''- )M ■■ti. ' w -■ ' X '■ -^ssHbi^ ■P^l • .. ^ UlL ^ A t'lyWlh ^*^‘‘ ‘ l|^^LlF-br^ "'’^54; JHjL VV^Air hBt '^ .' .vv Jm_. ip < kiyr/ 1 »S" jSi^PSIh' fc Irt^IJF ft *VAl *K /^Eaf ■ ^ ■ 'ff,-t JIC2 jc. k Mm ''\J ^ \ UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS library Class 65^.05 Book , Volume a. \ J.C OO-IOM _ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015 https://archive.org/detaiis/gardenerschronic2118unse THE GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE FOE ✓ LON LAON: PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS, AT 41, WELLINGTON STREET, CO VENT GARDEN, W.C. 1S61. LONDON ; BEADBTTET AND EVANS, PEINTEES, WHITEFEIAES. INDEX OF CONTENTS TO THE GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, For 1861. A. Abies Aleoquiana, 23 ; Douglasi, fine stick of, at Kew, 432 ; firma, 265 ; leptolepis, 23 ; miorosperma, 22 ; Tsuga, 23 ; Reginje Amaliae, 755 ; Veitchi, 23 Aoclimatatiou, 239, 1113; Society, 575, 1025; garden of at Paris, 830 Acer Negundo, variegated 889 Aehenia of Pumilio argyrolepis, 4 ' Aden, Botany of, 622 Adulteration of food, 104 ; of tea, 95, 119 ; of seeds, 53, 390, 437 Africa, W., Botany of, 74 ; Du Chaillu’s book on, reviewed, 601 Agaricus riraosus, 5 ; vaginatus, 97 ; dealbatus, var., 312 ; vernus, 480 ; rachodes, 599 ; Muoidus, 576 ; personatus, 696 ; geotropus, 734 ; platyphyllus, var. repens, 926 ; alca- linus, 1114 Age of trees, bow to calculate, 949 Agriculture, American, 106 ; Anglo-Turkish, 915 ; and Commerce, 512 ; Dr. Anderson on experimental. 817 ; French, 996 ; future of, 413, 417 ; German, 894 ; Hungarian, 705 ; Italian, 539 ; importance of certain birds to, 796 ; picture of English, 152, 153; and railways, 77, 127 ; review of in 1860, 9 Agricultural Benevolent Inst, 442, 462, 853 Agricultural Chemistry, Dr. Anderson’s, rev., 34 ; Dr. Daubeny on, 1074, 1093 Agricultural Hall, new, 996 Agricultural improvement, 104, 630 Agricultural memoranda, 104 Agricultural imports, 997 Agricultural Quarterly Journal, 370 Agricultural progress, 1139 ; Meehi on British, 128, 150 ; Irish, 797, 1033 Agricultural prosperity, 440, 488 Agricultural Professorships, 1073, 1141 Agricultural advancement and public Com- panies, 226 Agricultural statistics, 780, 742, 745, 799 Ailanthus and sand plants, 674, 676 Alfilerilla, Californian, 107 Allamanda violacea, 927 Alligators, 51 Allotment system, 103 Almanacs, farm, 1016 Almshoebury farm, 993 Aloe, flowering of a variegated, 813 Alpaca, 200 ; in Australia, 106 Alpine plants, Ecuadorian, 337 Alpine Byways, rev., 675 Amarylli’ds, Audine, 337 America, Botanical Distribution in British North, 674 American Blight, 867 American Catbird, 27 American horse-power, 857 Aniericau inventions, 344 American Strawberries, 736, 755 ; and their culture, 216 American war, ofiect of on science, 695 Analyses, Guano, 976, 642, 698, 718 Anderson’s (Dr.) Agri. Chemistry, rev., 34 Andropogon formosum, 481 Anemone nemorosa purpurea, 436 Angler, Stewart’s, rev,, 654 Animal kingdom, divisions of, 628 Annual grounds. Carter’s, 869 Ants, cure for, 364, 1010 ; white, 1096 ; of Texas, 458 Aphides, cure for, 387, 813, 869 ; rosin smoke cheaper than Tobacco for, 848 Apples, supposed new use for, 886 ; increased demand for, 1070, 1093, 1117 ; Bemposta, 946 ; Golden Pippin, 1093 ; grafted on a Pear, 833 Apple trees, diseases of, 479 ; unflowering, 888, 909 Apricots, 890 Aquilegia caryophylloides, 98 Araucaria imbricata, 290 ; different hardiness of seedling, 239; wild stations of, 239 ; vitaUty of a large, 889 ; Rulei, 868 Army worms, 869 Asparagus, cutting, 484 ; Copner-web Fungus, 502 Asphalte flooring, 997 Aspidistra elatior, 622 Asplenium ob'cusilobum, 696 Asters, China, 832 Atmospheric electricity. 696 Aucuba, green leaved, 735 Auriculas, George Lightbody, 944; deformed blooms of, 434 Australian ^ming, 896 ; horticulture, 1006 ; exploring expedition, 672 ; vegetation, 947, 649; tree, new, 580 ; vineyards, 1067 Avenues, Parisian, 810 B. Babinoton’s (Mr.) appointment, 575 Bacon (Lord), on London Gardening, 1069 Bamboos, 1009 ; variegated, 735 ; new hardy, 848 ; Himalayan, 968 Banana, Ensete, 603 Banks, Penny, 1036 Barbe de Capucin, 1030 Barclay’s (Mr.), garden, 460 Bailey, fingered, 246, 272 ; growth of, 273 ; and its treatment, 345 Barometers, 263 Baskets, Sponge plant, 362 Beans, long-podded, 8; French, to force, 210 ; abnormal, growth of, 390 ; manure for winter, 916 Beck (Mr.), death of. 46 Beck’s Packet of Seeds, rev, 147 Bedford, late Duke of, 489 Bede, list of Pelargoniums for, 313 ; best Scarlet do. for, 944 ; Diplotaxis tenuifolia variegata, for, 944 ; plants in, at S. Kensing- ton, 850 ; Cannas for, 924 ; at Paris, 986 Beech trees, decaying, 850 Bees, Dr. Mackenzie on, 129 ; and wasps, 750 ; stupefying, 774 ; to fumigate, 792 ; manage- ment, French, 870 ; in North America, 1010 Beet, Henderson’s short-topped, 99 ; wild, 952 ; synonyms of, 1096 Beetles, early, 194 ; golden, in Ceylon, 1071 ; scavenger, 1118 Beever on Fields and Cattle, rev., 1144 Begonias, 1092 ; variegated, 168, 193 ; propa- gation of, 314 ; viviparous, 851 ; cure for spot in, 947 Belgian plant sales, 865, 887 Bell’s blight composition, 699 Ben Lawers, Botany of, 736 Bentham’s Flora Hongkongensis, 195 Bentley’s Manual of Botany, rev., 554 Berden Hall, steam culture at, 816 Berkshire, agriculture of, 81 Berkheim farm, 894 Berlin Bot. Garden, 579 Billington’s (Mr.) death, 1047 Birds and their value, 603 ; plea for small, 796, 818 ; destruction done by, 927 Bird traps, 946 Bitter Cup Fungus, 764 Black wood (Dalbergia latifolia), 1009 Boilers, 6, 169 ; Weeks’, 99 Boiler incrustations, 30 Boletus edulis, 005 Bombay Flora, rev., 948 Bones, to dissolve, 418 Boning rods, 265, 337 Boupland in Paraguay, 950 Books, late Prof. Henslow’s, 652 Booth’s (Messrs.) Nursery, Hamburgh, 483 Botanic Gardens of Yeddo, 120 Botany of Japan, 144, 288, 312, 385, 456, 576, 619. 'i'73 Bothy system, 58 ; Dr. Begg on, 1014 ; origin of, 586 ^ , Bougainvillseas, 359, 386, 409 ; at Swyncombe House, 359, 412 ; glabra, 909, 944 Bouquets, Everlasting, 217 ; Parsley, 601 Bourton, Vine-growing at, 577, 733 Brazilian fniits, 97 Bread, adulteration of, 105 Brewer’s Guide, Giles’, 793 111.^ British Association. 909 Buffalo, half-bred. 196 Bulbs, spring, 829 ; treatment of hardy, 990 Bulb gardens, 380 ; Haarlem, 436 Bulls, ley, 365 Burraah, Gouger's Imprisonment in, 51 Bursledon, near Southampton, 759 BuscottPark farm, 854, 893 Buttercup, corn, 702 ; how increased, 583 Butter, ■ cure for bitter, 935 ; production of, 1104; American, 1140, 1144^ Buxus obcordata variegata, 735 C. Cabbages, when to sow, 74, 99 ; wild, 952 ; Jersey Cow, 974 Calceolarias, herbaceous, 809 ; breeds of, 831 Calico, glaze for, 316 Calves, rearing of, 608, 892, 91*2 Camellia reticulata at Bank Grove, 315 Campanula rotundifolia alba var., 69$ Camp gardens, 985, 1007, 1027 Canada, Botanical Society of, 46, 122, 459 ; travelling in, 990 Canadian expedition, 21 Cannas for bedding out, 168, 924 Cantyro, Cutbbert Bede’s, rev., 909 Canvas, tarred, 799 Carbolic acid, 997 Carex ericetorum, 674 Carnations, tree, 1091 ; white ditto, 906 Carrot, wild, 952 Carter’s Annual Grounds, 869 Catalogue (Nurserymen’s) novelties, 1093 Catbird, American, 27 Catechu. 1009 Cattle, diseases of, 1761. 121 ; food and feeding, 838; condiments, 955; fattening, 273, 975, 1140 ; showing fat, 586; rules for exhibitions of ditto, 246; breeding, 365, 534 ; pedigree of short-horned, 125 ; sales of ditto, 101, 174, 199, 371 : ditto of Hereford, 854, 951 ; Poissy, show of, 129 ; Midland, 932 ; worms in windpipe of, 871 ; absurd mode of giving medicine to, 872 ; to measure, S57 Celosia aurea, 169 Censors generally, and Judges at Kegent’s Park, 756, 774, 792 Cephalotaxus drupacea, 23, 51 Cereus giganteus, 1135 Ceylon, ceconomy in, 172 ; Sir J. E. Tenneut on, 1071 ; Royal Botanic Garden of, 1092 Chair makers, 100, 148 Chserophyllum bulbosum, 867, 887, 906 Chalk farms, 1016 Charlock, 993 ; Prof. Buckman on, 973 Cheese manufacture, 461, 509, 891 ; show of, 912 ; American, 1032 ; Royal, 1037 Chemistry. Odling’s, rev., 948 ; Daubeny on Agri., 1074, 1098 Cherries, French, 1068 Chervil, Parsnep, 906 Chesnut, derivation of, 1007, 1094 Chesnut timber is always Oak, 244 Chicory for grazing, 30 Chinese Yam, bo raise from seed, 930 Chiysantbemums, new, .863, 984, lOOS, 1045 ; sports of, 1048 ; Japanese, 549 ; Bird’s, 969 ; Temple, 969 ; Salter’s, 1008, 1009 ; Broome’s book on, 1071 ; select list of, 1068 ; training, 984 ; Crystal Palace, 1028 Cider mills, 226 Cinchonas, failure of Markham’s expedition for, 192, 598; in India, 243, 458, 459; in Ceylon, 1092 ; succirubra, 1048 Cirencester College dinner, 764 Cissus discolor, flowering of. 4l2 Clarence Peak, ascent of, 988 Clay, cultivation of undrained, 512 Climate ot Egypt, 555 Climate of England, 775 Clock, floral, 1072 Clover, red, 394 ; Californian Bur, 82 Clubbing, 736 Coal formation, 1136 Coco-nut Palm, uses of, 578 ; fibre, 792 ; Beetle, 1138 Cofiee, Indian, 1009 Cold, some seedlings bear it better than others, 239 College, Agri. Benevolent, 561 Collieries and Colliers, rev., 531 Colonial Floras, 984 Comets, 719 Conifers at Hawkstone Park, 242; Japanese, 22, 265 ; manuring, 813, 831, 867, 889, 908, 928, 965. 774 ; at BcLstane, 553 Conifer disease, 698 Conservatory moved whole, 867 Copings, glass, 811 Coppice, 1014 Coprolites, 1076 Cork tree, ancient, 1048 Corn, thin, 56j Corn averages, 370 Corn crops, securing wet, 538 Cornwall, effects of the winter in, 577,1186 Cottages, farm, 586 ; Labourers, 11, 30, 342; prize plans of, 684 Cottage range, 107 Cottage Garden Societies, 5 Cottage Improvement Society, 54, 150 Cottingham, History of, rev., 814, 851 Cotton culture in India, 946, 967, 985, 1007, 1027, 1047, 1093, 1116; Syrian, 744; Ceylon, 1092 Cotton wadding, new use for, 867 Cotton Ryot, 578 Couch, to eradicate, 436 Cows, Breton, 36, 80 ; milk fever of, 106 ; daily food of a, 250, 840 ; Ayrshire, 760 : Alderney, food consumed by, 875; fatting, 875 ; keep- ing, amateur, 240 ; with three calves, 634 Cow Cabbage, Jersey, 974 Cow Parsnip, 799 Cratsegus Oxyacantha horrida, 889 Crocodiles, 1137 Crops in North Germany, 741 ; in Scotland, 741, 36 ; in Yorkshire, CIO ; manures for dif- ferent, 322 ; green, 417 ; fallow, 346 ; pros- pects of good, 657 ; thin corn, 560 ; returns respecting appearances of, 742, 701, 707, 721, 722, 759, 760, 781 ; reports in 1880, 174 Cropping, Remembrancer respecting, 48 Cryptogams, culture of, 455 Cryptomerlas, now Japanese, 965 Crystal Palace exhibition, 482 ; fruit and Dahlia ditto, 813 Cuckoo, 650 ; to winter, 813 ; a foundling, 626 Cucumbers, ridge, 674 ; di.seased, 699, 717, 790 ; winter, 968 : Ayres’ Black Spine, 944 ; at Preston Hall, 388 ; new species of, 216; growing, 1028; gum in, 652 Cucurbits, new, 848 Cultivation, steam, 511, 557, 558, 971 ; deep, 558, 560, 633 ; ditto upon light soils, 512 ; of undrained clay, 512 ; fork, 974 Cumberland agriculture, 896 Cupres.u.g Lawsoniana, cones on, 718 8'7.199 ^Cuscuta, cure for, 239, 320 Cuttle fish, 758 Cyanophyllum magnificum, S, S51 )andry, 53 ; feeding, 104 ; farming, 365 ; ditto and grazing, 152 Dairy produce, adulteration of, 15 t Dalkeith Park, 720 Dan^tein, 757, 793, 775 Danish agriculture, 490 Daphne variegata, 735 Darwinian theory examined, 219 Darwin on Primula Dimorphism, 1048 Daubeny's (Dr.) lecture on Agricultural Chemistry, 1074, 1098 Day and piece-work, relative merits of, 225 De Bary on Potato disease, 885 Decaisne’s Jardin Fruitier, 121, 948, 9S0, 1028, 1049 vDecoration of dinner table, 73, 527, 577, 640, 649, 865, 925 Defoliation, 528 Delhi, siege of, 435 Delphinium oardinale, 76, 146, 194 Dendrobium taurinum, 220 ; Lowii, 1046 Deodar, strangled, 242 De Vriese’s voyage, report on, 673 Dianthus Veitchi, 73 ; hybridus multiflorus, 886 Dimorphism, Darwin on, 1048 Dinner table decoration, 73, 527, 577, 646, 649, 865, 925 Diplotaxis tenuifolia variegata, 944 Disa grandiflora. 552, 646, 698 Diseases in Apple trees, 479 ; in Conifers, 598 ; in Cucumbers, 699 ; fungoid Indian foot, 716; cattle, 176 Dixon’s Loril Bacon, rev., 7 Dodder of Clover, 320 ; cure for, 239 Dod’s Peerage, rev., 147 Dogs, Meyrick on, 507 Dog Show, 1052, 1079 Dorset, truck system in, 222 Drains, depth of, SO ; direction of, 36, 781 ; i roots in, 199, 1104 I Draining clay lands, 78, 102 Drainage of clay, 130; importance of, 991 ; Mr. | Bailey Denton on under, 992, 994 ; arterial, ' 103, 635; outfalls, 10, 80, 1076, 1034, 1121 ; ' Act respecting, 35, 765, 1012 I Dry rot, cure for, 814 Drying flowers, German mode of, 1134 ' Du Chaillu’s Africa, 601 , Durham Agriculture, 819 . E. Earth temperature, 71, 192, 194, 265, 266, 501, 600, 217 *^5arth sewage, 975 East Lothian agriculture, 1014 Economy, demestic, 840 Edging Tiles, Rosher’s, 335 Education of gardeners, 6, 45, 51, 73, 122, 243 Education, agricultural, 200, 606, 610; popular, 483 Eggs, Birds, 459 Egypt, climate of, 555 ; vegetation of, 509 Electricity, atmospheric, 696 Elms, variegated, 676 ; Golden leaved, 718 ; fall of an ancient Suffolk, 925 Elmhams, The, 968 Emeu, 949 Epigynium leucobotrys, 889 Erodium cicutarium in California, 107 Eugenia cauliflora, 97 Eurya, broad leaved, 735 Evergreens, transplanting, 556, 738 ; when to cut down, 814 Everlastings, bouquets of, 217, 1134 Evesham larming, 975 Exhibitions, Horticultural, 146; French school, 216 ; French opinion of English plant, 1005 ; country floral, 718 ; International, 575 ■Experiments, Dr. Anderson on Agricultural, 817 F Allows, autumn, 971 Farms, conversion of clay into stock, 270 ; i liquid manure, 462, 486, 510, 559 ; Bursledon, 759 ; Little Woodcote, 739; New Park, Hants, 839 ; Hampshire chalk, 1016 ; spring work •of. 295; Osborne Royal, 1026; Brendon, 1124 Farm buildings, 709, 8M, 892, 1142 ; prize plans of, 684 ; Stephens and Bum on, 874 ' Farm capital, 639, 1053 Farm rents, rise of in Scotland, 154 Farmsteads, burnt, 956 Farm implements, 703 Farm labour, statistics of, 584, 607 Farm servants, 585 ; Handbook respecting, S26 Farmers* Calendar, Arthur Young’s, 709 Fajimers’ Clubs : — Central, 150, 273, 58, 128, 225, 248, 321, 345, 441. 465, 994, 1097 Coggeshall. 1139 Croydon, 'T44 Framlingham, 488, 839, 1143 Oalashiels, 1015 Hexham, 200 Inverness, 290 Eingseote, 152, 346, 464 Lavenham, 370 Linlithgow, 1030 Milbome St. Andrew, 393 i&fionlis Kirby, 512 Morayshire, 685 Newcastle, 513, 611 Northampton, 895 Norton, 370 Oxford, 933 Peterborough, 955 Reading. 177, 370, 585 Sparkenhoe, 838 South Tyne, 914 Tamworth, 638 Teviotdale, 538 Wakefield, 153, 417 Wantage, 225 Weulock, 105 1 Wickham Market, 955 I Wiufrith, 345 Wirks worth, 201 Wirral, 249 Wokingham, 873 Farmers, hints for, 81 ; Handy Book, rev. 645 Farming economics, 270, 293 ; theory of, 346 ; Forfarshire in Surrey, 739 ; Australian, 896 ; made easy, 297 Faversham farming, 1056 Feed, early spring, 742 Feeding of stock, 441 Fences, treatment of live, 513 Ferns and their adaptations, 242 ; new works on, 243 ; Mr. Day’s, 340 ; new garden, 696 ; growth cf in Devonshire, 968 ; greenhouse, 362 ; sports, 886, 1046, 1113 ; of Derbyshire, 652 Fertilization of Orchis, 72, 122, S31, 8SS Festuca ambigua, 147 Fibre, Mallow, 459 ; Coco-nut, 792 Figs, 890 ; cause of fruit dropping, 604 Fiji Islands, 599 ; poisonous plants of, 697 Finger and toes, cure for, 820 Fir, Arcadiau, 755 Fish breeding, 24 Fistulina hepatica, 121 Flagstaff at Kew, 432 Flea powder, 1067 Flies, cure for, 834 Floras, colouial, 984 ; of ^Mauritius, 74 ; West ‘ Africa, 74 ; Hongkongensis, Bentham’s, 195 Floi-al Clock, 1072 Floral Magazine, 865, 889 , Florets, changeableness of, 600 Flower gathering, 925 Flowers, preservation of, 621 Fly paper, 852 Foliage masses, 774 ^ Food and feeding, 267; adulteration of, 104; : Act respecting, 35 ; value of Parsnips com- I pared with Potiitoes as, 226 ; production of, 102; new kind of, 387 ; Cattle, 176 ; economi- sing ditto, 368 ; prepared for'ditto, 798 ; Pig, 224 ; statistics, 972, 975 ; supply of animal, 972, 975 ; dangerous, 949 ; Lankestcr on, reviewed, 814 Foot disease. Fungoid, 716 Foot rot in sheep, 765, 976 Forage plants, 393 Forbes’ Iceland, reviewed, 123 Forcing fruit, 1067 Forests, S, Indian, Cleghorn on, 969, 1009 ; Ualan swampy, 738 Forester, The, reviewed, 75 Forking, double, 974 Fortune’s letters from Japan, 144, 312, 385, 456, 576, 649 Fowls, Spanish, 1056 France, harvest in, 956 Frasers’ (Messrs.) nursery, 699 French opinion of English plant exhibitions, 1005 Frost, returns respecting effects of, 6, 23, 50, 73, 98, 122, 169, 170, 191, 195. 218, 434, 771 ; on Roses, 145; on autumn transplanted ditto, 434 ; Oaks and Hollies killed by, 552 ; hardy trees killed by, 601 ; at Kew, 830 Fruits, Brazilian, 97 ; tricks of dealers in. 105 ; when to gather, 220 Fruit forcing, 1067 Fruit trees, renovation of old budded, 266, 382 ; remedy for canker in, 362 ; for sea coast, 738 Fruit room, 388 Fruit gatherer, 774 Fruit protection, wadding for, 867 Fulbrook ou Wet and Dry Seasons, rev., 435 Fumigation, pastille. 194 Fungi, parasitic, 314 ; root, 407, 580, 314 ; eatable, 905 ; deleterious, 816 Fungus, Copper Web Asparagus, 502; Bitter Cup, 754 ; Savin, 550 Fungus disease. Indian Foot, 71C ; wine cellar, 47, 100, 172, 220, 122, 1045 Fusi Yama, diary of trip to, 49 G. I Game q\iestion, 293, 342, 416, 464, 512, 560, 799 ' Game law prosecution, 30, 31, 104 I Gardens, Dutch, 435 ; camp, 985, 1007 ; Paris I public, 923, 943 ! Garden Oracle, 1071 Gardeners, young, and employers, 26 Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution, 602 Gardenia radicaus, variegated, 735 Gardening, decorated, spring and its sorrows, 386 ; in St. Giles’s, 758 ; old London, 1069 Gas heating, 73 Gathering flowers, 925 Gazanias, 629 Geese, nests for, £94 Geology, agricultural, 370 Geothermal culture, 96, 143, 169, 192, 194, 217, 265, 266, 289, 501. 600 Geraniums, quevcifolium floribundum, 674 ; best bedding scarlet, 944 Geranium sports, 578, 600 German agriculture, 894 Giles’ Brewers’ Guide, 793 ! Ginger, to grow, 834 I Girdwood, the late Mr. John, 854, 872 Gishurst compound, 121, 987 Gladioli, culture of, 148 ; improvement of, 381 ; I self ct, 832 ; manure for, 944 I Glasnevin Botanic Garden, 457, 1095 i Glass houses. Messenger's, 102'T Glazing, new plan of, 98. 194; double, 986, ^ 1008. 1027 Glencreggan, reviewed. 909 Golden Pippin, 1093 Gooseberry caterpillar, 656 Gorilla, the, 288, 433, 506,528. 552, 577, 598, 602 Gosse's Natural History, rev., 1117 Gourds, to increase size of, 598 ; large, 906 Grafting, Cambodian mode of, 27 ; natural, 1025, 1070 Grafting wax, 3SS Grain, prices of, 993 ; for withstanding wet seasons, 1125 Grapes, new in Januaiy, 24, 26 ; white from Black, and the reverse, 168 ; settinff, 337 ; Black Damascus, 337 ; true ditto, 362; rust in, 508, 625 ; cause of ditto, 580 : double crop of on some Vines, 577, 733, 755, 792; shanking of, 718, 735 ; early, 908 ; Hungarian climate of, 848 ; rc[)ort on new, 945 ; Ilurchardt’s Prince, 966 ; eaten by rats, 768, 986 ; ditto by polecats. 1048; cases of rapid decay in, 1005 ; Black Mammoth, 1067 ; Muscat, 1113, 1114 Grape growing, 007 Glass to lay down, 107, 534 Grassland, treatment of, 347 ; improvement of, 706 ; top dressing for, 612 Grass farming, Irish, 974, 913 ; riband, 799 ; in Hyde Park, 558 Grasses, best mixture of, 439 ; specimens of, 707 ; transmutations of, 754, 791, 952 ; rust in, 815 Grate, peat burning, 1120 Gray, Dr. Asa, on Darwin’s theory, 219 Grazing v. dairy farming, 152, 4G5 Green fly, cure for, 192 Green copperas, 481 Greene on Ca3lenterata, 889 Grindon’s Plant Manual, 1009 Grouse, pinnated, 1095 i Guano, Maracaibo, 270; analyses of, 976 ;i ditto of Potter’s, 176; Liebig on, 678 ; Peru- vian, 701 ; value of ditto, 126 i Guano water, to make, 4S4 Gutta Percha (Bassia elliptica), 1009 j H. Hallett’s Wheat, 778 Hampshire farming, 1016 Hams, cure for jumpers in, 660 Hancornia speciosa, 97 Handbook, Southport, 1029 Hares, driven to climb for food, 51 Hardiness of Japanese plants, 311 Haidwick Hall, gardens at, 675 Hartwiss (Mr.), death of, 335 Harvest, the, 801 ; deficiency of the, 224 ; of 1861, 818; returns respecting, 835, 836, 855 ; in Berks, 892 ; dates, 650, S93 Harvest beer, 710 Harvest operations, 296 Hassall’s adulterations detected, rev., 147 Hatch Warren farm, 856 Hautbois, 386 Hay, flavouring, 1036, 1121 Hay in 1800, 367 ; substitute for, 70S Haymaking, cost of, 723, 759 Hay-rake, horse, 568 Heat, sudden, in Notts, 74, 98 ; ground, 71, 96, 143, 382, 501, 600 ; waste steam, 501 Heating, 30: gas, *73; Kidd’s system of, 122; , Horticultural Society's Conservatory, 98 ; j lecture on, 99 ; steam for bottom, 169 ; j geothermal (see Geothermal) ; boilers for, 6, 99, 169 ; Carter’s plan of, 242 ; Vine borders, 434, 673 ; vapour-fed stove for, 1068 ; peat burning grate for, 1120 Hedges, management of Thorn, 673 Henderson’s (B. G.) nursery, 75 Henderson’s (A.) nursery, 292 Henalow, the late Professor, 505, 527, 551 Herb growing at Market Oeei)ing, 929 Herbaria, how to form, 76 ; prizes offered for, 335 ; Torrey’s, 1025 Herrenhausen Botanic Garden, 555 Hibiscuses, 242 Highway bill, new, 370 Hiring fairs, 105 Hobart Town Horticultural Society, 713 Holland House, gardens at, 268, 315 Hollies killed by frost, 529 ; effects of the win- ter on, 698 Holly hedges, to cut in, 851 Hollyhocks, select, 832 ; new, 066 ; to strike, 989 Hops, sulphured, 269, 293, 342, 307, 390 Hornet’s nest, 1027 Horses, cure of Traumatic Tetanus in, 512 ; maintenance of, 513 ; docility of, 532 ; light, at Leeds, 656, 706 ; management of farm, 839 Horses’ foot, 370 Horse labour, Frere on, 223 Horse feeding, 587 Horse power, its cost, 438 Horse Chesnuts, early, 241 Horticulture, influence of in altering forms of plants, 671 ; Australian, 1006 Humea elegans, culture of, 412 Hungarian agriculture, 705 Hyacinths, Cutbush's, 243 ; treatment of, 829 ; in glasses, 814 ; how to select, 870 ; Hender- son’s, 242 Hyde Park, Grass in, 558 Hydrangeas, to make blue, 460 Hygrometers and thermometers, 240 Hygrophorus pratensis, 289 Hypoxylon concentricum, 72 I. Ice, preservation of, 926 Iceland, exploration of, 459 ; flora of, 553 ; Oxonian in, 756 Impatiens, new, 216 ; Jerdonise, 195 Importations in 1859-60, 250; agricultural, 725, 997 Implements, farm, 703 Incombustible clothes, 889 Incrustations, boiler, 30 India, vegetables growing in, 434 ; products of Dutch East, 673 Insect-killing plants, 1067 Iodine a decoy for slugs, 216 Irifch Agricultural Statistics lor 1860, 820, 1033 Irish grass farming, 913, 974 Irrigation, meadow, 463 ; continental, 584 Isle of Man agricultural exhibition, 780 Italian agriculture, 539 Italian Ryo.grass, 151 Ixias, treatment of, 460 Ixora, double, 671 J. Jabuticaba, 97 Japan, Mr. Veitch’s letters from, 24, 97, 120 ; diary of trip to Fusi Yama, 49; botany of, 144, 312. 385, 456, 676, 649, 773 Japanese Conifers, 22, 265, 734 ; Chrysan- themums, 649; plants, 530 ; hardiness of ditto, 311 ; Siebold’s, 965 Jardin Fruitier, 121, 948, 989. 1028, 1049 Judges at Regent’s Park, 649, 698, 718, 736, 774, 792 Jnniperus rigida, 23 Jute, 814 K. Kew, flagstaff at, 432; lectures at, 432; effects of frost at, 830 ; Royal Botanic Garden at, 833 ; Museums, Guide to, 949 Kirro (Pterocarpus Marsupium,) 1009 Kitchen-garden Remembrancer, 48 Kittlitz’s Views of Pacific Coast Vegetation, 7 Knight’s English Cyclopaedia, 851 Knives, Saynor & Cooke’s, 432 Kohl Rabi, hardiness of, 875, 976; to winter, 1017 Kureel tree, 578 L. Labour, 955 ; half time, 633, 657 ; statistics farm, 607 Labourers, agricultural, 151, 439 ; Berwick- shire, 390 ; Cambridgeshire, 55 ; Cheshire, 174 ; Continental, 611 ; Dorsetshire, 222, 295 ; Northumbrian, 30: condition of, 81 ; rewards to, 873 ; management of, 837, 1034, 1143 ; and machinery, 764 , . Labourers’ cottages, 11, 30, 342 ; friend societies, 12 : wages, 198 Lacheualias, 1006, 1027 Lamp, Albion Photogen, 146 Land, easy transfer of, 151 ; culture of light, 560 Landlords and tenants, 442, 635, 873 Landlord, tales of a, 78,126, 198, 318, 414, 536 Land's End, week at, 627 Lankester on Food, rev., 814 Lapageria rosea, 832, 888 Larch, is split fit for palings? 218, 243, 344 Larch posts for fences, 273 Law respecting seed adulteration, 53, 442 ; 1119, 1120 ; respecting destruction of weeds, 443 ; respecting pirated inventions, 817 ; of settlement, 1097 ; relating to fixtures, 1133 Leaf secretions, 362 ; insects in Ceylon, 1071 Leaves, effect of on fruit, 434 ; dissecting, 910 ; farm, 975 ; skeleton, 700 Lecture on heating, 99 ; at Kew, 432 ; on steam cultivation by Prof. Wilson, 708 ; Dr. Daubeny’s on agricultural chemistry, 1074, 1098 Leeds agricultural exhibition, 6j7, 6i8 ; receipts of do., 701 Leguminous plants, poisonous, Swan River, 600 Lettuce, Tom Thumb, 74; Wheeler’s ditto, 99; Algerine, 869 ; sj'nonyrns of, 1072 Libocedrus tetragoua, 505 ; chilensis, 505 Licea fragiformis, 145 Light, influence of, on plants, 909 Lilac Dr. Lindley, 925 ; forced white in dark- ness, 46, 337 Lilium giganteum, 458, 600 Lilies, Japan, 774 Lime, to apply, 1017 Liunajus’s Clock, 1072 Linseed cake, analysis of, 1120 Linum grandiflorum rubrum, 314 Lobb. Mr. Thomas, 387, 409 Lois-Weedon culture, 177, 818 London. Gardening, Lord Bacon on, 1069 meat supply, 972 ; trees, 408, 456 Lucerne, 393 Lycoperdon pyriforme, 241 M. Macintosh’s nursery, 1049 M’Kellar’s Book on flower plots, 19b Macvicar on terminal fructification, 215 Malacca cane, 852 Maling’s (Miss) plant case, 984, 987 Mallow fibre, 4.59 ^ Man, early history of, 291 Manchester Agricultural Show, 838 Manetti Rose Stock, 122, 217, 773; and Briar, 849 Mangaba, 97 ui. Mangel, manure for, 202 ; booing, 465 ; blight, 701 ; maggots, 604 ; grub, 739, 781 : leaves, effects of, stripping, 11, 33; fermented, 174 Mangoes, 434 . Manure, new patent, 35 ; green, 130 ; artificial, 343 ; comparative value of ditto, 126, 175 ; analyses of, 176 ; experiments with aHificlal, 391 ; Lawes’ mixed mineral, 82: cyanic, 274 ; value of soot as, 178 ; for grain, 463 ; for dif- ferent crops, 322 ; farm-yard, 31, 54; yard made, 341, 345 ; value of blood phosphate, 613 ; experiments at Glasnevin, 437 ; manao’cment of cesspool, 197, 462 ; plan of applying liquid, 486,510, 659; management of, 600 ; for the million, 854, 932 ; prices of, 226, 298, 418 ; ditto of artificial, 82, 155, 1032 INDEX. T Manure heaps, 709 Manure manufactories, 630 Manuring Conifers, 831, 867, 889, 908, 928, OCa Maple, -varegated, 889 ; varegated Ash-leaved 867 Marangaba, 97 „ , ^ Markel Deeping, Herb Garden at, 92j Mairyat’s Jutland, rev., 339 Mauritius, 622 ; Flora of the, 74 Meadow irrigation, 463, 1033 Meal, adulterated, 175 Meat, diseased, 58, 129, 177, 606 ; preservation of 270, 271, 344 ; supply of, 611, 972,975, 1119 Mechi on British Agriculture, 128, 150 Melbourne Botanic Garden, 649, 1135 Melon and its varieties, 1134 Mercury, 552 Meteorology of March, 313 Meteorological instruments, 240, 24/, 2(n, Meteorological Association, Scottish, 247, i08 Mignonette cuttings, 1136 Mildew, Cucumber, 508 ; Bell s composition for 699; cure for, 813; Rose, 967 ; cure for on ditto. 851 ; blue vitriol a dangerous cure MUk,' composition of, 53; taste in, 612 ; barn gallon of, 710 Mill work, Fairbairn on 686 _ Mistletoe, 925 ; propagation of, 268 , on Oak, 986; on other trees, 1135 Missionary. ,,„o Mississippi below Natchez, 703 Monkeyana, 481 Monsters, plant, 1008 Moss on trees, 28 ; to remove, i24 Moths, how to rear, 600 Mowing machines, trials of, 684 Mushrooms, false, 312, 337 ; culture of, 460 ; ditto of ridge, 268 ; new plan of growing, 865 ; remarks on, 966 ; poisoning by means of, 816 ; propagaticn of, 1091, 1117 Muslins, uninflammable, 1072 Mussels, binding power of, 100 Nails, galvanised, 928 Names of Plants, Latinising, 4, 72, 98 Navy, woods employed in, 949 Neal’s Aphis pastiles, 481, 1136 Nectarine pruning, 408 ; culture in Ireland, 409 ; new race of, 850 ; Newington, 1010; Victoria, 1052 Negundo, variegated, 867, 889 Nettle, ornamental, 733 ; fodder, 107 New Zealand, 1070 Nice, weather at, 26 ; winter at. 99 Nomenclature, Botanical. 4, 73, 98 Nubuzeiro, 97 Nurserymen's fixtures, law relating to, 1133 0. Paul’s (Mr. Wm.) Nursery, 989 Pauper relief, 1097 Pea, Veitch’s Perfection, 831 Peaches, pruning of, 408 ; culture in Ireland, 409 ; Salway, 944 ; Early Victcri.a, 946, 1025; Early Albert, 1025 Peacock, wild, 757 Pear tree, barren, 458 Pears, to increase size of, 598 ; Apple gi'aftea on a, 833 ; British Queen, 929 ; Gilogil, ‘148 ; Orange d’Hiver.948; Cat iliac, 91 8 ; Ambrette d’Hiver, 948 ; Bergamotte d’automne, 948 ; Passe Colmar, 989 ; Double Fleur, 989 ; Amo- j * • ■ sclle, 989 ; Martin Sec, 989 ; LefOvre, 989 ; ! Bats, water, cure for, 758^ Haiudcn, 989 ; Pomme or Dtlices d’Harden- \ Rats and Grapes, 968, 986 pent 1049 ; Graslin, 1049 ; Bretonneau, i Rattans, 172 1049 ; N.apoleon, 1049 ; d’Hacon, 1070, 1028; j Readings, penny, 35 how to keep, 622; Louise Bonned’Avranches, ! Reaping machines, 367, 392, .i82, 611, 654, 6o8, 1029; EpineduMas, 1029 743, 795, 797 ; at Leeds, i80; Samuelsons, Peat soil, treatment of, 840 I 855, 873, 8i5 Pelargoniums, variegation in, 38.5, 432; bed- Redbreast, 2’T ding 360, 385 ; list of ditto, 313, 336 ; v. . Red River settlement, 21, 123 Verbenas 966 ; Rollisson’s Unique, 925, 946, ' Bed spider, 792, 794 - 4. riAK . ^ -'-J Railways and agriculture. 77, 127 Rain in 1860, 4 ; in Hants, 6 ; in January, 146 ; in February, 314 ; in March, 410 ; in April, 481 ; in May, 577 ; in June, 674 ; in July, 756 ; in August, 867 ; in September, 947 ; in October, 1027 ; in November, 1094 ; in De- cember, 73 Raisins, to dry, 73 Ram sale. Holme Pierrepqint, 856 Ranunculus arvensis, 702 ; Fic.aria, 1070, 1117, 1136 Rape-cake, analysis of. 1120 Raspberry Prince of Wales, 169 . Oak parasites, 1116 ’ Oaks quick growth of, 458, 481 ; of Palestine; 674’ ; diseased, 552, 626 ; killed by frost, 552 - English, effects of the winter on, 698 ; Ever, green, resuscitation of, 756 ; variegated, 834 ; large, 910 ; amount of timber in ditto, 949 ; Mistletoe on, 986 ; twig-shedding in 928 Oak Apples, 927 Oak galls, 577, 852 ; effect of frost on, 862 Oak insects, 567 Oak lungs, 1671 . Ocean, vagabond curs of the, 655 ; primitive, 603 ; waves of the, 700 Odours, peculiar atmosphere, 600 ; of flowers, 699 Qinothera grandiflora. 73, 98, 122 Olive oil manufacture, 73 Onosma tauricum, 626 Onygena equina, 301 Orange trees, treatment of, 268 Orchid.s, fertilisation of British, 72, 122, ,831, 888; Mr. Day's, 340; Consul Schiller's catalc»gue of, 889 ; site of cuticle in aerial roots of, 1095 ; sale of, 433; M. Pescatores, 288 Orchaid, Kentish, 388 Orchard houses, 764, 789, 809, 831, 8.50, 887, 908, 927, 928, 946, 966, 986, 1025, 1070, 1094 ; plea for small, 810 ; Rivera on, 291 Orchard house building, 867, 888 Orchard-house fniit, 1648 Orchard-house in Channel Islands, 1047 Osmanthus aquiioUus variegatus nanus, 735 Ox, Durham. 744 Oxali.s, brown-leaved, 1117 Oxlips, origin of, 1094 Ozone, 698 P. VClUCUtIO, CUV/, ^ ^ ■ 968, 986; management of ditto, 945; sport I ing, 945 : i Periodicals, monthly, 1029 \ Peru, plants of, notes on, 1047 Peruvian plants, notes on, 735 Petunias, double parti-coloured, 886 , Peziza onotica, 433 ■ Phenomenon, vegetable, remarkable, 673 Philippines, visit to the, 944 Phloxes, select, 832 ; tall, 848 ; in pots, 866 I Phosphates, loss of, 35 Phyllagathis rotundifolia, 1116 \ Physurus fimbrillaris, 926 i Piece-work v. day-work, 248, 272 ^ ; I Piirs, muzzle for, 155 ; coals eaten by, 272 ; I food for, 224, 343 ; management of, 488, 1 296; Berkshire, 1056. 1104 i Pilogyne suavis, 697, 718 , Pinks, seedling, how to distingnish double j from single, 847 ; new hybrid, 886 Pinuses, growth of at Esher, 26 ; densiflora, 265 ; parviflora, 265; Sinclairii? 337 ; Korai- ! ensis, 1114 ; Mexican, 1116 Pirated inventions, law respecting, 817 Pistil, what is a, 901, 1094 Plantain, monstrovs, 173, 676 Phauts, drying, 76 ; how to preserve dried from insects, 148, 671 ; new Japanese, &c., 530, 735 ; of Peru, notes on, 735 ; exhibitions of, French opinion of English, 1005 ; monsters among, 1008 ; variegation in, 432 ; influence of light on, 9C9 ; roots of, 909 ; winter flower- ing, 1137 Plant cases, improvement in, 408 Plant houses, economisation of sun-heat in, 408 Plant obituary, 170, 191, 195, 218 Planting, seaside, 700, 1026, 1116, 1136 Plough, steam, 681, 739, 740, 819; Fiskiu’s steam, 200 ; Fowler’s steam, 485 Ploughing, steam, trials of, 630, 677, 683, 1051, 1053,1054, 1055 Ploughing matches, 201, 819, 895, 896 ; autumn, 250 Plum, Golden Cheny, 337 Pneumatic Despatch Company, 699 Podocarpus variegatus, 735 Poisonous plants, Swan River, 600; Fiji Island, 697 Poison of the toad, 990 Poisoning by Solanum pseudo- capsicum, 929; noxious animals, 1010 Poissy cattle show, 1140 Polecats, Grapes eaten by, 1048 Polyanthuses from .seed, 409 ; hose-iu-hose, 45S Pomology, ancient, 849 Ponds, temperature of, 13 Pond .sludge, 466 Pool! timber (Calophyllum), 1009 Poor laws, 1097, 1123 Poppy, the, 271 Poronia punctata, 193 Pot, Begonia, 947 Potash from a Sedum, 1003 Renovation of old fruit trees, 260 Reticulai'ia umbrina, 409 Retinospora pisifera, 265 ; obtusa, 265, 734 ; lycopodioides, 735 ; argeiitea, 735 Rhodauthe atrosangumea. 622 Rhododendrons at Tregullow, 340 ; Waterer lication. Evei-y article offered can be guaranteed of the very best descrintion and true.— Ilighgate Nurseries, London, N., onl\ . WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of NURSERY STOCK (see another Advertisement), can be had Free on applying to GEORGE JACKMAN and SON, Woking Nursery. Surrey. GATALOGUES FOR 1861. ~ Edward sang and sons beg to intimate tliat their PRICED C.LTALOGUES of Plants and Seeds for 1861 are now ready and may be had on application. — Kirkcaldy, Jan. 5. roses. . t Edwin HOLLAMBY begs to inform bis Friends and Patrons that his DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CAIA- LOGUE of the above for 1860—61 is now ready, and will bo forwarded post free and gratis on application. Strawberry Hill Nurseries Seed Establishment, Parade, Tunbridge Wells, Keut. T AND Y FRASER’S NEW CATALOGUE of f j . PLANTS, FRUIT TREES, and ROSES, is now ready and m.iy bo had on application to I. & J. Fraser, Lea Bridge Road N urseries, Leyton, N.E. STRAWBERRIES Robertson’s “Wizard of the North” and “Nonsuch. Daniel ROBERTSON U wepared to supply the above superior varieties, in well-established Plants, at 218. per 100 each. In pots, 25.i.— Linside Nursei-y, Paisley. dwarf-trained peaches and nectarines. 'WT J. EPPS has a large quantity of fine clean VV - m-own stuff of the above. Prices to the Trade and G AGRICULTURAL SEEDS. E O R G E GIBBS AND CO., SEEDSMEN, 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W. ) L y iM O U T H SEED C O M P A N Y.— Genera_l_ Seed Merchants, Union Road, Plymouth. ) 1 WMOuYh SEED COM PAN Y.— The Company’s n Collections of SEEDS are now ready. All kinds of Seeds are now in from the Growers in much better con- dition than might be expected.— Address Plymouth Seed Company, Plymouth, Devon. New SEEDS ON SALE BY THE PLYMOUTH SEED COMPANY. — For prices and particulars see their GENERAL PRICE CURRENT, which is now ready. Address, Plymouth Seed Company. Plymouth, Devon. PELARGONIUlVlS. JOHN DOBSON and SONS beg to invite the at- tention of intending purchasers of the above, who will be liberally dealt with. A choice selection sent at a moderate price. NEW CATALOGUES now' ready, post free. Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, W. EORGE R. DAVIDSON, Nurskbtman and Seeds- MANjNewry, Ireland, offers to theTrade 3,000,000 THORN QUICKS. 1 and 2 years old, well grown ; also 1,000,000 FOREST TREES, twice transpianted. Samples on application. ARBUTUS. — Several tbonsaiid 1-year old Seedlings for sale.— Apply to Tiios. Barnes & Co., Merrion Nm-- sery, Dublin. TO THE TRADE. CHARLES SHARPE and CO., Seed Growers, Sleaford, will forward post free on application their WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of SEEDS for the present season. Sleaford, Lincolnshire. — Jan Giant polyanihus and giant cowslip. —These favourite Flowers to be obtained either in Roots or Seed.— Application to be made to Guo. Mace, at the Gardens. Calcnt, near Reading. ~WHAT YIELDS MOST SOVEREIGNS PER AC.RE? KEN'IISH cob filberts.— Trees to be bad by applying to Geo. Mace, at the Gardens, Calcot, ntar Reading. NEW SEEDS.— CARRIAGE FREE. ECONOMY IN ORDERING SEEDS.— Send for TOHN DOBSON and SONS’ DESCRIPTIVE tf CATALOGUE, sent post free to any address, and select your own kinds and quantities in iiroference to the collection system.— High Street, Hounslow, W., and Woodlands Nursery, Islewortli, W. MILLTRACK MUSHROOM SPAWN. WiM. CUTBUSH AND SON can still supply the above first-rate SPAWN at 7s. 6J. per bushel— See Gardeners’ Gkronidr, Deo. 22, I860,, page 1129. Highgate Nurseries. London, N. (oulyL POTATO OR UNDERGROUND ONIONS. ^ ' OSEPH MAY’ begs to announce be bas received , . . grown stuff of the above, others sent on application. The True KENTISH COB NUT TREES, very handsome plants, 0,1. per dozen and upwards. A general list of fruits, roses, SHRUBS, PLANTS, &c., sent on application. High Street, Maidstone. D L .OBSON AND SON’S" PRIZE CALCEOLARIA SEED, Is. 6rf., 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d., and 5s. each packet, scaled. Woodlands Nursery, Islewoitli, W. ILIUM GIGANTEUM.— 25 Seeds of this noble richly-scented hardy Lily post free for 12 stamps. Thomas Jackson fc Son, Kingston, S.W. a good supply of the above useful root, which will be found by every gardener a good substitute, instead of sowing tiie seed, which, this season, lias nearly failed. Price (id. per lb. Directions sent for planting. SEED LIST lor ISbl sent on application to any part. Wellington Street, Waterloo Bridge, W-C. (' NHARLES B. SAUNDERS, Ndbsebyman, &c., J Jersey, begs to offer the following articles to the attention of horticulturalists generally— Pine Strong VINES, 6 to 10 feet long, and comparatively strong, of the most approved kinds, the roots of which nave never been crammed or distorted by pot culture. DWARF STANDARD PEAR TREE on QUINCE STOCKS, 2 to 4 years* growth, most of w'hich are in fruiting condition. Prices and lists of general stock on application. TO THE TRAD^eT— MNTINEN FLOWER SEEDS. George MACIN'rOSH, Agent for Mr. E. w. Wbndbl, begs to announce that he is now prepared to veccive orders for the above, which will be promptly executed and delivered caiTiage paid to London. CATALOGUES free by post on application. — Nursery, High Road, Hammersmith. T)ETER LAWSON and SON, the Queen’s Seeds- X MEN, 27, Great George Street, Westminster, S.W., beg to intimate that their new SEEDS have been grown with their usugI care .from selected stocks, and they are prepared to tunplv with promptness and attention all orders entru^sted them.' PRICED LISTS OF GARDEN and J^^GRICULTURAL SEEDS, AND SEEDS of the NATURAL GRASSES for laving down Permanent Pastures, &c. may be had free on appl.catioD ; GARDEN IMPLEMENTS of all sorts and of the best quality. Orders most carefully executed for Seeds suitable for exportation to Foreign Parts. 27. Great George Street, Westminster, S.W. __ _____ ^ A PAUL AND SON.— Tbe public am respectfully JXl. informed that by direction of the Arbitrators, all Accounts due to the late firm of A. Paui. & Son are to be paid to Mr. Jones, Accountant, 3, Guildhall Chambers, Basiughall Street, London, E.C., and to no other person. IDRICAS of tbe leading kinds, young bu.siiy clean li stnfi’ 8s. to 12s. per dozen; to the Trade 50s. per 100. Also the lading kinds of GERANIUMS, 6s. to 12s-. per dozen ; and NEW VERBENAS of last year, 6s. to 9s. per dozen, esta- blished in 60-size pots.— Epp.s’ Nurseries, Maidstone. A'"''YALEYiNDICA.— Tiie Subscribers have a fine healtliy stock of dwarf bushy Plants, well set with bloom, which they beg to offer to the Trade; also an immense quautivy of half specimens of all the leading kmd.s. 1 rices on application to J. Ivery & Son, Dorking Nursery. EW AZALEA New AZALEA INDICA. — Alba unica, Adelaide von Nassau, Adolphe von Nassau, Alexander IL, Aurolio, Bernard Andr^, Bouquet de Flore, Comte de Haniault, pireotor Augustin, Distinction, Flower of the Day, Model, NalhaUe, Queen of tho Whites, Roi Leopold, Rosy Cn-clo, Schouo Main- zeriu, Teutoni.a, Thusneldo, and William Lnddick. Good clean plants ; purchaser’s selection of 12, 10.3. ; tho set of 20, el., hamper and packing included. Thomas Jackson & Son, Nurserymen, &c , Kingston, s.w. It H O D O D E N D R O N S. WII. ROGERS can offer tbe above in any qnan- . tity, of all sorts and sizes, ““'J-’l'" every other description of well-grown NURSERY SIOGK, irom his extensive grounds, extending over 60 acres. Red Lodge Nursery, Honth.impton. NeW^INERARIAS of 1860. AND A. SMTITI are now sending out tbeir F. .---o JL' • splendid Varieties of tho above, which for colour, dwarf habit, and large compact heads of bloom, are unsurpassed ; many of them are finely formed. othoi^ have tho largest flowmrs known, A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOG UE may bo had on application — Dulwich, Surrey, S WILLIAM BARRON, Garden Akciutect, Landscape Gabdenee, &c., Sketty, Swansea. N.B. Gentlemen should be aware before they are led into an endless expense. First have PLANS and ESTIMATES, with proper Sl'ECIFICATIONS. Everything executed by ContracI or otherwise in tho best style. Terms on application. Alpha and Sketty Nurseries, Swansea. SUPERB BALSAMS. FAND a. SMITH are now sending out SEED of • their well-known superior BALSAMS, -which have maintained tbeir character as the briglitest colours. iho doublest and largest flowers known for many yoai's. In collections of 9 distinct colours, 2s. 6d. each ; tho same mixed !.s. ; Inalf the quantity, l.s,— Dulwich, Surrey, 8. WINTER AND SPRING FLOWERING PLANTS^ FAND a. SMITH are now sending out at reason . able prices finely grown plants of Acacia. Azalea, Aphelexis, Borouias, Bnrchollia, Chorozema, Cineraria. Cactus, Cvtisus, Carnation (Tree), Daphne, Epacri.s, Ericas, Eutaxia, Gardenias, Geraniums, Hydrangea, Primula, Prostranthova. Poinsettia, Polygala, Roella, Roses, Indica minor. Col. I'abyier, Mrs. Bosanqnet, Gcfant des Bataille.s, Yellow Noisette, Gloiro do Dijon, Cramoisio supOrieur, Ac. Troinandra, Greenbouse Climbers in variety. Prices with Lists on application. Dulwich, Surrey, S. EBB’S IMPERIAL KIDNEY POl'ATOES.— VV Surpassing for quality, beauty, and yield, any other Potato. — Application to Geo. Mace, at the Gardens, Lalcot, near Reading. EARLY POTATOES. W DRUMMOND and SONS ran .supply several . excellent varieties ofGARDE.N POTATOES, including the earliest in cultivalion, all of which are in the finest ])ossible conditiou. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE LISTS may be had post free on application. v _ lo- -n Seed & Nursery Establishment, Stirhng, N.B. T"0 THE T R A D E. JOHN SHARPE will be glad to furnisb, on applica- tion prices of the Seeds lie has harvested and is grow- ing, consi.sting of TURNIPS, MANGELS, PEAS, &c ’Ced (jrowing Establishment, Barclney Hall, neai Lincoln.,, ASI’ARAGUS FOB FORCING, 5 and C yeais’ trans- planted, 5s. per 100, or 2f. per lOOO.-Apply to A. Laidi.aw.O, Elizabeth Terrace, Church St , Stoke Newington, N. ' NOTICE. ATTM. PAUL (Son and Successor to tlie .ate VV \ Paul, and for tho last 13 years only and equal partner in the late firm of A. Paul & Son) respectfully announces that tho old Cheshunt Nurseries have boon divided, one pait and lialf tho stock remain in his possession ; to these he has added 30 acres of Nursery Ground, Seed Warenouse, I laut Houses, ic" with entrance from tlie platform Walthani Sta ion Eastern Counties Railway.— Address V M. Paul, Cheshunt Nurseries, Walt.liam Cro.ss, N. SEEDS CARRIAGE FREE. IDIKE’S COLLKCTIONS of VEGETABLE SEEDS’ M OoUpction A 80s. ; Collection B. 50.s. ; Collection C ‘IF. -^Siection D CATALOGUE of GARDEN FLOWERS and FARM SEEDS po.st free on application con- taining tho quantitie.s in e-.ich collection. I'.v ery k md of seed is proved before it is sent out.— James S. Pike, W mehmore PIiU Niirscry, and Seed Establishment, LoiHion. -CiOR SALE, ERUIT TH^ in Pots, fine speci- P mens, the surplus . stock of a — Godaliniiig, Surrey. tSoBERT NEAL, Nukseuyman, VVandswortfi Jz\l Common, S.W., bogs to call tho atto'dicn of buyers ^ his LEAF MOULD. The Nursery is 10 minutes Common, and New lYaudsworth Staaoii, Crystal 1 alacc Line. THE GARDENEES’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [_Januauy 5, 1S61. PINE APPLES, CRAPES, ETC. PINE PLANTS, Fkuitino and SrcOEssioN. GRAPE VINES. FKOM EviSFOu Fbuitingin Pots.ohFlantino. JOHN WKIOKS AND CO. can supply any qiuuitity ofvery finehealthy Fine Plants, eitherFniitiuiroi' Succession. GRAPE VINES remarkably strong and fine, 50 varieties, all the best sorts. ^ ^ JOHN WEEKS AND CO.’S Hoeticultcbal Snow Establish- ment is entirely devoted to the f* GRAPES PINES, PEACHES, FIGS, CUCUMBERS, and other choice Emits. The whole open for inspection, thereby showing the most improved plans of Houticultukal Buildings with the VENTILATING and HOT-WATER APPAlvATUS in full WEEKS AND CO., Horticultural Builders and Hot- Water Apparatus Manufacturers, King’s Road, Chelsea, London. Plans, Estimates, and Illustrated Catalogues free on application. TREE AND SHRUB CATALOGUE. JOHN CRANSTON beas to announce to Ins Patrons and the Public generally, that his DESCRIPTIVE C-ATA- LOGUE of Conifers, Ornamental Trees, Evergreen and Deci- duous Shrubs, &c., is now ready for distribution, and will be forwarded on receipt of one postage stamp. The above contains important and interesting notes with regard to the height the Trees enumerated attain. Native Country, date of introduction, and in the case of Flowering Shrubs, the colour and time of flowering. Nurseries. King's Acre, near Hereford. THREE MILLIONS OF TRANSPLANTED QUICKS. George CHIVAS ofters the above, varying from Good to exceedingly Strong, clean and well rooted. A Sample Bundle containing 100 of each, 5 sizes, forwarded on receipt of 15s. Truck loads delivered Free at any Railway Station. Also, a Million of Transplanted LARCH; halt a MiUion of Transplanted SPRUCE ; Ten Thousand Supenor Standard APPLES and PEARS; and a large General NUR- SERY STOCK.— Chester, Jan. 5. COSDYIISS (deacje:^) inbivisa. MESSRS. JOHN AND CHARLES LEE Iliive tbo ploiisiirc to aiinounco that they have now ready to send out the magnificent COR DY LINE INDIVISA FROM NEV/ ZEALAND, AN ACCOUNT OF WHICH WAS GIVEN BY DR. BINDLEY IN THE GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE, OCT. 29, 1869, Pp. 8C8. It is impossible to give an adequate description of this wonder of Nature, which should be seen in its native grandeur to bo thoroughly appreciated: Specimens can, liowever, be seen at this establishment which alre.ady prove the accounts received of its meilts to bo quite reliable. Being found at a high elevation it will be a very hardy Uonservatory Plant, and Will probably bear total exposure in the West of England and in Ireland. „ , . , , ,. i . i v „ CORDYLINE INDlViSA attains a height of from 10 to 20 feet, in an erect and undivided trunk on whicn the foliage is retained with vigour almost to the ground. The leaves are set on to the greatest advantage, and measure from .5 to « fvet in length, and from 6 to 9 inches in breadth. Their colour is of the richest description : a brniid and prominent midrib of crimson brown runs through the entire length, and numerous red and white hues run parallel to the midrib : the wno e surface is overlaid with a rich golden bronze producing an elegant effect. The under side of the leaves is glaucous. Tlio whole tree is unsurpassed in its truly noble and unique beauty. Nursery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, London, W. large TREES, ETC. WM. PAUL (Son ami Successor to tbe late A Paul), Cheshuut Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N., has a quantity of large handsome TREES, Evergreen and Deciduous, which must be cleared off 10 acres of the old Nurseries very shortly, and will be sold cheap. Cedrus deodara. Cedar of Lebanon, Yews. Box, Lamels Arbor-«tie, Privet, Red Cedar, fine specimens ot choice Coniter*, Aiaeis, Planes, Poplars, Elms, Limes, Fruit Trees, &c. All have been frequently removed and rise with plenty of fibrous roots. Care- fully taken up and delivered free to any railway station in London. Further particulars on application.— Please address William Paul, Cheshuut Nui-series, Waltham Cross, N. THE PLYMOUTH SEED COMPANY (LIMITED) ARE SENDING OUT THEIR COLLECTIONS OF SEEDS, WHICH HAVE HITHERTO GIVEN GREAT SATISFACTION £4 . 2 Ho. 1. Complete Collection of Seeds for a large Garden, for One Year’s supply Ho. 2. Complete Collection for a moderate sized Garden Ho. 3. Complete Collection for do., small quantities Ho. 4. Complete Collection for a Small Garden Ho. 5. Complete Collection for a Small Garden No. 1. CARRIAGE FREE TO MOST STATIONS AND PORTS IN THE KINGDOM. No. 2. CARRIAGE FREE TO BROAD GAUGE STATIONS AND STEAM PORTS. No. 3. CARRIAGE FREE TO STATIONS BETWEEN PLYMOUTH AND PADDINGTON. ADDRESS, PLYMOUTH SEED COMPANY, PLYMOUTH. 0 0 10 0 10 0 0 0 12 6 COVENT GARDEN MARKET, LONDON, W.C. BUTLEEi and McCULLOGH’S Descriptive Price Catalogue of Vegetable Seeds, New French Gladioli, &c., WITH CULTURAL DIRECTIONS, NOW READY. AND MAY BE HAD ON APPLICATIOK OR FREE BY POST. LIST of NOVELTIES received from our Sardinian Correspondent. — V. o o-rnnnd. these RICINUS ROSEUS. 6d. per packet. _ ANAGALLIS BREWERI GRANDIFLORA, splendid rich dark velvety blue, flowers very large, the most magnificent Anagallis yet produced. l.Ck.>^COCO P 00 to ^ po to to p 00 g o G w o «oc5co~^i— ocsooO“^cno p 11111111111 + > > ?2-cr « ^ 2 ^ 2 •-{ f— 4 o < CO “ > % tr ev o ® > 5 CO ©►^-JtCDCOCDO»^CDCD-7CDg IP? '7' o o 1 + Although January was comparatively mild for the season, yet, owing to the coldness of the summer months, the mean temperature of the year, 46.26, was lower than any since 1789, at least. In 1855, nearly as cold, there was a severe winter, but a warm summer compared with the last. Novemher. — The mean temperature of the pre- ceding month had a tendency to reach the average ; but in the present the mean again fell back, owing not so much to the coldness of the days as to a general low temperature at night, but without any great extreme. The lowest, 22°, occurred on the nights of the 2d and 3d. East and north-east winds prevailed for 21 days ; it was only between the 14th and 22d that it blew from other quarters, and in two days of that period it came from N.W. It rained more or less on 14 days, and more than half an inch fell on the 14th ; the total amount was 2.60 inches, being nearly half an inch above the average. The ground temperature at 1 foot deep was about 1° higher than usual ; at 2 feet it was nearly as much below the average. December. — Neither the general low tempera- ture of this month, nor the extreme minimum has been equalled in any corresponding month in this century. -The mean was only 2°.48 above the freezing point, or 34°.48, whilst the extreme lowest was 1° below zero, or at —1° Fahrenheit. In December 1853 and 1859 it was as low as 7°, in 1855, 9°, and in 1830, 10°; and these are the lowest temperatures we find recorded as having occurred in the neighbourhood of London in any December for the last 50 years. Previous to this unusual degree of cold, the wind was from the north for six consecutive days, and one day from N.E., notwithstanding which the barometer was very low ; but soon after it suddenly rose fully an inch. The amount of rain and melted snow was above the average. The mean temperature of the ground at 1 foot deep was 44°, and at 2 feet 43°. 38, the former being 1°.94 above the mean and the latter 0°.17 below; the instruments at both depths * Extremes of the year. t Total depth of rain for the year. indicated 38° on the last day of the month. During the intense frost the ground was covered with about 4 inches of snow, which doubtless pre- vented the frost from penetrating much below the surface. The severe period commenced on the 17th. The following are the minima; — Dec. 17th, 20°; 18th, 15°; 19th, 19°; 20tb, 2.3°; 21st, 28°; 22d, 13°; 23d, 12°; 24th, 4°; 25th, 19°; 26th, 17° ; 27th, 24°; 28th, —1° ; 29th, 26°. The above are the lowest temperatures that occurred between sunrise of the diy, and the same time next morning. In the neighbourhood of London the annual depth of rain-fall on the average of 34 years is 23.578 inches. In the past year the total deptli, 30.08 inches, is tliereforo 6^ inches more than the usual quantity. But it was wanted ; for trees in the previous seasons were suffering from dryness at the root. A well in which the water maintains the same level as that of the subterranean bed of water in the gravel in which the well is sunk, was 8 feet 11 inches below the surface of the ground in the autumn of 1859. On the 31st of December I860, the surface of the water in the same wmll was only 4 feet 4 inches from the top, being a rise of 4 feet 7 inches. The underground reservoirs are now amply replenished ; but it is doubtful whether roofs that went down in quest of moisture when this was low, will not become diseased where the water has risen to surround them constantly. The past year has been remarkable for the frequency of strong gales and violent hurricanes. One of the latter, on the 27th and 28th of February, proved very destructive on the west coast. It then swept across the centre of England, tearing up trees containing from 100 to 400 feet of timber. In the finely wooded parts of Nottinghamshire, more than 20,000 trees were blown down. At Acton Park, Denbighshire, an Ash tree was torn up which measured 41 feet in circumference near the base. A Cedar of Lebanon, in Hertfordshire, 100 years old, with 60 feet of straight stem, was uprooted, carrying with it several tons of earth. Again, on the 3d of October, a tremendous hurricane commenced in the Hebrides, sweeping such crops as were above ground on St. Kilda, completely into the sea ; traversing Scotland, tens of thousands of trees, even whole plantations, were laid uniformly prostrate, as ordinary winds, with wet, will lay a field of grain. We have now presented our readers with the principal characteristics of the year just ended, in hope that the effects of a recurrence of such vicissitudes may be guarded agaiust as far as possible. We previously remarked that had it not been for improved cultivation and drainage, the past must have proved a most disastrous season. There is still much room for farther improvement, producing, consequently, still more beneficial results, to the country and to individuals. In rainy and at the same time cold seasons, for, as in 1860, the two generally go together, the urgent necessity of thorough drainage, both surface and underground, is sufficiently apparent. The means of surface drainage should be at com- mand when required ; but by deepening the soil where it is too thin, and rendering it permeable to water with deep under- drainage to prevent stagnation, most of the summer rain that falls can find its way through the soil, rendering it com- paratively warm. But where under-drainage is neglected, the accumulated moisture stagnates on the already saturated soil, cold in consequence of the winter rains or melted snow having never been drawn off ; that moisture from its coldness is heavier than the warmer summer rains; the latter may run ofl’ by the surface, and thus their warming eflect on the soil is lost, but they cannot displace the colder and heavier water, which conse- quently retains possession of the soil for the greater part of the growing season, and in that ease the crops cannot thrive as they otherwise would, and are, besides, rendered late, so that in bad seasons they are in danger of being lo.st. A SHOUT discussion having taken place in our columns respecting the proper termination of modern surnames when Latinized for the purpose of Botanical Nomenclature, we have thought the question worth a little investigation. A correspondent objects to Latinizing such names as Hooker, Douglas or Darwin by Hookerius, Douglasius, and Darwinius, and contends for Hookerus, gen. i, Douglasus — gen. i, and Darwinus — gen. i. To this another correspondent replies that the proper manner of Latinizing names is to add us — gen. i, when the name ends with a I consonant, and ius — gen. ii, when the name ends with a vowel ; as was recommended by the British Association for the Advancement of Science in 1842. A third rejoins that an adherence to this rule would end iii intolerable words, such asT.obb, Lohhi, Potts, Pottsi, Decaisne, Dccaisncii, and that euphony is the only safe guide. Our second correspondent, P. G. E., replies that as he under- stands the rule for Latinising proper names, the termination ius, gen. ii, should be substituted for, and not added to a terminal vowel ; thus Decaisne would make Decaisnius, gen. Decaisnii, &c. Terminal g should be treated as a consonant and retained : eg., Lindley, Lindleyus, Lindleyi. In proper names ending with a consonant the ter- mination tis, gen. i, is added ; thus Lobb would make Lobbus, gen. Lobbi ; Hooker, Hookerus, geti. Hookeri ; and to his ear these terminations sound quite as harmonious osLobbii and Hookerii. If euphony is to be considered “the only safe guide,” he thinks a glance at our scientific nomen- clature will show how little individual taste is to ; be trusted. Take for instance Abildgaardia, i Forbesoerinus, Agassizichthys, as examples. If I therefore some rule could be generally adopted it , would be most desirable, for we must remember i that names once correctly given must be tolerated. i In the last remark we must all agree ; but j there is little probability of uniformity being ! secured unless by showing what the practice was of Latinizing barbarian names when Latin was a living tongue. Upon this point we have been, favoured with the following remarks by a very learned Latin scholar ; — “ As the Roman surnames or those which belonged to all the members of a family ended without exception in uis, I can have no hesitation in preferring this termination whenever we Latinize English surnames. Theoretically such Latin surnames were in the outset probably but patronymics, that is, signified the “son of just as Johnson, Dixon, Williamson, with us, or what is more in harmony with the Latin sur- names, Jones (= John’s), Williams (William’s), Prichard (=ap-Richard). I say more in harmony because the Latin surnames (nomina gentilia) were strictly only genitives (with son understood). Thus Sextius was probably at first only the geni- tive of Sextus, Guintius the gen. of Guintus, Tullius of Tullus, like the familiar genitives unius, illius, and still more like the poetical genitives unlus, ilRus.” , These observations seem hardly confirmed by reference to well-known Latin proper names ; the ^ great majority indeed end in ius, as Ostorius, , Petilius, Petronius, Vitellius, Manlius, Tar- , quinius, &c. &c. But on the other hand we find such names as Sabinus, Petalus, Soranus, Man- suetus, Ismenus, Gamaxus, Gannascus, and the like. To say nothing of Gracchus. It seems to have been usual with Low Latin writers to reject ' the terminal ius and adopt us. Thus in the old ( Latin Charters we find Heanus for Hean, Brihtri- | cus for Brihtric, Rethunus for Rethun, Kenulfas < for Kenulf, Sueinus for Sweyne, Cnutus for Cnut, J Turkillus for Turkil, and Haroldus for Harold. Upon the whole then it would appear that either i termination, ius or us, gen. ii or t, is allowable, but that ius is that which was used in the best period of living Latin. We should be glad, however, to hear more of the opinions of Scholars upon this point. NOTE ON THE ACHENIA OP PUMILIO ARGYROLEPIS. Mr. James Drummond sent me a packet of seeds of this plant from Swan River, with the following memorandum : — ** The achenia of several small com- posite plants, more especially of that above named, are blown about by the wind till a shower of rain falls, when they attach themselves by a gummy matter to j the soil by their lower ends, at the same time setting ' themselves perfectly upright. They ornament many j a barren spot in this country throughout the dry : season, and they are not easily removed even when the ground is flooded by thunder storms.” j The achenia of the Pumilio are singularly-shaped ^ bodies; the calyx (pappus) consists generally of nine scales or sepals, expanded like a flower, with each sepal beautifully ornamented by branching lines; the lower part, including the seed, is bent towards one side (see Pig. 1) at nearly right angles, and somewhat resembles a human foot in shape. The upper side or instep of this foot is smooth, but the toe and the sole, which is about l-25th of an inch in length, is covered ■ (see Pig. 2) with from 30 to 40 imbricated little bladders. Each bladder is oval and l-200th of an ! inch in length, and is formed of thin structureless mem- j brane, enclosing a hard ball of dry mucus or matter which becomes adhesive when moistened. The sole or the achenium is pitted where the bladders are attachedf Jaotatiy 5, 1861.] the GARDENERS’ CIIRONTCLE AND AGRTCULTERAL GAZETTE. but tliese do not open into its interior. When tlie achenia are placed in water or on a damp surface, the bladders in a few minutes all burst longitudinally and discharge their contents, rendering a largo drop of water very viscid. This viscid drop does not diffuse itself throughout the water, like gum, but remains surround- ing the acheniura. When dried it becomes stringy, and will again rapidly absorb moisture and swell. Spirits of wine does not cause the b’adders to burst, and it renders the mucus slightly opaque. If a pinch of these achenia be dropped from a little height on damp paper, the greater number fall like shuttlecocks, upright and rest on the sole ; the blad- ders then quickly burst, and as the paper dries the seeds become firmly attached to it. Many acheniiq however, drop so as to rest on one edge of the sole, and in this case the drying of the mucus pulls the upper edge of the sole down, and so places the flower-like calyx nearly upright. Any one looking at a piece of paper over wdiich when damp a number of achenia had been scattered by chance would conclude that each one Fig. 1. Side view. Fig. 2. View of under side, seen a little obliquely. had been placed upright and carefully gummed. If an achenium falls upside down, so as to rest on the tips of the calyx, the sole does not touch the damp surface, yet moisture is so rapidly absorbed by the sepals, that in seven minutes I have seen the bladders burst : in this case as the paper dries the exuded mucus dries on the surface of the sole and the seed is not fixed ; but if subsequently it be blown the right way up on a damp surface, the mucus will soften and act and attach it firmly. In so dry a climate as Australia the existence of these little bladders of dried mucus, having a strong affinity for water and becoming highly viscid on that side alone of the achenium which alights on the ground, seems a pretty adaptation to ensure the attachment of the seed to the first damp spot on which it may be blown. Whether the tendency of the achenia to place them- selves upright be of any service to the plant would be hard to determine ; but it seems possible that the salver- shaped calyx, which, as we have seen, so rapidly absorbs moisture and carries it down to the lower surface of the achenia, might aid in utilising dew or showers of fine rain. Charles Dwrwin, The ftict however is that the original name Agari- cum, for so it stands in Pliny, had nothing vvhat- ever to do with them, but was applied by Dioscoridcs to a peculiar drug, supplied by the Polgporus of the Larch, which was obtained principally if not solely from Agaria, but which, though formerly of considerable repute, appears now to have gone almost entirely out of use in regular practice. It is, however, still to be had of the herbalists, who import it h'om Germany, a form on Larix sibirica being obtained occasionally from Archangel. As the true species occurs only on the Larch, and indeed upon very old trees, it is confined almost entirely to places where that genus of Conifers is indigenous. Other Polypori have often been substituted for that of the Larch, and therefore the name Agaricum, or Agaricus as it was afterwards written, became to a certain extent generic for Polyporus, and it is so used by Micheli, Ray, and others, the word Iimgus being generally applied to what after Linumus we now call Agaricus. It is to be regretted that when that great author reformed the system of Botany, he too often took any names which offered themselves in the older ^ authors without giving himself the trouble to inquire whether they belonged really to the plants to which they were attributed, and thus the familiar name of Agaric is now applied to plants which should never have borne it. Our earlier herbalists rightly applied it to corky arboreous Fungi, as Agaric of the Oak, &c. In like manner the Greek Hydnum instead of being a conspicuous pileate Fungus such as we ^ now I recognize under the name, was originally a kind of i Truffle, and many other instances of similar misnomers ' might be adduced. It is however now too late to mend such matters, and we may he glad to substitute MYCOLOGY.— No. XL, A6ABICTT8 EIMOSUS, Bull. — This is one of the most common Agarics on the borders of woods and in thickets, making its first appearance about the end of June, and then occasionally while the weather is open. Its general aspect is familiar to most observers of such objects, from the numerous radiating fissures which appear in the pileus. It has no especial qualities either good or bad to demand attention, and is introduced here merely as an object which must often come under notice, and with whose name therefore many would be glad to be familiar. A. rimosus belongs to that division of Fungi which contains species with dingy and occasionally bright- coloured spores, to which no positive general character can be given, though they are termed by Fries gene- rally, ferruginous. In some species, however, not the slightest ferruginous tint can he traced. Negatively they are neither white, nor rose-coloured, nor hlackish- purple nor black, and therefore species are included not only with ferruginous but with tawny or brown spores. A few approach the peroxide of iron tint which is characteristic of Cortinarii, and which Fries terms ochraceous. The pileus of A. rimosus is brownish yellow, thin, fleshy, and bell-shaped, and is clothed with fine ad- pressed silky fibres which as it expands separate and leave broad chinks exposing the paler flesh beneath ; the stem is firm, solid, slightly bulbous at the base, white and nearly smooth, except above where it is minutely mealy; the gills are slightly ventricose, nearly free, and of a pallid brown tint. It has no peculiar scent or taste, by which circumstance it is known at once from A. pyriodorus, which has a peculiar scent like that of over-ripe Pears. Such is the plant we have chosen for our present illustratic". we might have closed our notice here, did not the opportunity of a little permissible space enable us to answer a question which has often been submitted to our notice. In all books which profess to give the derivations of botanical terras, it is said that Agaricus derives its name from Agaria, a region in Sarmatia, or from Agarus, a town and river in the same country. This derivation at first sight seems equally absurd with the parallel drawn by Fluellen between Macedon and Monmouth. What has Sarmatia to do with toadstools more than any other country, as they are found everywhere? Agaricus rimosus. Bull. (Copied by permission from Greville’a Cryptogamic Flora.) such a word as Agaric for Toadstool, which is not only disgusting in its real etymology, hut helps to keep up the feeling of contempt with which a most interesting class of plants is too frequently regarded. M. J. B. “our own.” For this reason 1 would in all cases detach the cottagers’ show from the Horticultural Societies of the neighbourhood, for, however much these may tend to improve cultivation among the monied classes, I feel convinced they exert no such in- fluence upon the working man. On the contrary, he feels, if he exhibits at all, that be is eclipsed by my lord’s or the squire’s gardener, though it must ho con- fessed that, confining the comparison to the useful vegetables only, the cottager rarely loses much ; in- deed, in early Potatoes and Cabbage I have frequently seen better and finer specimens from Uie cottage garden than could be found elsewhere in the same neighbourhood, and I do know instances where gar- deners have purchased or borrowed from the cottager to make up a basket for exhibition. One of the largest and most successful cottagers’ exhibition I ever saw was held in South Wales, not far from Llandilo. The quantity of produce brought forward there was really surprising, and generally tbo quality was first-rate. Connected with this society I have seen a room 90 feat long by 27 feet wide, with three rows of tables. Insufficient to hold the produce. True a few plants and fruits for decoration were sent by the neighbouring gentry, but in no case was a farthing of the funds applied to any but its legitimate use, for though farmers and village tradesmen were invited to compete, it was perfectly understood that if any prize was awarded to their productions the value reverted to the funds of the Society. Here the com- petitors were of two classes— adults, paying in one sum one shilling per annum, and children, paying Id. per year. Prizes were given for collections and also for each kind of vegetable or fruit separately, for window plants in collections of three, and single specimens _ for cut flowers, preference being given to a few things neatly and artistically arranged rather than to huge bunches of flowers, which serve no purpose except that of stripping a garden of flowers, and for col- lections of wild flowers. Perns, and British fruits. Some of the collections of wild flowers were really very beautiful, and I recollect a bouquet of these (in an old china vase, composed of Ferns, Foxgloves, Grasses, Orchids, Honeysuckles, Eglan- tine, &c., managed so artis- tically and elegantly that the Queen herself would have been proud of it. Now, though some may sneer at the tawdry finery of the poor man’s house. I go with poor Douglas Jerrold, who said, “ I never see an Italian image-merchant with his Graces, Veuuses and Apollos at 6d. a head that I do not spiritually touch my hat to him. It is he who has carried refine- ment into the poor man’s house ; it is he who has accus- tomed the eyes of the multitude to the harmonious forms of beauty.” It is a great step in education to get a child to understand the difference between a bouquet and a bunch of flowers ; it is one thing to stick a bunch of flowers into a jug of water, and there let them remain until they are withered and dead, hut another and very different thing to take the same flowers, pkice them artistic.illy in a vase, and tend them ith the care of real affection so long as they can be kept fresh. Teach a child to do this and to feel a pleasure in doing it, and you confer a real and life-long benefit upon it, a benefit such as can only originate and live in pure affection. Such is the influence of garden- ing, and of flowers especially, upon the working classes ; and those who encourage their growth either by precept, example, or pecuniary aid, may very justly be classed among the benefactors of their country. Cut flowers as a general rule should not be encouraged at exhibitions. It is wrong to strip a garden of its beauty for a mere temporary purpose, and however great the morning view may have been, I never look upon long ranges of boxes of withered Roses without feeling a strong desire to apply a horse-whip to the backs of those who have thus destroyed the most beautiful of God’s works. Cut flowers should not bo encouraged to any great extent from the cottage garden, and it is for that reason that I would urge artistic arrangement rather than a mass of flowers, how- ever good or choice they may be. Perhaps, however, rewards for the best managed garden do more good in fostering neat and provident habits than prizes for specimens of the best growth, inasmuch as a prize for good management must extend not only to the whole garden but to the garden for the entire season, for I hold it to be a rule more to be acted upon than it is, that a prize for the cultivation of a arden should not be given for its appear-uce on any COTTAGE GARDEN SOCIETIES. Among the societies which are ^ successfully managed, I suppose that at Hitcham, originated and conducted by the Rev. Professor Henslow, holds the first place, though I am given to understand those at Sudbury under Mr. Sydney, at Tortworth under the special direction of Earl Ducie, and at Broomborcugh Pool, connected with Messrs. Price’s Candle Manufac- tory, are very excellently managed. These may be considered independent societies, supported (in a mea- sure) it is true by the pecuniai’y aids of the good and benevolent, but dependent for their main attraction and usefulness upon the exertions and good cultivation of their respective members. This is as it ought to be, for I hold it to be more than questionable whether, when the prizes for cottagers’ produce are tacked to the end of a large town or county exhibition, it is not positively injurious to the interest^ of the cottagers, inasmuch as their productions - being brought in contact with more attractive ' things, they do not receive the attention they would do if collected in an exhibition to themselves; neither do the cottagers take so much interest as they would do gmucu " f , V' ^ . in an exhibition which they might emphatically call | particular day but should extend to quarterly examma THE GAEEENl'TvS’ CIIEONICT.E AND AGRICULTUllAL GAZETTE. [Janitaky 5, i86i. tions at the least ; then you sec the winter tli^gina:, the spring cropping, suuiiner nianagenient, and autumn harvest, a much more satisfactory examination than one which mav merely show a fine crop as the result of extra manuring rather than of superior management with only common appliances. Agifiu, all prizes should be given in money, rather than in * wheel-bairows, o-arden tools, &c.,” for it not unfrequently happens that tools are given which are not wanted, while at the same time their value in money would he much more service- able. If a poor man could calculate upon getting a few shillings every autumn in prizes for his garden produce, it is not improbable that he might be induced to speculate in the spring upon a few of the finer kinds of vegetables, but when he knows his prize may only be a spade, a fork, or a tea-kettle, he is afraid to expend money which he knows he cannot spare. While on this head I may say gentlemen’s gardeners may, if they are so inclined, do a great deal to introduce a better kind of vegetables am^ong the labouring classes. It rarely happens that they have not many more plants of all kinds than they require for their own planting, and if they would only distribute those, in due season, among the cottagers of their neighbourhood, much good would accrue from their kindness. For many years I have given to the farmers and cottagers of my neighbour- hood thousands of plants for their vegetable and flower gardens, as well as grafts of choice fruit trees when they required them, and the result has been most en- couraging. Go thou, reader, and do likewise. P . RETURNS OF THE LOWEST TEMPERATURES IN DECEMBER, 1860. to lead.] ENGLAND. COUXTV. Berks . . Buok-s Oambrid^- shire tiheehire Derbyshire Devon Dorset Durham Essex . . Place. Gloucester Hants. Herts . Herefordshire Hunts Kent . . Xiancaster Leicestershire Lincolnshire. . Middlesex . . or folk Northampton. Northumber- land Notts . . Newbury . . Ditto . . Wallingford MouUford . . Englefield . . Westbury . . Taplow Maidenbead Chatteris . . Cambridge ‘Ditto . . Tai-porley . . Radbourne Chatsworth Willorsley . . Torquay . . Dawlisli . . Castle Hill Little Bridy Ditto . . Upwey Colchester . . .Apington Hall . . Sudbury . . Epping Ditto . . Ditto .. Hard field .. Saffron Walden . Ditto . . Knott’s Green . Ditto . . Chelmsfoi'd Dyraock . . Stroud I Ditto . . Witcombe Court . Heckfield . . Ditto . . Alton Southampton Tyttenbauger Ditto . . Hertford . . Sawbridgworth . Ware Harpenden Hatfield . . Ross St. Neotts.. Ditto . . Dartford . . Sandhurst. . Wigan Belvoir Castle Brigg Grantham . . Chiswick . . Ditto . . Fakenham Long Stratton Overstone Park Apethorpe Authority. Degs. — f) 0 2 —0.4 2 7 2 27 0 -5 —8 —3 0 —6 33 36 8i 2 16.2 13.7’ 11.5 2 —4 —3 —4 —5 4 —2 —12 —12 1.3 •25'— 3 9* Alnwick . . Sunderland Beeston . . Highfield .. Ditto . . .lKing,ston Hall — ■> 3 0* 2 5 2 10? n -6 1 0 ! —10 —2 —4 31 4 2 12.5 0 1 8 2 —1 — 12.9* 5 4 —1 — 10 —10 -10 8 —3.3 —8 —13 8’ Mr. Fordham .Mr. C. Ross, Wilford Park Times •Mr. Spearing Ditto E. R. W. Craw, Esq. Mr. Rogers, Berry Hill Old Sub. Times Rev. E. Thomp- son Mr. Babington Sir P. Egerton Ur. McPherson Sir J. Paxton, M.P. Mr. Gadd Times Ditto J. H. Mr. Saul Mi-.H.S. Eaton Mr. Miller J. S. Mr. D.avis, Bures Ditto Ditto Mr. Rivers Mr. Doubleday Ditto Ditto Mr. Barrett iMr. Cold wells Mr. H. S. Eaton Ditto Mr. Cheveley Times .Mr. Foster Ditto Old Sub Mr. D werrihouse Ditto Mr. Williams, Bent worth Hall A. S. Bourne H. Kent, Esq. Mr. M orgam. Balls Park T Rivers limes Mr. Wi'son Mr. Plumbly Mr. Ling wood Rev. W. L. H. Elwyn Mr. Aivstin Const. Reader Times Mr. Ingram Times Anon Mr. Thompson Ditto Times Rev. H. Long Mr. Thomas Rev.M. J. Berke- ley B. b. Times Mr. Lowe Mr. Lowe Ditto Mr. Westland 1 County. Place. 1 December. Thermometer. Degs. Notts . . Worksop'’ . . 25 —6 IV Oxon . . Oxford 25 1 jJ Henley-on-Thames 25 —2 E Ditto . . 25 33 it Somerset Bath 25 8.50 5 Ditto . . 28 0 Langport . . 25 4 i Stafford Lichfield . . 25 —6 I RoUeston . . 25 -10 s Cheadle . . 22 -15 T Tamworth 25 —7 J Suffolk Buugay . . 26 —3 5 Stowmarket 25 —4 i J Surrey Dorking . . 25 20 15 Weybridgo 25 5.5 > Ditto . . 29 4.5 Sussex Uckfield .. 25 8.2 C Ditto . . 20 6.6 Warwick Birmingham 25 -3 1 Wilts .. Trowbridge 25 2 5 Woroestersh . . Eardiston . . 25 27 Ditto 2S 0.1 Yorkshire . Grimsby . . 25 —6 1 Grimston . . 25 —0 1 Whitby 25 10 Thorp PeiTOW 25 —12 Scarborough 25 16 Doncaster . . 25 —8 Wakefield . . 25 —6 Bedale 25 —11 Bradford . . Ditto.. 25 —3 -4* 1 W A L E S . Monmouth . Chepstow . 24 1 ) 1 Ditto :25 23i Ditto 28 18 ; Brecknock . Crickhowell |25 —3 Radnor New Radnor |2S 1 —3 1 S C O T L A N D. Edinburgh . Dalkeith . . 2 4 Ditto 2 6 Fifosbire Balcarras . . 2 3 Renfrew Greenock .. 2-; 15 Ditto 2 11 (64 feet above seal Authority. Slatter. Esq., Rose Hill hall Ditto Esq. Ditto !. L. Prince, Esq. Ditto Ditto S. T. that so long as ganiciiers are allowed hy their employers to keep so many apprentices, and to receive as part of their salary the emoluments arising from apprentice fees, so long will the evil complained of exist ; and furtlier, no one need bo astonished at their ignorance professionally, as tlieir chief employment in many instances is attending Vines, nailing, mowing, digging, sweeping, &c. ; when able to do all these things they are considered good journeymen in Scot- land— a sad picture, hut a true one. A Young Gardener. Rain in I860 af lichen Abbas, Hanis. Ga- zette January February . . March April May June July August September. . October November . . December . . Total . . Monthly average Amount of Rain. Wet days. 1800. Average of 10 preceding yeai’s. I860. Average of 10 preceding years. In. 3.84 In. 2.78 22 16 1.25 1.27 10 12 2.45 1.40 21 14 .48 2.37 15 13 3.54 2.24 18 15 6.48 2.39 30 14 3.56 2.32 15 16 4.85 2.73 23 15 3.67 2.27 16 13 2.35 4.18 16 ; 16 3.78 2.25 13 12 3.10 2.45 15 14 39.30 28.05 214 170 3.27 2.39 18 14 Down . . Limerick Ditto Ditto Waterford 1 R E L A N D . 25 18 23 0 25 15 23 6 Dungarron 23 10 1 Mr. Abbey S. M. O., Sed- bury Park Mr. Anderson, OxenfordCastle Mr. Adamson Jas. Miller, Esq. Ditto. Mr. Waring Mr. Hackney, Jlilford House Mr. McIntyre. MountShannon Rev. H. G. C. Browne Home Correspondence. Education of Gardeners.— It is asserted in reference to the present generation of young gardeners that only one in fifty is fit for a situation ; this at least is S. T.’s opinion. Allow me to inform him however that I do not think young gardeners in general expect that head gardeners have a right to make competent men of all who may chance to serve them. Does S. T. think the present generation of young gardeners inferior in point of education or industry to those now occupying first class situations ?— I think it would be easy to prove that they are not. In my opinion they are in all respects worthy successors of their forefathers; still I must admit that they are far behind in many acquirements indispensable to a first class gardener. I have no hesitation in asserting that S. T. will soon be convinced by the success of Linager’s proposals, that we at least inherit the indomitable perseverance of our pre- decessors; on the other hand I would say to my young brethren that it is not to head gardeners they must look for education, but rely on self-denial and perse- vering study. The savings of our scanty earnings must be laid aside for books ; by such means in a sliort time we shall have acquired such knowledge as may at least place us in Linager’s second class, and such as would aspire to the first rank must seek the aid to be found at evening classes, which would be better than trusting to head gardeners for assistance which it is not in their power to give. I am of opinion that Linager’s final test would compel a few of the so-called first "class men to make room for some of S. T.’^ tvvo per cent, aspirants. That there are more good places in this country now than there are good gardeners filling them, I will not deny; still I think there will not be any great difficulty in procuring efficient men for such places when vacant. I quite agree with S. T. as respects the difficulty nurserymen have in filling situa- tions, but allow me to inform him that there are nurserymen who are competent judges of men, who are themselves thoroughly practical; therefore let those who want and are willing to pay for a good man apply to such tradesmen, and they will not often be dis- appointed. As regards young Scotchmen, I may inform W. W. Spicer. The Weather. — On IVednesday, the 19th, a steady and continuous fall of snow covered the earth 7 or 8 inches in depth. It was succeeded by frost, gradually increasing in intensity till Monday, the 24th. At 8 r.M., the thermometer had fallen to 7° ; it continued to fall during the night, and at 8 A.M. on Christmas Day it stood at 6° below zero at 4 feet from the ground. At 8 A.M. on Wednesday (26th) it stood at 14° ; and this morning, 27th, it was at 25°. It is now, 8 P.M. at 30°, with a cloudy sky and syniptoms of change. I hope that the snow has protected our culi- nary vegetables, and that tve shall only suft'er from having the unripened wood of the autumn shoots of our shrubs cut off by this unusually intense frost. Lichfield, Dec. 27. 1 herewith send you a report of perhaps the most extraordinary cold ever known in England,— certainly exceeding every record but one, and that record being looked upon as an error, and, indeed, thought to be an impossible temperature iu England. This morning the temperature at 4 feet above the ground was 8° below zero, and on the Grass 13°.8 below zero, or 45°.8 of frost. 4s the above extraordinary temperature may seem impossible, I here- with append the readings of a number of thermometers placed in different situations : — Trermometers. 1 Negretti and Zambra’s patent mercurial minimum, 4 feet from ground 2. Rutherford minimum, 4 feet 3. Spirit thermometer on Grass .. 4. Ditto ditto 5. Ditto ditto 6. Sensitive mercurial thermometer on Grass 7. Ditto on snow .. .. .. .. 8. Spirit thermometer on snow 9. Id. id. id The above are all readings made at the Reeston Obser- vatory. At Highfield House they were At 4 feet 6' below zero. On Grass 8 below zero. The maximum beat yesterday was only 20°, and from 7 p.M. till 11 A.M. the temperature never rose as high as zero of Fahrenheit’s thermometer. At the present time (12.30 p.M.) the thermometer is 7° above zero at 4 feet, and 2°.5 above zero on the Grass. To night, in all probability, will be even colder, as the sky is cloud- less, with a fog in the distance. Wind stationary since 1 p.M. yesterday in west, and calm. The Trent is full of ice, and in a few hours will be quite frozen oyer. I have just seen a horse pass with icicles at his nose 3 inches in length, and as thick as three fingers ground is about 3 inches covered with snow. Deg. = — 8.3 = — 8.2 = —10.8 = —10.7 = —10.8 = —11.7 = —13.3 = —12.8 = —11.7 The Deg. Deg. Dec 24, 1 P.M. temperature at4 feet, 20.0 on Grass 18.0 6 p.m. .. ,4 6.0 „ + 0.3 10 p.m. ,, „ 1.5 „ - 2.0 Dec. 25, 2^ a.m. ,, ,, 4 A.M. ,, „ 0.0 -6.1 ,, 3.0 „ —11.0 ,, 5 A.M. ,, „ —7.0 „ — 8.3 ,, 7 am. tt „ —7.8 „ -13.3 ,, 8 A.M. ,1 „ —8.0 „ -11.7 ,, 9 A.M. ,, „ —8.3 „ —12.8 ,, 10 a.m. m „ —2.0 „ + 4.0 12ip.M. „ +7-0 ,, — 2.5 J. Loioe, Observatory f Beeston, near Nottingham, Ou Ui’asscs. in the Times. Boilers.— I have a boiler at work in my hothouse which I had made here, composed of a 2-ineli copper pipe twisted spirally. There are six coils only (there ouD'ht to be nine for the size of the house), 15 inches diameter at base, and 8 inches at top. The fire is fed from the top, hut there is also a furnace door. The base of the spiral receives the descending stream, the apex the ascending. It heats 200 feet of 5-inch copper pipe, and maintains easily a temperature of 60 at the present season. The feed pipe with its reservoir is fixed close to the ascending pipe, but the reservoir is set ill an outer one filled with cold water, which. Januaiiy 5, i 861.1 THE GAEDENERS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZECrE. acting as a sort of condenser, keeps the water in the feedpipe always cool, so that tliough there are ample facilities for the water in the pipes to swell with the heat it never boils over, as is I believe a very connnon occurrence with some contrivances of the kiiul. price of this boiler is naturally the mere weight ol the mecal employed, and may be made by any coppersmith. II. Bertin, St. Omer, France. ■ i \ e Wheelbarrows.— KWov! me to suggest a fair^ trial ot a wheelbarrow produced at the Great Exhibition in 1851, in Class 9, No. 29, under the following title “ Ellis, 3 and 6, Tottenham Court Road ; wheelbarrovv on an improved principle.” The body was similar o a navvies’ barrow, but instead of the wheel being in front, it was directly under the centre of the body, y which the weight was removed from the workman s arm and thrown on the wheel. It appeared to me to be a very useful article. South Hants, Dec. 28. L ® do not think the form of a navvie’s barrow the best toi gardening purposes, which are in general very diiierent from mere wheeling earth.] 50Cl£t(e!5« Botanical of Edinbuegh : December 13.— Dr. W. H. Lowe in the chair. The following communica- tions were read : — I- “ The Theory ot Terminal Fruc- tification in the simple plant, of Ovules and Pollen, and of Spores.” By Dr. Macvicar. II. “ Tea Culture in Southern India.” By Dr. Cleghorn, Madras. The author remarked— “ I have collected from my journal a few notes made during my tours upon the Tea plants seen in different districts of the Presidency of Madras. The following are the localities 1. Shevaroy Hills (4000 feet). There are several well grown trees at Yercand, introduced by G. Fischer, Esq.; these have not been picked or pruned, and have been left to nature, but are growing vigorously. 2. Coorg^(4500 feet, rain-fall 120 inches, mean temperature, 68°). A case of plants was brought from China by Colonel (Lieutenant-General) Dyce in 1843 ; those at Mercara appear to me over luxuriant, producing a rapid growth of leaves, and not bearing seed with regularity. 3. Nundidroog (4800 feet). A number of plants have lately been sent to this Hill Sanatarium ; they were beginning to droop in the Lai Bagh Garden, Bangalore, but there is hope of their thriving in their new location. The mean temperature of Bangalore is 75°, and the average rain-fall 35 inches. The climate being too dry and too hot, the plants necessarily become dwarfed. 4. Bababooden Hills (5600 feet, rain-fall and mean tem- perature not known). Four plants from General Dyce’s stock were received from Mercara in 1847 ; these grew well without care. A packet of fresh China seeds was sent last year. Colonel Porter, super- intendent of Nuggur, raised 23 plants above Ghat, near the Sircar bungalow, and a number of seedlings have been planted out about 1000 feet lower by Mr. Denton, coffee planter. 5. Nilgiri Hills — a. Coonoor (6000 feet, rain-fall 55 inches). A full report of Captain Mann’s plantation is recorded in Proceedings of Government, 21st September, 1859. (A sample of the tea was exhibited.) Besides this there are a few plants at the under-mentioned places ; b. Ootacamund (7300 feet, rain-fall 60 inches, mean temperature 58°), introduced or raised by Mr. MTvor, Government Gardens, from Saharunpore seed, and by General F. C. Cotton, at Woodcote; c. Kaity — Introduced or raised by Sir S. Lushington and Lord Elphinstone; d. Kulhutty — Introduced or raised by Mr. Rae. 6. Pulni Hills (7100 feet). Major Hamilton reported that a con- siderable number of tea plants at Kudaikarnal, were several inches above ground, and api)Cared fresh iind healthy. 7. Curtallam (1200 feet). I have received flowering specimens from the old Spice gardens, which correspond with the standard figures of Thea Chinensis. The shrubs are 20 years old, 12 to 15 fret high ; where the seed came from is not known. 8. Travancorc — Tea trees grow luxuriantly in Messrs. Bimiy & Co.’s planta- tions (formerly Mr. Huxham’s) 40 miles east of Quilon, on the road to Curtallam, and from whence some plants were procured 10 or 12 years ago, which were planted at Vellymallay, near Udagiri (1800 feet, rain-fall 80 inches), and at Atkaboo, near Tinnevelly frontier (3200 feet, rain-fall 40 inches). At both places they are growing luxuriantly. These facts are taken from General Cullen’s letter, and I may state that seeds received from him were planted, and throve on the Nilgiris, at an elevation of 5500 feet. In Tea, as in all cultivated plants, there are variations, the discrimination of which is of the utmost importance commercially, and also in an economical point of view , but I have not materials for attempting a precise defi- nition of these differences. This, however, is known, that the seed having been obtained from different parts of China, the introduced plant varies in stature exceed- ingly, from a bushy shrub of 3^- leet to a ramous tree 25 feet high. There is also a vast difference between the narrow-leaved forms and broad-leaved specimens in some of the localities mentioned. At present the leaves are taken indifferently from several sorts, which should not be done when preparing Tea for commercial ))ur- poses ; and the means of manufacture are of the rudest description. The Tea shrub of commerce, though long confined to Eastern Asia, is now cultivated far beyond the limits of China and Japan — in Java (under the equator), in Assam, the North-West Provinces of Hindostan, on the banks of the Rio Janeiro, and recently in North America. From the published reports of Mr. Fortune and Dr. Jameson it appears to prefer a climate probably of 67° to 73° mean tempera- ture. Such is nearly the mean temperature of the lull slopes near Kuinir, Kotagiri, and of many of the valleys in the eastern and northern slopes of the Pulni and Nilgiri Hills, and also of the Bababooden range m Mysore, and of Ivudra Muka in South Canara. It ouo-ht also to be observed, as illustrative of the hardi- ness of the Tea shrub, that the cultivation extends over a great breadth of latitude (from the banks of the Rio Janeiro, 22|° south latitude, to the province of Shun- ting in China, 36i° north latitude), and that as we recede from the equator the lower latitude com- pensates for the difference of altitude. The Chinese cultivate on the lower slopes of the hills, whilst in the North-West Provinces the culture is carried on between 2000 and 6000 feet. This valu- able plant has been found wild in Upper Assam and Cachar, whilst its congeners abound on the Nilgiri and other mountain ranges of Southern India. Its cultiva- tion, therefore, might be attempted with good prospect of success in some of the localities above-mentioned. In the plantation near Kunur we have the opinion of four competent judges that the experiment had entirely succeeded as regards the growth of the plants. It now only remains to prove the merchantable character of the leaf, and this, I hope, will soon be tested. So far as I can judge, the aid of a few practised manipu lators is all that is required to conduct the manufac turing processes. This has been lately sanctioned by Government, I believe, and there will thus be opened up a new sphere for British energy and capital. Ihe field is a wide one, and when occupied by private enter- prise, it is not necessary that Government should give assistance further. A grant of land for tea cultivation has lately been made to Mr. Rae, near Ootacamund. One remarkable advantage of Tea cultivation is, that it may be carried on, in a fine climate, above the range ot jungle fever, which proves so injurious to many settlers in India. III. “On the Introduction of Cinchona Trees (Peruvian Bark) into Southern India.” By Dr. Cleghorn, Madras. IV. “Causes of the Movements in Diatoms, with illustrative models.” By S. J. Meintjes, jun.. Esq. In this paper the author endeavoured to show that the movements were due to the entrance and exit of fluid, and he illustrated the motion by glass models to which india-rubber tubes and balls were attached. The models resembled a Pleurosigma in form, and were held suspended in water, while, by pressure on the balls, water was m.ade to pass through the models in various ways. — • — British Timber Trees ; their Bearing and Subsequent Management, S(c. Sfc. By John Blenkarne. 8vo. Pp. 276. Routledge, The author of this volume announces that his in- tention in publishing it is to give the world a practical treatise conveying most useful and reliable information. He particularly objects to the introduction into such works of matter chielly addressed to the scientific Botanist. We have looked through his pages with some care and cannot compliment him on the success of his attempt. His remarks on the growth of timber are certainly sufficiently brief, but wo regret to say that brevity is not the companion of accuracy. He talks in another place of animal substances rendered soluble; of road scrapings being a good addition to the soil of a nursery; of bone dust being _ prepared by dissolving [what?] in dilute sulphuric acid; of the de- signation of the Ash tree being Polyganiia Dioecia ; 0? the Elm being Ulmus sativa (!), as if we had but one species; of the Oak being Quercus robur, as if we had but one Oak ; of the Acacia being Glcditschia triacan- thos (!!!); of the Laburnum being Cgtisus sessili/olius, which is a little bu.sh; of one of the Evergreen Oaks being (Quercus coccifera ; of the Spanisu Chesnut having w'ood little inferior in durability to Oak ; and assures his readers that it is “difficult to distinguish this wood from the timber of the Oak,” whereas the difficulty is to find their resemblance. We are sorry to say it, but really this trashy book deserves no further notice. 'I’he author would certainly be plucked if sub- jected to Linager’s 2d class examination. Personal History of Lord Bacon, from unpublished Papers. By William Hepworth Dixon, London : Murray. 8vo, pp. 388. The author of this interesting and well written volume comes forward as the champion of Lord Bacon, asserting and endeavouring to piove that Bacon does not deserve the bad moral character which he unfortunately bears. In substance this work is an appeal by Mr. Dixon to the public from the judgment passed on Ijord Bacon by Lord Macaulay and Lord Campbell in their lives of that great man. If Mr. Dixon’s appeal proves un- successful that result will certainly not he due to any want of zeal or skill on his part, but to the stubbornness of the facts with which he has had to deal. In our opinion the a])peal will not prove so successful as could he desired. In saying this wo do not mean that the cloud which obscures the brightness of Lord Bacon’s name is as dark as ever ; that certainly is not so, but we think that notwithstanding the flood of light thrown by the present volume on his character and personal history the blackest spots upon his memory still remain, though they are not perhaps so dark as before. It is plain from the author’s pages that Lord Campbell is the chief ofl’ender against Bacon, and Mr. Dixon has succeeded in showing that the noble and learned writer of the Lives of the Chancellors has fallen into mistakes from which Bacon’s reputation has suffered. Still, when we turn to the really grave charges against him, and to Mr. Dixon’s^ refutation of these charges, we are compelled to admit that they are by no means disproved. The charges to which we refer are these : — i c 1. The charge of ingratitude towards tne Earl ot Fssftx. 2. The charge of procuring Peacham to be tried for an offence which he had not committed,^ of tam- pering with his judges, of ordering him to be tortured, and of witnessing his torture. 3. The charge of taking bribes when Chancellor from the suitors to his court. In answer to the first of these charges, Mr. Dixon proves that Bacon had reason to be grateful to Queen Elizabeth, as well as to Lord Essex ; that Lord Essex had in fact been guilty of treasonable conspiracies ; that in prosecuting him Lord Bacon did no more than he was obliged to do as a Queen’s Counsel, and that he performed a painf ul duty as leniently and humanely as he could. But admitting all this to be true, what is to be said in defence of Lord Bacon’s conduct after Essex’s execution ? What Lord Campbell most strongly condemns is the publication by Lord Bacon of a declaration of the Practices and Treasons of Robert late Earl of Essex,” and “ the apology of Sir Francis Bacon in certain imputations concerning the late Earl of Essex.” The propriety of these publications is not attempted to be defended by Mr. Dixon. Ill answer to tbe charges relating to Peacnani and his trial, Mr. Dixon is more, though still not quite, suc- cessful. He proves that Peacham had committed many offences against his ecclesiastical superiors, and was an unscrupulous libeller ; that both his trial and his toitiue were ordered by the Privy Council, of which Bacon was not a member; that Bacon was with others directed to examine Peacham, and that in examining him in tbe torture chamber Bacon did no more than was customary in the times in which he lived. Bacon is accused of having tampered with the judges, but Mr. Dixon shows that the Crown was in the habit of consulting the judges with reference to political offenders. This goes far to exculpate Bacon from the blame which has been imputed to him ; but it must not be forgotten that the practice of consulting the judges was denied to be proper or usual by Lord Coke, that the use of toiture was never legal in this country, and that in Bacons time it was unpopular and fast going out of fashion. Bacon must have known that the law was not being carried out but was being infringed by the proceedings which he wit- nessed. This circumstance destroys the analogy between the position of Bacon and that of a modern judge who condemns men to be hanged; and even it the public heart goes on softening as fast as it has done, it will ever be more unfair to condemn Lord Campbell for judicial murders than to condemn Lord Bacon for his conduct in the aff'air of Peacham. We come now to the question of bribes. Mr. Dixon alleges that at the time when Bacon was Chancellor judges were paid by fees, that these were paid by suitors as a matter of course, that their amount was not fixed but varied according to the wealth and feelings of the suitors, that Bacon never took anything but fees in the usual way, that no case of bribery or of corruption was ever established against him, and that he was the innocent victim of a scandalous conspiracy and of party spite. Mr. Dixon has we think clearly made out that had it not been for the unscrupulous measures of his enemies Bacon would probably never have been even accused of bribery or corruption. But it does not therefore follow that the charges made against him were unfounded. Bacon himself began the confession which he made to Parliament with an admission of guilt which cannot be got over. His words are — “Upon advised consideration of the charge, descending into my own conscience and calling my memory to account, so far as I am able, I do plainly and ingenuously confess that I am guilty of corruption, and do renounce all defence and put myself upon the grace and mercy of your lordships,” This, as Lord Campbell has pointed out, puts Bacon and his defenders into a dilemma from which there is no escape. Either the confession is true or it is false ; it true. Bacon’s character is past redempLion; if false, it was degrading lor a man like Bacon to make the confession at all. Mr. Dixon does not how- ever furnisii us with adequate grounds for dis- believing Lord Bacon’s ow'ii admission of the cliarges j made against him. Mr. Dixon, indeed, says that the I King urged Bacon to trust in him and make no defence; but making every allowance for the power and malignity of Bacon’s enemies, it is incredible that Bacon should have made the full and particular con- fession he did if ho had been as innocent ot corrupt practices as Mr. Dixon endoavours to show. Although, for the reasons we have given, we cannot admit that Bacon wa.s morally as well as intellectually the greatest man of his age. we think that no one can 8 THE GAEIIEE'ERS' OllUONICLE AND AGRICULTUIiAl. GAZETTE. [JAK°Am 5, 1861. peruse Mr. Dixon’s book n itbout Vision that Bacon lias been painted blaekei tban be was. It is unfair to judge bun by tbe coni- narativelv bisjb standard of morality and bonour of tbe present day ; we must look to tbe standard of bis own times ; but when tried by tins standard bacon cannot for one moment be compared with las illustrious predecessor Sir Thomas More. Ibe truth lie between Lord Campbell’s condemnation and Mi. Dixon’s admiration ; but whatever may be thought of Bacon’s character, there can be but one opinion as to the value of Mr. Dixon’swork. Few books exhibit somuch re search ability, or good feeling, and we heartily recom^ mend It to all who take an interest in England s most illustrious philosopher, or m the times of which he nas so great an ornament. The Encydopoedia Britannica, or Dictionary Sciences, and General Literature. E'gl'tb Edition, Vol. xxi., 4to., pp. 1012. A. & C. Black. At length this very important work has reached its +crmination, and now forms one of the most valuable books of reference in any language. Among literary matter we have in the present volume Tacitus, Talleyrand, Troy, Turkey, Tyre, the United States, Universities, Varnhagen, Voltaire, Washington and Wellington. In Science are dissertations on Telegraphs (Electric), Tides, Voltaic Electricity, War. and Zoophytes. In Arts are treated of Tea lobacco. Veterinary practice. Weaving, Wool and the W ool Trade- and among miscellaneous matter a great number of subjects of not less interest. Nor must we omit mention of the numerous plates, especially Uie Maps, which are excellently engraved by Sydney Hall, and now form a very complete atlas. Let us add Uiat as one of the most complete articles is that on War, so we should think it would be in these days a popular subject for a cheap separate publication. Galeudar of Operations. {For the ensuing tveeh.) PLANT DEPARTMENT. CoNSEiiVATOEX, &C. — The present frosty weather may cause extra protecting materials to be employed ; therefore some should be in readiness when required. If not already done, lose no time in getting under cover a supply of the various loams, peat, &c., required for spring potting. The principal work 'i> plant houses will consist in keeping them and their inmates scrupulously clean. Fires and frequent washing of stove plants, will be necesssry. The conservatory and show-house should now be gay with forced plants. Keep up a regular succession through the spring, bv bringing forward stock as wanted. Roses both dwarf and standard. Honeysuckles, Scarlet Thorns Hybrid Rhododendrons, and Azaleas, with a host ot other things, will enable cultivators in luldition to the usual occupants of the houses to make a brilliant show. Hyaciutlis, Narcissus, Tulips, Lily of tlie \ alley, and other plants of the above class must be duly^for- warded as wanted. Hard-wooded plants will require a rather dry atmosphere to guard against mildew and damp. FORCING DEPARTMENT. The value of fruit trees in pots has now become a settled matter with cultivators, and where separate houses do not exist for each kind a valuable addition to the dessert in spring may be secured by growing a collection of Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Figs Plums, Cherries, and Raspberries in tbe same house. All these (with the exception of Raspberries) should have been grown in pots two years at least, and be well turnished with fruit-buds. Raspberries are best_ obtained by takino- up the strongest suckers early iii bepteinber and potting them either singly or three together in rich soil, shading them for a few days to make fresh roots, and then placing them against a south w-ail to ripen. Where a stock of tlie above fruits is prepared for forcing tbe advantages of a deep pit wi--h a bed of leaves will be apparent ; the slight bottom beat thus afforded will be found beneficial m setting the roots in action. Cherries and Raspberries are tlie most impatient of beat and should be brought forward in a very low temperature, and unless they are required very early they will succeed better when started next month. The remainder should be started with a top heat ranging between 40 and 60®, witli a gentle syringing daily, and air according to the state of the weather. Here they may remain till they are nearly in bloom, when a ^^i^r atmosphere being necessai*y, they may be removed to vacant shelves or stages in any liouse at work_ where a moderate heat is kept up. Peaclies and Nectarines may even be placed on the back shelves of the Pinc-houses after they liave set their fruit, though a more moderate temperature would suit them better. In cariying out the subsequent treatment we may add that Peaches, &c., should occupy tbe warmest part of the house in which they are to fruit, and Apricots, Plums, and Cherries the coolest end. If required, Raspberries will succeed well in pits or in the partial shade of other plants. If circumstances permit of the whole being kept plunged in a gentle beat it will assist tbe swelling of the fruit, but witb proper attention in supplying them witli manure water they will do well without that assistance. Prepared plants of tbe most suitable kinds of the above fruits niay be obtained -at most of tbe principal nurseries, or maiden plants of each may now be potted in rich turfy loam for future operations, getting them into a bearing state by judicious stopping rather than by tbe use of tbe knife. Pursue formei directions as regards tbe early Vinery and Peach bouse. Be careful not to use too mucli fire beat at first. Vineries. — Tbe early bouse will now require careful attention, and as tbe Vines in some places will probably bo in bloom, tbe niglit temperature must not be allowed to fall below 60^ Maintain a healthy growing atmo- sphere fay sprinkling tbe floors, &c., as may be neces- sary, and admit fresh air whenever tills can be safely^ done. Also attend carefully to tbe border, and if fermenting material is used do not allow the beat to decline, and where this is not used see that whatever covering is employed is efficient. Strawberries. — Where ripe fruit is wanted early | a portion of tbe most promising plants should ’'ow selected and placed in a pit where they can be afforded a o-entle bottom-beat ; or if tliis cannot be commanded, a Peach-house or Vinery which lias just been closed for forcino- will do. They must, however, be kept close to the glass, for they require ail the ligiit that can possibly bo afforded tbera at this season, and a free admission of air oil mild days, with a low temperature until tbe fruit is fairly set, and if these conditions can be coin- bined with bottom-beat, success will be more certain tban under any other circumstances, and this will be more easily done in a small pit tban in a bouse, the temperature of which must be regulated to suit other tilings. FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERIES. Where any of tbe beds or borders require a dre.sslng of fresh soil this should be provided, in order to have it in readiness to wheel on while this favourable weather lasts. Fresh soil is in most cases preferable as a dressing for flower beds to manure, wliicb is apt to cause too luxuriant a growth for a first-rate display or flowers. On soils that are naturally poor however, and where neither fresh mould nor decayed leaves can be bad, a moderate dressing of well rotted farm-yard mannie will be useful, but this should be well mixed with the mould tbe full depth of tbe bed, and not care- lessly turned in and left in lumps near tbe surlace, for in tills case a gross habit of growth would be proinoled early in the season, and as tbe principal part ot the roots would be near tlie surface in the manure, tlie rilants would soon feel tbe effects of dry weather, whereas if tlie manure is well incorporated with the soil to tbe depth of about 18 inches, no ordinary amount of dry weather will injure tbe plants after they once o-et fairly established. Shrubberies may be thinned where this involves only tbe cutting out of overgrown plants or lopping deciduous trees or the hardier kinds of evergreens, but where evergreens generally require pruning, the work bad better be deferred until March, except in favourable localities, for although when tbe winter proves mild sucli work may be successfully pei- formed at any time, it is never safe to depend upon this. When workmen cannot be profitably employed out-of- doors, get a good stock of Dahlia stakes, brooms, and things of that kind prepared for use when wanted. HARDY FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDEN. If any transplanting of fruit trees has yet to be done this season, it should be seen to as soon as the weather is favourable for such work ; also see to getting ground intended to be planted with young trees prepared, and spare no pains or expense to have this properly done. Make sure of thorough drainage, and where the subsoil is unkind this should be removed, replacing it with some good fresh loam. When a huge breadth has to be planted in one season this expensivekmd of preparation cannot be always afforded, but it is better to do such work only in such quantities as will allow of every pre- caution being used with tbe view of securing success. Attend to keeping up a supply of Rhubarb, Seakalo, Dec. 23— SliKbtly clouded; sunsliinc occuEionally; very clear; Intcuse frost at ni^bt. • i i — 29— Severe frost with dense fog ; slightly overca'it ; rain and sleet. — 30— Kain throughout ; foggy at niglit. — 31— Foggy; drizzly; temperature higher at night than duvitig the day. Jan. 1— Hazy ; drizzly ; cold wind with snow. — 2— Clear and frosty, with cold north-east wind. — 3— Sharp frost ; foggy; overcast ; sharp frost at night. Mean temperature ot the week, 8 deg. below tbe average. aECORD OF THE WEATHER AT CmS^VlCK During the last 3a years, for the ensuing Week, ending Jan. 12, 1861. "Prevailing V\inis. January. Average Highest Temp. ' Average ! Lowest Temp. Mean Temp. No. of Years in which it Rained. Greatest Quantity of Rain. Sunday fi. . 41.2 299 35.5 13 0.33 in. Mon. 7* 41.4 29.6 35.0 13 0.34 Tuea. 8.. 40.4 31.0 :1d7 n 0.26 Wed. 9.. 40.6 31. 1 35.8 U 0.71 Tburs. 10.. 42.0 30.6 36.3 16 0 40 Frida? ll.. 41.4 31.2 36.3 18 0.83 Satur. 12.. 42.2 30.7 36.4 15 0.76 4|U) -|13 4 5l 6 5 6'10 lue uigaesi iciupcraiuic uuiiuft ‘'V/rl ♦hortvy 1852— therm. 63 deg.; and the lowest on the 2d, and 9ib,.184l— tperm. 6 deg. and Asparagus by introducing quantities ot the voous into heat at intervals of about a fortniglit. Where there is room in the Mushroom house the two former will be found to do exceedingly vvell there, and a supply will be obtained with little trouble. IMr land that has long been cropped with vegetables a good dressing of fresh loam would in many cases be preferable to inanure and where this is wanted and can be obtained, it should be got to hand in order that advantage may he taken of fro.sty days for wheeling it upon the ground. Where fresh soil cannot be obtained, charred vegetable refuse, such as prunings’of slirubberies, edgings of walks, and many things which turn up in course of the season may be cheaply made to form an excellent substitute. state of the WEATHEIl AT CHISWICK NEAR LONDON For the Vf eek enlms Jao. 3. 1860, as observed at the Horticultural Gardens Dec. and Jan. ll Barometer. 'TEMPERATt CTfth'e'Air^ Max. Min. Max. Min. Mean O 30 19-2 29.784 36 -1 17.5 30.316 29.952 36 18 29.504 29.346 44 19 29.623 29.309 43 Tues. 1 , 20 2.1.691 29.122 44 21 Wed. 2 ' 21 30.122 29.948 33 18 25.b Tburs. 3 22 30.254 30.177 31 12 21.5 Average. . 29.957 29.662 38.8 20.7 29.8 > p a S 3 a 5-i o B B £- 3. K) to 10 to Cu O’ to Cl t.T o> --T -I to 00 tn M 9 bO sCb. O CO to O H-i to CO o tn CO ci !-« to ~T “T to CO bo «o i-o p p a. to C> —T O' “4 CO to o CO ce O^OU»t09-^Ci* to CO CO w CO p CO to o to '-0 to to O CO o OS tn to 0> 00 l-O CO 9 O to ocito'-o9**'^“ji-:; Wtvi01*1 000i^-C>t0 o to to rfi. o «o lO to o OS Cl t7> p p OS c;i — 5 O --j CO CO CO bo tn -T lO Ol -T CJI to p M W CO 9 *^* to c;i cv to ' O O CO to o 00 00 o >»*• lo O M to i-i 00 -I o to CO o CO to to b to tn 4* O O O CO C> tn 00 t.'' CO cr> ^ ^ ta to ^ CO rfla ►— I I— ‘ t£> CO O t-* to p 1“* O p o *-oscs. 3. Jetties or Lauding places on the sea coast or on the banks of navigable rivers or lakes. 4. The erection of Farm Houses, Labourers’ Cottages, and other Buildings required for Farm purposes, and the im- Tirovoraent of and additions to Farm houses and other buildings for farm purposes. Landowner.s assessed under the provision.s of any Act of Parliaraeut, Royal Charter, or Commission, in respect of any public or general works of drainage or other improvements, may borrow their proportionate .share of the cost, aud charge the same with tlio expenses on the lands imju'oved. No investigation of title is required, and the Company being of a strictly flnanci.al character do not interfere with tlio plans and execution of the Works, which are controlled only by the Government Enclosure Commissioners. For further information, aud for forms of application, apply to the Honourable William Napier, Managing Director, 2, Old Palace Y’ard, Westminster, S.W, Eiit flsrCcuItiital SATUEDAY, JANUARY b, 166L MEETINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. ( Hexham Farmer-s’ Club — “ On ^ the Tuusp \y, Jan. S \ Education ot l'’Kriners’ Sons.' ( Galashiels— “General Meeting. -♦ The Decade which has just expired has perhaps left notliing behind it more remarkable to the Agricultui'ist than its concluding year. The Seasons of 1860 stand unexampled in the memory of the most venerable seniors of our age. The predominance of rainy weather, following upon three years of comparative drought, has brought the subject of Climate into a prominence that places it in its true rank amongst the most im- portant questions of modern agriculture. Drainage, Steam-Cnltnre upon the Clays, and the profitable utilisation of Liquid Sewage,— three questions separate in themselves, and each of the highest moment, have all this feature in common, that they are directly connected with the special conditions of agriculture in these Islands, viz., a stiff soil and a moist atmosphere. Look Europe over, and you will not see these conditions else- where such as they are witli us. Nowhere else do these three questions press with the same emphasis, under the same modifications upon the attention of the landowner and farmer. And they are more intimately connected together than their general treatment either by the agri- cultural or the non-agricultural world would, at first sight, lead any one to suppose. Travellers in France, Belgium, Tuscany, or China, who admo- 10 THE GAEDENEliS’ CHRONICLE ANP AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Jas.aky 5, 1861. nish us of the value, and eflective application of sewage in those countries, almost invariably omit to notice the non sequifur which a moist climate and a stiff soil place, like an extinguisher, upon most of their calculations and conclusions. Some- thing of the same kind of pisetermission seems to run through all the discussions, and most of the writing, upon Steam Culture. As it is upon the heavier soils that this great auxiliary of Spiing and Autumn cultivation is pre-eminently needed, so it is upon the lighter and drier districts of the kingdom that profitable results are to be, if any- where, looked for from profusely diluted manures. It is difficult to make a sanguine improver clearly understand that let a fertiliser be ever so precious in itself, it may, like the Pearl in Cleopatra s cup, be lost to all practical and commercial use, by mere solution, having become in fact more costly to restore, and apply, than its intrinsic value aviU repay. There still are rivers in whose sands like those of the once-famed Paetolus, gold-dust runs which win not pay the labour of separation. Ammonia, and the Sulphates and Phosphates are very precious ; but they are not more precious than gold ; nor, in like case, able to repay the costly labour of extraction, by chemical or mechanical reagents. This, at least, is the true point to be objectively kept in view, not the intrinsic but the relative, or resulting value; not the market-price of the metal, but whether it will pay for smelting from the ore. Wherever there is, under a dry climate, a light thirsty soil, free enough to filter off the fluid part, yet close enough to absorb that essence — volatile as it is precious — the Ammonia, from sewage water, — there let enthusiasts glorify its value. But under our skies, and upon our retentive soils, one word about solids, how to deal with them, is worth five upon liquids, except how to get rid of them. And just now this seems to be the question of the day, how to command the Outfalls of our drainage ; a question in every sense of ultimate importance. Drainage is one of that eccentric class of things which ber/in at the end : in the lan- guage of logicians, it is an * analytic, not s} n- thetic,’ operation. “Look to the Und!” said Solon, when some one asked him if a rich man s life could be called a happy one. “Look to the end!” every engineering Solon of the present day wiU say when consulted how a drain may be made to run, a field laid dry, a farm made profitable, a district healthy, and the country as wealthy as it ought to be from the intrinsic resources of its own soil and labour. „ v i. It does seem rather hard, and rather foolish, that the grinding of Wheat should stop the growing of' it, that Mill-dams should block up Outfalls : yet this is what takes place over a large portion of this kingdom. But still more unbearable is it that any other less useful and excusable dam should be allowed to prevent or interfere with the first and foremost of agricul- tural improvements. The most possessive owner of land must be reminded that he holds what he calls his own, in this kind, subject to the rights and claims of the community at large. No Act of Parliament can be too explicit in reminding him of this. There is a class of men who would hardly let the crows fly over their fields, if there was any way of shutting the gate against them. But it would be well if these tenacious owners of tena- cious soils could be a little better indoctrinated in the true nature of ‘ ownership ’ in regard to land. There is not an article to which the term is appilied | in this country with more of polite exaggeration ; - or more erroneously : for there is none in ] which ownership is in truth so limited and con- ' ditional. 1 It is singular that this error should exist ; con- j sidering that our land-laws remain to this day based on Feudalism, w'hich in fact allowed no ownership at ali, except in the Sovereign as the head and representative of the State. All the rest were Tenants, holding under every conceivable form of modified and vicarial tenure. The diffi- culty however is not here. Parliament is supreme, and Acts of parliament are powerful enough, if they are but constructed so as to work. But whoever has watched the course of legislation in this country, it matters not how long back in the memory of those living, will have noticed an unaccountable infelicity in the Acts relating to Land, in its agricultural character. Is it upon the well-known principle that ‘ he who pleads in his own cause has a fool for his client?’^ Is it that the legislative atmosphere itself, in this country, embraced too much of the “ truly rural” element to be able rightly to direct its breath, for hot or cold, upon the home-made porridge; while the rest of the House regarded all land questions with that indifference which men of the world feel for every- thing dilettante-like, and lying out of the ordinary rules of business ? However this may be, we are anxious for Uie fate of this intended ‘ Outfall’ Bill. The subject is, in some districts, a pressing one ; and the vested interests this measure will have to deal with, are strong enough to need something of a different pattern to most of the Bills that have ever had to do with Agriculture. The rate of increase of our population, internal trade, and capital, demands that every inch of land should be made available : the public feeling will be more strongly in favor of the measure the more it can be got to understand it. There is every inducement to the manufacture of an effective Bill : the weir and mill-dam nuisance is a serious and extensive one enough ; it that were all ; but let any man try to cut an outfall for his drainage through his neighbour’s land “by act of Parliament” now existing, and he will learn, experimentally, the exact measure— by a sort of GLADSTONE-alcoholic test — of the Squire-com- pelling strength required in the proposed new Act. It ought to be a simple matter enough ; and so, in truth it would be in a Parliament of Cotton Spinners and Ironmasters, and Railroad Con- tractors. But in every society or assemblage of men — and the British Parliament is within the rule — that particular business is ill-done which (however little really understood) is as though it were Everybody’s -business. Another Century must elapse before any man can bring an agricul- tural subject before the House of Commons with better hope of a serious hearing than an Eton or Harrow boy would have who offered to spout for his schoolfellows’ amusement a page of Virgil or Euripides. Pusey tried it : Caird tried it : and they found an audience, not indeed impracticable, or inattentive. It was not that the “ clouds did sit on Hamlet;” he was “ too much i’ the Sun ! ” A legislative chamber which for a hundred and sixty years was little else than a Committee of landowners and their nominees debating for the good of the 'Country,' and dealing with “Agri- cultural Distress” must pass some reasonable aliquot of the time in pratique, before any agri- cultural subject can come before it except upon that sort of ‘ iraperium in iiuperio ’ footing, where familiarity breeds contempt, undreamt ot by the copybooks. It is a pity that it should be so : for, agriculture during its twelve years of free lorn has grown pretty well out of parliamentary swaddling- clothes. Give it the one more emancipation that it asks for ; make the Land itself as free to buy and sell as you have made the Produce: give the Farmer the other half of the bargain that was so roughly pressed upon him : let the Crop stand free at both ends, top and bottom : as you have torn off the clutch of the Custom-house officer from the grain, drag away the Lawyer’s gripe Irom the root ; try less sheepskin and asses’ skin manure , and our agriculture will then show a stature that shall not need to come before the House, or the Public, with the prestige upon it of an aristocratic pet, \X\Q pecuUuni of Dukes and Lords and bquires, but as a solid interest representing every stratum of society, and uniting instead of severing social ranks, by the common bond of a common intelli- gence derived from the common interest of an in- vestment that should be common and open and available to all. ever. Let us look at the provisions of this Bill. The Inclosnre Commissioners are very properly made “the Drainage and Tnclosure Commissioners;” for but few open fields are left to be fenced off and apportioned, while an immense amount of drainage work is required to be done ; and what possible board can be qualified for the central superin- tendence of all so well as this, which has had ample experience of all land and water questions among proprietors, agents, engineers, and solicitors? They may from time to time appoint an engineer as assistant commissioner. Any individual land- owner may make application to the Commissioners, sending in a proposed plan of improved out- fall for his drainage ; the Commissioners may require security for expenses incident to the case, and are to make a due examination into the pro- posed plan and objections to it ; their assistant commissioner is to report, and ample opportunity is to be afforded opponents and probable sufferers for making their objections and claims. Where the Commissioners think that such objection is valid, but can be obviated by a reasonable modifi- cation of the scheme, they may insist upon such alteration ; where they think that such a modifica- tion will not snffice they may certify what in their judgment is the compensation proper to be made ; and where they think that any injury cannot be properly compensated for, they are not to sanction the proposed scheme. They may pre- scribe by whom or under whose superin- tendence the work is to be executed, and on what terms and conditions the works are to be maintained. The prescribed drainers are empowered to “ enter upon, take, use, or interfere with any canals, waterworks, lands, or waters not belonging to or under the power of any of the applicants,” in accordance with the provisions of tho Lauds Clauses Consolidation Act of 1845. This would be famous, only that it is nullified, so far as navigations are concerned, by the following clause, which was added in committee, — “nothing in this Act contained shall defeat, alter, prejudice, or affect any of the rights, powers, privileges, jurisdiction, or authorities of the owners, proprie- tors, undertakers, trustees, or conservators of any canal, navigable river, or navigation, or give any power or authority to the drainers, or in any manner injuriously to interfere with any canal,, navigable river, or navigation, or any water- works, or the works belonging or appurtenant thereto, without the consent in writing of the owners, proprietors, undertakers, trustees, or con- servators of such canal, navigable river, or naviga- tion, or waterworks, under the hand of the clerk, secretary, or other chief officer of such owners, proprietors, undertakers, trustees, or conservators, first obtained.” Outfall drains for one or more proprietors, through intervening estates ot other owners, should be obtainable by a less obnoxious and burdensome process than that jirescribed by “Lord Lincoln’s Act ” of 1847 — our latest legislation on the matter. This is the first point in the legal remedy demanded by the improving uuderdrainage of high lands and low lands, near to or remote from wandering brooks or lawless rivers, and in want of new outfall drains. The second point is that the amendment and enlargement, as well as the efficient maintenance of existing public drains I and outlets used simply lor the passage of dram I water, and not under the juiisdiction of authorities ' already constituted for their conservancy, ought to be procurable by improving^ landowners without heavy expense or oppressive litigation. The Bill prepared and brought in by Mr. Kek Sevmer and Sir William Heatiicote in 1834 might be amended and extended so as to meet both these classes of remedial action, which are most urgently required — which have been needed lor years, and are now cried for more pressingly than What forms of property and rights are included under the terms “lands” and “ waters,” which are not exempted by that clause, but may be entered upon, taken, and interfered with by^the drainers? Well, the interpretation clause defines “ lauds” as embracing “ mills, dams, weirs, mes- suages, lands, tenements, and hereditaments of any tenure ;” so that the Bill contemplated the dealing witli mills, &c., by compensation. The word “waters” includes “ springs, brooks, rivers, and other running w'aters, and ponds, pools, reservoirs, and other standing waters, and sewers, drains, ditches, streams, cuts, channels, and other water- courses.” Thus the Bill is sufficiently comprehen- sive (with the exception of navigation and orna- mental waters) to empower improvements in most cases of suffering from defective watercourses, mills, reservoirs, &c. ; but a clause inserted in committee prevents any meddling with drains already within the jurisdiction of commissioners of sewers, trustees, or other bodies for executing local Drainage Acts, &c., though such commis- s oners, &c., may apply to the Inclosure Commis- sioners if they think proper and conduct new works or improve old ones under this Act. There is another clause which prevents any interference with “ any ornamental waters or dwelling-houses, except with the consent of the persons to wliom the ornamental waters belong.” This requires modi- fijation, as in some instances ornamental waters may be altered without serious inconvenience, and facilitate the drainage of a large tract o» So far, with certain alterations, this Bill would give power to any landowners to make a new or iinuroved outlet for drain-water, by paying com- peiisation to the parties whose property tliey inter- fered with. It does not empower a district to ! unite for a new drainage, or euable the promoters, if a majority, to bind the non-consenting pro- prietors to contribute to the expenses in proportion .tanuakt 5. 1861.] the GAHDENEHS’ CIIROEICLE A'NT) AGiaOUI/rURAL GAZETT] 11 to benefits received ; this is reserved for a larger and more comprehensive measure. The expenses fall upon the promoters only, for ■whose relief this part of the Bill is intended ; and the provisions of the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act of 1845 are to govern the purchase of lands, easements, &c., excepting- in cases -where the amount of compensation does not exceed 50?. As the operation of the above Act is very heavy upon promoters of small drainages, although found to work tolerably for such large schemes as railways, &c., an exception of this kind is essential in a good Drainage Act, but the sum of 50?. is too low. There may be considerable opposition raised in both Houses of Parliament to a much higher amount ; but certainly nothing under 100?. ought to be burdened with the Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, — and in the matter of better outlets for one or two estates, 100?. will go a great way. We shall consider in another paper the further provisions of the Bill with respect to the improvement of existing drains. I, A, C. OK STRIPPING MANGEL LEAVES. BT PEOFESSOE JAMES BUCKMAX, E.G.S. In' November, 1859, a report appeared in these columns containing the results of various experiments made to ascertain the effects of stripping a certain proportion of the leaves from Mangels during their growth. I now reproduce that report, reminding my readers that the stripped plot was denuded of its larger leaves three times in the growing season, and that the experiinent.al plots were planted with Yellow Globe Mangel. On the 27th of October the topped and tailed roots were weighed and gave the followin results : — Table I.— Results of Stripped Mangels. The experiments then for I860 wore conducted on mucli the same plan as before, tlie plots being 21 yards quare, and the seeds drilled in rows. When ol sulRcient size the plants were thinned, leaving 24 roots in each plot. On the 4th of September stripped halt of each jilot, taking from three to four outer leaves from each plant varying the direetion of the stripped plants as under, in order that no source of error should arise. Plan of Stripping. Stripped. Intact. Intact. Stripped. The stripping was repeated on the 21st September, and it should be observed that between the 4th and 21st very rapid leaf growth had been made ; and between the latter date, and the period of harvest, viz., Nov. 12th, the leaf growth was also very vigorous, so that had there been a third stripping the difference in the results might probably have been even more striking. The following is the resultant weight of the topped and tailed roots: — Table III. — Weight or 12 Non-Teansplanted Roots. No. of sorts. Sorts. G largest roots <3 smallest do. 0 remaining do. 21 roots Weight. Weight of Single Root. Circum- ference of Single Root. Lb. oz. 10 lOi 3 9 10 1 Lb. oz. 1 8 0 S Inches. 12 24 4J- Table II.— Results op Mangels not stripped. G largest roots ; 2 smallest do. 3 remaining do. 20 roots Weight. Weight of Single Root. Circum- ference of Single Root. Lb. oz. 27 4| a 10 22 7 Lb. oz. 5 8 1 4 Inches. 19 61 54 Elvethan Mangel Wurzel Yellow Globe Mangel Wurzel Red Globe Mangel Wurzel New Olive-shaped Red Globe Mangel Wurzel .. New Olive-shaped TeUow Globe Mangel Wurzel . . Sutton’s New Orange Globe Mangel Wurzel . . Improved Long Yellow Mangel Wurzel New Long White Mangel Wurzel Silver Beet Total Leaves intact. lbs. oz. S 10 9 0 8 2 11 13 16 13 9 5 19 0 15 0 16 15 114 10 Leaves stripped lbs. oz. 5 4 5 2 6 12 12 3 3 12 9 11 r S 5 9 63 3 Now these results (which indeed were not the first that I had obtained by means of the like processes) were deemed of importance as showing the immense value of the leaves in aiding the general development of the root ; and my experiments seemed to warrant the following assertion : — That so long as a Mangel leaf can be considered a wholesome food for cattle, so long is it important to the well being of the root. This coiieluBioii, hovvever, was disputed in an article in the “Dublin Weekly Agricultural Review” for January 20, 1860, which states that an experimenter in Ireland procured an increase of roots at the rate of ■ 5i- tons per anre, bj’ removing from the plants leaf to the amount of 5 tons. Now, as these facts were founded upon repeated ex- periments conducted with great care, the plots and the whole contents being kept separate and weighed apart, I am led to think that from some source or other error has crept into the results of the Irish experiments. Such an error might probably arise from the fact that one kind of Mangel may bear stripping better than another, or from other causes to which all experiments .ire open. This being the case, I determined to repeat the experiments with as many sorts as could be pro- cured, and I have now before me the results not only with nine sorts of Mangels, hut under differ- ent circumstances with these other plots of trans- planted roots in addition. Before entering into the details of these experiments, it will bo well to call attention to the follow'ing communication relating to the growth of Mangels on the farm of Colonel Kings- cote, as it shows the result of weighing part of a crop, whieh though it tells a little in favour of the unstripped s'oqts is not to be entirely trusted to. I take the liberty of inserting the letter which was sent in reply to an inquiry as to the gallant colonel’s treatment of the Mangel crop : — “ ICingseote, Dec. 13, I860. “ Hii-,— Re.spe cting the top.s, it has been the practice of G'llonel Kingseoto in September to commence pulling the ■mricr leaves to give the milch cows, and they never fail in producing an extra quantity of milk and butter. In 1854 the weight of 46perchea which had part of the leaves stripped off (not half) was 7i cwt. ; while 40 porches which had not been stripped weighed 7i cwt. 20 lbs. Although there were 20 lbs. iu favour of the latter, it was quite probable the difference might have been on the other side had a second lot been weiglied. In 18.57 we .weighed two lots of 40 perclies each, when a few pounds appeared iu favour of the stripping, this was in the case of a crop of 3i, tons, per acre, and 310 Mangels per ton. “ Yours obediently. ' Francis BnENETT," Novv this gives a preponderance of 51 lb. 7 oz. for the nine half plots of intact roots, over the nine half plots of stripped roots, presenting in round numbers an average for 12 intact roots of 12 lbs. 11 oz. ; 12 stripped roots, 7 lbs. In both cases it must he confessed the numbers are low, since the average does not give more than 1 lb. per root. It must be recollected however that the season vvas one uncommonly prejudicial to the growth of Mangel Wurzel, and more especially in the cold Cotswold district where these experiments were made. Besides, the plots In our experimental garden at the Royal Agricultural College were simply dug and the seed was planted without manure. As regards the seed I would remark that it was kindly supplied by the Messrs. Sutton. The experiment was further interesting as showing in plots side by side the different characters of so many derivate forms of the sea-side Beet, while the resulting weights indicate such as succeed best in our position. While carrying on the experiments just detailed, it occurred to me that it would be a matter of not a little value in a practical point of view to ascertain whether Mangel would well hear transplantation, and what difference there might be in its effects upon so many varieties. Consequently, when our first set of plots were thinned our, I simply transplanted 24 plants of each kind into separate plots. Of these halt Were stripped, and the experiment was conducted in tact in the same way as it was with the untransplanted lot. These transplanted specimens grew well from the first, a result most probably rendered the more certain by the vvet cool season. The bulbs however were not seen above the ground as iu the ordinary way of cultivation, and instead of a tap root to be cut away in the operation of tailing there was found a large bunch of delicate root fibres ; the results of these ex- periments are as follows : — ■ Table IV. — Weight of 12 Transplanted Roots. iu good rich soil; Ihcy thus afford striking evidence of what may he done in this way. It may bo further remarked that as regards the difference in the intact and stripped roots, it appears to he even greater than is shown by the previous nine plots. The stripped exhibit very nearly the same results in the last as iu the first series. The average in round iiiimhers of the transplanted experiments will be for the 12 intact roots 13 lbs. 5 oz., for the 12 stripped roots 7 Ihs., the latter being a trifle more than one half. I conclude then that these experiments fully justify previous conclusions. Here are the records of some 25 plots of Mangels all telling the same tale. _ Besides this the like experiments have been tiled with Kohl Rabi, both as regards untransplanted and transplanted plots, and I am enabled to state that the half of tho plot stripped of leaves produced little more than half the weight of the intact ones, whilst the transplanted plots more than doubled in weight that of the untrans- planted ones. I consider, then, that the matter of whether or not it he judicious to strip Mangels of their leaves, however partially, resolves itself into a question of value. If the leaves be worth more than the conse- quent lessening of the roots, which I deem inevitable, there is no mischief; but to suppose that the farmer can make use of green Mangel leaves and have as good, to say nothing of an increased crop of roots, I consider contrary to both science and practice. Again, as regards transplantation I consider it a valuable process, and incline to the belief that it will be found of great advantage if carefully done, and done with judgment as to time. Home Correspondence. Cottages. — Whether, as a general rule, the working classes can have better dwelling accommodation than they can pay for, the inevitable laws of political economy will ultimately determine ; but a few words seem desirable on the point which, in the discussion of cottage accommodation, is so frequently put forward, viz., that landlords should hold the cottages iu their own hands, and not let them wfith their farms. Now, this is entirely a one-sided view of the question. Ifc amounts to this, that the landlord, and not the farmer, is to choose the fai-mer’s servants. A certain number of cottages are as much necessary offices of a farm as sleeping rooms for servants are necessary offices of a gentleman’s, clergyman’s, or tradesman’s premises. What would be thought of a landlord stipulating to reserve in his own hands the servants’ part of the house, that he might have a supervision over the servants employed, or rather over their employer? The proposal with regard to the cottages on a farm is equally insult- ing to a farmer. It has ceased to be the habit for fiirmevs to live with their servants. Farm-houses there- fore no longer provide accommodation for them, and some cottages require to be allotted to a farm for the accommociation of the farm staff, who are most of them married men. This is necessary to enable a farmer to carry on business with a fair control over his men, and as an independent man should be able to do. A landlord should satisfy himself that his tenant farmers are fit men to be trusted over labourers ; but having arqultted himself of this responsibility, he should leave his tenant as free to deal with his men as the landlord is to deal with his own servants. Alex. Hall Hall, TF oiergaie. No. of sorts. Sorts. Leaves intact. Leaves stripped 1 Elvethan Mangel Wur;?:cl lbs. oz. 14 10 lbs. oz. 5 10 2 Yellow Globe Mangel Wurzel . . 13 0 6 14 3 lied Globe Mangel Wurzel 15 4 7 3 4 New Olive shajicd Red Globe Mangel Wurzel 12 4 5 6 5 New Olive-shaped Yellow Globe Mangel Wurzel 11 14 7 10 6 Sutton’s New Orange Globe Mangel Wurzel . . 10 2 5 9 7 Improved LongYellow Mangel Wurzel 15 10 11 1 8 New Long White Mangel Wurzel 12 11 7 0 9 Silver Beet 15 13 6 11 Total 121 4 6.3 6 Here then is a positive increase from transplanta- tion, and though I by no means think the process would always succeed, yet it is well to know that wherever a crop be thin, there can at least be no harm in filling up n itli transferred plants, and I am inclined to think thatiu most seasons at least a paying result would follow. In fact many of the largo specimens of roots exhibited are derived from getting some early plants, ' perhaps by means of the greenhouse, and then transplanting them Farmers’ Clubs. Stirlingshire Central Union : On Turnip Grow- ing.— A discussion on this subject took place at the late Annual Meeting of this Society, which we abridge from the columns of the Stirling Observer. Mr. Nicholson, of Carnock, said: As regards the dry- field [The term “ dryfield ” applies to all the land, not alluvial, which surrounds the carse or alluvial 1-andj farmers, there is no question that the Turnip crop is ono of tho most important they grow. On it depends the success of their live stock and on it their future white crops, It is very dilficult to estimate the value of the Turnip crop in this country. The Highland Society’s statistics on the subject, however, brought out some very cniious facts. Iu Scotland, in round numbers there were 450,000 acres of Turnips grown iu 1855. In Aberdeen there were 80,000 acres, or more than one- sixth of the whole Turnip husbandry in Scotland. Now I have the means of coming to a sort of guess as to tlie indirect value of this Turnip crop, 1 find that in 1859 from Aberdeen, by steamboat and by rail, there were (!00,000?. ot dead meat and stock sent south- wards. Besides all that, there is the supplying of tho large provision markets in that city. I think this .--liows at once the enormous value of the Turnip crop ; because there is no doubt whatever that Turnips are the main staple food on whicli our beasts are fattened. Then, as to tlie cultivation of it. 1 think wo are all agreed that the first necessity is that the ground should bo thoiouiibly drained; and when I say thoroughly drained, 1 speak of draining from a depth of 3 to 4 feet. This, I think, we must all admit, is necessary, for thyrongb draining. But it is not many years ago since we bad a very dilferent theory. Mr. Smith of Deanston considered 30 inches very satisfactory draining ; and at this present moment I am just novv proceeding to drain a field which 40 years ago was drained with coupled drains upon what vvas considered an improved principle 12 THE GAEvEENERS’ ClIROyiCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 5, i8ci, ia those days, and yet ttie field was not dry. Twenty years ago, this field being unsatisfactory, I drained it on Mr. Smith’s principle, and supposed Iliad made a most practical job of it; hut 20 years later, that is in 1860 I am beginning to re-drain it for the third time, and to the depth of 3 j feet. This shows how different the opinions ate on the subject now, to what they were many years ago. Then there is a second point, which I believe, though very largely admitted, is certainly not very largely practised in the cultivation of the Turnip, that is deep ploughing and subsoiling. A good many around me, and in the district too, allow that it is well to do a good strong furrow, but I believe in practice they do no such thing. They may furrow near 7, 8, or even 9 inches, but not one in fifty subsoil for their Turnips. Now I believe that one half of the value of our draining is lost if we do not subsoil all around the stiff lands. I am quite satisfied that it is one of the great necessities for the success of the Turnip crop that the lands should he well stirred and thoroughly worked. Practice, they say, is better than precept, and therefore I am going to mention one or two things what I have done myself. I find that on one field this year,^ of 5 Scotch acres, which are partially drained and let in Grass for 41. for the 5 acres, I expended %0l. in com- pleting the draining and picking out the stones. I have put on the Scotch acre, 30 tons of farm-yard manure at 5s. per ton, 8 cwt. of bone manure at 7s. per cwt., and li cwt. of Somart manure, making in all an outlay on manure of Ilf. Is. the Scotch acre.^ The Turnip grown was the Aberdeen Green-top Yellow, and on measuring 1 find that I have 43 tons the Scotch acre in that field. There is no doubt that this is heavy manuring, but I believe it will pay. I have no doubt tenant farmers may say that they cannot afford to expend so much on manures, but I will give you two specimens, which I think any tenant farmer with any enterprise may carry out, I have begun to farm upon about 140 Scotch acres on the Sherriffmuir, nearly 690 feet above the level of the sea. One of the fields was rouped [let by auction] by the outgoing tenant at 25s. per* Scotch acre in 1859. I believe it did not pay him the seed and the labour. I have had no manure at all as incoming tenant, but I have applied 10 cwt. of bone manure at 7s., 1^ cwt. of Somart manure at the cost of 10s. per acre, with dung besides, or at the cost of 41. 5s. the Scotch acre. I should tel' you that these Turnips were not sown till the 29th or 30th of June, far too late in the season ; still although it was so late as that, with the amount of manure I mentioned, that land, which I could not ride ray horse across— and I should tell you, drained at a cost of 8 guineas an acre, and subsoiled every inch of it 18 inches deep — on that o-round I was offered 41. the imperial acre for my Turnips to be used for the fattening of sheep. People at first were very shy of trying my Turnips at all on that height. Well I got the offer of 41. the imperial acre. I did not take it. I have got my own sheep upon it — 200 sheep — and I am glad to say, in spite of the weather, that I have not lost one single sheep, and a good many of my own neighbours can t say the same. 1 mention this last case more particu- larly because I assume that a landlord will be quite prepared to drain the land for a tenant with a lease before him ; and if the landlord drains the ground I think that no tenant can consider that he is spending too extravagant a sum if he can raise Turnips on land of that quality, at a cost of IL per acre for manure. The kind of Turnip I have sold is Dale’s Hybrid. I think it is one of the hardiest and most profitable Turnips, and does especially for this part of the country, where we are rather late. Of course I consider I should have had a much better crop had I been able to sow earlier in the season. I have also worked this field at great disadvantage, but I have no doubt I am working it for profit, and I have little doubt that if improvements were carried on in that way it would pay any tenant with a 19 years lease. Perhaps I should have mentioned one other thing. As fares my experience goes in Turnip growing, I have tried repeatedly bones and guano — bones separately, and guano separately, and both together; and I am quite satisfied that mixed together they gave a better crop. I have also found that where you have not manure to go over the entire field by itself, you are far better to divide the manure over the whole field, so as to give the whole Turnip crop a portion of it, than to give one half of the field the whole of your manure, and fill up the other half with artificial manures. Mr. Murray of Polmaise said — The land on which I have grown my Turnip crop is a strong clay soil, thoroughly well drained and sub-soiled, and was very well worked by the steam plough in the spring, and grubbed to a most unusual depth ; and I found this of very great service to the field in producing the crop. The crop was a very large one. I tried it at different parts of the field, and found that as nearly as possible there were 48 tons to the Scotch acre of Swedes — purple top and green top. The green top produced a smaller crop than the purple top, but it is considered to be the best keeping of all the Turnip^ tribe. We all know the value of a good keeping Turnip, because one week of feeding of the stock towards the end of May will tell more than months of feeding in the winter. If we can get Turnips to keep fresh and good till the end of May we are obtaining a very great object. Mr. Smith described the cultivation of Mr. Murray’s Turnip crop. We first plough our land from 10 to 12 inches deep in the winter, and furrow it with the two- horse plough— this particular field being done in that way. It is a field of 13 acres, and it lies all winter with a stroll"- heavy furrow, and this mollifies the sub-soil which 'is brought up. This season we had the use of the steam grubber to go over it. The first thing that was done was by this machine, which went over it and stirred up the soil from 10 to 12 inches — it made a very nice job of it, and broke it all finely down. After that we harrowed and grubbed it with the common four- horse grubber, ridged it up, and prepared it _ for sowing. Then we had farm-yard manure made up into dunghills lying during the winter season. There would be from 20 to 25 tons of farm-yard manure to every Scotch acre. We commenced on the 5th May and ridged it, and then about the 1st of June we commenced thinning. We thin the Turnips 14 inches apart, and the drills are 28 inches wide. The general rule in working the crop is to use tarm-yard manure we use no light manures. Mr. M’Lachlan, Auchentroig, said— I have some little experience in the growing of Turnips in high grounds. For the last 10 years my time has been occupied with the improvement of waste lands. In regard to Turnips in high land, they are grown at far greater expense than can be done in lloxburghshire, blast Lothian, or say Fife, or any regular Turnip growing county. A pair of horses in Hoxburghshire will manage to work 25 imperial acres of Turnips, and their own share of work besides. Now among us if we manage half of that it is as much as we can do. I think 12 or 15 acres of Turnips is about as much as a pair of horses can manage with us. I think this arises from the large quantity of rain we have, and owing to our having a stiff, retentive soil that prevents the horses working after rain. In Roxburghshire, although it rains in the forenoon they can work the soil in the afternoon. With us we must allow our land to get into condition before we can work it. 1 find the green-top yellow to be the best specimen of Turnip. I find also that 28 inches wide for drills, is the dlstanoe that suits best for almost any ground. I generally thin my Turnips from 10 to 12 inches apart. I think Mr. Smith is very likely right in heavy ground. Regarding the storing of Turnips, I find the best way to store them is to keep them in small pits in the field. As to the consumption, I find we cannot consume them profitably on the ground by sheep eating them. My opinion as to the best way of consuming the Turnip is to drive them home to the farm and con- sume them on the steading by feeding cattle, or for dairy use — this answers best. I used the Loch Katrine Water Companv’s manure for a considerable time. I found that I could not do with less than from 49 to 50 tons per acre of horse dung. I also had very good Turnips from 3 cwt. of guano and 3 cwt. of superphosphate. I had also some very good manure from Lawson — it was rather late in the season, however, when I got this. We had not quite as liberal a crop from the 3 cwt. as from the 40 tons. The Chairman said— With regard to the use of bone dust, I mix the whole ot my bones with the urine of the byres. I believe that is far better than dissolving them with acid. It can easily be done merely by aid of a furrow at the end of your middenstead. Some of the bones I had, had been lying nearly a month steeped in urine. Mr. Young of Keir Mains said — I will give you ray experience on the farm of Keir Mains. After preparing the land, we applied about 30 yards of stable-yard manure, that being carried out into large heaps in the winter. After that we applied about 3 cwt. of guano. We have used ammoniac guano, and I am glad to say that it has been most satisfactory. During last year I think our average crop has been about 35 tons per Scotch acre. The land is worth about 3f. per acre. We make our drills about 30 inches apart, and thin our Turnips from 12 to 13 inches. We use the Aberdeen green-top yellow. I got it from Mr. Drummond, and I am glad to say it has given satisfaction. For many years we had been in the habit of growing Swedes, but we find that this green-top yel'ow is an improve- ment on the Swede. Last year— indeed every year since we grew this Turnip, we have them in the month of May in as good condition as rve have in month of January. This year the crop is equally good, and we use the same storage as my frierid Mr. M'Lachlan. We put them into heaps in the field— we find they keep best in that way. I may mention my experience in the west near Glasgow. Our farmers there have been busily engaged carrying their Turnips to Glasgow, where they are sold for food from 18s. to 22s. per ton, and deducting for the five miles they are distant from the city 3s. for carriage and tolls, this leaves about 19s. per ton they realise by the sale. 1 know of no crop so useful or so important as our Turnip, and it will be a woe-day for us when our Turnip crop fails us. Mr. Alexander said — I have had a good long ex- perience now in growing Turnips as a Carse farmer. I have not fallowed any these last 18 years. With regard to the growing of the Turnips, we apply all our farm-yard manure— and had a very suc- cessful crop last year from light manure. From what has been already said about the mixture of manures, I think this ought to be universally adopted. I think there is no fear of not growing a good crop of Turnips from the average Carse land. There may be land so very much impoverished, and very dirty, that may require naked fallow for the first Grass, but I think after that the green crop system will be found the most valuable, even on a Carse farm ; 1 hare laid down 35 tons of fiu'in-yard manure per acre, and given 2 cwt. of guano, and then 4 chalders of sliell lime— all the same year. I think that year it was the most profitable crop we ever had, and the pasture, even as it now is, beats Mr. Murray’s in grazing. This year I applied light manures to a pretty heavy extent. Of the first using as much as 6 cwt. per acre, where there was no solid manure, and then after they were thinned I applied the lime. Mr. M’Laren said— I should like to ask the general opinion as to using artificial manures and lime in one year. Mr. Drummond said — I was at first under the impres- sion that Mr. Alexander had used the lime arid the guano in one operation ; but he now tells us it was after the Turnips had been thinned that he applied the lime, so that the application of the lime was quite safe — coming in direct contact with the guano, it would undoubtedly neutralize its effect. Mr. Gray, Bearside, said — I feel very little difficulty in growing a good crop of Turnips. I can grow very easily 35 or 40 tons per acre ; but I am meeting with an enemy counteracting all these good effects — I am getting very much annoyed with “ finger-and-toe.” That appears to me a complete mystery, but I can sec some little cause in certain cases. For instance, if you put rotten Turnips in your dunghill, you are just as sure to have “finger-and-toe” as if you had it. Mr. Gray described at some length a few experiments he tried, in order to find out the effects of the rotten Turnips on the crop, and every one of them invariably resulted in the fact that rotten Turnips mixed with the manure led to the appearance of this disease in the new crop. The Chairman said— I think we must consider that this subject is nearly exhausted. \Ve have got a great deal of interesting information from various gentlemen on the subject, and I think there are two or three things to be said as a sort of wind-np to the discussion. Wlint Mr. Gray of Bearside mentioned about the rotten Turnips is certainly a point I never heard mooted before. It seems to me a strong fact ; but a still stronger fact seems to me to be that he should have so much finger-and-toe upon new ground. \Ve know that lime modifies this disease, but that it does not cure it ; but it would be most desirable if fanners were to follow up these observations by investigations as to the primary cause of the disease. Isle of Thanet: Labourers’ Friend, Sodety. — _At the late annual meeting of this society the distribution of awards to the successful competitors took place, the recipients [labourers] being admitted into the room for that purpose. The Chairman, the Rev. G. W. Sicklemore, sard ;— My good friends, the gentlemen you see around this table are assembled this evening to do honour to you. The object of the Isle ofThanet Agricultural Association, which is supported by the farmers and others in a higher rank of life than yourselves, is to improve the condition of the labourers by giving awards to those who have conducted themselves well and gained the respect and esteem of their employers, their neighbours and their friends. It is not the mere money value of the rewards at which we or you ought to look. They have a moral weight which far exceeds any other value ; and in this light, as testimonials to^ that conduct honesty, and skill, so much more precious than other possessions, they ought to be viewed by you. They will convince you that those ivlio are placed over you desire that you should follow what is right ; that your conduct is noticed by your masters, and known to your neighbours and friends. The reward- paper hanging up in your cottages, will be a per- petual incentive to honourable exertion, and yoiir children will be reniinded that if they tread in the same paths as you have done, it will not be in vain. I do not know that a more gratifying sight can be imagined than the one which room now presents, when merit and worth are receiving the rewards which they so richly deserve. I lyill say no more, except to remind you of the good advice you so often have heard on these occasions from the lips of Mr. Warre [the lately deceased President of the Association]. Show by your general bearing that you come here merely to receive rewards of which you feel yourselves to be deserving, and that you desire, humble as you are, to work out your lives well and properly. Conduct yourselves well during the year to come as you have done during that which is now nearly ended, and we hope that at our next anniversary we shall see many of you again, and hear of all that you have shown yourselves worthy of the rewards which you are about to receive. I must now again ask you to join with us in drinking the health of her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, the venerable mother of our beloved Queen, and patroness of the Isle of Tlianet Agricul- tural Association. The toast was drunk with tlirr e times three hearty cheers, and after the distri- bution of the prizes the labourers left the room. [Various toasts were then honoured and speeches made.] Mr. Marsden.of Dumpton, near Ramsgate, in acknow- ledging a compliment paid to the strangers present, Januaky 5, 1861 THE CxAEDENEES’ CTEONICLE AND AGETCIILTERAL GAZETTE. 13 spoke thus: — With the permission of the chairman, he would take tlie liberty of saying a few words on the Association and making a remark or two on topics which had been alluded to by previous speakers. They had existed as an Association for about a quarter of a century, with the same rules and regulations, and from year to year they had almost the same list of rewards as at its forma- tion. He was of opinion that both the rules and the list of rewards required revision, and that some of them at least might he altered with advantage. They had been told that agriculturists must not stand still when all other classes and professions were going ahead. He was not sure that the alterations which he believed to be necessary were not better adapted for considera- tion by the committee than for a general meeting, and what he said was intended principally for the com- mittee, by whom he hoped the subject would not be lost sight of. He believed there was some merit due to the labouring man who brought up a large family without parochial relief; but such a man only did his duty, and he did not think many of their labourers would have 10 children if they could help it. Nor could he see much merit in being a widow. He thought it much better, and certainly more within the scope" of their Association to give prizes to skilled labourers, whose merits it was much more easy to define. The Association did right in giving rewards to their best ploughmen, stackers, thatchers, and shep- herds, and in his opinion such prizes should be increased. He remembered the time when it was not safe for a farmer to use a machine, but now they had all machinery i of some kind ; very many of them possessed steam | endnes. Would it not be right therefore for them to i give prizes to the men who proved themselves the best adipted by knowledge to be instructed with the man- agement of such machinery and steam engines ? The Rev. Mr. Robins had made some very judicious remarks on labourers’ cottages, in reference to a letter by Mr. Tucker, recently published in the Times. He had read Mr. Tucker’s letter, and he hoped things were not so bad as was there represented. But there was, even in the Isle of Tliaiiet, a great want of cottages for their labourers. Some remarks had also been made by the chairman on the size of cottages and the number of rooms required. They all admitted that a good cottage was better than a bad one; but a bad one was far better tlian none at all. A landlord who takes down four cot- tages and erects only two, though the two may he on an improved scale, often forces the occupants of the other two to go and reside in worse houses in the worst part of some neighbouring town, from whence they have to travel two or three miles daily to and from their work, in all weathers, and are deprived of the chance of ever having a hot dinner or a meal with their families, except on a Sunday. Their children were left to run about the streets, getting early imbued with every species of vice and wickedness. Surely there must be some cause for such a state of things, and he believed the law of settlement had much to do with it. Abridged from, the Kentish Gazette. NOTICE. SUTTON’S AMATEUR’S GUIDE and PR^ED LIST OF SEEDS lias been unavoidably delayed, owing to the NU.V1BER OF NEW KINDS of Kit.cheii Garden and Flower Seeds. It will be ready on the 1611i inst., and will be sent post free to any address on receijit of 12 stamps, and to^ customers gratis. — Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading WHEELER’S “ LITTLE BOOK ’’ (Illustrated) for 1861 will b^re^dy in a few days. Free for three stamps. Gratis to customers. This “ Little Book,” or select Seed List, contains prices and descriptions of some very choice v.arieties, ex- clusively in our possession. It also gives full particulars of our celebrated collections of Garden Seeds, which we deliver carriage free. J. C. Wheeler & Sou, Seed Growers, Gloucester. COMPANY.— The Directors 1 have much pleasure in stating th^ the NEW EDITION of their GENERAL PRICE CURRENT is Now Ready, and may be had direct from the Company, or upon application to Messrs. Simpkin, Mar.shall, & Co., 4, Stationers Court, ondon, E.C. Price 6d, each. Contents of the Present Edition. PLYMOUTH SEED GARDEN. Page ., 2 3, 4, 7 .. 5 Freight and Carriage Notices Address Book Parcel Post . . • ■ 6 Almanack .. .. 9, 10 Collection of Seeds 11, 13, 13 General List of Garden Seeds 14-37 General List of Flower Seeds .. -. .. 38-47 Collections of Flower Seeds . . . . • ■ 48-49 Imported Carnation Seeds 50-51 Imported Seeds from Ger- many . . . . . . 52-55 Choice Florists’ Flower Seeds 55 New Anuuals .. .. 56 Seakale and Asparagus 88 FARM. Descriptive List of Gra.ss Seeds , . . . . 57-62 Clovers 63 Page Prices of ditto . . 64-65 Descriptive List of Turnips 66-70 Prices of ditto . . . . 71 Carrots . . ■ • . . 72 Mangolds . . - ■ ■ • 73 Grain and Forage Crops 74, 75, 76 Manures 77 Ploughs . • - ■ - . 78 Harrows 79 Clod Crushers and Horse Hoes 80 Rollers .and Drills . . . . 81 Thrashing ^lachines . . 81 Winnowing Machines . . 82 Turnip Cutters . . . . 83 Chaff cutters and Corn Crushers . . . . . . 84 Haymaking Machines, &c. 85 Linseed Cake Breakers .. 85 Hay Collectors . . . . 86 Parke’s Steel Forks — . . 87 Lawn Mowing Machines .. 87 I Garden Rollers . . . . 87 1 Garden Chairs . . . . 87 rjTHE BES'l' HOUSE AND FRAME CUCUMBER,, “WILLIAM BROWN,” — This excellent house .and frame variety is offered not as an exhibliion kind, hut as one of the best for general purposes, being a ;irofuse bearer, of voiy fine quality, and medium length, such as every Gardener would wish to possess who has the daily wants of a household to meet, or a good marketable iruit to supply. It is held in the highest estimation by all the Gardeners in the neighbour- hood where it was originally raised. Stock limited. I'rice Is. per packet. Iree by post. To be had only from James Tvnan, Seed Warehouse, 68, Great George Street, Liverpool. ORKSHIRE HERO FRAME CUCUMBER.— An excellent variety, from 24 to 30 inches, fine flavour, white spined, most abundant bearer, will give satisfaction to every grower who wants quality and quantity. Price 2s. Cd. per packet. BRITISH QUEEN FRAME CUCUMBER.— A mo.st prolific dark green white spine variety, 20 to 30 inches in length, cai-ries its bloom well, a shy seeder, very good and distinct. Price 2s. 6J. per packet. S7CHAMPION OF ENGLAND BROCCOLI.— This universally esteemed variety will grow to an enormous size, sometimes weighing 27 lbs. ; a small quantity of seed has been saved from large heads, which may be had in se.aled packets, 2s. Gd. each, KEMP’S EARLY INCOMPARABLE CABBAGE.— The be.st variety in cultivation. Packets Is. each. HUNT’S SUPERB SWEET WILLIAM, per packet, 6 NEW CUCUMBERS AND MELONS. WJ. EPPS has much pleasure in stating that he • has the stock of the following which has been so suc- cessfully exhibited and grown by Mr. Frost, the gardener to E. L. Betts, Esq., Preston Hall. CUCUMBERS. — ” PERFECTION,” Black Spine ; small handle, fills up well and carries a fine bloom, a good cropper aud superior flavour, pronounced by competent judges to be the best Cucumber out. 2s. 6 JliiNUblOU UU2VOO U1 tuts eVWL/V V oi£.«o X1J-. Small Sheet Squares, in 100 feet Boxes. 6 by 4 64 by4i 7 by 5 It SH Us. 6d. R 6 8i ., 61 9 „ 7 94 „ 74 I ® ” ” i .. S 10 „ 8 lOJ „ 84 12 h Boxes 2s. each, returnable at full price. Patent Plate and Polished Plate Glass. Ornamental and Coloured Gla,ss. Perforated Glass for Ventilation. LONDON AGENTS FOB IIAEtISYTiMPKOVED PATENT KOUGH PLATE nSIIiK PAWS., Horticultural purposes. THOMAS MILLINGTON, 87, BISHOPSGATE STREET WITHOUT, LONDON, E C Seduced Tariff foi^Horticnlture, Pictures, and Dwellings- OECHARD-HOUSE SIZES SMALL SaUARES. Supplied to Mr. Rivers and many Others. P'- .. n Tn Tr, In. bv I: 111. by In. 16 oz. 21 oz " 13 1 Common, per 100 feet, 13«. 6d. 20 20 20 ISs. 23s. 1 In. ' G by In. 4 8 In. by In. 6 1 Per 100 feet. 1 Common i 64 ; 7 ! 44 .. 64 11s. 6d. 5 9 7 Super. 1: 74 . . 54 Oh „ 74 12s. 6d. Per foot. 14c!. IJi. Squares in 100 and 200 Feet Boxes. Inches by 10 .. 104 •• 11 12 .. Inches. 8 84 9 9 Inches by Inches 124 13 12 124 TXTINTER dressing POE ORCHARD HOUSE W and other fruit trees. tjj v™ » t Extract from the Eighth Edition of the Orchard House. By Mr. Rivers. “ January paint tbs trees (every shoot and bud) with Gishurst Compound, half a pound to the gallon of water. This will destroy the eggs of Aphides.” i Vines and outside wall trees shpuld first be washed, stem and shoots, with 8 oz. solution of Gishurst, then smeared with clay and Gishurst, (see Gardeners’ Chronicle Oct. 13), or with lime, sulphur, and Gis- hurst, made into a paste. If the smell be disliked, make the solution 48 hours before use. Full directions as to the use of weaker solutions against udldew and insect pests in spring “djummer, withj^arU- flTmicating and syringing. RIEFITHS AND AVISS, Tobacconists, Coventry, IsEsfiisiSs Isfst-ssrriss- Stolerr^Wet tie Earl of Denbigh, Newnham Paddox Mr. Thomas Pond, the Viscount Hood, Mr. Geo. Tranter, the Hon. GranviUe D. Ryder, wesLoroos., Hemel Hempstead Mr Geo. Bennett, J. Beech, Esq., Brandon Mr Jas. Kuaokston, J. R. West, Esq., pa,-k Mr. W. H. Hountford, H. R Hughes, Esq., Kiumel PaiK. Mr. Petr c3onfc.’t^e™'4q.. The Gardens, High Grounds, Mr. Francis R.'^Kinghorne, Nurseryman, Seedsman, and Florist, Mr. Joto ReeveCt^^roke Nui-sery, Netting Hill. W. "Ml- TrtVm Tenninffs, Nurseries, Sbipston-on-iStoui Mr.Edwa?rSns, NurseiVman, Seedsman, ana Florist, Mr ToKt^"Surseryman. Seedsman, and Florist, Coventry Mcirt s^ Perkins & Sons, Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and - - Wwteff ^NurseiTmcn and Florists preferred. N*B. Cast Fumigating Pots, Tobacco Water for Syringing, and Tobacco Juice for Sheep Dressing. 11 11 11 11 12 12 15 .. 13 16 16 .. 12 17 17 .. 12 20 18 .. 12 23 20 .. 12 20 22 .. 12 22 If less quantity . glass cut to any GIVEN SIZES TOT^OT 16 oz.— 4ths, l|d., 2d., and 24ci. per foot. j 3ds, 34d., 4d., and 44d. per foot. Idr2id724d’. and 3d. per foot. HARTllEV’S IMPROVED PATEWT ROVGH PEATE. Not accountable for ^^e f age. 7d. per gall. _ QOc Oil Tier cwt. I LlNbiARil-) vlLi •• on GENUINE WHITE LEAD .. •• BOILED „ | ® YNTI-GORROSION PAINT .. •• „ ” TURPENTINE • • , „ ' ' ^ 'lINSEED-OIL PUTTY^^ of PAINTS, VARNISHES. BRUSHES, &c. ST. PANCRAS IRON WORKS, OLD ST. PANCRAS ROAD, N.W. IRON HURDLES, FENCING, AND GATES. XHE prop— op the ST.PAHoU IRO. WORKS, ODD ST. PAKCRAS ROAD, EOKDOK. WDEE AWARDED THE ___ SILVER MEDAL of tke Royal Agricultural Society for their IRON HURDLES & GATE. SILVER mU-DAli 01 ^ as strotm- and durable as those in ordinary use. Th8 Hvrdles can ta aeen in proceas ct Mannfactare at fta Works. G A N3 E WIRE netting. Professor Varnell’s Enamelled and Wrouglit-iron Stable ^^tmgs. rroiessor Vdiaei MAninod the Coinmendation and the S.lver_Medal of t .e ^.ofessor VarneliS HilldHieiiCU commendation and the Silver Medal of the These Patent Alangers and Ao-ricnltural Society of Ireland, are adopted hy the Royal Agricultural Society f Cmt Institution states that they should he used by all who Royal Veterinary i^in, galvanised, or enamelled. valL the health and comtort of their horses. T y stable Furnitm-e, and full-sized stalls and loose A Show Room is devoted entirely to every boxes are erected for inspection at St. Pancras Iron V oi^- ADDFvESS— THE MANAGEES ST PANCRAS IRON WORKS, OLD ST. PANCRAS ROAD, LONDON, N.W. ^T. FAMOK/A ^p^oSlTE OLD ST. PANCRAS CHURCH. January 5, 1861.] THE GARDEINERS’ CIIEONICLE AND AGRICELTDKAL GAZETTE. 15 SA M U E L ^ N. M c G E E, E 0 \V, General Horticultural Builder, Knotty Ash, near Liverpool. Reference permitted to the Nobility and Gentry throughout Great Britain and Ireland. ■ HOTHOUSES FOR THE MILLlOlM Made by Steam Power at J LEWIS'S Hoeticultubal Works, Stamford • Hill, Middlesex, N. These Hothouses are made on a much better and stronger principle than those manufactured on Sir J. Paxton’s plan, and are more durable and cheaper. A span-roof measuring 30 ft. by 16 ft., with two glass ends A and doors complete 30 Do. do. 40 ft. by 20 ft. do. do. 60 Do. do. 60 ft. by 24 ft. do. _ do 90 The price of any other size forwarded on application to J . Lewis. HORTlCULTURfiL WORKS AND HOT-WATER APPARATUS MANUFACTORY. Kensal Green, Harrow Road, London, W. J" UHN TAYLOE and SON beg to call the attention of the nobility and gentry to the very supenor maimer in which they Erect all kinds of Conservatories, Vi^nes, Green- houses, &c., combining every improvement wi^ elegance oi design and durability of materials and workmansh^). Their VENTILATING APPARATUS for the Fronts and Roofs of Houses has given the highest satisfaction. Churches Chapels, Schools, Entrance Halls, Public Buildings, &c., heated with Hot- Water Apparatus in a most economical and efficient manner. . , - , v, r J. T. & Son have great pleasure m referring to numbers ot the nobility and gentry by whom they a.re extensively engaged. SLATE WORKS, ISLEWORTH, MIDDLESEX, W. EDWAED beck Manufactures in Slate a variety of articles for Horticultural purposes, all of which may be seen in use at Worton Cottage, on application to the Gardener, Sundays excepted. PRICED LISTS of PLANT TUBS and BOXES forwarded on application. ~ TOSEPH HAYWOOD ^ AND CO., Manufacturers or PRUNING and budding KNIVES, SPORTSMAN’S, and all kinds of POCKET CUTLERY. PAXTON WORKS, SHEFFIELD, ESTABLISHED 1738. QAYNOK AND COOKE’S warranted PEIZE O PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, SCISSORS, &c.- Sold by all respectable Nurserymen and Seed Merchants in ♦•he three KiTjfrdnmR WEST OF ENGLAND, IRELAND, AND WALES. VINCENT SKINNEE ■ (late Partner with J. Weeks I& Co.), erects Conservatories, Hot-bouses, and Hot-water ^ 'Arparatus to warm Churches, i Hothouses, &c., and has fore- j:;-;''.. men from london to superin-'' ' tend their construction. Upright Pipe Boilers, Plans, and Estimates.— V. Skinner, Bridewell Street. Bristol. STRAW MATTING oh THATCH is the best cover- ing from frost for Hot-beds, Wall Fruit, Seedings, &c. MACHINES to weave the Matting are Manufactured by Magqs & Hindley, Bourton, Dorset. D Dealers in Gambia Garden Shears, Scissors, Syringes, &c. Glamorgan Works, Sheffield. JAMES AND FREDK. HOWARD, BRITANNIA IRON WORKS, BEDFORD, IEECT attention to some of the ADVANTAGES which their CHAMPION PLOUGHS possess The BEAMS are ribbed or flanged at the hinder part, which gives great strength where most required, and' effectually prevents springing or bending. 2. The FRAME or body, to which the lever neck is fitted, is formed so as to stand the roughest usage. s'. The BODY can be removed from the beam, and a Subsoil or Ridging body attached. 4. The BREASTS are so formed that choking in the throat is avoided. 5. The LEVER NECK is so boxed in as not to be liable to either wear or breakage. . , i 6. The LEVER NECK is tightened at the end, so that the objection to a lever neck becoming loose througti wear 7. The^WHEEL FASTENINGS are made to tighten in the du-ection of the strain, and are not therefore liable to get loose through wear. CATALOGUES with full particulars of J. & F. HOWARDS’ CHAMPION PLOUGHS, HARROWS, HORSE RAKES, and other Implements, sent free on application. Also Reports of Smith’s Steam Cultivators, from Purchasers in Twenty Counties of England. Scotland, and Ireland. VALUABLE PROOFS AND A CH ALLE E TO T HOLE WORLD. WEEKS’ ONE-BOILER SYSTEM, PATKONISE5D BY H. R- THE PRII^JCE CONSOR T- o fQ The Season has arrived for calling into urgent requisition and testing the unparalleled capacity of '‘WEEKS’ ONE-BOILER SYSTEM” OF HEATING BY HOT WATER. Its world-wide popularity and universal satisfaction gained justifies Messrs. Weeks in challenging the world to show or refer to apparatus equal iii extent and efficiency to the many hundreds erected by them in various parts of the kingdom and continent; and they refer with more than ordinary pleasure to those at the following establishments, being of gigantic proportions, and which the Nobility, Gentry, and Horticulturists are specially invited to inspect during the present season. \ Messrs. E. G. HENHEESON and SON, Wellington Nursery. Messrs. AETHUE HENDERSON and CO., Pine-Apple Place, W, Messes. WOODEOFFE and CO., Harrow Eoad, W, Messrs. SMITH, The Nurseries, Dulwich, S. Messrs. WOOD and INGEAM, The Nurseries, Huntingdon. Messrs. WOOD and SON, The Nurseries, Maresfield. Messrs. LOWE and SON, The Nurseries, Clapton, N.E. Messrs. EOLLISSON, Tooting. The BOTANIC GAEDENS, Liverpool. Mr. dyer, Alton, Hants. Messes. J. WEEKS and CO., King’s Road, Chelsea, S.W. W Oi & CO PAN JOHN WEEKS Horticultural Builders, Hot- Water Apparatus Manufacturers, Engineers and Ironfounders, KING’S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. PAMPHLETS FREE ON APPLICATION. PLANS, ESTIMATES, AND 16 THE GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [January 5, isei. » ii OTHOUSES BY TH FRUIT, rpHE extremely variable and uncertain nature of the climate of Great Britain-so well exemplified in the experience of the present i garden productions so very precarious, that it is high time the energies of the Horticul tura Architect were directed to " ,,d 32ective structure which would obviate the defects of climate and insure in all seasons an abundant supply of common culinaiy vegetables, and also of those ^arcle i luxuries which our present state of civlUsation has rendered iudlapeusable to the comfort of every gentlenuui s hoiiie. a u;»ncolf rlnf h\^ desitrra Henry Oemson, assisted by an able Horticulturist, has devoted much time to the cons.dera ion of this sub,ect, and f ^ for ceverino' lar»e spaces will entirely supply the desideratum, and that they will bo found not only thoioughly efficient for the p p I . but that” the ^ he can erecT them-manufactur’ed by steam power machinery-will bo so rei^oniffile - . « f workmanship and materials will be of the most superior description. y i.fl.Krs and BSXirSATES given on application foi covenng 5 of an acie, an acre, acre, an acre, or any greater or less extent of ground which may be considered desirable. HENRY ORMSON, Horticultural Builder, Stanley Bridge, King’s Road, Chelsea, London, S.W. BY HEE MAJESTY’S ROYAL LETTERS PATENT. ORmSs PATENT JOINTLESS TUBULAR BOILEl Is now from Practical Tests allowed to be the best ever invented for to every person’s understanding that it must be infinitely more safe for carryin Efficiency, Power, and Economy, and from the following Tacts it will be manifest lystem than any other Vprigbt Tutoular Boiler. I oi ^ 1 OA 4-nl-«nci -f/M* CltlH 1' out the One Boiler bjouc... : , r ' .r -i 1 mi ei,., instance, tiie ordinary old-fashioned Jointed BprlgUt Tubular Boilers made by all other manufacturers, having “i,eha°shn Ormson’s 'patent tnere Is Waterway Furnace bars, would have 64 joints made of cement and rope yavii all exposed to the direct Action of tbe Fir , not One Joint upon which the Fire can act, hence the great advantage and security of this Patent. Holler Svstem. These Boilers are made of various sizes so as to suit the amateur or for heating the Xargest Bstabllsbment j v i- m Horticultural Buildings of every Description Manufactured by Steam Power Machm^^ n b pT t r A T T O ^ PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND ESTIMATES FREE_ON APPLICATION. HENRY ORMSON, Horticultural Builder and Hot-Water Apparatus Manufacturer, STANLEY BRIDGE, KING’S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. Lonbara St, Precinct oi' U iudfrra'rCcuVof L5idoi;.'aiTi.ibfirhed Vy them at the Sn PaiR’s?CowTtVa^fe^ Co.-Siivanai. January S. 1861. frlaleii hy Wiliiam BBiDatiar, of 13. Upper Woburn Place, and Fre»ebick _ AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. A Stamped Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News.— The Horticultural Part Edited by Professor Lindley. No. 2.— 18G1.] SATURDAY, JANUARY 12. I Price Fivepence. ( Stamped Edition, Qd. A^ri. Society of England Boiler incrustations: Books, noticed Bottom-beat for Vines Ciiemistry, Dr. Anderson's .... Uonifers. new Japan l^otta^es, labourers' <’ow9, Breton Crops in Scotland December, I860 Uraina^re outfalls Vertiliser, new patent Fisli breeding Food adulterations Frost returns 21 23 6* Game laws 30 h- Gardeners and employers Grapes*, early* 23 c- Heating Highland and Agri. Soc Incrustations, boiler Japan, Conifers of 29 b 30 c 27 b 23 € 3^ a 22 t 30 a 37 b 36 a 25 a 35 c 35 c 24 b 35 c -31 h 26 6 -26 a 26 b 33 6 30 c 22 c letters INDEX. Japan, Mr. Veitcb’s from Labourer, condition of — cottages Linnean Society Mangel leaf stripping Manure, farm yard Moss on trees Nice, weather at Phosphates, loss of — from Paris Babbits, to destroy Headings, penny Red River settlement Hoses, to strike Steam culture Trees, Moss on Village hospital Vines, bottom-heat for Weather returns ....21 6, 23 6- — at Nice Wolves 24 c 30 c 30 a 27 o. 33 a 31 c 23 c 26 c 35 a 35 c 26 6 35 c 22 . 26 a 32 6 28 c 35 c 23 c -25 a 26 c 28 a Koyal horticultural society.— At the GRAND SHOW on JUNE 5, SPECIAL PRIZES for the best group of three baskets of FRUIT and FLOWERS for the decoration of the dinner table are offered. First prize, 101 ; second 5i. ; third, 3i. ; fourth, 2/. Beautiful arrangement will be the test of merit in this Exhibition ; valuable flowers or fruits are therefore not de- manded. Each set must consist of three baskets. Ladies are invited to join in the competition. The Prizes will be awarded by a jury of ladies. The baskets wUl he received as late as 11 o’clock A.M., provided space shall have been reserved lor them the day before. Ladies and gentlemen residing in the country and wh ' intend to send baskets can secure the space rectulred by h tte^. GARDENERS’ ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTI- TUTION, 14, Tavistock Row, Covent Garden, London, The ANNUAL GE'IERAL MEETING of the Members of this Institution will be holden at the house of the Society of Arte, John Street, Adelphi, on THURSDAY, the 17th January next, at 7 o’clock in the evening precisely, for the purpose of receiving the Report of the Committee, and the Accounts of the Society for the present year, and electing Officers for the ensuing year. By Order, Edwd. B. Cutler, January 12, Secretary. CORDYLINE IN DI VISA.— See Advertisement the first Saturday in the month. J. & C. Lee, Nursery, Hammersmith, London, W. OBSON AND SON’S PRIZE CALCEOLARIA SEED, 1». 6J., 2«. 6(f., 3j. 6d., and 6s. each packet, sealed. Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, W. L ILIUM SI^Nfl^M.^5 Seeds of this noble richly-scented hardy Lily post free for 12 stamps. Thomas Jackson & Son, Kingston, S.W. Double tuberoses, imported direct. Price to the Trade on application. James Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holbom, London, W.C. Arbutus. — several tlmnsand 1-year old Seedlings for sale. — Apply to Tiios. Barne.s & Co., Morrion Nur- sery. Dublin. PELARGONIUMS. JOHN DOBSON and SONS beg to invite the at- tention of intending purchasers of tho above, who will be liberally dealt with. A choice selection sent at a moderate price. NEW CATALOGUES now ready, post free. Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth. W. Giant polyanihus and giant cowslip. — These favourite Flowers to be obtained either in Roots or Seed. — Application to be made to Geo. Mace, at the Giirdens. Calcot, near Beading. ROSES Edwin HOLLAMBY begs to inform his Friends and Patrons that- his DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATA- LOGUE of the above for 1860—61 is now ready, and will ho forwarded post fi-ee and gratis on application. Strawberry Hill Nurseries Seed Establishment, Parade, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. JAND J. FRASER’S NEW CATALOGUE of • PLANTS, FRUIT TREES, and ROSES, is now ready and may be had on application to J. 4i J. Fraser, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, Leyton, N.E. STRAWBERRIES Robertson’s “Wizard of the North” and “Nonsuch.” Daniel ROBERTSON is prepared to supply the above superior varieties, in well-estabUshed Plants, at 21s. per 100 each. In pots, 25s. — Linside Nursery, Paisley. VINES FROM EYES IN POTS. OCHFORD, Market Gaedeneb, at P ^ • Green, Tottenham. N.E., and Oak Hill, East Barnett, Herts, has a large stock of the above, from 4to 8fert, well ripened and rooted, propagated from the celebrated Vines at Oak Hill. Idees on application, and the Trade liberally dealt with. 'M DWARF-TRAINED PEACHES AND NECTARINES. WJ. EPPS has a large quantity of fine cleai • grown stuff of the above. Prices to the Trade am others sent on application. Tho True KENTISH COB NU' TREES, very liandsome pfants, 6s. per dozen and upwards. A GENERAL LIST of FRUITS, ROSES, SHRUBS PLANTS, Ac., sent on application. — High Street, Maidstone. CHARLES B. SAUNDERS, Nueseeyman, &c. Jersey, begs to offer the following articles to the attentioi of horticulturalists generally — Fine Strong VINES, 6 to 10 feet long, and oomparativol; strong, of tho most approved kinds, the roots of which hav never been crammed or distorted by pot culture. DWARF STANDARD PEAR TREE on QUINCE STOCKS 2 to 4 years’ growth, most of which are in fruiting condition. Prices and lists of general stock on application. TAMES CARTER and CO., fj SEED MERCHANTS and NURSERYMEN, 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. GOOD SEEDS, CARRIAGE FREE. QUTTON AND SONS, O SEED GROWERS and MERCHANTS, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. BUTTON’S COLLECTIONS of GAHDEN SEEDS. )0 — See Go.rdeners' ChronicU of December 15, page 1102. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. OUTI’ON’S SHORT SELECT SEED LIST will be sent gi’atis and post free on application as below. It is now Ready. Sutton & Sons. Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. QURPLUS STOCK of IMPORTED DUTCH lO FLOWERING BULBS.— 50 HYACINTHS, 100 TULIPS, 100 CROCUS, 18 POLYANTHUS NARCISSUS, 60 GARDEN NARCISSUS. 30 IXIAS. 30 SPABAXIS, 6 CHINESE P.®ONIE3, 6 CROWN IMPERIALS, all in exeellent condition for 21s. — Butler & McCulloch, Covent Carden Market. W.C. CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR THE MILLION. T H. BIRD, F.H.S., Nuesfeyman, Stoke Newing- • ton, begs to inform his friends and the public, that he will be able to supply them with strong plants of the above Flower, in quantities from a dozen to a thousand, from his well-known stock, which is the largest in Europe, at the proper season, viz., FEBRUARY and MARCH next, at very low prices.— N.B. A new CATALOGUE will be published in January, and may be had for One Stamp. NOTICE. EO. MACINTOSH, Agent to Mr. F. W. Wendel, vT Erfurt, Prussia, in answer to numerous applications regarding the non-arrival of Seeds kindly ordered through him, begs to inform his patrons that the delay has been caused by the severity of the weather, the rivers being frozen. High Road, Hammersmith, W., Jan. 12. FERN CATALOGUE. ■pOBERT SIM’S DESCRIPTIVE AND PRICED XV CATALOGUE, No. 6 (62 pages) of his COLLECTION of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, can he had, post free, for 8 stamps. Gratis to all previous purchasers of Ferns. Nursery, Foot’s Cray, Kent, S.E. GENUINE CARDEN SEEDS. TTCTM- CUTBUSH and SON beg to intimate tliat VV their PRICED CATALOGUE ok KITCHEN GARDEN and FLOWER SEEDS for 1861 is now ready and will be sent gratis on application. Every article offered can be gaaranteed ol the very best description and true. — Highgate Nurseries, London, N., onl\. CATALOGUES FOR 1861. TjlDVVARD SANG and SONS beg to intimate that Hi their PRICED CATALOGUES of Plants and Seeds for 1861 are now ready and may be had on application. — Kirkcaldy, Jan. 12. TO THE TRADE. /CHARLES SHARPE and CO., Seed Growees, Sleaford, will forward post free on application their WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of SEEDS for the present season. Sleaford, Lincoln-shire. — Jan. 12. NE\W SEEDS.— CARRIAGE FREE. ECONOMY IN ORDERING SEEDS.— Send for JOHN DOBSON and SONS’ DESCRIPTIVE fj CATALOGUE, sent poat free to any address, and select your own kinds and quantities in preference to tho collection system.— High Street, Hounslow, W., and Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, W. l\/rESSRS. MILNE and CO. beg to announce that IVX their PRICED CATALOGUE of SELECT KITCHEN GARDEN AND FLOWER SEEDS for 1861 is now ready, and will be forw.arded post free to any address on application. M. & Co. have still on hand a choice assortment of v ell trained Dwarf and Standard Apples, Pears, Plums, CheiTios, Peaches, and Nechuines. The Trade liberally dealt with. Camellia Nursery, Wandsworth Road, Ijondon, S^ TT7H0LESALE CATALOGUE of NURSERY YV STOCK (see another Advertisement), can be had Free on applying to GEORGE JACKMAN and SON, Woking Nursery, Surrey. WHOLESALE CATALOGUE. EORGE JACKMAN and SON’S PRICED and Or DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE for 1860 and SPRING 1361, comprising Fruit Trees of all the leading kind.^ new and selected Roses, fine varieties of Amcricau Plants, Choice and Rare Conifei'S, Evergreen and Deciduous Trees and Wlirii^bs, and a fine Stock of Transplanted Forest Trees, &c., can be had free on application. — Woking Nursery, Surrey. TT'IUCAS of the leading kinds, young busby clean i ' J stuft’, to 12s. per dozen ; to the Trade 50s. per 100. Also the leading kinds of GERANIUMS, 6s. to 12s. jjor dozen ; and NEW VERBENAS #f last year, 6s. to 9s. per dozen, esta- blished in 60-size pots. — Epp.s’ Nurseries, Maidstone. A ZALEA INDICA.— The Subscribers have a fine /A. healthy stock of dwarf bushy Plants, well set with bloom, which they beg to offer to the Trade ; also an immense quantity of half specimens of all the leading kinds.— Puces on application to J, Iveby & Sou, Dorking Nurseiy. TVTEVV AZALEA INDICA. — Alba unica, Adelaide L\| von Nassau, Adolphe von Nassau, Alexander II., Aurelie, Bernard Andrd, Bouquet de Flore, Comte do Hainault, Dimeter Augustin, Distinction, Flower of tho Day, Model, Nathalie, J Queen of the Whites, Roi Leopold, Rosy Circle, Schone Main- zorln, Teutonia, Thusnelde, and William Luddick. Good clean plants; purchaser’s selection of 12, 405.; the set ol 20, 3J., hamper and packing included. Thomas Jackson & Son, Nurserymen, &c., Kingston, S.W G AGRICULTURAL SEEDS. E O R G E GIBBS and CO,, SEEDSMEN, 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON. W. L Y i\l O U T H SEED C O M P A N Y.— Gener.xl Seed Merchants, Union Road, Plymouth, New SEEDS ON sale by the PLYMOUTH SEED COMPANY. — For prices and particulars see their general price CURRENT, which is now ready. Address, Plymouth Seed Company, Plymouth, Devon. PLYMOUTH SEED COMPANY (Limited). The GENERAL PRICE CURRENT can he had for six postage stamps. Plymouth Seed Company, Plymouth. PLANTING SEASON. — Every description of NURSERY STOCK of the finest growth can be supplied by W. H. ROGERS, from his extensive Nursery and American Grounds, extending over 60 acres, a visit to which is respect- fully solicited. — Red Lodge Nursery, Southampton. CHOICE FLOWERS, CAMELLIA BLOOMS, ETC. d LUCOMBE, PINCE, and CO. can now supply CHOICE FLOWERS of a supe'ior description, either for decoration, or made into Bouquets. Orders promptly executed. Exeter Nursery, Exeter, within 10 minutes’ walk of the St. Thomas’ Station. FINE HEALTHY STOCK VERBENAS. George smith, Lon-lmere Road, Walworth, S.W., begs to draw attention to his fine healthy collec- tion of the above, containing the best varieties, with most of the sorts of 1860, established in thumbs at 6s. per doz FUCHSIAS of 1860, in thumbs, 8s. per doz. CATALOGUES by enclosing postage stamps. ^Fl NE TRANSPLANTED Ffl^YYlc. WOOD AND INGRAM have to ofter a fine lot of SCOTCH. 4 tc 5 feet, very strong, at 35«. per 1000 ; a few hundreds of LARCH, 5 to 7 feet, at 8s. per 100 ; also fine specimen SYCAMORES, 10 to 12 feet, at 60s., and 15 to 18 feet, at 120s. per 100. — Huntingdon Nurseries. LtVS WHITE SPROUTING BROCCOLI. AND ALL OTHER REALLY GoOD NEW KINDS OF SEEDS ARE SUPPLIED BY Messrs. SUTTON and sons direct from the p.arties Introducing them, and at the grower’s prices. Messrs. Sutton’s NEW SEED LIST is now ready. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. WHAT YIELDS MOST SOVEREIGNS PER ACRE? Kentish cob filberts.— IVecs to be bad by applying to Geo. Mace, at the Gardens, Calcot, neoi- Beading. MILLTRACK MUSHROOM SPAWN. WM. CUTBUSH and son can still supply the above firstnrato SPAWN at 7s. 6d. per bushel.— Sea Gardiners* Chronicle^ Dec. 22, 1860, page 1129. Highgate Nurseries, London, N. (only). SPARAGUS fob forcing, 5 and 6 years’ trans- planted, 5s. per 100, or 21. per 1000.— Apply to A. Laidlaw,9, Elizabeth Terrace, Church St. , Stoke Newington, N . TO THE SPED TRADK.— 4 cwt. of DWARF YORK CABBAGE, growth of 1859 (saved with great care).— For prico, apply to Charles Dotton, Seed Grower, Speenhamland, Newbury, Berks. WEBB’S IMPERIAL KIDNEY POPATOKS. — Surpassing for quality, beauty, and yield, any other Potato. — Application to Geo. Mace, at the Gardens, Calcot, near Reading Wanted, from 40 to 50 Imsbcls each of EARLY IIANDSWORTH and BIRMINGHaVM PRIZEFAKER potatoes.— w. C. Wilson, 35, Southwark Bridge Road, S. YT7AU(m’S~PU'RlYd<^^ TU RN I V SEE 1).— For W Sale, about 200 bushels of the above fine TURNIP SEED in splendid condition.— Cffers will be received by, and .samples forwarded on application to, John Bell, Nashie Hall, Balbeggie by Perth. GREEN TOP YELLOW ABERDEEN TURNIP . JOHN SHARPE can offer this desirable TURNIP of fine character and upon advantageous terms. Bardney Hall, near Lincoln.^ X O T H E T R A D E. JOHN SHARPE will be glad to funiisb, on applica- tion m-ices of the .Seeds he has harvested and is grow- ing, e’?nsisUng of TURNIPS, MANGELS, PEAS, &e Seed Growing Establishment, Bardney Hall, near Lmcoin. A^TUTTING’S SELECTED DWARF RED BEET, 1\ recommended by the Horticultural Society as best in piiUivation To be had of all Seedsmen. Netting & Sons. Seed Warehouses, 60, li.arbican, London,_E^. ■ TO THE TRADE. nnURNIP AND MANGEL WUBZEL pEDS.-- l The undorsiernod have on offer in quantity Seeds of tho ahove^erop 1860, "of best selected stocks raised from tians- rkUnipfl bulbs such as they can with confidence recommend. ?erms on ^ iication^jAt7ES Fairhead & Son, Seed Grower* aXMerehmlts. 7, Borough Market. London. S.E. ^ Merchants and A ynBIRD and ■ CO., Seed — - Growers, Basingstoke, and 89, Seed Market, Mark Lane, ^ s“mpies'and Quotations of all kinds of AGRICULTURAL and SEED CORN, sent post free on application. SEEDS, and acfcu -, Manures, Linseed Cakes, Cotton Seed Cakes! &c., of best quality at Market Prices. 18 THE GARDENEES’ GllRONIOLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januaby 12, 186I. New fuchsia, madame cornelissen.— Among the white corolla class, is tho best double, deepest coloured sepals in contrast best fuse in bloom, and best habit. Plants young and free lu Lo^h. well adapted for making specimens m the coming Season, offered at 3s. 6d. each, post free, 4s. bd. PETUNIA LADY EMILY" PEEL, 3s. 6d. each, and THE ^^ETONLA*^ ANNIE KIEN.— Double crimson, with pic- turesque white margins, 3s. 6d. each. TREE CARNATIONS, full of flower and bud. THE BULB GUIDE, for Amateur Growers, is now pub- Ushed, and m.ay be had of Messrs. He^ekson ui e^^ns 13 postage stamps; also a Coloured Lithograjihed Plate ot Weflington Nursery (22 inches by lo), on receipt of 1. stamps. E G. Henderson & Son, Wellington Nursery, St. Johns Wood, London, N.W — vegetable and agricultural seeds, Xc. Messrs, parker and williams beg to in- form their friends and patrons that they are now pre- pared tre“ecute wSrNEW an^d GENUINE SEEDS all orders they may be favoured with. Their PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, contain- ing all NEW VEGETABLES proved to be good, and all the best of the older varieties, will be forwarded post free on appli- cation. An inspection and comparison with prices of othei firms is solicited. . The following are particularly recommended as very superior varieties in their respective classes, and should be inclimed in the most select collections : — Beet, Compact topped ; Brocco- lies. New White Sprouting, Winter White (true); Bmssels Sprouts, Improved Dwarf; Cauliflowers, Early Dwarf Erturt, New Early Mammoth or Frogmore Forcing ; Celery, Imperial Dwarf Red, Nonsuch, Colewort Rosette ; Leeks, Ay ton Castle Giant Hybrid Prize ; Lettuces, Alma, Moor Park, Versailles ; Peas, Early Prolific, General Wyndham, Perfection. Paradise Nursery, Seven Sisters and Hornsey Roads, Hollo- way, London, N, ST IRLIIMG, SCOTLAND. OUR CATALOGUE of SELECT VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS, POTATOES, GARDEN TOOLS, &o for 1861, is now ready, and may be had on application. The distinctive featm-es of this Catalogue are such as have commended themselves alike to the Gardener and Amateur. Being simple in arrangement, and sufficiently descriptive, a selection from its columns is rendered easy and satisfactory. Moreover, we still adhere to the system introduced by us several years since, of discarding, in thq various sections, all comparatively inferior varieties, as well as omitting what are mere repetitions of the same sorts under different n.ames. *** Seeds Carriage Paid, as formerly. W. DRUMMOND and SONS. Seed and Implement Warehouse, Stirling and Dublin, Jan. 12. HARDY SCARLET RHODODENDRONS. JOHN WATER ER begs to announce that bis New DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY' SCARLET and other choice RHODODENDRONS, a.s are annually displayed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent’s P.avk, is now published and will be forwarded on application. It likewise furnishes a List of all popular Hardy Plants, with a selection of the most desirable Conifers, with heights and prices. . , , The American Nursery, Bagshot, Suri'ey, near Sunnmgdale Station, South-Western Railway. , . ^ ^ The CATALOGUE can also be had of Mr. John Kernan, 4, Great Russell Street, Covent Garden, W.C. rhododendrons, hardy azaleas, etc. EORGE WHEELER, Npeseeyman, &c., War- VT minster, Wilts, respectfully announces he has a fine Stock of the above which he ofl'ers at veryTmoderate prices, viz., good strong plants at 30s., 40s., 50s., 00s. ,0s., and 80s. ner 100, according to the strength of the plants. rhododendrons and AZALEAS, by name, ,5s., 100s. *^°SEDUMS,^''aNDROMEDAS, VACCINIUMS, &c., 60s. to 100s. per 100. HIMALAYA FRAME CUCUMBER. WOOD AND INGRAM beg to offer the above as the very best White Spine grown by them, being .short in the handle, very prolific, long enough for anytliing, and sets freely and well at any time of the year. Packets, Is. and 2s. each. Also the following fine varieties in Is. packets : — Gen. Outram, Telegraph, Pea Green, Manchester Prize, Robinson’s Defiance, Plienomeuon, Kelway’s Prolific, Perfection. Postage Stamps with order respectfully requested. Huntingdon Nurseries. Cucumber.— KiRKLEEs hall defiance > a handsome white spine variety, from 21 to 24 inches long, smooth, very thin skin, and of exquisite flavour, an extremely free bearing kmd with a very short heel, one of the best varieties for summer or winter use. John Cattell has the pleasure of offering seed of the above of his own saving, price 2s. Od. per packet. Seed Establishment, Westerham, Kent. FRUIT TREES. WILLIAM J. EPPS, JuN., begs to offer the follow- ing at very low prices, as the ground on which they stand must be cleared : — DWARF-TRAINED PEACHES and NECTA- RINES .. .. •• •• STANDARD CHERRIES .. .. Per 100 asparagus, 4 years .. .. , P.®V J”™,. ; , South Eastern Nurseries and Seed Establishment, Ashford. £1 10 0 5 0 0 10 0 ■"^TEG STABLE & FLOWER SEEDS of the best description. PRICED LISTS poet free upon application. JAMES DICKSON and SONS, Seed Merchants, &c., 102, Eastgate Street, and “Newton” Nurseries, Chester. JOHN CATTELL’S catalogue of kitchen GARDEN SEEDS FOR 1861 IS NOW READY, AND MAY BE HAD ON APPLICATION, ALSO HIS CATALOGUE OF SELEOT FLOWER SEEDS, CONTAINING THE NOVELTIES OF THE SEASON, AND THE APPROVED OLD FAVOURITES. SEED ESTABLISHMENT, WESTERHAM, KENT. HE BUST HOUSE AND FRAME CUCUMBER, “WILLIAM BROWN,” — This excellent house .and frame variety is offered not as an exhibition kind, but as one of the best for general purposes, being a profuse bearer, of very fine quality, and medium length, such as every Gardener would wish to possess who has the daily wants of a household to meet, or a good marketable Iruit to supply. It is held in the highest estimation by all the Gardeners in the neighbour- hood where it was originally raised. Stock limited. Price Is. per packet, free by post. To be had only from James Tynan, Seed Warehouse, 68, Great George Street, Liverpool. ORKSHIRE HERO FRAME CUCUMBER.— An excellent variety, from 24 to 30 inches, fine flavour, white spined, most abundant hearer, will give satisfaction to every grower who wants quality and quantity. Price 2s. 6 their numerous friends and patrons, for the kind and liberal support which they have bestowed ujion them since their succession to the old established business of Messrs. CgANDLER & Sons, and beg to inform them, that in conse- quence of the decease of their senior Partner, they Iiave admitted to a share in the Business, and as Managing Partner, Mr. JOSEPH F. MESTON, whose thorough practical know- ledge of Horticulture and excellent business habits, combined with several year-s experience in the formation of Gardens, Pleasure Grounds, Parks, Ac., under W. A. Nesfield, Esq., w.arrant them in assuring tlioir cu.stomer.s that every require- ment of the Garden will have duo consideration, and that all orders with which tliey may bo honoured shall be executed, as lieretoforo, with care and punctuality. WILLIAM RARRON, Garden Architect, Landscape Gardener, Ac., Sketty, Swansea. N.B. Gentlemen should be aware before they are led into an endless expense. First have PLANS and E3TIM ATES, with proper SPECIFICATIONS. Everything executed by ContracI or othorviise in the host style. Terms on application. Alpha and Sketty Nurseries, Sw.ansea, STRAW MATTING or THATCH is the best cover- ing from frost for Hot-beds, Wall Fruit, Feedings, Ac, MACHINES to weave the Matting are Manufactured by Mmtos a Hindley, Bourton, Dorset. NOTICE. SUTTON’S AMATEUR’S GUIDE and PRICED LIST or SEEDS has been unavoidably delayed, owing to the NUMBER OF NEW KINDS of Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds. Tt will be ready on the 16th inst., and will be sent post free to any address on receipt of 12 stamps, and to customers gratis. — Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading PLYMOUTH SEED~1^0MPANY.— The Directors have much pleasure in stating that the NEW EDITION of their GENERAL PRICE CURRENT is Now Ready, and may be had direct from the Company, or upon application to Messrs. Simpkin, Marshall, A Co., 4, Stationers Court, London, E.C., for six postage stamps. Contents of the Present Edition. GARDEN. Freight and Carriage Notices Address Book Parcel Post Almanack Collection of Seeds General List of Seeds . . General List of Seeds . . Collections of Seeds . . Imported Carnation Seeds 50-51 Imported Seeds from Ger- many . . . . . . 52-55 Choice Florists’ Flower Seeds 55 New Annuals .. .. 66 Seakale and Asparagus 88 FARM. Descriptive List of Grass Seeds, . . . . 57-62 Clovers 63 Page Prices of ditto . . 64-65 Descriptive List of Turnips 66-70 Prices of ditto . . . . 71 Carrots . . . . . . 72 Mangolds . . . ■ . . 73 Grain and Forage Crops 74, 75, 76 Manures 77 Ploughs . . . . . . 78 Harrows . . . . . . 79 Clod Crushers and Horse Hoes 80 Rollers and Drills . . . . 81 Thrashing Machines . . 81 Winnowing Machines . . 82 Turnip Cutters . . . . 83 Chaff cutters and Corn Crushers . . . . . . 84 Haymaking Machines, Ac. 85 Linseed Cake Breakers . . 85 Hay Collectors . . . . 86 Parke’s Steel Forks— . . 87 Lawn Mowing Machines . . S7 Garden Rollers . . . . 87 Garden Chairs . . . . 87 Address Plymouth Seed Company, Plymouth, Devon. ^TcENuTnE T^^CCO PAPER FOR FUMIGATING. H APPLE BY (Foreman to Messrs. Ivery & Son, • Nurserymen, Dorking), takes this opportunity of thanking his pa'trons and the public for their support for the last five years, and begs to inform them that he continues to supply the above in 4 lb. packets Is. 3d. per lb. A liberal discount allowed to the Trade. For Testimonials that will guarantee its quality, see Gardeners' Chronicle, Jan. 5, 1861, p. 14. Sheet Iron Pots for Fumigating . . 3s. 9d. each. N.B. All orders tolbe accompanied'with a Post Office Order payable to'.HENRV Appleby, Dorking. SuiTey. TO ENGINEERS, ETC. The royal horticultural society is desirous of obtaining TENDERS for HOT-WATER APPARATUS for Warming the Conservatory now in course of erection at the Society’s Gardens, Kensington Gore. Plans and Specifications ma.y bo seen on application to Mr. Eyles, at the Society’s Office, Kensington Gore. The Specifications state the quantity of Pipe required to be about 7400 feet, besides Bends, Branches, Ac. The Committee do not jiledge themselves to accept the lowest or any Tender. Tenders must be sent to the Offices of the Society, Kensington Gore, W., on MONDAY, January 28th, at 11 A.M., endorsed, “ Tenders for Heating Conservatory.” CARD. SAMUEL N. Me G E R R O W, General Horticultural Builder, Knotty Ash, near Liverpool. Reference permitted to the Nobility and Gentry throughout Great Britain and Ireland. HOTHOUSES FOR THE MILLION Made by Steam Power at J LEWIS’S Hoeticultuead WoeeS, Stamford • Hill, Middlesex, N. These Hothouses are made on a much better and stronger principle than those manufactured on Sir J. Paxton’s plan, and are more durable and cheaper. A span-roof measuring 30 ft. by 16 ft., with two glass ends £ and doors complete 30 Do. do. 40 ft. by 20 ft. do. do. 66 Do. do. 60 ft. by 24 ft. do. do. 90 The price of any other size forwarded on application to J. Lewis, horticultural WORKS AND HOT-WATER APPARATUS MANUFACTORY. Kensal Green, Harrow Road, London, W. JOHN TAY’LOR and SON beg to call the attention of the nobility and gentry to the very superior manner in which they Erect all kinds of Conservatories, Vineries, Green- houses, Ac,, combining every improvement with elegance of design and durability of materials and workmanship. Their VENTILATING APPARATUS for the Fronts and Roofs of Houses has given the highest satisfaction. Churches, Chapels, Schools, Entrance Halls, Public Buildings, Ac., heated with Hot-Water Apparatus in a most economical and efficient manner. J. T. A Son have great pleasure in referring to numbers of the Dobility and gentry by whom they are extensively engaged. ROPAGATIN s. d. 2 ins. diameter 0 3J each G G L A FOR SMOKING REENHOUSES. N'EAL’S patent aphis pastils, which light with a Candle, save all trouble, destroy all Insects, and are already used by some of the leading Gardeners, may be obtained of the principal Seedsmen and Nurserymen, 2s. per packet.- Manufacturer and Patentee, J. Neal, Edward Street, Birmingham. Trial packets, Is. each. WINTER DRESSING foe ORCHARD HOUSE and other fruit TREES, Extract from the Eighth Edition of the Orchard House. By Mr. Rivers. “ J.anuary paint the trees (every shoot and hud) with Gisliurst Compound, half a pouud to the gallon of water. This will destroy the eggs of Aphides.” li Vines and outside wall trees should first be washed, stem and shoots, witii 8 oz. solution of Gisliurst, then smeai-cd with clay and Glshurst, (see Gandmers’ Chronicle Oct. 13), or with lime, sulphur, and Gis- hurst, made into a paste. If the smell be disliked, make the solution 48 hours before uso. Full directions as to the use of weaker solutions against mildew and insect pests in spring and summer, witli parti- culars of the experience of many great gai'dening authorities, are enclosed with the boxes of Gishurst, These are supplied retail through any nurseryman and seedsman at Is., 3s., and 10s. Cd. each, wholesale by Price’s Patent Candle Co., Limited. FUMIGATING AND SYRINGING. Griffiths and AVISS, Tobacconist,?, Coventry, call attention to their TOBACCO PAPER. It is simple in use, safe in application, altogetlier effective in Uio do.struc- tion of Green Fly, Black Thrips, Ac., nominal in price, 12s. 6J. per dozen pounds, sent to an.y part of the kingdom on receipt of Post Office Order. To those in the Trade a liberal discount on 28 lbs. and upwards. The following practical gentlemen have submitted it to every kind of ordeal, and bear testimony it is ai; we represent : — -r, Mr. Charles E. West, the Earl of Denbigh, Newnham Paddox Mr. Wm. Oliver, tlie Earl of Craven, Combe Abbey Mr. A. Henderson, His Grace the Duke ofSathcrland, Trentliam Mr. Wm. Pool, the Earl of Aylesford, Pnekingbon Hall Mr. John Jennings, the Earl of Derby, Knowsley Park Mr. Thomas Pond, the Viscount Hood, Wliitley Abbey Mr. Geo. Tranter, the Hon. Granville D. Byder, vvesthrook. Kernel Hempstead Mr. Geo. Bennett, J. Beech, Esq., Brandon Mr. Jas. Kuackston, J. R. West, Iilsq., Moot Park Mr. W. H. Mountford, H. R Hughes, Esq., Kinmel Park, St. Asapli, North Wales Mr. Peter Conlon, C. Webb, Esq., The Gardens, High Grounds, Hoddosden Mr. Francis R. Kinghorne, Nurseryman, Seedsman, and Florist, Riclimond, Surrey Mr. John Reeves, Ladbroke Nursery, Netting Hill, W. Mr. John Jennings, Nurseries, Siiipston-on-Stour Mr. Edward Perkins, Nurseryman, Seedsman, and Florist, Leamington Nursery Mr. John Ogden, Nurseryman, Seedsman, and Florist, Covontiy Messrs. S. Perkins A Sons, Nurserymen, Seetlsmen, and Florists, Coventry *** Agents Wanted. Nurserymen and Florists preferred. N.B. Cast Fumigating Pots, Tobacco Water for Syringing, and Tobacco Juice for Sheep Dressing. 3 „ „ 0 4j „ 4 „ ,» 6 5^ )t 5 „ „ 0 „ 6 „ „ 0 8 „ 7 „ „ 0 10 „ 8 „ „ 1 0 „ 9 „ „ 1 2 „ 10 ,. „ 1 4 „ 11 » „ 16,. METAL HA! 12 inches . . . . 6s. Od. each H „ .... 7 0 „ 16 „ .. ..8 0 ,. 12 ins. diameter 13 „ „ 14 15 „ 16 „ 17 „ 18 „ 19 ,, 20 ,, „ D GLASSES. 18 inches 20 „ 24 S S E S. s. d. 9 each 9s. Od. each 10 0 „ 12 0 „ From 6 by 4 7 „ 5 .. 8 ,, G 10 Per foot, at lid. ii „ 2d. , „ 2Jd. , „ 2id. , 23d. Per 16 feet. £0 12 6 0 16 8 0 18 9 1 0 10 1 2 11 If open at top. Is. extra. HYACINTH AND FLOWER DISHES. 6 inches diameter, Is. each [ 9 inches diameter. Is. 6d. each 12 inches diameter, 2s. 6d. each. HYACINTH GLASSES . . . . 4s. 6d. per dozen. CROCUS GLASSES 2s. 6d. per dozen. JAMES PHILLIPS A CO., Horticultural Glass Merchants, 180, Bishopsgate St. VVithout. London, E.C. FOR GLASS CONSERVATORIES, GREENHOUSES, PIT FRAMES, ETC. HETLEY and CO. are supplying 16-oz. Sheet Glass of British Manufacture, packed in boxes, containing 100 square feet each, at the following REDUCED PRICES for cash, A reduction made on 1000 feet. Sizes. — Inches Inches. Under 6 by 4 „ 7 „ 5 ,, 8 „ 6 „ 10 „ 8 _ „ 12 „ 9 Larger sizes, not exceeding 40 inches long. 16 oz. from 3d. to 3^d. per square foot, according to size. 21 oz. „ 3id. to 5d. „ „ „ 26 oz. „ 3id. to 7id. ,, „ „ PATENT ROUGH PL.4TE, THICK CROWN GLASS, and PATENT PLATE GLASS, for Horticultural purposes, at reduced prices, by the 100 square feet. GLASS TILES AND SLATES made to any size or pattern either in Sheet or Rough Plate Glass. Propagating Glasses, Beehive Glasses, Cucumber Tubes, Glass Milk Pans, Glass Water Pipes, and various other articles not hitherto manufactured in Glass. PATENT PLATE GLASS.— Tlie present extremely moderate price of this superior article should cause it to supersede all other inferior window glass in a gentleman’s residence. No alteration connected with the sash is required. GLASS SHADES, as ornamental to, and for the preservation of every description of goods susceptible of injury by exposure. Prices, since the remov.al of the excise duty, reduced one-half. List of Prices and Estimates foi-warded on application to James Hetley A Co., 35, Soho Square, London, W. P E R C HA ‘ ■ PATENT GUTTA P D U U 11 A SOLES.— Important to Gardeners. — Tho Gutta Porcha Company have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of tlie following letter Aorn G. Glenny, Esq., the celebrated Florist: — “ 420, Strand, London. “Gentlemen.- 1 have worn Gutta Percha Soles and Heels these two years, and being so much in a garden as I neces- sarily am in all weathers, and with the ground in all states, I would on no account be without them . Asa matter of economy I would recommend Gardeners to use them, for they may repair the worn part at all times liy warming the material at the fire, and pressing it from the thick parts to tho worn parts, as easily as if it were so much dough, I think it the duty of all persons who must occasionally wet their feet to adopt a material that completely defies damp. Many a gardener would escape colds and i-heumatism by tho uso of Gutta Percha Soles, “ Your obedient servaut, G. Glenny. Every variety of Gutta Percha articles, such as Mill Bands Tubing, Soles, Sheet, Pump Buckets, Fire Buckets, Bosses, Union Joints, Flasks, Bottles, Bowls, Chamber 'Vessels, Toilet Trays, Sponge Bags, Curtain Rings Galvanic Batteries, Calbotype Trays, Ac. manufactured by the Gutta Percha Company, and sold by their wholesale dealers in town or country.- The Gutta Percha Company, Patentees, IS, \\ harf 5 nifxy Pnnrl. T,midon. E.C. 20 [jAKtTAr.T 12, lF.fl. THE GAEHENEES’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. PETE LAWSON & SON, THE QUEEN’S SEEDS tVlEN, 2 7, GREAT GEORGE STREET, WESTMINSTER, S. W., fo hifimatc that their NEW SEEDS have been grown with tlieir usual care from selected stocks, and they are prepared to supply with promptness ami 10 ‘ attention all orders entrusted to them. ■ppirFD TTST^; ov GVEDEN and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS, and SEEDS of the NATURAL GRASSES>oe LAYING DOWN PERMANENT PASTURES, &c., ■ may be had free on application. GARDEN IMPLEMENTS of all sorts and of the best quality. Orders most carefully executed for Seeds suitable for exportation to Foreign Parts. 2 7, GREAT GEORGE. STREET, WESTMINSTER, S. W. COVENT GARDEN MARKET, LONDON, W.C. B U T L E E, AND McCULLOCH^S Descriptive Price Catalogue of Vegetable Seeds, New French Gladioli, &c., WITH CULTURAL DIRECTIONS, NOW READY, AND MAY BE HAD ON APPLICATION OR FREE BY POST. LIST of NOVELTIES received from our Sardinian Correspondent. ANAGALLIS BREWRRI GRANDIFLORA, splendid rich dark velvety blue, flowers very large, the most magnificent Anagallis yet produced. Is. per packet. BIGNONIA CAPREOLATA ALBA SUPERBA, new climber of extreme beauty, with largo fragrant white flowers and graceful foliage. Is. per packet. „ . C.ALLIRHOE PEDATA NANA, fine new dwarf variety, 8 to 10 inches high, rich violet crimson, white eye: beautiful bedding plant, continuing in bloom the whole season. Is. per piiCK-eu , , . v . CHRYS03CIAS FLOIUBUNDA, handsome climbing: plant with elegant foliage and fine yellow flowers (see ‘ Illustra- tion Horticole ’ of Verschaffelt). Is. per packet. COLUTEA FRUTESCENS GRANDIFLORA, superb dark red flowers, resembling Clianthus puniceus. Is. per packet. CONVOLVULUS ALBA FLORE PLBNO, beautiful new double pure white flowers, very regular in form, a valuable acquisition. Is. per packet. CONVOLVULUS CANTABRICA STELLATA, beautiful rosy pink flowers, with pure white star in centre, profuse bloomer : fine dwarf bedding plant. Is. per packet. DIANTHUS HBUDEWIGI FLORE PLBNO, magnificent double flowers of various shades. Is. and 2s. 6d. per packet. GAZANIA SPLENDEN3, a beautiful summer and autumn blooming evergreen plant, of neat dwarf habit for bedding : goldei. yellow flowers from 3 to 4 inches in diameter with rich dark brown Chocolate spots upon a black ground, these again marked with white spots upon their disc. The effect of the whole is bi-illiant beyond description. Is. per packet. HIBISCUS HETEROPHYLLUS, beautiful red and white flowers. Is. per packet. HIBISCUS OCHROLEUCA GRANDIFLORA, large yellow flowers, shaded rose, most beautiful. Is. per packet. HIBISCUS LILIFLORUS, fine scarlet lily like flowers. Is. per packet. The above splendid varieties of Hibiscus are an important acquisition. INDIGOFBRA ROYLEI, beautiful large red blossoms, some- what resembling Polygala (see Louis Van Hout.te's ‘ Flor c des Serres ’) 2s. 6i. per packet. IPOMflS.A LEARir, splendid perennial Ipomaea, producing profuse clusters of superb lazuli blue flowers, ch,inging to red. The effect of this plant in bloom is beyond description, and we believe the seed has never before been offered to the public. Is. fid. per packet. PENTSTEMON LUDOVIO, large violet flowers, white throat, striped and spotted black : a magnificent variety of these favourite plants. l.s. per packet. RICINU3 CANDENS. fid. per packet. RICINUS VIRIDiS. fid. per packet. RICINUS VIRIDIS NANUS PALLIDUS. fid. per p.acket. RICINUS ROSEUS. fid. per packet. The above are new hybrid varieties, remarkable for their noble appearance and the distinct character of their fruit SOLANUM CABILIENSIS ARGENTEUM, this fine now variety has three-lobed silvery leaves, yellow fruit the size of a small Apple, and blooms the first year : a very hand- some ornamental shrub. Is. per packet. STATICE PUBERULA HYBRIDA, beautiful pale blue flowers in large clusters, which remain in perfection several month.s in succession : a most elegant ornament to the Greenhon.se. Is. per packet. TACSONIA SPLENDENS, magnificent new scarlet Passion- flower. TROPAiOLUJI LEOPARD {Mylius), splendid form, orange, maroon spots. l.s. per packet. TROP.®OLUM LORD CLYDE (Mylius), perfect form, deep velvety Vermillion shaded cerise, is. per packet. TROP^OLUM MASSILIENSE GRANDIFLORUJI, very large, light red, vermilion shaded. Is. per packet. TROPiEOLUM VIOLACEUM GRANDIFLORUM, splendid large, velvety scarlet shaded purple. Is. per packet. VACCINIUM ERYTHRINUM, a most lovely plant with large evergreen leaves and numerous racemes of drooping flowers, which, with the young branches, petioles, midribs, and the margins of the nascent leaves, are of a brilliant coral-red. Compact handsome shrub, li feet high. Seed not yet ripe. SELECTIONS OF VEGETABLE SEEDS. Containing only the mos'-. Approved and Choice sorts, proportioned to suit Large oi- Small Gardens. — Either of the first Three Collections sent carriage paid to any principal Railway Statio in England, Scotland, or Wales ; also to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, Newry, Londonderry, or any other town on the Irish Coast where there is direct Steam Communication between assortments have been drawn up witli the greatest care, both as regards the sorts and quantities, and will doubtless be found adapted to most gardens ; should there, however, be an^of the varieties not required, increased quantities of others can be substituted. QUANTITIES CONTAINED IN COLLECTIONS, PEAS, including only such as are productive, of superior flavour, aud best adapted for suo- eessional sowing, such as Daniel O’Rourke, Champion of England, Prize-taker, Surprise, &o. BEANS, best for successional sowings BEANS, FRENCH, Runners and Dwarfs, suc- cessional sowings BEET, Butler’s superb dwarf, deep crimson BORECOLE, best sorts, including Cottager’s Kale - • BRUSSELS SPROUTS, imported BROCOLI, best sorts for succession, including Snow’s Superb AVinter, Walcheren, Imperial, &c. CABBAGE, best sorts for succession, including Champion, Nonpareil, London Market, &c CABBAGE SAVOYS, best sorts CARROTS, best sorts for summer .and winter use CAULIFLOWER, for succession, superior Early London and Standholder, the best sorts in cul- tivation •• CELERY, including Turner’.? Incomparable, Hood’s Dwarf Red, &c No. 1, 80s. No. 2. 50s. No. 3. 25s. No. 4. 15s. firf. No. 5. 10.!. 6i/. 20 qts. 8 qts. 12 qts. 5 qts. 7 qts. 3 qts. 4 qts. 4 pts. 4 pts. 2 pts. 5 pts. 3 oz. 3 pts. 2 oz. 2 pts. 1 oz. 1 pt. i oz. 1 pt. i oz. 6 pkts. 1 pkt. 4 pkts. 1 pkt. 3 pkts. 1 pkt. 2 pkts. 1 pkt. 1 pkt. 1 pkt. 10 pkts. 7 pkts. 4 pkts. 2 pkts. 1 pkt. 8 pkts. 2 oz. 14 oz. 5 pkts. 1 oz. 8oz. 4 pkts. J oz. 4 oz. 2 pkts. 1 oz. 2 oz. 1 pkt. i oz. 1 oz. 2 pkts. 2 pkts. 1 pkt. 3 pkts. 3 pkts. 2 pkts. 1 pkt. 1 pkt. QUANTITIES CONTAINED IN COLLECTIONS COUVE TllONCHUDA, the most delicate fla vo\ired of the Cabbage tribe, ready in autumn CRESS, plain and curled, Australian and Ame rican CUCUMBERS, including Butler’s Empress Eugenie, and other famous sorts. . ENDIVE, finest sorts LEEK, large flag LETTUCE, best sorts for succession MUSTARD MELON, Model of Perfection, Scarlet Gem. &c, ONION, White Spanish (true Reading), Globe, &c PARSLEY, Myatt’s splendid curled PARSNIPS, Hollow Crown, very fine RADISH, best for succession, including Beck Wood’s, Olive-shaped, &c SPINACH, Summer and Winter sorts SALSAFY aud SCORZONERA, each TOMATO RAMPION and CAPSICUM, each . . SWEET HERBS TURNIP, best sorts for succession No. 1. 80s. No. 2. 50s. No. 3. 25s. No. 4. 15s. 6(1 No. 5. 10s. fior,xr Besides the above, .1. S. has all the best named kinds, CATA- : occasion they are SO numerous that many inquiries LOGUESof which, and of his other rare and choice plants, are bciiiL^ made as to whetiicr the intensity ot the may be had free, on application to the Royal Nursery, Bagshot. ' gf jjjg bygone year has been TREE AND SHRUB CATALOGUE. equalled, or exceeded by that which occurred iu TOHN CRAN'S'l'ON beg.s to aunounce to liis Patrons ti,e memorable winter of 1838, and which proved fj and the Public generally, that his DESCRIPTIVE CATA- -j * *-• « 4.^ •». ooU/i /^f* LOGUE of Conifers, Ornamental Trees, Evergreen and Dcoi- SO destructive tO vegetatlOU, 1 OF the sakc Ot COm- ■ * we have subjoined a statement ot the duous Shrubs, &c., is now ready for distribution, and will be forwarded on receipt of one postage stamp. The above contains important and interesting notes with regard to the height the Trees enumerated attain, Native Country, date of introduction, and in the case of Flowering Shrubs, the colour and time of flowering. Nurseries, King's Acre, near Hereford. LARGE TREES, ETC. WM". PAUL (Son and Successor to the lafe A. Paul), Cheshunt Nurseries, Waltham Crops, N., has a quantity of large hand.some TUEE.’S, Evergreen at fhe present time, and Deciduous, which must be cleared off 10 acres of the ^ TEMPERATUR old Nurseries very shortly, and will be sold cheap. Cedrns ' deodara, Cedar of Lebanon, Yews, Box, L oirels, Arbor-vine, Privet, Red Cedar, tine spccimeu.s ot choice Conifene, Alders, Planes, Poplars, Elms, Limes, Fruit Trues, iverpool .. VVethcrliy .. Belsay Castle Carclew Pitmaston .. Sketty Hall Singleton .. Glasnevin Botanical Gai Binstcad Bicton College Botanic Garden . that in January iswick den Duo. — U — 13A —12 — 4^ — 8 — 8 — I — I 0 3 5 () (5 9 9 10 10 12 12 15 15 15 15 IS 20 in .Jannnry, 1838, the in- stances in whicli the temperature avas observed below zero, occurred only in tlie eonnlics ol Surrey, Kent, Middlesex, Norfolk, and at Glasgow. In December, 1860, we find tliat the thermometer has indicated at or below zero in Berks, Bucks, Cambridge, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Essex, GIou- ce.ster, Herts, Herelordshire, Laiicasbire,,Jveices- tershire, Norfolk, Northumberland, Notts, Staf- ford, Suffolk, Warwickshire, Yorkshire, Breck- nockshire, and even at Dublin. It therefore appears that intensity of frost has prevailed over a much srreater extent of the kingdom in 1860 than in 1838, It may, how-ever, be said that the instances of extremely low temperature appear more numerous on the present occasion because the returns are so ; but on the other hand, on comparing the two Tables, we find at Rolleston Hall, Staffordshire — 10° on the present occasion against 5° in 1838 at the same place. In Lancashire — 2°, in York- shire, at various places, — 12°, — IP, — 8°, against 9°, 6°, 13°, so that on the average these places have been 19° colder in 1860 than in 1838. From these facts, and from an inspection of the tabulated returns, we think it will appear very evident that the frost of last December has been much more extensively severe than that of January, 1838. Such being the case the question naturally arises as to the effects on vegetation. Judging from those resulting from the lesser degree of cold in 1838, the consequences of the present greater intensity must doubtless prove most disastrous. Oa tho former cceasinn a A'ast number of fine trees and shrubs w-ere destroyed. In the 22 years which have since elapsed, doubtless many of these have been replaced, to be again cut off. Of this the possessors may rest assured. The following are examples of those that were killed in 1838 : — Allies Webbiana; Pinus longifolia, insignia, palustris, halepensis ; Quercus virens, Arbutus Unedo, Aucuba japonica, Berberis fascicnlaris, Bignonia grandiflora, Buddlea globosa, Capri- folium fiexuosum, Cupressns lusitanica, Cydonia sinensis, Edwardsia grandiflora, Eriobotrya japo- nica, Escallonia montevidensis, Jasminum offici- nale, and revolutura, Ligustrum lucidum, Laurus nobilis, Laurustinus, Photiuia arbutifolia, Rosa Banksiic, Rosemary. Ulex enropmus and nanus, the common and dwarf Furze, were killed to the ground, but sprang up again, as was also the case with many evergreen shrubs, such as Laurustinufes and Sweet Bays, yet those that did so never made such handsome growth as those that were planted afresh. It is to be observed that previous to the severe frost in January 1838, the mean temperature of the last fortnight of December was 46°, correspond- ing with that usually experienced in the end of March. The thermometer was seldom below 40° at night and never at freezing during the above period. Under these circumstances, many species had pushed young shoots, and doubtless this excited condition of the sap rendered plants much more susceptible of the severe cold to which they were afterwards subjected. On the present occasion the weather, on the contrary, was- colder than usual previous to the intense frost, and this may be considered a favourable circumstance. It must however he recollected that, owing to the cold wet summer, plants have, imperfectly matured their wood, and of course are not well prepared for witlistanding the continuous low temperature to which they are being sub- jected. Ou the former occasion plants were killed from the eft’ects of a certain tenqierature in some places, whilst in others the same kinds were no't killed by a still greater degree of cold. Many facts ol this kind will doubtless be observed in the present year, which if carefully noted v’ill prove useful additions to our knowledge of the nature of jdants. Itut from the returns which we have received, although well and distinctly given by many gardeners, it does appear there are others who do not properlj' understand registering ther- mometers, nor llie way in which their indication sh.oulcl be marked, so as to he intelligible. When the thermometer indicates 10° of Fahrenheit’s scale, one calls that 10° of frost; another sets it down as 22° of frost, and a third as 10° below zero. It would render reports mnch more valuable if the statements of our correspondents were given merely in terms of the scale ; all numbers being con- sidered above zero, except those having the minus sign ( — ') prefixed, ns it should be, to distinguish degrees below zero, where such occur. If this is done, the sign (-fi) is unnecessary. Twojiearsago Chronicle, 1859, p. 36) we drew attention to the important discoveries that had been made by the officers of the Canadian government in examining the country lying on the western part of the great colony up to the Rocky Mountains. We showed how iu tliat distant part of the world a field of inexhaustible wealth lies before the enterprising emigrant, whether Gar- 22 THE GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. r January 12, 1861. dener or Farmer ; and in what is called the Red River settlement a region may be found at least equal to our own country in climate, and far beyond it in fertility. One of the gentlemen on whose official reports the statement was made, ^vas Prof. Hind, who acted as geologist to the explor- ing expedition. AYe have now before us from his able pen a circumstantial account of the people, the productions, the soil, the climate, and the penetrai ility of this region,* which will be read with eager attention by all who desire to see the flood of emigration directed to countries of great political as well as agricultural importance. To what we formerly stated we can now add the great fact that the limits of this fertile land and happy climate have been exactly ascertained, and are actually laid down in one of Mr. Hind’s maps. It appears that the part of the British boundary to the South and of the United States country to the North is, with few exceptions, a vast desert, extending over 16 degrees of longitude from a place named Pembina, a little to the west of a waterv and swampy district called the Lake of the Wood's, up to wittiin a few miles of the foot of the great Rocky Mountain ridge which separates the American Continent into its vast Western and Eastern portions. But beyond this desert far away in British Territory is a belt or irregular crescent- shaped region, the eastern point of which rests on the above-mentioned Lake of the AYoods and the western point on the laud that rises upwards into the dividing mountain ridge. Of this Captain Palltser, who surveyed the country, speaks in the following terms : — “ The extent of surface drained by the Saskatchewan, and other tributaries to Lake AVinnipcg, which we had an opportunity of examining, amounts in round numbers to 150,000 square miles. This region is bounded to the north by what is known as the ‘ strong woods,’ or the southern limit of the great circum-arclic zone of forest, which occupies these latitudes in the northern hemisphere. This line, which is indicated in the map, sweeps to the north-west from the shore of Lake Winnipeg, and reaches its most northerly limit about 54°30' N., and longitude 119° W., from where it again passes to south-west, meeting the Rocky Mountains in latitude 51° N., longitude 115° W. Between this line of the ‘ strong woods’ and the northern limit of the true prairie country there is a belt of land varying in width, which at one period must have been covered by an extension of the northern forests, but which has been gradually cleared by successive fires. “ It is now a partially wooded country, abound- ing in lakes and rich natural pasturage, in some parts rivalling the finest park scenery of our own country. Throughout this region of country the climate seems to preserve the same character, although it passes through very different latitudes, its form being doubtless determined by the curves of the isothermal line. Its superficial extent embraces about 65,000 square miles, of which more than one-third may be considered as at once avail- able for the purposes of the agriculturist. Its elevation increases from 700 to 4000 feet as we approach the Rocky Mountains, consequently it is not equally adapted throughout to the cultivation of any one crop, nevertheless at Fort Edmonton, which has an altitude of 3000 feet, even Wheat is sometimes cultivated with success. “The least valuable portion of the prairie country has an extent of about 80,000 square miles, and is that lying along the southern branch of the Saskatchewan, and southward from thence to the boundary line, while its northern limit is known in the Indian languages as ‘ the edge of the woods,’ the original line of the woods before invaded by fire.” But it is not merely on account of its agricultural value that so vast a district demands attention. It is also readily accessible from Lake Superior, which, as will be seen by reference to any map, forms the natural western limit of Canada proper , so that emigrants can readily reach it by the ordinary Canadian routes. Moreover it presents this immense advantage to Colonists, that it must ere long form an easy overland line of communica- tion between England and not only the vast Gold countries of British Columbia, but with Japan, China, the Sandwich Islands, and possibly Aus- tralia itself. The importance of this line to Great Britain is * Narrative of the Canadian Bed River Exploring Expedi- tion of 1857, and of the Asainniboine and Saskatchewan Exploring Expedition of 1858. By Henry Yooi.e Hind. M.A., F.R.G.S., Professor of Chemistry and Geology in the Univer- sity of Trinity College. Toronto ; in charge of the Assinniboine and Saskatchewan Expedition. Two Vols., 8vo., Longmans, with maps, chromolithographs of the people and country, and numerous woodcuts. sutficiently shown by the great fact that at present we have uo means of access from this country to otir onhj station on the long coast of AYestorn America, except by either Panama or a two and twenty thousand mile voyage round Cape Horn. Political considerations on which it is superfluous to dwell render it an urgent necessity of Government to find means of throwing support into British Columbia in case of war with the United States or Russia. At present this can only be done by drawing on our naval resources in India or the Pacific. A way from Canada to the extreme west removes all diffieultj\ But can it be made ? Can the dividing ridge be traversed by roads ? Upon this point no doubt remains. The recent examination of the country by British surveying oflicers has led to the discovery of several passes more or less practicable. Captain Palliser recommends a pass called the Kanan- askis ; Dr. Hector advocates the Yermilion Pass ; Dr. Palmer mentions another ; and Governor Douglas in a most important report to Govern- ment writes thus : — “ AYe hope to complete the last section of a paok- road leading by the left bank of the Fraser, from Derby (Fort Langley) to Lytton, a distance of 170 miles, on or before the 1st day of February next. From Lytton a natural road now exists leading to Red River settlement, by the Coutannais Pass, through the Rocky Mountains, and from thpoe following the valley of the Saskatchewan, chiefly over an open prairie country of great beauty, and replete with objects of interest to the tourist and the sportsman ; a settler may then take his depar- ture from Red River in spring with his cattle and stock, and reach British Columbia by that road in course of the autumn following. This is no mere theory, the experiment having been repeatedly made by parties of Red River people travelling to Colville, from whence there is a good road to Lytton ; so much so, indeed, that one of those persons assured me that the whole distance from Lytton to Red River, with the exception of the Coutannais Pass, which is thickly wooded, may be safely travelled with carts. If the Canadian Government would undertake to open a road from Red River to the borders of Lake Superior, which really presents no very formidable difficulties, the connection between British Columbia and Canada would be complete, and the whole distance might, I think, be travelled on British soil.” Mr. Hind sums up the case in these emphatic terms : — “ It is impossible to examine a correct map of the North American continent without being impressed with the remarkable influence which the Great American Desert must exercise upon the future of the United States and British North America. The general character of this desert south of the 49th parallel is described elsewhere, and the important fact has been noticed, that any railroad constructed within the limits of the United States must pass, for a distance of 1200 miles west of the Mississippi, through uncultivable land, or, in other words, a comparative desert. Along the 32d parallel the breadth of this desert is least, and the detached areas of fertile soil greatest in quan- tity, but the aggregate number of square miles of cultivable land amounts only to 2300 in a distance of 1210 miles. The northern limit of the Great American Desert is an imaginary line drawn from the Touchwood Hills to the Moose AYoods on the South Branch, then south of Battle River as far as long.ll2°, when turning south it sweeps along the flanks of the Rocky Mountains in long. 115°. North of this limit of the Great American Desert there is a broad strip of fertile country, rich in water, woods, and pasturage, drained by the North Saskatchewan and some of its affluents, and being a continuation of the fertile prairies of Red River, the eastern water shed of the Assinniboine and Red Deer River, with the outlying patches called the Touchwood Hills, File Hill, &c. “ It is a physical reality of the highest IMPORTANCE TO THE INTERESTS OF BRITISH NoRTH America that this continuous belt can be SETTLED AND CULTIVATED FROM A FEW MILES WEST OF THE Lake of the AYoods to the passes of THE Rocky Mountains, and any line of com- munication, WHETHER BY WAGGON ROAD OR RAIL- ROAD, PASSING THROUGH IT, WILL EVENTUALLY ENJOY THE GREAT ADTANTAGE OF BEING FED BY AN AGRICULTURAL POPULATION FROM ONE EXTRE- MITY TO THE OTHER. “No other part of the American Continent pos- sesses an approach even to this singularly favour- able disposition of soil and climate, which last feature, notwithstanding its rigour during the winter season, confers, on account of its humidity. inestimable value on British America south of the 54th parallel. The natural resources lying within the limits of the Fertile Belt, or on its eastern borders, are themselves of great value as local elements of future ■wealth and prosperity ; but in view of a communication across the continent they acquire paramount importance. Timber available for fuel and building pur- poses ; lignite coal, though not equal to true coal, nevertheless suitable for many of the different objects to which true coal is applied ; iron ore widely distributed, of great purity and in con- siderable abundance ; salt in quantity suffleient for a dense population. All these crude elements of wealth lie within the limits or on the borders of a region of great fertility, and drained by a river of the first class, navigable by steamer during several months of the year for 500 miles of its course, and by batteaux for nearly double that distance. The position which the colony occupying the basin of Lake AYinnipeg may assume at the close of the next decade, few will be prepared to define. Bounded on the west by British Columbia, whose gold-wealth will ensure her a marvellously rapid progress, and on the east by the powerful, energetic, and loyal colony of Canada, which now, in conjunction with the sister provinces, contains a population exceeding by one million that of the 13 United States during the revolutionary war, is it likely that British enterprise and patriotism will permit the intervening country to remain a wil- derness, or pass into the hands of a foreign government ? “ It is to be earnestly hoped that the attention of far-seeing, thoughtful, and loyal men will be directed to the present relations of the new colony, its possible future, and the opportunity it presents to plant British institutions and civilization across the North American Continent ; thus linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans together with a chain of British dependencies, distinguished alike by a ‘ SPIRIT OF LOYALTY, OF ORDER, AND OF OBEDI- ENCE TO THE LAW.’ ” The length to which these remarks have extended forbid our doing more than referring the reader to Mr. Hind’s two volumes — which are full of anecdote concerning the people and animals of Western Canada, as well as of the more serious matters for investigating which he was specially appointed ; and which are moreover illustrated by excellent representations executed in chromo- lithography or on wood of scenery, natives, and miscellaneous objects. Some of our readers have probably seen in the police reports of the daily papers, that a porter in the service of the Horticultural Society has been sent to prison for robbing his employers of postage stamps to a considerable extent. This explains the history of letters and Journals from the Society not having been delivered or having been charged with double postage. It would be as well if those who have been victimized by this man were to communicate with Andrew Murray, Esq., who has lately been appointed Assistant Secretary to the Society, vice Mr. Booth, resigned. New Plants. Messrs. Yeitch & Son having placed in our hands the Coniferous specimens collected in Japan by Mr. J. G. Yeitch, we are able to furnish the following list of them. It is satisfactory to see that the very first collection includes not only Sciadopifys, the most precious species in Japan, and Thujopsis dolabrata, a tree hardly less im- portant, but two kinds of Abies not previously introduced, and no fewer than three entirely new and very fine species of the same hardy genus. 1. SciADOBITYS VEETICILLATA, Zuccarini. “ Kanagawa. Tree, 120 to 140 feet. H.abit pyramidal, distinct and fine.” J. G- V. This is perhaps the most remarkable Coniferous plant yet discovered. It is erroneously described by Siebold as a mere bush 12—15 feet high. It has stout whorled yellowish green leaves, resembling those of some Podocarpus, 4 inches and more in length, and thus has an aspect quite different from that of an ordinary Conifer related to Wellingtonia, as this is. Its name is derived from (rxias a parasol, and irfrur a Fir tree, its spreading whorled leaves looking like the ribs of a tiny parasol. Judging from Mr. Yeitch’s specimens it must he a plant of extraordinary beauty. 2. Abies microspeema, LinAl. A. foliis secundis lioearibus angustis planis apioulatis euhtus glauoU (l-T-lineaUs. phyllulis rliombeis, pulvinis apice longo protraoLis arcuatis .asoeudentibus, strobilis cylindi'iciB ; januaht 12, 1861.] the gahdenees’ chronicle and agricultural gazette. 23 as I saw gquamis chartaceis laxis rectangulis apice dentatis, braoteia minimis ovatis mucronatis, seminum alis ovatis acutis subdentatis. (Leaves 10 lines long, | line wide. Cones indies long, pale cinnamon colour, 2^ inches round. Seeds pale cinnamon, one line, wing 2 lines long nearly ovate and occasionally notched.) “ Hakodadi. Tree, 40 to 50 ft. Under side of the foliage very glaucous. Its foliage resembles Spruce in point of colour, hut the leaves are as long A. amahilis, and perfectly silvered underneath, numbers of trees, hut found only two solitary ones bearing cones. The quantity of seed you will receive will therefore he very small.” J. &■ V. A beautiful thing, quite unlike any other Spruce, with slender delicately toothed cones as broad at one end as the other, and the smallest seeds of the genus, 3. Abies leptolbpis ? Zuccarini. “ Mount Fusi-Yama. Tree, 40 feet. The tree which grows at the highest elevation on the mountain, 8500 feet.” J. G. V. The Japanese Larch, A. leptolepis of Zuccarini, is represented with cones four times larger than those sent home by IVIr. Veitch j so that there is some doubt whether his plant is not Listinct. I do not possess the materials required to determine the point. 4. Abies Tsuga, Zuccarini. « Mount Fusi-Yama. Tree, 100 feet. Timber much used by the J apanese. 6000 feet.” J. Q. V. A kind of Hemlock Spruce, much like that plant, and growing 25 feet high. Its wood is described as excellent, yellowish brown, and employed for the manufacture of various small-ware articles. 5. Abies Veitchi, Lindleg. A foliis obtusis secundis emarginatis carinatis subtus glaucis concavis 00-lineatis, phyllulis circularlbus, pulvinis rhombeis decurrentibus, ramulia hirtis, strobilia subcylindnois rec- tiusculis, squamis arctb adpreasis corneia lunatia pedicellatis, bracteis sequilongia cuneatis apiculatia, seminibua angulatis cristA angustA linear! ot ala brevi aciaaciform& transversA nigricante. (Leaves varying in length from 6 to 12 lines, f line broad. Cones 2i to 2^ inches long, 2f inches in cir- cumference, Seeds testaceous, 2 lines, wing blackish, 2 lines long, with a very narrow curved crest at the base of the wing.) “Mt. Fusi-Yama. Tree, 120 to 14D feet high, between A. nobilis and A. Nordmanniana.” J.G. V. This most remarkable species looks like a small- coned Silver Fir, and is wholly different from any- thing previously described. I have named it after Mr. J. G. Veitch, whose great merit as a very energetic explorer of the Vegetation of Japan it gracefully records. As to the Pine called^ by the same name by Mr. Roezl, whether or not it is the same as P. Bonapartea, as the writer of the Pinetum surmises, is unimportant, since names so published can have no place in systematical Botany. 6. Abies Aecoquiana, J. O. Veitch in Hit. A. foliis secundis linearibus augustis planis obtusis emargi- natisq. subtus concavis 6-6-lineatis glaucis basi tortis, phyl- lulis rhombeis, pulvinis apice long^ protractis arcuatis ascendentibus, strobilis oblongis : squamis cartilagiueis laxis obtush rhombeis denticulatis, bracteis obsoletis linearibus, seminum alis obovatis. (Leaves 6 lines long, ^ a line wide. Cones rather more than 2 inches long, 4 inches in circumference. Seeds cinnamon coloured, 2 lines, wing 4 lines long.) “Mount Fusi-Yama. Tree, 100 to 120 feet. Wood used for light house work, 6000 to 7000 feet.” A noble Spruce Fir, in some respects resembling the Abies polita of Zuccarini, from which it differs in having much smaller cones, with scales of a different form, very small leaves glaucous on the under side, blunt or emarginate, not mucronate, and flat not 4 sided. Named in compliment to Rutherford Alcock, Rsq., H.M. Minister at the Court of Jeddo, to whose kind protection and assistance Mr. Veitch has been greatly indebted. 7. Tmrjopsis boeabeata, Zuccarini. “ Hakodadi. Tree, 40 to 50 feet. Habit drooping prefers shady places.” J. Q. F. A very few plants of this glorious evergreen tree have already been raised in Europe from cuttings taken from one or two imported specimens ; and now we shall have seedlings, Mr. Veitch having been so fortunate as to meet with the tree just when the cones were ripened. The tree looks like a huge Arbor-vit® with magnified leaves of a black green colour, glaucous beneath. The wood is e.xcellent, the aspect of the plant superb, 8. Toeeeta nucifeea, Zuccarini. “ Kanagawa. Tree, 20 feet. Foliage pointed, sharp.” J. Q. V. Tlie specimens sent home are identical with those in our herbarium from Zuccarini himself. 9. CEPHALOTAXtrS DEUPACEA, Siehold. “Kanagawa. Tree, 20 to 30 feet.” J. O. V. Mr. Veitch’s specimens are however very much more glaucous on the underside of the leaves than the plants now in cultivation. 10. JUNIPEEUS EIGIDA, Siebold. “ Atame. Tree, 12 to 15 feet.” J. Q. V. The specimens sent home have the leaves very narrow, exactly like the figure in the Flora Japonica. RETURNS OF THE LOWEST TEMPERATURES IN DECEMBER, 1860; EB-AEEAKGED EBOM east VS^EEK ACCOEDING to THE DEGEEE OF INTENSITY, WITH NHJIEEOIJS ADDITIONS AND SOME COEEECTIONS. County. Cambridge . . Lancashire . . Lincolnshire. . Hunts Derbyshire . . Notts . . Scotland Essex . . Yorkshire . Herts . . Northumber- land Norfolk Stafford Lancashire . , Yorkshire . , Notts .. Cheshire Stafford Lancashire Notts . Herts . Berks. . Notts . . Stafford Derbyshire Yorkshire Gloucester Herts . . Northumb. Essex . . Notts . . Cambridge- shire Gloucester- shire Mid-Lothian . Herts . . Essex . . Suffolk Essex Warwick Derbyshire Yorkshire Lancashire Place. Chatteris . . Cheadle Brigg St. Neots . . Ditto . . Chatsworth Carlton-oa-Trent. . Dumfries . . Saffron Walden Ditto . . Thorp Perrow Bedale Hertford . . Alnwick . . Fakenham Long Stratton Bolleston . . Old Hall, Sale Ditto .. Doncaster . . HighOeld .. Ditto . . Beeston Tarporley . . Tam worth Ditto Thelwall near Warrington Beesthorpe Tyttenhanger Ditto . . Newbury . . Ditto . . Ditto . . Moulsford . . Ditto . . Worksop . . Lichfield . . WiUersley . . Grimsby . . Wakefield . . Dymock . . Cheshunt . . Hesleyside Epping . . Ditto .. Ditto . . Kingston Hall Cambridge arj Herefordshire. Brecknock . . Radnor Berks . . Essex . . Herts . . Lancaster Oxon . . Hants.. Oxon . . Middlesex . Lincoln Warwickshire, Worcestershire Lincoln Berks . . Cambridge- shire Yorkshire Yoi'kshiro Limerick Ditto Ditto Ditto . . Ely Highnam . . Royal Botanic' Garden, Edin- burgh (Adie’s Therm.) Ditto . . Ware Colchester. . Stowmarket Sudbury . . Bungay . . Aplngton Hall . Birmingham Radbourne Bradford Ditto Kirkham Abbey . Wilmslow, Man- chester Victoria Park, Manchester . . Ditto .. Old Trafford, Manchester . . Ditto . . Latchford . . Eccles Old Trafford Ditto . . Ross Ditto . . Crickhowell New Radnor Englefield.. Bardfield . . Chelmsford Sawbridgworth Wigan Hcnley-on-Tham Selbourne . . Henley-on-Tham Chiswick . . Ditto . . Enfield Belvoir Castle Ditto . . Gopsall Hall, Atherstono Eardistou. . Ditto . . Boston Wallingford Chatteris . . County. Coneysthorp Grimston'. . Milford House Ditto Mount Shannon , 0? e H 0 o ^ Authority. a “ B H H Degs. D 25 —15 Mr. A Fryer 22 -15 rimes 25 —12.9* Times 25 —12.5 4ev. W. L. H. 2S 0 Elwyu 25 -12 Sir J. Paxton, r> M.P. 25 -12 Mr. Powle t) 25 —12 J. Little, Esq., -nj Carlesgill 25 —12 Mr. Barrett j 25 —12 Mr. Coldwells n 26 —12 !klr. Culverwell 25 —11 Mr. Cox R 25 —10 Mr. M.orgam, j Balls Park -c, 25-10 on ^ K. B. g 25 -10 Times ]q 25 —10 Rev. H. Long 25 —10 Sir Osw. Mosley 25 — 9.8 Mr. Curtis -n 25 —10.2* Ditto y 25—8 Doncaster Ga- zette 25 — 8 Mr. Low e 25 —1.3.8* Ditto y 25 — 8.3 Ditto 25 — 8 Sir P. Egerton t, 25—7 Mr. Dowell 29 0 Ditto 25—6 G. J. Symons, p — 6 Mr. Fowle ^ 25 —6 ) 29 0 ) H. Kent, Esq. 25 —0 Mr. Fordham ^ 25 —2 Mr. C. Boss, T 28 —4 Wilford Park 25 —6 Mr. Spearing 28 —6.4 Ditto t 25 —6 Mr. Bennett 25 — G Dr. Holland 25 —6 Mr. Gadd -r 25 —6 Times x 25 —6 Mr. Bell 25 —5 Times r 25 —5 25 —5 Mr. Woolley ^ W. H. Charlton, , Esq. ^ 25 —5 Mr. Rivers 25 4 Mr. Doubleday ^ 29 5 Ditto j 25 —5 Mr. Westland ^ 25 -5 Rev. E. Thomp- son -r 25 — 4 Mr. Babington ^ 25 —5 Mr. Marsliall ^ 25 —4.5 Mr. Weils 1 - 24 —5 f Mr. McNab 26 —2 Ditto ^ 25 —4 Times . 25 —4 Mr. Davis, Bures 25 —4 Mr. Barnes 25 —4 Ditto 25 —3 Mr. Elphinstone . 26 —3 Ditto . 26 —3 Times . 25 —3 Mr. McPherson j .25—3 ■) . 25 —4* J Mr. Abbey . 25 —2 G. Legard, Esq. 25 —3 G. J. Symons, Esq. 24 —3 Ditto . 25 —1.3 Ditto Ot 1 CO J.V. Vernon, Esq. . 25 —7* Ditto . 25 —3 G. J. Symons, Esq. . 25 —3 Ditto. . 25 —3 G. V. Vernon, Esq. . 25 —7* Ditto . 25 —2 Mr. Lingwood . 29 —3 Ditto . 25 —3 Times , 25 —3 Times . 25 —2 E. R. . 25 —2 Ditto . 25 —2 Mr. Cheveley . 25 —2 Mr. Rivers . 25 —2 Tiroes s — 2 B. Jones, Esq. . 28 —1.5 T. Bell, Esq. 25 — 1 Mr. Keith . 28 —1 Mr. Thompson . 25 4 Ditto . 25 —1 Mr. McLellan . 25 '—1 Mr. Ingram 25 —5* Ditto 1 25 —1 Mr. Sago . . 28 —1 Mr. Miller ..25 5 Ditto .. 25 0.75 Rev. G. Jeans ..25 0 Times ..25 0 Times ..25 0 G. Legard, Esq. ..25 0 Times ..23 0 Mr. Hackney 25 15 Ditto . . 23 6 Mr. Melntyro Hants. . Bucks . . Down land shire Kent . . Dorset Wales . Devon On Glass. Place. oa (0 w o Thermometer. Authority. Harpendou 25 1 Mr. WiLson Oxford 25 1 J. Slatter, Esq., Rose Hill Darbford .. 25 1 Mr. Austin Knott’s Green . . 25 1.3 Mr. 11. S. Eaton Ditto . . 25 —3,9* Ditto Heckfield . . 25 5 Mr. Dwerrihonse Ditto .. 29 2 Ditto Castle Hill 25 2 Mr. Saul Witcombe Court. . 25 2 Old Sub Trowbridge 25 2 Mr. Dawson Ditto . . 28 4 Ditto Castlefield, Caine 25 2 Mr. Ward Ditto . . 29 4 Ditto Taplow 25 2 Mr. Rogers, Berry Hill 25 2 T. S. Near Hexham 29 2 W. H. Charlton, Esq. Alford 25 3 ilev G. Jeans Stroud 25 3 Mr. Foster Ditto . . 25 0* Ditto Stowe 25 3 Mr. Ferguson Cole-Ortou Hall • . 25 3 Mr. Hf.nderson Balcarras . . 24 3 Mr. Adamson Langport . . 25 4 Mr. Helway Ditto . , 28 4 Ditto Hatfield . . 25 4 Mr. Plumbly Apethorpe 25 4 Rev.M. J. Berke- ley Mr. Lamb Osmaston Manor. . 25 4 Castle Howard . . 25 4 G. Legard, Esq. Oundle 25 4.9 G. J. Symone, Esq. Ditto . , 26 7.9 Ditto Dalkeith . . 25 4 Ml*. Anderson, Ditto 27 6 Oxenford Castle Weybridge 25 5.5 W. F. Harrison, Esq. Ditto Ditto . . 29 4.5 Barry 24 4.5 Mr. Mitchell Ditto . . 26 4.5 Ditto Maidenhead 25 5 Old Sub. Ditto . . 29 6 Ditto Alton, at 7 p.m. . . 24 6 Mr. Williams Ditto . . 28 8 Ditto Panmure Gardens 26 6 Mr. Mitchell Ditto . . 24 9 Ditto RockiughamCastle 25 6 Mr. Brown Camden Town . . 25 6.7 G. J. Symons, Lsq. .. ATi.j Ditto . . 25 1.8* Ditto Westbury . . 25 7 W. Craw, Esq. Sandhurst.. s Constant Reader Ditto . . 29 7 Ditto . Waringstown 24 7 Mr. Waring Ditto . . 25 14 Ditto 1 . Overstone Park .. 25 8 Mr. Thoma.s Sunderland 26 8 Times . Easthorpe, Malton 25 8 G. Legard, Esq. Uckfleld 25 8.2 C. L. Prince, Esq. Ditto . . 29 6.6 Ditto Dawlish . . 25 8^ J. H . Bath 25 8.5 Mr. Davis, Crow- hall Ditto . . 28 9 Ditto 1 . Lochgilphead 24 9 J Russell . Whitehaven 25 9 Mr. Williamson . Armagh . . 23 9 Mr. Allan, Drum- ban agher . Whitby 25 10 Mr. J. McLean, Mulgrave Castle . Merthyrmaur, 1 Glamorgan f 25 10 E. P. N. , HolUar 25 11 Mr. Wilson . Southampton 25 11 Mr. Bourne Ditto . . 29 11 Ditto . Upwev •2f 11.5 Mr. Miller . Curabrae . . * . . 24 15 Jas. Miller, Esq, . Greenock . . 24 11 (64 feet above sea) 12 Ditto. Dorking . . 25 Mr. Drewett Sedbury Park 24 14 ) 3. M. 0. Ditto 25 23i I Ditto 2t 18 ; lolin Rogers, Esq. . River Hill, Sever Oaks 24 15 . Scarborough 25 16 rimes , 'Julzi-ati Castle 25 16 VI r. Greenshield.s . Dungarron 2£ IG Rev. H. G. C. Rrowne . Little Bridy 25 16.2 ) V H. s. Ditto . . 25 13.7* t Eaton . Pf5ndyffryii,Cou- ) way . . i 2£ 18 vlr. Ayros . Torqu.ay . . 2fl 33 Times Ditto 20 1 36 Ditto BOTTOM HEAT FOR VINES. This is a subject wHicli seems to be attincting con- siderable attention at the present time, if one may judge from the pages of the horticultural press, though, not more than it deserves. The wonder is that it should have been so long neglected, or, at least, but so im- perfectly provided for, and that only when early forc- ing was contemplated, by the placing of fermenting material on the surface of the border, tlie heat from which could scarcely he expected to penetrate uiore than a few inches from the to|) ; its benefit therefore chiefly consists in its preventing radiation of heat com- municated by tlte autumn sun, but this would be equally effectually done by a few inches in depth of dry leaves with a slight thatching of hern or straw, to keep them from being blown away, as by any given depth of fermenting material. As far as ktiown to me, the merit of first applying bottom iieat to \ ines giown in common borders by mean- of bof water nines, is mie * On Grass. 24 THE GAliDENEES' CimONICLE AND AGRIOULTUIUL GAZETTE. [Januauy 12, isti. to Mr. Shearer, gardener to the Martinis of Tweeddale, at Yester, who published drawings making his system per- fectly intelligible, a copy of which I received from him some eight years ago; but it maybe ol’jected to his system that as the border was all constructed on arches, and the pipes in chambers underneath, it was necessarily very expensive, and that this would always be a draw- back to its general adoption. Such, however, is no argument against the great importauceof providing some j such temperature for the roots as is supplied to the branches of the Vine ; and this leads me to describe two methods 1 have applied here for tliis purpo.se. The fii-st case is that of a Vinery 35 feet long aud 13 feet wide. In the year 1855 the Vines in this house broke very weakly in April, and showed but little fruit in May; and on the 8th of June, when in full foliage, I shaded the house with a tarpaulin, poured a great quantity of water into a pit in the house, and took up the roots of the Vines, which were all in an outside border, and placed them in fresh soil. The leaves all flagged, but I kept the house warm and moist. The thick shading obviated the necessity for giving any air. At the end of a week the leaves began to turn heads instead of “ heels up.” I withdrew the tarpaulin, and substituted a thinner shading, aud at the end of three weeks they were making lots of fine young rootlets from the old roots. They set what bunches were on them, aud swelled them off in per- fection. In 1856 the Vines were started in February, and produced over 2001b. of Gi-apes that were ripe in July ; in 1857 they were started in January, aud were ripe in June. They were then started in October of the same year, and the first dish of Grapes was cut from them on the 15th of April, 1858. They were again started as usual in October of this season, but the spring being very cold and backward in 1859, I was not able to cut Grapes from them till the 11th of May, aud this determined me to apply heat by some means to their roots. The house is one of a range of three Vineries all intended for early forcing, aud in which were pits for Pines. The roots all being in an outside border, to effect my object I removed the Pine-pits, and laid a double row of 4 inch pipes along the bottom of the space previously occupied by the Pme-pits, and four feet below the general surface level the whole length of the three houses. To these pipes, 200 feet in length, I attached a small holier, which required to be placed below’ the level of the holier that gives sur- face heat in the houses. Over the pipes I pdaced about 9 inches of old brickbats, laid as loosely as possible. Over the bricks I placed a layer of turf with the grassy side downwards, and on this 3 feet of soil in the case of two of the Vineries, the Vines in which were planted in 1855, pulling from the outside border any roots that could conveniently be got hold of, and laying them in the new soil inside the house. I may here ivmark that the front of the houses is ou arches, and that the stems of the Vines were inside, although their roots were all outside at the date now referred to; the wall of the Pino pit being close to the arches). I also made an incision with the knife in the stem of each Vine, about two inches under ,the point I brought the new soil up to, and from the upper side of this incision, which extended about one-tliird the circumference of the stem, I found by Midsummer that a complete tuft of fine roots had started into the new soil. In the two houses I am now referring to, I cad maintain in the inside border a temperature ranging from 60° to 80°, by keeping a slow fire at the boiler for two days in the fortnight. But to return to the house referred to in the beginning of these remarks, I was anxious to have the benefit of bottom heat at once; to effect this, instead of filling up the border with soil, as in the case of the others, I filled it with leaves and stable dung to act as a lining for the out- side border, and started the house on the same day of the month of October 1859 as in 1858 ; but mark the difference, I was able in 1860 to cut Grapes which were exhibited at the Edinburgh show on the 18th of March, a clear gain in time of two mouths, and at half the cost of fuel, for independent of the shorter time a fire had to be applied, the fermenting material made less fire heat at any given time necessary. I remarked that this year mot a single air root was emitted from the stems, while previous to the application of the bottom heat they were in thousands. [Maik this !] In July last I pruned the Vines iu the usual way, and ou examining what I may term “ the old lining,” I found that a great many roots from the stems had run into it in all directions, and instead of removing it, as it had subsided very much, I added largely of a mix- ture of dung and leaves to its surface on the 16th of August, and shut up the house ; in three weeks the Vines burst into leaf, aud showed 120 buuche.?, all of which were left on them, aud ou the 1st of this month I cut the first dish from them for my employer’s table, and in order that you may judge of their quality I send you a bunch of them, witn foliage attached. I also send you a bunch of Lady Downe’s seedling, and one of Muscat, which shows that where proper means are allowed. Grapes may be had the whole year round. Mr. Thomson, Dalkeith Park, Jan, 3. [The new| Grapes sent us were of fine character. The Lady Downe’s Seedling was of goo 1 quality, large, and well flavoured. The Muscats were exceedingly rich. Mr. Thomson has certainly shown that even in January old and now Grapes may be placed together On the same table. Another case of the kind is re- corded iu our Home Correspondence of to day.] FRESH-WATER FISH. (From the Times.) In common with many who take an interest in the fresh-water fish of this country, I feel gratified by your article calling attention to this important subject. Your notice of it will probably stimulate many to attempt fish-breeding, and it may be of service to them to know beforehand which sorts are the best for that purpose. Although an inveterate angler, I shall here only regard the subject in a commercial light. The fish adapted for breeding stock should bo prolific, cheap to rear, rapid in growth, and good to eat. By “good to eat” I do not here mean as the first course of a superior dinner, but as pleasant to the palate and satisfying to the appetite with such cheap condiments only as salt, cayenne, and butter. To begin with the worst — barbel are scarcely eatable, often unwholesome. Chub, dace, roach, and bream, when broiled within two hours of leaving the water, are tolerable, but within 12 hours the flesh becomes soft and tasteless. They are, therefore, not fit for the market. Perch make good water-souchy, but this is not a poor man’s dish ; more- over’. they are slow of growth. Eels are brought from Holland cheaper than we can catch them here, except in the autumn ; besides which they are great destroyers of spawn. Carp require costly cookery. Dr. Kitchiner — not an extravagant man— says, “Lay it in a stew-pan with half a pint of claret or port wine, and a quart of good gravy.” This at once puts the carp out of court as a trade fish. Mr. Boceius speaks highly of a German species, but it is not yet known here. ’I'ench are good, but in this country not prolific, though Ue Hue describes them as easily and profitably cultivated in China. Probably our climate is too cold. They might succeed, like the Chinese carp or gold fish, in ponds heated by the waste steam of our factories. The burbot, referred to by your correspendents, is also good, but not proiific. Although not an angleFs fish and seldom taken by the net, it is never plentiful. Some years ago, when living near the 'I'rent, an experienced angler asked me as a favour to procure one for him to put in a museum. I need scarcely say that it cannot he deemed profitable, 'i'he char is excellent, but, alas ! even in its most favourite haunt — Buttermere Lake — is by no means plentiful. Moreover, it seldom exceeds 6 or 7 ounces in weight. The potted fish sold under this title are often small trout — a very good substitute, [’ikes are prolific and tolerable eating, but so voracious that they will only pay to keep where the better sorts will not thrive. In canals and meres they may he cul- tivated with profit. We have now narrowed the list to salmon, trout, and grayling — all excellent eating, prolific, and from the size of their ova, easily bred artificially, by which pro- cess, I may here remark, aboirt 90 per cent, of the ova become useful fish, whereas by leaving this to the care of their natural parents about 90 per ceirt. are instantly devoured. 'Ihe difficulties with salmon are that they must go annually to the sea to feed, and annually towards the river^s head to spawn. Pew persons pos- sess the whole length of a salmon I’iver; the interests of the upper and lower proprietors become antagonistic, and so breeding ceases to pay. A commission is now inquiring into this subject, and I sincerely hope they will devise some means reconciling the conflicting interests. In the meantime there is ample scope for all in trout and grayling, two of the best of British fishes, and pos- sessing also this valuable quality, that the former is in season from March to August, and the latter from August to March, thus furnishing the table all the year round. To these, I think, the breeder should at present confine his attention. They require no feeding, and will grow in three years to between 15 and 16 inches in length, and 20 to 22 ounces in weight. This seems to be the most profitable age, as after that trout live less upon flies and more upon fish, their own families not excepted, while grayling after this grow very slowly. The so-called Thames trout weigh much heavier for their length; one of 13| inches weighed 17 ounces, while a brook trout of the same length only weighs 13 ounces, and this difference increases as they grow older. These fish, however, seem to he merely emigrant brook trout under exceptional circumstances, and do not affect the general question. Occupiers of land through which clear streams run may breed large quantities of trout and grayling by merely separating rill.^, natural or artificial, from the main stream by fine gratings, digging a few holes in these watercourses for protection to the fish, and, after clearing out any resident fish, depositing vivified ova in the shallows. Nature will do the rest. By such means I believe the public may he constantly and abundantly supplied out of the present “ waste of waters.” S. D. I have read with interest “S. E.’s” letter relative to the propagation of fresh-water fish, and quite agree with him in his remarks. I find, by experience, that it is difficult for an individual to do much in this line, and I do not think much will ever be done iu England until there is a society formed for the purpose. 'Ihe Kennet is supposed to be, generally speaking, a capital trouting steam, but in that part of the river which runs through my property very few trout exist, and although for 10 years 1 have done all I can to en- courage their increase, still I find my exertions have failed. The chief cause, I imagine, is the prevalence of barbel, which I suspect are far more destructive to tlie spawn than a few pike may be to the brood subsequently. The pike I can destroy, but how to get rid of the barbil 1 know not. I have attempted artificial hatching of trout, and on one occasion, when I had some capital spawn brought me in 1854, by Glover, who was then conservator somewhere on the VVandle, I turned 800 fish out of one box ; hut since that date I have never been able to pro- cure any good spawn ; hereabouts I have no oppor- tunity of getting fish in spawn. A neighbour has twice attempted to supply me, but I presume the spawn he sent had not been properly impregnated, for not one of the ova hatched. About two years ago I advertised in the Field and in two Hampshire papers for grayling spawn (provided it was supplied from legitimate sources, i.e., by no poachers), but I did not receive a single answer to my applications. I feel anxious to give publicity to the attempts I have made ou this most interesting subject, to show how difficult it is for any single person to carry out the propagation of fish where they do not naturally exist. I have a little rill in my park in which I hatched the trout above-mentioned ; this never ceases running in the driest summer, and no amount of rain discolours it, but its virtues are lost to me at present, for I can obtain no spawn. I could hatch millions of fish here annually could I but get the ova properly impregnated, and am quite at a loss how' to procure it ; no doubt there are many gentlemen besides myself who labour under thesame disadvantsges ; nor do I well see how these difficulties are to be overcome until an establishment is formed similar to that reported to e.xist in France, from which persons can be supplied with ova or young fish of all species to almost any amount. Higford Burr. EXTRACTS FROM MR. J. G. VEITCH’S LETTERS ON JAPAN. (Continued from p. 1126, 1860.) No. VIII. — Youkuhama near Kanagawa, Oct. 12, I860.— In my last dated September 22nd, I informed you of my being about to start for Hakodadi, the most northernly open port in Japan. 'This I did on the 24th, and much regret the short stay of the vessel there (8 days), being obliged to return here by her to keep my appointment to visit Mr. Alcock at Yeddo. I found here trees and shrubs in great variety, but only three or four species of Couiferm were met with, namely, Cryptomeria japonica, Pinus Cembra, Thujopsis ; dolabrata, 'Taxus species similar to Baccata, and an Abies — probably new. I collected seeds of the Thujopsis , and Abies and some 40 species of shrubs. The j Thujopsis appears to prefer shady situations, the foliage , being much more luxuriant than when exposed to the full sun. It may however be guaranteed as being per- fectly hardy. It grows where snow covers the ground for five months together, and where the thermometer if often below zero. The Abies will probably he quite , new ; it is neither described or mentioned by Siebold or ^ Thunbergthat I can find. Its foliage resembles Spruce ‘ in point of colour, hut the leaves are as large as Abies ; araabilis and perfectly silver underneath ; I saw numbers of trees, hut found only two .solitary ones bearing cones, the quantity of seed you will receive will therefore be - small. ; Amongst the shrubs are two species of Viburnum, three species of Aialia, a Rhododendron, a Chesnut, a Berberry, several climbers and other shrubs, with some four or five ferns. Sciadopitys verticillata and Crypto- meria japonica are certainly the finest Conifers I have met with. TheTormer (Sciadopitys) is apparently very scarce, I have as yet found but 10 or 12 trees in this neighbourhood. It assumes a pyramidal habit when in a young state, and retains the same form when a tree of 100 to 130 feet, clothed to the bottom with branches. i This tree is certain to be appreciated at home and will ! doubtless prove hardy. 'The latter (Cryptomeria) is a i splendid tree here, as you will imagine on reading an i •account of those seen during our trip to Fusi-Yama. I All situations and soils appear to suit it; it is found in i deep w’et valleys and on mountain summits. Our summers are probably scarcely hot enough to ripen the wood, and I would suggest that it should he planted in j open situations, where the sun has power on it, and where it is not crowded with other trees ; more than once I have gone a long; way to reach a clump of young | trees which in the distance have resembled young ; VVellingtonias. i Camellias and Azaleas grow luxuriantly everywhere, | even at Hakodadi; five or six varieties of the latter ; with very distinct foliage are found there. A. indiea I alba, and a variety like crispiflora in foliage, are the I commonest here. On my first arrival at Kanagawa Mr. Alcock in- p formed me that he had received the vegetable seeds you ; had sent him. Mr. A. has been exceedingly kind to me, j; and I am going to stay with him at Yeddo in about a !- week from this time. Two glass cases are to he filled, )■ one for her Majesty and the other for Kew; also a| kitchen garden is to be formed, in which the seeds p from Exeter will be the first crop. j I continue to find the lower classes of the people ex- j, ceedliigly polite and kind, and willing to give you cvey |j Januart 12, 1861.1 THE GAEEENEES’ CIIEONICLE AKD AGEICOLTCRAL GAZETTE. 25 assistance in their power where not biassed hy tlie officials; they are, however, under such control as is not known and scarcely to be imagined in Europe. A shopkeeper dare not sell or bny an article or even take a sample of his goods to your house when forbidden by the officials. At an auction a man dare not bid if an official is present and wants to buy, and commonly government officers buy up the goods and resell them at a profit on the spot. It is these government officials that cause all the disturbance and hindrance to trade in this country. I have by this mail sent you, via Southainpton, a parcel containing my diary of our trip to Fusi-Yama, and I hope you will find it interesting. [It will appear next week.] No. IX. YouTcuhama, OcA 20, I860.— I have the plea- sure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 8, dated August 10th. Since my last to you on the 12th inst. little of importance has occurred worthy of telling you. This will consequently be a short letter, and my principal object is to inform you that I have shipped hy the same vessel rvhich takes this to Hong Kong, two boxes of seeds, and I sincerely trust they will come to hand safely and in good order. The inclosed list will give you all particulars. Air. Hodgson, late British Consul at Hakodadi, is nowhere, e» roiefe for England. He takes home with him three cases of plants for Kew, which I have filled for him. I have also filled a ease for the French Minister, to go to Paris, and one ot Tea plants for the captain of H.M.S. “ Berenice,” for Bombay. These little matters take up much time; but having received many kind nesses, I am anxious and glad to show my gratitude as far as I possibly can. I go to Yeddo on the 22d, and stop a month. This i s a great favour, as no one can get there except through the Minister. I am in hopes of finding some fine plants there. fog cleared off and the glass fell to zero : between 1 and 2 I gave up ray vigil to the under gardener and returned about 6. I then found the mercury at 12” below zero, and the man sa.id that at 5 o’clock it was at 14” below, but I only vouch for what I saw. Wo may put it therefoie thus ; — Dec. 24th, 3 P.M., thermometer 4 „ „ „ 7 „ „ 12 „ Dec. 25th, 1 A.ii. (i ,, „ 7 „ „ 8 „ 9.30 thermometer 10“=16 degrees. 7° = 2.5 „ 2 =30 „ 0 =32 „ 2 =30 „ 0 = 32 degrees —12 = 44 „ —10 = 42 „ 8 = 40 5 = 37 No. X. Yeddo, ' Kov. 6, 1860. — An opportunity of sending letters free to England but so seldom offers, I am anxious to take advantage of the present one, and write a few lines. The British Legation's mail leaves to-day, and this letter will be posted from the Foreign Office in London. This is a most beautiful city, some of the buildings in it are as fine as any in Europe, and all the streets and places perfectly clean. I never saw so clean a place before. The walks and rides in the immediate vicinity of and in the very town itself are beautiful, such as you would appreciate in the neighbourhood of London. The great drawback is the hostile feeling of the officials, which sooner or later will, I fear, bring us into trouble with Japan. The people like foreigners very much, and if allowed would make them very comfortable. We are obliged to pay often three or four times as much for things, and always [at least double what the Japanese themselves pay, and if you want any novelty made which they do not understand the use of, they will not make it, imagining that it is something which will injure them. At this place no man can bring articles for sale with- out first having them examined by the officials at the gate, when he is told wliat price to ask. As for going to shop yourself, it is quite impossible, for the people are told directly you enter not to sell you anytliinc. I sent for some paper a day or two since. One of the servants (a .Japanese) here bought some for himself — 60 sheets for Id. ; of course 1 wanted the same, but I was told foreigners must pay 2d., and I could not get it for less. You need not su])pose we are in anv danger from all this ; I merely tell it to you to show the feel- ings of the officials, who all the time pretend to be our friends. My stay in Japan (at all events for the present) will soon be drawing to a close, as I shall before long have to pack the plants collected here in glass cases, run down to Nagasaki and pack up what 1 left there, and take the whole to Hong Kong to ship for England. Altogether it has been a most interesting and pleasant visit, and things have happened more favourably for me than I could have expected; but I am satisfied in my own mind it will be some time before Europeans can travel far inland in Japan. All my friends h.ave been very kind to me, particu- larly Mr. Alcock, whom I have to thank for my trip to Fusi-Yama, and my present residence in Yeddo. (To he continve >.) ,, y.ou M •• •• •• — o—oi ,, At this time anotlier good glass was brought out from the hah and registered exactly the same ; it continued intensely cold* fluctuating near zero till noon, when there began a steady rise and was not again so severe, though on ihe 29th from 3 to 5.30 A.M., the glass was down to 3'’=20°. I had two glasses out, one a perpendicular quicksilver, the other a horizontal spmt ; they both hung on an open iron fence ^ about a foot from the snow level, which was 8 or 0 inches thick. The horizon tol on 6 has hung out of doors for many years ; I have compared it with four others I have in the houses, and it never goes so cold as the rest by 3% so that last year when t\yo others registered 8, that only went — 5. This year it did not get lower than — 9=41*. I shall not remove them for two or three weeks lu case any ** savans” pass this way, wdio can test them as ^niich as they think proper. The effect of last years frost on the shrubs, nel>eB ot snow fell. Night mild. On the night of the 21st the thermo- meter registered 17” ot frost; 2"2d, 15”; and night of 2.Jd. 2b the latter the lowest it has been. It is a lower than mim^ of 1859. This is unusually low for this part of the county, and many plants usually hardy here will I fear suffer. Mag- nolia grandiflora. Myrtles, Escallonia niacrantha, on south wall severely brov^ned ; Laurustliius, severely browned , Bays changing to rain in the morning of the 30th seems to have put a stop to the severest frost. I have over experienced. What its ravages may bo time alone can toll. The narrow and broad- leaved Phillyreas are quite black in every instance ; next to them conies the broad-leaved Holly and Magnolias, Ber- beris Fortunii and Darwinii, while, strange to say, standard Camellias, and all tlie Conifers down to Arthrotaxus selagi- noides, seem unscathed— but the spring time too often reveals the sufferings of the Coniferae. The registerings are from two of Negretti and Zarnbra’s self-rcgistering thennometers, 5 feet from the ground, placed o^iposite each other, on a wire trellis arching a walk. A. Roger, Gardener to J. Noble, Esg., Berry Hiilf loploiOj Bucks. The lowest my thermometer showed was 15* on the morning of the 24th. My house is about 200 yards from the shore, and about 15 to 10 feet above the level of the sea ; but there are bouses between mine and the shore. At another house on the shore it was 15* ; the river or rather Firth of Clyde is here about three to four miles wide. At another place iii town, about five minutes’ walk from my house, and 64 feet above the level of the sea, the thermometer was 11*. I venture to send this difter- ence of temperature, as it is interesting to notice the influence of the sea on the temperature. At the Island of Ciunbrae, 18 miles down the firth the lowest was 15*. These thermome- ters are all Negretti and Zanibra’s, and are tested at Kew. This is the most t xtreme cold that has ever been experienced here. James Miller, jun., Greenock, Dec. 31. In rather a sheltered situation, and nearly 2 feet from the ground, the thermometer showed 23^* ot frost on the night of the 24th inst. On Friday, 28th, it again registered 23* of frost. The situation is high, and the thermometer is in a stout wooden frame, standing within the garden w'alls ; the aspect is N.B. The snow during the week measured in an open situation rather more than 8 inches; it has now nearly all dis- appeared, and I regret to say that the Broccoli is to a very serious amount affected, many of the plants drooping thmr heads already, and the Bays are also very much browned at the points. I fear we have indications of a return of the frost, the glass standing .at midday only 3* above freezing. D. Davis, Crowhall Gardens, BaHi, Dec. 31. To give an idea of the severity of the frost, we give the fol- lowing extract from the registers of Adie's and Bryson’s ther- mometers in the Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, which, from their situation, may be taken as the medium temperature between town and country. The two thermometers are placed side by side, about 4 feet above the surface of the ground . Adie’s. Bryson s. 5* below zero . . 8* below zero. 2^“ above zero . . ^* below zero. 2* below zero . . 5* below zero. 8° above zero 7° above zero Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, Jan. 2. m I find on examination that the Laurel, Bay. Aucuba^ Pfeony, Lavender, Rosemary, and some Hollies, ai*e killed from the severity of the frost on the 25th. Peach trees are also nearly if not quite so, and what the result will be on a thaw taking place it is very difficult to say. There were 17 of frost last night, the 3d, and to-day the thermometer is standing at 21* ; barometer, 30.1, with the wind north. We may therefore expect a continuance of this weather. Were it not for railways coal would be a scarce article, for the canals are frozen over and navigation stopped in this locality. J. Gadd, The Gardens, Willersley, Derbyshire. , at. • 1,4. The lowest temperatures registered at thisplace on the night of the 23d and 24th of this month were as follows 16 by a horizontal spirit thermometer of Newman’s, which has beep, in use some years, but which has been compared with and veri- fied by a Royal Society Kew standard in my possession. 14* Negretti and Zambra •• •• No. 1. 14* „ ,, .. •• No- 2. These two last are self-registering thermometers, mounted on wood, but which have not been verified by the Kew standard. The first thermometer, Newman’s, is exposed in a thermometer stand made of louvre board, open on the top and to^ the north, but which protects the thermometer from all sun in summer. Of the other two, one was suspende i on a north wall, the other was laid upon a board covered w.lh snow sloping to t^ north at an angle of about 20*, exposed in fact to the utmost radiation possible. AH were as nearly as possible 4 feet Irom the ground. The garden in which they are exposed is about feet above the level of the sea, facing south. I may add Home Correspondence. The Weather in Decemher, I860.— The following are some ot the inore explanatory letters that have reached us concerning this serious subject. The whole of tlie results as to Dec. 25 are embodied in the extensive Table of temperature to be found in another column : — Although my neighbour Mr. Chater only got pooh poohed and laughed at when lie sent you an account of the intense cold experienced hero last winter, yet as, unfortunately for us, it was undoubtedly correct, I venture to address you now and brave the sneers of the weather oracles. This year the intense cold was more severe and longer continued than last; at 3 o’clock, p.M. on the 24th the thermometer was at 16*; at 4 p. M., 7* ; at 5 P.M., 2*; at 7 p.m., 0=32 degrees, and continued there till midnight when a hazy fog slightly obscured the moon, and the mercury rose 2*. At 1 a.m,, on the 25th, the ^nd Aiicubas slightly': rhins tribe quite safe. Tenderer kinds of Rhndodeudmns (hybrids of arboreuni) wiU I fear be severely cut up. A very genial thaw since 28tb All snow now gone, with iiot much rain. -A. M'Myre, Gardener to the Earl oj Oare, Mount Shannon, near Limerick. . i -i i. a On Dec. 25th the thermometer registered 2 above zero at 8 A.M., continuing so till 8. 30, when it began slowly to ascend The preceding evening showed no iiidicatum.s of such a seven frost, a thick fog completly enveloping the low valley of the Thame.s, thethermometefindicating2U , orl« offrost. -^^tlOp m. when the sun broke forth on the morning of the 25th, the trees ill the park and the ornamental deciduous shubs presented a picture never to beera.sed from the memory, reminding one of those gorgeous pantomimic spectacles ot tlic seas-on, every twig forming a feather of sliining crj’stal, the laiid.scaj; assuming a midsummer denseness of shade with a brilliancy indescribable. For the next three days we had nothing remarkable. On Dec. 28th at 10 p.m. a clear night ther- mometer, 10*^ ; on the morning of the 29th the index indicating 4* *, by 7 p.m. it got up to 10*. and con- tinued rising steadily till evening, wb^n a fall of snow j\Ionday morn., Dec. 24 Tuesday mom., ,, 25 Wed. mom., ,, 26 Thiu's. morn., ,, 27 Friday mom., „ 28 5" above zero, 5* above zero. 520 CWVAAAVV. ... O that the position of the third thermometer was as nearly as possible similar to that in which one of my thermometers lell to —3* in the frost of January 20, 1838. 1 consider Newman s my most reliable thermometer, but I am inclined to think that the thermometer stand, which I adopted only a few nionths ago, intercepts radiation, and that it would have been a de^ee lower if exposed as the others were. John Rogers, River nill, Sevenoaks, Dec 29. , . r n .. oa-u The cold of the night of the 7th and morning of the 8th ex- ceeded that of Christmas Day by 1*, being 4* below zero. R. BIphinsionc, Flixton, Bungay, Suff'olk, Jan. 8, 1861. On the Subject of the late Severe Weather.— Vew people besides those accustomed _ to meteorological observations are aware ot tlie variations of temperatui e whicli exist in midland districts, anti in areas compaia* tively circumscribed. But the causes which produce a divergence from the ordinary range are terrestrial, rather than climatic, and thus capable of being modified if not removed, there can be little doubt ; the kno'w- ledge of the existence of an evil is often tlie first step to its removal. By a fair comparison of observations of temperature from different parts of the country, we may he made acquainted witli the discrepancies of temperature wliich exist, and hy pursuing an inquiry into the causes which operate to unduly depress the temperature of a place, we may arrive at facts oi great and general importance ; suggestive of remedial measures. I am acquainted with a garden in Notting- Iiamshire in whicii Peas cannot he cultivated to produce pods of seeds, and another spot has often been pointed out in Notts as tlie coldest on tlie north road, and so well was it known that on approaching it the mail coacli guards used to take refuge in the boot. Mr. Lowe’s reports of the low temperature experieticcd at Beeston 0^0 to prove the inclemency ot that particular spot, but many places in Notts are earlier and wanner than we are in this locality, and our lowest temperature during tlie late frost was — '1 The whole subject is full ot interest anti impovtance, and is one that should espe- cially engage the attention of gardeners. 1 hope at some future time to recur to it, Imt at present I wish merely to comply with your suggestion, and to give the par- ticulars of temperature as recorded at Belvoir Castle during the late frost ending Deo. 30, 1860. I may mention that tlie instniments from winch the observa- tions were taken arc on a stand such as is used hy 26 THE GAEHENEKS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Janxtakt 12, 1861. members of tiie Meteoi’olo^ioiil Society, whicb exposes them fully to the influence of the weather. They are placed 1 feet fro\n the ground. The thermometers are by Negretti and Zambra, and have been examined, and their accuracy tested, by Mr. Glaisher of the Iloyal Observatory. Our station is 237 leet above the sea. The natural soil of the locality is clay ; we are near large woods, and a lake is within half a mile. It is important that your correspondents should assure you of the accuracy of the instruments they have employed, and the propriety of the position they occupy. The readings of instruments placed against w.alls are very unreliable, the radiation of heat from buildings is more than is commonly supposed. This was curiously illus- trated this season by a bed of Heliotropes planted near my house, the near half of which remained untouched by the early frost, while that part beyond the radiation of the house was destroyed. Register of the Weather at Belvoir Castle, Lincolnshire, from the 17th to the 30th December, ISOO. Taken each morning at 9 A.M, : — DayofMonth.j i Wet Bulb. Dry Bulb. 5 a ce S a .a ‘3 s Thermometer on Grass. 1 i o 17 Deg. 32.5 Deg. 35.5 Deg. 3S.5 Deg . 31.5 Deg. 34.5 .005 IS 29.7 30.7 35 26.3 24.7 .003 19 26 26 34.5 25 19 .005 20 27.7 28 34.3 24 IS 21 29 29 32.3 21.3 22 .010 22 30.3 30.3 31.5 28.7 2S .001 23 26 26 32 25 22 24 23 23 27 21.7 IS .o’li 25 2 0 19 0-1* 0—5* 26 39.5 20 33 7 4 , ^ 27 30 30.3 33 25 24 2S 25 26 3.3 20 15 29 22 Q»> 32 12 7 30 31 32.5 35 24 21 .050 * Below Zero. W. Ingram, Belvoir Gardens. Bases for the Million. — 1 think I have hit on a way to strike Koses so as to place them within the reach of every one. Those who can obtain cuttings now can have a blaze of bloom next summer, and none can fail provided they observe the following instructions. As ioon as the cuttings are prepared, place them in layers in boxes or pans, and bury with moist sand; place them so as to get a bottom-heat of about 70°, no matter whether on pipes, flue, or dung. The only thing to guard against on a flue is getting the sand too dry, so as to shrivel them, for the secret of striking cuttings in this way is to prevent loss of sap by evaporation. Mine are placed on top of an underground flue in a bin with Seakale, and covered with leaf soil to prevent the sand drying. After being so placed for a week I examined them, and to my surprise and delight I found all callused. I believe many hard-wooded things that are now considered difficult to pi'opagate may be struck in the same way. I am now trying experiments with other things, on which I hope to report hereafter. J. Sheppard, Woolverstone Park. Growth of Pinuses at Usher Place, Surrey. — 1859. I860. Ft. in. Ft. in. Abies canadensis . . . . . . 7 6 7 11 cephalonioa . . 9 2 11 0 ,, Dougiasii 11 10 13 3 Menziesii 20 3 21 9 ,, morinda 11 9 13 4 ,, orientalis 11 0 12 4 ,, Pinsapo 13 2 14 3 ,, Webbiana 8 6 9 6 Araucaria imbricata 13 0 14 0 Cediais atlantica 4 G G 0 ,, Deodara Chamascypavis splueroidea . . 20 0 21 2 6 11 7 6 Cryptomeria japonica 24 0 26 G Cupressus Gjveniana 9 0 10 0 ,, torulosa Juniperus chinensis (male) 13 9 14 0 11 0 11 6 ,, ,, (female) Pinus Coiilteri 6 6 7 0 34 3 3G 11 ,, Devouiana 13 6 14 11 ,, excelsa 15 8 17 0 ,, Lambertiana . . 12 3 14 6 ,, ponderosa 5 3 5 11 pvreiiaica 18 6 20 2 Sabiniana Taxodium sempervirens . . 11 0 H 10 23 10 26 3 Thuja plicata 8 3 8 9 W. TP. Spicer. PSarly Grapes. — At a time when the importance of bottom-heat, especially for early Grapes, is occupying attention, I take the liberty of sending you along with this a few bunches from a Vinery in which for several years I have (8 crops) had Grapes ripe at an early season. Tlie Vines are planted out, but have their roots mostly in the inside border, which is well sup- plied with bottom-heat, to which I attribute to a con- siderable extent the success which, as an amateur grower, has attended my efforts. The Vines broke and progressed with the greatest possible freedom and uniformity all over the house. When the earliest bunch was barely ready to thin, every bunch in the house was in bloom. And throughout their various stages they have maintained the same uniformity, and almost every bunch has been ripe for the last fortnight. jD. S. Meiklam, North Berwick, Jan. 7. [With this note we received specimens of Black Frontignan, Chasselas Musqu^ and Black Hamburgh Grapes. They were well grown, but of course, in the absence of light and air at this season of midwinter, they had not the sweetness and flavour of sun-ripened fruit. The Black Frontignau seems too tender a Grape to ripen satis- fiictorily in January. We would recommend Mr. Meiklam to discard it.] Heating Small Houses. — I have a small greenhouse, about 10 feet square, with three sides glass, in which, during the late severe frosts, 1 have used a pan of char- coal for want of any regular heating apparatus. Is it likely that the plants will be injured by the fumes of the charcoal ? If so, would ray house be sufficiently secured against frost by burning in it a pair of candles or lamps, or merely covering the roof with Tiffany or canvas? It contains nothing more tender than Gera- niums, Cytisuses, Ferns, Diosmas, &c., and is new and free from apertures. Paxtonia, Jan. 7. [The charcoal will do no harm in such a place, provided it burns slowly.] Hoio to Destroy Rahhits Hfectually. — In the autumn of 1859 I w'as much annoyed at the rapid increase of rabbits in the hedgerows of my neighbours owing partly to the warm dry season. Ferrets and traps were employed incessantly, but although numbers were destroyed, miough were left to do much damage to my young trees. I became desperate, and tried to poison them with the young shoots of Apple trees saturated with strychnine, but the cunning creatures would not touch a twig, although they are their favourite food, They would not even touch the twigs of Apple trees not poisoned which were stuck in the ground near the others, although they were carefully managed, not being touched with the fingers but with pincers. All at once a new idea struck me (and yet I dare say some old gardener has practised it). I directed my man to cut j up with his bill a quantity of White Thorn shoots into pieces a foot or so long ; he then took a two-pronged stable fork and crammed them firmly into the mouths of all the burrows he could find. When this was done he took a kettle of coal tar cold and poured it over the bushes so as to completely saturate them, then with his spade he banked up every burrow with earth, treading it firmly down. I watched the burrows with much interest, but could not find that a single rabbit made its way out. After some 10 or 12 days I found that two or three had made their way into the old burrows by making a fresh one on one side; ferrets were put in, and as they would not come out the burrow's w'ere laid open some distance fro,m their mouths ; in them were found dead rabbits with their noses covered with coal tar, and in one burrow 10 hedgehogs all dead, apparently suffocated. Since then, whenever I have found a burrow open and used by rabbits I have adopted the same method, and have nearly or quite extirpated them. T. R. Young Gardeners and their Employers. — As the subject of young gardeners is again introduced into your pages, I, as one of that class, take advantage of the opportunity of expressing not only my own opinion but the opinion of others on the subject, considering it but justice, after reading “ S. T.’s" opinion of such young men. As regards education, I think that there is no gardener, young or old, who will deny that a good education is highly necessary, in order to attain a thorough knowledge of the business, and that Mr. Linager’s plan is decidedly a good one ; indeed of the greatest utility in analysing the present and future generations of gardeners. But under the present cir- cumstances, how is a young man to attain the qualifica- tions which he is expected to possess, though he be well educated, so long as his master is so far behind in his abilities and in doing his duty ? for I am convinced that if some of those who style themselves head gardeners and hold situations as such were put to the test, they would be found unfit for the third class in Linager’s plan ; and almost as far short of a gardener’s qualifications as the man who styled a Privet a Myrtle. And yet they say young men are ignorant and careless. Now, suppose a young man to be tolerably well schooled. He enters into an engagement with some supposed first-class gardener to serve him a term of three years, and pays him a premium of no small amount ; the weekly wages he receives are 9s. or lOs. (this 1 know from experience), and the heaviest and dirtiest work is his share. Of course the young man expects to be at the end of the three years qualified to take an under gardener’s situation ; but what chance has he to gain such qualifications? Does his master grant him the privilege of .an hour’s instruction in his own house or other place, for but a night or two in a week ? Does he try to impress upon the young man’s mind the necessity of his reading ? or does he himself read and explain to his young gardener what he finds useful in ! the Chronicle or other papers or books ? or does he lend j him such books (if the rooms the young gardeners live ' in do not contain a library consisting of such , works, provided by the proprietor of the establish- I ment), that will prove edifying to him in his profession P I am sorry to say that there are many who do not, and the young gardener goes muddling on among his fellows, and acquires a deal more knowledge from the foreman than from the man who receives the cremium. The end of the third year has arrived, and if he has not done his utmost to gain knowledge for himself, all he knows is the names of plants (quite as often wrong as right), a Muscat of Alexandria from a Black Hamburgh Grape, &c., to say nothing of kitchen gardening. Yet he has not alto- gether neglected himself, though his master has not done his duty towards him ; he has paid some 20f. as a premium, and that teaches him pretty sharply that he must do something for himself, and so he watches the various processes of the kitclien, fruit, and flower gardens, if he is not permitted to lake an active part therein; so that he is not so bad after all. Well, the end of the third year is come, as I said before, and through some gardening friend, or the nurseryman dealing with the establishment, a situation is procured for the young man, as foreman probably. His new employer has represented to him that he has comfort- able rooms, and every necessary according to his situation provided him. The young gardener pro- ceeds to his new abode, and what does he find ? — perhaps what I found, an old granary or lumber room con- verted into two small apartments, without ceiling (and fancy the heat of summer), a concrete floor, and underneath an old boar, sow and pigs, poultry, &c., the smell from w'hich is almost sufficient to ruin his young men’s constitution. I found I had to provide myself with pots, kettles, dinner, Ac., and when I objected (though the other young men were willing to put up with it), I was furnished w'ith a pair of old sheets cut up to make towels, &c., and a tale into the bargain that “ his lordship would not allow such things,” which I do not believe. And yet “ S. T.,” and others like him, are afraid that young men should consider them- selves illused. I rather expect there are some in “■ S. T.’s ” service who fare little better than I did, and if such bo the case is it not enough to make young men neglect their master’s interests ? Or, it may be, he makes gardeners, ns the master I have mentioned before did, by taking labourers and placing them under glass, to fill the vacancies that occur, instead of looking out for experienced young men. Perchance there is some mishap, the foreman is blamed, and risking his character he gives notice, leaves and takes refuge in a nursery or market garden. And then says “ S. T.” — they are poor tools, careless, &c. But if he would only engage young men who could produce a certificate of qualification, he would not meet with so many diffi- culties, provided he treated men better. If those who hold high situations would adopt the system of Llnager, or some other such plan, they would greatly protect the profession, the country would not be overstocked with blockheads, and young gardeners would be always looked upon as a class of i-espectable young men. A. P., Young Gardener. [We have been obliged to curtail this letter ; as it now stands it exp>resses the feelings of a considerable number of correspondents, and has a right to admission as an answer to ‘‘S. T.’s” sharp charges. We must, however, inform young gardeners that “ S. T.” is a most respectable person, and by no means the kind of man some imagine him to be.] Foreign Correspondence. TT^eather at Nice. — The cause of the general atmos- pheric depression which took place on the I8th inst. might form an interesting topic of inquii’y. It seems to have been universal throughout Europe, and almost simultaneous, as appears by the daily returns now published in the newspapers. The temperature in London and at Nice, though nearly 1000 miles apart, at that date underwent a similar change; of course being so much more south it did not become so severe in this locality, but from the I8th to the 25th, as vvill be seen by the subjoined table, it was unusually cold. Snowlaidon the ground in the shade for three days, and on the 22d there was ice about a quarter of an inch thick. Some of the more tender shrubs, &c. in exposed^ situations, have partially suffered, such as Sparrmannia africana. Cineraria platanlfolla (a very handsome large growing species with leaves resembling those of Gesnera zebiina), Phytolacca dioica, &c. The last from its fine appear- ance and very quick growth, would I think be worthy of attention by English growers in warm situations. It was introduced here from Africa about 10 years ago, and has attained a great height and size. In proof ot its extraordinary growth I may say, that when I was at Nice six years ago the plants were hardly visible in the Jardin public, and now there are large trees forming some of its chief ornaments, and measuring about 2 feet in girth. The tissue of the wood is of a spongy nature, so that it may easily be pierced with a knife ; in fact though of so great a size they seem so soft and fragile that some require support. They are now bearing bunches of what seem to be unexpanded flow'ers, resembling young Grapes. The leaves are of a glossy dark green, something between a Laurel and a Poplar, whitish underneath. They fall off in March, but are renewed again in April, so that for II months out of the 12 it retains its fine foliage. Another hand- some tree here is the Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua), which in this district is quite hardy and a splendid Evergreen, resembling our common Acacia when in full leaf. It produces .an abundairce of pods, in appearance at first like small French Beans, but afterwards becoming larger than a full sized Red Runner, of a dark brown. They are sold as food for horses, and are also imported into England from Egypt for that purpose. If it could be acclimatised it would be very desirable, and be not only useful but highly ornamental. It is easily raised from seed. The Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is of the same family, but not evergreen. Notwithstanding the low external temperature, Janttakt 12, 1861.] THE GAEDENERS’ CITEONICLE AND AGEICTJLTUEAL GAZETTE. 27 there have been several days when, from the heat of the sun, fires were unnecessary. On tho 15th I observed the yellow Narcissus in bloom in the open air, and on the 24th I purchased a bunch of the large blue (wild) Anemone coronaria. Temperature in the Shade at Nice. 7 A.M. 3Iid-day 11 P.JI. December 13 37° 55° 39° „ 14 .. 37 65 43 „ 15 .. 41 55 42 „ i« .. 40 54 42 „ 17 .. 42 48 40 „ 18 .. 34 48 33 „ 19 .. 40 40 36 ,, 20 .. 37 46 33 „ £1 . . 36 43 37 22 .. 28 36 31 „ 23 .. 31 . 42 36 „ 24 .. 37 44 41 „ 25 .. 43 43 48 „ 26 .. 40 55 44 ,, 27 .. 48 53 45 „ 2S .. 48 53 42 „ 29 . . 37 50 42 „ 30 .. 43 51 44 Mean 39 48 40 JH. Copland. Sclerostoma Syngamus, and the Disease which it occa- sions in Birds;” also by Dr. Cobbold, 6. “Notice of the Discovery of a Second Species of Gyrodactylus, parasitical upon certain fish by C. L. Bradley, Esq. Linnean, Bee. 20, 1860. — G. Bentham, Esq., V.P. in the chair. Thomas Walker, Esq., B.A., was elected a Fellow. Mr. Bentham exhibited specimens of a pre- sumed species of Cavanillesia, with a portion of its inner bark and wood. The latter was of so light and spongy a nature that it resembled the thin slabs cut from the flowering stems of some Agaves, and used by entomologists in South America for fastening their insects upon instead of cork. The delicate layer of bark bore considerable resemblance to what is known as Cuba Bast, the produce of some uncertain species of Hibiscus, and is probably put to the same uses. The tree was stated to grow 80 feet high. The following papers were read : — 1. “ A letter from C. C. Babington, Esq., announcing the discovery in June last, of Isoetes Hystrix, Durieu.” This interesting species of Isoetes had been found in rather damp spots on L’Ancresse Common, in the island of Guernsey, by Mr. G. Wolsey, the botanist who first noticed Ophioglossumlusitanicum in that island. It was originally observed near Algiers by Durieu in 1844, and has since been found in Corsica, near Cadiz, at Cannes in Provence, and on Isle Houet and Belle Isle, oiT the coast of Morbihan in North-West France. It seems to prefer granite soil, and may be expected to be found in Cornwall. Lloyd has described the same species under the name of I. Delalandei, in his “Flore de I’Ouest de la France.” 2. “ Extract of a letter from Mr. H. Mouhot to S. Stevens, Esq., dated Bankok, Siam, April 7, 1860, and giving an account of the Cambodian mode of ingraft- ing.” “ They choose from a large tree a vigorous and healthy branch as thick as the arm and even thiclier. They take off the bark from the bottom of this branch for 3 or 4 inches, and (important observation) they scrape with a knife the part whence the bark has been taken off, so that a new bark may not grow. Then they envelope this part with a lump of earth and one or several pieces of matting or cloth, so as entirely to cover it. The earth is kept constantly damp, either by watering it every day or by hanging over it a vessel from which water will drop constantly. At the end of two months, or earlier, the roots begin to pierce through the clod of earth. They then cut the branch a little underneath, but not entirely through, that the new roots which draw their nourishment from the earth may grow quicker, adding a new layer of earth round the former, and continuing to water it from time to time. The following year, and sometimes the same year, this branch having grown into a tree bears fruit.” “The sap being stronger in Europe than in this country (?) it is probable that the operation, being made in spring, would succeed quite as well. In Cam- bodia there is not a tree on which this process does not succeed.” [We cannot say we understand this state- ment. Ed.]. 8. “Extract of a letter from Dr. W.F. Daniel), Staff Surgeon, to Mr. Kippist, dated Tien-tsin, N. China, October 10, 1860.” “ The neighbourhood of this town,” Dr. Daniell observes, “ is highly cultivated, but I have not hitherto met with the Tea plant. I have, however, collected a considerable number of the cereals used as food. The principal plants cultivated in this district are the Pak-shai, or white Cabbage of Pekin, a species of Slnapis, Celery, Garlic, Onions, a great variety of Eadishes, Solanum Melongena, a small species of Yam, Holcus Sorghum, other kinds of Millet, Maize, Sweet Potatoes, Panicum, with a great variety of Beans. Tho bearded Wheat, Barley, Indian Millet, and other seeds, are also abundantly met with. The Chinese people are very friendly, and we have large markets in which we can procure all kinds of vegetables, with mutton, beef, pigs, poultry, and game in abundance. Grapes of fine quality. Peaches, Apples, Pears, Walnuts, Chesnuts, ground nuts. Pomegranates, and a great variety of fruits can be purchased at easy rates. We have no botanist or naturalist attached to the expedi- tion ; there would be a fine field for them.” 4. “ Further Observations on Entozoa, with experi- ments;” by T. S. Cobbold, Esq., M.D. — 5. “ On Notices of J5ook!5» Notes on Che Site of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem. By Jas. Ferguson (a Pamphlet— Murray). In his learned and interesting essay on the ancient Topography of Jerusalem, Mr. Ferguson showed that the situation of the Holy Places of Jerusalem, and among others of the Holy Sepulchre, was perfectly ascertainable, and that their once doubtful topography could be brought into the strictest accordance with the indications of the Holy Scriptures, so that the source of many sneers had been removed. One ivould have thought that so im- portant an achievement would have been hailed with gratitude. On the contrary what was the author’s astonishment to find that his well-meant and successful efforts stirred up the blackest bile of the professors of odium theologicum. The pamphlet before us is a crush- ing answer to all their cavils, as our clerical readers will find upon its perusal. His main point has been to show that the present “ Church of the Holy Sepulchre ^ is misnamed, and that the true site of the Holy Sepulchre is the present “ Dome of the Eock.” JEnumeratio Plantaruni ZeylanicB. Part III. (Pamplin). The matter in this part extends from the early pait of Comnositse to Labiates, and therefore includes the important tropical orders of Myrslnacere, Ebenacem, Apocynacese, and the very ditflcult family of Acanthads. The latter, reformed by Nees v. Esenbeck into an incon- ceivable chaos, has been reworked up by Dr. T. Ander- son with great skill ; and Botanists will see witli satis- faction that this acute observer is occupied with the preparation of a Novum Systema A.canthacearum for the Linnean Society. Among the matters of most in- terest in a scientific point of view is placing the curious Moss-like Podostemads between Broomrapes and Acanthads, with his reason for which we trust our learned friend Mr. Thwaites will soon favour the woild. In the arrangement of the genera and species we per- ceive the same careful extinction of imaginary species which iias always characterised this Enumeration. Of new genera we find Dasyaulus separated from Bassia, and Dichopsis, both Sapotads, Daidalacantlius an Acan- thad separated by Dr. Anderson from Erantuemuui, and Psylliglottis formerly Included in Ehytiglossa. A Guide to the Food Collection in South Kensington Museum (3d edition). The popularity of that part of the Museum of Science and Art which relates to articles of food calls for quick reissues of its Catalogues ; and if these guides are carefully edited by adding correctly whatever is revealed by Science in its onward progress, the public is a gainer ; but if not not. \Ye make this remark because we perceive here and there some blemishes which ought not to have occurred. The very first page of the Catalogue contains a list of 11 errors which have been detected since the pages passed through the press, and these errata themselves require correcGon, as is the case with the name of the Bread- fruit tree, misprinted Actocarpa,covr&ct(^i^ioArtocarpa, which is itself wrong, the word being Artocarpus. Of other faults which catch our eye on turning over the pao-es we note the following. There is no sati.sfactory evnlence that the common Lettuce, Lactuca sativa, is a cultivated variety of the wild Lactuca virosa ; it is sus- pected to be so, that is all ; and the statement should have been more cautious (p. 15). We never heard that Carde Beet (p. 10) was eaten in the same way as Lettuce; it is uneatable until cooked, except by cattle. Corn Salad is no doubt set down in books as Valerianella olitoria (p. 16), but other and better species are generally cultivated in good gardens. _ We doubt whether oui* wild Sorrel, Ruyhcx dCBtosdy is ever used as a Salad in France.” The French employ Tlumex scutatus and other delicate species. With regard to Maranta indica stated (p. 21) to be another species producing East Indian Arrowroot, it is well known that what has been called by that name, is the same as 31. arundinaeea. Then with regard to lapioca, suiely it should have been said that it is a prepared starch ; as the sentence stands it seems as if both Cassava and Tapioca were natural products of the same plaiE. At p. 24 the word Hehninthocliorton is printed HelMin- thocorton ; p. 30, Spinacea should be Spinacia ; p. 97, Cojbe should be Co^ea ,• aud so on. Lot us hope that mistakes of this sort will not occur again. I.ondon Medical Practice; its Sins and Short- comings (Simpkin, 2^. 6tZ., a pamphlet) is a fierce attack upon the College of Physicians and other medical men, for robbing of his fame Dr. Dickson, the author ot Fallacies of the Faculty. It is not for us tantas compo- nere lites. Routledge’s Natural History, Part XXIII., is occu- pied by the Warblers, here concluded. Titmice, Wag- tails, and Thrushes. We select two passages. The first relates to the Redhreast. “ Bread and butter is a very favourite dainty with the robin, who has often been known to come uninvited, and to peck from the table. ‘Butter,’ according to Mr. 'fhorapson, ‘is so great a dainty to these birds, that in a friend’s house, frequented during the winter by one or two of them, the servant was obliged to be very careful in keeping what was in her eharge covered, to save it from destruction ; if un- protected, it was certain to be eaten. I have known them to visit labourers at break fast-time to eat butter from their hands, and enter a lantern to feast on the candle. One, as I have been assured, is in tho constant habit of entering a house in a tanyard in Bellast, by the window, that it might feed upon tallow, when the men were using this substance in the preparation of hides. But even further than this, 1 have seen the redbreast exhibit its partiality for scraps of fat, &c. Being present one day in December, 1837, when a golden eagle was fed, a robin, to my surprise, took the eagle s place on the perch the moment that he descended to the ground to eat some food given him, and when there, piiiked off some little fragments of fat or scraps ol flesh ; this done, it quite unconcernedly alighted on fhe chain by which the ‘rapacious ’ bird w'as fastomed. I at the same time learned that this robin regularly visited the eagle’s abode at feeding-time, though as yet there was no severity of weather. Although the robin escaped the golden eagle unscathed, as much cannot be said for one which occasionally entered the kitchen at the Falls, and sang there ; having one day alighted on a cage in which a toucan was kept, this bird with its huge bill seized and devoured it.’ Another robin, mentioned by the same author, was in the habit of attending on a car- penter, stealing the shavings as materials for his nest, and making very free with his grease-pot, pecking from it while in his hand. The robin is also remarkably fond of bread and butter on which honey or_ sugar has been spread, and will eat of this dainty until it is hardly able to fly. One of these birds vvho had been treated to such a repast, was so pleased w.ith it that he returned, bringing with him three companions, who gorged them- selves to such a degree that they ivere taken up by hand, and put away for the night into a comfoi table recess. After a while, between 20 and 30 robins came to the house in hopes of obtaining the sweet food. Perhaps they may be instinctively led to sugar and fatty substances, as a means of preserving themselves against the effects of cold. Cream is in great favour with the birds during the winter months, and they have been seen to enter an outhouse which was emploved for washing purposes, and to eat the soap. The redbreast is a most combative bird, fighting its own species with singular energy, and often killing its oppo- nent. One of these birds killed upwards of 20 of its own kind, merely because they came into a greenhouse which he chose to arrogate to himself. It is veiy jealous, too, of its human friends, and not only pro- hibits other individuals from sharing in the friendship, hut will often drive away its own young if they approach too closely.” , , . „ The second is a lady’s account of the behaviour ot an American Catbird (a kind of thrush) bearing the pet name of General Bern. “Well, General Bern went home with us at once, and was immediately given his liberty, which he made use of by peering into every closet, examining and dragging everything from its proper place which he could manage, pecking and pquJilliug, dashuig luther and thither, until at night he quietly went into his cage as if he was nearly or quite positive that he must commence a new career on the morrow; it was evident that he had to begin the world over a drain from the lowest part ; you will then save your ice and get rid of foul air. The house seems to be otherwise as good as possible. Meteorological Observations : T S P. The thennometers at Chiswick are set at 10 a.m. Both maximum and minimum are set at the same time. If such a case_ occurs as a sudden thaw accompanied by a great sudden rise of temperature, the instrument is again set before sunrise. Moss : J E G. Moss or Lichen grows on fruit trees because the soil is waterlogged and the trees stunted. Drain, Drain, Drain, and give yoiu- bushes some manure. Thermometers are made on purpose for registering ground temperature ; so that the scale is above ground and the bulb at the proper distance underground. Maximum temperature is registered in shade over Grass. Names of Plants: T E C. Haemanthus albiflos.— Tbr/yway, Skimmia japouica.—7V«/*o, A mere variety of Veronica decussata, with leaves narrower than usual. The Education of Gardeners. — We are still obliged by pres- sure of other matter to defer the farther consideration of this subject. In the meanwhile we think it right to warn some “young gardeners” that we can have nothing to do with the quarrels between them and their employers. As to premiums, we may possibly notice them hereafter ; but why are they paid since they are so useless and oven fraudulent as they are represented to be. Wheelbarrows: J P. We do nob know. Why can you not write to them ? If alive they will answer ; if dead your letter will be returned through the Post Office. — If A L J will address C. A. Williams, Post Office, Windsor, he may get the information he requires as to wheelbarrows. i ''t i I 29 JAN0AET 12, 1861.] THE GAKDENERS’ CIIROKICLE AND AGRIGULTURAL GAZETTE. A'ktificial ma nukes, and others engaged in making ... ......... &c. — Manufacturers j * iiiiu. uLuuid engaged in making ARTIFICIAL MANURES may obtain every necessary instruction for tlioir economical and efficient preparation, by applying to J.C. Nesbit, F.G.S., Ac., Principal of the Agiacultural and Chemical College, Kenuington, London, S. Analysesof Soils, Guanos, Superphos- phates of Lime, Coprolites, Ac., and Assays of Gold, Silver, and other Minerals are executed with accuracy and despatch. Gentlemen desirous of receiving instruction in Chemical Analyses and Assaying, will find ample facility and accommoda- cion at the College. rpHE LONDON MANURE COMPANY JL (Established ISIO,) Are now prepared to send out the following MANUFACTURED MANURES;— SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME, of best quality. DISSOLVED BONES, and BONE MANURE fob PASTURES. CONCENTRATED UR.ATE. BLOOD MANURE FOB CORN AND ROOTS. CORN MANURE fob AUTUMN SOWING. Tliey would call particular attention to the article DISSOLVED BONES, in which they guarantee every portion both of the soluble and insoluble phosphate, to be obtained entirely from Bones. The London Manure Company also supply PERUVIAN GUANO (direct from Messrs. A. Gibbs & Sons), NITRATE of .SODA, SULPH.iTE of AMMONIA, and every Manure of value, 116, Fenchurcli Street, E.C. Edw. Pukser, Secretary. La WES’S manures, LA WES’S TURNIP MANURE £6 6 „ BONE SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME ..6 6 „ MINERAL SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIMB .. 5 5 „ BARLE7, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES 8 0 Wheat Manure : Peruvian Guano is proved to be the best and cheapest aitificial mamue that can be used for Wheat at autumn sowing. Peruvian Guano direct from Messrs. Gibbs ; Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Soda, and all Chemical Manures. Liuseed, Rape, and Decorticated Cotton Seed Cakes supplied at the market prices, by Mr. J. B. Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C., .and Liffey Buildings, Eden Quay, Dublin. URNARD, LACK, and CO.’S CONCENTRATED SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIMB; guaranteed to contain Phosphoric Acid soluble, equivalent to 40 per cent, of Tribasic Phosphate of Lime. CONCENTRATED TURNIP MANURE, equal in value tc the preceding. Of these Manures Dr. Voelcker says; — “These results must be very gratifying to you, and are the best proof of the very high agricultural and commercial value which characterises your concentrated superphosphate.” Detailed analyses, with opinions of the late and present Chemists to the Royal Agricultural Society, with Testimonials, Prices, &c., may be had on application to Bdrnabd, Lack, &Co., Sutton Road, Plymouth. Look to toue grass lands and double YOUR CROPS by dressing them ■with PULVERIZED BONES, to be had only of JARED TERRETT HUNT, Lambeth Wharf, Lambeth, S., and Downham Market, Norfolk. 5 cwt. tsufficient for an acre, and the present the time for dressing. Prepared bones for Vine borders and fruit trees. Half-inch bones, bone dust, superphosphate of lime, gypsum, guano, and all other artificials of guaranteed qualitj'. AFRW respectable DISTRICl’ AGKN'l'S WANTED for a MANURE which is highly recommended and sold carriage free. Liberal terms given. Address, with occupation and references, B. C., No. 10, Pall Mall East, London, S.W. THORLEY’S condiment, One Ton, eostini? 30/., is equal in value to 601. spent in LINSEED CAKES. See unbiassed reports in a Pamphlet which is sent post free. — Address Thorley’s Condiment Mills, Caledonian Road, King’s Cross, London, N. _ ECONOMY OF CORN FOR HORSE X CATTLE FE£DIIMC. EK. and F. Turner, Ipswich, submit the prices of • their celebrated CRUSHING MILLS for Oats. Linseed, Barley, Malt, &c. They save 25 per cent, of Oats in feeding liorses ; crush Corn for Pigs and Cattle, rendering it as effica- cious as if ground to meal ; reduce Linseed to fiue meal with no loss of its oil, and bruise Malt perfectly. £ s. d. No. 11 MiU(recommended also for bruising com for fowls) 3 15 0 No. 6 Mill for hand, £4 15, or with Bean Mill (No. 0 B) 5 15 6 No. 7 „ „ 6 10 ,, (No. 7B) 8 8 0 No. 2 ,, ,, or power 8 0 ,, (No. 2 B) 10 10 0 No. 1 ,, for power ..12 0 „ (No. IB) 15 0 0 No. 8 ,, for steam pow. 18 18 ,, (No.8B)24 0 0 Delivery free to all Railway Stations in England, and to the principal ports of Scotland aud Ireland. At the R.A.8.E. Canterbury Show, 13G0, E. R. & F. T. were awarded the prize of bl. for the best Crushing Mill for Power ; the prize of 21. for their Crushing Mill for Hand. Illustrated PRICE CATALOGUES sent free on application. LAND DRAINAGE. WORKS OF DRAINAGK of any extant are EXECUTED by the GENERAL LAND DRAINAGE and IMPROVEMENT COMPANY on all descriptions of pro- perty, whether freehold, entailed, mortgaged, trust, ecclesias- tical. corporate, or collegiate. Repayment may be made by the Landowner as successive portions of the works are completed ; or the actual expenditure, with a commission thereon, may be charged on the property improved, by way ofrentebarge on the estate created for variou.® terms of years so as to adapt the rate percent, of annual charge to the circumstances of the tenants. No investigation of title being required, or notices given to Reversioners or Mortgagees, no legal expenses are incurrcfL Works of Irrigation, Enclosing, Wood Grubbing, Road Making, and Farm Buildings are executed in a similar manner. Landowners desirous to execute any of the Improvements by their own Agents, and charge the outlay and expenses on the Estate, may obtain Loans for the purpose. Applications to be made to William Clifford, the Secrctaiy, at the Offices of the Company, 52, Parliament Street. b.W Drainage outfalls.— The Right of Outfiii through the Lands of adjoining Proprietors having been advocated at a recent public meeting of Landed Proprietors and subsequently by correspondents and in a leading article in the Times, from which it may be assumed that no power exists, the public are informed that such and exercised under the powers of “THE WEST OP ENGLAND AND SOUTH MALES LAND DRAINAGE AND INCLOSURE COMPANY’S ACT, 1848. Drainage aiidall kinds of Agricultural Improvement are also authorised by the Act, and the whole cost can be charged ou the Lands. Bidwill & Beodie, Secretaries. Offices, Exeter, and 30. Parliament Street, London. W. /"COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE and CIIEMIs-TRY, O AND OF PRACTICAL and GENERAL SCIENCE, 37 and 38, Lower Kennington Lane, Keunington, London, S. Principal — J. C. Nesbit, F.G.S., F.C.S., &c. The system of studies pursued in the College comprises every branch requisite to prepare youth for thepursuitsof Agricultuie, Engineering, Mining, Manufactures, and the Arts; for Hie Naval and Military Services, and for the Universities. Analyses and Assays of every description are prompely ana accurately execirted at the College. The terms and other par- biculars may be had ou application to the Principal. Mil. BUCKMAN, Professor of Geology aud Hotaiiy in the Royal Agricultural College, begs to acquaint Landed Proprietors and those connected with Agriculture, that he may be professionally consulted in all masters lelating to the Geology and Botany of Estates, such as thi Mineral Products, Economic Materials, Water-bearing Strata and Water Rights of Estates and Farms, Improvements in Pasture, Analyses of Seeds, &c. — Communications to be addressed to Professor Bdckman. Dollar M'ard. Cirenuestsr. T)OYAL AGRICUI/rURAL tiOCiElY Ob JA ENGLAND. LEEDS MEETING, 1861. STOCK AND IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS are now ready, aud will be forwarded ou application to H. Hall Dare, Secretary. 12, Hanover Square, Loudon, W. Oie Hsrintltural Saiette. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1861. MEETINGS FOR THE TWO FOLLOWING WEEKS. Tuesday, Jan. 2: Kinjjscote Fanners’ Club (Wheat Culture). rpHE LANDS IMPROVEMENT COMPANY.— JL Incorporated by Special Act of Parliament in 1853. 2, Old Palace Yard, Westminster, S.W. To Lakdownf-rs, the Clergy, Estate Agents, Sdrvevoes, etc. IN England and Wales . nd in Scotland. The Directors beg leave to announoo that the Company's Amendment Bill, 1859, has received the sanction of the Legis- lature. The Company now advance money, unlimited in amount, for the following works of Agricultural Improvement, the whole outlay and expenses in all cases being liquidated by a rent charge for 25 years. 1. Drainage, Irrigation and Warping, Embanking, Inclosing, Clearing, Reclamation, Planting, for any beneficial pur pose. Engines or Machinery for Drainage or Irrigation. 2. Farm Roads, Tramways and Railroads for agricultural or farming purposes. 3. Jetties or Landing places on the sea coast or on the banks of navigable rivers or lakes. 4. The erection of Fann Houses, Labourers' Cottages, and other Buildings required for Farm purposes, and the im- provement of and additions to Farm houses and other buildings for farm purposes. Landowners asses.sed under the provisions of any Act of Parliament, Royal Charter, or Commission, in respect of any public or general works of drainage or other improvements, may borrow tlicir proportionate share of the cost, and charge the same with the expenses on the lands improved. No investigation of title is required, and tlie Company being of a strictly financial character do not interfere with the plans and execution of the Works, which are controlled only by the Government Enclosure Commissioners. For further information, and for forms of application, apply to the Honourable William Napier, Managing Director, 2, Old Palace Yard, Westminster, S.W. Tuuksday, — 21— Staindrop Farmers’ Club. The “ Iloyal Agricultural Society of England ” was becoming a real agricultural grievance ; but there are happy indications that the new year will see it safely over manifold troubles and inaugurate the better management which can secure the con- fidence of a somewhat disappointed eonslituency. We hail the straight-forward publication of the names of individuals forming the standing com- mittees for the year ; so that if complaints should arise, the public will now know whom to blame. And while we have thus obtained responsible com- mittees of management in every department of the Society’s business, there are liopeful signs that the implement cimmittee itselt (the liorror^ of the nervous manufacturers who fled from participation in the Canterbury Show) is reconsidering its course and preparing to amend its ways, for it has agreed (in one important class of machines) to the very sensible aud long-urged plan of trying implements at a dttiug season, and laying out the wonted prize money in the more valuable object of an adequately long test of performa.nce. As a revi- sion of tlie bye-laws aud regulations has also been decided upon, perhaps we may soon have to thank the Council for a full publicity of proceedings which alone can give the periodical meetings that useful and standard character which they ought to hold in the eyes of all British and foreign agricul- turists. And other changes with respect to the press at the Country Meetings may also prove a boon to the public. The question of maintaining and still more of extending the prestige of our Society is certainly of the last importance. We English farmers add to the national wealth a yearly sum equal to that raised by all the factories, miues, fisheries, and colonial and shipping interests ; and while the multiplication of held aud farm-yard machinery, with the increasing trade in manures and cattle fools prove our progressive spirit, the development of perfection in breeds and products, and a steady advance in all our rural economy, show that we are able to expand our art and the science which explains it. But we require au organisation capable of directing our common labours, aud of educing and embodying the principles we bring to light. Now tlie Royal Agricultural Society, ever since its foundation in 1888 for these very objects, has been the instrument of great good; and were it expansive and spirited enough, the spirited tenantry as well as the landowners of England would exalt and u|)liold it as the nucleus and fountain-head of all our agricultural improve- ment, and leader of the husbandry of the world. And nothing can be more damaging to its career as director and leader of an otherwise unorganised body of industrial cultivators, breeders, and mechanists than a refusal to expand with the growing necessities of the age, or the pursuance of any course not approved by the practical members on whose subscriptions it so largely relies both for existence and the means of being useful. The Royal Charter of iucorporatiou is suthciently comprehensive in denning the objects of the Society — -embracing a wider field than the present implement exhibitions, shows of live stock. Journal contributions, prize e.ssays, members’ privileges of chemical aud veterinary assist- ance, and the employment of professors in lec- turing and scientitic investigations. The charter provides for correspondence with home and foreign societies, the embodiment of published agricultural literature, the engagement of practical men in experiments, the encouragement of inventors of tillage machinery, the collection of information on rural improvement, the institution ot measures for extending agricultural education. Hence the Society might draw up a mass of statistics on cul- tivation and cropping, as a substitute for tl.e returns which Government has not yet obtained ; it might report the condition and requirements^ of our river systems and drainage, as a basis for satis- factory legislation ; it might bear the ohargi 3 which have fallen so ruinously upon the inventois of our national steam ploughs ; it might test new methods of culture and manuring, thus benehtirg au incredulous and also gullible public. The.-e are but a few of the works the Society might legitimately engage in, with all the power conferred by its high position ; aud from the valuable dis- cussions of the Farmers’ Club (that second luminary above the husbandman’s horizon), we see what could be made also of the Society’s more authoritative meetings for instruction, were its members really appealed to by the offer of publi- citv for their communications and speeches, and the press allowed to interest the public in these occasions. But unfortunately, the Society has not_ given satisfaction even in those labours to which it con- fines itself. The great body of agriculturists, iincliarined by its exclusive attitude and routine behaviour, have held aloof from membership; though from the growth aud prospects of our numerous provincial associations, it is clear that the farmers are prepared to flock to its aid did it suflidently possess their esteem and confidence. The greatest number of members was in the year 1813, five years from the Society’s birth, when 7000 names were on the list ; thenceforward the numbers declined until l8od, when there were only 4882 members; and a fluctuating rate of increase since then has given only 4942 members at the present time, less than three-fourths of the number which the Society had 17 years ago ! And the names and addresses of the members have not been published for 11 years; which looks more like "disgrace than progress. True the Society has funded 12,000h in the New 3 tier Cents.; nevertheless its country meeting receipts have of late formed a decreasing series.— namely, 6187f. at Chester, 5429f. at Warwick, aud only 2Q'>dl, at Canterbury. And if this order of Uiiags runs on for a few more years the funds of the Society will be evidently “in the wrong box.” Success depends on the financial prosperity of the Annual Show. Let us hope then that with symp- toms of better management at head-quarters, the confidence of implement makers will return, and that a grand gathering at the populous centre of Leeds will set our great agricultural institution on its legs again. No proverb is truer than that which accords to pride a frequent fall. The history of human progress tells of many such falls ; especially in late advances upon the untrodden domains of social science. Where all is of course experimental the march forward has not uufrequeutly been suc- ceeded by retreat. Considering the untried regions to he explored, and the desperate state of contusion, out of which we strive to raise ourselves, some mistakes must be expected ; indeed it may be the case that we learn more from our failures than THE GAEDENEES’ CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. [January 12, i86i. from our successes. There has been one signal mistake, however, for which it is hard to find either an excuse or a reason. We allude to that false sentiment which builds churches, erects schoolhouses, and provides a national system of education at vast expense, and yet leaves the dwellings of the labourers as they were. No exception is taken to church building or chapel building, in so far as it repre- sents healthy and genuine efforts to evangelise. If there be one trait amongst our Australian colonists more hopeful than another it is seen in the fact that the provision of a site for a church pre- cedes, in the settlement of a new town, the building of any private residence. But church extension in England seems to have been accompanied with by far too slight a regard for the domestic comfort of the working classes. It is good to teacli religion and morality, but no good Christians recog- nise religion or morality as a matter of sentiment, or a mere bundle of abstract truths. Their value consists in their practical adaptability to our everyday concerns, and they receive their seal of confirmation from the manner in which they are illustrated in our homes. True, hut what sort of illustration can they receive in a mud-built tene- ment, where there are but two chambers for a family of four children, boys and girls, and two parents ? The preacher may urge “ contentment with the lot wherein it hath pleased God to place them ” — (Should he not change the term and say resignation f) — but with what hope can he enforce those virtues which compose a good and pure life, when he sees that they could not possibly grow in the atmosphere of not only that hovel, but the 101 other cottages the village consists of. It sounds like a mockery of their misfortune to cry from the pulpit to the inmates of these squalid dwell- ings, “ Train up thy child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Crowded together in unseemly closeness, what training can there be for the boy or girl during the other days of the week but one of vice, from which ten to one all the pulpit exhortations, Sunday school teaching or secular education in the world shall be unable to make him depart. Useless would prove all efforts to untwist the tor- tuous branches of a stunted Elm. It has grown thus permanently in accommodation to evil influ- ences from without. Physically and mentally the labourer also will grow stunted and deformed where from birth the influences which surround him are unkindly, and Society takes no notice of the fact until the sight becomes repulsive or incon- venient ; when a place on the treadmill, a solitarj- cell, or a bed in perpetuity at some reformatory, will be provided ; where under the chaplain and the schoolmaster it is fruitlessly hoped that tlie crooked tree may be made straight. The country has been lately thrilled by publications about cot- tage accommodation in the Union of Fariugdon. That district is not, we lament to say, unique. Well-built decent cottages, with three bedrooms, are everywhere the exception, and ill-built hovels, with drafty casements, pervious roofs, rheumatic floors, and want of rooms, allowing neither for decency nor comfort, are assuredly the rule. And this state of things exists, of all countries, in England, where we pride ourselves on the home influences, on the beauty of the family system, upon the rustic romance of cottage life ! Good would it be if all cottage proprietors could see the matter as it really is, in all its intrinsic ugliness and deformity. It has been found that liberty is better than education; and were our eyes only open they might possibly discover that there is one step which should even precede the building of schools, namely the building of cottages. Members of the higher and middle classes are accustomed to revere the sanctity of the home circle ; they are used to speak with pride of the virtue of the daughters, and the manly worth of the sons. If they wish to reveal to a stranger the secret of England’s strength, they take him home, and show to him the bond of love which knits brother to sister, and unites them all under the common parental head, fit type of that municipal institution which keeps bright our citizen honour, and preserves abroad our nat onal reputation unsullied. If then we are quick to perceive the source of the strength and hope of the upper and middle classes, shall we be blind to the rot which is sapping the foundations of our splendid edifice ? If it be true that the cultivation of the domestic virtues exalts a nation, the converse must be also true ; and what but the converse is to be seen by those who enter five out of 10 of our working men’s homes, and become acquainted with their miserable arrangements, which, as we have said before, place decency, cleanliness, and comfort, at defiance. This is not a matter that will yield to the influence of soup tickets, or of charitable relief in the shape of coals and blankets. Neither can it be done by means of legislative interference. Like all our English reforms, if done at all it must bo done by those who ai’e concerned to do it. As a rural question it lies exclusively between the landlord and the tenant, and so far as they are concerned it assuredly need not go a begging upon its benevolent merits. So far as the landlord is concerned all buildings adapted to tlie extent and character of the farm upon which they are erected, yield a good return and permanently improve property. Tenants are ready enough to pay 5 per cent, upon such outlay — nayq we have known some to whom a lease of 21 years has been granted who, impressed with the importance of suitable accommodation for man and beast, have expended their own money in bricks and mortar to a very large extent, iu cases where the landlords were either unwilling or unable to accede to their wishes. It has been said that it is quite as important to have the staff of labourers upon the farm, as to have the stock of horses ; and if it be found profitable to erect stables and cowhouses and bullock sheds, with every possible attention to the health of the animals which shall tenant them, how much more profitable must it be to erect cottages wherein the children can grow up without necessity of moral taint, where the mother can teach the precepts of order and cleanliness to her young ones by practising them herself, and where the father may expe- rience the bright reception at the evening hour, and all enjoy the sentiment — “ There’s no place like home ! ” Considerable hindrance has been thrown in the way of this question by the extravagant manner in which many cottage builders have set about their work of improvement. There has been too much yielding to simple matters of fancy. Thatched roofs, quaint gables, Tudor chimneys, and tasteful porches, may be well in their way ; but a too exclusive seeking for pretty effects has often resulted in a picturesque exterior, an inte- rior ill adapted to secure the comforts of a family, and a sum total which often obliges the owner to debit himself with half the rent. The idea has hence arisen that cottage building must always involve a loss. Where our rural architects follow the guidance of those who are responsible for our great public buildings, internal conve- nience will generally be sacrificed to exte- rior effect ; but if our land owners or our tenant-farmers really take the matter into their own hands and set before them for solution this question — What is the utmost convenience that can be provided for a family of eight persons within the space of four walls, for the expense of whose erection the rent of Is. 6d. or 2s. per week shall prove a fair return ? — the exterior will be subservient to the wants of the family and the difficulties of prime cost will be overcome. We direct attention to a disgraceful illustra- tion, reported in another column, of the way in which formal law and substantial injustice are sometimes dealt out together at Petty Sessions during a game law prosecution. The magistrates were no doubt bound to convict the prisoner of a proved offence. But it was not necessary that they should inflict on him a punishment so excessive for an offence to which he bad been urged and tempted for the very purpose of his .prosecution. Nor was it to have been expected that the presid- ing magistrate— a clergyman — while dealing out the law with such severity to the victim of a con- spiracy, should have seemed to sanction by his silence the infamous conduct of his accusers. The servants of the great landowner of the neighbourhood had been guilty of an offence of infinitely deeper dye than any v;hich they could prove against their prisoner, and one would have supposed that no gentleman — certainly no clergy- man— upon the bench, however he may have felt constrained to a strict administration of the law, could have restrained his indignant condemnation of the men who now demanded its penalties upon their victim. It was, however, left to Mr. William Boodle, a byestander in the Court, to give expression to the outraged feelings of an Englishman. “He had hoped that the system pursued by Jonathan Wild of first making men thieves and then taking blood-money for their apprehension had been extinct in this country since that worthy was executed. But he was sorry to find it was not so, but that the iniquitous system still found favour on the estates of Lord Bathurst, and with the magistrates of Cirencester.” Lord Bathurst wilt undoubtedly be the first to denounce and punish the misconduct of his gamekeepers: the prisoner will, we hope, be released by the Secretary of Stale so soon as the affair is fully reported to him : the Commissioners of Inland Revenue will certainly enforce the penalties of the broken Game Law upon the informer who, on his own confession, has gone out shooting hares and pheasants without a licence. And justice being thus done in these material points, will be completely satisfied by the public condemnation which will be everywhere pronounced upon the conduct of this affair by the Rev. Henry Cripps and the Cirencester magistrates. Mr. Henry Ransford, of Brompton, calls attention in the Journal of the Society of Arts to an expedient for hindering the incrustation of steam boilers — a subject of increasing agricultural im- portance. Frequent fatal accidents — one reported in Yorkshire during the past week — force every- body, for every one uses steam power now and then in agriculture, to seek immunity from the risks attending foul and ill managed boilers — and Mr. Ransford’s experience will therefore be read with interest. He says : — “ All the world knows that the incrustation in steam- boilers is deposited from the water, and that, in tubular boilers, it is very difficult to get rid of; but few are aware that ‘ blowing out ’ a boiler, to get rid of tlie sediment on the bottom, hardens the sediment that adlieres to the tubes, converting it into a calcareous shell, requiring a smart blow of a hammer to dislodge it. Will you oblige me by giving to the world, through your columns, a very simple and efficacious remedy ? “ I tried the experiment on a 30-horse tubular boiler. In addition to the blow-off cock at the bottom another was fitted over the fire pan, at the usual level of the water, and to the end of it, inside the boiler, was screwed on a funnel of sheet-iron, partly flattened, p that on the cock being opened, anything floating within 8 or 10 Inches on each side was drawn through. “ The engine-driver had directions to open the lower- cock once a day, and the upper one when he saw the water in the glass gauge was thick, and keep them open until the water ran clear, but never to blow out the boiler, as formerly. Three or four gallons from the lower, and half that quantity from the upper cock was sufficient to carry off all thick and dirty water. “At the end of three months, first allowing the water to get nearly cold, the boiler was emptied ; a stream of water was then introduced by the man-hole, and the tubes thoroughly washed. On examination the undcr half of the tubes was as clean as the day they were made, the upper half discoloured but no scale, and the sides of the boiler in a similar state ; on the bottom was about half a bushel of thin scale, broken up into small pieces, that apparently had fallen or been washed from the tubes ; thus, after three mouths’ work, there was nothing to do but to get up steam again. “ The secret consists in never blowing out the boiler when hot, the usual custom, as the result is — the heat of the tubes and sides instantaneously converts the soft deposit into a hard calcareous substance, and every time the boiler is blown out an additional stratum is added. If the man-hole is taken off on the Saturday afternoon, and the flues opened, the water is cold enough to run off by Monday morning, so that no time is lost, and I have no doubt the hot water might be allowed to run off on the Saturday provided an equally large stream of cold water was allowed to run in at the same time, until the boiler and tubes were cold.” THE AGRICULTURAL LABOURER. No. I. South Northumberland. — The attention of the public has of late been more than usually directed to the condition of the agricultural labourer. In Scot- land the discussion has been almost exclusively directed to the “ bothy system,” while in the south of England the “village system,” as it may be called, and its over- crowded cottages has occupied public attention ; but to the method of providing farm labourers pursued in the north of England and south east of Scotland, and which we would call the “ family system,” little attention has been directed, chiefl}-, let us hope, because the agricul- tural labourers under this system are in a more pros- perous condition than under the other two. The manner of accommodating the agricultural labourer in this kingdom may be classed under three "eneral heads, viz., 1st, the bothy system, under which the farm is chiefly wrought by unmarried men, who arc lodged in a room attached to the steading, receiving a halt yearly wage in money, and an allowance of oatmeal and milk ; and a modification and improvement of this, where the farm is wrought by unmarried men, but in- stead of being lodged in the bothy are boarded and lodged in the farm house. 2nd. What we have called the “ village system,” where the labourers are crowded into villages, and have to walk one, two, and three miles or more to their work. Neither of these systems I i I ‘I I I 1 r 31 januaht 12, 1861.J the GAEHENEKS’ chronicle and aoricu ltural gaz ette. guideway system; namely, the expensive perrca- f nent railway'. He causes his cultivator to travel ; on a portable railway (this endless rail being well J shown in the model.) But in doing away with the , permanent rail, fixed to the ground, he seems to me to lose that which I consider absolutely necessary to | precision in working in the field, namely, a guide-line, ; from which no cultivator can or ought to deviate. 11 i I understand Mr. G. rightly, he says that the wheels ;| of his cultivator having a “bite” of 25 feet on cash , side, when the machine is adjusted to go in a given ■ direction, trifling obstacles such as are met with on ; arable ^land will not cause it to deviate from the \ intended line. This question of the “fixed point” is / the “ pivot ” on which I always turn. In my circular system of steam-culture, my cultivator revolves around j a fixed axis. Mr. Halkett sought to avoid this fixed axis by means of permanent rails, at an expense of 30A ! per acre. Mr. Grafton now steps forward, and declares neither my fixed post, nor Mr. Halkett’s fixed rail, are i needed, but that a platform steam cultivator, worked [ on a 25 feet line of portable rail, will, given the line of i direction, guide itself to its destination. It is for Mr. Grafton to establish this, but I still doubt whether we l can dispense w ith a fixed point, or guide for a steam tilling cultivator. C. Burcham, 6, Lisle Street, W. C. Remedy for tliePotato Disease.— In the home corre- spondence of the Agricultural Gazette of December last (22d), there is a very important communication from those eminent cultivators the Messrs. Hardy, ot j Maldon, on “ removing the infested stalks from the Potato” as a preventative of the disease, every syllable ! of which I beg to endorse. In 1845, the same year that the Messrs. Hardy had, as it were, by accident dis- ! covered this only remedy, I had at the request of the late Lord Hetesburg [then Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, and whose endeavours to find out a preventative are w’ell known] tried all sorts of experiments on the roots or tubers infested, and found nothing to equal i lime in its caustic state, spiinkled over them | as they were spread out on a dry bam floor. In the following year, 1846, it occurred to me that the i malady would best be stopped when the plant was in foliage. I therefore applied such substances as sulphate of magnesia, lime, salt, soot, sulphur, &c , without any beneficial result. It then occurred to me to cut off the stalks within 2 inches of the surface, and to re-mould the drill afresh, and I can say with the Messrs. Hardy that I had not a single diseased tuber. The quantity and quality presented a fair average, whereas on that of the same field not cut over, I had scarcely sound 1 roots enough for seed. I may remark that, contrary to j my own judgment, I was induced to pull up the stalks I ABLE III showing 1st the proportions of the various hinds of mineral elements contained in the .59 tons of morganie matter withdra^wn by the yearly crops ; 2d, the quantities in which the 50 tons returned in the manure, in order to preserve the normal mineral propoitions of the soil, 3d, theabnoimal /s 1 rf O ni » rvtinfQf. fllA 5 f 1 1 11 PH t.S Of tjliC I'CtUmCd llljllCrSlS, SORMAL Proportions. Proportions of the 59 tons of Minerals withdrawn in the crops. 1. .Substances returned in abnormal excess. 1. Silica .. 2. Potash . . 3. Sulphur 4. Chlorine 5. Oxide of iron i2. Substances returned in abnorm.al deficiency. 6. Phosphoric acid V. Magnesia 8. Soda '3. Substance in normal proportion. 9. Lime . . Proportions according to which the 50 tons returned should exist. Tons. Cwt. \ Tons. Cwt Tons. Cwt 15 14 5 3 0 18 Id 6 13 13 13 12 4 5 8 2 10 2 9 12 14 4 14 11 10 3 Normal Loss. 9 Actual Proportions. Prciporiions in wliich the Actual Minerals of Loss less Loss more the 50 tons than normal than normal returned Loss. actually exist. ^ Tons. Cwt. Tons. Cwt. Tons. Cwt. Tons. Cwt. 14 14 1 4 1 2 13 14 1 2 1 0 5 3 0 3 0 19 3 3 0 1 0 8 0 12 0 1 0 1 2 0 3 0 2 2 1 3 1 7 1 0 j a 2 0 35 0 8 7 10 1 7 0 0 ^ 50 0 1 9 0 3 10 3 10 From this table the practical conclusions are these : that inasmuch as the relative proportions of the various mineral constituents restored to the soil in the farm yard manure of rotation husbandry are not in the same ratio as the inorganic constituents withdrawn by the yearly crops, there ntcisiarily must arise in process of time a greater or le^s degree of change in tlie proportions and quantities of the minerals themselves, thus removed in one series J of pro- was necessary ; in this he was backed by R.A.S.and I.A.C. &e., but Mr. Smith, who bad formed his plans before Mr. F., stoutly affirmed, as I had done, that inversion was not needed. This he proved on more than 100 acres of land, by growing good crops without inversion Tiiis may be taken as the first step towards proving what -I asserted even in 1846, namely, “that certain conditions being complied with during the growth of crops, ploughing is not needed, and is now only a neces- ( V I I I 1 Jan OAKY 12, 1861.J THE GARDENERS’ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURiL GAZE'ITR 33 of a ridge ; but tlds, as I bad anticipated, was too violent a process, and spoiled the crop. I beg also to remark, that for the last 12 or 14 years I have always cut over all my early sorts the moment I observed the blio-ht, and invariably with the same success; only let us“plant early and sever the connection between the tubers aud the atmosphere, and we need not fear tins formidable but not unconquerable enemy. J. II alker. Steward and Gardener, Dublin, Jan. 4- On the Stripping of Leaves from iMangel Wurset ana the Transplanting of Mangel plants.— ?roiessor Buck- man, I presume, will excuse me if I make some remarks on bis article, published in your valuable journal ot this week; and perhaps what I am about to write on the above subjects, which the learned professor has treated of may not be unacceptable to some of your numerous reader! Mr. Buckman treats the transplanting of Mangel plants as a novelty, which first suggested itself to him whilst making the experiments on the value or iniurv of stripping olf the leaves from Mangel whilst the plants were in full growth. VVith reference to the transplanting of young Mangel plants the pocess ha= been Lowutnd known to answer from the time nearly or quite when this valuable root was_ first introduced into this country ; very many years since I myself saw many acres transplanted, and about 30 years since, I had a large plot transplanted, and with complete success, and since then from time to time I have continued, the operation to a smaller extent. But the year before iMt that is, in 1859, I transplanted about half an acre where the dibbled seeds had failed, I having taken up the plants for transplanting when tliiumiig the plants which did not fail. The whole crop was a very good one both from the transplanted and noii-transplanted plants; but as in my former experience, as is always the case, the iion-transplanted were the better roots, that is, the larger; but I should think I had some among the transplanted weighing from 10 or 12 lbs., and some among the non-trausplanted ones weighing nearly 20 lbs., but they grew in a better part ot the field and it will bo remembered that 1859 was the finest year for Maugel, I believe, that had ever been known. I add, also, that if my crop may be considered fine, several of my parishioners roots "ere stfll finer, and I add, also, that the sort I grew in 1859 were the Yellow Globe. Hence it is quite certain that young Mancel plants may successfully be transplanted; but care should be taken that the operation be done after a shower, or when the ground is damp or wet; and my opinion is, that, if the ground were well dug or ploughed first the crop from transplanting would be nearly or quite as good as others from non-transplanting ; indeed, one year Iliad in my garden enormous roots from transplanting, but then the ground was rich and aood, a necessary point in all root growing. Witli reference to the leaf stripping process, some years since this was discussed in your Journal, and it had several advocates, of two or three of whom I should have thought better things. I myself entered my protest against it, but not until I had made some experiments whicU were much ridiculed, but why so treated I liad not the sagacity to understand, but I will here repeat what I did and the result. In a held where Mangel and Swedes were gi-owing side by side, I took a brass rin^ and slipped it over say 30 or 40 of each kind of roots, so as to have them all of exactly the same size, and at the same time I stripped off the whole of the leaves, and after that as fresh leaves grew, I stripped them off also, so as to keep the roots completely denuded until Mangel and Turnips ceased growing that year. I also took my ring and slipped it over other roots which were not stripped, by each of ttiMe I stuck down a stick ; this I did to ascertain the difference of growth between the leafless and the other roots, because, M I have said, there were gentlemen who maintained that both Turnips and Mangel might profitably have their leaves pulled ofl for fodder for cattle, and without injury to the growth of tho roots, and one gentleman, of whom until then I had a rather high opinion, wrote me a letter eulogising the new process, and advocating seriously, that hereafter Mangel and Turnips would be grown for the sake of the leaves, chiefly or wholly, with little or no regard to the roots. But now to tlie results of my experiments. The denuded Turnips ceased growing altogether, and in the spring, my ring showed that they had even become less, for 1 allowed them to remain all the winter in the ground. T'he Mangel was taken up in the autumn, and they had grown a little, but very little ; and hence, from my experiments, I prirved to myself and I trust to some othei*s also, that denudation will no more answer for root crops than it will for Vines, or Cucumbers, or Melons, or _ any other kind of plants. But it appears that leaf stripping has answered in Ireland, but it should bo observed that it was only very partially done, and that the lower leaves only were taken off, a very diftereiit tliMg from the complete denudation advocated. In con- clusion, let me just add now, that I have a bit ot Wheat now under the snow, some drilled with three and some with two pecks an acre, and a very little bit for experiment drilled twice over. The land is a cold wet clay, and the season, as all know, has been very unix'opitious, but I am uevertheless in good hope that 1 sfiivll have *1 crop, and better than if I had oveijui* denod my land with seed ; but several of my neigh- bours inform me that they shall have to seed much of their Wheat lands over again, and I may be m the same plight, but I hope my strong plants will better stand tlie severity of the season than tho weak and dwindling ones occasioned by over seeding. Geo. If'il- kins, Parsonage, Wix, January 8. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL OF ENGLAND. The following are the Standing Committees for 1861: — Hood, Ho.a. Colonel Nelson Vernon, Hon. A. Barnett, Charles Bramston, T. W., M.P. Finance. Hobbs, William Fisher Howard, James Torr, William The President Chairman of Finance Com- mittee Cavendish, Hon. W. G., M.P. Hood, Hon. Colonel Nelson Portman, Lord Speaker, The Rt. Hon. The Shelley, Sir.T. V., Bt., M.P. Northcote, Sir Stafford, Bt., M.P. Acland, T. Dyke House. Shelley, Sir J. V., Bt , M.P. Brandreth, Humphrey Challoner, Colonel Gibbs, B T. Brandreth Hobbs, William Fisher Journal. Johnstone, Sir J. V. B M.P. Mil ward, Richard Thompson. H. S., M.P. Hoskyus, C. Wren Sneaker, The Rt. Hon. T Vernon, Hon. A. Johnstone, Sir J. V. B,, Bt., M.P. Miles, SirWm., Bt., M.P. Acland, T. Dyke Daubeny, Dr. Bt„ Chemical. Hoskyns, C. Wren Hudson, John Huxtable, Rev. A. Lawes, J. B. Sheridan, R. B., M.P. Thompson, H. S., M.P. Veterinart. Speaker, The Rt. Hon. The Shelley. Sir J. V. Bt,, M.P. John.stone, Sir J. V. B., Bt, M.P. Miles, Sir Wm., Bt„ M.P. Barker, Thomas Raymond Brandreth, Humphrey Stock Prizes. Portman, Lord WaUiiigham, Lord Shelley, Sir J, V., Bt., M.P. Hood, Hon. Colonel Nelson Barnett, Charles Barthropp, Nathaniel G. Druce, .Jdsepli Gibbs, B. T. Brandreth Hobbs, William Fisher Hudson, John Challoner, Colonel Gibbs, B. T. Brandreth Hamoud, Anthony Hobbs, William Fisher Simoirds, Professor Snooner, Professor Thompson, H. S., M.P. Portman, Lord Speaker, The Rt. Hon. The Cavendish, Hon. W’. G., M.P. Hood, Hon. Col. Nelson Vernon, Hon. A. Shelley, Sir J. V., Bt., M.P. Miles, Sir Wm., Bt., M.P. Amos, C. E. Barnett, Charles Brandreth, Humphrey Caldwell, H. B. Challoner. Colonel Jonas, Samuel Milward, Richard Pain, Thomas Pope, Edward Smith, Robert Simonds, Professor Ton’, William Towneley, Lieut.-Colonel Turner, George Webb, Jonas Implement. Exall, William Gibbs. B. T. Brandreth Hamoud, Anthony Howard, James Hobbs, William Fisher Hoskyns, C. Wren Shuttleworth, Joseph Thompson, H. S., M.P. Torr, William Towneley, Lieut.-Colonel Wallis, Owen Wilson, Professor Portman, Lord Fever-sham, Lord Walsingham, Lord SpeaKer, the Rt. Hon. The Johnstone, Sir J. V. B., Bart., M.P. Shelley, Sir J. V., Bt , M.P. Hood, Hon. CiJonel Nelson Barnett, Charles Metropolitan Sites. Brandreth, Humphrey Challoner, Colonel Gibbs, B. T. Brandreth Hobbs, William Fisher Hoskyns, C. Wren Jonas, Samuel Mihvanl, Richard Thompson, H. S , M P. Torr, William General Leeds. Walsingham, Lord, Cliairmau Marlborough, Duke of Maeclesfield, Earl of Powis, Earl of Leigh, Lord Portman, Lord Tredegar, Lord Cavendish, Hon. W. G., M P. Hood, Hon. Colonel Nelson Johnstone, Sir J. V. B , Bt., M.P. Miles, Sir William, Bt., M.P. Acland, T. Dyke Baines, Edward, M.P. Barker, Thomas Raymond Barnett, Charles Beckett, W., M P. Beeeroft, G. T., M.P. Challoner, Colonel Dent, J. Dent, M.P. Eddison, Elwai’d Gibbs, B T. Brandreth Hobbs, William Fisher Hoskyns, C Wren Humborston, P. S., M.P. Leeds, Mayor of Milward, Richard Pain, Tlioraas Salt, Titu.s, M.P. Thompson, H. S., M.P. Torr, William Tlie Prcsulent, Trustees, auJ Vice-Presulents arc lueinbers eX’Ojficio of all Coininittoes, Highland and Agricultural. — Recently a meet- ing was held iu the Corn Exchange, of Agriculturists aud others interested in the lligUlaud Society s Show to he held at Kelso in 1862, and specially for tho pur- pose of adjusting tho list of premiums to he competed for on that oeexsion. Mr. Hall MaxwePl, C.B., attended on hehalf of the Highland Society ; and among thoso present ■were Lord Binning ; Sir William Scott, of Aii- crum, M.P. ; Sir George Douglas, of Springwood Park ; Mr. Ord, of Muirhouselaw, and a great numher of the agriculturists of the district. Oa tlie motiou of Mi*. Dadgeon, Spylaw, Mi\ Ord, of Muirhouselaw, was unanimously called to the chair. The Chairman, after thanking the meeting for the honour they had done him in placing him in tho chair, called on Mr. Maxwell to make a statement to tho meeting, of the purposes for which they had been called together. Mr. Hall Maxwell said, they were to-day called on to consider in the first place, whetlier tho 1st of January, as at present, should be the date from vvhich the stock should take their ages, or whether it should be changed to the 1st of October. About two years ago the whole system of the Society’s shows had been overhauled by a committee composed of geuolemou from all tho different districts in Scotland, aud they had framed certain general rules in relation to the shows which had since then always been acted upon, and were to be so acted upon at the approaching sliow at Perth. In reference to the question of age, that committee recommended that the 1st of January should be given up as the startiog point, aud that the 1st of October should be taken in its place. When ho (Mr. Maxwell) went to Perth last year, he reported this change, and the doubts which the^ directors of the Highland Society had as to its propriety. At the meeting in Perth a memorial to the directors was agreed to askim^ the 1st of January to be again substituted as the starting point for age. The directors agreed to the recommendation, aud fixed the 1st of January as the time from which the age of stock was to be calcu- lated-agreeing at the same time to leave the question open till the meeting at Kelso, there to take the sense of the agriculturists of the south of Scotland on the point ; and if they should recommend the 1st of January, that it should be a rule of the Society. Since then a large committee have again had the matter under consideration in Edinburgh, and they have come to the conclusion that the 1st of January is the proper period from which to calculate the age. Much dis- cussion arose at that meeting as to the propriety of having the 1st of January as the period iu the case of all the breeds save Short-horns, and it was suggested that for them the time should be the 1st of October. He had taken the trouble to see whether there were many Short-horns calved in the three months before January, as some exhibitors had complained that the stock which was calved in October or November was not put iu with that calved after 1st January. Well, it 'Was found that of 233 head of cattle, only eigat had been calved between 1st October aud 1st January, and out of 86 Short-horns at the Edinburgh Show, the numbers calved iu the three preceding months had only beau five. At the Dumfries Show, of 75 Short- horns the births had been five in the throe months preceding, and out of 223 of all other bieeds not one had been calved in these mouths. The Committee of the Society were of opinion that any alteration now would increase the number of such complaints as he had allu’ied to, and would otherwise be very incon- veuient, and they recommended that the 1st January bo retained as the period for calculating ages from. He (Mr. Maxwell) had been desired to bring this sub- ject under the notice of the meeting with a view of arriving at a final decision, aud he now left the matter iu their hands. . « Sir William Scott said tho Royal Agricultural So- ciety adopted the 1st of January as the date, and they had a good precedent iu the case of tho breeding of race horses. In former days it used to be counted from the 1st of May, but afterwards this date was altered to the 1st of January. This had continued now for many years, and everything had gone on very smoothly and harmoniously. He could not help thinking that the breeders of race horses— avlio were generally a sharp-witted class of people — had not adhered to this date without good reason. The case of prize cattle was quite aualogous to race horses, and he thought that the same rule in this respect should be lield to apply iu both cases. Mr. Curry, solicitor, said that the period for calcu- lating ages of stock in connection with the Union Agricultural Society was always the 1st of January, aud it liad been found to work well on all occasions. Mr. Dudgeon, Spylaw, said he only spoke what he believed to be the unanimous feeling of the meeting when he moved that in the opinion of the present meeting the present rule, fixing the date at the Ist of January should be adhered to. Mr. Fairbairn seconded the motion, which was carried aananimously. A’.eh-a The next item 'in the programme of tho Perth show, from which the Kelso show is to be adjiasted. was that of extra stock; and on Mr. Maxwe’l asking if there were any suggestions on this head, Mr. Dudgeon said he thought that in place of premiums being given for Highland oxen, as was proposed, a prize or prizes should be awarded to Short-horns of a young ago, say calved after 1st January, 1860 and 1861, in order to see how soon they could be got into condition for the market. Mr. Maxwell though there was little chance of this part of the premium list being altered, as this description of stock might be shown in the pure breeds (No, 1 of the list). Besides, Highland 0X611 wor6 ti very grcfl-t oriiiiiiiout to tlio sliow-yrnd, und. he thought they had better be retained on the list. Sheep.— Maxwell said, that iu reference to sheep he had been desired to bring a point of some im- portance under tho notice ot the meeting. At the meeting of the committee, to which ho had already referred, a letter avas read from Mr. Harvey, Whit- tino’ham Mains, in which that gentleman suggested that the Leicesters should bo divided into two classes, the large and tho small-boned animals. Several obstacles in the way of carrying out this change had occurred to tho Committee, independently of the financial consi- deratiou.s. Still, if it could be done, the directors thought it might bo very desirable. Mr. Usher, Stodrig, had often been employed as judge in connection with the exhibition of sheep, and he thought it was quite possible to draw the line ot demarcation suggested by Mr. Harvey. It would, m his opinion, be of great importance to havo two classes 34 [Januaey 12, 1861. THE GAEDENEES’ CHRONICLE AHT) AGEIOULTUEAL GAZETTE. Own arrangements and to my own limited information, I cannot but feel diffident as to tbe interest tbat may of Leicester sheep, but it depends very much on the judges to whieh of the classes the prizes at present were awarded, as it was in many cases a pure matter of taste — one man liked the Scotch, and another the English breed. Mr. Hall Maxwell said there was no doubt that experienced breeders could tell the ditference between the two classes, but it came to be a very different thing when dealing with 50 or 100 exhibitors. Whether they would all know the difference was a different matter. He was of opinion that they would get into mere confusion. Mr. Hardie and other experienced breeders living on the Border could tell the difference, but would the exhibitors over the country do this too 1 Mr. Dudgeon moved that the meeting recommend to the directors that the prize list stand as at present. Mr. Fairbaim seconded the motion. Mr. Usher moved, as an amendment, that the meet- ing express it as their opinion that it would be a great impi'ovement if the Leicester sheep were divided into two classes, and two sets of premiums awarded for them. Mr. Hardie, Harrietfield, seconded the amendment ; and on a vote being taken, the motion was lost by 1 1 Several discussions of minor importance took place on various points of the programme for the Perth show. Mr. Laing, Addinstone, suggested that pre- miums should be given for half-bred sheep stock, pos- sessing as they did the tendency of the Leicester to fatten and the hardiness of the Cheviot. It was also of importance that this stock should be represented, inasmuch as a large proportion of the land in Berwick- shire and Koxburghslure was stocked with this species. Mr. Maxwell said the Highland Society had always objected to the introduction of crosses into the list ; and as the meeting had already put on a large sum in additional premiums, the financial view of the matter must not altogether be forgot. Some conversational discussion took place, but ultimately Mr. Laing agreed to modify his suggestion to the effect that prizes should be given for fat sheep in the same way as for fat cattle. A suggestion by Mr. Dudgeon, that prizes should be given for Herefords and Dinmonts, was negatived by a considerable majority. The classes for poultry were next brought under discussion, and it was agreed, on the motion of Lord Binning, to continue them the same as at the Perth show. On the motion of Mr. Swan, it was agreed that there be no show of dairy produce, but that the premiums be given in another district of the country where dairy produce was more cultivated than in the south of Scotland. The site for the show being mentioned. Sir George Douglas stated that he would be very happy to do all in his power to forward the objects of the Society in reference to holding the show in the Bridge End Park. Votes of thanks were passed to the Chairman and to Mr. Hall Maxwell by acclamation, and the meeting then adjourned. — Mail. 5\ebicU)S« Elements of Agricultural Chemistry. By Thomas An- derson, M.D., F.R.S.E., F.C.S., Professor of Chemis- try in the University of Glasgow, and Chemist to the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. Adam and Charles Black. Edinburgh, 1860. Industry is never so efficacious as when assisted by science. Long centuries did the husbandman pain- fully toil to extract from the stubborn soil — the intrac- table clays and the siliceous wastes of Britain — his scanty livelihood. He knew not how to ameliorate the one or to fertilise the other. All his operations were performed under the feeble light of a few tradi- tionary pi’overbs, which being mainly the result of accumulated facts were good enough in their way. Poor fellow, to us he [presents a miserable spectacle labouring hard in the cold twilight of knowledge for a pitiful living on rye bread and hard salted meat. There he goes — turning with infinite effort and im- mense expense of horse power, a soapy, shallow furrow slice, the savage integrity of which no harrow-tooth shall overcome, no subtle gaseous spirit shall enter to enrich. He knows not that the mission of the air is one of mercy to him and his, and although the summer rain beseeches entrance to the thirsty soil, he sees it glide from the indurated surface to the furrow, and from the furrosv to the river, without once suspecting that with that little stream departs the element, which admitted to his soil and allowed there to work and combine with kindred spirits, would lighten his labour, double his crops, erase the wrinkles in his brow, and produce more magical results in nature’s laboratory than ever Alchemy dreamed of in its best days. How long he was thus left to struggle with dreary frosts, con- tinue I droughts, and obdurate soils, is revealed by the fact that it was only so late as the year 1813, that Sir Humphry Davy, with that characteristic modesty which distinguishes all truly great men, said before the Board of Agriculture: “Agricultural Chemistry has not yet received a regular and systematic form. It has been pursued by competent experimenters for a short time only ; the doctrines have not as yet been collected into any elementary treatise, and on an occasion when I am obliged to trust so much to my be excited, and doubtful of the success of the under- taking. I know, however, that your candour will in- duce you not to expect anything like a finished work upon a science as yet in its infancy, and I am sure you will receive with indulgence the first attempt made to illustrate it in a distinct course of public lec- tures.” Good, wise old Tull, with his resolute efforts to afford his plants by meehanical means a palpable earth-food, died, and was buried, he and his theory— the latter to be exhumed in our day. The philosophic Lavoisier, the versatile Duudouald, both displayed the intimate conuectionbetween Chemistry and Agriculture, while the patient De Saussure laid the foundation by a prolonged series of experiments, of almost all our reliable knowledge of the chemistry of vegetation. Gathering up the results of these previous researches and supplementing them with original and confirma- tory experiments, Davy’s work appeared like a sudden meteor, upon which the learned looked as a happy omen, and the ignorant with the prejudice common to their class. Tbe discovery in 1785 of Mr. Cavendish, that water was composed of inflammable hydrogen and vital oxygen, declared not to those most concerned the secret of its influence ; nor did the explanation of the agency of ammonia arouse aught but resentment and aversion in the mind of the stout yeoman of that day. Industry would not be aided by science ; consequently her hand was but tardy and feeble. Although Davy expounded the new doctrine in language admirable for its clearness and force, his words were soon lost amid the din of battles, the rancour of party strife, and the ex- hilarative realisation of famine prices. Liebig, who had been unwearied in his observations upon vegeta- tion abroad, in the fields of Germany, and within his laboratory had been analysing plant tissues, dissolving and constructing plant food, turned his bright lamp upon the agricultural visage in one of those sudden fits of enthusiasm which only are experienced by our patient pioneers when the end of a long course of labour is iu view. The brilliant light was hailed by some few whose minds were alert for signs and w ou- ders ; but the eyes of the great public upon which it fell were confused and dazzled by the glare. So clear, so distinct was the voice which accompanied the light, however, that a large portion of those who had stag- gered back with averted faces felt reassured, bent for- ward and looked, and whilst their eyes believed,the clear logic of the voice carried conviction to the heart and in- spired a faith good natured enough to take for granted all it failed to comprehend. These scientific truths, like seed-down blown hither and thither, alighted here and there to germinate in Market Ordinaries and Far- mers’ Clubs. The furor concerning oxhides and zilli- Icatcs was sudden and complete, and all moved with the same precipitancy to become acquainted with principles that promised such speedy riches, as they would have done to learn the terms of a new national lottery. Disappointment, however, fell