to impart colour and
flavour. However, I must stop, or the charge will justly lie against me of
beginning by recommending common garden pots for the protection of the tops
of plants, and ending by abandoning such appliances in favour of something
better. But the gardening world is wide, and there is room enough for all such
expedients, and as many more as can equal or excel them in merit or usefulness,
— D. T. Fish, F.E.H.S., Hardwiclce^ Bury St. Edmund's.

CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA ERECTA YIRIDIS.

HE history of this beautiful Coniferous evergreen, of which examples were
recently sho-wn by Mr. Anthony Waterer, at South Kensington, is, as we
learn from Mr. Waterer, as follows : — It was a seedling raised and selected
at Knaphill, from the original batch of Cupressus Lawsoniana imported
from California. The original plant, which is consequently about 16 or 17 years
old, was grown on for several years, with the object of fully testing its merits
before it was distributed, and eventually, when its character was satisfactorily
established, it was propagated and partially sold under the name of C. Lavosomcma
erecta. Of late years, however, and especially since the destructive frost of 1867,
its great merit has been more distinctly recognized, and examples of it submitted
to the Floral Committee on the 16th of February last, were unanimously awarded
a First-class Certificate. On this occasion, in order to distinguish it from other
distinct forms which have been named erecta, the Committee gave it the desig¬
nation, erecta viridis, as marking one of its most distinctive features.

There can be no question that this is one of the very finest hardy coniferous
evergreens which has been introduced to our gardens — truly and emphatically
evergreen, for despite any amount of cold or heat, damp or drought, it maintains
throughout, from the circumference to the centre, a hue of the freshest and
brightest green. But this truly evergreen character is not its only merit. Its
narrow, erect, slightly pyramidal, almost columnar mode of growth, is un¬
approached for symmetry and beauty by any other of our hardy evergreens ; while
the slender ramifications of its close-set compact branches and branchlets give it
a degree of refinement which is not often seen amongst hardy subjects. This
Knaphill Cypress we have ourselves watched for several seasons, and can bear

92

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ APttiii,

testimony to the fact that in a locality and climate where Araucarias have perished
by thousands, and though it has never been protected in the slightest degree, it
is utterly unaffected, both as to
vitality and hue, by the severest
frosts.

The parent plant, represented
in the accompanying woodcut,
reduced from a photograph, is
about 9 ft. high, and 3 ft.
through its widest part. The
growth is so close and dense as
to form a solid mass of spray,
which is flattened, and set in a
direction radiating with remark¬
able regularity from the centre
or axis of the plant, and it is
perhaps in some degree owing
to this peculiarity of growth
that the branchlets remain green
to the very centre. In its sym¬
metrical outline, in the regularly
radiating vertical ramifications,
in the slender, graceful charac¬
ter of the everywhere erect
spray, there is about this plant
an air of refinement rarely met
with, and which, combined with
its bright and enduring verdure, stamp it as a gem of the first order amongst
hardy evergreens. — M.

HOLLYHOCKS FOE EXHIBITION.

planting out the Hollyhock to grow for exhibition purposes, the plants
should be in rows 4 ft. apart, and the plants 3 ft. apart in the rows. The
ground best suited for them is rich old garden soil, well trenched over to
the depth of 2 ft., with plenty of thoroughly-rotted manure dug in with it.
If the subsoil is wet, they will thrive remarkably well in the summer, but if the
plants are allowed to stand out all the winter in such a situation, they will un¬
doubtedly suffer. In planting, the grower should endeavour to secure as much
as possible of floral effect, and should therefore endeavour to get the tallest
growers in the centre of his bed or quarter, and arrange the colours so as to
harmonize the one with the other as much as possible. Plant out in March or
April, putting in about the roots some manure, mingled with soil. When the

1870. ]

NOVELTIES, ETC., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

93

plants are about a foot in height, they should be thinned, allowing each plant to
carry one, two, or three spikes of bloom, as the case may be, according to the
strength of the plant ; when tall enough, each of these should be supported by a
stake some four feet in height, driven firmly into the ground. Growers invari¬
ably recommend that the stakes be placed in position early in the season, and the
young shoots be carefully tied to them, so as to induce erect growth. When
intended for exhibition, the flower-buds will have to be thinned, so as to give
the flowers ample room to expand.

The following varieties constitute a fine eighteen, and can be confidently
recommended for exhibition purposes. They are selected for the fine spikes they
fonn, as well as for the quality of the individual flowers : —

Countess of Craven. — ^Delicate rosy peach.
Earl of Rosslyn. — Bright glowing scarlet.
Fred Chater. — Pale yellow.

Invincible. — Deep salmon, tinted with
rose.

James Whitton. — Clear rosy salmon.

J. B. XJllett. — Bright rosy crimson.

Lord Clifden. — ^Light rosy crimson.

Lord Rokehy. — Bright magenta.

Lord Stanley. — Dark ruby crimson.

Mrs. P. — Light rosy peach.

Mrs. Downie. — Delicate soft salmon rose.
Miss Young. — ^Light rosy crimson.

Octoroon. — Dark mauve maroon, fine and
distinct.

Orange Boven. — Deep clear apricot.

R. B. Laird. — Dark-shaded ruby crimson.
R. G. Ross. — Deep rose.

L'ournament. — Light salmon rose.

Mrs. Todd. — Light rosy peach.

The surface soil round the plant should be well mulched with rotten manure
during the summer, and in the event of drought prevailing, there must be no
stint of water. There must also be some shading arranged, if the exhibitor
would have pure and finely-finished flowers, for splashed and otherwise dis¬
figured flowers are a great eyesore on the exhibition table, and invariably fatal
to the chance of winning a prize. — Quo.

NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

ARE at the earlier floral meetings of the year, meritorious novelties are
becoming more and more numerous, as the season advances. January
introduced us to a finely-coloured Cyclamen persicim — hermesimim, from
Mr. Welsh, of Hillingdon, which had very deep rosy-crimson flowers,
with a rich crimson mouth. This had a First-Class Certificate ; while a Second-
Class was given to Cerasm Laurocerasus rotundifoUa, a new laurel from Mr. W.
Paul, remarkable for its compact habit, and shorter, rounder leaves. The gems
of this meeting were some choice forms of Cattleya Triance, from W. Marshall,
Esq., some of which gained First Certificates, namelj'’, Atalanta, Venus, lo, and
Penelope ; they range from pale blush to pale rose, with richly tinted lips of
varied hue. The February meeting brought another of these orchid gems from
the Farnham Castle collection, C. Triance Laurenceana, a very large, deep
blush flower, beautifully coloured ; and Libonia penrhosiana, from the garden at
Penrhose, a very interesting hybrid, deserving a higher award than the Second-
Class one it received. It was raised from Libonia floribunda, fertilized with
Sericographis Ghiesbrecjhtiana, and was an evident cross, the leaves being larger

94

THE FLOlUST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ April,

and more ovate, and the flowers of a deeper and more fiery colour than those of
its mother, while the bushy, free-flowering, twiggy habit remained the same.

The March meetings have been more prolific. We may credit the meeting of •
March 2 with an elegant pinnate Palm, from Mr. Williams, called Dcemonorops
Ijlumosus ; a fine hybrid orchid, with French white flowers, and small amaranth
spot on the lip, from Messrs. Veitch and Sons, called Lcelia Pilcheri alba ; and
Agave cuspidata, a succulent, with oblong spathulate leaves terminating in a long
red spine, from the garden of W. Wilson Saunders, Esq. The beautiful Hybrid
Perpetual Rose, Marquise de Mortemart, one of last year’s batch of French
Roses, was exhibited by Mr. Charles Turner, and was awarded a First-Class
Certificate ; the flowers have a deep blush centre, while the exterior is of a pale
pink, and they are full, and of a finely cupped shape. Its adaptability for
forcing appeared to be as well assured as its fine qualities.

The meeting of March 16 brought together some pretty novelties, in addition
to the Hyacinths, Orchids, &c. The Messrs. Rollisson and Son, Tooting, received
a First-Class Certificate for Epacris liyacintliijlora carminata, a very pretty, deep
bright rosy pink, of compact growth, and having the flowers freely produced.
Similar awards were made to Mr. B. S. Williams for Solarium Pseudo-Capsicum
compactum, a really compact though vigorous hybrid form, which bore its highly
coloured berries profusely ; to Mr. C. Turner, for Pr'imula sinensis semi-duplex
striata, a semi-double Variety, with stripes and very small spots of pale rose on
a white ground ; and to Messrs. Veitch and Sons, for Rhododendron multijlorum,
a dwarf white hybrid Rhododendron, very free flowering, and appearing well
adapted for forcing ; this had previously received a Second-Class Certificate when
exhibited by its raiser, Mr. Davies, but was now shown in a much better condition.
It is quite hardy, and has the merit of flowering readily with scarcely any forcing
if taken up early, potted, and kept under glass. Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm
Nurseries, Tottenham, had Pink Mi'S. Pettifer^ a new forcing variety, white, with
rosy-crimson blotches in the centre, small, but free-blooming, and very fragrant.
Mr. Ware also exhibited pans of Scilla sibirica, S. bifolia, S. bifolia alba, and
Saxifraga oppositifolia major, all charming spring-blooming plants, the last
named quite a gem. Several other first-class plants shown at these several
meetings are reserved for special notice. — R. D.

GARDEN GOSSIP.

^I^ROM the last issue of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Proceedings, we
(l^ learn that the collection of Bedding Pelargoniums at Chiswick, which

f comprised in 1869 about 850 varieties, had been reduced by discarding

some 445 sorts which had either become superseded, were not adapted for

outdoor culture, or were not required in consequence of their close resemblance to other but
better ^ kinds. The following varieties obtained certificates during the season : — Vesta,
Vesuvius, and Witham Underwood, in the class of scarlet zonals ; Clio, a rosy-scarlet zonal;
Advance, a rosy-pink self ; Beauty of Lee, a rose-pink zonal ; Rev. }V. F. Radclyffe, The Moor,

1870 J

GARDEN GOSSIP.

05

and P/ufw.9, among' gold or bronze ] ' Ami/ Jiichar'ds and Sir R. Napier among golden-

variegated zonals ; and Miss Kingsbary, a silver-margined sort.

- ^3 a companion to the Fairy Apple, which we have recently figured,

we may mention the Imperial Crah, a beautiful deep red fruit, resembling the
Red Astrachan Apple, of which a prettily executed drawing was exhibited by
Messi’s. Paul and Son, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, on the 16th ult.

— m. Naudin has observed that Palm Trees {Chamcerops') have a

remarkable power of resisting cold. In a snowstorm which took place last

January in the Eastern Pyrenees, and in which the snow continued to fall without

iaten’uption for 44 hours, the Palms were crushed down and flattened by the weight of snow,
and remained in this state for a period varying from eight to twelve days, after which, a thaw
supervening, they resumed their usual attitude, neither leaves nor branches seeming to have
suffered any injury.

- ®HE Gladiolus Show^ to be held at South Kensington on August 16th,

has been considerably augmented by subscriptions from cultivators of this flower,

so that prizes of £10, £6, and £4 are now offered to Foreign growers for 36 cut

spikes ; while nm'serymen are offered £7, £5, and £3 for 36, and £5, £3, and £2 for 18 cut
spikes ; and amateurs have before them the following prizes for competition : — £5, £3, and £2
for 12, £3, £2, and £l for 9, and £2, £l 10s., and £l for 6 cut sj)ikes. The exhibitors in the
larger are not to show also in the smaller classes.

- JEt is stated that Coffee is a valuable Disinfectant, not only rendering

animal and vegetable effluvia innocuous, but actually destroying them. A room
in which meat in an advanced degree of decomposition had been kept, was

instantly deprived of smell on an open coffee-roaster containing coffee being carried through
it. Another room, exposed to the effluvium occasioned by the cleariug-out of a mamme-pit,
and in which sulphuretted hydrogen and ammonia in great quantities could be chemically
detected, had the stench completely removed in half a minute, on the employment of 3 oz. of
fresh-roasted Coffee. The best mode of using the Coffee is to dry the raw bean, pound it in a
mortar, and then roast the powder on a moderately-heated iron plate, until it assumes a dark
brown tint ; then to sprinkle it in the sink or cesspool, or lay it on a plate in the room to be
pm’ified. Coffee-acid or Coffee-oil are said to act more readily in minute quantities.

- Though pushed out of many bedding arrangements by the ubiquitous

Pelargonium, the Verbena is, nevertheless, very desirable in certain cases, and

worth growing, even if only for the sake of affording variety. Mr. John Fraser has

paid some attention to the selection of such as prove to be first-rate for general bedding-out,
and the following are some of Mr. Fraser’s “ extra selected ” sorts : — Reine des Roses, rose,
lemon eye; Moonlight, white; Achievement.^ deep rose; Fox/umier, scarlet ; Mnnfe, pink and
white striped; Blue King., light pm-plish blue ; Princess of Wales, white striped, pale pink;
King Charming, bright orange-rose, with lemon eye ; Grand Duchess, white, with lilac-crimson
centre ; Crimson King, crimson-scarlet, with lemon eye ; Snowball, white ; Mademoiselle Marie
RendatUr, purple, lemon eye ; Delicata, rosy crimson, pale lemon eye ; Dante, scarlet ; Ariosto
Improved, rich purplish maroon ; Mrs. Holford, white ; and last, though not least. Purple King.
These are all first-rate, and can be depended upon for a display of bloom.

- She new Violet, Marie Louise., is announced by M. Van Houtte, in a

recently issued number of his excellent Flore des Senses, as a variety of great
merit and excessively odoriferous, the flowers very large and very double, brilliant

and distinct in colour, having the outer part of a lavender-blue, and the centre white. The
flower-stalks are long and firm, and altogether, he says, the new variety is one of very choice
quality, bearing an entirely novel aspect.

- I^ERE is a Turkish receipt for a Cement used to fasten diamonds and

other precious stones to metallic surfaces, and which is said to be capable of

96

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ APRIIa

strongly uniting surfaces of polished steel, even when exposed to moisture : —

Dissolve five or six bits of gum mastic, each the size of a large pea, in as much spirit of wine
as will suffice to render it liquid. In another vessel dissolve in brandy as much isinglass,
previously softened in water, as will make a two-ounce phial of strong glue, adding two small
bits of gum ammoniac, which must be rubbed until dissolved. Then mix the whole with heat.
Keep in a phial closely stopped. When it is to be used sot the phial in boiling water.

- She Archimedean Lawn Mower is of an entirely novel construction,

as the accompanying figure will show. The grass is, indeed, cut by revolving
metal plates set in motion by

a roller in the usual way, but the
knife itself is of the form of the
Archimedean screw, and revolves
with great rapidity. There is no
roller in front of the knife, but in
front on each side is a flat iron
sole or skid, upon which it slides
smoothly along, and by adjusting
which the height of the cutter is
easily regulated. The grass, when
cut, instead of being gathered up,
is scattered over the ground as the
machine passes along, and being
cut in small particles, and evenly
scattered on the groimd, it never
looks untidy. This cut grass,
moreover, serves as a mulch to
protect the roots of the grass
from heat or drought. The machine will cut wet grass equally as w’ell as dry, and, if requisite,

• a much heavier sward may be cut than with other machines. Both at Battersea Park and at
Chiswick it has met with high approval, and Mr. Barron reports it to be the quickest, most
simple, and most efficient mower he has ever used.

- - 10!^he fertilization and fructification of Enceplialartos Lehmanni have

recently taken place under interesting circumstances in the nursery of M. Jean
Versohaffelt, of Grhent. The fertile cones of this plant resemble in form and size

a large Pine-apple. M. Verschaffelt recently imported from the Cape a number of trunks in a
dormant state, and deprived of their leaves. When placed in heat some began to produce
fronds, and others infloi'escence, male and female. The poUen from the stamen-bearing catkins
was dusted over the female cones in the ordinary way, and the result was the production of
numerous fertile seeds.

- ^ROFESSOR Asa G-ray has recently pointed out that the name of

Aquilegia truncatai^ that which by the law of priority belongs to the Californian

species of Columbine cultivated in gardens under the names of A. eximia and A.

californica. The earlier name is particularly characteristic, as the species is perfectly recog¬
nizable by its reflexed spreading sepals and truncate petals, these reduced to a spur, with
hardly a vestige of lamina.

©bttttars*

- SMilliam S. Wilkie, Esq., died on February 18th, at his residence

Whitefields, Phoenix Park, Dublin, in his 77th year. In his early days Mr.

Wilkie was employed at Woburn Abbey, but during the last 35 years he

filled the important post of Bailiff of Phoenix Park, and during the previous 17 years he was
head-gardener to the Irish Secretaries who successively resided in the park. With refined
taste he had also lubane manners, which endeared him to all who knew him, high and low.
The Dublin Board of Works, and the horticultural public generally in Ireland, have lost in him
a valuable officer.

1870. ]

CAMELLIA LEOPOLD lEB. — ALPINE FLOWERS,

97

CAMELLIA LEOPOLD Ier.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

‘’E figure tins Camellia, not for its absolute novelty, for it is now some few
years old, but as one of tbe most beautiful and useful of modern
varieties. As shown by our illustration, tlie flowers are above medium
size, beautifully imbricated, and highly coloured, while the foliage is
good, the habit vigorous, and the plant remarkably floriferous, — qualities which
stamp it as a Camellia of the very first rank.

The Camellia Leopold Ier was raised byM. De Coster about 1856, and
passed over to M. Jean Verschaffelt, by whom it was exhibited before the Societe
Eoyale d’ Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, in 1861, when it was awarded
the medal offered for the most beautiful seedling Camellia. We are indebted to
Mr. Bull, of Chelsea, for the opportunity of figuring it.

The habit of the plant is pyramidal, and well branched ; the foliage is ample,
ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, and of a beautiful deep, glossy green ; the flowers
are large, exactly imbricated, and of a vivid carmine crimson, becoming shaded
with rose at the margin. It is a most valuable variety for general cultivation
— not yet well enough known, nor widely enough distributed, — T. M.

ALPINE FLOWERS FOR ENGLISH GARDENS.

UCH is the title of an admirable book,* in which Mr. Robinson gives us the
results of his experiences amongst Alpine flowers, not only as met with in
their native homes, but also as seen — too often, indeed, struggling for
existence — in gardens and on artificial rockeries. Alpine flowers represent
a branch of modern gardening which was waiting to be competently discussed,
and we can assure those who may be seeking for information thereon, that in
Mr. Robinson’s book they will find full justice done to the subject, and that by
a loving hand, for to him both Alpine plants and their culture are familiar as
household words, and hence his teachings on these subjects carry with them
the weight of authority.

Alpine flowers are in very many cases the most brilliant and exquisite of
earth’s living gems ; but though their beauty and the vividness of their colouring
are well known, yet somehow or other the idea has been formed, and held to
with much tenacity, that these cloud-born subjects of Flora’s kingdom are not to
be kepu in health and vigour when confined to lowland gardens. The object of
the book before us, we are told in the Introduction, is to show this to be an error,
and to prove that intelligent cultivation will prove as successful with the plants
of the coldest and most elevated regions, as it has already proved with the
choicest plants of steaming tropical forests.

* Alpine Flowe7's for English Gardens. By W. Robinson, F.L.S., Author of “The Parks, Promenades, and
Gardens of Paris." With numerous Illustrations. London: Murray.

3rd series. — III.

F

98

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Mat,

The “ Alpine plants ” of the horticulturist include the vegetation of all
elevated regions, -whether in the tropic or temperate zones — all plants, in fact,
-which clothe high mountain chains and peaks, where above the cultivated land
they fringe the stately woods, and are seen in multitudes in the vast and
dehghtful pastures, enamelling their soft verdure with innumerable dyes. There,
where neither grass nor loose herbage can exist, where feeble world-heat and
world-force are quenched and discomfited on their own ground by mightier
powers, where mountains are crumbled into ghastly slopes of shattered rock by
contending throbbings of heat and cold, and where the very water becomes hard
and relentless as stone, yet bears and moves thousands of tons of rock as easily
as the Gulf Stream carries a seed,” these Alpine flowers fringe the vast fields
of snow and ice, and at great elevations have often scarcely time to flower and
ripen a few seeds before they are embedded in the snow. The Alpines have the
charm of endless diversity of form and colour : —

“ Among them are little orchids, as interesting as their tropical brethren, though so much
smaller ; Liliputian trees, and even a tree-like moss (^Lycopodium dendroideuni), that branches
and gro-vvs into an erect little pyramid, as if in imitation of the mountain-loving Pines, -which,
in their massy strength, are often tortured into quaintness by storms, but rarely submit to
become miniatures of what they are in lower regions ; ferns that peep from narrowest
crevices of high rocky places, often so small and minute that they seem to cling to the rocks
for shelter, not throwing forth their forms with airy grace as they do in more favourable
scenes ; numerous bulbous flowers, from Lilies to Bluebells, which appear to have been refined
in Nature’s laboratory, all coarseness and ruggedness eliminated, all preciousness and beauty
retained ; evergreen shrubs, perfect in
leaf and blossom and fruit as any that
grow in our shrubberies, yet so small
that an inverted finger-glass would
make a roomy conservatory for them ;
creeping plants, like their mountain
brethren, rarely venturing above
mother earth, yet trailing and spread¬
ing freely along it; and when they
crawl over the brows of rocks or stones,
draping them with curtains of colour
as lovely as any afforded by the most
vigorous climbers of tropical forests :

'foliage plants,’ small, it is true, yet
far more interesting than the huger
ones which we grow under this name ;
numberless minute plants that scarcely
exceed the, mosses in size, and quite
sm-pass them in the way in which
they mantle the earth with fresh green
carpets in the midst of winter; and
‘ succulent ’ plants in endless variety,
which yield not in beauty to those of
America or the Cape ; though fre¬
quently smaller than the very mosses
of om- bogs, and which in losing the statui'e of their lowland brethren, have replaced their
horrid spines with silvery spottings and lacings. In a word, they embrace nearly every type of
the plant-life of northern and temperate climes, chastened in tone and diminished in size, and
infinitely more attractive to the human eye than any other kno-wn — ‘ a veil of strange inter¬
mediate being ; which breathes, but has no voice ; moves, but cannot leave its appointed
place ; passes thimigh life -without consciousness, to death without bitterness ; wears the beauty
of youth without its passions ; and declines to the weakness of age without its regret.’ ”

The first division of this hook (pp. 1-120) is devoted to matters of culture, -^vith

Aetifictal Eavinb in Eock-Gaeden.

1870. ]

ALPINE FLOWERS FOR ENGLISH GARDENS.

99

all necessary details for constructing rockwork or rock-gardens, finishing up with
a little tour in the Alps while the second division (pp. 121-373) contains an
alphabetical enumeration of the choicest Alpine plants, with special directions for

culture, and useful select lists
of Al2)ines adapted for various
purposes. There is a very
complete index, and the vol¬
ume is illustrated by a large
number of woodcuts, some of
which we are enabled to in¬
troduce through the courtesy
of the author.

Perhaps there is no fea¬
ture of decorative gardening
which has been in a more
unsatisfactory state than that

of the construction of rock-

Eudb Staie in Book-Garden. . i t

eries or rock-gardens for the

culture of Alpine and allied plants. The most deplorable fault in the construc¬
tion of such gardens, and one which we are told is far too common, is that of so
arranging the materials used in forming it, that they seem to have no connection

with the soil of the spot
where they are placed. In¬
stead of allowing what
may be termed the founda¬
tions of the rock-garden to
barely show their upper
ridges above the earth,
thereby originating much
more endurable ideas of
“rock” than those sug¬
gested by the unmeaning
masses usually seen, the
stones are too often placed
on the ground, with much
the same idea that ani¬
mates a bricklayer in set¬
ting bricks. A few loads
Passage from Rock-Garden to Fernery. „ n i t ■

of well-selected stones ar¬
ranged so as to peep out here and there from some gentle isolated mound or
open sunny spot would produce a far better effect than many hundred tons
j)laced in the common way. On this question, the construction of rockwork,

F 2

100

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[MAY,

we find an illustrated communication from Mr. James Backhouse, of York, whose
experience in this matter is second to none. . His remarks are as follows : —

“ Comparatively few Alpines prefer or succeed well in horizontal fissm’es. Those, however,
which, like Lychnis Viscaria and Silene acaulis, form long tap-roots, thrive well in such fissures
provided the earth in the fissures is continuous, and leads backwards to a sufficient body of
soil. Whore the horizontal fissures
are very narrow, as at a, owing to
the main rocks being in contact in
places, and leaving only irregu¬
lar and inteiTupted fissures, such
plants as the charming Lychnis
Lagasc<x, L. pyrenaicia, and others,
bearing and preferring hot sunny
exposm-es, do well. But many
plants that would bear the heat
and drought if they could get the
roots far enough back, woiild
quickly die if placed in such fis¬
sures, from the paucity of soil and
moisture near the front. There¬
fore, it is usually better in build¬
ing rockwork with these fissures
to keep the main rocks slightly
apart by means of pieces of very
hard stone (basalt, close-gi’ained
‘ flag,’ &c.), so as to leave room
for a good intermediate layer of
rich loam, stones, or grit, mingled
with a little peat.”

As a rule, oblique and vorti¬
cal fissures are both preferable to
horizontal ones, but care should

Rockwork with Horizontal Fissures.

A, Silene alpestris; B, Lychnis Viscaria; 0, Silene acaulis.

be taken with oblique fissures that the upper rock does not overhang. A plant placed at G
will often die, when the same placed at h will live, because the rain falling on the sloping face
of rock at i will drop off at J and miss the fissure g altogether, while that fallihg on the
sloping face of rock at k will all run into the fissure h. There are, however, some plants, like
the rare Nothochlocna Marantcc and Androsace lanuginosa, which so much prefer positions dry
in winter, that a fissure like G would suit them better than one like H. Such are some excep¬
tions to a general rule.”

“Vertical fissures (which suit
many rare Alpines best of all)
should always as far as possible
be made narrovrer at the bottom
than at the top. If otherwise, the
intervening earth, &c., leaves the
sides of the rock as it ‘ settles,’
instead of becoming lighter. In
M, as the total mass of soil sinks,
it becomes comiiressed against the
sides of the rock, while in N the
soil haves the sides of the fissures
more and more as the mass sinks,
and almost invariably forms dis¬
tinct ‘cracks’ (separations between
the soil and rock) sooner or later.

The same principle applies to small stones in fissures. To prevent undue evaporation in the
case of such fissures as M, stones larger or smaller may be laid on the top of the soil, care
Doing taken not to cover too much of it, to the exclusion of rain.”

“ I believe the best local positions for very high Alpines are narrow fissures catching the
sun for several hom'S each day, but having a gentle slope to the northward ; and if the rock¬
work can be so aiTanged that a high ‘ range ’ of ‘ crag ’ at its eastern end may cut off the sun
till near noon from the great fissm’es above alluded to, so much the better. Screen from heat
is worth double as much in the morning as it is' in the afternoon.”

Wrong.

Right.

1370. ]

ROSE HEDGES.

101

These general hints, which apply to all rockwork, are extremely valuable,
but all rockeries cannot be made to imitate Alpine scenery, and some persons have

to be contented with imita¬
tions of walls and ruins. For
such, illustrations, bearing on
the construction of these, are
given. By building a rough
stone wall, and packing the
intervals as firmly as possible
with loam and sandy peat,
putting perhaps a little mortar
at the outside of the largest
interstices, a host of brilliant
gems may be grown with
almost as little attention as
we bestow on the common ivy.
When consolidated, the mate¬
rials of the wall would afford
the very kind of nutriment
required by the plants.

The descriptive and cultural notes on the species recommended for their
utility or beauty, which form the second part of the book, are amply sufficient,
with the select lists given, to afford a general notion of the aspect of the plants,
and of their special requirements and adaptabilities. — T. M.

Right.

Wrong.

KOSE HEDGES.

jWHEN the new kitchen garden was formed here, I had five Eose Hedges
l] planted across one of the divisions, for shelter and ornament. The roses
were taken from an old botanic garden and rosary, that had been planted
60 or 70 years ago. These hedges when in flower are interesting now from
the presence of many old summer roses, which in their day held the first place
in the catalogues. The Eoses Celestial, Stadtholder, White Provence, and Tus¬
cany, which latter is darker and more velvety than any of our new roses, show well
in these hedges. I have lately commenced budding some of the best hybrid per-
petuals on some of the strong-growers, on purpose to have roses in autumn. Two .
hedges were likewise planted with the old Cabbage, and Damask Eose, and they
furnish an excellent supply of rose- leaves every summer, for drying and distilling
purposes.

By the side of two borders near a walk, I have lately planted on each side a
Eose Hedge formed of varieties of Noisette roses, such as Fellenberg, Aimee Vibert,
Compacta, Floribunda, and Celine Forestier. When planted by itself, as a
hedge, Fellenberg is one of the best of all the Noisettes, for it is in flower all the

102

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Mat,

summer and autumn, and its colour is dark and fine. Mixed, however, with the
other sorts above named, a fine effect is produced. A rose hedge formed of
these Noisettes round rosaries, in pleasure grounds, or even in kitchen gardens,
will be found to yield one of the most pleasurable sights imaginable. — William
Tilleey, Welhech.

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

^A'-'AY witnesses rapid progress in vegetation, owing to the increased amount
IL cl longer duration of heat and light. Much forethought and energy
are consequently necessary to keep up with the work, and to give timely
and proper attention to everything.

Kitchen Gaeden. — I again urge the necessity of timely attention to the
thinning-out of young crops, and of keeping the surface-soil frequently stirred
between the rows. Advantage should be taken of showery weather to plant out
young crops. Brussels Sprouts^ Savoys, and Borecole for autumn use, should be
planted out on well enriched land ; and Cauliflowers and Lettuces for succession
should also be planted. This is a good time to plant Asparagus ; the roots should
be carefully lifted, and planted without injury, and the stems should afterwards
be tied to stakes, to prevent their being broken by the winds. The earliest Celery
should be planted out, in well manured trenches ; if the weather afterwards be
dry, it must be well watered, and if frosty nights occur, some fir or laurel branches
should be placed over the trenches. Tomatos may be planted towards the end
of the month, at the foot of a south wall. The material used for blanching
Seakale should be cleared away. Herbs of all kinds may be planted. Potatos
should be earthed up when fit, also Cauliflowers. Peas should be rodded when
they require it. Celery for the late crop should be pripked out.

Sow : Peas, two or three times during the month, on deeply ti'enched ground ; they should
not be sown too thickly. Beans, twice during the month. Scarlet Runners, a full crop. Dwarf
Kidney Beans, at the beginning, and again towards the end of the month. A good breadth of
Tm'nips. Cauliflowers, a good breadth for autumn and winter supply. Spinach, Lettuce, and
Radish for succession. Mustai'd and Cress, once a week. Parsley, a good breadth for winter
and spring use. Sweet Basil and Marjoram, on a wai*m border. Vegetable Marrow and
Cucumber for ridges.

Foecing Houses. — Pines: To keep a steady bottom-heat of about 85° is
one of the most important matters to be attended to in Pine-growing ; it should
not rise or fall much below this point. The now increasing day temperature
may cause it to rise too high, therefore this must be watched for, and guarded
against. Fruiting and succession plants should now have liberal supplies of water,
and the former liquid manure occasionally. Tie up the fruit to stakes, to keep
them in an erect position ; when this is not attended to the crowns often grow
crooked. Keep a moist, growing atmosphere ; give air in good time in the
morning, and close early in the afternoon. Vines : Keep up good fires in all
the houses, but be careful to give abundance of air during the daytime, when
the weather permits. Some air should be left on at night where grapes are

1870.]

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

103

ripening. Keep laterals stopped ; remove all superfluous shoots ; thin the berries
as soon as they are fit. Attend to the thinning, stopping, and tying-in of the
shoots in the late houses. Keep up good fires whilst the vines are in flower.
Peaches : Keep the inside borders well watered whilst the fruit is swelling off ;
when it begins to ripen, gradually withhold water, and give abundance of air.
Syringe late houses every afternoon ; keep up a moist atmosphere, and have all
the shoots stopped and tied down. Figs : As the first crop of fruit will now be
ripening, only sufiScient water should be given to prevent the second crop of
fruit from falling off ; give air freely, and keep a moist atmosphere, to keep down
the red spider. Strawberries : When very large fine fruit is required, the weaker
blossoms should be pinched off, as soon as a few of the finest blooms are set, and
the plants should have a clear, moist atmosphere, as near the glass as possible, and
should be frequently watered with liquid manure. Cucumbers and Melons : Keep
a steady bottom-heat to both. Do not let Cucumber plants carry too much fruit
at one time, as this soon weakens them ; keep a moist atmosphere, and try to keep
the foliage clean and healthy. Put some slates or pieces of glass under Melons^
to prevent the soil from damaging the fruit, and lift them near to the glass.
Plant for successional crops.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — All the materials used for coverings should be
removed clean away as soon as the fruit is considered safe from all injury from
frosts. Apricots, Peaches^ and Nectarines have been very full of blossom, and
have set very thickly ; they will be a good crop everywhere this season. The
fruit should be well thinned at once, and should be looked over once or twice
afterwards, to see that too many are not left on for a crop. The disbudding of
the shoots must now be regularly attended to. It is better to go over the trees
at intervals of a few days, removing some shoots each time, than to remove them
all at once. The trees should have a few good syringings on fine afternoons with
the garden engine, to cleanse them from filth and insects. Attend to the stopping
of all fore-right shoots on Apricots^ Pears^ Plums, and Cherries. Mulch, if not
previously done, and water newly-planted trees. If the weather be dry. Straw¬
berries will be benefited by a good soaking of water ; but if it cannot be done
effectually, it should not be attempted.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : Abundance of air should now be given at
every favourable opportunity. The greatest watchfulness and attention will be
necessary to keep down insects, which on no account should be allowed to get
ahead. Soft-wooded plants NAihe growing freely and vigorously. Shift all plants
that may require it ; water freely overhead, and close up early in the afternoon.
Pelargoniums will now require a good deal of attention ; give them plenty of
room, and tie out the shoots as they require it ; they will also require liberal
supplies of water. A good batch of Fuchsias should be shifted, and grown on for
autumn decoration. Salvias and other plants for autumn decoration should now
be shifted, or grown on in a genial atmosphere. Towards the end of the

104

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[MAY,

month some of the more hardy of Hard-wooded plants that have done flower¬
ing may be placed out of doors in a sheltered situation. A great number of fine
kinds will now be in flower, and should be well attended to ; in bright weather
they should be shaded in the middle part of the day for a few hours ; attend to
watering. Most of the young plants shifted this spring will be growing away
freely, and will require attention as to stopping, tying and training, also as to
watering, air-giving, and shading.

Pits and Frames. — Attend to the potting-off of all cuttings as soon as they
are rooted ; and put in cuttings of everything that may be useful during the
autumn and winter. Prick or pot off as soon as they are large enough, seedling
Cinerarias, Primulas^ Cyclamens, &c. Pot off and shift Balsams^ Cockscombs^
Globe Amaranths, &c. Maintain a nice growing atmosphere, and keep the plants
near the glass, that they may grow stiff and robust.

Out-Doors. — Get all vacant beds ready for planting as soon as the weather
will permit ; trench them to a tolerable depth, and if the soil be good, no manure
will be required, unless for plants of a dwarf or delicate growth. Plant deeply,
and then the roots will soon strike deeply, and the plants will need very little
water. When the soil in the bed is shallow, and the plants are merely stuck
beneath the surface, constant watering is necessary to keep them growing.
Verbenas, if properly hardened off, may be planted out after the middle of the
month. Calceolarias about the 20th, and Pelargoniums towards the end of the
month. Iresine and other rather tender things are best not put out until the
beginning of June. Towards the end of the month Tender Annuals may be
planted out. Propagate spring-flowering plants. Plant out runners of Neapolitan^
Bussian^ and Tree Violets on a rather shaded border, about ten inches apart.
Roll and mow lawns weekly.

Sow : Mignonette, Wallflowers, Sweet William, Polyanthus, &c.

— M. Saul, Stourton.

THE FAIRY APPLE AS AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT.

fWAS much pleased with the description and illustration of the Fairy Apple,
which will prove a welcome addition to the dessert and for preserving, as

fDr. Hogg has pointed out, and will likewise prove a charming garnish to
other fruits. I have often used the Siberian Crab, the fruit of the larger
thorns, and service berries, for this purpose, with admirable effect, and the Fairy
Apple will almost make a fairy dessert, by setting off good things with such
charming clusters of beautiful leaves and fruits. Moreover, its effect in home
plantations, shrubberies, and pleasure-grounds would be charming. Our list of
ornamental berry or fruit-bearing shrubs and trees is rather limited. The greater
portion of the berries or fruit that are really bright and beautiful are small. I
have often wondered why the largest-fruited Cratcegi have been so sparingly
planted. The common Siberian and Scarlet Crabs, highly ornamental as they are.

1S70. ]

SWEET-SCENTED FLOWERS.

105

alike in flower, leaf, and fruit, have been comparatively ignored. I trust tbat
tbe liberal use of tbe Fairy Apple as an ornamental tree, will bring more of all
such beautiful objects into our shrubberies in its fairy train. Nothing can exceed
such fruits in beauty amid the dull brown of approaching autumn.

Possibly the Lady Apple would likewise prove hardy enough for similar
purposes, as well as those hybrids raised by Mr. Knight, adverted to in the
Florist. Doubtless, the cross-breeders will again set to work to get ornamental
Apples from Crab parents, both male and female. The chief points to aim at
would be length and slenderness of stalk, abundance of fruit, and high and
varied colouring. We have plenty of good Apples for use ; but of varieties of
the fairy type for ornamental purposes, we are well nigh destitute. These might
be indefinitely multiplied, to the glowing enrichment of our autumnal tints, and
the great improvement of our home woods, shrubberies, and pleasure-ground
scenery. — D. T. Fish, F.E.H.S.

SWEET-SCENTED FLOWEKS.

No. I. — The Gardenia.

jN order to grow Gardenias thoroughly well, there are three essential
IjG requisites, namely, great heat, abundant atmospheric moisture, and very
rich soil. With these advantages, and the aid of judicious management,
they may be had in bloom all the year round, the most difficult season
at which to secure a supply being the month of January.

If planted out in a well-prepared bed of rich soil, Gardenias will continue to
blossom in succession, from March until December ; but in order to secure this
result, both heat and moisture must be kept up to a high standard. The
temperature of the house should never be less than 70° at night, and the house
may be shut up in the afternoon with abundant moisture, at a heat of from 90°
to 110° ; but it must be always borne in mind that with this excessive amount of
heat, there must be a very moist atmosphere.

Plants in pots will produce three crops of flowers, but it is better for the plants
that they should bear but two crops, so that they may be rested. The resting
period should immediately succeed the flowering season. When the plants are
once started into growth, they should be kept moving onwards until the blossoms
are developed, for if, during this growing period, they are at all checked or
starved, they will only produce small semi-double flowers.

To obtain a supply of flowers in the month of January, the plants must be
started into growth about the middle of June. When the flower-buds begin to
show, which will be about August, they must be put into a cold frame, and kept
as cool as the weather at the time will permit. In this position they must be
kept until the beginning or middle of September, according as the season may be
waiTQ or cold. The resting state must be maintained until November, but the
plant should not be subjected to a lower night temperature than 50°, or the flowers

lOG

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ May,

will b9 small. In November, tlie beat should be increased, and if the plants
have been and are well attended to, they will furnish a good crop of flowers
through December and January.

No plant delights more than the Gardenia in the heat from a dung-bed, and
during the summer they will grow better in a dung-bed than in any other way.
They should be potted in turfy peat and loam, with plenty of sand, to keep the
compost in a free open condition. During their growing season, they require ta
be kept well fed with liquid manure^ or with some other of the fertilizers now in
use^ such as Standen’s manure, which suits them remarkably well.

It seems to be almost an impossibility to keep the mealy bug off these plants,,
and therefore constant attention is necessary, so as to keep down the intruders.
Clarke’s Compound is the best application we have made use of for killing them,,
but there are many others which we have not tried.

Gardenia Fortunei brings the largest blossoms, but for general purposes, I
find G. jiorida intermedia the best variety, taking quantity and size of blossom
both into account. — John Standish, Royal Nursery^ Ascot.

ROSES AND ROSE-CULTURE.

Chapter II. — The Standard or Tree-Rose.

Re Standard or Tree-Rose is generally admitted to be an object of great
beauty, suited alike to the smallest and the largest garden, to the border,
the lawn, or the shrubbery. Some of my old gardening friends tell mo
that they remember Standard Roses being sold at a guinea each, and that
half-a-guinea each was a very common price. Now, a better one may be pur¬
chased for eighteenpence. This is in some measure due to the increased
popularity of the plant, resulting in larger sales, and partly to the improved
methods of cultivation adopted in the Rose-grounds. Where tens were formerly
grown we can now reckon thousands, and no one has more cause to rejoice in the
change than the grower for sale.

The cultivation of the Tree-Rose is simple and inexpensive, and while few
plants grow with less attention, none will repay more liberally whatever may be
bestowed on them. To insure the fullest measure of success with Standard
Roses, it is necessary to consider well the locality and soil in which the trees are
about to be placed, and to choose the kinds accordingly. In a good Rose soil
(deep loam) and a favourable situation (pure air) any kinds will thrive ; but
under circumstances the reverse of these, such kinds only should be planted as.
one’s own experience or the experience of one’s friends points out as likely to
succeed. In heavy moist soils near the sea, or in the vicinity of large towns,
where the air becomes vitiated by the constant outpouring of smoke and noxious
gases, the selection should be restricted to the Damask, Alba, Hybrid China,,
Hybrid Perpetual, Ayrshire, and Sempervirens groups, and only the hardiest
varieties of these should be attempted. Such Vvdll flourish better and yield more
pleasure to the cultivator than finer kinds of more delicate organization.

1870. ]

ROSES AND ROSE-CULTURE. - CHAPTER II.

107

The season at which rose trees are planted is not unimportant. Do not plant
in winter ; choose rather autumn or spring. Let a stake be placed to each tree
as soon as it is set in the ground, tying with stout tar-string or bast, and cover¬
ing the ground with stable manure. Throughout the first growing and flowering
season the trees should be watered occasionally during dry weather.

The subject of pruning wull form a separate chapter, but I may remark here
that, according to my experience, the heads of Standard Roses should be well
thinned out in autumn, leaving only that part of pruning which consists in
shortening the shoots till spring.

A vigilant watch should be kept for the Rose Maggot, from the time the
dormant eyes begin to swell. It is difficult to escape altogether from the
ravages of this destructive insect, for the mischief is often done before you can
detect the presence of the destroyer. Look over the plants frequently and closely,
pointed pen-knife in hand, and wherever you see an eye or a young shoot struggling
ineffectually to expand, open it carefully with the point of the knife, and the
depredator will be there. In a somewhat more advanced state of vegetation the
curl of the leaf is an unerring guide to the abode of the enemy. In addition to
the rose-maggot, there are many sorts of caterpillars, occasional visitors only,
which require to be removed by hand-picking ; they are easily discovered, and
are neither so numerous nor so constant as the former. Then there is the
aphis, which is always present where roses are, and sometimes in such quantities
as to become a source of serious injury. Sweep them into a gloved hand with a
brush of sufficient power to remove or crush them without doing injury to the
young and tender leaves of the tree. It is a good plan where they gather thickly
on the ends of the young shoots, to dip the shoots in a basin of strong tobacco-
water, which will kill many, and render the position untenable for the rest. The
quantity of lady-birds that visited many parts of England last year, and is still
hovering about, is a good omen for rose-growers, as the larvae of this insect are
great- destroyers of the aphis. The number they destroy, and the celerity with
which they despatch their victims, would seem incredible to anyone who had
not watched their movements.

Standard roses, which are budded on the dog-rose, are liable to throw suckers
from under-ground, and wild shoots from the stem will sometimes break forth
above-ground. The latter should be cut off with a sharp knife, and the former
eradicated by pulling them out, or driving a spud into the ground so as to sever
them close to the main stem.

When the first flowering of standard roses is over, the flower-stalks should be
cut off, removing as few leaves as possible in the operation. For this purpose
pruning scissors are perhaps more convenient than the knife. After a short
period of rest, the second or summer growth commences, and this will be
materially strengthened if a little decayed manure be forked into the soil imme¬
diately that the first flowering is over. In performing this operation, be careful

108

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGHST.

[ May,

not to disturb the soil more than three inches deep, as the most active roots
probably lie about that distance from the surface. Spread the manure over the
surface about an inch in thickness, and prick it in carefully with a light fork.
The summer roses have now nothing to do but to grow, but the autumnals have
to grow and flower. In either case, if a single shoot pushes with unusual vigour,
it is well to pinch out the growing point, or the surrounding shoots will be
deprived of their just share of nourishment, and will grow weakly, and thus the
head of the tree will become ill-balanced or mis-shapen.

Many sorts of roses, of which the Geant des Batailles and its race are the
most common examples, are subject to mildew. The best remedy for this is a
good powdering of sulphur, put on when the leaves are wet with rain or dew. —
William Paul, PaiiVs Nurseries^ Waltham Cross, N.

LESCHENAULTIA BILOBA MAJOR.

Shis plant, if well cultivated, has few rivals among greenhouse plants,
the colour of its flowers being of the most beautiful blue. A young plant

f taken in hand now, if well rooted, may be shifted, say from a 5-in. (48)
to a 6-in. (32) pot. Fibrous peat of good quality must be used to grow
the plant successfully. This material should be broken up into moderately
small pieces, and a sufficient quantity of silver sand added to cause water to pass
through freely ; the whole must be well mixed together. Provide ample drainage,
and over this place some of the rougher parts of the peat to keep it from becom¬
ing choked. In potting, press the soil down firmly. Regulate the shoots by
tying the strongest of them to small stakes, so as to form the foundation of the
future specimen. Place the plant in a greenhouse, in a light, airy situation near
the glass, where air can be given, but where it may not be exposed to currents
of cold air. Attend carefully to watering, and keep the shoots properly tied out.

By the middle of June the plant will require another shift, the treatment
above recommended being otherwise continued in every particular, always, how¬
ever, bearing in mind that this plant requires to be grown near the glass in order
to get stiff, short-jointed wood. By the beginning or middle of May the flowers
will commence to open, and the plant will bloom on for four or five weeks. After
blooming, as soon as new growth begins to push, give another shift, and treat
as before. Cuttings of the half-ripened wood strike freely, if placed under a
bell-glass, and put in a little bottom heat. — H. Chilman, Somerley Gardens.

LADY’S SLIPPERS.— Chapter III.

'HE beautiful CypriiKdium Lowii, of which a woodcut figure is annexed,
was introduced from Borneo by Hugh Low, Esq., to the Clapton Nursery,
about 1846, and was described in 1847 by Dr. Lindley, from specimens
which bloomed in the garden of A. Kenrich, Esq., of West Bromwich.
In its native habitats it was found growing on high trees in thick jungle, and

1870.]

lady’s slippers. - CHAPTER III.

109

bearing its flowers in April and May. Our figure was prepared from specimens
which bloomed in the nursery of Messrs. Veitch and Sons last February.

Cypripedium Lowii is a stove herb, with leathery, oblong-ligulate, obtuse,
emarginate, yellowish-green leaves. The scape is downy, and of a dull purple,

110

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ MAY,

and bears usually three or four flowers, though it would appear from Dr. Lindley’s
description that as many as eight are sometimes produced. The dorsal sepal is
downy outside, dull pale green within ; the petals are spathulate, twice as long as
the lip, green, marked with distinct brown purple spots on the lower half, wholly
dull purple above, the margin ciliated ; and the lip is smooth and shining, of a dull
brown, with a purplish tinge, bluntly oblong, notched in front, and haying two
bluntish ascending lobes, and behind each a triangular tooth. The sterile stamen
is obcordate, with a triangular tooth in the apical sinus, and a central horn at
the opposite end, both the horn and the edge bristling with pur^Dle hairs.

This species has been introduced in large quantities during the last few years,
but it is somewhat difficult to establish, and consequently will never become over¬
abundant. Nor is it, indeed, a matter of wonder that so many of these plants
refuse to grow, if we take into consideration the great length of the journey, and
the excessive heat of the latitudes through which they have to travel, for as they
have no pseudobulbs to act as storehouses of nourishment, the roots and leaves
are in most instances dried up to such an extent, that very little vitality remains
in them by the time they reach this country. Hence, on opening the boxes,
death is too often found to reign supreme, though occasionally, to the great
delight of lovers of this beautiful species, a consignment arrives in excellent
condition.

When first taken in hand, the plants should be placed in moderate heat, and
in a moist atmosphere, very little water being given, and great care being taken
that none is allowed to remain in the heart of the plant. After they are estab¬
lished, a liberal supply of water may be given, both from watering-pot and
syringe. The temperature of the East Indian house will be necessary. The
soil should be fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, in equal proportions, adding a
little silver-sand, and some small pieces of charcoal. It is of the utmost import¬
ance always to drain well. — Benjamin S. Williams, Victoria Nursery^ Holloway .

THE AMATEUR’S PAGE.

|N continuing my remarks on the Chrysanthemum from p. 39, it now
becomes necessary to make some observations on the Soil, which, in the
course of my experience, I have found to be a very puzzling affair to
amateur cultivators. Now, for those who cannot find a supply from their
own resources, it is far best to state their wants to a respectable nurser3maan,
who will furnish them, at a reasonable rate, with the the necessary composts ;
but many will have the means of getting together heaps of turfy loam, leaf-mould,
sand, road-scrapings, and rotten manure, and a stock of these should be kept on
hand in separate heaps, and mixed as occasion requires.

In the early stages of the cultivation of the Chrysanthemum there is not so
much necessity to be particular about the soil. The first great requisite is a
good stock of roots, and to encourage this there should be perfect drainage, and

1870. ]

THE AMATEUE’S PAGE.

Ill

a good proportion of sand in tlie compost, wliicli may consist of one-tliird friable
loam, one-third leaf -mould, or very rotten manure, and one-third sand ; this, well
mixed together, will answer well for the first shifting.

Many persons who have only a slight amount of experience in horticulture,
imagine that gardeners owe a great part of their success to the use of stimu¬
lating manures, and although this may be true to a certain extent, it is a very
dangerous doctrine in the amateur’s hands ; for gardeners, as a rule, make it a
particular study to learn the conditions under which stimulation may safely be
applied, whilst inexperienced persons, seizing hold of the great idea that stimu¬
lating composts are the necessary means for producing great results, make too
liberal a use of the strongest they can find, and thus defeat their own ends. It
is of no use to apply stimulating food until there are mouths to feed on it, that
is, until the pots are well filled with roots, and up to that time the plants ought
to find sufficient in the compost used to maintain them in a healthy state of
growth. Hence when the plants are at the last shifted into the 8-in. pots for
blooming, a less amount of sand and more thoroughly rotten manure should
enter into the compost, and to it may also be added about one-eighth part of
the parings from horses' /ioq/J?, which may readily be obtained from the black¬
smith’s shoeing-shed. This is a most powerfully stimulating manure, and contains
a large per-centage of ammonia, which is given out so slowly that there is no fear
of the plants being over-stimulated and gorged with food, as is frequently the
case when softer and more soluble manures are used too liberally.

This compost, then, ought to keep up a free and healthy state of growth until
September, without the application of anything stronger than plain soft water.
By that time the pots will be full of roots, and the plants throwing up side
branches for bloom ; and at this stage some extra stimulus, in the shape of liquid
manure, should be applied, at least twice a week. The clear drainings from a
large heap of manure make a very good liquid for the purpose, or it may be made
by putting sheep-droppings, horse-droppings, and cow-manure into a good sized
tub, filling it up with water, and stirring it round frequently, using only the
clear liquid. Failing this, the amateur might use some of the soluble manures
of which there are so many advertised, and one of the best for his purpose would
be Standen’s Gardener’s and Amateur’s Friend. At the final shift, which gene¬
rally takes place in the hottest weather, the plants are to be again placed on a
level bed of coal-ashes, a foot or so apart, and it is desirable (although not
absolutely necessary) to fill up the intervening spaces with finely-sifted coal
ashes, which will keep the roots cool, and save much time in watering.

When the fiowers commence to expand, the plants should be moved under
cover ; they do not require artificial heat, but the shelter of glass is necessary to
the attainment of their greatest perfection. If glass shelter is not at command,
a temporary awning, consisting of a slight framework in the shape of a small
span-roof, and covered with Russian mats, may be erected over them, but the
mats should be removed in the day, and invariably thrown over at night.

112

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ May,

After flowering, cut down tlie stems, plunge tlie pots in any sheltered corner,
close together, and cover them up with straw and mats in frosty weather. These
old plants should furnish very good cuttings in April, at which time they should
be taken off about 3 in. long, inserted three in a 3-in. pot, potted off singly
when rooted, and again submitted to the foregoing routine of culture. The
old plants may be divided, and planted in the open borders.

The following is a short list of a few that will not disappoint the grower,
although some are very old sorts : — Alma, Antonelli, Beauty, Bella Donna,
Boadicea, Beverley, Cardinal Wiseman, Dr. Rosas,. Duchess of Buckingham, Edwin
Landseer, Empress of India, Eve, Golden Beverley, Golden Hermine, Golden
Queen of England, Hermine, Iona, Julie Lagravere, Leda, Little Harry, Mrs.
Haliburton, Celestial, Sam Slick, Mrs. Dix, Venus, White Christine, — Fleur de
Marie, Margaret. — Adonis, Aureole, Aiirore Boreale, Berrol, Bijou d’Horticulture,
Bob, Drin Drin, Graziella, Madame Eugene Domage, Modele, Salamon. — Astrea,
Calliope, Cedo Nulli, Golden Cedo Nulli, Lilac Cedo Nulli. — Rose Trevenna,
White Trevenna. These are all proved and well-known sorts, and may safely
be depended upon. — John Cox, Bedleaf.

THE CYCLAMEN.

SOjME of the new forms of Cyclamen persicum that have appeared show
considerable progress, both in the direction of depth of colour, and of
stoutness and width in the floral segments. The marked advance made
^ in the former direction is ■well shown in C. persicum Tcermesinum, a variety
with a rich hue of carmine-rose on the flowers, and in the latter, in C.
persicum giganteum, to both which the Floral Committee have recently awarded
a First-Class Certificate. The former novelty was shown by Mr. Welch, of
Hillingdon, the latter by Mr. Edmonds, of Hayes, who with Mr. Stevens, of
Ealing, have both brought out very fine strains of the Cyclamen^ sho’wing
much variation in the particular hues of the deep-coloured flowers.

I fancy that, as a general rule, the Cyclamen is not well managed, neither is
it sufficiently recognized, as it should be, as a flower to bloom in November,
December, and January, instead of in April. There is no doubt but that the
Cyclamen has been, and still is, sadly mismanaged. The old barbarous practice
of systematic neglect, misnamed the resting process, to which these beauti¬
ful plants are often subjected, is altogether wrong, and should be abolished.
Death, or imperfect development, as surely follows on the old plan as a free
development and numerous blossoms follow the more sensible method.

Seed should be sown as soon as ripe — generally in July — in pots of suitable
soil, and placed in an old cucumber or melon frame, with a temperature of about
65° or thereabouts. The first leaf will appear in about six weeks, and when
about one inch in length, the plants should be transplanted into pans, and kept in
the pit, shading them from the glaring sun by the use of some material that will
not exclude too much light, while it effectually screens them.

1870. ]

THE CYCLAMEN.

113

As soon as frost sets in, tlie pans should be removed to the top shelf of a con¬
servatory, where the temperature will not get below 45°. During the winter
the plants will not make much growth, and in April they should be potted singly
into 60-pots, and put into a frame with a little bottom-heat, and then in May
removed into a cold frame facing the south-east, kept close for a few days, but
eventually fully exposed during the day-time. When in the cold frame the plants
should not be too much crowded ; air should be allowed free circulation, to prevent
the plants being drawn.

During June, July, August, and September, the plants should be sprinkled
over-head at least once a day in hot, sunny weather, and watered about the soil
also. It has been assumed that, at the proper time, the plants had been shifted
into the blooming (6-in.) pots. This should be done about July or August,
according to the strength of the plants. In regard, however, to watering over¬
head, one of our best amateur cultivators remarks : “I caution growers never
to close up the lights for the night until the plants are quite dry, otherwise you
will have them lanky, which must of all things be avoided.”

By the middle of October some of the plants should be in bloom, and be
removed to the conservatory, and a succession of flowers can be had without
much difficulty to the end of April. The amateur cultivator already alluded to,
who though not known to fame, has this season flowered a splendid batch of
seedlings, thus gives some valuable cultural hints : — The soil best suited, in all
stages of the Cyclamen^ is one composed of two-fifths coarse leaf -mould ; the same
quantity of very light, soft, yellow loam ; one-fifth dry cow-dung, and sufiicient
fine white sand to prevent’ running together. The dry cow-dung should be
collected in fine weather, and it would be advisable, after rubbing it small, to pour
some nearly boiling water over it, to kill all seeds, which are very troublesome if
not destroyed in this way. The leaf-mould should also be well wetted, mixed
with cow-dung and sand ; the loam should be ground down quite fine in a dry
state, mixed with other ingredients, and you will then have the very best compost
it is possible to make, to grow the Cyclamen in.”

“ The crown is almost always seen above the soil, but this should never be so,
for the simple reason that the roots in this case will only grow from the lowest
portion of it, whereas if buried they will do so from all parts alike ; and this
must be a very great advantage to so gross a feeder as this plant really is. When
the plants are put into their blooming-pots, I always place a handful of crocks at
the bottom, and on the top of them some small pieces of dry cow-dung, which is
without doubt one of the secrets of success in the cultivation of this gem of the
winter season.”

The simple secret of success with the Cyclamen^ provided there -be good
management in all its stages of growth, is, never to allow it entire rest, but
always to keep the plants growing, however slowly, and not, as is the usual custom,
to' allow them to become dry during the summer, which is often synonymous

114

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

LMay,

witli systematic neglect and partial decay, if not entire death. Only those who
have seen the Cyclamen well done can rightly appreciate its worth as a winter¬
blooming plant. Such a house of Cyclamens as Mr. Wiggins can show during
the spring of the year would convert the most sceptical to a belief in its valuable
qualities ; and those who can so rightly appreciate it are increasing in numbers
day by day. — B. D.

BOILER IMPROVEMENTS.

UE present object is not to discuss the merits of rival boilers, tubulars or
saddles, wrought or cast, but to direct attention to one or two features we
have noted in what is called the Patent Duplex Compensating Boiler of
the Messrs. Weeks and Co., by whose courtesy we are enabled to introduce

the annexed explanatory woodcut. An examination of the figure will show that
by merely turning the valves this boiler can at any time be separated into two
distinct parts or sections, the one of which may be left working, while the other
is taken away. The advantage of this is sufficiently obvious. When boilers fail
it is generally through the occurrence of a flaw at a single point, but if the part
containing the defective portion could be moved away for repair, as it can in this
case, without interrupting the action of the other part or section, the gardener

1870. ]

NOVELTIES, ETC., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

115

would be at once relieved from the anxiety which attends on the giving out of a
boiler during the winter season, or while forcing is in full operation. Another
meritorious point in the boiler now before us is, that it can be emptied for the
removal of sediment — and sediment in a boiler is, at least, a source of great
annoyance, often, indeed, of serious damage — without the labour of emptying the
whole apparatus. By means of valves the water in the pipes can be shut back
from the boiler, and by means of openings provided for the purpose, the boiler
itself can be drained to the very dregs.

To point out these contrivances is to show their utility, which is self-evident.
The wonder is that so many forms of boilers should have come into use without

the introduction of these or some similar advantages.-

-T. M.

NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

[S in the cases of many other subjects, a large-flowered section of Cyclamen
‘persicmn has put in an appearance, and there is no knowing to what size
the flowers may eventually be brought. At the meeting of the Eoyal
Horticultural Society held on the 6th of April, a First-Class Oerdificate
was awarded to Mr. Edmonds, Hayes, for such an one. Cyclamen persicum cjigan-
teum, having bold and stout bright rosy-purple flowers of unwonted size ; this
fine flower, combining the qualities of large size and high colour, may be said to
consummate the splendid development of the Cyclamen witnessed this spring. In
Azalea Fraiiqois Devos^ a fine addition is made to the semi-double greenhouse
varieties, so valuable for cut purposes, as the blossoms are less fragile than those
of the single flowers ; the colour is of a glowing crimson, the plant very free-
blooming, and of capital habit ; it was exhibited both by Messrs. Cutbush and
Son, Highgate, and Messrs. Stan dish and Co., Ascot, and was awarded a First-
Class Certificate. The same award was made to a very pretty new hybrid Per¬
petual Rose, named Mcllle. Eugenie Verclier, having full and finely-cupped
blush flowers, the centre suffused with pink, said to be one of the very best of the
new Roses being sent out ; this was exhibited by Messrs. Paul and Son. A
similar award was made to a curious Primrose from Abyssinia, named Primula
Contii^ but which proves to be the P. Boveana^ and is probably only a variety of
P. verticillata, identical with P. verticillata simensis. It is a greenhouse perennial,
of free habit, with white powdered foliage, and pale-yellow scented flowers, pro¬
duced in whorls on the erect scape. This was exhibited by Messrs. Veitch and Sons,
and will, in all probability, become very useful for hybridizing.

Asters in bloom during the first week in April are certainly uncommon, but
yet Messrs. Standish and Co. had a group of nicely-flowered plants in pots of
the “dwarf bouquet” strain, the seed of which had been sown in August last.
By sowing in June another season, they hope to be able to get them into bloom as
early as Christmas. Quite as uncommon were some Staiiclard Pot Poses, shown
by Messrs. Lane and Son, of Great Berkhamstead, nicely-grown plants on stems

116

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ May,

2-^- ft. higH, and bearing fine beads of bloom. Messrs. Standisb and Co. bad in
a pot a grand tree of tbe bigbly-coloured Rose Duke of Edinburgh^ witb a
vigorous bead, bearing nearly thirty buds and flowers.

At tbe meeting beld on April 20, Pansies were a somewhat unusual feature.
First-Class Certificates were accorded to Golden Redder^ a bedding variety pro¬
ducing large golden yellow self flowers, of fine substance, and having a dark
blotch, exhibited by Messrs. E. Gr. Henderson and Son ; to Sunshine, a showy
fancy variety, having a golden ground-colour and broad margin of orange-brown ;
and to Mrs. Shirley Hibherd., of a rosy-lilac hue, both novel in character, but
lacking the qualities of form, substance, and marking usually looked for in the
Pansy. Possibly the Committee gave these awards as to bedding kinds, but it is
difficult indeed to judge of the value of Pansies as bedders when only cut blooms
are shown. The two latter came from Mr. Henry Hooper, Bath. Mr. Turner,
Slough, received a First-Class Certificate for his grand new grey-edged Auricula.,
Colonel Champneys., which was admirably portrayed by Mr. Andrews in our
volume for 1868, and which was now shown much finer than it had hitherto
been seen. There were also collections of Auriculas, both show and Alpine
varieties, the best of which came from Mr. Turner, who, as usual, had some very
nice flowers. Mr. Williams, Holloway, had a First-Class Certificate for Gloxinia
Scarlet Gem., an erect-flowered sort, and the brightest in colour which has yet
been seen, — a vivid carmine-scarlet, with bluish throat. Mr. Noble, Bagshot,
had a group of flowering plants of his two fine new early varieties of blooming
Clematis, Miss Bateman, and Lady Londesborough., the former white, slightly
tinted with lavender ; the latter pale violet, both well adapted for conservatory
decoration in the spring months.

There was a competition for prizes with six varieties of Bedding Pansies, shown
in boxes 12 in. square, the boxes filled with 10 or 12 plants of one variety, put
closely together. Mr. Henry Hooper was the only exhibitor. The three best
were Sunshine, just described. Sunset, self yellow, and The Bride., self white ; the
other three were fancy kinds, very unpromising as bedders.

Mr. Smith, Wilton Eoad, Salisbury, brought a box of flowering plants of his
Viola cornuta., var. Perfection, a fine and effective bedding variety. Whether or
not identical with that sent out from Eotherfield Park, one thing is certain,
that, as to habit and freedom of blooming, this Viola comes nearer to a good
ideal bedding Pansy than anything I have yet seen. — ^E. D.

ON PINKS : NOKTHEKN SOUTHERN.

HE list of Pinks from Mr. Turner (p. 72) reminds me of bygone days, when
nearly every Northern town had a pink show, and some of them even
three or more. Sheffield has, I believe, kept up the fancy to the present
time, and still maintains three shows. In other places this lovely little
gem has been for many years neglected. We, however, intend to revive the fancy
here, by having an Exhibition during the present summer.

1870, 3

WATERING SEEDS AND PLANTS.

117

Our taste here in the North is at variance with that of the Southern growers,
in regard to the colour of the lacing and centre. Here both centre and lacing
must be of one shade, whether red or purple ; while many of the Southern
varieties have a dark centre, with pale rosy, or rosy-purple lacing. The Southern
flowers are, moreover, often fuller than agrees with the canons of our Northern
florists ; for here we require the centre or moon to be clearly seen, and the
darker the colour the better. Defiance (Partington) is considered a model in
the red class, and Victory (Norris) in the class of purples. It is true, we have two
flne pinks which are much admired, both of them Southern varieties, namely,
John Ball and Device, — but whether those in the list kindly forwarded by Mr.
Turner will suit our Northern fancy I cannot say. In Scotland they admire
those varieties most which have a white fringe round the edge, while here the
colour must come to the edge, and there must be no fringe. I am not so very
particular, I admit, for I admire all if good, and regret that this charming and
fragrant flower should have been so much neglected. I should indeed be glad
to see a revival of its culture.

The Northern amateurs have always admired the black and white, or plain
pinks, as they are termed in some localities, and these have always figured in the
pans and classes with the reds and the purples. The pans of six usually have two
in each class, and the black and white run the same length as the others in the
classes. In Scotland these are not tolerated at all, but I must say that I admire
them, the black centre with the pure white they generally possess, forming such
a thoroughly good contrast.

I will close this note with a list of six varieties of the best in each class : —

Purple-Laced Pinks.
Emily.

Victoiy (Norris).

Mary (Auckland).

Lord Palmerston.

Huntsman.

Mango.

— John Walker, Winton,

Red-Laced Pinks.
Defiance.

Bertha.

John Ball.

Vesta.

Mrs. Enfield.

Anna Maria.

Manchester.

Black and White Pinks.
Miss Jessop.

Beauty of Harwood.
Mrs. Frost.

Mrs. Bradley.

Beauty of Home.

Mary (Kay).

WATERING SEEDS AND PLANTS.

SI HE season has arrived when we are generally busy sowing the different
D varieties of seeds, and as watering will sometimes be necessary to assist the

f germination of some particular sorts, especially the very minute ones, if the
weather proves dry after they are sown, as well as to assist the growth of
the plants after they are up, due precaution should be observed as to the time of
performing the operation. As a safe rule, neither seeds nor plants should be
watered except when the sun has gone down ; because its rays act suddenly upon
the moistened plants, and sometimes destroy their leaves, as if by frost. Upon
moistened ground, where the seeds have not yet appeared, the effect of watering
in sunshine would be to draw forth the moisture from the place watered, and

118

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ May,

make it drier and harder than before. Watering in sunshine often causes the leaves
to blister, but when rain is falling naturally, the clouds from which it descends
act as a screen between the earbh and the rays of the sun. This shows that water¬
ing, which is a substitute for natural rain, should not be performed when the sun
is shining.

When summer rain is falling the air becomes moist, and the sun, while its
warmth is still acting, does not counteract by its fiery rays the good effects of
that moisture, but the soil is softened and disposed to the entrance of the genial
element. Everything then favours the growth of the plant. But this is not so when
artificial watering takes place. The air is then dry, and the sun draws away, early
in the morning, the moisture which the watering imparted the evening before.
The most beneficial watering is that which is applied before rainy weather, be¬
cause, in such case, its' good effects are not counteracted by the rays of the sun.

The best water for using in a garden is that which contains an abundance of
fertilizing substances, such as that from cesspools, ponds, &c. Eain water is also
good ; when spring or well water alone can be obtained, it should be exposed for
some time to the sun and air before it is used. — Edward Bennett, Enville.

GAEDEN GOSSIP.

HISWICK GAEDEN is not, after all, to be abandoned by the Eoyal
Horticultural Society. The representations of the Press, and of various
friends of the Society, have led to a reconsideration of the position of
affairs, with the result that the Garden is to be reduced, not given up.

The arboretum, wilderness, and orchard are to be cut off, and about ten acres, including the
council-room, the large conservatory, the fruit-room, and the various glass-houses, retained
as an experimental garden. The old orchard necessarily goes, but young trees have been
secured on dwarf stocks, so that the fruit collection will be kept in an efficient state. A lease
of the ten acres will be granted for fifty years, at a rental of about £100 a year, through the
liberality of the Duke of Devonshire, and it is estimated that by these new arrangements
the Society will be able to reduce its expenditure by £1,000 a year, wfithout lessening its
utility, for the portion retained will be amply sufficient for all useful pui’poses.

- ^HE Sulphur Distributor of Messrs. Adams and Grant is one of the most

simple contrivances for the purpose that can be imagined, yet it appears to be a
most effectual one. It consists of a little box with two glass sides, 5 in. long by

3 in. wide, and a little more than 1 in. in depth, into which the sulphim is put. On one side
there is a small aperture for the sulphur to pass out, and on the opposite another, which is
fitted on to the nozzle of a common household bellows. By blowing the bellows the sulphur is
made to issue through the small aperture on the opposite side like fine dust, in a moat
effectual manner. It is the simplest and best sulphm' distributor we have yet seen.

- She gardeners of Scotland have recently presented a Testimonial to

Mr. Methven. It consists of a large and magnificently wrought silver epergne, and

a massive silver salver, bearing the following inscription : — “ Presented to Mr.

Thomas Methven, Nimseryman, Edinburgh, March 29, 1870, by a few of his horticultural and
arboricultural friends, as a token of their esteem for him personally, and of the sense they
entertain of the many services that he has rendered to cultural science.”

- She Floreten, or Flower-pot holder, is a very simple and useful con¬
trivance, adapted for window or wall-gardening. It consists of two rings of

1870. J

GARDEN GOSSIP.

110

stout wire, witli a short connecting-piece bent at right angles, and is intended

for furnishing blank vertical sui-faces with pots filled with plants. The mode of using it may
be readily seen from the accompanying figures, for which we are in¬
debted to the inventor, IMr. W. J. Tait, of Rugby. Wherever a nail or
a hook can be driven in, there the Floreten can be fixed

up, and a vase or flower-pot steadily and secimely hung ; by using an inverted bell-glass
instead of a flower-pot, an aquarium may be formed ; and again, by fixing two or more on the
same level, and laying a board on the horizontal part, a shelf of any desmed length may be
extemporized. For window-gardening, for covering bare dead walls with living plants, or for
furnishing many a nook and corner in the conservatory of the villa garden, this little con¬
trivance will be found to be of much utility. The odd-looking name is, we are* told, derived
from Jlo7'es, and teneo to hold.

- ®HE accompanying engraving, from the Gardeners' Chronicle, repre¬
sents a new Scale Insect which attacks Camellias, to which Prof. Westwood proposes

to give the name of Coccus Jlocciferus. My

attention, he writes, was directed in the early part of
last July to certain white objects upon the leaves
and stem of a Camellia. They were oblong, generally
curved, about one-third of an inch long, and had all
the appearance of the droppings of some small bird,
one end being thickened and rounded. They were
found to consist of the waxy, cotton-like secretion of
an undescribed species of Coccus. The elongated
floccose mass was convex on its upper surface, having
a slight depression rimning along the middle of the
back, and also a fainter one along each side ; it had
also the appearance of transverse but cmved impres¬
sions, so that it might almost be taken for the body
of a footless catei'joillar. The female was broadly ovate
and depressed, of a pale greyish buff colour, the
hinder part of the body having a slight fleshy
tinge, the head tolerably distinct, without any ap¬
pearance of antennae or legs visible from above.
The hind part of the body was covered with minute
particles of exudation, giving it the appearance of
having been powdei'ed with minute grains of moist
sugar. The floccose mass enclosed numerous eggs.
The insect has since been met with also on
Camellias in the Dutch gardens.

- Howard recommends Eupatorium gracile odoratum as being very

useful for bouquets, coat flowers, and general decoration in winter. It does well in a
warm greenhouse ; and before the first lot of flowers are open there is a second

lot showing on the same plant. Strike in February and March ; pot in any ordinary good soil,
and plant out-of-doors in June. Take up early in September, and with the ordinary care of a
Verbena it may be had in flower all the year round.

- ®HE large plant of Vanilla at Osberton is growing in a mixture of

peat and charcoal, in a successional Pine-pit, the temperature of which rarely ex-

120

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ May,

ceeds 50^ in winter, and is frequently lower, tlie summer temperature varying

from 65° to 65°, and upwards. The plant is in the best possible health, gi-owing vigorously,
and is heavily laden with fruit. The plant covers the enth’e back of the pit, 40 ft. in length,
and about 3 ft. in width. In June, 1868, a young plant was planted in the fruiting Pine-
house, in a mixture of peat, charcoal, and mortar rubbish, the temperature of this house
ranging from 65° to 85°. It grew amazingly, and this season has borne 12 pods of fiaiit. A
second plant was planted in quite a cool house, one used for bringing forward roses, the tem¬
perature being kept but little higher than that of a greenhouse ; this plant has not made much
progress, but has six pods of fruit. Mr. Bennett notes that he is satisfied the Vanilla will grow
and fruit in a comparatively low temperature, the only thing required is to know how to
fertilize the stigma, an operation which, though simple, requires great care and some skill.

- 0N the back wall of a conservatory at Thorpe Perrow is growing a

grand specimen of Luculia gratissima. It consists of two plants from the cutting-

pot, put in with the intention of removing the weaker, but both grew away so

rapidly that they were allowed to remain. The plants soon covered a back wall 30 ft. long by
8 ft. in height, and then took to the rafters, seven of which 15 ft. long have been covered, and
they are now sprawling about in a small half-circular dome. Recently three more rafters have
been given to4;hem. The plants commence to bloom in October, and last to the end of February.
The number of heads of bloom this season has been 700, or thereabouts, many of them measur¬
ing 8 in. across. This is gi’and for a winter-blooming conservatory plant, and the perfume,
too, is delicious, equal to that of many Orchids. In March the plant is spurred in just as Vines
are pruned, without retaining a leaf. It breaks in a very short time, and the shoots are thinned
two or three times during the summer to allow the leaves room to develop themselves.

- ®HE Thermo-plastic PuWj^ manufactured by Sir W. Eose and Co., has

been used in the renewal of the roof at King’s Cross Station. This putty, it is
said, is peculiarly adapted for fixing the glass in roofs of railway stations, green¬
houses, and other buildings where plate-glass and iron or wood sash-bars are used. It hardens
in a few hours after being used, but will, when exposed to solar heat, sufficient to cause expan¬
sion of the glass and metal, become plastic, and on cooling, again retmns to its original firm¬
ness, thus preventing the loss occasioned by fractures and leakage.

- 0NE of the features at the Oxford Show of the Eoyal Horticultural

Society is to be a class for Antirrhinums in Pots. This, Mr. Bennett observes, is

a step in the right direction, for the habit of the plant is well adapted for pot-

cultiue. Last spring he potted a few seedlings in 12-inch pots, and plunged them into the
open borders ; they were once stopped or pinched in only, and they made splendid specimens,
and continued in flower for some months.

- ®HE Duke of Buccleuch has introduced an Evergreen Screen in heu of

the ordinary blank wall so commonly seen in front of town mansions. The plan

adopted, says the Pall Mall Gazette, is simple and effective : — A series of iron

posts, some 8 ft. or 10 ft. high, and in double line, each line some 6 in. distant from its fellow, are
connected together by numerous thick wires, and over the trellis-work ivy is being trained. Well
watched and watered, the plants will doubtless thrive, and fonn a cheerful-looking leafy screen.

©bituats.

— m Victor van den Hecke de Lembeee died at Ghent on January 24,

after an illness, which manifested itself last spring, immediately after his return

from the Eussian Floralia. M. Van den Hecke was president of the Societe Eoyale

d' Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand, and also of the Societi Pomologique ; vice-president of
the Federation of the Belgian Horticultural Societies, drc. ; and one of the most distinguished
Belgian amateurs of horticulture. The Belgian Government had for many years confided to
him the Presidency of the Conseil de Surveillance of the State School of Horticulture, a
function, observes M. VanHoutte, which he filled up to his last hour with as much benevolence
and amenity as zeal. His loss will be much felt in Belgium. His fine collection of plants is
announced for sale by auction on the 2nd of May.

J.^TEtckiiirp

Cleina;tis

1870. ]

CLEMATIS PEINCESS MARY. — FRUIT-TllINNINa.

121

CLEMATIS PRINCESS MARY.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

now submit to our readers a picture of a charming new Clematis^
of the florida race, descended from Clematis Standishii^ and one of a
fine batch recently obtained by Mr. 0. Noble, of Sunningdale. It is the
most distinct break we have yet seen from the violets, grays, and whites
which are the ordinary colours of the large-flowered forms of Clematis ; and its
very pleasing shade of rosy-pink will render it a most welcome acquisition.

The niche which this novelty is adapted to fill, is that of an early-blooming
hardy or conservatory climber. It is of free but slender growth, with quite the
habit of C. Standishii^ and like that plant, is adapted either for pot-culture or
for planting out in the conservatory, or against a conservative wall. As a spring
exhibition plant, blooming freely about the month of May, this, with others of
its race, is to be highly recommended. With the double white C. Fortunei, the
double blue C. John G. Veitch^ and the hybrids Mr. Noble has introduced to
public notice, e.g.^ Miss Bateman, Albert Victor, Lady Londesborough, &c., a very
charming group might be made up. Though the exact parentage of the individual
seedlings has not been preserved, we learn from Mr. Noble that C. Standishii,
Fortunei, and SojJda Jlore-pleno^ with C. lanuginosa (the two former principally
the seed-bearers), were the parents of his hybrids, — a race of free-blooming, early-
flowering varieties, which, possessing vigour of growth, combine also fine form
and unwonted substance of petal, with some exquisite tints of colour. W e learn,
moreover, that the plants are perfectly hardy. — T. M.

FRUIT-THINNING.

)ERHAP3 no practice is so much neglected as that of the careful thinning
ML ■ of fruit. In many gardens it seldom reaches below Peaches, Nectarines,
Apricots, or perhaps Plums ; and even these are thinned, if at all, in a
haphazard way. All fruits below these in the scale of importance are
left crowded together, or are suffered to thin themselves, as the case may be.
Under such circumstances, it is hardly to be wondered at that we so often see
trees either laden beyond their strength, borne down beneath a heavy load of
puny fruit, or without a crop at all. These results but too often represent
two opposite sides of the same evil. Barrenness is the rebound from over¬
cropping. The trees swiftly revenge ill-treatment, either in the current or
the preceding year. This is so well known, so generally admitted, that
it has become quite common among fruit-growers to talk of alternate crops
of this or that fruit. The season gives us such light weights a great deal
too often, without our help and in spite of our hindrances ; and it is a
serious blunder, if not a crime, that we should add to the number of the
years of scarcity by our reckless or thoughtless modes of cropping. I was in
3rd series. - III. G

122

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ JUNB,

a garden last year where the plum trees were so laden that the branches were
propped up with clothes’ forks. There were cordons of fruit with a vengeance.
I remonstrated ujDon the barbarous weight of the load, and was met by the
triumphant answer : — ‘^Why, these trees have not yielded a crop this ten years,
and I must have been a fool not to have taken all I could when I could get them.”
I asked the grower when he expected a second. He looked puzzled for a moment,
and finally answered Never,” and I believe he was right. Let him that is without
fault among us, in regard to this matter, throw the first stone at this man’s folly.

Over-cropping is the greatest evil of the present day in fruit-growing. It
wrecks regularit}'- of supply, lowers the quality of the fruit, and prematurely
exhausts the strength of the trees. Born of greed and ignorance, it has been upheld
by custom, and supported by undiscriminating practice, until it has become well
nigh universal. I therefore wish to raise as loudly as possible, on behalf of the
trees, the cry they have all along been mutely urging, ‘‘ Thin, thin our fruit!”
Alternate cropping is but one form of that cry ; showers of dropping young fruit
another ; deformed fruit a third ; small, prematurely-ripened fruit a fourth ; weak¬
ness and death overtaking the trees in their youth a fifth ; while many more mute
expressions of opinion by the trees themselves upon this point might be noted by the
careful observer. I believe it might be shown that a crop of suckers springing up
from the root.-stocks of trees is but another form of protest against over-cropping.
In effect the tree says : — You will burden all my fruit-bearing wood unmerci¬
fully. You leave no reserve of strength to come back as a fresh stream of force,
a new current of quickening life to my constitution. Very well ; I have revealed
my will concerning this to you already in divers manners and at various times.
And now I will try a fresh tack. I will create my own strength for my own
need ; I will throw out supports so close to my root-stock that 3mu cannot
exhaust them with fruit-bearing.” But the poor tree, like many of us, had
reckoned without its host. The cultivator sees, condemns, and slashes off the horrid
suckers at once, and this illegitimate source of strength is suddenly drained diy.
But the tree was right. As a remedy for over-cropping, the suckers were good
for the life of its roots, though not for the well-being of its fruitful top ; the
suckers were its emphatic protest against over-cropping, and, though in a widely
different language to most of the other remonstrants, suckers also do naturally
appeal to us along the whole of their lines, to thin, thin the fruit. So much for
the necessity of thinning the fruit. I will now give a few simple instructions as to
the time and manner of doing it, and the extent to which it ought to be carried.

There is considerable difference of opinion in regard to time. The whole
range, from flowering to the storing or seeding of the fruit, has, I believe, been
chosen by various practitioners and writers as the very best time for thinning.
This, while it may be puzzling to the inexperienced, should also assure them ;
for while such variations in practice may not prove one time to be as good as
another, or better, it at least shows that so long as the thing is done, time is not

1870. ]

FEUIT-THINNING.

123

tlie important question in regard to it that many imagine. And yet I hold it is
important, and that the thinning ought not to be one act, but many. I cannot
agree with those who advocate the thinning of the flowers of fruit-trees out of
doors. In our climate this savours too much of presumption, and an excess of
interference, which nature justly resents. Flower- thinning may safely be left to
the tree. The expansion of flowers into full blossom, and their progress to fruit
babyhood, hardly exhaust the tree at all. All these supplies, so far, are inherent
in the bud, or laid up at its base, and if you reduce the number of buds in the
spring, I don’t believe that yorf can get the supphes that were laid for those that
you remove, diverted into those that are left ; and if you could, I question the
wisdom of giving them more than nature has provided for them at this stage.
Babies are none the better, but all the worse, for being unduly crammed,
whatever may be said about men — or turkeys. It is difficult also, without a
very great sacrifice of time in the scrutiny, to discriminate at a glance between
perfect and imperfect flowers, or determine with certainty which will set, — this or
that. The thing is impossible. For these reasons, the thinning of the flowers
of fruit trees in the open air had better be dispensed with. It is alike unsafe,
uncertain, and unnecessary. A fortnight or three weeks after the fruit is set,
is a suitable time for the first thinning ; a second might take place in
another fortnight ; and the third, and final one should be, after stone-fruits
are stoned, and when apples and pears have grown to about one-sixth of
their full size. No set time can be laid down for the process. The
size and condition of the fruit determine the time. And it is safest not to thin
severely until the natural period when each fruit-tree throws off its superfluous
fruit has passed. For instance, no wise man would thin cherries until the fruit
had passed through the dropping or yellow stage. The only thinning that might
precede these natural ones would be the removal of imperfectly set and malformed
fruits. In the case of thinning too early, the chances are that those taken off
might have gone on to maturity, while those left might be destined to drop. It
is difficult to fix the right moment on paper, though the practised eye can speedily
settle it on the tree. Neither too early, nor too late, and with caution and skill
always, are good and safe thinning instructions, of universal application. The
middle course here, — there are always three courses, — is the only safe one.

As to the manner of thinning, nothing can well be more simple. With the
fingers and thumb-nail as the handy instrument of the eye, go to work upon the
trees as soon as the fruit is fairly thoroughly set. Eemove every ill-formed and
badly-placed fruit, and thin the thickest of the clusters where the young fruit
is crowded together. Cherries, Plums, Apples, and Apricots are most given to
over-crowding at this early stage. Leave only from two to six of the strongest
fruit in each bunch or cluster. At the second thinning, reduce them again by
one-half, and if the clusters are placed closely together, only one should be left
to each at the final thinning. The largest should invariably be chosen to remain,

G 2

124

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ J UNE*

provided tlieir form is perfect and their position good. No wall fruit should ever
be left crushing under or against a branch, as the compression will ruin its
appearance for table. The second thinnings of such stone-fruits as Apricots,
Peaches, and Plums are generally preserved for tarts or jams, and sometimes the
last thinnings also. The operation should be completed on Apples and Pearsv
before their fruit are of any value.

Other fruit, higher or lower than either of these, might be thinned withx
great advantage. Numbers might grow G-rapes out-of-doors almost equal to hot¬
house ones, if they would but take the same troubler in thinning bunch and berry to
the same extent. Descending lower, the thinning of Currants and Easpberries is
tedious work, but it improves the size amazingly, and Strawberries swell into
marvellous mouthfuls of lusciousness if only three or four fruit are kept on a
stem. A sharp pair of scissors in nimble hands will make quick work of thinning
a row of strawberries in bloom. To grow monstrous Gooseberries, again, thinning
is indispensable, and the thinnings here can be converted into puddings on the
instant.

As to the extent of thinning, no rule of general application can be laid down ;
it depends upon so many considerations, such as the strength of the tree, the
quality of the soil, the objects of the growe'r, &c. The following general rules
may, however, be useful. In all such cases as this, it is better to give flexible rules,
than unyielding figures. I am not aware that I ever saw a perfectly satisfactory
fruit crop measured off by rule or line. If I laid down a hard-and-fast line for
Peaches, for instance, of six, nine, twelve, or eighteen inches apart, not a single
reader could adhere to it exactly. One great hindrance to the efficient thinning
of fruit is a mistaken notion that numbers mean weight, and that a full crop
cannot be had without great numbers. But if three peaches weigh as much as
nine, where is the gain in having the nine ? There is no gain, but great loss, in
the undue increase of numbers. Peel carefully and cut out the stones from both lots,
and weigh the amount of peach in each, and 3^11 will be astonished at the difference
of peach-weight in favour of the lesser number. It is the same with all fruits. He
that grows small fruit grows trash ; it is rind, it is stone, it is seed, — anything, every¬
thing, but good, sound flesh or pulp. He who grows large fruit has a maximum
of good grain, with a minimum of such worthless chaff as seeds, rind, and stones.
Further, full average size is favourable to quality ; though there are many
exceptions to this rule. Small fruits are often like sweetmeats ; in fact, they
are unnaturally, unpleasantly sweet at times, especially if their diminutive size
is associated with defoimity. Still, the above rule holds good ; notwithstanding
the exceptions, size and quality mostly are found together. Note, I do not write
that mere size nor large size is proof of quality, but average size is mostly
associated with it. Finally, fine fruit are much more easily gathered and stored,
and more pleasing to the eye than small fruit. Surely, more need not be added in

avour of prompt, vigorous, and thorough thinning. No one, I think, will deny

1870. ]

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

125

that it has the effect here ascribed to it, that it preserves the health and hus¬
bands the strength of the trees, guides the vital force into the most useful
channels, and enlarges the size, improves the quality, and enhances the value of
the fruit. — D. T. Fish, F.R.H.S., Hardwicke House^ Bury St. EdmuruV s.

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

)UNE is generally the most pleasant month in the year ; the weather is fine
and agreeable, and the days reach their greatest length. Flowers make
their appearance everywhere, and in meadows, lanes, and hedgerows, the
rapid increase of gay colours and curious forms delights the wayfarer.

Kitchen Garden. — The long continuance of dry cold weather and northerly
winds has been unfavourable to the growth of young crops. Onions., Carrots,
Parsnips., Beet., Sdlsafy, Scorzonera, and Turnips should be finally thinned to the
distances at which they are to stand in the rows, and the ground between them
kept well stirred with the hoe ; the early sown Parsley should also be finally thinned
out. The main crop of Brussels Sprouts., Savoy, and Borecole should be planted
out as early in the month as possible. Cauliflowers should be planted at the
beginning, and again towards the end of the month for autumn supply. The main
crop of Broccoli should also be got out towards the end of the month. If the
weather be dry, the plants should be kept well watered until they get well
established. Lettuces should be planted two or three times during the month ;
it is a good plan to sow Lettuces thinly in drills during the summer months, and
to thin out the young plants. Some more Celery should be planted at the
beginning of the month, and a good breadth towards the end for winter use.
Vegetable Marrows should be planted out in a good deep rich soil, and Cucumbers
on ridges.

Sow : Peas at tke beginning of the month, and again about the middle, the late sowing
should be of early varieties ; Beans twice ; Scarlet Runners at the beginning of the month for
late crop ; Kidney Beans every fortnight for succession ; Spinach every ten days or a fortnight
for succession ; Lettuces twice during the month ; Red and White Turnip Radishes in cool moist
situations ; Endive a little at the beginning, and again towards the end of the month.

Forcing Houses. — Pines: When the early fruit begins to ripen, air should
be freely admitted, and water should be gradually withheld. Fruit that is swell¬
ing should have a moist atmosphere, and be liberally supplied with water, and
occasionally with liquid manure. Some plants should now be induced to show
fruit for the autumn and winter supply, and some of the strongest succession
plants should now be put into fruiting pots for starting in the autumn ; the Black
Jamaica and Smooth Cayenne are the best for this purpose. The whole of the
succession plants will now require a shift ; see that they have a steady bottom-
heat after they are fresh potted ; give air freely in fine weather. Vines : Keep the
house containing ripe fruit dry, and give abundance of air ; continue to thin
carefully the berries in late houses ; keep the laterals well stopped ; avoid over¬
cropping. The quantity of fruit left to ripen should be proportionate to the

12G

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[June,

state and size of the vine ; if too many bunches are left, small berries and a want
of colour will be the result. Spare no pains to keep the foliage clean and healthy.
Peaches : When the fruit begins to ripen a drier atmosphere must be maintained,
and aii\ in abundance, should be given. Attend to the stopping and tying down
of the shoots in the late houses. Syringe once or twice daily to keep down the
red spider ; it is a great point to keep the foliage clean and healthy, in fact,
without it there can be no successful fruit-growing. Figs : When the first crop
of fruit is all cleared off, every attention should be given to the second crop ; keep
the borders well watered, and persevere in syringing the foliage to keep it clean.
Cacumhers and Adelons : See that these have a proper bottom-heat ; keep the
shoots stopped and trained ; attend to watering and air-giving. Plant for late
crops.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — This is an important and busy month in this
department, as fruit trees of all kinds now demand attention. Continue the
disbudding and stopping of the shoots ; nail or tie in the young shoots as they
require it. No quarter must be given to insects ; the moment any are perceived
prompt measures should be taken to eradicate them. Attend to the proper
thinning of the fruit. The crops of all kinds of fruit promise to be heavy this
season, and therefore thinning should be attended to early, and well persevered
in. Stop and thin out the strongest shoots from the interior of Gooseberry and
Currant trees. Put some straw between the rows of Strawberries^ to keep the
fruit clean.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses: — Observe the greatest cleanliness in these,
otherwise insects will soon become troublesome. Give air at night as w'ell as
during the day. Soft-wooded Plants intended for specimens should now have
plenty of room, and should be turned round occasionally ; attend carefully
to tying, training, and watering, and shift any of the plants that require it.
All the hardier Hard-wooded Plants not in flower should be placed in a some¬
what sheltered, shaded situation out-of-doors. The young stock will do best in
a cold pit or frame, with plenty of air day and night ; shift any plants that
require it.

Pits and Frames. — Attend to the potting of seedlings as they require it, also
to potting-off cuttings. Balsams., Cockscombs, Globe Amaranths, &c., will now
be growing freely ; keep them near the glass, and give plenty of air and water ;
shift them when they require it, using a rich compost.

Out-Doors. — Anemones., JRanunculuses, Tulig)s., Jonquils., &c., should be taken
up as soon as the leaves wither, and be dried and stored away. All Bedding
Plants should now be got out without delay. Plant Dahlias and tender Annuals,
and other plants in the borders. If the weather should be dry, keep all newly-
planted things well watered, until they get established in the beds, and begin to
grow away freely. Propagate Wallflowers., Rockets, Arabis., Iberis., Alyssum,
Aiibrietia., Myosotis, &c. Look well to the Roses; regulate and tie up weak

3870.] SEDUM SPECTABILE. - THE ASHEN TREE AS A CURATIVE AGENT,

127

shoots, and clear away insects, that the blooms may be as perfect as possible.
Attend to the rolling of the walks. Mow lawns weekly, and aim to maintain as
complete an appearance of high keeping as possible. — M. Saul, Stourton.

SEDUM SPECTABILE.

SOME years back I received from the Royal Horticultural Society, under the
name of Sedum Fabaria^ a plant which I have since learned should bear

fthe name of Sedum spectahile. I cultivated the plant in pots for some
time, and found it very useful for autumn decoration in the conservatory,
but for the last four years I have used it extensively for bedding and border
purposes out of doors, for which I find it to be extremely useful ; it is indeed
very highly to be recommended as an autumn-flowering plant, and even when
not in flower all through the summer, the plant has a very pleasing appearance,
and when viewed from a distance, might well be mistaken for large, well grown
plants of Auricula. Its peculiar and very pleasing green forms a charming con¬
trast among foliage plants. In the autumn it produces large corymbose heads,
some of them 6 in. across, the flowers being of a very delicate roseate pink, very
soft and pleasing to the eye.

When the flower-heads have faded they should be carefully removed, and
the leaves will gradually assume a bright yellow tint, very striking at a distance,
and contrasting in a most agreeable manner with the various autumnal tints.
The plant is perfectly hardy, and very easy to propagate, it being only necessary
to divide the roots into as many pieces as is desired, while side-slips will strike
root very readily in light sandy soil, either in a gentle heat, or in a cold pit, or
in a shady place out of doors. It requires no coddling, and the principal care it
needs is to be lifted about every second year, and the plants greatly reduced in
size, and replanted. If grown again in the same place, the bed should be well
renovated with fresh soil, and trenched up. — John Cox, Uedleaf.

THE ASHEN THEE AS A CURATIVE AGENT.

days of yore, men and women were led to the stake for cases of supposed
witchcraft, but in this nineteenth century men’s minds have become more
enlightened, and what was then considered as criminal and deserving of
y death, is now simply regarded as ridiculous.

That some relics of superstitious belief still linger in our midst was proved
in the Island of Jersey on Good Friday last, at 4 a.m., when four respectably
dressed females, accompanied by a child, a few months old, might have been
seen wending their way in a carriage and pair to a certain nursery in the parish
of St. Saviour’s, for the purpose of passing the said child through the bole of a
young ash-tree, to be rent for the purpose. The operation of splitting the tree
longitudinally having been performed most carefully, and the slit carefully held
open, two of the ladies most carefully passed the child through the opening

128

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ June,

nins times consecutively, under the impression that the child would be cured
of an internal rupture through the performance. After this ceremony had
been gone through, the tree was carefully bound up, and bedaubed with clay
compost, in true grafting style ; the assumption being that as the bark callused
over, and the wound caused to the tree healed up, the child would also gradually
become cured. What affinity there could possibly be between the healing of
the tree and the cure of the child’s affection, remains a complete mystery in the
mind of the operator, although the ladies in question were quite confident of its.
efficacy, and asserted in proof the case of a person who had been subjected to the
ceremony twenty-four years previously, and was now ablebodied and sound..
0 tempora ! 0 mores !

The nursery trade is most undoubtedly entitled to the benefit of this rite^
and ash-tree growers in particular should note that the ceremony must be per¬
formed on Good Friday, and before the rising of the sun. The better the day^
the better the deed,” may be applied to the superstitious bearing of this case, but
as ashen trees subjected to this treatment would heal up if operated upon any
day between the 25th of February and the 25th of May, I beg to plead iu
behalf of the trade that the season for performing the rite be prolonged, and
not limited to any particular day, feeling confident it would be equally efficacious
on any day within the three months specified.

Nurserymen should be awake ! In these competitive times, ashen trees must
be grown ! Not only every new idea, but every ancient superstition, needs to
be utilized, for the credit side of their balance-sheets. — 0. B. S., Jersey.

FIG GROSSE MONSTRUEUSE DE LIPARI.

S an early, free-fruiting useful variety, this Fig merits attention, and is well
worthy of cultivation. In its general appearance it resembles, in many
respects, the good old Brown Turkey, differing, however, in the more-
turbinate, flattened shape of the fruit, and in its habit of growth, which is
more stubby ; it is, moreover, a better producer of the first crop. In this last
respect it is of sterling merit, and one of the most satisfactory varieties in existence..
It is essentially a “ first-bearing ” variety, and but rarely produces a second
crop. It is well known that some varieties of Figs are apt to cast their fruit
much more readily than others, through some defect in the setting. This the-
Grosse Monstrueuse de Lipari very rarely does, so that almost every fruit which
is formed — and they are formed in abundance — comes to perfection ; and this, too,
under very adverse treatment, as I have frequently proved. The fruits ripen,
about the same time as those of the Brown Turkey, and the plants require much
about the same treatment.

Fruit, medium-sized, roundish-turbinate, much flattened at the apex. Skin
light brown or chestnut-coloured, shading off to dark, and with dark-colouredi
ribs, and occasionally dark spots throughout, the whole being covered with a

1370. J

INSECT INTOXICATION.

129

thick bloom. Neck very short. Eye large, almost closed. Flesh dull red, thick
and juicy, very pleasantly, although not richly flavoured. Habit of plant robust,
and very prolific. Early, suitable for cultivation on the open wall.

This variety comes from France, and is yet comparatively unknown in this
country. The accompanying figure is taken from a fruit in the collection of the
Poyal Horticultural Society. — A. F. Bareon, Chiswick.

INSECT INTOXICATION.

T is well known that the flowers of the Hollyhock (Althaea rosea) contain an
abundance of honey, and humble bees and hive bees seem alike fond of it.
But unfortunately the honey possesses an intoxicating or stupifying pro¬
perty, the precise nature of which I do not know. The first year or two
that I grew Hollyhocks in this neighbourhood the bees did not touch them, being.

130

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOOIST.

[ June,

I assume, new ground to them, the hidden treasures of which lay undiscovered ;
but now they seem to prefer them to any other flowers, and the otherwise gay
scene is enhanced by the motion and music of these winged labourers. They sip
and sip till they become too helpless to fly, although they retain the power of
stinging, as I have unfortunately experienced more than once while handling the
flowers. It is indeed pitiable to behold the humble bee, — he is the greatest tippler, —
with rounded form and rustic garb hanging by one leg to the petals of a flower,
his portly person suspended between earth and heaven, while he vainly struggles
to hold on.” Down at last he goes, luckless wight ! for a fall of six feet cannot
be pleasant, even to a bee when gorged with feeding. Safe on terra firma, he
goes through a series of antics excessively ludicrous — running, tumbling, whirl¬
ing, sometimes recovering and taking wing, but oftener lying exhausted on the
cold ground till the next day.

The hive bee is less funny, but what a sad loss of time to him ! for he oftener
crawls into the “ pockets ” of the flowers, and remains there while the earth
revolves, and till the sun again warms him into life and activity. I wonder what
account he gives to his queen of his long absence and little gains, as he returns
slowly and leisurely to his hive. But the worst remains to be told. Neither of
these insects seems to derive wisdom from experience. Human reason and animal
instinct seem alike assailable by these seductive influences, for I am pretty certain,
judging by numbers, that the same individuals return again and again to their
drunken orgies.— Wm. Paul, Waltham Cross, N.

THE AET OF FOECING FEUIT AND FLOWEES.— III.

' -^ASTLY, I propose to treat upon the forcing of native subjects, or of such
as grow in more northern latitudes, &c., and which, by the use of an
unusual degi’ee of heat and the other necessary accessories, are pushed
forward at, to them, an unusual period. These, it is almost needless to
remark, consist of such subjects as Roses, American plants. Lilacs, and other
deciduous evergreen shrubs, bulbs, and various culinary products, e.g., Seakale,
some of which latter require unnatural forcing to make them properly edible,
and with which from their popularity all are more or less familiar.

To treat these and similar subjects successfully, something more than the
actual forcing is needful. Not only has this to be attended to at the proper
season, but each subject has to undergo some preparation, during the previous
growing season. A well-matured growth has to be secured as a foundation or
base for the after-structure, i.e., the crop to be forced.

In the case of deciduous plants, a good strong growth must be formed, and
this must be so hardened afterwards by exposure to the ripening influence of the
autumn sun, that it may not be wanting in perfect development. If, in fact, it
were possible, by means of an early start, to bring the season’s growth to perfect
maturity weeks before the accustomed period, so much the better. This more

1870. J

THE ART OF FORCING FRUIT AND FLOWERS. — III.

131

particularly applies to deciduous subjects of tlie Deutzia or Syringa type, and to
some kinds of fruit trees. The pots whidi contain such subjects should always
be well filled with roots ; hence moderate-sized pots only, commensurate to the
size of each plant, should be used. Water must be given copiously during the
growing season, and liquid manure liberally allowed. When the necessary
summer growth is completed, the weather being not excessively dry at the time,
the pots containing the plants should be laid on their sides and be covered over
with loose damp litter, to protect and keep the roots in health, by assuring to
them a slight amount of moisture. Thus it will be possible for each plant to
store away such an amount of accumulated vigour and vitality, approaching to
excitability, that each will answer readily to any subsequent artificial means
employed to start them into activity at an unreasonable and non-propitious period.

In regard to evergreen plants, they, by having their growth forwarded, may
be made to perfect their buds at an earlier date ; though the seemingly some¬
what harsh means resorted to in the case of deciduous subjects, in order to force
on and to maintain a period of premature rest, will not answer in their case, as a
reasonable amount of root-moisture must be constantly afforded, with the view to
keep their leaves in perfect health and with their functions unimpaired. All
possible exposure to the full sun on all possible occasions must, however, be
assured them.

Prepared thus to grow or bloom with the least aid in the form of heat and
moisture, the buds upon both classes of subjects being very prominent, it will be
necessary to place them under some kind of suitable protection during severe
frost, more especially after a very mild period, should such set in during the
subsequent winter.

In the case of plants grown in the open ground, and which are intended to
be taken up and forced, the only aid which can be given them, is to assure to each
a clear space, so that light and air can have free access to every part. Those
which bloom best upon strong young shoots of the current season’s growth, such
as some species of Primus, should have the young shoots, if too numerous, thinned
out, and lesser spra3^s, if ill-placed or unnecessary, removed. Others -which
bloom more abundantly on older branches, such as Deutzias, may be aided by a
judicious S3^stem of summer-pinching, or stopping of the grosser young shoots.
To stop a too late autumnal growth, and to help each plant so grown to ripen
its wood v/ell and earl3q it is an excellent plan to “ lift ” each plant separately
early in October with the aid of a strong spade. This consists in loosening the
roots and lifting the whole ball up some inches from its bed, without exposing
the roots, and then letting it down again, this being done with the view of
moderating its root-supply, and so inducing an effort towards resting, and the
early ripening of the wood. This fact should be borne in mind in connection with
forcing young fruit trees, after their recent removal from without, into any
structure. The sooner they can be taken up in the early autumn and placed

132

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ June,

where they are to grow, so much the greater will be their chance of success. This
remark applies to various fruits, even such as Cherries, which may be taken up
thus in early autumn, forced moderately, and fruited with success the same season.
It is not even necessary to wait until the leaves have fallen off, though judgment
must be used to ascertain whether they have ceased to exert their primary
functions to a useful degree or not. The same remarks apply with equal force
to more lowly productions, in the form of Ehubarb or Seakale. The earlier
these can be induced to make a robust growth, so much the better will be the
supply of organisable material.

In regard to actual forcing, these hardier subjects fall under two distinct heads,
viz., those w^hich are forced for the purpose of obtaining good crops of fruit ; and
those which are forced for their early flowers alone, irrespective of any considera¬
tions as to the value of the plants themselves. The former group, representing
the growing and bringing to early maturity and perfection of various hardy
and semi-hardy fruits, such as Peaches^ Cherries^ Strawberries^ and even Grapes,
demands by far the greatest amount of skill, and involves an amount of uninter¬
mitted study and close attention which would surprise the unitiated or superficial
observer. And yet in the description of the necessary formula very few sentences
are called for. We need at starting but to imitate our own actual spring, under
its most favourable conditions, by rejecting all its harsher, non-felicitous, fluctuat¬
ing features. Thus, for any house or structure containing such subjects, we take
a temperature of 45° as a starting-point to induce a gentle activity, a few, 5° or
6° more being admissible, with actual sun-heat, and with an air on, but not one
degree more by night, save as the warmth of the outer atmosphere may influence
it, and even then it were better to afford air in lieu of permitting an increase of
temperature. By this means, and an occasional damping over of the wood and other
cool internal surfaces, the flower or wood-buds will be induced to ‘‘break.” At
the first symptoms of actual activity, let the heat be very gradually increased,
by say 1° in every three days, up to a mean of 55°, or temperate. This, when
attained to, should during all further progress be maintained as a minimum. It
is a safe temperature, as with ordinary care in air-giving, and affording moderate
supplies of moisture, (fcc., a sound healthy advance will be assured, — without
fail. When the plants are in bloom, a dry, buoyant, or rarified atmosphere
must be maintained to aid the setting of the flowers ; and immediately a suffi¬
ciency of fruit is set, a slight increase of heat and moisture must be allowed —
moving gently, but certainly onwards until the middle of March or beginning
of April is reached, when the general treatment should be merged into such as
I have described in my former paper (No. II.) as being necessary for tropical fruits,
and which must be continued until the fruits ripen, and the wood is prepared and
properly ripened for the ensuing season, which may be early or late in autumn.

Finally, those subjects which are forced to produce very early flowers must
have at the commencement a very high temperature, with moisture in abundance.

1870. ]

ON COMPOSTS FOR THE AURlOULA.

133

Slow or gentle means will, in tlieir case, not suffice, and, tliat no delay whatever
may occur, a mean of 60° or upwards must be started with. The same applies to
very early forced Seahale or Illiuharh. When, by aid of excessive heat they have
made a start, then it will be possible to somewhat reduce the temperature, though
the mean given above should not be gone below during the after active growth,
nnd until the actual blooms begin to expand, when a lower temperature will be
more conducive to keeping them fresh as long as possible.

Some plants, such as Primus triloba and its allies, will, if strongly grown,
push young wood-buds in lieu of the flower-buds, which are expected. In all
such instances it will be necessary, when these young shoots are long enough, to
pinch each one back to the base, as this will induce the dormant blossom-
buds on either side of each shoot so formed to push forth.

It is best in all cases, when not pushed for time, to allow the blossoms on all
forced plants to expand in a somewhat cooler temperature than that in which
they are grown. Thereby they attain a better colour, and the flowers are of
better substance, and likely to last the longer, whether left upon the plants or
severed from them. — William Earley, Digswell, Wehvyn.

ON COMPOSTS FOE THE AUKICULA.

S regards the Compost best adapted for the healthy growth and preserva¬
tion of the Auricula, I believe that a sound, sweet, wholesome soil is the
first consideration. The mixture which I have prepared and made use of for
5 over thirty years has brought me the most complete success, and, there¬
fore, I cannot do better than describe it for the use of my readers. In the first
place, I remark that I only make use of one kind of dung. Half-a-century ago
Mr. Emmerton, of Barnet, near London, gave us his work on the culture of the
Auricula, and with him I agree almost entirely, except indeed as regards his
preparations for Composts, such nostrums not being, in my opinion, worth the
trouble and expense of preparing them. His plan of management through the
different seasons of the year is excellent, if duly followed out, but the labour and
expense attending the procuring of the soils which he recommends I look upon as
time lost and money spent to little purjDOse. Goose-dung, night-soil, sugar-
bakers’ scum, bullocks’ blood, &c., having been got together, and having gone
through all the processes recommended, are not a whit better for the purpose than
the one plain simple manure, cow-dung, which is easily obtainable in all parts of
the country. I am not writing against composts in a wholesale way, nor do I
condemn them untried, for during the period from 1825 to 1832 I tried them
fully up to the mark, as recommended in Mr. Emmerton’s work, and with pretty
fair success. Subsequently to that date, however, I began to make up a compost
which, after due consideration, I was persuaded would answer ; and so it did,
much better, indeed, than Mr. Emmerton’s, leaving out of question the trouble
and expense of procuring such costly ingredients.

134

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ June,

Before I had seen Mr. Emmerton’s work, I had tried making up composts
with first one sort of manure and then another. I tried horse-dung, as recom¬
mended by some of the Lancashire growers ; I also tried night-soil, cow-dung and
night-soil mixed, and sheep-dung partially mixed with yellow loam, and again with
black turfy loam. This latter I found to answer better than anything I had then
tried, and quite as well as Mr. Emmerton’s compost ; but after all the experi¬
ments, Emmerton’s into the bargain, I have never in all my time found anything
answer so well for securing a continued healthy growth, and for the preservation
of the plants, as the one manure, — cow-dung, got together and mixed up as I
shall now recommend. Take two-thirds cow-dung clear from straw or other
littery stuff used as bedding for the cows; it will answer well enough if taken from
the cow-shed at any time of the year, but if it can be got from the fields about
the end of May or beginning of June, when the cows are feeding on grasses alone,
the manure will be more suitable for the purpose, as it will consist more entirely
of the essence of vegetables than when taken from the shed where the cows aro
fed on dry food.

Previously to getting in the dung, be prepared with a sufficient quantity of
the right sort of earth. Black peaty loam from the moors, such as may be got
on the moors in Yorkshire and Lancashire, is far preferable to any other kind of
loam,- being more congenial to the nature and habit of the Auricula and of most
other Alpine plants. Along with this loam, if got from the localities just indicated,
will be obtained .a portion of white, gritty sand (not sufficient for the purpose,
though a sufficiency may be got about the same places), which does not require
to be over-fine, and, indeed, will be all the better if a little coarse. First mix a
sufficient quantity of this sand with the black peaty loam, and run the mass
through a fine sieve ; then take, say, three barrowsful of clear cow-dung, and one
barrowful of the mould and sand, and incorporate them, beating them up together
in a similar way to that in which bricklayers or stonemasons beat their mortar for
building purposes. After this, wheel the compost on to some open space in the
garden or field, where it may have the benefit of exposure to all weathers — frost,
sun, and air. When got into a heap in this way, allow it to lie for about six
weeks, and at the end of that time chop it down, and give it a regular turn-over,
repeating the chopping and turning every three weeks or so, until it is fit for use,
which will be in about fifteen or eighteen months. Thus, if the ingredients are
got together in May or June, as recommended, the compost will, by this frequent
chopping and turning over, be quite fit for use by the following November twelve
months ; but as that is the wrong season for re-potting the plants, it should be
fetched in, put into tubs, and covered up till the spring dressing-up time —
February, and re -potting time — Jul}^

A few days previously to making use of the compost, the quantity required
should be taken from the tub, and run through a sieve not over fine, say ^-in. or f-in.
mesh, as the plants thrive best in rather lumpy earth, and certainly do not like

1870. ]

ON PLANTING WALL-TEEE BOEDERS.

135

their roots and fibres choked up in fine close stuff. After sifting the earth in this
way, spread it out in the open air for a day or two before using it, so as to clear it
of mouldy matter (a very requisite precaution), at the same time keeping off the
rain and wet, as it is best to have it rather dry, both for top-dressing and re-potting.

With respect to the treatment of the plants through the different seasons of
the year, I propose on a future occasion to give my own practical experience
therein, and at the same time to add a list of the names of the choicest first-
class varieties of the present time. This I will endeavour to do not later than
July, which is the month I most recommend for performing the operation of
repotting. — J. Hepworth, Huddersfield, April, 1870.

ON PLANTING WALL-TKEE BOEDERS.

year some of your correspondents wrote very freely both for and
against the practice of planting the borders of wall trees with vegetables.
Without discussing in detail what was then said, I would just observe
that the practice, though bad, may be considered a necessary evil, for the
sake of the shelter for early crops afforded by the walls. And with proper care,
the injury* to the roots of the trees may be lessened, especially in the case of
those the roots of Avhich extend beyond the borders. The latter are, in general,
as "wide as the walls are high, that space being considered proportionate to the
range of the roots, as the height of the walls is to the extension of the branches.
But the growth of these latter, as well as that of the roots, depends much on
how the trees are pruned, especially in summer, for the loss of the leaves by
topping the tender shoots too much, checks the growth of the roots. After all,
the chief evil of planting the borders is the loss of the fibres, or surface roots, by
the operation of digging in making preparation for fresh crops. This is well
exemplified in the roots of orchard trees, which spread near the surface, under the
natural covering of grass, much as the wood does above. In such places, the roots
derive more nutriment from the atmosphere than in those cases where they are
deeper in the ground. They readily imbibe the ammonia which descends in
rain, and also absorb dew from the grass. Without these two powerful agents
and aids to vegetation, all kinds of manures must fail, however skilfully used by
the cultivator of the soil. The loss of roots is mainly caused by the use of the
spade, but if a fork is used, with care, even near the stems of young trees, they
may be the more readily spared. Still, with the greatest care, trees often fail
through ungenial seasons. In such seasons the leaves become blighted, and
rendered unfit to fertilize the sap from the roots. Hence trees may die, though
their roots may seem healthy, instances of which may be seen in the issue of
strong plum-suckers from the stocks of dead peach and apricot trees.

Ever since gardens were ‘Availed in,” the borders have been more or less
planted with vegetables ; and formerljq with the seasons as variable as now, but
with less efficient means of protecting the trees, fruit seems to have been equally

13G

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Juke,

abundant. I must, however, raise my voice against planting the borders, when¬
ever it can be avoided. Eather than that, I would prefer to see them covered
with rough gravel. Still, I am aware of the many shifts one has to make in
order to keep up supplies of early crops, and thus I consider that anything
short of the borders being paved with stones will not be proof against the
temptation to use them only for small-growing vegetables.

I may here advert to the healthy condition in which trees on walls in paved
courts, where the roots are not disturbed nor manured, except by what is washed
in between the stones, are generally found. Trees in such situations seem to
thrive better in severe droughts than those in pampered borders, because their
roots or fibres are kept more equally moist under the stones. Illustrations of
this may be readily seen by merely turning over “ surface stones ” on a hot day,
when the under sides will be found to be damp. This curious fact may have
given rise to the complaint that poor land is rendered poorer still by the removal
of the stones. And though this may not savour of “ good farming,” yet in
some seasons, and in some kinds of soil, it may still be true.” — J. Wighton,
Cossey Park, Norwich.

HAEDINESS OF LILIUM AUEATUM.

80]\IE plants of this fine Lily were turned out last June into the flower
garden here, in a mixed bed of sub-tropical plants ; and instead of lifting
them, they were mulched over with rank litter, to preserve them from
^ frost. Early in April last, while the beds were being manured and dug
over, I was astonished, upon examining their condition, to find that one of them
had quite grown up through the covering, while the others were making their
appearance beneath.

The winter here has been remarkable for the long continuance of frost,
consequently the ground around these lilies could not have been free from frost
till about the middle of March, so that they were evidently making growth
during the time the ground outside the mulching, was frozen. I am fully aware
that outside culture is not new ; but that the bulbs should break away into early
growth, with so low a ground temperature, and so far north, is worthy of notice.
I have no doubt that if potted bulbs were sunk in the ground so that the bulbs
would be 5 in. or 6 in. below the surface, and were covered over with the same
depth of dry litter, they would be found quite safe in the spring.

We grow a number of these Lilies in pots, so as to have them flower long in
succession. Our method is to repot them as soon as the stems are fairly ripened,
when they are placed in a dry room clear of frost. They receive no water until the
stem appears above the surface, at which stage they are taken to where they are
to be grown. We have them now (April 26) in different stages, some 5ft. high,
others not yet out of the soil ; several which have lately made their appearance
Lave their stems fully three-fourths of an inch in diameter.

1870. ]

SWEET-SCENTED FLOWERS. - NO. II.

i;37

I had expected that some good crosses would have made their appearance ere
this, as the plant seeds freely. It takes twelve months, however, to vegetate, and
so may have disappointed hybridizers in getting up the young crop. The same may
be said of L. giganteum. We have a stock of thriving young plants of both sorts,
which have vegetated this spring from seed sown in February, 1869, those of the
latter sort from plants grown and flowered in the open border. — J. Webster,
Gordon Castle.

SWEET-SCENTED FLOWERS.

No. II. — The Tuberose as Grown in America.

f OBSERVE by an article in the Florist for January last, and also from
inquiries and remarks on culture in other gardening periodicals, that the
Tuberose is beginning to attract attention in England ; and I have been led
^ to conclude that in a few years’ time it will probably be grown in about
one garden -in a hundred, if those who have grown it, and those who have
not, favour us with a series of articles on the way to do it ! Had it been
the case of a seedling Variegated Zonal Pelargonium to be sent out for the
first time at a guinea or upwards per plant, warranted small, the floral world
would have gone mad to obtain it ; but as it is onlg one of the sweetest and purest
of white flowers grown, obtainable, too, in flower all the year, and only costing
five cents, comparatively few persons in England think it worth troubling them¬
selves about.

I never heard of any great success attending the efforts of the few growers of
the Tuberose in England. This may, in a great measure, be owing to the miser¬
able roots usually offered for sale ; but I have no doubt that if there was a
demand for good roots, the supply would be forthcoming, if not from Europe, at
least from this country. Peter Henderson states that there are a million of roots
grown in the New York neighbourhood, and as that is about the northern limit
of successful cultivation, except for the flowers, we can imagine that there is also
a large quantity grown further south.

As regards the flowers, they are used at all seasons for making up wedding
bouquets and funeral wreaths, as well as for decorating churches, and perfuming
restaurants. They may be obtained from a single flower in a scented geranium
leaf, or a sprig of Lycopod, for the button-hole, to a dish 2 ft. in diameter filled
with the blossoms set in sand, and can be purchased from the flower-girls in
Broadway, New York, all the year round. No one expects to grow the roots as-
a trade speculation in England, the summers are not hot enough ; but it would
be easy to have abundance of Tuberose flowers, say from the first of September
to Christmas, in gardens of any pretension. What would give to most ladies
more pleasure in the way of flowers than an abundant supply of Tuberose
blossoms during the shooting season, when, as a rule, if flowers are abundant,,
there is little variety ? ]\Ir. Gibson, of Battersea Park, has shown the public how

138

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[June,

to grow stove plants successfully in the open ground. The same preparation of
ground to husband heat would also grow Tuberoses, and a light rich south border
would suit admirably, though they should not be planted close to the wall, on
account of the troublesome red spider.

The details of treatment are as follows : — Pot the bulbs early in May in
4-in. pots, in rich soil ; bury but a small part of the base, not so much to avoid
the danger of rotting, as to prevent having all the roots at the bottom of the pot ;
place them in a warm house, give but little water until they are well rooted, and
then abundance ; harden off, and plant out when the ground has become
thoroughly warmed, placing the top of the bulb at least three inches below the
surface. Nothing more is required but keeping the border thinned and clean.
If they are good roots, and the position is sheltered, the flower-stems should not
want tying. They should commence to flower early in September. When the
nights get cold, take up and pot all those from which the flowers have not been
cut. If taken up with care, potted in 9-in. or 10-in. pots, without breaking their
roots or earth-balls, and duly watered and shaded, they should open every flower.
Those which do not then show flower-stems will come up after, so as to keep up
a succession of flowers until Christmas, and probably later, if they are kept in a
temperature of from G0° to 70°. A bottom heat some 5° to 10° higher than
this is of service. One caution — they take lots of water, and if the roots get dry
the buds shrivel up without opening. A better and less troublesome plan even
than potting, is to plant them in a stove or melon-bed, in rich soil, and treat
them as to heat, Ac., like winter cucumbers.

I saw during the last winter a house 300 ft. long filled with Tuberoses planted
out. We have had forty-seven flowers on a stem, and one of our customers informed
me that he had as many as sixty-nine on one. It would not interest your readers
to hear how we grow them by tens of thousands for the trade, but if they should
cross the Atlantic they might see for themselves. I may add that the bulbs
when dry should be kept warm — the temperature not less than 50° — or the
flower-germs decay. A place where Oaladiums keep well is first-rate for
Tuberose bulbs. — James Taplin, South Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.A.

A HOUSE FOR POT VINES.

WOULD draw attention to the accompanying section of a Vinery wherein
some 20 years ago I used to fruit upwards of 70 pot Vines yearly, com¬
mencing to cut fruit in April. The -sorts were Black Hamburgh, West’s
St. Peter’s, Black Prince, White Frontignan, Black Frontignan, Grizzly Fron-
tignan. White Muscat, Canon Hall Muscat, Kempsey Alicante, Black Morocco,
Chasselas Musque, and Chaptal. The house in question had Vines well
established in an outside border. By a manoeuvre in the front lights these were
easily turned out-of-doors, and tied to stakes along the front of the house, and
in this position they rested until the early pot Grapes were ripe, when the Vines

1S70. ]

A HOUSE FOR POT VINES.

lay

were cut with the bunches thereon, and hung up in a cool fruit-room ; and the
established Vines, which often, according to the season, began to show their
bunches as they lay outside, were taken in. As long as I grew pot Vines, I had
yearly two crops of Grapes off this house.

Although the Vines were grown in pots, they were not fruited in pots, the
pots being required for next year’s succession plants. By referring to the wood-
cut, it will be seen that a wooden trough ran along the front part of the house,
and another half-way up the rafter; these troughs were 17 in. wide and 22 in.
deep. The pit in the middle of the house was filled with fermenting materials,
and contained pots plunged to their rims. The temperature of the house was kept

low until the roots or spongioles began to move round the sides of the pots. In a
short time the eyes began to swell, and by keeping them perfectly level at this
early season, they were induced to break with the utmost regularity, giving a
bunch at every eye. Rich turfyv soil, mixed with fresh horse-droppings, aired and
warmed in the pit, previous to planting out the Vines, was used to fill the troughs.
The troughs being well drained, and a layer of sods placed over the drainage,
we began at one end to plant out the Vines, carefully turning them out of
their pots, packing them as they came out pretty closely to each other, filling in
round the balls with the above-mentioned rich soil, and at the same time ramming
the soil perfectly firm, both with the hand and with a wooden rammer, so that it
might retain the waterings to a certain extent. The Vines planted in the lower

140

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Junk,

trough reached up to the second trough, or the middle of the rafter ; while those
planted in the upper trough went to the top of the house, so that the entire roof
was filled with canes about 15 inches apart. If proper attention is paid to the
breaking of the Vines before they are tied up to the wires, such a house cannot
fail to furnish a crop of fruit to cut from and come again.

I well remember my first attempt to fruit pot Vines on the above principle.
I found the Black Hamburgh to be the best for pot culture ; the Frontignans
next, while the Chasselas Musque was a sure fruiter, generally rich in fiavour,
and seldom cracked under this system of cultivation. The larger
sorts I discarded after my first year’s experiment. As to bottom-heat, I
believe they had all that they required from the temperature of the house. They
were watered plentifully with liquid manure until ripe. I strongly recommend
the above system, properly carried out, where quantities of Grapes are required
early. There is no trouble with top and bottom heat, as in outside borders, no
risk of starving or overheating the roots ; and when the Grapes are cut the Vines
can be thrown away, and the succession lot brought from another department to
be ripened off for next year’s crop. One of the principal features is to get the
canes ripe early, and rested previous to forcing. With the buds well up, I have
found from later experience that it is only loss of time beginning with too low
a temperature, — if the fruit is in embryo, it will come. One particular must be
strictly attended to, — the canes must be got to break regularly when first intro¬
duced into a high temperature. Now, as the sap will naturally flow to the
highest part, I have found that tying the canes to a straight rod, and keeping
them perfectly level, gives the best chance of securing a regular break ; afterwards
they can be moved to any required position. — J. Miller, Worlcsop Manor, in
Gardeners' Chronicle.

NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

«HE meeting of the Royal Horticultural, on May 4, was termed a “ Rose and
Auricula Show,” and certainly the display made by the Roses wasremark-

fably good. The advent of Messrs. Veitch and Sons, as exhibitors of the
Rose grown in pots, deserves to be recorded here, and it was said of their
plants that they were a perfect feast to the lovers and admirers of Flora’s
Queen.” So varied were they, that they served to abundantly illustrate the fact that
almost all the Hybrid Perpetual Roses are suitable for forcing. Such varieties
as Alfred Colonih, Madame la Baronne de Rothschild, John Hopper, Marie
Baumann, Horace Vernet, Marechal Vaillant, Beauty of Waltham., and Fisher
Holmes were particularly fine. Auriculas were not numerous, but, seeing that
Mr. Turner was the leading exhibitor, the quality of the flowers was remarkably
good ; a First-Class Certificate was awarded to Mr. Turner for Omega, a white-
edged seedling, having a clear white paste, and a ground-colour of black-purple,
slightly edged with white ; pip large and stout. The following Alpine Auricidcts

1870. ]

NOVELTIES, ETC., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

141

from the same exhibitor also received First-Class Certificates : — Monarchy Selina,
and Black Prince, all three having the ground-colour of a rich, dark mulberiy,
and forming good additions to these beautiful flowers. Clipper and Etna^ two
striking flowers, received Second-Class Certificates.

A white-edged Variegated Pelargonium, named Avalanche^ from Mr. William
Paul, a good companion to Waltham Bride, with the flowers perhaps a little whiter,
received a First-Class Certificate. Both of these are new silver-edged varieties, of
dwarf, bushy habit, and produce numerous trusses of white flowers, so that
whether allowed to bloom or denuded of their flowers, a good surface of white
will be presented. Another of Mr. C. Noble’s early-blooming race of Clematis,
named Lord Londeshorougli, received a First-Class Certificate. The flowers have
a deep blue ground-colour, banded with bronzy-red ; and have, in common with
the several varieties of this strain, a somewhat slender but very free-blooming
habit. Viola lutea major, from Mr. Robert Parker, of Tooting, the finest form
of V. lutea grandiflora yet seen, received a First-Class Certificate ; the flowers
are of a deep yellow hue, large, and very freely produced. Peseda odorata
eximia, shown by Mr. F. Parsons, of Brighton, a large-flowered Mignonette, the
individual blooms of which are of great size, received a First-Class Certificate
also. This is a fine variety for pot-culture, and the flowers are highly fragrant.

The bi-monthly meeting of the Society, held on May 18th, had as its leading
feature Ericas and Pelargoniums. There were a good many plants of the former,
and, as a general rule, the smallest were the best flowered. The most effective
kinds were Erica magnijica, grandiflora, and coccinea minor ^ all varieties of E.
ventricosa; E. Lindleyana^ mutahilis, Victorias, Candolleana, eximia superha,
and aristata superha. Show Pelargoniums were pretty good, but the six Fancy
varieties shown by Mr. Windsor, gardener to J. R. Ravenhall, Esq., were perhaps
some of the best ever seen, being large in size, and superbly grown and bloomed.
The varieties were Mrs. Ford, Lady Craven, Madame Sainton Dolby, Godfrey
Turner, Roi des Fantaisies, and Ellen Beck. Generally, the Zonal Pelargoniums
were even grotesquely-trained plants, tied down as flat as possible to wire
trellises, and at the highest point not more than 10 in. or 12 in. above the pots.
Such a style of training is but a burlesque of plant cultivation, and deserves
condemnation. Very different indeed was a group of Clematises from Mr. C.
Noble, Bagshot, most superbly bloomed ; and a very fine strain of dwarf
Ilerhaceous Calceolarias., from Mr. James, Isleworth. There was also a fine lot
of cut Tulips., from Mr. C. Turner, Slough.

A brilliant-coloured Azalea., named Poi d' Ilollande., from Mr. C. Turner,
received a First-Class Certificate. The flowers were of a rich salmon-scarlet hue,
stout, and of good form, and freely produced. The double-flowered Hydrangea
stellata flore-pleno., from Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, was awarded a First-^
Class Certificate ; the plant was small, and the flowers of a pale pink hue,
and very pretty. Two capital Alders, good additions to these useful hardy

142

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOOIST.

[ June,

deciduous trees, were shown by Messrs. Veitcli and Sons. To one of them,
Alnus glutinosa rubro)iervia^ a First-Class Certificate was awarded ; it had olive-
coloured leaves, tinted with copper, and reddish leaf-stalks. The other, named
Alnus glutinosa aurea, had golden leaves, and looked very pretty ; this latter had
already been certificated.

From Sion-House Gardens came a patch of Pyrethrim TcJdhatcliewii, which
has been recommended as a substitute for grass in dry situations, but from its
coarse appearance it seemed scarcely likely to be grown on well-kept lawns. It
might be very useful to cover rock-work, and possibly would grow in shady places
under trees, where the grass becomes of weak growth. It is also said to be
useful as fodder for sheep. — E. D.

THE DUKE OF ARGYLL’S TEA TREE.

EEALLY, there is no accounting for the odd names given to plants. This
one in particular seems to be pre-eminently unmeaning, for the plant,
Lyciuni harharum, belongs to a poisonous genus, and never could have
® been used as a Tea ; indeed, so far as its virtues are concerned, it may be
set down as of no known service to man, for its wood amounts only to wands,
and all decoctions of its roots, or leaves, or flowers, or fruits are only evil, and
that continually.

Not so, however, is it with the shade afforded by this quick-growing shrub.
That virtue is not to be lightly spoken of ; and it has the merit of being a deter¬
mined grower, and that under great difficulties, and on soils of all sorts. I
remarked it some time ago at Blackpool, in Lancashire, climbing the walls of, the
house where I lodged, and I looked in vain for a leaf of any other tree or shrub
that had braved the sea breeze. This, however, stood alone, and bore up sturdily
against the high winds and the sea spray ; and I would particularly recommend
it to the Blackpool people, to lessen the glare of their brick buildings by some¬
thing leafy and green. The plant is easily propagated, and is always to be had cheap ;
indeed, in good soil it. becomes troublesome, and gets the name of weedy. The
way in which the foliage of this plant hangs makes it throw the rain off almost
as effectually as a roof of thatch, for the leaves are long, narrow, and thickly set
upon the twigs, and once the stem has attained the top of the arbour, the spray or
twigs will weep gracefully on all sides. It is, therefore, admirably adapted to form
blinds to windows or doors-porches, screens to ash-pits, and the like ; and with the
help of a few wall nails, it can be made to cover the face of a large surface of brick
wall in a very short time. When "it grows rank it is not so elegant as when it
grows slowly. The corridor style of growth suits it best, where it can run up a
brick wall, and hang over a pathway, one side being of props. It is a bad neigh¬
bour to other plants or climbers, as it exhausts the soil and chokes the foliage.
It is always free from insects, and looks healthy and well when Roses are mildewed,
and grub and greenfly have done their worst.

1870. ]

GARDEN GOSSIP.

143

Ifc is propagated by cuttings, by layers, and by dividing tbo roots, as well as
by seeds. It succeeds best wben transplanted in tlie last two months of the
year, agreeably to the old adage that if you transplant a tree or shrub before
Christmas you may tell it to grow, but if after Christmas, you must ash it to grow.
A. Forsyth, Salford.

GxiRDEN GOSSIP.

HE arrangements for the Horticultural division of the annual International

Exhibitions, which are to commence in 1871 at South Kensington, are now

receiving the attention of the officers of the Eoyal Horticultural Society,

in whose hands mainly the management of this division is to rest. We

believe it is intended that there shall be bi-monthly exhibitions of Horticultural objects, par¬
taking very much, in fact, of the character of the excellent and highly-varied shows of the
present season. These exhibitions are, however, to include and be supplemented by special
prizes for various subjects, which prizes are to be offered at certain of the meetings for com¬
petition amongst foreign exhibitors only ; while such arrangements will be made as will admit
foreigners to compete for the Society’s Certificates offered for new plants at all the meetings.
Thus far the International shows may be expected to represent augmentations of the present
South Kensington meetings, but another feature is to be added, and one which affords to
nurserymen and fiorists a special opportunity of advancing their interests. This is to consist
of a permanent exhibition, in which the exhibitor is to take and fill to the best advantage for
a given time — the whole period from May till October, or a part thereof — such a portion of the
available space as he may find it convenient to imdertake to occupy. We look for fmdher
details shortly.

- - tbis season, wben tbe Strawberry crop is approacbing maturity, tbe

utility of sucb a contrivance as tbe Paxton Strawberry Crinoline may readily be

tested. Its object is to keep tbe

fruit of the Strawberry elevated above the
soil, and while thus preserving it against
dirt, damp, and vermin, to facilitate the
ripening process. The Crinoline foims a
kind of wire table 16 in. in diameter,
made of concentric rings, and elevated
on legs a feAv inches above the ground ;
and is made in two semicircular pieces,
so as to fit neatly together, with the
plant in the centre. The whole is gal¬
vanized after being put together, and in
this way is made quite firm.

- Fruit Prospects in North Nottingbamsbire are promising. Eain fell

at Welbeck on tbe 12tb, 13tb, and 14tb ult., to tbe amount of nearly an inch,
and witb tbe increased beat, vegetation bas since made rapid progress. ’Altbougb

Nottingham is generally considered one of the coldest counties in the midland district, the frosts
in May were not so severe as in the south, for on the 4th ult. the freezing-point was only
reached, when near London 12° of frost were registered. All the small hardy fruit, such as
Currants, Raspberries, Gooseberries, and Strawberries, are safe, and Mr. Tillery adds, “ I have
never before seen the Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines set so thickly, and this on the open
walls, without protection of any kind. On thinning the fruit off an Apricot wall after the glass
lights were taken off, I measiu'od at least four pecks of thinnings, and this without reducing
the number so low as it will have to be made at another thinning. The Pear, Plum, and
Cherry bloom has been abundant, and well set for a great crop. Apples are only partially
covered with blossom-biids here this year, some sorts, such as Lord Suffield, Keswick, Manks
Codling, and others, are laden, whilst a great proportion of other varieties are bare of bloom.
At the beginning of April the season was at least a month later than last year, and the weather

144

THE ELOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ June,

all throxigli tlao month was cold and dry, and did little to forward vegetation. May commenced
with a showery day, and thunder at 4 p.m., but dry days and cold east winds again set in-,
which lasted till the 11th. We may now hope that with increased heat and moisture all

crops will be benefited, and that a fruitful season will yet be the result.” - Mr. Saul reports

from West Yorkshire : — “We have had a long continuance of cold northerly winds, but no
frosts to do any material injury. On the 3rd of May the theianometer registered only 3° of
frost, and on th5 4th only 4°. Fruit of every kind will be very plentiful in this part of the country.
Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines have set very well. Pears and Cherries are also setting
well. Plums have been very full of fine bloom, and I think will stand. Apples are now (May
14) very beautiful ; the flowers are large and fine, and the crop will be most abundant.
Bush fruit is very abundant. Everything is very late, but the rains we have had during the
last few days have wonderfully invigorated everything. We only want a little warmth and
sunshine now, and things would soon look most cheering.”

• - - noticed at tlie recent exliibition at South Kensington the new

Rustic Plant-Case^ and also an Aquarium^ of which the accompanying figures
give representations. Such cases are extremely useful for the enlivening of

gloomy-window prospects, and afford a means for converting
an eye-sore into an object of interest. The Fem Case is so
constructed as to form an aquarium at the bottom, rocks,
supported by columns, foianing below pretty caverns for fish,
while ferns can be planted above. The cases according to these
designs can be made of any size. Those we refer to were

exhibited by Messrs. Dick Kadclyffe and Co., of High Holborn, who have obtained Certificates
for them.

■ - She growers of specimen Pot-plants will be glad to learn that Peat

earthy carefully selected and divested of sour or crude matter, and packed in casks
for safe transport, can be had of Mr. Epps, of Lewisham. A sample of this peat,
which we have had in use, is of excellent quality.

- ^NDER the name of Primula Couttii, or Abyssinian Primrose, the

Messrs. Veitch have recently exhibited at one of the meetings of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society a handsome Primrose, with tufted root, irregularly dentate

oblong-lanceolate leaves 8 in. to 10 in. long, and covered with white mealy powder, especially
on the lower surface. The flower-scape rises 18 in. in height, and bears two or three whorls of a
dozen or more flowers, the whorls provided with leafy bracts, the lower ones being the largest,
and the flowers yellow, salver-shaped, with a tube nearly 2 in. long, and a limb divided into
five roundish notched lobes. This plant proves to bo the Primula simensis of Hochstettor, a
variety of the old P. verticillata, and will therefore bear the name of P. verticillata simensis^
It is a very nice addition to our garden flowers.

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1870. ]

BEODI^A COCCINEA.

145

BRODIiEA COCCINEA.

(5^/(0

fci

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

^ tHe opportunity of presenting to our readers the accompanying figure

Oitr of a beautiful new hardy bulb, we are indebted to Mr. W. Thompson, of
Ipswich, by whom it has been imported from the Trinity Mountains,
California, and by whom it was exhibited at South Kensington on the
8th ult,, when it received the well-merited reward of a First-Class Certificate
from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Floral Committee.

This Brodicea coccinea produces a flower-scape of from two to three feet in
height, and accompanied by channeled leaves of nearly the same length. The
flowers are nodding, and borne in a terminal umbel of from five to twelve, or
even fifteen to twenty, when established and vigorous. The flowers themselves
are about one and a half inch long, on pedicels nearly an inch in length, and are
ventricosely cylindraceous and obscurely ribbed, the tube for about an inch at its
base being of a rich magenta-crimson, while the upper part and the six recurved
limb segments are externally pea-green, somewhat paler internally. The three
exterior petaloid stamens are greenish-white, much broader than the perianth
segments, and forming a kind of coronet at the mouth of the tube. The three
perfect stamens and the trifid stigma are about as long as the perianth.

Professor Wood has described this plant in the Proceedings of the Academy
of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia^ under the name of Brevoortia Ida-Maia ; and
Professor Asa Gray, in the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and
Sciences^ has made the following remarks thereupon: — “Professor Wood has
naturally characterized this very striking and handsome plant as a new genus, to

which, indeed, it has as good a claim as Dichelostemma^ or perhaps even Stropho-
lirion ; but however Brodicea be limited, it cannot well fail to include this species,
which has wholly the structure of the typical B. grandiflora, only that the tube
of the flower is proportionally longer, the scales answering to the other set of
stamens much broader, and the colour peculiar in the genus, although not unlike
that of Stropholirion.”

As regards its cultivation, we learn from Mr. Thompson that it appears to be
perfectly hardy when planted deep enough to be beyond the reach of frost, and,
moreover, that when planted in a clump of five or six roots it has a most striking
appearance. With him it has hitherto been grown with very good success in
loamy soil, but it should be well drained. The flowering season is May and June.
It promises to increase freely, and unlike some of the allied genera, its bulbs do
not dwindle, but with ordinary care increase in vigour annually. From the
returning favour which cultivators seem to be extending towards hardy plants,
we shall be much surprised if this new Brodicea does not become an especial
favourite with those who elect to make collections of that most interesting
though long neglected group, — the hardy bulbs. — M.

3rd series. — III.

H

146

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[July,

KOSES FOR HEDGES, Etc.

fERMIT me to back up Mr. Tillery’s admirable remarks upon tbe beauty and
usefulness of sucli cliarming boundary lines where room can be found for

fthem. Not that Mr. Tillery’s receipts for beauty need to be endorsed by
me ; his authority is good and sufficient in all matters of culture and taste.
But I have a great love for such hedges, though I have not yet been able to in¬
troduce them here, for it happens that our forte lies in archways, not hedge ways ;
but I have seen some elsewhere, and they are most ornamental and useful.

The first I ever saw was at Shrubland Park, near Ipswich. The late Mr.
Beaton was walking round with me, full of his botanical and cultural quips and
cranks, and suddenly we came upon a semicircular Rose hedge, forming the back of
a sunk Verbena garden on grass. It was formed wholly of the rose Gloire de
Rosomene ; from top to bottom it glowed with large semi-double roses, only
variegated with the clean bright green leaves, and its elegant thin buds, in all
stages, from mere narrow lines to bursting flowers. They were set in a frame
of cloudless sunlight, and the rose hedge seemed positively illuminated. It was
perfectly dazzling in its brightness. Beaton, who was eagle-eyed to note effects,
gave one of his most significant smiles, as he saw my pencil and book instantly
at work. Yes, he remarked, “ Is it not a glory ? ”

I have never seen this Rose so gloriously bright since, nor anything more
striking in the way of hedges. I have tried it as a background in ribbon-garden¬
ing with but indifferent success. But there is no question that an immense deal
could be done with Rose hedges, both as ornamental and useful objects. The
first is too obvious to need much further remark ; but it might be worth while
on gentlemen’s estates, and especially in regard to inside boundary lines or fences
to plantations and shrubberies, to intermix the Noisette, Ayrshire, or Boursault,
or such free-growing good roses as the Banksian, Gloire de Dijon, Marechal Niel,
Climbing Devoniensis, Lamarque, Celine Forestier, &c., among White-thorns,
Sweet-briers, &c., that are used for hedge plants. Occasionally, round home
woods, the fences are left wide and rough for game. What cover could be better
or safer for the birds than large tangled masses of roses. The effect from a
distance would be magnificent in the extreme, while near at hand their beauty and
sweetness would bear the closest inspection. And where gardens, as is often the
case, are bounded by woods, why not furnish the debateable ground between the
two with tangled irregular groups, or at least wide fences, of roses ? Let the
queen of flowers lay its hand upon both garden and woody wilderness, and bind
them together with a climbing wreath or tie of roses. They might graduate
in quality and height by degrees as they receded from the garden, until tall
rampant Ayrshires and Sweet-briers grasped and clothed the trees of the forest.
Such masses of Roses would display an exuberance of floral wealth, and bring in
such a revenue of sweetness, as has never yet been reaped from fragrant Roses.

1S70. ]

THE EOYAL NATIONAL TULIP SHOW.

147

Roses planted thus would create a new effect in landscape scenery. The
greatest want of our decorative art in the present day is breadth ; the second,
which grows out of the first, is naturalness. We can grow Roses well, but the
effective grouping, and the true place of Roses in landscape art, have yet, I
believe, to be learnt, or at least practised.

But Rose fences are useful, as well as ornamental. What gardener does not
regret having to cut so many roses from where they are most needed for effect ?
The love of flowers in our dwelling-houses has outrun our enlargement of the area,
or means of culture. The demand is nearly always on the heels of our supply, not
seldom it treads upon its toes. Dinner-table decorations, bouquets, the floral furnish¬
ings of drawing-rooms, churches, ball-rooms, &c., all drawfrom the garden, and tend
to drain it dry. Under such demands, roses and other flowers disappear like snow
in summer, leaving scarcely a petal behind. But no demand would be likely to strip
a whole hedge of roses, or clear such tangled masses of beauty. And variety and
quality could both be provided, as suggested by Mr. Tillery, by simply working per-
petuals on to the strongest shoots of the common varieties. From such sources
we could cut and come again, without any fear of greatly marring the effect or
exhausting the supply. And then what a rich harvest of rose-leaves could be
gathered for distillation into liquid sweetness, or for preservation in pickled jars •
full of divinely fragrant pot-pourri ! — D. T. Fish, F.R.H.S.

THE ROYAL NATIONAL TULIP SHOW.

fHIS Show was held at Cambridge, on the 25th of May. There was no
lack of interest manifested by the growers, for they appeared in strong

f force. All the classes were well filled, and the flowers generally were of
very fine quality. Notwithstanding the counter attraction of the Exhibition
of the Cambridge Horticultural Society, the tent, solely appropriated to the
Tulips, was crowded by the general company ; in fact, the visitors seemed to find
quite a new enjoyment in inspecting the gorgeous Tulips, which, though a little
undersized, owing to the cold wet winter and trying spring, had a great deal of
refinement about them. The premier prize for twelve Tulips, four of each
division, was taken by Mr. S. Barlow, Manchester, with a very fine and pure lot
of flowers, consisting of : — Bizarres : Garibaldi and Royal Sovereign, feathered ;
Sir J. Paxton and Polyphemus, flamed. Byhloemens : Martin’s 101 and Talisman,
feathered ; Duchess of Sutherland and Bacchus, flamed. Roses : Mrs. Lea and
Charmer, feathered; Aglaia and Rose Celestial, flamed. Very near to this stand
came that of Mr. Richard Headly, whose flowers were large, and generally finely
marked, but a trifle past their best, the colours having begun to run. Mr. Headly
had: — Bizarres: Demosthenes and Richard Headly, feathered; Prince of Wales
and Dr. Hardy, flamed. Byhloemens : W. E. Gladstone and Mrs. Pickerell,
feathered : John Kemble and John Thorniley, flamed. Roses : Sarah Headly
and Queen of Roses, feathered ; Semiramis and Circe, flamed.

n 2

148

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ July,.

In the remaining class for twelve flowers,, the Rev. S. Cresswell, Radford^
staged the following, a very fine lot of flowers : — George Hayward and Storer’a
Seedling (feathered), Sir J. Paxton and Dr. Hardy (flamed), bizarres ; Nepalese
Prince and Lord Denman (feathered). Duchess of Sutherland and Adela (flamed),
bybloeniens ; Vicar of Radford and Heroine (feathered), Aglaia and Heroine
(flamed), roses. Singular to state, out of seven competing stands, not less than
three were disqualified, through containing too many flowers of one division.
The best six flowers came from Mr. Barber, of Derby, who had Royal Sovereign
(feathered), and General Lee (flamed), bizarres ; Mrs. Pickerell (feathered), and
and First Rate (flamed), bybloemens ; Heroine (feathered), and Rose Celestial
(flamed), roses. The best three feathered Tulips, shown by Mr. Lea, of Leigh,
consisted of Sir J. Paxton, bizarre ; Adonis, bybloemen ; Heroine, rose. The
best three flamed flowers were Dr. Hardy, bizarre ; Lord Denman, bybloemen :
Triomphe Royale, rose. The premier feathered flower was a magnificent bloom
of bybloemen Mrs. Pickerell, shown by Mr. S. Barlow ; the best flamed flower,,
an equally fine flower of bizarre Sir J. Paxton, shown by Mr. Barber.

A look through the various stands gave the following flowers as among the
finest shown on this interesting occasion ; — Bizarres : Lord Byron, J. Sanderson,
George Hayward, and Royal Sovereign, feathered ; Lord Palmerston, Ajax,.
Everard, Sir J. Paxton, very fine ; Polyphemus, Dr. Hardy, and Richard Headly,.
flamed. Bijhloemens : Mrs. Pickerell, very fine ; W. E. Gladstone, a fine flower,
raised by Mr. R. Headly ; Talisman, very fine ; Exile, Victoria Regina, Adonis,
Lord Denman, and Violet Amiable, feathered ; Duchess of Sutherland (Walker),
Queen of the North, John Kemble, and Princess Royal, flamed. Roses: Mrs.
Lea, very fine ; Sarah Headly, Vicar of Radford, very fine ; and Heroine (some
of the flowers of this variety, very numerously shown, were very beautiful indeed),
feathered ; Prince of Wales, very fine ; Mary Barber, very fine ; Aglaia, Rose
Celestial, Triomphe Royale, flamed.

In the matter of Breeder Tulips, Mr. Headly distanced all competitors. Some
of the flowers were of singularly beautiful colours ; and could some of the rich
violet-magenta hues be transformed to the useful class of early single bedding
Tulips, they would create quite a floricultural furore. Altogether, this was a most
successful gathering, the Northern growers especially being in strong force. — Quo.

LADY^S SLIPPERS.— Chapter IY.

present illustration represents a species of comparatively recent introduc¬
tion to our gardens, a dwarf -growing and a free-growing plant, very distinct
from any others, and one which should be included in every collection. It
is called Cypripediwn concolor.^ and we are indebted to the Messrs. Veitch
and Sons for the specimens figured, which bloomed in February last.

The plant is of low, tufted habit, stemless, with distichous leaves, spreading
horizontally, oblong-obtuse, four or five . inches long, keeled, leathery, unequally

1870.]

lady’s slippers. - CHAPTER IV.

140

emarginate-mucronate, dark green, irregularly blotclied witli grey, tlie under-side
thickly covered with purple spots. The hairy purplish scape is about two inches
high, supporting one or two flowers, which issue from a short, boat-shaped
spotted bract. The flowers are straw-coloured ; the dorsal sepal is roundish,
concave, emarginate, an inch wide, the anterior one smaller, the petals oblong-
obtuse, all spotted with small crimson dots, and ciliated ; the lip is narrow^
oblong- obtuse, the upper edge nearly equally folded in, leaving an open mouth.

The sterile stamen is shining, yellow, subcordate, cuspidate, with a central groove,
and a boss on each side, the upper margin ciliated. This species is a native
of Moulmein, where it grows on limestone rocks, and we owe its introduction
both to the Eev. 0. Parish and Lieutenant-Colonel Benson, both of whom have
been most successful collectors of orchids in the Burmese and Tenasserim provinces.

But few cultivators of this plant have hitherto succeeded in growing it
luxuriantly, and many, disappointed with its appearance under bad treatment,
have pronounced it to be a very inferior species, not worth cultivation. Under
proper management, however, it becomes an exceeedingly beautiful and distinct
plant, well deserving evfery attention. As before remarked, the plant is found

150

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ JULV,

in a state of nature growing upon limestone rocks, and as it is a well known fact
that most of the plants found upon this particular formation succeed but
indifferently well in any other soil, limestone should be procured for it, and with
this, and an addition of charcoal and a few potsherds, the pots should be filled,
surfacing with a little live sphagnum moss, so as to give them a neat and finished
appearance. When potted in the manner previously described, an unlimited
supply of water may be given during the growing season with considerable
advantage. This element must, however, be gradually withheld as the days
shorten and the sun’s power decreases. Little more remains to be added respect¬
ing its cultivation. A temperature of from 75° to 85° suits it admirably during
summer, but in winter the thermometer should be allowed to fall to about 65°, or
even lower during the night. It begins to bloom in the late autumn or early
winter months, continuing on until February or March, and thus it forms a
valuable acquisition for the orchid house or stove during the least congenial
months of the year. Thrips are liable to injure and disfigure the plants if
not closely watched, therefore the leaves — at the base in particular — should be
frequently washed with warm soap-and-water. — Benjamin S. Williams, Victoria
-Nursery^ Upper Holloway.

GROWING THE NEW DWARF EARLY MARROW PEAS

IN POTS.

BAVINGf grown a succession of the Early Dwarf Peas in pots this spring, I
am now enabled to name the varieties I have found the best adapted for
early forcing. All the tall-growing early sorts, such as Ringleader,
Sangster’s No. 1, Emperor, and Taber’s Perfection, I have discarded
for the last two seasons, as some of the new dwarf marrows are nearly as early,
besides producing larger pods and better-flavoured peas. The following are the
sorts I have grown this year, namely : — Beck’s Gem or Tom Thumb, Turner’s
Little Gem, Multum in Parvo, Nutting’s No. 1 Dwarf Wrinkled Marrow, and
Laxton’s Alpha. They were all grown on the front border of a glass-covered
wall, and some of the dwarfest also in low pits, and they furnished a
supply of nice peas from the beginning of May until the second week in June.
Beck’s Tom Thumb is the earliest in podding and ripening. Turner’s Little Gem
is nearly as early. Multum in Parvo grows a little taller than the above sorts,
but produces larger pods of excellent flavour, is a great bearer, and is only a few
days later in coming in. Nutting’s No. 1 Wrinkled Marrow is a new pea, now
grown by me for the first time in pots, and it has proved an acquisition, being
an excellent succession to the very dwarf maiTOws when sown at the same time ;
it grows about two feet high, with large, well-filled pods of good flavour.
Laxton’s Alpha, the new pea that was sold at such a tremendously high figure per
quart, has proved with me an excellent productive variety when grown in pots ;
it was only sown in the middle of February, and it produced pods fit for picking

1S70. ] TREES AND SHRUBS FOR ENGLISH PLANTATIONS. 151

in the beginning of June. It grew with me about 3 Jft. high, was a good cropper,
with fine, well-filled pods, and peas of excellent flavour, and is decidedly a great
.acc|uisition amongst second early marrow peas.

Beck’s Tom Thumb and Turner’s Little Gem, that came in flrst in the
beginning of May, were sown in pits in December, and successions of all the other
kinds were sown in January and February, so that plenty of dishes of fine young
peas were had for six weeks, and until the open-air ones came in. I have no doubt
that if Beck’s Tom Thumb and Little Gem were sown in pots, in low pits, in
October or November, good dishes of peas could be had from these varieties in
March and April. — William Tillery, Welheclc.

TREES AND SHRUBS FOR ENGLISH PLANTATIONS.

SO much of the beaut}’’ and interest of our gardens and pleasure grounds is
due to the judicious use of ornamental trees and shrubs in dressing-up or
furnishing them, that any assistance which may be forthcoming in regard
. ^ to information concerning the objects themselves, especially if conveyed in
■such a way as to become an aid in making selections suitable for different situa¬
tions and different objects, must always be welcome. New subjects, in this
department, as in others, are continually appearing, so that the old records —
Loudon’s Arboretum^ and EncyclopcBdia^ for example — become obsolete ; and
hence, since all available information concerning these newer trees — the debate-
able ground of sylviculture — is of importance to those who are about to plant,
or who are likely to be occupied in the embellishment of their grounds, a new
book on the subject such as that just issued by Mr. Mongredien* comes in most
opportunely.

The vast extent of the resources in shape of shrub and tree which are
available to planters of the present day, is seldom appreciated by those who have
grounds to embellish, except it be in the case of those who are professionally
engaged in this occupation, and even they are somewhat too prone to suffer their
ideas to run along the old grooves. The available materials for grouping, as Mr.
Mongredien observes, “ have never been utilized to nearly the extent of which
they are susceptible. Like the colours on a painter’s palette, by the selection and
combination of which he makes his canvas glow with beautiful forms and
harmonious tints, so the infinite variety of outline and colour in trees affords
scope for so arranging them as to produce most striking results, both in home
views and distant landscapes.” It is to help to bring about this result, that the
work now before us has been written.

The book is divided into two parts, the first and larger half consisting of an
alphabetical descriptive account of some 600 or more trees and shrubs which are
considered desirable for open-air planting ; and the second half, classifying them
into groups, exhibiting particular features or adapted for particular purposes.

* Trees and Shrubs -^or English Plantations. By Augustus Mongredien. With Illustrations. London: Murray.

152

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

t JULY^

We presume the author in his first selection has been guided by his own direct
observation and experience, since there are omissions for which it is otherwise
difficult to account, — Clematis montana to wit, one of the finest and freest-
growing species of its genus, and a really useful and ornamental free-blooming
plant as a hardy climber. There are other omitted species of this genus quite worth
recording ; while of Cotoneaster the selection is also meagre. The choice varie¬
ties, too, of well-known species are too frequently altogether ignored — we mean.

Abies nobilis.

such fine and undoubtedly first-class plants as the Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta
viriclis^ described at page 91. Hence we cannot report that Mr. Mongredien has.
exhausted, or even nearly worked out the subject, but putting aside these
deficiencies, he has, no doubt, set before us a good selection of useful material,
with which planters would do well to make themselves more familiar.

The second portion of the book, where we find the admitted species classified
in various ways, will doubtless be the most practically useful. Here the plants
are grouped in some thirty or more lists, according to the height attained, to.

1870. ]

THE FRUIT CROPS OF 1870.

153

■peculiarities of foliage, wliether of shape, size, or colour, to the season of blooming,
or the showy or fragrant character or the colour of their flowers, the edible-fruit
"bearers, the ornamental fruit-bearers, timber-producers, species of peculiar habit
of growth, species adapted for particular uses, and so on. As an illustration of
'the utilitarian part of the book, we quote the following brief section on “ Species
thriving in the Smoke of Cities ” (p. 306).

“ Of course the expression ^ thriving ’ is to be understood as merely com¬
parative. No plant can either grow or flower so well in the impure atmosphere
of large towns as in the open country. But whereas most trees and shrubs
dwindle away and die under the mephitic influence of air surcharged with
carbon, etc., there are a few that will withstand it tolerably well. The list is not
ti long one, but it may be hoped that further experiments will be made with a
■view to extend it : —

^sculus Hippocastanum.

Ailantus glandulosa, a large tree, with beautiful
leaves, much used for shade in Continental
towns, and amongst other places on the
boulevards in Paris.

Ampelopsis hederacea, the Virginian creeper.

Amygdalus communis.

Artemisia Ahrotanum.

Aucuba japonica.

Catalpa spring cefolia.

Cgdonia japonica.

Cytisus Laburnum.

I'icus Carica, the Fig tree, occasionally found
in out-of-the-way nooks, courtyards, and
close areas, not fruiting, but freely produc¬
ing its beautiful large leaves.

Hedera Helix.

Jasminum officinale, the Jasmine, whose intro¬
duction dates earlier than our earliest gar¬
dening records.

Ligustrum vulgare, and probably lucidum.

Paulownia imperialis.

Phillyrea media.

Platanus occidentalis, the Plane, which of all
large trees is probably the one which answers
best for city cultivation, owing to its smooth
leaves and ever-peeling bark [though the
tree Mr. Mongredien evidently I'ofers to is
the P. acerifolia].

Quercus Ilex.

Rhamnus Alaternus.

Rhus typhina.

Ribes sanguineum.

Robinia Pseud-Acacia.

Viburnum Opulus.”

— to which might have been added Rhododendrons, especially in situations where
they can be well washed and sufficiently watered ; Wistaria sinensis ; and the
Yuccas, a family which, by the way, is very inadequately treated of. The book
13 well printed, and contains some excellent illustrations, one of which we here
introduce through the courtesy of the publisher. It would be more useful if
rendered more complete, as we trust to see it in another edition. — M.

THE FRUIT CROPS OF 1870.

URGING from the reports, it may be concluded that good crops of fruit are
pretty general throughout the country. The crops of all kinds of fruit, in
this part, are in general very good ; there is not a failing crop of any
kind of fruit, so far as I can ascertain : all are abundant. This is a very
pleasing state of things, — the result of the general failure of the crops last season,
and of the hot dry summer, which thoroughly ripened the wood. Had our fruit
crops been a failure this year, we, no doubt, should have heard that it was caused
by the frosts at the beginning of May, which, we learn, did some damage to the
Flossoms in the neighbourhood of London ; the crops, however, being good in

154

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ July,

general, we shall not hear much of the late spring frost, but the abundance of
the crops will be attributed to the lateness of the season, and so forth.

Now, there is no use in blinking this matter, but the plain truth is, that bad
crops are in general owing to bad management, or no management at all. I have
so often repeated my experience in the Florist on this subject, that I do not
intend to go over it at present. If fruit trees were properly managed they would
not be allowed to bear heavy crops, which exhaust them, and render a season of
rest necessary to store up matter for another crop. Trees that are only allowed
a reasonable crop, very rarely miss bearing a crop. I would suggest to those
interested in the matter to try the following experiment, namely, to remove the
whole of the fruit off 6 or 8 trees of Pears, Plums, and Apples, and to leave
the entire crop on 6 or 8 trees of the same kinds and age. What will be
the result next year ? Why, the 6 or 8 trees that are allowed to carry their
entire crop this season will have little or no fruit next season, but the 6 or 8
trees from which the entire crop has been removed Avill have an abundant crop
if the season be an ordinary one, and a fair crop even if the season be unfavour¬
able. I have more than once satisfied myself on this matter. I would advise all
who wish to have any fruit next season to thin their crops well now, if they have
not already done so. If they neglect this matter now, they need not expect to
have good fruit crops next year. — M. Saul, Stoiirton.

THE FAILURE OF THE PEACH CROP OF 1869.

HREE parts out of four of the crop of 1869 were lost. How, or by what
means ? Mr. Webster in an able article at page 33 has explained his
view of the matter, and I must say I agree with him in the practice
of giving the borders several good waterings in hot, dry weather. I am
confident it is a good plan, and if manure-water is used so much the better.
The few Peach trees here have every season since I have had charge of them
borne very good crops until 1869, when there was about half a crop. There
are four trees, and three of them bore 11^ doz. fruit ; a Royal George had 6 doz.,
a Rate Admirable 2^ doz., a Barrington 3 doz., while a Wedburton Admirable
had none. In the very hot weather of 1869 I gave them four or five good
soakings with manure-water, about six large water-pots full to each of the three
trees. We had two manure-water tanks emptied, and at the bottom I found
some six or seven barrow-loads of thick black stuff ; of this I had one good load put
to each peach tree, and to two apricots, forking up the soil first, spreading it all
over the roots, and then covering it with some soil. The Walburton peach tree
had none, and very little water, because it was making too much rank wood. So
much for good watering.

In every garden where there are fruit-tree blossoms to be set there should stand,
in a nice snug corner, close to the wall, at least three strong hives of bees, which,
together, should contain some 12,000 or 14,000 bees. These, travelling over the

1870. ]

THE COLEUS AS A BEDDING PLANT.

155

blossoms, witli rougli brushes on their legs, would suffice to impregnate or set the
fruit. What became of the artificial camel-hair brushes at the blooming-time last
year ? Throughout the wet, cold, cloudy weather that we experienced, the bees
could get out but very little, and thus, the flowers not being properly set, the
young fruit dwindled and fell. It is no use for a gentleman or his gardener to say,
“ Oh, my neighbour has got bees ; they will be sure to come and set the fruit.” In
wet, stormy weather no dependence at all can be placed on their doing so ; to
be of use the bees must be close at home. At this place we have three hives,
and last summer we had six in the middle of the south wall, in which, when built,
a hollow or niche, something like the arch or top of an oven, was made to take a
rustic chair. This I got my employer to turn into a bee-house, and a capital
one it makes, as with two wide shelves put across, it holds six hives well. In
this position the bees have got one peach tree right and left, close at hand. From
three trees, in 1869, we picked, as before mentioned, 11^ doz., all good fruit.

In the case of orchard houses, a hive ought to have been carried into the
house, and then the work would have been done in good style ; but instead of
that, I suppose, the top and front lights were all thrown open, allowing a cold,
cutting wind to rush through, and then, as in the case of an individual sitting
between two open doors, they got chilled, and after a decline came death. That,
in my opinion, is the most efficient cause of the failure. IVTr. Webster does not
mention whether there is to his walls a projecting coping a foot wide to throw off
the snow, sleet, or rain from the blossoms, nor whether he has got any of the
active little creatures I have named to set the fruit. The gardener must not
mind getting a prog with their dirks, occasionally : here, however, is a cure for
a sting : — Immediately get an onion, cut it in two, and rub it in well ; the juice
will keep down the swelling.

Besides setting the fruit, bees are useful in the summer time. It is an old
saying, and a true one, that many hands make light work ; and a quantity of
bees will gather a store of sweets, so that the gardener can take from 501b. to
1001b. of beautiful comb and honey for his employer’s table. — G. L. Drummond,
Neivhvidge Bath.

THE COLEUS AS A BEDDING PLANT.

« HIS beautiful foliage plant is universally accepted as a valuable addition to
our materials for bedding out, and justly so, when we take into consideration
its richness of colouring and general effectiveness, and the fact that it
requires no especial treatment different from the generality of bedding-out
plants, in which respect it differs greatly from many of those pampered pets,
called sub-tropicals, which require perfect shelter from wind, and to be screened
from the meridian sun to ensure their success.

The cultivation of the Coleus is so simple that there is no need of special
remarks on that head. Suffice it to state that the plants should be afforded free

15G

THE ELOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[J ULY,

and liberal treatment, so as to insure a robust liabit, and should be well stopped
back^ and gradually hardened off, the lights being altogether removed on every
favourable occasion as the season advances. I would particularly impress upon the
amateur cultivator the necessity of a careful preparatory hardening-off prior to
planting out, for upon this will in a great measure depend the ultimate success of
the plants, wdiile failure will often result from inattention to this alone. It is
necessary, moreover, not to be premature in planting out, for any sudden check
at that stage will have a tendency to mar the effect for the season. As a general
rule, I find it advisable to defer planting out until about the 10th of June, after
which, the weather being favourable, they may with safety be committed to the
beds. They should have a position fully exposed to the sun, and after planting
require a good watering, and to have the surface of the beds mulched. Give
them copious waterings at the roots when necessary, and avoid the frequent
sprinklings so commonly practised, which do little real good, but have a tendency
to bleach and mar the beauty of the foliage.

The varieties I have found to stand best, and at the same time, to be most
effective, are — Coleus Verschaffeltii and its varieties, aureus marginatus and
7narmoratus ; C. Saundersii^ C. Batemanii, and C. Ruclceri. The new golden-leaved
varieties are a great advance, and will become grand acquisitions for in-door pur¬
poses ; but, bedded-out here, as elsewhere, they have proved disappointing. In
districts subject to an excess of rain, the Iresine may advantageously be used in
the place of the Coleus, with the best results. — George Westland, Witley Court.

ON RE-POTTING THE AURICULA.

[CCOEDING to the promise contained in my paper on Auricula composts, I
proceed to give a few instructions on re-potting, the present being, in my
opinion, the most seasonable time for this operation. Those, therefore,
^ who have the compost in readiness by the second week in July, cannot
do better than commence without delay. First of all, if the compost has been
stowed away in a heap for any length of time, it should be spread out thinly for
a day or so in some open place, where it can have the sun and air : it is necessary,
however, to keep off rain or damp of any kind, for the drier the condition in which
it is used the better. Should new pots have to be employed, they should be soaked
in water for at least twenty-four hours before using ; or if old ones, in which the
plants have been growing, have to be again worked up, they should be soaked also,
and with a brush cleansed thoroughly of all dirt and mouldy matter they may have
about them. This thorough cleansing is a very important matter. In potting, all
those plants which have been in their pots and in the same mould for the whole
year will be best taken out, and should have the old earth shaken entirely from the
roots, and then with a sharp knife the fibrous roots should be shortened, so that
they can be spread out in the pots without being cramped or bent when filling
in the new compost. The main tap-root too, if long, should be cut clean off

1870.] FROSTS V. FRUIT BLOSSOMS. ] 57

to within an inch and a half of the top, leaving just a few fibrous roots sufficient
to give the plant a start in its fresh earth. Young plants or offsets which were
taken off and fresh potted in early spring, might do as well if just changed into
larger pots, with part of the old ball of earth about them.

As the plants are potted, they should be placed in a shady situation, and the
lights should be placed over them for ten or twelve days, at the end of which
time they may be taken off. Should the weather at the time be moist or rainy,
allow the plants the full benefit of such rain as may fall gently upon them, but
■carefully guard them against thunderstorms or very heavy showers. On the
other hand, if the weather should be dry without appearance of rain, take a
watering-can with a very fine rose, and give them just a gentle run over with
soft water. Eain-water is the best, and should be used at about the temperature
of the atmosphere at the time. At first give the plants only just a slight run
over, to revive them and to moisten the soil at the top of the pots ; but repeat
this gentle watering every evening after sunset for a week or so, by which time
the mouldy will have got sufficiently saturated. After that the plants may be
placed out in their summer quarters, the best situation being at the back of a
north wall, where they can get a little morning and evening sun. In this
position the plants will keep all right — allowing them now and then the benefit
of a nice shower, but guarding against and keeping off heavy or long-continued
soaking rains — till the middle of October, when they will require removing to
their winter quarters, where, however, they must still be allowed to be open and
exposed during all fine dry weather. After November sets in, the plants should
be kept tolerably dry by keeping off the rain entirely, and only just allowing them
sufficient water to keep them alive. This kind of treatment should be followed
up to the end of January, about wdiich time I will endeavour to furnish a few
observations on spring treatment and blooming. — John Hep worth, Huddersfield.

FROSTS versus FRUIT BLOSSOMS.

HE effects of Frost* are in many instances very plainly presented to us,
when, as with Potatos and the young shoots of the Walnut, the leaves are
blackened and destroyed ; or as with Gooseberries, when the berries are
seen to be blistered and discoloured, and within a day or so fall from the
tree. Again, its effects upon stone-fruits — Apricots, Peaches, Cherries, and
Plums — are plainly shown and pretty generally understood. The injury may be
first committed on the style or pistil, yet it soon descends to the ovary, and the
whole fruit rapidly becomes blackened, and is seen to be dead. One second’s
observation will show this, — the mere opening of the scales of the calyx, and
•splitting the flower, or what covers the young fruit.

In the case of the Apple and Pear, the injury which is effected through frost

* We borrow the accompanyiag article and illustrations from the Journal of Horticulture. The subject is
one of much importance to gardeners, and we are glad to be able to draw their attention thus pointedly to it.

158

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ July,

is not so apparent, and very confused ideas seem to be held regarding it. I have
found, indeed, that many gardeners, otherwise well informed, have no idea what¬
ever as to the immediate effect of frost, that is, whether their blossoms or young
fruits are injured or not, until they can be pulled off easily, or they fall from

Fig. 1.

the tree. As this frequently does not happen until some weeks after the injury
takes place, all traces of the true cause (and there are several others which might
cause them to fall) are lost sight of.

The flowers of the Apple and Pear, whilst they are in their full beauty, as
shown by flg. 1 (Apple-blossom), indeed, sometimes whilst yet unexpanded, may

Fig. 2.

be killed, and yet show no outward sign thereof to the general observer. Fig. 1
represents a healthy and perfect example of the blossom of the Apple, showing
it in its perfect and uninjured state. The style, as will be observed, is in this
example of its natural healthy pale-green colour. Fig. 2 represents Apple-

1370. ]

FROSTS V. FRUIT BLOSSOMS.

159

blossom at the same stage, and in the same condition in every part but one. The
style, it is to be observed, is in this instance black. The thin black threads
extend from its point right down to the ovary or embryo fruit at the bottom.

Fig. 3. . Fig. 4.

That flower is killed by frost, and yet the flower itself, the beautiful petals, and
the stamens in the centre, are as lovely as ever. The vital spark, however, of
the fruit which was to have been, is gone — it is dead.

Fig. 5. Fig. 6.

Fig. 3 represents a healthy and perfect example of the young embryo fruit
of the Pear as it exists in its uninjured state. The style in this instance, as in
fig. 1, is still of the natural pale-green colour, a represents a cross or transverse
section of the fruit in its perfect state. Fig. 4 represents a young embryo fruit
of the Pear, also in section at B, showing the effects of the frost after the fruits

160

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ July,

have been set and begun to swell. The style here, as will be again seen, is, as in
fig. 2, black, and the injury may be traced to the centre of the fruit, as shown
at B, which is a transverse section of the latter. Fruits like these, having black
hearts, are also dead, being killed by frost.

In the case of Strawberries the effect of frost on the expanded blossoms,
and it is but rarely they are injured at any other stage, is very readily apparent,
and pretty generally understood by the term ‘‘black eyes.” Fig. 5 represents
the healthy and perfect blossom and embryo fruit (receptacle) of the Strawberry,
while fig. 6, with the black centre or “black eye,” has the fruit killed. It is
here also only the styles and ovary that are injured, not the stamens and petals,
which remain beautiful as ever, though the fruit is dead. Strawberry blossom
is sometimes injured in the same way by heat or strong sunshine. It will be
seen, then, that the most tender portion of the flower or fruit is the style or
pistil. That is the vital part, and when that is injured in any way, however
slight, the uses of the flower are at an end. The stamens are almost as hardy
as the leaves, and are very rarely injured. The petals, also, which are the
beauteous part, stand a good deal of rough usage ; they are, however, of no
benefit to the fruit. To discover when Apples or Pears are killed by frost,
simply look to the pistil, which very soon shows the effect ; if it is green it is
well, if black then it is dead ; and for further satisfaction cut transversely
through the young fruit, and experience will soon teach the value of a black
heart, even when accompanied by the fairest flower. — Archambaud.

VINE BUDDING.

®HIS is not a new discovery, although an attempt has recently been made
to make the public believe so. I have practised this method of propaga¬
tion for more than thirty years, and my instructor, then verging on three¬
score, had performed the operation during his gardening career. It is,
therefore, very evident that Vine Budding is not a novelty.

It would be a useless waste of time to describe how the operation is to be
carried out, as it is easily done, and with as much certainty as budding a Camellia
or a Ehododendron. Autumn has been strongly recommended as the most appro¬
priate season, because it will admit of proving the quality of any particular Grape
the following year. This I doubt not ; but the same result will follow the
insertion of a bud during the succeeding winter or spring, — any time, in fact,
when forcing begins : at least, such is my experience. My object, at present,
is not to deal with the subject in detail, but rather to show how we may, in the
shortest time, multiply to the greatest extent any approved variety of the Grape
Vine by the process of budding.

Instead of following the usual practice of heading down an established plant
when we desire to change the kind, and training up a single shoot only, the old
rod may be budded for its entire length as successfully as if only one eye were

1S70. ]

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

IGl

inserted at the bottom. The plan that I have followed is to cut off the spurs to
a single eye when the Vine is pruned, and so soon as the young growths are
sufficiently advanced to consume the rising sap, to insert a bud immediately
underneath the spur (or anywhere else if more desirable), treating each as an
individual plant. When the operation is finished, the Vine should be placed in
a horizontal position, to equalize as much as possible the circulation of the sap,
which otherwise will rush to the highest extremity. In the course of three or four
weeks, the bud will have united, when the point of the young growth should be
pinched off, and it should be entirely taken away as soon as the bud begins to
move. As a security against moisture oozing in between the bud and stock it is
better to use grafting-wax, or what will answer equally well, grafting-clay. —
Alexander Cramb, Tortworth Court.

TPIE GARDEN MENTOR.

fULY is usually remarkable for great heat, and occasionally for severe storms
of hail and rain, which are very destructive both to the garden and farm.
Among wild plants, there are many which flower during this month, and
*"9 these afford an excellent opportunity to the young gardener to collect
specimens, and to study them with a view to gain an insight into plant structure.

Kitchen Garden. — No time should be lost in getting out the main crops of
Broccoli.^ Winter Greens.^ and Celery.^ if not already done, as recommended last
month. All newly planted crops must be kept well watered until they are
thoroughly established, and even then, if the weather be dry, a good soaking of
liquid manure, given occasionally, will be very beneficial to them. A good
breadth of Wcdcheren Cauliflowers should be planted from about the 10th to
the 20th of the month, for the winter supply ; if these plants are carefully
lifted in the autumn, before they are injured by frost, and laid in a cool dry pit,
they will yield nice heads up to the end of February — far superior to any winter
Broccoli. The earliest-planted crops of Celery should be earthed up at favour¬
able intervals. Cauliflowers., Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Savoys., and Borecole
should be earthed up when they require it : it is best to do it as soon as the land
is in a working state after rain. Lettuces should be planted out at intervals of ten
days or a fortnight ; if sown in drills, as recommended last month, they should
now be well thinned out, and in dry weather be kept well watered. The soil
between all young crops should be kept well stirred with the hoe, to destroy
weeds, and to promote a vigorous growth. To mates should be kept regularly
nailed in, and the shoots well thinned, otherwise they become crowded and
unsightly.

Sow : Kidney Beans at the beginning of the month ; Cabbages any time before the middle
of the month, but not later for the North ; Endive at the beginning of the month, for winter ;
Turnips, a large breadth for winter, about the middle of the mouth ; Lettuces twice during
the month ; Radishes in a cool situation.

Forcing Houses. — Pines : The directions given last month for plants in all

162

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[July,

stages of fruiting will serve for this. The succession. plants that were shifted
last month will now be rooting freely into the fresh soil and growing vigorously
away ; anything like crowding should be avoided, as the plants would become
drawn and weakly. Any plants not shifted last month should be attended to at
once. Vines: When the grapes are all cut in the early houses, every attention
must be paid to the thorough ripening of the wood. In general, the wood of
early-forced vines gets well ripened, but it is always well, when the grapes are
cut, to pay a little attention to complete the ripening of the wood, so as to bring
them into a state of rest as soon as possible. Give abundance of air night and
day, and gentle fires, to cause a dry atmosphere. Look carefully over late
Grapes, and take out some of the inner berries where they appear too close to¬
gether. Grapes intended to be kept late should not be allowed to remain crowded
in the bunch, as they are liable to retain moisture in damp weather, and then
soon decay. Keep a moist atmosphere in all late houses where grapes are swell¬
ing, by frequently sprinkling the paths. Peaches : As soon as the fruit is all
cleared in the early house, give the trees a good washing with the garden engine,
to cleanse the leaves of any filth that may have collected on them during the
ripening of the fruit. All shoots not wanted for bearing next year should be
removed ; give abundance of air night and day, and keep a dry atmosphere.
All inside borders must be kept well watered. Figs: Attend to the stopping
and thinning of the shoots ; syringe trees bearing the second crop of fruit, and
maintain a moist atmosphere by frequently sprinkling the floor of the house.
Keep plants in pots and tubs well watered, also all inside borders. Cucumhers and
Melons : Maintain a steady, gentle bottom-heat, by means of linings, to plants in all
stages ; give air freely, and attend to watering when necessary. Eed-spider will
become troublesome on the plants, if not carefully guarded against. Look well
after young plants, and attend to earthing when required ; also to the thinning
and stopping of the shoots.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — Give the trees a good washing with the engine two
or three times a week ; this will help to keep them clean. Attend to nailing and
tying in the young shoots as they require it. Stop or remove all superfluous
shoots. Thin out the young canes of Pasphemes and secure them against wind.
Persevere in well thinning the young fruit ; a reasonable crop of superior fruit
is preferable to a larger one of inferior quality. Straiohenp runners should be
layered at once into small pots for forcing next year, and for making fresh planta¬
tions ; they must be kept well watered. Net Cherries and Straicherries, to
protect them from birds.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses: Use every means to counteract the dryness
of the atmosphere at this season, by frequent syringings and sprinkling the paths
during the day. Water should be given according to the individual state and
habit of the plants, giving abundance to those making free growth, and diminishing
the supply where the growth is matured. Air should be given night and day.

1S70 ]

TODEA WILKESIANA.

1()3

Som3 of tlie Soft-wooded Plants that have been grown for specimens will now be
e Dining into flower, ani should be w'ell attended to ; they will require liberal
supplies of water, and should occasionally have a soaking of liquid manure.
Attend to the training, tying, and regulating of the shoots as they require it, and
turn the plants about occasionally. See that they are clear of insects, and endeavour
to keep them so. Hard-wooded Plants, in-doors, cannot now have too much air
admitted, but care must be taken that nothing suffers from drought. Plants,
out-doors, must be w’ell attended. Any plants requiring shifting into larger pots
should be potted without delay. The plants, both in and out-doors, will be much
benefited by copious syringings in dry hot weather. The young plants in pits
and frames should have air night and day ; attend to the stopping and tying of
the shoots, and the training of the plants ; shift any that require it, and see that
nothing suffers for want of water.

Pits and Frames. — Cinerarias for autumn-flowering should at once be put
into the pots they are intended to flower in ; they cannot have a better place
than a cold frame facing the north ; the lights should remain on during the day,
with plenty of air, but should be taken off at night. Primulas should be shifted
and grown on in pits and frames ; they do best when kept close ; admit air freely
at night, but do not remove the lights. Balsams, Cockscombs., Globe Amaranths,
&c., should be removed to the conservatory or show house as they come into flower.

Out-Doors. — Bedding Plants have had a bad start this season, the weather
being dry and hot at the time of planting, and for a considerable time after,
rendering necessary constant watering to keep the plants growing ; spare no pains
to get the ground covered as soon as possible. Attend to the pegging-down of
Verbenas and other plants as they advance in growth. Hollyhocks, Dahlias.,
Salvias, Phloxes., Asters, and other tall-growing plants should have stakes put to
them, and be neatly tied up as they require it. Out dead blooms off Pinks and
put in pipings. Layer Carnations and Picotees as soon as the shoots are long
enough. Look frequently over Roses, and endeavour to keep them clear of
insects ; cut off dead flowers, and give the plants good soakings of water in
dry weather. If you have any rose stocks, 'they should be budded at once. —
M. Saul, Stourton.

TODEA WILKESIANA.

'HIS beautiful and very rare miniature Tree Fern, for the accompanying
figure of which we are indebted to the Gardeners’ Chronicle, was first dis¬
covered by Mr. Brackenridge, the botanist attached to the United States’
Exploring Expedition, in Ovolau, one of the Fiji Islands, where it was
found growing in humid mountain forests. It has since been imported in a
living state by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of Chelsea, whose parent plant is
here represented, and who have, we believe, been fortunate enough already to
secure a rather numerous progeny.

164

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ JULV,

The present species belongs to the Leptopteris group, which, however, does
not present any sufficient differential characters to separate it from Todea, the
thin texture and pellucid character of the fronds affording the only marks of
distinction. The species now under notice is, no doubt, closely allied to Todea
Fraseri ; but is of larger growth, with an arborescent habit, while the lower
pinnae are distinct and deflexed, and the rachis is hairy. Mr. Baker, indeed,
makes it a variety of T. Fraseri^ but the two plants are distinct enough for all
garden purposes.

Mr. Brackenridge, who has given an excellent figure in the volume of the
United States’ Exploring Expedition, devoted to Ferns, describes the trunk as
attaining from 18 in. to 20 in. in height and an inch and a half in diameter.
It is scaly towards the top, and produces from near the base black wiry roots,
about the thickness of a crowquill, while the surface is roughened by the raised
scars of fronds that have fallen off, and the summit is crowned by from 10 to 12
spreading fronds, of a broadly-lanceolate outline, and 2 ft. or upwards in length.
The pinnae are sessile, oblong-lanceolate, spreading, the two or three lower pairs

1870. ]

MALUS FLORIBUNDA.

165

distant and deflexed. The pinnules are oblong obtuse, obliquely cuneate at the
base, dentate, and pellucid as in the allied species. The rachis of the pinnae is
winged and clothed with articulated hairs. Messrs. Veitch’s parent plant has
already a stem of a foot or more in height, and about an inch in diameter. This
slender tree-like habit gives it quite a distinct aspect amongst its allies, which
include some of the most lovely of cultivated ferns.

As regards cultivation, the plant requires a shady intermediate house, and
like other filmy ferns, to have its fronds always bathed in moisture. A dry
atmosphere would bring to it certain destruction. — T. M.

MALUS FLORIBUNDA.

iPPLE-BLOSSOM ! There are, indeed, very few fiowers more beautiful than
this, taken just while the buds are bursting open, and showing the
beautiful deep red blush on the outside of the petals, like the bright flush
on the cheek of a fair lady, — and with ladies Apple-blossom is always in
especial favour. In spite of the great abundance of Apple-blossom, some a shade
darker or a shade more beautiful than others, and notwithstanding it is so
extremely common, there are but few who can pass by an apple-tree in all the
glorious beauty of its full florescence without pausing to admire it. There is
something extremely chaste and beautiful and captivating to the eye in apple-
blossom, that is not to be found in the blossom of any other of our fruit trees, lovely
as they also are. We would grow the Apple for the beauty of its blossoms alone,
had we not some other varieties equally, ay, still more beautiful, which have no
other claim to our regard.

Pyrus spectahilis, the Chinese showy apple, is a variety pretty well known
for its handsome appearance in our shrubberies. The flowers are semi-double,
and just before they expand are extremely beautiful. It is greatly sought after
for cut flowers.

What can I say, or how in words express sufficient admiration of the more
recent Mains fiorihunda ? Of all the lovely flowering trees in existence this most
surely bears off. the palm. How it is that it has not come more into notice is
indeed extremely strange, seeing that it has been in the country for some years.
It was introduced from Japan by Siebold, who calls it Mains fiorihunda [but it
must not be confounded with the white-flowered Indian Pyvus fiorihunda~\.
Siebold sent it to Van Iloutte, who took but little heed of it for some years, but
in 1865 a glowing and most gorgeous figure of it, not in the least overdrawn,
appeared in the Flore des Serres. It is, as described in a previous volume of
the Florist, ‘‘ as superior to Pyrus spectahilis as Charles X Lilac is to the
common purple.” It is of the Apple section of the Pyrus family, and grows to a
goodly size. The habit is graceful, the shoots being somewhat slender and
drooping. The flowers are produced in greatest abundance on the young shoots,
and hang gracefully. The buds before they open are of a bright crimson, and

166

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ July,

about the size of small cherries, and have the appearance of strings of red corals.
When expanded the beauty is of a different type, but still unique. It is a
charming plant for growing in pots for conservatory decoration. — A. F. Barron.

NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

J'R^kEAELY, if not quite, all the new things shown at the Crystal Palace and
Royal Botanic Society’s Shows are also exhibited at the bi-monthly meetings
of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensington. At the Crystal
Palace Show on the 21st of May, Messrs. Carter and Co. received a First-
Class Certificate for a Variegated Zonal Pelargonium, Lothair, robust in growth,
finely coloured, and altogether very promising ; there was a degree of distinctness
of character about this variety, by no means commonly found in the new kinds
lately exhibited. It is also pleasant to notice that First-Class Certificates are
very sparingly awarded now for variegated Zonal Pelargoniums.

At the meeting of the Royal Botanic Society on May 25, a First-Class
Certificate was awarded to Mr. C. Turner, for Azalea Madame Van der Crugssen^
one of the newer Belgian varieties, having bold flowers of a fine rosy hue, and
handsomely spotted. On this occasion, and also at the Crystal Palace Show, the
same award was made to Azalea Eoi d’Hollande, described on page 141, — further
proofs of its value as a fine deep-coloured variety, A First-Class Certificate was
also awarded to Erinus alpinus albus, a charming white variety of this neat and
distinct little Alpine and rock plant, raised by Mr. Atkins, of Painswick.

The meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on the 8th of June was the
means of bringing together some very fine novelties. One of the foremost was
the very pretty dwarf Leptosiphon roseus, a new and hardy Californian annual,
with lively pink flovrers ; Cgclohothra pulchella^ a half-hardy Californian bulbous-
rooted plant, by no means new, but very pretty, bearing pale yellow flowers ;
Delphinium nudicaule, raised from seed received from California, apparently a
great improvement on D. cardinale, and more easily managed ; and Brodicea
coccinea^ with magenta-crimson flow^ers tipped mth green (see plate, p. 145).
These were exhibited by Mr. William Thompson, Ipswich, and all received
First-Class Certificates.

Pinh Flower of Eden^ shown by Mr. E. Shenton, Biggleswade, and awarded a
First-Class Certificate, scarcely deserved that award, if the Bride (Hodges),
awarded this distinction last year, is to be accepted as a criterion. The latter is
a pure white flower, with stout rounded petals and full substance, which cannot
be said of the other. The same award was made to Bedding Pelargonium
Master Christine^ exhibited by Mr. Cannell, Woolwich. It has the habit of the
old pink Christine, but with a bright rosy pink hue on the flowers, and was
scarcely worthy the high award made to it. Clematis Sylph, from Messrs. T.
Cripps and Sons, Tunbridge Wells, is one of those fine early-blooming kinds that
have been so freely produced during the past three years ; the flower is large,

1870. J

GARDEN GOSSIP.

167

and bold, white, with a slight tint of mauve on the exterior of the petals. It was
deservedly awarded a First-Class Certificate ; as also was Gloxinia Alice, shown
by Messrs. Rollisson and the Messrs. Veitch and Sons ; it is a very fine drooping-
flowered kind, the lobes rich plum-purple, the throat sulphur- white.

Mr. C. Turner, who was remarkably strong with new Pelargoniums, received
First-Class Certificates for the following large-flowered varieties ; — May Day
(Foster), Syren (Foster), Iron Diihe (Foster), Charlemagne (Foster), Admiration
(Foster), and Duke of Edinburgh (Foster). These, in accordance with a usual
custom, will be noticed more in detail by and by, when the list of new varieties
is completed. The following older kinds, shown on this occasion, should be
noted for their rich beauty : — Troubadour (Foster), Heirloom (Hoyle), Maid of
Honour (Foster), Envoy (Hoyle), Example (Hoyle), Bonnie Charlie (Hoyle), and
Corsair (Foster). — R. D.

GARDEN GOSSIP.

@HE past month or six weeks has been, as usual, a special season of
Exhibitions. The Royal Horticultural Society, the Royal Botanic Society,

fand the Crystal Palace Company have, in the Metropolis, respectively held
their great shows with more or less success. That of the former society, on

the 8th lilt., was one of the best London shows of late years, though lacking in effect, from the
unsuitable buildings in which it was held. In the country, the great shows at Manchester,
Leeds, and York have been most successfully carried out, though not with the result of eclipsing
the London shows, as some country sci-ibos would have us believe. Then we have had a Special
Show of a somewhat novel character, in Mr. William Paul’s Garden of Pot Roses at the Ciystal
Palace, an exhibition to which the resources of the Waltham Cross establishment have been
devoted, instead of being diverted by exhibitions for competition. The garden con'idor at the
Crystal Palace, which overlooks the beautiful grounds, has seldom been utilized for a better
purpose, and Mr. Paul, who has long been known as one of the foremost of the great champion
growers, has in this exhibition well maintained his honour and reputation. The Roses were
principally an-anged in one long bank, broken up at intervals, and relieved by being judiciously
intermixed Avith garden Ivies in pots, pretty standard specimens of the Acer Negundo
variegatum, the Golden Oak, and other pictorial trees, and edged with a belt of Pyrethinmi
Golden Feather, or Enonymus radicans variegata, the latter alternating with neat specimens of
tricolor and zonal Pelargoniums, &c. Mr. Anthony Waterer, of Knaphill, and the Messrs.
Waterer, of Bagshot, have held their usual shows of American plants, at South Kensington and
the Regent’s Park respectively ; and though, from the nature of the season, they have been
somewhat inferior to fonner exhibitions, yet they always rank amongst the most gorgeous
floral displays of the season.

- ^MONG tbe new books wbicb have recently appeared, is a small, nicely

got-np volume on Mushroom culture, by Mr. Robinson, to which we may pro¬
bably return. Its object is to extend the cultivation of this useful and nutritious

esculent, and hence not only are the various processes of cultivation fully explained, but the
wholesome kinds are neatly figured. The text throughout is amply illustrated.

- She prize essays on Cottage and Window Gardening., to which Mr.

Hubbard’s prizes were awarded, have been published by the Royal Horticultural

Society, and are sold in packets for distribution, at a low price. Mr. Badger’s

essay on Cottage, Gardening is exceedingly well adapted for the object in view, being remark¬
ably simple in style, and intensely practical in matter, points to which Mr. Hubbard rightly
attached gi’eat importance. Mr. Buttery’s contribution on Window Gardening is marked by

168

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ July,

brevity, but is satisfactoiy as far as it goes, Anotber of the competing essays on this subject,
by Mr. Meikle, has been published in a shilling brochure by the Messrs. Routleclge, under the
title of Window Gardening. It is a well-written essay, mainly devoted to bulbs and ferns, and
is quite deserving of commendation.

®HE following is the result of the Gardeners' Examination in Flori¬

culture and Fruit and Vegetable culture held by the Society of Arts in April
last. The Prizes offered by the Society of Arts and the Royal Horticultural

Society in connection with these examinations have been awarded as follows : — G. Downton —
S.A. and R.H.S. 1st prize for Floriculture ; S.A. and R.H.S. let prize. Fruit and Vegetable
cultm-e = £20, W, Jones — S.A. and R.H.S. 2nd prize for Florioulture ; R.H.S. 2nd prize for
French and Vegetable cultvire £9. Mr. Downton is one of the Chiswick students : —

E. Bearpark, Hull .

W. Davis, Richmond .

G. Dowxton, Richmond .

C. Ford, Bury St. Edmund’s ...
J. C. Higgs, Southampton .

Flori¬

culture.

Fruit &
Vegetble

1st Class.
1st Class.
2ad Class.
2ud Class.

•Jnd Class.
2ad Class.
1st Class.

T. Hogg, Glasgow .

W. Jones, Liverpool .

T. Kemp, Bury St. Edmund's ...

J. McArdle, Stamford .

W. Read, Richmond .

Fruit &
Vegetble

Flori¬

culture.

2nd Class.
1st Class.
3rd Class.
1st Class.
1st Class.

2nd Class.
3rd Class.
2nd Class.
3rd Class.

- recently invited the attention of our readers to some examples of

Aqiiarium Plant-cases, exhibited by Messrs. Dick Eadclyffe and Co. We now add

another illustration from the same source, shelving how a case of this kind may

be fitted so as to occupy the lower part of a window.

In such situations they are extremely interesting,
as, owing to the transparent media, of which
they are in great measure formed, the move¬
ments of the living fish can be readily seen,
while the position is the most favourable for
plants that could possibly be chosen in a living-
room. All that is requisite to secure success in
fitting up plant cases of this, or, indeed, any
other sort, is to make a judicious selection of
plants, introducing those only for which the
position and aspect are suitable, and not mixing
together such incongruities as hardy and tender
or shade-loving and light-loving plants, nor
such as require marked differences of atmospheric
moistm’e. For street windows, when the prospect
is not veiy inviting, or for back windows in town
residences, Avhere there is generally some dis-
agi'eeable object to shut out, these cases at once
commend themselves, as both ornamental, in¬
structive, and useful.

- ^ NOVEL description of Glass

Wall has been invented by Mr. Beard, of

Bury St. Edmund’s, and of which we hope

to give some account, with illustrations, shortly,
occupies but little space.

The Wall occupies but little space, and being
transparent, will offer no obstruction to the passage of light, Vv'hich will thus be shared alike
by both sides of the tree.

- ®he Metropolitan Society for the Encouragement of Florists' Flowers

announces an exhibition at the Crystal Palace on September 6 and following

days, when prizes to the amount of £150 (towards v/hich the Directors of the

Crystal Palace Company give £100) will be offered for Dahlias, Hollyhocks, Gladioli, Verbenas,
and Asters. Schedules will shortly be issued.

Till:'.}: _ JoluLiTeiiiT

1^70. ]

TULIP JOHN HENRY. - ROSES AND EOSE-CULTURE.

160

TULIP JOHN HENRY.

YTITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

E are indebted to Mr. Jobn Hep worth, of Huddersfield, whose interesting
latters on floricultural subjects appear from time to time in our pages,
for the opportunity of figuring this fine new Tulip, as well as for the fol¬
lowing particulars respecting its origin : — “■ The Tulip John Henry was

raised from seed sown in 1856, the pod having been gathered two years pre¬
viously from the No. 1 fine strain of that very old favourite Louis XVI., impreg¬
nated with a very fine seedling byblcemen breeder. From the same pod of
seed I have obtained several other superb seedlings, not yet named.” Mr. Hep-
worth further states that no bulbs of this variety have as yet been parted with,
nor will there be any for distribution before August 1871, but should the
stock at that time amount to one dozen good blooming bulbs of the rectified
flower, it will then be in the market at the price of one guinea each bulb. The
breeder, which in the breeder state is also a first-class show fiower, will also
be sent out at 7s. 6d. each. In case any untoward circumstances should inter¬
vene to prevent this number from being obtained by the time stated, the bulbs
must be kept back till August, 1872.

The annexed portrait, from the pencil of Mr. Andrews, affords sufficient evi¬
dence that the variety John Henry, when it becomes known, will take up a high
position amongst feathered bybloemens ; and as it is now many years since a
new Tulip was figured in our pages, we cannot doubt that so beautiful an
illustration will be acceptable to the floral section of our readers. — T. M.

ROSES AND ROSE-CULTURE.

Chapter III. — The Weepinu Rose.

^fllE Weeping Rose is obtained by budding any Rose which produces long

pendulous shoots, on a tall stem of the Dog Rose. The Ayrshire and

^ Sempervirens groups furnish the best kinds for this purpose, because their

growth ia naturally pendulous, but any vigorous-growing kinds may be
trained to fomi Weeping Roses. The general treatment should be the same as
that advanced for the Standard Rose (p. 106) ; a different system of pruning and
training is alone required, and this I shall now attempt to describe.

The Weeping Rose should stand singly in the rosetum, or on the lawn. The
first year after being removed to its final destination, preserve from three to six
shoots only, which should be set on the head at about equal distances from each
other, radiating like the spokes in a wheel. Cut out all other shoots close to the
head, so that no other eyes may spring from them. If three shoots are left, cut
each back to two eyes ; if six shoots can be satisfactorily arranged in proper
position, cut each back to one eye, which will give by the end of the growing
reason a well-established tree, with six long pendulous shoots placed at about
3rd series. — III. I

170

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ August,

equal distances from eacli other. Some place an umbrella-like wire frame over
the head, to which the shoots are tied down ; others tie them to strings leading
from the head of the tree to pegs driven into the ground. Either plan will answer,
as the arrangement is but temporary, and may be withdrawn when the head
becomes of sufficient bulk to stand alone. The tree requires little or no pruning
the second year. Whatever may be the number of shoots, as many as can be
tied to the wires or strings, at about equal distances from each other, should be
preserved their full length, and they will push forth flowers and flower-bearing
branches from almost every eye from head to foot. During and after the flower¬
ing season fresh shoots will push from the base of the head, extending in one
long hne as before described.

In the next year’s pruning we have two sorts of shoots to deal with, — (1), long
pendulous shoots one year old, that have flowered in the preceding summer, and
are covered their whole length with short flower-bearing branches ; and (2), long
pendulous shoots of recent growth, covered their whole length with dormant
eyes. Lay these to the strings or wires alternately if their position will allow,
or indiscriminately, if it will not, till you have a well-balanced and well-furnished
head. If the tree has grown sufficiently to give you a choice of shoots and
branches, choose the stoutest, healthiest, and longest, provided such are or can
be placed at nearly equal distances from each other. Now turn to the one-year-
old shoots, and prune the short flower-bearing branches (those which gave you
the flowers last year) back to two eyes each ; the long pendulous shoots of the
last summer’s growth studded with dormant eyes should not be cut at all, but
preserved their entire length. The tree then is pruned, and will be likely to
produce a mass of flowers in the approaching summer.

The method of pruning and training above described requires to be repeated
from year to year. As the plant increases in age, it is well to cut out two,
three, or more of the oldest shoots at each annual pruning, introducing young
ones in their places. If premature decay or debility should set in, there is no
better remedy than that of cutting all the shoots back closely and manuring
the tree. I have seen Weeping Eoses in a condition apparently hopeless, quickly
restored to health and vigour by thinning out all weakly shoots, and cutting
back the principal ones to a single eye. — William Paul, PauVs Nurseries^
Wcdtham Cross ^ N,

TPIE CHATSWORTH CONDUIT EDGING TILE.

^aN a season like the present, when the supply of water to our gardens is of
more than usual importance, it is gratifying to find that the Messrs. H.
Doulton and Co., of Lambeth, the eminent earthenware manufacturers

I ^ ’

have brought out a new form of border-edging tile for gardens — the Chats-
worth Conduit Edging Tile — which promises to be a very material aid in securing
a supply of water of the best kind for gardening purposes, viz., that which falls

1870. ]

THE CHATSWORTH CONDUIT EDGING TILE.

171

Fig. 1

from the heavens. This tile is the joint contrivance of Mr. Speed, the Duke of
Devonshire’s talented gardener at Ohatsworth, and myself. Mr. Speed, on notic¬
ing after a storm that a quantity of water stood inconveniently upon a garden
walk, and in a place where water was always scarce, thought, ‘'Why could not
that water, and all the water that falls upon the walks, be stored in
tanks underneath them, ready for use when wanted?” The notion was
mentioned to me when I happened to call shortly afterwards, and the result is

the tile now presented to the
public, and of which fig. 1 shows
a section and perspective view.

The tile consists of two parts ;
first, a flat-soled conduit with a
slot along the upper side, into
which the tile h fits, and which
is held in its place by means of
a little weak cement. At the time of fixing the tiles, a piece of thin zinc or tin is
placed between the parts on the lower side until the cement becomes set, and
through the chink thus formed, when the pieces are withdrawn, the water finds
its way into the conduit, and thence to the tanks provided to receive it, or if not
wanted passes away into the general drains of the garden.

As will be seen by the section of the tank and walk (fig. 2), the latter covers
the conduit completely, and if the walks are formed of superior materials, as all
walks ought to be, it is clear that the greater part of the water which falls upon

them must be carried into the tank A. The conduits
are connected with the tanks, as shown at 0, while at d
is a cast-iron pipe with a plug through which the
feeding-hose of the garden-engine may be dropped to
draw up the required supply of water. At B is shown
the end of a common drain-pipe, through which, when
the tanks are full, the w^aste water passes from the
highest to the lowest point of the garden, and thence
to the main drain. The advantage of this arrange¬
ment is, that if there is an extra supply of water from
any outside source, it is only necessary to convey it to the tank at the highest
2Doint of the garden, and from it all the other tanks which may be connected:
with this upper one will be filled.

It is not necessary to dilate upon the importance of these arrangements. Toa
many of us have felt during the present season the want of a copious supply of
water ; and it may be safely averred there is no labour of the garden so liable to
be scamped as that of watering, be it the washing of wall trees, or the soaking of
their roots, when the water necessary for the purpose has to be carried or
wheeled a considerable distance prior to use. Here, as will be seen by the

I 2

172

THE FLOIilST AXD P0M0L0GI3T.

[ August,

annexed plan of a garden (dg. 3), tlie tanks are so placed as to admit of the

water being distributed vhth the greatest ease ; and it is not too much to assume

that, with an arrangement of this kind, tv70 men with a garden -engine, or a lady

with her handy man ” v\*ould do more effective watering in a few hours than

half-a-dozen men with the usual means vrould in a day. If it is desired, a pound

or two of guano, or any other concentrated

manure can be dropped into the tanks, and

there •will be a suppl}^ of liquid manure ; or

by the same rule lime may be thrown in,

and there will be a supply of lime-water

in a few minutes.

Whether, then, we look to the palatial
gardens of the nobility, or the simple plots
of the artizan or labourer, the new conduit
tile will confer a great boon upon the gar¬
dening public. Of course, its form may
be varied to suit the requirements of de¬
signers, but the conduit itself will be as

useful to the architect in the forecourt, or *

in the elaborate geometric garden, as it

will be to the gardener. Tiles for edging

grass verges are in preparation, and these

once properly fixed will do av,my with the

edging-knife and the raw, dark edgings which are such a dissight in most
gardens every spring, and will secure what has long been desired, a perfectly
true and even grass verge to our walks. The tiles are manufactured in terra¬
cotta, and, considering the material employed, arc sold at a reasonable price. —
W. P. Ayres, Nottingham.

ON THE FxVILUKE OE FKUIT IN 1869.

^^HERE has been some discussion in these pages on the failure of Fruit
in 1869. Some who have ’written on the subject laid much stress on the
hot and dry weather of the previous summer, by which the trees were
deprived of proper nutriment to mature the fruit-buds. Others have
contended that the failure was owing to the ungenial weather when the trees
were in bloom. This coincides best with the observations of those who wrote in
the proceeding autumn, for they observed that the young shoots and fruit-buds
of the trees were strong and well ripened. Yet our best hopes were blighted,
and not by biting frost,” and we must look to some other cause for the failure.
In my opinion, it was the lack of sunshine when the trees were in blossom, for
without the genial rays of light all the gardener’s art must fail. That is also
well shown by the abundance of fruit this season. Some Northern gardeners,

Fig. 3.

I 70. J

CROPPING OLD STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

173

however, profess to rear or force early crops of fruit better in a murky ”
climate than those of the south in a muggy ” one ; but I know something of
early forcing ” in the North, and can state without scruple that the climate of
some parts of Scotland is better adapted for it than that of some parts of Eng¬
land. Though the Northern winters may be more severe, still there is more
sunshine to nourish vegetation under glass.

This reminds me to notice that the failure of fruit last season, especially of
peaches, was nearly as complete under glass as in the open air, which corresponds
with what I have said, that both were the effects of lack of sunshine. I back
this by what I have said respecting the crops of this season, and by the success
of a neighbour, whose peaches were in bloom early in February when there was
.sunshine, while mine, which bloomed later, proved a failure, I may notice,
however, that he dusted the pollen on the blossoms with a fine brush, and to
this, with the cause just stated, I ascribe his success.

I advert again to climate, or rather to the springs in England, which I have
called muggy ; but frequently they are the reverse, especially in the Eastern
counties, where there are dry, cold, and cutting winds, without sunshine, and
perhaps as severe as the springs in the eastern parts of Scotland, the effects of
which reach less far inland. But as the Scotch are very sensitive as to what is
•said respecting their country, I will only further observe that gardeners may be
privileged to grumble at the weather, seeing that their success depends so much
upon it. — J. WiGHTON, Cossey Parle.

CEOPPING OLD STEAWBEEEY PLANTS.

WILL not here enter into the disputed question whether it is the more
profitable plan to replant Strawberry-beds every third or every second year^
or even annually, as some of our market gardeners and others do, or to
\ keep the beds in bearing for a greater number of years, as, no doubt,
every man, if he be a thorough practitioner, has become wedded to his own
practice in this respect. But I wish to draw attention to the fact that the
same plants may, under certain conditions, be grown to fruit for many years
in succession, and in abundance, so that when twelve or thirteen years old, the
last crop shall exceed all that have preceded it.

It is thirteen 3^ears since I made a plantation of Strawberry plants upon a
border having a northern aspect, and in which the roots of the wall-trees existed.
I did not permit them to fruit the following spring, but pinched off every spike
of bloom before the fiowers began to expand. In the three following years they
fruited plentifully. At this stage, the plants being five years old, I decided to
thoroughly renovate the old soil in the border for the benefit of the fruit-trees
growing there ; but as the Strawberry plants looked strong and well, having an
nbundant crop of huge leaves of the deepest green, I determined, without hesita¬
tion, to throw all old conventional practices and supposed laws overboard, and to

174

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLODIST.

[ August^

t

take up these plants carefully, preserving the roots to the utmost, and replant them.
I did this mainly on my faith of the great capacity for endurance of which the
strawberry is possessed, knowing full well all the while how ridiculous such an
attempt would be regarded by old hands, for who would think of transplanting
old strawberry stools — though it may not be half so cruel a practice as turning
out plants which have been forced, manure-watered, and taxed to the utmost in
the houses, and expecting them to recover and to afford a supply for a few
seasons out-doors ? However, the plants succeeded, and took fresh hold of the
new soil in the old border, increased in size annually until plant met plant, and
now such a row of crowns exist as is seldom to be seen. Whilst I write, in the
thirteenth year of their existence, these plants have a very heavy crop upon
them, and a question lately arose with my employers and their friends whether
the ‘‘first ” fruits could be the Keens’ Seedling, so large were they.

I take a further lesson herefrom. Not only is a deep soil, a maiden soil,
rather over than under a moderate richness, essential to their successful culture,,
but little if any digging or forking should be permitted amongst them. Again,
a soil which is cool — cool in its nature and all its properties — even whilst the
hottest sun of summer or early autumn is parching the surface, amid a rainless
season, is also of the utmost, of the first importance. — William Earley, DigswelL

TRUE LOVERS^ KNOTS:

Forget-Me-Nots all the Year Bound.

^i^^OOD news this for your young readers, while there wdll be none too old
Milf to hear of it unmoved. Who does not remember some bit of Forget-Me-
Not given or received, perhaps long, long ago, though it seems but yester¬
day as we recall it, and the heart beats quicker even now, as we write or
read about ik Sweetest emblem of affection ! Universal preacher of love and
devotion ! But the Forget-Me-Not of our youth was born of the rill or river.
The lover was drowned in fishing it out for his mistress. It was scarce in many
localities, and more or less inaccessible in all, while its beauty was at the best
comparatively short-lived.

It was a great improvement -when the Myosotis sylvatica came to the aid
of the old Myosotis palustris. This was easily cultivated on any good soil, and
continued to flower much longer in succession. With liberal treatment and a
skilful choice of situation and times of sowing and propagation, three or four
months of blooming season could be got out of it. In all good qualities, how¬
ever, it is again superseded by Myosotis dissitiJlo7‘a. With this alone I have
girdled the year round with an unbroken string of True Lovers’ Knots, a con¬
tinuous blue band of Forget-Me-Nots. In favourable seasons this latter plant
will begin to flower in the open air in January or February. On rich soil, with
plenty of water, the same plants will continue flowering until November. But
such flowers will become weak and puny. The best mode of insuring continuous

1870. ]

TRUE lovers’ knots.

175

blooming is by several consecutive propagations or sowings of seed. For the sake
of brevity, and likewise because it lias been my sole mode of increase, I will
confine these remarks to propagation by division.

Supposing, then, that the first batch of these plants flowered from February to
May. Let them then be taken up, divided into single crowns, with a modicum
of roots, and planted in light, rich garden earth, in an open situation. By July
they may be divided again and replanted. By September they will have formed
patches from 4 in. to G in. across, with probably a dozen shoots. Towards the
middle of October six or eight dozen of these plants should be potted into 6 -in.
pots, one lot of them to be placed in a cool conservatory, and another in a
house heated to about 55°. The latter will flower fast, and as soon as they are
in bloom they should be removed to the conservatory, and another lot introduced
in their stead. The lot in the conservatory will most likely flower the strongest,
and will come in before the first forced ones begin to fade. By introducing a
batch of plants about every six weeks, a constant succession of flowers may be
enjoyed in-doors from October to June. And very beautiful pot plants they make,
while they prove as useful for vases and bouquet work. Every lady prizes her
bouquet all the more for the few sprays of the elegant M. dissitijlora.

For successional flowering out-of-doors, it is only necessary to divide and
plant part of the stock, say every six weeks, from May to October. Those
propagated latest will flower last the following season. For the first flush of
beauty, the plants should not be reduced later than July. Those broken up in
August, September, and October will continue to bloom freely under good
treatment next season from May to December, so that the forced plants
in-doors and those grown outside may be made to overlap each other by a month
or six weeks. In mild seasons, and in sheltered warm localities, this Forget-
Me-Not may be gathered every day in the year out-of-doors. But it is well worth
the shelter of glass and a little forcing.

I am told that it is grown and managed with equal ease from seed. But of
this I have no experience. All my stock of several thousands has been raised
from a single plant. Under liberal culture no plant can grow more freely.
Grow it full in the sun to develop flower-buds, and flower it anywhere, and any¬
how you wish. Individual plants will get stunted and rusty under the best
treatment ; these refuse to grow, and throw up puny flowers of a purple colour.
Weed them out as they appear, and propagate only from the strong, healthy
plants. By this means the stunted strains will be almost, though possibly never
altogether, stamped out. The first-flowering batch likewise do best, out-of-doors,
on raised banks. On the flat, when hard frosts rapidly tread on the heels of
rain or snow, the leaves, and occasionally the hearts of the shoots or embryo
flowers, get frost-bitten, and such catastrophes retard the flowering by a full
month or six weeks. Elevated ground lines pitch off the wet, and thus weaken
the grip of the cold frost.

176

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ AUGL'ST,

We generally transfer tlie plants from the growing to the flowering quarters
in January or February, They are moved with balls, and planted closely together.
This ensures a much better display than any attempt to get flowers from two
year-old plants, though these will likewise make a good display. But for
certainty and profusion, regularity and spontaneity of blossoming, there is no
plant to equal this annual furnishing of the blooming quarters, with fresh,
, strong flower-showing plants.

Successional crops do well on the flat. Beyond midsummer and through the
winter, the flowers are more delicate, longer-stemmed, and last longer if they are
produced in partial shade. The succession crops also need abundance of water.
Under the best treatment these late harvests of beauty will not equal the first
grand displays from February to June. Still, by following these simple instruc¬
tions, plants may be had for all purposes of bouquet or love-making throughout
the year. — D. T. Fish, F.E.H.S.

AQUATICS.—Chapteh III.

QUAINT morsel is the common Frog-bit, Ilydrocharis morsus ranee. If
you will take your stand some fine morning in June beneath the flexile
branches of that weeping willow by the margin of yon pool, you will see
a group of small, glossy black-beetles, Gyrimis natator, quickly chasing
■each other in circling and zig-zag courses amongst the orbicular leaves of a small
floating plant which has at first sight the aspect of a minor Nym]}licBa : this is the
Frog-bit. The flowers are white, tripetalous, about half an inch over, and pro¬
duced on short peduncles, the males and females on separate plants. The roots
are feathery, and hang suspended in the water. The leaves rarely exceed two
inches over, and are nearly circular in outline. The plant produces during the
summer abundance of runners after the manner of the Strawberry, and these
“float on the surface, and if detached make separate plants.

It is just the plant for small tanks or basins, even down to the ordinary fish
globe, and is a little gem during the summer months. It nevertheless possesses
curious whims and fancies of its own, and if you look for your Frog-bit some
early autumnal morning, you will probably come to the conclusion that a
frog has gobbled it up altogether, for nothing remains visible. Well, what has
become of it ? If you will put your hand to the bottom of the water you will
find sundry small oblong greenish buds, about half an inch or so in length, like
.some nondescript pseudo-chrysalis ; here is the fugitive Frog-bit, in a state of
hibernation for the winter. At the return of spring the leaves again unfold, and
it once more floats to the surface for the summer.

The name of Frog-bit is said to have been ajeplied to it on account of the
stem always appearing as if bitten off close underneath the leaves, but why the
frog should be accused of being guilty in this case, the chronicler saith not ;
probably good old Gerarde might have enlightened us.

1S70. ]

MUSHEOOM-CULTUKE.

177

It is a very local plant, and altliougli abounding in certain places, more
especially in some parts of Kent, it is not so frequently met witli as many other
natives. It has been observed in a small streamlet which flows hard by the
ruined walls of Merton Abbey, where King John is said to have slept the night
before he signed the Magna Charta at Eunnymede. The same streamlet, after
passing under a rude arch, runs along the side of what was formerly the garden
of the immortal Nelson, the hero of the Nile — where, it will be remembered, a
certain war-vessel yclept the L’Orient ” came to grief, and sundry similar craft
composing a certain fleet, were put to confusion in such sort, that the few which
kept afloat at the close of the engagement turned their sterns to the land of the
Pyramids, and made sail with all convenient speed for the coasts of Gaul.

The Water Soldier, Stratiotes aloides, in some respects resembles the Frog-
bit, while in others it is very dissimilar. The flowers are of the same shape,
though somewhat larger, and of a purer white. The leaves are about 18 in.
long, tapering to a point, of a glossy, transparent green, thickly set with
large teeth along the edges, and more like those of a Pandanus or the crown of a
Pine-apple, than those of an Aloe. It does not coil itself for the winter like the
Frog-bit, but remains quiet at the bottom of the water. It rises again about
July, when the flowers stand up boldly above the surface, and as they generally
appear in considerable numbers, they do resemble to some extent the white
cockades of a company of the old English Volunteers, which in days gone by
might have been seen mustering in strong force on many a village green ; hence
the name. Water Soldier, — though, happily for the volunteer, the diving part of
the business, practised by the plant once a year, did not form part of his discipline.

It is rather a dangerous plant to introduce into ponds, large or small, unless
partly destroyed every season, as it increases so rapidly by suckers, that a few
plants will fill up a large space almost as quickly as the Anacliaris Alsinastnimj
or American Water- weed. It requires no planting, but merely throwing into the
water. In tanks or very small ponds it is easily kept in subjection. As in the
case of the Frog-bit, only one species is known. — AV. Buckley, Tooting.

MUSHROOM-CULTUPvE.

TTENTION has of late been specially directed to the cultivation of these
sapid esculents, by the publication of Mr. Eobinson’s observations on the
methods adopted in France, and by the issue of some practical brochures,
Y explanatory of the mode of procedure usually followed in this country.
In a recent publication,^ from which the annexed woodcuts arc borrowed, Mr.
Eobinson has collected the substance of his former writings, and has added a
considerable mass of information from other sources, so as to produce a kind of
handbook of Mushrooms for mushroom-growers, the scope and object of which is

* Mushroom-Culture: its Extension and Improvement. By W. Eobinson, K.L.S., author of “The Parks,
Promenades, and Gardens of Paris,” &c. With numerous Illustrations.

178

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ August,

to urge tlie more general cultivation of these delicious and nutritious plants, and
the policy and profit of becoming mycophagists. The book, moreover, is ver}’
nicely got up, so that while it should be obtained to grace the shelves of the
garden library, its varied contents will render it useful to those who take it down

Fig. 1.

for perusal or reference. With this prefatory commendation, we pass on to make
some illustrated abstracts, explanatory of the proceedings of the market gardeners
of London and Paris : —

Mushrooms may be grown with ease in the open air in gardens ; but this is a
phase of culture, with which gardeners are by no means sufficiently conversant.
In fact, mushroom-culture in the open air in private gardens may be said not to
exist at present, so very rarely is it seen. In a little pamphlet on mushroom¬
growing that has lately appeared, it is stated that mushrooms may be grown out

of doors ‘‘ in summer,” but nothing is said about their being grown in the open
air in winter. The Paris growers never attempt their culture in summer ; the
London ones very rarely. It is in winter that their cultivation is carried on in
full vigour in the open air, and then abundant crops are grown by the market
gardeners of London and Paris.

1870. ]

MUSHROOM-CULTURE.

179

inclies. Beds made in this way in the autumn and winter months, and covered
with a thick layer of litter and mats, seldom require any watering. The culture

The accompanying illustration (fig. 1) is from a sketch taken in November,
i860, in market-garden fields between Kensington and Brompton. The beds,

about 3^ ft. high, and the same in width
at the base, are covered with the lonty
straw or litter taken from the stable
manure. Over that are placed old bast
mats or any like materials to keep the
litter in its place, and throw off the rain,
the mats being kept in place by tiles,
bricks, old boards, or any like objects
that may be at hand. The manure em¬
ployed is that brought from the London
stables, the longer litter being shaken
out and put on one side to cover the beds.
It is usually made into beds soon after it
is brought in, and before it is allowed to
heat, and then the beds are made in the
form of potato pits and beaten very firm.
The beds are spawned when at a tem¬
perature of 80'’, the pieces of spawn
being placed about a foot or so apart, and they are then immediately earthed,
the ordinary soil being used and the bed covered to a thickness of a couple of

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.

180

THE FLORIST AXD POMOLOGIST.

[ August,

is not usually attempted in summer^ the heat acting upon the littery covering,
giving rise to insects which destroy the mushrooms ; but with care their culture
is quite practicable even at that season. There are many acres of ground covered
with beds made thus in the market grounds round London.

In' France vast quantities of mushrooms are grown in caves from whence
building stone has been quarried. In the open spaces and along the passages of
them the mushroom beds are foianed side by side wherever space can be found for
them. The beds are not more than 20 in. high and of about the same width at
the base, those made up against the sides of the passages being still smaller.
Spawn in flakes from a heap of stable manure into which it has run is preferred^
or else that taken from old beds. These caves, of which an illustration is here
given (fig. 2), not only supply champignon-eating Paris, but large quantities of
preserved mushrooms — 40,000 boxes annually from one house — are also exported.

To those who do not possess the more expensive books which give coloured
figures of esculent fungi, a series of capital woodcuts of the more important kinds,
drawn and engraved by Mr. W. G-. Smith, himself an excellent fungologist, will
be found of much interest. We subjoin the figures given of the True or Meadow
Mushroom, the Horse Mushroom, and St. George’s Mushroom. The True Mush¬
room, Agaricus campestris (fig. 4), occurs in pastures in the autumn, attaining a
diameter of from 3 in. to G in., and is known by its white or pale brown colour,
and its salmon gills, which at length turn black. The Horse Mushroom, Agaricus
avvensis (fig. 3), which is the species exposed most commonly for sale in Covent
Garden Market, is found plentifully in pastures in the autumn, attains a diameter
of from 6 in. to 24 in. and is known by its yellowish colour, and its dirty-white
gills, which turn black. It is nearly allied to the True Mushroom, but of coars er
quality. The St. George’s Mushroom, Agaricus gainhosus (fig. 5), is found in pastures
in the spring, attains a diameter of from 4 in. to 6 in., and is of a creamy colour
and a most savoury character ; its early appearance, and its growing in rings,
together with the thickness of its pileus, the narrowness of its gills, and its solid,
bulging stem, suffice to distinguish it. Mr. Berkeley’s estimate of it is that
it is excellent in flavour and particularly wholesome. Figures of some fourteen
other species of edible fungi are given, with notes on their qualities, and the
modes of cooking them, and these it may be hoped will do something towards
( extending a knowledge among the masses of the vast amount of nutritious
wholesome food to be obtained from the suspected family of Fungi. — M.

ON THE GROWTH OF TIMBER TREES.

HE following account of the comparative growth or increase in height and
circumference of stem of some of the various Coniferous plants which
have been introduced into this country within the last half-century, may
be found interesting at the present time, when the question of the
adaptability of such trees to cultivation on a large scale with a view to profit, as

1870. J

ON THE GROWTH OF TIMBER TREES.

181

timbar, is occasionally cropping up. In tli3 clinisnsions given, the circumference
of the bole or stem, has been invariably taken at a height of 3 ft. from the
ground-level, and the height by measurement.

1. Cedvus Deodara: planted in 1832; height in 1837, 6 ft., in 1850,
32ft. 10 in,, in 1870, GO feet; circumference of bole, 7ft. This is evidently a
cutting plant, and not a seedling, and has very much the character of the Cedar
of Lebanon.

2. Abies Moriiida: near the above, anl planted at the same time; height in
1837, 7ft. in 1850, 27 ft., in 1870, 57ft.; circumference, 7ft. Gin. It is a,
very handsome plant when in good foliage, and well feathered to the ground.

3. Pinas poiiderosa : also planted in 1832 ; this has a very fine bole, which
carries its thickness well upwards ; it is 65 ft. high, and the circumference of the
stem is 8 ft. I calculate that there are now quite 17 ft. of timber in it. This
appears to me to be one of the most likely conifers to make a valuable timber
tree, in situations similar to those in which the Scotch fir flourishes, and no
doiibt the quality of the timber will be quite equal to, if not superior to, that of
the Scotch fir, if the accounts which have been given of it are correct.

4. Abies Douglasii : planted in 1832; height in 1837, 15 ft. 3 in., in 1850,
43 ft. ; m the frost of 1860-61 8 ft. or 10 ft. of the leader was cut off, deut it has
now recovered, and is 65 ft. high ; circumference of bole, 7 ft. 6 in. It carries
its thickness up well, and appears likely to be equal, if not superior to the spruce.

5. Pinus insignis : planted in 1842 ; 2 ft. 4 in. in height; in 1850, 25 ft.
6 in. ; and now, 60 ft., with a circumference of the bole at one yard of 8 ft. 4 in.
This is a very noble plant, and is the only one out of many which was not injured
in the frost of 1867 ; the branches, which are proportionately very large, radiate
from the stem in a peculiar manner, extending to a great length — nearly 30 ft.,
and from their weight of foliage they gradually bend down to a horizontal
position. Should this tree be spared to become aged, I have no doubt whatever
that it will be one of the most striking and picturesque of the whole tribe ; but
I should almost fear that its very rapid growth would militate against its intrinsic
value as a timber tree until very old.

6. Abies cephalonica : near to and probably planted at the same time as No.
5 ; it is a very handsome specimen, nearly 50 ft high ; circumference, 6 ft.

7. Taxodiam sempervirens^ or Sequoia gigantea : from a cutting struck in
1848, planted in 1850, is 35 ft. high, and 6 ft. in circumference of bole. A
Douglas Fir planted near this on the same day is 35 ft. high and 3 ft. 6 in. in
circumference, and a Cedrus Deodam 30 ft. high, and 2 ft. 4 in. in circumference.

8. Wellingtonia gigantea : planted in March, 1855, pulled up by a boy with
an eye to the beautiful in May, discovered in a bed-room window, brought back
and replanted minus its splendid roots. They are now 35 ft. high, the circum¬
ference of the stem at 3 ft. is 6 ft., and round the base 9 ft. I am sorry to add
that the foliage both of this specimen and of most of the Coniferous plants about

182

THE FLOBIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ August,

tlie place lias suffered very much indeed from the piercing east winds accompanied
with severe frost which occurred on February 12 of the present year, but I hope
they will recover in due time. Such a combination of wind and frost is
by far the most severe that has occurred during my experience, and I shall be
very agreeably surprised if we do not find, as the season advances, that more
injury than we expect has been done.

9. Cruptomeria japonica: planted in 1847, is 40 ft. high, and has a circum¬
ference of 3 ft. 4 in. The timber of this tree is said to be verv valuable, and
certainly the slow rate at which the stem increases, in comparison with others of
the same age, might lead to the inference that its timber would be closer-grained
and stronger, as a larch which is grown slowly in an exposed situation, is of better
quality than one grown much faster in a low and sheltered place.

By -way of comparison, the following authentic facts with regard to the
present size of older trees may be useful as a guide. A Scotch Fir planted in
1808 is now 65 ft. high, with a circumference of stem of 8 ft. at a yard from the
ground. A Silver Fir planted at the same time is 80 ft. high, with a circum¬
ference of 9 ft. 6 in. Three Cedars of Lebanon also planted in 1808 have each a
full circumference of 9 ft., and an average height of 65 ft. The timber of this
tree is valueless where strength is required, being very brittle, and incapable of
bearing any strain ; it has a powerful and very agreeable odour, and pieces of it
placed among the clothes in a wardrobe help to keep the moths in check. A
Turkey Oak (Qiiercus Cerris) planted in 1808 is 60 ft. high, with a circumference
of 8 ft. A Cork Tree {Qaercus Saber) planted in 1808 is nearly 70 ft. high, and
has a circumference of 7 ft. 9 in. A Birch planted at the same time as the last
is 60 ft. in height, and has a circumference of 6 ft. 6 in. Lastly, a Common Oak^
the acorn of which was sown in the place where the tree now stands in November,
1807, is about 60 ft. high, and the bole is 6 ft. 2 in. in circumference at a yard
from the ground. — John Cox, Redleaf.

THE PEARS AT T014TWORTH COURT.

ESUMINGr my annotated list of the Pears grown in the gardens at this
place, at the point where it was broken off at page 12, 1 proceed to record
my experience of the several varieties, in the hope that my observations
may prove useful to many of your readers : —

Berganiotte Esperen. — This is a rough-skinnod and rather unprepossessing variety, but
■withal of sterling merit, — one of our very best late kinds. When grown as an open standard
the flavom* is somewhat uncertain, and the fruit subject to black spots, caused by a species
of fungus, which renders it perfectly useless. Few Pears are more productive, so much so,
that it requires a liberal thinning. To bring out its real properties, it should be trained against
a south, an east, or a west wall, when the flesh is exceedingly tender, melting, juicy, and
sugary. An ordinary-sized fruit weighs from 8 oz. to 9 oz. ; begins to ripen usually during the
second week in December, and continues in use till the end of January.

Bergamot, GanseVs Late. — I have grown this pear under widely different circumstances,
trained on walls of varied aspects, as well as open standards, and in every case have found it
worthless. When the fruit did become soft, the flesh was coarse, dry, and gritty.

1S70. ]

THE PEARS AT TORTWORTH COURT.

183

Bergamot, JSIarch. — The nam.9 of this pear would induce us to boliovo that it comes into
use during March, which is incorrect, unless it be retarded under special conditions. It usually
begins to ripen the first week in January, and lasts till the middle of Februaiy. I cannot say
that the flesh is melting, still it is soft, juicy, sugary, possessing a strong bergamot flavour, and
is a very superior pear to Easter Bergamot, which ripens at the same time. The usual weight
is from G oz. to 7 oz. ; very productive, and really an excellent kind in its season.

Bergamotte Cadette. — I can hardly exclude this pear even from a limited collection. The
flavour is all that the most fastidious palate can desire, melting, buttery, juicy, and possessed
of a most agreeable acid. Begins to ripen during the first week in November, and continues
in condition about fourteen days. The usual weight is from 7 oz. to 8 oz. The tree begins to
bear in a young state, and is very productive.

Bergamot, Easter. — As a late pear, this variety has long been hold in high esteem, but it
is completely eclipsed by March Bergamot. The flesh is dry and gritty ; and it is a shy bearer
till the tree is of a considerable age, and is not worth cultivating even in a large collection. The
fruit generally weighs from 5 oz. to G oz.

Bezi d’Esperen. — Beyond its appearance, this pear has very little to recommend it. It
might prove an excellent market variety.

Baronne de Mello. — This is a first-class kind, and very productive ; so great a bearer in
the majority of seasons that the fruit requires to be well thinned, otherwise it is small and
deficient in quality. The flesh is melting, exceedingly juicy, rich, and sugary. The weight
of the fruit varies considerably, hardly or ever exceeding 7 oz. ; it begins to ripen during the
last week of October, and like the majority of Autumn pears is soon over.

Bon Chretien, Williams\ — This is a pear of short duration, as it hardly keeps in
condition beyond ten or twelve days. It should be gathered before it turns yellow, for if
allowed to remain too long on the tree the flavour is flat, soapy, and insipid. When picked at
the proper time it is really delicious, tender-fleshed, juicy, and sugary. The usual weight is
f) oz. ; it begins to ripen during the last week of September.

Broompark. — This is truly a variety of groat excellence, gushing with juice, and sugary;
weighing from G oz. to 7 oz. The period of ripening is somewhat uncertain, as we have had it
in use during the last week of October, and again not till the middle or end of November.

Comte de Lamg. — In almost any situation this variety may be pronounced to be of first-
rate excellence, being tender-fleshed, melting, buttery, and sugary, as well as very productive.
The weight rarely if ever exceeds -1 oz. ; it begins to ripen about the middle of October.

Conseiller a la Cour. — I am aware that this variety bears the character of being a first-
class pear, but with us it has never been more than second-rate, and, therefore, its cultivation
has been discontinued. The usual weight is from 8 oz. to 9 oz. ; it begins to ripen during
the first week in November.

Colmar. — Unless in very exceptional cases, the fruit never ripens except when trained
r.gainst a wall, fully exposed to sunshine, and even then it is rather a shy bearer till the tree is
of a considerable age. Although the flesh is melting and sugary, it may very well be omitted,
where there is not ample accommodation ; begins to ripen during the first week of November,
and weighs from 8 oz. to 9 oz.

JDoyennii Defais. — This is by no means a largo pear, rarely if ever exceeding 5 oz. in
weight, but of a delicious flavour, one of our very best mid -winter varieties, gushing with
juice, and musky. A very hardy and productive kind ; no collection, however limited, should
be without it.

Delices d' llardenpont. — Although this pear is considered by some to be a first-class variety,
it has not on any occasion shown such a qiiality with us. The flesh is rather dry, and deficient
in sugar ; begins to ripen about the middle of December, and wnighs from 7 oz. to 8 oz.

Dachesse de Mars. — Like the preceding, this vai’iety may be dispensed with, although of
superior quality. We have grown it trained to walls for a good many years, and constantly
find it to be a shy bearer. It begins to ripen during the first week in November, and weighs
from 5 oz. to G oz. The flesh is melting, and to some extent buttery, but deficient in sugar.

Duchesse d’’ Angouleme. — For exhibition pm’poscs there are few pears that claim more
attention than this variety as to outward appearance, it being of a large size, and weighing
as much as IG oz. In cold situations the quality of the fruit is unsatisfactory, and it should
therefore be ti’ained against a wall. The space may, however, bo employed to better advantage.
When in its prime the flesh is only half melting, and if allowed to get the least over-ripe it
becomes woolly and insipid. It usiially begins to rqeen about the 25th of October, and keeps in
condition only for a short time.

184

THE FLOKIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ August,

Due de Nemours. — As to flavour, this is perhaps the most worthless pear iu cultivation,
undeserving of a place iu any collection, however extensive. We have years ago discontinued
its cultivation. The fruit has a handsome appearance, and weighs from 11 oz. to 12 oz.

Dlisa d' Hey St. — The quality of this pear is excellent, but to have it in perfection it must
bo trained against a wall, and then the flavoim is delicious, the flesh melting, very juicy, and
sugary. ' Ripens the beginning of February, and weighs about 5 oz. Very productive from an
open standard, but the produce, unless in excoptional seasons, is never satisfactory. The borders
require to be well drained, otherwise the fruit splits, and even then, there is a chance of its
doing so during wet autumns.

Eyeioood. — The quality of this pear is very variable. Occasionally it is all that can be
desired, melting, sugary, and full of juico ; while during some seasons, the flesh is gritty,
coarse, and dry. Begins to ripen between the 18th of October and the beginning of November.
The weight rarely exceeds 4 oz.

Fondante de MaUnes. — During hot seasons this pear may be classed as of first-rate quality,
but it is quite worthless when the summer happens to be cold. Begins to ripen about the 20th of
October, and weighs from 8 oz. to 10 oz. It is hardly worth cultivation, as there are so many
very superior kinds in use at the same time.

Forelle. — This is perhaps the most beautiful pear contained in British gardens, and is
very productive. There may be some difference of opinion as to its quality, but it has long held,
and will, I think, continue to hold a prominent position. The flesh is buttery, melting, and to
seme extent sugary. The flavour is higher when grown against a wall. It usually begins to
ripen during the first week in November, and continues in use to the beginning of December.

Flemish Beauty, — This kind does not keep above two weeks, and is a shy bearer ; even in
a large collection a couple of trees will suffice. The flavour is unquestionably good, very juicy,
sugary, and molting, and I may add, delicious. But there is this peculiarity,, that unless
giithered some little time before it ripens it has no merit whatever. The usual weight is 12 oz. ;
it is fit for use about the 20th of October.

Glou Morceau. — The quality of this pear is so well known and so highly apierociated, as to
render description unnecessary. It fruits freely as a standard, but to bring out its real merits
must bo grown against a wall, which it well deserves. The flesh is very fine, tender, battery,
and very sugary. In use during December and January, and weighs G oz. to 8 oz.

Groom’s Prhicess Royal. — This is a handsome and an attractive -looking pear, but hardly
worth its place even in a large collection, and by no means productive, bearing only a few
straggling fruit. The flesh is* melting and juicy, but insipid. The usual Aveight is from 10 oz.
to 11 oz., and it begins to ripen during the first week in November.

Huy she’s Prince of Wales. — Whether trained against a wall or gi’OAvn as a standard, this
variety inA^ariably proA^es to bo a shy bearer, but the fruit is of excellent quality. The flesh is
buttery, j uicy, and sugary, but occasionally is gritty at the core. The average Aveight is from
0 oz. to 10 oz. ; it begins to ripen about 20th NoA'ember.

llacon’s Incomparable. — We have groAvn this kind as an open standard for a gi-eat ma,ny
years, and have invariably found it to bo a shy bearer, noA'er yielding more than one-third of
a crop. The quality is all that can be desired ; melting, juicy, and sugary. Begins to ripen
about the 20th of November, and weighs from 14 oz. to 15 oz.

Jargonelle. — This is a pear of universal repute, its merits being knoAvn and acknoAvledged
1)7 the cottager as Avell as by persons of higher pretensions. The greatest drawback is its
perishable character, but this defect may be obviated to some extent by planting tAvo sets of
trees, one trained on a south aspect, the fruit of which ripens diiring the first AA'eek in August,
Avhile a second set of trees groAvn as open standards very much lengthens the succession.

Jean de Witte. — The flavour of this variety very much resembles that of Glou Morceau, and
under some conditions it is difficult to draAv a distinction botAveen them as regards the shape
of the fruit ; both ha^-e an oboAuate form, but the eye of the former is more close and deep than
that of the latter. Wo have invariably found Jean de Witte to be a shy bearer under any
condition ; but it is really a first-class pea,r, melting, rich, and very sugary. Begins to ripen
during the first AAuek in Ja.nuary, and Avoighs from 5 oz. to 7 oz.

Josephine de MaUnes. — This is a very hardy and productive pear, even as an open
standard, but it must be trained against a AA^all before we can realize its true character, and
CA’cn then the tree must be of a considerable age. The flavour is delicious, melting, sugary,
vinous, and aromatic. Begins to ripen during the second week iu December, and weighs from
7 oz. to 8 oz.

Louise d’ Orleans. — This is a pear Avhose quality varies considerably. We have had it
juicy and sugary, but more frequently quite Avorthless. It is hardly Avorth groAving even in a.

1:7J. ]

THE GxVllDEX MENTOS.

185

large collection, as its place can be filled by many very much superior. The time of ripening
is also somewhat uncertain ; sometimes it comes into use during the first wook in October,
and at other times not till the end of the month. The usual weight is 4 oz.

Louise Bonne of Jersey. — There are few situations where this pear does not succeed, and
very few sui-jeass it in quality, as it is very sugary, melting, and juicy, combined with an
agreeable acid. During our cold sunless summers, the latter quality predominates, Avhich
renders it less agreeable, but even then it holds the character of a first-class fruit. Begins to
ripen during the first week in October*, and occasionally about the end of the month. Weighs
from 6 oz. to 7 oz.

— Alexandes Ceamb, Tol'tworth.

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

UGUST, being harvest month, is always a very busy one, both in the garden
and farm. A great many kinds of garden seeds will now bo ripe or ripen¬
ing, and should be carefully gathered when fit. Insects, especially the
wunged tribes, now abound, and will be very troublesome — hies and wasps
very much so in respect to ripening fruit.

Kitchen .Garden. — Every advantage should now be taken of dry weather to
destroy weeds ; this will prevent their being troublesome for some time. The
ground from which early Potatos., Cauliflowers., and Peas have been cleared should
be planted with Cauliflowers for the autumn, late Celery, Lettuces, and Endive.
Keep the ground between all young growing crops well stirred with the hoe, and
earth-up as they require it.

Sow: Prickly Spinach, a largo breadth at the boginning' of the month for winter and
spring use ; Cauliliowers, for planting into frames, about the middle of the month, but not later
for the North ; Turnips, a good breadth at the beginning of the month for main winter crop ;
Hardy Hammersmith and Brown Dutch Lettuces in the first week, to stand over the winter.

Forcing Houses. — Pines : Plants bearing fruit in all stages must now have
liberal supplies of water, and be syringed over-head freely on fine days, being
careful to avoid watering those in flower. Give air freely in the morning, but
close up early in the afternoon. The best of the succession plants, intended for
early fruiting next season, should at once have their final shift ; the soil for
potting Pines, like that for all other plants, should be in a fit state for potting
when used, neither too wet nor too dry. In potting the plants, care should be
taken to press the soil firmly between the old balls and the inside of the pots.
Before the plants are replunged, the bed should be partially or wholly renewed,
as may be required ; afterwards, see that the bottom-heat does not get too high.
The young plants should be shifted, and the beds renewed, and the suckers from
the present fruiting plants should be potted and plunged in a pit by themselves.
Vines: The instructions given last month will to a great degree serve for this.
Give the early house all the air possible, if the wood be ripened, to bring it into
a state of rest as soon as possible. Give abundance of air to Grapes in all stages,
keeping up a proper temperature by fire-heat in bad weather. Peaches : The
principal thing to be attended to here at present is the ripening of the wood.
Give all the air possible, and remove every shoot not vranted next season, and
shorten and tie down any shoots that may require it. Figs : The second crop of

18G

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

: [ August,

fruit will now be approaching maturity, and will be fine if the foliage has been
kept clean and healthy. The plants in the borders should now have less water,
but those in pots or tubs should be well watered when they require it. Give
abundance of air. Cucumbers and Melons : Attend well to the lining, that the
plants may have a regular, steady bottom-heat. Keep the shoots from being
crowded. Water freely when necessary, and give air freely in the forenoon,
but close up early in the afternoon ; cover the frames at night.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — The gathering of fruit as it ripens will now require
constant attention. Continue to stop and thin out all shoots not wanted, and
keep all wall trees neatly nailed in. Thin the leaves from about the fruit, to
expose it to the sun. Protect all ripe fruit with hexagon netting. liasjpberry
canes just out of bearing should be cut away. If not already done, the Straw-
berry runners layered last month in small pots for forcing next season, should at
once be shifted into their fruiting-pots ; use a good strong loam and a little rotten
dung, and press the soil firmly in the pots around the plants. Put a little soot at
the bottom of the pots to keep out worms. When all are potted they should be set
in an open, sunny situation, and be well attended to in watering. New planta¬
tions should be made at once with the runners layered last month in small pots
for this purpose.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : These should now be thoroughly cleaned,
and repaired, and painted if necessary, so as to be in readiness for the plants next
month. As most of the Soft-wooded Plants, which have been grown on for late
summer or autumn decoration, will now be in flower, they should be carefully
looked over every day, and have all decaying flowers and leaves removed as soon
as possible, and any shoots that may require it tied neatly up. They will need
liberal supplies of water, and abundance of air. Fuchsias, when well done, are
very useful for decoration at this season. All Hard-wooded Plants out of doors
will now be greatly benefited by the night dews. The young plants in pits and
frames should also have the benefit of them, by removing the lights on fine calm,
nights. Attend well to the watering, and see that nothing suffers for want of
it, either in or out-doors.

Pits and Frames. — The Cinerarias that were potted last month will now be'
growing freely, and should have plenty of room. Attend well to the watering,
and give abundance of air during the day, leaving the lights off altogether on
fine nights. Primulas must be kept rather close and warm, to encourage them to
grow freely. Zonal Pelargoniums that have been grown out of doors during the
summer months for autumn decoration, will, in case of bad weather, do very
well in pots or frames for a few weeks before they are taken into the houses, if
put in towards the end of the month. They must be kept well supplied with
water, and should have abundance of air ; indeed, as long as the weather con¬
tinues fine, the lights should remain off both day and night.

Out-Doors. — The thorough soaking the Bedding plants got by the thunder

]S70.]

THE GAEDEN PINK FOR FORCING PURPOSES.

187

showers in the middle of June has made up for the bad start the plants had after
they were planted out, in consequence of the dry weather. Barely has the flower-
garden looked gayer or better at this season ; and if we have fine weather in the
autumn, we may look for a long continuance of beauty. Attend well to the
regulating of all shoots ; keep all decaying leaves and flowers constantly picked
off ; and stake and tie up tall-growing plants. Among hardy perennials, the
numerous fine varieties of the Phlox tribe will now be in great beauty. Propa¬
gation for another season must be commenced at once. Most kinds of Pelar¬
goniums root best in a south border in the open air. Petunias^ Verbenas^ and
similar plants root best in frames. Pentsteinons, Snapdragons, and similar plants
will succeed very well planted under hand-glasses and shaded. Attend regularly
to the mowing of lawns, and the sweeping and rolling of walks. — M. Saul,
Stourton.

THE GAEDEN PINK FOE FOECING PUEPOSES.

SHE Giarden Pink, in its several varieties, has alwaj^s been, and will, no
doubt, long continue to be, a special favourite. Everybody loves the
modest beauty and delightful fragrance of its flowers, and many consider it
as only inferior to the Bose itself. One or two varieties of this Pink
have been generally found very useful for forcing into flower during the winter
and early spring months ; and I would here call attention to a few other sorts,
well suited to the same purpose, but which are not so well known as they
should be.

The varieties mostly used for forcing are the Common., or London White., a
fragrant and very useful sort ; and a larger dark variety known by the name of
Anne Boleyn, and which produces exceedingly beautiful and very sweet-scented
flowers, but has the great drawback of being addicted to bursting its pod or calyx.
Observing and regretting this defect, an enthusiastic amateur florist, Bowland
Dalton, Esq., of Bury St. Edmund’s, many years since, after much perseverance,
succeeded in originating a variety with flowers of the same colour, somewhat
smaller, similar in habit, equally fragrant, and possessed of all the forcing
properties of Anne Boleyn, but with the advantage of having a strong, well-formed
calyx, which never by any chance bursts ; and this very useful variety was
named Claude. He afterwards succeeded in raising another still more beautiful
variety, which he named Plato., and this is a truly magnificent flower of a
beautiful rose colour, with a finely-formed, strong calyx, quite free from
bursting, and it proves to be also a fine forcing sort, coming into flower earlier
than Anne Boleyn.

Another amateur florist residing in the same town, Mr. J. Clarke, who has
made the cultivation of the Pink quite a specialty, has, amongst many other
triumphs in that way, originated an exceedingly fine variety resembling the
old favourite Anne Boleyn, but a great improvement upon it, being more

188

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[August,

compact in habit, and producing in wonderful abundance, finely-formed, large,
sweet-scented flowers, with a firm strong calyx, which never bursts. This fine
variety, which is exceedingly well adapted for forcing, was named Garibaldi. The
same raiser also originated another splendid sort, which he named Clarke’s Lord
Lyons., but this variety, although exceedingly beautiful, is in all respects very
nearly identical with Dalton’s Plato. Some few years since, the Messrs. E. G.
Henderson and Son sent out a most useful variety under the name of Most
Welcome. This is also excellent for the purpose of forcing, and may be con¬
sidered as an almost perpetual flowerer, in addition to which it is possessed of
all the qualities of a first-class florists’ flower, and is quite free from bursting,
either when forced, or when grown in the open air.

The treatment of these plants for the purpose of forcing is so very simple,
that little need be here said upon the subject. During the month of March, or
early in April, cuttings should be taken from plants which have been forced, and
inserted in a compost made up of sand and sifted leaf-soil, using pots of some
6 -in. diameter ; place them in a gentle hot-bed, and in all respects treat them as
cuttings of Verbenas, although they will not root so quickly as the latter. When
rooted, pot them singly into 3-in. pots, and gradually harden off, and towards
the end of May or early in June plant them out in the open border, in any con¬
venient situation, in rows about 15 in. apart, and about 1 ft. from plant to plant.
While here, let them have abundance of water when required.

During the first fortnight of October they should be carefully raised and
potted into pots some 5 in. or 6 in. in diameter, using soil composed of turfy
loam, enriched with a little well-rotted hot-bed manure, or leaf-soil. They
should be placed in a shaded position for a short time, and ultimately wintered
in a cold pit, from which they are to be introduced to the forcing-house, as may
be required. When this is done, it is necessary that the plants be kept as close
to the glass as possible. Perhaps no better situation can be found for them than
a shelf on the back wall of an early vinery or peach house, at some 18 in. from
the glass.

With the varieties I have mentioned, viz., Common Wldte^ Claude, Garibaldi.,
Plato or Lord Lyons., and Most Welcome, assisted by a few of the perpetual or
winter-flowering carnations and picotees, little difficulty will be found in keeping
up an ample su]3ply of these fragrant flowers throughout the entire year. — P.
Geieve, Culford.

GLASS WALLS FOR HOETICULTUEAL PUEFOSES.

LATELY read a description of what the Earth thought of the load of
bricks and mortar heaped upon it by the builders. It was represented as
bending down, reeling and tottering to its fall, beneath the terrible load
piled upon its broad back by these unmerciful men, — its fair face
scarred all over with foundations, its inside torn and distracted with huge gas,

lt.70. ]

GLASS WALLS FOE IIOUTICULTUEAL rUllFOSES.

189

water, and sewage pipes, and its goodly figure every where being marred into
liideousness by Imge masses of bricks and mortar, that crushed down the
oppressed eartii by their weight, and shut out the cheering sun by their shadows.
There was onl}^ too much truth in the picture. It seems as if the great globe
itself” was in danger of being converted into dwelling-houses and workshops for
man. The space occupied by buildings is immense. Walls are thick as well as
high. For dwelling-houses, &;c., this thickness is necessary, and cannot well be

lessened ; but for many other
purposes for which walls are
used, such as for training
trees upon, or for forming
•screens or dividing-lines be¬
tween gardens and other pro-
23erties, the thickness of the
wall represents so much waste
of space. The saving of
ground will be immense, if
for every 14-in, or 9-in. wall we use for such purpose, a 1-in. wall can be sub¬
stituted, while we shall get better walls for horticultural purposes into the bar¬
gain ; for they will not only stand upon about one inch of ground, but they will
not injuriously shade or diminish space behind them. The light and the heat
will pass through, and the trees on each side, and both sides of the trees, will
live in the light, and enjoy the heat of the sun.

While this transparency will prove a clear cultural gain of immense advan¬

tage, and promote the breadth,
and develope to the utmost the
strength, beaut}^, and fruitful¬
ness of plants trained on such
walls, it will likewise enable
them to be packed closely to¬
gether for the purpose of train¬
ing or fruit - growing. The
shadow of opaque walls has
necessitated a considerable in¬
terval between them. To derive
the full advantage from walls

O

us ameliorators of climate, they should be separated by spaces as wide again as
their heights. But these walls may be massed together in block, and thus pro¬
vide the widest possible area of wall surface on a small space. This grouping
together of Avails has other advantages besides the economizing of space. It
must facilitate their protection from frosts and birds by horizontal coverings, and
the radiating of heat from a series of walls near to each other must improve the

190

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ August,

general temperature. A series of glass walls, arranged block fashion, with the
ends enclosed by others running at right angles, would provide the highest pos¬
sible temperature in the open air for the culture of superior fruit.

Perhaps a yet simpler mode of making the most of limited areas, and at the
same -time |)roviding every possible variety of aspect, is the adoption of the zig¬
zag mode of building, either in single or in any number of lines. This form
throws the wind over the projecting points, and enables the fruit to nestle in the
genial warmth of the recesses. These zig-zag walls may be erected at any angle
between a long slope and a series of right angles. Fig. 1 is an elevation of these
zig-zag walls. They look well, and possess the rare merit of providing a suit¬
able aspect for every variety of fruit and flower that needs the shelter of
a wall. The angular spaces of ground at their base furnish sheltered nooks for
ground cordons, or early vegetables or flowers.

The strutitural merits of these glass walls seem on a par with their cultural
capabilities. Simply and quickly erected, easily taken down, and conveniently
portable, are among their most valuable structural merits. They may rest upon
iron soles, be bolted on to blocks of wood, or built into brick or stone, just in the
same manner and with equal ease as a cattle or a sheep fence. A simple frame¬
work of iron receives the glass, a buffer of felt keeps it from breaking, and a few
bolts or screws hold it together, a wire trainer is suspended from the face of the
glass, and the wall is ready for use. By the aid of double iron principals and glaz¬
ing-bars of iron, the walls are made strong enough for all practical purposes. The
glass is protected from all risk of breakage by a ribbon of felt, intervening at all
points, between the iron and glass. This arrangement enables the structure to be
bound firmly together by screws, without any risk to the glass. The glass itself
is so strong (over 2 lb. to the square foot) that it will stand a good deal of rough
usage with impunity. A slab of slate is likewi^ carried along the base of the
waill, to any desired height, from G in. to 12 in., or more ; this forms a safe,
strong ground-line. The top of the wall is protected by an iron coping, pro¬
jecting over the wall from 3 in. to 6 in. on each side, if desired. Trainers of wire
or netting are fixed on the face' of the glass, from projecting studs of iron fixed
into the principals. For this purpose perhaps nothing could seem more simple
or efficient than galvanized wire netting of 3 in. or 4 in. mesh. Fig. 2 shows a
section of a straight glass wall complete, with, however, straight wire for training
on in lieu of the netting. For those who prefer an opaque wall, it is purposed
to make walls of slate on exactly the same principle, the only difference being
the substitution of slate slabs for those of glass. This will possess all the struc¬
tural and ground-saving merits claimed for glass ; but one-half of the plant and
one side of the wall will still be left in semi-darkness, as on other walls, whereas,
on glass walls the reign of darkness is at an end.

By these simple arrangements, a strong, useful, portable, highly efficient, and
ornamental wall is placed within reach of horticulturists, at a price less than

1870. ]

GARDEN GOSSIP.

191

tliat of ordinary brick walls. The woodcuts will give an idea of their fairy-like
elegance. They are the invention of Mr. Beard, of the Victoria Works, Bury
St. Edmund’s, the patentee and manufacturer, from whom particulars, or the
walls complete and ready for use, may be obtained. This gentleman rendered
good service to horticulture by the abolition of putty and other sticky modes of
glazing, but I believe these glass walls will prove a greater boon. They save
space, guard against extremes of temperature, double our extent of genial surface,
give us the command of every possible aspect by adopting the zig-zag form, and
are strong, cheap, clean, and durable. — D. T. Fish, F.R.H.S.

GARDEN GOSSIP.

^|HE event of the month — horticulturally speaking — has been the Roifal
Horticultural Society's Great Show at Oxford. This, as an exhibition,
has been one of a most satisfactory character ; but from the greater
attractions of the neighbouring Agricultural Show, and the scanty popula¬

tion of the district, the flower show fell short as to the attendance of visitors, and consequently
as to the returns. At the congress meetings some very interesting papers were read. The
Rose shows held towards the end of June were remarkably good, notwithstanding the drought
of the season. The variety which seemed to he in the ascendant this year was Alfred Colomb.

- - ^ VERY interesting collection of Mimetic Plants was exhibited at a

recent soiree of the Linnaean Society by Mr. Wilson Saunders. The following is
a hst of the mimetic pairs. The plants were none of them grown for the pur¬

Olea ouropa3a . Oleaceae)

Swammerdamia Antennaria. . Compositae)

Edeinia ficoides . Compositae)

Cotyledon tricuspidata . Crassulaceaej

Thujopsis laetevhens . Cbniferae)

Selaginella circinata . Lycopodiaceae)

Phyllaiithus angustifoliiis ... Euphorbiacoae)

Polygonum platycladon . Polygonaceae)

Peperomia sp. Brazil . Piperaceae)

Nematanthus longipes . Gesneraceae)

Haworthia planifolia . Liliaceae)

Cotyledon(Echeveria) agavoidos,Crassulacea0)
Gymnostachyum Verschaffeltii Acanthaceae)
Echites rubro-venosa . Apocyneae

Crassulaceae)
Liliaceae)

Cactaceae'^
Euphorbiaceae)
Ai'aliaceae)
Araceae^^
Moraceao|_
Acanthaceae)
Proteaceac)_
Leguminosao)
Celastraceae)
Araliaceael
Aquifoliaceae|_
Oleaceae)

addressed to the French Academy of

pose, but were simply selected from the greenhouse on the spur of the moment : —

Sempervivum arenarium ...
Haworthia atrovirens .

Echinocereus Blankii .

Euphorbia echinata .

Aralia sp, Bahia .

Philodendron sp. Trinidad ...

Dorstonia sp. Brazil .

Eranthemum sp. n. Brazil ...

Grevilloa sp . . .

Acacia chordophylla .

Euonymus latifolius .

Hodera canariensis var .

•

Ilex Aquifolium var .

Osmanthus Aquifolium var..

- Deherain has recently

Sciences a note on the Decomposition of Carhonic Acid by the Leaves of Plants^
under the influence of light. The same decomposing faculty had been attri¬

buted by some observers to all the luminous rays of equal intensity, while others had affinned
that more oxygen was disengaged from plants lighted by yellow and red rays, than by those
which were lighted by blue or gi-oen. In former researches, M. Dehbrain had demonstrated
that evaporation was more active in plants exposed to yellow and red lights than in those
exposed to green and blue. This coincidence he regarded as establishing a connection between
the two vital functions of the loaves, — the evaporation of water, and the decomposition of
carbonic acid by the disengagement of oxygen.

- ^Xeports on the Vine Disease.^ in France, lately published by the

Societe des Agriculteurs, state that certain premonitory instances of the malady

192

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ August,

were noticed in 18G6 and 18G7, but it was not until tlie summer of 18G9, a

season of romarkablo heat, following upon a severe winter, that the evil assumed proportions
the magnitude of which have been steadily increasing ever since. The disease is confined to
two districts, viz., the valley of the Rhone and the department of the Gironde. In the latter,
the damage is of limited extent. The M(idoc country has escaped altogether ; but in the
former the results have been truly deplorable, the crops having been reduced to one-tenth of
the average of former years. On the right bank certain districts have hitherto escaped ; but
on the left, which possesses a different geographical conformation, wide plains and valleys
watered by numerous streams, the disease has been almost universal. Out of 00,000 acres in
Vaixcluse, 20,000 have been utterly ruined. Around Bouquemai'd and in Le Gard entire
vineyards have been grubbed up, and the sticks sold as fuel at 4d. per cwt. The greater the
distance from the banks of the streams, the less severe the ravages appear to bo. Everywhere
the symptoms are identically the same — healthy plants die off suddenly without any apparent
cause, the stems turn black, the leaves fade and drop off, and close examination shows that
the roots are rotten throughout. The svliole of a vineyard is not attacked at once ; the disease
appears to establish itself in a number of indopondent centres, from whence it radiates rapidly
in all directions, until the entire area is infected. An account of the insect to which this
terrible disease is attributed, will bo found at p. 246 of om' last year’s volume.

- 3In Canada, a kind of preserve called Apple Butter is made in large

quantities ; it keeps well, is in continual demand, and is made thus : — The juice

of apples, as pressed for cider, is boiled down until it reaches a certain degree of

concentration ; it is then added to apples — pared, cored, and cut in small pieces — and the
whole is stowed down into a mass, taking great care not to burn it. It is very good, always
ready at hand for pies or tarts, or to eat at ordinary meals, and is wholesome -when people are
used to it, although rather an active cathartic when they are not. The kinds of apples require
to be skilfully selected, the sweet kinds modifying the acidity, and even the acerbity, of
other kinds which keep well. This Apple-butter is made by the ban-olful.

- - Certain Improvements in the Construction of Horticultural Buildings

have recently been patented by Mr. Ayres, of Nottingham. These structures are

described to consist of imperishable roofs formed without sashes, sash-bars, putty,

or paint, or any woodwork outside — consequently no painting will bo required. The floors,
plant stages, and side or partition walls are made of slabs of cement concrete, strengthened so
as to bear any amount of pressure, and yet admitting of being perforated for the air to circu¬
late through them, panelled to hold -water for evaporation, or for the pots to stand in, or per¬
forated and panelled, while they can be manufactured of any required strength or size, and
in the place where they are required to bo used, and they can also be left rough for ordinary
use, or be finished plain or in colours -with a face like polished marble. For glazing,
flat glass of great strength, jointed with transparent cement, or glass -with the sides turned,
is used. The advantages claimed are, — economy in first construction, perfect portability
(when desired), and when manufactured in iron galvanized, a house so imperishable as to
wear for a lifetime without fiudhor cost.

- - ^HE following method of Preserving Peaches has been recommended

in the Gardeners Chronicle, by Mr. Smith of Exton Park, the excellent recipe

being from the chef de cuisine there : — Split the Peaches in halves ; scald them in

thin syrup to remove the skins ; arrange the halves in clean pint tins filled up with rather
thick syi’up, made of 2 lb. sugar and one pint cold water, boil foiw minutes ; have the tins
covered ; put them into a vessel, pour sufficient cold water on to them to reach within half an
inch of the top. Submit them to twenty minutes’ gentle ebullition. Keep in a cool place for use.

0l){tuavg.

- ijARON Charles von Hugel died at Brussels on June 2. He was an

Austrian nobleman, who had rendered good service both to botany and to hor¬
ticulture, and latterly has filled the office of Minister Plenipotentiary at Brussels.

To horticulturists he is kno-wn from his researches in Australia, and as founder of the
Imperial Horticultural Society of Vienna.

I

I

J.N.FTtrjhiTTij

Priimila

1, amoena . 2 ,

cortiisoides , vars.

striata. 3 , ^randiflora.

1S70. ]

PEIMULA COBTUSOIDES AND ITS VARIETIES.

193

PRIMULA CORTUSOIDES AND ITS VARIETIES.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

VAR large Japanese varieties of Primula oortusoides, so mucli superior to
til® ordinary form as to appear quite distinct, we have acquired some of the
choicest and most beautiful materials for ornamenting the hardy flower
V garden. The public are indebted to the late Mr. John Gould Veitch for
the introduction, and to the Messrs. Veitch and Sons for the distribution of these
charming hardy plants, and our own obligations are due to those gentlemen for the
opportunity of preparing the accompanying figures of three of the best and most dis^
tinct, namely, amcena (fig. 1.), which is of the richest magenta, with white centre,
and has notched, but otherwise entire segments ; striata (fig. 2), a pretty lilac,
which has the margin of the flowers toothed, and the colour prettily striated ; and
GRANDIFLORA (flg. 3), remarkable for its drooping concave or cup-shaped form,
and for having the inside almost pure white, while the outer surface is of a rosy
purple hue. The variety striata has been sometimes called lilacina^ a name
which is now cancelled. Besides these, there are alha^ with pure white blossoms,
and alhida^ with blossoms of a grayish white, and of the same drooping type as
grandijiora. We may refer to an article in our volume for 1867 (p. 172), for
additional information, merely observing here that these Primulas, grown in pots,
form excellent decorative plants for cool houses in spring, and inviting attention
to the following observations, which refer chiefly to the more brilliant variety
P. CORTUSOIDES AMCENA : -

These are most welcome additions to the spring flower borders, or beds, or to
the greenhouse shelf. By wintering them in a cold pit they will commence to flower
in March, and have a striking appearance among greenhouse and conservatory
plants. Their long slender foot-stalk raises them high above double-white
Chinese Primroses, and, perhaps, there is no position where this tallest among
Primulas looks more charming than when bending its pretty flower down over the
white masses of double snowballs which stud the common double-white Chinese
variety, or such splendid improvements upon it as candidissima, and others. I used
to think P. cortusoides well worth growing for such uses, but it must at once
give way to amcena, which is so great an improvement upon it that this,
the original type, looks weedy beside it. Until I get up as good a stock
of amcena, I mean to reserve it for inside decoration, and be content with
P. cortusoides outside. Few plants are more effective in pots, with their exqui¬
site tuft of leaves resting on the surface of the pots, and reflexing over their red
rims, and their stalks rising so elegantly, and the flowers placed so lightly, and
beyond crowding distance. And then the httle cups are so delicately, tenderly,
lovely. I have not yet flowered the white varieties, but I believe there is one of
both sorts ; these, however, will not equal the coloured ones for effect. P. cortu^
soides amcena, well grown, would prove a charming single vase plant, or dinner-

3rd SERIES. - III. K

194

THE FLORIST AND ROMOLOGIST.

[ Septembkr,

table decoration, — it flowers so freely, and the flowers are so large and delicately
charming. No one has been able to pass it anywhere without a note of admira¬
tion. Neither fat Camellias, spotlessly pure and brilliant Azaleas, nor gay
Cinerarias have received anything like the petting that this new pet has had iix
our glass verandah.

These Primulas will give a new and distinct character to the spring garden.

I find P. covtusoides is much higher-coloured out-of-doors than in, and we have
nothing like it outside either in habit or colour. It would be beautiful among
or near to the common Primrose, but perhaps the best arrangement for it would
be to form a cushion of the common or double-white or new yellow Primrose^
and use the P. cortiisoides as the pins for it. This effect is as charming as it is
novel ; but it would look well anywhere, excepting perhaps against Honesty,.
Aubrietias, or Forget-Me-Nots, for the colour being peculiar, it should not be-
placed against lilacs or blues.

P. cortusoides amoena is much brighter, larger, and lighter, and would look
distinguished, and hold its own anywhere or against anything. It would take a
great deal of a very good thing to throw that into the shade. The stalks are
somewhat shorter out-of-doors ; still they are very long, and the plant does best
and looks its best in a sheltered position. Placed in the teeth of the wind, it
would be likely to be battered down with the hails of March, or laid flat with
heavy rains. It takes, however, very rough weather indeed to injure the plants.
The flower-stalks should not be tied up ; this stiffens and takes away one of their
chief charms. They are perfectly hard}", the improved variety as hardy as the-
common, though perhaps it will not bear quite so much hard treatment, as the
flowers are so much larger. They are increased by division of the roots, or by
seed, when and where it ripens, but from offsets alone a good stock may speedily
be got together, as it is a plant of free growth and active habits. If not flower¬
ing, it is doing the next best thing, pushing out roots, or forming or gathering
crowns. It will be a long time before any holder of P. cortusoides amoena will
cry, ‘'Hold, enough!” — D. T. Fish, F.E.H.S.

WINDOW PLANTS.

I. — The Creering Cereus.

rINDOW Gardening having recently been brought into general notice with

_ the prominence it so well deserves, it has occurred to me that a few

plain instructions for the culture and management of such plants as
have been found well adapted for the purposes of window-culture would
be useful to amateurs, or to such as require to have the general details of cultiva¬
tion simplified. I cannot do better than commence with that fine old window
plant, the Creeping Cereus (Cereus Jlagelliformis)^ introduced into this country
from Peru in 1690 ; and taking into consideration how little trouble it entails in
its management, and how particularly well it is adapted for window-culture, it is

1870. ]

WINDOW PLANTS. - NO. I.

]95

strange that one so seldom sees it in cottage windows. In the course of my
annual examination of cottages and cottage gardens through a large district, I
stumble on a plant now and then, and it is sure to be the cherished pet of the
cottager’s wife, and generally trained out on a trellis made of thin strips of wood,
but sometimes suspended from the top in the centre of the window, in which
position it develops itself in a more natural and consequently more beautiful
manner than when it is formally trained on a trellis ; the latter mode, however,
is not to be despised, as when trained horizontally across the lower part of the
window it forms a charming screen, and is always certain to create interest on
account of its peculiar appearance.

The best compost for this tribe of plants consists of about equal parts of old
mortar, brick, and lime rubbish, leaf -mould, and finely-broken charcoal, or peat
charcoal if procurable, to which may be added a small proportion of loam. These
several ingredients should be intimately mixed, but not sifted or broken too finely,
as the compost is best used in a rough state.

.The plants, are propagated by cuttings, which should be separated from the
parent plant with a sharp knife, and laid out to dr}^ for a week or ten days, or
even more if the cuttings are very young and soft ; the reason being, that if
inserted without previously drying up a portion of the superfluous sap, the
chances are that the cuttings will rot away instead of rooting into the soil. A
6-in. pot is a very good size to grow them in, and this will accommodate six cuttings
round the rim, thus insuring a good specimen from the first, as they may be
retained in the same pot for several years. In filling let the pots have at least
two inches of broken crocks for drainage, and insert the cuttings in a diagonal
direction, with the base of the cuttings tending towards the centre of the pot, the
points leaning outwards. July is the best month of the year to put in cuttings,
as they are then tolerably well ripened, and there is a good chance of their being
well-rooted by the time the dormant season of winter comes on.

It is best to use the soil in a moderately moist condition, and not to give any
water for a week or so, when a moderate quantity may be given, say twice a
week, until growth commences, after which the quantity applied and the frequency
of application will depend on the growth made, and the dryness of the atmosphere.
In dry weather during free growth they may be watered freely, but less freely in
moist weather ; they should, however, never be watered unless the soil is dry,
which may generally be ascertained by feeling ; and absolute dryness is necessary
for plants kept in a window from October to March, if the interior atmosphere is
cool, but if very dry and parching this must be taken with a reservation, and a
httle water applied in mild weather, when the rods indicate its necessity by
shrivelling too much.

Training may be carried out on a horizontal trellis of wire or light wood
painted green, and made to fit the size of the lower part of the window ; or the
shoots may be spread over an upright trellis so as to allow of other plants being kept

K 2

19G

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST

[ SKPTfSMBER,

in the window with it ; or pot and all may be suspended from the top, and the shoots
allowed to fall gracefully over the sides of the pot. In this latter way two or
three pots may be suspended in the window, and will have a very pretty effect.
In handling the shoots gloves should always be worn, on account of the minute
prickles. — John Cox, Redleaf.

ECHEVEKIA GLAUCO-METALLICA.

INCE the new style of garden decoration, to which the term ‘^sub-tropical
gardening” is applied, has come into favour — a favour which, when
properly regulated, it well deserves — the merits of some of the species of
Echeveria have been more generally recognized. The little tufted-
growing Echeveria glauca forms one of the choicest of edgings, growing well too,
if not, indeed, best, when planted horizontally against the raised edges of the
beds. The bolder Echeveria metallica^ with its singular coppery hue and its
remarkable contour, is equally useful for bolder effects, and comes in especially
well when grouped with some of the lower-growing surface-clothing succulents.

MULBEEEIES FOE OECHAED-HOUSES.

197

IL

lci70. ]

In the plant of which, thanks to Messrs. Veitch and Sons^ we now offer an
illustration, we have both the above useful species combined. It is called
Echeveria glauco-metaUica^ and is a hybrid raised between E. glauca and E.
metallica. It retains the rosulate growth of the former, but the effect of the
cross has been to increase the size, so that the rosette of leaves is about thrice the
size of that of E. glauca. Indeed, it is the largest of all the dwarf-growing
stemless kinds, and to some extent it combines the deep glaucous hue of the
one with the glowing coppery tint of the other. One of its great recommenda--
tions, in so far as regards its application in formal gardening, is that, although a
very free grower, it never acquires a stem, so that the effect to be produced may
always be relied on. The slender flower-scape, when it makes its appearance,
grows about 12 in. or 15 in. high, and has the general character of that of E.
glauca., the flowers being of a similar bright orange-scarlet colour, but larger.

For summer bedding purposes, for which this plant will be found most useful,
it is, however, the tufted rosette of leaves, rather than the flowers, which will be
most useful. It was shown at one of the meetings of the Floral Committee in
August, 1868, and was then awarded a First-Class Certificate. — M.

MULBERKIES FOR ORCHARD-HOUSES.

VENTURE to recommend this old-fashioned, very much neglected fruit to
a little more notice and attention ; especially would I recommend it to a
front position in the orchard-house. We are most of us fond of Mulberries
in a stealthy sort of way ; and although our visits to the old mulberry tree
may be ever so secretly made, the stains of our sin always rest upon us, and tell
tales. A mulberry tree or two is to be found m almost every old well-furnished
garden, but the trees are all old, — we scarcely find young trees anywhere, and
none at all in our modern, newly-made gardens. This shows that in olden time
Mulberries were looked upon with more favour than now ; and yet we like
Mulberries — at least, as boys we did so. I like them still.

Why is the Mulberry neglected ? It is not fashionable, we know. It has
one fault — an ugly knack of dyeing our lips and fingers of a red and purple hue.
It has another — the fruits as grown in our ordinary seasons are very often far
from good ; they are frequently so acid as to make one shudder, or else mawkish,
pasty, and nasty. Properly ripened Mulberries, however, such as we have tasted
in sunny France, or such as we can grow and have in abundance for ourselves in
our orchard-houses, are superb. That they are not first-rate in flavour on our
open-air trees is in consequence of lack of heat, and through the effects of high
winds and dashing rains, which cause the fruit to fall ere it is fully ripe. Grown
in the orchard-house, they are exempt from all such dangers, — the fruit hangs
until it is dead-ripe, until decay commences, in fact, and then it is really worth
eating. The flavour is infinitely richer and superior in every way, more juicy,
the whole pulp melting away like ice in one’s mouth, and leaving none of the

198

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ September,

hard core which is to be found in out-of-door fruits. There is no fruit at once so
sprightly, sparkling, refreshing, rich, as a Mulberry ripened thus, and as we
have tasted them this year, last year, and for many years, from a small tree in
a pot in the orchard-house at Chiswick.

Mulberry trees do not naturally bear freely in a young state. Age seems to
be required to give fruitfulness. In a pot, however, all this seems altered, for a
very young plant will bear freely. A tree at Chiswick has been in constant
bearing for fully fourteen years, having been sent so long since to the garden
for exhibition by Major Clarke, and at that time loaded with fruit. This season
the crop has been particularly fine, and the fruits have been large, and greatly
relished by all the Fellows who have tasted them.

Mulberry trees grown in pots require nothing but ordinary attention, the
same as required for a Plum. I have some recollection of Mr. Tillery, of
Welbeck, recommending the pot-culture of Mulberries in your pages, which I
now, at this late period, have the pleasure to endorse. Let us, then, grow Mul¬
berries in pots, and thus secure another charming feature for our orchard-houses.
— A. F. Barron.

THE GARDEN MENTOR

SEPTEMBER may be considered the harvest month of the gardener’s year,
there being a great variety of fruits and vegetables fit for immediate use,
or to be preserved for a future time. The weather is oftentimes fine in
^ the early part of the month, but is generally rough and boisterous towards
the end. The days now draw in apace, and vegetation already shows unmis¬
takable signs of the cessation of active vitality.

Kitchen Garden. — The long continuance of dry weather has been very un¬
favourable for all kinds of vegetables, particularly those for winter use, — Cauli¬
flowers for autumn. Lettuces^ Spinach, Celery, Broccoli, and Winter Greens of all
kinds have suffered more or less, according to the soil and situation ; every atten¬
tion should therefore be given to these crops to encourage them to grow as long
as the weather continues favourable, by frequently stirring the soil between the
plants, and by earthing up carefully as they require it. The Spinach sown last
month should be thinned out to about six inches apart. Celery should be care¬
fully earthed up as it requires it, in dry weather. The general crop of Onions
should be pulled and harvested, and this will give ground to plant the main
crop of Cabbages from those sown about the middle of July. The ground should
be well manured and dug deeply before the Cabbages are planted ; in the North
they should be planted not later than the middle of the month, in the South
they will do well planted a few days later. A good quantity of Brown Dutch,^
Hammersmith Hardy Green Cabbage^ and Black-Seeded Bath Cos Lettuces should
be planted on warm borders, at the foot of south walls, and in other sheltered
places for winter and spring use. Thin and hoe between late crops of Tuimips.

1S70. ]

THE GAEDEN MENTOR.

109

Tie up Endive and Lettuce to blancli. Early kinds of Fotatos sliould be taken
up and housed. Gather the fruit of Tomatos as it ripens, and expose those that
are not ripe to the influence of the sun, by removing such leaves or shoots as
shade them.

Sow : Tripoli Onions .at the beginning of the month ; Lettuces at the beginning of the
month in vrarm borders to stand over the winter ; Radishes on warm borders ; Mustard and
Cress on gentle hot-bed.

Forcing Houses. — Pines : Towards the end of the month, if the weather
should set in cold, a little fire-heat will be necessary to assist the Autumn fruit in
swelling off and ripening ; a high night temperature will not be required, but it
should not fall much below 70° ; water freely until the fruit begins to ripen. If
the succession and young plants were all shifted last month as recommended, and
the beds partly or wholly renewed, the only attention they will now require will be
merely to give air freely in the fore part of the day, closing up early in the after¬
noon, and watering when necesary; fire-heat will not be required, unless very cold
weather should set in. Vines : Late Grapes will now require constant care to keep
them in good condition, especially if very wet weather sets in. All outside boi'ders
should if possible be covered with lights or wooden shutters, to keep them dry ;
light fires in the morning in damp or wet weather ; give plenty of air at the
same time, and spare no pains to keep a dry atmosphere. The vines in the early
house, to be started in November, may be pruned now. Peaches: The trees in
the late houses should be well syringed on fine mornings, and have abundance of
air given, but be closed early in the afternoon warm and dry. The trees in the
early houses which have ripened their wood may have the leaves removed, and
be loosened from the trellis. Figs : Give abundance of air, and keep a dry, warm
atmosphere to mature the wood. Cucumbers and Melons : Look frequently over
the plants, stop all superfluous growths, and remove decaying leaves. Melons
approaching maturity should not have much water ; maintain a steady, regular
bottom-heat by attention to the linings.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — Continue to gather and store various fruits as they
ripen on dry days ; too much care cannot be taken to prevent bruises ; and be
sure that the kinds are ready for gathering. A very simple but sure test for
Apples and Pears is to cut one, when if the seeds are brown or turning brown
they may be gathered. Blackbirds and thrushes have been very troublesome this
season, in consequence of the scarcity of other food. Prepare the Fruit-Poom for
autumn stores ; this apartment should be cool, dry, and not subject to much
variation of temperature.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : If these have been put in proper order,
the plants may be got in at once, as the young tender shoots of the summer’s
growth are extremely liable to be injured by the frost ; when they are housed, as
much air as possible should be given during the day, and even at night, as long
as the weather continues mild. Soft-wooded Plants out-of-doors should be under
protection before the end of the month. Zonal Pelargoniums in flower must be

200

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Septbmbkh,

kept well watered ; some of the double-flowered kinds are very useful for decora¬
tive purposes, particularly the newer ones. All Hard-wooded Plants out-of-doors
should be housed before the end of the month ; the plants should not be set too
close together, and they should have all the air possible. If air is too sparingly
admitted at this season, when many of the plants have not yet finished their
summer growth, it will cause them to produce weak and tender shoots, which
will be liable to damp off at a later period, when the house must be unavoidably
kept close on account of the severities of the weather. Water should be liberally
supplied to the plants after they are first housed, as the dry boards on which
they stand, as well as the elevated situation and freely circulatmg air, occasion
them to require more than when they stand on moist earth.

Pits and Frames. — Get these thoroughly cleaned and repaired, so as to be in
readiness for the reception of tender plants as soon as bad weather sets in.
Shift any Cinerarias that may require it, and keep the plants well watered. As
long as the weather continues mild give all the air possible to plants in pits and
frames. Most of the cuttings of Pelargoniums put in last month will now be fit for
potting off ; when potted, they should be placed in a pit or frame, and kept close
and shaded until they have made fresh roots. A pit or frame should now be got
ready for Neapolitan Violets ; it should be filled to within about a foot of the
glass with half-rotten leaves and dung well trodden down, and on this should be
placed about 6 in. of nice light soil ; the plants should then be lifted with good
balls, and planted about one foot apart every way. When planted they should be
well watered, and afterwards about half an inch of dry soil should be spread over
the surface, in order to keep down the damp until the plants are firmly established.

Out-Doors. — When the weather is fine, the flower garden is generally in
great beauty during the early part of the month, but towards the end short
days and cold nights begin to tell on its appearance. Spare no pains to keep up
its beauty as long as possible, by picking off all decaying leaves and seed-vessels ;
stake and tie up Dahlias, Salvias., Asters, Gladioli, and other tall-growing,
autumn -flowering plan+s. No time should be lost in getting a good stock of
cuttings of bedding plants put in. Calceolarias generally do best put in in
October ; they do not then flag, as they do when taken earlier. Hardy Annuals
to stand through the winter should now be sown. — M. Saul, Stourton.

McLAUGHLIN^S GAGE PLUM.

may be called a newish Plum, for although we have had the name
presented to us in many fruit-lists — nurserymen’s and others, it is not to
be found, as yet, in many gardens or collections of fruit. That it ought
to be so, we venture to affirm ; that it will be so, we venture to assert.
Few who have seen this plum fail to admire its appearance. It is both large and
showy, and few who have tasted it but like its quality. It is juicy, melting,
and rich.

IS70. J

THE HOUSELEEKS.

201

The fruit is of large size, roundisli-oblate in shape, like that of a small flat
peach, the diameter, which reaches from If- in. to 2 in., exceeding the depth,
with a deep suture on the side and slightly hollowed at the apex. The skin is
thin and tender, of a deep golden colour, dotted and speckled on the exposed
side with deep crimson, like Jefferson, and having a thin bloom. Stalk f in.
long, inserted in a small cavity. Flesh adhering to the stone, deep yellow, very
juicy and rich. Midseason.

This is in all respects a fine plum. The colour, texture of flesh, &c., more
nearly resemble the Jefferson than those of any other variety. It is -a cling¬
stone also, like the Jefferson, which is a slight disadvantage. The shape of the
fruit is, however, very different, and it is larger, and possesses more of the Green¬
gage flavour. It is a robust-growing variety, and bears freely. For orchard-
house cultivation, and for pot-culture, this variety is exceedingly well adapted,
as it succeeds well under these conditions. Some fruits which we have grown
this season in pots have been exceedingly handsome, and of most excellent
flavour. — A. F. Barron, Chiswick.

THE HOUSELEEKS.

OWN gardens have certain plants that do well in them, notwithstanding
their excess of soot and lack of sunshine. The Temple Gardens, in the
very heart of London, have been the admiration of thousands by reason of
skilful management, and a due selection of plants in which the vital
principle was strong. Even town windows, bleak and short of breadth as they
are, as well as being stony and dry, are yet capable of adornment with plants. The
Common Houseleek {Sempervivum tectorum) comes under neither of the above divi¬
sions, but belongs to the Eoof Garden.” This fine old succulent plant has been
well named Sempervivum, for there seems to be no end to its life. When I had
been away from my father’s house for more than twenty years, I found the old
Houseleek in good condition, although many a colony of young plants had gone
out from this parent stock. The plant flowers, and seeds, and sends out offsets,
and yet the patch on the roof seems only a little wider when the lifetime of the
owner has passed away.

In the ancient Herbals much is said of the ^^vertues ” of this plant, but in
our day if it will only serve to ornament the angle of a thatched roof, or show
its fat leaves and flesh-coloured flowers by some garret window, or fringe the
coping of a division wall where nothing else could live, it will answer our pur¬
pose. It has little in common with other plants, for though no parasite like
Mistleto or Dodder, it scarcely takes to common earth ; its life is more like that
of some ferns, such as the Polypodium vulgare.,ox the Wall (Asplenium Ruta-
muraria), than that of ordinary flowering plants ; it certainly gets the rain of
heaven, and the wind, but beyond a little dust in dry weather, it receives little else
from the earth but a lodging, and that so high' and dry that it has to suffer the

202

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ September,

extremes of all weathers, being moored in tlie very teetli of tlie tempest. A
month’s burning sunshine, or three months of hard frost, pass over its evergreen
head without damaging a leaf. A little mud made of clay and stable dung
makes an excellent compost, and a corner of the coping of the gable of the house,
close to the chimney, a good site for this old-fashioned favourite.

In the pleasure-grounds the hardy Semperviviims may all be cultivated on the
sloping edge of a rock, but the plants are quite out of place when planted on level
ground ; and except for exhibition or for sale, the Houseleeks have no business in
pots. They are ornamental all the year round, and never disgrace their standing.
When they flower they do it freely ; but here let me hint that flowering is not
their forte ; they look far better in their working dress than on fete days, for like
the American Aloe of notoriety, the Houseleok wisely fills its sacks first, calmly
collecting materials it may be for 3’ears, so that when it does run to flower and
seed the cost of propagating its species seems to have been fairl}’ counted. Those
who know plants best will agree with me that succulent plants are generally
destroyed by the slightest frost, and, therefore, the Houseleek, which withstands
the extremes of heat and cold, proves itself to be no ordinary sample of the
British Flora. It is called in Scotland by the quaint name of Foos^ but for what
reason I know not. S. arachnoideum, when grown in single heads in thumb-pots,
is a great curiosity, and has long been a pet in the miniature collections that
children play with, the pot and plant being less than the size of a hen’s egg.

Hardiness, then, may be noted as one of the Houseleek’s greatest virtues, and
endurance may be set down as another important claim on public favour, for
when once planted it may safely be left untouched for many years. The thought
of watering such a plant or manuring it would be out of the question, for
dryness is the very life of it, and stirring the soil about it or any like officious
meddling would be madness, for the roof garden admits of no such frivolity, the
burly Houseleek lives and grows fat upon aerial food. The roof garden must
have its plants put out of harm’s way ; they are only to be looked at, and need
no rearrangement at shorter intervals than seven, or even fourteen years. Cats,
that are such a nuisance to plants on balconies and in windows, do not meddle
with Semperviviims, as they do with musk and grass and many other plants.

This is truly a household plant ; in thousands of instances it is to be seen
astraddle on the ridge of what we delight to call our home, and what housewife,
worthy of the name, would allow her clump of Houseleek to be molested ? Books
are written on the management of household pets — silkworms, singing birds,
poultry, tame rabbits, guinea pigs, and the like. Surel}^ then, the jolly, fat
Houseleek deserves a place among living pets, for it is so tenacious of life that
when the hard frost in Scotland killed the Whins it never harmed the Foos.
Persons once thoroughly imbued with the mania for bedding plants would
reckon it next to insanity to admire the . elegant fronds of flowerless ferns ; the
grower of exotic orchids would- think lightly of lowly Alpine plants on the

1870, ]

PEAR PRINCE ALBERT.

203

mountain side, only a little below tbe line of untliawed ice and snow, notwithstand¬
ing their great beauty ; and even Linnaeus is said to have been quite enraptured
at the sight of the common furze in bloom, growing profusely as a weed on waste
land ; but after all the displays of flowers that I have seen at exhibitions and in
private collections, I cannot help saying that acres of golden whin blossom, and
square miles of various-coloured heather bells, are glorious sights when seen where
they are perfectly at home. It is no wonder, then, that I set perhaps undue
store by the clump of Houseleek which I found at home after twenty-two years’
absence, for it seemed to welcome me back, and it had literally a green-old-age
look about it that indicated happiness. I had planted a wild cherry tree in the
garden no thicker than the quill I am writing with, and it had grown into a
large tree, cumbering the ground, and shading a neighbour’s garden ; but the
Houseleek had never been in any one’s way, and had not risen into any undue
importance. — Alex. Forsyth, Salford.

PEAK PRINCE ALBERT.

FEW years ago I was induced, by the very favourable description given of
it in various quarters, and in different catalogues which came to hand, to
purchase this new variety of Pear. I find, however, so far as my experi¬
ence has gone, that it is, as a dessert pear, a very worthless variety.
Following the hints attached to its recommendations, that it required a warm
place to grow in,” &c., I planted a tree against a wall with an east aspect, and
in a very favourable position both for growth and fruit-production. The tree
has branched out most evenly on either side of the main stem, into sixteen pairs
of branches, and forms in itself a very handsome object ; but the fruits which it
has borne for three consecutive years have been utterly worthless. It will last
on till midsummer of the following season, 'without showing symptoms either of
decay or of ripening, so very coarse-grained is the flesh.

Now, a question arises in regard to these new Continental varieties, which are
ever and anon sent over here with most enticing characters, namely — whether the
difference between our climate and that from whence they are introduced, and in
which they are said to have been proven or tested, is sufficient to account for
such great disappointments. For there can be no greater disappointment in
gardening than that of giving a somewhat high price for a new fruit which is
said to exceed in merit those you are already possessed of, to give assiduous care
and attention thereunto for five, or six, or seven years, and then, when both one’s
employer and oneself are expecting to reap the return so well earned, to find
that means, labour, space, hopes, and anticipations are all destroyed or wasted.

I admit it is a moral impossibility for our own nurserymen to know for certain
the goodness or otherwise of these introductions, and I exonerate them from all
blame in the matter ; but I do hope that some plan will be found whereby to
test the merits of all such new introductions, so that we may have some mean*

204

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ September,

of knowing the truth before our walls are deprived of good old varieties to make-
way for rubbish. There can be no more fitting place for clearing up these points
than the garden at Chiswick, and I know Mr. Barron would not mind the trouble,
if room for such a purpose can be found within the greatly reduced area of the
garden there. — William Earley, Digswell.

ERICA OBBATA.

beautiful Heath, if not the best, is certainly one of the best of the
genus, and is worthy of a place in every collection, however limited.
However, from its being so seldom met with, I am under the impression
that it is considered a difficult variety to cultivate, though such is by no
means the case, if the directions here given are properly followed out. Select
some good fibry peat, let it be broken up into small pieces, then add sufficient
silver-sand to keep it porous, and mix the whole well together. Take a pot one
size larger than that the plant is to be removed from, give ample drainage, and
place some of the rougher portions of the peat on the top of the broken crocks
provided for drainage, in order to keep it in good working order. These points^
together with firm potting, reveal the secret of the successful cultivation of all
Cape Heaths. Therefore, when potting, it is requisite to have a piece of board
or stick of such thickness as can be worked freely between the new pot and the
ball of the plant, in order to get the fresh soil firmly pressed down around the
old ball. Pay proper attention to wateiing, and keep the plants well exposed in
the open air till the end of September, when they should be placed in a cool
greenhouse, where plenty of light and air will pass freely to them. As soon as
the blooming season is over, place the plants again in the open air, and allow
the sun to shine freely on them. Growth thus obtained is seldom subject to tho
attacks of mildew, and the bloom will be abundant and fine. In case, however,
mildew should make its appearance, dust with sulphur immediately. Above all,
pay careful attention to watering and to firm potting, for more Heaths are
destroyed from improper attention to these two points in their management, than
from any other cause whatever. — H. Chilman, Somei'ley Gardens.

A FEW COMING STRAWBERRIES.

amongst several hundred seedling Strawbenies which we have tasted
and examined this season, the following are selected as those which have-
most struck our fancy, and seemed the most promising. The following-
four varieties may, indeed, be looked upon as real acquisitions, which we
shall be glad to welcome when their owners think fit to introduce them : —

1. Waltham Seedling. A hybrid raised between Crimson Queen and Sir
Charles Napier, and partaking, to a certain extent, of the characteristics of both
parents, though in general outward appearance more nearly resembling Sir C.
Napier, but sweeter and richer. The fruit is of about the same size, and pro-

1870. ]

NEW CROTONS OR CODREUMS.

205

duced in as great abundance, but the colour is somewhat darker, approaching a
deep red ; the flesh firm, juicy, rich, and very pleasant. Habit of the plant
robust and vigorous. Leaves dark green and sturdy. A most extraordinary
cropper, and a decided improvement upon Sir Charles Napier as to quality of fruit
and vigour of plant. Eaised by Mr. W. Paul, Waltham Cross, and selected out
of several hundred seedlings, many of which possess points of great merit.

2. The Amateur. The fruit of this is of large size, and of very handsome
appearance ; the colour of a deep dark crimson ; the shape roundish-obovate,
and cockseombed ; the flesh bright red, somewhat soft, but of very pleasant
flavour. This extremely promising variety is a seedling raised by Mr. Bradley,
the raiser of Dr. Hogg, Sir J. Paxton, and Oscar, ivhose name is thus an almost
sufficient guarantee of its merits. Mr. Bradley states that it surpasses every
other variety he has grown, both for size of berry and productiveness. It is
very sturdy and robust in constitution, retaining the foliage well throughout the
winter. The fruit commences to ripen about the same time as that of Sir J.
Paxton, and the plant continues long in bearing. Eecommended as being
particularly suitable for amateurs who can only cultivate one variety.

3. Duke of Edinburgh (Moffat). This is a hybrid resulting from a cross
between Keens’ Seedling and Elton Pine. The fruit is very large, cone-shaped,
and irregularly cockseombed ; the colour deep dark crimson ; the flesh dark,
moderately firm, yet juicy and pleasant, but not particularly rich in flavour.
Its large size and fine colour give it a noble appearance, which will make it a
great favourite for market purposes. It comes into use the same time as
Keens’ Seedling, but keeps up a much better succession, affording fruit in a good
state for four weeks. The habit of the plant is robust, and it is a most extra¬
ordinary cropper. Eaised by Messrs. Moffat, fruit-growers, near Edinburgh.
Eeceived a Certificate from the Eoyal Caledonian Horticultural Society.

4. Royalty. This is a seedling raised from a cross between Black Prince and
British Queen, both of which it considerably resembles in outward appearance.
The fruit is of medium size, ovate in form, with a well-defined neck, the colour
bright shining red ; the flesh pale red, solid, rich, and very pleasantly flavoured.
In general appearance this most nearly resembles Myatt’s Eliza, although quite
distinct from that variety. The plant is of vigorous growth, and an abundant
bearer. Eaised by Mr. Trotman, Isleworth. Eeceived a First-Class Certificate from
the Fruit Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. — A. F. Barron, Chiswick.

• NEW CHOTONS OR CODI^UMS.

’’E have on previous occasions alluded to the numerous fine varieties of
Croton^ or more correctly Codiceum, which were obtained in the South
Sea Islands, by the late Mr. John Gould Veitch, some three or four
years since, and several of which have now been sufficiently increased to
be put into the hands of cultivators generally. We have already given illustra-

06

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST

[ September,

tions of some of these forms, and we are now able, through the courtesy of
Messrs. Veitch and Sons, to add figures of two more of the finest varieties of the

Fig. 1.

series, namely, C. Veitchianum and C. undulatum, both of which are remarkably
beautiful, and which are also strikingly distinct.

1870. ]

NEW CROTONS OR CODI^UMS.

207

Croton or Codiceum Veitchianum (fig. 1) will form a magnificent plant, either
for exhibition or home decoration. It is a stout-growing plant, with foliage of

Fig. 2.

large size, the leaves attaining a length of from 12 in. to 14 in., and being
slightly waved at the margin. The young leaves are traversed by broad bands

208

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Septembek,

of creamy-yellow, brandling out transversely along tlie course of the veins ; and
with age this portion changes to a lovely tint of rose or carmine-purple, the
intensity of the colours increasing as the leaves become older. For breadth of
surface, and clear and distinct markings, this plant is, we think, unequalled
amongst its congeners.

Croton or Codiceum undulatum (fig. 2) is a very different plant from the fore¬
going, but equally beautiful. The leaves are narrower, and are very much undu¬
lated, which gives great variety to, the rich tints they put on. The variegation
in this case consists of numerous blotches and markings, which at first are
yellow, gradually changing to pink and crimson, and in the mature leaves are of
the brightest crimson, on a dark-green ground, the base of the petioles being of a
very light green. It is of very free growth, and is said to have a magnificent
effect by artificial light. There can, indeed, be no doubt that all these finely-
coloured Crotons, in the form of young, single-stemmed plants of suitable height,
will be most eligible subjects for the decoration of the dinner-table. — M.

SWEET-SCENTED FLOWERS.

No. III. — Daphne indioa.

I ERE we have one of those beautiful flowers that are so generally killed by
kindness. Every person wishes to have it, not less for the appearance of
the plant when well grown, than for the delicious aroma which the flowers
exhale. Plant-growers differ as to its cultivation, some considering grafted
plants indispensable, while others would rather have the plant upon its own
roots. Much, however, of the success which should attend the cultivation of a
grafted plant will depend upon the perfect health and vigour of the stock upon
which it is worked. Sometimes the common wood spurge {Daphne Laureola) is
used, but I have found Daphne pontica to form the best stock. These should be
thoroughly established in 3 or 4-in. pots, and the grafting may be performed
either in the autumn, when the wood of the season is sufficiently firm and ripened,
or in the early spring, after the plant has done blooming. In the former case,
the grafted plants, after having the graft neatly and firmly fixed, and the wound
made air-tight with a coat of cold grafting-wax, should be placed in a cold frame,
or pit, under the protection of a close-fitting bell-glass or hand-light, keeping the
roots sufficiently moist, but not syringing the plants more than once a week, when
the glass should be left off until the foliage has got rid of the superfluous moisture.
In spring grafting, it is advisable that the stocks should be placed in a gentle
heat to excite them into growth before they are grafted, and if at the same time
the plant from which the grafts are to be taken can be placed in a similar tem¬
perature, it will be well, as then the stock and scion will be in the same state of
growth, and the chances of success will be much increased. In the hands of an
expert workman, the grafts need not exceed an inch in length, half to be attached
to the stock, and the other half, which may have two or three leaves and buds,

1S70. ]

SWEET-SCENTED FLOWERS. - NO. III.

209

being left to form tbe plant. What is called side-grafting, with the head of tho
plant left on until the graft has taken, is the best, as then the head may be
gradually reduced until the whole force of the plant is concentrated on the graft.
Of course, plants that have been growing in heat must be kept in heat after they
are grafted, giving them the protection of a hand-light in a warm pit or forcing-
house until the swelling of the buds shows that the grafts have taken. Then
gradually give air, until in the course of a week or ten days, the young plants,
being properly hardened, may be exposed to the atmosphere of the house.

Cuttings of the Daphne indica are best put in in the autumn, when the young
wood is something more than half ripe. Small side branches of about one inch
long, if they can be procured, form the best cuttings ; but if not, then larger pieces
may be cut into portions of about an inch each. In preparing the cutting pot,
let it be thoroughly well drained ; place over the drainage a layer of nice fibrous
loam, made quite firm, and over that a thin layer of silver-sand. In this the
cuttings may be inserted, not too thickly, and then covered with a bell-glass.
Keep the cutting pots in a cool, close propagating pit or frame for a month or
six weeks, by which time they should be nicely cicatrised ; and if they are then
placed in a gentle heat, roots will be immediately formed. It will not, however,
be wise to pot the cuttings off until after Christmas, and then, if placed in a close
and gentle heat, they will immediately start into vigorous growth.

The secret of growing this charming plant — and it is the only secret in its
management — is the fact that it abhors composts and nostrums. Give it good
unctuous loam full of fibre, and it will grow like a willow ; nurse it with peat,
leaf -mould, manure, (fee., and, like other over-petted things, it will not grow at all.
This may be considered the reason why ill-grown plants are the rule, and well-
grown plants the exception. Take a nicely grown plant with three or four
branches in early spring. Place it in a temperature of from 50° to 60° ; in a
fortnight or three weeks it will show indications of growth. Then pick out the
point of each shoot, which will cause duplicate branches to be produced, so that
you may have eight or twelve of these. When the young branches are about
half an inch long, the roots may be examined, and, if in a fit state, the plant may
be shifted into a larger pot. In doing this, take care that the pot is properly
drained ; use the fibrous turf before mentioned, pot quite firm, and keep the
plants somewhat close until the roots have taken to the fresh soil. The Dajdme^
in its growing season, delights in a moist, moderately warm atmosphere, and a
free circulation of air. If a growth of 4 in. to 6 in. in length can be got by the
middle of June, then the shoots may be again stopped, and a second growth
encouraged. This will add to the compactness of the specimen, but its blooming
will not be so certain as if the first growth had been allowed to mature itself.

The blooming of this plant depends entirely upon the thorough maturation of
the wood, and to that end it is better to rest satisfied with an early growth,
rather than, by forcing a second, to lose the chance of bloom. To ensure their

210

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGHST.

[ Septembeii,

blooming, it is necessary that the plants be exposed to full light and free circu¬
lation of air to the end of June ; and if after July, the plants being gradually
inured, they can be exposed to the full sun and a southern aspect, the certainty
of their blooming will be much increased. During the season of active growth
the plants, if well rooted, may be assisted with weak manure or soot-water once
or twice a week ; and even in the blooming season an occasional dose of manure-
water will be of service. The blooming season over, the plants, if not in heat,
may be placed in a vinery or other forcing house, syringing them lightly, but not
giving much water at the root. As soon as the leading shoots show indication
of growth, go over the plants, and pick out the point of each branchlet ; keep
them in the same temperature ; and, as the buds begin to break, increase the
supply of water. Should the plants require more pot-room, let them have it
when the young shoots have just started into growth ; keep them in a moist
growing temperature for a few weeks, and then gradually inure them to full
exposure in the open air as before directed. In this manner, using only the soil
before described, the Daphne may be grown and bloomed as freely as a common
pelargonium ; but, unless it is distinctly understood that the plant must have a
season of growth, maturation, and blooming, success in pots is impossible. —
W. P. Ayres, Nottingham.

LADY^S SLIPPERS— Chapter V.

present subject, Cypripedium villosum, is a free-growing and fres-
blooming species, very useful in collections on account of its ■winter¬
flowering habit. It is a stemless plant, with ligulate acute sharply-keeled
green leaves, which are upwards of a foot in length, and large showy
flowers. The scape is shorter than the leaves, and shaggy with purple hairs ;
the bract compressed boat-shaped, and dotted with purple. The dorsal sepal is
greenish, stained from the base upwards in lines and reticulations with dark-
brown purple, the edge colourless and ciliated, the keel villous, and the inter¬
vening space glandular hairy ; the petals are spathulate, undulated, unequal¬
sided, with a brown purple median line, the upper edge pale sienna, with faint
purple lines, the lower half somewhat greener, smooth on both sides, varnished
in front, ciliated, and having a tuft of purple hairs at the base on the lower side.
The lip is of a dull pale yellowish ground-colour, with a suffused dash of
brownish-purple, and varnished ; it is upwards of 2 in. long, and in. wide
across the mouth, narrowed towards the apex, and with two obtuse erect side
lobes obscurely veined with purple. The sterile stamen is greenish, obcordate
mucronulate, slightly bearded at the base, papillose, and bearing near the centre
a prominent blunt yellowish tubercle or horn.

The present species is perhaps the most robust-growing of all the Lady’s
Slippers in cultivation. It is a native of Moulmein, and consequently requires
to be grown in the East Indian house. Like most others of this genus, C. villosum

1S70. ]

lady’s slippers. — CHAPTER V.

211

is very easily grown into a good specimen ; and if such was not the case, it would
amply repay any amount of extra labour, on account of its richly-coloured and
highly-polished flowers, which form a distinct feature in a collection. It also
continues a very long time in flower, and may be had in full beauty either in
winter or summer — if during the first-named season, it should stand in the
warm end of the stove or East Indian house, after growth is complete during the

autumn ; but if for summer and exhibition purposes, it may be retarded with
ease and without injury, by placing it in a cooler temperature before its blooms
begin to show, but not until its growths are thoroughly ripened.

The soil C. villosum delights in is a mixture of fibrous peat and sphagnum
moss, in about equal parts, to which may be added with advantage a httle good
leaf-mould and silver-sand. Drainage must be perfect, and as it will require
more root-room than the majority of this genus, I should advise the use of char-

212

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ September,

coal as drainage material, because it is not so liable to get out of order, and is
mucli lighter, and thus the pots will be more easily removed from place to place
as circumstances may require. During the growing season it should be liberally
supplied with water, both from the watering-can and the syringe, and although
less will be necessary after growth is complete, especially from the syringe, yet at
no season should its roots be suffered to feel the want of water. Thrips and
scale will sometimes attack this plant, but a strict surveillance must be kept up,
in order to destroy them immediately they make their appearance, either by
fumigation or by hand-washing with soap and water. — B-. S. Williams, Victoria
Nurserij, Upper Ilollowaij.

NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

|NE of the most interesting features at the meeting of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society, on the 29th June, was a group of pyramidal-trained
Lobelias, averaging about 2 ft. in height, and densely covered with flowers.
They were all seedlings, and had been raised and grown by Mr. Moon, gar¬
dener to F. Stanton, Esq., Lewisham. A Special Oertiflcate was awarded for their
good cultivation ; and the mode in which the plants were grown taught what a
nice feature they might be made at flower shows. Show Pelargonium Pollie (Foster)
received a First-Class Oertiflcate ; it is a deep-coloured flower of a rich crimson
hue, shaded with dark, has rich dark top petals, is dwarf in habit, and very free-
blooming.

As is usual at the large provincial exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural
Society, there was held a meeting of the Floral Committee at Oxford, to pass in
review the new plants staged on that occasion. A First-Class Certificate was
awarded to Picotee Ne Plus Ultra^ a heavy pale-rose edged flower, with stout and
finely rounded petals, and good substance ; this came from Mr. J. Payne, Wor¬
cester Cottage, Oxford. Both the leading Verbena raisers, Mr. Eckford and Mr.
0. J. Perry, staged collections of new Verbenas on this occasion. Of Mr. Eckford’s
raising, the following flowers received First-Class Certificates : Mr. Dodds, pale
pink, with rosy-violet centre, very fine pip and truss ; Grande Monarque., orange-
red, with a dark shaded centre, fine hue of colour, and good pip and truss ; and
George Peabodij, bright reddish plum-colour, with large primrose eye, a fine and
showy variety. Of Mr. Perry’s flowers, the following received the same award :
John Laing, pale rosy-carmine, with reddish crimson centre, very fine pip and truss ;
Perfection, soft lilac-pink, fine rounded pip and truss ; Mrs. George Prince., pale
pink, with orange-red centre, pip and truss of fine quality ; and the Rev. C, P.
Peach, magenta-crimson, fine pip and truss.

On this occasion some things were provided for in the schedule that are very
seldom found at flower shows. There was, for instance, a class for six Delphiniums
in pots, the best of which came from Mr. Turner, of Slough. They contrasted
in a marked manner with the old and indifferently grown plants that came from

1870. J

NOVELTIES, ETC., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

213

other exhibitors, in that these were young and vigorously grown, with foliage of
excellent quality, and capitally flowered ; the plants were in 8-in. pots, and the
sorts were the charming pale blue Bella Donna^ L' Elegante, with a noble spike
of pale blue flowers ; Madame Chate'^Yeij fine ; Madame Stenger, Le Grand, and
Imperial Blue^ a collection of very fine varieties. That this fine class of herbaceous
perennials can be so cultivated in pots as to make valuable exhibition plants, was
conclusively proved in this instance. Herbaceous Phloxes^ in pots, were also nicely
done, but not so successfully as the Delphiniums — though they may be. The best
lot came from Mr. F. Perkins, Leamington, and consisted of Mdlle. Trotter, Madame
Pendatler, very similar in character ; James Veltch^ pale rose-crimson ; Liervallii,
Charles liouillard, and Madame Marie Saison. Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing
came next in point of quality, with more evenly-grown plants, well bloomed, but
ihe flowers somewhat small. The varieties were : iMons. Linden^ Mrs. Campbell.,
Madame La Comtesse de Malart, Major Stent., James Veitch., and the Deacon.
There are now to be observed in collections of perennial Phloxes some dwarf¬
growing kinds, and doubtless these, rather than the tall ones, will be grown
another year. Pentstemons in pots ‘ were very creditably done ; and as the
importations from the Continent during the past two or three years have given us
some plants of very dwarf growth, combined with free-flowering properties, no
doubt these also will be grown for pot-culture. Decidedly the best lot came
from Mr. J. J. Chater, Gonville Nurseries, Cambridge, who had the following-
kinds : Mdlle. Annie Rollett., Moliere., Due de Mexico., Grinchu., Nardg Freres.,
and Melanie Labouette. Lobelias, of the fulgens type, and Antirrhinums, were
very poorly done ; and Pijrethrmns in pots w'ere not represented. How^’ever, there
is no reason to despair, and we will look forward to another year, hoping for
better results.

There is much reason to believe that the beautiful genus Lilium is beginning
to receive a larger share of public attention than has been given to it of late.
At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on the 3rd of August, a some¬
what remarkable cross was exhibited by Mr. George Thomson, of Stansted Park
Gardens, who has succeeded in raising a seedling Lilg between L. auratum and
L. speciosum (lancifolium). It was named Purity, and had the same form as the
latter, but broader petals, and a flatter surface, the colour white, with numerous
small crimson spots, and an exquisite fragrance ; the flowers were most like specio¬
sum, while the foliage somewhat resembled L. auratum. At the same meeting,
George F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., who deserves the highest praise for his persis¬
tency in endeavouring to popularize the Lily, exhibited L. tigrinum jlore-pleno,
whose flowers have several tiers of petals regularly overlaying each other ; also
L. Leichtlinii, with flowers much reflexed, the colour yellow, spotted with
black. To each of these First-Class Certificates were awarded. At a
later meeting, Mr. Wilson exhibited the true form of L. speciosum {lancifolium').,
the flowers of which were heavily punctured with crimson, like rubrum, but there

214

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ September,

was a distinct and well-defined margin of white, and, moreover, the flower-buds
were shorter ; also L. Wilsoni^ a tall growing and very fine Lily in the way of
L. Thunbergianum, but distinct from it (see 1868, 121). A First-Class Certificate
was awarded to Mr. W. Bull for L. tigrinum splendens, with larger panicles of fine
flowers, of a much greater depth of colour and with larger spots than usually seen.
Some very fine varieties of L. auratum have also been shown ; Mr. Turner, of
Slough, received a First-Class Certificate for a finely marked variety, named
Charles Turner ; and Mr. Bull exhibited three fine forms, named respectively,
virginalis^ pure white, with yellow spots ; ruhro-vitiatum, very fine ; and Brilliant.

The rage for Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums appears to be subsiding, judging
from the paucity with which new varieties were staged at the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society’s Show on the 3rd of August. The best variegated zonal was the
Rev. E. R. Benyon., a fine-looking, robust-growing, golden-edged variety, finely
coloured, and not without some novelty of character. This came from Messrs.
E. Gr. Henderson and Son, and was awarded a First-Class Certificate. This variety
had been grafted on a strong-growing stock, and this had no doubt aided the fine
development. The other sections brought nothing new, but it is worthy of note
that in the class for Gold and Bronze Pelargoniums, Messrs. Downie and Co. had
Imperatrice Eugenie very finely coloured.

The supply of Hardy Clematises., which have been the subjects of a marked
improvement during the past few years, is by no means exhausted. Clematis
Victoria is a fine variety of the strain produced by Messrs. Cripps and Son, Tun¬
bridge Wells, and has been awarded a First-Class Certificate ; the flowers are of a
deep purplish lilac hue, and finely formed. Clematis Crippsii has reddish mauve-
coloured flowers, though somewhat dull-looking. The same award was made to
Mr. G. Baker for Clematis Gem, evidently a variety of C. lanuginosa, with light
mauve flowers. In Hydrangea japonica speciosa^ shown by Messrs. E. G. Hender¬
son and Son, we get a fine addition to the variegated-leaved types. This has a
broad flame of cream along each leaf, which is margined with deep green ; and
used in any way, will, if constant, be most effective ; it was deservedly awarded a
First-Class Certificate. To the highly interesting and valuable group of hardy
pictorial trees, Catalpa syringeefolia aurea., exhibited by Messrs. Cripps and Son,
and awarded a First-Class Certificate, will be an excellent addition, the large
bold leaves having quite a deep golden hue.

The useful group of dwarf-growing branching annuals is ably reinforced in
Godetia Whitneyi., a Californian species, with a peculiarly short rigid-branching
growth, and bright lilac flowers, spotted on each petal with lively red ; it was
introduced by Mr. William Thompson, of Ipswich, and received a First-Class
Certificate.

There is no lack of new Verbenas, but probably owing to the drought, they
appear to lack that full development observed in past years. In addition to
those already announced, Mr. C. J. Perry, received a First-Class Certificate for

•V

1«70. ] GARDEN GOSSIP. ’ 215

Mrs. Boulton, white, with rich deep crimson eye, a fine exhibition flower.
Probably for the same reason, or because growers are keeping them back for the
coming show at the Crystal Palace on the 6th of September, seedling Dahlias
have been sparingly produced. Mr. G. Wheeler, Warminster, has received a
First-Class Certificate for Marchioness of Bath., pale ground, heavily tipped with
deep rose, a flower of fine shape and substance. Mr. Keynes gained Second-Class
Certificates for Flora Wyatt, a fancy flower of much promise, buff ground
striped and flaked with dull red ; and for Incomparable, yellow ground, heavily
tipped with bright purplish claret. Hollyhock Bose Queen., a promising rose-
coloured variety, from Mr. Porter, gardener to E. Benham, Esq., Isle worth, has
also received a Second-Class Certificate. — E. D.

GARDEN GOSSIP.

HE Condition of our Fruit Crops for the present season has just been

reported in a tabular form in the Gardener s Chronicle. From this it

would appear that fruit of all descriptions has been abundant, that much

of it has been small, and that there is a general complaint of lack of

flavour, probably from the vant of sufficient moisture to develop to the full those subtle
chemical changes on which flavour depends. Fruit trees, as a rule, are reported to be in a clean
and healthy condition, — a favomuble augury for the next year’s crop. Insect pests do not
seem to have been so troublesome as might have been expected. As regards particular kinds
of fruit, the tenor of these reports runs thus : — Apricots generally plentiful and good ; Apples,
and Pears abundant but small ; Cherries very plentiful and of good quality ; Plums much
above the average ; Peaches and Nectarines numerous but small ; Strawbeiries not so satis¬
factory as most other crops, the flowers having, in many eases, withered from the drought.
Small fruits have been produced in plenty, and of good quality. Nuts of all kinds. Walnuts
especially, plentiful.

- - ^ VARIETY of Damson., called Crittenden s Prolific, raised many years

ago by Mr. J. Crittenden, of East Farleigb, is said to possess extraordinary

bearing qualities as compared with the sorts usually grown, so much so, that of

late years many groAvers have done away with the Prune, Shropshix-e, and other Damsons, and
introduced Crittenden’s, which is so popular in the district that every year a stock of it is
raised fi’om suckers, which can be had in any number. Its free-beaidng character and its
qualities as a fruit ai-e well attested ; Avhen the fruit begins to SAvell, the branches have in many
cases to be propped up, to prevent their bi-eaking. Tedious as this work may appear, Ave may
bo assm-ed that it pays, otherAvise it Avould not be done.

- ^HE Messrs. Huber et Cie., of Hyeres, announce the Dahlia arhorea as

a distinct and unpublished species, having many points of advantage over

D. imperialis. One of these is its dwarf er habit.. It grows some 6 ft. or 7 ft. in

height, fonns a bi'anched shrub, is clothed Avith large leaves, and produces an innumerable
quantity of pretty mauve-coloured flower-heads, which latter are px’oduced A^ery late, their
development, so it is said, not being ai'rested by a tempei'atm’e beloAV the freezing-point. The
floAvers are compared Avith those of a gigantic Anemone.

- According to some recent observations of the Eev. M. J. Berkeley, in

the Gardeners' Chronicle, on the Pustules on Pear Leaves., the cause of which has

hitherto been a m3'stery, these bodies are found to contain three or four minute acari,

about one-hundredth of an inch in length. The whole body has dense transverse striso,
consisting of granules. The anal exti'emity is slightly contracted with tAvo bristles, and thei-o
are four feet in front, each consisting of four joints, of Avhich the basal one is SAVoUon, the

216

THE FLORIST AND FOMOLOGIST.

[ September,

second oblong, the two terminal ones being about half ita length, the latter fiirniahed with a
hooked appendage. They appear to be very inactive, and possibly are only the larva state of
some more perfect acarus, though scarcely of one which occurs sparingly on Pear leaves, and which
resembles closely the ‘‘ rod spider.” The insect is closely allied to the Currant-bud acarus,
figured at p. 259 (1869), but it is twice as long, at least when extended. The point which has
to be- determined by entomologists is, whether the foui’-footed acari are merely a condition of the
eight-legged Tetranchi, though Diiges says expressly “larva? hexapoda?, adulto simillima?
or whether, as is more probable, they constitute with some other parasitic species, a distinct
ti’ibe of these curious though minute insects.

- ^HE Apple-bark Mussel Scale, Coccus concliiformis^ referred also to

Chernies and Aspidiotus, is very injurious to apple and pear trees, sometimes
occurring in such immense numbers as to cover the bark from root to twig. The

male insect does not appear to be known,
those which are so abundantly met with
being the females. The eggs stored up
under the dried carapaces of these, hatch
out about May, and then spread over the
bark. The accompanying figures repre¬
sent the insect in different stages and
positions ; fig. 3 showing the eggs, and
fig. 6 a detached coccus. It has lately
been recommended to boil leaf tobacco to
a pulp in strong lye, and to mix this
with soft-soap, and with this to paint
over the affected trees, just after the
hatching and dispersion of the young
brood have taken place. In America this is said to have been found a very effectual remedy.

- ^HE Laws Eegulating the Production of Sexes in Plants have been

recently discussed in a valuable jiaper read before the American Association for
the Advancement of Science by Mr. Thomas Meehan, whose conclusion is, that
female flowers are produced only in the best conditions of vegetative vigour, while with a
weakened vitality comes an increased tendency to bear male flowers.

©bituiHg.

- IHe. John Gould Veitch, F.L.S., was born at Exeter in April, 1839,

and died at Ooombe Wood, Surrey, on August 13th, in his 32nd year. Mr. John

Veitch, although taken from amongst us at an early age, will long bo remembered,

no less for his zeal and enterprise than for his generous and manly bearing, and for the many
choice introductions which were the fruit of his travels. In Apidl, 1860, he started on a voyage
to Japan and China, and thence to the Philippine Islands; the Primula cortusoides amoena
figured at p. 193 being one of the fruits of this journey, and many fine conifers and other plants
being also obtained. Returning in 1862, he again started in 1864 for Australia and the South
Sea Islands, and after an absence of about a year and a half retunied, bringing with him some
of the most beautiful plants of modern introduction ; witness the numerous richly-coloui'ed
forms of Croton and Draccena which are only now becoming known, together with many other
valuable and popular plants. From Cape York he obtained a neAv palm, which has since been
dedicated to his honour under the name of Veitchia Johannis. For some three years he had
been suffering from an affection of the lungs, under w'hich he at length sank. He was buried
beside his father in the Brompton Cemetry. Mr. John G. Veitch -was one of the most gifted and
promising of our younger commercial horticulturists, and his memory will be cherished by those
who had the pleasure to know him intimately as that of a single-hearted, earnest, and sincere
friend.

- iWB. John A. Watson died at the Villa Lammermoor, Geneva, the

property of Sir E. Peel, Bart., on August 9tli, in the prime of life, and after an
illness of only four days. He was a well-known and talented gardener, and a
frequent contributor to the English horticultural press.

1870. ]

LEPTOSIPHON ROSEUS.

217

LEPTOSIPHON KOSEUS.

ft

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

an exception be made in favour of tlie admirable Fldox Drummondii, none
of the annual Pliloxworts are more popular, or so well deserve popularity,
as the plants included in the genus Leptosiplion. Of dwarf and compact
habit, yielding profusely their star-like blossoms of various shades, and of
the easiest cultivation in almost any soil, it can scarcely be a matter of surprise
that they have from their earliest introduction taken place in the first rank.
For twenty years the genus was represented in our gardens only by the well-
known L. androsaceus and L. deiisifiorus, with their white varieties. To these
were at length added the charming L. luteus and its variety aureus^ both intro¬
duced by Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea ; and another, though it may be hoped not a
final addition, may now be chronicled in the Leptosiphon roseus, a most charming
plant, closely related in habit to the two last named, which it equals, if not
exceeds, in beauty and in usefulness.

The accompanying illustration will render superfluous any detailed descrip¬
tion of this elegant and attractive little annual. It differs from L. aureus almost
solely in its colour, which is a most pleasing tender rose, a shade by no means
easy to represent adequately on paper. Like that of its congener, its habit is.
very dwarf, rarely exceeding three or four inches, with similarly palmate foliage,
the flowers being produced in clusters terminating the stems and branches. The
elongated corolla-tube, so characteristic of the genus, is fully three times longer
than the limb, which is about three-fourths of an inch in diameter. In most of
the specimens the rose-colour is uniform, but in some there is an approach to a
stripe, or flake, which, however, in no degree detracts from the appearance of the
plant. Well grown, strong plants will yield their flowers for several weeks in
succession. To obtain specimens, however, that will give the maximum number
of flowers, it is essential with this, as with the other species, indeed with all other
annuals, to sow thinly, or to transplant the seedlings while young to such a
distance from each other as will afford full space for development. When the
sa.me care and attention that are bestowed on bedding plants are given to the
hardy annuals, then, and then only, will their capabilities be discerned.

All the Leptosiphons are natives of California, whence the present plant was
introduced by the writer, and exhibited during the past summer at the gardens
of the Royal Horticultural Society, and also at the Royal Botanic Society’s
meeting, on both occasions receiving the award of a First-Class Certificate. It
is but right to add, in conclusion, that by Dr. Asa Cray, the eminent American
botanist, the Leptosiphon roseus as well as L. luteus and L. aureus are regarded
as being varieties of Leptosiphon parvijiorus. The genus itself is, by some of the
leading botanists of the day, considered as merely forming a section of Gilia. —
W. Thompson, Ipswich.

3rd series. — III.

L

218

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOQIST.

[ October,

I

THE COLOUKING-MATTER OF PLANTS.

[N all parts of plants -wliicli have a green colour, the cells of -which the
tissue is composed (and which form the elementary organs of vegetable
structure) contain certain globular or spheroidal corpuscles, in which the
green colouring-matter resides. These are called chlorophyll corpuscles,
and they appear in greater numbers, and of a darker green colour, in proportion to
the intensity of solar light to which the tissue may be exposed. These corpuscles,
which are soft bodies, consist of a protoplasmic colourless substance, mixed with
colouring-matter, which is never found separate in nature. According to Fremy,
the green colour of chlorophyll is due to an admixture of two substances, one
yellow, called phylloxanthine^ the other blue, and called phyllocyanine^ though
other authorities believe the blue substance to be only a modification of the
yellow, brought about by the agency of acids. Our chemical knowledge of
chlorophyll is at present incomplete, but it may be expected that spectrum
analysis will ultimately reveal much of what is now obscure.

The development of chlorophyll corpuscles is believed to take place thus : —
In the young cell the protoplasm is colourless, and disposed in a thick layer
around the inner wall of the cell. Subsequently there appears, first, a yellow
colouring-matter, and then the inner portion of the protoplasm splits up into
polygonal portions, each of which becomes a grain of chlorophyll.

The destruction or decay of chlorophyll shows itself first in a change of colour
from green to yellow or orange, or in the case of the spores of algae, to red. This
red colour is assumed at the time when the spores come to rest, and when active
vegetation recommences the green colour is restored. In the case of leaves, at
the fall, the grains of chlorophyll diminish, then disappear, and give place to
highly refractory granules of an orange colour, which are the remnants of the
disorganized chlorophyll, and to -which the colour of leaves in autumn is due.
While these processes are going on, the starch and the protoplasm are dissolved
and stored away in the permanent tissues. In plants kept in the dark, Gris
noticed that the chlorophyll granules slowly and gradually become smaller and
lose their starch and colour, till at length nothing but minute amorphous granules
remain. Some plants, as Selaginellas^ Ferns, &c., bear the deprivation of light
much better than others, but in all quickly-growing plants, two or three daj^s’
obscurity suffices to disorganize the chlorophyll.

The production of this green matter of plants is a result of the liberation of
Oxygen. If plants are placed under such circumstances that they cannot decompose
carbonic acid, and exhale oxygen, as by excluding light from them, they never
acquire proper development ; no green colour appears — they are etiolated ; little
or no woody matter is formed in the walls of the cells, and the whole energy is
consumed in pushing out weak, watery shoots.

The bright colours of flowers are produced by substances usually dissolved

1S70. ] EIVERS’ SEEDLING PEACHES AND NECTARINES. 219

in the watery cell-sap, though sometimes solid corpuscles or utricular structures
are found in coloured cell-sap. In young tissues of flowers the colouring-matter
may be observed to form gradually in the vacuoles of the protoplasm, and as the
cells expand to increase in quantity, until the separate portions coalesce and fill
the whole cavity of the cell.

The colouring-matters of flowers admit of being grouped in two series, the
cyanic series and the xanthic series, with green as an intermediate colour.
Thus, starting with greenish-blue, the cyanic series passes through blue, blue-
violet, violet, violet-red to red. The xanthic series, on the other hand, passes
from green to greenish-yellow, yellow, orange-yellow, orange, orange-red to red.
The cyanic colours are usually in solution, the xanthic usually solid. It rarely
happens that the colours of the two series meet in the same flower. The various
tints of colour are produced either by means of the interposition of colourless cells
between those containing coloured juices, or by the superposition of cells with
different colouring-matter one over the other. Thus, an orange tint would arise
from the superposition of yellow cells over red, and so forth. White is produced
either by a very dilute coloured solution, or by the presence of air in compara¬
tively large quantities in the tissues. The velvety appearance of the petals of
many flowers is due to the fact that the epidermal cells are raised in the form of
small conical elevations, like the pile of velvet, and the play of light thereon gives
rise to the appearance referred to.

We glean these particulars respecting a most interesting subject, of some
importance to gardeners, from the recently issued edition of Professor Henfrey’s
Elementary Course of Botany f which has passed under the revision of Dr. Masters,
than whom no one more competent for the task could be found. Without being
swollen out to an unwieldy size by lengthy dissertations on unimportant topics,
we have in this new edition of Henfrey a complete text-book of Botany in its
various departments, brought up to the level of our present knowledge. — M.

RIVERS’ SEEDLING PEACHES AND NECTARINES.

HAVE grown and fruited in pots this summer some of Mr. Eivers’ new seed¬
ling Peaches and Nectarines, and I have found the following varieties to be
great acquisitions as regards earliness and flavour. They were grown
principally on a glass-covered wall, but a few of the varieties were fruited
on a south wall without protection of any kind.

Amongst Peaches the Early Beatrice was the earliest in ripening, being quite
ripe by the middle of July; it was juicy in texture, and the flavour was good.
Early Louise ripened about the end of July, but was not so juicy nor so good
in flavour as Early Beatrice. Early Eivers ripened with me about the same time
as the Early Louise, and was very juicy, with a rich, racy flavour. Dagmar

* An Elementary Course of Botany; Structural, Physiological, and Systematic. By Professor Artlixir
Henfrey. Illustrated by upwards of 500 Woodcuts. Second Edition, revised, and in part rewritten bv
Maxwell T. Masters, M.D. London: Van Voorst. Pp. 708. ’ ^

L 2

220

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ October,

proved to Be a large and finely-coloured peacli, and ripened in the second week
in August. Dr. Hogg, another large and also a finely-flavoured peach, ripened
about, the same time as the Dagmar. Early Silver, a very large and highly-
flavoured peach, ripened in the third week in August. Alexandra Nohlesse has
quite the pale colour of the old Noblesse, as well as its juicy and rich flavour
it ripens in the end of August. Lord Palmerston is a very large, pale peach, and
is at this date (September 15) ripe, but the flavour is not first-rate. Princess oj
Wales is another very large peach, pale in colour, with rosy cheeks next the sun,
but it will be the end of September before it is ripe.

The order of ripening of Mr. Eivers’ seedling Neotaeines was as follows ; —
Lord Napier, a pale coloured Nectarine of good flavour, and ripening in the
beginning of August. Rivers' New White is better flavoured than the Old
White, and ripens in the middle of August. Rivers' Orange, a seedling from the
Pitmaston Orange, is an excellent high-flavoured variety, and ripens in the end
of August. Stanwick Elrnge has a smack of the Stanwick flavour in it, and
ripens in the end of August. Victoria, the latest of Mr. Eivers’ seedling
Nectarines, is very rich and juicy when grown in pots, and ripens from the end
of August till the middle of September.

Dr. Hogg Peach has ripened with me on a south wall, and was in season
in the end of August ; it is a variety of excellent flavour. The Pine-Apple
Nectarine has likewise ripened on the same wall, and is an excellent new variety,
the flesh yellow, like Hunt’s Tawny, very rich in flavour, and the colour of the
fruit nearly black next the sun. — William Tilleey, Welheck.

ADIANTUM PERUVIANUM.

[F the known species of Maidenhair Fern, it is, perhaps, not too much
to say of this, that it is the noblest of them all. It is a fern which at
once arrests attention, not less for its size than for the elegance of its
large, compound drooping fronds, which is well shown in the accompanying
illustration copied from the Gardeners' Chronicle. It is a Peruvian plant, and
was described many years since by Dr. Klotzsch, who mentions both itsA’^^^^^^
ramosa and its pinnidis magnis. Latterly we have met with it in the collection

1870. ]

ADIANTUM PERUVIANUM

221

..THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[OCTOBKIl,

‘>•>9

^

of Messrs. Veitcli and Sons, of Chelsea, who have been fortunate enough to
procure the only plants which have, we believe, been introduced.

The plant is furnished with a stoutish decumbent caudex, from which arise
to the height of 12 in. or loin., the stout, black, erect, polished stipites, sup¬
porting the ample fronds, which are between 2 ft. and 3 ft. long, the nearly
simple elongated branches, as well as the apical portion of the frond, spreading-
out and hanging as gracefully pendent as the boughs of a Weeping Willow.
On the larger fronds four or five of these pinnae, or branches, are produced, the
lower ones being fully a foot in length, and again branched near the base. The
pinnules are numerous, of a stoutish texture, smooth, but of an opaque green
colour, and of large size, attached by longish slender petioles ; they have the
base more or less wedge-shaped, and the apex pointed, rarel}?- acuminate, the side
angles being rounded, so that the pinnules become unecjually ovate or somewhat
trapeziform according to the degree of obliquity in the two sides. The pinnules
measure in ordinary well-grown mature fronds about 2 in. long by 1^ in. broad,
some of those on the less divided fronds being fully 3 in. long and 2 in. broad.
The sori are large, produced along the whole of the two anterior margins of the
pinnule, varying in length, but generally shortish and somewhat rounded. The
veins are flabellately-forked, without trace of midrib.

This noble fern is, of course, a stove plant, not, however, requiring a very
high temperature. It appears to be of free and vigorous growth, so that it will
be invaluable both as a decorative and an exhibition plant. The bold character
of the pinnules, and the remarkable pendent habit of the entire plant, must
-certainly claim for it a place in the first rank of ornamental Ferns. — T. M.

AQUATICS.— Chapter IY.

NEAT-GEOWING native perennial is the Water Violet, or Featherfoil,
Hottonia palustris. Its root-stock is generally submerged. The leaves
are alternate, deeply cut, the lobes very narrow, very much resembling
those of Boronia Dr'iimmondii^ but of a more lively green. The flower-
stem rises above the surface about 9 in., and the flowers are set in whorls, one
above the other, generally five or six in each whorl ; they are of a delicate light
purple, five-petaled, and not quite an inch across. When seen from a distance,
the plant much resembles some of the darker-coloured varieties of the Cardamine
pratensis, and has a particularly chaste appearance. As it occupies but a small
space, it may be introduced into gardens of very limited dimensions, and is very
suitable for a small pond or tank ; but if placed in the former, it should be near
the margin. The flowering season is July and August. It appears to be the
-only European species.

The Flowering Eush, Butomus wiibellatus, is also a native plant, found in
ditches and water-courses in various parts of the country, though not over plenti¬
ful, except in some few localities. From its creeping rootstock it sends up a number

1S70. ]

THE GAEDBN MENTOR.

22Ji

of triangular leaves, broad and sbeathing at tlie base, gradually tapering upwards
to tbe height of 18 in., and terminating in a point. The name ‘’Eush ” is not
happily applied to it, as it is in reality more like the Blandfordia nohilis^ or some
allied plant. The flower-stem rises to the height of from 2 ft. to 3 ft., some¬
times higher when verj’- strong, and bears at its summit an umbel of from two
to three dozen flowers of a reddish hue, each flower consisting of three large and
three small petals, the individual flowers measuring nearly an inch over. When
in flo^ver, it is very ornamental. The margins of ponds, or lakes, or small tanks
are the places most suitable for it ; but it will flower profusely in a pan 18 in.
over, if planted in good stiff loam or clay. It is well worth cultivating, and ought
to be much more frequently met with than it is. It flowers in July and August.

The w^hite-flowered B. latifolius of Nepal appears now to be quite lost. It
produces a flower-stem about 1 ft. in height, and would probably bear our win¬
ters. Those who have correspondents in Northern India would do well to try to
re-introduce' this plant, and as the B. umbellatus seeds profusely, possibly the
B, latifolius may do the same, and if so, a few seeds could be forwarded by post.

The Buckbean, Menyanthes trifoliata, has strong, creeping, fleshy stems,
which emit roots in abundance, and are rather thickly set with leaves, especially
towards their points ; these leaves are trifoliate in form, on long footstalks, each
leaflet from 2 in. to 3 in. long, by 1 in. broad. The flower-stalk rises a few
inches out of the water, producing about eight or ten blossoms on each, of a rosy
hue, and very pretty, and also beautifully fringed. It is a very useful, hardy
plant for the margins of ponds, &c., as it soon makes a fine mass, and is no
trouble to grow ; there appears to be no other species.

But the dragon-flies seem all to have gone to rest, and the reed sparro'w has
just set up a sort of spasmodic twitter, reminding one that it is time to leave the
margin of the grassy pool and hie homewards. — W. Buckley, Tooting,

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

0 OCTOBER is sometimes a rough and boisterous month, though occasional^
a fine one, especially during the early part of it. The short days and
cold nights tell upon the vital powers of plants. The woods now look
rich and beautiful in their autumn dress, and doubly so when seen under
the influence of a bright October sun.

Kitchen Garden. — The season now drawing to a close has been a very
unfavourable one for the growth of vegetables, owing to the lengthened drought.
Daily waterings have been necessary to keep plants growing. Winter Sjnnack
should now be finally thinned, and the soil between the rows should be kept
well stirred, to encourage it to grow. A portion of the Endive and Lettuce crop
should be tied up weekly for succession ; and a good breadth of Lettuce should
be planted at the beginning of the month on a warm border, to stand the winter.
Celery should be earthed up, as it becomes necessary, in dry weather. CaulL

224

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ October,

^fiowers sown in August should now be pricked out into frames or under hand¬
glasses, at a distance of four or five inches apart. The whole of the Potato crop
should be lifted and housed in dry weather. Carrots^ Parsnips, Beet, Salsafy,
and Scorzonera should be taken up as soon as the tops indicate maturation, and
dressed, and stored away when dry. When the Asparagus stems are decayed,
they should be cut down, and the beds winter- dressed. CauUjiowers, Spinach y
Peas^ Beans, Scarlet Runners^ and other crops which have done bearing should
be cleared away. The ground should have a good dressing of manure, and then be
either dug deeply, trenched, or thrown up into ridges. The surface soil between
crops should be stirred with a hoe on fine days. Weeds will not now be troublesome.

Sow : Mustard and Cress weekly, for a regular supply.

Forcing-Houses. — Pines : These should now undergo a thorough re-arrange¬
ment, before the cold weather sets in, and if the beds want renewing wholly or in
part, it should be done before the plants are fresh plunged. All the plants in fruit
should be placed in a compartment by themselves, so that a suitable temperature
may be kept up during the autumn and winter months. The plants for next
season’s crop of fruit will now have done growing, and these will also do best in a
separate compartment, as they require a comparatively dry atmosphere, and
plenty of air and light. The succession plants of all sizes will do well together
the larger plants should be plunged in the back rows, and the smaller ones
in the front ones, and if any of them require shifting, it should be done
before they are re-plunged. Fire-heat will now become necessary to keep up
the temperature ; from 60° to 65° at night will be sufficient for the
succession plants, but the night temperature for the fruiting plants should
not fall much below 70°. The fruiting plants should be liberally supplied
with water when they require it ; the succession plants will do with much less
at this season. Vines : Keep all the houses containing ripe grapes as dry, cool,
and airy as possible ; remove all berries the moment they show signs of mouldi¬
ness or decay. The Vines in the early house, to be started next month, should
be pruned at once, if not already done. Peaches : The trees in the early house
should be pruned, but if disbudding and the thinning of the shoots have been
properly attended to, little in the way of pruning will now be necessary. Eemove
the ties of last season, and thoroughly cleanse the trees from everything likely to
harbour the eggs or larvae of insects ; then give them a dressing of the follow¬
ing mixture : — a little soft-soap, sulphur, clay, and tobacco-water, reduced to
about the consistency of paint ; this should be apphed with a brush. When dry,
the shoots should all be neatly tied in to the trellis. If any worn-out trees
require to be replaced with 3munger ones, this is the proper season to do it. The
best trees for the purpose are those that have been trained for five or six years.
These come into bearing at once, and the variety is known, which cannot always
be the case with younger plants. The plant should be carefully lifted, so
as to injure the fibres as little as possible, and should not be planted too deeply.

1S70. 1

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

225

Figs : Give the inside borders a good watering occasionally, to prevent
them getting too dry ; keep the house dry and cool, and give abundance of air,
that the plants may have a rest. Cucumbers and Melons : These do little good
on dung-beds after this. The late crops should always be grown in pits heated
with hot-water pipes, and then with a little attention and care Melons may be
grown to the end of November, and Cucumbers all through the winter ; the
principal point with Cucumbers is to have fine, healthy, robust young plants to
commence the autumn with ; these, with care, and not allowing them to carry
too many fruit at a time, will bear a succession through the winter. The night
temperature should not fall much below 70°, and a temperature of 80° should
be kept up during the day.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — The end of this month is the best time in the year
for planting fruit trees when the weather is suitable, therefore those who have
any planting to do should make every preparation to take advantage of the first
favourable opportunity. Take advantage of fine days to gather Pears and Api^les
as they become fit ; I cannot too often urge the necessity of careful handling of
the fruit, so as not to bruise or injure it, otherwise it will not keep long. Quinces,
Medlars^ Wcdnuts, and other Nuts should be gathered when fit.

Flower Garden. — Plant-Houses : All tender plants should now be under
the protection of glass. Soft-wooded Plants should have plenty of air in fine
weather, but at this season they should be carefully watered, and the stages and
paths should be kept dry, for damp in this and the following months is very
injurious in plant-houses. Hard-wooded Plants must be well attended to ; the
more tender kinds must not be exposed to cutting winds. The more hardy kinds
should have plenty of air, but be careful to guard against cold draughts, which
would injure the foliage after coming from the open air. Pay every attention to
the young stock ; neither let the soil get over dry nor over wet — both are injurious,
but rather err in letting them get dry than wet, as water is more easily given
than extracted.

Pits and Frames. — Plants in pits and frames must now be watered
sparingly. Air should be freely given in fine weather, also some in wet weather,
by tilting the lights behind. Shift the larger Cinerarias as they require it, and
give them plenty of room. Pot off late seedlings. Shift and pot off Calceolarias
as they require it. Eooted cuttings of Pelargoniums of all kinds may be potted
off, and after they are potted, they will do best with a little bottom-heat to assist
them in making fresh roots. Bulbs of all kinds should be potted and placed in
frames until wanted for forcing.

Out-Doors. — Spare no pains to keep up the appearance of the garden, a
clean, well-kept garden will please at all seasons. Towards the end of the
month all plants intended to be kept over the winter should be lifted, potted, and
put into a little heat to assist them to make fresh roots. As soon as the beauty
of the plants is gone, they should all be cleared away ; the beds should be

226

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ October,

manured, dug deeply, and planted with, bulbs and spring-flowering plants.
When this is done, any contemplated alterations may be proceeded with at once.
This is the best season for planting all the hardier trees and shrubs. Leaves
will now begin to fall fast, and will require daily sweeping up. Mow lawns in
dry weather, and sweep and roll wvalks. — M. Saul, Stourton.

YAKIATION IN PLANTS.

T may perhaps, at first sight, seem to be contrary to the divine command
^ that the earth should bring forth “ the herb yielding seed after his kind, and
*1^ fruit-tree yielding fruit after his kind,” for the species of plants to
Y have since branched off into infinite varieties for the use of man. But the
decree seems to have had no such limits as those set by the Genera and Species of
science. The working of Nature’s laws, indeed, is in perfect harmony with the
words of Holy Writ. The deviations observed in the various species of a genus
are effected by the fecundation of the seed through the influx of alien pollen,
and thus the way is opened for all future varieties.

Some persons consider that cultivated plants are only wild ones reclaimed or
altered by higher culture. Now, though this conclusion may be the easiest way
of settling the question, there are fatal obstacles in the way of its acceptance,
for no sort of culture will turn the Pyrus Malus or Grab into an apple tree, nor
the Eosa rubiginosa or Sweet-brier into a double rose. The first start or change
is effected in the seed in the way above mentioned. In support of this view, I would
add that Eosa sinica is a very distinct species from Eosa sempervirens, and yet
it is said that the whole of the new hybrid roses originated by the mixture of
their pollen. This shows that there are connecting links of affinity in the
families of plants, though their original homes may be thousands of miles apart.
Thus, though the apple is considered to be the offspring of the wild crab, there
must have been a union of this and some other Pyrus at a very early period, —
perhaps in Asia, for we read of it there ; the prophet Joel mentions the apple tree
as being ‘’withered with other fruit trees while Solomon’s simile, “the smell
of thy nose is like apples,” indicates that the fruit commonly known by us as the
apple is meant. There seem to be few, often no varieties, where there is but
one species in a genus, for in such cases there can be no mixture of fruitful pollen
to produce hybrids. The Viscum album or Mistleto is one case in point. The
extended existence of this plant depends solely on seed, and the young germs,
indeed, show but little signs of life until the second or third season after the seed
has been deposited on the bark of the foster-tree.

I nov/ advert to the case of plants being separated for years from their original
habitats, yet as soon as one of the same family is introduced, a fruitful union
is readily effected. The Aucuba japonica affords a good example of this ; it has
been in this country upwards of eighty years, and its blossoms were unfertile
until lately, when the male was introduced from. Japan, and now the blotched-

1870. ]

THE VENTILATION OF HOTHOUSES.

227

leaved female may be seen full of red berries. There may be those who do not
credit the opinion that the Crambe maritima, or Seakale is the head of the
Cabbage tribe, but who yet readily believe that wild plants can be reclaimed or
changed by higher culture, contrary to what I have now advanced. Therefore, I
further observe that if a Prunus Cerasus were planted out amongst trees of Prunus
Avium, it would not degenerate or become changed into the latter, for the virtue
of the rind of the bark forbids it. Indeed, the bark of plants may be said to be
the truthful keeper of the peculiar virtues they inherit from seed ; and upon this
fact depends the rearing of plants by cuttings, buds, and grafts true to their kinds ;
while those raised from seed often fail to keep true. — J. Wighton, Cossey Park.

THE VENTILATION OF HOTHOUSES.

®fHAT a stagnant atmosphere in hothouses is inimical to the well-being of
plants, there can be no question. Abundant testimony might be adduced
to prove that in ill- ventilated hothouses not only are etiolated growth and
thin sickly foliage the rule, but also that red spider and other insects
are more difficult to keep under than when abundant ventilation is at the
gardener’s command — the insects, a consequence or concomitant of the want of
vigour in the plants, and the want of vigour and stamina in the plants a con¬
sequence of lack of the life-giving properties contained in the free air. The cry
raised some years ago by an eminent horticulturist on behalf of plants confined
in forcing-houses, “ Give me air or I shall dieV' was no vain appeal, and, doubt¬
less, has had a beneficial effect, by directing the attention of builders and
gardeners to the importance of the subject, and thus securing the provision of
more openings for letting in, or, more correctly, letting through the air.

But it is well known to cultivators of tropical plants and of forced fruits,
that something more is wanted than the means of allowing a blast to blow
through the forcing-house, as plants under tropical treatment can no more bear the
direct action of cutting easterly or other cold winds which the ordinary ventilators
admit, than an Asiatic can endure with impunity the chill air of a northern
climate. Ingenuity has been busy in devising the means for letting-in and
letting-out sufficient volumes of air to and from our hothouses ; and many, of

the plans in use are entitled to little more praise than is conveyed in the words
they are ingenious.” At length, however, a plan has been brought before the
gardening world worthy of far higher commendation, and which if it does not
supply all that the cultivator can wish for, goes a long way towards doing so.
We allude to Mr. Ormson’s new system of warming and airing hothouses, a
model of which was exhibited at Oxford, at the Eoyal Horticultural Society’s
show, and which the accompanying engraving will the better enable’ the reader
to understand.

By means of this novel system, a continuous supply of air, deprived of its
chilling properties, may at all times be uninterrupted!}^ supplied to a forcing-house.

228

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST

[ October,

even during the coldest night or day of the whole year, without the possibility of
injury to the most delicate plant. It will be seen from the figure that the ordinary
4-in. hot-water pipes have been dispensed with as the heating medium, and hollow
hot-water cylinders presenting a large heating surface (as much as four or six of the
ordinary 4-in. pipes) substituted. These cylinders present the ordinary external sur¬
face for radiation of heat, and, in addition, an internal surface, forming a chamber by

means of which the external air after being brought in through valves in the front
wall, is allowed to escape into the house at openings between the cylinders, as shown
by the arrows. The air thus becomes warmed before coming in contact with the
plants, and by the force of gravity is diffused through the house, escaping through
hollow rafters by means of nicely adjusted valves into a chamber in the back wall,
and from thence into the open air, through gratings provided for that purpose.
There is a valve or ventilator at the top of every rafter, and a valve is fitted to each

1S70. j

THE BURGHLEY PARK CHERRY.

229

of tlie cylinders. In order to properly moisten the warm air on escaping from the
cylinders, zinc or iron pans are provided to fit the top of the cylinders, which
may be placed over each opening, or elsewhere, at the option of the cultivator.
By such an arrangement it is evident that no stagnant or vitiated air can remain
in the' building, but, on the contrary, an atmosphere in motion, constantly
replenished with a stream of fresh air from without, will be flowing through it.
It will be sufficiently evident that although the engraving shows a lean-to house,
the same principle is equally applicable to other forms of structure ; and we should
also state that sashes and lights are hung in the usual way, so that in summer
additional air may be given to any extent required.

We may fairly congratulate Mr. Ormson on the successful working-out of a
good practical idea, and that without assuming that he has yet reached the
ultima thule of the science of ventilation. Further enlightenment may not im¬
probably follow in the course of practically working-out the system as now
presented to us, but in the meantime a good plan for the free circulation of fresh
air in our hothouses in the depth of winter has been secured, without the possi¬
bility of risk to the plants from contact with cold air. The perforated rafters
may probably add to the efficiency of the arrangements by drawing the outgoing
current from every part of the house ; whether their cost would be compensated
by their advantages is a question which practical trials will soon settle. — M.

THE BUEGHLEY PAEK CHEEKY.

HIS Cherry is a seedling raised at Burghley Park, Stamford, the seat of the
Marquis of Exeter, more than thirty years ago, but it has never until now
been brought very prominently into notice. It belongs to the Bed Duke
class. The fruit is very large, fully an inch in diameter, slightly elongated
or oval in shape, and sometimes flattened on the sides. The skin is very thin,
transparent, showing the flesh through when fully ripe ; when commencing to ripen
it has the appearance of a Bigarreau, but gradually changes to a brilliant dark
red the longer it hangs. The stalk is long and rather slender. The flesh is of
a dull yellowish-red hue, veined or netted, very juicy and melting, with a sweet
acid flavour, both pleasant and refreshing. The variety is, however, one of rare
excellence, coming into use at midseason.

The tree has had the reputation of being a shy bearer, the crop being
generally very scanty, but so extremely fine, that Mr. Gilbert, the gardener, at
Burghley, was instructed to use his best powers to obtain a crop, and he has
succeeded by a stroke of common sense — by leaving a supply of the young wood
at winter pruning, instead of cutting it all off as formerly — in securing a most
abundant crop, the tree having been this season literally laden with fruit.

The Burghley Park Cherry was deservedly awarded a First-Class Certifi¬
cate by the Fruit Committee at the Royal Horticultural Society’s meeting at
Oxford. It is undoubtedly a seedling and a first-class fruit, and ought to have

230

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ October,

been brought forward many years ago. The question now arises as to its dis¬
tinctness from other varieties since introduced to cultivation. It has been
suggested that it may prove to be the same as Reine Hortense, a well-known and
much appreciated variety, which has time after time been raised from seed, and
sent out as a new variety, and which enjoys no fewer than nineteen synonyms,
including Merveille de Hollande, Belle Supreme, &c. — M.

SHELTER FOR GARDENS.

' HELTER is sought, with more or less intentness, by the birds of the air
and the beasts of the field, all of whom love to retire to some covert or
retreat as a refuge from the stormy wind and tempest. This being so,
what shall be said of the neglect of shelter in our gardens, where we cul¬
tivate the plants of every clime, — the choicest fruits, flowers, and vegetables, all
carefully improved through man’s agency, either by means of hybridization or of
high cultivation, and all consequently more highly bred and more delicate than
the wild animals and birds. Do not such subjects as these also require shelter ?
Assuredly they do ; and I have seen this so frequently illustrated, that I would
invite attention to the subject. Fruits under the influence of shelter will grow
twice as large as they will do when exposed, and they are also much improved
in flavour. This result is obtainable simply by affording them shelter, — and by
this word I do not mean a glass structure or a garden-wall, but trees which will
grow 40, 60, yea 100 ft. high, if you wish, and will protect the garden from the
stormy blast, and sift the air,” as it were, before it reaches their more delicate
brethren. By means of shelter such as this, placed at a proper distance, the
Pear will swell to its full size, the Peach will become “ fat and lusty,” and full
of saccharine juice, and the Apple will remain on the tree until it is properly
matured, and will consequently keep much longer. Flowers, grateful for the pro¬
tection, will open more kindly, even in very early spring ; while vegetables may be
brought more forward, and retained to a later period by the same influence, and
they will also be much more juicy and “ comely in their kind.”

It remains to inquire what are the best trees to be planted in order to
effect these benefits. In my opinion, nothing is so good for this purpose as the
Pine tribe, and among these, perhaps Pinus austriaca and P. Laricio are the best.
There may, however, be persons who would think their sombre appearance a blot
in the landscape. To relieve this, and lighten up the picture, a mixture of Elm,
Beech, Sycamore, or Lime might be introduced. I have a great liking for the
latter tree, which is beautiful in growth, fragrant in blossom, and always pleasing.
In some cases, a good many of the Wild Cherry, or Gean, as it is called in Scotland,
may be introduced with good effect, on account of its abundant white flowers
in spring ; it is also useful as affording food to birds, and in autumn the
foliage is second to none for its beauty in the landscape.

I am so satisfied on this subject of shelter, that I believe we may manure and

1870. ]

THE PEARS AT TORTWORTH COURT.

231

trench, plant and water, and in every way do our best, but without plenty of
shelter, either natural or artificial, we shall be but half repaid for our labour. —
Joseph Rust, Bridge Castle.

THE PEARS AT TORTWORTH COURT.

OFTER a slight interruption, I again resume from p. 185 my annotations on
our collection of Pears ; and I do so with the sole object of benefiting
those whose opportunities for observation in this department may not have-
been so extensive as mine : —

ULiconnue. — Ho-wever meritorious the quality of Glou Morcoau, we have here a much
superior variety. The flavour is really exquisite, juicy, and sugary, combined with an agree¬
able acid, and it is very productive, even in adverse seasons. Its usual time of ripening is
from the middle of January to the middle of February, and it weighs from 7 oz. to 7^ oz.

Marie -Louise. — This is a pear of sterling merit ; its quality scarcely ever varies ; it is
melting, juicy, sugary, and vinous. Upon an average it begins to ripen towards the middle of
October, keeps in condition about thi^ee weeks, and weighs from 7 oz. to 8 oz. The blossoms
are rather tender, and are occasionally destroyed by late frosts.

Monarch (^KnighCs). — ^We might with the greatest confidence class this variety as equal in
(piality with LTnconnue and Marie Louise. It begins to ripen diuing the first week in
November, and keeps in good condition till the middle of December ; the usual weight is from
() oz. to 7 oz., but it sometimes considerably exceeds these figures. With us the greater part of
the crop drops pi’ematimely. This defect may arise from some disorder in the soil, rather than
from any inherent property possessed by this variety.

Nouveau Poiteau. — This is a fine-grained pear, melting and very juicy, but deficient in
sugar, and hardly worth growing, as so many other kinds of superior merit are in use at the
same time. It decays so I'apidly as to require daily attention. The usual time of ripening
is from the 20th to the end of October, and it usually weighs from 11 oz. to 12 oz.

Napoleon. — Unless grown against a south-east or west aspect, this variety rarely if ever
acquires a second-rate quality. Grown as an open standard with us, it is quite worthless. It
begins to ripen about the middle of October, soon begins to decay, and usually weighs from
(j oz. to 7 oz. Its place is well supplied by Marie Louise.

Ne Plus Meuris. — This is a very hardy variety, and in the majority of seasons fruits
freely as a standard, but imless the weather is warm, there is a deficiency of size and flavour.
The sterling qualities of this pear can only be properly developed when it is trained against a
south aspect, and it is then unsurpassed, and hardly equalled by any pear cultivated in British
gardens. ^Moreover, there is the property of ripening gradually, so that at no time is there a
glut of ripe fruit. The flavour is buttery, melting, veiy sugary, and luscious ; it usually
begins to ripen about the end of December, keeps in good condition till the end of February,
and weighs from 14 oz. to 15 oz. .

Nelis, Winter. — Independent of its high qualities, during the majority of seasons this
variety bears freely as a standard, even in exposed situations, and should therefoi’e never be
omitted in any collection, however limited. The flavour is all that can be desired, being
melting, very juicy, and sugary ; it weighs from 6oz. to 7 oz., and ripens usually about the first
week in January.

Passe Colmar. — Unless planted in a sheltered and wai’m situation, we find that this variety
rarely bears freely or ripens its fruit thoroughly. To do this really excellent pear ample justice it
should be trained against a wall. The usual weight is from 6 oz. to 7 oz., and it begins to ripen
about the middle of November. In catalogues a variety is introduced under the name of Passe
Colmar Dore, but I have not been able to discover any room to make the distinction.

Prince Albert. — This pear is of recent introduction, and has proved, under a variety of
circumstances, to be quite worthless for the dessert. It is somewhat surprising that it should
be constantly described in nursery catalogues as a melting, sugary, and richly-flavoured variety.

Seckle. — No pear with which I am acquainted possesses so sti'ong an aromatic flavour. The
quality is all that can be desired, juicy, sugary, and melting. In most cases one or two trees
will be sufficient, as it soon begins to decay. The time of ripening is somewhat iincertain, as
we have had it quite ripe on October 0 and at other times not till the end of the month. It

232

THE ELORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ OCTOBEE,

hardly, if over, exceeds 6 oz. in weight, but more frequently averages from 4 oz. to 5 oz., which
is owing in some measure to its very productive habit.

Sabine d'lliver — In form, size, and colour this pear somewhat resembles Easter Beurre, so
much so, that an unpractised eye might easily be deceived ; still it is quite distinct from that
variety, and superior in quality. It can hardly be called melting, yet the flesh is soft, to some
extent buttery, and sugary. A really valuable pear during February, and continues in use till
nearly the end of March. The tree is a profuse bearer, and the usual weight of the fruit is
from D oz, to 10 oz.

St. Germain. — This is by no means a productive pear, and does not ripen even in favoured
localities when grown as a standard, so that it may with propriety be omitted in extensive
collections. The flesh is juicy and melting, frequently gritty, and deficient in sugar. Begins
to I'ipen about November 20, and weighs on an average about 8 oz.

Tho7npson’s. — The qualities of this pear are unsurpassed, if equalled by any, and hence it
is indispensable even where only a few kinds are grown. The flesh is melting, exceedingly juicy,
and sugary. The tree is a moderate bearer, and somewhat tender. The fruit begins to ripen
about October 20, keeps in good condition for two or three weeks, and weighs from 7 oz. to 8 oz.

Triomphe de .Jodoigne. — A large pear of no merit whatever ; so worthless, that we have
discontinued its cultivation.

Van Mans Leon le Clerc. — This is a large pear of excellent quality, weighing about 10 oz.
The flesh is melting, juicy, and sugary, of a delicious flavour. As a standard it is productive,
but to have the fruit in perfection it ought to be grown against a wall. It begins to ripen
during the last week in October, or the fii’st week in November.

WilUams’s Bon Chretien. — We cannot dispense with this pear, as it fills up a gap when
really good kinds are scarce. As it does not keep in condition above a week or ten days, a
couple or three trees will be enough to meet the demand of a large consumption. It should bo
gathered during the last week in August or the first week in September, but much will depend
upon the season ; one thing is certain, if allowed to ripen on the tree, the flavour ■will be
insipid, and the flesh spongy. The usual weight is 10 oz. ,

Zephirin Gregoire. — Between this pear and Passe Colmar there is an intimate connection,
but there is this difference, that the present is more productive in a cold situation. The tree
is of rather a feeble constitution, and to keep it in good health the fruit must be thinned freely.
There are few pears of a more delicious flavour, being exceedingly juicy, vinous, sugary, and
highly aromatic. It begins to ripen during the first or second week in November, weighs from
7 oz. to 8 oz., and keeps in condition for nearly a month.

In concluding these annotations, I may remark that I have faithfully described
the quality of the several kinds as produced in our soil and situation. The
experience of other cultivators situated under different circumstances will, no
doubt, in some points differ from mine, nor can we everywhere expect to arrive at
uniform results. As to the exact period of maturation, nothing can be definitely
stated ; all that can be recorded is a mere approximation, as the influence of the
season and the temperature of the fruit-room will either advance or retard the
ripening ]3rocess. As none of our trees are subject to disease of any kind, I have
not had the opportunity of taking notice of what in many gardens is a source of
great annoyance. The habit is free, without being luxuriant. — Alexander Cramb,
Tortivortli Court Gardens.

EHODODENDEON LOBBIL

VERY distinct Rhododendron of the tender class, obtained from Borneo
by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, who have been good enough to favour us
with the accompanying illustration. It was collected by Mr. Thomas
^ Lobb, whose name is so closely associated with many of the fine plants
brought forward from the Chelsea and' Exeter establishments during the last few
years, and it has been named in compliment to him by the Messrs. Veitch.

1870. ]

RHODODENDRON LOBBII,

233

It forms a moderate-sized slirub, with whorled oblong-elliptic leaves, and
terminal trusses of long-tubed flowers, having the tube 3 in. to 4 in. long, curved
upwards, and the limb moderately expanded. The colour is a bright glossy

crimson^ a colour which gives the plant a brilliant appearance, and from the
form and general character of the flov/ers, it has a most distinct and striking
appearance. It is a very free-blooming plant, and from eight to twelve flowers

234

THE ELOBIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[OCTOBEK,

are produced in a truss. When exhibited at South Kensington in October last,
it gained a First-Class Certificate.

The plant is very closely related to the B. longijloruin of Lindley, also a
Bornean plant, gathered b}^ Mr. Hugh Low, and may possibly prove to be the
same. According to Messrs. Veitch’s experience, it requires the heat of an inter¬
mediate stove. It should be mentioned that the name It. Lohhianum had pre¬
viously been given to a yellow-flowered Penang plant, which has been considered
by some as a yellow-flowered variety of B. Brookecmuvi. — M.

f

THE NEW SHOW PELARGONIUMS OF THE YEAR.

qT would seem that Messrs. Hoyle and Foster are as busy as ever in the
work of improving the Pelargonium, and their efforts are well seconded by
Mr. Wiggins, of Isleworth. The march of improvement goes on, each
succeeding season furnishes its quota of progress, and year by year Ave sum
up the results of the acceptable work of these worthy florists.

The past season has produced some very fine floAA’ers, and the finest of these
have each received that high aAvard the Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horti¬
cultural Society is ever Avilling to give to subjects of undoubted merit. These
favoured flowers are as follows ; — Admiration (Foster), loAver petals pink, flushed
with carmine, Avhite throat, dark blotch on the top petals, with fiery orange
border, and a thin edge of pale pink ; a fine and pleasing flower, and good habit.
Charlemagne (Foster), in the AA^ay of Mary Hoyle, but haAung a much deeper gloAV
of colour ; loAver petals bright carmine, bold Avhite throat ; small dark blotch on
the top petals, lit up with a slight border of fiery orange, and a broad margin of
carmine-rose ; fine form, good truss, and excellent habit. Duke of Edinhurgh
(Hoyle), a very fine stained or painted flower ; fiery rose, loAver petals heavily
pencilled Avith dark lines ; dark top petals, Avith narrow margin of pink ; pip of
fine form ; good truss, free-blooming, and good habit. Iron Duke (Foster),
orange-carmine loAver petals, AAuth a slight margin of pink ; pure AA^hite throat ;
dark top petals, broken into AAutli fiery rose, and narrow margin of rosy pink ;
fine form and substance. May Day (Foster), pure pink loAv^er petals, large and
striking Avhite throat ; very dark, almost black top petals, bordered Avith fiery red,
and broad margin of pink ; very smooth and pretty, and good bold truss. Pollie
(Foster), rich crimson, heavily overlaid Avith dark ; rich, dark, top petals, dAvarf
habit, and very free-blooming ; a fine dark flower. Lastly comes Syren (Foster),
pink loAver petals, slightly marked and veined Avith orange-maroon, white throat ;
a very smooth and pretty flower of extra fine quality.

Of those neAV floAvers that did not receiA^e awards, the folloAving promised
well : — Pretender (Foster), orange-red, a fine high-coloured flower ; Brigantine
(Foster), pink, slightly flushed with rose, very free-blooming, and good habit ;
Warrior (Foster), a fine and showy high-coloured flower ; Kingcraft (Foster), a
showy painted floAver, but as shoAvn, a little undersized ; Sidtan (Foster), Auolet-

1S7(K ]

CHIM0NANTHU3 FKAGRANS. — CARPET-BEDDING.

pink, veined witli dark orange, a fine and promising flower ; and Purple Gem
(Ho}de), violet-purple, veined and stained with dark, novel in colour, and good
in habit, though wanting in quality.

Of Mr. Wiggin’s new flowers, the best appeared to be : — Cornelia, a large and
bold variety ; Fascination ; Hesperis ; Lihj^ a small, but very pretty white flower ;
Pulclieria; Eoxanna ; and Vesta, another white flower, and promising to be very
useful for its free-blooming qualities. — Quo.

CHIMONANTHUS FEAGRANS.

FINE plant of this most deliciously-scented deciduous shrub, growing here,
flowered profusely last January, scenting the air all around it, and a
handful of blossoms Avhich were placed on my writing-table filled the room
with the most pleasant of perfumes that could be wished for. The
colour of these flowers is peculiarly modest, so that when a hand-bouquet which
we had been making, ai\d in which I had put a few of the blooms, was presented,
the exclamation was, Oh ! what is it that smells so sweet ?” In reply I had to
single out the quiet-coloured, but gratefully-scented Chimonanthus fragrans, —

“ Less fragi'ant scents the unfolding rose exhales,

Or spices breathing in Arabian gales.”

The plant alluded to is growing against a wall having a north-westerly aspect,
and is so situated that in winter it never gets a ray of sunshine. Even in summer,
with the exception of an hour or two, the sun’s rays are considerably subdued
before falling on the plant, having to make their way through trees immediately
in front, and which rise to a considerable height.

During the summer of 1869 the plant ripened a considerable quantity of seed.
In November a few of these were gathered and sown at once, and now I have a
dozen nice thriving little plants.

We often observe that Cherries will set their blossom better when on an
aspect where they can be shaded a little from the full blaze of the sun ; but
whether the shady situation of my Chimonanthus has had anything to do with the
setting of its blooms, and the ripening of its seeds, I am not prepared to say. —
Wm. Miller, Combe Ahheij Gardens.

CARPET-BEDDING AT BATTERSEA PARK.

^ARPET-BEDDING- is that system of planting summer flower-beds which
has come into vogue during the last two or three years, in which the whole
surface of the beds is clothed with a carpet-like covering of low, close¬
growing plants. As applied to decorative gardening, it also implies the
arrangement of plants having leaves of different colours in such a way as to work
out ornamental designs. Since the first advent of this system, it has always been
most effectively carried out by Mr. Gibson at Battersea Park, this year with fully
as much success as on previous occasions, and we are glad to be able to give some

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ OCTOUBR,

23 G

illustrations, borrowed from tire Gardeners Chroriicle, which will serve to make
the manner of planting intelligible.

The principal carpet-bedding at Battersea during the past summer consisted
of two parallelogram and two circular beds, and the picture they presented on
the fresh green turf was most exquisite. Of the two larger beds, not having
illustrations to make a description intelligible, we shall only observe that they
were perhaps the most effective, on account of the greater scope of the design.
The planting was done with very much the same materials as the circles, and

the whole was kept dwarf and close on the same plan. The circles were planted
with the following subjects, — so closely, be it understood, that the surface was
entirely covered by the plants, leaving no raw earth visible between them : —

Fig 1. — The central star (1) was composed of the yellow-leaved P3u’ethrum
Golden Feather ; this was surrounded by a larger star (2) of the pale rosy-tinted
Alternanthera amoena ; next came a narrow line (3) of the grey-leaved Santo-
lina incana ; then a broader band and enclosing circle (4) of the buff orange-tinted
Alternanthera paronychioides ; then enclosed triangular beds of the bright orange-
red Alternanthera magnifica ; and finally, three boundary circles — yellow Pyreth-
rum Golden Feather (6), the rosy Alternanthera amoena (7), and the grey, rosulate-
leaved Echeveria secunda glauca (8). These combinations were all admirable.

Fig 2, — Here the central star (1) was of the grey-leaved Santolina lavandu-
laefolia ; next the deep orange-red Alternanthera magnifica (2) ; then Pyrethrum
Golden Feather (3) ; a series of trapezoids of Alternanthera amoena (4) ; the

1870.]

NOVELTIES, ETC., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

237

spaces intervening between the points of these lozenge-shaped masses, and extend¬
ing outwards far enough to finish with an even circular line (5) Santolina incana ;
then in succession a circular band of Alternanthera amoena (6), and another of
Echeveria secunda glauca (7). The design was very effective, but we gave
preference to No. 1, in which the broad mass of Alternanthera amoena came out
in a very telling manner.

The plants used for this style of bedding are necessarily low-growing and
compact, but in order to bring out the design, it is imperative to keep them

pinched-in to a regular height, though not necessarily uniform, as a slight
variation has the effect of showing some of the colours as it were in sunk
panels. No garden of any pretensions should be without its one or more carpet-
beds, as they are equally effective with flowering plants, and far less trouble
when once planted. — M.

NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS.

'HE waning summer, and the approach of the autumnal days, tend to thin
the number of novelties among Florists’ flowers produced at the few shows
now held. Some new Dahlias were produced at the Exhibition of the
Society for the Encouragement of Florists’ Flowers, which took place at the
Crystal Palace on the 6th of September. First-Class Certificates were awarded to
Annie Hohhs, a pure white self-flower, of medium size as shown, but of fine out¬
line and substance ; this came from Mr. Thomas Hobbs, Lower Easton, Bristol.

238

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ OCTOBEU,

A similar award was made to Mr. Jolin Keynes, Salisbury, for Fancy Dahlias
Flora Wyatt, pale buff ground, flaked with dark red, fine form and substance ;
and Richard Dean^ pale yellow ground, flaked with rich crimson, fine outline,
petal, and substance ; both very promising. A fine yellow self-flower, named
John Neville, was also shown by Mr. Keynes, but it was thought by the judges to
be very similar to Toison d’Or, sent out by Mr. Turner last year. A First-Class
Certificate was also awarded to Messrs. Downie, Laird, and Laing for Nosegay
Pelargonium Pinh Queen^ conspicuous for the beautiful hue of deep pink seen on
the flowers, very charming in colour, free-blooming, and a good trusser. In a
splendid stand of Verhenas^ shown by Mr. Charles J. Perry, of Birmingham, by far
the most striking and beautiful flower was Shakespeare, a rich fiery-red variety,
of uncommon brilliancy ; it is by no means new, but it should be noted by
Verbena exhibitors, as it is one of those kinds that tell well in a stand.

On the next day the Floral Committee met at South Kensington, and Seed¬
ling Dahlias were staged by several exhibitors. Mr. G. Harris, Orpington, Kent,
received a Second-Class Certificate for a yellow self -flower named Flower of Kent,
of good shajie and petal, but quite small in size, and looking as if it would not
come much larger. The same award was made to Mr. G. Parker, Winkfield, for
Mrs. Watts., a pale ground flower, slightly tipped with dark purple, of medium
size and good shape. The same award was also made to Mr. H. Eckford, Coleshill
Gardens, for Verbena Miss Chaydotte Mildmay, blush, with deep pink centre,
reaching almost to the edge of the flower ; good pip, and truss. A splendid
bright dark crimson-flowered Nosegay Pelargonium, David Garrick., with magni¬
ficent trusses, of immense size, sent by Messrs. Bell and Thorpe, Stratford-on-
Avon, received a First-Class Certificate. Daphne elegantissima, a variety of D.
indica., having lance-shaped leaves, with a stripe of green along the centre, and a
creamy-yellow margin, received a First-Class Certificate, and promises to be a
very useful addition to the class of evergreen variegated shrubs. It was shown
by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. — E. D.

GARDEN GOSSIP.

E are glad to have an opportunity of recording, from information com¬
municated by Mr. A. F. Barron, who has lately paid a visit to Ireland,
a case of complete success in dealing with the devastating Vine Disease
'2S (see 1869, 246). The Vines at Powerscourt, it seems, were attacked by

it, as many others have since been, some two or three years ago, and suffered so much, that it was
necessary to have recourse to active measui’es to an-est the progress of the evil ; consequently,
the Vines were taken up, and their roots washed clean, and even scrubbed, so as to remove all
trace of the insects. The soil was cleared out, and the Vines were replanted in entirely new
soil, every precaution being taken to remove all traces of the pest, and to avoid all risk of
contagion. These Vines are now gi-owing away with the utmost vigour. The remedy is com¬
plete, and others who unfortunately may have been troubled with the disease, may with some
degree of confidence adopt the remedy.

®HE new Metrop)olitan Florists' Society, wliicb lias for its object the

1870. ]

GAEDEN GOSSIP.

230

encouragement of florists’ flowers, sucli as Pinks, Picotees, Carnations, Pansies,

Dahlias, Tulips, Auriculas, &c., held its first exhibition at the Crystal Palace on

September G and tbo two following days. It Avas a successful Exhibition, especially as regards
Dahlias ; indeed, it is probable that such a collection, consisting of over 100 stands, has not been
witnessed for many years ; the blooms, moreover, were remarkably fine, and called forth un¬
bounded praise from the admirers of this lino autumn flower. Roses and Asters Avere shoAvn
in considerable quantity and in fair condition, and Gladioli and Hollyhocks were also A^ery
fairly represented. The Society, it is said, intends to offer prizes at the Royal Horticultural
meetings in April and July, for Auriculas, and for Carnations and Picotees.

■ - Et has lately been pointed out that the true Lilium speciosum (often

erroneously called L. lancifolium in gardens), noAv a very rare plant, and occasion¬
ally met with under the name of cruentum, is very superior to the dark-coloured

varieties usually cultivated under the names of rubrum, atrosanguineum, &c., seedling forms
which have usurped the place of the original and superior form, the characteristics of Avhich are as
follows : — A statiue someAvhat below the average ; flower-buds sensibly shorter than ordinary ;
broader and more I'egularly recurA’ed perianth segments, and consequently neater-looking
flowers ; a distinct white margin and tips, more apparent on the petaline segments ; a more
intense hue, and more richly-colom’ed spotting ; and a someAvhat later period of floAA'ering.
Its- superiority to the long-petaled uTegularly-recurving forms commonly seen is at once
apparent. In the Knaphill nursery Ave lately saAv a bed of this true L. speciosum, groAvn on
from the original stock, which has never been lost there.

- ®HE question of how to measure the Size of Flower-Pots has recently

been raised, especially as to whether the diameter should be taken from outside

to inside at the top of the rim, or inside only at the top of the rim. The proper

mode, however, is to take the length of a line extending from the inner surface on one side to
the inner surface on the opposite side, just beloAV the rim, at about the point to Avhich the soil
is filled up in using it, — practically 1 in. or thereabouts beloAv the iq^per edge, in pots of the
sizes used for exhibition purposes. As disputes sometimes arise on this point at country
exhibitions, it may be useful to note how they should be settled.

- ^NE of the most novel and noticeable features of the Show of the

Societe Centrale et Imperiale d’Horticulture in Paris consisted of a large and

brilliant collection of Annual and Herhaceous Plants^ sent by MM. Vilmorin-

Andrieux et Cie. This was remarkable not only for the number and immense variety of the
plants exhibited, but also for the admirable Avay in Avhich they Avere grouped. The plan of
sinking the pots adopted at these shows, AA^here the subjects are arranged on narroAv raised
borders of pictui'esque outline, in Avhich the pots are plunged, Avas of special advantage in this
case, and Avhoever arranged them Avas a true artist, and made out of a somewhat weedy class
of plants as brilliant and effective a bit of colouring as an Indian shaAA’l-AA-eaver could produce.
This plunging of the pots is a great improvement on the plan of our OAAm exhibitions, where
sometimes the pots are hideously obtrusi\"0.

- JJo doubt, the Begonia holiviensis is one of the finest species known

under cultivation. It has been figured and described as being two-flowered, but

Mr. Green notes that when floAvering in the collection of Mr. Wilson Saunders, it

bore from the axils of the leaves some 80 floAvers or more, the Avhole in three-floAA'ered panicles.
The centre flower of each panicle Avas the male, and was about 3 in. in length, while the lateral
female flowers Avere about 2 in. long. Mr. Saunders’ plant formed a thick fleshy stem, 3 ft.
9 in. high, producing seA’eral branches.

- ^ REMARKABLE Specimen of Marechal Niel Pose has been recorded as

growing at Wollaton Hall. This plant, which is a standard upon the Brier, was

worked as a dormant bud about October, 1866. It now grows up an iron column

about 12 ft. high ; it then divides, and is trained along a Avire 18 ft. on each side of the column,
and nearly 10 ft. another Avay, the blooming branches depending in most graceful festoons,
thus forming a floral picture such as perhaps no other conservatory in England can boast of.

240

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ October,

Gloire de Dijon and Climbing Devonionsis are not less vigorous and beautiful. These Roses
scarcely know the pruning-knife. The most they get of it is to cut away rude growth in the
summer, and to remove the immatm*e points of the shoots at the winter pruning.

- 3tN regard to Vine-Pruning, Mr. D. Thomson remarks that, according

to his experience, tested over and over again, the spur yields a larger but less

compact bunch, more likely to shank than the hard produce of the wood closer home,

which yields a more compact, neat, and serviceable bunch, and generally with larger berries
and stiffer foot-stalks than the larger buds farther up the shoot. I hold it to be wrong, he
says, to judge of the produce of a Vine by the size of bunch. The aim of the family grape-
grower is fine berries, and compact, moderate-sized bunches in great numbers. Tested by
family usefulness, and commercially, by the demand of the market, the smaller and compact
bunch takes precedence of the big bunch. If serviceable bunches ai’e wanted, he advises to
prune back to one bud ; but if larger, looser, and less serviceable bunches, then to cut to
the fourth or fifth bud.

- ^ DWARF, compact-growing White Virginian Stoclc, received from Messrs.

Carter and Co., seems to be an acquisition for general decorative purposes. A

single tuft of it forms a close, erect mass (much like Lobelia Erinus in babit), of

some Gin. high and 9 in. broad, and is clothed Avith a profusion of pm’e white flowers. It Avill
form a capital white edging plant.

- ISouBTS have sometimes been expressed as to wlietlier seedlings of tbe

Purple Beech will come coloured purple. Mr. Mills, of Enys, notes that some

six or seven years ago lie found several seedlings under a Purple Beech, and that

these are still equal in colour to the grafted trees from Avhich they Avere raised. The size to
Avhich they have groAvn — about 8 ft. high, AAuth branches from 4 ft. to G ft. long — sufficiently
proves their permanence.

- ^ MATERIAL, Under the name of Antijlamine^ has recently been intro¬
duced at Paris for the purpose of extinguishing fire. It consists of 700 parts by
Aveight of aluminous and magnesia silicates reduced to fine powder and dried at

212° Fahr. ; 200 parts chloride of magnesium in crystals ; 50 parts sulphate of soda ; 50 parts
chloride of lime ; and 1 part tartaric acid=1001. The Antiflamine is in the form of a poAA^der,
perfectly soluble in AA^ater, and it is used by mixing it AA’ith the Avater in the fire-engines. The
effect of its application, it is said, is to loAver the temperature, and to surround the burning
material Avith gases which Avill not support combustion.

- ^ SOLUTION for Destroying Insects, such as plant-lice and others, has

been recommended as efficacious by M. Cloez, of the Jardin du Museum, Paris.

It is made of the following ingredients : — 34 oz. quassia chips and 5 dr. stavesacre

seeds, in poAvder, are placed in seven pints of Avater and boiled down to five pints. When
cooled, the strained liquid is ready for use, and may be applied either by a Avatering-pot or
syringe.

- ®HE rapid oxidation of Zinc Roofing may, it is said, be obviated by coat¬
ing it with a liquid prepared as follows ; — One part, by weight, of copper scales, with
one part of sulphuric acid and three parts of hydrochloric acid, are heated in a

porcelain vessel until red fumes cease to be evolved and the copper is entirely dissolved ; to-
this G4 parts of water are added, and the Avhole is then filtered.

- ®HE mortality Avhich occurs amongst Carp in fish ponds in the spring

season has often been noted. M. Duchemin has laid before the French

Academy some observations thereupon, from which it appears that the toad is the

offender. The toad is found squatting on the head of the fish, AA’hich it blinds by putting its
forepaws over the fish’s eyes. The fact had been previously obscr\'ed, and it is said that the
toads which thus attack the fish are invai'iably males.

1S70. ]

ALPINE AURICULAS. — ROSES AND ROSE-CULTURE.

241

ALPINE AUKICULAS.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

'EEDLINGr Alpine Auriculas have been one of the specialties which, during
the last three or four years, Mr. Turner of Slough has been in the habit
of exhibiting at the spring shows at South Kensington ; and rich and
Ho varied in colouring as they are, it is no matter of wonder that they,
should generally have acted on the admiring crowd as one of the principal centres
of attraction. Certainly, few groups of flowers could have been more truly
beautiful, while in their beauty few could have more thoroughly combined the
elements of simplicity and gaiety ; and when to this is added the fact that
improvement is manifestly going on amongst them, form and colour proportions
being moulded to the florist’s standard, who can wonder that the Alpine Auriculas
(with the seifs, perhaps) should, on account of their more decided and richer
hues, prove more popular, at least in general public assemblies, than their
grotesque brethren, the greens, the' whites, and the greys — though even these we
are glad to see meet with more attention and more admiration than they did a
few years ago, and might probably again become popular, if growers could be
induced to cultivate them, and exhibit them more freely.

The accompanying plate represents three of the most advanced of these
improved varieties of the Alpine race. John Leech (fig. 1) is a rich shaded
crimson, smooth and well proportioned, and one of the richest flowers in its class.
Selina (fig. 2) is a velvety shaded purple, with white paste, and in this feature
approaching the ordinary self-coloured varieties. Monarch (fig. 3) is another
purple, with rich shading, and of remarkably fine shape and proportions, doubtless
one of the best in its class.

Not only on account of their highly-coloured and richly shaded flowers, and
the lively contrast afforded by the usually yellow colour of the paste, but also on
account of their more vigorous constitution, and freer habit of growth, these Alpine
Auriculas are likely to rise in popular favour. — M.

LOSES AND EOSE-CULTURE.

Chapter IV. — The Pillar Eose.

^EEHAPS there is no form of the Eose more effective than the Pillar Eose,
M and if this method of fashioning the Queen of Flowers was more thoroughly
understood. Pillar Eoses would probably be more plentiful in our gardens.
A Pillar Eose when fully grown should be 8 ft. high, broader at the
base than at the summit, and in the blooming season it should be clothed with
flowers over its entire height. The Hybrid Chinese and Hybrid Bourbon are the
best kinds for the purpose, on account of the masses of large brilliant flowers
which they produce. The A3rrshires, Sempervirens, and Boursaults stand next in
order of merit, and these will attain the height of 10 ft. or 12 ft. if required ;

3rd series. - III. M

242

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ November,

while the strong-growing Hybrid Perpetuals, Noisettes, and Bourbons, are available
in positions where a maximum height of G ft. suffices. The three latter groups,,
however, offer fine varieties that will form well-furnished pillars more than 6 ft.
high, and they bloom only by driblets after the first flowering ; still, where it is
desired to have flowers in the autumn, rather than in the summer, they may bo
preferable, and they form by no means inelegant objects.

Pillar Roses may be planted singly on lawns, in groups, or in avenues, and in
the latter case, if the walk is of grass the effect is materially heightened.

It is by no means difficult to form a Pillar Rose ; time and patience are the
chief requisites. Choose from the nurseries the tallest and strongest plants,
whether on their own roots or otherwise, and here, as elsewhere, be sure to obtain
suitable sorts. This is a point of primary importance, and no amount of skill
and patience will avail if it be neglected.

After the plants are fairly set in the ground, some recommend cutting back
the shoots to one or two eyes, to induce the formation of a few strong shoots the
first year. I have no grave objections to urge against this practice, and if the
roots have been inj ured or curtailed in removal I recommend it ; but under other
circumstances my experience is in favour of leaving the plant unpruned the first
year, or at the most restricting the operation of pruning to the removal of the
weak, misplaced, and ill-ripened wood. Tie up the shoots to a neat stake
immediately after transplanting, and the first growth springing from the top
will further extend the height of the plant. This completed, the second or
summer growth will probably arise from eyes nearer the base hitherto dormant,
and while the former were weak and short, terminated with flowers, the latter
will be vigorous wood-shoots, available for forming the plant, and giving flowers
the next year. Pruning and training are the principal means by which we expect
to carry forward our operations with success ; but manuring must not be
neglected. Be it remembered that a Pillar Rose has more to support and develop
than a dwarf or standard, and a liberal diet should be accorded to it. Manure
twice annually, in February and in July ; and if convenient, water frequently
with weak liquid manure in the growing season, especially in dry weather.

But we have something to say on pruning and training. When the plant has
been a year or more in the ground (in the spring of the second year) pruning is
absolutely necessary. Cut all weak, ill-placed, and crowded shoots, and
shorten back such as are indifferently ripened to the first solid eye, taking care
not to lower the height of the plant more than is necessary in carrying out these
principles. The well-placed and well-ripened shoots should be pruned sparingly
or moderately, in no case severely. After pruning, tie the branches round the
stake with willow-twigs or tar-twine.

The operations of manuring, pruning, and tying, are to be repeated from year
to year. About the third year the stake may be replaced by a small birch pole,
with the snags left protruding some six inches from the sides, -which have a.

1870. ]

VEITCH’s autumn cauliflower. — NOTES ON PEARS.

243

pretty rustic appearance, and serve to protect tlie branches from the action of the
wind. Thus is the Pillar Rose formed, and few objects in the garden present a
more gorgeous appearance.

When the pillar is five or six years old, now and then an original and main
stem will show signs of debility. Such should be cut away close to the ground,
and replaced by the young shoots which occasionally spring up at or near to the
ground-line. By this practice the plant is rejuvenized and retained in perfect
keeping over an indefinite period. — William Paul, PaiiVs Nurseries^ Waltham
Cross. N.

VEITCH’S AUTUMN CAULIFLOWER.

HIS is certainly one of the best additions to the Brassica family we have
had for some years past, the heads produced by this fine sort being

* vO

compact and of marble-like whiteness. From the high recommendation
given to this variety in the catalogue of the firm whose name it bears, I
was induced to try it, and can fully endorse every word said there in its favour.
All who have not hitherto included this variety in their seed lists would do well
to do so : there is little doubt of those who have once tried it neglecting to do
so again. The crop we are now cutting from gives promise of a supply for five
or six weeks to come. — Henry Chilman, SomerJey Gardens.

NOTES ON PEARS AT CHISWICK.

14 WE have so often to supply lists of what we consider the best Pears of
their respective seasons, that a few notes on those which generally prove
satisfactory, as grown at Chiswick, may not be out of place in the pages
of the Florist and Pomologist. The present season has been generally
favourable for fruits, and Pears have been plentiful, and quite up to the mark in
flavour. Beginning, then, with the earliest, we have firstly : —

1. Doyenne d’Ete. — This generally ripens about the second week in July.
It bears profusely as an open standard or pyramid. The fruit is small, very
pretty, and nice eating if taken at the right time. It is best to be gathered off
the tree before it is fully ripe, and only keeps in condition for about a week.

2. Citron des Carmes. — This ripens about the same time as Doyenne d’Ete,
and is of about the same size. It bears very profusely as an open standard or
pyramid. Some think it superior to Doyenne d’Ete ; it requires to be gathered
and eaten in the same way, as it only keeps in condition for a week or so.

3. Beurre Giffard. — This ripens in the end of July ; and the fruit is con¬
siderably larger than in the two preceding varieties, and of very excellent quality.
The trees of this variety, however, do not seem to grow kindly or freely, and the
crops have not been over abundant.

4. Peche. — This ripens in the middle of August. The fruit is of medium
size and of a fine rich flavour, slightly musky. It succeeds well as an open
pyramid on the quince.

244

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Novembek,

5. Williams’ Bon Chretien. — This we have in use during the whole of
August and the beginning of September, by taking care to gather the fruit in suc¬
cession. There are few more valuable pears than this ; the fruits when well
grown are large, and it is a most abundant and certain bearer on all occasions as
a standard, or a pyramid, or against a wall. No collection should be without it.

6. Jersey G-ratioli. — This ripens during September, and is a very worthy
pear. The fruits are large and of excellent quality, being particularly juicy ; and
it is one of the most wonderful of bearers as an open standard. Well worthy of
a place.

7. Beurre d’Amanlis. — This ripens in September, — early, sometimes indeed
in August. The fruits are large, very handsome in appearance, and sometimes,
but not always, good in quality. It is a great bearer, a very strong grower, and
succeeds well as an open pyramid or standard.

8. Louise Bonne (of Jersey). — This comes into use about the second
week in September, and continues for about a month or six weeks. This is the
model of pears ; no more useful variety is in cultivation. The fruits are of fair
size, very handsome, and of most excellent quality. The tree succeeds well in
every form, and is particularly well adapted for pyramids on the quince ; a sure
and most abundant bearer.

9. Fond ANTE d’Automne. — This comes into use in the end of September and
the beginning of October, and is in all respects most worthy. The fruits are but of
medium size, but they are always first-class in quality. It is one of our standard
sorts, and an abundant bearer as a pyramid on the quince.

10. Suffolk Thorn. — This is another end-of-September Pear, and of first-
class quality. The fruits are of medium size, but all uniformly good. This is a
very hardy and prolific sort, and succeeds well as a tall standard.

11. OoMTE DE Lamy. — This comes into use at the beginning of October.
The fruits are generally rather small, but of most excellent quality, the flesh crisp
and rich. A most profuse bearer as a pyramid, and well worthy of cultivation.

12. Beurre Boso. — This comes in during the month of October. The fruits
are large, very uniform in quality, which is altogether good. This is a very
hardy and most prolific sort, succeeding well as an open standard. A good,
generally useful Pear.

13. Thompson’s. — We have no finer Pear than this. It is in season during
the whole of the month of October, and is of splendid quality. The fruits are
large and medium. It is not a very abundant bearer, and is somewhat tender.

14. Beurre Superfin. — This is a sterling first-class October Pear. The
fruits are large and handsome, very distinct, and the quality all that can be
wished for. It bears profusely as an open pyramid on the quince.

15. Urbaniste. — This is another end-of-October Pear, of excellent quality,
the flesh very delicate and buttery. The fruits are but of medium size. It ‘
succeeds well as an open pyramid on the quince. — A, F. Barron, Chiswick.

(To he continued.)

1S70. ]

PITCHER PLANTS.

245

PITCHEH PLANTS.

jN our volume for 1869, at p. 180, we had occasion to mention with com-
^ mendation a handy volume just then published by Mr. Williams, and devoted
to the description and culture of Stove and Greenhouse Flowering plants.
As a sequel to this, Mr. Williams has now issued a companion volume on
Stove and Greenhouse Fine-foliaged plants, which will be found equally useful
to cultivators, containing, as it does, popular descriptions of all the best plants-
of this class, with ample instructions for their cultivation. The volume contains
a series of very useful memoranda concerning Palms — a noble group of plants
becoming more and more appreciated amongst us.

Through the courtesy of Mr. Williams we are enabled to introduce one of the
illustrations to this new volume, representing Nepenthes Rafflesicma ; and as giving
a good example of the manner in which this subject is handled, we extract a
portion of the remarks relating to the family of Pitcher plants : —

The Nepenthes thrive admirably, and become very ornamental if placed in a
moist atmosphere, and in a temperature of about 70°, which should be main¬
tained during summer, and which may be. alio wed to increase by the influence of
the sun many more degrees. In winter 65° should be the minimum, and of
course less water must be given. The soil best adapted for these plants is good
brown fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, about two parts of the former to one of
the latter. They are surface-rooting plants, and do not require much depth,
consequently they thrive admirably, and display their singular beauties to great
advantage when grown in baskets. Water must be supplied bountifully in the
summer, both from the watering-can and the syringe, and even during winter the
supply must be larger than for the majority of stove plants.

N. ampullacea. — A robust-growing species, with broad oblong leaves, upon
the apex of which are situated its somewhat oval pitchers ; the terminal lid is
very small ; colour, a uniform, light green. This plant frequently produces a
quantity of suckers from the base of the stem, which form quite a crest of
pitchers near the ground, giving a very peculiar and interesting appearance. It
is a native of Borneo, Sumatra, and Malacca.

N. ampullacea picta in every respect resembles the species, saving in the
colour of the pitchers, which differ in being light green, streaked and spotted
with reddish-brown. Native of Borneo.

N. distillatoria. — As far as we are aware, this species is peculiar to the island
of Ceylon. The plant is of free growth, with bright light-green leaves and
pitchers, the latter being some six or eight inches in length. It forms a fine
specimen, and withstands a lower temperature better than any other kind we
know. Native of Ceylon.

N. distillatoria rubra. — This variety differs from the preceding in having
deep blood-red pitchers, which render it very distinct and ornamental. It origin-

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[Novembkr.

24 G

ated in this country from a packet of seeds of N. distillatoria received from
Ceylon.

N. Dominiana. — This is said to be a garden hybrid^ and is very handsome
and ornamental. It is of robust habit, producing stout, broad, oblong, dark-
green leaves. The pitcher are several inches long, and deep green in colour

1870. ]

PITCHER PLANTS.

247

N. gracilis. — A species wliicli lias been considered identical with N. laivis,
but however great the resemblance in a dried state, the plants appear distinct
when living. Unfortunately, we have not been able to compare the living flowers.
The stem of the plant now under consideration is slender ; the leaves are sessile
and broadly decurrent, forming almost an uninterrupted way between each leaf ;
it tapers to a point, and the pitchers are from three to four inches in length,
having two rows of ciliate hairs in front, and together with the leaves, are of a
deep shining green. It is a native of Borneo.

N. gracilis major. — This is said to be a variety of the preceding, but we
cannot think that it bears any relation to that plant ; it is very handsome, and
well deserves general cultivation. The stem is somewhat slender ; the leaves
broad, not decurrent, and dark green ; the pitchers are much larger than in N.
gracilis, contracted upwards somewhat a little above the centre, winged, and fur¬
nished with ciliate hairs in front, ground colour dark green, streaked and
blotched with reddish brown. Native of Borneo.

N. hyhrida. — Leaves oblong, broad, and deep green. It produces pitchers
about eight inches in length, winged and ciliated in front, dark green in colour.
It is said to be of garden origin.

N. hyhrida maculata. — This is also said to be a garden variety. It resembles
the preceding in general appearance, but the pitchers, which are some ten inches
long, are profusely streaked with reddish-purple upon a dark-green ground. A
very handsome plant.

A^. Hookeriana. — This is a magnificent species, with large, broad, oblong
leaves, which are thick and leathery in texture, dark green on the upper side,
paler below. The pitchers in the young plants are broadest at the base,
measuring some 4 in. in length and 2 in. in diameter ; the edge of the mouth is
rolled inwards, and ornamented with an annular disk ; lid much smaller than the
mouth. The front is ornamented with broad wings, which are ciliated at the edges.
As the plants increase in height and age, the pitchers assume a totally different
shape ; they become narrow at the base, and lose the broad wings which orna¬
ment them in a young state ; the portion of the midrib which supports them is
attached to the base of the pitchers in front when young, but in the second state
it is completely reversed, and its attachment is behind. What is the cause of
this we cannot say ; the change is, however, not sudden. We have had plants
with pitchers of both forms upon them at the same time, and also pitchers
exactly intermediate, and the intermediate ones always between the extreme
forms. The pitchers in both stages are dark green, profusely streaked and
blotched with dark red, rendering them very attractive and interesting. Native
of Sarawak.

N. Icevis. — A very elegant, smaU-growing plant, very much resembling the
previously named N. gracilis. It is, however, more robust in habit ; its leaves
are not decurrent, but merely sessile ; they are not so long, and are more obtuse ;

248

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ November,

the leaves are dark green above, paler below ; pitchers about three inches long,
and somewhat lighter-coloured than the leaves. Native of Borneo.

iY. phyllamphoi'a. — A species of free growth, and somewhat robust habit, pro¬
ducing large, broad, oblong leaves of a bright apple-green. The pitchers are of
the same colour, and measure from five to ten inches in length, not winged, but
furnished with a few hairs in front. It is very handsome, and is the most
abundant kind in cultivation. Native of the Labuan mountains in Borneo, at an
elevation of 2,500 ft. ; it also occurs in Malacca, Singapore, Java, and New Guinea.

N. Rafflesiana. — The present species somewhat resembles N. HooTceriana in
habit. The plant is very robust ; the leaves large, oblong, thick, and leathery in
texture, dark green on the upper surface, paler below. The pitchers are from
six to twelve inches in length, the lid large ; margin of the mouth rolled inwards,
and ornamented with an annular disk ; the colour is dark green, beautifully
spotted, and blotched with red. The pitchers are winged in front when pro¬
duced upon leaves near the base of the stem, or upon young laterals, but after¬
wards they undergo the same changes* as those of N. Hookeriana. It is found
in the mountains of Kina Balou, in Borneo, at 3,500 ft. elevation, and upon the
mountain of Labuan ; also in Sumatra, Singapore, and Malacca.

N. sanguinea. — This is an extremely rare plant in cultivation, and, as far as
we are aware, it is far from common in its native habitat, or at least it has rarely
been found by plant collectors. The leaves are dark green, but the pitchers are
its chief attraction, being from five to ten inches in length, and of a deep blood-
red colour. It is a native of Java.

N. villosa. — This is a rare plant in cultivation, of robust habit, producing
broad, somewhat spathulate, leaves, of a dark ferrugineous green. The pitchers
are from ten to twelve inches long, dull green, faintly blotched with reddish
brown, winged in front, the wings deeply lacerated at the edges. The annular
disk of the mouth is very broad, and reddish pink in colour. Lid small, rust}’’
green, blotched with reddish brown. It is found growing in swampy places on
the mountains of Kina Balou, Borneo, at 8,000 ft. and 9,000 ft. attitude. — B. S.
Williams.

YELLOW-LEAVED BEDDING PLANTS.

HEN visiting Mr. Turner’s Nursery at Slough, a few days ago, I saw
there a long line of his new yellow-leaved Tropceolum ochroleucum,
and was much pleased with it. It had met my eye while walking from
the Slough station to the Nursery. Passing a nice villa residence in the
main road, with a flower garden in front of it, I was struck with the appearance
of a yellow edging to one of the circular beds, and stopped to examine it, as it
appeared too bright for the Golden Feather Pyrethrum. It turned out to be a
ring of the Golden-Leaved Tropseolum ; and when I reached the Nursery, its
appearance there deepened the conviction in my mind that it is a most useful

1870. ]

LILIUM MAXIMOWICZII. — ADIANTUM DECORUM.

249

and effective bedding plant. Those who thought it would prove ‘^miffy ” will
be glad to know that no such charge can be laid against it. In addition to its
superior colour, it has one great advantage over the Pyrethrum, that it does not
bloom, or if a flower or two should put in an appearance, they appear incapable of
rising above the foliage. Mr. Turner told me he found it produce the best
plants from seed, but the difficulty appears to be to get seed from it. Mr.
Turner is starving some plants in large G 0-pots, with a view of driving them to
seed, and a few of them seem to be yielding him a fair harvest. Bedders-out
should make use of this plant another year. — R. D.

LILIUM MAXIMO WICZII.

Shis pretty little hardy Lily, which has been described and figured by Dr.
Regel, is nearly related to L. tenuifolium. It was introduced to St.

fPetersburgh from the Japan Gardens by Maximo wicz, after whom it
has been named. The slender stem grows from tv70 to three feet high,
with alternate linear three-nerved leaves. The flowers are comparatively large,
and of a brilliant orange-scarlet colour ; the segments sessile and lance-shaped,
curved backwards, wavy at the edge, having a nectar furrow at the base, and in
the lower half dotted with blackish-purple elliptical spots. The weaker stems
produce only a single flower, but the stronger ones bear three or more, singly from
the axils of the upper leaves.

Though not to be compared for showiness with some of the larger-flowered
sorts, as auratwn, speciosum^ tigrinum^ &c., it has a beauty of its own, which
renders it quite worth growing in company with the other slender-habited
species, as tenuifolium^ Szovitzianum^ Leichtlinii, &c. — M.

ADIANTUM DECORUM.

XaN this new Peruvian Maidenhair Fern, which has been lately introduced by
the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, of Chelsea, we have one of the most useful and
ornamental species of moderate stature, as yet made known. In appear-
‘ij ance it somewhat recalls to mind both A. concinnum and A. cuneatum^ and
yet it is not like either of them. It agrees with A. cuneatmn in having much the
same general outline of frond, and in bearing small pinnules, only in this case they are
more variable in form ; whilst it rather agrees with A . concinnum in the tendency of
the basal pinnules to overlie the main rachis, but the fronds are triangular-ovate,
instead of elongate or lanceolate in figure. The fronds of A. decorum are, more¬
over, more erect in growth, owing to the stout substance of both stipites and
rachides, a matter of some consequence as regards the ornamental capabilities of the
plant, for though at first sight it might be supposed that sturdiness and stiffness
of growth were not compatible with elegance, yet it is not so, at least in this
case, for here the small size of the pinnules, and their profusion and pleasing
arrangement, secure a due share of elegance ; while the stalks are just firm

250

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Novbwbkr,

enough to hold the fronds well up to view, and to permit of the plants being
handled or removed from place to place with little risk of the damage to which
those with weaker supports would be exposed. We therefore look upon this

plant as one of the most useful of recent temperate-house ferns for decorative
purposes. It, has been thought to be the same as A. Wagneri described by
Kuhn, but the ovate-lanceolate fronds of that plant sufficiently distinguish it. —
Thomas Moore, Chelsea.

1870. ]

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

251

THE GAEDEN MENTOR.

NOVEMBER is generally characterized by dull and dark days, accompanied
witli thick and choking fogs, -which are also signs of the advance of
-winter, and remind us that proper precautions should be taken for the
protection of everything that may require it. The -woods are now bare,
and there is little in the way of flowers in the borders.

Kitchen Garden. — All root crops should at once be taken up and stored
away, if not already done. Endive and Lettuce should be lifted and planted in
dry soil in frames or sheds. Walcheren Cauliflowers should be watched, and
the outer leaves bent over the hearts of the plants, to guard them against injury
from frost ; during the early part of the month they will do very well in the
open ground, if the weather be mild, but towards the end, all the plants that are
showing heads should be lifted and planted in frames and protected ; these will
come in useful during the winter. Spring Broccoli plants should be laid down
with the heads facing the north. Young Cauliflower and Lettuce plants in
frames should have abundance of air. Globe Artichokes should have a good
coating of half-rotten dung over the roots. Celery should be finally earthed up,
and during severe frosts should be well protected with dry litter. Stir the
surface soil between the rows of Spinach, Cabbage^ and Lettuce, and dust them
with lime. Remove the dead leaves from off Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli.
Cover Seakale with leaves to force. Manure and dig, or trench, all vacant ground.

Sow : Early Peas and Beans on a -warm border the third week to stand the winter ;
Radishes on a warm border ; Mustard and Cress on gentle hotbed.

Forcing Houses. — Pines : The instructions given for last month will, if they
have been properly carried out, leave comparatively little to be done. The
directions relating to temperature, watering, and ventilation hold good, and
should be particularly attended to. Vines: Use every precaution against damp
in all houses where late grapes are hanging ; attend to the removing of decaying
leaves, which now only assist in causing damp. If the Vines for early forcing
are planted outside the houses, the borders should have a good covering of long
dry litter ; if they are planted inside (which is much the best), they should have
the surface broken up, and should receive a copious watering of liquid manure.
As soon as the grapes are cut and the leaves begin to fall in late houses, the
Vines should be pruned, and the houses thoroughly cleaned. Peaches : Give
abundance of air, but keep the houses dry. Mulch the outside borders of
the early houses, and fork over and water the inside borders. The trees should
be very gradually excited at the present season ; begin with a night temperature
of about from 40° to 45°. Prune and dress the trees in the late houses, if not
already done. Trees in pots should be well protected from frost. Figs: Give
abundance of air in mild weather, but be careful to shut up at night ; the tem¬
perature should not be allowed to get below 35°, otherwise the embryo Figs may
suffer. Trees in pots should not be left exposed to frosts. The trees should

252

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[November,

now receive their winter dressing, by removing all dead leaves, old ligatures, and
everything likely to harbour insects ; they should also receive a dressing of the
mixture recommended for Peach trees at p. 224. Strawberries : These, if they
have been properly attended to, ought now to be good plants, with fine bold
crowns, able to do good work next season. As they will now have done growing,
they should be put into winter quarters, placing a sufficient number for the first
batch or two of early forcing plants into a cold frame, pit, or vinery. Where
there are a large quantity, they may be conveniently stored by stacking them in
ridges, which should be thatched at top, and the plants protected in frosty
weather. Cucumbers : Maintain a temperature of 70° at night, and 80° during
the day. Be careful not to let young plants bear too many fruit at a time, as it
weakens them. Give tepid water when they require any, and give a little air
at every favourable opportunity.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — If the weather be mild, the present is a good season
for planting fruit trees ; but the sooner they are planted the better, as they get
established before the cold drying winds of spring set in, and start into growth
with more vigour than those planted in February and March can possibly do.
All borders intended for fruit trees should be properly drained before any trees
are planted. All newly-planted trees should have a good mulching of half-rotten
dung, to protect the roots from frosts. As soon as the leaves are off the trees,
the pruning of Apples^ Pears^ Plums, and Cher7-ies should be commenced.
Where the spurs are crowded they should be well thinned, and also the buds,
leaving the plumpest and best. This is a good time to thin out overcrowded
branches in Orchard trees^ and to scrape the moss off the stems. Gather in the
late fruit at once, and look* frequently over the stores in the fruit-room, picking
out any fruit that shows the least symptom of decay. The crops of most kinds
have, this year, been excessively heavy, so that only light crops can be expected
next season, except where the fruit was properly thinned.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : It is of the first consequence in the manage¬
ment of plants that they should have particular and steady attention during the
winter months, but more particularly during the first few weeks after bringing
them from the open air, or until such time as they become inured to the in-door
climate. Sometimes plants, after having completed their growth in the. open air,,
when staged in the greenhouse commence a new growth, as though it was spring,
to their great injury when the proper growing season arrives ; this is all owing to
improper management. Soft-wooded Plants will require considerable attention.
Look over Pelargoniums and remove decaying leaves and superfluous shoots ; shift
any that may require it ; fumigate for green fly ; keep up a sweet, healthy
atmosphere. Hard-wooded Plants will now be in a comparatively dormant state,
and the chief attention necessary will be to give plenty of air at every favourable
opportunity, and to be particular in watering.

Pits and Fi'ames. — All plants in these structures must now be carefully watered.

1870. ]

aEAFTING-WAX SUPERSEDED.

253

not witli a rose, but individually, with a small-spouted pot ; and it is best to do
this in the morning, so that the moisture may get dried up before night. The
drier the pits can be kept, the better for the plants at this season. Plants in pits
and frames should never be left exposed in rainy weather at this season ; still, all
the air possible should be given when the weather permits ; cover well up at
night in frosty weather.

Out-Doors. — At the present season, and for some time to come, there is little
to interest one in the flower garden. The summer bedding plants will now have
done flowering, and should be cleared away at once, if not already done ; and the
beds should be manured, dug, and planted with bulbs and spring-flowering
plants, as previously recommended. Dahlias should be lifted, dried, and stored
away. Hollyhocks and all other plants past flowering should be cut down, and
the borders dug. Bulbs should be planted, if not already done. It is a good
season for planting Roses. Trees and Shrubs of all kinds may now be planted in
open weather. Proceed with alterations ; no alterations or work that can be
done before Christmas should be deferred until spring, as that season always
brings its own work. Keep leaves swept up as they fall ; roll the grass before
mowing ; and mow the last time for the season. Sweep and roll walks. — M.
Saul, Stourton.

GEAFTING-WAX SUPEESEDED.

p^^OT long ago, the Mastic I’homme Lefort, or cold grafting- wax, was first
brought under our notice, and this we have found exceedingly handy
when grafting small things, on account of its being ready for use at all
times. Latterly we have been using another material, which for certain
purposes is infinitely more handy, superseding indeed not only the grafting wax,
but the very matting or string by which we tie graft and stock together. This
material is nothing more nor less than sheet indiarubber. It was Major Clarke,
than whom there is no greater nor more original horticultural experimentalist,
who first called our attention to it, and it is really very wonderful how handy it
is. Indiarubber may be purchased, in sheets of about the thickness of brown
paper, at some of the London shops which deal in articles of that class, for
a mere trifle — Gd. or Is. the square foot. The undressed sheets are the best.
Before using it wash it in clean water, and dry it by dabbing it with a handker¬
chief or cloth.

The sheets are cut as required into pieces of about an inch in length, and
about an eighth of an inch in width, according to the space to be covered, and
the little band so formed is twisted round in the same way as a piece of matting
w'ould be, and of course elongates considerably, encompassing the stem two or
three times. The end is simply, yet securely fastened, by just pressing it firmly
into the other with the thumb-nail. This forms it into a simple elastic band,
which keeps its hold as long as required. For grafting choice little subjects, and

THE FLOKIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ November,

for delicate operations, the small strips of sheet indiarubber are extremely handy
and useful, and far more easily fitted than a piece of matting. — A. F. Barron.

CORDON FRUIT TREES.

«HE past has been an abundant Fruit season. Take it altogether, probably
the oldest inhabitant scarcely remembers a time of greater plenty. Here

fand there we have heard of the fruit being small, but most of that which has
come under my notice has been full-sized and of good quality. Of course,
this applies to crops that had been thinned. Those that were left wholly to
nature must in many cases have been small, from a sheer want of space to
grow in. Apples, Pears, or Plums, clustered together like Cherries, and left to fight
for room at such close quarters, must either have thrown each other off the tree,
or agreed to remain within the narrowest space. It is not, however, of such
general matters that I purpose writing, but of Cordons only. If may be of
service as well as interest to many readers to inquire how these have borne
themselves through this exceptionally hot and dry season.

Cur horizontal Cordons are young, only about two years old from the bud,
some of them, mostly Plums, three years. They are trained at distances of from
6 in. to 15 in. from the ground. Cne objection that has been urged against
Cordons is that in such positions the trees would be too hot ; the opposite side
object that they would be too cold ; but it does not seem as if they had been
either. They flowered freely, and the Plums when in flower had a few spruce
boughs laid over them. The Apples had no protection whatever. The Plums
set admirably a very full crop ; Cherries were thinned off, and a heavy crop
ripened. This is the more gratifying, as from sonae peculiarity of soil, or site, we
have great difficulty in getting crops of Plums in this garden, either from stan¬
dards, bushes, pyramids, or walls. The Cordon Plums were a decided success,
and though the Jefferson and other sorts were not quite so large as the same
varieties on the walls close by, they seemed even better flavouerd. Gages, again,
were of the highest quality, and what was sin^lar, were larger than the average
samples grown on walls.

I am also well satisfied with the Apples. Such varieties as the Calville
Blanche, Eeine des Eeinettes, Eeinette du Canada, Eoyal Eusset, &c., have
been very fine, and all that have fruited have fruited well, looked very
beautiful, and been much admired.

Cne peculiarity about the Cordon Apples is that they have neither been
pinched nor cut since they were planted. They were planted in good loam in
the spring of 1869, maiden trees on the French Paradise stock, and tied to their
supporting wires full length. During the summer they put forth leaves along
their whole length, but made no side growths. Neither did the main shoot
make any start ; but towards the autumn most of the buds in the axils of the
leaves were plumped up into well-rounded fruit-buds, I have seldom seen a

is:o. ]

GYMNOGRAMMA TARTAEEA AURATA.

255

more beautiful sight than the Cordons presented this spring, their tiny boles from
base to summit dyed j^ink with bursting buds. The shoots of these treelets set a
large crop ; but none were permitted to carry more than a dozen, most of them far
less, and, as already mentioned, they have finished them well. But the curious
fact is, they have not grown. Neither pinching-thumb nor slashing-knife has yet
touched them, and they are studded with blossom-buds as thickly as the ground
is with hailstones in March. Next year, with favouring skies, the crop will be
just what we wish to take, and as many as the little trees can string on to their
slender single cordon. The probability is that they will also make some move
next year, but this is doubtful, and if not, I will plant closer, say, the length of
the maiden cordon, 18 in. or 2 ft. apart, instead of double or treble that distance.

One thing I have quite determined upon, not to cut back maiden or newly-
planted Cordons. Left at full length, they immediately turn their attention to
fruit-bearing. Cut back at first they make wood, and starting vigorously on this
tack, they may not know when to stop, and may have to be pinched mercilessly
at top or severely cut in at bottom to drive or force them into fertile ways.
How much better to lead them into the paths of fruitfulness at first, and then,
should they become weak or weary in well-doing, to stimulate them with manure,
liquid or solid, to help them to carry an annual crop without injury to their
health, strength, and life ! Some have complained of cordons running out into
cart-ropes the first season. To all who have complained of excessive growth, or
to those who grow much frait in little space, I confidently recommend the
simple plan of pruning not at all. To this I would add the short injunction, —
Don’t pinch, should the fruit not check growth sufficiently, but replant the
cordon in the autumn, and leave the top full length. Under such treatment a
fruitful habit will be established. — D. T. Fish, Hardwicke.

GYMNOGEAMMA TAETAEEA AUEATA.

’HIS is by far the finest Gold Fern which has yet been obtained for our
gardens, or, we may add, the finest which is yet known. It is a large and
vigorous-growing plant, with fronds 3 ft. long, and arching after the
manner of those of Gymnogramma tartarea, which it also resembles in the
broad, blunt-ended, almost obovate and slightly divided pinnules. The stout
stipites occupy about half the entire length of the frond, and the lamina is of an
elongate, ovate figure, measuring in the larger fronds some 14 inches across the
base. The pinnae are rather unequal in size and form, slightly incised, especially
towards the base, which is decurrent, while the apex is dilated, rounded, and
scarcely toothed. The lobes in the apical portion of the pinnae, as well as in
the upper part of the frond, are confluent. The upper surface is of a dull
opaque green, while the under side is thickly clothed with a deep golden-coloured
powder.

This grand addition to our Gold Ferns has been introduced by the Messrs.

256

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ November,

Veitcli and Sons, from Peru, wliere it was discovered by tlieir collector, Mr.
Pearce. In the private collection in the Eoyal Exotic Nursery, at Chelsea, we
have on several occasions seen it growing in great beauty. It will no doubt ere
. long be ready for distribution, and we look upon it as indispensable in all collections
of stove Ferns. — T. Mooee, Chelsea.

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE ROSE.

SUCH is the title of a little brochure on Eose-culture by Mr. Cranston, of the
King’s Acre Nurseries, near Hereford, of which the third edition is now

f before us. It professes to be, and we believe it is, “ a thoroughly
practical guide to the Amateur, in all matters connected with Eose-
culture.” The book is divided into two parts, in one of which the various
practical operations connected with Eose-growing are explained, while the other
is devoted to lists of the best roses in the various classes, and selections for
various purposes. We quote as an illustration of style, from under the head of
‘‘ Forcing Eoses,” a description of the mode in which that operation is carried on in
Paris — a description which, owing to the deplorable War, must relate rather to
the past than the present : — “ The French accomplish much in the way of forced
Eoses, and their mode of growing them in small-sized pots for market is very
clever. The plants which they use for this purpose are all budded upon the
Dog Eose, of all heights, from dwarfs to standards, and the pots in which they
are grown are rarely more than seven or eight inches in diameter, and many are
grown in five or six-inch pots. The plants have a very unique appearance, and
are usually loaded with deliciously fragrant flowers. With few exceptions the
gardens or nurseries where these are grown are small and untidy, and the glass
houses are of the modest description, having the most poverty-stricken appear¬
ance ; nevertheless the healthy growth of the plants therein shows that they have
been well tended, and that the growers know full well how to manage them.

‘‘ One of the largest establishments for forced Eoses I have ever seen, and
which I believe is the largest in France, is that of M. Laurent, 88 Eue de
Louvain, near Paris. He has some three or four acres entirely covered with low
span-roof and lean-to houses and pits, specially for forcing Eoses and Lilacs, these
being the only two plants he cultivates. I am quite afraid to say the number of
Eoses which are forced here annually, but I should judge there could not have
been much less than fifty or sixty thousand. It was early in February when I
saw them, when the houses and pits were all full, and many thousands of plants
outside ready to take the place of the early forced Eoses, as soon as their blossoms
were over. The blossoms are gathered every morning, and sent to Paris for
bouquets and decoration, for which there is always a large demand. The plants
from this establishment are not sold. M. Laurent is also famous for forcing
Lilacs. His method of producing white - bloom from the purple lilac is not
generally known or practised, nor am I thoroughly in the secret, but it is never-

li>70. ]

BAELY PEAS. - AGAVE BESSERERIANA.

257

tlieless a fact that lie depends entirely upon the purple lilac to produce the finest
white blooms throughout the winter.”

Let us hope that Eose-forcing near Paris and Eose-growing throughout
France may soon again be resumed, with as much spirit as heretofore, and
surrounded by peace and plenty. — M.

EARLY PEAS.

SHE season is again at hand when most gardeners will be thinking about
sowing Peas for the first crop ; and to the amateur this is a perplexing

f question. Some of our best kitchen gardeners hold that the only sure way
of getting Green Peas in May, is to sow them under glass, and plant out
in spring ; while others, and to this class I belong, maintain that, all things con¬
sidered, there is nothing like November sov/ings for large and early crops. No
doubt, localities and other surrounding circumstances have much to do with both
sides of the question, but after years of practical experience with both systems,
I have discontinued growing under glass, preferring to sow out-of-doors, and to
leave the plants to weather the winter.

On referring to our Vegetable Book, I find Sutton’s Ibingleader sown November
7, 1867, was gathered from on the 21st of the following May. On November
10, 1868, the same sort and Beck’s Little Gem were sown, and these were
gathered from on the 29th of May following. Again, on November 11, 1869,
we sowed six quarts each of Bingleader and Little Gem, from the latter of which
we gathered a peck of well-filled pods on the 23rd, and from the other a peck on
the 24th of last May. If the weather is suitable about the 7th inst., I shall sow
this season a peck of seed of Little Gem. I find this excellent sort quite as early
as Ringleader., and being a green marrow, much superior to it in quality. It can
be sown at 2 ft. from row to row, and is about as well without sticks as with
them. Another recommendation is, that being stronger and stiffer in the haulm,
it stands the cold, frosty winds better than any of the slender-stemmed early-
frame sorts. I need hardly add that we don’t allow the rats, mice, or sparrows
to do as they like with the plants during the winter. Eubbing the seed with a
little red-lead before sowing is a most effectual remedy against the attacks of the
two former, and an occasional use of the gun and a dusting with dry soot keep
the birds at bay. Altogether, we have not one-half the labour involved in
coddling them in drain-tiles, pots, boxes, &c., and yet they yield at least one-
half more pods. — J. McIndoe, Palace Gardens., Bishoptliorpe, York.

AGAVE BESSERERIANA.

N the early part of our present volume (p. 41) we gave figures of two forms
of the Mexican Agave liorrida. We now add illustrations of two forms of
, Agave Bessereriana, for which, equally with the foregoing, we are indebted
to M. Laurentius, of Leipsig. The plants were collected in 1868, in Mexico,

258 THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [NOVEMBER,

by M. Besserer, and have since passed into the hands of M. Laurentius, by whom
they are now offered for sale.

As will be seen from the figures, these plants are considerably smaller than
A. liorrida, and would form very nice additions to a collection of these interest¬
ing succulents. They have the leaves nearly of equal breadth throughout. The
characteristic marginal spines are but slightly developed, but the apex is termi-

FlG. 1.

nated by a very strong and formidable dark-coloured spine of considerable length.
There are two varieties, introduced at the same time, the one having green, the
other glaucous leaves, and respectively named A. Bessereriana viridis (fig. 1), and
A. Bessereriana glauca (fig. 2). We are very glad indeed to see that these
interesting plants are advancing in public favour. — M.

THE WILD GAEDEN.*

0 understand the aim of this little book, the author tells us, it is desirable
to take a broad glance at the past and present state of English flower gardens.

fFrom about twenty years ago, back to the time of Shakespeare, the flowers
cultivated in our garden were nearly all hardy ones ; they came from
northern or temperate regions, in most cases from climates very like our own ;
they were as hardy as our weeds ; they bloomed early in the keen spring air, and
late in the wet autumn gusts, as well as in the favoured summer’s day. Passages
from our greatest poets and writers — Shakespeare, Milton, Bacon, and others —

* The Wild Garden, or our Groves and Shrubberies made Beautiful by the Naturalization of Hardy BxoUc
Plants; with a Chapter on tlw Garden of British Wild Flowers. By W. Robinson, Author of “Alpine Flowers
for English Gardens,” &c. London : Murray.

1870. ]

THE WILD GARDEN.

259

embody the names of the principal classes of flowers used in this ancient style
of gardening, and show us what infinite delight it was capable of affording, and

its charms we may yet see in
little cottage gardens in Kent,
Sussex, and many other parts
of England, though the scar¬
let Geranium has begun, to
eradicate all the fair blos¬
soms of many a sweet little
garden once, and often yet,
embowered in fruit trees
and forest trees, evergreens
and honeysuckles, rising
many-coloured from amid
shaven grass-plots.”

About a generation ago,
he continues, a taste began
to be manifested for placing
a number of tender plants in
the open air in summer, with
a view to the production of
showy masses of decided col¬
our. The subjects selected
were mostly from subtropical
climates and of free growth.
Placed in the open air of our genial early summer, and in fresh rich earth,
every year they grew rapidly and flowered abundantly during the summer and
early autumn months, and until cut down by the first frosts. The brilliancy of
tone resulting from this system was very attractive, and since its introduction
there has been a gradual rooting out of all the old favourites to make way for
the bedding system. But even on its votaries the system at present in fashion is
beginning to pall. Some are looking back Avith regret to the old mixed-border
gardens ; others are endeavouring to soften the harshness of the bedding system
by the introduction of fine-leaved plants, but all are agreed that a great mistake
has been made in destroying all our sweet old border flowers, from tall Lilies to
dwarf Hepaticas, though very few persons indeed have any idea of the numbers
of beautiful subjects of every clime, which in this way we may gather together.

It is to furnish this information and to show how the materials should be
used, that the present little volume was written and published. Hundreds of the
finest hardy flowers will be found to thrive better when grown under the shelter
of others than in the trim border, forming the most delightful combinations of
form and colour, while the raggedness of the old mixed border, one of its worst

Fig. 2,

260

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

C November,

features, will tlius be altogether avoided. Thus Lilies dotted through thickets of
Ehododendrons will not only have a better appearance than isolated masses, but
as they pass out of flower they will not be noticed as eyesores, as they would be
in unrelieved tufts in the borders ; and, moreover, the soil for the Ehododendrons
would be exactly what would suit them, and further their development. In
this way great numbers of choice hardy flowers could be better accommodated than
in any mixed border, while a constant variety would be springing up to vary and
beautify the scene. Then there are the charming Spring Bulbs, subjects of ex¬
quisite beauty, and as yet not half utilized. Shrubbery walks and grassy glades
not too frequently mown are just the places where these, such as Snowdrop,
Crocus, Scilla, Anemone, and even Narcissus, can be introduced with good effect.

In gardening of this sort, nearly all the trouble would be over with the first
planting, and labour and skill could be successively devoted to other parts of the
grounds., All that the covered borders would require would be an occasional
weeding or thinning, &c., and perhaps, in the case of the more select spots, a
little top-dressing with fine soil. Here and there, between and amongst the
plants, such things as Forget-Me-Nots and Violets, Snowdrops and Primroses,
might be scattered about so as to lend the borders a floral interest even at the
dullest seasons ; and thus we should be delivered from digging and dreariness,
and see our ugly borders alive with exquisite plants. The chief rule should be
never to show the naked earth ; carpet or clothe it with' dwarf subjects, and then
allow the taller ones to rise in their own wild way through the turf or spray.

Having thus explained what he means by a wild garden, Mr. Eobinson pro¬
ceeds to give in Part II., under their natural families, a descriptive enumeration
of hardy exotic plants, suitable for naturalization in the situations alluded to ;
while in Part III. he gives selections of plants for naturalization in various posi¬
tions ; and in different soils — one of the most practically useful sections of the book.
Part IV. is devoted to the British Garden of Wild Flowers, and consists of a
gossipy run through the British Flora, indicating the plants most suitable for the
purpose.

As an attempt to impart a higher tone to our flower and pleasure gardens by
discountenancing to some extent the vulgar craving for mere colour effect, and
by stimulating the cultivator to place a higher value upon beauty of form, upon
happy association, and even upon the beauty of simplicity, this effort of the
author well deserves our commendation. — T. M.

NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWEE SHOWS.

HEEE is no lack of interest about the meetings of the Eoyal Horticultural
Society, and the doings of the Floral Committee, notwithstanding that
winter is rapidly advancing. The weather has been fine and open, and
consequently the blooming time for plants has been prolonged beyond the
usual limits. The meeting of the Committee pn September 21 brought together

1870.]

NOVELTIES, ETC., AT FLOWEE SHOWS.

261

several important novelties ; among them a few good new bedding foliage plants.
Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son received First-Class Certificates for Alternanthera
magnijica, a good large-growing form of the well-known A. paronychioides, with
plenty of orange-red about the foliage, which has been used with considerable
effect this season by Mr. Gibson, at Battersea Park ; and for Thymus citrioclorus
aureus, a golden-leaved Lemon Thyme, that keeps its colour well, and is a
thoroughly good bedding plant. It is largely used by Mr. Vertegans in both, the
summer and winter decoration of the Promenade Gardens at Great Malvern with
excellent effect. In addition, Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son received the same
award for Cineraria aspleniifolia^ with silvery-grey leaves, that promises to be
very useful in the flower garden.

The new Gladiolus John Standish, shown by Mr. Douglas, of Loxford Hall,
is a worthy memorial of that successful cultivator ; the flowers have a pale blush
ground, and the throat is flamed with bright magenta ; of fine form, large size,
and forming a grand exhibition spike, it joromises to become a leading flower
when distributed ; it was awarded a First-Class Certificate. Pelargonium Mrs.
John Lee, of the gold and bronze section, is one of the brightest-looking and
most promising shown this season ; it was exhibited by Messrs. J. and C. Lee ;
the leaves are finely marked, and the habit just what is required in a bedding
Pelargonium ; it also was awarded a First-Class Certificate. The same award
was made to Verbena Peter William., one of Mr. Eckford’s fine seedlings ; the
colour intense scarlet, with a large white eye, fine pip and truss.

The following new Dahlias received First-Class Certificates : — Annie Hobbs.,
a good-looking white self, with fine floret and centre, promising to be very useful ;
from Mr. Hobbs, Easton, Bristol ; Gem of the Season, claret rose, the tips of the
petals gold, regarded as an improvement on Stafford’s Gem, shown by Mr. G.
Harris, Orpington ; and Mary Keynes, a pretty flower, having a pale ground,
heavily tipped with bright deep rose, from Mr. Keynes. Second-Class Certificates
were awarded to Victory (Keynes), deep purple, flushed with purple ; James
Cocker (Keynes), a large, somewhat flat and rather coarse deep shaded crimson
flower ; and Flossy Williams (Keynes), blush, suffused with lilac and flaked with
purple, a pretty and promising fancy.

At the meeting of the Committee on October 5 (which was one of the most
interesting meetings held during the year), some more novelties came into notice.
The dwarf, silvery-leaved, compact-growing Senecio argenteus, from the Pyrenees,
received a First-Class Certificate ; and a Second-Class Certificate was awarded to
Aster longifolius var., a dwarfish, round-headed, densely-flowered Michaelmas
Daisy, with flowers of a pinkish-lilac hue ; both these came from Messrs. Back¬
house and Son. Wigandia imperialis., exhibited by Messrs. E. G. Henderson and
Son, and awarded a First-Class Certificate, is a fine companion to that noble
sub-tropical plant, Wigandia caracasana, from which, however, it is sufficiently
distinct in the shape of its leaves and their clothing. Variegated Zonal Pelar-

262

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ November,

gonium Miss Goring, of good liabit, and nicely coloured, a good, briglit-looking
variety, from the same exhibitors, received a similar award. A Second-Class
Certificate was awarded to Variegated Ivy-Leaved Pelargonium Golden Queen,
a strong-growing sort, the leaves edged with yellow, distinct, and promising to
be useful ; this came from Mr. J. Parker, Victoria Nursery, Eugby.

The following Dahlias received First-Class Certificates : — Monarch (Eawlings),
a grand flower, of a rich deep velvety maroon ground, regularly tipped with fiery
crimson ; fine florets, substance, and outline. Yellow Standard (Parker), a large
and somewhat rough yellow flower, quite unworthy the award as shown. A
Second-Class Certificate to Prince Imperial (Perry), of a dull orange colour, the
centre flushed with rose ; the flowers had got some injury in the journey, and
looked rough.

Mr. William Paul had a beautiful collection of Tea Roses in pots, exquisitely
flowered. This was the third time these plants had produced blooms this season.
Talk of perpetual roses, nothing in the way of bloom could be more perpetual
than this ! They were well grown, beautifully flowered, and so fresh and charm¬
ing that they took one back to spring, notwithstanding it was a dull, cold,
autumnal day. — R. D.

GARDEN GOSSIP.

promoters of the Fungus Show at South Kensington on October 5 are
doing good service by their annual attempt to familiarize the public eye
with the appearance of the most prevalent edible kinds of Fungi as
compared with those which possess poisonous properties. There can be

no doubt that a very great quantity of good wholesome food in the shape of Fungi is annually
wasted, because of the uncertainty which people in general feel as to the possibility of
distinguishing the good from the bad, the wholesome from the deleterious. The “ mycologists
tell us,” remarks the Gardeners' Chronicle, “ and we implicitly believe them, that tons of
valuable Fungi waste their nutritious qualities in the untrodden woods from want of sufficient
knowledge on the part of those to whom a substantial meal of any kind would be a boon. No
doubt this is much to be lamented, but we must own ourselves sceptical as to any alteration in
this state of things being effected, till gardeners have found out what to cultivate, and how to
grow them. We appreciate the delicacy of the Giant Puff Ball, we relish the Yegetable
Beefsteak, we delight in Champignons, Morels, Truffles, and some others — when we can get
them ; but we have no faith in their ever being anything but casual delicacies, very good on
emergencies, but useless, so far as food is concerned, till they can be as much under the
dominion of the gardener’s art, as is the common Mushroom.” Three collections were shown.
In that from Mr. English, the following edible kinds were included : — Agaricus arvensis, the
Horse Mushroom ; Marasmius Oreades, the Champignon ; Agaricus rachodes and procerus ;
Boletus scaber ; Hydnurn repandum, and others. Mr. Worthington G. Smith’s edible kinds
included Agaricus procerus, the Parasol Agaric ; Agaricus erubescens, Lactarius deJiciosus,
Boletus scaber and edulis ; Fisfulina liepatica, the Beefsteak Fungus; A. panther inus, A.
prunulus, A, grammopodius, &c. Mr. Hoyle, of Reading, showed among edible kinds, Agaricus
nebu laris. Russula heterophylla, Agaricus arvensis, A. rnelleus (shown in other collections among
the poisonous kinds), Cantharellus aurantiacus, Ilelvella esculenta, Morchella esculenta, Lactarius
deliciosus, and others.

- 3It was reported at a meeting of' subscribers to tbe Veitch Memorial

that tbe amount of subscriptions bad readied tbe sum of £1,012 12s. 9d ; tbat
tbe expenses of advertising, postage, &c., bad been £121 14s. 5d., leaving a nett

1870. 1

GARDEN GOSSIP.

263

balaaco of £890 18s. 4:1. An admii’able full-length portrait of the late Mr. Voitch has been
presented by Robert Orawshay, Esq. Adopting the recommendations of the Central Committee,
the meeting determined that the money in hand should be invested, and the interest devoted
to Voitch Memorial Prizes. The following gentlemen were named as trustees : — G. F. Wilson,
Esq., the Treasurer ; and Thomas Moore, Esq., the Secretary to the Fund ; Harry J. Veitch,
Esq., representing Mr. Veitch’s family ; Dr. Hogg, representing Amateur Glardeners ; Mr. Z.
Stevens, representing the Practical Gardeners of England ; Mr. W. Thomson, representing
Scotland ; and Dr. D. Mooi*e, representing Ireland.

- ^HE Idesia 'polygama, a Flacourtiaceous plant, which bears the name

of Polycarpa Maximowiczii in the French gardens, is described as a noble and

perfectly hardy deciduous tree, with alternate cordiform serrated shining green

leaves, with red veins above, and glaucous beneath the blade, 8 in. to 12 in. across, and the
petioles red, 8 in. to 1 ft. long. The flowers come in long compound racemes, and are succeeded
by very numerous orange-coloured berries, which are reported to be edible. If perfectly
hardy, as it is said to be, it must form a magnificent tree, on account of its large size, and the
breadth of its foliage.

- Shere is a beautiful black Plum which comes into use after Damsons

are past, and fully twice their size. This bears the name of Sandall's Plum. It

forms trees 20 ft. to 40 ft. high, with spreading heads, every twig as thickly set

with fruit as the berries on a bunch of grapes. It is very hardy, and one of the veiy latest,
supplying Plums for cooking, &c., when wanted, until November ! The fruit is of medium
size, roundish, of a beautiful jet-black colour, with a thick bloom ; flesh reddish, clinging
slightly to the stone, moderately juicy, with a smack of the Sloe flavour. This little-known
Plum was raised sixty or seventy years since by the late Mr. Sandall, a market gardener, at
Fulham. It is said to be a sure bearer, surpassed by Prince of Wales, Victoria, and Mitchel-
son’s (the last especially) ; but it is at least eight or nine years before it begins to bear, though
after that time it is a prodigious cropper about once in three years. Any one having half-a-
dozen sorts cannot do wrong in gi-owing Sandall’s, but for a small garden, where there is only
room for one Plum, Mitchelson’s is to be prefei'red.

- ^HE following mode of laying Tar Pavements., recommended in tlie

Builder., has been found completely successful : — For Carriage-ways : a layer of

dry brick rubbish, 8 in. thick, well rammed (if a gravel foundation, this need not

be used). Kentish ragstone, or the chippings from gi'anite, are the best materials. The stone
for the lower bed should be broken to pass through a sieve of 3-in. mesh, to be well coated
with hot Stockholm tar, to be laid 6 in. thick, and well rolled. The next bed is to be broken
to pass a Ij-in. mesh, to be laid 2^ in. thick, and well rolled. When nearly dry, broken
i^psum to be scattered over it, and well rolled ; this gives a bright look to the pavement. For
Footways : brick rubbish, 5 in. thick ; lower bed, 4 in. thick ; next bed, 2 in. thick ; and
gypsum as before. This pavement may be seen at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich.

- ^RESERVED Kidney Beans for winter use are not at all to be despised ;

and if gathered just before frost is apprehended, a great deal of useful food
may thus be saved. The Beans are sliced as for the table, and then salted and

pressed into either a small wooden barrel or large stone jar. In every family of any extent
in Germany large quantities are thus preserved. When they are abundant and cheap, the
lady of the house buys them wholesale, and invites her lady friends, young and old, to help
her to slice the beans. Towards evening the young men coming from business join the party,
resharpen the knives, make themselves generally useful, and after a good deal of flirtation,
the day terminates with a dance. The work is all done in one afternoon. Directly a lot is
ready, the cook proceeds to salt as follows : — She puts a thin layer of salt on the bottom of the
barrel or jar, and upon this a layer of about 5 in. of sliced Kidney Beans; upon this she
sprinkles salt, presses down the beans as much as she can, then places a fresh layer of beans
and some more salt ; and in this way the ban-el or jar is filled. A heavy weight— say a two-
stones weight, or I cwt. — may be beneficially placed upon two or three layers of sliced bean.s
and salt for, say a quarter of an hour, before more beans are packed. In this way, a large
quantity of beans will go into a comparatively small space, and the tighter the Beans are
packed the better they will keep. When all the beans have been sliced, and served in this

264

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ November,

manner, a clean linen cloth, or a piece of board, is put upon them, and kept pressed down by
a heavy stone or iron weight. The beans and salt in the course of a day or two draw water,
so that the whole becomes covered with brine. The jar or barrel should be kept in a cellar or
cold pantry. When the Beans are wanted for the table, the surface layer, which generally
gets a little mouldy after several months’ keeping, is wiped with a clean towel, and the beans
soaked in cold water to remove the excess of salt, and they are finally cooked like fresh Kidney
Beans. The only care necessary to be taken with the beans is to keep always a good weight
iipon them in the barrel or jar in which they are preserved, so that always a little brine — say
a quarter of an inch in depth, or more — stands upon them, to the total exclusion of the air. In
this way Kidney Beans may be kept for more than a year.

- ^HE Transplantation of Brachen is not always done with success. A

correspondent of the Gardeners’ Chronicle recommends the following plan: — ^‘Go
wdth a horse and cart and a sharp spade into a thicket of Bracken ; cut out a

cart-load in largo spadefuls, say a foot square and as much deep ; cart it to the place you wish
it to grow in, empty it oiit, and spread it about as if the pieces were large clods of earth,
turning any of the largest inverted pieces the right way up, and spreading the new material
about 6 in. thick, without any particular care of root or stem, and next year you will have a
crop of Bracken that will speedily become a thicket. Singular though it seems, this rough
mode has been far more successful with me than the most careful digging up and replanting
of the roots and stems.”

— 0NE of the necessaries of decorative gardening is green Moss. Fresh Moss
is not always easily obtainable, and even when it can be had, it has this objec¬
tion for in-door use, that it contains innumerable eggs of insects, and thus brings

disagreeable visitors into the apartments. Prepared moss has generally a dull bluish-green
colour, not at all pleasing. The following recipe for preparing Moss with slight alteration of
appearance is copied from a French chemical journal: — Dissolve 1 grain of nitric acid, and
about 15 grains of indigo, in 2 quarts of water ; tie the moss up in small parcels ; throw these
into the solution while boiling, and leave them in for a minute ; afterwards dry them in the
open air, and the moss will last for an almost indefinite time without alteration.

- French are specially fond of the Chrysanthemum frutescens., a large

white-flowered greenhouse bush, which they call Anthemis. In the early summer,

it is seen everywhere, in windows, in halls, in flower-beds, on restaurant-tables,

and its similitude in almost every young lady’s bonnet. If it were not effective, it would not
be permitted to grace the latter situation. At the Paris exhibition last spring were some
gigantic plants, from 4 ft. to 5 ft, aci'oss, and trained dome fashion ; they were very handsome
and novel, a trifle too regular, perhaps, but that would be thought no defect by some.

- ®HE Messrs. Ottolander and Son send us Quercus nobilis., a seedling

Oak, ‘‘ coming from Q. Rohur nigra, crossed with the Q. americana. The growth

is much like that of Q. alba, but it is more robust, and very hardy, the leaves

larger, and the young ones of a fine deep red.” It is certainly a very fine Oak, with large,
coriaceous, glossy leaves, 9 in. long and 5 in. broad, wider towards the blunt apex, where they
are slightly and bluntly sinuate-lobate. •

- - ^HE Brussels Bouguetistes use the flowers of Smilacina bifolia as a

substitute for those of Hoteia japonica. Judging from the quantities to be seen
at the proper season in the flower-markets, this plant must be as plentiful wild
near Brussels as it is rare in England.

- regret to hear that, in consequence of bodily infirmities from

which there is no hope of relief, Mr. G. Lightbody has been compelled to give

up the cultivation of Tidips, and wishes to dispose of his stock. They are all

fine sorts, so that here is a good opening for any one wishing to take up the Tulip fancy.
The collection includes some fine seedlings.

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Is70. ]

NEVT GLOXINIAS. - THE APEICOT AS A STANDARD.

265

NEW VAEIETIES OF GLOXINIA.

WITH AN ILLUSTRATION.

genera of ornamental plants are more useful in tlieir way for general
Oiir decorative purposes than the Gloxinia^ which to facility of culture adds
the recommendations of convenience of size, variety of form and tint,
hif profuseness of flowers, and a velvety richness of colouring which is almost
unapproached. Need we wonder, then, that they are largely grown both for
house decoration and for exhibition — though not much encouraged at the great
London shows ; and, moreover, that the varieties are very numerous.

Their culture is so simple and well understood, that we need not here devote
space to explain it. SufSce it, then, to say that the variety Scarlet Gem (fig. 1)
is one of the richest and brightest flowers we have ever seen, and one which
unanimously won a first-class award when exhibited last spring. The, colour at
the deepest parts is of a rich bright velvety tint of carmine scarlet, beautifully
blended with a soft violaceoas hue at the throat. This novelty was shown by
Mr. Williams, of Holloway. The other flowers represented are Negro (fig. 2), a
richly shaded violet purple, raised last spring by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons,
amongst many others of great beauty and merit ; and Mademoiselle Jeanne
Prevost, a French variety of recent introduction, of a deep rosy lilac tint,
beautifully spotted and rayed with violet in the mouth and throat. As the
figures show, they all belong to the erect-flowered section of Gloxinias. — M.

THE APEICOT AS A STAND AED OE BUSH TEEE.

I^ITHEETO the cultivation of the Apricot as a standard has been of rare
m occurrence, even in the southern counties, where the fruit is apt to be
deteriorated in quality from exposure on south walls, and rarely attains
f that luscious richness of flavour which fruit obtained from standards gene-
•rally possesses. Why, then, are bush or standard trees not more generally grown
in favourable localities ? If a crop can be relied on once in three years, without
protection or any care whatever, assuredly with the fostering care of the culti¬
vator, aided by protection from frost, we might expect to be rewarded by an
average crop of fruit yearly. In corroboration of this, I may mention that in this
neighbourhood two heavy crops have been secured from standard trees during the
last three years. Of one tree in particular, a remarkably fine specimen of the
Moor Park, and of perfect form, with branches extending 17 yards in diameter,
the produce has this year exceeded five pots, equivalent to six bushels imperial
measure. The pot is the local measure by which all fruit is sold in this neigh¬
bourhood, but there is no definite or recognized weight for a pot. I am told
that this tree has seldom failed to produce fruit during the last sixteen years,
while, as an average, the crop has once in three years been immense.

This year the produce of younger trees has been profuse, and the fruit of

3rd series. - III. N

266

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGHST.

[ DECEMBEIt,

fine quality, a degree of success not confined to this neighbourhood alone, for I
am pleased to see other instances quoted in which the fruiting of the Apricot as
a standard has been equally satisfactory. Thus, at Evesham, a Breda Apricot
has produced nine bushels of fruit this year. Such successes as these should
assuredly lead to more extended culture ; for notwithstanding that the Apricot tree
is somewhat tender, being a native of “ the land of the sun,'*’ yet it is so far
acclimatized ‘as to be rarely injured by frost. True, the blossom-buds are
susceptible of injury, as they are put forth early enough to be frequently subjected
to several degrees of frost. Hence the necessity of carefully protecting them ;
and to facilitate that operation, it is essential that the trees should be trained as
low bushes, espaliers, or in such other form as may suggest itself to the
cultivator, having in view the one object of accessibility.

The soil best suited to the Apricot is a calcareous loam or sand, of sound
texture, two feet deep. It is of primary importance in preparing the sites for
standard trees, that the subsoil should be perfectly drained, and the position
slightly raised so as to elevate the stems above the ground-level. This will be found
indispensable to success in places where the ground is at all wet. Moreover, the.
digging of the surface within the limits of the tree should be studiously avoided,
as not only does such a practice destroy the surface-roots, but, more particularly
in the case of standard trees, it has a tendency to retard fructification. Some of
the finest and healthiest trees I have seen have had their roots wholly under
gravel walks, or pitched over with stones. I may also mention that the large
Moor Park tree, previously alluded to, has not had the soil about it disturbed
for many years, the surface being paved over with oyster-shells. The tree is.
growing in a friable loam, resting on a stratum of broken sandstone rock of
considerable depth. Eich, deep clay soils are to be avoided, since they induce
vigorous growth and imperfectly-ripened wood, the principal cause of the
unfruitfulness often complained of in Apricot trees. When such soils have to be
dealt with, a large per-centage of old mortar rubbish may be added to it with the
best results.

During the growing season, the trees ought to be frequently examined, and
all elongated shoots pinched back, so as to maintain, as far as possible, an equal
distribution of wood, which obviates the necessity for the inordinate use of the
pruning-knife, which is one of the chief causes of gumming and the premature
decaying of branches, — evils which occur less frequently in standard trees than
in trees trained against walls.

The insect most injurious to Apricot foliage is the caterpillar of the red-bar
moth, the eggs of which go on hatching from the middle of May until mid¬
summer. Their presence is readily detected by the rolling-up of the leaves.
This destructive pest must at once be eradicated, and the only remedy I know of
is picking and squeezing every leaf which is rolled up. One or two such careful
inspections will usually clear the trees for the season.

1S70. ]

ADIANTUM EUBELLUM.

267

The Apricot is also subject to be attacked by mildew, and sulphur has been
generally applied as a remedy, but with somewhat uncertain results. The most
efficacious remedy for this insidious and troublesome disease with which I am
acquainted was found out, and its efficacy proved on a large scale, in the nurseries
of Mr. Smith, of Worcester. The Eoses in these nurseries were attacked by
mildew, which was so generally prevalent last summer ; and after repeated trials
of all the prescribed remedies without the slightest effect, it was discovered that
the best soft soap, in the proportion of one pound to three gallons of cold water,
is most effectual. The soap is whisked until it is dissolved, and immediately
applied to the trees ; and thus a plot of six acres, planted with Eose trees, was
gone over, and perfectly freed from this most formidable assailant, at the trifling cost
of 4d. for the three gallons of liquid used. The preparation was also apphed to
Picea Nordmanniana^ and other plants infested with mildew, with equally good
results. It must be noted that the soap is to be dissolved in cold water, as it
loses its effect when mixed in hot water. Further, if it is allowed to stand for
any length of time after being mixed, it is perfectly useless. I should observe
that it is requisite to test the strength and quality of the soap on a single plant
previous to using it on an extensive scale, as soaps are found to vary much in
quality, and often act injuriously on the foliage, but the above may be taken
generally as the proper proportions. The best soft soap only should be used. —
G. Westland, Witley Court.

ADIANTUM EUBELLUM.

OLIVIA is the native country of this pretty dwarf Maidenhair Fern,
one of several South American species, which the Messrs. Veitch and
Sons have had the gbod fortune to introduce to our gardens within tho
last few years. It is one of a set belonging to the Capillus-Veneris
group, bearing more or less resemblance to A. Capilliis-Veneris., A. cuneatum.,
and A. concinnum., the several forms of which, though not easy of definition, are
obviously distinct to the eye, and are welcome additions to onr garden species.

To this set, besides A. ruhellim., belong A. tinctum., A. colpodes.^ and A.
decorum.^ all plants of ornamental character. A. ruhellum itself is the dwarf est of
the series ; its fronds rarely exceeding six or eight inches in length, and growing
up in a dense mass. The young fronds come up rosy red, like those of A.
tiiictum and A. colpodes., and owing to the crowded habit of growth and the profu¬
sion of them constantly produced, the plant is, under good management, always
more or less embellished with the roseate tint which has suggested the name.
The fronds are of trianguLr-ovate form, 4 in. to 5 in. long, quite smooth, and
attached to glossy stipites of about the same length. They are bipinnately divided,
the ultimate pinnules being small, wedge-shaped, tolerably uniform in size, and
deeply lobed at the margin, with the lobes indistinctly serrated ; each of the
fertile lobes is split, but with a closed sinus ; and round the base of this the

N 2

2G8

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[December,

nearly circular sorus, with its membranaceous entire indusium, is developed. The
wedge-shaped pinnules and smaller size distinguish it from A. tinctum^ to which
it is most nearly related.

A woodcut of A., ruhellum was, by oversight, given at p. 250, with the
description of A. decorum^ of which latter very ornamental plant a figure is here
subjoined. — Thomas Moore, Chelsea.

A Ihonw

GESNEEA ELLIPTICA.

S I was reading Mr. Bennett’s excellent article on the Tuberose (p. 20), it
occurred to me that this Oesnera would be a fine thing to succeed it, on
account of its fragrance. It is, I must confess, rather lanky in growth ;
but then it is a plant of very easy culture, requiring but little heat,
although a stove plant. My very simple method of growing it is as follows : —
About the 1st of March, I take the pots containing the tubers from under the
stage in the greenhouse, where they have lain on their sides since the autumn,
after they had done flowering. The tubers are shaken out and repotted, three
into a 2 4- sized pot, in a soil consisting of about two-thirds peat and one-third

1870. ]

THE GABDEX IVIES.

269

loam, with the addition of silver-sand. They should be potted firmly, and the
pots not filled too full, as the tubers grow very fast, and raise up the soil. After
potting, they are put into a vinery just started, where they remain till May or
June, when they may be removed to the greenhouse. Instead of stopping them,
we train them round three or four sticks stuck in near the edge of the pot, which
dwarfs them considerably. When they are in flower, they may be removed to
the conservatory. We find them especially useful for the centre of a basket of
flowers ; one pot is quite sufficient for a room at one time. After they have ,
done flowering, it is only necessary to save two or three pots, as each will contain
several tubers as large as good-sized potatos, and very much like them.

This Gesnera^ the Tuberose, and the Gardenia^ of which there are several
kinds, are some of the most valuable sweet-scented plants we have for decorative
purposes. The subject of this paper is sometimes known in gardens under the
names of G. tiiberosa^ G. hulbosa^ and G. longijiora. — William Plbsteb, Elsenlicmi
Hall Gardens.

THE GAKDEN IVIES.

4|;IbOW that winter is approaching, we naturally turn to Evergreen Trees and
Shrubs, to aid us in keeping up the beauty and interest of our gardens.
The summer flowers and the summer leaves are alike gone, but by means
^ of Evergreens the garden may in winter be made as interesting and beau¬
tiful in its way as it is in spring or summer. Each season has its natural and dis¬
tinctive features, the embodiment of which should be a pleasing task to the
skilful gardener.

The Ivy is one of the most important of hardy Evergreens, and to this I will
now confine my remarks. It is no new favourite, but is alike remarkable for its
antiquity, its beauty, and its pleasant associations. Dr. Seeinann, who has made a
special study of the HederacecB.^ brings all the known forms of Ivy under three
species : — Hedera Ilelix.^ the European Ivy ; H, canariensis, the African Ivy ;
H. colchica (Roegneriana).^ the Asiatic Ivy. In our country H. Helix abounds
both naturally and by the hand of the planter ; and I conceive that there are few
who cannot look back with pleasurable emotions on some old church, ruin, or
^‘ivy-mantled tower,” the picturesque forms of which remain indelibly fixed on
the memory. So plentiful is it, that one can scarcely take a walk or drive with¬
out meeting with the various forms covering banks or park palings, and ascending
trees to a great height, the topmost shoots often assuming a shrubby form.

From the cultural point of view the Ivy is valuable as an evergreen climbing
plant, on account of its free, rapid, and accommodating growth. It can scarcely
be dispensed with in suburban gardens ; and even in large towns it generally
thrives well, suffering from the smoke less than most evergreens. For covering
walls, fences, trees, and rockwork, for screens when supported by lattice, for
pillars, edgings of beds, and arches in flower gardens, it is alike suitable.

270

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Decembek,

Tlie Ivy may be grown in three separate ways — (1), as pillars ; (2), to cover old
roots, laid on tlie ground to form a screen ; and (3), in pots. Pillars of Ivy form
beautiful objects, especially in tlie winter season. Those who have seen the
gardens at Elvaston in winter will no doubt remember the pleasing effect of the
masses of golden Ivy which abound there. When planted and trained on rochwork
or old trees, it is curious and interesting to watch the shoots creeping and clinging
to the surface, now losing themselves in the recesses, then emerging and spreading-
to the light their broad masses of beautiful leaves of green, gold, or silver. A
well-kept mass of Ivy, whether on w'all, or tree, or rock, is in winter a beautiful
sight. When grown in tubs or pots as low pyramids, the varieties of this plant
are also extremely useful for garden decoration. Of the many variegated kinds
some only are completely happy as pillar plants, at least such is my experience ;
but the most delicate are beautiful in pots, and even against walls, and are quite
worthy of such positions.

Further, the Ivy is not only valuable as a climbing and creeping plant, but
also as an evergreen shrub. The tree or bush forms which it assumes, and of
Avhich there are several, are first-class front-row evergreens for beds and borders.
A little pruning keeps them as compact as Aucubas and Laurustines, and in tho
green, gold, and silver leaves, and the black and yellow berries, there is infinite^
va,riety and beauty. The sweetness of the flowers, too, must not be forgotten.

The following hints as to making selections for special purposes may be-
useful : — For covering large spaces quickly, I would specially recommend the-
following : — iminsylvanica^ crenata^ canariensis^ canariensis nova^ algeriensis^ and
colchica^ among the green-leaved kinds ; marginata minor ^ marginata rohustcty
margiiiata argentea^ canariensis latifolia maculata^ algeriensis variegata^ and
rhornhea variegata^ among silver-leaved forms ; and Helix foliis aureis^ imlmata
aurea^ canariensis aurea maculata^ and canariensis foliis aureis^ among gold-leaved
varieties. Breadth or masses of any one of these three colours may be obtained
by the use of the above varieties. For low walls or fences, basket handles, and
margins of beds, the best green Ivies are — Helix^ Ghjmii^ taurica^ and waltham-
ensis ; the best silver-leaved kinds are — marginata elegans^ marginata pulchellay
marginata elegantissima^ minor marmorata^ rhornhea variegata^ japonica ; the best
gold-leaved varieties are — Helix foliis aureis^ marginata canescens^ canariensis
aurea maculata. All the tree or bush varieties are worthy of a place as front-
row evergreens. I append a descriptive and classified list of the best sorts of Ivies.

§ Hedera Helix. — European Ivy.

* Plants of climbing habit.
t Leaves green.

H. Helix. — Leaves small, dark green. Growth rapid.

H. Helix palmata. — Leaves dark green, of medium size, very broad, deeply cleft ; veins
prominent. Growth very vigorous.

H. Helix crenata. — Leaves gi'een, broad, regularly cleft ; the veins very consi^icuous, similar
to but larger than those of //. Helix palmata. Growth free and rapid.

H. Helix digitata. — Leaves dark green, long and pointed, broad at the base, deeply cleft.

Growth rapid, shoots less numerous than in most others.

II. Helix digitata nova. — Leaves dark gi’een, of medium size, deeply cut. Growth rapid.

1S70. ]

THE GAKDEN IVIES.

271

II. Helix pennsylvanica. — Leaves wholly green, large, deeply cleft ; veins prominent.
Growth free.

11. Helix clirysocarpa. — Loaves dark green, small. Growth rapid. Berries yellow.

H. Helix sag itti folia. — Loaves dark green, of medium size, broad at the base, long, narrow,
and pointed at the apex. Very distinct.

H. Helix Glymii. — Leaves pale green, of medium size, almost entire ; very glossy-looking, as
if varnished. Growth very rapid, foiming dense masses of foliage.

II. Helix donerailensis minor. — Leaves dark green, small, deeply cleft. Growth rapid ; shoots
foAv and slender. Very distinct.

11. Helix taurica. — Leaves dark green, of medium size. Growth rapid.

//. Helix malthainensis. — Leaves dark green, very small. Growth rapid, shoots very slender.
The prettiest of all the small gTeen-loaved kinds.

ft Leaves variegated with white.

II. Helix foliis argenteis. — Loaves green, broadly margined with white ; small. Growth
moderate. Very showy.

II. Helix Gavendishii. — Loaves green, well margined with white ; small. Growth moderate.

II. Helix minor rnarmorata. — Leaves green, beautifully marbled with white ; small. Growth
rapid. Exceedingly pretty.

H. Helix marginata major. — Leaves green, of medium size, broadly margined with yellowish-
white ; berries freely. Growth rapid. One of the best.

II. Helix marginata elegans. — Similar to the preceding in general appearance, but the leaves
are larger and narrower at the base. Growth moderate.

H. Helix marginata pulchella. — Leaves green, small, broadly margined with white. Growth
moderate. Very beautiful.

H. Helix marginata robusta. — Loaves green, large, margined with white. Growth free and
rapid. One of the best.

II. Helix marginata argentea. — Leaves green, large, well margined with white. Of free, rapid
giwvth. One of the best.

H. Helix marginata elegantissima. — Loaves green, broadly margined with white ; very shoAvy.
Growth moderate.

ttt Leaves variegated with yelloiv.

H. Helix foliis aureis. — Leaves gi-een and gold ; some wholly of each colour, others finely
blotched. Growth rapid. Very beautiful.

H. Helix palmata aurea. — Similar to H. Helix palmata in general character, but having the
leaves occasionally clouded with gold.

H. Helix marginata canescens. — Leaves green, long and narrow, broadly edged with gold.

** Plants of shrubby or bushy habit.
t Leaves green.

II. Helix arhorescens. — Leaves dai-k green, long and narroAv ; forms a close, round, evergi-eou
shrub ; well set Avith dark purple berries in winter.

II. Helix arborescens baccata lutea. — Leaves green, nairoAV-pointed ; of the compact groAvth of
the preceding, and Avell covered Avith yellow berries.

tt Leaves variegated with ruhite and yelloiv.

II. Helix arborescens cdbo-lutea. — Leaves green, well margined Avith gold and silver ; largo.
One of the most beautiful.

ttt Leaves variegated with yellow.

II. Helix arhorescens foliis aureis. — Leaves dark gi’een, finely blotched with gold, long, najTOAV.
GroAvs and bears berries freely. Very beautiful.

§ 2. Hedera cauariensis. — African Ivy.

* Plants of climbing habit.
t Leaves green.

IT. canariensis. — Leaves dark green, large. GroAvth very rapid. Bears berries freely.

H. canariensis nova. — Leaves much larger and of a paler green than the type, also of more
rapid grovrth. This and H. colchica (floegnerianai) are the best of the green-leaved kinds
for covering large spaces quickly.

11. algeriensis. — Leaves pale green, large, entire. A very handsome sort, of rapid gi’owth.

tt Leaves variegated with white.

H. canariensis latifolia maculata. — Leaves gi-een, marbled with creamy white; large. Growth
rapid.

H. algeriensis variegata. — Leaves green, broadly margined with AA^hite ; A^ory large. GroAvth
rapid. One of the handsomest.

ttt Leaves variegated ivith yelloiv.

H. canariensis foliis aureis. — Leaves large, some entii*ely green, some entirely yelloAV, others
gi-eeu blotched Avith gold. Growth A'igorous. Very handsome.

272

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST,

[ Decehbl:r,

IL canariensis aureo-macnlata. — Leaves sometimes gi’oen, but usually green finely clouded
with yellow ; large. Growth free and rapid. One of the most beautiful.

** Plu7its of shrubby or bushy habit.

II. canariensis arborescens. — Leaves dark green, very largo, broad, and almost entire ; berries
freely^

§ 3. Hedera coLcmcA. — Asiatic Ivy.

* Plants of climbing habit.
t Leaves green.

II. colchica (^Roegneriana). — Loaves dark green, large, entire, thick, and leathery. One of the
handsomest.

ft Leaves variegated with white.

II. rhombea variegata. — Leaves dai’k green, broad and smooth, slightly but regularly margined
with white. Very distinct and elegant.

II. japonica. — Leaves green, clearly and regularly margined with white ; small. Very pretty,
producing dense masses of foliage.

** Plants of shrubby or bushy habit.

II. colchica arborescens. — Similar to II. colchica in general character of leaves ; but the plant,
instead of climbing, rapidly forms a stout round bush, well set with berries.

— William Paul, Paul's Nurseries.^ Waltham Gross.

THE HOLLYHOCK.

'HE offer of certain prizes for Hollyliocks, at tlie Eoyal Horticultural
Society’s meeting on August 17, liad tlie effect of bringing together some
very excellent examples, of -which the folio-wing brief account may be
useful to those readers -who are interested in the growth of this fine late
summer flower.

The fine collection of cut blooms staged by Mr. W. Chater, of Saffron
Walden, occupied the premier position, and -was of special interest to Hollyhock-
growers, as containing some fine new varieties raised by him to be sent out in
the coming autumn. These novelties consisted of : — Alfred Chater., pale mottled
rose, with a deeper flush of colour in the centre of the flower ; extra fine quality.
Conquest., very rich bright crimson, fine quality ; also highly effective as a spike.
Marvellous., orange-buff, fine and full ; also very fine as a spike. Champion., dull
reddish crimson, a fine and full flower. Bullion., bright apricot-yellow, a fine,
close, full flower, and an effective spike. Eclipse., pure satiny rose, a chaniiing
flower of fine quality, equally attractive as a spike. Talisman., pale sulphur, very
distinctly margined with rose, a beautiful and novel flower of fine quality.

The new flowers distributed by Mr. Ohater last autumn were well represented
on this occasion ; especially worthy of note were — Bijou., scarlet, suffused with
buff, very fine and striking. Constance., a beautiful shade of delicate pale flesh,
and in its fine finish quite justifying the award of a First-class Certificate by the
Floral Committee. Jeivel., bright pure yellow, showing a great improvement in
point of substance in a yellow flower. Leviathan., bright reddish rose, very fine.
Perfection., delicate silvery flesh, a beautiful soft hue of colour, considered by Mr.
Chater to be one of the finest Hollyhocks he has ever raised. Scarlet Gem., a
vivid hue of bright scarlet, fine qualit}^ and forming a bold and effective spike.

Of older flowers shown in capital condition by Mr. Chater, by Messrs. Downie
Laird and Laing, and by Mr. Minchin, the following were particularly noticeable :

IS70. ]

lady’s slippees.

273

— Carnosa^ flesh, flushed with rose, shown also as a good spike. Cams CJiater^
reddish crimson, very fine. Crimsoji King^ deep cherry-red, fine quality.
Fascmation^ rosy lilac, with a slight covering of silver, a very beautiful and novel
flower. Fanny Chater^ rosy caraiine, very fine. Fred Chater^ pale yellow,
shown also as a spike in fine condition. Joy, dark base, the edges of the flowers
tinted with carmine, small, but very pretty. Jiinia^ pale, primrose suffused and
stained with purple, very fine and novel in colour. Mrs. Hastie., deep pink, a
fine and full flower. King., orange-buff, fine quality. Leah., golden yellow, very
fine. Mrs. Downie., delicate soft salmon-rose, forms a grand spike. Midnight.,
deep glossy maroon, small in size as shown, but a very fine hue of colour.
Mochanna, white flushed on the edge with pale rose, small, but of fine quality.
Miss Lizzie King., yellow, forms a good spike. Queen of Yellows., clear bright
yellow, very fine spike. Quadroon Improved (Minchin), very dark maroon, a
fine flower. Walden Queen., soft delicate flesh, flushed with rosy carmine, pro¬
bably one of the finest flowers ever sent out.

It is doubtful if a finer selection of flowers, new and old, could be made than
those named above, which represent all the lines of improvement of which the
Hollyhock has been made susceptible during the past ten years. They are both
creditable to their raisers, and an honour to floriculture. — E. D.

LADY^S SLIPPERS.— Chapter VI.

the dreary winter season all flowers are welcome, and none more so than those
of the pretty but old-fashioned Cypripedium insigne. It is a stemless plant,
with long pale-green ligulate emarginate unequal-pointed leaves, and stout
^ dark purple flower-scapes, bearing a solitary flower, the dorsal sepal of
which is roundish- oblong, arching or incurved, undulated, yellow-green at the base,
white at the top, the green part spotted with brownish purple ; the anterior sepal
is smaller, green, lineately blotched with brown purple. The petals are linear-
oblong, nearly 2-^- in. long, obtuse, downy outside, glossy within, yellow-green
suffused with a bronzy tint, spotted and indistinctly veined with dull purple, the
undulated edge being uncoloured, and the base bearded. The lip is oblong-
obtuse, shallow, with blunt erect lateral lobes, and of a bronzy yellowish-green,
with the veins purplish, and the interior of the side lobes spotted. The sterile
stamen is large, obcordate, papillose, yellow, bearded at the base with purple
hairs, and having a blunt orange-yellow horn in the centre. There is in cultiva¬
tion a variety called Maulei., which has the leaves shorter, and the dorsal sepal
much more brightly coloured, the white extending fully half-way down, and the '
spotting at the base being of a rich purple. The inferior form is, however,
sometimes cultivated under this name.

This' is one of the most useful orchids for winter decoration, as it con¬
tinues in bloom a long time either in a greenhouse or a conservatory, and will
keep fresh for a considerable period in a warm room. It is advisable, however,

274

THE FLOEIST AND POMOLODIST.

[ December,

not to allow tlie temperature in wliicli it is kept to get below 40”, altliougb. I
bave seen it bloom where it has been almost down to freezing-point. The
flowers of this plant are well adapted for cutting, as they keep good in water for a
considerable length of time.

1S70. ]

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

275

It is of easy culture, and by having several plants of it a succession of bloom
may be kept up for months, provided the early ones are placed in a httle heat,
and the later ones kept in a cool greenhouse. The flowers must be kept dry, in
order that they may continue in beauty for several weeks. This plant will do
well in a glass pit or frame during the summer months, but must be brought
into the house in autumn for blooming. It has thick, fleshy roots, and, therefore,
requires good drainage ; but a liberal supply of water must be given during the
growing season, and even in wdnter the soil should be kept moist, as it has no
succulent bulbs to support it, and on that account requires more direct sustenance.
It should have good soil, and then plenty of flowers may be expected, and they
will repay all the attention bestowed upon it. The most suitable soil is a mixture
of rough fibrous peat, loam, leaf-mould, and sand, all well mixed together. This
Cypripedium is not liable to the attacks of insects, if the plant is cared for
.and kept in, a healthy condition. — B. S. Williams, Victoria Nursery^ Holloway.

THE GARDEN MENTOR.

ECEMBER is generally the dullest and dreariest month in the year ; the
weather is mostly very uncertain ; sometimes w^e have pelting storms of
rain or snow, and at other times severe frosts. Even at this dull season,
when deciduous trees are bare, and there is little in the way of flowers in
the borders, evergreen trees and shrubs are full of interest, and show to great

advantage.

Kitchen Garden. — All out-door operations will now depend on the state of
the weather. Advantage should bo taken of frosty weather to wheel manure on
to quarters where it is wanted ; and all decaying substances should be collected
into heaps for manure. In bad weather everything that can possibly be done
in-doors should be pushed forward, so that it may not have to be done in fine
weather. Any Endive and Lettuce still in the open ground should be lifted and
stored as directed last month. Celery should be protected in frosty weather. In
mild weather Cauliflowers and Autumn Broccolis should be looked over, and all
plants showing heads should be lifted, and stored carefully. Towards the end
of the month a portion of the best Parsley should be covered with spare lights, to
protect it from frost. The Peas sown last month, when above ground, should
have a little earth drawn up to them, and towards the end of the month they
should be protected with some small evergreen branches. Asparagus may be
forced from the present time until it comes into use out-of-doors, by taking up
.some roots, at intervals of three or four weeks, and placing them on a gentle hot¬
bed, covering the roots with soil to the depth of three or four inches, and giving
them a good soaking of water, to wash the soil in among the roots ; the frames
should be covered at night, and air should be given at every favourable oppor¬
tunity. More Sealcale and Plmbarh should be covered up for forcing.

Forcing Houses. — Pines : The plants that are swelling fruit must now be

276

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOQIST.

[ Deckmbek,

well attended to. Maintain a niglit temperature of from 65° to 70°, and a
moderately moist atmospliere ; see that there is a bottom-heat of about 85°, and
water when the plants require it. The plants intended to show fruit in February
and March should not be excited at the present time ; keep up a night tempera¬
ture of from 60° to 65°, with a moderately dry atmosphere, and give air at
every favourable opportunity ; keep the succession plants tolerably dry ; give air
at every opportunity ; maintain a night temperature of 60° and a bottom-heat
of about 80°, and the plants will do well. Vines : When the vines in the early house
begin to break, increase the temperature gradually to about 60° at night, which
will be sufficiently high until the vines come into blossom ; give air freely at
every favourable opportunity. Peaches : Maintain a healthy atmosphere in the
early house ; admit air when the weather permits, and do not exceed a tempera¬
ture of 45° at night. Figs : This is a good time to shift any plants in pots or
tubs that require it ; use turfy loam and a little leaf-soil, and plenty of drainage ;
a few plants may now be put into a little heat for early forcing. Straiuherries :
Protect these well in frosty weather ; a batch of plants may now be put into
the early Peach house for forcing.

Hardy Fruit Garden. — The planting of fruit trees recommended to be done
last month, if not completed, should be proceeded with in fine weather. Con¬
tinue the pruning of fruit trees ; thin the spurs well, leaving the plumpest and
best buds that are nearest the branches ; this is a point of the greatest im¬
portance in fruit-tree management ; when it is not attended to properly, the
spurs get overcrowded, and very few of the buds are blossom buds, and those
that are blossom buds are so imperfect that they never set their fruit. When
the spurs are well thinned, and the plumpest buds are retained, the blossoms
are always fine and perfect, and rarely fail setting fruit. Look over the stores
in the fruit-room frequently, and pick out any fruit that shows the slightest
symptoms of decay.

Flower Garden. — Plant Houses : At this season of diminished light, heat
and moisture should be reduced to the lowest degree possible compatible with
the safety of the plants. Soft- Wooded Plants should have a good deal of atten¬
tion at this season ; water only when absolutely necessary ; remove decaying and
superfluous leaves, and keep the plants well tied out, so as to admit light and air ;
keep the plants as near the glass as possible, and give air at every favourable
opportunity. In damp dull weather light gentle fires during the day, to dry up
the moisture and expel the damp. In frosty weather keep sufficient fire-heat to
prevent the temperature at night falling below 40°. Hard- Wooded Plants should
have all the air possible at every favourable opportunity, but should not be ex¬
posed to cold currents. Avoid fires as long as possible, and when they become
necessary in frosty weather, carefully guard against a high temperature at nights.
Take advantage of unfavourable weather to clean, wash, and tie out, and train
any plants that may require it.

1870. J

THE VICTORIA ELECTRIC THERMOMETER

277

Pits and Frames. — The instructions given last month will servo for this.
Keep the pits and frames as dry as possible ; give air at every favourable
opportunity ; and cover well up in frosty weather. Few plants will then suffer
much.

Oiit-Doors. — The work here will depend on the state of the weather. If
severe weather sets in, see that everything that requires it is well protected. As
loefore recommended, alterations and the planting of hardy trees [and shrubs
may be proceeded with in fine weather. Novv’ the leaves are all off, every place
should be well swept, and the leaves collected into heaps for compost. — M. Saul,
Stour ton Park.

THE VICTORIA ELECTRIC THERMOMETER.

EGULARITY in the temperature of plant-houses, especially those which
are devoted to the culture of tropical plants, and to forcing, is so
important a point in plant-culture, that any means of ascertaining and
^ thus of checking irregularity, must be a great boon to the gardener,
since it would be calculated to relieve him from the pressure of anxiety on this
very important matter. It is as one means to this end that I have designed the
Victoria Electric Thermometer, of which a figure is annexed.

It will be seen that the instrument consists of a peculiar form of balance
thermometer, designed with the object of bringing into contact the wires of a
galvanic battery, and, by the electric current thus set up, indicating either a rise
or fall in the temperature of the house in which the apparatus is placed. This is
effected by the ringing of a bell, or by other means.

278

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ Decembeu,

The thermometer tube is nicely poised on pivots between two upright pieces
of brass, these upright supports being securely fastened to an alabaster stand, on
each side of which is fixed a small brass pillar, having another piece of metal,
either of platinum or aluminum, screwed on to its top, while beneath the tube
another point of the same metal is fastened at each end opposite the pillar, so that
on whatever side the tube may descend, it will bring in contact these two points,
namely, that on the pillar and that on the thermometer. To the two brass
j^illars, which are insulated, the conducting wires (shown on each side) are fixed.
It will be evident that the electricity can only form a circuit when the thermometer
is out of balance so that the platinum point at one end or the other touches that at
the top of the corresponding pillar, in which case the wire attached to it, being in
connection with the positive end of a battery, conducts the electricity from thence
through the platinum points and along the metal plate under the scale of the
thermometer, whence it escapes by the pivots into the two supporting pieces of
brass, and passes into the pillar seen in front, and to which a wire is fastened
leading to the earth, or negative end of the battery.

The wires are led from the hothouse, where the thermometer is placed, to
the gardener’s room, each of them being connected with a distinct-toned electric
bell, so that, when the bell is rung by the means just explained, the gardener
may know by its sound whether the house in question is too hot or too cold. The
electric current may also be made to indicate the same facts in other ways. If
the gardener’s house is situated at a considerable distance, one wire only, in order
to save expense, may be used, but in this case only one bell can be rung. In
houses where electric bells are already in use, the thermometer can easily be
connected with them at very little expense.

The tube of the thermometer is coiled round a central piece of wood on
which the degrees are marked, and on this is placed a sliding weight and index,
which, being passed along the top of the graduated scale, will balance the
thermometer at the point indicating the particular temperature required. Then
if the temperature of the house be equal to that at which the index is set, the
tube will be evenly balanced, and no electric action will take place ; but if it
becomes either too hot or too cold, the depression of the tube to the hot or cold
end, as the case may be, will set up a current, and this will cause the bell to
ring until the heat is regulated to meet the required standard. It has been
found that in ordinary cases the instrument is too sensitive, to obviate which the
centre of gravity may be elevated or depressed, thus making the action slow or
sensitive, as may be required. This is effected by means of a screw fastened to
the pendent beneath the tube.

The action of the instrument is the result of the expansion of spirit, which
occupies the upper part of the tube, and rests on quicksilver in the lower part.
This latter, by the expansion or contraction of the spirit, is displaced at one end
of the tube and driven over to the other, as the heat or cold may predominate.

1S70. ]

MONSTEEA DELICIOSA.

279

This overbalancing of the tube causes it to descend, so that the metal point comes
into contact with the pillar on the side to which it is inclined, and thus the
current is established. The tube being formed of one length of thin glass,
exposing a great surface to the air, is very quickly affected by heat or cold.

To the gardener, or the maltster, or to anyone who requires an even tempera¬
ture in a building or apartment of any kind, the Victoria Thermometer especially
commends itself, on account of its reliability, its power, its accuracy, and its
extreme sensitiveness. In large buildings it might bo of the greatest service, in
case of fire, by ringing an alarm-bell on the top of the building. The instrument
is not liable to get out of order. — G. Eothnie, Victoria Nursery^ Holloway.

MONSTERzi DELICIOSA.

SHE Monstera deliciosa is described as a new fruit-bearing plant, with
acricxl roots as thick as one’s finger. The fragrance of one of its ripe

f fruits is said to be equal to that of a whole houseful of Pine -apples.

This fruit was introduced to public notice by being shown ripe at a meeting
of the Fruit Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and it was also shown
at the Manchester meeting. Those at a distance who have not seen this novelty,
but who hear its high-sounding name, will naturally feel anxious to get some
reliable details respecting its character, for surely it must be a veritable magnum
bonum amongst fruit. I have seen fruits (of the gourd) exhibited at Chiswick
that would have filled a wheelbarrow, and in the absence of information, the un¬
initiated might conjecture that the Monstera might be as great as these.
Grapes are luscious, and Pine-apples are smartly-flavoured, but this fruit is said
to be delicious : —

“ Kings may bo happy, —

Tam was glorious.”

When the veritable fruit of the Monstera deliciosa lay before me at Manchester,
I could not help thinking that indeed the “ mountain had been in labour and had
brought forth a mouse !” Gentle reader, save yourself the expense and trouble of
travelling to Chatsworth or to Cliveden, for you need only picture to yourself a
fruit of the Typlia., of a light pea-green colour, with a very thick flower-stalk and
a long thin fruit, say of the length and thickness of the tail of the domestic cat,
and you will have a very good idea of the fruit, as exhibited, of the Monstera
deliciosa. It has been stated that this plant is turned out in summer in a
sheltered situation at Cliveden, on the banks of the Thames. Now this may
deceive the unwary, and lead them to suppose that it is half-hardy. The planting
out at Cliveden or elsewhere is, however, not to obtain fruit, but to give a sub-tropical
air to the group of which it is certainly a very odd member. J. F.” honestly
states that the fruit takes a whole year to ripen, after it has done flowering, and
as the frost on the banks of the Thames will always put in an appearance at least
once in the year, the Monstera must betake itself to the hothouse, of which it is a
legitimate inmate. The old name Philodendron (phileo to love, dendron a tree).

280

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[ DECEMBKa,

gave some idea of tlie oddity of this plant, which is that of a somewhat unwieldy
creeper, ascending the trees by means of its numerous stout clinging roots, and
with all due deliberation propagating its species by bearing fruit of a few ounces’
weight once in two j'-ears. Mr. Pomologist, with your “ Kentish Fill Basket,”
what think you of this ? — Alex. Forsyth, Salford.

Mr. Forsyth is somewhat at fault, both as to the size and merits of the
Monstera., which we have grown with much success at Chelsea, and which is
really worth a place in any garden establishment, for the sake of affording from
time to time a dish of its unusual and delicious fruit, of which many ladies and
gentlemen are particularly fond. Well-grown samples when ripe are some 8 in.
or 9 in. in circumference, and average about a foot in length. The smell of a
ripe fruit is most penetrating and appetizing, though it may not be agreeable
to everyone ; it appears to us to be a blending of the fragance of a pine and a
melon. The juice is so exceedingly rich that it soon becomes cloying. One plant
rambling over a water-tank in a warm house has for several years borne from six
to twelve fruits annually, the fruit ripening in succession at intervals of two or
three weeks, about the same interval as occurs between the Howering, and about
a year from the time of flowering, fresh flower-spikes — for it is a compound fruit
— forming annually to keep up a succession. The plant is well worth growing
as an ornamental object, its large and curiously cut leaves having a remarkably fine
appearance. With us it generally flowers in July and August. — T. M.

. GRIFFINIA HYACINTHINA.

HIS plant is somewhat scarce, but, nevertheless, it is deserving of cultivation
even in the most select collections. With me it blooms in the autumn,
and continues in flower for eight or nine weeks. It is well adapted either
fu for decorative purposes, or for the supply of cut flowers. In bouquet¬
making it equals in form the lovely Pancratium, and at the same time furnishes
a colour not over plentiful, namely, violet and white. One of the most beautiful
bouquets I ever recollect to have seen, was made of this Grriffinia, with Stephanotis
and pink Eose-buds.

It is a native of South America, and requires the temperature of an inter¬
mediate house or warm vinery. It grows well, in a mixture of two-thirds yellow
loam and one-third peat, with a moderate quantity of sharp sand, but not more
than just sufficient to secure porosity in the soil. All bulbs of this description
dislike anything approaching light soil. It requires that the soil in potting should
be rammed firmly down, and that just sufficient drainage should be used to prevent
any stagnation of water about the roots.

During the growing season — that is, from the beginning of March to
September — it requires a plentiful supply of water. After this it will begin to
throw up bloom, and then a little less water may be used ; but even when the
blooming is over, and the plant is at rest, it must never be allowed to become

,1870, J

EENDLE’s portable propagators and YiNEElES.

281

dry, as it is, like tlie Vallota, an evergreen bulb. After blooming, it should
have a good light situation, in a house where the temperature is not allowed to
get lower than 48° or 50°.

It is a very clean plant, not being subject to the attacks of any of the
numerous garden pests. If it happens thaL thrips or scale attack its smooth,
regularly-shaped leaves, these pests may be easily removed with a sponge. In habit
the plant is not unlike Eucharis amazonica^ and it is increased in the same way,
namely, by division of the bulbs. It is a slow grower. I obtained a small plant
of it eighteen years ago ; this is now over five feet across. — T. Baines, The
Gardens^ Southgate Tlouse^ Southgate^ N.

EENDLE’S POETABLE PEOPAGATOES AND YINEEIES.

[ perceive that Mr. W. E. Eendle goes on developing his idea of cheap

glass plant-protectors, to which we have on more than one occasion
already alluded with commendation. The original design consisted of
two walls of hollow bricks with a sloping glass cover, the chief objection
to which was want of solidity, as the walls were liable to be blown down by the
wind. This defect has been met by means of steadying rods, and greater facility

has been given for shifting the glass. Some of the tiles are also now made so as
to admit of double glazing, and in this form these portable structures must have
vastly increased powers of resisting frost. Among the more recent novelties of
design are the Portable Vineries or Orchard-houses, represented on p. 282, at figures
3 and 4, and which are applicable to a variety of uses besides those of growing
vines or cordon fruit trees. These are constructed of galvanized iron and glass,
and are supplied at from 8d. to Is. per square foot, according to quantity. The
figures will be found self-explanatory.

Another novelty consists of the Ventilating Seed-growers and Propagators
shown in figures 1 and 2. They are made of three sizes, 6 in. by 9 in., 10 in.
by 14 in., and 12 in. by IGin. ; the lean-tos at from Gs. to oOs. per dozen ; the
span-roofs at from 9s. to 44s. per dozen. The most perfect ventilation is secured

282

THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST.

[DECIiMBKR,

for these protectors by the holes at front, back, and side, and these can be stopped
if required by means of an ordinary cork ; while the glass slides along the
grooves, and can readily be removed, either wholly, or in part, as may be

Fig. 3. Fig. 4.

necessary. The uses to which these handy contrivances might be put in the
garden of the amateur are manifold ; and, indeed, all the forms we have here
illustrated would certainly be utilized, as protectors at one season or other, in
gardens of much higher pretensions. — M.

LILIUM AURATUM.

HAD between 400 and 500 seedling varieties of this glorious Lilium in
flower this summer ; and being nearly all in flower at one time, the display
was gorgeous in the extreme. The seed was sown in April, 1866, and
some of it did not vegetate that year, but formed little bulbs in the soil.
In 1867 they were pricked out into shallow boxes, the soil being peat and sandy
loam ; and the year after, they were all potted singly into small pots. A few of
the plants flowered last year, but the great bulk of them did not flower till this
season, when many of them yielded from seven to eleven flowers on the stem.
A great diversity of colour and of form was to be seen in these seedlings. Many
of them had a broad red band instead of the yellow, which changed to a brownish

1370. J

DESERT PEA. — GARDEN GOSSIP.

283.

tint when the flowers got older. Some of the pods of seeds sown were crossed
with L. sjoeciosum, but none of the seedlings showed the reflexed shape of
speciosum, only a darker spotting, and the red band in several which have been
marked and crossed again this year with a very dark crimson seedling off'
speciosum.

When the L. auratum seed was sown in 1867, there were sown at the same¬
time three pans of seeds saved from L. speciosum crossed with L. auratum^ but
only a few plants have flowered this year, and they have not shown any decided
effects of the cross in the shape of the flowers or foliage. Some have come
white, others of a pale rose-colour, and others of a deep crimson, with dark
spots. I have crossed some of these seedlings with L. tigrinum and other
species of hardy Lilium^ which were in flower in the borders at the time, and
expect to get some fine new varieties from them. — William Tillery, WelhecJc.

HAEDINESS OF THE DESERT PEA.

T may interest some of your readers to know that the Clianthus Dampieriy
so delicate and fastidious when young, succeeds perfectly out-of-doors in
summer and autumn months, and is admirably suited for a mixed sub-
^ tropical bed, or a herbaceous flower-border. Plants raised here from
seed sown early in March last, were nursed in heat until the beginning of June,
and then partially hardened by a fortnight’s exposure in a cold frame, preparatory
to turning them out into the open air about the middle of the month. To guard
against failure, they were protected for at least a fortnight or three weeks after¬
wards by placing over them an inverted flower-pot during cold nights and bright
sunshine. The plants treated in the way here described far surpassed in beauty
those cultivated in pots and kept under glass. As an illustration of their hardi¬
ness, I may mention that we have some plants still in fine flower (November 10)r
having withstood unscathed the 3° of frost which we had on the 11th ult.,
while Dahlias and many of the old sorts of annuals usually cultivated in our
gardens were completely destroyed. Some flowers [very well-developed onesj
are enclosed as evidence. — J. Webster, Gordon Castle.

GARDEN GOSSIP.

N the flower garden of Lord Bridport, at Cricket St. Thomas, Scarlet
Pelargoniums are made a very effective feature in the form of dense round
bushes, like specimen Ixoras, placed at intervals by the side of a long
straight walk. The plants are 4 ft. high, and as much through, and form

large neatly-trained bushes, covered with grand trusses of flowers. The plants used are about
four years old, and all that is done to them is simply to take them up in the autumn, cut them
well back, and plant them as thickly as possible in square boxes, after which they are placed
in a cold vinery until spring, when they are taken up, fresh potted, and pushed along gently
until bedding-out time. When planted out, they require to be regularly pinched and tied out, a
work well and quickly done by a practised hand ; and of course they require to bo well watcrod
in dry seasons.

284

THE FLORIST AND POJIOLOGIST.

[ December,

■ — m- Baines reports very favourably in the Gardeners’ Chronicle of his

trial of the Ahijssinian Mixture for killing insects on plants. He commenced by

using it at the prescribed strength, 4 oz. to the gallon, which killed some of the

mealy-bugs, but loft many alive. It was next tried at 5 oz. to tbe gallon, leaving the solution
to di’y on tbe plant ; this left very few alive. It was then applied at 5|- and 6 oz. to the gallon,
and he has not since seen a single bug about the place. Brown-scale is also reduced to a mini¬
mum by simply well washing the plants with the mixture, in the winter, at 6 oz. to the gallon,
before active growth commences, and once during the summer, at 5 oz. per gallon, on account
of their young leaves being then more tender. The directions for use on the labels are right
so far as the destruction of green-fly, thrips, or rod-spider are concerned ; in fact, it will kill
these insects at 2^ oz. or 3oz. to the gallon ; but for bug or scale it requires to be used at the
greater strength above stated, in all cases leaving the solution to dry on the plants. Every
j)art of the plant should be thoroughly wetted, by syringing over a trough. The solution does
not in the least injm’e the roots.

- ^ new and cheap disinfectant and antiseptic lately brought into notice

bears the name of Ghloralum^ and is a solution of hydrated chloride of aluminum.

All fetid and offensive smells are instantly absorbed by this solution, as they would

be by so much acid ; and many bad smells which carbolic acid might indeed overpower in
virtue of its own strong odour, but which it cannot destroy, are at once removable by chloride
of aluminum. Thus the fetid stench from cabbage-water is at once removed by Chloralum,
but not by carbolic acid. In this respect, Chloralum has some advantages over even perman¬
ganate solution, which destroys fetor by oxidizing the fetid substance, but which is almost
powerless against, or acts very slowly upon, some varieties of malodorous things that have the
ju’operty of not being very easily oxidizable. Even chloride of lime is hardly so potent against
some kinds of fetor as is Chloralum.

- She Alligator Peai\ or Avocado (Persea gratisshnd)^ exhibited for the

first time in England last year, from the collection of tropical fruits grown by

R. Hinds, Esq., of Byfleet, is now about 25 ft. high, and has on it another crop

-of 15 fruits in various stages of development. Another plant of a different variety, growing
in the same house, is also bearing fruit.

- the Gardeners’ Examination^ held under the auspices of the Royal

Horticultural Society, July 12, 1870, the following young men obtained Certifi¬
cates of the Second-Class in Floriculture : — G. Haskins, C. Burley, W. Mitchell ;

and the following Third-Class Certificates in Fruit and Vegetable Cultm’e : — G. Haskins and
C. Burley.

0bttttars^

- Thomas Anderson, F.L.S., died at Edinburgh on October 26.

He was a devoted student of ISTatural History, and selected the East India
Company’s Service as likely to afford him opportunities for the prosecution of

hose studies. When Dr. Thomson left Calcutta, Dr. Anderson was appointed to the temporary
■charge of the garden there, and he succeeded Dr. Thomson when the latter retired from
office. He labom-ed successfully in establishing the Cinchona plantations in the North of India.
Nearly two years ago he was compelled to return to England, on account of dangerous illness,
from which he recovered sufficiently to enable him to prosecute his botanical work, but a few
months ago he suffered a relapse, from which he never rallied.

- Ruprecht, £i Russian botanist, died at St. Petersburg on August 4.

He was born in 1814, at Prague, where he studied medicine. In 1839 he was
appointed Conservator of the Botanical Museum of the Imperial Academy of

Sciences in St. Petersburg, and in the interests of the Academy he i;ndertook several journeys,
notably in the Caucasian provinces, where he made large collections. For a short period ho
was Assistant-Director of the Imperial Botanic Garden at St. Petersbiug.

INDEX.

■1^

Abies, growth of, as timbor, 181.

Abyssinian mixture, 284.

Acanthus longifolius, 6,

Acer rufinerve albo-limbatum (A. japonicum
argenteum), 6.

Acrophorus hemiptera, 5.

Adiantum Capillus-Veneris magnificum, 5 ;
A. Capillus-Veneris undulatum, 5 ; A.
decorum, 249 (woodcut), 268 ; A. excisum
Leyi, 5 ; A. peruvianum (woodcuts), 220 ;
A. rubellum (woodcut), 250, 267.

Aerides japonicum, 46.

Agaricus, culture of (woodcuts), 180.

Agave Bessereriana (woodcuts), 257 ; A.
cuspidata, 94 ; A. horrida (v/oodcuts), 41,

Alnus glutinosa aurea, 142 ; A. glutinosa ru-
bro-nervia, 142.

Alocasia hybrida, 45 ; A. Liervallii, 45 ; A.
Sedeni, 45-

Alpine Flowers for English gardens (woodcuts),
97.

Alternanthera magnifica, 261.

Anaectochilus Dawsonianus, 38.

Androsaco pubescens, 7.

Annual and Herbaceous Plants, collection of,
239.

Antiflamine, 240

Antirrhinums in pots for exhibition, 120.

Aponogeton, culture of, 35

Apple, Fairy (plate), 49 ; - as an ornamental
plant, 104.

Apples, new, 37.

Apple butter, 192.

Apricot, as a standard or bush tree, 265.

Apricots, new, 37.

Aquarium Plant-case, Radclyffe’s (woodcut),
144 ; as window fm’niture (woodcut), 168.

Aquatics, 35, 77, 176, 222.

Aquilegia calif ornica, 96 ; A. eximia, 96 ; A.
truncata, 96.

Aralia Sieboldii aureo-marginata, 7.

Archimedean Lawn Mower (woodcut), 96.

Ashen Tree as a curative agent, 127.

Asplenium fernandezianum, 5.

Aster longifolius var., 261.

Athyrium Filix-foemina Elizabetha?, 6 ; A.
Filix-foemina kallothrix, 6.

Auricula, Alpine, 116, 140 ; John Leech (plate),
241 ; Monarch (plate), 241 ; Selina (plate),
241 ; select, 53.

Auriculas, composts for, 133 ; plea for, 85 ; re¬
potting of, 156.

Avocada, 284.

Azaleas, new, 115, 141, 166.

Beasts, preserved Kidney, 263.

Bedding plants. Yellow-leaved, 248.

Beech, purple, 240.

Begonia boliviensis, 239 ; B. Sedeni, 44.

Bertolonia primulae flora, 44.

Birch, growth of, 182.

Boiler, Weeks’ Patent Duplex Compensating
(woodcut), 114.

Bouvardia jasminiflora, 72; B. longiflora, 72.
Bracken, transplantation of, 264.

Brassia Lawrenceana longissima, 46.

Broccoli all the year round, 83.

Brodijjoa coccinea (plate), 145 ; 166.

Butomus, culture of, 222.

Cabbage, Sandringham Sprouting, 72.

Calamus ciliaris, 5.

Calochortus uniflorus, 6.

Camellia, Leopold I. (plate), 97.

Carbonic Acid, decomposition of, by leaves, 191.
Carnations, Pei’petual-flowering, or Tree, 12,
89 ; select, 32.

Carjo, cause of mortality of, 240.
Carpet-Bedding at Battersea (woodcuts), 235.
Catalpa syringcefolia aurea, 214.

Cattleya Trianso, 93 ; C. TriaucS Lawrenceana,
93.

Cauliflower all the year I’ound, 83 ; Yeitch’s
Autumn, 243.

Cedrus, growth of, as timber, 181, 182.

Cement for uniting polished surfaces, 95.
Cerasus Laimocerasus rotundifolia, 93.

Cereus, culture of, 194.

Chama3rops, 95.

Cherry, Burghley Park, 229 ; MorcUo, 79.
Chimonanthus fragrans, 235.

Chiswick Garden, 118.

Chloralum, 284.

Chorozema Lawrenceanum, 29.
Chrysanthemum frutescens, 264.
Chrysanthemums, culture of, for amateui’S,
21, 39, 110 ; new, of 1869, 14.

Cineraria aspleniifolia, 261.

Clematises, new early, 116, 141, 166; New
Hardy, 214; Princess Mary (plate), 121.
Clematis sethusifolia, 6.

Clerodendron fragrans, 74,

Clianthus Dampieri, 283.

Cloves, select, 32.

Coboca pendulifiora, 44.

Coccus flocciferus (woodcuts), 119.

Codiaeums (Croton), new, 44, 205.

Coffee, a disinfectant, 95.

Coleus as a Bedding plant, 155.
Colouring-matter of plants, 218.

Corbularia monophylla (woodcut), 84.
Cordyline indivisa latifolia, 7.

Cork Tree, growth of, 182,

Cotoneaster congesta, 6 ; C. prostrata, 0.
Cotyledon fulgens, 8.

Crab, Imperial, 95.

Crotons, new (woodcuts), 44, 205,

Cryptomeria, growth of, as timber, 182.
Cucumber, new, 38.

Cupressus Lawsoniana albo-spica, 6 ; C. Law-
soniana erecta viridis (woodcut), 91 ; C.
Lawsoniana pondula alba, 6.

286

INDEX.

Currants, Black, new, 37.

Cyclamen, culture of, 112.

Cyclamen persicum giganteum, 115 ; C. per-
sicum kermesinum, 93.

Cyclobothra pulcheUa, 166.

Cymbidium tigrinum, 46.

Cypripcdiums, culture of, 18, 54, (woodcut)
108, (woodcut) 148, (woo lent) 210, (wood-
cut) 273.

Cypripedium niveum, 46 : C. pardinum, 46 :
C. Parisbii, 46.

D.E1MONOROPS plumosus, 94.

Dahlias, new, 215, 237, 238, 261, 262 ; fancy,
238.

Dahlia arborea, 215 ; imperialis (woodcut), 8.
Damson, Crittenden’s Prolific, 215.

Daphne, culture of, 208.

Daphne elegantissima, 238.

Davallia hemiptera, 5 ; D. pallida (Mooreana), 5.
Delostoma dentatum, 44.

Delphiniums, 212.

Delphinium nudicaule, 166.

Dendrobium cariniferum, 45 ; D. crassiaode,
45 ; D. Jamesianum, 45.

Dianthus neglectus, 7.

Dieffenbachia nebulosa, 45.

Disa grandiflora, 48.

Dracaena excelsa, 45 ; D. maguifica, 45.
Drechsler’s Patent Fumigator, 47.

Drymonia turialvae, 44.

Echeveria glauco-metallica (woodcut), 196.
Edging Tile, Chatsworth (woodcuts), 170.

Elm, English, 23.

Encephalartos, new, 7 ; E. Lehmanni, 96.
Epacris hyacinthiflora carminata, 94.
Epidendrum conspicuum, 45 ; E. syringo-
thyrsum, 45.

Eranthemum Andersoni (elegans), 44.

Ericas, 141.

Erinus alpinus albus, 166.

Eupatorium gracile odoratum, 119.

Evergi’een Screen, 120.

Exhibitions, Annual International, Horticul¬
tural division of, 143 ; Manchester National
Horticultural, 47", Metropolitan Summer, 167.

Featherfoil, 222.

Fig, Grosse ]\Ionstrueuso de Lipari (woodcut),
128.

Firs, growth of, as timber, 182.

Fittonia gigantea, 44.

Floral campaign of 1870, 23.

Flore ten (woodcuts), 118.

FloAvers, forcing of, 62, 80, 130 ; lines on, 55.
Flowers, sweet-scented, 105, 137, 208.
Flower-pots, size of, 239.

Flower-pot holder (woodcuts), 118.

Forcing, art of, 62, 80, 130.

Forget-me-nots, or True Lovers’ Knots, 174.
Frog-bit, 176.

Frosts verstis Fruit Blossoms (woodcuts), 157.
Fruit, failure of, in 1869, 172 ; forcing, 62,
80, 130; new, 36.

Fruit Blossoms versus Frosts (woodcuts), 157.

Fruit Crops of 1869, failure in, 33 ; of 1870,
153 ; condition of, 215.

Fruit prospects, 143.

Fruit-raising, hints on, 4.

Fruit thinning, 121.

Fruit Trees, transporting of, to colonies, 47 ;
cordon, 254.

Fuchsias, now : Avalanche (plate), 73 ; John
Bright (plate), 73 ; John McEh-oy (plate),
73 ; Splendour (plate), 73.

Fumigator, Drechsler’s Patent, 47.

Fungus Show at South Kensington, 262.

Garden, Wild, rev., 258.

Gardens, shelter for, 230.

Garden Gossip, 23, 47, 71, 94, 118, 143, 167,
191, 215, 238, 262, 283.

Gardeners’ Examinations, 168, 284.

Gardenias, culture of, 105.

Gai'dening, Cottage and Window, prize essays
on, 167.

Gardening Operations : January, 1 ; Feb¬
ruary, 25; March, 51; April, 75; May,
102 ; June, 125; July, 160; August, 185 •
September, 198 ; Octoleer, 223 ; November,
251 ; December, 275.

Garrya Thurotii, 6.

Genisaro tree, 24.

Gesnera bulbosa, 269 ; G. elliptica, 268 ; G.
longiflora, 269 ; G. tuberosa, 269.

Gladiolus in 1869, 63 ; new, 261 ; Show, 95.

Glass Wall, Beard’s, 168 ; (woodcuts), 188.

Gloxinias, new, 116, 167 ; Mademoiselle

Jeanne Provost (plate), 265 ; Negro (plate),
265 ; Scarlet Gem (plate), 265.

Godetia Whitneyi, 214.

Godoya splendida, 44.

Godwinia gigas, 45.

Goodyera Dawsoniana, 38.

Grafting Unfruitful upon Fruitful Trees, 68.

Grafting-wax superseded, 253.

Grape, Black Monukka, 47 ; Melville’s Per¬
fumed Muscat, 23 ; M. de Lesseps, 37 ; Per¬
fumed Muscat, 37 ; White Lady Downe’s, 36.

GrifSuia dryades, 45 ; G. hyacinthina, 280.

Gymnogramma Laucheana gigantea, 5 ; G.
tartarea aurata, 255.

Gymnothrix latifolia, 7.

Hedera varieties of, 271.

Heliconia densiflora, 45 ; H. glauca, 45.

Hollyhocks, new, 70, 215, 272 ; for exhibition, 92

Hoop-petticoat, White (woodcut), 84.

Horticultural buildings, improvements in con¬
struction of, 192.

Hoteia japonica variegata, 6.

Hothouses, Ormson’s Ventilation for (woodcut),
227.

Hottonia palustris, culture of, 222.

House for pot vines (woodcut), 138.

Houseleeks, 201.

Hydrangeas, Blue, 65 ; H. japonica speciosa,
214; H. stellata flore-pleno, 141.

Hydrocharis, culture of, 176.

INDEX.

287

InERiDELLA rotiindifolia, 7.

Iberis gibraltarica, 23.

Idesia polygama, 263.

Indiarubber, Sheet, for grafting, 253.

Insects, solution for destroying, 240.

Insect Intoxication, 129.

Iris stylosa, 6.

Ivy, African, 271 ; Asiatic, 272 ; European,
270 ; Garden, 269.

Lady’s Slippers, 18, 54 ; (woodcut) 108 ;
(woodcut), 148 ; (woodcut), 210 ; (woodcut),
273.

Lselia Pilcheri alba, 94 ; L. purpurata alba, 45.
Lawn Mower, Archimedean (woodcut), 96.
Leptosiphon roseus, 166 ; (plate), 217.
Leschenaultia biloba major, 108.

Lettuce, new, 38.

Libonia penrhosiana, 93.

Liliums, new, 213, 214 ; L. auratum, 136, 214,
282 ; hardiness of, 136 ; L. Leichtlinei, 213 ;
L. Maximowiczii, 6, 249 ; L. speciosum, 213,
239 ; L. tigrinum flore-pleno, 213 ; L. tigri-
num splendens, 214 ; L. Wilsoni, 214.

Lily of the Valley, 66.

Linum trigynum, 86.

Liriodendron tulipiferum am'oo-pictum, 6.
Lloyd, Mr. John, death of, 72.

Loudon’s Amateur Gardener’s Calendar, rev.
(woodcuts), 60.

Luculia gratissima, culture of, 120.

Lychnis Lagascae, 7.

^Iacadamia ternifolia, 23.

Mackaya bella, 7.

Macrozamias, new’’, 7.

Malus floribunda, 165.

Manchester Horticultural Exhibition, 47.
Maranta princeps, 45 ; M. virginalis major, 45.
Martinezia Lindeniana, 5.

Melons, new, 37.

Mentor, Garden, 1, 25, 51, 75, 102, 125, 160,
185, 198, 223, 251, 275.

INIenyanthes, culture of, 223.

Methven, Mr., testimonial to, 118.

Metropolitan Society for Encouragement of
(Florists’ Flowers, 168, 238.

Mignonette, Tree, 28.

Miltonia Regnellii purpurea, 46 ; M. virginalis,
46.

Mimetic Plants, 191.

Monolaena primulseflora, 44.

Monstera deliciosa, 279.

Mormodes uncia (Greenii), 46.

Moss, fresh, recipe for preparing, 264. ]

Moths, Biitish, rev. (woodcuts), 30.

Mulberries for Orchard-houses, 197.
Mushroom-culture, 167 ; rev. (woodcuts), 177.
Myosotis, 174.

Narcissus monophyllus (woodcut), 84.
Nectarines, new, 37 ; Rivers’ Seedling, 219.
Nepenthes, remarks on (woodcut), 245.
Nertera depressa, 7.

New Fruits and Vegetables, 36.

New Plants of 1869, 5, 44.

Novelties at Flower Shows, 93, 115, 140, 166,
212, 237, 260.

OaivS, growth of, as timber, 182.

Obituary : Dr. Thomas Anderson, 284 ; Mr.
W. Barnes, 24 ; Mr. Samuel Broome, 72 ;
Mr. John Brown, 48; Mr. John Lloyd, 72 ;
]Mr. W. H. Perry, 24 ; M. Ruprecht, 284 ;
Mr. John Sladden, 48 ; M. Victor van den
Hecke, 120 ; Mr. John Gould Veitch, 216 ;
Baron Charles von Hugel, 192 ; Mr. John
A. Watson, 216 ; Mr. W. S. Wilkie, 96.
Oncidium euxanthinum, 46 ; 0. fuscatum, 46 ;
0. Rogersii, 46 ; 0. splendidum, 46 ; 0.
varicosum Rogersii (plate), 25.

Oncosperma Van HoutteanUm, 5.

Palm Trees, 95.

Pandanus Veitchii, 45.

Pansies, bedding, 40, 72, 116; for spring bed¬
ding, 40 ; new, 116.

Passidora Lawsoniana, 44 ; P. macrocai’pa, 13,
69 ; P. i\Iunroi, 7.

Peas, Desert, hardiness of the, 283 ; Dwarf
Early Marrow, cultui’e of, in pots, 150 ; early,
257 ; early, for forcing, 50 ; new (woodcuts),
16, 38 ; Laxton’s Alpha, 88 : Laxton’s
Supremo (woodcut), 88.

Peaches, new, 37 ; Rivers’ Seedling, 219 ;

method of preserving, 192.

Peach Crop of 1869, failure of, 154.

Pear, Alligator, 284 ; Prince Albert, 203 ;

Rondelet (woodcut), 57.

Pears at Chiswick, notes on, 243 ; at Toidworth
Court, 10, 182, 231.

Peat earth, Epps’ selected, 144.

Pelargonium hispidum, 7. .

Pelargoniums, bedding, 166 ; at Chiswick, 94 ;
Double-flowered, 82 ; gold and bronze, 261 ;
large-flo-werecl, 167 ; nosegay, 238 ; scarlet,
283 ; show, 212 ; show, of the year, 234 ;
variegated silver-edged, 141 ; variegated
ivy-leaved, 262 ; variegated zonal, 166, 214,
261.

Pentstenion, varieties of, 48, 213.

Peperomia argyrea variegata, 45 ; P. Ver-
schaffeltii, 45.

Persea gi’atissima, 284.

Pescatorea (Zygopetahim) Wallisii, 46.
Phjedranassa Carmioli, 45.

Phloxes, Herbaceous, 213 ; in pots, 73.
Phormium tenax Veitchianiim variegatum, 7.
Picotees, new, 212 ; select, 32.

Pinks, choice, 72 ; Garden, for forcing, 187 j
ne'^’, 94, 166; Northera v. Southern, 116.
Pinus, growth of, as timber, 181 ; P. Strobus
umbraculifera, 6.

Pitcher plants (-woodcut), 245.

Plants, Annual and Herbaceous, collection of,
239 ; yellow-leaved bedding, 248.

Plants, Watering of, 117.

Plant-case, Radclyffe’s Rustic (woodcut), 144.
Plant Life, absence of, '‘from the Ocean, 47.
Plant Protectors, Rendle’s, 71, 90.

288

INDEX.

Plectocomia elongata, 5.

Plum, McLaughlin’s Gage, 200 ; new, 37 ;
Sanclall’s, 263.

Polycai'pa Maximowiczii, 263.

Posoquera multillora, 44.

Potatos, new, 38.

Primula Boveana, 115 ; P. cortusoides amcona
(plate), 193 ; P. cortusoides grandifiora
(plate), 193 ; P. cortusoides striata (plate),
193; P. Couttii, 115, 144; P.- pedemontana,
7 ; P. sinensis semi-duplex striata, 94 ; P.
verticillata simensis, 115.

Pi'unus Laurocerasus macropliylla, 6.

Pteris serrulata cristata magnifica, 5.

Ptychosperma Alexandrae, 5.

Pustules on Pear Leaves, 215.

Putty, Thermo-plastic, 120.

Pyrethrum TchihatclieAvii, 7, 142.

Quercus, growth, of, as timber, 182 ; Q.
nobilis, 264 ; Q. striata japonica, 6.

Kaspberry, now, 37.

Reseda odorata eximia, 141.

Restrepia antennifera, 45.

Rhododendron Lohbii (woodcut), 232 ; R.
multiliorum, 94.

Rose, Princess Christian (plate), 1. ,

Rose, cultural directions for the, 256 ; re¬
markable sioecimens of, 239 ; new, 94, 115,
116, 140 ; pillar, 241 ; standard or tree, 106 ;
weeping, 169.

Roses for Hedges, 101, 146.

Royal Horticultural Society, Anniversary meet¬
ing of, 71 ; Chiswick Garden, 118 ; show at
Oxford, 191.

Rush, Flowering, 222.

Saccolabium bigibbum, 46.

Sagittarias, culture of, 77.

Salisburia adiantifolia, 23.

Salvia involucrata Deschampsiana, 7.

Scale, Apple-bark Mussel (woodcuts), 216.

Scale Insect, new (woodcuts), 119.

Seaforthia Veitchii, 5.

Sedum spectabile, 127.

Seeds, Watering of, 117.

Selenipedium, 18.

Sempervivum, culture of, 201.

Senecio argenteus, 261.

Sequoia, growth of, as timber, 181.

Sexes in plants, production of, 216.

Shallots, growth of, from seed, 24.

Shelter for gardens, 230.

Shrubs for English Plantations (woodent), 151 ;
for seaside pm-poses, 47.

Smilacina bifolia, use of, for bouquets, 264.

Solanum Pseudo^Capsicum compactum, 94.

Stapelia hystrix, 8.

Stock, White Virginian, 240.

Strati otes, culture of, 177.

Strawberry, Everbearing Andine, 24 ; cropping
old, 173.

Strawberries, new, 37 ; promising seedling, 204.
Strawberry Crinoline, Paxton (woodcut), 143.
Struthiopteris orientalis, 6.

Sublimed Sulphur, 48.

Sulphm- Distributor, 118.

Tar Pavements, 263.

Taxodium, growth of, as timber, 181.

Tea Tree, Duke of Argyll’s, 142.

Tetranthera Lhuysii, 7.

Thermometer, Victoria Electric (woodcut), 277.
Thrinax havanensis, 5.

Thuja gigantea (Lobbii) aureo-variegata, 6.
Thymus citriodorus aui’eus, 261.

Tile Edging, Conduit (woodcuts), 170.

Timber trees, gi’owth of, 180.

Todea intermedia, 6 ; T. Wllkesiana (woodcut \
163.

Toxicophloea spectabilis, 7.

Trees and Shrubs for English Plantations
(woodcut), 151 ; for seaside purposes, 47. ^
Tropseolum ochroleucum, 248.

Tuberose, the, 20 ; as grown in America, 137.
Tulip, John Hemy (plate), 169. .

Tnlips, Lightbody’s, 264 ; Royal N ational
Exhibition of, 147.

Vanda Denisoniana, 46.

Vanilla, large plant of, 1 1*9 ; V. Phaloonopsis, 46.
Variation in plants, 226.

Vegetables, new, 36.

Veitchia Johannis, 5.

Veitch Memorial, 262.

Ventilation 'of Hothouses, (woodcut), 227.
Verbenas, new, 212, 214, 238, 261 ; select, 95.
Vines, pot, House for (woodcut), 138.

Vino Borders, Aerated, 19.

Vine Budding, 160.

Vino Disease in France, 191 ; remedy for, 233.
Vine Mildew, checking, 48.

Vine priming, 240.

Vineries, Rendle’s Portable (woodcuts), 281.
Viola cornuta, 116 ; V. lutoa major, 141.

Violet, Marie Louise, 95 ; water, 222.

Vitis chontalensis, 44 ; V. javalensis, 44.

Wall, Beard’s Glass, 168 ; (woodcuts), 18S.
Wall-tree Borders, planting, 135.

Watering Seeds and Plants, 117.

Water Plants, 35, 77, 176, 222.

Water Soldier, 177.

Welfia regia, 5.

Wellingtonia, growth of, as timber, 181.
Wigandia imperialis, 261.

Wild Garden, the, rev., 258.

Window Plants, 194.

Yellow-Lea'Ved Bedding Plants, 248.

Yew tree, perfectly harmless. Fruit of, 24.
Yucca argospatha, 6.

Zinc roofing, obviation of oxidation of, 240.
Zygopetalum Wallisii, 46.

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